Electronic pallet with internal safety function

The electronic pallet with internal security features addresses theft in autonomous transport by activating security measures upon unauthorized displacement, ensuring the pallet remains attached and alerting authorities.

DE112019005622B4Active Publication Date: 2026-05-13SCANIA CV AB
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
SCANIA CV AB
Filing Date
2019-11-19
Publication Date
2026-05-13

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The increasing use of autonomous vehicles poses a challenge in preventing theft of pallets, as existing tracking solutions are inadequate for securing pallets without human intervention.

Method used

An electronic pallet equipped with an energy storage device and detection mechanisms to activate internal security functions upon unauthorized displacement, including locking, disabling energy, sending alarms, or deactivating the vehicle, to prevent theft.

Benefits of technology

The solution effectively secures the pallet by rendering it unusable or alerting authorities upon theft, ensuring the pallet remains attached to the vehicle and preventing unauthorized removal.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Method performed by a control device (96) in an electronic pallet (90) to secure the electronic pallet (90) when the electronic pallet is loaded onto a vehicle (1), wherein the electronic pallet (90) comprises an energy storage device (95) configured to exchange energy with the vehicle (1), the method comprising: - Detecting (S1) a shift of the electronic palette (90), and - Activating (S3) a safety function in the electronic palette (90) based on the detected displacement.
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Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to techniques relating to vehicles and an electronic pallet for transporting stacked objects. The disclosure also relates to a corresponding method and a computer program for carrying out the proposed method. background

[0002] In vehicle transport, pallets are commonly used to move goods from one place to another (e.g., from a warehouse to a retail store). Once the desired quantity of goods has been loaded or stacked onto the pallet, a forklift, hand pallet jack, or other device is typically inserted under and / or through the pallet, allowing it to be lifted vertically off the ground. After lifting, the pallet and the products stacked on it can be moved to a storage area in a warehouse, loaded onto a truck used for distribution, or taken to another desired location. Pallets allow numerous products to be conveniently moved and stored in groups, increasing shipping and transportation efficiency.

[0003] The loss of goods due to theft during transport on vehicles is a recognized problem, as pallets can be relatively easily unloaded with a forklift or similar equipment. One way to prevent theft is to equip the pallets with electronic tags that allow for tracking. For example, US patent application US2008 / 103944 (A1) describes a smart pallet with an embedded active RFID tag. The pallet is used within a leasing system and / or an inventory management system. However, with the increasing use of autonomous vehicles, where no driver is present to prevent theft, further measures are desirable to actually prevent theft in the first place. Summary

[0004] It is a task of disclosure to reduce at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art. For example, one task is to provide a solution that prevents a pallet loaded on a vehicle from being stolen and makes it easy to track the pallet if it is stolen.

[0005] According to a first embodiment, the disclosure relates to a method performed by a control device in an electronic pallet to secure the electronic pallet when it is loaded onto a vehicle. The electronic pallet includes an energy storage device configured to exchange energy with the vehicle. The method involves detecting a displacement of the electronic pallet and activating a security function in the electronic pallet based on the detected displacement. This prevents theft of the electronic pallet. In contrast to prior art solutions, the security function is performed by the electronic pallet itself and not by a system external to the vehicle.

[0006] In some embodiments, the method includes determining whether the detected displacement is permissible, and the activation of the safety function is performed in response to the determination that the displacement is impermissible. This prevents the safety function from being activated in the case of a permissible displacement, such as unloading the pallet.

[0007] In some embodiments, the detection includes recording any movement of the electronic pallet relative to the vehicle. This allows for the detection of unloading of goods, which could be an indication of theft.

[0008] In some embodiments, displacement detection involves detecting the interruption of an electrical connection or a wireless communication link between the electronic pallet and the vehicle. These are simple methods of displacement detection that do not require complex hardware that can be damaged or destroyed.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method includes acquiring position data that defines the position of the electronic pallet and one or more permissible routes of the electronic pallet, and detecting the displacement includes detecting any deviation of the acquired position from the one or more permissible routes of the electronic pallet. This allows the security function to be activated if someone steals the entire vehicle and drives off with the electronic pallet (and the goods).

[0010] In some embodiments, activation includes disabling energy withdrawal from and / or charging the energy storage device. This renders the electronic pallet unusable if it is stolen.

[0011] In some embodiments, activation includes locking the electronic pallet to the vehicle. This prevents theft of the electronic pallet.

[0012] In some embodiments, activation involves sending an alarm to an external device. This alerts people in the vicinity, e.g., the driver of the vehicle, to the movement.

[0013] In some embodiments, activation includes deactivating a vehicle on which the electronic pallet is loaded, or hindering the unloading of the electronic pallet or the goods contained therein.

[0014] According to a second embodiment, the disclosure relates to an electronic pallet configured for loading onto a vehicle. The electronic pallet comprises an energy storage device, a sensing arrangement, and a control device. The energy storage device is configured to exchange energy with the vehicle. The sensing arrangement is configured to detect a displacement of the electronic pallet, and the control device is configured to activate a safety function of the electronic pallet based on a displacement detected by the sensing arrangement.

[0015] In some embodiments, the control device is configured to determine whether the detected displacement is permissible and, in response to determining that the displacement is impermissible, to activate the safety function.

[0016] In some embodiments, the detection arrangement is configured to detect a displacement of the electronic pallet relative to the vehicle.

[0017] In some embodiments, the detection arrangement includes a positioning device configured to determine a position of the electronic pallet, and the control device is configured to obtain one or more permissible routes of the electronic pallet and to activate the safeguarding function in response to the detection of a deviation of the determined position from the one or more obtained permissible routes.

[0018] In some embodiments, the detection arrangement is configured to detect an interruption of an electrical connection or a wireless communication link between the electronic pallet and the vehicle.

[0019] In some embodiments, the electronic pallet includes a securing device configured to secure the electronic pallet to a vehicle onto which the electronic pallet is loaded, and the control device is configured to lock the electronic pallet in response to the detection of displacement relative to the vehicle.

[0020] In some embodiments, the electronic pallet includes a first communication interface configured to enable communication with a vehicle onto which the electronic pallet is loaded, and the control device is configured to send a deactivation signal to the vehicle via the communication interface, based on the specified displacement.

[0021] In some embodiments, the electronic pallet includes a second communication interface configured to enable communication with an external device, and the control device is configured to send an alarm to an external device via the communication interface based on the detected displacement.

[0022] In some embodiments, the control device is configured to disable energy extraction from and / or charging of the energy storage device based on the detected displacement.

[0023] In some embodiments, the control device is configured to shut down a vehicle onto which the electronic pallet is loaded or to hinder the unloading of the electronic pallet or the goods on it.

[0024] According to a third embodiment, the disclosure relates to a vehicle that includes the electronic range of the second embodiment.

[0025] According to a fourth embodiment, the disclosure relates to a computer program that includes instructions which, when the program is executed on a computer, cause the computer to execute the method according to the first embodiment.

[0026] According to a fifth embodiment, the disclosure relates to a computer-readable medium that includes instructions which, when the program is executed on a computer, cause the computer to execute the procedure according to the first embodiment. Brief description of the drawings

[0027] They show: Fig. 1 a vehicle transporting an electronic pallet; Fig. 2 an electronic pallet; Fig. 3 a flowchart of a process executed by a control device in an electronic pallet; and Fig. 4 a control device configured to implement the proposed procedure in detail. Detailed description

[0028] An electronic pallet is a pallet that can not only transport goods but also information about the goods on the pallet, for example, using an electronic tag that is synchronized with a logistics information system. An electronic pallet typically includes an integrated energy storage device, such as a battery. The battery generally powers an electronic circuit, enabling the electronic pallet to send and receive signals via a transmitter and receiver.

[0029] The energy storage device of an electronic pallet can also be used by a vehicle onto which the pallet is loaded. For example, the energy storage device can power the vehicle. In this way, the pallet's energy storage device allows the electric vehicle to travel a longer distance and avoids prolonged periods of inactivity for charging. The owner of the goods or the pallet can then recharge the energy storage device on their premises. This essentially means that the transported goods can fully or partially cover their own energy consumption, i.e., the energy required for transporting the goods. An energy storage device used to power a vehicle must be quite large, which makes not only the goods but also the electronic pallet itself attractive to thieves.

[0030] This disclosure proposes an electronic pallet with an internal energy storage device that includes built-in theft protection. More specifically, this disclosure proposes activating a security function in the electronic pallet when it is detected that a pallet is missing, for example, because the electronic pallet has been removed from the vehicle. The proposed method will now be described with reference to the figures.

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle 1, here a truck, with an electronic pallet 90 loaded with goods 70. A vehicle typically transports multiple pallets, but for simplicity, only one pallet is described in this example. Vehicle 1 is depicted here as a truck, but it is clear that the electronic pallet 90 can be loaded onto any manned or unmanned vehicle. Vehicle 1 can be autonomous or remotely controlled. In other words, it can be driverless. An autonomous vehicle is controlled, for example, by an external system that instructs the vehicle to carry out tasks. A task might be, for example, driving a route between a first position and a second position.

[0032] Vehicle 1 comprises a multitude of electrical systems and subsystems. For the sake of simplicity, in Fig. However, only some parts of vehicle 1 that are related to the proposed method are shown. Thus, according to Figure 1, vehicle 1 comprises Fig. 1 an electric motor 21, an energy storage device 22 and a control unit 20.

[0033] The electric motor 21 is configured to propel the vehicle 1 and, if necessary, to brake it. The energy storage device 22 is configured to supply the electric motor 21 with energy.

[0034] The control unit 20 (or Electrical Control Unit, ECU) is essentially a digital computer that controls one or more electrical systems of the vehicle 1 based, for example, on information read by sensors and measuring devices attached to various parts and components of the vehicle 1. ECU is a general term for a control unit used in automotive electronics for any embedded system that controls one or more functions of the electrical system or subsystems in a transportation vehicle.

[0035] The in Fig. The control unit 20 shown is a control unit configured to control the loading of vehicle 1.

[0036] The control unit 20 typically includes one or more communication interfaces. Typically, the control unit 20 includes an interface, such as a Controller Area Network (CAN), through which communication between the various control units in the vehicle 1 is handled. The CAN uses a message-based protocol. Often, several interconnected CAN networks are arranged in the vehicle 1.

[0037] In some embodiments, the control unit 20 also includes an interface configured to communicate with the electronic pallet 90. For example, the electronic pallet typically performs a kind of handshake with the control unit 20 of the vehicle 1 during loading. Energy can then be exchanged between the vehicle 1 and the electronic pallet 90, e.g., via an inductive interface (not shown).

[0038] Fig. Figure 2 shows the electronic pallet 90 in more detail. The electronic pallet comprises a structural foundation that enables the handling and storage of goods. The electronic pallet 90 is configured to be loaded onto a vehicle 1. The electronic pallet 90 includes a securing device 91, a detection device 92, a power transmission interface 93, stacker slots 94, an energy storage device 95, and a control device 96.

[0039] The energy storage device 95 is configured to supply energy to the various components of the electronic pallet 90. The energy storage device 95 is also configured to exchange energy with the vehicle 1. The energy storage device 95 can both supply energy to and receive energy from the vehicle 1. This typically occurs via the energy transfer interface 93, which can be physically or inductively connected to a corresponding interface (not shown) of the vehicle 1.

[0040] The securing device 91 is configured to secure the electronic pallet 90 to the vehicle 1 onto which the electronic pallet 90 is loaded. For example, the securing device 91 is configured to lock the pallet to the vehicle 1 using electromagnetism. In other words, in some embodiments, the securing device 91 includes an electromagnet, e.g., a coil wound around an iron core, which can be activated by an electric current generated by the energy provided by the energy storage device 95. Alternatively, a mechanical lock can be used, which can be activated (and deactivated) by an electrical actuator.

[0041] The detection arrangement 92 is configured to detect a displacement of the electronic pallet 90. In some embodiments, the detection arrangement 92 is configured to detect a displacement of the electronic pallet 90 relative to the vehicle 1. In other words, the detection arrangement 92 can detect that the pallet is separated from the vehicle 1 onto which it is loaded. This can occur in different ways. In some embodiments, the detection arrangement 92 is configured to detect an interruption of an electrical connection or a wireless communication link between the electronic pallet 90 and the vehicle 1. For example, if a short-range wireless connection (e.g.,If communication is established between vehicle 1 and electronic pallet 90 via Bluetooth or Near Field Communication (NFC), this communication is interrupted when the electronic pallet is unloaded. Thus, an interruption of the connection can serve as an indication of a movement. Similarly, an interruption of an electrical connection for power transmission between the electronic pallet and vehicle 1 indicates a movement of the electronic pallet 90.

[0042] Alternatively, the detection arrangements use other types of sensors, e.g. proximity sensors or optical sensors, which are suitable for detecting that the pallet is being moved in relation to vehicle 1, e.g., being unloaded from the vehicle.

[0043] In some embodiments, the detection arrangement 92 includes a positioning device 92a configured to determine the position of the electronic pallet 90. The displacement of the pallet relative to the vehicle 1 can then be determined by comparing the pallet's position with the vehicle 1's position. Alternatively, a displacement relative to, for example, a predefined route of a current order can also be determined. In other words, in some embodiments, detection S1 includes detecting that both the electronic pallet 90 and the vehicle are missing.

[0044] The control device 96 is configured to control the operation of the electronic pallet 90 and its components. Typically, the electronic pallet 90 is configured to receive data from and send control data to the backup device 91, the sensing arrangement 92, the power transfer interface 93, and the energy storage device 95. In particular, the control device 96 is configured to activate a backup function of the electronic pallet 90 based on a displacement detected by the sensing arrangement 92, as described below. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 will be described in more detail.

[0045] The proposed procedure is now described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 3 described in more detail. Fig. Figure 3 shows a flowchart of a procedure carried out by a control device 96 in an electronic pallet 90 to secure the electronic pallet 90 when the electronic pallet is placed on a vehicle 1, such as the vehicle of Fig. The procedure is typically performed when the electronic pallet is carrying goods 70 while being transported (i.e., loaded) onto vehicle 1. In other words, the procedure is performed when the electronic pallet 90 is loaded onto vehicle 1. In some embodiments, an electrical and / or wireless connection is established between the electronic pallet 90 and vehicle 1 during loading.

[0046] The method is typically implemented as a computer program containing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method. According to some embodiments, the computer program is stored on a computer-readable medium containing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method.

[0047] The procedure includes the detection S1 of a displacement of the electronic pallet 90. A displacement can be either a displacement of the pallet relative to the vehicle 1 or relative to a permissible route or area, e.g., relative to a predetermined route. In other words, the displacement is an indication that the electronic pallet 90 has gone missing or has been stolen from its owner.

[0048] In some embodiments, detection S1 includes detecting a displacement of the electronic pallet 90 relative to the vehicle 1. In other words, detection includes the pallet being separated from the vehicle 1, which typically means that the pallet has been unloaded. As described above, the electronic pallet is typically electronically coupled to the vehicle 1 during loading. Coupling means that communication is established between the vehicle and the electronic pallet.

[0049] One way to detect the displacement is to detect that such communication is interrupted. Another way to detect the displacement is to detect that the power transmission via the power transmission interface 93 is interrupted. This can be done, for example, by measuring a current flow via the power transmission interface 93. In other words, in some embodiments, detecting S1 the displacement includes detecting an interruption of an electrical connection or a wireless communication link between the electronic pallet 90 and the vehicle 1.

[0050] In some embodiments, the method includes obtaining position data S0 that defines a position of the electronic pallet 90. A displacement of the vehicle 1 can then be detected by comparing the position data with a position of the vehicle 1. The position of the vehicle 1 is typically determined by a GPS of the vehicle 1 and can be transmitted from a control unit 20 of the vehicle to the control device 96.

[0051] In some embodiments, the method includes obtaining one or more permissible routes for the electronic pallet 90. For example, the control device 96 receives information about permissible routes from an external system. The routes may also be pre-programmed. For example, an electronic pallet 90 may only be moved within a specific region or country. The movement is then detected by sensing a deviation of the detected position from the one or more permissible routes of the electronic pallet 90. In other words, the electronic pallet is considered to have moved if it is moved away from a permissible route or region, e.g., by a predetermined distance. For example, if an electronic pallet deviates by more than 1 km from a specific route, it is considered to have moved.Alternatively, the electronic pallet 90 is considered to have been moved if it leaves a specific municipality or country.

[0052] A detected displacement may indicate that the electronic pallet 90 has been stolen or is at risk of being stolen. Therefore, a security function is activated to attempt to prevent the theft. In other words, the procedure also includes activating S3 a security function in the electronic pallet 90 based on the detected displacement.

[0053] In some embodiments, however, a detected displacement may be permissible, for example, during vehicle unloading or when driving an alternative route due to specific traffic conditions. Therefore, it may be necessary to check whether the detected displacement is permissible. If the displacement coincides with a planned unloading or a traffic jam, for example, the safeguard function would not be activated. In other words, in some embodiments, the method includes determining S2 whether the detected displacement is permissible, and activating S3 of the safeguard function is performed in response to the determination that the displacement is impermissible.

[0054] There are many different ways to activate a security feature that attempts to prevent or hinder theft. It should be noted that these methods can be combined for increased security.

[0055] One possibility is to simply deactivate the energy storage device 95. This can be done, for example, by opening a controllable switch between the energy storage device 95 and the energy transfer interface 93. In other words, in some embodiments, activating S3 involves disabling energy withdrawal from and / or charging the energy storage device 95. This would render the electronic pallet 90 unusable and hopefully deter a thief from stealing the pallet.

[0056] Another possibility is to attempt to lock the electronic pallet 90 to vehicle 1 when a displacement is detected. This is done, for example, by activating the locking device 91 to secure the electronic pallet 90 to vehicle 1. In other words, in some embodiments, activating S3 includes locking the electronic pallet 90 to vehicle 1.

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, the electronic pallet 90 can send an alarm to an external system, informing it of any movement and / or its current position. An operator can then immediately take action to prevent theft. In other words, in some embodiments, activating S3 involves sending an alarm to an external device. Another possibility is the activation of a loud sound, such as a siren.

[0058] In some embodiments, activation S3 includes disabling a vehicle 1 onto which the electronic pallet 90 is loaded, or making it more difficult to unload the electronic pallet 90 or the goods on it. For example, a surge of current can be delivered that electrifies the casing of the electronic pallet 90, making it more difficult to unload or break open the electronic pallet 90. If the pallet has been stolen, one possibility is to have the electronic pallet 90 generate a significant surge of current to switch off or disable the vehicle 1 onto which it is loaded.

[0059] With reference to Fig.Figure 4 shows a control device 96 configured to implement the proposed method in detail. In some embodiments, the control device 96 is a "unit" in a functional sense. In some embodiments, the control device 96 is a control arrangement comprising several physical control units that work together. The control device 96 comprises hardware and software. The hardware essentially comprises various electronic components on a printed circuit board (PCB). The most important of these components is typically a processor 961, e.g., a microprocessor, together with a memory 962, e.g., an EPROM or a flash memory chip. The software is typically low-level software code running on the microcontroller.

[0060] The control device 96, or more precisely the processor 961 of the control device 96, is configured to cause the control device 96 to execute all embodiments of the procedure described above and below. This is typically done by executing computer program code stored in the memory 962 in the processor 961 of the control device 96.

[0061] In particular, the control device 96 is configured to detect a displacement of the electronic pallet 90 and, based on the detected displacement, to activate a locking function in the electronic pallet 90 S3.

[0062] In some embodiments, the control device 96 is configured to determine whether the detected displacement is permissible and to activate the safety function in response to determining that the displacement is impermissible.

[0063] In some embodiments, the control device 96 is configured to obtain one or more permissible routes of the electronic pallet 90 and to activate the safety function in response to the detection of a deviation of the detected position from the one or more obtained permissible routes.

[0064] In some embodiments, the control device 96 is configured to lock the electronic pallet 90 to the vehicle 1 in response to the detection of displacement, e.g. by means of the locking device 91.

[0065] In some embodiments, the control device 96 includes a first communication interface 963a, which is configured to enable communication with a vehicle 1 on which the electronic pallet 90 is loaded. The first communication interface is implemented, for example, by means of Near-Field Communication, NFC, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. In some embodiments, the control device 96 is configured to send a deactivation signal to the vehicle via the first communication interface 963a, based on the detected displacement.

[0066] In some embodiments, the control device 96 includes a second communication interface 963b, which is configured to enable communication with an external device, such as a third-party system. The first communication interface is implemented, for example, using 2G, 3G, or 4G, and the control device 96 is configured to send an alarm to an external device using the second communication interface 963b, based on the detected displacement. In some embodiments, the second communication interface is integrated into or identical to the first communication interface.

[0067] In some embodiments, the control device 96 is configured to disable energy withdrawal from and / or charging of the energy storage device 95 based on the detected displacement. For example, the control device is configured to disable the energy storage device 95 or simply to open a switch between the energy storage device 95 and the energy transfer interface 93. In some embodiments, the first and second communication interfaces 963a, 963b are physically separate from the processor 961. They may, for example, be implemented as standalone circuits connected to the processor 961.

[0068] In some embodiments, the control device 96 is configured to deactivate a vehicle 1 onto which the electronic pallet 90 is loaded, or to prevent the unloading of the electronic pallet 90 or the goods on it. This is done, for example, by activating the energy storage device 95 to deliver a current pulse at the energy transmission interface 93.

[0069] In some embodiments, this disclosure relates to a vehicle 1 with an electronic pallet 90 according to one of these embodiments.

[0070] The terminology used in the description of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not to be understood as a limitation of the described method, control arrangement, or computer program. Various modifications, substitutions, and / or adaptations may be made without departing from the embodiments of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

[0071] The term "or" used here is to be interpreted as a mathematical OR, i.e., as an inclusive disjunction; not as a mathematical exclusive OR (XOR), unless explicitly stated otherwise. Furthermore, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are to be interpreted as "at least one" and can thus also encompass a multitude of similar functional units, unless explicitly stated otherwise. It is also evident that the terms "comprises," "includes," and / or "containing" specify the presence of the mentioned features, measures, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, measures, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. A single unit, such asa processor can perform the functions of several elements listed in the claims.

Claims

[1] Method performed by a control device (96) in an electronic pallet (90) to secure the electronic pallet (90) when the electronic pallet is loaded onto a vehicle (1), wherein the electronic pallet (90) comprises an energy storage device (95) configured to exchange energy with the vehicle (1), the method comprising: - Detecting (S1) a shift of the electronic palette (90), and - Activating (S3) a safety function in the electronic palette (90) based on the detected displacement. [2] The method of claim 1, comprising: - Determining (S2) whether the detected displacement is permissible, and activating (S3) the safeguard function in response to determining that the displacement is impermissible. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection (S1) comprises detecting a displacement of the electronic pallet (90) in relation to the vehicle (1). [4] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the detection (S1) of the displacement comprises detecting an interruption of an electrical connection or a wireless communication link between the electronic pallet (90) and the vehicle (1). [5] A method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising: - Obtaining (S0) position data defining a position of the electronic pallet (90) and one or more permissible routes of the electronic pallet (90), wherein the acquisition (S1) of the displacement includes the acquisition of a deviation of the obtained position from the one or more permissible routes of the electronic pallet (90). [6] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the activation comprises deactivating the energy withdrawal from the and / or charging the energy storage device (95). [7] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the activation comprises locking the electronic pallet (90) to the vehicle (1). [8] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the activation comprises sending an alarm to an external device. [9] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the activation comprises switching off a vehicle (1) on which the electronic pallet (90) is loaded, or hindering the unloading of the electronic pallet (90) or the goods located thereon. [10] Electronic pallet (90) configured to be loaded onto a vehicle (1), the electronic pallet (90) comprising: - an energy storage device (95) configured to exchange energy with the vehicle (1), - a detection arrangement (92) configured to detect a displacement of the electronic pallet (90), and - a control device (96) configured to activate a safety function of the electronic pallet (90) based on a displacement detected by the detection arrangement (92). [11] Electronic pallet (90) according to claim 10, wherein the control device (96) is configured to determine whether the detected displacement is permissible and to activate the safety function in response to determining that the displacement is impermissible. [12] Electronic pallet (90) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the detection arrangement (92) is configured to detect a displacement of the electronic pallet (90) relative to the vehicle (1). [13] Electronic pallet (90) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the detection arrangement (92) comprises a positioning device (92a) configured to determine a position of the electronic pallet (90), and wherein the control device (96) is configured to obtain one or more permissible routes of the electronic pallet (90), and to activate the safety function in response to the detection of a deviation of the determined position from the one or more obtained permissible routes. [14] Electronic pallet (90) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the detection arrangement (92) is configured to detect an interruption of an electrical connection or a wireless communication link between the electronic pallet (90) and the vehicle (1). [15] Electronic pallet (90) according to any one of claims 10 to 14, comprising: - a securing device (91) configured to secure the electronic pallet (90) to a vehicle (1) onto which the electronic pallet (90) is loaded, and wherein the control device (96) is configured to lock the electronic pallet (90) to the vehicle (1) in response to the detection of displacement. [16] Electronic pallet (90) according to any one of claims 10 to 15, comprising: - a first communication interface (963a) configured to enable communication with a vehicle (1) on which the electronic pallet (90) is loaded, and wherein the control device (96) is configured to send a deactivation signal to the vehicle using the first communication interface (963a) based on the specified displacement. [17] Electronic pallet (90) according to any one of claims 10 to 15, comprising: - a second communication interface (963b) configured to enable communication with an external device, wherein the control device (963b) is configured to send an alarm to an external device based on the detected displacement using the second communication interface (963b). [18] Electronic pallet (90) according to any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the control device (96) is configured to disable the energy withdrawal from and / or the charging of the energy storage device (95) based on the detected displacement. [19] Electronic pallet (90) according to any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the control device (96) is configured to switch off a vehicle (1) onto which the electronic pallet (90) is loaded or to prevent the unloading of the electronic pallet (90) or the goods on it. [20] Vehicle (1) comprising the electronic pallet (90) according to any one of claims 10 to 18. [21] Computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9. [22] Computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.