Pallet and method for conveying and storing article using pallet

Abstract

In this method for conveying and storing an article, a pallet includes a first member and a second member forming an accommodation space in which the article is disposed. The first member extends in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction. The second member is connected to an end portion of the first member on a second side in the second direction and extends in a third direction, intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and the first direction. When conveying the article disposed in the accommodation space, the third direction extends in a vertical direction, and the pallet is conveyed in a first state in which the first member is disposed below the second member. When the article disposed in the accommodation space is stored in a storage place, the second direction extends in the vertical direction, and the pallet is disposed in the storage place in a second state in which the second member is disposed below the first member.

Description

Pallets and methods for transporting and storing items using pallets

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure relates to pallets and methods of using pallets to transport and store items.

[0002] For example, a pallet disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-118185 is used to store items. This pallet is composed of a base, a rear frame, a right side frame, and a left side frame. The base, rear frame, right side frame, and left side frame form a storage space for storing items. The base is provided with fork guides into which the claws of a forklift truck transporting the pallet can be inserted. This pallet is used with the base positioned downward in the extension direction.

[0003] For example, in the interior design industry, which handles products related to the interior decoration of buildings, such as wallpaper applied to building walls, products are sometimes loaded directly onto the loading platform of a transportation device such as a truck without using a pallet. This has led to problems such as a heavy burden on workers who load and unload products onto and from the transportation device. Furthermore, there have been problems such as products collapsing from the truck or falling off the loading platform. Therefore, the interior design industry has a demand for a pallet that is convenient for transporting products.

[0004] In recent years, the interior design industry has been in demand for a pallet that allows the arrangement of products within the storage space to be changed depending on the situation. For example, there is a demand for a pallet that allows the products to be stored in a vertical position within the storage space when the pallet with products stored in the storage space is transported by a transportation device such as a truck, and that allows the products to be stored in a horizontal position within the storage space of the pallet when the pallet with products stored in the storage space is stored in a storage location such as a warehouse. Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a pallet and a method for transporting and storing items that allow the arrangement of items stored in the storage space of the pallet to be changed in a simple manner, thereby making it convenient for transporting and storing items.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve at least part of the above-mentioned problems, and can be realized in the following forms or application examples.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for transporting and storing items using a pallet. In this method for transporting and storing items, the pallet includes a first member and a second member that form a storage space in which the items are placed. The first member extends in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction. The second member is connected to an end of the first member on a second side in the second direction, and extends in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and in the first direction. When transporting an item placed in the storage space, the pallet is transported in a first state in which the third direction extends vertically and the first member is positioned below the second member. When storing the item placed in the storage space in a storage location, the pallet is placed in the storage location in a second state in which the second direction extends vertically and the second member is positioned below the first member. This method for transporting and storing items allows the arrangement of items placed in the storage space of the pallet to be easily switched. In the method for transporting and storing items of the above aspect, the pallet may include at least one first insertion hole formed in the first member and extending in the first direction. When switching the pallet from the first state to the second state, or when switching the pallet from the second state to the first state, a claw of a transport device may be inserted into the first insertion hole, and the claw inserted into the first insertion hole may be rotated around a claw rotation center line. According to this method for transporting and storing items, the pallet can have a simple configuration and the arrangement state of the items placed in the storage space of the pallet can be switched in a simple manner. In the method for transporting and storing items of the above aspect, the pallet may include at least one first insertion hole formed in the first member and extending in the first direction, and at least one second insertion hole formed in the second member and extending in the first direction. When switching the pallet from the first state to the second state, the claw portion of the conveying 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 claws may be inserted into the second insertion holes or the first insertion holes, and the claws inserted into the second insertion holes or the first insertion holes may be rotated around the claw rotation center line. According to this aspect of the method for transporting and storing items, the first insertion holes and the second insertion holes are positioned so that the claws of a transport device can be easily inserted, thereby making it possible to easily rotate the pallet. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a pallet for transporting and storing items. The pallet includes a first member extending in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction; a second member connected to an end of the first member on a second side in the second direction and extending in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction; and a storage space formed by the first member and the second member. The first member or the second member includes at least one insertion hole extending in the first direction. According to this embodiment, the member supporting the article can be switched between the first member and the second member by rotating the pallet using the insertion hole. Therefore, the arrangement of the article placed in the storage space can be switched in a simple manner, providing a pallet that is convenient for transporting and storing the article. In the pallet of the above embodiment, the rotation position of the pallet can be switched between a first state in which the third direction extends vertically and the first member is positioned below the second member and a second state in which the second direction extends vertically and the second member is positioned below the first member by inserting a claw of a conveying device into the first insertion hole and rotating the pallet around a rotation center line of the claw. According to this embodiment, the pallet has a simple configuration, and the arrangement of the article placed in the storage space of the pallet can be switched in a simple manner, providing a pallet that is convenient for transporting and storing the article. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a pallet 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 a first side in the first direction and extending in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions and in 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. With this type of pallet, the member supporting an item can be switched between the first member and the second member by rotating the pallet using the first insertion hole and the second insertion hole. Therefore, the arrangement of items placed in the storage space can be switched in a simple manner, providing a pallet that is convenient for transporting and storing items. In the pallet of the above embodiment, the rotational position of the pallet may be switchable between a first state in which the third direction extends vertically and the first member is positioned below the second member and a second state in which the second direction extends vertically and the second member is positioned below the first member by inserting the claws of a conveying device into either the first insertion hole or the second insertion hole and rotating the pallet about the claw rotation center line. With this pallet, whether the rotational position of the pallet is in the first state or the second state, either the first insertion hole or the second insertion hole is likely to be positioned in a position that makes it easy to insert the claws of a conveying device. Therefore, the pallet can be easily rotated, making it more convenient for transporting and storing items. The pallet of the above embodiment may further include a third member connected to the end of the first member on the first side in the first direction and the end of the second member on the first side in the first direction and extending in the second direction and the third direction, and a fourth member connected to the end of the first member on the second side in the first direction and the end of the second member on the second side in the first direction and extending in the second direction and the third direction. With this embodiment of the pallet, items placed in the storage space of the pallet can be supported from both sides in the first direction, thereby suppressing or preventing the items from shifting.The pallet of the above embodiment may further include a first connecting portion rotatably connecting an end of the third member on the first side in the third direction to an end of the first member on the first side in the first direction, and a second connecting portion rotatably connecting an end of the fourth member on the first side in the third direction to an end of the first member on the second side in the first direction. According to this embodiment, the third member and the fourth member can be rotated and placed on the first member. This makes it easy to stack pallets on top of each other, and multiple pallets can be easily stored in a limited space. The pallet of the above embodiment may further include at least one movement restricting portion spanning between the third member and the fourth member. According to this embodiment, the pallet can suppress or prevent items placed in the storage space of the pallet from tipping over or falling out. In the pallet of the above embodiment, 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 this embodiment of the pallet, the pallet can be transported without being rotated using a transport device. The present disclosure can also be realized in various forms other than pallets and methods for transporting and storing items using pallets. For example, the present disclosure can be realized in the form of a pallet manufacturing method, a pallet rotation method, etc.

[0007] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a pallet according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the pallet according to this embodiment during storage. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the pallet in a second state. FIG. 5 is a process diagram showing a method for transporting and storing items using a pallet. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a pallet according to a second embodiment.

[0008] A. First Embodiment: A1. Configuration of Pallet 100: The configuration of a pallet 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a pallet 100 according to the first embodiment. The pallet 100 is used for transporting and storing items. "Transporting items" includes transportation and conveyance by vehicles, including trucks. Transporting items may also include transportation and conveyance by forklifts. Transporting items may also include transportation and conveyance by airplane, train, ship, etc.

[0009] In the example of FIG. 1 , the item OB is a roll of wallpaper to be attached to the wall of a building, wound into a cylindrical or columnar shape. Wallpaper is also sometimes called "cloth." Hereinafter, the direction in which the roll extends is defined as the "extension direction DE." Note that the item OB is not limited to wallpaper or a roll, and may be any item that can be placed in the storage space 100S formed in the pallet 100.

[0010] A label LB is attached to the end face of the item OB on the second side Z2 in the third direction. The label LB contains identification information for the item OB. "Identification information for the item OB" refers to various information that can identify the item OB, such as the product name, type, product number, lot number, dimensions, weight, and model number. The identification information for the item OB may be a character string, a one-dimensional code, a multi-dimensional code, or an electronic tag that can output identification information. The label LB is not attached to the side of the item OB to prevent the label LB from being obscured by other items OB and becoming unreadable when multiple items OB are stored on the pallet 100.

[0011] The pallet 100 includes a first member 60 and a second member 70. The first member 60 and the second member 70 form a storage space 100S for arranging an item OB. When there are multiple items OB, in the example of Fig. 1, the items OB are stored in order along a second direction DY (described later) toward a first side Y1 in the second direction.

[0012] Each figure, including FIG. 1 , schematically illustrates three directions defined for the pallet 100 according to the present disclosure. The "second direction DY" is one of the directions in which the first member 60 extends. Within the second direction DY, the direction in which the second member 70 is disposed relative to the first member 60 is defined as the "second direction second side Y2," and the opposite side is defined as the "second direction first side Y1." The "first direction DX" is one of the directions in which the first member 60 extends that intersects with the second direction DY. In the example of FIG. 1 , the first direction DX and the second direction DY are perpendicular to each other. One side of the first direction DX is defined as the "first direction first side X1," and the opposite side is defined as the "first direction second side X2." 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 intersecting the first direction DX and the second direction DY. In the example of FIG. 1 , the third direction DZ is perpendicular to the first direction DX and the second direction DY. Of the third direction DZ, the direction in which the first member 60 is disposed relative to the second member 70 is defined as the "third direction first side Z1," and the opposite side is defined as the "third direction second side Z2." When the pallet 100 is disposed with the third direction DZ aligned vertically, the third direction second side Z2 may also be referred to as the "upper side," and the third direction first side Z1 may also be referred to as the "lower side." When the pallet 100 is disposed with the second direction DY aligned vertically, the second direction first side Y1 may also be referred to as the "upper side," and the second direction second side Y2 may also be referred to as the "lower side."

[0013] The first member 60 includes a first main body 68 and a first cover member 66. The first main body 68 is configured as a plate-like member having a substantially rectangular shape. The first main body 68 extends in the first direction DX and the second direction DY. The first main body 68 is also sometimes referred to as a flat pallet. The first main body 68 is formed using a metal material such as iron or aluminum. The first main body 68 may also be made of resin or wood. Instead of being plate-shaped, the first main body 68 may be configured as a mesh-like or lattice-like frame member.

[0014] The first cover member 66 is a resin panel or sheet that is thinner than the first main body 68. The first cover member 66 is attached to the surface of the first main body 68 on the second side Z2 in the third direction. When the pallet 100 is arranged in a first state described below, the first cover member 66 supports the item OB and functions as a buffer material that absorbs impacts on the item OB. The first cover member 66 may be made of metal or wood. The first cover member 66 and the first main body 68 may be formed integrally. The first cover member 66 may be omitted.

[0015] The second member 70 includes a second main body 78 and a second cover member 76. The second main body 78 is configured as a plate-like member having a substantially rectangular shape. The second main body 78 extends in the first direction DX and the third direction DZ. The second main body 78 is also sometimes referred to as a flat pallet. The second main body 78 is formed using a resin material such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE). The second main body 78 is connected to an end of the first main body 68 of the first member 60 on the second side Y2 in the second direction. In this embodiment, the first main body 68 of the first member 60 and the second main body 78 of the second member 70 are firmly fixed together by fastening using a fastener (not shown). The second main body 78 may be made of metal instead of resin. The second main body 78 may be configured as a mesh-like or lattice-like frame member instead of a plate-like member. The first main body 68 and the second main body 78 may also 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.

[0016] The second cover member 76 is a resin panel or sheet thinner than 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 a second state described below, the second cover member 76 supports the item OB and functions as a buffer material that absorbs impacts on the item OB. 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. Alternatively, 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. In other words, the second member 70 and the first member 60 may be integrally formed. This configuration allows the pallet 100 and the storage space 100S to be formed with a simple configuration that does not require fasteners.

[0017] In this embodiment, the pallet 100 further includes a third member 30 and a fourth member 40. The third member 30 and the fourth member 40 function as so-called side panels. The pallet 100 including the third member 30 and the fourth member 40 is sometimes called a box pallet.

[0018] 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). The third member 30 may be made of wood or metal instead of resin. The third member 30 may be formed of a mesh or lattice-shaped frame member instead of a panel. The third member 30 includes a first connecting portion 31, a first end support 34, and a first support 36. The third member 30 is detachably connected to the end of the second member 70 on the first side X1 in the first direction using a fastener (not shown) or the like.

[0019] The fourth member 40 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 second side X2 in the first direction. The fourth member 40 includes a second connecting portion 42, a second end support 44, and a second support 46. The fourth member 40 is detachably connected to the end of the second member 70 on the second side X2 in the first direction by a fastener (not shown) or the like. The other configuration of the fourth member 40 is similar to that of the third member 30, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0020] The first end support 34 and the first support 36 are provided near the end of the third member 30 on the second side Z2 in the third direction. The second end support 44 and the second support 46 are provided in a position facing the first end support 34 and the first support 36 near the end of the fourth member 40 on the second side Z2 in the third direction.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1 , the first end support 34 and the second end support 44 support the movement restricting member 80. The movement restricting member 80 is a generally rod-shaped member made of a metal such as iron. The first end support 34 is configured to detachably attach the end of the movement restricting member 80 on the second side (X2) in the first direction, and the second end support 44 is configured to detachably attach the end of the movement restricting member 80 on the first side (X1) in the first direction. Fixing the movement restricting member 80 to the first end support 34 and the second end support 44 prevents the article OB on the first member 60 from tipping over and from falling off the first side (Y1) in the second direction. The movement restricting member 80 is not limited to being made of metal, but may be made of rubber or resin, and is not limited to being rod-shaped, but may also be string-shaped, plate-shaped, or the like.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1 , the first support 36 and the second support 46 support the movement restricting portion 80. In this embodiment, the third member 30 has a plurality of first support members 36 (four in the example of FIG. 1 ). The first support members 36 are arranged at equal intervals relative to the first end support member 34 toward the second side Y2 in the second direction. The fourth member 40 has a plurality of second support members 46 (four in the example of FIG. 1 ). The second support members 46 are arranged at equal intervals relative to the second end support member 44 toward the second side Y2 in the second direction. By bridging the movement restricting portion 80 across any combination of the first support members 36 and the second support members 46, the 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 depending on the number of items OB to be placed in the storage space 100S.

[0023] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configurations of the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 42. As shown in FIG. 2, the first connecting portion 31 connects the third member 30 to the first member 60 so that the third member 30 is rotatable relative to the first member 60. Specifically, the first connecting portion 31 connects an end of the first member 60 on the first side X1 in the first direction to an end of the third member 30 on the first side Z1 in the third direction. The first connecting portion 31 rotates the third member 30 about a first rotation axis AX1 along the second direction DY.

[0024] As a result, the third member 30 can be switched between an upright state 30S1 indicated by a dashed line in Fig. 2 and a stored state 30S2 indicated by a solid line. In the upright state 30S1, the third member 30 extends along the second direction DY and the third direction DZ. In the stored state 30S2, the third member 30 extends along the first direction DX and the second direction DY.

[0025] 2 , the second connecting portion 42 connects the fourth member 40 to the first member 60 so that the fourth member 40 is rotatable relative to the first member 60. Specifically, the second connecting portion 42 connects an end of the first member 60 on the second side X2 in the first direction to an end 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.

[0026] As a result, the fourth member 40 can be switched between an upright state 40S1 indicated by dashed lines in Fig. 2 and a stored state 40S2 indicated by solid lines. In the upright state 40S1, the fourth member 40 extends along the second direction DY and the third direction DZ. In the stored state 40S2, the fourth member 40 extends along the first direction DX and the second direction DY.

[0027] The pallet 100 in a state where the third member 30 is in the upright state 30S1 and the fourth member 40 is in the upright state 40S1 functions as a so-called box pallet and is used exclusively for transporting or storing the items OB. Furthermore, the pallet 100 in a state where the third member 30 is in the storage state 30S2 and the fourth member 40 is in the storage state 40S2 is used exclusively when the items OB are not placed in the storage space 100S, such as when storing an unused pallet 100.

[0028] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the pallet 100 of this embodiment during storage. Figure 3 shows a state in which a plurality of pallets 100 are stacked, with the third member 30 in the storage state 30S2 and the fourth member 40 in the storage state 40S2. Note that Figure 3 shows an example in which the pallets 100 are stacked by stacking the first member 60 on the fourth member 40 in the storage state 40S2. Alternatively, the pallets 100 may be stacked by stacking the second member 70 on top of the second member 70.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2 , in the pallet 100 of this embodiment, the second rotation axis AX2 of the second connecting portion 42 is disposed on the second side Z2 in the third direction relative to the first rotation axis AX1 of the first connecting portion 31 by a distance equal to or greater than the thickness of the third member 30. As a result, the fourth member 40 in the storage state 40S2 can be disposed on the second side Z2 in the third direction of the third member 30 in the storage state 30S2. Furthermore, the fourth member 40 in the storage state 40S2 and the third member 30 in the storage state 30S2 can be disposed in close proximity to each other, facing each other, and parallel to each other. Therefore, the pallet 100 can be stored in a compact state, and multiple pallets 100 can be stored in a limited space.

[0030] A2. Method of Rotating Pallet 100: A method of rotating the pallet 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 1, in the pallet 100 according to this embodiment, a first insertion hole 61 is formed in the first 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 so that the claws 202 of the conveying device 200 can be inserted into them. The first insertion hole 61 and the second insertion hole 72 are used exclusively for rotating the pallet 100 by the conveying device 200. The first insertion hole 61 and the second insertion hole 72 may also be used for conveying the pallet 100. The first insertion hole 61 is an example of an "insertion hole" or "first insertion hole," and the second insertion hole 72 is an example of an "insertion hole" or "second insertion hole."

[0031] The conveying device 200 is, for example, a forklift. The conveying device 200 has two claws 202. The claws 202 are also called forks. The conveying device 200 is configured to rotate the claws 202. Specifically, when the pallet 100 is viewed from the conveying device 200, the conveying device 200 is configured to rotate the claws 202 in either a clockwise direction R1 or a counterclockwise direction R2 around a rotation axis RX. The rotation axis RX is an example of a "claw rotation center line." The conveying device 200 is switchable between a "first rotation state" in which the two claws 202 are arranged approximately along the second direction DY at a position on the third direction first side Z1 of the rotation axis RX, and a "second rotation state" in which the two claws 202 are arranged approximately along the third direction DZ at a position on the second direction first side Y1 of the rotation axis RX. 1 shows the conveying device 200 in a first rotation state. The state in which the two claws 202 are arranged generally along the second direction DY at a position on the second side Z2 in the third direction relative to the rotation axis RX may also be referred to as a "third rotation state." The state in which the two claws 202 are arranged generally along the third direction DZ at a position on the second side Y2 in the second direction relative to the rotation axis RX may also be referred to as a "fourth rotation state."

[0032] The first insertion hole 61 is a through hole formed in the first member 60 from an end on the first direction side X1 to an end on the first direction side X2 along the first direction DX. The second insertion hole 72 is a through hole formed in the second member 70 from an end on the first direction side X1 to an end on the first direction side X2 along the first direction DX. Note that the first insertion hole 61 and the second insertion hole 72 may be formed as a recess having a bottom on the first direction side X2 instead of a through hole, provided that the claw portion 202 can be inserted therethrough.

[0033] The pallet 100 is configured to be switchable between a first state and a second state by rotating the pallet 100 by the conveying device 200. More specifically, the conveying device 200 can switch the pallet 100 between the first state and the second state by rotating the claws 202 to switch between the first rotation state and the second rotation state.

[0034] The "first state" is a state in which the third direction DZ of the pallet 100 extends vertically and the first member 60 is arranged below the second member 70. The "state in which the first member 60 is arranged below the second member 70" refers to a state in which the entire first member 60 is arranged below the upper end of the second member 70, and includes a state in which a part of the second member 70 is arranged at the same height as the first member 60.

[0035] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the pallet 100 in a second state. The "second state" is a state in which the second direction DY of the pallet 100 extends vertically and the second member 70 is disposed below the first member 60. The "state in which the second member 70 is disposed below the first member 60" refers to a state in which the entire second member 70 is disposed below the upper end of the first member 60, and includes a state in which a portion of the first member 60 is disposed at the same height as the second member 70.

[0036] The process of switching from the first state to the second state will be described. For example, the conveying device 200 inserts the claws 202 in the first rotation state into the first insertion holes 61 from the first direction (first side X1) toward the first direction (second side X2) to lift the pallet 100 in the first state. The conveying device 200 rotates the claws 202 by approximately 90 degrees in the direction R1 around the rotation axis RX. As a result, the claws 202 are 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 conveying device 200 places the pallet 100 in the second state at a placement location, such as the ground, it removes the claws 202 from the first insertion holes 61, completing the process of switching from the first state to the second state. 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.

[0037] When rotating the pallet 100, the conveying device 200 may support the pallet 100 using arms or the like separate from the claws 202 in addition to the claws 202. For example, when the conveying device 200 rotates the pallet 100 by inserting the claws 202 into the first insertion holes 61 of the first member 60, the pallet 100 can be rotated while being supported by the arms at a position away from the first insertion holes 61 (e.g., the end of the second member 70 on the second side Z2 in the third direction). In this case, the pallet 100 can be rotated in a more stable state than when only the claws 202 are used. Therefore, impact on the article OB during rotation of the pallet 100 can be reduced or prevented.

[0038] 1 shows an example in which the claw portion 202 is inserted into the pallet 100 from a position on the first side X1 in the first direction. Alternatively, the claw portion 202 may be inserted into the pallet 100 from a position on the second side X2 in the first direction. In this case, the claw portion 202 in the first rotated state is inserted into the first insertion hole 61 from the second side X2 in the first direction toward the first side X1 in the first direction, and then rotated by 90 degrees around the rotation axis RX toward the direction R2, thereby achieving the same effect as above.

[0039] Next, the process of switching from the second state to the first state will be described. For example, the conveying device 200 inserts the claws 202 in the second rotation state into the second insertion holes 72 of the second member 70 from the first direction (first side X1) toward the first direction (second side X2) to lift the pallet 100 in the second state. The conveying device 200 rotates the claws 202 approximately 90 degrees in the direction R2 around the rotation axis RX. As a result, the claws 202 are switched to the first rotation state. The lifted pallet 100 in the second state rotates 90 degrees around the rotation axis RX in the direction R2 and is switched to the first state shown in FIG. 1 . Once the conveying device 200 places the pallet 100 in the first state at a placement location, such as the ground, it removes the claws 202 from the second insertion holes 72, completing the process of switching from the second state to the first state. In addition, the pallet 100 may be switched from the second state to the first state by inserting the claw portion 202 in the third rotated state into the first insertion hole 61 and rotating the claw portion 202 in direction R2.

[0040] 4 shows an example in which the claw portion 202 is inserted into the pallet 100 from a position on the first side X1 in the first direction. Alternatively, the claw portion 202 may be inserted into the pallet 100 from a position on the second side X2 in the first direction. In this case, the claw portion 202 in the second rotated state is inserted into the second insertion hole 72 from the second side X2 in the first direction toward the first side X1 in the first direction, and then rotated by 90 degrees around the rotation axis RX toward the direction R1, thereby achieving the same effect as above.

[0041] A3. Pallet 100 Transport Method: As shown in Figure 1, the pallet 100 of this embodiment further includes a third insertion hole 63 formed in the first body 68 and a fourth insertion hole 74 formed in the second body 78. The third insertion hole 63 and the fourth insertion hole 74 are configured so that the claws 202 of the transport device 200 can be inserted into them. The third insertion hole 63 and the fourth insertion hole 74 are used exclusively for parallel transport of the pallet 100 by the transport device 200. "Parallel transport" means that the pallet 100 in the first state or the second state is transported using the transport device 200 without being rotated.

[0042] The third insertion hole 63 is a through hole formed in the first member 60 from an end on the second direction first side Y1 along the second direction DY to an end on the second direction second side Y2. The fourth insertion hole 74 is a through hole formed in the second member 70 from an end on the third direction second side Z2 along the third direction DZ to an end on the third direction first side Z1. Note that the third insertion hole 63 and the fourth insertion hole 74 may be formed as recesses having bottoms on the third direction first side Z1 instead of through holes, provided that the claw portions 202 can be inserted therethrough.

[0043] When the pallet 100 is placed in the first state, the conveying device 200 inserts the claws 202 in the second rotation state into the third insertion holes 63, and lifts the pallet 100 in the first state for parallel transport. This allows for balanced transport of the items OB. When the pallet 100 is placed in the second state, the conveying device 200 inserts the claws 202 into the fourth insertion holes 74, and lifts the pallet 100 in the second state for parallel transport. This allows for balanced transport of the items OB. Once the conveying device 200 places the pallet 100 in the placement location, it removes the claws 202 from the third insertion holes 63 or the fourth insertion holes 74, completing the parallel transport.

[0044] The pallet 100 can be transported in parallel in any of the following states: the state in which the claw portion 202 in the first rotation state is inserted into the first insertion hole 61; the state in which the claw portion 202 inserted into the first insertion hole 61 is rotated to be in the second rotation state; the state in which the claw portion 202 in the first rotation state is inserted into the second insertion hole 72; and the state in which the claw portion 202 inserted into the second insertion hole 72 is rotated to be in the second rotation state.

[0045] A4. Method for transporting and storing items: A method for transporting and storing items OB using the pallet 100 will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a process diagram showing a method for transporting and storing items OB using the pallet 100 according to this embodiment. The process shown in Figure 5 is performed when a pallet 100 on which a product has been manufactured and placed in the storage space 100S is transported to a destination such as a warehouse and stored at the destination.

[0046] In this embodiment, the object OB to be transported by the pallet 100 is a roll of wallpaper. For example, when manufactured, the roll of wallpaper is arranged in the storage space 100S of the pallet 100 in the first state with the extension direction DE substantially parallel to the vertical direction, as shown in Fig. 1. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 4, the roll of wallpaper can be stacked in the storage space 100S of the pallet 100 in the second state with the extension direction DE substantially parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0047] Here, if the wallpaper roll is transported by a vehicle such as a truck with its extension direction DE approximately parallel to the horizontal, vibrations of the vehicle during transport may cause the sides of the wallpaper to collide or wear, potentially resulting in a deterioration in wallpaper quality. Furthermore, when transporting multiple rolls, it is preferable to suppress or prevent them from falling off the loading platform or collapsing. Therefore, when transporting by vehicle, it is preferable to transport the wallpaper rolls using a pallet 100 with their extension direction DE extending vertically.

[0048] Furthermore, if wallpaper rolls are stored with the extension direction DE extending vertically, the labels LB affixed to the end surfaces of the items OB on the second side Z2 in the third direction must be read from above in the vertical direction, which is inconvenient. Furthermore, if multiple pallets 100 containing products are stacked vertically and stored, the labels LB of the products stored on the pallets 100 below may be obscured by the pallets 100 stacked vertically, making it difficult to read the labels LB. Furthermore, if wallpaper rolls are stored with the extension direction DE extending vertically, the rolls are more likely to lose balance when picking pallets 100. If the wallpaper rolls fall over, the wall may be damaged, resulting in a deterioration in quality. As described above, when stored in a warehouse or the like, it is preferable that the extension direction DE of wallpaper rolls extend horizontally.

[0049] 5, in step S10, the pallet 100 containing the manufactured objects OB is transported by a transport device such as a truck. Specifically, the pallet 100 in the first state is first loaded onto the transport device by a transport device 200 or the like. As shown in FIG. 1, the objects OB are arranged in the storage space 100S of the pallet 100 in the first state with the extension direction DE approximately parallel to the vertical direction.

[0050] The pallet 100 is transported in the first state by a transport device such as a truck. Transporting the pallet in the first state prevents damage to the wallpaper. When the pallet 100 arrives at its destination, it is unloaded from the transport device by the transport device 200 at the destination. Unloading using the pallet 100 can suppress or prevent products from collapsing or falling off the loading platform. The transport device 200 unloads the pallet 100 by inserting the claws 202 into the first insertion hole 61, the second insertion hole 72, or the third insertion hole 63 of the pallet 100. The unloaded pallet 100 is transported to the intended placement position.

[0051] At the time of manufacture, the wallpaper rolls may be arranged on the pallet 100 in the second state with the extension direction DE approximately parallel to the horizontal. In this case, the conveying device 200 rotates the pallet 100 stored in the second state to switch it to the first state and load it onto the conveying device. The conveying device 200 inserts the claws 202 into the first insertion holes 61 or the second insertion holes 72 and rotates it around the rotation axis RX (direction R2 in the example of FIG. 4 ). This switches the pallet 100 from the second state to the first state, and the extension direction DE of the items OB placed on the pallet 100 switches from approximately parallel to the horizontal to approximately parallel to the vertical. The pallet 100 may be switched from the second state to the first state at any time before loading onto the conveying device.

[0052] In step S20, the conveying device 200 rotates the pallet 100 conveyed in the first state to switch it to the second state. Specifically, the conveying device 200 inserts the claws 202 into the first insertion holes 61 or the second insertion holes 72 and rotates the pallet 100 around the rotation axis RX (direction R1 in the example of FIG. 1 ). As a result, the extension direction DE of the article OB placed on the pallet 100 is switched from a state in which it was approximately parallel to the vertical direction to a state in which it is approximately parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0053] In step S30, the conveying device 200 places the pallet 100, which has been switched to the second state, at the intended placement position. The pallet 100 is stored in the second state. By storing the pallet 100 in the second state, the label LB attached to the end face of the item OB stored on the pallet 100 becomes easier to read. Therefore, the pallet 100 can be stored in a state that is convenient for identifying the item OB. In addition, it is possible to suppress or prevent the item OB from being knocked over when picking the pallet 100.

[0054] A5. Effect: As described above, according to the method for transporting and storing items OB using the pallet 100 of this embodiment, when transporting items OB placed in the storage space 100S, the pallet 100 is transported in a first state in which the third direction DZ extends vertically and the first member 60 is positioned below the second member 70. When storing items OB placed in the storage space 100S in a storage location, the pallet 100 is placed in the storage location in a second state in which the second direction DY extends vertically and the second member 70 is positioned below the first member 60. Because the rotational position of the pallet 100 can be switched between when transporting and when storing the pallet 100, it is possible to provide a suitable transport method and storage method for the items OB. It is possible to provide a transport method and storage method that can easily switch the position of the items OB placed in the storage space 100S of the pallet 100.

[0055] According to the method for transporting and storing items OB according to this embodiment, when transporting items OB placed in the storage space 100S, the claws 202 of the transport device 200 are inserted into, for example, the second insertion holes 72, and the claws 202 inserted into the second insertion holes 72 are rotated about the claw rotation center line to switch the pallet 100 to the first state. When storing items OB placed in the storage space 100S in a storage location, the claws 202 are inserted into, for example, the first insertion holes 61, and the claws 202 inserted into the first insertion holes 61 are rotated about the claw rotation center line to switch the pallet 100 to the second state. Therefore, by locating the first insertion holes 61 and the second insertion holes 72 in positions that make it easy to insert the claws 202 of the transport device 200, the pallet 100 can be easily rotated.

[0056] 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 of the first member 60 on the first side X1, and extending in the first direction DX and a third direction DZ intersecting the first direction DX and the second direction DY, 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 item OB, i.e., the bottom surface of the pallet 100, can be easily switched between the first member 60 and the second member 70. Therefore, the arrangement state of the items OB placed in the storage space 100S can be easily switched between when being transported and when being stored, and a pallet 100 can be provided that is convenient for transporting and storing the items OB.

[0057] In the pallet 100 according to this embodiment, the rotational position of the pallet 100 can be adjusted to a first state in which the third direction DZ extends vertically and the first member 60 is positioned below the second member 70 by inserting the claws 202 of the conveying device 200 into either the first insertion hole 61 or the second insertion hole 72 and rotating the pallet 100 about the claw rotation center line. Furthermore, the rotational position of the pallet 100 can be switched to a second state in which the second direction DY extends vertically and the second member 70 is positioned below the first member 60 by inserting the claws 202 into either the first insertion hole 61 or the second insertion hole 72 and rotating the pallet 100 about the claw rotation center line. Regardless of whether the rotational position of the pallet 100 is in the first state or the second state, either the first insertion hole 61 or the second insertion hole 72 is positioned at a position that allows the claws 202 to be easily inserted. Therefore, the pallet 100 can be easily rotated, making it more convenient for transporting and storing items OB.

[0058] The pallet 100 of this embodiment includes a third member 30 connected to an end of the first member 60 on the first direction first side X1 and an end of the second member 70 on the first direction first side X1, and extending in the second direction DY and the third direction DZ, and a fourth member 40 connected to an end of the first member 60 on the first direction second side X2 and an end of the second member 70 on the first direction first side X1, and extending in the second direction DY and the third direction DZ. The pallet 100 can support items OB placed on the first member 60 or the second member 70 from both the third member 30 and the fourth member 40. Therefore, collapse of the items OB placed in the storage space 100S of the pallet 100 can be suppressed or prevented.

[0059] The pallet 100 of this embodiment includes a first connecting portion 31 that rotatably connects an end of the third member 30 on the first side in the third direction Z1 to an end of the first member 60 on the first side in the first direction X1, and a second connecting portion 42 that rotatably connects an end of the fourth member 40 on the first side in the third direction Z1 to an end of the first member 60 on the second side in the first direction X2. The third member 30 and the fourth member 40 can be rotated to be placed on the first member 60. This makes it easy to stack pallets 100 on the first member 60 or the second member 70 of the pallet 100. This makes it easy to store multiple pallets 100 in a limited space.

[0060] The pallet 100 of this embodiment further includes at least one movement restricting portion 80 that is suspended between the third member 30 and the fourth member 40. The movement restricting portion 80 can suppress or prevent the article OB on the first member 60 from falling over and the article OB from falling off from the first side Y1 in the second direction.

[0061] According to the pallet 100 of this embodiment, the first member 60 includes at least one third insertion hole 63 extending in the second direction DY, and the second member 70 includes at least one fourth insertion hole 74 extending in the third direction DZ. Therefore, the conveying device 200 can be used to convey the pallet 100 in the first state or the second state without rotating it.

[0062] B. Second Embodiment: Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a pallet 100b according to a second embodiment. The pallet 100b according to the second embodiment differs from the pallet 100 of the first embodiment in that it includes a second member 70b instead of the second member 70, but is otherwise similar in configuration to the pallet 100.

[0063] The second member 70b differs from the second member 70 shown in the first embodiment in that the second member 70b does not have the second insertion hole 72 and further includes a recess 79, but otherwise has the same configuration as the second member 70. In this embodiment, the conveying device 200 rotates the pallet 100b using only the first insertion hole 61 of the first member 60.

[0064] When transporting an item OB placed in the storage space 100S, the claws 202 of the transport device 200 are inserted into the first insertion holes 61 or the third insertion holes 63. When storing the item OB placed in the storage space 100S in a storage location, the claws 202 are inserted into the first insertion holes 61, and the claws 202 inserted into the first insertion holes 61 are rotated about the claw rotation center line to switch the pallet 100b to the second state. With the pallet 100b configured in this manner, it is possible to provide a transport method and a storage method that can switch the arrangement state of the item OB placed in the storage space 100S of the pallet 100b in a simple manner, while maintaining a simple configuration of the pallet 100b, as in the first embodiment described above.

[0065] The recess 79 is formed on the surface of the second member 70b on the first side Y1 in the second direction, specifically, on the surface of the second cover member 76. The recess 79 has a shape corresponding to the curved surface of the roll body. Therefore, when the pallet 100b is in the second state and an article OB whose extension direction DE is approximately parallel to the horizontal direction is placed on the second member 70b, the side of the article OB is supported by the recess 79. Therefore, with the pallet 100b of this form, it is possible to suppress or prevent the roll body from moving on the second member 70b when the pallet 100b is in the second state.

[0066] C. Other Embodiments: The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be realized in various configurations without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, technical features in the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each aspect described in the Summary of the Invention section can be appropriately replaced or combined to solve some or all of the above-described problems or achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

[0067] Furthermore, in consideration of the spirit of the present invention and the above-described embodiments and their variations, the following aspects are devised. At least one of the following aspects may be employed alone or in combination with the pallets 100, 100b of the above-described embodiments, the variations, and at least one of the features described in the claims. [Aspect 1] The first side wall portion includes at least one first support configured to secure one end of a restricting member that restricts the item placed on the first base from moving outward beyond the end of the first base on the second side in the first direction, and the second side wall portion includes at least one second support configured to secure the other end of the restricting member. The first end support 34 and the first support 36 are examples of "first supports." The second end support 44 and the second support 46 are examples of "second supports." [Aspect 2] The width of the first base in the first direction and the width of the third direction are 1,050 millimeters or more and 1,150 millimeters or less. This embodiment of the pallet can efficiently accommodate a large truck with a loading platform width of approximately 2.2 meters or more. [Aspect 3] The first member and the second member have the same shape. This embodiment of the pallet can improve the productivity of the first member and the second member, thereby improving the productivity of the pallet. [Aspect 4] The article is a roll having a cylindrical or columnar shape. [Aspect 5] The second member has a recess corresponding to the curved surface of the roll. This embodiment of the pallet can suppress or prevent the roll from moving on the second member. [Aspect 6] The second member has a flat cover member on its surface on the first side in the second direction. The second cover member 76 is an example of a "cover member." This embodiment of the pallet can suppress or prevent damage to an article placed on the pallet due to the surface shape of the second member. When the article is a roll, even if the roll is placed on the second member with its extension direction extending horizontally, it can suppress or prevent marks on the roll due to the uneven surface of the second member.

Claims

1. A method for transporting and storing items using a pallet, wherein the pallet comprises a first member and a second member that form a storage space in which the items are placed, the first member extending in a first direction and a second direction that intersects with the first direction, the second member being connected to an end of the first member on a second side in the second direction, and extending in the first direction and a third direction that intersects with the first and second directions, when transporting an item placed in the storage space, the pallet is transported in a first state in which the third direction extends vertically and the first member is positioned below the second member, and when storing the item placed in the storage space in a storage location, the pallet is placed in the storage location in a second state in which the second direction extends vertically and the second member is positioned below the first member.

2. A method for transporting and storing articles as described in claim 1, wherein the pallet includes at least one first insertion hole formed in the first member and extending in the first direction, and when switching the pallet from the first state to the second state or from the second state to the first state, a claw portion of a transport device is inserted into the first insertion hole and the claw portion inserted into the first insertion hole is rotated around a claw portion rotation center line.

3. A method for transporting and storing articles as described in claim 1, wherein the pallet includes 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, a claw portion of a transport device is 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 is rotated around the claw portion rotation center line; and when switching the pallet from the second state to the first state, the claw portion is 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 is rotated around the claw portion rotation center line.

4. A pallet used for transporting and storing items, comprising: 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 second side in the second direction and extending in the first direction and a third direction intersecting the first direction; and a storage space formed by the first member and the second member, wherein the first member or the second member includes at least one insertion hole extending in the first direction.

5. A pallet as claimed in claim 4, wherein the rotational position of the pallet can be switched between a first state in which the third direction extends vertically and the first member is positioned below the second member, and a second state in which the second direction extends vertically and the second member is positioned below the first member, by inserting the claws of a conveying device into the insertion holes and rotating the pallet around the rotational center line of the claws.

6. A pallet used for transporting and storing items, comprising: 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 and second directions and in the first direction; and a storage space formed by the first member and the second member, wherein the first member includes at least one first insertion hole extending in the first direction, and the second member includes at least one second insertion hole extending in the first direction.

7. A pallet as claimed in claim 6, wherein the rotational position of the pallet can be switched between a first state in which the third direction extends vertically and the first member is positioned below the second member, and a second state in which the second direction extends vertically and the second member is positioned below the first member, by inserting the claw of a conveying device into either the first insertion hole or the second insertion hole and rotating the pallet around the rotation center line of the claw.

8. A pallet as claimed in claim 7, further comprising: a third member connected to the end of the first member on the first side in the first direction and the end of the second member on the first side in the first direction, and extending in the second direction and the third direction; and a fourth member connected to the end of the first member on the second side in the first direction and the end of the second member on the second side in the first direction, and extending in the second direction and the third direction.

9. A pallet as claimed in claim 8, further comprising: a first connecting portion that rotatably connects the end of the third member on the first side in the third direction to the end of the first member on the first side in the first direction; and a second connecting portion that rotatably connects the end of the fourth member on the first side in the third direction to the end of the first member on the second side in the first direction.

10. A pallet according to claim 9, further comprising at least one movement restricting member spanning between said third member and said fourth member.

11. A pallet according to claim 4 or claim 6, wherein the first member further includes at least one third insertion hole extending in the second direction, and the second member further includes at least one fourth insertion hole extending in the third direction.

Images