JP2003054556A - Pallet made of thermoplastic resin - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a block type pallet made of a thermoplastic resin composed of at least two members of upper and lower face decks, which are formed of a high-functional resin as a starting material and which are capable of being engaged with and connected to each other and also being disassembled again from each other. SOLUTION: The pallet made of a thermoplastic resin is composed of an upper face deck member made of a thermoplastic resin, a lower face deck member made of a thermoplastic resin, and a block group formed with at least four block groups as a connected block, each group having a predetermined number of connecting blocks and spacer blocks which are made to be interposed between both the deck members. In this pallet made of the thermoplastic resin, connected portions at which the connected block is connected with the upper face deck member and/or the lower face deck member are formed in a snap- fitting fashion. With the aid of the connecting blocks and the spacer blocks, the upper face deck member and the lower face deck member are detachably engaged with and connected to each other.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a pallet made of a thermoplastic resin used for mounting various raw materials, intermediate products, products, and other various cargoes, and is composed of a plurality of molded pallet members and is connected and assembled. And a re-decomposable thermoplastic pallet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Raw materials, intermediate products, various manufacturing industries,
Forklifts, hand lifters, etc. are used for handling finished products, so a fork insertion space was provided for frequent handling of goods such as storage in warehouses, movement of goods in the distribution process, and unloading. Pallets are essential. Therefore, a normal pallet must include an upper deck on which an object is placed and a member for ensuring a space for inserting a fork between the upper deck and the lower deck.

As a deck for placing an object, the top-bottom symmetry type that works equally well, the skid type where the loading surface is only the upper deck and only the legs are provided below, and the lower deck Has a special structure suitable for loading and unloading in specific automated warehouses, trucks, railway containers, etc.

Conventionally, as such a pallet, a combination of wooden materials such as a plate material and a prismatic material, which are nailed and fixed, has been widely used. In some cases, the industry and business operators have adopted slightly special structures and dimensions, but efforts are being made to standardize them as much as possible, such as making them square with the prescribed dimensions in consideration of the convenience of distribution. Wood pallets of this type have been widely used because they are relatively inexpensive, but the resources of wood materials are limited, and from the viewpoint of environmental protection and forest resource protection, it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain high quality wood.

Generally, in a pallet, a required number of strips arranged in a direction perpendicular to the top and bottom of three or four column girders placed in parallel are nailed and fixed, and the upper and lower surfaces are used as a loading deck. There is a strip type that is configured and a block type in which required numbers of blocks such as 6 and 9 are arranged and fixed between upper and lower flat plate deck members such as laminated wood and plywood. The standard size of pallets that are normally widely used is a square with one side of the loading deck surface a little over one meter.

Considering the above-mentioned circumstances, plastic pallets formed by molding a general-purpose synthetic resin such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) have been widely tried.
However, it does not meet the strict requirements of handling heavy items. This is because, for example, when a heavy object is placed on a HDPE pallet and stored in a rack in a warehouse, creep deformation increases and bending occurs.

[0007] In consideration of such a situation, there is also a design in which integrated legs or metal legs are adopted to reinforce. Such various reinforcing measures not only adversely affect the manufacturing cost and the recycling cost of the thermoplastic resin pallet, but also bring a disadvantage in the pallet weight.

Considering the production of pallets made of various plastics, it is difficult to perform integral molding because a structure having a hollow portion for inserting a fork is indispensable and there are severe requirements for strength. Therefore, the upper and lower loading decks using plastic raw materials are molded separately,
It is necessary to assemble both into a pallet shape by connecting and connecting them by an appropriate means. Since the weight of the coupling / coupling means and the pallet itself is large and high reliability is required, sufficient strength is required. Therefore, usually, permanent connection / coupling is performed by adhesion, heat welding, vibration welding, or the like.

Although such a permanent connection and coupling means provides high reliability, it requires a large number of manufacturing steps, which results in an increase in manufacturing cost. Further, in many cases, plastic products are partially damaged by an external force exceeding a predetermined limit such as collision or compression. The plastic pallet by means of the permanent connecting and coupling means in which such a partial defect has occurred must be discarded.

Since more than 20 kg of plastic raw materials are used for a general plastic pallet, recycling of aged pallets becomes an important problem. It is necessary to disassemble, sort, and crush as a pretreatment for the recycling treatment, but in the case of a plastic pallet that is permanently connected, the processing man-hours increase and the recycling cost becomes expensive.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a block type thermoplastic resin pallet made of a highly functional resin, which is composed of at least two members of upper and lower decks and which can be engaged, coupled and redissolved. It is to be.

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a thermoplastic resin upper deck member, a thermoplastic resin lower deck member, and a required number of connecting blocks and spacer blocks interposed between these deck members. A block group in which at least four of the block groups are configured as connecting blocks, and a thermoplastic resin pallet comprising the connecting blocks, and / or the thermoplastic resin upper deck member and / or A solution is provided by a thermoplastic resin pallet, which is formed as a snap fit with a lower surface deck member made of a thermoplastic resin and is configured to removably engage and connect the upper deck member and the lower deck member.

The snap fit may be integrally formed with either the upper deck member or the lower deck member, or may be a connecting member formed separately from these deck members. The snap fit formed as a separate connecting member is engaged with a snap fit receiver formed on the other deck member through a connecting opening formed on one of the upper deck member and the lower deck member so that the snap fit is formed between the two deck members. The connection is made. Further, the snap fit receiver can be integrally formed with the deck member on either the upper or lower surface, or may be configured as a connecting block having upper and lower snap fit receivers. In addition,
The connecting blocks of the block group interposed between the deck members may be arranged at least at four corners, and the spacer blocks may be arranged at other required portions.
All or other appropriate portions, for example, the center may be configured as a connecting block.

According to the thermoplastic resin pallet of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a thermoplastic resin pallet which is sufficiently reinforced by ribs or the like formed on a portion other than the loading surface while reducing the weight. . Such pallets are also resistant to damage by forks of forklifts and hand lifters, and significantly reduce damage to the upper and lower decks of the pallet and the fork insertion part consisting of blocks during use. .

If the pallet is partially damaged, the pallet is disassembled by inserting a removal jig into the opening of the snap-fit portion to release the engagement and connection, and only the damaged portion is removed to remove the sound member. It can be combined and repaired to effectively use the components. In addition, even when the entire pallet is aged and discarded or recycled, after inserting the removal jig to release the snap-fit engagement and connection, separate the parts of the same material, and wash and crush them. Can be processed more advantageously.

[0016]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be disclosed below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the entire thermoplastic resin pallet according to the present invention, and is a block pallet that is commonly used in appearance. It is composed of two major members, an upper deck member 1 and a lower deck member 2, and is provided with a connection block 4 arranged at least at four corners, an opening 6 for inserting a fork of a forklift, and a spacer block 8. The spacer blocks 8 arranged on the vertical and horizontal sides and in the center of the pallet may be either a connecting block or a spacer block for securing a gap.

Upper deck member 1 and lower deck member 2
Is a molded article of engineering plastic (high-performance resin), and it may have the same shape as above and below and is not limited to any loading surface, but the loading surface is limited to one side and the top and bottom are different. It may have a shape.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lower deck member 2 in the first embodiment in which the connecting blocks 4 are arranged at the four corners and the spacer blocks 8 are arranged at the other five places. Snap-fit receiver 4 for connecting block 4 formed at 4 corners
R, a spacer block 8 is provided so as to project near the middle from each corner and in the center of the block.
In FIG. 2, snap-fit receiver 4 for connecting block
The R is formed as a structure for receiving the engaging claw of the snap fit 4F formed on the upper deck member 1 described later.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the upper deck member 1 corresponding to the lower deck member 2 of the embodiment shown in FIG.
A snap fit 4F of the connection block 4 is formed in the corner. In the snap fit 4F in this embodiment, the engaging claw at the tip engages and grips the snap fit receiver 4R formed at the corresponding position of the lower deck member 2 from the outside. The pressure may be applied by appropriate pressure. Further, when these two members are engaged with each other, it is possible to easily release the engagement and separate them by appropriately moving the snap fit 4F in a direction to widen the gap with a removing jig.

According to FIG. 4, snap fit 4F (FIG. (A)) and snap fit receiver 4R (FIG. (B))
The configuration example of will be described in detail. A pair of snap fits 4F extend downward from the base member 40 as shown in FIG. These snap fits 4F are made of a material having high elasticity, and are provided with engaging claws 41 projecting from the respective tips in opposite directions. Figure (B)
Shows a configuration of a snap fit receiver, and a snap fit receiver 4R is formed below the base member 50. The snap fit receiver 4R is formed in a cube that is substantially wider than the inner space S of the snap fit 4F, and the engagement claw 41 of the snap fit 4F engages with the lower end of the snap fit receiver 4R when they are combined and connected. The base member 40 of the snap fit 4F and the base member 50 of the snap fit receiver 4R are provided with openings 43 and 45, respectively, into which a removal jig is inserted. In this embodiment, it is assumed that such a snap fit receiver 4R is formed integrally with the lower deck member 2, but, for example, both sides of the connecting block are formed as the snap fit receivers 4R, and the upper and lower decks are formed. It can be configured to receive the snap fit 4F from the member side. According to this configuration, the upper and lower deck members can be used without distinction,
Further, since it can be molded separately from the connecting block, not only the mold structure can be simplified, but also the possibility of repairing at the time of partial damage is increased.

FIG. 4C is a sectional view showing an engaged state by snap fitting. Engagement claws 41 protruding downward from a pair of snap fits 4F extending downward from the base member 40 are engaged by gripping a lower end of a snap fit receiver 4R shown as a cross section with diagonal lines. Be connected. To engage both, snap the tip of the snap fit 4F into the snap fit receiver 4R.
Of the engaging claws 4 by contacting the upper end of the
The engagement is completed when 1 passes through the lower end of the snap fit receiver 4R, and the two are securely connected.

In order to release the engagement and connection of the two, FIG.
The removal jig 5 is pushed in as shown by an arrow X through the openings 43 and 45 shown in FIGS.
By expanding F outwardly as indicated by arrows Y, Y, the engaging claw 41 is disengaged from the lower end of the snap-fit receiver 4R, and the entire engagement connection is released. As described above, according to the snap-fit structure shown here, the engagement connection and the release thereof can be easily performed, and the intended purpose is achieved.

FIG. 4 shows one set of basic elements of the snap fit engaging portion, but the actual snap fit 4
Therefore, it is desirable to enhance strength and reliability by combining a plurality of such basic elements. The base members 40 and 50 described above may be either or both of the upper deck member 1 and the lower deck member 2. However, one of the two constituent members, for example, the snap fit 4F, is required to have sufficient strength and elasticity for a long period of time. Therefore, according to another embodiment, as shown in FIG.
The upper and lower deck members are engaged with each other by engaging with snap fit receivers formed in other members through the openings formed in the upper and lower deck members 1 or 2 and the expansion recess 240 (see FIG. 6). Can be connected together.

Referring to FIG. 5 in more detail, FIG.
Is a side view of the independent engagement connecting member 24, and FIG. This independent connecting engagement member 24 can be made of any material different from the synthetic resin material forming the pallet body, and is preferably one having excellent strength, elasticity, restoring force, durability, etc. A reinforcing material can be filled. The engaging member 24 has a pair of snap fits 24F protruding from the bottom surface of an upper plate 24H having appropriate dimensions as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, as in the case of FIG. At the tips of the pair of snap fits 24F, the engaging claws 241 project toward the opposite sides. Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, a horizontal opening 243 is formed in the upper plate 24H.
This lateral opening 243 is shown in FIG.
Similarly, the removal jig is inserted. With such an independent engagement connecting member 24, the snap fit 4F, which is easily deteriorated by long-term use, functions as a simple engagement connecting member, and repair work is facilitated by replacing only the deteriorated member. .

The independent coupling engagement member 24 formed as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B is provided on both sides of the expansion recess 240 and the substantially H-shaped opening 245 shown in FIG. 6A when used. It is inserted through the vertical opening and engaged and connected with a snap fit receiver (not shown) formed on the mating deck member or the connecting block. Further, FIG. 6 (A)
Is an expansion recess 240 formed in the upper and lower deck members, approximately H
6B is a side sectional view showing a state in which the upper deck member 1 and the snap fit receiving member 4R in FIG. 6A are engaged and connected to each other. In addition, the engagement connection can be performed by using three members, such as the separately formed connection engagement member 24 and the connection block provided with the snap fit receivers on both sides. With such a configuration, the upper and lower deck members can be molded in the same substantially flat plate structure, and the molding die can also have a simple structure. Further, according to this configuration, since no extra protrusions are formed on the upper and lower deck members, the components can be efficiently stored.

As described above, according to the pallet made of thermoplastic resin according to the present invention, both deck members 1 and 2 formed as a plurality of members are easily assembled by the snap fit which is an engaging connecting member having a simple structure. Further, it can be easily disassembled by using a removal jig if necessary. In addition, engineering plastics (highly functional resins) such as polyphenylene ether, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate
By adopting polybutylene terephthalate etc.,
It has excellent impact resistance, heat resistance, and rigidity, and in particular has a simple structure and enables detachable engagement connection.

[0027]

According to the present invention, the whole structure is roughly divided into a molded body of a high-performance thermoplastic resin which is divided into upper deck member and lower deck member, and both of them have a required number of snap fits. It is engaged and connected by a connecting block as a part, and is easily assembled as a pallet. Since this snap fit is easy to engage and connect and separate, it is convenient for restoration by member repair due to partial damage or aging, and further for recycling. In addition, high-functionality thermoplastic resin has excellent impact resistance, toughness, heat resistance, etc., and since a pallet with a desired shape, weight, size, etc. can be easily molded, it is economical and easy to handle. Is obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of a thermoplastic resin pallet according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a lower deck member of the thermoplastic resin pallet shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view showing the back surface configuration of the top deck member.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a snap fit (A) and a snap fit receiver (B) showing a configuration of a connection block configured as a snap fit, and a cross sectional view (C) showing an engagement connection state of both.

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view (A) and a plan view (B) showing another embodiment of a connecting block configured as a snap fit.
Is.

FIG. 6 is a partial plan view (A) of the deck member and a side cross-sectional view (B) showing the engagement connection state when engaging and connecting using the embodiment shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Upper surface deck member 2 Lower surface deck member 4 Connection block (snap fit) 4F Snap fit 4R Snap fit receiver 6 Opening (for fork insertion) 8 Spacer block 8R Spacer block receiver 40 Base member (one deck member) 41 Engaging claw 43 Removal jig insertion opening (snap fit side) 45 Removal jig insertion opening (snap fit receiving side) 50 Base member (other deck member) 24 Engagement connection member, snap fit (separately molded product) 24H Top plate 24F Snap Fit 240 Extended recess 241 Engaging claw 243 Opening for removal jig 245 H-shaped opening

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Dai Sato             2-2 Kinugaoka, Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture             -In Plastics Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 3E063 AA03 BA05 CA03 CA08 CA25                       EE03

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A block group comprising a thermoplastic resin upper deck member, a thermoplastic resin lower deck member, and a required number of connecting blocks and spacer blocks interposed between these deck members, the blocks comprising: In a thermoplastic resin pallet consisting of a block group in which at least four of the groups are configured as connection blocks, connection of the thermoplastic resin upper deck member and / or the thermoplastic resin lower deck member by the connection block A thermoplastic resin pallet, wherein the portion is formed as a snap fit, and the upper deck member and the lower deck member are detachably engaged and connected. 2. The snap fit is integrally formed on either side of the upper deck member or the lower deck member, and is connected by engagement with a snap fit receiver formed at a corresponding position on the other side. The thermoplastic resin pallet according to claim 1, wherein the pallet is made of a thermoplastic resin. 3. The snap fit is formed as a separate connecting member which is different from the upper deck member or the lower deck member, and is inserted through a connecting opening formed in one of the upper deck member and the lower deck member. On the other hand, the thermoplastic resin pallet according to claim 1, wherein the pallet is made of thermoplastic resin and is connected by engagement with a snap fit receiver formed at a corresponding position of the deck member. 4. The snap fit is formed as a separate connecting member different from the upper deck member or the lower deck member, and the snap fit receiving portion is configured to engage and connect with a connecting block provided on both sides. The thermoplastic resin pallet according to claim 1, wherein the pallet is made of a thermoplastic resin. 5. The thermoplastic resin pallet according to claim 1, wherein connecting blocks of a block group interposed between the deck members are arranged at least at four corners. .