palette

Abstract

To provide pallets that make it easy to understand the loading status of goods. [Solution] The pallet 1 comprises a pallet base 10 having a loading surface 12 for loading cargo and a fork tine insertion path 24 into which the forks 200 of a forklift are inserted, and is equipped with a back plate 50 extending in a direction intersecting the loading surface 12, with slits formed in the back plate 50.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pallet used for transporting luggage.

Background Art

[0002] Pallets having a structure for suppressing the toppling of luggage during transportation are known. For example, the pallet of Patent Document 1 includes a back frame and a back plate in addition to a floor frame. A band for fixing the luggage to the back plate is attached to the back frame. In the pallet of Patent Document 1, the toppling of the luggage is suppressed by fixing the luggage to the back plate with a belt.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional pallet has a problem that it is difficult to grasp the loading status of the luggage from behind the back frame and the back plate.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a pallet that makes it easy to grasp the loading status of luggage.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The pallet of the present invention is a pallet including a pallet base having a loading surface for loading luggage and a fork claw insertion path into which the claws of a forklift are inserted, and includes a back plate extending in a direction intersecting the loading surface, and a slit is formed in the back plate.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a pallet that makes it easy to grasp the loading status of luggage. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a pallet according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the pallet as viewed in direction X. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the pallet viewed from the back. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows how goods are loaded onto a pallet. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A shows the attachment. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B shows the back side of the pallet stand. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the attachment in the process of being mounted to the pallet stand. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the top and back panels fixed to the pallet base using attachments. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a modified version of the attachment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (palette) Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing a pallet 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The pallet 1 comprises a pallet base 10, a top panel 40, and a back panel 50.

[0010] The top plate 40 is placed on the pallet base 10 and is the part on which goods to be transported are loaded. The top plate 40 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The surface on the top plate 40 on which goods are loaded is called the loading surface 12. The loading surface 12 has a rectangular shape.

[0011] (In each direction, as well as the front and back sides) Figure 1 shows directions X, Y, and Z that are perpendicular to each other. Both the direction X and the direction Y are directions parallel to the loading surface 12. The direction X and the direction Y are each parallel to a different end face of the pallet base 10. The direction Z is a direction perpendicular to the loading surface 12.

[0012] The back plate 50 is a plate-like member extending in the direction Z from the pallet base 10. The back plate 50 is disposed at one end side in the direction Y on the pallet base 10. The direction toward the end side where the back plate 50 is disposed in the direction Y is indicated as the direction Y2. The direction opposite to the direction Y2 is indicated as the direction Y1. The direction Y1 is referred to as the front direction Y1, and the direction Y2 is referred to as the back direction Y2. Also, the front side of the pallet base 10 on the direction Y1 side is referred to as the front side, and the back side of the pallet base 10 on the direction Y2 side is referred to as the back side.

[0013] In the direction Z, the direction away from the loading surface 12 is indicated as the direction Z1. The direction opposite to the direction Z1 is indicated as the direction Z2. The direction Z1 is referred to as the upward direction Z1. The direction Z2 is referred to as the downward direction Z2.

[0014] (Pallet base) The pallet base 10 will be described. The pallet base 10 includes a pallet top plate 14, a pallet bottom plate 16, end column members 20, and middle column members 22.

[0015] The pallet top plate 14 is a flat rectangular plate. Note that the pallet top plate 14 does not necessarily have to be a single plate. The pallet top plate 14 may be composed of, for example, a plurality of strip-shaped plates. In this case, the plurality of strip-shaped plates are arranged side by side in a ladder shape.

[0016] The pallet bottom plate 16 is composed of a plurality of strip-shaped plates. The plurality of strip-shaped plates are arranged side by side in a ladder shape. Note that the pallet bottom plate 16 may also be composed of a single plate.

[0017] The pallet top plate 14 and the pallet bottom plate 16 are arranged to face each other in the Z direction. Between the pallet top plate 14 and the pallet bottom plate 16, end column members 20 and middle column members 22 are arranged. The end column members 20 and the middle column members 22 can be, for example, bar-shaped members with a square column shape.

[0018] The end column members 20 are respectively arranged at both ends 31 on both sides of the pallet table 10 in the X direction. The end column members 20 are arranged to extend from the front end 33 to the rear end 34 of the pallet table 10 in the Y direction.

[0019] The middle column members 22 are arranged in the middle of the pallet table 10 in the X direction. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the middle column members 22 are respectively arranged at positions that approximately trisect the end 33 in the X direction. The middle column members 22, similar to the end column members 20, are arranged to extend from the front end 33 to the rear end 34 of the pallet table 10 in the Y direction.

[0020] By arranging the pallet top plate 14 and the pallet bottom plate 16 via the end column members 20 and the middle column members 22, a fork claw insertion path 24 is formed between the pallet top plate 14 and the pallet bottom plate 16. The fork claw insertion path 24 is a gap formed between the pallet top plate 14 and the pallet bottom plate 16. The fork claw insertion path 24 is the part where the claws of the forklift are inserted when moving the pallet 1 with a forklift. The fork claw insertion path 24 extends from the front end 33 to the rear end 34. Note that the claws of the forklift are not shown in FIG. 1. The claws 200 of the forklift are shown in FIG. 4.

[0021] A general-purpose pallet can also be used as the pallet table 10. The structure of the pallet table 10 is not limited to the above-mentioned structure. The structure of the pallet table 10 widely includes the structures of general-purpose pallets.

[0022] The top panel 40 and the back panel 50 are connected in an L-shape and placed on the pallet base 10. The pallet 1 has a form in which two L-shaped connected plywood panels (top panel 40 and back panel 50) are arranged on the pallet base 10.

[0023] (Top plate) The top plate 40 is a flat, rectangular plate. One of the main surfaces of the top plate 40 is the loading surface 12. The top plate 40 is placed on the pallet top plate 14 of the pallet stand 10 such that the loading surface 12 is parallel to a plane parallel to directions X and Y.

[0024] (back board) The back plate 50 will be described with reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a view of the pallet 1 in direction X. Figure 3 is a view of the pallet 1 from the rear end 34 towards the front in direction Y1. The back plate 50 is located at the rear end 34 of the pallet base 10. The back plate 50 is a flat, rectangular plate. The back plate 50 is placed along direction Z. That is, the back plate 50 extends perpendicular to the loading surface 12 at the rear end 34 of the pallet base 10. Note that the direction along direction Z and perpendicular to the loading surface 12 are not used in a strict sense here. The back plate 50 can be positioned to extend in a direction intersecting the loading surface 12.

[0025] The length of the back panel 50 in direction X is approximately the same as the length of the pallet base 10 in direction X. The length of the back panel 50 in direction Z can be set appropriately depending on the size of the goods to be loaded onto the pallet 1. For example, the length of the back panel 50 in direction Z can be approximately the same as the length of the pallet base 10 in direction Y.

[0026] (Loading of luggage) The loading of goods onto pallet 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 shows how goods are loaded onto pallet 1. Figure 4 shows two examples of goods: a first item 101 and a second item 102. The first item 101 is a load that is prone to tipping over. A load that is prone to tipping over is, for example, a load in which at least one of the width and depth is shorter than the height. The second item 102 is a load that is not prone to tipping over. A load that is not prone to tipping over is, for example, a load in which the width and depth are sufficiently long compared to the height.

[0027] (First package) The following describes how to load the first load 101 onto the loading surface 12. The first load 101 is loaded so that it is aligned with the back plate 50. Then, the first load 101 is secured to the back plate 50 using the band 60.

[0028] (band) Let's describe the band 60. The band 60 is a string-like member used to secure the first package 101 to the back plate 50. Figure 4 shows an example where the band 60 is a rubber band.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, the ends of the back plate 50 in direction X are called the first back plate end 51 and the second back plate end 52, respectively. Each back plate end extends along direction Z.

[0030] One end of band 60 is fixed to the first back plate end 51, and the other end of band 60 is fixed to the second back plate end 52. The end of band 60 fixed to the first back plate end 51 is called the first band end 61. The end of band 60 fixed to the second back plate end 52 is called the second band end 62.

[0031] Multiple bands 60 are provided on the pallet 1. In the example shown in Figure 1, the pallet 1 has five bands 60. Each band 60 may be fixed at a different position in the direction Z of the back plate end. Specifically, the first band end 61 of each band 60 may be fixed at a different position in the direction Z of the first back plate end 51. The second band end 62 of each band 60 may be fixed at a different position in the direction Z of the second back plate end 52.

[0032] For a single band 60, the position of the first band end 61 in direction Z and the position of the second band end 62 in direction Z do not necessarily have to be the same. In other words, the band 60 may be extended diagonally from the first back plate end 51 to the second back plate end 52 in direction Z, or it may be extended at approximately the same position.

[0033] Each band 60 may have a different length.

[0034] The band 60 may be made of an extensible material, such as an elastically deformable material, or it may be made of a material that is not easily extensible and has a substantially constant length.

[0035] The band 60 may be equipped with a length adjustment mechanism 65 that allows the length of the band 60 to be adjusted, as shown in Figure 3. The configuration of the length adjustment mechanism 65 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 3, and may be, for example, a mechanism for unwinding or winding the band 60.

[0036] At least one end of the band 60 may be reattached to a different position in the direction Z of the back plate end. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second back plate end 52 is provided with a plurality of back plate-side fasteners 67 at different positions in the direction Z. The second band end 62 is provided with band-side fasteners 68. The band-side fasteners 68 can be attached to and detached from the back plate-side fasteners 67. By reattaching the band-side fasteners 68 to band-side fasteners 68 at different positions in the direction Z, the position in the direction Z of the second band end 62 can be changed.

[0037] The back plate fastener 67 may be provided on the first back plate end 51 instead of the second back plate end 52, or in addition to the second back plate end 52. The band fastener 68 may be provided on the first band end 61 instead of the second band end 62, or in addition to the second band end 62.

[0038] Returning to Figure 4, when securing the first load 101 to the back panel 50, the bands 60 are placed around the first load 101 to prevent it from tipping over. In pallet 1, the position, orientation, length, and number of bands 60 used to secure the first load 101 can be varied depending on the size and shape of the first load 101. Therefore, it is easy to secure the first load 101 to the back panel 50 to prevent it from tipping over.

[0039] Furthermore, the first load 101 may have its center of gravity at various positions in its height, width, and depth directions. In the pallet 1, the method of securing the first load 101 to the back plate 50 with the band 60 can be varied in various ways. Therefore, in the pallet 1, the first load 101, which has its center of gravity at various positions, can be secured to the back plate 50 in a manner that makes it less likely to tip over.

[0040] (Second piece of luggage) The following describes the case where a second load 102 is loaded onto the pallet stand 10. The second load 102 is loaded onto the loading surface 12 in the same way as the first load 101. However, the second load 102 is not fixed to the back plate 50. This is because the second load 102 is less likely to tip over. The second load 102 can be loaded at any position on the loading surface 12.

[0041] Conventionally, the first load 101 was placed in the center of the loading surface 12 and secured to the entire pallet base 10 using ropes and wraps to prevent it from tipping over. Therefore, when the first load 101 was loaded, it was difficult to load other loads onto the pallet base 10.

[0042] In contrast, with pallet 1, even when the first cargo 101 is loaded, it is possible to load other cargo, such as the second cargo 102. This is because the first cargo 101 occupies only the area near the back plate 50 of the pallet base 10. In other words, even when the first cargo 101 is loaded, there is still surplus space on the pallet base 10 for loading the second cargo 102. Therefore, pallet 1 enables efficient loading of cargo.

[0043] (slit) Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the slit 80 formed in the back plate 50 will be described. The slit 80 is a through hole formed in the back plate 50. Through the slit 80, one can view the back plate 50 from the front side to the back side. Similarly, one can view the back plate 50 from the back side to the front side.

[0044] When a forklift operator operates the forklift while viewing the load on the pallet 10, they need to approach the pallet 1 from the front. In this case, the worker unloading the load from the pallet 10 needs to go around the back panel 50 to unload the load. This kind of maneuvering to unload the load reduces work efficiency.

[0045] Conversely, if the forklift operator approaches pallet 1 from the back, the worker unloading the goods does not need to go around the back panel 50 to unload the goods. Therefore, the efficiency of unloading work is not reduced. However, it is difficult for the forklift operator to grasp the loading status of the goods. If pallet 1 has a back panel 50, the forklift operator may not be able to see beyond the back panel 50 to the other side of it. Not being able to grasp the loading status of the goods can cause anxiety for the forklift operator.

[0046] In this embodiment, a slit 80 is formed in the back plate 50 of the pallet 1. Therefore, even when the forklift operator approaches the pallet 1 from the back, they can grasp the loading status of the cargo through the slit 80. As a result, the forklift operator is less likely to feel anxious due to not being able to grasp the loading status of the cargo. In addition, because the forklift approaches the pallet 1 from the back, the work efficiency of the workers unloading the cargo is less likely to decrease.

[0047] The shape of the slit 80 can be, for example, a rectangular shape that is long in direction X. Multiple slits 80 can be formed on the back plate 50. In the example shown in Figure 1, two rectangular slits 80 are formed side-by-side in direction Z. Of the two slits 80, one is formed near the center in direction Z, and the other is formed above it in direction Z1. This makes it easier for the forklift operator to understand the loading status of the cargo.

[0048] Furthermore, both slits 80 are formed at the central position in the width direction Z of the back plate 50.

[0049] However, the shape and arrangement of the slits 80 are not limited to the examples shown in each figure. For example, the shape of the slits 80 is not limited to a square shape, but can be a round shape, an ellipse, or various other shapes. The shape and arrangement of the slits 80 can be appropriately determined according to the shape of the cargo to be loaded.

[0050] (Installation of the back panel) The installation of the back panel 50 onto the pallet base 10 will now be described. The back panel 50 can be installed on the pallet base 10 in various ways. One example is described below.

[0051] First, the top panel 40 and the back panel 50 are connected. Specifically, one end of the top panel 40 and one end of the back panel 50 are connected so that the top panel 40 and the back panel 50 are approximately perpendicular to each other. This connects the top panel 40 and the back panel 50 in a manner that forms an L shape. The connected top panel 40 and back panel 50 are called the connecting body 42.

[0052] The top panel 40 and the back panel 50, when connected, can be fixed together, for example, using nails 110. As shown in Figure 3, nails 110 are driven from the main surface of the back panel 50 toward the end surface of the top panel 40. This allows the top panel 40 and the back panel 50 to be fixed together in a state where they are approximately perpendicular to each other, with one end of the top panel 40 and one end of the back panel 50 connected. Multiple nails 110 can be driven along the edge of the back panel 50. In particular, if the top panel 40 and the back panel 50 have sufficient thickness and strength, the above-described fixing using nails 110 can connect the top panel 40 and the back panel 50 with sufficient strength.

[0053] Next, the connecting body 42 is placed on the pallet base 10. This forms the pallet 1. When placing the connecting body 42 on the pallet base 10, the top plate 40 is placed on the pallet top plate 14. This ensures that the back plate 50 extends along direction Z. The pallet 1 can be used with the connecting body 42 placed on the pallet base 10.

[0054] (Fixed plate) The connecting body 42 placed on the pallet base 10 may be fixed to the pallet base 10. As shown in Figure 3, the connecting body 42 may be fixed to the pallet base 10 using a fixing plate 112. The fixing plate 112 is a plate-shaped member that spans the central column member 22 and the back plate 50. For example, the fixing plate 112 can be fixed to the central column member 22 and the back plate 50 using nails. This allows the back plate 50, and consequently the connecting body 42, to be fixed to the pallet base 10.

[0055] By positioning the fixing plate 112 at the location of the central column member 22, the connecting body 42 can be fixed to the pallet base 10 without obstructing the insertion of the forklift's tines into the fork tine insertion path 24.

[0056] (End reinforcement plate) As shown in Figure 3, an end reinforcing plate 36 may be provided to reinforce the fixing of the connecting body 42 to the pallet base 10. The end reinforcing plate 36 is a plate-shaped member that connects the end of the connecting body 42 in direction X to the end of the pallet base 10 in direction X. The fixing of the connecting body 42 to the pallet base 10 can be reinforced by fixing the end reinforcing plate 36 to, for example, the end of the back plate 50, the end of the top plate 40 in direction X, and the end column member 20 with nails.

[0057] Figure 3 shows the end reinforcing plate 36 provided on the side of the first back plate end 51. The end reinforcing plate 36 may also be provided on the side of the second back plate end 52.

[0058] (attachment) The method of fixing the back panel 50 to the pallet base 10 using the attachment 150 will be explained with reference to Figures 5A, 5B, and 6. Figure 5A shows the attachment 150. Figure 5B shows the back side of the pallet base 10 before the back panel 50 is attached. Figure 6 shows the attachment 150 in the state in which it is about to be attached to the pallet base 10.

[0059] As shown in Figure 5A, the attachment 150 comprises a U-shaped clamp portion 152 and a cylindrical tube portion 154. The U-shaped clamp portion 152 has a U-shaped clamp shape that can be fitted onto the end column member 20 shown in Figure 5B. The corners of the U-shape may be rounded or approximately right angles. In Figure 5A, the clamp opening distance of the U-shaped clamp portion 152 is shown as distance L11. Distance L11 is approximately the same as the width L12 in direction X of the end column member 20 shown in Figure 5B. Therefore, as shown in Figure 6, the attachment 150 can be fixed to the pallet stand 10 by fitting the U-shaped clamp portion 152 of the attachment 150 onto the end column member 20 of the pallet stand 10.

[0060] The cylindrical tube portion 154 of the attachment 150 can be into which the support column 160 shown in Figure 6 can be inserted. The inner diameter R11 of the cylindrical tube portion 154 shown in Figure 5A is approximately the same as the outer diameter R12 of the support column 160 shown in Figure 6. Therefore, as shown in Figure 6, the support column 160 can be fixed to the attachment 150 by inserting it into the cylindrical tube portion 154 of the attachment 150.

[0061] The shape of the support column 160 is not limited to a circular cross-section. For example, the support column 160 may have a square cross-section. The shape of the cylindrical tube portion 154 of the attachment 150 can be changed to match the shape of the support column 160.

[0062] Figure 7 shows the back panel 50 fixed to the pallet stand 10 using attachments 150. As shown in Figure 7, the attachments 150 are attached to the end column members 20 on both sides in direction X via U-shaped clamps 152. The support columns 160 are attached to the cylindrical tube portions 154 of each attachment 150. As a result, support columns 160 are positioned at both ends in direction X on the rear side of the pallet stand 10. The support columns 160 extend in direction Z.

[0063] The back panel 50 is then fixed to the two support columns 160. The back panel 50 is fixed to the support columns 160 by back panel fixing parts 162. The configuration of the back panel fixing parts 162 is not particularly limited. The back panel fixing parts 162 may, for example, use belts to fix the back panel 50 to the support columns 160. The position where the back panel fixing parts 162 are placed is not particularly limited. For example, the back panel fixing parts 162 may be placed near the four corners of the back panel 50.

[0064] By using the attachment 150 to fix the back panel 50 to the pallet base 10, the back panel 50 can be easily attached to and removed from the pallet base 10.

[0065] (Other examples of attachments) Refer to Figure 8 to describe other examples of attachments. Figure 8 shows other examples of attachments. Attachment 1501 in the other example differs from attachment 150 shown in Figure 5A in the shape of the U-shaped clamp portion 152. In the clamp portion 1521 of attachment 1501 in the other example, the opening distance L111 of the clamp is variable.

[0066] The attachment 150 shown in Figure 5A, etc., is easy to install, but it is difficult to apply to various types of pallet stands 10. This is because the clamp opening distance L11 is constant. In contrast, the clamp portion 1521 of the attachment 1501, another example, has a variable clamp opening distance L111. Therefore, it becomes easy to attach the attachment 1501 to end column members 20 having widths L12 in various directions X. The attachment 1501 can be said to be a more versatile attachment than the attachment 150.

[0067] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications, variations, and combinations are possible.

[0068] <1> A pallet comprising a pallet base having a loading surface for loading cargo and a fork tine insertion path into which the forks of a forklift are inserted, It is equipped with a back plate that extends in a direction intersecting the aforementioned loading surface, A slit is formed in the back plate. palette.

[0069] <2> The slit extends in a direction parallel to the loading surface. <1> The pallet as described.

[0070] <3> Multiple slits are formed in a line perpendicular to the loading surface, <1> or <2> The pallet as described.

[0071] <4> When the direction away from the loading surface in the direction intersecting the loading surface is considered upward, At least one of the slits is formed at a position above the center of the back plate in the direction intersecting the loading surface. <1> from <3> A palette as described in one of the following.

[0072] <5> The system further comprises a top panel connected so as to intersect with the aforementioned back panel, The back panel is placed on the pallet stand while connected to the top panel. The pallet according to claim 1 or 2. <1> from <4> A palette as described in one of the following.

[0073] <6> At least two clamps attached to the pallet stand, The clamp further comprises a support column attached to the clamp, The back panel is attached to the support column. <1> from <5> A palette as described in one of the following. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] 1 Palette 10 pallet stands 12 Loading surface 14 Pallet top 16 Pallet base plate 20 End column members 22 Central column member 24 Fork tine insertion route 31 End 33 End 34 End 36 End reinforcement plate 40 Top plate 50 Backboard 51 First back panel end 52 Second back panel end 60 bands 61 First band end 62 Second band end 65 Adjustment mechanism 67 Back panel side fasteners 68 Band-side fastener 80 slits 101 First package 102 Second package 110 Nail 112 Fixed plate 150 Attachments 152-shaped clamp section 154 Cylindrical tube section 160 Post 162 Back plate fixing part 200 Forklift tines 1501 Attachment 1521 Clamp section

Claims

1. A pallet comprising a pallet base having a loading surface for loading cargo and a fork tine insertion path into which the forks of a forklift are inserted, It is equipped with a back plate that extends in a direction intersecting the aforementioned loading surface, A slit is formed in the back plate. palette.

2. The slit extends in a direction parallel to the loading surface. The pallet according to claim 1.

3. Multiple slits are formed in a line perpendicular to the loading surface, The pallet according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When the direction away from the loading surface in the direction intersecting the loading surface is considered upward, At least one of the slits is formed at a position above the center of the back plate in the direction intersecting the loading surface. The pallet according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The system further comprises a top panel connected so as to intersect with the aforementioned back panel, The back panel is placed on the pallet stand while connected to the top panel. The pallet according to claim 1 or 2.

6. At least two clamps attached to the pallet stand, The clamp further comprises a support column attached to the clamp, The back panel is attached to the support column. The pallet according to claim 1 or 2.

Images