Pallet transport device and pallet transport system

Abstract

We provide inexpensive pallet handling equipment. [Solution] A pallet transport device 1000 for transporting pallets is provided, comprising: a first power roller section 100 connected to a power source and transporting pallets in the transport direction; a pallet unpacking section 200 that transports pallets one by one from the first power roller section; a second power roller section 300 connected to a power source and transporting pallets from the pallet unpacking section; a dry cleaning section 400 that dry cleans pallets transported from the second power roller section; a loading section 500 that loads pallets transported from the dry cleaning section; and a swivel roller section 600 from which pallets transported from the loading section are dispensed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pallet conveying device and a pallet conveying system.

Background Art

[0002] In the logistics field, a pallet cleaning device for cleaning (wet cleaning) a pallet for loading goods is known (for example, Patent Document 1). The pallet cleaning device is generally known to perform a water washing process, a dehydration process (such as centrifugal dehydration), and a drying process (such as blower drying).

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] In a pallet conveying device, to provide an inexpensive pallet conveying device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pallet conveying device for conveying a pallet. The pallet conveying device may include a first powered roller unit. The first powered roller unit may be connected to a power source and convey the pallet in a conveying direction. The pallet conveying device may include a singulating unit. The singulating unit may convey the pallets conveyed from the first powered roller unit one by one. The pallet conveying device may include a second powered roller unit. The second powered roller unit may be connected to a power source and convey the pallet from the singulating unit. The pallet conveying device may include a dry cleaning unit. The dry cleaning unit may dry-clean the pallet conveyed from the second powered roller unit. The pallet conveying device may include a stacking unit. The stacking unit may stack the pallet conveyed from the dry cleaning unit. The pallet conveying device may include a free roller unit. The free roller unit may stack the pallet conveyed from the dry cleaning unit.

[0005] The dry cleaning unit may include a brush unit. The brush unit may clean the pallet with a brush. The dry cleaning unit may include a third power roller unit. The third power roller unit may be connected to a power source and transport the pallet from the brush unit. The dry cleaning unit may include an air blow unit. The air blow unit may clean the pallet transported from the third power roller unit with an air blow. The dry cleaning unit may include a finishing unit. The finishing unit may mop the pallet transported from the air blow unit with a mop.

[0006] The brush section may include two top brushes. The top brushes may be used to clean the top surface of the pallet. The brush section may also include two bottom brushes. The bottom brushes may be used to clean the bottom surface of the pallet.

[0007] The brush section may include a dust collector. The dust collector may collect dust from the top surface of the pallet.

[0008] The air blow section may include top air blowing. Top air blowing may blow air onto the top surface of the pallet. The air blow section may include two side air blows. Side air blowing may blow air onto the sides of the pallet. The pallet may be made of resin.

[0009] A second embodiment of the present invention provides a pallet transport system for transporting pallets. The pallet transport system may include a first transport means. The first transport means may be connected to a power source and transport pallets in the transport direction. The pallet transport system may include a pallet unpacking means. The pallet unpacking means may transport pallets one by one that have been transported from the first transport means. The pallet transport system may include a second transport means. The second transport means may be connected to a power source and transport pallets from the pallet unpacking means. The pallet transport system may include a dry cleaning means. The dry cleaning means may be connected to a power source and dry clean pallets that have been transported from the second transport means. The pallet transport system may include a loading means. The loading means may load pallets that have been transported from the dry cleaning means. The pallet transport system may include a third transport means. The third transport means may dispense pallets that have been transported from the loading means. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a pallet transport device 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the details of the brush section 410 in a top view. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the details of the brush section 410 in a front view. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the details of the brush section 410 in a side view. [Figure 5] This figure shows the details of the air blow section 430 as viewed from above. [Figure 6] This figure shows the details of the air blow section 430 in a front view. [Figure 7] This figure shows the details of the air blow section 430 in a side view. [Figure 8] This figure shows the details of the finished portion 440 in a top view. [Figure 9] This figure shows the details of the finished portion 440 in a front view. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the details of the finished portion 440 in a side view. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of the configuration of a pallet transport device 2000 according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of the configuration of a pallet transport device 3000 according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of the configuration of a pallet transport device 4000 according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows an example of the configuration of a pallet transport device 5000 according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows an example of the configuration of a pallet transport device 6000 according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The present invention will be described below through embodiments, but these embodiments are not intended to limit the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0012] In this specification, technical matters will be described using the orthogonal coordinate axes X, Y, and Z as appropriate. The Z axis indicates the height direction relative to the floor surface on which the pallet conveying device (or pallet conveying system) is installed. In other words, the Z axis is expressed as the height direction of the pallet conveying device. The X and Y axes are axes perpendicular to the Z axis. The direction of each arrow on the coordinate axes will be expressed as the positive side in the X direction, the positive side in the Y direction, and the positive side in the Z direction, and the direction opposite to each arrow on the coordinate axes will be expressed as the negative side in the X direction, the negative side in the Y direction, and the negative side in the Z direction.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a pallet conveying device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows the pallet conveying device 1000 in a top view. The pallet conveying device 1000 is a device for conveying pallets. The pallet conveying device 1000 may be expressed as a pallet conveying system. Here, the pallet may be a loading platform for placing goods in logistics. The pallet is used in logistics to improve the efficiency of loading and unloading operations. Also, the pallet is generally standardized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). As an example, a 14-type pallet (with a side length of 1400 mm) or an 11-type pallet (with a side length of 1100 mm) is conveyed by the pallet conveying device 1000. Pallets of other sizes may be conveyed by the pallet conveying device 1000.

[0014] The pallet conveyed by the pallet conveying device 1000 is made of resin in this example. Made of resin may mean a product formed of synthetic resin. The pallet conveyed by the pallet conveying device 1000 may be, for example, made of plastic. Also, the pallet conveyed by the pallet conveying device 1000 may be made of wood. Generally, resin pallets require a higher cleaning power in the pallet cleaning device compared to wooden pallets and the like.

[0015] The pallet conveying device 1000 includes a power roller unit 100, a leveling unit 200, a power roller unit 300, a dry cleaning unit 400, a loading unit 500, and a free roller unit 600. The pallet conveying device 1000 may include other components. The pallet is conveyed in the order of the power roller unit 100, the leveling unit 200, the power roller unit 300, the dry cleaning unit 400, the loading unit 500, and the free roller unit 600. The power roller unit 100, the leveling unit 200, the power roller unit 300, the dry cleaning unit 400, the loading unit 500, and the free roller unit 600 may be expressed as the first conveying means, the leveling means, the second conveying means, the dry cleaning means, the loading means, and the third conveying means, respectively.

[0016] A power roller unit 100 is provided with a power roller. The power roller is connected to power. The power roller is a roller that conveys a pallet in the conveyance direction by rotating in the conveyance direction by the power. In FIG. 1, the conveyance direction of the power roller unit 100 is the negative side in the X-axis direction. In this example, the power roller unit 100 conveys a pallet to the step-down unit 200. A pallet may be loaded into the power roller unit 100. The pallet to be loaded may be a pallet in which a plurality of pallets are stacked (hereinafter referred to as a stepped pallet). The pallet to be loaded may be only one pallet. The power roller unit 100 is an example of the "first power roller unit" in the claims. The power roller unit 100 may be provided with a photoelectric sensor and a mirror.

[0017] Further, the power roller unit 100 is provided with a chain conveyor. The chain conveyor may be provided with a chain. The chain conveyor, like the power roller, is connected to power and is conveyed in the conveyance direction by the power. The chain conveyor directly conveys the pallet by the chain. On the other hand, a chain conveyor is also provided on the power roller, and the power roller conveys the pallet via the roller.

[0018] The step-down unit 200 may break down the stepped pallet and convey the pallets one by one to the power roller unit 300. Breaking down the stepped pallet may mean disassembling the stepped pallet and conveying the pallets one by one. In FIG. 1, the conveyance direction of the step-down unit 200 is the negative side in the X-axis direction. By providing the step-down unit 200, the pallets can be conveyed one by one.

[0019] The step-down unit 200 is provided with a photoelectric sensor and a mirror. The photoelectric sensor can detect whether a pallet (stepped pallet) has passed between the photoelectric sensors. The step-down unit 200 may be provided with a chain conveyor.

[0020] The power roller section 300 is equipped with power rollers. The power roller section 300 is also equipped with a chain conveyor. In Figure 1, the transport direction of the power roller section 300 is the negative side of the X-axis. In this example, the power rollers of the power roller section 300 transport the pallet toward the negative side of the X-axis (towards the dry cleaning section 400). The power roller section 300 is an example of the "second power roller section" in the claims. The power roller section 300 may be equipped with a photoelectric sensor and a mirror.

[0021] The dry cleaning unit 400 is equipped with a mechanism for dry cleaning the pallets. Dry cleaning here refers to a cleaning method that does not use liquids such as water. In the case of wet cleaning (washing), which is a cleaning method that uses liquids such as water, it is necessary to carry out processes such as water washing, dewatering (centrifugal dewatering, etc.), and drying (blower drying, etc.), which increases running costs and tends to require more space.

[0022] In this example, the dry cleaning unit 400 includes a brush unit 410, a power roller unit 420, an air blow unit 430, and a finishing unit 440. Since the dry cleaning unit 400 does not include components that clean pallets using liquids such as water, installation costs and running costs for cleaning can be reduced. Furthermore, since the dry cleaning unit 400 does not include components that clean pallets using liquids such as water, there is no need to use a heat source. Therefore, an inexpensive pallet transport device can be provided. In addition, the entire pallet transport device can be made compact, achieving space savings. Note that the dry cleaning unit 400 may include components other than those listed above.

[0023] The dry cleaning unit 400 may be equipped with various switches such as proximity switches and limit switches. The dry cleaning unit 400 may also be equipped with a chain conveyor.

[0024] Figures 2-4 show details of the brush section 410. Figure 2 shows details of the brush section 410 in a top view. Figure 3 shows details of the brush section 410 in a front view. Figure 4 shows details of the brush section 410 in a side view. In Figure 2, the brush section 410 is shown from the positive Z-axis side. In Figure 3, the brush section 410 is shown from the positive X-axis side (the input port 452 for inserting pallets). In Figure 4, the brush section 410 is shown from the positive Y-axis side. Note that in Figures 2-4, each structure of the brush section 410 is made transparent to show the internal structure of the brush section 410.

[0025] The brush section 410 cleans the conveyed pallet with brushes. The brush section 410 includes two upper brushes 412 (412-1, 412-2) and two lower brushes 416 (416-1, 416-2). Upper brush 412-1 is provided on the positive X-axis side relative to upper brush 412-2 (Figure 2). Upper brush 412 cleans the upper surface of the pallet. Upper brush 412 may be provided on a pipe that is rotated by a motor 414 (motor 414-1, motor 414-2). The pipe used in the pallet conveying device 1000 may be a metal pipe or the like. The pipe may be hollow inside. Here, upper brush 412-1 is connected to motor 414-1 and rotates. Upper brush 412-2 is connected to motor 414-2 and rotates.

[0026] Note that the top brushes 412-1 and 412-2 may rotate in opposite directions. For example, in Figure 4, top brush 412-1 rotates counterclockwise, and top brush 412-2 rotates clockwise. By having top brushes 412-1 and 412-2 rotate in opposite directions, dust and dirt can be more easily collected near the center of the top surface of the pallet.

[0027] The bottom brush 416-1 is positioned on the positive X-axis side relative to the bottom brush 416-2 (Figure 2). The bottom brush 416 cleans the underside of the pallet. The bottom brush 416 may be mounted on a pipe that rotates with a motor 418 (motor 418-1, motor 418-2). Here, the bottom brush 416-1 is connected to motor 418-1 and rotates. The bottom brush 416-2 is connected to motor 418-2 and rotates. By including two top brushes 412 (412-1, 412-2) and two bottom brushes 416 (416-1, 416-2) in the brush section 410, even resin pallets can be thoroughly cleaned using a dry cleaning method.

[0028] Note that the bottom brushes 416-1 and 416-2 may rotate in opposite directions. For example, in Figure 4, bottom brush 416-1 rotates clockwise, and bottom brush 416-2 rotates counterclockwise. By having bottom brushes 416-1 and 416-2 rotate in opposite directions, dust and dirt can be more easily collected near the center of the bottom surface of the pallet.

[0029] The height of the upper brush 412-1 in the Z-axis direction may be the same as the height of the upper brush 412-2 in the Z-axis direction (Figures 3 and 4). The height of the lower brush 416-1 in the Z-axis direction may be the same as the height of the lower brush 416-2 in the Z-axis direction (Figures 3 and 4). Also, in a top view, the position of the upper brush 412-1 may be the same as the position of the lower brush 416-1 (Figure 2). In a top view, the position of the upper brush 412-2 may be the same as the position of the lower brush 416-2 (Figure 2).

[0030] A dust cover 458 may be provided above the top brush 412. By providing the dust cover 458, it is possible to prevent dust and dirt from re-adhering to the top surface of the pallet.

[0031] The brush section 410 may also include a dust collector (not shown). The dust collector may be provided in the dust cover 458. The dust collector may collect dust from the top surface of the pallet. The dust collector may be provided on the negative side of the X-axis direction relative to the top brush 412-1 in a top view. The dust collector may be provided on the positive side of the X-axis direction relative to the top brush 412-2 in a top view. By providing a dust collector, dust and dirt accumulated near the center of the top surface of the pallet can be collected.

[0032] A container (not shown) may be provided below the lower brush 416 to collect dust and dirt. This container may be a trash can, for example. The container may be located on the negative side of the X-axis relative to the lower brush 416-1 when viewed from above. The container may be located on the positive side of the X-axis relative to the lower brush 416-2 when viewed from above. By providing a container, dust and dirt adhering to the area near the center of the underside of the pallet can be collected.

[0033] The power roller section 420 is equipped with power rollers. The power roller section 420 is also equipped with a chain conveyor. In Figure 1, the transport direction of the power roller section 420 is the negative side of the X-axis direction. In this example, the power rollers of the power roller section 420 transport the pallet toward the negative side of the X-axis direction (towards the air blow section 430). The power roller section 300 is an example of the "third power roller section" in the claim. The power roller section 420 may be equipped with a photoelectric sensor and a mirror. By providing the power roller section 420 between the brush section 410 and the air blow section 430 in the dry cleaning section 400, the brush section 410 and the air blow section 430 can be clearly separated. By clearly separating the brush section 410 and the air blow section 430, dust and dirt removed by the brush section 410 will not reattach to the air blow section 430, and the pallet can be thoroughly cleaned.

[0034] Figures 5-7 show details of the air blow section 430. Figure 5 shows details of the air blow section 430 in a top view. Figure 6 shows details of the air blow section 430 in a front view. Figure 7 shows details of the air blow section 430 in a side view. In Figure 5, the air blow section 430 is shown from the positive Z-axis side. In Figure 6, the air blow section 430 is shown from the positive X-axis side (the input port 454 for loading pallets). In Figure 7, the air blow section 430 is shown from the positive Y-axis side. Note that in Figures 5-7, each structure of the air blow section 430 is made transparent to show the internal structure of the air blow section 430.

[0035] The air blow unit 430 cleans the transported pallet by blowing air. The air blow unit 430 includes an upper air blow unit 432 and two side air blow units 434 (434-1, 434-2). The upper air blow unit 432 blows air onto the upper surface of the pallet. Air blowing is the process of cleaning the pallet by spraying a fluid such as air. The upper air blow unit 432 is manufactured from a pipe that is approximately the same length as the length of the air blow unit 430 in the Y-axis direction. The upper air blow unit 432 may be manufactured by providing a plurality of injection holes in the pipe. The upper air blow unit 432 may perform air blowing by spraying air from inside the pipe through the injection holes. The cleaning power of the upper air blow unit 432 can be improved by appropriately adjusting the number of injection holes provided in the pipe.

[0036] The side air blowers 434 blow air onto the sides of the pallet. Side air blower 434-1 may be provided on the positive Y-axis side relative to side air blower 434-2. The side air blowers 434 are manufactured from pipes, similar to the top air blower 432. Each side air blower 434 may be manufactured by providing multiple injection holes in a pipe. By appropriately adjusting the number of injection holes provided in the pipe, the cleaning power of the side air blowers 434 can be improved. By including the top air blower 432 and the two side air blowers 434 (434-1, 434-2) in the air blower section 430, even resin pallets can be thoroughly cleaned using a dry cleaning method.

[0037] The height of the side air blower 434-1 in the Z-axis direction may be the same as the height of the side air blower 434-2 in the Z-axis direction (Figures 6 and 7). Also, the position of the top air blower 432 in a top view may coincide with the position of the side air blower 434-1 in a top view. In other words, in a top view, at least a part of the top air blower 432 may coincide with at least a part of the side air blower 434-1. The position of the top air blower 432 in a top view may coincide with the position of the side air blower 434-2 in a top view. In other words, in a top view, at least a part of the top air blower 432 may coincide with at least a part of the side air blower 434-2.

[0038] Although not shown in the diagram, an underside air blower may be provided to blow air onto the underside of the pallet. Providing an underside air blower will further enhance the cleaning power. The underside air blower may be manufactured by providing multiple holes in a pipe. The cleaning power of the underside air blower can be improved by appropriately adjusting the number of holes in the pipe.

[0039] Figures 8-10 show details of the finishing section 440. Figure 8 shows details of the finishing section 440 in a top view. Figure 9 shows details of the finishing section 440 in a front view. Figure 10 shows details of the finishing section 440 in a side view. In Figure 8, the finishing section 440 is shown from the positive Z-axis side. In Figure 9, the finishing section 440 is shown from the positive X-axis side (the input opening 456 for loading pallets). In Figure 10, the finishing section 440 is shown from the negative Y-axis side. Note that in Figures 8-10, each structure of the finishing section 440 is made transparent to show the internal structure of the finishing section 440.

[0040] The finishing unit 440 mops the transported pallets with a mop. The finishing unit 440 includes an upper mop 442 and a lower mop 446. The upper mop 442 may be mounted on a pipe rotated by a motor 444. The lower mop 446 may be mounted on a pipe rotated by a motor 448. By providing the upper mop 442 and the lower mop 446, even resin pallets can be thoroughly cleaned using a dry cleaning method.

[0041] As an example, the material of the upper mop 442 and the lower mop 446 is microfiber. However, the material of the upper mop 442 and the lower mop 446 is not limited to microfiber.

[0042] The finishing section 440 includes rollers 462-1 and 462-2. By providing rollers 462, the finishing section 440 can transport pallets. Rollers 462 may be swivel rollers. Rollers 462 may also be power rollers.

[0043] The height of roller 462-1 in the Z-axis direction may be the same as the height of roller 462-2 in the Z-axis direction (Figure 9). The height of the bottom mop 446 in the Z-axis direction may be the same as the height of rollers 462 (462-1, 462-2) in the Z-axis direction (Figure 9). In other words, at least a portion of the bottom mop 446 in the Z-axis direction may be set at the same height as at least a portion of rollers 462 (462-1, 462-2). Also, the position of the top mop 442 in a top view may be the same as the position of the bottom mop 446 in a top view (Figure 8).

[0044] The loading section 500 may load pallets and transport them as tiered pallets. For example, the loading section 500 transports 30-tiered tiered pallets. The loading section 500 may be provided with supports for loading the tiered pallets. In this example, the loading section 500 transports the pallets to the swivel roller section 600. In Figure 1, the transport direction of the loading section 500 is the negative side of the X-axis. The loading section 500 may also be provided with a switch. This switch is used in the loading process performed by the loading section 500. The loading section 500 may also be provided with a chain conveyor. The loading section 500 may also be provided with a photoelectric sensor and a mirror.

[0045] The swivel roller section 600 is equipped with swivel rollers. It is possible to stock tiered pallets in the swivel roller section 600. Therefore, tiered pallets are dispensed into the swivel roller section 600. The swivel roller section 600 may be provided with an incline.

[0046] As described above, the pallet transport device 1000 includes a dry cleaning unit 400 that does not contain any components that clean pallets using liquids such as water, thereby reducing installation costs and running cleaning costs. Therefore, an inexpensive pallet transport device can be provided. Furthermore, the dry cleaning unit 400 can also clean resin pallets.

[0047] Furthermore, only pallets sorted by the sorting line may be transported to the pallet transport device 1000. By transporting only the sorted pallets to the dry-cleaning pallet transport device 1000 and other pallets to the wet-cleaning pallet transport device, it is possible to thoroughly clean the pallets while keeping the running costs of cleaning down.

[0048] Figure 11 shows an example of the configuration of a pallet conveying device 2000 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 shows the pallet conveying device 2000 in a top view. The pallet conveying device 2000 differs from the pallet conveying device 1000 in Figure 1 in that a power roller section 700 is provided instead of a finishing section 440. The configuration of the pallet conveying device 2000, other than the provision of a power roller section 700 instead of a finishing section 440, may be the same as that of the pallet conveying device 1000. Even without a finishing section 440, the pallet conveying device 2000 can be cleaned, and installation costs and cleaning running costs can be reduced.

[0049] The power roller section 700 is equipped with power rollers. A chain conveyor is also provided in the power roller section 700. In Figure 11, the transport direction of the power roller section 700 is the positive X-axis direction. In this example, the power rollers of the power roller section 700 transport pallets in the positive X-axis direction (towards the loading section 500). The power roller section 700 may be equipped with photoelectric sensors and mirrors.

[0050] Figure 12 shows an example of the configuration of a pallet conveying device 3000 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 shows the pallet conveying device 3000 in a top view. The pallet conveying device 3000 differs from the pallet conveying device 2000 in Figure 11 in that an inspection unit 800 is provided between the dry cleaning unit 400 and the power roller unit 700. The configuration of the pallet conveying device 3000 other than the inspection unit 800 may be the same as that of the pallet conveying device 2000. Since the inspection unit 800 is provided after the dry cleaning unit 400 in the pallet conveying device 3000, it is possible to determine whether the pallet is good or defective after cleaning.

[0051] The inspection unit 800 may be operable by the user (operator). In the inspection unit 800, the user can determine whether a pallet is good or defective. The inspection unit 800 may be equipped with an inspection table. The inspection table may rotate, thereby rotating the pallet placed on the inspection table. The inspection unit 800 may also be equipped with a pallet inversion mechanism for determination. The inspection unit 800 may be equipped with an arm bar. By lifting the arm bar, it is possible to invert the pallet and check the underside of the pallet. The arm bar may be equipped with a shock absorber to absorb impact.

[0052] Figure 13 shows an example of the configuration of a pallet conveying device 4000 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 shows the pallet conveying device 4000 in a top view. The pallet conveying device 4000 differs from the pallet conveying device 2000 in Figure 11 in that an inspection unit 800 and a power roller unit 900 are provided between the power roller unit 300 and the dry cleaning unit 400. The configuration of the pallet conveying device 4000 other than the inspection unit 800 and the power roller unit 900 may be the same as that of the pallet conveying device 2000. Since the inspection unit 800 is provided in front of the dry cleaning unit 400 in the pallet conveying device 4000, it is possible to determine whether a pallet is good or defective before cleaning.

[0053] The power roller section 900 is equipped with power rollers. The power roller section 900 is also equipped with a chain conveyor. In Figure 13, the transport direction of the power roller section 900 is the positive X-axis direction. In this example, the power rollers of the power roller section 900 transport the pallet in the positive X-axis direction (towards the dry cleaning section 400). The power roller section 700 may be equipped with a photoelectric sensor and a mirror.

[0054] Figure 14 shows an example of the configuration of a pallet conveying device 5000 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 shows the pallet conveying device 5000 in a top view. The pallet conveying device 5000 differs from the pallet conveying device 3000 in Figure 12 in that a sorting section 1100 is provided between the inspection section 800 and the power roller section 700. The configuration of the pallet conveying device 5000 other than the sorting section 1100 may be the same as that of the pallet conveying device 3000. Since the sorting section 1100 is provided after the dry cleaning section 400 in the pallet conveying device 5000, it is possible to discharge pallets that have been determined to be defective after cleaning.

[0055] The sorting unit 1100 either discharges pallets as good products to the next process or as defective products to the outside, based on the operation of the user (worker) in the inspection unit 800. In the example in Figure 14, the sorting unit 1100 discharges pallets as good products to the power roller unit 700 and as defective products to the "NG discharge" indicated by the arrow in Figure 14. The sorting unit 1100 may be equipped with power rollers for transport in the X-axis direction. The sorting unit 1100 may be equipped with a chain conveyor for transport in the Y-axis direction. The sorting unit 1100 may be equipped with a lifting mechanism. The sorting unit 1100 lifts the pallets by raising the lifting mechanism and either discharges the pallets as good products to the next process or as defective products to the outside.

[0056] Figure 15 shows an example of the configuration of a pallet conveying device 6000 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 shows the pallet conveying device 6000 in a top view. The pallet conveying device 6000 differs from the pallet conveying device 4000 in Figure 13 in that a sorting unit 1100 is provided between the inspection unit 800 and the power roller unit 900. The configuration of the pallet conveying device 6000 other than the sorting unit 1100 may be the same as that of the pallet conveying device 4000. Since the sorting unit 1100 is provided in front of the dry cleaning unit 400 in the pallet conveying device 6000, it is possible to discharge pallets that have been determined to be defective before cleaning. In the example in Figure 15, the sorting unit 1100 discharges pallets as good products to the power roller unit 900 and discharges defective products to the "NG discharge" indicated by the arrow in Figure 15.

[0057] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be made to the above embodiments. Furthermore, not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0058] It should be noted that the execution order of operations, procedures, steps, and stages in the apparatus, systems, programs, and methods shown in the claims, specifications, and drawings is not explicitly stated as "before," "prior to," etc., and that these can be implemented in any order unless the output of a previous process is used in a later process. Even if the operation flow in the claims, specifications, and drawings is described using phrases such as "first," "next," etc. for convenience, this does not mean that it is essential to perform the operations in that order. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 100, Power roller section, 200... Step removal section, 300... Power roller section, 400... Dry cleaning section, 410... Brush section, 412... Top brush, 414... Motor, 416... Bottom brush, 418... Motor, 420... Power roller section, 430... Air blow section, 432... Top air blow, 434... Side air blow, 440... Finishing section, 442... Top mop, 444... Motor, 446... Bottom mop, 448... Motor, 452...Input port, 454...Input port, 456...Input port, 458...Dust cover, 462...Roller, 500...Loading section, 600...Swivel roller section, 700...Powered roller section, 800...Inspection section, 900...Powered roller section, 1000...Pallet conveying device, 1100...Sorting section, 2000...Pallet conveying device, 3000...Pallet conveying device, 4000...Pallet conveying device, 5000...Pallet conveying device, 6000...Pallet conveying device

Claims

1. A pallet transport device for transporting pallets, A first power roller unit that is connected to a power source and transports the pallet in the transport direction, A pallet dismantling unit that transports the pallets transported from the first power roller unit one by one, A second power roller unit is connected to a power source and transports the pallet from the step-breaking section, A dry cleaning unit for dry cleaning the pallet conveyed from the second power roller unit, A loading section for loading the pallets transported from the dry cleaning section, A swivel roller section from which the pallet transported from the loading section is removed. A pallet transport device equipped with the following features.

2. The dry cleaning section is, A brush section for cleaning the aforementioned pallet with a brush and A third power roller section is connected to a power source and transports the pallet from the brush section, An air blow unit for cleaning the pallet transported from the third power roller unit by air blowing, A finishing unit that mops the pallet, which has been transported from the air blowing unit, with a mop. including, The pallet transport device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned brush portion is Two top brushes for cleaning the top surface of the pallet, Two bottom brushes for cleaning the underside of the pallet and including, The pallet transport device according to claim 2.

4. The brush section includes a dust collector that collects dust from the upper surface of the pallet. The pallet conveying device according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned air blow section is An upper surface air blower that blows air onto the upper surface of the pallet, Two side air blowers that blow air onto the sides of the pallet and including, The pallet transport device according to claim 2.

6. The aforementioned pallet is made of resin. The pallet transport device according to claim 1.

7. A pallet transport system for transporting pallets, A first conveying means that is connected to a power source and conveys the pallet in the conveying direction, A disassembly means for transporting the pallets transported from the first transport means one by one, A second conveying means connected to a power source for transporting the pallet from the disassembly means, A dry cleaning means for dry cleaning the pallet transported by the second transport means, A loading means for loading the pallets transported from the dry cleaning means, A third transport means from which the pallet transported from the loading means is discharged. A pallet transport system equipped with the following features.

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