DE102004050126A1 - Pallet for transporting goods - Google Patents

Abstract

A flat, rectangular pallet (1) has fork inlets (2, 2) for engaging two forks of a forklift on two of its sides (1, 1b) (or on four sides), and a through hole (3) for supporting the sides penetrates the fork inlets. The through hole is located between the fork inlets. Inside the through-hole, a non-contact IC tag (RFID tag 4) is provided in the vicinity of the middle part in the longitudinal direction thereof.

Description

The The invention relates to a pallet for transporting goods and a pallet management system for managing pallets.

pallets, as used for transporting goods and the like, feature generally over Rectangular shape (flat rectangle), and they are on their sides with cable inlets provided in the fork of a forklift for transport purposes introduced becomes.

To Examples of the above-described rectangular pallets include e.g. B. Double inlet pallets with two fork inlets, in the two forks one Forklift introduced can be on two sides (two opposite sides of a rectangle) the Pages (four sides) of the pallet, with the forks from two directions introduced into the pallet can be; as well as pallets with four inlets with fork inlets on all sides (four sides) of the pallet, with the forks out four directions can be introduced into the range.

pallets, which are used for the transport of goods and the like, can be shared with in or out of the goods or products to be distributed to facilitate transport by a forklift. In this case, it is necessary to manage pallets that are in one Bear in and out of it.

traditionally, Pallets are transported to and from a warehouse are managed using slips. However, there is the Likelihood that slip during transport complicated Distribution routes are lost, and it is difficult to get an unauthorized Recognize the use of pallets.

Around To avoid this, z. In JP-A-2003-11973A (hereinafter as a patent publication 1) proposed a management system. In this management system will be sending / receiving in PHS terminal or position information Terminal mounted on a pallet for transporting goods. By detecting a base station from the PHS terminal or from position information transmitting / receiving terminal receives an electric wave, and By calculating the distance from the base station, the current Location of the pallet clarified become.

One another system is disclosed, for example, in JP-A-2003-36405A (hereinafter as a patent publication 2 designates) proposed. In this system information, like the date 'and the hour of collecting pallets (rental pallets), the number collected pallets and the like via a network such as the Internet, bidirectional TV communication or the like to a manager terminal and in a steward server a database of palette information is set up.

however That is in Patent Publication 1 described problematic in that it is difficult is for a voltage source for the PHS terminal or position information sending / receiving Terminal to be mounted on a pallet. If z. B. the voltage at the terminal has the value 0, no communication accomplished become. Furthermore, time and effort are required to load the terminal. Furthermore, even if the place If a pallet is identified, it can not be clarified whether the pallet is effective is in use or is missing. That in the patent publication 2 is also problematic in that that the requirement of entering information, such as the date and the hour of collection of pallets, the number of collected Pallets or the like, with a probability to one Situation leads, where the number of recorded palettes does not match the number the pallets match, actually into or out of a warehouse.

It There is another management system where a palette exists an ID label is pinned and written on this information or read by him.

however have to the antenna of an interrogator and the ID tag (transponder) face each other for information on the attached to the pallet To describe or read ID labels. If several ID tags can be attached to a pallet, can be information be read by one of them. However, information in the Need to write ID labels these are synchronized with each other (the ID labels must be the same Carry information). It is very difficult to realize this.

If only an ID tag is attached to one side of a pallet, it is no longer necessary to synchronize with other ID labels. In this case, however, if tried, forms the palette read attached ID label from one side of the palette, which is remote from the side to which it is attached the pallet itself is an obstacle, so information is not of the ID label can be read or written to this.

A technique for solving the above be written problem is z. In JP-A-2002-240955A (hereinafter referred to as Patent Publication 3). In this technique, an ID label (RF tag) may be releasably attached to a pallet side and may be selectively present on either side of the pallet. Another technique is z. In JP-A-H10-250730 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Publication 4). In this technique, an ID tag with an antenna is placed along a diagonal line of a planar rectangular pallet, with the antenna being erected. However, in the above-described technique according to Patent Publication 3, the ID tags must be attached to the pallet side facing the antenna of an interrogator provided on a forklift after the location of the antenna has been clarified. Therefore, clarifying the location of an antenna and attaching an ID tag are also required. In the technique according to Patent Publication 4, the gain of the directional characteristics of the antenna is reduced, so that information can not be correctly read / rewritten.

Of the Invention is based on the object, a pallet for transporting to create goods that over A contactless ID tag features the direct path of movement or the like of a pallet and into the information easy and reliable can be enrolled or read from him that one Access from one of the pallet pages (two pages with double inlet type; and four sides in the four-inlet type), namely the one at the fork inlets available.

These The object is achieved by the pallet according to the appended claim 1 solved. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of dependent claims.

It it should be noted that the through hole that the pallet penetrates from one to the other of the two sides, over the Gabeleinlässe feature, hereafter also simply as the two-sided penetrating through-hole referred to as.

As it is stated in claim 1, the pallet with a through hole inside of which a non-contact IC tag is placed is. Therefore, the through hole is a kind of transmission path to non-contact IC tag. A read or a rewrite signal, the the antenna on an interrogator mounted in the forklift is sent, spreads through the inside of the through hole to the non-contact IC tag. This makes it possible to get information from one of the two sides (or four sides) of a flat rectangle palette to read or rewrite information.

In addition, can a non-contact IC tag near the middle part in the Longitudinal direction of the Through hole exist. In this case, information, as stored in the non-contact IC tag inside the through hole is fixed, without specification and reliable from read one of the two pages (or four pages) of the palette. Also, information can be reliable be rewritten.

If the through hole over a rib-shaped Cross-section has, can the length a side or the radius of it may be smaller than when it has a rectangular or circular cross-section, the comparison for the same frequency is used.

One Example of a non-contact IC tag attached to a pallet according to the invention is an RFID tag, as it is in an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification = high frequency detection) system is used. The Non-contact IC tag (hereinafter referred to as RFID tag) can Information on transported products / goods, information on one Cargo vehicle carrying products / goods, identification information to a pallet itself or the like store.

The inventive pallet is provided with a through hole through the sides of the pallets penetrates, and within it is a non-contact IC tag (eg an RFID tag) attached. Therefore, the through hole is a kind of transmission path for the non-contact IC tag. Through the interior of the through hole Spreads a read signal or a rewrite signal, as it is from the antenna of an interrogator mounted on a forklift is sent to the non-contact IC tag. Therefore, information can from each of the two sides (or four sides) of the flat rectangle palette in a simple and reliable way read from or written to the non-contact IC tag become.

The Invention will now be illustrated by figures embodiments described in more detail.

1A Fig. 10 is a front view showing a pallet according to an embodiment of the invention. 1B is an associated central vertical section. 1C is an associated horizontal section.

2A . 2 B and 2C to 6A . 6B and 6C are views of other embodiments of the invention, the 1A . 1B respectively. 1C correspond.

7 is a perspective view of the pallet according to the in 6A to 6C illustrated embodiment.

8th is a perspective view showing a stack of pallets according to the in 6A to 6C illustrated embodiment shows.

9A is a front view of a forklift. 9B is an associated side view.

10 is a block diagram showing the basic structure of an RFID system.

11 Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary pallet management system according to an embodiment of the invention.

12 FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary pallet management system using a pallet according to the invention. FIG.

Embodiment 1

The in the 1A to 1C illustrated palette 1 is a resin molded product in the form of a flat rectangle. The pallet 1 is with fork inlets 2 . 2 provided two forks 101 . 101 a forklift 100 to let in (see the 9A . 9B ). The fork inlets 2 . 2 are on two sides (two opposite sides of the rectangle 1a . 1b ) of the pallet 1 available. The forks can be in two directions in the pallet 1 be introduced (double inlet type). The fork inlets 2 . 2 are bilaterally symmetric with respect to a center (center in the width direction) of the pallet 1 ,

The pallet 1 is with a through hole 3 which extends along a center while between the fork inlets 2 . 2 lies. The through hole 3 penetrates the two sides 1a . 1b where the fork inlets 2 . 2 available.

The through hole 3 has rectangular cross-section. The cross-sectional area of the through-hole 3 gradually takes to the pages 1a . 1b at both ends. The inner surface of the through hole 3 is covered with a conductive material such as metal or the like. Inside the through hole 3 is an RFID tag 4 attached. The RFID label 4 is near the middle part of the longitudinal direction of the through hole 3 available. It should be noted that information on products / goods on the pallet 1 to be transported, identification information (eg, pallet size, type number, pallet ID, etc.) and the like in the RFID tag 4 are recorded.

At the pallet 1 This embodiment is between the fork inlets 2 . 2 existing through hole 3 a kind of transmission path to the RFID tag 4 , A read signal or a rewrite signal generated by an antenna 50 a mounted on a forklift RFID interrogator 5 (see the 9A . 9B ), propagates through the through hole 3 to the RFID label 4 out.

As described above, the RFID tag is 4 in the vicinity of the middle part in the longitudinal direction of the through hole 3 available. Therefore, regardless of whether the fork 101 of the forklift 100 of the page 1a or from the side 1b in the palette 1 is introduced in the RFID tag 4 inside the through hole 3 is fixed, stored information can be read without specification and reliable. Also, information can be reliably rewritten.

It should be noted that the RFID tag 4 at one of the side surfaces or at the top or bottom within the through-hole 3 can be present. The RFID label 4 can at any position in the longitudinal direction of the through hole 3 to be placed. However, taking into account the purpose described above, it is in the RFID tag 4 stored information without specification reliable from one of the two sides 1a . 1b can be read, prefers that the RFID tag 4 in the vicinity of the middle part in the longitudinal direction of the through hole 3 is attached.

Now, an exemplary method of reading / writing information from / to the palette will become an example 1 attached RFID label 4 briefly described. For example, as it is in the 9A and 9B is shown, the antenna 50 the RFID interrogator 5 near the base of the fork 101 of the forklift 100 attached. In this case, if the fork 101 of the forklift 100 in the fork inlet 2 the pallet 1 information from the RFID tag 4 on the pallet 1 be read or rewritten on this.

The antenna 50 the RFID interrogator 5 can be mounted in the upper part of a holder that holds the fork 101 of the forklift 100 outsourced. If several pallets 1 , ..., 1 When stacked on top of each other, information from each RFID tag can be stacked 4 every pallet 1 be read or rewritten on it, that the palettes 1 , ..., 1 together through the fork 101 of the forklift 100 be raised.

If an empty palette 1 can be placed in a pallet storage location in the RFID tag 4 stored information can be read using the antenna of an RFID interrogator, which is present at this pallet storage location. As a result, tag information may be from the empty palette 1 be read so that their availability can be managed.

Next are examples of special numbers during the through-hole 3 described. In the case of the pallet 1 of the 1A to 1C is the cross section of the through hole 3 a rectangle. Therefore, one of the sides of the rectangle must have a length of λ / 2 or more (λ is the wavelength of the frequency used by an RFID interrogator). The reason will be described below.

Rectangular waveguides (rectangular in cross-section) have the transmission characteristics of an HPF (high-pass filter that passes frequencies above a predetermined frequency (fo)). In other words, rectangular waveguides exhibit the property of not transmitting frequencies below fo. In the case of rectangular waveguides, the frequency fo is determined by the length L of one side thereof as follows: fo · λ = c (c: speed of light) L = λ / 2

In the embodiment of the 1A to 1C corresponds to the through hole 3 the pallet 1 a rectangular waveguide. When the frequency used by an RFID interrogator is 2.45 GHz, the dimension (transverse width) of the through-hole must be 3 greater than 61.2 mm to be the frequency through the through hole 3 pass and label information on the RFID tag affixed within it 4 to read.

Therefore, z. For example, when a frequency of 2.45 GHz is used, each of the sides of the through-hole 3 approximately equal to or greater than 22 mm, to provide a read or rewrite signal of an RFID interrogator through the interior of the via 3 the pallet 1 pass.

Embodiment 2

The in the 2A to 2C illustrated embodiment is a pallet 11 , which is a resin molded product in the form of a flat rectangle. The pallet 11 is with fork inlets 12 . 12 to admit the two forks 101 . 101 of the forklift 100 (see the 9A . 9B ) on each of its four sides 11a . 11b . 11c . 11d Mistake. The forks can be in four directions in the palette 11 be introduced (with four entrances).

The fork inlets 12 . 12 on the sides 11a . 11b the pallet 11 are symmetrical with respect to a center (center in the width direction) of the pallet 11 , The fork inlets 12 . 12 on the sides 11c . 11d the pallet 11 are symmetrical with respect to a center (center in the longitudinal direction) of the pallet 11 ,

The pallet 11 is with two through holes 13 . 13 each of which is along the center of the pallet 11 extends. These two through holes 13 . 13 intersect each other at right angles, and they are each between the fork inlets 12 . 12 arranged. The through holes 13 penetrate the two sides 11a . 11b or the two sides 11c . 11d where the fork inlets 12 available.

Every through hole 13 has rectangular cross-section. The cross-sectional area of each through-hole 13 gradually takes to the two sides 11a . 11b or 11c . 11d at both ends. The inside of each through hole 13 . 13 is covered with a conductive material such as a metal or the like. Inside the through holes 13 . 13 is an RFID tag 4 attached. The RFID label 4 is near the middle part in the longitudinal direction of each of the through holes 13 . 13 available.

At the pallet 11 In this embodiment, each of the two through holes forms 13 . 13 a kind of transmission path to the RFID tag 4 , A read or rewrite signal through the antenna 50 the attached to a forklift RFID interrogator 5 (see the 9A . 9B ) is propagated through one of the two through holes 13 . 13 to the RFID label 4 out.

As described above, the RFID tag is 4 in the vicinity of the middle part in the longitudinal direction of each through hole 13 . 13 available. Therefore, regardless of whether the fork 101 of the forklift 100 of the page 11a . 11b . 11c or 11c in the palette 11 is introduced in the RFID tag 4 inside the through holes 13 . 13 is appropriate, stored information is read without specification and reliable. Also, information can be reliably rewritten.

It should be noted that the RFID tag 4 on one of the side surfaces or the top or bottom within the through holes 13 . 13 can be appropriate. The RFID label 4 can at any position in the longitudinal direction of the through holes 13 . 13 be placed. However, taking into account the purpose described above, it is in the RFID tag 4 stored information without specification and verver casual from any of the four sides 11a . 11b . 11c and 11d the pallet can be read and rewritten, preferably that the RFID tag 4 in the vicinity of the middle part in the longitudinal direction of the through holes 13 . 13 is appropriate.

Also in Embodiment 2, the through hole has 13 over rectangular cross-section. For the same reason as described in Embodiment 1, each of the sides of the through-hole must be 3 have a length of λ / 2 or more (λ is the wavelength of the frequency used by an RFID interrogator). If z. For example, if a frequency of 2.45 GHz is used, the length of each of the sides of the through-hole must be 13 62 mm or more to a read signal or a rewriting signal of the RFID interrogator through the inside of the through hole 13 the pallet 11 transferred to.

Embodiment 3

The in the 3A to 3C illustrated palette 21 A third embodiment is characterized in that between the fork inlets 2 . 2 a through hole 23 is present with a circular cross section. The other construction is substantially the same as that in the 1A to 1C illustrated embodiment.

The pallet 21 is with a through hole 23 which extends along its center and two sides 1a . 1b permeates the same. The cross-sectional area of the through-hole 23 gradually takes to the pages 1a . 1b at both ends. The inside of the through hole 23 is covered with a conductive material such as a metal or the like.

At the pallet 21 of the 3A to 3C has the through hole 23 over circular cross-section. The radius of the through hole 23 must be λ / 3.4 or greater than this value (λ is the wavelength of the frequency used by an RFID interrogator). The reason for this will be described below.

Similar to rectangular waveguides, circular waveguides (of circular cross section) have the transmission characteristics of an HPF (high pass filter that passes frequencies above a predetermined frequency (fo)). In the case of circular waveguides, a Bessel function is included in the calculation of the frequency fo, which is why the calculation is complex. However, the frequency fo is determined based on the radius r of a circular waveguide, and the relationship between them is given as follows: fo · λ = c (c: speed of light) r = λ / 3.4

In the embodiment of the 3A to 3C corresponds to the through hole 23 the pallet 21 a circular waveguide. If the frequency used by an RFID interrogator is 2.45 GHz, the radius r of the through hole must be 23 greater than about 36.0 mm to the frequency through the through hole 23 and label information of an RFID tag affixed within it 4 to read.

Embodiment 4

The in the 4A to 4C illustrated palette 21 A fourth embodiment is characterized in that a through hole 73 with a cross section of rib shape between fork inlets 2 . 2 is available. The other construction essentially corresponds to that in the 1A to 1C illustrated embodiment.

The pallet 71 is with the through hole 73 provided along a center of the pallet 71 extends and two sides 1a . 1b permeates the same. The inside of the through hole 73 is covered with a conductive material such as a metal or the like. Like the through hole 3 of the 1A to 1C takes the cross section of the through hole 73 gradually to the sides 1a . 1b at both ends.

As described above, the palette needs 1 the embodiment 1, when z. B. a frequency of 2.45 GHz is used, the length of each side of the through hole 3 be about 62 mm or greater to pass a read or rewrite signal of an RFID interrogator through the interior of the via 3 transferred to. In the case of the pallet 71 of the 4A to 4C can be the length of each side of the through hole 73 about 62 mm or smaller because of the through hole 73 has a rib-shaped cross section. The reason for this will be described below.

Rib waveguide, like the through hole 73 with the rib-shaped cross section of 4A to 4C , may have a considerably lower cutoff frequency than rectangular waveguides having the same dimensions in length and width. In other words, if the same frequency is used, a ridge waveguide may have smaller dimensions in length and width than a rectangular waveguide. Therefore, if a through hole 73 with the rib-shaped cross section according to the 4A to 4C is used, and when the frequency used by an RFID interrogator is 2.45 GHz, the length of each side of the through-hole 73 be about 62 mm or smaller, so that a read or a Umschreibsignal an RFID eti through the inside of the through hole 73 can be transmitted and label information one inside the through-hole 73 attached RFID label 4 can be read. The rib-shaped cross-section of the through-hole does not necessarily have to be concave in shape, as in FIGS 4A to 4C is shown (vertical section of the through hole 73 ), but he can z. B. also be H-shaped, as in the 5A to 5C is shown (vertical section of a through hole 83 ).

Embodiment 5

The fifth embodiment of a pallet 31 will now be based on the 6A to 6C as well as the 7 described. The pallet 31 is with a through hole 3 that's two of their sides 1a . 1b penetrates, and it has a vertical through hole 33 which extends between its top and bottom. The vertical through hole 33 is near the middle part of the flat rectangular pallet 31 available. The pallet 31 is characterized in that an RFID tag 4 near the middle part of both the vertical through hole 33 as well as the through hole 3 between the fork inlets 2 . 2 is appropriate. The other construction is substantially the same as that in the embodiment according to FIGS 1A to 1C ,

In the case of the pallet 31 This embodiment will be when empty pallets 31 stacked at a pallet storage location, the middle portions of the vertical through holes 33 , ..., 33 aligned sequentially, as in the 8th is shown. As a result, a through hole is formed vertically the middle parts of the pallets 31 penetrates. This through hole plays the role of a kind of transmission path, like the through hole 3 that between the fork inlets 2 . 2 is available. In this case, it is z. B. by attaching a planar antenna of an RFID interrogator on a bottom surface of the pallet storage location possible to simultaneously read information, as in the RFID labels 4 stacked (empty) pallets 31 , ..., 31 are stored. Also, information can be rewritten at once.

If several empty pallets 31 , ..., 31 through the forklift 100 can be transported together, the antenna 50 the RFID interrogator present on it 5 (see the 9A . 9B ) are used for information from the RFID tag 4 each of the stacked empty pallets 31 , ..., 31 to read or to write in it. For example, pallets can be managed in real-time if they are rented or returned by a renter.

Further can, for. By transmission the read information to a management center, the inventory empty pallets are centrally managed, resulting in an improvement the efficiency of pallets.

As described above empty pallets are easily managed, which also reduces losses Pallets can be prevented.

In the case of the pallet 31 This embodiment is the vertical through hole 33 present in their middle part. Therefore, if the attached to it RFID tag 4 due to a defect, malfunction or the like, the same using the vertical through hole 33 be replaced.

If that is in the middle part of the palette 31 existing vertical through hole 33 has circular cross-section, as in the 6A to 6C and the 7 is the radius of the same should be λ / 3.4 or greater (λ is the wavelength of the frequency used by an RFID interrogator). If z. For example, if the frequency used by the RFID interrogator is 2.45 GHz, the radius r of the vertical via is 33 greater than about 36.0 mm.

If the vertical through hole has a rectangular cross section, should be the length each side of the through hole having a rectangular cross section λ / 2 correspond or bigger (λ is the wavelength of the frequency used by an RFID interrogator). If z. B. from the RFID interrogator frequency used is 2.45 GHz, the length should be every Side of the vertical through hole approximately 62 mm or larger.

The Pallets according to the embodiments of Invention can either made of wood or plastic. Plastic pallets are preferred because they are then easily moldable.

The Pallets according to the embodiments of Invention are either of the double inlet type in which a pallet with fork inlets for engaging two forks of a forklift truck on two sides thereof is provided, with the forks in two directions in the pallet introduced can be or of the type with four inlets, in which a pallet on all sides (four sides) provided with fork inlets and the forks are introduced into the pallet in four directions can.

The following describes an exemplary pallet management system in which a pallet according to the invention is used as a rental pallet is.

In this example, the palette becomes 31 of the 6A to 6C as well as the 7 used. It is assumed that tag information such as the pallet size, a type number, a pallet ID, and the like, in the RFID tag 4 stored on the pallet 31 is appropriate. It is also assumed that the forklift 100 with the RFID interrogator 5 and their antenna 50 as it is in the 9A and 9B is shown, and a transceiver 6 is provided. It should be noted that the antenna 50 the RFID interrogator 5 near the base of the fork 101 of the forklift 100 is appropriate.

Now, the basic structure of an RFID system, as it is used for the management of pallets, with reference to the 10 described.

The RFID system of 10 has the above-mentioned RFID interrogator 5 and their antenna 50 with mounting on the forklift 100 , the above RFID tag 4 and its antenna 40 , with attachment to the pallet 31 , and the same.

The RFID interrogator 5 has a transmission section 51 to query, a receiving section 52 for reads, a transmit section 53 for writes, a control section 54 and the same. The RFID label 4 has a modulation / demodulation section 41 , a generating section 42 for a modulated signal, a demodulation section 43 , an information storage section 44 and the same. The RFID interrogator 5 and the RFID tag 4 communicate via the antennas 50 respectively. 40 together.

This RFID system works as follows. The fork 101 of the forklift 100 gets into the fork inlet 2 the pallet 31 introduced. It is ensured that the antenna 40 of the RFID tag 4 essentially the antenna 50 the RFID interrogator 5 is facing. The RFID interrogator 5 sends a control signal and an unmodulated carrier from the antenna 50 to the RFID label 4 , The RFID label 4 receives the radio signal from the RFID interrogator 5 over the antenna 40 , and it decodes the received control signal, which is known as a data read operation. From the in the RFID label 4 stored information storage section 44 For example, data such as an ID number, a pallet number, a tenant, and the like is retrieved, and this retrieved data is modulated with the received unmodulated carrier. The resulting signal is sent to the RFID interrogator 5 sent (reflected). The reception section 52 (for the reading process) of the RFID interrogator 5 receives and demodulates that from the RFID tag 4 transmitted (reflected) signal to obtain desired data. The RFID interrogator also sends information to be written from the transmission section 53 (for writing) to the RFID tag 4 , This transmitted information is passed through the demodulation section 43 of the RFID tag 4 demodulated and then in the information storage section 44 accumulated (inscribed in these.

RFID systems generally use frequency bands of 125 kHz, 13.56 MHz, 2.45 GHz and the like. Unless a radio (transceiver) the same Frequency band used as the RFID system, the RFID system and the radio set independent of time operate. If the frequency of 2.45 GHz for both the RFID system as well as the radio is used, it is generally preferred that these facilities be controlled so that they do not carry out simultaneous transmissions to To avoid radio interactions.

Now, a specific exemplary system for managing rental pallets with reference to FIGS 11 described.

This management system is assumed to be a host terminal 201 managed by a rental pallet company.

The host terminal 201 has a database for rental information (eg, information about a tenant of rental pallets, information about a party returning pallets, the rental period, the number of rental pallets, etc.) and pallet-specific information that is characteristic of a rental pallet company (e.g. B. pallet size, type number, pallet ID, etc.).

rental information is z. B. handled as follows. Customers renting pallets to wish, contact by phone or in the appropriate way with a Mietpalettenfirma in contact. The content of the rental order of the customer is through entered the rental pallet company. Alternatively, customers pick up a webside operated by a rental pallet company about the Internet or the like, and they give the contents of their rental order even on a display screen. The content of the orders is accumulated.

The pallet-specific information constitutes all or part of the information possessed by a rental pallet company. It is assumed that each palette is assigned a unique number or symbol as a palette ID. For example, pallet IDs are assigned to newly acquired or manufactured pallets, and they are placed in registered to a main database.

With the host terminal 201 is a radio base station 202 connected, which has a control section (not shown) for sending and receiving various information. The radio base station 202 sends in the host terminal 201 stored information to a transceiver 6 which has already been described, and receives information about a palette from the transceiver 6 be sent.

A forklift 100 has two forks (fork sections) 101 . 101 for lifting a pallet 31 , like it, in the 9A . 9B is shown. A control section (not shown) of the transceiver 6 is in the driver's seat of the forklift 100 available for the driver to handle. Also are an RFID interrogator 5 and an associated antenna 50 near the middle of a base section of the fork 101 of the forklift 100 (near the middle between the two forks 101 . 101 ) available. Therefore, if the fork 101 of the forklift 100 in the fork inlet 2 the pallet 31 information from the attached RFID tag 4 read or written in it. The transceiver 6 sends various information about a palette to the radio base station 202 ,

When the fork 101 in the fork inlet 2 the pallet 31 is introduced so that this by the forklift 100 can be transported, information such as the current date, the location (the depot) of the forklift 100 and the same thing about the antenna 50 the RFID interrogator 5 in the RFID label 4 the pallet 31 be enrolled. Also, information about a pallet tenant or information about a party returning pallets can be retrieved from the RFID tag 4 the pallet 31 to be read.

Next, referring to the 12 a method of managing the inventory, the distribution status and the collection status of rental pallets is described.

When First, an exemplary rental system is described in which the same Pallet, which was rented, is returned, whereby later one rent fee will be paid.

Step S1: The content of a rental order of a customer for one or more pallets is provided as rental information in the host terminal 201 saved. The content of a rental order includes z. B .: Tenant: Company A; Type number: Pallet T11; desired number of pallets: 10; desired date: 1 June, 12.00 noon; desired period: 10 days; and the same.

Step S2: If the pallet to be rented 31 is transported (for example, the fork is 101 of the forklift 100 in the fork inlet 2 the pallet 31 introduced) reads the RFID interrogator 5 of the forklift 100 an ID number or the like, as in the RFID tag 4 the pallet 31 is stored. The RFID interrogator 5 of the forklift 100 can also provide rental information and the rental date in the RFID tag 4 the pallet 31 enroll.

Step S3: The with the RFID interrogator 5 of the forklift 100 connected transceivers 6 sends the pallet ID using the RFID interrogator 5 was read to the radio base station 202 ,

Step S4: The to the radio base station 202 sent pallet ID is in the host terminal 202 saved.

Step S5: If the palette 31 is delivered to a location (depot) back (eg, the fork 101 a forklift 100 in the fork inlet 2 the returned pallet 31 introduced) reads the RFID interrogator 5 of the forklift 100 those in the RFID label 4 the pallet 31 saved pallet ID.

Step S6: The one with the RFID interrogator 5 of the forklift 100 connected transceivers 6 sends the pallet ID generated by the RFID interrogator 5 was read to the radio base station 202 ,

Step S7: The one through the radio base station 202 transferred pallet ID is in the host terminal 201 stored.

Step S8: The host terminal 201 compares the rental information of each pallet ID in its own database with the pallet ID of the collected pallet.

Step S9: The host terminal 201 calculates the pallet rental fee based on the pallet size, type number, number of pallets, rental date and collection date.

Through the steps described above, the rental pallet company can read the pallet ID number of each pallet when a forklift moves (transports) the pallet (eg, the fork of the forklift is inserted into the pallet). The rental pallet company can also write location information to a collection point (depot) and information on the collection date when the fork of a forklift is inserted into the collected pallet. As a result, it is possible to know the distribution path and the collection path of each pallet so that the stock, the distribution status and the collection status of rental pallets in relation to the actual movement (transport) of the pallets can be managed.

Furthermore, z. For example, if a program for a pallet rental fee system in advance in the host terminal 201 stored, a timely and accurate fee system will be established.

When next An exemplary rental system is described in which the same Pallet that has been rented, is delivered back and one rent fee is paid in advance. This example assumes that a customer of a rental pallet company pays in advance a rental fee, the value of which depends on the content of the customer's rental order. It It should be noted that steps S1 to S8 of this example are the same as in the example described above, where the rental fee is paid later, and these steps will not be explained again. It will only be one Part of the example explains which is different from the example described above.

from As described above in step S8, the process proceeds to the following Step S10 or S11 on.

step S10: If the result of the comparison in host terminal 201 in step S8 shows that the rental pallet before the end of the rental period of the pallet a job (depot) back is delivered, the remainder of the rental fee will be refunded to the customer is calculated. The refund can be tagged for the original split rental fee split become. Alternatively, the refund can be up Basis for a a predetermined period defined rate (eg on a weekly basis) be calculated.

step S11: If a rental pallet to a location (a depot) after expiration back from their rental period will be charged, the rest of the rental fee will be charged in addition to Customer is required.

As described above the pallets according to the above described embodiments of Invention effectively z. B. used in a pallet management system the stock, the distribution status, the collection status and the like managed by Mietpaletten. In such a Pallet management system will use a contactless IC tag (eg. B. an RFID label, etc.) attached to a pallet, and therefore the path of the pallet can be tracked directly, which enables the Trouble too reduce when entering data on a handwritten Slip or to spend in a computer. Furthermore, the Distribution of pallets are tracked correctly, which makes it possible the reason for the loss or unauthorized use of a pallet clarified. It is also possible as one for a distribution stage competent Person can be identified, for. B. to ask for an unpaid fee or damages due to loss or unauthorized use to ask for pallets.

Claims (7)

Pallet for transporting goods in the form of a flat rectangle comprising: - fork inlets ( 2 . 2 ) for admitting two forks ( 101 . 101 ) of a forklift ( 100 ), these fork inlets on two opposite sides ( 1a . 1b ) of the pallet ( 1 ) available; and - a through hole ( 3 ) which penetrates through the two sides where the fork inlets are present and which lies between them; A contact-free IC tag (within the through-hole in the vicinity of the central part in its longitudinal direction) 4 ) is available. Pallet according to claim 1, characterized in that the inside of the through-hole ( 3 ) is covered with a conductive material. Pallet according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the vertical section of the through-hole ( 3 ) is rectangular and the length of each side of the rectangular through-hole is λ / 2 or greater, where λ is the wavelength of a frequency as determined between the non-contact IC tag (FIG. 4 ) and an interrogator (is used). Pallet according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the vertical section of the through-hole ( 3 ) is circular and the radius of the circular through-hole is λ / 3.4, where λ represents the wavelength of a frequency used between the non-contact IC tag and an interrogator. Pallet according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the vertical section of the through-hole ( 3 ) is rib-shaped. Pallet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cross-sectional area of the through-hole ( 3 ) from an inner part of the pallet ( 1 ) increases to the sides thereof. Pallet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the vicinity of a central part of the pallet a through hole ( 33 ), which penetrates the through-hole (FIG. 3 ) and extends vertically to the pallet.