Support frame for stacking transport pallets

Abstract

To store side frame members by folding them compactly on a pallet. [Solution] The stacking support frame SF has four side frame members 10, 30, each of which has an upper frame portion 11, 31, a lower frame portion 12, 32, and a pair of left and right pillar portions 13, 14, 33, 34, and is made up of two sets of two members connected via hinge portions provided on the pillar portions 14, 33, and a mounting bracket 17 that is inserted into a fork pocket is arranged on the lower frame portion 12 of one of the side frame members 10, 30, and the mounting bracket 17 is configured in a shape that allows stacking in the stacking direction of the side frame members 10, 30, and when the side frame members 10, 30 are folded around the hinge portions and stacked on the top surface of the pallet P, the mounting bracket stacks in the stacking direction of the side frame members.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a support frame for stacking transport pallets. [Background technology]

[0002] When transport pallets are placed flat in a warehouse or on a truck bed with a load on them, the space above the load on the transport pallet cannot be used effectively. Also, when transport pallets with loads are stacked, excessive weight is applied to the load on the lower transport pallet, which may damage the load.

[0003] Therefore, stacking support frames SF shown in Figures 21 and 22 are sometimes used, but the support frame SF in Figure 21 is heavy and not easy to attach to the pallet P. Also, the support frame SF in Figure 22 is lightweight and easy to attach to the pallet P, but is not very stable.

[0004] Meanwhile, several stacking support frames that enable transport pallets to be stacked with their loads on them are known, as described in Patent Documents 1 to 5. These support frames are lightweight and easy to install, but when the support frame is disassembled, it is difficult to fold the four side frame members compactly and store them on the rectangular transport pallet, and there is a problem that when multiple support frames are folded and stacked, they become very bulky. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-2472 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-209218 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-280069 [Patent Document 4] JP 2025-003308 A (well-known technology) [Patent Document 5] US Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0215015 (known art) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to make it possible to fold the four side frame members compactly and store them on a rectangular transport pallet. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the stacking support frame for transport pallets of the present invention is a stacking support frame having four side frame members that are erected on the sides of a lower rectangular transport pallet, and the four side frame members have an upper frame portion, a lower frame portion, and a pair of left and right pillar portions, and are composed of two sets of two members connected via hinge portions provided on the pillar portions, and mounting brackets are arranged on the lower frame portion of one of the two side frame members in each set, and are inserted into fork pockets or dedicated holes of the lower transport pallet, and are configured in a shape that allows them to be stacked in the stacking direction of the side frame members, and when the two sets of four side frame members are folded around the hinge portions and stacked on the top surface of the transport pallet, the mounting brackets stack them in the stacking direction of the side frame members. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the four side frame members can be folded compactly and stored on a rectangular transport pallet. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1A] 1 is a perspective view of a state in which a stacking support frame according to a first embodiment of the present invention is attached to a transport pallet. FIG. [Figure 1B] (a) is a perspective view of the support frame folded and stored on a transport pallet, (b) is a perspective view of the support frame attached to the transport pallet, and (c) is a perspective view of the support frame stacked in two layers. [Figure 1C] 10A to 10C are perspective views showing the steps of attaching the support frame to the transport pallet. [Figure 1D] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the side frame members are rotatable. [Figure 1E] 10 is a perspective view of a hinge portion that connects pillar portions of the side frame members. FIG. [Figure 1F] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the upper frame portion of the side frame member. [Figure 2] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the support frame with the upper transport pallet mounted thereon, and FIG. 10B is a side view of the support frame folded and mounted on the transport pallet. [Figure 3A] 10A and 10B are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of a state in which the pillar portions of the side frame members are connected with a connecting pin. [Figure 3B] 3B is a perspective view and a side view of the upper transport pallet and support frame mounted in FIG. 3A. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are a plan view and a side view, respectively, of the state in which the support frame is folded and stored on a transport pallet, and a perspective view of the state in which the mounting brackets of the side frame members are inserted into the fork pockets, respectively. [Figure 5] FIG. 2(a) is a side view of an upper connecting pin and a lower connecting pin, and FIG. 2(b) is a perspective view of the upper connecting pin. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a state in which support frames are stacked in two tiers, one above the other. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a stacking support frame according to a second embodiment of the present invention attached to a transport pallet. [Figure 8A] 1A is an overall perspective view of a pair of side frame members in an open state, and FIG. 1B is an enlarged partial perspective view. [Figure 8B] FIG. 1A is an overall perspective view of a pair of side frame members in a closed state, FIG. 1B is an overall perspective view from the opposite side, and FIG. 1C is a partially enlarged perspective view. [Figure 9A] (a) Overall perspective view of transport pallets stacked in two layers using two upper and lower support frames facing the same direction, (b) a partially enlarged perspective view of part b, and (c) a partially enlarged perspective view of part c. [Figure 9B](a) Overall perspective view of transport pallets stacked in two layers using two upper and lower support frames in different orientations, (b) a partially enlarged perspective view of part b, and (c) a partially enlarged perspective view of part c. [Figure 10A] (a) is a perspective view of the support frame stacked three-tiered and stored on a transport pallet, and (b) is a side view of the support frame stacked three-tiered. [Figure 10B] (a) is a perspective view and (b) is a side view showing the support frames folded and stored in three layers on a transport pallet. [Figure 11] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a transport pallet having dedicated holes for inserting and engaging the mounting brackets of the support frame, and FIG. 10B is a perspective view of a transport pallet with the support frame attached. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are a side view, a perspective view, and a perspective view of the restricting member of the receiving metal fitting, showing a modified example of the restricting member of the receiving metal fitting, respectively. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a modified example of the mounting bracket. [Figure 14A] 10A and 10B are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, showing a state in which a plurality of sets of side frame members having mounting fittings of a modified example are stacked and stored. [Figure 14B] 10A and 10B are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, showing a state in which a plurality of sets of side frame members having mounting fittings of a modified example are stacked and stored. [Figure 15] 10(a) is a perspective view of a modified mounting fixture, and FIG. 10(b) is a perspective view showing a state in which a plurality of sets of side frame members are stacked and stored. [Figure 16A] 10A and 10B are perspective views of a stacking support frame according to a third embodiment of the present invention attached to a transport pallet, where (a) is a perspective view of the state with the top frame attached and (b) is a perspective view before the top frame is attached. [Figure 16B] 16A and 16B are perspective views of a stacking support frame according to a third embodiment of the present invention attached to a transport pallet, where (a) is a perspective view of a state in which a top frame different from that in FIG. 16A is attached, and (b) is a perspective view before the top frame is attached. [Figure 17] FIG. 16B is a perspective view of the support frame of FIG. 16A folded and stacked on a shipping pallet. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the upper end portion of the support frame of FIG. [Figure 19] 19A is a perspective view of the left end portion of the support frame of FIG. 18, and FIG. 19B is a perspective view of the right end portion thereof. [Figure 20] FIG. 16B is a perspective view of the top frame of the support frame of FIG. 16A stacked on a transport pallet. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional support frame. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another conventional support frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, stacking support frames according to first and second embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or equivalent parts will be designated by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and redundant explanations will be omitted where appropriate.

[0011] 1A to 1D, the support frame SF according to the first embodiment of the present invention is made up of two pairs of side frame members 10, 30 (four in total). The pair of side frame members 10, 30 can be opened and closed (swiveled) via hinges equipped with a pair of upper and lower link plates 50, as shown in FIG. 1D.

[0012] Each side frame member 10, 30 is a rectangular frame of approximately the same shape and size, and has an upper frame portion 11, 31, a lower frame portion 12, 32, and a pair of left and right pillar portions 13, 14, 33, 34. The lower ends 13d, 14d, 33d, 34d of each pillar portion 13, 14, 33, 34 extend to the lower end of the pallet P.

[0013] Diagonally extending reinforcing members 15, 35 and vertically extending intermediate posts 18, 38 are disposed inside the side frame members 10, 30. Note that in Figure 1A, nets are attached to the side frame members 10, 30, and the intermediate posts 18, 38 are omitted.

[0014] End support brackets 16 for stacking the upper pallet P are fixed to the upper surface of both ends of the upper frame portion 11 of one of the side frame members 10. The end support brackets 16 extend horizontally inward from the top surface of the upper frame portion 11 beyond the width of the upper frame portion 11 in order to stably support the upper pallet P. Specifically, the length a by which the support brackets 16 extend horizontally inward from the side surface of the upper frame portion 11 is desirably equal to or less than the thickness of one side frame member 30 (see Figures 1E and 12(a)).

[0015] Additionally, a central support bracket 36 for stacking the upper tier pallet P is fixed to the upper surface of the center of the upper frame portion 31 of the other side frame member 30. The central support bracket 36 projects horizontally inward from the top surface of the upper frame portion 31 beyond the width of the upper frame portion 31 in order to stably support the upper tier pallet P.

[0016] Specifically, it is desirable that the length a of the receiving bracket 36 that extends horizontally inward from the side surface of the upper frame portion 31 be equal to or less than the thickness of one side frame member 10 (see Fig. 1F and Fig. 12(a)). The end receiving bracket 16 and the central receiving bracket 36 are arranged so that the receiving brackets 16, 36 do not interfere with each other when the side frame members 10, 30 are folded, as shown in Fig. 1B(a) and Fig. 1F.

[0017] Regulating members 16a, 36a for positioning the upper pallet P are disposed on the upper surfaces of the end receiving brackets 16 and the center receiving bracket 36. The regulating members 16a, 36a are round pipes placed horizontally and welded to the upper surfaces of the receiving brackets 16, 36.

[0018] 1A, a pair of left and right mounting brackets 17 are fixed to the lower frame portions 12 of the side frame members 10. The pair of mounting brackets 17 are inserted and fitted into the outer left and right ends of a pair of fork pockets Pa of the pallet P to erect the side frame members 10 on two opposing sides of the pallet P.

[0019] 1B(a) and 4(a)(b), when two sets of side frame members 10, 30 are folded and laid flat and stacked, the mounting bracket 17 is arranged so as to be housed inside or outside another set of side frame members 10, 30. Therefore, specifically, it is desirable that the length of the mounting bracket 17 inserted into the fork pocket Pa be equal to or less than the total thickness of two side frame members 30 and one side frame member 10.

[0020] The link plates 50 of the hinge portions are disposed at the upper and lower ends of the pillar portions 14, 33 as shown in FIG. 1E in detail (only the upper end is shown in FIG. 1E). The upper and lower ends of the pillars 14 and 33 are connected via support shafts 14a and 34a, respectively, which serve as shafts.

[0021] In this way, the pair of side frame members 10, 30 are connected by two axes at two locations above and below the pillars 14, 33, so one of the side frame members 10, 30 can freely rotate 360° relative to the other, as shown in Figure 1D. In this way, the free rotation range of the side frame members 10, 30 is expanded, thereby improving ease of attachment to the pallet P.

[0022] ●Interconnection of two sets of side frame members As shown in Figure 5, the two sets of side frame members 10, 30 are interconnected by connecting pins 34b, 34c at two locations, one above the other. That is, connecting pins 34b, 34c that protrude downward are disposed at both upper and lower ends of the pillar portion 34 of one set of side frame members 30, and square cylindrical pin receivers 13a, 13c are disposed at both upper and lower ends of the pillar portion 13 of the other set of side frame members 10. By inserting the connecting pins 34b, 34c into the pin receivers 13a, 13c from above, the two sets of side frame members 10, 30, which are opened in an L-shape as shown in Figure 1C(c), can be interconnected around the pallet P.

[0023] The lower connecting pin 34c is formed longer than the upper connecting pin 34b, and is configured so that the lower end of the lower connecting pin 34c is inserted into the lower pin receiver 13c, and then the upper connecting pin 34b is inserted into the upper pin receiver 13a. By staggering the insertion timing of the upper and lower connecting pins 34b, 34c in this way, it is possible to facilitate the insertion of the upper and lower connecting pins 34b, 34c.

[0024] The side frame member 30 is connected to another side frame member 10 via a link plate 50 shown in Fig. 1E so as to be able to open and close freely, and this other side frame member 10 is fixed to the pallet P by a mounting bracket 17 as shown in Fig. 4(c). However, a gap is formed between the fork pocket Pa and the mounting bracket 17 to facilitate insertion of the mounting bracket 17, so that the side frame member 30 having the connecting pins 34b, 34c in Fig. 4(c) can rotate to a certain extent in the vertical direction around the mounting bracket 17. Therefore, even when the mounting bracket 17 of the side frame member 10 is inserted into the fork pocket Pa of the pallet P, there is no hindrance whatsoever to the insertion of the connecting pins 34b, 34c into the pin receivers 13a, 13c.

[0025] The upper and lower pin receivers 13a and 13c are provided with guide pieces 13b and 13e that extend upward at their entrances. The connecting pins 34b and 34c can be smoothly inserted into the pin receivers 13a and 13c along these guide pieces 13b and 13e, making the connecting operation easier.

[0026] When the two sets of side frame members 10, 30 are completely connected to each other by the connecting pins 34b, 34c, the lower ends 13d, 34d of the adjacent pillars 13, 34 in Figure 5 will be at the same height as the lower end of the pallet P. Also, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the upper frame portions 11, 31 of the side frame members 10, 30 will be at the same height, and the upper surfaces of the upper frame portions 11, 31 will be flush.

[0027] ●Stacking of upper pallets By attaching the support frame SF to the lower pallet P as shown in Figures 1A-1C, the upper pallet P can be placed on top of the support frame SF as shown in Figure 2(a). The attachment procedure for the support frame SF is in the order of Figure 1C(a) ⇒ (b) ⇒ (c).

[0028] That is, when inserting the mounting bracket 17 into the fork pocket Pa from the direction of the arrow as shown in Figure 1C(a), the side frame members 30 are opened in advance by 90° or more. After inserting the mounting bracket 17 into the fork pocket Pa, the side frame members 30 are rotated in the direction of the arrow as shown in Figure 1C(b) so as to abut against the side surface of the pallet P.

[0029] In the same manner, another set of side frame members 10, 30 are attached to the open sides of the pallet P in Fig. 1C(b). After that, as shown in Fig. 5, the two sets of side frame members 10, 30 are connected with connecting pins 34b, 34c, and the side frame members 10, 30 are closed as shown in Fig. 1C(c).

[0030] As shown in Figure 2(a), the underside of the peripheral edge of the upper pallet P is supported by eight end support brackets 16 and four center support brackets 36, and the position of the side edges of the upper pallet P is restricted by the restricting members 16a, 36a of these support brackets 16, 36. Therefore, the support frame SF can stably support the upper pallet P without it shifting out of position.

[0031] ●Installation of the upper support frame As shown in Figure 2(a), an upper pallet P can be placed on top of a lower support frame SF. Alternatively, the upper support frame SF can be attached to the upper pallet P on the ground in advance, and the upper pallet P with the upper support frame SF attached can be placed on top of the lower support frame SF by a forklift. This makes it easier to secure the cargo on the upper pallet P and allows for multi-tier stacking.

[0032] When the support frames SF are stacked in this manner, the lower support frame SF and the upper support frame SF are positioned horizontally via the upper pallet P. Furthermore, the lower ends of the pillars 13, 14, 33, and 34 of the upper support frame SF directly abut the upper ends of the pillars 13, 14, 33, and 34 of the lower support frame SF. Therefore, the load of the upper support frame SF is reliably and stably supported by the pillars 13, 14, 33, and 34 of the lower support frame SF.

[0033] Figure 2(b) is a side view showing the state in which the upper support frame SF is folded and mounted on the upper pallet P. When a pair of side frame members 10, 30 is closed and the two sets are stacked as shown in Figure 2(b), the center support bracket 36 is accommodated between the left and right end support brackets 16. Therefore, a total of four side frame members 10, 30 can be stored compactly on the pallet P without taking up too much space. Therefore, the support frames SF and pallets P can be stacked in multiple tiers on a truck or the like in the compactly stored state as shown in Figure 2(b) and can be easily returned and transported efficiently.

[0034] Second embodiment Next, a stacking support frame SF according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The support frame SF according to the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in two main respects.

[0035] The first change is that a pair of central support brackets 36 are formed on the left and right, and an auxiliary support bracket 19 is formed between the left and right end support brackets 16. This auxiliary support bracket 19 is housed between the central support brackets 36 when the pair of side frame members 10, 30 is closed. This makes it possible to support the upper transport pallet P more stably.

[0036] The second change is that the pair of side frame members 10, 30 are connected openably and closably by a single hinge shaft 70. One side frame member 10, 30 can rotate 180° relative to the other side frame member 30, 10 around the hinge shaft 70. The hinge shaft 70 passes through brackets 14e, 33e that protrude from the opposing surfaces of the pillars 14, 33 to interconnect them.

[0037] In the first embodiment, the pair of side frame members 10, 30 were connected openably and closably by the link plate 50 and the support shafts 14a, 34a, but connecting the side frame members 10, 30 with two shafts poses problems in terms of operability when opening and closing the side frame members 10, 30 and dimensional stability in the folded state. Connecting the side frame members 10, 30 with a single hinge shaft 70 can improve operability and dimensional stability.

[0038] 7 and 8A(a)(b), a central receiving bracket 36 is formed on the upper stile 31 of one of the pair of side frame members 10, 30. This central receiving bracket 36 is formed as a pair of left and right receiving brackets.

[0039] On the other hand, an auxiliary support bracket 19 is formed in the longitudinal center of the upper stile 11 of the other side frame member 10. When the pair of side frame members 10, 30 are closed as shown in Figure 8B, the auxiliary support bracket 19 is housed between the pair of left and right center support brackets 36.

[0040] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the restricting members 16a, 36a of the receiving fittings 16, 36 were made of round pipes, but in the second embodiment, they are formed by folding the plate-like portions extending from the receiving fittings 16, 36 in an inverted V shape. This makes it possible to integrate the receiving fittings 16, 36 and the restricting members 16a, 36a, reducing the number of parts.

[0041] As mentioned above, the second change (single-shaft hinge shaft 70) can improve the opening / closing operability and dimensional stability of the side frame members 10, 30, but changing to a single-shaft hinge shaft 70 causes misalignment of the pillars 13, 14, 33, 34 of the support frame SF when using the support frame SF to stack transport pallets P. That is, when the upper and lower support frames SF, which are square in plan view, are used in the same orientation as shown in Figure 9A, there is no misalignment of the pillars 13, 14, 33, 34 of the upper and lower tiers, but when the upper and lower support frames SF are used with their orientations differing by 90° as shown in Figure 9B, misalignment of the pillars 13, 14, 33, 34 of the upper and lower tiers occurs.

[0042] The cause of this misalignment is that the hinge shaft 70, which enables the side frame members 10, 30 to be folded, had to be disposed between the opposing surfaces of the pillars 14, 33. In other words, if the hinge shaft 70 had been disposed at the right-angle corner of the pillars 14, 33, like the connecting pins 34b, 34c in Figure 5, the pillars 13, 14, 33, 34 would not be misaligned, but in that case the side frame members 10, 30 would interfere with each other when folding, making it impossible to fold them.

[0043] In parts b and c of Figure 9A(a), the upper and lower pillars 13, 14, 33, 34 are connected in a straight line as shown in (b) and (c). In contrast to this, in Figure 9B, the side frame member 30 of the upper support frame SF is positioned above the side frame member 10 of the lower support frame SF, and the side frame member 10 of the upper support frame SF is positioned above the side frame member 30 of the lower support frame SF.

[0044] When the orientations of the upper and lower support frames SF differ by 90° in this way, the upper and lower pillars 13, 14, 33, 34 are misaligned at portions b and c in FIG. 9B(a) as shown in (b) and (c). At part b in FIG. 9B(a) (a corner with one hinge shaft 70 at the top), the upper pillars 14, 33 are positioned above the lower pillars 13, 34, shifted by approximately one pillar.

[0045] That is, the lower end of the pillar 14 of the upper side frame member 10 is supported near the end of the upper stile 31 of the lower side frame member 30. Also, the lower end of the pillar 33 of the upper side frame member 30 is supported by the upper end of the connecting pin 34b of the lower side frame member 30.

[0046] 9B(a) (the corner where the upper connecting pin 34c is located), the upper pillars 13, 34 are positioned approximately one pillar width above the lower pillars 14, 33. Therefore, an extension fitting 31a extending horizontally is formed on the upper stile 31 of the lower side frame member 30.

[0047] This allows the lower ends of the pillars 34 of the upper side frame member 30 to be supported by the extension fittings 31a of the upper stile 31 of the lower side frame member 30. As a result, the lower ends of the pillars 34 of the upper side frame member 30 are positioned vertically above the hinge shafts 70 of the lower support frame SF. In addition, the lower ends of the pillars 13 of the upper side frame member 10 are supported near the ends of the upper stile 31 of the lower side frame member 30.

[0048] ● Support frame can be folded and stored As shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the support frame SF can be folded for compact storage. Figure 10A shows three folded support frames SF stacked on a transport pallet P.

[0049] 10B shows three folded support frames SF stacked on one transport pallet P. Each support frame SF can be stored compactly.

[0050] Figure 11 shows the attached state of the support frame SF when dedicated holes Pb, into which the mounting brackets 17 of the support frame SF are inserted and engaged, are formed on the outside of the fork pockets Pa of the transport pallet P. In the first embodiment, the support frame SF was attached by inserting the mounting brackets 17 into the fork pockets Pa, but if the dedicated holes Pb are used, the support frame SF can be attached without using the fork pockets Pa. Therefore, for transport pallets P where the fork pockets Pa are not large enough, the use of the dedicated holes Pb makes it possible to facilitate forklift operation without interfering with the insertion of forks into the fork pockets Pa.

[0051] Modified examples of receiving brackets Figure 12 shows modified examples of the restricting members 16a, 36a of the receiving fittings 16, 36. In these receiving fittings 16, 36, the restricting members 16a, 36a, which are configured as separate parts, are welded and fixed to the top surfaces of the upper frame portions 11, 31, as shown in Figure 12(c).

[0052] The regulating members 16a, 36a are configured three-dimensionally like goalposts, which provides them with great strength and stabilizes the positioning force of the upper pallet P. Furthermore, the upper surfaces 16a1, 36a1 of the regulating members 16a, 36a are inclined, which makes it easier to mount and position the upper pallet P on the lower support frame SF.

[0053] The receiving brackets 16, 36 in Figures 12(a) and (b) have an L-shaped cross section and are welded to the side surfaces of the upper frame portions 11, 31. As shown in Figure 12(a), the length a that the receiving brackets 16, 36 extend horizontally inward from the side surfaces of the upper frame portions 11, 31 is preferably equal to or less than the thickness of one of the side frame members 10, 30. The peripheral edge of the upper pallet P is supported on the upper surfaces of the portions of length a of the receiving brackets 16, 36.

[0054] Modified mounting brackets Figure 13 shows modified examples of mounting bracket 17. Mounting bracket 17, which was a vertically long rectangular plate as shown in Figure 13(a), has been changed to mounting bracket 17a, which has a vertically long V-shaped cross section as shown in Figure 13(b), or mounting bracket 17b, which has a vertically long stepped cup-shaped cross section.

[0055] The insertion direction of the mounting brackets 17a, 17b into the fork pocket Pa is downward in Figure 13(b). The cross-sectional shape of the mounting brackets 17a, 17b can be modified in several ways. A vertically elongated U-shape may be used instead of a vertically elongated V-shape. The lower end of the vertically elongated stepped cup shape may also be V-shaped.

[0056] The step portions of the mounting brackets 17b make it possible to maintain a constant distance between the multiple mounting brackets 17b when they are stacked. The step portions of the mounting brackets 17b also make it easy to separate the stacked mounting brackets 17b.

[0057] These mounting brackets 17a, 17b have the advantage that they can be manufactured at low cost from steel plates. In addition, since the mounting brackets 17a, 17b can be stacked vertically as shown in Figure 13(c), even if the insertion length of the mounting brackets 17a, 17b into the fork pocket Pa is increased, they do not get in the way when multiple sets of side frame members 10, 30 are stacked and stored (the mounting brackets 17a, 17b do not interfere with each other). In other words, the shape of the mounting bracket 17 can be adjusted to fit the stacking length of the side frame members 10, 30. By making the shape stackable in the overlapping direction, it is possible to make the length inserted into the fork pocket Pa of the mounting bracket 17 greater than the total thickness of two side frame members 30 and one side frame member 10.

[0058] 14A and 14B, the mounting brackets 17a are stacked on one another, preventing the multiple sets of side frame members 10, 30 from shifting relative to one another. This allows the multiple sets of side frame members 10, 30 to be stacked and stored, and transported in a stable position.

[0059] Figures 14A and 14B show six sets of side frame members 10, 30 (12 side frame members 10, 30) with mounting brackets 17a stacked and stored. Figure 14B shows Figure 14A viewed from the back. The six sets of side frame members 10, 30 can be lashed to a pallet P and transported together.

[0060] The bottommost set of side frame members 10, 30 are turned upside down so that the mounting brackets 17a do not interfere with the top surface of the pallet P. As a result, as shown in Figure 14B, the mounting brackets 17a of the bottommost set of side frame members 10, 30 protrude upward, and the mounting brackets 17a position the set of side frame members 10, 30 above them.

[0061] ●Cutting plate to prevent misalignment FIG. 15(a) shows a modified example of the mounting bracket 17b to which a cutting plate 17b1 for preventing misalignment has been added. The cutting plate 17b1 can also be added to the mounting bracket 17a on the left side of FIGS. 13(b) and 13(c). However, here we will explain a modified example of the mounting bracket 17b.

[0062] The cut plate 17b1 is rectangular and is welded to the mounting bracket 17b so as to partially close the opening on the base end side and the ground side (one side). The cut plate 17b1 prevents misalignment of the side frame members 10, 30 in the direction of arrow Y when multiple sets of side frame members 10, 30 are stacked and stored, and the mounting brackets 17b are stacked vertically, as shown in FIG. 15(b). This prevents misalignment of the side frame members 10, 30 in the direction of arrow X, which is perpendicular to the direction of arrow Y. Therefore, multiple sets of side frame members 10, 30 can be transported in a more stable stacked position. The cut plate 17b1 also increases the strength of the mounting brackets 17b themselves.

[0063] Third embodiment 16A and 16B are perspective views of a stacking support frame SF according to a third embodiment of the present invention attached to a transport pallet P. (a) of Fig. 16A and Fig. 16B is a perspective view of the state in which the top frame 20 is attached, and (b) is a perspective view of the top frame 20 before it is attached to the support frame SF.

[0064] The support frame SF in Figure 16B differs from Figure 16A only in that the length of the positioning members 23c of the top frame 20 is longer. In other words, by making the length of the two opposing positioning members 23c longer than the positioning members 23a in Figure 16A, the upper transport pallet P can be supported more stably.

[0065] This support frame SF does not use the end support brackets 16 or center support bracket 36 of the previously described embodiment. Instead, the support frame SF in Figures 16A and 16B has a detachable top frame 20. This top frame 20 supports the upper transport pallet P.

[0066] The top frame 20 has two inner members 21, 22 combined in a cross shape, four beam members 23 connected at right angles to both ends of the inner members 21, 22, and four corner members 24 connecting the ends of the beam members 23. The pillars 13, 14, 33, 34 of the side frame members 10, 30 are located outside the corner members 24.

[0067] Positioning members 23a, 23c, which are made by bending sheet metal into an inverted V shape, are arranged on the beam member 23. These positioning members 23a, 23c engage with the edges of the upper transport pallet P to position the upper transport pallet P.

[0068] Additionally, an engaging portion 23b bent downward into an L-shape is formed on the outer edge of the beam member 23. By engaging this engaging portion 23b from above with the upper frame portions 11, 31 of the side frame members 10, 30, the top frame 20 is positioned at and covers the upper end opening of the support frame SF.

[0069] 17(a) and 17(b) are perspective views of the support frames SF shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, excluding the top frame 20, folded and stacked on a transport pallet P for return transport. The stacked state of the support frames SF is basically the same as that shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B.

[0070] Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the upper end of the support frame SF stacked in multiple stages in Fig. 17. As shown in Fig. 19(a) and (b), the support frame SF uses the mounting bracket 17b whose cross section is formed into a vertically elongated stepped cup shape as explained in Fig. 13.

[0071] The step portions of the mounting brackets 17b make it possible to maintain a constant distance between the multiple mounting brackets 17b when they are stacked. The step portions of the mounting brackets 17b also make it easy to separate the stacked mounting brackets 17b.

[0072] The lower ends 13d, 14d, 33d, and 34d of the pillars 13, 14, 33, and 34 are reinforced with reinforcing metal fittings 13f, 14f, 33f, and 34f. The reinforcing metal fittings 13f, 14f, 33f, and 34f increase the installation area of ​​the support frame SF, thereby increasing the load resistance of the support frame SF.

[0073] 20 is a perspective view of the top frame 20 of the support frame in FIG. 16A stacked on a transport pallet P for return transport. In this stacked state, the upper and lower corner members 24 of the top frame 20 abut against each other in the vertical direction.

[0074] Furthermore, the tip (upper end) of the lower positioning member 23a of the top frame 20 abuts against the inner surface (lower surface) of the upper positioning member 23a, thereby preventing misalignment of the top frame 20. A gap is formed between the upper and lower beam members 23.

[0075] Summary Although the present invention has been described above as an embodiment, various modifications are possible without being limited to the above embodiment. For example, the two sets of side frame members 10, 30 can be interconnected by means other than the connecting pins 34b, 34c. For example, as shown in Figure 6 of Patent Document 1, the two sets of side frame members 10, 30 may be interconnected by connecting locking pieces and locking receiving portions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 10, 30: Side frame member 11, 31: Upper frame part 12, 32: Lower stile 13, 14: Column 33, 34: Pillar portion 13a, 13c: Pin holder 13b, 13e: Guide piece 13d, 14d, 33d, 34d: Lower end 14a, 34a: Support shaft 14e, 33e: Bracket part 15, 35: Reinforcement material 16: End support bracket 16a: Restriction member 16a1, 36a1: Upper surface 17, 17a, 17b: Mounting bracket 17b1: Cutting plate to prevent misalignment 18, 38: Intermediate column 19: Auxiliary support bracket 20: Top frame 21: Inner member 23: Beam member 23a, 23c: Positioning members 23b: Engagement portion 24: Corner member 31a: Extension bracket 34b, 34c: Connecting pin 36: Central receiving bracket 36a: Regulating member 50: Link plate 70: Hinge shaft P: Transport pallet Pa: Fork pocket SF: Stacking support frame

Claims

1. A stacking support frame having four side frame members erected on the sides of a lower rectangular transport pallet, The four side frame members each have an upper frame portion, a lower frame portion, and a pair of left and right pillar portions, and are configured as two sets of two pieces connected via hinge portions provided on the pillar portions, A mounting bracket is provided on the lower frame portion of one of the two side frame members of each set, the mounting bracket being inserted into a fork pocket or a dedicated hole of the lower transport pallet and configured in a shape that allows stacking in the stacking direction of the side frame members; A support frame for stacking transport pallets, characterized in that when two sets of four side frame members are folded around the hinge portion and stacked on the top surface of the transport pallet, the mounting brackets stack the side frame members in the stacking direction.

2. 2. The stacking support frame according to claim 1, further comprising a top frame that can be detachably fitted over the upper end openings of the four side frame members, and the top frame supports the upper transport pallet.

3. 3. The stacking support frame according to claim 2, wherein said top frame is formed with an engaging portion that can be engaged with the upper frame portion of said side frame member.

4. 2. A stacking support frame according to claim 1, characterized in that the hinge portion has one hinge axis, which is arranged between the opposing surfaces of the pillar portions of the pair of side frame members, and one of the side frame members is connected to the other side frame member so as to be able to rotate 180 degrees around the hinge axis.

5. 2. A stacking support frame according to claim 1, characterized in that the hinge portion has two hinge axes, the two hinge axes being supported by the pillar portions of the side frame members and interconnected via link members, and one of the pair of side frame members being connected to the other side frame member so as to be able to rotate 360° around the hinge axis.

6. A stacking support frame according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the length by which the mounting bracket is inserted into the fork pocket or dedicated hole is greater than the thickness of one side frame member and less than the thickness of three side frame members.

7. 6. A stacking support frame according to claim 1, wherein the mounting brackets are configured in a shape that allows stacking in the stacking direction of the side frame members.

8. A stacking support frame as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the mounting bracket is made of a steel plate bent into a vertical V-shape, a vertical U-shape or a vertical stepped cup shape in the stacking direction of the side frame members, and a portion of one side opening of the steel plate is blocked by a cut plate.

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