Pallets and methods for transporting and storing items using pallets

Abstract

To provide a pallet and a method for transporting and storing articles, which allows the arrangement of articles stored in a storage space of a pallet to be changed in a simple manner and is convenient for transporting and storing the articles. [Solution] In a method for transporting and storing an item, a pallet includes a first member and a second member that form a storage space in which the item is placed. The first member extends in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction. The second member is connected to an end of the first member on a second side in the second direction, and extends in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and in the first direction. When transporting an item placed in the storage space, the pallet is transported in a first state in which the third direction extends vertically and the first member is positioned below the second member. When storing the item placed in the storage space in a storage location, the pallet is placed in the storage location in a second state in which the second direction extends vertically and the second member is positioned below the first member.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to pallets and methods of using pallets to transport and store items. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, a pallet disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used to store items. This pallet is composed of a base, a rear frame, a right side frame, and a left side frame. A storage space for storing items is formed by the base, the rear frame, the right side frame, and the left side frame. The base is provided with a fork guide into which the claws of a forklift that transports the pallet can be inserted. This pallet is used with the base positioned downward in the extension direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-118185 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, in the interior design industry, which handles products related to the interior decoration of buildings, such as wallpaper to be affixed to the walls of buildings, products are sometimes loaded directly onto the loading platform of a transport device such as a truck without using a pallet. This causes problems such as a heavy burden on workers who load and unload the products onto and from the transport device. There are also problems such as products collapsing on the truck or falling off the loading platform. For this reason, the interior design industry needs a pallet that is convenient for transporting products.

[0005] Furthermore, in recent years, the interior industry has been in demand for pallets that allow the arrangement of products within the storage space of the pallet to be changed according to circumstances.For example, there is a demand for a pallet that allows the products to be stored in the storage space in an upright position when the pallet with products stored in the storage space is transported by a transport device such as a truck, and that allows the products to be stored in a horizontal position when the pallet with products stored in the storage space is stored in a storage location such as a warehouse. Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a pallet and a method for transporting and storing items that allows the arrangement of items stored in the storage space of a pallet to be changed in a simple manner, and is convenient for transporting and storing the items. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure can be realized in the following forms.

[0007] (1) According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for transporting and storing an item using a pallet. In this method for transporting and storing an item, the pallet includes a first member and a second member that form a storage space in which the item is placed. The first member extends in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction. The second member is connected to an end of the first member on a second side in the second direction, and extends in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and in the first direction. When transporting an item placed in the storage space, the pallet is transported in a first state in which the third direction extends vertically and the first member is disposed below the second member. When storing the item placed in the storage space in a storage location, the pallet is disposed in the storage location in a second state in which the second direction extends vertically and the second member is disposed below the first member. According to this method for transporting and storing items, the arrangement of the items placed in the storage space of the pallet can be switched in a simple manner. (2) In the method for transporting and storing an article having the above-described configuration, the pallet may include at least one first insertion hole formed in the first member and extending in the first direction. When switching the pallet from the first state to the second state or when switching the pallet from the second state to the first state, a claw of a transport device may be inserted into the first insertion hole, and the claw inserted into the first insertion hole may be rotated around a claw rotation center line. According to this method of transporting and storing items, the pallet can be made to have a simple structure, and the arrangement of the items placed in the storage space of the pallet can be changed in a simple manner. (3) In the method for transporting and storing an article of the above aspect, the pallet may include at least one first insertion hole formed in the first member and extending in the first direction, and at least one second insertion hole formed in the second member and extending in the first direction. When the pallet is switched from the first state to the second state, a claw portion of a transport device may be inserted into the first insertion hole or the second insertion hole, and the claw portion inserted into the first insertion hole or the second insertion hole may be rotated around a claw portion rotation center line. When the pallet is switched from the second state to the first state, the claw portion may be inserted into the second insertion hole or the first insertion hole, and the claw portion inserted into the second insertion hole or the first insertion hole may be rotated around the claw portion rotation center line. According to this embodiment of the method for transporting and storing articles, the first insertion hole and the second insertion hole are provided at positions where the claws of the transport device can be easily inserted, so that the pallet can be easily rotated. (4) According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a pallet used for transporting and storing an article. The pallet includes a first member extending in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, a second member connected to an end of the first member on a second side in the second direction and extending in the first direction and a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and a storage space formed by the first member and the second member. The first member or the second member includes at least one insertion hole extending in the first direction. According to this type of pallet, the member supporting the article can be switched between the first member and the second member by rotating the pallet using the insertion hole. Therefore, the arrangement state of the article placed in the storage space can be switched in a simple manner, and a pallet that is convenient for transporting and storing the article can be provided. (5) In the above-described pallet, the rotational position of the pallet may be configured to be switchable between a first state in which the third direction extends vertically and the first member is positioned below the second member, and a second state in which the second direction extends vertically and the second member is positioned below the first member, by inserting the claw of a conveying device into the first insertion hole and rotating it around the claw rotation center line. According to this form of pallet, the pallet can be simply configured while the arrangement of items placed in the storage space of the pallet can be changed in a simple manner, thereby providing a pallet that is convenient for transporting and storing items. (6) According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a pallet used for transporting and storing an article. The pallet includes a first member extending in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, a second member connected to an end of the first member on a first side in the first direction and extending in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and a storage space formed by the first member and the second member. The first member includes at least one first insertion hole extending in the first direction. The second member includes at least one second insertion hole extending in the first direction. According to this embodiment of the pallet, the member supporting the article can be switched between the first member and the second member by rotating the pallet using the first insertion hole and the second insertion hole. Therefore, the arrangement state of the article placed in the storage space can be switched in a simple manner, and a pallet that is convenient for transporting and storing the article can be provided. (7) In a pallet of the above-described form, the rotational position of the pallet may be configured to be switchable between a first state in which the third direction extends vertically and the first member is positioned below the second member, and a second state in which the second direction extends vertically and the second member is positioned below the first member, by inserting the claw portion of a conveying device into either the first insertion hole or the second insertion hole and rotating it around a claw portion rotation center line. With this type of pallet, either the first insertion hole or the second insertion hole is likely to be located at a position where the claws of the conveying device can be easily inserted, regardless of whether the rotation position of the pallet is in the first state or the second state. Therefore, it is possible to provide a pallet that is easy to rotate and is more convenient for transporting and storing items. (8) The pallet of the above embodiment may further include a third member connected to the end of the first member on the first side in the first direction and the end of the second member on the first side in the first direction and extending in the second direction and the third direction, and a fourth member connected to the end of the first member on the second side in the first direction and the end of the second member on the second side in the first direction and extending in the second direction and the third direction. According to the pallet of this embodiment, the articles placed in the storage space of the pallet can be supported from both sides in the first direction, thereby suppressing or preventing the collapse of the loaded articles. (9) The pallet of the above embodiment may further include a first connecting portion that rotatably connects the end portion of the third member on the first side in the third direction to the end portion of the first member on the first side in the first direction, and a second connecting portion that rotatably connects the end portion of the fourth member on the first side in the third direction to the end portion of the first member on the second side in the first direction. According to this form of pallet, the third member and the fourth member can be rotated and placed on the first member, which makes it easy to stack pallets on top of each other, and allows multiple pallets to be easily stored in a limited space. (10) The pallet of the above aspect may further include at least one movement restricting portion spanning between the third member and the fourth member. A pallet of this type can suppress or prevent items placed in the storage space of the pallet from falling over or falling out. (11) In the pallet of the above aspect, the first member may include at least one third insertion hole extending in the second direction, and the second member may include at least one fourth insertion hole extending in the third direction. According to this form of pallet, the pallet can be transported by the transport device without being rotated. The present disclosure may be realized in various forms other than a pallet and a method for transporting and storing items using a pallet, for example, a method for manufacturing a pallet, a method for rotating a pallet, etc. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a pallet according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of the pallet of the present embodiment during storage. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a palette in a second state. [Diagram 5] A process diagram showing how pallets are used to transport and store items. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a pallet according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] A. First embodiment: A1. Palette 100 consists of: The configuration of a pallet 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3. Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a pallet 100 according to the first embodiment. The pallet 100 is used for transporting and storing items. "Transporting items" includes transportation and transport by vehicles including trucks and the like. Transporting items may include transportation and transport by forklifts. Transporting items may also include transportation and transport by airplanes, trains, ships, and the like.

[0010] In the example of FIG. 1, the object OB is a roll of wallpaper wound into a cylindrical or columnar shape to be attached to the wall of a building. Wallpaper is sometimes called "cloth." Hereinafter, the direction in which the roll extends is defined as the "extension direction DE." Note that the object OB is not limited to wallpaper or a roll, and may be any object that can be placed in the storage space 100S formed in the pallet 100.

[0011] A label LB is attached to the end face of the item OB on the second side Z2 in the third direction. The label LB describes identification information of the item OB. "Identification information of the item OB" refers to various information that can identify the item OB, such as the product name, type, product number, lot number, dimensions, weight, and model number. The identification information of the item OB may be a character string, or may be a one-dimensional code, a multi-dimensional code, or an electronic tag that can output identification information. The label LB is not attached to the side of the item OB in order to avoid the label LB being hidden by other items OB and becoming unreadable when multiple items OB are stored on the pallet 100.

[0012] The pallet 100 includes a first member 60 and a second member 70. The first member 60 and the second member 70 form a storage space 100S for arranging an object OB. When there are multiple objects OB, in the example of Fig. 1, the objects OB are stored in order along a second direction DY (described later) toward a first side Y1 in the second direction.

[0013] In each figure including FIG. 1, three directions defined for the pallet 100 according to the present disclosure are shown diagrammatically. The "second direction DY" is one of the directions in which the first member 60 extends. In the second direction DY, the direction in which the second member 70 is disposed relative to the first member 60 is defined as the "second direction second side Y2", and the opposite side is defined as the "second direction first side Y1". The "first direction DX" is a direction in which the first member 60 extends that intersects with the second direction DY. In the example of FIG. 1, the first direction DX and the second direction DY are perpendicular to each other. One side of the first direction DX is defined as the "first direction first side X1", and the opposite side is defined as the "first direction second side X2". The first direction DX is also one of the directions in which the second member 70 extends. The "third direction DZ" is one of the directions in which the second member 70 extends. The third direction DZ is a direction intersecting the first direction DX and the second direction DY. In the example of FIG. 1, the third direction DZ is perpendicular to the first direction DX and the second direction DY. Of the third direction DZ, the direction in which the first member 60 is arranged relative to the second member 70 is defined as the "third direction first side Z1", and the opposite side is defined as the "third direction second side Z2". In a state in which the pallet 100 is arranged with the third direction DZ aligned vertically, the third direction second side Z2 may be called the "upper side", and the third direction first side Z1 may be called the "lower side". In a state in which the pallet 100 is arranged with the second direction DY aligned vertically, the second direction first side Y1 may be called the "upper side", and the second direction second side Y2 may be called the "lower side".

[0014] The first member 60 includes a first main body 68 and a first cover member 66. The first main body 68 is configured of a plate-like member having a substantially rectangular shape. The first main body 68 extends in the first direction DX and the second direction DY. The first main body 68 is sometimes called a flat pallet. The first main body 68 is formed using a metal material such as iron or aluminum. The first main body 68 may be made of resin or wood. The first main body 68 may be configured of a mesh-like or lattice-like frame member instead of a plate-like member.

[0015] The first cover member 66 is a resin panel or sheet thinner than the first main body 68. The first cover member 66 is attached to the surface of the first main body 68 on the second side Z2 in the third direction. When the pallet 100 is arranged in a first state described below, the first cover member 66 supports the article OB and functions as a buffer material that absorbs impacts on the article OB. The first cover member 66 may be made of metal or wood. The first cover member 66 and the first main body 68 may be formed integrally. The first cover member 66 may be omitted.

[0016] The second member 70 includes a second main body 78 and a second cover member 76. The second main body 78 is configured of a plate-like member having a substantially rectangular shape. The second main body 78 extends in the first direction DX and the third direction DZ. The second main body 78 is sometimes called a so-called flat pallet. The second main body 78 is formed using a resin material such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE). The second main body 78 is connected to an end of the first main body 68 of the first member 60 on the second side Y2 in the second direction. In this embodiment, the first main body 68 of the first member 60 and the second main body 78 of the second member 70 are firmly fixed by fastening using a fastener (not shown). The second main body 78 may be made of metal instead of resin. The second main body 78 may be configured of a mesh-like or lattice-like frame member instead of a plate-like frame member. The first main body 68 and the second main body 78 may be integrally formed. The shape of the second member 70 may be the same as the shape of the first member 60. In this case, the productivity of the first member 60 and the second member 70 can be improved.

[0017] The second cover member 76 is a resin panel or sheet thinner than the thickness of the second body 78. The second cover member 76 is attached to the surface of the second body 78 on the first side Y1 in the second direction. When the pallet 100 is arranged in a second state described later, the second cover member 76 supports the item OB and functions as a buffer material that absorbs impact on the item OB. The second cover member 76 may be made of metal. The second cover member 76 and the second body 78 may be integrally formed. Also, the second cover member 76, the second body 78, the first cover member 66, and the first body 68 may be integrally formed. That is, the second member 70 and the first member 60 may be integrally formed. By configuring in this way, the pallet 100 and the storage space 100S can be formed with a simple configuration without using a fixing tool.

[0018] In this embodiment, the pallet 100 further includes a third member 30 and a fourth member 40. The third member 30 and the fourth member 40 function as so-called side plates. The pallet 100 including the third member 30 and the fourth member 40 may also be called a box pallet.

[0019] The third member 30 is connected to an end of the first member 60 on the first side X1 in the first direction and an end of the second member 70 on the first side X1 in the first direction. The third member 30 is a panel having a substantially rectangular shape. The third member 30 is formed using a resin material such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE). The third member 30 may be made of wood or metal instead of resin. The third member 30 may be configured of a mesh-like or lattice-like frame member instead of a panel. The third member 30 includes a first connecting portion 31, a first end support 34, and a first support 36. The third member 30 is detachably connected to the end of the second member 70 on the first side X1 in the first direction by a fixing device (not shown) or the like.

[0020] The fourth member 40 is connected to an end of the first member 60 on the second side X2 in the first direction and an end of the second member 70 on the second side X2 in the first direction. The fourth member 40 includes a second connecting portion 42, a second end support 44, and a second support 46. The fourth member 40 is detachably connected to the end of the second member 70 on the second side X2 in the first direction by a fastener (not shown) or the like. The other configuration of the fourth member 40 is similar to that of the third member 30, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0021] The first end support 34 and the first support 36 are provided near the end of the third member 30 on the second side Z2 in the third direction. The second end support 44 and the second support 46 are provided at a position facing the first end support 34 and the first support 36 near the end of the fourth member 40 on the second side Z2 in the third direction.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the first end support 34 and the second end support 44 support the movement restricting portion 80. The movement restricting portion 80 is a generally rod-shaped member made of metal such as iron. The first end support 34 is configured so that the end of the movement restricting portion 80 on the second side X2 in the first direction can be detached, and the second end support 44 is configured so that the end of the movement restricting portion 80 on the first side X1 in the first direction can be detached. By fixing the movement restricting portion 80 to the first end support 34 and the second end support 44, the article OB on the first member 60 is prevented from falling over and from falling off from the first side Y1 in the second direction. The movement restricting portion 80 is not limited to being made of metal, but may be made of rubber or resin, and is not limited to being rod-shaped, but may be string-shaped or plate-shaped.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the first support 36 and the second support 46 support the movement restricting portion 80. In this embodiment, the third member 30 has a plurality of first support members 36 (four in the example of FIG. 1). The plurality of first support members 36 are arranged at equal intervals toward the second direction second side Y2 with respect to the first end support member 34. The fourth member 40 has a plurality of second support members 46 (four in the example of FIG. 1). The plurality of second support members 46 are arranged at equal intervals toward the second direction second side Y2 with respect to the second end support member 44. By bridging the movement restricting portion 80 between any combination of the first support members 36 and the second support members 46, the arrangement position of the movement restricting portion 80 in the second direction DY can be adjusted. Therefore, the movement restricting portion 80 can be arranged at an appropriate position according to the number of objects OB arranged in the storage space 100S.

[0024] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 42. As shown in FIG. 2, the first connecting portion 31 connects the third member 30 to the first member 60 so that the third member 30 is rotatable relative to the first member 60. Specifically, the first connecting portion 31 connects an end portion of the first member 60 on the first side X1 in the first direction and an end portion of the third member 30 on the first side Z1 in the third direction. The first connecting portion 31 rotates the third member 30 about a first rotation axis AX1 along the second direction DY.

[0025] As a result, the third member 30 can be switched between an upright state 30S1 shown by a dashed line in Fig. 2 and a stored state 30S2 shown by a solid line. In the upright state 30S1, the third member 30 extends along the second direction DY and the third direction DZ. In the stored state 30S2, the third member 30 extends along the first direction DX and the second direction DY.

[0026] 2, the second connecting portion 42 connects the fourth member 40 to the first member 60 so that the fourth member 40 is rotatable relative to the first member 60. Specifically, the second connecting portion 42 connects an end portion of the first member 60 on the second side X2 in the first direction and an end portion of the fourth member 40 on the first side Z1 in the third direction. The second connecting portion 42 rotates the fourth member 40 about a second rotation axis AX2 along the second direction DY.

[0027] As a result, the fourth member 40 can be switched between an upright state 40S1 shown by a dashed line in Fig. 2 and a stored state 40S2 shown by a solid line. In the upright state 40S1, the fourth member 40 extends along the second direction DY and the third direction DZ. In the stored state 40S2, the fourth member 40 extends along the first direction DX and the second direction DY.

[0028] The pallet 100 in a state where the third member 30 is in the upright state 30S1 and the fourth member 40 is in the upright state 40S1 functions as a so-called box pallet and is used exclusively for transporting or storing the article OB. The pallet 100 in a state where the third member 30 is in the storage state 30S2 and the fourth member 40 is in the storage state 40S2 is used exclusively when the article OB is not placed in the storage space 100S, for example, when storing an unused pallet 100.

[0029] Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of the pallet 100 of this embodiment during storage. Fig. 3 shows a state in which a plurality of pallets 100 are stacked with the third member 30 in the storage state 30S2 and the fourth member 40 in the storage state 40S2. Note that Fig. 3 shows an example in which the pallets 100 are stacked by stacking the first member 60 on the fourth member 40 in the storage state 40S2. In contrast to this, the pallets 100 may be stacked by stacking the second member 70 on the second member 70.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, in the pallet 100 of this embodiment, the second rotation axis AX2 of the second connecting portion 42 is disposed on the second side Z2 in the third direction with respect to the first rotation axis AX1 of the first connecting portion 31 by a distance equal to or greater than the thickness of the third member 30. As a result, the fourth member 40 in the storage state 40S2 can be disposed on the second side Z2 in the third direction of the third member 30 in the storage state 30S2. Moreover, the fourth member 40 in the storage state 40S2 and the third member 30 in the storage state 30S2 can be disposed in a state in which they face each other closely and are parallel to each other. Therefore, the pallet 100 can be stored in a compact state, and multiple pallets 100 can be stored in a limited space.

[0031] A2. How to rotate Pallet 100: A method of rotating the pallet 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 1, in the pallet 100 according to this embodiment, a first insertion hole 61 is formed in the first body 68, and a second insertion hole 72 is formed in the second body 78. The first insertion hole 61 and the second insertion hole 72 are configured so that the claw portion 202 of the conveying device 200 can be inserted therein. The first insertion hole 61 and the second insertion hole 72 are used exclusively for the rotation of the pallet 100 by the conveying device 200. The first insertion hole 61 and the second insertion hole 72 may be used for conveying the pallet 100. The first insertion hole 61 is an example of an "insertion hole" or "first insertion hole", and the second insertion hole 72 is an example of an "insertion hole" or "second insertion hole".

[0032] The conveying device 200 is, for example, a forklift. The conveying device 200 has two claws 202. The claws 202 are also called forks. The conveying device 200 is configured to be able to rotate the claws 202. Specifically, the conveying device 200 is configured to be able to rotate the claws 202 in either a clockwise direction R1 or a counterclockwise direction R2 around a rotation axis RX when the pallet 100 is viewed from the conveying device 200. The rotation axis RX is an example of a "claw rotation center line". The conveying device 200 can be switched between a "first rotation state" in which the two claws 202 are arranged approximately along the second direction DY at a position on the third direction first side Z1 from the rotation axis RX, and a "second rotation state" in which the two claws 202 are arranged approximately along the third direction DZ at a position on the second direction first side Y1 from the rotation axis RX. Note that FIG. 1 shows the conveying device 200 in the first rotation state. The state in which the two claws 202 are arranged generally along the second direction DY at a position on the second side Z2 in the third direction from the rotation axis RX may also be referred to as a “third rotation state.” The state in which the two claws 202 are arranged generally along the third direction DZ at a position on the second side Y2 in the second direction from the rotation axis RX may also be referred to as a “fourth rotation state.”

[0033] The first insertion hole 61 is a through hole formed from an end of the first member 60 on the first side X1 in the first direction to an end of the first side X2 in the first direction along the first direction DX. The second insertion hole 72 is a through hole formed from an end of the second member 70 on the first side X1 in the first direction to an end of the first side X2 in the first direction along the first direction DX. Note that the first insertion hole 61 and the second insertion hole 72 may be formed as a recess having a bottom on the second side X2 in the first direction instead of a through hole, provided that the claw portion 202 can be inserted therein.

[0034] The pallet 100 is configured to be switchable between a first state and a second state by rotation of the pallet 100 by the conveying device 200. More specifically, the conveying device 200 can switch the pallet 100 between the first state and the second state by rotating the claws 202 to switch between the first rotation state and the second rotation state.

[0035] The "first state" refers to a state in which the third direction DZ of the pallet 100 extends vertically, and the first member 60 is disposed below the second member 70. The "state in which the first member 60 is disposed below the second member 70" refers to a state in which the entire first member 60 is disposed below the upper end of the second member 70, and includes a state in which a part of the second member 70 is disposed at the same height as the first member 60.

[0036] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the pallet 100 in a second state. The "second state" is a state in which the second direction DY of the pallet 100 extends vertically, and the second member 70 is disposed below the first member 60. "A state in which the second member 70 is disposed below the first member 60" refers to a state in which the entire second member 70 is disposed below the upper end of the first member 60, and includes a state in which a part of the first member 60 is disposed at the same height as the second member 70.

[0037] The process of switching from the first state to the second state will be described. For example, the conveying device 200 inserts the claw portion 202 in the first rotation state into the first insertion hole 61 from the first side X1 in the first direction toward the second side X2 in the first direction, and lifts the pallet 100 in the first state. The conveying device 200 rotates the claw portion 202 about the rotation axis RX toward the direction R1 by approximately 90 degrees. As a result, the claw portion 202 is switched to the second rotation state. The lifted pallet 100 in the first state rotates about the rotation axis RX toward the direction R1 by 90 degrees, and is switched to the second state shown in FIG. 4. When the conveying device 200 places the pallet 100 in the second state at a placement location such as the ground, the claw portion 202 is removed from the first insertion hole 61, and the process of switching from the first state to the second state is completed. The pallet 100 may be switched from the first state to the second state by inserting the claw portion 202 in the fourth rotation state into the second insertion hole 72 and rotating the claw portion 202 in the direction R1.

[0038] When rotating the pallet 100, the conveying device 200 may support the pallet 100 using an arm or the like separate from the claw portion 202 in addition to the claw portion 202. For example, when the conveying device 200 rotates the pallet 100 by inserting the claw portion 202 into the first insertion hole 61 of the first member 60, the pallet 100 can be rotated in a state where a position away from the first insertion hole 61 (for example, an end portion of the second member 70 on the second side Z2 in the third direction) is supported by the arm. In this case, the pallet 100 can be rotated in a more stable state than when only the claw portion 202 is used. Therefore, it is possible to suppress or prevent an impact on the object OB when the pallet 100 is rotated.

[0039] 1 shows an example in which the claw portion 202 is inserted from a position on the first side X1 in the first direction relative to the pallet 100. Alternatively, the claw portion 202 may be inserted from a position on the second side X2 in the first direction relative to the pallet 100. In this case, the claw portion 202 in the first rotated state is inserted into the first insertion hole 61 from the second side X2 in the first direction toward the first side X1 in the first direction, and then rotated by 90 degrees around the rotation axis RX toward the direction R2, thereby achieving the same effect as above.

[0040] Next, a process of switching from the second state to the first state will be described. For example, the conveying device 200 inserts the claw portion 202 in the second rotation state into the second insertion hole 72 of the second member 70 from the first side X1 in the first direction toward the second side X2 in the first direction, and lifts the pallet 100 in the second state. The conveying device 200 rotates the claw portion 202 about the rotation axis RX toward the direction R2 by approximately 90 degrees. As a result, the claw portion 202 is switched to the first rotation state. The lifted pallet 100 in the second state rotates about the rotation axis RX toward the direction R2 by 90 degrees, and is switched to the first state shown in FIG. 1. When the conveying device 200 places the pallet 100 in the first state at a placement location such as the ground, the claw portion 202 is removed from the second insertion hole 72, and the process of switching from the second state to the first state is completed. The pallet 100 may be switched from the second state to the first state by inserting the claw portion 202 in the third rotated state into the first insertion hole 61 and rotating the claw portion 202 in the direction R2.

[0041] 4 shows an example in which the claw portion 202 is inserted from a position on the first side X1 in the first direction relative to the pallet 100. Alternatively, the claw portion 202 may be inserted from a position on the second side X2 in the first direction relative to the pallet 100. In this case, the claw portion 202 in the second rotated state is inserted into the second insertion hole 72 from the second side X2 in the first direction toward the first side X1 in the first direction, and then rotated by 90 degrees around the rotation axis RX toward the direction R1, thereby achieving the same effect as above.

[0042] A3. How to transport pallet 100: 1, in the pallet 100 of this embodiment, a third insertion hole 63 is further formed in the first body 68, and a fourth insertion hole 74 is formed in the second body 78. The third insertion hole 63 and the fourth insertion hole 74 are configured so that the claws 202 of the conveying device 200 can be inserted into them. The third insertion hole 63 and the fourth insertion hole 74 are used exclusively for parallel conveyance of the pallet 100 by the conveying device 200. "Parallel conveyance" means that the conveying device 200 is used to convey the pallet 100 in the first state or the second state without rotating it.

[0043] The third insertion hole 63 is a through hole formed from an end of the first member 60 on the second direction first side Y1 along the second direction DY to an end of the second direction second side Y2. The fourth insertion hole 74 is a through hole formed from an end of the second member 70 on the third direction second side Z2 along the third direction DZ to an end of the third direction first side Z1. Note that the third insertion hole 63 and the fourth insertion hole 74 may be formed as a recess having a bottom on the third direction first side Z1 instead of a through hole, provided that the claw portion 202 can be inserted therein.

[0044] When the pallet 100 is placed in the first state, the conveying device 200 inserts the claw portion 202 in the second rotation state into the third insertion hole 63, and lifts the pallet 100 in the first state to convey it in parallel. Therefore, the articles OB can be conveyed in a well-balanced manner. When the pallet 100 is placed in the second state, the conveying device 200 inserts the claw portion 202 into the fourth insertion hole 74, and lifts the pallet 100 in the second state to convey it in parallel. Therefore, the articles OB can be conveyed in a well-balanced manner. When the conveying device 200 places the pallet 100 in the placement location, the conveying device 200 removes the claw portion 202 from the third insertion hole 63 or the fourth insertion hole 74 to complete the parallel conveyance.

[0045] The pallet 100 can be transported in parallel in any of the following states: the claw portion 202 in the first rotation state is inserted into the first insertion hole 61; the claw portion 202 inserted into the first insertion hole 61 is rotated to obtain the second rotation state; the claw portion 202 in the first rotation state is inserted into the second insertion hole 72; and the claw portion 202 inserted into the second insertion hole 72 is rotated to obtain the second rotation state.

[0046] A4. How to transport and store goods: A method for transporting and storing an object OB using the pallet 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a process diagram showing a method for transporting and storing an object OB using the pallet 100 according to this embodiment. The process shown in Fig. 5 is performed when a pallet 100 on which a product has been manufactured and placed in a storage space 100S is transported to a destination such as a warehouse and stored at the destination.

[0047] In this embodiment, the object OB to be transported by the pallet 100 is a roll of wallpaper. For example, when the wallpaper rolls are manufactured, they are arranged in the storage space 100S of the pallet 100 in the first state with the extension direction DE approximately parallel to the vertical direction, as shown in Fig. 1. Also, as shown in Fig. 4, the wallpaper rolls can be stacked in the storage space 100S of the pallet 100 in the second state with the extension direction DE approximately parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0048] Here, if the wallpaper roll is transported by a vehicle such as a truck with the extension direction DE approximately parallel to the horizontal direction, the quality of the wallpaper may be degraded due to collisions or wear between the sides of the wallpaper caused by vibrations of the vehicle during transport. In addition, when transporting multiple rolls, it is preferable to suppress or prevent them from falling off the loading platform or collapsing. Therefore, when transporting by a vehicle, the wallpaper roll is preferably transported using a pallet 100 with the extension direction DE extending vertically.

[0049] Furthermore, if the wallpaper roll is stored with the extension direction DE extending vertically, the label LB attached to the end face of the third direction second side Z2 of the object OB must be read from the vertically upper side, which is inconvenient. Furthermore, if a plurality of pallets 100 containing products are stacked vertically and stored, the labels LB of the products contained in the pallets 100 on the vertically lower side may be hidden by the pallets 100 stacked vertically on the upper side, making it difficult to read the labels LB. Furthermore, if the wallpaper roll is stored with the extension direction DE extending vertically, the roll is likely to lose balance when picking the pallets 100. If the wallpaper roll falls over, the wall may be damaged and the quality may be reduced. As described above, when stored in a warehouse or the like, it is preferable that the wallpaper roll has the extension direction DE extending horizontally.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 5, in step S10, the pallet 100 containing the manufactured objects OB is transported by a transport device such as a truck. Specifically, first, the pallet 100 in the first state is loaded onto the transport device by the transport device 200 or the like. As shown in Fig. 1, the objects OB are arranged in the storage space 100S of the pallet 100 in the first state with the extension direction DE being approximately parallel to the vertical direction.

[0051] The pallet 100 is transported in the first state by a transport device such as a truck. By transporting in the first state, damage to the wallpaper can be prevented. When the pallet 100 arrives at the destination, the pallet 100 is unloaded from the transport device by the transport device 200 at the destination. Since the pallet 100 is used for unloading, it is possible to suppress or prevent the products from collapsing or falling off the loading platform. The transport device 200 unloads the pallet 100 by inserting the claws 202 into the first insertion hole 61, the second insertion hole 72, or the third insertion hole 63 of the pallet 100. The unloaded pallet 100 is transported to the planned placement position.

[0052] The wallpaper rolls may be arranged on the pallet 100 in the second state at the time of manufacture with the extension direction DE approximately parallel to the horizontal direction. In this case, the conveying device 200 rotates the pallet 100 stored in the second state to switch it to the first state and load it onto the conveying device. The conveying device 200 inserts the claws 202 into the first insertion holes 61 or the second insertion holes 72 and rotates it around the rotation axis RX (direction R2 in the example of FIG. 4). This switches the pallet 100 from the second state to the first state, and the extension direction DE of the object OB arranged on the pallet 100 is switched from a state in which it was approximately parallel to the horizontal direction to a state in which it is approximately parallel to the vertical direction. The switching of the pallet 100 from the second state to the first state may be performed at any timing before loading onto the conveying device.

[0053] In step S20, the conveying device 200 rotates the pallet 100 conveyed in the first state to switch it to the second state. Specifically, the conveying device 200 inserts the claws 202 into the first insertion holes 61 or the second insertion holes 72, and rotates it around the rotation axis RX (direction R1 in the example of FIG. 1). As a result, the extension direction DE of the article OB arranged on the pallet 100 is switched from a state in which it was approximately parallel to the vertical direction to a state in which it is approximately parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0054] In step S30, the conveying device 200 places the pallet 100, which has been switched to the second state, at the intended placement position. The pallet 100 is stored in the second state. By storing the pallet 100 in the second state, the label LB becomes easier to read when attached to an end face of the article OB contained in the pallet 100. Therefore, the pallet 100 can be stored in a state that is convenient for identifying the article OB. In addition, it is possible to suppress or prevent the article OB from being knocked over when picking the pallet 100.

[0055] A5.Effects: As described above, according to the method for transporting and storing the article OB using the pallet 100 of this embodiment, when transporting the article OB arranged in the storage space 100S, the pallet 100 is transported in a first state in which the third direction DZ extends vertically and the first member 60 is arranged below the second member 70. When storing the article OB arranged in the storage space 100S in a storage location, the pallet 100 is arranged in a second state in which the second direction DY extends vertically and the second member 70 is arranged below the first member 60. Since the rotational position of the pallet 100 is switched between when the pallet 100 is transported and when it is stored, it is possible to provide a suitable transport method and storage method according to the article OB. It is possible to provide a transport method and storage method that can switch the arrangement state of the article OB arranged in the storage space 100S of the pallet 100 in a simple manner.

[0056] According to the method for transporting and storing the article OB according to the present embodiment, when transporting the article OB arranged in the storage space 100S, the claw portion 202 of the transport device 200 is inserted, for example, into the second insertion hole 72, and the claw portion 202 inserted into the second insertion hole 72 is rotated around the claw portion rotation center line to switch the pallet 100 to the first state. When storing the article OB arranged in the storage space 100S in a storage location, the claw portion 202 is inserted, for example, into the first insertion hole 61, and the claw portion 202 inserted into the first insertion hole 61 is rotated around the claw portion rotation center line to switch the pallet 100 to the second state. Therefore, by providing the first insertion hole 61 and the second insertion hole 72 at positions where the claw portion 202 of the transport device 200 can be easily inserted, the pallet 100 can be easily rotated.

[0057] The pallet 100 according to the present embodiment includes a first member 60 extending in a first direction DX and a second direction DY intersecting the first direction DX, a second member 70 connected to an end of the first member 60 on the first side X1 of the first direction and extending in a third direction DZ intersecting the first direction DX and the second direction DY and the first direction DX, and a storage space 100S formed by the first member 60 and the second member 70. The first member 60 includes at least one first insertion hole 61 extending in the first direction DX. The second member 70 includes at least one second insertion hole 72 extending in the first direction DX. By rotating the pallet 100 using the first insertion hole 61 and the second insertion hole 72, the member supporting the article OB, i.e., the bottom surface of the pallet 100, can be easily switched between the first member 60 and the second member 70. Therefore, the arrangement state of the objects OB arranged in the storage space 100S can be easily switched between transportation and storage, making it possible to provide a pallet 100 that is convenient for transporting and storing the objects OB.

[0058] In the pallet 100 according to the present embodiment, the rotational position of the pallet 100 can be adjusted to a first state in which the third direction DZ extends vertically and the first member 60 is disposed below the second member 70 by inserting the claw portion 202 of the conveying device 200 into either the first insertion hole 61 or the second insertion hole 72 and rotating it around the claw portion rotation center line. In addition, the second state can be switched to a second state in which the second direction DY extends vertically and the second member 70 is disposed below the first member 60 by inserting the claw portion 202 into either the first insertion hole 61 or the second insertion hole 72 and rotating it around the claw portion rotation center line. Either the first insertion hole 61 or the second insertion hole 72 is disposed at a position where the claw portion 202 can be easily inserted regardless of whether the rotational position of the pallet 100 is in the first state or the second state. Therefore, the pallet 100 can be easily rotated, and a pallet 100 that is more convenient for transporting and storing the article OB can be provided.

[0059] The pallet 100 of this embodiment includes a third member 30 connected to an end of the first direction first side X1 of the first member 60 and an end of the first direction first side X1 of the second member 70, and extending in the second direction DY and the third direction DZ, and a fourth member 40 connected to an end of the first direction second side X2 of the first member 60 and an end of the first direction first side X1 of the second member 70, and extending in the second direction DY and the third direction DZ. The pallet 100 can support the article OB placed on the first member 60 or the second member 70 from both sides of the third member 30 and the fourth member 40. Therefore, it is possible to suppress or prevent the collapse of the article OB placed in the storage space 100S of the pallet 100.

[0060] The pallet 100 of this embodiment includes a first connecting portion 31 that rotatably connects an end portion of the third member 30 on the first side Z1 in the third direction to an end portion of the first member 60 on the first side X1 in the first direction, and a second connecting portion 42 that rotatably connects an end portion of the fourth member 40 on the first side Z1 in the third direction to an end portion of the first member 60 on the second side X2 in the first direction. The third member 30 and the fourth member 40 can be rotated to be placed on the first member 60. This makes it easy to stack the pallets 100 on the first member 60 or the second member 70 of the pallet 100. This makes it easy to store multiple pallets 100 in a limited space.

[0061] The pallet 100 of this embodiment further includes at least one movement restricting portion 80 spanning between the third member 30 and the fourth member 40. The movement restricting portion 80 can suppress or prevent the article OB on the first member 60 from falling over and from falling off from the first side Y1 in the second direction.

[0062] According to the pallet 100 of this embodiment, the first member 60 includes at least one third insertion hole 63 extending in the second direction DY, and the second member 70 includes at least one fourth insertion hole 74 extending in the third direction DZ. Therefore, the conveying device 200 can be used to convey the pallet 100 in the first state or the second state without rotating it.

[0063] B. Second embodiment: 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a pallet 100b according to the second embodiment. The pallet 100b according to the second embodiment differs from the pallet 100 of the first embodiment in that it includes a second member 70b instead of the second member 70, and is otherwise similar in configuration to the pallet 100.

[0064] The second member 70b differs from the second member 70 shown in the first embodiment in that the second insertion hole 72 is not formed and in that the second member 70b further includes a recess 79, but other configurations are similar to those of the second member 70. In this embodiment, the conveying device 200 rotates the pallet 100b using only the first insertion hole 61 of the first member 60.

[0065] When transporting the article OB arranged in the storage space 100S, the claw portion 202 of the transport device 200 is inserted into the first insertion hole 61 or the third insertion hole 63. When storing the article OB arranged in the storage space 100S in a storage location, the claw portion 202 is inserted into the first insertion hole 61, and the claw portion 202 inserted into the first insertion hole 61 is rotated around the claw portion rotation center line, thereby switching the pallet 100b to the second state. According to the pallet 100b configured in this manner, it is possible to provide a transport method and a storage method that can switch the arrangement state of the article OB arranged in the storage space 100S of the pallet 100b in a simple manner while making the pallet 100b have a simple configuration, as in the first embodiment described above.

[0066] The recess 79 is formed on the surface of the second member 70b on the first side Y1 in the second direction, specifically, on the surface of the second cover member 76. The recess 79 has a shape corresponding to the curved surface of the roll body. Therefore, when the pallet 100b is in the second state and an article OB whose extension direction DE is approximately parallel to the horizontal direction is placed on the second member 70b, the side surface of the article OB is supported by the recess 79. Therefore, according to the pallet 100b of this form, when the pallet 100b is in the second state, it is possible to suppress or prevent the roll body from moving on the second member 70b.

[0067] C. Other embodiments: The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be realized in various configurations without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the technical features in the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each aspect described in the Summary of the Invention column can be appropriately replaced or combined in order to solve some or all of the above-mentioned problems or to achieve some or all of the above-mentioned effects. Furthermore, if the technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

[0068] Further, in view of the spirit of the present invention and the above-mentioned embodiments and their modifications, the following aspects are constructed, at least one of which may be adopted alone or in combination with at least one of the features recited in the claims, the pallets 100 and 100b of the above-mentioned embodiments, the modifications, and the claims. [Aspect 1] the first side wall portion includes at least one first support configured to be capable of fixing one end of a regulating member that regulates the movement of the article placed on the first base outward beyond an end portion of the first base on a second side in a first direction, The second side wall portion includes at least one second support configured to be able to fix the other end of the restricting member. The first end support 34 and the first support 36 are an example of a "first support." The second end support 44 and the second support 46 are an example of a "second support." [Aspect 2] The first base has a width in the first direction and a width in the third direction of not less than 1050 mm and not more than 1150 mm. A pallet of this type can be provided that can be efficiently placed on a large truck, for example, whose loading platform is approximately 2.2 meters or more wide. [Aspect 3] The first member and the second member have the same shape. According to the pallet of this embodiment, the productivity of the first member and the second member can be improved, and the productivity of the pallet can be improved. [Aspect 4] The article is a roll having a cylindrical or columnar shape. [Aspect 5] The second member has a recess corresponding to the curved surface of the roll body. According to the pallet of this embodiment, it is possible to suppress or prevent the roll body from moving on the second member. [Aspect 6] The second member includes a flat cover member on a surface on a first side in a second direction. The second cover member 76 is an example of a "cover member." With a pallet of this form, it is possible to suppress or prevent damage to an article placed on the pallet due to the surface shape of the second member. In the case where the article is a roll body, it is possible to suppress or prevent marks due to the uneven shape of the surface of the second member from being left on the roll body even if the article is placed on the second member with the extension direction extending horizontally. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 30...third member, 30S1...standing state, 30S2...storage state, 31...first connecting portion, 34...first end support, 36...first support, 40...fourth member, 40S1...standing state, 40S2...storage state, 42...second connecting portion, 44...second end support, 46...second support, 60...first member, 61...first insertion hole, 63...third insertion hole, 66...first cover member, 68...first main body, 70, 70b...second member, 72...second insertion hole, 74...fourth insertion hole, 76...second cover member, 78...second main body, 79...recess, 80...movement restricting portion, 100, 100b...pallet, 100S...storage space, 200...conveyor device, 202...claw portion, AX1...first rotating shaft, AX2...second rotating shaft, LB...label, OB...article, RX...rotating shaft

Claims

1. 1. A method of transporting and storing items using pallets, comprising the steps of: The pallet includes a first member and a second member that form a storage space in which an article is placed, The first member (i) extends in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, and (ii) has a first housing surface that defines the housing space, a first bottom surface that is configured to be groundable on a side opposite to the first housing surface, and a plurality of first side surfaces that are connected to the first housing surface and the first bottom surface; The second member (i) is connected to an end portion of the first member on a second side in the second direction, and extends in the first direction and a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and (ii) has a second storage surface that defines the storage space, a second bottom surface that is configured to be groundable on the side opposite to the second storage surface, and a plurality of second side surfaces that are connected to the second storage surface and the second bottom surface, When transporting an article arranged in the storage space, the pallet is transported in a first state in which the third direction extends vertically and the first member is arranged below the second member, When storing the item placed in the storage space in a storage location, the pallet is placed in the storage location in a second state in which the second direction extends in the vertical direction and the second member is placed below the first member. How items are transported and stored.

2. A method for transporting and storing the item of claim 1, comprising: The shape of the first member and the shape of the second member are the same. How items are transported and stored.

3. A method for transporting and storing the item of claim 1, comprising: The first member or the second member includes a support portion that supports a side surface of the article. How items are transported and stored.

4. A method for transporting and storing an article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the steps of: The pallet is rotated by a conveying device around a central axis parallel to the first direction, thereby switching the pallet between the first state and the second state. How items are transported and stored.

5. A method for transporting and storing an item as recited in claim 4, comprising: At least one of the first member and the second member includes at least one insertion hole extending in the first direction. How items are transported and stored.

6. A method for transporting and storing an item according to claim 5, comprising: The rotation position of the pallet is configured to be switchable between the first state and the second state by inserting a claw portion of the conveying device into the at least one insertion hole and rotating the pallet around a claw portion rotation center line. How items are transported and stored.

Images