Pallet with fittings for securing the load

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pallet 10 for receiving cargo on a loading platform 21, which is supported by a pallet frame 20. The invention relates to a pallet for receiving cargo, which is characterized by increased flexibility in securing and adapting to different types of cargo. The pallet comprises a loading platform supported by a pallet frame. The pallet frame has at least two opposing side sections, each enclosed by two pallet posts at the corners of the frame. This construction gives the pallet a stable and robust structure. Rectangular profile tubes are provided on the side panels of the pallet frame. Longitudinally adjustable pipe clamps are attached to these profile tubes, serving to accommodate fittings. The fittings enable the securing of the load and thus offer a high degree of adaptability. This design allows for the secure fixation and transport of various types of loads, particularly sensitive or unstable items, on the pallet. The invention therefore enables flexible and secure loading and fixing of goods, thus providing a solution for the safe transport of sensitive or bulky items.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a pallet for receiving cargo according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Pallets are of great importance in transport logistics, enabling the fastest and most efficient handling of goods. Besides pallets, the most important handling aids are containers and storage boxes.

[0003] Pallets are an essential element in logistics as material handling aids for forming loading units, meaning they combine several individual goods into larger units. Pallets, or load carriers as they are sometimes called due to their design for specific purposes, are mostly standardized containers, as defined, for example, in the European standard EN 13698-1. Pallets—similar to containers—illustrate the benefits of standardizing load carriers in material handling. Their consistently identical external dimensions allow for uniform loading, storage, handling, and order picking.

[0004] To simplify or facilitate the loading, storage, handling, and order picking of certain goods for the user, a number of variants have been developed. Examples include foldable containers according to JPH0826268A or KR20170122900A, which allow for manual folding thanks to a folding mechanism.

[0005] German patent DE 198 48 012 A1 describes a transport frame with wheels, in which the wheels can also be moved between a retracted and an extended position. If the wheels are to be retracted after transport, a hand lever must be operated to move the wheels between the two positions.

[0006] A significant advancement in terms of pallet loading capacity across multiple loading levels was achieved with the pallet disclosed in DE 20 2010 015 486 U1. This pallet features two loading levels spaced apart for receiving cargo, with the upper loading level being movably mounted to allow movement between a high and a low position. When the upper loading level is in the low position, the lower loading level is more easily accessible for loading. However, the desire frequently arose to facilitate the lifting and lowering of the sometimes heavy loading level.

[0007] An important aspect is the space-saving stowage of pallets in the smallest possible space during empty runs or pallet storage. DE 2006 013 402 U2 presented an ingenious solution in this regard, whereby the pallet's side walls can be folded in, allowing it to be stored in a resting position parallel to the loading platform and within the platform's outline. This space-saving feature has been implemented in various prior art solutions.

[0008] A similar solution for folding the side walls and placing them on the loading platform is shown in JP S51 78835 U. WO 2017 / 179774 A1 additionally incorporates a guide for the synchronized movement of pallet posts of two side panels using guide rods and associated guide heads. Both GB 2 558 549 A and US 2004 / 232146 A1 present foldable pallet posts to save space when empty, although coordinated placement requires the assistance of several people. This results in significant space savings during empty runs.

[0009] A further improvement in terms of load space flexibility and pallet volume when empty was brought about by the pallet with movable loading floor and foldable corner posts, as published in DE 10 2020 120 353 A1.

[0010] Based on this, the object of the present invention is to provide a pallet that enables the flexible and secure fastening of different types of cargo. In particular, the pallet should be designed in such a way that it can be easily adapted to the specific requirements of sensitive or bulky goods in order to secure them in a positionally and dimensionally stable manner during transport.

[0011] The problem is solved according to the invention by a pallet with the features of claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0012] The invention relates to a pallet for receiving cargo, which is characterized by increased flexibility in securing and adapting to different types of cargo. The pallet comprises a loading platform supported by a pallet frame. The pallet frame has at least two opposing side sections, each enclosed by two pallet posts at the corners of the frame. This construction gives the pallet a stable and robust structure.

[0013] Rectangular profile tubes are provided on the side panels of the pallet frame. Longitudinally adjustable pipe clamps are attached to these profile tubes, serving to accommodate fittings. The fittings enable the securing of the load and thus offer a high degree of adaptability. This design allows for the secure fixation and transport of various types of loads, particularly sensitive or unstable items, on the pallet. The invention therefore enables flexible and secure loading and fixing of goods, thus providing a solution for the safe transport of sensitive or bulky items.

[0014] The pallet is designed to hold cargo on a loading platform supported by a pallet frame. The pallet frame has at least two opposing side panels, each forming two pallet posts located at the corners of the frame. The side panels with their respective pallet posts in an upright position and the loading platform define the essentially cuboid loading space for the cargo.

[0015] The length and width of the pallet correspond to the standard dimensions of a Euro pallet. The height of Euro pallets, however, varies. The basic dimension of the Euro standard system is 600 x 400 mm. All other dimensions within the Euro standard, such as the smallest dimension of 200 x 150 mm, are derived from this basic dimension. Due to their complementary design, containers, boxes, pallets, trolleys, and roll containers in Euro standard dimensions enable the most efficient method of storage and transport. Their perfect fit ensures that not a single centimeter is wasted. For example, four Euro containers measuring 600 x 400 mm fit precisely onto a Euro pallet measuring 1200 x 800 mm.

[0016] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

[0017] Further features, advantages, and effects of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1a a perspective CAD view of a pallet loaded with a load carrier, Fig. 1b a perspective CAD view of an empty, unloaded pallet according to Fig. 1a, ready for loading and Fig. 2 a perspective close-up of a palette after Fig. 1a.

[0018] In Fig. Figure 1a shows a perspective view of a stackable pallet 10 for the temporary storage of semi-finished or finished products, hereinafter referred to as cargo. Such pallets 10 are used, among other things, in the further processing of the cargo in a semi-automated production process. The pallet 10 is equipped with an interchangeable cargo carrier 11, which is fitted with a multitude of fixing elements for holding shock-sensitive cargo.

[0019] The palette 10 after Fig. 1a and Fig. Figure 1b provides a loading platform 12 for receiving cargo 11, which is supported by a pallet frame 13. The pallet frame 13 has at least two opposing side sections 14, each forming two pallet posts 15 located in the corner areas of the pallet frame 13. The cross-sectional profiles of the pallet posts 15 are designed as rectangular profile tubes 16, to which a load carrier 11 for securing and receiving the cargo is attached via longitudinally displaceable pipe clamps 20.

[0020] The standard dimensions of the pallet 10 are defined by length I, width b and height h, where the length I of the profile tubes 16 for the slidable mounting of the pipe clamps 20 provides a free tube length I R between 85% to 100% and preferably between 95% to 100% of the width b of the pallet 10 corresponds.

[0021] What next in the Fig. 1a and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the load carrier 11 has rod-shaped fittings 30 by which the load carrier 11 is held in a positionally fixed position on the profile tubes 16 via the pipe clamps 20. This increases the flexibility in adapting the pallet 10 to different loads, which, due to their sensitivity, must be securely fixed to the pallet 10. Furthermore, the profile cross-sections of the pallet posts 15 and the profile tubes 16 are identical, so that, as can be seen, the pallet posts 15 are also equipped with longitudinally sliding pipe clamps 20.

[0022] In Fig. Figure 2 shows in detail the attachment of the load carrier 11 to the pallet frame 13 in the area of ​​a pallet post 15. The vertically extending pallet post 15, shown in part in the foreground, is fitted with a pipe clamp 20 in its upper section. A profile tube 16 is attached at a right angle to the upper end of the pallet post 15, which extends beyond into the pallet post 15' - see Figure 2. Fig. 1b - terminates and thus forms a section of the right side part 14. The profile tube 16 is also fitted with a pipe clamp 20.

[0023] The pipe clamps 20 each have three legs 21 arranged at right angles to each other, encompassing the profile tube 16 or the pallet post 15. A flange 22 for clamping the pipe clamp 20 onto the profile tube 16 is formed on the remaining open side. The flange 22 can be tightened by means of a releasable screw connection 23.

[0024] The pipe clamp 20 encompasses the profile tube 16 and secures it stably and safely with an M8 screw connection 23. The profile tube 16 can be clamped in the pipe clamp 20 by means of the lateral locking screw M8.

[0025] The pipe clamp 20 is available in stainless steel, powder-coated or galvanized finishes. It is secured with an M10 hex bolt, lock nut and washer.

[0026] Both on the side of the pallet post 15 and on the side of the profile tube 16, rod-shaped fittings 30 are arranged parallel to the pallet post 15 and profile tube 16, respectively. The fittings 30 are gripped by means of the flanges 22 and held on the pallet post 15 and profile tube 16, respectively, by means of the screw connection 23, which penetrates the fitting 30, and the pipe clamp 20. The fittings, in turn, are part of the load carrier 11 and hold it in a fixed position on the pallet frame 13.

[0027] What's next in Fig.As shown in Figure 1b, the loading platform 12 comprises a number of profile beams 17 connected in a grid-like manner, as well as a coarse-mesh net 18 applied to the profile beams 17. The loading platform 12 is attached to the pallet frame 13 via the outer ends of the profile beams 17, so that the weight of the cargo placed on the loading platform 12 is transferred into the pallet frame 13. The pallet frame 13 is provided with pallet feet 19 at its four corners on the underside for placement on the floor or a storage surface.

[0028] The pallet 10 comprises the loading platform 12 for receiving the load, and a pallet frame 13 which supports the loading platform 12. The pallet frame 20 gives the pallet 10 a generally cuboid shape when loaded. The loading platform 12 and pallet frame 13 are primarily composed of standard steel profiles that are welded or bolted together.

[0029] The pallet posts 15 each have a socket 40 at their upper end with an upwardly directed opening 41, through which a pin 42 formed on the pallet foot 19 engages when pallets 10 are stacked on top of each other. This ensures that the pallets 10 can be stacked together and facilitates threading during stacking.

[0030] The pallet frame 20 has a right-angled, bottom-side support frame 210 and four post stubs statically attached in the corner areas of the support frame. The post stubs each form the bottom end of the four pallet posts 15. Together with the four pallet posts 15, the pallet frame 20 gives the pallet 10 a cuboid outline and defines a front, a rear, a right, and a left side surface as well as a base. The cuboid outline thus limits the loading space 11 of the pallet 10.

[0031] Rectangular hollow steel profiles are most commonly used for the pallet frame 20. The pallet posts 30 consist of a rectangular profile tube. They have an open square profile cross-section at the ends.

[0032] In summary, the exemplary implementation can be described as follows: Stackable pallet 10 for receiving cargo on at least one loading platform 12, which is surrounded by a pallet frame 13. The pallet frame 13 gives the pallet 10 a substantially cuboid shape when loaded. The pallet frame 13 comprises at least two opposing side sections 14, each forming two pallet posts 15 located in the corner areas of the pallet frame 13. The side panels 14 with the respective pallet posts 15 are in an upright position and open the loading space and loading floor 12 for receiving the cargo. Reference symbol list 10 pallets 11 load carriers 12 Loading floor 13 pallet frames 14 Side panel 15 pallet posts 16 profile tubes 17 profile beams 18 network 19 pallet feet 20 pipe clamps 21 thighs 22 flange 23 Screw connection 30 fittings 40 version 41 Opening 42 Dorn l length b width h height hv distance I R Pipe length QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] KR 20170122900A

[0004] DE 198 48 012 A1

[0005] DE 20 2010 015 486 U1

[0006] DE 2006 013 402 U2

[0007] JP S51 78835 U

[0008] WO 2017 / 179774 A1

[0008] GB 2 558 549 A

[0008] US 2004 / 232146 A1

[0008] DE 10 2020 120 353 A1

[0009]

Claims

A pallet for receiving cargo, comprising: • a loading base (12), • a pallet frame (13) with at least two opposing side sections (14, 14') each forming two pallet posts (15) arranged in the corner areas of the pallet frame (13), wherein rectangular profile tubes (16) are arranged on the side sections (14) and / or pallet posts (15), and wherein fittings (30) for securing the cargo can be attached to the profile tubes (16) by means of longitudinally displaceable pipe clamps (20), Pallet according to claim 1, characterized in that the standard dimensions of the pallet (10) are defined by length I, width b and height h, wherein the length of the profile tubes (16) for the slidable reception of the pipe clamps (20) corresponds to a free tube length IR between 85% and 100% and preferably between 95% and 100% of the length, width and / or height of the pallet (10). Pallet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side parts (14) each have a horizontally extending profile tube (16) in a bottom-side section. Pallet according to claim 3, characterized in that the profile tube (16) has a vertical distance hv from the loading floor, which is between 10% and 20% of the height h of the pallet (10), but at least 50mm. Pallet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pallet (10) has a load carrier (11) which is interchangeably attached to the pallet (10) by means of a number of profile tubes (16) with pipe clamps (20). Pallet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pipe clamp (20) for contour-fitting onto a profile tube (16) with a rectangular or square cross-section has a rectangular or square inner cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of the profile tube (16). Pallet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pipe clamp (20) has three legs (21) arranged at right angles to each other, encompassing the profile tube (16) and has a flange (22) on the remaining open side for clamping the pipe clamp (16) and the fitting (30) on the profile tube (16) and pallet post (15). Pallet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pallet (10) has fittings (30) for releasably fixing cargo on the pallet (10), which are attached to profile tubes (16) by means of the movable pipe clamps (20). A pallet (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, for receiving cargo, at least one loading platform (12) is surrounded by a pallet frame (20) which preferably gives the pallet (10) a substantially cuboid contour in the loaded state, and the pallet frame (20) comprises at least two opposing side parts (21, 22) and an upper frame section (23) which is hingedly connected to the side parts (21, 22), each forming two pallet posts (30) located in the corner regions of the pallet frame (20), wherein the pallet frame (20) with the upper frame section (23) can be moved manually or by external force between a high (I) and a low (III) position, wherein the side parts (21, 22) are hinged (21, 22), each forming an upper and lower bottom-side• have foldable post sections and are in an upright position with the respective pallet posts (30) in the upright position (I) and free the loading space (11) and loading floor (22) for receiving the cargo, • the side parts (21, 22) in the down position (III) come to rest at least partially in a folded position within the reduced loading space (11), • the pallet posts (30) of the two side parts (21, 22) are movable in the same direction between the upright (I) and downright (III) positions by means of a guide (40), • the guide (40) has at least two longitudinally displaceable cam elements (41) mounted on the bottom side between the two side parts (21, 22), each of which is coupled to the side parts (21, 22) via a linkage (43) such that they move the two side parts (21, 22) in the same direction between the upright (I) and downright (III) positions. (I) and lower position (III),• the linkage (43) has a first push rod (44) for each side part (21, 22),which couples the cam element (41) with the upper post section or upper frame section (23) and has a second push rod (44') which couples the cam element (41) with a joint (29) formed between the upper and lower post sections. Pallet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pallet (10) can be closed by means of a tarpaulin. Pallet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pallet height h defined by the pallet posts (15) in the upright position hH and the pallet height hT in the downright position hT correspond to a ratio of 2:1 or more.

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