DE102010010747A1 - Pallet for a storage system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pallet (1) which has three longitudinal beams (19) arranged parallel to one another and at least two load-bearing bridges (3) running orthogonally to the longitudinal beams (19), the longitudinal beams (19) and the load-bearing bridges (3) being articulated Are connected to one another using a bearing element (25).

Description

The present invention relates to a pallet according to the preamble of claim 1.

From the DE 10 2007 054 521 A1 a so-called shuttle pallet is known, which consists of a plurality of load-receiving bridges arranged parallel to one another and a plurality of longitudinal supports arranged orthogonally to the load-receiving bridges. The shuttle pallet is placed under a conventional transport pallet and this composite stored in a high-bay warehouse, the side rails of the shuttle pallet are preferably made of mild steel or aluminum. The load-bearing bridges are preferably made of plastic, z. B. HDPE manufactured. The side members and the load receiving bridges are connected to each other by a snap connection.

The pallets are preferably equipped with a rigid blade to ensure in case of example. A shelf storage a required low deflection of the loaded pallet over a longer period.

Regarding the further disadvantages of the known from the prior art pallets and the advantages of the DE 10 2007 054 521 A1 known shuttle pallet, to avoid repetition, reference is made to DE 10 2007 054 521 A1.

Disclosure of the invention

The invention is based on the object of further developing the known pallet in such a way that it becomes even more robust and can be used even more flexibly on roller conveyors, chain conveyors, stacker cranes and storage bins of the automated storage system.

The object is achieved in that the load-receiving bridges along their central axis in the longitudinal extent in the region of the feet recesses, are used in the rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal members bearing elements.

The aim of the invention is to substantially maintain the shape and dimensions of the known pallet, but to improve its functionality in the storage system. In particular, the articulated connection between the longitudinal members and the load-bearing bridges of the pallet plays a major role. In the device according to the invention, the bearing elements have a complementary recess for receiving the longitudinal members. On the one hand, the bearing elements are firmly connected to the longitudinal members. They are preferably riveted. On the other hand, the bearing elements on at least one side of a bearing shoulder which rest rotatably on designated bearing surfaces in the recesses in the region of the feet of the load-carrying bridges. As a result, the side members of the pallet can advantageously compensate for any unevenness in the transport path; Damage to the pallets and the resulting malfunctions are avoided as far as possible. This significantly increases the life of the pallets.

The pallet according to the invention can advantageously be used as a transport, storage and / or shuttle pallet.

Characterized in that the longitudinal members are pivotally connected to the load receiving bridges, the weight forces can be transmitted from the load receiving bridges on the side members. At the same time, the load-bearing bridges can be aligned in such a way that optimum contact with the support surface beneath them, be it a roller conveyor, a high-bay warehouse or a concrete floor, is established.

Due to the longitudinal displacement of the load receiving bridges relative to the longitudinal beams tensions, for example, due to different thermal expansion coefficients can be avoided.

It can therefore be said that essentially only normal forces are transmitted between load-bearing bridges and longitudinal beams, so that the material stress is minimized.

It is advantageous that the side members have a substantially circular segment-shaped form on a side of a cross-section facing a loading surface, and have a bottom plate on a side of the cross-section facing the loading surface.

It is particularly advantageous that the longitudinal members have a runner-like configured base plate, which is wider in their dimensions than the diameter of the longitudinal member. The runner-like base plate is angled away at the free ends in a radius away from the ground. This again improves the conditions during transport on the transport route, since the skids of the base plate can absorb the bumps on the transport path gently. This further prevents damage to the pallets. Of course, the width of the bottom plate can also be equal to the diameter of the longitudinal member.

It is also advantageous that the longitudinal members are made of a wear-resistant and rigid semifinished product, for example. From a pipe section or as a bending part of structural steel or aluminum. In this case, the longitudinal members may preferably comprise a tube with a substantially annular cross-section, on which the runner-like base plate is fixed as a base for the pallet. However, it is also possible that the side members have a substantially circular segment-shaped form on a side of a cross section facing a loading surface, and the bottom plate is formed on a side of the cross section facing the loading surface.

Due to the design of the longitudinal member, the pallet for transport in the transport system is particularly robust, since a surface pressure between the longitudinal members and, for example, the rollers of a roller conveyor is reduced and thus also occurring stresses can be reduced. These side members are naturally very resistant to wear because of their material and can therefore be used for a long time without significant wear.

This effect can be further enhanced by the fact that the side members are made by folding and / or bending of one or more interconnected at least partially curved sheets. The rigid profile can also. be produced as extruded profiles, wherein the interior of the longitudinal member may be provided a reinforcing rib. It is advantageous if the rigid profiles are arranged directly within the side members and thereby close to the location of a force application. This can prevent - caused by geometric limitations - it can lead to constraints, local stress peaks and premature failure of the plastic. The rigid profile within the side members causes the load receiving bridges and the longitudinal members are connected to each other in such a way that only normal forces occur in the region of the connection and the load bearing bridges are otherwise decoupled from the longitudinal members in terms of strength.

The load-bearing bridges are preferably made of plastic, z. B. HDPE and preferably have rigid profiles, in particular reinforcing ribs, which can be inserted or inserted or inserted into cavities of the load receiving bridges. The cavities can then usually be closed by welding a plastic part. It is important to ensure that the connection between the profile and the frame of the load-bearing bridge allows a different thermal expansion of the substances involved. Care must also be taken to ensure that storage on the shelf does not lead to distortion of the profile in the load-bearing bridge, resulting in local stress peaks and premature failure of the plastic.

Due to the interplay between the longitudinal members and the load receiving bridges, the pallet according to the invention is particularly torsionally soft, so that the pallet can twist when it is parked, for example, on an uneven shelf or slides over the roller conveyor, in which not all rollers are arranged exactly in one plane ,

Further advantages will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the particular combination given, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures and are explained in more detail in the following description. In each case, in schematic form:

1 a pallet according to the invention in a perspective view in a first embodiment;

2 the palette out 1 in a plan view;

3 a side view of a long side of the pallet 2 ;

4 a side view of a transverse side of the pallet 2 ;

5 a plan view of a load-receiving bridge 2 with removed load-bearing surfaces;

6 a centrally cut load bearing bridge 1 in a perspective view;

7 a bearing element of the pallet 6 in detail;

8th a cross section of a longitudinal member 4 ;

9 an alternative possibility of a cross section of a longitudinal member 4 ;

10 a centrally cut load bearing bridge with the side member 9 in a perspective view;

11 a pallet according to the invention in a perspective view in a second embodiment;

12 a pallet according to the invention (without longitudinal members shown) in a perspective view from below in a third embodiment;

13 a side member of the third embodiment in detail;

14 off the side member 13 in cross section and in a first embodiment;

15 off the side member 13 in cross section and in a second embodiment;

16 the palette out 13 partially cut away in a perspective plan view;

17 a centrally cut load bearing bridge 13 in a perspective view; and

18 the bearing element 16 or 17 in detail.

Description of the embodiments

In 1 is a first embodiment of a pallet according to the invention 1 , The pallet 1 can be used as a transport, storage and / or shuttle pallet and has a total of three load-carrying bridges 3 shown in perspective. The number of load-carrying bridges 3 per pallet 1 can vary depending on the requirements. The load-bearing bridges 3 are made rigid in the direction of a Y-axis and have a plurality of ribs 5 which extend substantially in the direction of the Y-axis. Ribs 5 , which have not all been provided with reference numerals for reasons of clarity, ensure the desired flexural rigidity in the direction of the Y-axis while maintaining a low dead weight. The load-bearing bridges 3 are preferably made of plastic, for. B. HDPE manufactured.

The load-bearing bridges 3 show - at the end and in the middle - a total of three load-bearing surfaces 7 on, which are formed as plates and each provided with a non-slip coating. Alternative coatings are also possible. In total, there are nine load-bearing surfaces 7 on the pallet 1 that the load receiving surfaces 7 conventional transport pallets in terms of arrangement and distance correspond. If now, for example, a Euro pallet (not shown) as a typical representative of a transport pallet on the pallet according to the invention 1 The feet of the Euro pallet are located in the area of the load-bearing surfaces 7 on the pallet 1 and the weight of the transport pallet or the goods thereon is on the load receiving surfaces 7 in the palette 1 distributed. Because of the non-slip surface of the load-bearing surfaces 7 the Euro pallet is secured against slipping. Under the load-bearing surfaces 7 For example, transverse ribs (not shown) may be arranged for further stability and flexural rigidity.

As shown in the perspective view 1 is clearly recognizable, is an edge 11 the pallet 1 slightly raised towards the inner area, leaving one on the pallet 1 remote transport pallet (not shown) is secured against slipping in all directions.

Below the load-bearing surfaces 7 are feet 13 on the load-carrying bridges 3 educated. According to the number of load bearing surfaces 7 there are nine feet 13 on the pallet according to the invention 1 , This ensures that the weight forces over the load-bearing surfaces 7 in the palette 1 be initiated, directly down over the feet 13 can be derived. As a result, the bending stress of the pallet according to the invention 1 minimized and the weight distribution on the pallet 1 optimized.

In the feet 13 the load-bearing bridges 3 are circular segment-shaped recesses 17 educated. The circle segment encloses an angle of 180 ° or less. The recesses 17 extend in the direction of the X-axis and serve to receive a longitudinal member 19 , Which preferably in the first embodiment consists essentially of a tube with partially circular cross-section. As suitable materials for the side members 19 aluminum and structural steel have proven to be produced, for example, as an extruded section or bending part. The side members 19 So run orthogonal to the longitudinal alignment of the load-bearing bridges 3 ,

At their ends are the side members 19 with a cap 20 , preferably made of plastic, sealed. Notes on fixing the side members 19 in the recesses 17 the load-bearing bridges 3 and for detailed design of the side members 19 follow later in the description of the figure.

The load-bearing bridges 3 are designed so that they can be well undercut by a fork of a stacker crane (not shown). These are between your feet 13 a load-bearing bridge 3 recesses 18 educated. The storage and retrieval unit underfoot the pallet with its fork 1 and sets the loaded pallet 1 in the parking lot.

In the following, the same components are provided with the same reference numerals and it is the case with respect to the other figures said accordingly. For reasons of clarity, not all figures have been entered in all figures.

2 shows the pallet 1 out 1 in a plan view, 3 and 4 show different side views of the same palette 1 , How out 4 can be seen, comprises the longitudinal member 19 at one to the foot 13 opposite side a runner-like base plate 21 , 8th shows for better clarity the bearing carrier 19 in a cross section in detail. The runner-like base plate 21 serves as a stand space for the pallet 1 and is wider than the diameter of the longitudinal member in this embodiment 19 , The runner-like base plate 21 is with a radius 22 Angled at the free ends. As a result, the flexural rigidity of the bottom plate is improved and the driving over of small unevenness, for example on a roller conveyor, is facilitated.

5 shows a plan view of a load-bearing bridge 3 out 2 , where the load-bearing surfaces 7 were removed. The load-carrying bridge shown 3 is for an outside of the pallet 1 provided as it is the edge 11 having. Load bearing bridges 3 inside the pallet 1 are arranged, have no edge 11 on. How out 5 can be seen, assign the feet 13 a breakthrough 23 with a defined distance.

The distance of the breakthrough 23 is dimensioned so that a preferably made of plastic inventive bearing element 25 can be used with. 7 shows the bearing element 25 , The bearing element 25 has a circular segment-shaped, preferably semicircular cross-section for accurate registration of the longitudinal member 19 on. Coaxial with this, the bearing element 25 on both sides in each case a semi-circular shaped bearing shoulder 27 on top, with a complementarily shaped bearing stub 29 to the recess 23 pointing ends of the feet 13 interacts. For this purpose, the bearing stub 29 also a semicircular shaped cross section (in 5 not recognizable), so that the bearing shoulders 27 on the stock stub 29 fit exactly.

In the apex of the bearing element 25 is a hole 31 intended. Through the hole 31 a blind rivet can be inserted and in this way the bearing element fixed to a side member 19 get connected. See also 6 , which has a centrally cut load-bearing bridge 3 with inserted bearing element 25 in a perspective view shows.

The bearing element 25 works in the palette 1 as follows:
After inserting the bearing element 25 in the recess 23 lie both camp shoulders 25 on the storage areas 29 on. Subsequently, the longitudinal beam 19 in the recess 17 the feet 13 used. Here comes a portion of the longitudinal member 19 also in the semicircular cross section of the previously used bearing element 25 and lies in the bearing element 25 on the semicircular configuration. Now the side member can 19 with the bearing element 25 through the hole 31 be riveted. This results in a firm connection between the longitudinal member 19 and the bearing element 25 , As a result, the bearing element 25 on the stock stub 29 the load-carrying bridge 3 rests, there is also a connection between the longitudinal member 19 and the load-bearing bridge 3 , The semicircular design of the bearing shoulders 27 and the stock stub 29 however allow a rotational movement 30 of the longitudinal member 19 around its longitudinal axis. By the rotation 30 can the side member 19 all unevenness on a transport path of the pallet 1 adapt as much as possible.

9 shows an alternative possibility of a cross section of the longitudinal member 19 , 10 shows a centrally cut load bearing bridge 3 in a perspective view, with the side member 19 out 9 was connected. The function of the rotatable bearing element 25 works in the way described above.

11 shows a second embodiment of the pallet 1 , where the palette 1 in contrast to the first embodiment, five load-bearing bridges 3 includes. The pallet 1 from 11 is loaded as an example with half a transport pallet. As in 11 indicated, the second embodiment is particularly well suited to transport half or quarter pallets, since the pallet 1 sufficiently many - in the example shown fifteen - load receiving surfaces 7 having. The articulated connection between the load-bearing bridges 3 and the side members 19 works also here after the procedure described above. Such a pallet 1 is more flexible in use.

12 shows a third embodiment of the pallet 1 , An essential difference to the first or second embodiment is the design of the feet 13 the load-bearing bridges 3 , You point here in the direction of the intended side rails 19 (in 12 not shown) only a circle segment shape 33 on, wherein the circle segment is less than a quarter circle (about 15 °). Analogous to the curvature and length of the circular segment shape 33 has the corresponding longitudinal beam 19 also just a small circle segment 35 at the contact surface to the load receiving bridges 3 on. 13 shows the side member 19 ,

How out 12 can be seen, are the load-bearing bridges 3 integrated into a deck (not numbered) of the pallet. It is clear that the pallet according to the invention can be compatible with a conventional Euro pallet.

How out 13 can be seen, is the side member 19 compared to the first and second embodiment of the pallet 1 considerably flatter. As suitable materials for the side members 19 Are suitable aluminum and structural steel, which may be formed, for example, as extruded or Abkantteil. At the opposite side of the circle segment 35 is the bottom plate 21 arranged. The side member 19 also has struts inside 37 for stabilization, which increases flexural rigidity. 14 shows the side member 19 in cross section. 15 shows an alternative embodiment of the longitudinal member 19 for the third embodiment of the pallet 1 with an undercut 39 in the area of the bottom plate 21 ,

To maintain the rotatable mounting of the side members 19 on the load-carrying bridges 3 show the feet 13 the load-bearing bridges 3 the break through 23 with a defined distance (cf. 16 ). The distance of the breakthrough 23 is also dimensioned in this embodiment so that a preferably made of plastic bearing element 25 can be used with. Because of the lower curvature of the longitudinal member 19 is the bearing element 25 formed shallower than in the first two embodiments. The attachment and the function of the rotatable bearing elements 25 is according to the embodiments described above. 17 shows the bearing element 25 in a partially cutaway view of a foot 13 the load-carrying bridge 3 , 18 shows the bearing element 25 for the third embodiment of the pallet 1 in detail.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102007054521 A1 [0002, 0004]

Claims (16)

Palette ( 1 ) with at least two mutually parallel longitudinal members ( 19 ) and at least two orthogonal to the longitudinal beams ( 19 ) running load bearing bridges ( 3 ), characterized in that the longitudinal members ( 19 ) and the load-bearing bridges ( 3 ) are hinged together. Palette ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the longitudinal members ( 19 ) via a swivel joint with the load bearing bridges ( 3 ) are connected. Palette ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the load bearing bridges ( 3 ) in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal members ( 19 ) are displaceable. Palette ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal members ( 19 ) have in cross-section an area with an at least partially annular cross-section that the load receiving bridges ( 3 ) Feet ( 13 ) having a circular segment-shaped cross section, which the longitudinal members ( 19 ) rotatably receives in the region of the annular cross-section, and that the load receiving bridges ( 3 ) along its central axis in the longitudinal extension in the region of the feet ( 13 ) Breakthroughs ( 23 ), in which about the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal members ( 19 ) rotatable bearing elements ( 25 ) are used. Palette ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing elements ( 25 ) with the longitudinal members ( 19 ) are firmly connected. Palette ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing elements ( 25 ) with the longitudinal members ( 19 ) are riveted. Palette ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing elements ( 25 ) a circular segment-shaped cross section for receiving the longitudinal members ( 19 ) exhibit. Palette ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing elements ( 25 ) at least one end bearing shoulder ( 27 ) for storage on storage stubs ( 29 ) of the load-bearing bridges ( 3 ) having. Palette ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal members ( 19 ) have a substantially circular segment-shaped form on a side of a cross-section pointing to a loading surface, and a bottom plate (on a side of the cross-section facing the loading surface) 21 ) exhibit. Palette ( 1 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that the bottom plate ( 21 ) runner-like designed and angled at the sides ( 22 ). Palette ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal members ( 19 ) are made of a wear-resistant and rigid semifinished product. Palette ( 1 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that the longitudinal members ( 19 ) are made of an extruded profile, and that the longitudinal members ( 19 ) an at least partially annular cross section and a bottom plate ( 21 ). Palette ( 1 ) one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal members ( 19 ) are made of sheet metal, preferably beveled and / or bent sheet metal. Palette ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal members ( 19 ) are designed as a running rail for roller and chain conveyors. Palette ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal members ( 19 ) Have undercuts in the longitudinal direction, in which shape characteristics of the load bearing bridges ( 3 ) intervene. Palette ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the load bearing bridges ( 3 ) as parts of a deck structure for the pallet ( 1 ) serve. ( 12 and 16 ).

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