Support pallet for storing and transporting workpieces

Abstract

The invention relates to a support pallet (1) for storing and transporting workpieces, comprising a rectangular support plate (3) which has a raised edge (2), wherein corner pins (7) are located at the corners (6) of the support plate (3), the edge (2) of the support plate (3) is form-fittingly supported against the corner pins (7), and the corner pins (7) are fixedly connected to the edge (2) via a join (76).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Carrier pallet for storage and transport of workpieces

[0003] The invention relates to a carrier pallet for storing and transporting workpieces according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] Standardized pallets, also called workpiece carriers or carrier pallets, are used to transport and provide workpieces on production lines. In these pallets, workpieces are brought into a defined position by so-called position fixing elements.

[0005] In automated production, the workpieces must be removed from a carrier pallet and fed to the processing machine with the help of transport systems. To make this process efficient, stackable pallets are proposed, for example, in which intermediate layers or bases with position-fixing elements are arranged one above the other, making the workpieces accessible in the individual layers. The pallets can be separated and / or stacked manually or automatically. For production systems with automated workpiece feeding, the highest possible space utilization and low costs for the equipment for workpiece provision are desirable. The publication DD 2 25653 A1 describes a pallet for the position-fixed transport and provision of workpieces, which efficiently utilizes the provision space for the workpieces with a large workpiece supply.For this purpose, several stackable pallets are proposed, with the stored workpieces virtually filling the entire height of the storage area. Positioning elements are provided for the workpieces. Their arrangement can be changed and they are arranged in such a way that they do not impede the movement of the handling device during workpiece removal.

[0006] The stackable pallets consist of a base frame equipped with feet and flat edging strips. The position fixing elements are attached to the feet below the base frame. The position fixing elements, which run transversely and longitudinally across the entire pallet and are designed, for example, as profile strips or tubes, are attached to the feet of the base frame with clamps and are also connected to each other at their intersection points with quick-release fasteners. The position fixing elements form a cross-shaped grid that can be adjusted to the external dimensions of the workpieces. Their function is to fix the workpieces placed on the base frame of a pallet stack and also to make them accessible to a transport system.

[0007] Furthermore, a carrier plate for workpieces, workpiece carriers or holders with devices for positioning them is known from the document DE 36 30 061 A1. The carrier plate is designed as a perforated plate with a plurality of positioning holes in which releasably insertable holding devices can be variably fixed. To achieve exact positioning, the perforated plate itself must be precisely positioned. For this purpose, positioning elements are provided on at least two corners of the perforated plate, which are expediently designed as positioning recesses and / or projections. For precise stacking, the positioning elements have recesses in the vertical direction, for example downwards, and correspondingly shaped projections in the other vertical direction, i.e. upwards. During stacking, for example, the upwardly directed projections engage in the recesses of the positioning elements of the upper perforated plate.To facilitate stacking, the peg-shaped projections engage with conically widened recesses in the next plate. This facilitates insertion, especially when a carrier plate is not positioned precisely. The projections are designed as cylindrical hollow pegs.

[0008] EP 0 267 533 B1 discloses a carrier pallet with a rectangular frame, inside which support elements for workpieces can be positioned. To hold the support elements, the frame has two parallel, longitudinally aligned frame sections, each with a support surface. The support elements can be positioned and clamped onto the support surfaces in such a way that the interior of the frame is bridged, allowing the workpieces to be inserted between them. Each frame has recesses at its four corners, by means of which a frame can be attached to pins of a protective grid arranged underneath.

[0009] The invention is based on the object of further developing a carrier pallet with regard to its stability.

[0010] The invention is defined by the features of claim 1. The further dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention.

[0011] The invention includes a carrier pallet for storing and transporting workpieces with a rectangular carrier plate which has a raised border, wherein corner bolts are arranged at the corners of the carrier plate, the border of the carrier plate is supported on the corner bolts by form-fitting, and the corner bolts are firmly connected to the border by a joining connection.

[0012] The invention is based on the idea that the edge of the support plate can be supported on suitable recesses and support surfaces on the corner bolts. The corner bolts absorb the entire load of the workpieces arranged on a rectangular support plate via the supporting edge of a support pallet, and lateral forces in various directions are safely absorbed. A trough shape requires a correspondingly high level of rigidity through the vertical walls of the edge with minimal wall thicknesses. This, in particular, gives the support pallet greater stability while simultaneously maintaining a small construction volume and material usage, as well as low manufacturing costs.

[0013] A key advantage is that the carrier pallets are constructed from a small number of individual parts and are stackable. The carrier pallets can be designed as liquid-tight trays or, alternatively, as support devices for workpieces, which can have drainage openings for cleaning fluids.

[0014] The carrier pallets with drain openings are particularly suitable for the automated washing of workpieces. The washing medium can drain downwards via slots and holes in the frame and the carrier plate. Plastic clips are preferably used to hold the workpieces, which only touch the workpieces with a small area or essentially only at specific points, resulting in good washing results on all sides. Suitable and preferred for automation are conical contours, such as conical holes in the corner bolts, and chamfers together with trapezoidal sheet metal recesses in the frame or the carrier plate for grippers to engage during transport. The resulting precise positioning guarantees process-reliable stacking and tolerance-accurate positioning, while simultaneously protecting against damage during the logistics process or when washing complex components.

[0015] For process reliability and traceability of faults, a unique load carrier type designation and load carrier numbering can be arranged on the carrier pallet using inexpensive standard parts, such as washers or head sleeves or bird rings, which are threaded onto the corner bolts at the corners of a carrier pallet, for example.

[0016] For the automatic identification and localization of carrier pallets, standardized RFID chips with a ring-shaped contour are also suitable for the bolt pins of the corner bolts. This is useful, for example, in automated intralogistics via driverless transport systems.

[0017] RFID chips enable contactless scanning of the carrier pallet, thus providing a clear control-technical identification of the pallet and its contents. Alternatives include colored rings on pallets combined with color scanners at the scanning location or a code on the pallet.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rectangular support plate and the raised border can be constructed as a single piece. This allows for the automated pre-production of support pallets by first creating required recesses, holes, or other cutouts in flat bent sheet metal parts, thus preparing the flat basic shape. By subsequent bending, the border can be bent upwards to form the final three-dimensional tub shape. This allows for largely automated production, for example, through laser processing or CNC-controlled punching and bending robots. Such support plates are highly variable in their design and particularly stable.

[0019] Advantageously, the corner bolts can be arranged inside the frame. This surrounds the corner bolts. The frame then rests on a recess incorporated into each corner bolt, forming a positive fit that supports the rectangular support plate and the workpieces contained therein via the frame. In other words, during use, the lower edge of the frame rests on a recess incorporated into each corner bolt, counteracting the effect of gravity.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the corner bolts can penetrate through a recess in the carrier plate or penetrate the carrier plate. Preferably, the corner bolts penetrate the carrier plate in such a way that the lower end surface of a corner bolt is flush with the underside of the carrier plate. The corner bolt then penetrates the carrier plate to such an extent that the carrier pallet with the corner bolts has a flat underside without protrusions. A flat bottom surface without protrusions also enables transport on a roller conveyor.

[0021] Advantageously, the corner bolts can be designed to project beyond the upper edge of the frame. In stackable support pallets, the clear width for storing workpieces is determined by the length of a corner bolt. This creates a certain open field of vision and access, for example, for inspecting the stored workpieces, between the frame of a support pallet and the support pallet arranged above it. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the corner bolts can be designed so that the support pallet is suitable for forming a pallet stack comprising several support pallets arranged one above the other. A high packing density is essential for a production line, particularly in complex logistics systems.

[0022] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the corner pins can be cylindrical or polygonal. To avoid errors when stacking pallets, a corner pin can be mounted on one corner of a support plate. Compared to the other three corner pins, this corner pin has a deeper hole on one side and a hole that is shallower by this amount on the opposite side, so that the mounted pin pin is at a different height in one corner of the pallet. When stacked, the total height is then identical for pallets that are aligned in the same way. If pallets are aligned differently, an error would be immediately apparent due to a resulting difference in height and the associated tilting. This principle, also known as Poka Yoke in the technical world, guarantees a clear position of the support pallets and is particularly advantageous for automated component handling.

[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the corner bolts can consist of a base bolt and a bolt pin, whereby the bolt pin protrudes beyond the upper end face of the base bolt and has a smaller diameter than the base bolt. Prefabricated and cost-effective standard parts are preferably suitable as base bolts and bolt pins. For example, the bolt pins are variable in length and can be plugged into the base bolt and replaced. By using different lengths, the distances between stacked support pallets can be varied and adapted to the dimensions and type of workpieces. Advantageously, the base bolt can have an upper blind bore into which the bolt pin can be inserted, and a lower blind bore suitable for receiving a bolt pin of a corner bolt of another support pallet or of a transport system or logistics system.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the upper blind bore and the lower blind bore can be connected by a through bore.

[0025] This allows the bolt pin to be pushed or knocked out through the through hole on the underside of the carrier pallet using a suitable tool.

[0026] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the corner bolts can be at least partially enclosed by the border, and the border can be pressed against the contour of the corner bolts. This increases torsional rigidity and achieves a stable construction by ensuring that the corner bolts lie flat against the border. A corner bolt is thus supported in several directions against tipping, and the connection of the border's sheet metal tabs creates a closed and thus stable and rigid outer contour.

[0027] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the joint between a corner bolt and the border can be a weld seam or a weld point. This joint fixes and secures a corner bolt against falling out or tipping. Preferably, the joint is a simple weld point, by means of which a material bond is created between the bolt and the border. The weld seam or weld point also connects, for example, the respective sheet metal tabs of the border, which are formed butt-jointed around the corner bolt. This has the advantage of low assembly effort and minimal thermal distortion during the welding process. Alternatively, weld seams can also connect the corner bolts to the border and carrier plate to form a liquid-tight tray.

[0028] Advantageously, the support plate can have position-fixing devices in the transverse and longitudinal directions, via which holding devices for workpieces can be arranged on the support plate. The position-fixing devices preferably extend over the entire surface of the support plate.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the position-fixing devices can be recesses introduced into the carrier plate. The recesses are preferably hole arrangements consisting of positioning openings or holes that are round, cross-shaped, slot-shaped, or elongated at their edges. The recesses are arranged, for example, in a staggered, offset manner in the tightest possible grid to achieve a high packing density for the components. In addition to their fixing functions, the recesses can also be slots or drainage holes for liquids. Thus, the position-fixing devices can also be used multiple times and serve either for the installation of holding devices or as a water drain, eliminating the need for additional recesses for water drainage. This saves sheet metal processing costs, stabilizes the sheet metal, and enables high flexibility of use.

[0030] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the holding devices for workpieces can be arranged on the carrier plate in a fixable and detachable manner. These are preferably holding devices that are self-locking by a plug-in process and can be released again by unlocking. Alternatively, or in combination, screw connections or bayonet locks can also ensure play-free fixing of the holding devices. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the holding devices can be made of plastic. This allows component-specific workpieces to be stored as raw and finished parts on the same carrier pallet using appropriately designed plastic clips. Carrier pallets designed in this way can be used for multiple process steps, including geometry-changing manufacturing processes.Plastic injection-molded parts as holding devices can be provided with complex geometries in high quantities at a reasonable price.

[0031] Another joining method for plastic clips used to secure workpieces to the carrier plate is thermal direct joining on a carrier plate, for example, for all types of clip designs and positions. Thermal joining enables point-like, linear, and surface-like, liquid-tight connections.

[0032] Advantageously, the workpiece holding devices can be interconnected. Additional pluggable connections between the plastic clips for holding the workpieces, such as rib-like structures, arranged in a line or grid pattern across the usable area of ​​a support pallet, allow for stiffening of the support plate. This allows even a thin sheet of a support plate to support high payloads and, by minimizing the sagging of the support plate, guarantee high positioning accuracy of the components. A plug-in connection between the plastic holding clips significantly reduces the number of screw or assembly connections on the plastic clips.

[0033] In a particularly preferred embodiment, recesses can be incorporated into the carrier plate and / or the frame for receiving, transporting, and positioning the carrier pallet by transport or logistics systems. The recesses can be trapezoidal in shape, tapering upwards. This allows the carrier pallet to be grasped by a transport or logistics system and precisely repositioned, transported, or otherwise moved. These recesses can be produced by milling, punching, sawing, or the like.

[0034] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the schematic drawings.

[0035] Showing:

[0036] Fig. 1 is an oblique view of a carrier pallet,

[0037] Fig. 2 is an oblique view of a corner bolt of a support pallet, Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of a corner bolt, and Fig. 4 is an oblique view of a support pallet with holding devices for workpieces.

[0038] Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0039] Fig. 1 shows an oblique view of a carrier pallet 1 for storing and transporting workpieces with a rectangular carrier plate 3. The carrier plate 3 merges into a raised border 2 which forms a type of trough. At the corners 6 of the carrier plate 3, a total of four corner bolts 7 are arranged, which are designed such that the border 2 of the carrier plate 3 is supported by a positive fit on the corner bolts 7 against the effect of gravity. To fix the corner bolts 7 to the border 2, the latter are connected to one another by a spot weld as a joint 76. The corner bolts 7 are designed to project beyond the upper edge 21 of the border 2. In other words: each of the four corner bolts 7 has a certain projection above the upper edge 21 of the border 2.

[0040] The support plate 3 has position-fixing devices 4 in the transverse and longitudinal directions, via which holding devices for workpieces can be arranged on the support plate 3. The position-fixing devices 4 are round holes formed in the support plate 3, which are arranged as a hole pattern partly parallel, perpendicular, or at a certain angle relative to the edge in a predetermined grid dimension.

[0041] Fig. 2 shows an oblique view of a corner bolt 7 of a carrier pallet.

[0042] The corner bolt 7 consists of a base bolt 71 and a bolt pin 72, wherein the bolt pin 72 protrudes beyond the upper end face of the base bolt 71 and has a smaller diameter than the base bolt 71.

[0043] The contact surface 73, which is in flat contact with the border in the installed state, is created by a recess on the base bolt 71. This recess does not extend completely to the bottom surface 74 and thus forms a step 75 on the base bolt 71. At the contact surface 73, at which the base bolt 71 comes into contact with the border, the lower edge of the border of the carrier pallet rests positively on the step 75.

[0044] Fig. 3 shows a schematic side view of a corner bolt 7. The corner bolt 7 consists of a base bolt 71 and a bolt pin 72. The base bolt 71 has an upper blind bore 711 into which the bolt pin 72 is inserted. In addition, the base bolt 71 has a lower blind bore 712, which is suitable for receiving a bolt pin 72 of a corner bolt of another carrier pallet.

[0045] The upper blind hole 711 and the lower blind hole 712 are connected by a through hole 713. Using a suitable tool, the pin 72 located in the upper blind hole 711 can be pushed or knocked out from the underside through this through hole 713 via the lower blind hole 712. Fig. 4 shows an oblique view of a carrier pallet 1 with holding devices 5 for workpieces within the border 2 and four corner bolts 7. The holding devices 5 for workpieces consist of plastic parts that are distributed over the entire carrier plate 3 and are firmly connected to it and to one another.

[0046] List of reference symbols

[0047] 1 carrier pallet

[0048] 2 border

[0049] 21 Top edge of the border

[0050] 3 Carrier plate

[0051] 4 Position fixing device

[0052] 5 Holding device

[0053] 6 Corner of the support plate

[0054] 7 corner bolts

[0055] 71 base bolts

[0056] 711 upper blind hole

[0057] 712 lower blind hole

[0058] 713 Through hole

[0059] 72 bolt pin

[0060] 73 contact surface

[0061] 74 floor area

[0062] 75 level

[0063] 76 Joint connection

Claims

Patent claims 1 . Carrier pallet (1) for storing and transporting workpieces with a rectangular carrier plate (3) which has a raised border (2), characterized in that - that corner bolts (7) are arranged at the corners (6) of the support plate (3), - that the border (2) of the support plate (3) is supported by form-fitting on the corner bolts (7) and, - that the corner bolts (7) are firmly connected to the border (2) by a joint (76).

2. Carrier pallet (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the rectangular carrier plate (3) and the raised border (2) are made in one piece.

3. Carrier pallet (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the corner bolts (7) are arranged inside the border (2).

4. Carrier pallet (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the corner bolts (7) penetrate into the carrier plate (3) by means of a recess or penetrate the carrier plate (3).

5. Carrier pallet (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the corner bolts (7) are designed to project over the upper edge (21) of the border (2).

6. Carrier pallet (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the corner bolts (7) are designed so that the carrier pallet (1) is suitable for a pallet stack of several carrier pallets (1) arranged one above the other.

7. Carrier pallet (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the corner bolts (7) are cylindrical or polygonal.

8. Carrier pallet (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the corner bolts (7) consist of a base bolt (71) and a bolt pin (72), wherein the bolt pin (72) projects beyond the upper end face of the base bolt (71) and has a smaller diameter than the base bolt (71).

9. Carrier pallet (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the base bolt (71) has an upper blind bore (711) into which the bolt pin (72) can be inserted, and a lower blind bore (712) which is suitable for receiving a bolt pin (72) of a corner bolt (7) of a further carrier pallet (1) or of a transport system or logistics system.

10. Carrier pallet (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the upper blind bore (711) and the lower blind bore (712) are connected by a through bore (713).

11. Carrier pallet (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the corner bolts (7) are at least partially enclosed by the border (2) and the border (2) lies along the contour of the corner bolts (7).

12. Carrier pallet (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the joining connection (76) of a corner bolt (7) with the border (2) is a weld seam or a weld point.

13. Carrier pallet (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the carrier plate (3) has position fixing devices (4) in the transverse and longitudinal directions, via which holding devices (5) for workpieces can be arranged on the carrier plate (3).

14. Carrier pallet (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the position fixing devices (4) are recesses made in the carrier plate (3).

15. Carrier pallet (1) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the holding devices (5) for workpieces can be arranged fixably and detachably on the carrier plate (3).

16. Carrier pallet (1) according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the holding devices (5) for workpieces are made of plastic.

17. Carrier pallet (1) according to one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the holding devices (5) for workpieces are interconnected.

18. Carrier pallet (1) according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that recesses for receiving, transporting and positioning the carrier pallet (1) by transport or logistics systems are provided in the carrier plate (3) and / or the border (2).

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