JP2001130572A - Article carriage and storage device, and pallet - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To place and carry an article of any size on a pallet in an article carriage and storage device having four columns erected on the pallet. SOLUTION: Connection members 14 and 15 are provided between two stays 6 so that the spacing between the stays 6 to be fitted in an attachable/ detachable manner to/from four corners of the pallet 2 with the article 1 placed thereon can be changed freely, and the contour shape of the pallet 2 can be expanded/contracted according to the size of the article 1 to be placed thereon.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for transporting and storing articles or a pallet used for transporting or storing articles or for other purposes.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Transporting industrial products such as electric appliances, parts thereof, building materials, furniture, natural products and other various articles,
Or, an article transport / storage device used for storing the same is conventionally known. A conventional article transport / storage device includes, for example, a pallet on which articles are placed, four pillars fixed to four corners of the pallet in a state of standing upright on the article placement surface, and adjacent to each other. And a connecting member for fixedly connecting the mating columns. To transport or store articles using such an article transport storage device,
An article is accommodated in the space inside the four columns, placed on a pallet, and the article is transported or stored together with the article transport storage device.

However, articles to be transported or stored using this kind of article transport / storage device range from large to small, whereas the above-mentioned conventional article transport / storage device is The volume of the space for storing articles is constant. For this reason, it is possible to use an article carrying / storage device of a specific size, and to transport or store an article of a size corresponding to this, but to store the article in a space larger than the article storage space of the article carrying / storing apparatus. For large-sized articles, the articles cannot be transported or stored using the article transport storage device. Also, if an article extremely small than the article storage space is transported or stored using the article transport / storage device, the transport efficiency is reduced, or the mounting space of the article transport / storage apparatus is wasted. Is not preferred.

[0004] In addition, it is also common practice to place articles on a pallet and transport or store the articles together with the pallet. However, conventional pallets have a fixed size. Can be placed on the pallet and transported or stored, but articles of other sizes or configurations cannot be transported or stored using the pallet. .

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to eliminate the above-mentioned conventional drawbacks and to efficiently transport or store articles of different sizes and forms. And to provide pallets.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a pallet on which articles are placed, and a plurality of columns mounted on the pallet while surrounding the articles placed on the pallet. And a column connecting means for connecting two columns that are adjacent to each other, wherein the pallet comprises:
Each of the lower portions of the plurality of columns has a column mounting portion that is mounted directly or via another member, and a space between two column mounting portions adjacent to each other and a position facing the column mounting portions. And a column connecting means for connecting at least two columns between two other columns which are adjacent to each other, and connecting two columns which are adjacent to each other. At least two strut connecting means of the strut connecting means for connecting the other two struts which are opposed to each other and are adjacent to each other are connected to each other so that the distance between the two struts can be adjusted. The present invention proposes an article transport / storage device that is connected to each other (claim 1).

In this case, the pallet has a first pallet member having a first column mounting portion and a second pallet having a second column mounting portion, and is located adjacent to the first pallet member. A third pallet member having a third pallet member, a third post mounting portion, and a third pallet member adjacent to the second pallet member, and a fourth post mounting portion, and A fourth pallet member positioned adjacent to the first pallet member, a distance between the first post mounting portion and a second post mounting portion adjacent thereto, The first and fourth pallet members and the second and third pallet members are arranged so that the distance between the column mounting portion and the fourth column mounting portion adjacent thereto can be adjusted in conjunction with each other. Movably relative to each other in a direction approaching or moving away from each other. The fourth and pallet members, the second and the first pallet member connecting means and the third adjacent thereto and the second support column mounting portion for connecting the third pallet member
The first pallet member and the second pallet member so that the distance between the column mounting portions and the distance between the first column mounting portion and the fourth column mounting portion adjacent thereto can be adjusted in conjunction with each other. And the third
And a second pallet for connecting the first and second pallet members to the third and fourth pallet members such that the first and second pallet members can move relatively to each other in a direction to approach or separate from each other. It is advantageous to have member connecting means (claim 2).

Further, in the article transport / storage apparatus according to the first aspect, the pallet has a pallet member having two column mounting portions adjacent to each other, and a pallet member facing the two column mounting portions and being adjacent to each other. A pallet that includes two pallet members of another pallet member having two pillar mounting portions, and connects these pallet members so that the two pallet members can relatively move toward or away from each other. It is advantageous to have member connecting means (claim 3).

Further, in the article transport / storage apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, the pallet has fixing means for fixing the plurality of pallet members so that the plurality of pallet members do not relatively move. Advantageously (claim 4).

Further, in the article transport / storage device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, the pallet member connecting means has a base end side fixed to one pallet member and a free end side sliding on the other pallet member. It is advantageous to have a guide rod which is movably fitted (claim 5).

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pallet on which articles are placed, a plurality of columns mounted on the pallet in a state of surrounding the articles placed on the pallet, and A strut connecting means for joining two mating struts, and a top plate removably attached directly or via another member to the upper portions of the plurality of struts, wherein the top plate includes the plurality of struts. Has a column mounting portion to which each of the column mounting portions is attached, a space between two column mounting portions adjacent to each other, and a space between two other column mounting portions facing the column mounting portions and adjacent to each other. A column connecting means configured to adjust at least two intervals between the columns, and connecting two columns adjacent to each other, and another two columns facing the two columns and adjacent to each other. Connecting pillar connection The article transport / storage device is characterized in that at least two strut connecting means of the step are respectively connected to the two struts so that the distance between the two struts can be adjusted. Claim 6).

In this case, the top plate has a first top plate member having a first column mounting portion and a second column mounting portion, and is located adjacent to the first top plate member. A third top plate member having a second top plate member and a third support member mounting portion, and a third top plate member positioned adjacent to the second top plate member, and a fourth support member mounting portion. And a fourth top plate member positioned adjacent to the third and first top plate members, and the first column mounting portion and the second column mounting portion adjacent thereto are provided. The first and fourth top plate members and the fourth top plate member, so that the distance between the third column mounting portion and the interval between the fourth column mounting portion adjacent thereto can be adjusted in conjunction with each other. The first and fourth top plate members and the second and third top plate members are movable relative to each other so as to approach or separate from each other.
A first top plate member connecting means for connecting the first and second top plate members, an interval between the second column mounting portion and a third column mounting portion adjacent thereto, and a first column mounting portion. The first and second top plate members, the third and fourth members, so that the distance between the first column and the fourth column mounting portion adjacent thereto can be adjusted in conjunction with each other.
And the second top plate connecting the first and second top plate members and the third and fourth top plate members so as to be relatively movable in a direction approaching or moving away from each other. It is advantageous to have a plate member connecting means (claim 7).

Further, in the article transport / storage device according to claim 6, the top plate has a top plate member having two column mounting portions adjacent to each other, and a top plate member facing the two column mounting portions, and A top plate member having another two adjacent column mounting portions, and
It is advantageous to provide a top plate member connecting means for connecting these top plate members so that the two top plate members can relatively move toward or away from each other (claim 8).

Further, in the article transport / storage device according to claim 7 or 8, the top plate is fixed to fix the plurality of top plate members so that the plurality of top plate members do not relatively move. It is advantageous to have means (claim 9).

Further, in the article transport / storage device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, the top plate member connecting means has a base end fixed to one top plate member and a free end side connected to the other top plate. It is advantageous to have a guide rod slidably fitted to the member (claim 10).

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention proposes a pallet characterized in that the size of the external contour is adjustable (claim 11).

Further, according to the present invention, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, each of the lower portions of the plurality of columns has a column mounting portion to which the lower portion is mounted directly or via another member.
It is configured to be able to adjust at least two intervals, that is, the interval between two adjacent column mounting portions and the interval between other two column mounting portions that are opposed to these column mounting portions and that are adjacent to each other. The present invention proposes a pallet characterized by being present (claim 12).

At this time, a first pallet member having a first column mounting portion, and a second pallet member having a second column mounting portion and located adjacent to the first pallet member. A third pallet member having a third post mounting portion and positioned adjacent to the second pallet member;
A fourth pallet member having a fourth post mounting portion and being adjacent to the third and first pallet members, and being adjacent to the first post mounting portion; The first and fourth columns are arranged so that the distance between the second column mounting portion and the distance between the third column mounting portion and the fourth column mounting portion adjacent thereto can be adjusted in conjunction with each other. The first and fourth pallet members, the second and third pallet members, so that the pallet member and the second and third pallet members can relatively move toward or away from each other. First pallet member connecting means for connecting
The distance between the first column mounting portion and the third column mounting portion adjacent thereto and the distance between the first column mounting portion and the fourth column mounting portion adjacent thereto can be adjusted in conjunction with each other. As described above, the first and second pallet members, and the third and fourth pallet members are relatively movable in a direction of approaching or moving away from each other, and the first and second pallet members, It is advantageous to have a second pallet member connecting means for connecting the third and fourth pallet members (claim 13).

In the pallet according to the twelfth aspect, a pallet member having two column mounting portions adjacent to each other and another two column mounting portions facing the two column mounting portions and adjacent to each other. And a pallet member connecting means for connecting these pallet members so that the two pallet members can relatively move toward or away from each other. Is advantageous (claim 14).

Further, in the pallet according to any one of claims 12 to 14, it is advantageous to have a fixing means for fixing the plurality of pallet members so that the plurality of pallet members do not relatively move. Claim 15).

The pallet according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the pallet member connecting means has a base end side fixed to one pallet member and a free end side slidable on the other pallet member. It is advantageous to have a fitted guide bar (claim 16).

[0022]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an article carrying / storing apparatus according to the present invention. The article carrying / storing apparatus is used when articles are transported or when articles are stored temporarily or for a long period of time. Or, it can be used for other purposes, and should be called an article holding device. Such an article transport / storage device includes, for example, a pallet 2 on which an article 1 made of a copying machine is placed as shown in the figure. The pallet 2 illustrated here, as shown in FIG.
First to fourth four pallet members 3A, 3B, 3C,
3D and guide rods 24 connecting these as described later.
A, 25A, 24B, 25B, 24C, 25C, 24
D, 25D, and these pallet members and guide rods are made of a highly rigid material such as metal, hard resin or wood. As shown in FIG. 1, the upper surface of the pallet member is an article mounting surface 5 on which the article 1 is placed, and two legs 4A, 4 of each pallet member.
B, 4C and 4D are installed on an installation surface such as a floor surface or the ground.

As shown in FIG. 2, the pallet 2 has a plurality of projections 7 formed of pins protruding from the article mounting surface 5 side. When a rectangle is imagined on the side of the placing surface 5, a projection 7 is provided one by one on each pallet member portion of each corner of the rectangle, and a total of four projections 7 are provided. Each protrusion 7
Are located at the four corners of the pallet 2, respectively, and the article 1 is placed inside the above-described virtual rectangle.

The article 1 placed on the pallet 2 is formed on the pallet 2 with a pin (not shown) projecting from the article 1 as required, for example, and the pin on the side of the article 1 is fitted. Similarly, it is positioned with respect to the pallet 2 by article positioning means comprising holes and the like, not shown, or is fixed on the pallet 2 so that it can be easily removed by means of article fixing means comprising, for example, bolts and nuts.

Also, the article carrying and storing apparatus is shown in FIGS.
As shown in the figure, a plurality of pillars, four pillars 6 in the illustrated example.
As shown in FIG. 4, each column 6 is detachably attached to each projection 7 of the pallet 2 described above. Each support 6 is made of metal, resin, wood, or the like, but in the illustrated example, each support 6 is configured as shown in FIGS. 3, 6, and 7.
The lower part of each support 6 is detachably fitted to each protrusion 7 of the pallet 2 as shown in FIG. At this time, these columns 6 rise almost perpendicularly to the article placement surface 5 of the pallet 2 as shown in FIG. 4, and hold the article 1 (not shown in FIG. 4) placed on the pallet 2. It is located in a surrounding state.

As described above, the plurality of columns 6 support the pallet 2 in a state of surrounding the article 1 placed on the pallet 2.
Removably attached to. Each of the columns 6 in this example is attached to the pallet 2 so as to be easily detachable by manual operation, and is easily removed from the pallet 2 by manual operation. In addition, the protrusion 7 constitutes an example of a column mounting portion to which each of the lower portions of the columns 6 is mounted directly or via another member as described later.

On the other hand, as clearly shown in FIG. 3, first and second joints 8 and 9 are attached to each column 6 along its longitudinal direction, and two columns 6 adjacent to each other are located. Between them, there are provided first and second connecting members 14 and 15 for connecting the two columns via joints 8 and 9, respectively. Each of the first and second connecting members 14 and 15
Each side of a square formed by the outer edges of the four pallet members 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D of the pallet 2 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, that is, first to fourth sides 1 orthogonal to each other.
At 0, 11, 12, and 13, two columns 6 that are attached adjacent to each other are respectively connected. Further, as can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4, in a state where the four columns 6 are attached to the pallet 2, the second joint 9 is connected to the first joint 9.
The first and second connecting members 14 and 15 are located crossing each other in a state in which the four columns 6 are attached to the pallet 2 and are located below the joint 8.
The first and second connecting members 14 and 15 are rotatably connected to each other via a pin 21 at an intermediate portion thereof.

Each of the first and second joints 8, 9 is, as shown in FIGS. 3, 6, and 7, for example, formed of a cylindrical body formed of metal, synthetic resin, rubber, or the like. 8,
Each of the columns 6 is fitted into holes 27 and 127 formed therethrough. Each of the joints 8 and 9 has two tongue pieces 16 and 18, and each of the tongue pieces 16 and 18 has an end in the longitudinal direction of the first and second connecting members 14 and 15. Are rotatably connected via pins 17 and 19, respectively.
The first and second connecting members 14 and 15 are also made of, for example, wood,
It is made of a rigid body such as a hard resin or metal, and is formed in a rod shape or a thin plate shape.

Here, when it is necessary to identify the above-mentioned four columns 6, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, they are respectively connected to a first column 6A, a second column 6B, and a third column. Each of the first and second joints 8, which are referred to as a column 6C and a fourth column 6D, and similarly attached to the columns 6A to 6D,
9, 8A, 9A; 8B, 9B; 8C, 9C;
8D and 9D are attached to identify them. Similarly,
First and second posts 6A, 6B, second and third posts 6
B, 6C, the first and second connecting members for connecting the third and fourth columns 6C, 6D, the fourth and first columns 6D, 6A to each other, 14A, 15A;
B; 14C, 15C; 14D, 15D are respectively identified to identify them. Further, the aforementioned plurality of protrusions 7
Are required to be referred to as first to fourth projections 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D (FIG. 2). These are the same in the embodiment described later. The first to fourth projections 7A to 7D are provided with a plurality of columns 6.
Constitute one example of the first to fourth support column mounting portions to which the lower portions of the columns are respectively mounted.

The first and second connecting members 14 and 15 are swingably connected to the joints 8 and 9 as follows.

As can be seen from FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the first connection provided between the first and second columns 6A, 6B mounted adjacent to each other on the first side 10 of the pallet 2. The member 14A has a first joint 8A attached to a first support 6A whose one end in the longitudinal direction is one support.
Is rotatably connected via the pin 17 as described above,
The other end in the longitudinal direction is rotatably connected via a pin 19 to a second joint 9B attached to a second support 6B as the other support. The second connecting member 15A provided between the first and second columns 6A and 6B has one end in the longitudinal direction, the second column 6B being the other column.
Is rotatably connected via a pin 17 to a first joint 8B attached to the first joint 8B, and a second joint 9A attached to a first support 6A whose other end in the longitudinal direction is one of the supports. 19 is connected rotatably. These relations are defined by the second side 1 adjacent to the first side 10 of the pallet 2.
Second posts 6 mounted adjacent to one another at 1
B and the third and fourth connecting members 14B and 15B provided between the third support 6C and the third and fourth mounting members adjacent to each other on the third side 12 adjacent to the second side 11. The first and second connecting members 14C and 15C provided between the columns 6C and 6D, and the fourth side 13 attached adjacent to the fourth side 13 adjacent to the third side 12 at the fourth side 13.
And the first and second columns provided between the first columns 6D and 6A.
The same applies to the connecting members 14D and 15D.

As described above, in the article transporting / storing apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, each of the first connecting members 14 has one end in the longitudinal direction of each of the sides 10, 11, 1 of the pallet 2.
The two joints 2 and 13 are rotatably connected to a first joint 8 attached to one of the two struts 6 positioned adjacent to each other, and the other ends in the longitudinal direction are adjacent to each other. Is rotatably connected to a second joint 9 attached to the other column 6 of the two columns 6 positioned at
One end of each second connecting member 15 in the longitudinal direction is rotatably connected to the first joint 8 attached to the other column 6, and the other end of the second connecting member 15 is connected to the other end of the first joint 8. It is rotatably connected to a second joint 9 attached to the column 6. As described above, each of the columns 6 functions as a column that supports the first and second connecting members 14 and 15.

Further, the first and second connecting members 14 and 15
Respectively, the first and second joints 8, 9 connected as described above are movable such that at least one of them can move freely in the longitudinal direction with respect to each of the columns 6 attached thereto. Assembled as possible. In the illustrated example, each second joint 9 is located at the lower part of each column 6, and FIG.
The first joint 8 is fixed to each of the columns 6 by screws 20 or welding as shown in FIG.
Are slidably fitted in the longitudinal direction. First
Is fixed to the support 6 and the second joint 9 is connected to the support 6.
Or the first and second joints 8 and 9 may be slidably fitted to the column 6 together.

As understood from the above description, the first and second connecting members 14A, 15A and the first and second connecting members 14A, 15A
8A, 9A; 8B, 9B are adjacent to each other in the first
And an example of a first column connecting means for connecting the second columns 6A, 6B to each other, and similarly, the first and second coupling members 14B, 15B, and the first and second joints 8B, 9B; 8
C, 9C are the second and third columns 6B,
This constitutes an example of a second column connecting means for connecting the 6Cs. Similarly, the first and second connecting members 14C, 15
C and the first and second joints 8C, 9C;
An example of third column connecting means for connecting two third and fourth columns 6C and 6D adjacent to each other is provided,
The fourth connecting member 14D, 15D and the first and second joints 8D, 9D; 8A, 9A are fourth column connecting means for connecting the fourth and first columns 6D, 6A adjacent to each other. Constitute one example. As described above, the article transport / storage apparatus of the present example has four column connecting means for connecting two columns adjacent to each other.

In the pallet 2 shown in FIG. 2, the distance between two adjacent protrusions 7 can be freely set as described below in accordance with the size and form of the article 1 placed thereon. The distance between the columns is adjusted so that the lower portion of the column 6 can be attached to each of the protrusions 7 whose distance has been adjusted, as described later.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first and second pallet members 3A, 3B located adjacent to each other are connected via a pair of guide bars 24A, 25A extending in parallel with each other, and one of the guide bars 24A, 25A. The base end side 29A of 24A is fixed to the second pallet member 3B, and its free end side 28A
Are slidably fitted in holes formed in the first pallet member 3A. Further, the base end side 37A of the other guide rod 25A is fixed to the first pallet member 3A, and its free end side 31A is slidably fitted in a hole formed in the second pallet member 3B. .

Similarly, the second pallet member 3B and the third pallet member 3C adjacent to each other are also connected via a pair of guide rods 24B, 25B extending parallel to each other, and the base end of one of the guide rods 24B. The side 29B and the base end side 37B of the other guide rod 25B are fixed to the second and third pallet members 3B and 3C, respectively, and their free end sides 28B.
B, 31B are the third and second pallet members 3C, 3B
Are slidably fitted in the holes formed in the holes. These guide rods 24B, 25B correspond to the aforementioned guide rods 24B.
A, 25A extend in a direction orthogonal to the direction.

Further, the third and fourth pallet members 3C, 3D adjacent to each other are also connected via a pair of guide rods 24C, 25C extending parallel to each other, and the base end 29C of each of the guide rods 24C, 25C. , 37C are fixed to the fourth and third pallet members 3D, 3C, respectively, and the free end sides 28C, 31C of the guide rods 24C, 25C are
The pallets are slidably fitted in holes formed in the third and fourth pallet members 3C and 3D. These guide rods 24C, 25C extend in parallel to the aforementioned guide rods 24A, 25A.

Similarly, the fourth and first pallet members 3D and 3A adjacent to each other are also connected via a pair of guide rods 24D and 25D extending in parallel with each other, and the base ends of the respective guide rods 24D and 25D. 29D and 37D are fixed to the fourth and first pallet members 3D and 3A, respectively, and the free ends 28D and 31D of the guide rods 24D and 25D.
Are slidably fitted in holes formed in the first and fourth pallet members 3A and 3D, respectively. These guide rods 24D, 25D correspond to the aforementioned guide rods 24B, 25B.
And the guide rods 24A, 25
A, 24C, and 25C extend in directions orthogonal to each other.

As described above, the four pallet members 3A,
3B, 3C, and 3D are located adjacent to each other, and their upper surfaces are substantially flush. When these pallet members are installed on a horizontal surface such as a floor surface, the upper surfaces of the pallet members also become substantially horizontal. These upper surfaces constitute an article mounting surface 5. The outer edge of each pallet member forms a rectangular outer contour 34 as schematically shown in FIG.

Here, when pallet members adjacent to each other are pressed in a direction to approach each other, these pallet members approach each other while being guided by the above-mentioned guide rods, and as shown in FIG. The members abut each other. At this time, the size of the outer contour 34 (FIG. 8) of the pallet 2 formed by the outer edge of each pallet member becomes smaller than the state shown in FIG. Conversely, when the pallet members adjacent to each other are pressed in a direction away from each other, these pallet members are largely separated from each other as shown in FIG. The size is larger than in the state of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 10, the first and second pallet members 3A and 3B which are in contact with each other are separated from the third and fourth pallet members 3C and 3D which are in contact with each other. Although not shown in the figure, the first and fourth pallet members 3 which are in contact with each other
A, 3D and the second and third pallet members 3B, 3C which are in contact with each other can be separated from each other.

As described above, the pallet 2 of the present embodiment is configured such that the size of the outer contour 34 can be adjusted. When the large article 1 is placed on the pallet 2 as shown in FIG. The outer contour 34 of the pallet 2 can be made larger, and conversely, when a small article is placed, the outer contour 34 of the pallet 2 can be made smaller as shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. Article 1 to be transported or stored
The size of the pallet 2 can be freely changed according to the size and form of the pallet. For this reason, articles 1 of various sizes or various forms can be placed on one pallet 2 and transported or stored, and it is not necessary to prepare many pallets of various sizes corresponding to the size or form of the articles. . When pallets are manufactured by molding, if pallets of various sizes are manufactured in accordance with the dimensions of the individual articles 1, it is necessary to prepare various forms of forming dies, and a large cost is required for manufacturing the forming dies. In the case of the pallet 2 shown in FIG. 2, articles 1 of various sizes can be placed by reducing or enlarging the pallet of one form, so that the production cost of the mold during pallet production can be reduced.

As described above, the outer contour 34 of the pallet 2
When the size is changed, the protrusions 7 adjacent to each other, that is, the distances D1 and D2 between the pillar mounting portions (FIG. 2)
Changes. At this time, in the pallet 2 of this example, as can be seen from the above description, the distance D1 between the first and second projections 7A and 7B adjacent to each other and the projections 7A and 7B are opposed to each other. And the third and fourth adjacent to each other
The distance D1 between the protrusions 7C and 7D can be adjusted in conjunction with the distance D1 between the protrusions 7C and 7D.
The distance D2 between the first and fourth protrusions 7B and 7C and the distance D2 between the first and fourth protrusions 7A and 7D facing the protrusions 7B and 7C and being adjacent to each other are interlocked. The distance D2 can be adjusted by changing the distance D2.

That is, the pallet 2 of the present embodiment has a first pallet member 3A having a first column mounting portion and a second pallet mounting portion, and has a position adjacent to the first pallet member 3A. A second pallet member 3B, a third pallet member 3C, and a third pallet member 3C located adjacent to the second pallet member 3B, and a fourth stanchion mounting portion, Further, a fourth pallet member 3D is provided adjacent to the third and first pallet members 3C and 3A. In addition, the pallet 2 is provided with a space D1 between the first column mounting portion and the second column mounting portion adjacent thereto.
The first and fourth pallet members 3A and 3D, and the second and fourth pallet members 3A and 3D so that the distance D1 between the third column mounting portion and the fourth column mounting portion adjacent thereto can be adjusted in conjunction with each other. The first and fourth pallet members 3A, 3D and the second and third pallet members 3B, 3B, 3B, 3C, 3B, 3C, 3C, 3D, 3D, 3D, 3D, 3D, 3D, 3D
3C, the first pallet member connecting means, the distance D2 between the second column mounting portion and the third column mounting portion adjacent thereto, the first column mounting portion and the adjacent column mounting portion. The first and second pallet members 3A, 3B are adjusted so that the distance D2 between the corresponding fourth support mounting portions can be adjusted in conjunction with each other.
And the third and fourth pallet members 3C and 3D are relatively movable in a direction to approach or separate from each other.
Second pallet member connecting means for connecting the pallet members 3C and 3D.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the above-described first to fourth
As described above, the column connecting portions of the first to fourth protrusions 7
A to 7D, and the first pallet member connecting means described above includes guide rods 24A, 25A, 24C,
The second pallet member connecting means is constituted by guide rods 24B, 25B, 24D and 25D. As described above, the pallet member connecting means of the present example includes the base end side 29A, 37A, 29B, 37B, 29B.
C, 37C, 29D, 37D are fixed to one of the pallet members, and the free end sides 28A, 31A, 28B, 31B, 2
8C, 31C, 28D, and 31D have guide bars slidably fitted to the other pallet members. The number of the guide rods can be set as appropriate.

Further, the pallet 2 has fixing means for fixing the plurality of pallet members so that the plurality of pallet members do not relatively move after adjusting the interval between the projections 7. FIG. 11 shows an example of the fixing means. In FIG. 11, the first and second pallet members 3A and 3B have
A plurality of screw holes 38 leading to holes into which the free ends 28A, 31A of the guide rods 24A, 25A slidably fit respectively.
A, 38B, 38C; 39A, 39B, 39C are respectively formed, and a plurality of lock holes 40A, 40B, 40C; 41A, 41B, 41 are formed in each guide rod 24A, 25A.
C is formed respectively.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the first and second pallet members 3A and 3B are largely separated from each other, the screw hole 38A of the first pallet member 3A and the guide rod 28A
Of the second pallet member 3
The screw hole 39A of B and the lock hole 41A of the guide bar 25A are aligned. In this state, the screws 43A and 44A are screwed into the screw holes 38A and 39A, respectively, and the tips of the screws are fitted into the lock holes 40A and 41A, respectively. Thus, the first and second pallet members 3A, 3B
At the position shown in FIG. 2, they are firmly fixed to each other.

When the first and second pallet members 3A and 3B are brought closest to each other as shown in FIG.
8A, 38B, 38C and 39A, 39B, 39C are provided with lock holes 40A, 40B, 40C and 41A, 41B, 41.
And C respectively. In this state, screws 43A, 4
3B, 43C and screws 44A, 44
At least one of B and 44C is screwed into the screw hole, and the tip of the screw is engaged with the lock hole. As a result, the first and second pallet members 3A and 3B are fixedly connected to each other in the state shown in FIG. The first and second pallet members 3A, 3B are brought between the positions of FIGS. 2 and 9, with the aligned screw holes 38A, 38B; 39A, 39B.
By screwing the screws 43A and 43B into the pallet members 3A and 3B, the pallet members 3A and 3B can be fixed at this position.

The other pallet members adjacent to each other can be fixed to each other in the same manner as described above.

By loosening the screw, each pallet member can be relatively moved again.

As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 11, the screws 43A, 43B, 43C; 44A, 44B, 44C constitute fixing means, but other appropriate fixing means may be employed. .

As described above, the outer contour 34 of the pallet 2
Is changed, the protrusions 7, that is, the distances D1 and D2 between the column mounting portions change, but the columns 6 before being mounted on the pallet 2 are adjusted to match the adjusted intervals D1 and D2. Can be freely adjusted as follows.

That is, two columns 6A and 6B adjacent to each other and the two columns 6C and 6D opposed to each other among the columns 6 before being attached to the pallet 2 are indicated by arrows A in FIGS. When pressed in the direction away from each other,
Each first joint 8 slides downward with respect to each column 6, and
And the distance between the second and third columns 6A and 6B, and the third and fourth columns.
The spacing between the columns 6C and 6D is increased. At this time,
At the same time, the first and fourth columns 6A and 6D and the second and third columns
Are moved away from each other as shown by the arrow B, and the interval between these columns is also increased.

Conversely, when each column 6 is pressed in the direction opposite to the arrows A and B, each first joint 8 moves upward along the column 6, so that the interval between the columns adjacent to each other is reduced. Narrowed. As described above, in the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the distance between the two columns attached adjacent to each side 10, 11, 12, 13 of the pallet 2 is changed at the same rate. Each interval is adjusted in conjunction with each other. That is, the above-described first to fourth column connecting means for connecting the two columns respectively include the columns so that the intervals between the two columns located adjacent to each other change at the same rate. Are adjusted in conjunction with each other.

As described above, the distance between the adjacent columns 6 is adjusted according to the distances D1 and D2 between the protrusions 7 of the pallet 2, and then the pallet 2 on which the articles 1 are placed is adjusted. The lower part of each column 6 is fitted to each projection 7. At that time, each pillar 6
Hole 127 at the center of each second joint 9 fixed to the lower part of
The four columns 6 may be detachably attached to the four corners of the pallet 2 by fitting (FIG. 7) to each projection 7. In this manner, the lower portions of the plurality of columns 6 can be attached to the column attachment portion formed of, for example, the protrusions 7 via another member. Alternatively, each support 6 may be removably attached to the pallet 2 by forming a mounting hole in the pallet and fitting a lower portion of each support into each mounting hole. In this case, the mounting hole forms a column mounting portion to which each column 6 is mounted.

Each of the first and second joints 8 and 9 is
Although the above-described work for adjusting the distance between the columns can be performed by slidably fitting in the longitudinal direction thereof, any one of the joints, for example, as shown in FIG. 2
When the joint 9 is fixed to the column 6 and the other joint 8 is slidably assembled to the column 6, the first and second connecting members 14 and 15 can be smoothly moved at the time of adjusting the interval between the columns. And the work can be performed easily.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, the article transport / storage device of this embodiment has a top plate 33 which is detachably attached to the upper portions of the four columns 6. Is
It is provided as needed. This top plate 33 also
It is made of a highly rigid material such as a metal plate, a hard resin plate, or a wooden plate, and in the illustrated example, its planar shape is formed into a square. At the four corners of the top plate 33, holes 35 penetrating the top plate are formed. The upper end 23 of each support 6 is formed in a tapered shape.

The article 1 is placed on the article placing surface 5 of the pallet 2 as described above, and the lower portions of the columns 6 are respectively placed on the projections 7 of the pallet 2 as shown by arrows P in FIGS. After fitting and mounting the four columns 6 to the pallet 2, the top plate 33 is positioned from above the four columns 6 as shown by arrow C in FIG.
And the upper ends 23 of the columns 6 are fitted into the holes 35 formed in the top plate 33. At this time, each hole 35 of the top plate 33 frictionally engages with each of the upper ends 23, and the top plate 33 is held at this position without moving below the position shown in FIG. A tapered cap may be fitted to the upper end 23 of each column 6, and each cap may be fitted to each hole 35. As described above, the top plate 33 is detachably attached to the upper portions of the plurality of columns 6 directly or via other members. Each hole of the top plate 33 is fitted to the upper end portion 23 of each column, and is attached to the column 6. In this way, the hole 35 constitutes an example of a column mounting portion to which each of the columns 6 is mounted directly or via another member.

By assembling the column 6 to the pallet 2 and attaching the top plate 33 to the upper portion of the column 6 as described above, the article transport / storage device 30 assembled as shown in FIG. 4 can be constructed. At this time, the article 1 placed on the article placing surface 5 is placed in a storage space surrounded by the four columns 6, the first and second connecting members 14 and 15, and the top plate 33.
(Not shown in FIG. 4), and in this state, the cargo handling device, for example, the fork 36 of the forklift is moved to the pallet 2
The article 1 can be transported by lifting the article transport / storage device 30 by inserting the lower part of the fork 36 and raising the fork 36. In addition, the article transport / storage device 30 with the article 1 mounted thereon is transferred to a truck, a ship, or a railway vehicle,
For example, the goods can be transported from a manufacturing plant to a user. Further, the articles 1 stored in the article transport / storage device 30 can be stored in a warehouse or the like. in this way,
When the article 1 is transported or stored, the article 1 has first and second connecting members 14, 1 around its four sides and an upper portion.
5 and the top plate 33, the article 1 can be protected.

The top plate 33 is lifted upward, and the top plate 3
By removing the 3 from the four columns 6 and removing the four columns 6 from the pallet 2, the article 1 can be easily lowered from the pallet 2. In this way, the article transport storage device can be used many times. In the case of a conventional cardboard box for storing and transporting articles, the articles are often discarded at a destination or the like, which generates a large amount of waste.However, using the apparatus of this example eliminates the waste. Or the amount thereof can be extremely reduced.

By attaching the top plate 33 to the upper portions of the four columns 6, the upper portions of the four columns 6 can be connected to each other via the top plate 33, so that the article 1 can be transported or stored during storage. Also, even when an external force is applied to the column 6 from the lateral direction, the column 6 can be prevented from largely fluctuating. An article other than the article 1 can be placed on the top plate 33.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the pallet 2 has a back surface opposite to the article mounting surface 5 of the pallet 2.
4A, 4B, 4C, 4 of each pallet member constituting
Engagement holes 22 are formed at four locations below D. FIG.
When the columns 6 are attached to the pallet 2 as shown in FIG. 5, the center of each engaging hole 22 is aligned with the axis of the column 6.
The position of each engagement hole 22 is determined. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 5, it is possible to vertically stack a plurality of article transport / storage devices on which the articles 1 (not shown in FIG. 5) are mounted in a stable state. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the article transport / storage device 30 is placed in, for example, a warehouse, and the article transport / storage device 30 has the same configuration as the article transport / storage device 30 as shown in FIG. Is lifted and placed by, for example, the fork 36 of a forklift. At this time, as shown in FIG. 4, the upper end portions 23 of the four columns 6 of the article transport / storage device 30 on the lower side project upward from the holes 35 formed in the top plate 33. Each of the upper ends 23 is fitted into an engagement hole 22 (FIG. 2) formed in the pallet 2 of the upper article transport / storage device 30A.

In this manner, the plurality of article transport / storage devices 3
0, 30A can be stacked on top of each other, and the article 1 can be stored using the space in the warehouse effectively. In addition, a plurality of article transport / storage devices can be transported together in a state of being stacked vertically.

Also, when the article transport / storage device is not used,
When the top plate 33 is removed from the four columns 6 and the four columns 6 are extracted from the pallet 2 and the columns 6 are brought closer to each other, the first and second connecting members 14 and
15 can be folded and their whole can be folded compactly as shown in FIG. 12, which can be stored in a very small space. As described above, the plurality of columns 6 and the plurality of members constituting the column connecting means, in this example, the joints 8 and 9 and the connecting members 14 and 15 are arranged in a state where the columns 6 are removed from the pallet 2. It is configured as a foldable column unit 32.

Also, for example, a large number of articles 1 are mounted on the respective article transport / storage apparatuses and transported from the manufacturing factory of the articles 1 to the user, where the articles 1 are lowered from the respective article transport / storage apparatuses, and then the columns thereof are supported. After removal of the pallets 2 from the pallets 2, the pallets 2 can be brought to a minimum form as shown in FIG. 9 and then stacked one on top of the other and returned to the manufacturing plant again. When the projections 7 of the lower pallet 2 are engaged with the engaging holes 22 of the upper pallet 2 when the pallets 2 are stacked one above the other, a large number of pallets 2 are stacked vertically in a stable state. I can put it.

As described above, according to the article carrying / storing apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 12, whenever the size of the article 1 to be carried or stored is substantially any size, the pallet 2 Is changed, and the distance D between the protrusions 7 is changed.
By adjusting 1 and D2 and adjusting the distance between the columns 6 correspondingly, the article can be easily transported or stored.

FIGS. 13 to 15 are perspective views showing another example of the pallet 2. In the pallet 2 of this example, the respective pallet members 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D correspond to each other as shown in FIG. When they are brought into contact with each other, the point where the opening 46 is formed at the center and the guide rods 25B and 25 shown in FIG.
Only the point that 5D is not provided is different from the pallet 2 shown in FIG. Pallet 2 shown in FIGS. 13 to 15
In FIG. 12, when the pallet 2 is formed in a minimum form as shown in FIG. 13 and a large number of the pallets 2 are stacked one on top of the other, a large space is formed by the central opening 46, so that as shown in FIG. Folded support unit 32
To accommodate many pallets 2 and many support units 3
2 can be put together, and these can be efficiently returned to a manufacturing factory or the like.

In each of the above-described examples, the lower portion of each column 6 is detachably attached to the pallet 2. However, each column 6 may be fixed to the pallet 2 so that it cannot be removed in a normal state.

In the above-mentioned article transport / storage apparatus, two columns 6A and 6B, 6B and 6
C, 6C and 6D, and first to fourth connecting means for connecting 6D and 6A respectively connect the two columns so that all of them can adjust the interval between the two columns. However, it is also possible to configure such that only the interval between two columns adjacent to each other and the interval between two columns facing each other and adjacent to each other can be adjusted.

For example, the first and second connecting members 14A and 15A provided between the first and second columns 6A and 6B shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 and the third and fourth columns 6C are provided. , 6
D and 1st and 2nd connection members 14C and 1 provided between
5C, the first joints 8A and 8B attached to the first and second pillars 6A and 6B are firmly fixed via connecting rods 45A, and the second joint 9A as shown in FIG. ,
9B are firmly fixed together with the connecting rod 45B, and the first joints 8D, 8C attached to the two columns 6D, 6C opposed to these columns 6A, 6B are firmly fixed with the connecting rod 45C. And the second joints 9D and 9C are connected to another connecting rod 4
Firmly fix by 5D. In this case, the connecting rod 45
A, 45B and the first and second joints 8A, 8B; 9A,
9B constitutes a column connecting means for connecting the first and second columns 6A, 6B so that the distance therebetween cannot be adjusted, and includes connecting rods 45C, 45D and first and second joints 8C.
C, 8D; 9C, 9D are third and fourth columns 6C, 6
The strut connecting means for connecting D so that the interval therebetween cannot be adjusted is constituted. Even with this configuration, the distance between the second and third columns 6B and 6C and the distance between the first and fourth columns 6A and 6D can be adjusted. It can be transported or stored.

As can be seen from the above-described examples, in the article transport / storage device of this example, the column connecting means for connecting two columns adjacent to each other, and the column connecting means for opposing the two columns and adjacent to each other. At least two pillar connecting means of the pillar connecting means for connecting the other two pillars respectively connect the two pillars so that the distance between the two pillars can be adjusted.

When the article transport / storage device is configured as shown in FIG. 16, as shown in FIG. 17, the pallet 2 is connected to two adjacent column mounting portions (the first and second columns in the example of FIG. 17). Pallet member 3 having two projections 7A, 7B)
E, and two pallets of a pallet member 3F having two other pillar mounting portions (third and fourth protrusions 7C and 7D in the example in the drawing) which are opposed to the two pillar mounting portions and adjacent to each other. And a pallet member connecting means for connecting the pallet members 3E and 3F so that the two pallet members 3E and 3F can relatively move toward or away from each other. You can also. The pallet member connecting means shown in FIG. 17 includes a plurality of guide rods 24B, 24D configured exactly like the guide rods 24B, 24D shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, notches 4 are formed in opposing portions of each of the pallet members 3E and 3F.
6A and 46B, and when the pallet members 3E and 3F are closest to each other as shown in FIG.
13 is formed such that an opening 46 is formed at the center of
The same advantages as those of the pallet 2 shown in FIG. Other configurations of the pallet 2 shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 are substantially the same as those of the pallet 2 shown in FIG.

According to the above-described structure, the distance D2 between the first and fourth protrusions 7A and 7D and the distance between the second and third protrusions are obtained by moving the two pallet members 3E and 3F closer to or away from each other. The distance D2 between 7B and 7C can be adjusted in conjunction with it. On the other hand, the protrusion 7 whose distance between the first and fourth columns 6A and 6D and distance between the second and third columns 6B and 6C shown in FIG.
, And the lower part of each support column 6 is attached to each protrusion 7 shown in FIGS. 17, 25, and 26.

As can be understood from the examples described above, the pallet 2 is provided with a space between two post mounting portions adjacent to each other, and another two post that is opposed to these post mounting portions and adjacent to each other. At least two of the intervals between the mounting portions can be adjusted.

Further, the column unit 3 of the article transport / storage device
13 is constructed as shown in FIG. 13, the space between the first and second supports 6A and 6B and the third and fourth supports 6
Panels (not shown) are provided between C and 6D, and these panels can more reliably protect the article 1 mounted on the article transport / storage apparatus.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing another example of the column unit 32 of the article transport / storage device. The article transport / storage device shown here is also placed on the pallet 2 as shown in FIG. The pallet is provided with a plurality of columns detachably attached to the pallet in a state surrounding the article 1, and first to fourth column connection means for connecting two columns adjacent to each other. That is, the first to fourth four removably attached to the pallet 2 at the four corners of the pallet 2 in a state where the pallet 2 stands up substantially perpendicular to the article mounting surface 5 of the pallet 2. Each of the pillars 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D has a lower portion of each pillar 6 made of a hollow pipe and projecting from four corners of the pallet 2 as shown by arrows P in FIGS. Each of the columns 6 can be easily attached to or detached from the pallet 2 by manual operation by fitting to the pallet 2.

In the example shown in FIG. 18, two adjacent
The respective column connecting means for connecting the two columns 6 to each other so that the distance between the columns can be adjusted includes first and second connecting members 14 and 15 and first and second joints 8 and 9 and a third joint 26. The first and second connecting members 14 and 15 are rotatably connected to each other by a pin 21 at an intermediate portion thereof. Third joint 2
No. 26 also applies to its individual joints 26A, 2
6B, 26C, and 26D are attached to identify them.

Each of the columns 6 includes first to third joints 8, 9,
26 are fitted in holes 27, 127, 127A formed. With the four columns 6 attached to the pallet 2, the second and third joints 9 and 26 are connected to the first joint 8.
And the second joint 9 is located below the third joint 2
6, the first to fourth columns 6A
To 6D attached to pallet 2 (FIG. 2),
Each pair of connecting members, that is, the first and second connecting members 14 and 15 are located in a state of crossing each other. Each first joint 8 has two tongue pieces 16A, 16A, and each of the second joint 9 and the third joint 26 has one tongue piece 18A, 18B.

Further, each of the first and second connecting members 14,
Each of the longitudinal ends of the pallet 15 is pivotally connected to the tongue of each joint via a pin, as in the case shown in FIGS. 2 or FIG. 19).

With the first to fourth columns 6A to 6D attached to the pallet 2, the first side 10 of the pallet 2
The first and second connecting members 14 provided between the first and second columns 6A and 6B located adjacent to each other
A and 15A have first ends 8A and 8 respectively attached to first and second columns 6A and 6B.
B, each of which is rotatably connected to one tongue piece 16A via a pin and whose other end in the longitudinal direction is attached to the second and first columns 6B, 6A, respectively. The tongue piece 18A of 9A is rotatably connected via a pin.

Similarly, a second side 11 adjacent to the first side 10 of the pallet 2 on the second side 11
And the first and second provided between the third support 6B and 6C.
One end of each of the connecting members 14B and 15B in the longitudinal direction is the second
And the first columns attached to the third columns 6B and 6C, respectively.
A third tongue 16A is rotatably connected to one tongue piece 16A of each of the joints 8B and 8C via a pin, and the other end in the longitudinal direction is attached to the third and second columns 6C and 6B, respectively. Are rotatably connected to the tongue pieces 18B of the joints 26C and 26B via pins.

Further, the third side 12 adjacent to the second side 11 of the pallet 2 on the third side 12
And the first and second columns provided between the fourth and fourth columns 6C and 6D.
One end of each of the connecting members 14C and 15C in the longitudinal direction is the third member.
And the first columns attached to the fourth columns 6C and 6D, respectively.
The second tongues 16A of the joints 8C and 8D are rotatably connected via pins, and the other ends in the longitudinal direction are attached to the fourth and third columns 6D and 6C, respectively. Are rotatably connected to the tongue pieces 18A of the joints 9D and 9C via pins.

Further, the first and second connections provided between the fourth and first columns 6D and 6A located adjacent to each other on the fourth side 13 adjacent to the third side 12 of the pallet 2. One longitudinal end of each of the members 14D, 15D is rotatably connected to one tongue piece 16A of the first joint 8D, 8A attached to the fourth and first column 6D, 6A via a pin. And the other end in the longitudinal direction is rotatably connected via a pin to a tongue piece 18B of a third joint 26A, 26D attached to the first and fourth column 6A, 6D, respectively. I have.

As described above, the first and second connecting members provided between the first and second columns positioned adjacent to each other, and the first and second connecting members are positioned opposite to the first and second columns. One end of each of the first and second connecting members provided between the third and fourth columns in the longitudinal direction is attached to the first and second columns and the first and third columns respectively attached to the third and fourth columns. The joints are rotatably connected to the joints, and the other ends in the longitudinal direction are rotatably connected to the second joints respectively attached to the first and second columns and the third and fourth columns. And first and second connecting members provided between the second and third posts positioned adjacent to each other, and fourth and first positions located opposite the second and third posts. The first end of each of the first and second connecting members provided between the supporting columns is connected to the second and third connecting members. The column and the first joint respectively attached to the fourth and first columns are rotatably connected to each other, and the other ends in the longitudinal direction are respectively connected to the second and third columns and the fourth and first columns. The third joints respectively attached to the columns are rotatably connected to respective third joints.

The first to third joints 8, 9, 26 described above
Are all slidable in their longitudinal direction with respect to these mounted columns 6, and any one of these joints 8, 9, 26 is fixed to the columns 6 The other two may be slidable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the column 6, but in the example shown in FIG. 18, the first of the first to third joints 8, 9, 26 The joint 8 is fixed to each of the columns 6 to which they are attached,
The second and third joints 9 and 26 are movably mounted on the columns 6 to which they are attached so that they can move freely in the longitudinal direction. Each first joint 8 located at the upper part of each column 6 is fixed to each column 6 by, for example, press-fitting, screwing, welding, or the like.

Also when an article is transported or stored using the article transport / storage device having the column unit 32 shown in FIG. 18, the distance D1 between the protrusions 7 of the pallet 2 is adjusted according to the size of the article. D2 is adjusted, and the article 1 is placed on the pallet 2 as shown in FIG. On the other hand, the intervals between the columns 6 before being attached to the pallet 2 are adjusted as follows so as to match the intervals D1 and D2 between the protrusions 7 of the pallet 2.

That is, the first side 10 of the pallet 2
First and second two columns 6A, 6B attached adjacent to each other on the third side 12 facing the third side 12
Then, the third and fourth two columns 6C and 6D are pressed in a direction indicated by an arrow A in FIG. 18 or a direction opposite thereto. Then, the second joint 9 attached to these columns slides upward or downward along each column 6. Thus, the distance between the first and second two columns 6A and 6B and the distance between the other third and fourth two columns 6C and 6D change at the same ratio. At this time, in this example, the columns 6A, 6
B; The distance between the second support 6B and the third support 6C and the distance between the fourth support 6D and the first support 6A do not change only by adjusting the distance between 6C and 6D.

When adjusting these intervals, the second and third columns 6B and 6C and the fourth and first columns 6D and 6D are used.
A is pressed in the direction indicated by arrow B in FIG. 18 or in the opposite direction. As a result, the third joint 26 fitted to each column moves upward or downward along each column 6, and the distance between the second and third columns 6B and 6C, and the fourth and first columns. The distance between the columns 6D and 6A changes at the same rate.

As described above, in the article transport / storage apparatus having the column unit 32 shown in FIG. 18, the pallet 2 has one side and the other side opposed to the pallet 2 has two columns mounted adjacent to each other. The spacing is adjusted in conjunction with each other so that the spacing changes at the same rate, and the spacing between the two columns mounted adjacent to each other on each of the other two opposing sides of the pallet 2 is the same. The intervals are adjusted in conjunction with each other such that That is, the first to fourth column connecting means for connecting the two columns respectively include the space between the two columns 6 positioned adjacent to each other, the two columns 6 facing each other, and The distance between the other two columns 6 adjacent to each other is changed at the same rate, and the distance is adjusted in conjunction with each other. Thereby, the adjustment of the interval between the columns can be adjusted more freely than in the case of the example shown in FIG. In this way, the columns 6 whose intervals are adjusted corresponding to the intervals D1 and D2 between the projections 7 of the pallet 2 are moved to the pallet 2 on which the articles 1 are placed.
And attached as described above.

Each of the first joints 8 is composed of two joint pieces, and one of the joint pieces is rotatable at one end (upper end) of the first connecting member 14 in the longitudinal direction. The second joint member 15 may be rotatably connected to the other joint piece at one end side (upper end side) in the longitudinal direction of the second connection member 15. These joint pieces are also fixed to the columns 6. In addition, the first and second
The second and third joints 9, with the other longitudinal ends (lower ends) of the connecting members 14, 15 being rotatably connected, respectively.
26 may be slidably fitted in the same or different guide grooves formed long in the longitudinal direction of the respective columns 6.
When the second and third joints 8 and 9 are fitted into different guide grooves, the second and third joints can move freely independently in the longitudinal direction of the columns 6, so that each Depending on the size of the spacing between the struts 6, the second joint may be located below, at the same level as, or even above the third joint. It may be located at

Further, the above-described support 6 and support connection means described with reference to FIG. 18 can be used upside down from the state of FIG. That is, the upper end 23 of each column 6 shown in FIG. 18 faces downward, and these ends are fitted into the protrusions 7 of the pallet 2 respectively. In the example shown in FIG. 18, the second and third joints 9 and 26 are located below the first joint 8 in a state where four columns are attached to the pallet 2. When the column 6 is mounted upside down on the pallet 2, the first joint 8 is located below the second and third joints 9 and 26 in the mounted state. Also in this case, all the joints 8, 9, 2
6 can be slidably assembled to the column 6 in the longitudinal direction thereof, or any one of the joints can be fixed to the column 6, but the lowermost first joints 8 are fixed to each column 6. However, it is advantageous to assemble each of the second and third joints 9, 26 with each of the columns 6 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction thereof. With such a configuration, the same operation as the configuration described above with reference to FIG. 18 can be achieved.

After the four pillars are mounted on the pallet 2, the top plate 33 (FIG. 1) as shown by an arrow C in FIG.
8 (not shown in FIG. 8), and as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the upper end 23 of each support 6 is inserted into each hole 35 of the top plate 33.
And the top plate 33 is detachably mounted on the upper portions of the plurality of columns 6. In this example, the upper ends 23 of the columns 6 protruding above the second joints 8 are directly fitted into holes 35 formed in the top plate 33 and the guide member 34, and the top plate 33 is 4
It is configured to be placed on the upper surface of the first joints 8 and to support the top plate 33. In this way, as shown in FIG. 19, the article transport / storage device 30 can be assembled, and the article 1 can be efficiently transported or stored using the apparatus. The article transport / storage device 30 of this example can also be stacked vertically.

In the case of the article transport / storage device 30 shown in FIG. 19 as well, if the top plate 33 is manually removed from each column 6 and the column 6 is pulled out of the pallet 2 by manual operation, the column 6 and the first and second columns are removed. The second connecting members 14 and 15 can be compactly folded as shown in FIG. Thus, also in this example, the plurality of struts 6 and the plurality of members constituting the strut coupling means, in this example, the joints 8, 9, 23 and the coupling members 14, 15, transfer the struts 6 from the pallet 2. The support | pillar unit 32 which can be freely folded in the state removed is comprised.

When the support unit 32 is folded, FIG.
As shown by the chain line in FIG. 2, the column 6 can be gripped by hand, and the column 6 can be folded as shown in FIG. This is the same in the column unit 32 shown in FIG.

By the way, since the shape of the top plate 33 in each of the article transporting and storing apparatuses described above is constant, after adjusting the interval between the columns 6, the top plate 33 that matches the interval between the columns is selected. Then, it is necessary to attach the top plate 33 to the upper part of the column after adjusting the distance. For this reason, top plates 3 of various sizes
3 must be prepared.

Therefore, it is preferable to configure the top plate 33 so that the size of the outer contour thereof can be adjusted similarly to the pallet 2 described above. FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing an example of such a top plate 33. The top plate 33 has first to fourth columns to which the upper portions of the plurality of columns 6A to 6D are attached directly or via other members. Holes 35A, 35B, 3
5C and 35D, and a top plate 33 thereof is divided into first to fourth four top plate members 33A, 33B, 33C and 33D,
The first to fourth holes 35A, 35B, 3
5C and 35D are formed respectively. Further, each top plate member has a protrusion 107 concentric with each hole.
When the top plate 33 is attached to the upper portion of each column 6, it is necessary to fit the holes 35A, 35B, 35C, and 35D directly to the upper ends of the columns or via caps attached to the upper portions. There is no difference from the case of the top plate described above. When another article transport / storage device is stacked on the article transport / storage device to which the top plate 33 shown in FIG. 24 is attached as shown in FIG. 5, the pallet 2 of the upper article transport / storage device is stacked. Each of the formed engaging holes 22 (FIG. 2) is engaged with each of the projections 107 of the top plate 33 shown in FIG. 24, whereby the upper and lower article transport / storage devices can be positioned.

The top plate members 33A, 33 adjacent to each other
3B, 33C and 33D are connected to each other so as to be able to approach or separate from each other by means of a top plate member connecting means composed of respective guide rods. At this time, as apparent from a comparison between FIG. 24 and FIG. 2, the top plate member connecting means shown in FIG.
Is configured exactly the same as the pallet member connecting means shown in
The operation is the same as that described with reference to FIGS. Therefore, each guide rod in FIG.
Are given the same reference numerals as those given to the guide rods shown in FIG. While guiding each top plate member by these guide rods, the top plate members adjacent to each other are approached or separated from each other, and the interval between the adjacent holes 35A, 35B, 35C, 35D and the interval between the projections 107 are set. Is matched to the spacing between the struts.

The holes 35A, 35B, 35C, 35D
The plurality of top plate members after adjusting the distance between the pallet members can be fixed to each other by fixing means exactly the same as the fixing means for the pallet member shown in FIG.

Further, the top plate is connected to each of FIGS.
5, the pallet shown in FIG. 17, FIG. 25 and FIG. In this case, the pallet member in these figures is replaced with a top plate member, and the engaging holes 22
Are the first to fourth holes 35 to which the distal ends of the columns 6 are attached.
A, 35B, 35C, and 35D, and the protrusion 7 is provided with the engaging hole 22 of the pallet of the upper article transport / storage device.
It only replaces the protrusion 107 that fits into the.

Therefore, since the configuration of the top plate 33 in various forms is clear from the above description relating to the pallet 2, further detailed description of the top plate is omitted, and
Specify only the points that are configured as follows.

That is, the top plate 33 has a first top plate member 33A having a first column attachment portion and a second column attachment portion, and is positioned adjacent to the first top plate member 33A. A third top plate member 33C having a second top plate member 33B, a third column attachment portion, and a third top plate member 33C located adjacent to the second top plate member 33B, and a fourth column attachment portion. And a fourth top plate member 33D adjacent to the third and first top plate members 33C and 33A, and a first column mounting portion and a second column member adjacent thereto. The first space between the column mounting portions and the space between the third column mounting portion and the fourth column mounting portion adjacent to the third column mounting portion can be adjusted in conjunction with the first column.
The first and fourth top plates 33A and 33D and the second and third top plate members 33B and 33C are relatively movable in a direction of approaching or separating from each other. The members 33A, 33D and the second and third top plate members 33B,
33C, the space between the second column mounting portion and the third column mounting portion adjacent thereto, the first column mounting portion and the third column mounting portion adjacent thereto. 4 so that the distance between the column mounting portions 4 can be adjusted in tandem.
The first and second top plates 33A and 33B and the third and fourth top plate members 33C and 33D are relatively movable in a direction of approaching or separating from each other. The members 33A, 33B and the third and fourth top plate members 33C,
33D, and second top plate member connecting means for connecting the respective top plates 33D to each other. In the illustrated example, as described above, the first
The fourth to fourth pillar mounting portions are formed by the first to fourth holes 35A, 35A.
B, 35C and 35D.

As is evident from the pallet configuration shown in FIGS. 17, 25 and 26, the top plate 33 is composed of a top plate member having two post mounting portions adjacent to each other, and two top mounting members. Other two adjacent to each other and adjacent to each other
It is provided with two top plate members of a top plate member having two support attachment portions, and connects these top plate members so that the two top plate members can relatively move toward or away from each other. A top plate member connecting means is provided.

As described above, the top plate 33 is provided between the two column mounting portions adjacent to each other and the space between the other two column mounting portions facing the column mounting portions and adjacent to each other. At least two of the intervals are configured to be adjustable.

Further, as is apparent from the structure of the pallet shown in FIG. 11, the top plate 33 is a fixing means for fixing the plurality of top plate members so that the plurality of top plate members do not relatively move. have.

The above-mentioned top plate connecting means has a guide rod whose base end is fixed to one top plate and whose free end is slidably fitted to the other top plate.

[0109] Although a number of embodiments of the present invention have been described above, an article transport / storage apparatus may be configured by appropriately combining the configurations of the respective examples. In addition, the present invention can be applied to virtually any article transport / storage apparatus such as various articles other than the articles exemplified above, for example, automobiles, parts such as engines thereof, furniture, building materials, and the like.

[0110]

According to the first to third aspects of the present invention,
Since the distance between the columns can be adjusted, and the distance between the column mounting portions adjacent to each other on the pallet can also be adjusted, articles of various sizes or various forms can be efficiently transported or stored.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since a plurality of pallet members can be fixed, articles can be stably placed on the pallet.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the pallet member connecting means can be constructed simply and at low cost.

According to the invention as set forth in claims 6 to 8, the distance between the columns can be adjusted and the distance between the column mounting portions of the top plate can be adjusted, so that articles of various sizes or forms can be efficiently transported. Or it can be stored.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since a plurality of top plate members can be fixed, the top plate can be attached to the support in a stable state.

According to the tenth aspect, the top plate member connecting means can be configured simply and at low cost.

According to the eleventh aspect, articles of various sizes or shapes can be placed on the pallet.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the distance between the column mounting portions of the pallet can be adjusted.
Articles of various sizes or shapes can be placed on a pallet.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, since a plurality of pallet members can be fixed, articles can be stably placed on the pallet.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the pallet member connecting means can be constructed simply and at low cost.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an article transport / storage device.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pallet.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the support unit in an expanded state.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an assembled state of the article transport / storage device.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the article transport / storage device is stacked up and down.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the first joint shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 and a connecting member connected to the first joint.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a support column separated from the second joint shown in FIGS. 1 and 3;

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining the outer contour of a pallet.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view when the pallet is most contracted.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state where two pallet members are separated from the other two pallet members.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of a fixing means for a pallet member.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a state where the support unit shown in FIG. 3 is folded.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 9, showing another example of the pallet.

14 is a perspective view of the pallet shown in FIG. 13 similar to FIG.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2 of the pallet shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 3, showing another example of the column connecting means.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing still another example of the pallet.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing another example of the support unit.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a state when the article transport / storage device is assembled.

FIG. 20 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line IX-IX of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a state where the support unit shown in FIG. 18 is folded.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a state where the support unit is folded.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing the folded support unit.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an extendable top plate.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing still another example of the pallet.

26 is a perspective view showing a state when the pallet member shown in FIG. 25 is approached.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 article 2 pallet 3A first pallet member 3B second pallet member 3C third pallet member 3D fourth pallet member 3E pallet member 3F pallet member 6 support 6A support 6B support 6C support 6D support 24A guide rod 24B guide rod 24C guide rod 24D guide rod 25A guide rod 25B guide rod 25C guide rod 25D guide rod 28A free end side 28B free end side 28C free end side 28D free end side 29A base end 29B base end 29C base end 29D base end Reference Signs List 30 Article transport storage device 30A Article transport storage device 31A Free end side 31B Free end side 31C Free end side 31D Free end side 37A Base end side 37B Base end side 37C Base end side 37D Base end side 33 Top plate 33A First ceiling Plate 33B Second top plate 33C Third top plate 33D Fourth top plate 34 Outline D1 interval D2 interval

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A pallet on which an article is placed, a plurality of pillars attached to the pallet in a state surrounding the article placed on the pallet, and a pillar connection linking two pillars adjacent to each other. Means, and the pallet has a column mounting portion to which each of the lower portions of the plurality of columns is mounted directly or via another member, and between the two column mounting portions adjacent to each other. The spacing and the other two adjacent to these strut mountings and adjacent to each other
A strut connecting means configured to adjust at least two intervals between the two strut mounting portions and connecting two struts adjacent to each other, and another strut facing the two struts and adjacent to each other. At least two pillar connecting means of the pillar connecting means for connecting the two pillars respectively connect the two pillars so that the distance between the two pillars can be adjusted. Goods transport storage device. 2. The pallet has a first pallet member having a first column mounting portion and a second column mounting portion.
And a second pallet member adjacent to the first pallet member.
A third pallet member having a third pallet member, a third post mounting portion, and a third pallet member adjacent to the second pallet member, and a fourth post mounting portion, and A fourth pallet member positioned adjacent to the first pallet member, a distance between the first post mounting portion and a second post mounting portion adjacent thereto, The first and fourth pallet members and the second and third pallet members are arranged so that the distance between the column mounting portion and the fourth column mounting portion adjacent thereto can be adjusted in conjunction with each other. The first and fourth pallet members and the second and third pallet members so as to be relatively movable in a direction of approaching or moving away from each other.
A first pallet member connecting means for connecting the first pallet member to the second pallet member, an interval between the second post mounting portion and a third post mounting portion adjacent thereto, a first post mounting portion and an adjacent The first and second pallet members and the third and fourth pallet members are moved toward or away from each other so that the distance between the mating fourth column mounting portions can be adjusted in conjunction with each other. 2. The article according to claim 1, further comprising a second pallet member connecting unit that relatively movably connects the first and second pallet members and the third and fourth pallet members. 3. Transport storage device. 3. The pallet is composed of a pallet member having two column mounting portions adjacent to each other, and a pallet member having another two column mounting portions opposed to the two column mounting portions and adjacent to each other. 2. A pallet member connecting means for connecting two pallet members so that the two pallet members can move relatively toward or away from each other. Goods transport storage device. 4. The article transport / storage device according to claim 2, wherein the pallet has fixing means for fixing the plurality of pallet members so that the plurality of pallet members do not relatively move. 5. The pallet member connecting means includes a guide rod fixed at a base end side to one pallet member and slidably fitted at a free end side to the other pallet member. An article transport / storage device according to any one of the above. 6. A pallet on which an article is placed, a plurality of pillars attached to the pallet while surrounding the article placed on the pallet, and a pillar connection for connecting two pillars adjacent to each other. Means, and a top plate removably mounted directly or via another member on top of the plurality of columns, the top plate having a column mounting portion to which each of the plurality of columns is mounted. And the distance between two adjacent column mounting portions and the interval between two other column mounting portions facing these column mounting portions and adjacent to each other can be adjusted. And at least two columns of column connecting means for connecting two columns adjacent to each other and column connecting means for connecting the other two columns adjacent to each other and adjacent to the two columns. The means is An article transport / storage device, wherein the two columns are connected so that the distance between the two columns can be adjusted. 7. The top plate has a first top plate member having a first column mounting portion and a second column mounting portion, and is located adjacent to the first top plate member. A third top plate member having a second top plate member, a third post mounting portion, and a third top plate member positioned adjacent to the second top plate member, and a fourth post mounting portion; And a fourth top plate member positioned adjacent to the third and first top plate members,
The distance between the first column mounting portion and the second column mounting portion adjacent thereto is linked with the distance between the third column mounting portion and the fourth column mounting portion adjacent thereto. The first and fourth top plate members and the second and third top plate members are relatively movable in a direction approaching or moving away from each other so as to be adjusted. A first top plate member connecting means for connecting the second top plate member and the second and third top plate members, and a second column mounting portion and a third column mounting portion adjacent to the second column mounting portion. The first and second top plate members, the third and the third, so that the interval and the interval between the first column mounting portion and the fourth column mounting portion adjacent thereto can be adjusted in conjunction with each other. And the first and second top plate members and the third and fourth top plate members so that the fourth top plate member can relatively move toward or away from each other. Carrying goods storing apparatus according to claim 6 which comprises a second top plate member connecting means for binding. 8. The top plate has a top plate member having two column mounting portions adjacent to each other, and a top plate having another two column mounting portions opposed to the two column mounting portions and adjacent to each other. And two top plate members.
7. The article transport / storage apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a top plate member connecting means for connecting the top plate members so that the two top plate members can relatively move in a direction of approaching or separating from each other. 9. The article transport / storage device according to claim 7, wherein the top plate has fixing means for fixing the plurality of top plate members so that the plurality of top plate members do not relatively move. . 10. The top plate member connecting means includes a guide rod having a base end fixed to one top plate member and a free end slidably fitted to the other top plate member. The article transport / storage device according to any one of claims 7 to 9. 11. A pallet characterized in that the size of the outer contour can be adjusted. 12. A lower portion of each of the plurality of columns has a column mounting portion that is mounted directly or via another member, a space between two column mounting portions adjacent to each other, and these columns. A pallet, characterized in that at least two intervals between two other column mounting portions facing the mounting portion and adjacent to each other can be adjusted. 13. A first pallet member having a first column mounting portion, a second pallet member having a second column mounting portion and located adjacent to the first pallet member, A third pallet member having a third post mounting portion and located adjacent to the second pallet member;
And a fourth pallet member adjacent to the third and first pallet members, and a second pallet member adjacent to the first support member. And the distance between the third column mounting portion and the fourth column mounting portion adjacent to the third column mounting portion,
The first and fourth pallet members and the second and third pallet members are relatively movable in a direction toward or away from each other so that the first and fourth pallet members can be adjusted in conjunction with each other. A first pallet member connecting means for connecting the pallet member, the second and third pallet members, a distance between the second post mounting portion and a third post mounting portion adjacent thereto, The first and second pallet members, the third and fourth pallet members, and the first and second pallet members are arranged so that the distance between the first and second support members can be adjusted in conjunction with each other. The first and second pallet members are connected to the third and fourth pallets so as to be relatively movable in a direction of approaching or separating from each other.
13. The pallet according to claim 12, further comprising a second pallet member connecting means for connecting the pallet member to the pallet member. 14. A pallet member having two post mounting portions adjacent to each other, and a pallet member facing the two post mounting portions,
And two pallet members having another two column mounting portions adjacent to each other, and these pallet members are relatively movable in a direction of approaching or separating from each other. 13. The pallet according to claim 12, further comprising pallet member connecting means for connecting the pallets. 15. The pallet according to claim 12, further comprising fixing means for fixing the plurality of pallet members so that the plurality of pallet members do not relatively move. 16. The pallet member connecting means includes a guide rod having a base end fixed to one pallet member and a free end slidably fitted to the other pallet member. The pallet according to any of the above.