Transport pallet, pallet block and method and apparatus for assembling, disassembling and / or repairing a transport pallet

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport pallet (10), in particular a wooden pallet, with at least one pallet board (12) for receiving items to be stored and / or transported and at least one pallet block (14) and / or square timber for spacing the pallet board (12) from a base, wherein the pallet board (12) and the pallet block (14) and / or the square timber are connected to each other via at least one connection area (V1) arranged between the pallet board (12) and the pallet block (14) and / or square timber, and wherein at least one heating device (100) is arranged to heat an amount of adhesive (K) arranged in the at least one connection area (V1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a transport pallet, in particular a wooden pallet, with at least one pallet board for receiving items to be stored and / or transported and at least one pallet block and / or square timber for spacing the pallet board from a base, wherein the pallet board and the pallet block and / or the square timber are connected to each other via at least one connecting area arranged between the pallet board and the pallet block and / or the square timber.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a pallet block for a transport pallet with at least one connecting surface for connecting the pallet block to at least one pallet board of the transport pallet and at least one quantity of adhesive arranged on the at least one connecting surface for bonding the pallet block to the at least one pallet board of the transport pallet.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a square timber for a transport pallet with at least one connecting surface for connecting the square timber to at least one pallet board of the transport pallet and at least one quantity of adhesive arranged on the at least one connecting surface for gluing the square timber to the at least one pallet board of the transport pallet.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for assembling a transport pallet comprising the steps of: providing at least one pallet board for receiving items to be stored and / or transported, providing at least one pallet block and / or square timber for spacing the pallet board from a substrate, applying an amount of adhesive in a connection area to join the pallet board and the pallet block and / or square timber, and joining the pallet board and the pallet block and / or square timber in the connection area by gluing them together using the amount of adhesive.

[0005] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for dismantling a transport pallet comprising the steps of: removing at least one pallet board of the transport pallet, removing at least one pallet block and / or square timber of the transport pallet.

[0006] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for repairing a defective and / or damaged transport pallet.

[0007] Furthermore, the invention relates to a system for assembling, disassembling and / or repairing a transport pallet.

[0008] Transport pallets are commonly used in warehousing and logistics, primarily for transporting goods with forklifts and / or storing them in warehouses. Reusable transport pallets, such as wooden Euro pallets, are frequently used. However, heavy loads and mechanical stresses during transport with forklifts often subject the pallets to significant strain, which can lead to damage. Consequently, even reusable transport pallets have a limited lifespan.

[0009] In current practice, damaged transport pallets are typically incinerated at the end of their service life, as repairing them, for example by replacing damaged boards, is generally uneconomical. This is due to the fact that repairing defective pallets is complex and therefore expensive. Instead, defective pallets are usually disposed of and replaced with new ones, which negatively impacts the sustainability and environmental compatibility of the reusable pallet system as a whole.

[0010] The object underlying the invention is therefore to extend the life cycle of transport pallets by simplifying the repair of the transport pallets and consequently to increase sustainability by reducing the environmental impact resulting from defective pallets.

[0011] The problem is solved with a transport pallet of the type mentioned above, wherein the transport pallet includes at least one heating device which is designed to heat an amount of adhesive arranged in the at least one connection area.

[0012] By heating a quantity of adhesive using a heating device on the transport pallet, it is possible to quickly and easily break the adhesive bond between pallet components. This allows damaged transport pallets to be repaired cost-effectively by quickly replacing defective parts. In this way, damaged components, such as broken pallet boards, can be replaced with intact parts quickly and economically, thus extending the pallet's lifespan and allowing it to be reintroduced into the reusable pallet system for a longer period. This increases the sustainability of the reusable pallet system and reduces environmental damage that would result from prematurely disposing of defective transport pallets.

[0013] If a pallet is damaged beyond repair at the end of its life cycle, the heating device and the rapid release of adhesive bonds on the transport pallet still allow for the simple and quick disassembly of the defective pallet, making disposal and / or recycling easier and more environmentally friendly. Consequently, the heating device, which heats a specific amount of adhesive on a transport pallet, simplifies both the repair and disposal and / or recycling of defective reusable transport pallets to such an extent that it is both economical and environmentally friendly.

[0014] The adhesive is preferably used to create an adhesive bond in the joint area where the at least one pallet board and the at least one pallet block and / or the at least one square timber are joined together. The heating device is preferably configured to melt the adhesive to create and / or dissolve the adhesive bond. The substrate can be, for example, a floor surface, a shelf compartment, another transport pallet, and / or objects located beneath the transport pallet. The transport pallet can be a standard pallet, such as a Euro pallet according to EPAL specifications. In particular, the transport pallet is designed as a reusable transport pallet.The transport pallet is preferably designed for storing and / or transporting goods and / or loads, in particular for transporting and loading using the forks of a material handling device, for example a pallet truck or forklift.

[0015] The transport pallet can be made at least partially of wood, plastic, cardboard, or metal. The adhesive is preferably applied as a layer in the joint area. The adhesive can be applied to the entire joint area or only partially. It can be located on the pallet block and / or timber, on the pallet board, or partially on the pallet block and / or timber and partially on the pallet board. The adhesive can be applied in several spaced-apart portions in the joint area. The adhesive preferably comprises a hot-melt adhesive or is applied as a hot-melt adhesive.Heating and / or melting the amount of adhesive using the heating device preferably makes it possible to quickly and easily separate glued components of the transport pallet, for example glued pallet boards and / or glued pallet blocks and / or square timbers.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the transport pallet according to the invention, the transport pallet comprises several pallet blocks and / or square timbers, in particular arranged at intervals from one another, and / or several pallet boards, in particular arranged parallel to one another and / or transversely to their longitudinal extent adjacent to one another and / or at intervals from one another, wherein one, several or all of the pallet blocks and / or square timbers and one, several or all of the pallet boards are preferably connected to one another via one or more connection areas on the upper side of the square timber and / or on the upper side of the pallet blocks and / or wherein one or more heating devices for heating a quantity of adhesive arranged in the respective connection area on the upper side of the square timber and / or on the upper side of the pallet blocks are arranged in one, several or all of the connection areas on the upper side of the square timber and / or on the upper side of the pallet blocks.The connection areas on the upper side of the timber and / or pallet blocks are preferably arranged between the pallet boards and the timbers and / or pallet blocks on the upper side of the timbers and / or pallet blocks facing away from the ground. Preferably, the transport pallet includes several heating devices. Preferably, the transport pallet includes at least one heating device for each connection area, and in one or more connection areas, for example, several, and in particular two, heating devices may be arranged. Preferably, the heating devices are arranged in each connection area, and in particular, the heating devices are arranged between a pallet board and a pallet block and / or timber.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment of the transport pallet according to the invention, the transport pallet comprises one or more connecting boards arranged between the at least one pallet block and / or square timber and the at least one pallet board for connecting the pallet block and / or the square timber and the pallet board, wherein the one or more connecting boards preferably each connect one or more pallet boards and / or each connect one or more pallet blocks and / or square timbers to each other via one or more connecting areas on the upper side of the square timber and / or on the upper side of the pallet block.Alternatively or additionally, the transport pallet according to the invention comprises one or more skid boards arranged between the base and the at least one pallet block and / or square timber, wherein the one or more skid boards are preferably each connected to one or more pallet blocks and / or square timbers via one or more connecting areas on the underside of the square timber and / or on the underside of the pallet block.Alternatively or additionally, in one, several or all connection areas on the upper side of the timber and / or pallet block, in particular between a connecting board and a pallet board and / or a pallet block and / or timber, and / or in one, several or all connection areas on the lower side of the timber and / or pallet block, in particular between a skid board and a pallet block and / or timber, one or more heating devices are arranged for heating a quantity of adhesive arranged in the respective connection area on the upper side of the timber and / or the lower side of the timber and / or the upper side of the pallet block and / or the lower side of the pallet block.

[0018] The connecting boards preferably extend transversely to the pallet boards. The connecting boards preferably extend through several connection areas on the upper side of the square timbers and / or the upper side of the pallet blocks. The upper side of the connecting boards preferably contacts one or more pallet boards, particularly in the connection areas. The undersides of the connecting boards preferably contact one or more pallet blocks and / or square timbers, particularly in the connection areas. The skid boards preferably extend transversely to the connecting boards and / or parallel to the pallet boards. The skid boards preferably also extend through the connection areas on the underside of the square timbers and / or the underside of the pallet blocks.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment of the transport pallet according to the invention, the at least one heating device, in particular the one or more heating devices in one, several, or all connection areas on the upper side of the timber and / or the pallet block, and / or the one or more heating devices in one, several, or all connection areas on the lower side of the timber and / or the pallet block, is designed as a heating plate. The heating device can alternatively also be designed as a heating film. The heating device designed as a heating plate is preferably made, at least partially, of an electrically conductive metal, for example, aluminum and / or steel.The heating element, designed as a heating plate, is preferably configured to be laid flat between a pallet board and a connecting board, and / or between a connecting board and a pallet block, and / or a square timber, and / or between a pallet block, and / or a square timber and a skid board, particularly in each case in a connecting area on the upper and / or lower side of the square timber, and / or on the upper and / or lower side of the pallet block. Preferably, the heating element, designed as a heating plate, is so thin that the dimensions of the transport pallet, in particular its height, increase only negligibly.

[0020] In a further development of the transport pallet according to the invention, the at least one heating device, in particular the one or more heating devices in one, several, or all connection areas on the upper side of the timber and / or the pallet block, and / or the one or more heating devices in one, several, or all connection areas on the lower side of the timber and / or the pallet block, have electrically conductive contact zones for electrically contacting the heating device with a voltage source. The contact zones are preferably formed by sheet metal sections of the heating device, which is designed as a heating plate, and / or are arranged such that the contact zones are exposed and can be contacted externally from the pallet. The heating device is preferably designed as an electric heating device.

[0021] The heating device can be connected to an electronic control device via the contact zones as an alternative or additional measure to a voltage source and / or can be controlled by the control device, in particular for setting a defined time duration and / or a defined temperature during heating, so that in particular an amount of adhesive arranged in the respective connection area can be heated in such a way as to achieve a desired viscosity of the adhesive for creating and / or breaking an adhesive bond using the amount of adhesive, in particular by setting a desired temperature and / or a desired heating duration using the heating device.The sheet metal sections having the contact zones are preferably designed as bent sheet metal sections, in particular as formed around the board edges and / or block edges of the pallet boards, the connecting boards and / or the skid boards as well as the pallet blocks and / or square timbers, wherein the sheet metal sections are bent around the board edges and / or block edges in such a way that the contact zones of the sheet metal sections can be contacted on the transport pallet without having to dismantle and / or damage the transport pallet to contact the contact zones.

[0022] Furthermore, a transport pallet according to the invention is preferred, in which the at least one heating device, in particular the one or more heating devices in one, several or all connection areas on the upper side of the timber and / or on the upper side of the pallet block and / or the one or more heating devices in one, several or all connection areas on the lower side of the timber and / or on the lower side of the pallet block, comprises a heating zone, wherein the heating zone is preferably heatable by applying an electrical voltage across the contact zones to heat an amount of adhesive arranged in the respective connection area on the upper side of the timber and / or on the lower side of the timber and / or on the upper side and / or on the lower side of the pallet block and / or wherein the amount of adhesive to be heated is at least partially contacted and / or at least partially surrounded by the amount of adhesive to be heated.

[0023] Preferably, applying an electrical voltage across the contact zones causes a current to flow through the heating zone of the heating device, thereby heating the heating zone to melt the adhesive. The heating zone of the heating device is preferably, at least partially, and in particular completely, located between a pallet board and a pallet block and / or timber, or between a pallet board and a connecting board, or between a connecting board and a pallet block and / or timber, or between a skid board and a pallet block and / or timber, particularly in an overlap area. Preferably, the heating zone and the contact zones of the heating device are electrically connected to each other.In particular, the heating zone and the contact zones are part of a common integral body, especially a common sheet metal body of the heating device designed as a heating sheet.

[0024] A transport pallet according to the invention is further advantageous in which the at least one heating device in the heating zone comprises one or more heating conductors, wherein the heating conductors preferably extend parallel to one another and / or between the contact zones and / or are arranged next to one another and / or spaced apart from one another by recesses in the heating zone of the heating device. The heating conductor can, for example, be designed as a heating wire and / or as a heating coil. The heating conductor preferably contacts the adhesive at least partially and / or is surrounded by the adhesive at least partially. Preferably, the recesses between the heating conductors are filled with the adhesive at least partially.

[0025] The recesses are designed, in particular, as sheet metal cutouts. These cutouts can extend over a portion and / or the entire thickness of the heating element, which is designed as a heating plate. The heating conductors are, in particular, narrow sheet metal sections formed by the recesses in the heating element. Due to the reduced material thickness of the recesses compared to the contact zones of the heating element, the heating conductors are preferably heated by applying an electrical voltage and the resulting current flowing through them. The temperature is preferably adjustable by setting a defined voltage and / or current.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment of the transport pallet according to the invention, the at least one heating device, in particular the one or more heating devices in one, several or all connection areas on the upper side of the square timber and / or on the upper side of the pallet blocks and / or the one or more heating devices in one, several or all connection areas on the lower side of the square timber and / or on the lower side of the pallet blocks, comprises one or more fastening extensions for fastening the heating devices in the at least one connection area, wherein the one or more fastening extensions are preferably arranged in the heating zone of the heating device and / or are each connected to a heating conductor and / or are part of a heating conductor and / or are each designed as a loop in the heating conductors and / or are designed for positive locking,The heating element is designed to be inserted into one or more recesses of a pallet block, timber, pallet board, skid board, or connecting board by means of a force-fit and / or material-fit fastening, and / or in which the adhesive is at least partially in contact with and / or surrounded by the adhesive in the at least one connection area. The recesses in the pallet block, timber, pallet board, connecting board, or skid board are specifically designed as bores. The fastening elements are bonded into the recesses, in particular by means of the adhesive. Alternatively or additionally, the heating element can be fastened to the pallet block, timber, pallet board, connecting board, or skid board by means of nails.

[0027] The problem underlying the invention is further solved by a pallet block of the type mentioned above, wherein the pallet block comprises at least one heating device configured to heat the amount of adhesive arranged on the connecting surface. Preferably, the pallet block according to the invention is a pallet block for a transport pallet according to one of the embodiments described above. With regard to the advantages and modifications of the pallet block according to the invention, reference is therefore made to the advantages and modifications of the transport pallet according to the invention.

[0028] The heating element of the pallet block is preferably configured to melt the amount of adhesive required to create and / or break an adhesive bond with the at least one pallet board of the transport pallet. Preferably, the heating element is designed as in the previously described embodiments of the transport pallet. Preferably, the pallet block comprises two heating elements. The two heating elements of the pallet block are preferably arranged on opposing connecting surfaces of the pallet block. Preferably, an amount of adhesive is arranged on each of the two connecting surfaces.Preferably, the pallet block is designed to be connected at both connecting surfaces to a board of a transport pallet, for example on one side to a pallet board or a connecting board of the transport pallet and on the opposite side to a skid board, in particular by melting the amount of adhesive using the respective heating device.

[0029] The pallet block can be made of solid wood or particleboard, for example. The pallet block is preferably suitable for use with a wooden pallet, a plastic pallet, a metal pallet, and / or a cardboard pallet, particularly corrugated cardboard. The adhesive can be applied to the joint surface partially or completely. The adhesive can be applied in several spaced-apart portions. The joint surface is preferably rectangular. The pallet block preferably comprises two opposing joint surfaces, which can be formed by the opposing side faces of the pallet block.

[0030] The problem underlying the invention is further solved by a timber of the type mentioned above, wherein the timber comprises at least one heating device configured to heat the amount of adhesive applied to the joint surface. Preferably, the timber according to the invention is a timber for a transport pallet according to one of the embodiments described above. With regard to the advantages and modifications of the timber according to the invention, reference is therefore made to the advantages and modifications of the transport pallet according to the invention.

[0031] The heating element of the timber is preferably configured to melt the amount of adhesive required to create and / or break an adhesive bond with the at least one pallet board of the transport pallet. Preferably, the heating element is designed as in the previously described embodiments of the transport pallet. Preferably, the timber comprises several heating elements. The heating elements of the timber are preferably arranged on opposing and / or adjacent and / or spaced-apart connection surfaces of the timber. Preferably, an amount of adhesive is applied to each of these connection surfaces.Preferably, the square timber is arranged to be connected at the connecting surfaces to a board of a transport pallet, for example on one side to a pallet board or a connecting board of the transport pallet and on the opposite side to a skid board, in particular by melting the amount of adhesive by means of the respective heating device.

[0032] The timber can be made of solid wood or particleboard, for example. The timber is preferably suitable for use with a wooden pallet, a plastic pallet, a metal pallet, and / or a cardboard pallet, particularly corrugated cardboard. The adhesive can be applied to the joint surface partially or completely. The adhesive can be applied in several spaced-apart portions. The joint surface is preferably rectangular. The timber preferably comprises several pairs of joint surfaces, each with two opposing surfaces supported by the opposing side faces of the timber.

[0033] The problem underlying the invention is further solved by a method for assembly of the type mentioned above, wherein, within the framework of the method according to the invention, at least one heating device is arranged in the connection area for heating the quantity of adhesive arranged in the connection area. Preferably, within the framework of the method according to the invention, a transport pallet according to the invention is assembled according to one of the embodiments described above. With regard to the advantages and modifications of the method according to the invention, reference is therefore made to the advantages and modifications of the transport pallet according to the invention.

[0034] Preferably, the adhesive is applied to the joint area before the heating element is positioned. The adhesive can be applied to the pallet board, pallet block, and / or timber, or distributed evenly between the pallet board, pallet block, and / or timber. Preferably, during the assembly process, at least one connecting board and / or at least one skid board is provided and / or bonded to the pallet block, pallet block, and / or timber in a joint area using a separate amount of adhesive. Preferably, the adhesive is applied to the joint area such that it at least partially contacts and / or surrounds the heating element. Alternatively, the heating element can be positioned in the joint area after the adhesive has been applied.

[0035] The adhesive is preferably a hot-melt adhesive, wherein the hot-melt adhesive is applied in a liquid state to the joining area. Alternatively, the adhesive can be applied in a non-liquefied state, for example as an adhesive pad. Preferably, the transport pallet comprises several joining areas for connecting several pallet blocks and / or square timbers and / or several pallet boards and / or several connecting boards and / or several skid boards, wherein preferably an amount of adhesive is applied and / or a heating device is arranged in each joining area.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the assembly method according to the invention, the heating device is contacted with an electrical voltage source via one or more electrically conductive contact zones of the heating device. Alternatively or additionally, a heating zone of the heating device is heated by applying an electrical voltage to the heating device via the voltage source to heat and / or melt the adhesive in the connection area. By heating the adhesive with the heating device, the adhesive is preferably liquefied at least temporarily and / or at least partially to create an adhesive bond between the pallet board and the pallet block and / or squared timber.Preferably, the heating device is heated by temporarily applying an electrical voltage, wherein the electrical voltage is switched off after a defined period of time and / or when a defined temperature of the heating zone of the heating device and / or the adhesive is reached, in particular by separating the contact with the contact zones.

[0037] Preferably, the transport pallet comprises several heating devices in multiple connection areas, wherein preferably several or all heating devices are contacted and / or heated sequentially or simultaneously. By heating and / or melting the adhesive using the heating device, it is possible to quickly and easily separate glued components of the transport pallet, for example, glued pallet boards, glued pallet blocks and / or square timbers, glued connecting boards and / or glued skid boards of the transport pallet, individually and / or together, in order to replace damaged components of the transport pallet.

[0038] The problem underlying the invention is further solved by a disassembly method of the type mentioned above, wherein, within the disassembly method, an amount of adhesive bonding the pallet board and the pallet block and / or squared timber in a connection area is heated by means of at least one heating device to break the adhesive bond between the pallet board and the pallet block and / or squared timber. Preferably, within the scope of the disassembly method according to the invention, a transport pallet according to the invention is disassembled according to one of the embodiments described above. With regard to the advantages and modifications of the disassembly method according to the invention, reference is therefore made to the advantages and modifications of the transport pallet according to the invention.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally, as part of the disassembly process, at least one connecting board and / or at least one skid board is removed by heating at least a quantity of adhesive in at least one connection area of ​​a skid board and / or a connecting board. Heating and / or melting the adhesive using the heating device makes it possible to easily and quickly separate the glued components of the transport pallet for replacement and / or recycling, so that individual components and / or the entire transport pallet can be disassembled quickly and easily.

[0040] The problem underlying the invention is further solved by a repair method of the type mentioned above, wherein, within the framework of the inventive repair method, the transport pallet is disassembled by carrying out one, several, or all steps of the disassembly method described above, and wherein the transport pallet is assembled by carrying out one, several, or all steps of the assembly method described above. With regard to the advantages and modifications of the repair method, reference is therefore made to the advantages and modifications of the inventive disassembly method and the inventive assembly method.

[0041] During repair, damaged components of a reusable transport pallet, such as damaged skid boards, damaged pallet boards, damaged pallet blocks and / or square timbers, and / or damaged connecting boards, are preferably removed and replaced with intact components. Preferably, damaged components can be removed easily and quickly by loosening adhesive bonds using the heating device, thus simplifying and / or accelerating the repair and / or recycling of transport pallets. Preferably, within the framework of the repair method, a transport pallet according to the invention is repaired according to one of the embodiments described above, and for further advantages and modifications of the repair method, reference is made to the advantages and modifications of the transport pallet according to the invention.

[0042] The problem underlying the invention is further solved by a system for assembling, disassembling, and / or repairing of the type mentioned above, wherein the system is configured to carry out the assembly method and / or disassembly method and / or repair method described above according to the invention. With regard to the advantages and modifications of the system according to the invention, reference is therefore made to the assembly method and / or disassembly method and / or repair method described above according to the invention.

[0043] Preferably, the system according to the invention is configured to assemble, repair and / or disassemble a transport pallet according to the invention according to one of the embodiments described above, whereby for further advantages and modifications of the system according to the invention, reference is made to the advantages and modifications of the transport pallet according to the invention.

[0044] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained and described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 shows a transport pallet according to the invention with several heating devices in a perspective exploded view; Fig. 2 shows a heating device arranged in a connection area between a pallet block according to the invention and a connecting board of a transport pallet according to the invention in a perspective exploded view; Fig. 3 shows a pallet block according to the invention connected in a connection area with a connecting board of a transport pallet according to the invention in a front view with a heating device attached to the pallet block by means of several fastening projections and an amount of adhesive in a partial sectional view; and Fig. 4 shows the pallet block connected in a connection area with a connecting board of a transport pallet according to the invention. Fig. 3 in a top view.

[0045] The Fig. 1The invention shows a transport pallet, which is in particular designed as a wooden Euro pallet. The transport pallet 10 is shown in the Fig. 1 The transport pallet 10 is shown in perspective and in an exploded view, so that the individual components are shown spaced apart from each other for clarity and to improve the visibility of the arrangement of the components. The transport pallet 10 comprises several pallet boards 12 arranged parallel to and spaced apart from each other. The pallet boards 12 are designed to hold objects and / or goods that are to be transported and / or stored on the transport pallet 10.

[0046] Furthermore, the transport pallet 10 comprises connecting boards 16, which are arranged below the pallet boards 12 and connected to the pallet boards 12, wherein the illustrated embodiment of the transport pallet 10 comprises three connecting boards 16, each of which runs transversely to the pallet boards 12 and is arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other, so that the pallet boards 12 attached to the connecting boards 16 are fixed in their intended positioning and / or orientation by the connecting boards 16 and are supported by the connecting boards 16.

[0047] Furthermore, the transport pallet 10 comprises several pallet blocks 14, nine in the illustrated embodiment, which are arranged on the underside of the connecting boards 16 and connected to the connecting boards 16. Three pallet blocks 14 are arranged at equal intervals on each connecting board 16, with one pallet block 14 at each end and another pallet block 14 positioned centrally along the longitudinal extent of each connecting board 16. In other embodiments of the transport pallet 10, the transport pallet can also comprise one or more square timbers instead of pallet blocks 14.

[0048] Skid boards 18 are also arranged on the underside of the pallet blocks 14 of the transport pallet 10, by means of which the transport pallet 10 can be placed on a surface, for example on the floor and / or on other pallets. The skid boards 18 are preferably arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other on the pallet blocks 14 and extend transversely to the connecting boards 16 and parallel to the pallet boards 12. The skid boards 18 are each connected to three pallet blocks 14, with one pallet block 14 being attached to each end of the respective skid board 18 and a third pallet block 14 being attached longitudinally to the center of the respective skid board 18.

[0049] The pallet boards 12 are connected to the pallet blocks 14 via the connecting boards 16 in connection areas V1, which are arranged on the upper side of the pallet blocks. The skid boards 18 are in turn connected to the pallet blocks 14 in connection areas V2, which are arranged on the underside of the pallet blocks. The connecting boards 16 extend longitudinally through several, in the illustrated embodiment of the transport pallet 10 through three, connection areas V1 on the upper side of the pallet blocks, with at least one heating device 100 being arranged in each connection area V1 on the upper side of the pallet blocks.In the connection areas V1 on the upper side of the pallet blocks, at least one pallet board 12 is connected to a connecting board 16, and a connecting board 16 is in turn connected to a pallet block 14, wherein at least one heating device 100 is arranged between the respective pallet board 12 and the connecting board 16 below it, as well as between the connecting board 16 and the pallet block 14 below it. Heating devices 100 are also arranged between pallet boards 12 outside the connection area, between the respective pallet board 12 and the connecting board 16 below it.

[0050] Furthermore, heating devices 100 are arranged in all connection areas V2 on the underside of the pallet blocks, between the skid boards 18 and the pallet blocks 14 arranged above them. It is particularly preferred that a heating device 100 is arranged in each area of ​​the transport pallet 10 where components of the transport pallet 10 are connected to one another. All components of the illustrated transport pallet 10, especially in the connection areas V1 and V2, are glued together. The pallet boards 12 are each glued to the connecting boards 16 below them, the connecting boards 16 are glued to the pallet blocks 14 below them, and the skid boards 18 arranged below the pallet blocks 14 are glued to the pallet blocks 14, each with an amount of adhesive K, wherein the amount of adhesive K preferably comprises a hot-melt adhesive.

[0051] The heating devices 100 are arranged in close proximity to the adhesive quantity K such that the adhesive quantity K can be heated by the heating devices 100. The adhesive quantity K can be melted by heating using the heating devices 100 during the assembly of the transport pallet 10 and / or during the assembly of one or more individual components of the transport pallet 10 to create an adhesive bond, and / or during the disassembly of the transport pallet 10 and / or individual components of the transport pallet 10 for repair and / or recycling of the transport pallet 10 to release one or more adhesive bonds. In this way, the assembly and / or disassembly, and thus the repair, of reusable transport pallets can be accelerated and simplified, thereby increasing environmental compatibility and extending the service life of transport pallets 10.

[0052] The Fig. 2Figure 1 shows a detailed exploded view of an arrangement of a connecting board 16 and a pallet block 14 of a transport pallet 10 according to the invention, with a heating device 100 arranged between them. The heating device 100 can be a component of the pallet block 14 according to the invention and can be configured to be used on any transport pallet 10. A pallet block 14 according to the invention can also comprise several heating devices 100, for example, two heating devices 100, which are arranged on opposite sides of the pallet block 14, so that further components of a transport pallet 10, for example, a connecting board 16 and / or a pallet board 12 and / or a skid board 18, can be connected to the pallet block 14 on both the top and bottom surfaces.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment of the pallet block 14, a connecting board 16 of a transport pallet 10 is connected to the pallet block 14 in a connection area V1 on the upper side of the pallet block. The pallet block 14 has a connecting surface 22 in the connection area V1, which is supported by the upper side surface of the pallet block 14. An amount of adhesive K is applied to the connecting surface 22 of the pallet block 14 in the connection area V1 on the upper side of the pallet block. As shown, the amount of adhesive K is a uniformly distributed layer of adhesive over the connecting surface 22 for bonding the pallet block to the connecting board 16. In the illustrated embodiment of the pallet block 14, the amount of adhesive K is applied in a circular pattern. It is also conceivable that the amount of adhesive K is applied to the pallet block 14 in a rectangular and / or portioned manner.The adhesive quantity K is preferably a hot melt adhesive which can be melted and / or liquefied by heating, wherein the adhesive quantity K can be applied in an already liquid state and / or in a solid state, for example as an adhesive pad, on the pallet block 14.

[0054] Also located in the connection area V1 on the upper side of the pallet block is a heating device 100, which is designed as an electric heating device 100 and is configured to heat the quantity of adhesive K located in the connection area V1 to melt and / or liquefy it. In its assembled state, the heating device 100 is located in close proximity to the quantity of adhesive K, and preferably in contact with the quantity of adhesive K and / or at least partially enclosed by it, so that the quantity of adhesive K can be heated by means of the heating device 100.

[0055] For heating, the heating device 100 has a heating zone 106 in which heating conductors 108 are arranged, formed by recesses 110 in the heating zone 106 of the heating device 100. Furthermore, the heating device 100 has sheet metal sections 104 which are bent around the corner edges of the pallet block 14, in particular at 90 degrees, wherein the sheet metal sections 104 have contact zones 102 by means of which the electric heating device 100 can be electrically connected to an external voltage source and / or to an external electronic control device. If an electrical voltage is applied to the heating device 100 via the contact zones 102, an electric current flows through the heating conductors 108 in the heating zone 106, which then heat up and consequently liquefy the amount of adhesive K by heating it.

[0056] Furthermore, the heating device 100 comprises several fastening projections 112, which extend perpendicular to the connecting surface 22 of the pallet block 14 and parallel to the sheet metal sections 104 of the heating device 100 and, in the assembled state, are arranged in recesses 20 on the top of the pallet block 14, so that the heating device 100 is attached to the pallet block 14. The heating device 100 is designed as a heating plate which, due to its small material thickness, can be arranged between the components of a transport pallet 10, for example, as shown, between a connecting board 16 and a pallet block 14 of a transport pallet 10, without significantly increasing the dimensions of a transport pallet 10.

[0057] The heating device 100 enables the bonding of the connecting board 16 to the pallet block 14 during the assembly of a transport pallet 10 by liquefying the adhesive quantity K, and / or the disassembly and / or repair of a transport pallet 10, for example by replacing a defective connecting board 16, by quickly and easily breaking the adhesive bond between a connecting board 16 and a pallet block 14 through heating and liquefying the adhesive quantity K. In this way, transport pallets 10 can be assembled, disassembled, and / or repaired more easily, thereby significantly increasing the cost-effectiveness of reusable transport pallets 10 and / or their environmental compatibility by extending their service life.

[0058] The Fig. 3shows a front view of a connecting board 16 connected to a pallet block 14 according to the invention, wherein in the Fig. 3 Furthermore, a partial section S shows a sectional view of the pallet block 14 with the connecting board 16 attached to it and the heating device 100 arranged between the connecting board 16 and the pallet block 14. In this section, Fig. 3 to see that in the assembled state of a connecting board 16 on a pallet block 14 of a transport pallet 10, a heating device 100 is arranged between the connecting board 16 and the pallet block 14, wherein the connecting board 16 and the pallet block 14 are bonded together by means of an amount of adhesive K between the connecting board 16 and the pallet block 14, and the heating device 100 is arranged such that it contacts the amount of adhesive K at least in certain areas and / or is enclosed by the amount of adhesive K at least in certain areas.

[0059] The sheet metal sections 104 of the heating device 100 are bent around the upper edge of the pallet block 14 in such a way that the contact zones 102 arranged on the sheet metal sections 104 are accessible externally from the pallet for contacting the heating device 100 with a voltage source, without having to damage and / or disassemble the transport pallet 10. Section S further shows that the fastening extensions 112 for attaching the heating device 100 to the pallet block 14 are formed by the heating conductors 108 of the heating device 100 and that recesses 20, formed as bores in the pallet block 14, are arranged in the pallet block 14, with the recesses 20 in the pallet block 14 each being filled with the amount of adhesive K, so that the fastening extensions 112 formed by the heating conductors 108 are enclosed by the amount of adhesive K and bonded into the recesses 20.The fastening extensions 112 are designed as bent sections of the heating conductors 108 and thus as loops of the heating conductors 108.

[0060] When the heating device 100 is subjected to an electrical voltage via the contact zone 102, the heating conductors 108 heat up due to the current flow, thereby liquefying the adhesive quantity K. This allows an existing adhesive bond between the connecting board 16 and the pallet block 14 to be broken by liquefying the adhesive quantity K through the application of heat via the heating device 100. In other embodiments, it is also conceivable that the heating device 100 is not attached to the pallet block 14 via fastening projections 112 in recesses 20, but, for example, by nailing the heating device 100 to the pallet block 14. Furthermore, it is possible that the heating device 100 is attached to the pallet block 14 solely by bonding it with the adhesive quantity K.

[0061] Furthermore, it should be noted that the illustrated arrangement of the heating device 100 between the connecting board 16 and the pallet block 14 can be constructed in the same or a similar manner as an arrangement of a heating device 100 between a pallet board 12 and a connecting board 16 as well as between a pallet block 14 and a skid board 18, whereby, for example, recesses for the fastening extensions 112 can be provided in a respective connecting board 16 and / or a respective skid board 18.

[0062] The Fig. 4 shows the in the Fig. 3The arrangement of the connecting board 16 attached to the pallet block 14 is shown in a top view, with the heating device 100 arranged between the connecting board 16 and the pallet block 14, as well as the quantity of adhesive K arranged between the connecting board 16 and the pallet block 14, being shown with dashed lines. The heating device 100 comprises, in a heating zone 106, heating conductors 108 running parallel and spaced apart from each other between the contact zones 104 for electrically contacting the heating device 100 by means of a voltage source. These heating conductors are formed by recesses 110 in the heating device 100, which is designed as a heating plate.

[0063] When an electrical voltage is applied between the contact zones 102, an electric current flows through the heating conductors 108, causing the heating conductors 108 and thus the heating zone 106 of the heating device 100 to heat up. This is because the heating conductors 108 have a defined, reduced material thickness due to the cutouts 110 formed as sheet metal sections, in contrast to the sheet metal sections 104 that support the contact zones. Furthermore, each heating conductor 108 forms a mounting extension 112, which is inserted into a recess 20 in the pallet block 14 for mounting the heating device 100. The mounting extensions 112 of adjacent heating conductors 108 are arranged offset from each other, so that each heating conductor 108 has a mounting extension 112 at its first end and the adjacent heating conductor 108 has one at its opposite second end.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the adhesive quantity K, by means of which the connecting board 16 and the pallet block 14 are bonded together, is arranged as a trapezoidal, planar adhesive layer between the connecting board 16 and the pallet block 14, wherein the adhesive layer formed by the adhesive quantity K and the heating zone 106 are arranged to overlap such that the adhesive quantity K makes at least partial contact with all heating conductors 108 of the heating device 100. Furthermore, the recesses 20 in the pallet block 14 are at least partially filled by the adhesive quantity K, so that the fastening projections 112 are bonded into the recess in 20. Reference sign

[0065] 10 Transport pallet 12 Pallet board 14 Pallet block 16 Connecting board 18 Skid board 20 Recesses 22 Connecting surface 100 Heating device 102 Contact zones 104 Sheet metal sections 106 Heating zone 108 Heating conductor 110 Recesses 112 Fastening extensions Adhesive quantity Partial section V1, V2 Connection areas

Claims

1. Transport pallet (10), in particular a wooden pallet, comprising - at least one pallet board (12) for receiving items to be stored and / or transported, and - at least one pallet block (14) and / or square timber for spacing the pallet board (12) from a base, wherein the pallet board (12) and the pallet block (14) and / or the square timber are connected to each other via at least one connection area (V1) arranged between the pallet board (12) and the pallet block (14) and / or the square timber, characterized by at least one heating device (100) which is configured to heat an amount of adhesive (K) arranged in the at least one connection area (V1).

2. Transport pallet (10) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatthe transport pallet (10) comprises several pallet blocks (14) and / or square timbers, in particular arranged at intervals from one another, and / or comprises several pallet boards (12), in particular arranged parallel to one another and / or transversely to their longitudinal extent adjacent to one another and / or at intervals from one another, wherein one, several or all of the pallet blocks (14) and / or square timbers and one, several or all of the pallet boards (12) are preferably connected to one or more connecting areas (V1) on the upper side of the square timbers and / or on the upper side of the pallet blocks, and / or wherein one or more heating devices (100) for heating an amount of adhesive (K) arranged in the respective connecting area (V1) on the upper side of the square timbers and / or on the upper side of the pallet blocks are arranged in one, several or all of the connecting areas (V1) on the upper side of the square timbers and / or on the upper side of the pallet blocks.

3. Transport pallet (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact thatthe transport pallet (10) comprises one or more connecting boards (16) arranged between the at least one pallet block (14) and / or square timber and the at least one pallet board (12) for connecting the pallet block (14) and / or the square timber and the pallet board (12), wherein the one or more connecting boards (16) preferably each connect one or more pallet boards (12) and / or each connect one or more pallet blocks (14) and / or square timbers to each other via one or more connecting areas (V1) on the top side of the square timber and / or on the top side of the pallet block, and / or comprises one or more skid boards (18) arranged between the base and the at least one pallet block (14) and / or square timber.wherein one or more skid boards (18) are preferably each connected to one or more pallet blocks (14) and / or square timbers via one or more connecting areas (V2) on the underside of the square timber and / or on the underside of the pallet block, wherein in one, several or all of the connecting areas (V1) on the upper side of the square timber and / or on the upper side of the pallet block, in particular between a connecting board (16) and a pallet board (12) and / or a pallet block (14) and / or square timber, and / or in one, several or all of the connecting areas (V1) on the underside of the square timber and / or on the underside of the pallet block, in particular between a skid board (18) and a pallet block (14) and / or square timber, one or more heating devices (100) are provided for heating a [missing information] in the respective [missing information] on the upper side of the square timber and / or on the underside of the square timber and / or on the upper side of the pallet block and / or pallet block underside connection area (V1,V2) arranged amount of adhesive (K) are arranged.

4. Transport pallet (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that which at least one heating device (100), in particular one or more heating devices (100) in one, several or all of the upper connection areas of the square timber and / or pallet block (V1) and / or one or more heating devices (100) in one, several or all of the lower connection areas of the square timber and / or pallet block (V2), is designed as a heating plate.

5. Transport pallet (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe at least one heating device (100), in particular the one or more heating devices (100) in one, several or all connection areas (V1) on the upper side of the square timber and / or on the upper side of the pallet block and / or the one or more heating devices (100) in one, several or all connection areas (V2) on the lower side of the square timber and / or on the lower side of the pallet block, has electrically conductive contact zones (102) for electrically contacting the heating device (100) with a voltage source, wherein the contact zones (102) are preferably formed by sheet metal sections (104) of the heating device (100) designed as a heating sheet and / or are arranged such that the contact zones (102) are freely accessible and can be contacted externally from the pallet.

6. Transport pallet (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe at least one heating device (100), in particular the one or more heating devices (100) in one, several or all of the top-side connection areas (V1) of the timber and / or pallet block and / or the one or more heating devices (100) in one, several or all of the bottom-side connection areas (V2) of the timber and / or pallet block, comprises a heating zone (106), wherein the heating zone (106) is preferably - heatable by applying an electrical voltage across the contact zones (102) to heat an amount of adhesive (K) arranged in the respective top-side and / or bottom-side connection area (V1, V2) of the timber and / or pallet block and / or pallet block, and / or - the amount of adhesive (K) to be heated is at least partially contacted and / or surrounded by the amount of adhesive (K) to be heated.

7. Transport pallet (10) according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the at least one heating device (100) in the heating zone (106) comprises one or more heating conductors (108), wherein the heating conductors (108) preferably extend parallel to each other and / or between the contact zones (102) and / or are arranged next to each other and / or spaced apart from each other by recesses (110) in the heating zone (106) of the heating device (100).

8. Transport pallet (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe at least one heating device (100), in particular the one or more heating devices (100) in one, several or all of the upper connection areas (V1) of the squared timber and / or pallet block and / or the one or more heating devices (100) in one, several or all of the lower connection areas (V2) of the squared timber and / or pallet block, comprising one or more fastening extensions (112) for fastening the heating device (100) in the at least one connection area (V1, V2), wherein the one or more fastening extensions (112) are preferably - arranged in the heating zone (106) of the heating device (100), and / or - each connected to a heating conductor (108) and / or are part of a heating conductor (108), and / or - each formed as a loop in the heating conductors (108), and / or - for positive locking,The heating device (100) can be inserted into one or more recesses (20) of a pallet block (14) and / or square timber and / or a pallet board (12) and / or a skid board (18) and / or a connecting board (16) by means of force-fit and / or material-fit fastening, and / or - the quantity of adhesive (K) arranged in the at least one connection area (V1, V2) at least partially contacts and / or is surrounded by the quantity of adhesive (K).

9. Pallet block (14) for a transport pallet (10), in particular for a transport pallet (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: - at least one connecting surface (22) for connecting the pallet block (14) to at least one pallet board (12) of the transport pallet (10), and - at least one quantity of adhesive (K) arranged on the at least one connecting surface (22) for bonding the pallet block (14) to the at least one pallet board (12) of the transport pallet (10). characterized by at least one heating device (100) which is designed to heat the quantity of adhesive (K) arranged on the joining surface (22).

10. Timber for a transport pallet (10), in particular for a transport pallet (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising - at least one connecting surface for connecting the timber to at least one pallet board (12) of the transport pallet (10), and - at least one quantity of adhesive (K) arranged on the at least one connecting surface for bonding the timber to the at least one pallet board (12) of the transport pallet (10), characterized by at least one heating device (100) which is designed to heat the quantity of adhesive (K) arranged on the bonding surface.

11. Method for assembling a transport pallet (10), in particular a transport pallet (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the steps of: - providing at least one pallet board (12) for receiving items to be stored and / or transported, - providing at least one pallet block and / or timber (14) for spacing the pallet board (12) from a substrate, - applying an amount of adhesive (K) in a connection area (V1) for joining the pallet board (12) and the pallet block and / or timber (14), - joining the pallet board (12) and the pallet block (14) and / or timber in the connection area (V1) by bonding them with the amount of adhesive (K), characterized by the step: - Arranging at least one heating device (100) in the connection area (V1) to heat the quantity of adhesive (K) arranged in the connection area (V1).

12. Method according to claim 11, characterized byone, several or all of the following steps: - Contacting the heating device (100) with an electrical voltage source by means of one or more electrically conductive contact zones (102) of the heating device (100), - Heating a heating zone (106) of the heating device (100) through Applying an electrical voltage to the heating device (100) by means of the voltage source to heat and / or melt the amount of adhesive (K) in the joining area (V1).

13. Method for dismantling a transport pallet (10), in particular a transport pallet (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the steps of: - removing at least one pallet board (12) of the transport pallet (10), - removing at least one pallet block (14) and / or square timber of the transport pallet (10), characterized bythe step: - Heating an amount of adhesive (K) connecting the pallet board (12) and the pallet block (14) and / or the square timber in a connection area (V1) by means of at least one heating device (100) to release an adhesive bond between the pallet board (12) and the pallet block (14) and / or square timber.

14. Method for repairing a defective and / or damaged transport pallet (10), in particular a transport pallet (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by The steps: - Dismantle the transport pallet (10) through Performing one, several or all steps of the method according to claim 13, - Assembling the transport pallet (10) through Performing one, several or all steps of the method according to claim 11 or 12.

15. Device for assembling, disassembling and / or repairing a transport pallet (10), in particular a transport pallet (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the fact thatthe system is configured to carry out the assembly method according to claim 11 or 12 and / or the disassembly method according to claim 13 and / or the repair method according to claim 14.

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