palette

Abstract

This will result in a pallet with improved beam strength compared to conventional models. [Solution] The pallet (1) comprises a girder section (20) in which at least one of the plurality of girder sections (20) includes a girder wall section (200) that forms the outer circumference of the girder section (20), and a first rib (30) and a second rib (31) that extend inward from the girder wall section (200) that forms the corner of the girder section (20). The first rib (30) and the second rib (31) have an interior angle of less than 90 degrees formed at a joint point P1 where one end of each imaginary line extending the first rib (30) and the second rib (31) in a straight line joins, and the other end of each of the imaginary lines (V1, V2) is provided at a position that intersects with the fork insertion direction of the fork inserted into the fork insertion section 11.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pallet.

Background Art

[0002] A pallet in which a plurality of ridges are provided between a front surface portion and a back surface portion to connect the front surface portion and the back surface portion, and fork insertion holes are formed between adjacent ridges is known as the prior art.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the pallet described in Patent Document 1, when the fork inserted into the fork insertion hole comes into contact with the ridge, there is a problem that the ridge is likely to be damaged.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to realize a pallet with improved strength of the ridge portion compared to the prior art.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a pallet comprising: a loading section on which cargo is placed; a plurality of beam sections extending downward from the loading section; and a fork insertion section provided between the plurality of beam sections and having a fork insertion opening, wherein at least one of the plurality of beam sections comprises a beam wall section forming the outer circumference of the beam section, and a first rib and a second rib extending inward from the beam wall section forming the corner of the beam section, wherein the first rib and the second rib are configured such that the interior angle formed at the joint point where one end of each imaginary line extending the first rib and the second rib in a straight line joins is less than 90 degrees, and the other end of each imaginary line is provided at a position that intersects the fork insertion direction of a fork inserted into the fork insertion section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The above configuration makes it possible to create a pallet with improved beam strength compared to conventional designs. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] These are a plan view and a perspective view of a pallet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] These are a bottom view and a perspective view of a pallet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is an enlarged view of section AB. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a magnified view of the CD section. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is an enlarged view of the GG section, with the intermediate portion in the front-to-back direction of the pallet omitted. [Figure 6] Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of the JK section and a horizontal cross-sectional view of that enlarged view. [Figure 7] Figure 3 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the arrow EE. [Figure 8] Figure 4 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the FF arrow. [Figure 9] Figure 4 shows a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line HH. [Figure 10]Figure 1 is a magnified view of the AL section. [Figure 11] Figure 2 is a magnified view of the MN section. [Figure 12] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the first rib, second rib, third rib, and girder wall section that constitutes the corner of the girder section. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] An embodiment of this disclosure will be described in detail below. In the drawings referred to in the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Reference numerals may also be omitted for convenience of explanation. In the following description, "inside" refers to the direction toward the inside of the girder. "Rectangular" is not limited to a strictly rectangular shape, but includes shapes that can be visually perceived as rectangular overall, even if, for example, the corners are curved. In the drawings, the arrows indicating the up, down, left, right, front, and back directions indicate the respective directions of the pallet.

[0010] (Palette overview) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pallet 1 is approximately rectangular in plan view. The pallet 1 is a four-way insertion type pallet 1 in which forks can be inserted through fork insertion sections 11, each of which has a fork insertion opening 10 provided on one of the four sides that make up the outer periphery of the pallet 1.

[0011] Pallet 1 is made of a resin such as polypropylene and is integrally molded as a single unit. Note that Pallet 1 is not limited to a four-way entry type. For example, Pallet 1 may be a two-way entry type. Furthermore, Pallet 1 is not limited to being integrally molded as a single unit; for example, the upper and lower parts may be injection molded separately, and the injection-molded upper and lower parts may be welded together to form a welded pallet.

[0012] The fork insertion part 11 is, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, a substantially rectangular region in plan view formed between a plurality of digit parts 20 between two fork insertion ports 10 provided on the left side and two fork insertion ports 10 on the right side arranged opposite to the fork insertion ports 10.

[0013] Forks such as forklifts and handlifts can be inserted into the fork insertion part 11 through the fork insertion ports 10. The fork insertion ports 10 are substantially rectangular openings and may be formed in a shape into which forks can be inserted. Note that the fork insertion ports 10 are not limited to a substantially rectangular shape.

[0014] The pallet 1 includes a placement part 12 on which goods are placed, a plurality of digit parts 20 extending downward from the placement part 12, and a grounding part 14 which is a part placed on the floor surface or the like. The plurality of digit parts 20 are configured to include corner digit parts 21 extending downward from the four corners of the placement part 12 and intermediate digit parts 22 arranged between a pair of corner digit parts 21.

[0015] The placement part 12 constitutes the upper surface of the pallet 1 and is configured such that articles and the like can be placed thereon. The placement part 12 includes a plurality of upper deck parts 13 that connect between the upper end parts of the digit parts 20, the corner digit parts 21, and the intermediate digit parts 22 respectively. The pallet 1 in the present embodiment includes 12 upper deck parts 13.

[0016] The grounding part 14 constitutes the lower surface of the pallet 1 and is configured to be able to contact the floor surface or the like among the lower surfaces of the pallet 1. The grounding part 14 includes a plurality of lower deck parts 15 that connect between the lower end parts of the digit parts 20, the corner digit parts 21, and the intermediate digit parts 22 respectively. The pallet 1 in the present embodiment includes 12 lower deck parts 15.

[0017] The upper deck part 13 and the lower deck part 15 each include a plurality of openings penetrating in the vertical direction of the pallet 1 and are configured in a grid pattern. Note that the number of the upper deck part 13 and the lower deck part 15 may be appropriately set according to the size of the pallet 1, the number and arrangement of the digit parts 20.

[0018] There are five intermediate beam sections 22 on the pallet 1. Of the five intermediate beam sections 22, the one located in the center of the pallet 1 is called the central beam section 23. The number of intermediate beam sections 22 may be set as appropriate depending on the size, shape, etc. of the pallet 1. Details of the corner beam sections 21 will be described later.

[0019] (digit part) The girder section 20 is provided with a girder wall section 200 that forms the outer perimeter of the girder section 20. The girder wall section 200 forms a wall along the entire vertical length of the girder section 20. More specifically, the girder section 20, the corner girder section 21, and the intermediate girder section 22 play the role of columns that connect the mounting section 12 and the grounding section 14 in the vertical direction, and the girder wall section 200 forms the outer perimeter of these columns. In this embodiment, all girder sections 20 are provided with girder wall sections 200, but some of the girder sections 20 may not have girder wall sections 200. In other words, it is sufficient that at least one of the girder sections 20 has a girder wall section 200.

[0020] Furthermore, the girder section 20 is provided with a first rib 30, a second rib 31, and a third rib 32. In this embodiment, the pallet 1 has the first rib 30, a second rib 31, and a third rib 32 in the intermediate girder section 22, excluding the central girder section 23. Also, the corner girder section 21 is provided with a first rib 30 and a second rib 31, but not with a third rib 32. The corner girder section 21 is provided with a corner rib 220 instead of a third rib 32. Note that the central girder section 23 may also be provided with a first rib 30, a second rib 31, and a third rib 32. Also, the corner girder section 21 may be provided with a third rib 32.

[0021] The details of the first rib 30, the second rib 31, and the third rib 32 will be explained below using Figures 3 to 9. In addition, the details of the corner rib 220 provided on the corner girder section 21 will be explained using Figures 10 and 11.

[0022] (First rib, second rib) As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 are ribs that extend inward from the girder wall 200 that constitutes the corner of the girder section 20. The first rib 30 extends inward from the left side surface of the girder wall 200. The second rib 31 extends inward from the rear side surface of the girder wall 200. The corner of the girder section 20 corresponds to, for example, section CD in Figure 3.

[0023] As shown in Figure 4, the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 are formed such that the interior angle β formed at the junction P1 where one end of a virtual line V1, which is a virtual line extending the first rib 30 in a straight line, and one end of a virtual line V2, which is a virtual line extending the second rib 31 in a straight line, meet is less than 90 degrees.

[0024] In this embodiment, the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 provided in the intermediate girder section 22 are joined at one end of each rib, forming a joint point P1. In other words, the joint point P1 is not necessarily the joint point P1 where one end of virtual line V1 and one end of virtual line V2 are joined; it may also be the joint point P1 where one end of the first rib 30 and one end of the second rib 31 are joined.

[0025] Furthermore, the other end of the imaginary line V1 of the first rib 30 and the other end of the imaginary line V2 of the second rib 31 are positioned to intersect with the insertion direction of the fork inserted into the fork insertion section 11. In other words, the other ends of the imaginary line V1 of the first rib 30 and the imaginary line V2 of the second rib 31 are formed at the corners of the girder section 20 at an angle such that they pass through the fork insertion direction.

[0026] Furthermore, the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 of the intermediate beam section 22 are provided at the corners closest to the fork insertion opening 10 of the fork, which is inserted from at least the first direction among the first, second, third, and fourth directions into which the fork is inserted.

[0027] Here, "first direction" refers to the direction from left to right. "Second direction" is the direction perpendicular to the first direction, and is the direction from back to front. "Third direction" refers to the direction from right to left. "Fourth direction" is the direction perpendicular to the third direction, and is the direction from front to back. Note that the ordinal numbers 1 through 4 are determined for convenience only, and the directions can be interchanged.

[0028] For example, if the first direction is from left to right, the second direction may be from back to front or from front to back. In this embodiment, if we consider the insertion direction of the fork inserted from the fork insertion opening 10 where the imaginary line V1 of the first rib 30 intersects as the first direction, then the second direction is the insertion direction of the fork inserted from the fork insertion opening 10 where the imaginary line V2 of the second rib 31 intersects. In other words, the first direction is the insertion direction of the fork inserted from the fork insertion opening 10 closer to the first rib 30, and the second direction is the insertion direction of the fork inserted from the fork insertion opening 10 farther from the second rib 31.

[0029] The corner closest to the fork insertion opening 10 of a fork inserted from the first direction is, for example, the corner closest to the fork insertion opening 10 of a fork going from left to right, as explained in the intermediate beam section 22 shown in Figure 5. In other words, when viewing the intermediate beam section 22 from the top side, if the intermediate beam section 22 is located on the front side, it is the corner located on the left rear. If the intermediate beam section 22 is located on the rear side, it is the corner located on the left front.

[0030] Here, we will explain using the intermediate beam section 22 located on the front side. The first rib 30, formed at the corner of the intermediate beam section 22, is inclined towards the fork insertion opening 10 of the fork, which is inserted from the first direction (from left to right), with the joint point P1 (see Figure 4) as the center.

[0031] Furthermore, the second rib 31 is provided at an angle toward the fork insertion opening 10 of the fork, which is inserted from a second direction (from rear to front) perpendicular to the first direction. In other words, the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 are provided at an angle such that the ends opposite to the joint point P1 are separated from each other.

[0032] In Figure 5, for the sake of explanation, the fork insertion opening 10 located on the left side is shown as fork insertion opening 10A, and the fork insertion opening 10 located on the rear side is shown as fork insertion opening 10B. As shown in Figure 5, the first rib 30 is inclined toward the fork insertion opening 10A with respect to the joint point P1, and the second rib 31 is inclined toward the fork insertion opening 10B with respect to the joint point P1.

[0033] More specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the first rib 30 is inclined with respect to the reference line R1 at a first inclination angle γ. The second rib 31 is inclined with respect to the reference line R2 at a second inclination angle θ. The first inclination angle γ may be set in the range of, for example, 20 to 30 degrees. The second inclination angle θ may be set in the range of, for example, 10 to 15 degrees.

[0034] The first inclination angle γ and the second inclination angle θ may be set appropriately depending on the size of the pallet 1 and the arrangement in which the fork insertion openings 10 are provided. Even if the size of the pallet 1 and the arrangement in which the fork insertion openings 10 are provided are changed, for example, the first inclination angle γ and the second inclination angle θ should be set at the angles in which the imaginary line V1 of the first rib 30 and the imaginary line V2 of the second rib 31 intersect with the fork insertion openings 10.

[0035] Reference line R1 is a virtual line passing through extension start point P2, which is the connection point between the first rib 30 and the girder wall 200, in the left-right direction. Reference line R2 is a virtual line passing through extension start point P3, which is the connection point between the second rib 31 and the girder wall 200, in the front-rear direction. Reference lines R1 and R2 are perpendicular to each other on the inner side of the girder 20 in the direction along the mounting surface (horizontal plane) of the mounting section 12.

[0036] The first rib 30 and the second rib 31 are positioned such that the second inclination angle θ of the second rib 31 relative to the reference line R2 is smaller than the first inclination angle γ of the first rib 30 relative to the reference line R1 set in this manner.

[0037] In this embodiment, the pallet 1 is designed such that, for example, when viewed from the front intermediate beam section 22 shown in Figure 5, the fork insertion opening 10B, provided in the second direction, is further away from the corner of the intermediate beam section 22 than the fork insertion opening 10A, provided in the first direction. A pallet 1 designed in this way may be designed as a rectangle close to a square, or it may be a square. Furthermore, the size and position of the fork insertion openings 10 may be changed.

[0038] Here, the insertion angle of the fork is determined by which of the multiple beam sections 20 provided on the pallet 1 the tip of the fork hits. Specifically, when the fork inserted from the fork insertion opening 10A hits the front intermediate beam section 22 shown in Figure 5, the fork is inserted at an insertion angle such that the straight line from the base of the fork to the tip of the fork moves away from the center of the pallet 1.

[0039] Furthermore, when a fork inserted through the fork insertion opening 10B strikes the front intermediate beam section 22 shown in Figure 5, the fork is inserted at an insertion angle such that the straight line from the base of the fork to the tip of the fork approaches the center of the pallet 1. In addition, because a central beam section 23 is provided, the fork insertion angle of a fork inserted through the fork insertion opening 10B is smaller than the fork insertion angle of a fork inserted through the fork insertion opening 10A.

[0040] For example, consider a case where the insertion angle of the forks inserted into the fork insertion opening 10B becomes oblique due to an error by the forklift operator. Even in this case, since the second inclination angle θ is smaller than the first inclination angle γ, the second rib 31 can be provided at an angle suitable for the fork insertion angle, even if the fork insertion angle of the forks inserted into the fork insertion opening 10B is small. Here, "suitable angle" refers to an angle close to the fork insertion angle.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the height of the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 on the connection side with the girder wall 200 (extension starting points P2 and P3 shown in Figure 4) is the same as the length from the upper end to the lower end of the girder wall 200.

[0042] Furthermore, the upper end is not limited to being on the same plane as the mounting surface; for example, it may also be located slightly below the mounting surface. Similarly, the lower end is not limited to being on the same plane as the ground surface; for example, it may also be located slightly above the ground surface.

[0043] In this embodiment, the upper ends of the first rib 30 and the second rib 31, which are provided on the mounting surface side, are positioned approximately 3 mm below the mounting surface. On the other hand, the lower ends of the first rib 30 and the second rib 31, which are provided on the ground surface side, are positioned approximately 3 mm above the ground surface.

[0044] Furthermore, the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 are formed such that, when extending inward at a predetermined distance from the connection point with the girder wall 200, their height becomes lower than the total height of the first rib 30 and the second rib 31. For example, the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 are formed into a roughly L-shape in a side cross-sectional view. By reducing the height of the ribs in this way, the weight of the pallet 1 can be reduced.

[0045] It is not essential that the ribs are formed such that, when extended inward for a predetermined distance from the connection point with the girder wall 200, they become lower than the total height of the first rib 30 and the second rib 31. For example, the height of the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 may extend to the same length as the length from the upper end to the lower end of the girder wall 200.

[0046] The first rib 30 and the second rib 31 are provided on the underside as well, with the intermediate plate section 40 (described later) in between them, and the same structure of the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 is also provided on the underside. More specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 of the intermediate girder section 22, which is provided on the ground contact section 14 side, are also provided at the corners of the girder section 20, similar to the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 provided on the mounting section 12 side.

[0047] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 6, on the underside of the pallet 1 (ground contact area 14 side), the end of the lower deck section 15 is connected to the connection point between the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 and the girder wall section 200 in a continuous manner. In Figure 6, the end of the lower deck section 15, located on the left side of the intermediate girder section 22, is connected to the connection point between the first rib 30 and the girder wall section 200 in a continuous manner. Also, the end of the lower deck section 15, located on the rear side of the intermediate girder section 22, is connected to the connection point between the second rib 31 and the girder wall section 200 in a continuous manner.

[0048] As shown in Figures 1, 4, and 5, on the upper side of the pallet 1 (the mounting section 12 side), the end of the upper deck section 13 is similarly connected to the connection point between the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 and the girder wall section 200.

[0049] By configuring the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 as described above, the joint point P1 can be positioned further inward compared to, for example, the case where the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 are formed so that the interior angle β formed at the joint point P1 shown in Figure 4 is 90 degrees (the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 are perpendicular). In other words, the inward length of the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 can be increased.

[0050] As a result, compared to the case where the interior angle β formed at the joint point P1 is 90 degrees, the area including the interior angle β enclosed by the girder wall 200, the first rib 30, and the second rib 31 can be made wider, allowing the mold to be made thicker. Therefore, the strength of the mold can be improved. Furthermore, the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 configured as described above are connected to the third rib 32.

[0051] (Third rib) The third rib 32 is a rib to which one end is connected to the inner ends of the first rib 30 and the second rib 31, and the other end extends inward toward the girder section 20. In detail, as shown in Figure 4, one end of the third rib 32 is connected to the joint point P1 where the inner ends of the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 meet, and the other end of the third rib 32 extends inward toward the girder section 20 from the joint point P1. In Figure 4, the other end of the third rib 32 is connected to the inner side of the wall surrounding the first rib 30, the second rib 31, and the third rib 32.

[0052] Furthermore, it is not essential that one end of the third rib 32 is connected to the inner ends of the first rib 30 and the second rib 31, respectively. In other words, the third rib 32 does not need to be joined to the inner ends of the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 in a continuous manner.

[0053] Furthermore, the vertical height of the third rib 32 is molded to be the same height as the lower heights of the first rib 30 and the second rib 31. However, it is not a necessary configuration for the third rib 32 to be molded to be the same height as the lower heights of the first rib 30 and the second rib 31.

[0054] For example, if the height of the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 are the same as the length from the upper end to the lower end of the girder wall 200, the third rib 32 may also be formed to the same height as the first rib 30 and the second rib 31.

[0055] (Intermediate plate section) Pallet 1 is provided with an intermediate plate portion 40 that extends horizontally (front-to-back and left-to-right) from the girder wall portion 200 at an intermediate position in the vertical direction (direction intersecting the fork insertion direction) of pallet 1 at the corner of the girder portion 20.

[0056] As shown in Figure 8, the intermediate plate section 40 is provided at an inclination upward from the connection point with the girder wall section 200.

[0057] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 (hereinafter referred to as the upper rib) provided on the mounting portion 12 side (upper side) with the intermediate plate portion 40 in between, and the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 (hereinafter referred to as the lower rib) provided on the ground contact portion 14 side (lower side), are formed with their positions shifted horizontally so that they do not overlap each other in the vertical direction.

[0058] Thus, the fact that the upper and lower ribs are formed with a horizontal offset is due to the mold structure used to form the pallet 1. Furthermore, due to this mold structure, the upper deck section 13 and the lower deck section 15 are also formed with a horizontal offset so that they do not overlap each other in the vertical direction. In particular, the upper deck section 13 and the lower deck section 15, which connect the central girder section 23 and the intermediate girder section 22, are formed such that the upper mold forms the upper surface of the lower deck section 15, and the lower mold forms the lower surface of the upper deck section 13, according to the mold structure.

[0059] Furthermore, the connection points of the upper deck section 13 and the lower deck section 15, which connect the central girder section 23 and the intermediate girder section 22, each have an edge portion that connects to the girder wall section 200. Specifically, the "edge portion" refers to the connection portion between the girder wall section 200 and the upper deck section 13 at P2 and P3 shown in Figure 4, and is the portion formed on the outside of the girder wall section 200. The portion formed on the outside of the girder wall section 200 can also be called the edge portion of the upper deck section 13.

[0060] Furthermore, P4 and P5 in Figure 6 are the connection points between the girder wall section 200 and the lower deck section 15, and are the parts formed on the outside of the girder wall section 200. The parts formed on the outside of the girder wall section 200 can also be called the edges of the lower deck section 15.

[0061] In this way, the edges of the upper deck portion 13 and the lower deck portion 15 are formed, and at least a portion of the edges of the upper deck portion 13 and the lower deck portion 15 are formed by the outermost part into which the upper mold enters during molding.

[0062] Therefore, during molding, the sides of the upper mold and the sides of the lower mold come into contact with each other. Consequently, a draft angle is provided in the mold to allow for smooth removal of the upper and lower molds even when they come into contact with each other. Due to this draft angle, the upper deck portion 13 and the lower deck portion 15 are formed with a horizontal offset from each other.

[0063] As the mold is designed as described above, it is structurally difficult to provide reinforcing ribs to reinforce the girder section 20 at the points where the upper and lower molds intersect (in particular, at the connection points of the upper deck section 13 connecting the central girder section 23 and the intermediate girder section 22, and the lower deck section 15). Therefore, in the pallet 1 of this disclosure, the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 are provided so as to be continuous with the aforementioned "edge section".

[0064] This allows the corners of the girder section 20 to be reinforced. Therefore, the possibility of damage to the girder section 20 can be reduced. In particular, the edges of the lower deck section 15 are prone to damage when struck by a fork, so it is advantageous to provide the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 to be continuous with the edges.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper rib and the lower rib are positioned to connect to the edge of the upper deck section 13 and the edge of the lower deck section 15, respectively, so that the upper rib and the lower rib are offset horizontally. However, since an intermediate plate section 40 is provided, the upper rib can be extended downward to the upper surface of the intermediate plate section 40, and the lower rib can be extended upward to the lower surface of the intermediate plate section 40.

[0066] By forming the first rib 30, the second rib 31, and the intermediate plate portion 40 in this manner, the complexity of the mold structure can be suppressed. Furthermore, it is possible to realize a pallet 1 that improves the molding efficiency of the beam portion 20 formed by the upper and lower molds of the mold for forming the pallet 1, while also improving the strength of the beam portion 20.

[0067] As explained above, the girder section 20 (intermediate girder section 22) is equipped with a first rib 30, a second rib 31, and a third rib 32, but the corner girder section 21 is not equipped with a third rib 32. The corner girder section 21 is equipped with a corner rib 220 instead of a third rib 32. The details of the corner girder section 21 will be described below.

[0068] (Corner beam section) As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the corner girder section 21 has a corner section 210 formed by a girder wall section 200 at a position opposite to the first rib 30 and second rib 31 of the corner girder section 21. One end of the corner section 210 is connected to a corner connecting section 230, which is formed by connecting the girder wall sections 200 of the corner section 210, and the other end, which extends toward the first rib 30 and second rib 31, has a corner rib 220 provided at a position spaced apart from the first rib 30 and second rib 31.

[0069] The corner rib 220, viewed from the upper side (mounting section 12 side) of the pallet 1, consists of a rib extending from the edge of the corner section 210, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 10, and a rib that extends inward, integrally molded from that rib. Furthermore, the corner rib 220, viewed from the lower side (ground contact section 14 side) of the pallet 1, consists of a rib extending inward from the corner connecting section 230, and a rib that extends inward, integrally molded from that rib, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 11.

[0070] Thus, the corner rib 220 is a rib in which the rib visible from the top and the rib visible from the bottom are continuously and integrally molded, and the other end opposite to the end connected to the corner connecting portion 230 is connected to the wall surrounding the first rib 30 and the second rib 31.

[0071] (modified version) The following modifications can be applied to this embodiment as appropriate. Furthermore, these modifications may be combined with each other to the extent that they are not technically contradictory.

[0072] (Variation 1) In the embodiments described above, the pallet 1 is described as being substantially rectangular in plan view, but the pallet 1 may be composed of a shape other than rectangular, such as a circle. The present invention can be applied as long as the pallet 1 is provided with a fork insertion section 11 into which a fork is inserted and a plurality of beam sections 20 that constitute the pallet 1.

[0073] (Modification 2) In the embodiments described above, the third rib 32 is described as a rib to which one end is connected to the inner ends of the first rib 30 and the second rib 31, and which extends toward the inward side of the girder section 20 at the other end. However, the connections of the first rib 30, the second rib 31, and the third rib 32 are not limited to these.

[0074] For example, as shown by reference numeral 1000 in Figure 12, the second rib 31 may be provided in a direction perpendicular to the fork insertion portion 11 of the fork, which is inserted from the first direction. Alternatively, as shown by reference numeral 1100, the first rib 30 and the third rib 32 may be provided in the same straight line, and the second rib 31 may be connected to the first rib 30 and the third rib 32 which are provided in the same straight line.

[0075] Furthermore, as shown by reference numeral 1200, the inner end of the first rib 30 may be joined to one end of the third rib 32, and the inner end of the second rib 31 may be joined to a position in the middle of the first rib 30 and close to the joint between the first rib 30 and the third rib 32. In other words, it is not essential that the inner ends of the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 are connected. For example, it is sufficient if at least one inner end of the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 is connected to one end of the third rib 32, and the other end of the third rib 32 extends toward the inward side of the girder section 20.

[0076] Furthermore, as shown by reference numeral 1300, the inner end of the first rib 30 and the inner end of the second rib 31 may be connected to the wall surrounding the first rib 30 and the second rib 31, one end of the third rib 32 may be connected to the wall surrounding the first rib 30 and the second rib 31, and the other end of the third rib 32 may extend toward the girder wall 200.

[0077] Furthermore, as shown by reference numeral 1400, the corners formed in the girder wall 200 may be cut out, with the extension start point P2 of the first rib 30 and the extension start point P3 of the second rib 31 as the ends. Also, as shown by reference numeral 1500, the corners formed in the girder wall 200 may be formed by curves, or, although not shown, by polygons formed by combining straight lines.

[0078] (Variation 3) In the embodiment described above, an intermediate plate portion 40 is provided, with the upper rib extending downward to the upper surface of the intermediate plate portion 40 and the lower rib extending upward to the lower surface of the intermediate plate portion 40. However, the intermediate plate portion 40 is not required. In this case, for example, the upper rib and the lower rib may be provided in a straight line, and the pair of ribs provided in a straight line may be inclined so that the distance between the ribs increases as they extend downward from the extension starting point P2 and the extension starting point P3 (see Figure 4). This allows the rib corresponding to the first rib 30 and the rib corresponding to the second rib 31, which are connected to the edges of the upper deck portion 13 and the lower deck portion 15, to be inclined. Thus, the strength of the mold can be improved.

[0079] (Effects and Benefits) As described above, the following effects and advantages can be obtained according to this embodiment.

[0080] A pallet 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure comprises a loading section 12 on which cargo is placed, a plurality of girder sections 20 extending downward from the loading section 12, and a fork insertion section 11 provided between the plurality of girder sections 20 and having a fork insertion opening 10, wherein at least one of the plurality of girder sections 20 comprises a girder wall section 200 constituting the outer periphery of the girder section 20, and a first rib 30 and a second rib 31 extending inward from the girder wall section 200 constituting the corner of the girder section 20, wherein the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 are configured such that the interior angle formed at the joint point P1 where one end of each of the imaginary lines (V1, V2) extending linearly from the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 joins is less than 90 degrees, and the other end of each of the imaginary lines (V1, V2) is provided at a position where it intersects with the fork insertion direction of a fork inserted into the fork insertion section 11.

[0081] According to the above configuration, the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 can be formed such that the interior angle formed at the joint point P1 where one end of each of the imaginary lines (V1, V2) extending the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 in a straight line joins is less than 90 degrees. Furthermore, the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 can be formed at a position where the other end of each of the imaginary lines (V1, V2) extending the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 intersects the fork insertion direction of the fork inserted into the fork insertion section 11.

[0082] In a typical pallet, if the forks are inserted straight into the fork insertion opening, they will be inserted without hitting the beam. However, if the forks are inserted into the fork insertion opening at an angle due to a forklift operator error, the forks may hit the corner of the beam, potentially damaging it.

[0083] Even in this case, by having the above configuration, the pallet 1 can bring the angle of the fork inserted from the fork insertion opening 10A (see Figure 5) and the angle of the first rib 30 closer together compared to, for example, the case where the first rib 30 is provided perpendicular to the girder wall 200. That is, the imaginary line V1 of the fork and the first rib 30 will come closer to being on the same straight line.

[0084] Furthermore, the angle of the fork inserted through the fork insertion opening 10B (see Figure 5) can be brought closer to the angle of the second rib 31. In other words, the imaginary line V2 of the fork and the second rib 31 will approach being on the same straight line.

[0085] In other words, by providing the first rib 30 and the second rib 31, even if the forks are inserted into the fork insertion opening 10 from an oblique direction due to a forklift operator error, the corners of the beam section 20 relative to the fork insertion direction can be reinforced. Therefore, the possibility of damage to the beam section 20 can be reduced. Thus, a pallet 1 with improved beam section 20 strength compared to conventional pallets can be realized.

[0086] The pallet 1 according to aspect 2 of the present disclosure may be configured such that, in aspect 1 above, the inner ends of the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 are connected, and a third rib 32 is provided, one end of which is connected to the connected inner ends, and the other end of which extends toward the inner side of the girder portion 20 or toward the girder wall portion 200.

[0087] According to the above configuration, the pallet 1 is equipped with a third rib 32. This further improves the strength of the corners of the girder section 20 compared to when the corners of the girder section 20 are reinforced only with the first rib 30 and the second rib 31.

[0088] The pallet 1 according to embodiment 3 of the present disclosure may be configured such that, in embodiment 2 above, the plurality of beam portions 20 include corner beam portions 21 extending downward from the corners of the mounting portion 12 described above, and intermediate beam portions 22 positioned between a pair of corner beam portions 21, and the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 provided on the intermediate beam portion 22 are provided on the corner portion closest to the fork insertion opening 10 of the fork inserted from at least the first direction among the first, second, third, and fourth directions into which the fork is inserted, and the first rib 30 provided on the intermediate beam portion 22 is provided inclined toward the fork insertion opening 10 of the fork inserted from the first direction with respect to the joint point P1.

[0089] According to the above configuration, for example, the first rib 30 of the intermediate beam section 22 is provided at the corner closest to the fork insertion opening 10A (see Figure 5). Furthermore, the first rib 30 is provided at an angle toward the fork insertion opening 10A with respect to the joint point P1.

[0090] Here, the intermediate beam section 22, which is located near the fork insertion opening 10 (10A), is positioned among the multiple beam sections 20 in a location where contact with the inserted fork is likely to occur. Even with the intermediate beam section 22 located in such a position, the possibility of damage to the intermediate beam section 22 can be reduced by providing a first rib 30 at the corner closest to the fork insertion opening 10 (10A) and reinforcing the corner.

[0091] The pallet 1 according to aspect 4 of the present disclosure may be configured such that, in aspect 2 described above, the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 are provided at the corner closest to the fork insertion opening 10 of the fork inserted from at least the first direction among the first, second, third, and fourth directions into which the fork is inserted, and the first rib 30 provided at the corner is inclined toward the fork insertion opening 10 of the fork inserted from the first direction with respect to the joint point P1, and the second rib 31 is inclined toward the fork insertion opening 10 of the fork inserted from the second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0092] According to the above configuration, in addition to the first rib 30, the second rib 31 of the intermediate beam section 22 is provided at the corner closest to the fork insertion opening 10B (see Figure 5). Furthermore, the second rib 31 is provided at an angle toward the fork insertion opening 10B with the joint point P1 as the center. Thus, the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 can be provided at the corners closest to the fork insertion openings 10 (10A, 10B), respectively.

[0093] Therefore, whether the fork is inserted from the left side, from the rear, or from any other direction, the possibility of damage to the intermediate beam section 22 can be reduced by reinforcing the corners of the intermediate beam section 22 corresponding to each direction.

[0094] A pallet 1 according to aspect 5 of the present disclosure, in any one of aspects 1 to 4 above, wherein the plurality of beam sections 20 include corner beam sections 21 extending downward from the corners of the aforementioned mounting section 12 and intermediate beam sections 22 positioned between a pair of corner beam sections 21, and the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 provided on the intermediate beam section 22 are positioned closest to the fork insertion opening 10 of a fork inserted from at least the first direction among the first, second, third, and fourth directions into which a fork is inserted. A configuration may be provided in the corner portion, and the imaginary lines passing through the extension start points, which are the connection points between the first rib 30 and the second rib 31, which are provided in the corner portion of the girder portion 20 and extend inward from the girder wall portion 200 that constitute the corner portion of the girder portion 20, may be configured such that, in the direction along the mounting surface of the mounting portion 12 described above, the second inclination angle θ, which is the inclination angle of the second rib 31, is smaller than the first inclination angle γ, which is the inclination angle of the first rib 30, with respect to the reference line.

[0095] According to the above configuration, the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 can be formed such that the second inclination angle θ of the second rib 31 is smaller than the first inclination angle γ of the first rib 30.

[0096] In this case, when transporting pallet 1, in addition to the case where the forks of the forklift are inserted into the fork insertion part 11 of pallet 1 and transported, there is also the case where ropes, belts, etc. are attached to the intermediate beam 22 and pallet 1 is towed. In this case, the intermediate beam 22 to which the ropes, belts, etc. are attached is subjected to a strong force in the direction from the inside to the outside of pallet 1.

[0097] According to the above configuration, the second inclination angle θ of the second rib 31 with respect to the reference line R2 can be made smaller than the first inclination angle γ of the first rib 30 with respect to the reference line R1. Therefore, the rigidity of the intermediate girder section 22 in the direction from the inside to the outside of the pallet 1 can be improved.

[0098] Furthermore, by making the second inclination angle θ smaller than the first inclination angle γ, the first rib 30 can be positioned at a suitable angle for a fork inserted through the fork insertion opening 10 that intersects with the imaginary line V1. Also, the second rib 31 can be positioned at a suitable angle for a fork inserted through the fork insertion opening 10 that intersects with the imaginary line V2.

[0099] As a result, even when towing the pallet 1 as described above, the second rib 31 is inclined at a suitable angle to withstand the force applied to the intermediate girder section 22 to which the rope, belt, etc. are attached, thus reducing the possibility of damage to the girder section 20.

[0100] Furthermore, the second rib 31 is inclined at a suitable angle for forks inserted from the fork insertion opening 10 on the side furthest from the second rib 31. Therefore, for example, the first rib 30 increases the strength of the beam section 20 for forks inserted from the fork insertion opening 10A shown in Figure 5, and the second rib 31 increases the strength of the beam section 20 for forks inserted from the fork insertion opening 10B.

[0101] In this way, by making the second inclination angle θ smaller than the first inclination angle γ, the second rib 31 can be used for both towing the pallet 1 and inserting a fork from the fork insertion opening 10 located on the side furthest from the second rib 31, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the girder section 20.

[0102] Here, the direction from the inside to the outside of pallet 1 is, in the case of the intermediate beam 22 provided on the left side of pallet 1, the direction from the right to the left. In the case of the intermediate beam 22 provided on the right side of pallet 1, the direction is from the left to the right. In the case of the intermediate beam 22 provided on the front side of pallet 1, the direction is from the rear to the front. In the case of the intermediate beam 22 provided on the rear side of pallet 1, the direction is from the front to the rear.

[0103] The pallet 1 according to embodiment 6 of the present disclosure may be configured such that, in any one of the plurality of girder portions 20 described above, at least one of the girder portions 20 has an intermediate plate portion 40 extending horizontally from the girder wall portion 200 at an intermediate position in the vertical direction which intersects the fork insertion direction of the fork at the corner of the girder portion 20, and the intermediate plate portion 40 is provided inclined upward from the connection portion with the girder wall portion 200.

[0104] According to the above configuration, the girder section 20 is equipped with an intermediate plate section 40. This reinforces the girder section 20. Furthermore, when a rope, belt, etc. is attached to the girder section 20 and the pallet 1 is towed, the direction of the force applied to the girder section 20 is slightly upward from horizontal. Therefore, because the intermediate plate section 40 is inclined upward, the rigidity of the girder section 20 can be improved in line with the direction of the force applied to the girder section 20.

[0105] The pallet 1 according to embodiment 7 of the present disclosure may be configured such that, in any one of embodiments 1 to 4 above, it includes a lower deck portion 15 connecting the lower ends of a plurality of girder portions 20, at least one of the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 extends from the connection portion between the lower deck portion 15 and the girder wall portion 200, and the height of the rib on the connection portion side of the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 is the same length as the length from the upper end to the lower end of the girder wall portion 200.

[0106] Here, when forming the pallet 1 with a mold, due to the structure of the upper and lower molds, it is difficult to provide R-shaped ribs to reinforce the strength of the connection between the edge of the lower deck section 15 and the girder wall section 200, and there are concerns about damage to this section.

[0107] However, by having the above configuration, the pallet 1 of this disclosure allows the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 to extend from the connection portion between the lower deck portion 15 and the girder wall portion 200. Furthermore, the height of the ribs on the connection portion side of the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 is formed to be the same length as the length from the upper end to the lower end of the girder wall portion 200.

[0108] Therefore, due to the structure of the mold, the connection between the edge of the lower deck section 15 and the girder wall section 200, where it is difficult to provide R-shaped ribs to reinforce the strength, can be reinforced with the first rib 30 and the second rib 31. Similarly, the connection between the edge of the upper deck section 13 and the girder wall section 200 can be reinforced with the first rib 30 and the second rib 31.

[0109] A pallet 1 according to embodiment 8 of the present disclosure may be configured such that, in any one of embodiments 1 to 4 above, the plurality of girder sections 20 include a corner girder section 21 extending downward from the corner of the aforementioned mounting section 12 and an intermediate girder section 22 positioned between a pair of the corner girder sections 21, the corner girder section 21 has a corner section 210 formed by the girder wall section 200 at a position facing the first rib 30 and the second rib 31 of the corner girder section 21, one end of which is connected to a corner connecting section 230 where the girder wall sections 200 of the corner section 210 are connected, and the other end, which extends toward the first rib 30 and the second rib 31, has a corner rib 220 provided at a position spaced apart from the first rib 30 and the second rib 31.

[0110] According to the above configuration, the corner beam section 21 is equipped with a corner rib 220. This improves the rigidity of the four corners of the pallet 1. Furthermore, since the corner rib 220, the first rib 30, and the second rib 31 are located at a distance from each other, even if the pallet 1 falls and force concentrates at the corner, for example, the force is less likely to be transmitted directly from the corner rib 220 to the first rib 30 and the second rib 31, thus distributing and mitigating the force concentrated at the corner. This improves the rigidity of the four corners of the pallet 1.

[0111] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1 Palette 10, 10A, 10B Fork insertion slots 11 Fork insertion section 12 Mounting section 13 Upper deck section 14 Grounding part 15 Lower deck section 20 digits 21 Corner beam section 22 Intermediate girders 30. First Rib 31. Second Rib 32 Third Rib 40 Intermediate plate section 200 girder wall section 210 Corner section 220 Corner Ribs 230 Corner connecting section P1 junction P2, P3 extension start point R1, R2 reference line V1, V2 virtual lines β interior angle γ 1st inclination angle θ 2nd inclination angle

Claims

1. A pallet comprising a loading section on which cargo is placed, a plurality of beam sections extending downward from the loading section, and fork insertion sections provided between the plurality of beam sections and having fork insertion openings, At least one of the multiple girder sections is The girder wall portion that constitutes the outer periphery of the girder portion, The first rib and the second rib extend inward from the girder wall portion that constitutes the corner of the girder portion, Equipped with, The first rib and the second rib are The interior angle formed at the joint point where one end of each imaginary line extending the first rib and the second rib in a straight line joins is less than 90 degrees, and the other end of each imaginary line is positioned to intersect the fork insertion direction of the fork inserted into the fork insertion section. A palette characterized by its features.

2. The inner ends of the first rib and the second rib are connected, and one end of the connected inner ends is connected to a third rib, the other end of which extends toward the inner side of the girder or toward the girder wall. It is equipped with The pallet according to feature 1.

3. The multiple girder sections are, It includes a corner beam portion extending downward from the corner of the mounting portion, and an intermediate beam portion positioned between a pair of the corner beam portions, The first rib and the second rib provided in the intermediate girder section are Of the first, second, third, and fourth directions in which the fork is inserted, the corner closest to the fork insertion opening of the fork inserted from at least the first direction is provided. The first rib provided in the intermediate girder section is With respect to the aforementioned connection point, it is provided at an angle toward the fork insertion opening of the fork that is inserted from the first direction, The pallet according to feature 2.

4. The first rib and the second rib are Of the first, second, third, and fourth directions in which the fork is inserted, the corner closest to the fork insertion opening of the fork inserted from at least the first direction is provided. The first rib provided at the corner is inclined toward the fork insertion opening of the fork inserted from the first direction, with respect to the joint point, and the second rib is inclined toward the fork insertion opening of the fork inserted from the second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The pallet according to feature 2.

5. The multiple girder sections are, It includes a corner beam portion extending downward from the corner of the mounting portion, and an intermediate beam portion positioned between a pair of the corner beam portions, The first rib and the second rib provided in the intermediate girder section are Of the first, second, third, and fourth directions in which the fork is inserted, the corner closest to the fork insertion opening of the fork inserted from at least the first direction is provided. The imaginary lines passing through the extension start points, which are the connection points between the first rib and the second rib, which extend inward from the girder wall portion that constitutes the corner portion of the girder, are defined as follows: In the direction along the mounting surface of the aforementioned mounting portion, the reference line is a line perpendicular to the inner side of the girder portion, and with respect to the reference line, the second inclination angle of the second rib is smaller than the first inclination angle of the first rib. A pallet according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. At least one of the multiple girder sections is At the corner of the girder portion, an intermediate plate portion is provided, which extends horizontally from the girder wall portion at an intermediate position in the vertical direction that intersects the fork insertion direction of the fork. The aforementioned intermediate plate portion is It is provided at an inclination upward from the connection point with the girder wall, A pallet according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. It includes a lower deck section that connects the lower ends of multiple girder sections, At least one of the first rib and the second rib extends from the connection portion between the lower deck portion and the girder wall portion, and the height of the rib on the connection portion side of the first rib and the second rib is formed to be the same length as the length from the upper end to the lower end of the girder wall portion. A pallet according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The multiple girder sections are, It includes a corner beam portion extending downward from the corner of the mounting portion, and an intermediate beam portion positioned between a pair of the corner beam portions, The aforementioned corner beam section is, The corner girder portion is provided with a corner portion formed by the girder wall portion at a position opposite to the first rib and the second rib, One end of the corner section is connected to a corner connecting section where the girder wall sections of the corner section are connected, and the other end, which extends toward the first rib and the second rib, is provided with a corner rib located at a position separated from the first rib and the second rib. A pallet according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images