Transport pallet

Abstract

To provide a conveyance pallet capable of conveying an intermediate plate on which a film body is attached in a vertically placed state and taking it out in a horizontally placed state.SOLUTION: A conveyance pallet 100 for conveying an intermediate plate attached with a film body includes a base 10, a placement table 20 provided on an upper surface of the base 10 and placing the intermediate plate 220, and a support part 30 provided on a rear surface of the placement table 20. The base 10 and one end of the placement table 20 are connected by a first hinge part 51, the rear surface of the placement table 20 and one end of the support part 30 are connected by a second hinge part 52. A flat placed state in which the support part 30 is retracted between the base 10 and the rear surface of the placement table 20 by rotating the first hinge part 51 and the second hinge part 52 and an inclined state in which the support part 30 supports the placement table 20 in a state where the other end of the support part 30 is in contact with the base 10 are switched.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport pallet for transporting an intermediate plate attached with a film body, which is used in a glass substrate polishing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] When polishing a substrate, particularly a glass substrate used for flat panel displays (FPD) such as LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode), a polishing apparatus is sometimes used in which the glass substrate is held by a holding portion of the polishing apparatus, and the held glass substrate is pressed against a polishing platen for polishing (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] A frame body, a film body, an intermediate plate, and an adsorption sheet are provided in this order in the holding portion of the polishing apparatus. The intermediate plate attached with a film body such as canvas is stored in a transport pallet, and transported, for example, from a component manufacturer to a glass manufacturer that polishes glass substrates. For the intermediate plate attached with the film body, the film body is attached to the frame body at the glass manufacturer, and an adsorption sheet is further attached to the intermediate plate, so that the assembly is used as the holding portion of the polishing apparatus. The transport pallet transported to the glass manufacturer is subsequently returned from the glass manufacturer to the component manufacturer.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, in recent years, there has been a growing need for larger glass substrates for FPDs. As the glass substrates become larger, the holding components also become larger. Due to their size, it is difficult to transport large glass substrate films and intermediate plates in a horizontal position. Therefore, intermediate plates with films attached are stored vertically on transport pallets and then transported in open-top containers with open tops.

[0006] When stored in a vertical position, the device used to remove the intermediate plate with the membrane attached from a horizontal position cannot be used, making smooth removal difficult and requiring equipment to tilt the transport pallet.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a transport pallet that can transport an intermediate plate to which a film body is attached, used when polishing a large glass substrate, in a vertical position, and can also be removed in a horizontal position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention is a transport pallet for transporting an intermediate plate to which a membrane is attached, Base and, A mounting platform provided on the upper surface of the base, on which the intermediate plate is placed, A support portion provided on the back of the aforementioned mounting platform, Equipped with, The base and one end of the aforementioned mounting stand are joined at a first hinge, and the aforementioned mounting stand is configured to be rotatable relative to the base. The back surface of the mounting base and one end of the support portion are connected by a second hinge portion, and the support portion is configured to be rotatable relative to the mounting base described above. The base and the second hinge portion are in close proximity, and the support portion is stored between the base and the back of the aforementioned stand, so that the aforementioned stand is placed flat. When the base and the second hinge portion are separated and the other end of the support portion is in contact with the base, the support portion supports the aforementioned stand, causing the aforementioned stand to tilt.

[0009] In the transport pallet of the present invention, for example, the aforementioned stand comprises a first small piece, a second small piece, and a third small piece, one end of the first small piece and the base are connected by the first hinge portion, and the first small piece is configured to be rotatable relative to the base; the other end of the first small piece and one end of the second small piece are connected by the third hinge portion, and the second small piece is configured to be rotatable relative to the first small piece; the other end of the second small piece and one end of the third small piece are connected by the fourth hinge portion, and the third small piece is configured to be rotatable relative to the second small piece; the aforementioned stand is in a stored state when the mounting surface of the first small piece and the mounting surface of the third small piece are brought close together and face each other, and the aforementioned stand is in a usable state when the mounting surfaces of the first small piece, the second small piece, and the third small piece are positioned on the same plane.

[0010] In the transport pallet of the present invention, for example, the stand described above is provided with a bolt that is movable to a position straddling the first piece and the third piece in the state of use, the first piece is provided with a first engaging portion that engages with the bolt in the state of use, and the third piece is provided with a third engaging portion that engages with the bolt in the state of use, and the movement of the third piece relative to the first piece is suppressed by engaging the bolt with the first engaging portion and the third engaging portion.

[0011] In the transport pallet of the present invention, for example, the aforementioned stand is provided with a latch that is movable to a position straddling the first piece and the second piece in the stored state, the first piece is provided with a first engaging portion that engages with the latch in the stored state, and the second piece is provided with a second engaging portion that engages with the latch in the stored state, and the movement of the second piece relative to the first piece is suppressed by engaging the latch with the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion.

[0012] In the transport pallet of the present invention, for example, the aforementioned support base has a column that penetrates the membrane on the outside of the intermediate plate when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the membrane.

[0013] In the transport pallet of the present invention, for example, a rotatable roller is provided at the other end of the support portion, and a rail is provided on the upper surface of the base, and the roller rotates and moves along the rail during deformation between the flat state and the inclined state.

[0014] In the transport pallet of the present invention, for example, a locking mechanism is provided on the upper surface of the base at a position where there are no rails, and the locking mechanism engages with the other end of the support in the inclined state to lock the support. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, the intermediate plate to which the membrane is attached can be transported in a vertical position and removed in a horizontal position. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the usage of the intermediate plate transported by the transport pallet. Figure 1(a) is an exploded perspective view showing the arrangement of the polishing head, frame, intermediate plate, and polishing pad. Figure 1(b) shows the frame, film, and intermediate plate in a disassembled state. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front perspective view of a transport pallet according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of the transport pallet according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic side view of a transport pallet according to an embodiment, where (a) is a side view of the platform in an inclined state and (b) is a side view of the platform in a flat state. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the flat-lying position shown in Figure 4(b). [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic side view of a transport pallet according to an embodiment, where (a) is a side view of the mounting platform in use and (b) is a side view of the mounting platform in a stored state. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the storage state shown in Figure 6(b). [Figure 8] Fig. 8 is a schematic side view of the transport pallet according to the embodiment in use, and particularly shows the bolt. [Figure 9] Fig. 9 is a schematic side view of the transport pallet according to the embodiment in a stored state, and particularly shows the bolt. [Figure 10] Fig. 10 is a top view of a mounting table on which an intermediate plate is mounted. [Figure 11] Fig. 11 is an enlarged view enlarging a main part within region X of Fig. 3. [Figure 12] Fig. 12 is a view showing a state where a transport pallet packed with a blue sheet is loaded into an open-top container. [Figure 13] Fig. 13 is a view showing a state where another blue sheet is covered on the transport pallet from the state of Fig. 12. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the transport pallet according to the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. Fig. 1 is a view showing a usage mode of an intermediate plate 220 transported by the transport pallet, Fig. 1(a) is an exploded perspective view showing the arrangement relationship of a polishing head 200, a frame body 212, an intermediate plate 220, and a polishing pad 300, and Fig. 1(b) is a view showing a state where the frame body 212, a film body 214, and the intermediate plate 220 are disassembled.

[0018] The polishing head 200, the frame body 212, the intermediate plate 220, and the polishing pad 300 shown in Fig. 1(a) are provided in a polishing apparatus that polishes a glass substrate 240. The polishing apparatus (not shown) is a polishing apparatus that polishes one surface of a large-sized glass substrate 240 to have flatness required for FPD. For example, the glass substrate 240 has a side length exceeding 3000 mm and a thickness of 0.4 mm to 1.1 mm.

[0019] In the polishing apparatus, the glass substrate 240 is attached to the frame 212 via an intermediate plate 220 and a back pad 230. Furthermore, the frame 212 and the glass substrate 240 are held by the polishing head 200 and pressed against the polishing pad 300 with a predetermined pressure. The polishing apparatus supplies slurry S to the polishing pad 300 while the polishing head 200 rotates, and the glass substrate 240 is polished.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1(b), a membrane 214, which is provided on the upper surface of the intermediate plate 220, is attached to the frame 212. For example, an adhesive sheet made of foamed polyurethane is adhered to the lower surface of the membrane 214, and this adhesive sheet, together with the intermediate plate 220 and the back pad 230, self-adheres the glass substrate 240, thereby attaching the glass substrate 240 to the frame 212. In Figure 1(b), the membrane 214 does not protrude outside the intermediate plate 220, but the size of the membrane 214 may be increased so that the membrane 214 protrudes outside the intermediate plate 220. Such an example will be described later with reference to Figure 10.

[0021] Figure 2 is a front perspective view of a transport pallet 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of the transport pallet 100. The transport pallet 100 is a pallet for transporting an intermediate plate 220 to which the membrane 214 shown in Figure 1 is attached. The intermediate plate 220 is made of, for example, an aluminum plate, but may also be made of a resin plate such as polycarbonate, and the material is not limited. Hereinafter, the intermediate plate 220 to which the membrane 214 is attached will be simply referred to as the intermediate plate 220. The transport pallet 100 comprises a base 10, a mounting platform 20 provided on the upper surface of the base 10 on which the intermediate plate 220 is placed, and a support portion 30 provided on the back of the mounting platform 20.

[0022] The base 10 is a component that corresponds to a pedestal for placing the transport pallet 100 on the floor. In this embodiment, the base 10 is constructed by combining multiple frames, but it may also be constructed from plate-shaped members, and the specific configuration is not particularly limited.

[0023] The mounting base 20 is a flat plate-shaped member provided on the upper surface of the base 10 on which the intermediate plate 220 is placed. In Figures 2 and 3, the mounting base 20 is inclined, and in this inclined state, the lower end of the intermediate plate 220 placed on the upper surface of the mounting base 20 is supported by a support plate 26 provided at one end of the mounting base 20. In this state, the transport pallet is loaded onto a container for transport. However, the transport pallet 100 on which the intermediate plate 220, used for polishing large glass plates such as G11 size, is placed in an inclined state is very tall and difficult to load onto a typical container with a closed top. Therefore, the transport pallet 100 on which the intermediate plate 220 is placed is generally loaded onto an open-top container, which is a container with a closed top, for transport. A latch 40 is provided on one side of the mounting base 20, and details of the latch 40 will be described later with reference to Figures 8 and 9.

[0024] The support portion 30 is provided on the back of the mounting base 20 and is a member that supports the mounting base 20, which is in an inclined state, from its back. In this embodiment, the support portion 30 is constructed by combining multiple frames, but it may also be constructed from plate-shaped members, and the specific configuration is not particularly limited.

[0025] Figure 4 is a schematic side view of the transport pallet 100, where Figure 4(a) is a side view of the mounting base 20 in an inclined state, and Figure 4(b) is a side view of the mounting base 20 in a flat state. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the flat state in Figure 4(b). The transport pallet 100 of this embodiment can be transformed into multiple forms. In particular, the mounting base 20 and the support part 30 can be transformed according to the usage of the transport pallet 100, thereby reducing the cost of transporting the transport pallet 100 and improving the convenience of handling the intermediate plate 220.

[0026] The configuration that allows the transport pallet 100 to be deformed will now be described. The base 10 and one end of the mounting platform 20 are connected by a first hinge portion 51, and the mounting platform 20 is configured to be rotatable relative to the base 10. As a result, the mounting platform 20 is rotatable relative to the base 10 with the first hinge portion 51 as the pivot point. The first hinge portion 51 in this embodiment has a general configuration in which the base 10 and one end of the mounting platform 20 are connected by a pivot pin. The specific configuration of the first hinge portion 51 is not particularly limited as long as it enables relative rotation of the base 10 and the mounting platform 20.

[0027] The back surface of the mounting base 20 and one end of the support portion 30 are connected by a second hinge portion 52, and the support portion 30 is configured to be rotatable relative to the mounting base 20. As a result, the support portion 30 is rotatable relative to the mounting base 20 with the second hinge portion 52 as the pivot point. The second hinge portion 52 in this embodiment has a general configuration in which the back surface of the mounting base 20 and one end of the support portion 30 are connected by a pivot pin. The specific configuration of the second hinge portion 52 is not particularly limited as long as it enables relative rotation between the mounting base 20 and the support portion 30.

[0028] In the inclined state shown in Figure 4(a), the first hinge portion 51 is open, and the base 10 and the second hinge portion 52 are separated. That is, the base 10 and the location on the mounting base 20 where the second hinge portion 52 is attached are separated. In the inclined state, the second hinge portion 52 is also open, and the mounting base 20 and the support portion 30 are separated. On the other hand, in the flat state shown in Figure 4(b), the first hinge portion 51 is closed, and the base 10 and the second hinge portion 52 are close together. That is, the base 10 and the location on the mounting base 20 where the second hinge portion 52 is attached are close together. In the flat state, the second hinge portion 52 is also closed, and the mounting base 20 and the support portion 30 are close together.

[0029] In other words, when the mounting base 20 is in the inclined state shown in Figure 4(a), the operator closes the second hinge portion 52 in the closing direction of arrow B and the first hinge portion 51 in the closing direction of arrow A. As a result, the mounting base 20 is placed flat as shown in Figure 4(b), and the support portion 30 can be stored between the base 10 and the back surface of the mounting base 20.

[0030] On the other hand, when the mounting base 20 is in the flat position shown in Figure 4(b), the operator opens the first hinge portion 51 in the opening direction of arrow C and the second hinge portion 52 in the opening direction of arrow D. As a result, the mounting base 20 is in the inclined position shown in Figure 4(a), and the support portion 30 can support the mounting base 20 when the other end of the support portion 30 is in contact with the base 10.

[0031] The operator can switch between two states for the transport pallet 100, an inclined state and a flat state, depending on the usage situation. When transporting the intermediate plate 220, the transport pallet 100 can be inclined, allowing it to be loaded into a container with an open top, and the intermediate plate 220 to be transported to a glass manufacturer or the like.

[0032] When attempting to remove the intermediate plate 220 from a tilted transport pallet 100, smooth removal is difficult. However, in this embodiment, the transport pallet 100 can be easily switched to a flat position by rotating the first hinge portion 51 and the second hinge portion 52. Therefore, the intermediate plate 220 can be smoothly removed from the flat transport pallet 100 without using equipment to tilt the transport pallet 100.

[0033] Furthermore, by switching the transport pallet 100 between a flat position and an inclined position, loading and unloading operations of the intermediate plates 220 become easier, improving the convenience of handling the intermediate plates 220.

[0034] Figure 6 is a schematic side view of the transport pallet 100, where Figure 6(a) is a side view of the mounting base 20 in use and Figure 6(b) is a side view of the mounting base 20 in storage. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the storage state in Figure 6(b). In addition to the forms shown in Figures 4 and 5, the transport pallet 100 of this embodiment can be transformed into other forms. In this disclosure, "use state" means a state in which the intermediate plate 220 can be placed on the mounting base 20, and includes the aforementioned flat and inclined states, while "storage state" means a state in which the intermediate plate 220 cannot be placed on the mounting base 20. Figure 6(a) shows the inclined state of the mounting base 20.

[0035] The mounting base 20 comprises a first small piece 21, a second small piece 22, and a third small piece 23. Viewed from the side of the support plate 26, the first small piece 21, the second small piece 22, and the third small piece 23 are arranged in this order. In this embodiment, the first small piece 21 and the third small piece 23 are each formed from a single plate. The second small piece 22 is composed of multiple plates divided in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement of the three small pieces and a rod-shaped member connecting these plates. However, the specific configuration of each small piece is not particularly limited.

[0036] One end of the first piece 21 and the base 10 are connected by the first hinge portion 51 described above. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the other end of the first piece 21 and one end of the second piece 22 are connected by a third hinge portion 53. As a result, the second piece 22 is able to rotate relative to the first piece 21 with the third hinge portion 53 as the pivot point. The third hinge portion 53 in this embodiment has a general configuration in which the other end of the first piece 21 and one end of the second piece 22 are connected by a pivot pin. The specific configuration of the third hinge portion 53 is not particularly limited as long as it enables relative rotation between the first piece 21 and the second piece 22.

[0037] Furthermore, the other end of the second piece 22 and one end of the third piece 23 are connected by a fourth hinge portion 54. This allows the third piece 23 to rotate relative to the second piece 22, with the fourth hinge portion 54 as the pivot point. The fourth hinge portion 54 in this embodiment has a general configuration in which the other end of the second piece 22 and one end of the third piece 23 are connected by a pivot pin. The specific configuration of the fourth hinge portion 54 is not particularly limited as long as it enables relative rotation of the second piece 22 and the third piece 23.

[0038] In the usage state shown in Figure 6(a), the third hinge portion 53 is open in addition to the first hinge portion 51 and the second hinge portion 52, so that the mounting surface of the first piece 21 and the mounting surface of the second piece 22 are located on the same plane. Also, the fourth hinge portion 54 is open, so that the mounting surface of the second piece 22 and the mounting surface of the third piece 23 are located on the same plane. As a result, the mounting surfaces of the first piece 21, the second piece 22, and the third piece 23 are located on the same plane.

[0039] On the other hand, in the storage state shown in Figure 6(b), in addition to the first hinge portion 51 and the second hinge portion 52, the third hinge portion 53 is also closed, and the mounting surface of the first piece 21 and the mounting surface of the second piece 22 are perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, the fourth hinge portion 54 is also closed, and the mounting surface of the second piece 22 and the mounting surface of the third piece 23 are perpendicular to each other. As a result, the mounting surface of the first piece 21 and the mounting surface of the third piece 23 are in close proximity and facing each other.

[0040] In other words, when the mounting table 20 is in the use state shown in Figure 6(a), the operator closes the second hinge portion 52 in the closing direction of arrow B and the first hinge portion 51 in the closing direction of arrow A, thereby placing the mounting table 20 in the flat position shown in Figure 4(b). Furthermore, the operator closes the third hinge portion 53 in the closing direction of arrow E and the fourth hinge portion 54 in the closing direction of arrow F. As a result, the mounting table 20 is placed in the stored state shown in Figure 6(b), and the mounting surface of the first piece 21 and the mounting surface of the third piece 23 are placed facing each other.

[0041] On the other hand, when the mounting table 20 is in the stored state shown in Figure 6(b), the operator opens the third hinge portion 53 in the opening direction of arrow G and the fourth hinge portion 54 in the opening direction of arrow H, thereby placing the mounting table 20 in the flat position shown in Figure 4(b). Furthermore, the operator opens the first hinge portion 51 in the opening direction of arrow C and the second hinge portion 52 in the opening direction of arrow D. As a result, the mounting table 20 is in the usage state shown in Figure 6(a), and the mounting surfaces of the first piece 21, the second piece 22, and the third piece 23 are positioned on the same plane.

[0042] The operator can switch between two states for the transport pallet 100, use and storage, depending on the situation. When transporting the intermediate plate 220, the transport pallet 100 is set to use, allowing it to be loaded into a container with an open top, and the intermediate plate 220 to be transported to a glass manufacturer or the like.

[0043] Containers with open roofs like this are generally expensive to use. However, after transporting the intermediate plates 220, the transport pallet 100 can be stored to reduce its height, allowing it to be loaded into a standard container with a closed roof and returned to the transport company. This reduces the cost of returning the pallet and thus the overall transport cost. In particular, the stored state in Figure 6(b) reduces the horizontal dimensions compared to the flat-lay state in Figure 4(b), improving convenience when loading into a container.

[0044] Figure 8 is a schematic side view of the transport pallet 100 in use, and in particular shows the bolt 40. Figure 8 shows the inclined state of the mounting base 20. The mounting base 20 is equipped with a movable bolt 40 in a position that straddles the first small piece 21 and the third small piece 23 in use. The bolt 40 is an elongated member provided on at least one side of the mounting base 20.

[0045] The first small piece 21 is provided with a first engaging portion 41 that engages with the bolt 40 when in use, and the third small piece 23 is provided with a third engaging portion 43 that engages with the bolt 40 when in use. The first engaging portion 41 and the third engaging portion 43 are formed on one side of the first small piece 21 and the third small piece 23, respectively. The first engaging portion 41 and the third engaging portion 43 are composed of tab-shaped members having holes through which the bolt 40 can pass.

[0046] The operator slides the bolt 40 through the holes of the first engaging portion 41 and the third engaging portion 43, thereby engaging the bolt 40 with the first engaging portion 41 and the third engaging portion 43. This allows the bolt 40 to restrain the first small piece 21 and the third small piece 23, and to suppress the movement of the third small piece 23 relative to the first small piece 21.

[0047] With the above configuration, the bolt 40 can fix the mounting surfaces of the first piece 21, the second piece 22, and the third piece 23 on the same plane when in use, allowing the intermediate plate 220 to be smoothly placed. Furthermore, the movement of the bolt 40 is restricted by the engagement between the bolt 40 and the first engaging part 41 or the third engaging part 43, thus preventing problems such as the bolt 40 coming loose even when in use.

[0048] Figure 9 is a schematic side view of the transport pallet 100 in its stored state, and in particular shows the bolt 40. The mounting base 20 is equipped with a bolt 40 that can move to a position that straddles the first small piece 21 and the second small piece 22 in the stored state. The bolt 40 is an elongated member provided on one side of the mounting base 20.

[0049] The first small piece 21 is provided with a first engaging portion 41 that engages with the bolt 40 when stored, and the second small piece 22 is provided with a second engaging portion 42 that engages with the bolt 40 when stored. The first engaging portion 41 and the second engaging portion 42 are formed on one side of the first small piece 21 and the second small piece 22, respectively. The first engaging portion 41 and the second engaging portion 42 are composed of, for example, tab-shaped members having holes through which the bolt 40 can pass.

[0050] The operator slides the bolt 40 through the holes of the first engaging portion 41 and the second engaging portion 42, thereby engaging the bolt 40 with the first engaging portion 41 and the second engaging portion 42. This allows the bolt 40 to restrain the first small piece 21 and the second small piece 22, and to suppress the movement of the second small piece 22 relative to the first small piece 21.

[0051] The above configuration facilitates transformation from the usage state to the storage state. That is, when transforming from the usage state to the storage state, when the third hinge portion 53 and the fourth hinge portion 54 rotate, the worker needs to rotate the fourth hinge portion 54 in the closing direction while, for example, suppressing the rotation of the third hinge portion 53. Such work can be difficult and may reduce work efficiency. However, because the bolt 40 restrains the first small piece 21 and the second small piece 22, the worker can easily rotate the fourth hinge portion 54 in the closing direction. Although the third engaging portion 43 in Figure 8 is not shown in Figure 9, the third engaging portion 43 may be provided on the third small piece 23 in Figure 9. Also, in the transport pallet 100 shown in Figure 8, the second engaging portion 42 may be provided on the second small piece 22.

[0052] Figure 10 is a top view of the mounting base 20 on which the intermediate plate 220 is placed. In this example, unlike the one in Figure 1, the membrane 214 protrudes to the outside of the intermediate plate 220. Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the membrane 214, the membrane 214 has a protruding portion on the outside of the intermediate plate 220. Multiple holes are provided in advance in this protruding portion through which the columns 27 can pass.

[0053] As shown in Figures 2 and 10, the mounting base 20 has multiple pin-shaped columns 27 on its edge. The columns 27 are fixed to the mounting base 20 in a removable manner, but they may also be permanently fixed. When the intermediate plate 220 is placed on the mounting base 20, the columns 27 penetrate the holes in the membrane 214 on the outside of the intermediate plate 220. This allows the columns 27 to suppress the movement of the membrane 214.

[0054] Figure 11 is an enlarged view of the key parts within area X of Figure 3. A rotatable roller 32 is provided at the lower end of the support portion 30, which is the opposite end from one end. Meanwhile, a rail 12 is provided on the upper surface of the base 10. When the pallet is deformed between a flat position and an inclined position, the roller 32 rotates and moves along the rail 12. This allows the support portion 30 to move smoothly, enabling the operator to perform deformation work on the transport pallet 100 smoothly.

[0055] Furthermore, a locking mechanism 14 is provided on the upper surface of the base 10 where there is no rail 12. The locking mechanism 14 has the function of locking the support portion 30 by engaging with the other end of the support portion 30 when it is inclined. For example, the locking mechanism 14 has a rod-shaped member that can move in the horizontal direction. The other end of the support portion 30 has a through hole (not shown) along the direction of movement of the rod-shaped member of the locking mechanism 14. When an operator moves the rod-shaped member in the horizontal direction, the rod-shaped member is fitted into the through hole of the support portion 30. As a result, when it is inclined, the other end of the support portion 30 engages with the locking mechanism 14, maintaining a stable contact with the base 10, and the inclined state of the transport pallet 100 is stably maintained.

[0056] The process of transporting the intermediate plate 220 will now be explained. First, the worker places the loading platform 20 of the transport pallet 100 in the flat position shown in Figures 4(b) and 5, and then places the intermediate plate 220 on the loading platform 20. After covering the intermediate plate 220 with a vinyl sheet, the worker inserts the columns 27 of the loading platform 20 into pre-made holes in the membrane 214 that protrudes to the outside of the intermediate plate 220, thereby positioning the intermediate plate 220. By inserting the columns 27 into the holes on the loading platform 20 in the flat position, the worker can smoothly place the intermediate plate 220.

[0057] Next, the worker transforms the platform 20 of the transport pallet 100 into the inclined state shown in Figures 2-4(a), 6(a), and 8, wraps it in a blue sheet, and loads it into a container for transport. After the container arrives at its destination, the worker unloads the transport pallet 100 from the container and removes the blue sheet. The worker then returns the platform 20 to a flat position and removes the intermediate plate 220. The worker can smoothly remove the intermediate plate 220 from the platform 20 in its flat position. Furthermore, the worker folds the platform 20 without the intermediate plate 220, transforming it into the storage state shown in Figures 6(b) and 7.

[0058] Figure 12 shows a transport pallet 100, wrapped in a blue tarp 420, loaded into an open-top container 400. The top of the inclined transport pallet 100 protrudes from the top surface of the open-top container 400. A fixed frame 430 placed on the bottom surface of the container 400 restrains the movement of the transport pallet 100 to prevent it from shifting during transport. Because the inclined transport pallet 100 has a large height, it is common to load it into an open-top container with an open roof for transport. Such open-top containers are more expensive to use than typical containers with roofs.

[0059] Figure 13 shows the state in Figure 12, with a blue sheet 450 added to cover the open-top container 400. The blue sheet 450, which is placed last, serves to protect the transport pallet 100.

[0060] However, in the storage state shown in Figures 6(b) and 7, the transport pallets 100 are reduced in size both horizontally and vertically, and can be stacked on top of each other. In this stacked state, they can be placed in a regular container. Therefore, after unloading the intermediate plates 220, workers can stack multiple transport pallets 100 and store them in a single container, thereby reducing the transportation costs required for the return trip when returning the transport pallets 100 to the transportation company, etc.

[0061] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified, improved, etc., as appropriate. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, numerical values, form, number, placement, etc. of each component in the embodiments described above are arbitrary and not limited, as long as they can achieve the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 10 bases 12 rails 14. Locking mechanism 20 mounting platform 21 First piece 22 Second piece 23 Third piece 27 pillars 30 Support part 32 rollers 40 bolt 41 First engaging part 42 Second engaging part 43 Third engaging part 51 First hinge section 52 Second hinge section 53 Third hinge section 54 Fourth hinge section 100 transport pallets 200 polishing heads 212 Frame 214 Membrane body 220 Intermediate plate 300 polishing pads

Claims

1. A transport pallet for transporting an intermediate plate to which a membrane is attached, Base and, A mounting platform provided on the upper surface of the base, on which the intermediate plate is placed, A support portion provided on the back of the aforementioned mounting platform, Equipped with, The base and one end of the aforementioned mounting stand are joined at a first hinge, and the aforementioned mounting stand is configured to be rotatable relative to the base. The back surface of the mounting base and one end of the support portion are connected by a second hinge portion, and the support portion is configured to be rotatable relative to the mounting base described above. The base and the second hinge portion are in close proximity, and the support portion is stored between the base and the back of the aforementioned stand, so that the aforementioned stand is placed flat. When the base and the second hinge portion are separated and the other end of the support portion is in contact with the base, the support portion supports the aforementioned stand, causing the aforementioned stand to tilt. Transport pallet.

2. The aforementioned mounting platform is It comprises a first small piece, a second small piece, and a third small piece, One end of the first small piece and the base are connected at the first hinge portion, and the first small piece is configured to be rotatable relative to the base. The other end of the first piece and one end of the second piece are joined at a third hinge, and the second piece is configured to be rotatable relative to the first piece. The other end of the second piece and one end of the third piece are joined at a fourth hinge, and the third piece is configured to be rotatable relative to the second piece. By bringing the mounting surface of the first small piece and the mounting surface of the third small piece close together and facing each other, the aforementioned mounting stand is put into a stored state. By positioning the mounting surfaces of the first piece, the second piece, and the third piece on the same plane, the aforementioned mounting stand becomes usable. The transport pallet according to claim 1.

3. The mounting base is equipped with a latch that can be moved to a position that straddles the first and third small pieces in the state of use, The first small piece is provided with a first engaging portion that engages with the bolt in the state of use, The third small piece is provided with a third engaging portion that engages with the bolt in the state of use, By engaging the bolt with the first engaging portion and the third engaging portion, the movement of the third piece relative to the first piece is suppressed. The transport pallet according to claim 2.

4. The mounting base is equipped with a latch that can be moved to a position that straddles the first and second small pieces in the stored state, The first small piece is provided with a first engaging portion that engages with the bolt in the stored state, The second small piece is provided with a second engaging portion that engages with the bolt in the stored state, By engaging the bolt with the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion, the movement of the second small piece relative to the first small piece is suppressed. The transport pallet according to claim 2.

5. The mounting platform, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the membrane, has a column that penetrates the membrane on the outside of the intermediate plate. A transport pallet according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A rotatable roller is provided at the other end of the support portion. A rail is provided on the upper surface of the base. During deformation between the flat position and the inclined position, the roller moves while rotating on the rail. A transport pallet according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. A locking mechanism is provided on the upper surface of the base in a position where there is no rail. The locking mechanism engages with the other end of the support portion in the inclined state to lock the support portion. The transport pallet according to claim 6.

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