Palette

Abstract

It is possible to change the arrangement state of articles stored in the storage space of a pallet in a simple manner, and a pallet and a method for transporting and storing articles, which are convenient for transporting and storing articles, are provided. 【Solution means】In a method for transporting and storing articles, a pallet includes a first member and a second member that form a storage space in which the articles are arranged. The first member extends in a first direction and a second direction that intersects the first direction. The second member is connected to an end portion on the second side in the second direction of the first member and extends in a third direction that intersects the first direction and the second direction and the first direction. When transporting the articles arranged in the storage space, the pallet is transported in a first state in which the third direction extends in the vertical direction and the first member is arranged below the second member. When storing the articles arranged in the storage space in a storage location, the pallet is arranged in the storage location in a second state in which the second direction extends in the vertical direction and the second member is arranged below the first member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pallet and a method for transporting and storing articles using the pallet.

Background Art

[0002] When storing an article, for example, the pallet disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used. This pallet is composed of a base, a rear frame, a right side frame, and a left side frame. A storage space for accommodating the article 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 claw portion of a forklift for transporting the pallet can be inserted. This pallet is used with the base disposed downward in the extension direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, in the interior industry that handles products related to building interiors, such as wallpapers pasted on the walls of buildings, products may be directly loaded onto the loading platform of a transport device such as a truck without using a pallet. Therefore, there has been a problem that the load on workers who load products onto the transport device and unload them from the transport device increases. In addition, there have been problems such as the collapse of products loaded on a truck and the products falling off the loading platform. Therefore, in the interior industry, a pallet that facilitates the transportation of products is desired.

[0005] In recent years, in the interior industry, there has been a demand for a pallet that can change the arrangement state of products in the storage space of the pallet according to the situation. For example, when transporting a pallet with products stored in the storage space using a transport device such as a truck, the products in the storage space are stored in a vertical state, and when storing a pallet with products stored in the storage space in a storage location such as a warehouse, a pallet that can store the products in a horizontal state in the storage space of the pallet is desired. Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a pallet and a method for transporting and storing articles that can change the arrangement state of articles stored in the storage space of the pallet in a simple manner and are convenient for transporting and storing articles.

Means for Solving the Problems

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

[0007] (1) According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for transporting and storing articles using a pallet is provided. In this method for transporting and storing articles, the pallet includes a first member and a second member that form a storage space in which the articles are arranged. The first member extends in a first direction and a second direction that intersects the first direction. The second member is connected to an end portion of the first member on the second side in the second direction, and extends in a third direction that intersects the first direction and the second direction and the first direction. When transporting the articles arranged in the storage space, the third direction extends in the vertical direction, and the pallet is transported in a first state in which the first member is disposed below the second member. When storing the articles arranged in the storage space in a storage location, the second direction extends in the vertical direction, and the pallet is disposed in the storage location in a second state in which the second member is disposed below the first member. According to the method for transporting and storing articles of this aspect, the arrangement state of the articles arranged in the storage space of the pallet can be switched in a simple manner. (2) In the method of transporting and storing the article of the above-described embodiment, 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, the claw portion of the transport device may be inserted into the first insertion hole, and the claw portion inserted into the first insertion hole may be rotated around the claw portion rotation center line. According to the method of transporting and storing the article of this embodiment, while the pallet has a simple configuration, the arrangement state of the articles arranged in the accommodation space of the pallet can be switched by a simple method. (3) In the method of transporting and storing the article of the above-described embodiment, 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 switching the pallet from the first state to the second state, the claw portion of the 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 the claw portion rotation center line. When switching the pallet 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 the method of transporting and storing the article of this embodiment, by providing the first insertion hole and the second insertion hole at positions where the claw portion of the transport device can be easily inserted, the pallet can be easily rotated. (4) According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a pallet used for transporting and storing articles is provided. This 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 portion on the second side in the second direction of the first member and extending in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction and the first direction, and an accommodation 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 the pallet of this form, by rotating the pallet using the insertion hole, the member that supports the article can be switched between the first member and the second member. Therefore, the arrangement state of the articles arranged in the storage space can be switched by a simple method, and a pallet convenient for transporting and storing the articles can be provided. (5) In the pallet of the above form, the rotation position of the pallet is such that the claw portion of the conveying device is inserted into the first insertion hole and rotated around the claw portion rotation center line, so that the third direction extends in the vertical direction and the first member is disposed below the second member in a first state, and the second direction extends in the vertical direction and the second member is disposed below the first member in a second state, and it may be configured to be switchable between the two states. According to the pallet of this form, while having a simple configuration, the arrangement state of the articles arranged in the storage space of the pallet can be switched by a simple method, and a pallet convenient for transporting and storing the articles can be provided. (6) According to another form of the present disclosure, a pallet used for transporting and storing articles is provided. This 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 the first side in the first direction and extending in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction and the first 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 the pallet of this form, by rotating the pallet using the first insertion hole and the second insertion hole, the member that supports the article can be switched between the first member and the second member. Therefore, the arrangement state of the articles arranged in the storage space can be switched by a simple method, and a pallet convenient for transporting and storing the articles can be provided. (7) In the pallet of the above-described form, the rotation position of the pallet is such that the claw portion of the conveying device is inserted into either the first insertion hole or the second insertion hole and rotated around the claw portion rotation center line, so that the third direction extends in the vertical direction and the first member is disposed below the second member in a first state, and the second direction extends in the vertical direction and the second member is disposed below the first member in a second state, and may be configured to be switchable therebetween. According to the pallet of this form, either the first insertion hole or the second insertion hole is likely to be disposed at a position where it is easy to insert the claw portion of the conveying device regardless of whether the rotation position of the pallet is in the first state or the second state. Therefore, the pallet can be easily rotated, and a pallet convenient for conveying and storing articles can be provided. (8) In the pallet of the above-described form, further, a third member that is connected to the end portion on the first side in the first direction of the first member and the end portion on the first side in the first direction of the second member and extends in the second direction and the third direction, and a fourth member that is connected to the end portion on the second side in the first direction of the first member and the end portion on the second side in the first direction of the second member and extends in the second direction and the third direction may be provided. According to the pallet of this form, articles disposed in the accommodation space of the pallet can be supported from both sides in the first direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress or prevent the collapse of the load of the articles. (9) In the pallet of the above-described form, further, a first connecting portion that rotatably connects the end portion on the first side in the third direction of the third member to the end portion on the first side in the first direction of the first member, and a second connecting portion that rotatably connects the end portion on the first side in the third direction of the fourth member to the end portion on the second side in the first direction of the first member may be provided. According to the pallet of this form, the third member and the fourth member can be rotated and disposed on the first member. Therefore, it becomes easy to stack pallets on the pallet, and a plurality of pallets can be easily stored in a limited space. (10) In the pallet of the above-described form, further, at least one movement restricting portion spanned between the third member and the fourth member may be provided. According to the pallet of this form, it is possible to suppress or prevent the fall or dropping of the articles arranged in the accommodation space of the pallet. (11) In the pallet of the above form, the first member may include at least one third insertion hole extending in the second direction. The second member may include at least one fourth insertion hole extending in the third direction. According to the pallet of this form, it is possible to convey the pallet without rotating it using a conveying device. The present disclosure can also be realized in various forms other than the pallet and the method of conveying and storing articles using the pallet. For example, it can be realized in the form of a method for manufacturing a pallet, a method for rotating a pallet, etc.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] A. First Embodiment: A1. Configuration of Pallet 100: Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the configuration of the pallet 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the pallet 100 according to the first embodiment. The pallet 100 is used for transporting articles and storing articles. "Transporting articles" includes transportation and conveyance by vehicles including trucks and the like. Transportation of articles may include transportation and conveyance by forklifts. Further, transportation of articles may include transportation and conveyance by airplanes, railways, ships, and the like.

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

[0011] A label LB is attached to the end face of the article OB on the second side Z2 in the third direction. Identification information of the article OB is described on the label LB. "Identification information of the article OB" means various information that can identify the article OB, such as the name of the product, type, product number, lot number, dimensions, weight, and model number. The identification information of the article OB may be a character string, or may be a one-dimensional code, a multi-dimensional code, or an electronic tag that can output the identification information. Note that the label LB is not attached to the side surface of the article OB in order to avoid the situation where the label LB is hidden by other article OBs and cannot be read when a plurality of article OBs are accommodated in 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 an accommodation space 100S for arranging the article OB. When there are a plurality of article OBs, in the example of FIG. 1, the article OBs are sequentially accommodated along the second direction DY toward the first side Y1 in the second direction.

[0013] In each figure including FIG. 1, three directions defined in the pallet 100 according to the present disclosure are schematically shown. The "second direction DY" is one of the directions in which the first member 60 extends. Among the second directions DY, the direction in which the second member 70 is arranged with respect 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 that intersects the second direction DY among the directions in which the first member 60 extends. In the example of FIG. 1, the first direction DX and the second direction DY are orthogonal 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". Note that 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 that intersects the first direction DX and the second direction DY. In the example of FIG. 1, the third direction DZ is orthogonal to the first direction DX and the second direction DY. Among the third directions DZ, the direction in which the first member 60 is arranged with respect 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 where the pallet 100 is arranged with the third direction DZ along the vertical direction, the third direction second side Z2 may sometimes be referred to as the "upper side", and the third direction first side Z1 may sometimes be referred to as the "lower side". In a state where the pallet 100 is arranged with the second direction DY along the vertical direction, the second direction first side Y1 may sometimes be referred to as the "upper side", and the second direction second side Y2 may sometimes be referred to as 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 composed 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 may sometimes be referred to as a so-called flat pallet. The first main body 68 is formed using a metal material such as iron or aluminum. Note that the first main body 68 may be made of resin or wood. Instead of being plate-like, the first main body 68 may be composed of a mesh-like or lattice-like frame member.

[0015] The first cover member 66 is a resin panel or sheet that is thinner than the thickness of 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 the first state described later, the first cover member 66 functions as a buffer that supports the article OB and alleviates the impact on the article OB. Note that 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 integrally formed. Note that 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 composed of a plate-shaped 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 also called a so-called flat pallet. The second main body 78 is formed using a resin material such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE), for example. The second main body 78 is connected to the end of the first main body 68 of the first member 60 on the second side Y2 in the second direction. In the present 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 fixture (not shown). Note that the second main body 78 may be made of metal instead of resin. The second main body 78 may be composed of a mesh-shaped or lattice-shaped frame member instead of a plate shape. Also, 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 that is thinner than the thickness of the second main body 78. The second cover member 76 is attached to the surface of the second main body 78 on the first side Y1 in the second direction. When the pallet 100 is arranged in the second state described later, the second cover member 76 functions as a cushioning material that supports the article OB and alleviates the impact on the article OB. Note that the second cover member 76 may be made of metal. The second cover member 76 and the second main body 78 may be integrally formed. Also, the second cover member 76, the second main body 78, the first cover member 66, and the first main 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 fixtures.

[0018] In the present 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 is sometimes also called a box pallet.

[0019] The third member 30 is connected to the end of the first member 60 on the first side X1 in the first direction and the 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), for example. Instead of being made of resin, the third member 30 may be made of wood or metal. Instead of a panel, the third member 30 may be composed of a mesh-like or lattice-like frame member. The third member 30 includes a first connecting portion 31, a first end support 34, and a first support 36. Note that the third member 30 is connected to the end of the second member 70 on the first side X1 in the first direction so as to be detachable by a fixture (not shown) or the like.

[0020] The fourth member 40 is connected to the end portion of the first member 60 on the second side X2 in the first direction and the end portion 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. Note that the fourth member 40 is detachably connected to the end portion of the second member 70 on the second side X2 in the first direction by a fixture (not shown) or the like. Since other configurations of the fourth member 40 are the same as those of the third member 30, the description thereof is omitted.

[0021] The first end support 34 and the first support 36 are provided near the end portion 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 positions facing the first end support 34 and the first support 36 near the end portion 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 substantially rod-shaped member made of metal such as iron. The first end support 34 is configured to be detachable from the end portion of the movement restricting portion 80 on the second side X2 in the first direction, and the second end support 44 is configured to be detachable from the end portion of the movement restricting portion 80 on the first side X1 in the first direction. By fixing the movement restricting portion 80 to the first end support 34 and the second end support 44, it is possible to prevent the article OB on the first member 60 from falling and the article OB 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, and may be made of rubber or resin, and is not limited to being rod-shaped, and may be string-shaped, plate-shaped, or the like.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the first support member 36 and the second support member 46 support the movement restricting portion 80. In the present 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 in 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 in the second direction second side Y2 with respect to the second end support member 44. By spanning the movement restricting portion 80 over an arbitrary combination of the first support member 36 and the second support member 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 articles OB arranged in the accommodation space 100S.

[0024] FIG. 2 is an explanatory view 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 can rotate with respect to the first member 60. Specifically, the first connecting portion 31 connects the end portion on the first direction first side X1 of the first member 60 and the end portion on the third direction first side Z1 of the third member 30. The first connecting portion 31 rotates the third member 30 about the 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 broken line in FIG. 2 and a storage state 30S2 shown by a solid line. The upright state 30S1 is a state in which the third member 30 extends along the second direction DY and the third direction DZ. The storage state 30S2 is a state in which the third member 30 extends along the first direction DX and the second direction DY.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the second connecting portion 42 connects the fourth member 40 to the first member 60 so that the fourth member 40 can rotate with respect to the first member 60. Specifically, the second connecting portion 42 connects the end portion of the first member 60 on the second side X2 in the first direction and the 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. The upright state 40S1 is a state in which the fourth member 40 extends along the second direction DY and the third direction DZ. The stored state 40S2 is a state in which 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 exclusively used for transporting or storing the article OB. Also, the pallet 100 in a state where the third member 30 is in the stored state 30S2 and the fourth member 40 is in the stored state 40S2 is used, for example, when storing unused pallets 100, especially when the article OB is not placed in the accommodation space 100S.

[0029] FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing the state of the pallet 100 in the present embodiment during storage. In FIG. 3, a state in which a plurality of pallets 100 in a state where the third member 30 is in the stored state 30S2 and the fourth member 40 is in the stored state 40S2 are stacked is shown. In FIG. 3, an example is shown in which the pallet 100 is stacked by stacking the first member 60 on the fourth member 40 in the stored state 40S2. On the other hand, the pallet 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 the present embodiment, the second rotation axis AX2 of the second connecting portion 42 is spaced apart from 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 in the second side Z2 of the third direction. As a result, the fourth member 40 in the storage state 40S2 can be disposed on the second side Z2 of the third member 30 in the storage state 30S2. Further, 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 of being close to and facing each other and parallel to each other. Therefore, the pallet 100 can be stored in a compact state, and a plurality of pallets 100 can be stored in a limited space.

[0031] A2. Method of rotating the pallet 100: With reference to FIG. 4 together with FIG. 1, a method of rotating the pallet 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, in the pallet 100 of the present embodiment, a first insertion hole 61 is formed in the first main body 68, and a second insertion hole 72 is formed in the second main body 78. The first insertion hole 61 and the second insertion hole 72 are configured to be able to insert the claw portion 202 of the transport device 200. The first insertion hole 61 and the second insertion hole 72 are exclusively used for rotating the pallet 100 by the transport device 200. The first insertion hole 61 and the second insertion hole 72 may be used for transporting the pallet 100. The first insertion hole 61 is an example of the "insertion hole" and the "first insertion hole", and the second insertion hole 72 is an example of the "insertion hole" and the "second insertion hole".

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

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

[0034] The pallet 100 is configured to be switchable between a first state and a second state by the 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 response by rotating the claw portions 202 to switch between the first rotation state and the second rotation state.

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

[0036] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the pallet 100 in the second state. The "second state" is a state in which the second direction DY of the pallet 100 extends in the vertical direction and the second member 70 is disposed below the first member 60. The state where "the second member 70 is disposed below the first member 60" means a state where the entire second member 70 is disposed below the upper end of the first member 60, and includes a state where 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. The transfer device 200 inserts, for example, the claw portion 202 in the first rotation state from the first side X1 in the first direction toward the second side X2 in the first direction into the first insertion hole 61 to lift the pallet 100 in the first state. The transfer device 200 rotates the claw portion 202 by approximately 90 degrees around the rotation axis RX in the direction R1. As a result, the claw portion 202 is switched to the second rotation state. The lifted pallet 100 in the first state rotates by 90 degrees around the rotation axis RX in the direction R1 and is switched to the second state shown in FIG. 4. When the transfer device 200 places the pallet 100 in the second state at a placement location such as the ground, the transfer device 200 withdraws the claw portion 202 from the first insertion hole 61 to complete the process of switching from the first state to the second state. Note that 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 transfer 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 transfer device 200 inserts the claw portion 202 into the first insertion hole 61 of the first member 60 to rotate the pallet 100, the pallet 100 can be rotated while being supported by an arm at a position away from the first insertion hole 61 (for example, the end portion on the second side Z2 in the third direction of the second member 70). In this case, the pallet 100 can be rotated in a more stable state than when only the claw portion 202 is used. Therefore, the impact on the article OB during the rotation of the pallet 100 can be suppressed or prevented.

[0039] In FIG. 1, an example of inserting the claw portion 202 from the position on the first side X1 in the first direction with respect to the pallet 100 is shown. On the other hand, the claw portion 202 may be inserted from the position on the second side X2 in the first direction with respect to the pallet 100. In this case, the claw portion 202 in the first rotation 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 rotated by 90 degrees in the direction R2 around the rotation axis RX, thereby achieving the same effect as described above.

[0040] Next, the process of switching from the second state to the first state will be described. The transfer device 200, for example, 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 transfer device 200 rotates the claw portion 202 by approximately 90 degrees in the direction R2 around the rotation axis RX. As a result, the claw portion 202 is switched to the first rotation state. The lifted pallet 100 in the second state rotates by 90 degrees in the direction R2 around the rotation axis RX and is switched to the first state shown in FIG. 1. When the transfer device 200 places the pallet 100 in the first state at a placement location such as the ground, the transfer device 200 withdraws the claw portion 202 from the second insertion hole 72, and completes the process of switching from the second state to the first state. Note that the pallet 100 may be switched from the second state to the first state by inserting the claw portion 202 in the third rotation state into the first insertion hole 61 and rotating the claw portion 202 in the direction R2.

[0041] In FIG. 4, an example is shown in which the claw portion 202 is inserted from the position on the first side X1 in the first direction with respect to the pallet 100. On the other hand, the claw portion 202 may be inserted from the position on the second side X2 in the first direction with respect to the pallet 100. In this case, the claw portion 202 in the second rotation 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 rotated by 90 degrees in the direction R1 around the rotation axis RX, thereby achieving the same effect as described above.

[0042] A3. Method for transporting the pallet 100: As shown in FIG. 1, in the pallet 100 of the present embodiment, further, a third insertion hole 63 is formed in the first main body 68, and a fourth insertion hole 74 is formed in the second main body 78. The third insertion hole 63 and the fourth insertion hole 74 are configured to be able to insert the claw portion 202 of the transport device 200. The third insertion hole 63 and the fourth insertion hole 74 are exclusively used for parallel transport of the pallet 100 by the transport device 200. "Parallel transport" means transporting the pallet 100 in the first state or the second state without rotating it using the transport device 200.

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

[0044] When the pallet 100 is placed in the first state, the claw portion 202 in the second rotation state can be inserted into the third insertion hole 63, and the pallet 100 in the first state can be lifted and transported in parallel. Therefore, the article OB can be transported in a well-balanced manner. Further, when the pallet 100 is placed in the second state, the claw portion 202 can be inserted into the fourth insertion hole 74, and the pallet 100 in the second state can be lifted and transported in parallel. Therefore, the article OB can be transported in a well-balanced manner. When the transport device 200 places the pallet 100 at the placement location, the claw portion 202 is withdrawn from the third insertion hole 63 or the fourth insertion hole 74 to complete the parallel transport.

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

[0046] A4. Method for transporting and storing articles: With reference to FIG. 5, a method for transporting and storing the article OB using the pallet 100 will be described. FIG. 5 is a process diagram showing a method for transporting and storing the article OB using the pallet 100 according to the present embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 5 is executed when the pallet 100 on which the product is manufactured and placed in the accommodation space 100S is transported to a destination such as a warehouse and stored at the destination.

[0047] In the present embodiment, the article OB to be transported by the pallet 100 is a roll body of wallpaper. The roll body of wallpaper is, for example, arranged in the accommodation space 100S of the pallet 100 in the first state such that the extending direction DE is substantially parallel to the vertical direction at the time of manufacture as shown in FIG. 1. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the roll body of wallpaper can also be stacked in the accommodation space 100S of the pallet 100 in the second state such that the extending direction DE is substantially parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0048] Here, when the roll body of the wallpaper is transported by a vehicle such as a truck in a state where the extending direction DE is substantially parallel to the horizontal direction, the quality of the wallpaper may deteriorate due to the vibration of the vehicle during transportation or the collision or wear between the side surfaces of the wallpaper. Also, when transporting a plurality of roll bodies, it is preferable to suppress or prevent the roll bodies from falling off the loading platform or collapsing. Therefore, when transporting by a vehicle or the like, the roll body of the wallpaper is preferably transported using the pallet 100 in a state where the extending direction DE extends in the vertical direction.

[0049] Also, when the roll body of the wallpaper is stored in a state where the extending direction DE extends in the vertical direction, it is inconvenient to read the label LB attached to the end surface of the third direction second side Z2 of the article OB from the upper side in the vertical direction. Further, when a plurality of pallets 100 storing products are stacked and stored on the upper side in the vertical direction, the label LB of the product stored in the pallet 100 on the lower side in the vertical direction is hidden by the pallet 100 stacked on the upper side in the vertical direction, making it difficult to read the label LB. Also, when the roll body of the wallpaper is stored in a state where the extending direction DE extends in the vertical direction, the roll body is likely to lose its balance when picking up the pallet 100. If the roll body of the wallpaper falls, the wall portion may be damaged and the quality may deteriorate. As described above, when storing in a warehouse or the like, the roll body of the wallpaper is preferably in a state where the extending direction DE extends in the horizontal direction.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 5, in step S10, the pallet 100 containing the manufactured article 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 articles OB are arranged in the accommodation space 100S of the pallet 100 in the first state in a state where the extending direction DE is substantially 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 destination is reached, the pallet 100 is unloaded from the transport device by the transport device 200 at the destination. Since unloading is performed using the pallet 100, collapse of the product and falling from the loading platform can be suppressed or prevented. The transport device 200 inserts the claw portion 202 into the first insertion hole 61, the second insertion hole 72, or the third insertion hole 63 of the pallet 100 to unload the pallet 100. The unloaded pallet 100 is transported to the planned placement position.

[0052] Note that the roll bodies of the wallpaper may be arranged on the pallet 100 in the second state in a state where the extending direction DE is substantially parallel to the horizontal direction at the time of manufacture. In this case, the transport device 200 rotates the pallet 100 stored in the second state, switches it to the first state, and loads it onto the transport device. The transport device 200 inserts the claw portion 202 into the first insertion hole 61 or the second insertion hole 72 and rotates it around the rotation axis RX (direction R2 in the example of FIG. 4). Thereby, the pallet 100 is switched from the second state to the first state, and the article OB arranged on the pallet 100 is switched from a state where the extending direction DE is substantially parallel to the horizontal direction to a state where it is substantially parallel to the vertical direction. The switching of the pallet 100 from the second state to the first state may be executed at an arbitrary timing until loading onto the transport device.

[0053] In step S20, the transport device 200 rotates the pallet 100 transported in the first state and switches it to the second state. Specifically, the transport device 200 inserts the claw portion 202 into the first insertion hole 61 or the second insertion hole 72 and rotates it around the rotation axis RX (direction R1 in the example of FIG. 1). Thereby, the article OB arranged on the pallet 100 is switched from a state where the extending direction DE is substantially parallel to the vertical direction to a state where it is substantially parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0054] In step S30, the transfer device 200 places the pallet 100 switched to the second state at the planned placement position. The pallet 100 is stored in the second state. By storing in the second state, the label LB attached to the end face of the article OB accommodated in the pallet 100 becomes easier to read. Therefore, the pallet 100 can be stored in a state convenient for identifying the article OB. Also, it is possible to suppress or prevent the article OB from being toppled over during picking of the pallet 100.

[0055] A5. Effect: As described above, according to the method for transporting and storing the article OB using the pallet 100 of the present embodiment, when transporting the article OB arranged in the accommodation space 100S, the third direction DZ extends in the vertical direction, and the pallet 100 is transported in the first state where the first member 60 is arranged below the second member 70. When storing the article OB arranged in the accommodation space 100S at the storage location, the second direction DY extends in the vertical direction, and the pallet 100 is placed at the storage location in the second state where 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 a storage method capable of switching the arrangement state of the article OB arranged in the accommodation space 100S of the pallet 100 in a simple manner.

[0056] According to the method for transporting and storing the article OB according to this embodiment, when transporting the article OB arranged in the storage space 100S, the claw portion 202 of the transport device 200 is inserted into, for example, 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 at the storage location, the claw portion 202 is inserted into, for example, 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 this 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 portion of the first member 60 on the first side X1 in 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, that is, 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 article OB arranged in the storage space 100S can be easily switched between the transportation time and the storage time, and a pallet 100 convenient for transporting and storing the article OB can be provided.

[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 in the vertical direction 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 rotation center line. Further, 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 rotation center line, it is possible to switch to a second state in which the second direction DY extends in the vertical direction and the second member 70 is disposed below the first member 60. Whichever of the first state and the second state the rotational position of the pallet 100 is in, 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. Therefore, the pallet 100 can be easily rotated, and a pallet 100 convenient for transporting and storing the article OB can be provided.

[0059] The pallet 100 of the present embodiment includes a third member 30 that is connected to the end of the first member 60 on the first side X1 in the first direction and the end of the second member 70 on the first side X1 in the first direction and extends in the second direction DY and the third direction DZ, and a fourth member 40 that is connected to the end of the first member 60 on the second side X2 in the first direction and the end of the second member 70 on the first side X1 in the first direction and extends in the second direction DY and the third direction DZ. The article OB disposed on the first member 60 or the second member 70 of the pallet 100 can be supported 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 load of the article OB disposed in the accommodation space 100S of the pallet 100.

[0060] The pallet 100 of the present embodiment includes a first connecting portion 31 that rotatably connects the end portion of the third member 30 on the first side Z1 in the third direction to the 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 the end portion of the fourth member 40 on the first side Z1 in the third direction to the 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 and arranged on the first member 60. Therefore, it is easy to stack the pallet 100 on the first member 60 or the second member 70 of the pallet 100. Accordingly, a plurality of pallets 100 can be easily stored in a limited space.

[0061] The pallet 100 of the present embodiment further includes at least one movement restricting portion 80 spanned between the third member 30 and the fourth member 40. By the movement restricting portion 80, it is possible to suppress or prevent the article OB on the first member 60 from falling, and the article OB from dropping from the first side Y1 in the second direction.

[0062] According to the pallet 100 of the present 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 pallet 100 in the first state or the second state can be conveyed without rotating it using the conveying device 200.

[0063] B. Second Embodiment: FIG. 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 is different from the pallet 100 of the first embodiment in that it includes a second member 70b instead of the second member 70, and the other configurations are the same as those of the pallet 100.

[0064] The second member 70b is different from the second member 70 shown in the first embodiment in that the second insertion hole 72 is not formed and further includes a recess 79, and the other configurations are the same as those of the second member 70. In this embodiment, the transfer 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 transfer 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 the 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 to switch the pallet 100b to the second state. According to the pallet 100b configured in this way, it is possible to provide a transfer 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, similar to the first embodiment.

[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 the article OB with the extending direction DE substantially parallel to the horizontal direction is arranged 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-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various configurations without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the technical features in the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each form described in the summary of the invention can be appropriately replaced or combined in order to solve some or all of the above-described problems or to achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Further, if the technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

[0068] Furthermore, in view of the gist of the present invention, the above-described embodiments, and their modifications, the following aspects are constructed. At least one of the following aspects can be adopted alone or in combination with at least one of the pallets 100, 100b of the above-described embodiments, the above-described modifications, and the features described in the claims. [Aspect 1] The first side wall portion includes at least one first support configured to be able to fix one end of a regulating member that regulates movement of the article placed on the first base to the outside of an end portion on the second side in the first direction in the first base. The second side wall portion includes at least one second support configured to be able to fix the other end of the regulating member. The first end support 34 and the first support 36 are examples of the "first support". The second end support 44 and the second support 46 are examples of the "second support". [Aspect 2] The width in the first direction and the width in the third direction of the first base are 1050 millimeters or more and 1150 millimeters or less. According to the pallet of this aspect, for example, a pallet that can be efficiently arranged on a large truck in which the width of the loading platform is generally 2.2 meters or more can be provided. [Aspect 3] The shape of the first member and the shape of the second member are the same as each other. According to the pallet of this aspect, 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 body having a cylindrical shape or a columnar shape. [Aspect 5] The second member includes a concave portion corresponding to the curved surface of the roll body. According to the pallet of this form, 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 the surface on the first side in the second direction. The second cover member 76 is an example of the "cover member". According to the pallet of this form, it is possible to suppress or prevent the article placed on the pallet from being damaged due to the surface shape of the second member. When the article is a roll body, even if it is placed on the second member in a state where the extending direction extends in the horizontal direction, it is possible to suppress or prevent a mark caused by the uneven shape of the second member surface from remaining on the roll body.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0069] 30... Third member, 30S1... Standing state, 30S2... Stored state, 31... First connecting portion, 34... First end support, 36... First support, 40... Fourth member, 40S1... Standing state, 40S2... Stored 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 body, 70, 70b... Second member, 72... Second insertion hole, 74... Fourth insertion hole, 76... Second cover member, 78... Second body, 79... Concave portion, 80... Movement restricting portion, 100, 100b... Pallet, 100S... Accommodation space, 200... Conveying device, 202... Claw portion, AX1... First rotation axis, AX2... Second rotation axis, LB... Label, OB... Article, RX... Rotation axis

Claims

1. A pallet used for transporting and storing items, A first member extending in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction; a second member connected to an end portion of the first member on a second side in the second direction and extending in the first direction and in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction; a storage space formed by the first member and the second member, The shape of the first member and the shape of the second member are the same. palette.

2. A pallet as claimed in claim 1, The first member or the second member includes a support portion that supports a side surface of the article. palette.

3. A pallet according to claim 1 or claim 2, The rotational position of the pallet is switchable between a first state in which the third direction extends in a vertical direction and the first member is disposed below the second member, and a second state in which the second direction extends in the vertical direction and the second member is disposed below the first member. palette.

4. A pallet as claimed in claim 3, The pallet is rotated by a conveying device about a central axis parallel to the first direction. Thus, the pallet is switched between the first state and the second state. palette.

5. A pallet as claimed in claim 4, At least one of the first member and the second member extends in the first direction. At least one insertion hole for inserting the palette.

6. A pallet as claimed in claim 5, The rotational position of the pallet is such that the claw portion of the conveying device is inserted into the at least one insertion hole. By rotating the claw portion around the rotation center line, the first state and the second state are switched. It is configured to be switchable, palette.

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