Assembled plastic pallet

Abstract

The present invention discloses an assembled plastic pallet manufactured by assembling plastic extrusion-molded parts and injection-molded parts. The assembled plastic pallet of the present invention is composed of multiple support beams, at least two or more plates, and first and second reinforcing plates. The support beam has an "I"-shaped cross section and includes an upper flange, a lower flange, and a web connecting the upper and lower flanges. A plurality of through holes are formed in the web and are spaced apart from each other along the width direction. Plates are fixed to each of the upper and lower flanges. The first reinforcing plate is disposed on one side of the web, and has a plurality of snap fits formed on a surface opposite the one side of the web so as to pass through some of the through holes, and a plurality of connecting holes formed on a surface opposite the one side of the web so as to align with some of the through holes. The second reinforcing plate is positioned on the other side of the web so as to face the first reinforcing plate, and a plurality of snap fits are formed on the surface facing the other side of the web so as to pass through the remaining through holes and be elastically connected to each of the connecting holes of the first reinforcing plate, and a plurality of connecting holes are formed on the surface facing the other side of the web so as to be elastically connected to each of the snap fits of the first reinforcing plate.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pallet, and more particularly to a prefabricated plastic pallet manufactured by assembling plastic extrusion molded parts and injection molded parts. [Background technology]

[0002] Pallets are used to load, store, and transport cargo in fixed quantities. Pallets are made from a wide variety of materials, including wood, plastic, metal, and paper. Pallets are also standardized to improve logistics efficiency.

[0003] Although wooden pallets can be easily manufactured in a wide variety of sizes, they are easily damaged and easily rot in humid places. In addition, wooden pallets have the disadvantages of destroying the environment when cut down, forcing the implementation of quarantine measures to eliminate pests that live in the wood, and making them difficult to recycle. Metal pallets are often used for loading and unloading heavy objects because of their strength, but they have the problem of being easily corroded by moisture, restricting their use in various environments.

[0004] Plastic pallets are lightweight and do not spoil, so they can last a long time, but they require molds because they are made by plastic injection molding. However, molds for plastic injection molding are expensive, which increases the manufacturing cost of pallets. In addition, it is difficult to make plastic pallets in a wide variety of sizes due to the time and cost required to make the molds.

[0005] The recent diversification of products is remarkable, and the need for plastic pallets other than standardized specifications is constantly increasing. There is also a market demand for plastic pallets that are easy to assemble and disassemble in order to reduce logistics costs.

[0006] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2109526 discloses a prefabricated plastic pallet that is easy to assemble and disassemble. The plastic pallet disclosed in this patent is composed of a plate on which cargo is loaded, a beam frame that supports the loaded cargo, and a connecting member for connecting the plate and the beam frame. It also includes a locking panel for preventing the connected plate and beam frame from being separated, and an unlocking pin for easy disassembly. The beam frame has an "I" shaped cross section, and a number of connecting member fitting holes are formed along the longitudinal direction on the upper and lower surfaces.

[0007] The assembled plastic pallets of the above patent documents have a large number of parts, such as the beam frame, plates, connecting members, locking panels, and unlocking pins, and therefore have a problem of high overall manufacturing costs due to high mold costs. In addition, the connecting members, locking panels, and unlocking pins require a minimum operating length to fasten and unlock the beam frame and plates. Therefore, although standardized products can be produced, there are many restrictions on producing and assembling small or variously sized pallets required in industrial sites.

[0008] In addition, the plates connected to the lower and upper surfaces of the beam frame have exposed ends on both sides, and therefore, when they are subjected to an external impact, the gap between the beam frame and the plates is likely to widen. Furthermore, since the beam frame is thin and long, when the forks of a forklift are inserted into a pallet to transport the pallet, if the forks hit the beam frame and apply an impact, the beam frame or the plates are likely to be damaged. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent No. 2109526 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a new knockdown plastic pallet that can solve the above problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a prefabricated plastic pallet. The prefabricated plastic pallet according to the present invention has an "I"-shaped cross section, and includes an upper flange, a lower flange, and a web connecting the upper flange and the lower flange, and includes a plurality of support beams arranged at intervals along the width direction, with a plurality of through holes formed in the web, at least two or more plates fixed to the upper flange and the lower flange, respectively, and a plurality of snap fits formed on a surface facing the one surface of the web to pass through some of the through holes, and the plurality of through holes are fixed to the support beams. the first reinforcing plate having a surface facing one side of the web where a plurality of connecting holes are formed so as to be aligned with some of the through holes; and a second reinforcing plate arranged on the other side of the web so as to face the first reinforcing plate, having a plurality of snap fits formed on a surface facing the other side of the web so as to pass through remaining through holes of the plurality of through holes and be elastically connected to each of the plurality of connecting holes of the first reinforcing plate, and having a plurality of connecting holes formed on a surface facing the other side of the web so as to be elastically connected to each of the plurality of snap fits of the first reinforcing plate.

[0012] In the knockdown plastic pallet according to the present invention, each of the two support beams arranged on the periphery on both sides of the plurality of support beams further includes an upper cover plate portion and a lower cover plate portion extending from the upper flange and the lower flange, respectively, so as to block the ends on both sides of at least two or more plates. In addition, one of the first and second reinforcing plates further includes a cover plate portion formed on the periphery on one side so as to cover the ends of each of the plurality of support beams. Therefore, the ends of the plates and the ends of the support beams can be prevented from being damaged by impact.

[0013] The first and second reinforcing plates of the prefabricated plastic pallet according to the present invention are fitted between the upper and lower flanges so as to support the lower surface of the upper flange and the upper surface of the lower flange, respectively. Therefore, the rigidity of the support beam is structurally reinforced by the first and second reinforcing plates, and damage to the pallet due to overloading or external impact can be prevented. Effect of the Invention

[0014] The assembled plastic pallet according to the present invention can be manufactured by extrusion molding each of the support beam and the plate using one or two dies. Therefore, since a minimum number of dies can be used compared to the number of parts, it is possible to reduce the cost of the dies and the production cost, thereby improving productivity. In addition, each of the support beam and the plate can be cut to a unit length after extrusion molding to easily manufacture pallets of various specifications. Therefore, it is possible to produce a wide variety of pallets of various specifications required in industrial sites at low cost in small quantities. Furthermore, since the rigidity of the support beam is structurally reinforced by the first and second reinforcing plates, it is possible to prevent the pallet from being damaged by overloading or external impact, and it is possible to improve the durability and reliability of the pallet. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a knockdown plastic pallet according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the state in which the plastic pallet according to the present invention has been removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a support beam disposed on the periphery of one side of a plastic pallet according to the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a support beam disposed on the periphery of the other side of the plastic pallet according to the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a support beam placed in the middle of the plastic pallet according to the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a plate of the plastic pallet according to the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing first and second reinforcing plates of the plastic pallet according to the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the knockdown plastic pallet according to the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the first and second reinforcing plates of a plastic pallet according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Other objects, particular advantages and novel features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The size and shape of components shown in the drawings referred to in describing the present invention may be somewhat exaggerated or simplified for clarity and ease of description. In addition, terms specifically defined in consideration of the configuration and operation of the present invention may vary depending on the intention or practice of the user or operator of the present invention. Such terms should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that correspond to the technical ideas of the present invention in light of the overall content of this specification.

[0017] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the knockdown plastic pallet according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] First, referring to Figs. 1 to 3, a knockdown plastic pallet 10 according to the present invention includes a plurality of support beams 20: 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3 arranged along the width direction. The support beams 20 are made of a required long member manufactured by extrusion molding using a plastic material, such as polypropylene (PP), and cut into unit lengths. At least three support beams 20 are arranged at intervals from each other. The interval between the support beams 20 is maintained so as to form fork holes into which the forks of a forklift can be sufficiently inserted. The support beams 20-1 and 20-2 are a pair of side support beams arranged on both peripheries in the width direction. The support beam 20-3 is a center support beam arranged in the middle between the side support beams.

[0019] 4 to 6, each of the support beams 20: 20-1, 20-2, 20-3 has an "I"-shaped cross section and includes an upper flange 22, a lower flange 24, and a web 26 that vertically connects the upper flange 22 and the lower flange 24. A plurality of through holes 28 are formed in the web 26. A plurality of fixing holes 30 are formed in each of the upper flange 22 and the lower flange 24. A pair of fork holes 32 into which the forks of a forklift can be inserted are formed in the web 26 at a distance from each other. In some embodiments, the fork holes 32 may be eliminated.

[0020] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, each of the two support beams 20-1, 20-2 arranged on both sides of the peripheral edge of the support beam 20 further includes an upper cover body plate portion 34 extending upward from the outer end of the upper flange 22 and a lower cover body plate portion 36 extending downward from the outer end of the lower flange 24.

[0021] 1 to 3 and 7, the knockdown plastic pallet 10 according to the present invention comprises at least two plates 40: 40-1, 40-2, which are respectively connected to the upper flange 22 and the lower flange 24. The plates 40 are made of long members manufactured by extrusion molding using a plastic material, such as polypropylene, and cut to a required unit length. The plates 40, which are long members, are arranged on each of the upper flange 22 and the lower flange 24 at intervals from each other along the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the width direction.

[0022] Each of the plates 40 has a first end 42, a second end 44, an upper surface 46, and a lower surface 48. Each of the plates 40 is composed of a plurality of square pipe portions 50: 50a, 50b, 50c having a hollow space formed therein, and connecting plate portions 52: 52a, 52b connecting two adjacent ones of the square pipe portions 50. A plurality of fixing holes 54 are formed in the square pipe portions 50 so as to be aligned with the fixing holes 30 of the support beam 20.

[0023] Among the plates 40, a plurality of plates 40-1 arranged on the upper flange 22 constitute a top deck 60 or an upper plate. A plurality of plates 40-2 arranged on the lower flange 24 constitute a bottom deck 62 or a lower plate. Although FIG. 1 shows that each of the top and lower decks 60, 62 is composed of five plates 40, this is merely an example, and the number of plates 40 can be increased or decreased as necessary. In some embodiments, each of the top and lower decks 60, 62 may be composed of a plastic panel or a plastic board instead of the plates 40.

[0024] Returning to Figs. 1 to 3, the knockdown plastic pallet 10 according to the present invention includes a plurality of fastening members 70 for connecting the plate 40 to each of the upper flange 22 and the lower flange 24. Each of the fastening members 70 may be variously configured, such as a screw 72, a nail, a staple, or a bolt, which is connected to each of the fixing holes 30 of the upper flange 22 and the lower flange 24 via the fixing hole 54 of the plate 40. The fastening members 70 may also be configured as fasteners such as a snap fit or a clip. The snap fit may be formed integrally with the plate 40.

[0025] 1 to 3 and 8, the knockdown plastic pallet 10 according to the present invention includes a first reinforcing plate 80 and a second reinforcing plate 90 for reinforcing each web 26 of the support beam 20. Each of the first and second reinforcing plates 80, 90 is a rectangular plate material manufactured by injection molding using a plastic material such as polypropylene, and is composed of substantially the same parts and is disposed on both side surfaces of the web 26 so as to correspond to each other.

[0026] The first reinforcing plate 80 is disposed on one surface of the web 26. A plurality of snap fits 82 are formed on the surface of the web 26 facing the one surface so as to pass through some of the through holes 28. A plurality of coupling holes 84 are formed on the surface of the web 26 facing the one surface so as to be aligned with some of the through holes 28. The snap fits 82 and the coupling holes 84 are each formed along a diagonal direction of the first reinforcing plate 80.

[0027] The second reinforcing plate 90 is disposed on the other surface of the web 26 so as to face the first reinforcing plate 80. A plurality of snap fits 92 are formed on the surface of the web 26 facing the other surface so as to pass through the remaining through holes of the through holes 28 and be elastically coupled to each of the coupling holes 84 of the first reinforcing plate 80. A plurality of coupling holes 94 are formed on the surface of the web 26 facing the other surface so as to be elastically coupled to each of the snap fits 82 of the first reinforcing plate 80.

[0028] The first and second reinforcing plates 80, 90 are fitted between the upper flange 22 and the lower flange 24 so as to support the lower surface of the upper flange 22 and the upper surface of the lower flange 24, respectively. In this manner, the upper flange 22 and the lower flange 24 are supported by the upper and lower surfaces of the first and second reinforcing plates 80, 90, respectively, thereby reinforcing the rigidity of the support beam 20 and preventing distortion of the upper flange 22 and the lower flange 24.

[0029] The assembly process of the knockdown plastic pallet according to the present invention having the above-mentioned configuration will be described below.

[0030] 1 to 3, the snap fits 82 of the first reinforcing plate 80 are fitted into some of the through holes 28, and the first reinforcing plate 80 is disposed on one surface of the web 26. On the other surface of the web 26, the snap fits 92 of the second reinforcing plate 90 are joined to the joining holes 84 of the first reinforcing plate 80 via the remaining through holes of the through holes 28, and the snap fits 82 of the first reinforcing plate 80 are joined to the joining holes 94 of the second reinforcing plate 90.

[0031] In this way, the first and second reinforcing plates 80, 90 attached to both sides of the web 26 structurally reinforce the rigidity of the support beam 20, improving the reliability of the pallet 10. Also, the first and second reinforcing plates 80, 90 of the same configuration can be easily assembled by engaging the snap fits 82, 92, improving productivity. The first and second reinforcing plates 80, 90 can be easily removed by pulling out the snap fits 82, 92 from the connecting holes 84, 94, respectively.

[0032] 1 to 3 and 8, when the assembly of the support beam 20 and the first and second reinforcing plates 80, 90 is completed, the support beam 20 is arranged at equal intervals along the width direction, and then the plate 40 is arranged at equal intervals along the length direction on the upper flange 22. At this time, the upper cover plate portion 34 of the support beam 20 arranged on the peripheral portions on both sides is arranged so as to cover the first and second ends 42, 44 of the plate 40. The screw 72 is fixed to the fixing hole 30 of the upper flange 22 through the fixing hole 54 of the square tube portion 50. When the screw 72 is composed of a self-tapping screw or a self-drilling screw, even if the fixing holes 30, 54 are not formed in advance in the upper flange 22 and the square tube portion 50, the support beam 20 and the plate 40 can be easily connected by fastening the self-tapping screws to each other. Even when the plate 40 is joined to the upper flange 22 by a stapler, such as nails or staples, there is no need to preliminarily form the fixing holes 30, 54. Therefore, the support beam 20 and the plate 40 can be easily assembled.

[0033] Continuing, after joining the plates 40 to the upper flange 22, the support beam 20 is turned upside down so that the lower flange 24 faces upward. The plates 40 are arranged on the lower flange 24 at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction. At this time, the lower cover plate portions 36 of the support beam 20 arranged on the peripheral portions on both sides are arranged so as to cover the first and second ends 42, 44 of the plates 40. Once the screws 72 are fixed into the fixing holes 30 of the lower flange 24 via the fixing holes 54 of the square tube portions 50, the assembly of the pallet 10 is completed.

[0034] In this way, the prefabricated plastic pallet 10 of the present invention can improve productivity through the simple process of assembling the support beam 20 and the first and second reinforcing plates 80, 90, and assembling the plates 40 to the upper flange 22 and lower flange 24 of the support beam 20. In addition, since the support beam 20 and the plates 40 can be manufactured by extrusion molding and then cut to the required unit length for use, the specifications of the pallet 10 can be diversified and easily manufactured.

[0035] Another embodiment of the prefabricated plastic pallet according to the present invention is shown in Figures 9 and 10. With reference to Figures 9 and 10, the same components as those of the prefabricated plastic pallet 10A of the other embodiment and the prefabricated plastic pallet 10 described above are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The difference between the prefabricated plastic pallet 10A of the other embodiment and the prefabricated plastic pallet 10 described above is in the first reinforcing plate 80A for reinforcing the rigidity of the support beam 20.

[0036] The first reinforcing plate 80A of the prefabricated plastic pallet 10A of another embodiment includes a cover plate portion 86 extending from the peripheral edge portion on one side so as to cover each end of the support beam 20. The cover plate portion 86 is formed on the peripheral edge portion on one side of the first reinforcing plate 80A so as to be perpendicular to the first reinforcing plate 80A. In some embodiments, the cover plate portion 86 may be formed on the peripheral edge portion on one side of the second reinforcing plate 90.

[0037] In the knockdown plastic pallet 10A of another embodiment, the cover plate 86 blocks and protects each end of the support beams 20 from exposure to the outside. Therefore, the ends of the support beams 20 are prevented from being damaged by external impact. In addition, the cover plate 86 prevents the gap between the support beams 20 and the plate 40 from widening, thereby maintaining the appearance of the pallet 10A and improving reliability.

[0038] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments. Various modifications, variations, or substitutions may be made by those skilled in the art within the technical spirit and scope of the claims of the present invention, and such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. It has an "I"-shaped cross-section and includes an upper flange, a lower flange, and a web connecting the upper flange and the lower flange. A plurality of through-holes are formed in the web, and a plurality of support beams are arranged at intervals along the width direction. At least two or more plates fixed to each of the upper flange and the lower flange. A first reinforcing plate is disposed on one surface of the web for reinforcing the web. A plurality of snap fits are formed on the surface facing the one surface of the web so as to pass through some of the plurality of through-holes, and a plurality of coupling holes are formed on the surface facing the one surface of the web so as to be aligned with some of the plurality of through-holes. A second reinforcing plate is disposed on the other surface of the web facing the first reinforcing plate. A plurality of snap fits are formed on the surface facing the other surface of the web so as to pass through the remaining through-holes of the plurality of through-holes and be elastically coupled to each of the plurality of coupling holes of the first reinforcing plate. A plurality of coupling holes are formed on the surface facing the other surface of the web so that each of the plurality of snap fits of the first reinforcing plate is elastically coupled. Including Each of the plurality of support beams is made of a plastic material and is a long member manufactured by extrusion molding and cut into unit lengths, and is an assembled plastic pallet.

2. Each of the two support beams disposed at the peripheral edges on both sides of the plurality of support beams further includes an upper cover plate portion and a lower cover plate portion extending from each of the upper flange and the lower flange so as to be able to block the ends on both sides of the at least two or more plates. The assembled plastic pallet according to claim 1.

3. Either one of the first and second reinforcing plates further includes a cover plate portion formed at the peripheral edge on one side so as to cover the ends of each of the plurality of support beams. The assembled plastic pallet according to claim 1.

4. Each of the first and second reinforcing plates is fitted between the upper flange and the lower flange so as to support the lower surface of the upper flange and the upper surface of the lower flange. The assembled plastic pallet according to claim 1.

5. The prefabricated plastic pallet according to claim 1, comprising a fastening member that penetrates the at least two or more plates and couples the at least two or more plates to the upper flange and the lower flange respectively.

6. The at least two or more plates are arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction orthogonal to the width direction on the upper flange and the lower flange respectively, and are made of long members manufactured by extrusion molding using plastic as a material and cut into unit lengths. The prefabricated plastic pallet according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The at least two or more plates are composed of a plurality of square tube portions with hollow portions formed therein and a plurality of connecting plate portions that connect two adjacent square tube portions among the plurality of square tube portions. Each of the plurality of square tube portions is coupled to the upper flange and the lower flange respectively by fastening a plurality of screws. The prefabricated plastic pallet according to claim 6.

8. Each of the first and second reinforcing plates is made of a square plate material manufactured by injection molding using plastic as a material. The prefabricated plastic pallet according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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