DE202017104172U1 - Foldable pallet frame - Google Patents

Abstract

Foldable pallet frame (1), with two longitudinal walls (3), and two end walls (4) which are shorter than the longitudinal walls (3), wherein the longitudinal walls (3) and the end walls (4) each between an upright use position and a lying Resting position are pivotable, and with a peripheral frame (2) having a lower bottom edge (8), with which the pallet frame (1) on a pallet (7) can be placed, and on which the longitudinal walls (3) and the end walls ( 4), and the longitudinal sections (12) and end sections (10), and wherein on a longitudinal wall (3) or on an end wall (4) two opposite locking elements (6) are arranged, which the longitudinal wall (3) or Front wall (4) cooperate with the two adjacent walls of the pallet frame (1) latch effective, such that the longitudinal wall (3) or the end wall (4) is locked in its use position, wherein the locking elements (6) from its locked position into a Sch Wenkbewegung the longitudinal wall (3) or the end wall (4) in their rest position enabling release position are movable, characterized in that the frame (2), the longitudinal walls (3) and the end walls (4) are made of plastic, the frame (2) both below the longitudinal walls (3) and the end walls (4) outer contact edges (9) which protrude lower than the bottom edge (8) down, that the frame (2) in each case in a radius (16) of the longitudinal sections ( 12) merges into the end sections (10) and extends in the region of these radii (16) at the level of the bottom edge (8) or above it, and that the two opposing locking elements (6) have a common handle by means of which they can be actuated simultaneously or that the two opposing locking elements (6) each have their own handle (5), which two handles (5) are arranged close to each other in the way that they can be actuated simultaneously with one hand.

Description

The innovation relates to a foldable pallet frame according to the preamble of claim 1.

From the EP 2 681 123 B1 is a generic pallet frame known. With its surrounding frame at the bottom, the pallet frame is placed on an existing pallet. The folding longitudinal and end walls allow in their upright position of use the inclusion of cargo, and a space-saving return transport of the pallet frame is made possible by the fact that the longitudinal and end walls are hinged to the revolving frame and can be pivoted into a horizontal rest position. This known pallet frame is suitable by appropriate geometries on its underside and on its upper side, to allow with certain pallets a positive connection, and on the other hand to allow a variable container height, that two or more similar pallet frame can be stacked with the same form fit, when their walls are in the upright position of use.

The innovation is based on the object to improve a generic pallet frame to the effect that this easy, fast handling allows and can interact with almost any pallet types, while each allows a stable bond with the respective range.

This object is achieved by a pallet frame with the features of claim 1.

The innovation proposes, in other words, make a material-oriented design of the frame in such a way that the frame, the longitudinal walls and the end walls made of plastic, wherein the frame passes in a radius of the longitudinal sections in its end portions, so that acute-angled corners, such as B. a 90 ° corner of the frame, can be avoided in the transition region of longitudinal walls and end walls. As a result, the frame is significantly less sensitive to mechanical stress, such. B. shocks, which brings the advantage of a robust design and a correspondingly long-lived use of the pallet frame with it.

A composite with a variety of types of pallets is made possible by the fact that the frame has outer edges that extend further down than the bottom edge of the frame, with which this rests on a pallet. The pallet is thus virtually covered or overlapped by the frame of the pallet frame, so that in this way the pallet frame finds a positive fit on the pallet. In known manner, the pallets are available in certain standardized dimensions, to which - of course - the pallet frame is adjusted.

The most diverse embodiments of the pallets are that they may consist of different materials, such as wood or plastic, or a mixed construction, and that the design of the pallet decks, ie the surface of the pallet with regard to choice of material, surface geometry, perforations u. Like. Can be configured virtually any and yet the proposed pallet frame can be safely held on these different pallets. The fact that the pallet frame is not adapted to a specific type of pallet, the handling of the pallet frame is simplified because it can be used with all pallets of suitable dimensions. The otherwise possibly required sorting and assignment of the pallet frame to certain pallets can be omitted.

In order to allow the mentioned radius in the transition region from the longitudinal to the end portions of the frame, the frame of the pallet frame extends in the region of the corners above the pallet deck. The mentioned, downwardly projecting abutment edges are therefore provided only at a certain distance from the respective imaginary "corners" of the frame, if this "corner" is regarded as the point in which the two imaginary, straight extensions of two adjacent longitudinal and Cutting end walls.

A quick, uncomplicated, time-saving and thus economically advantageous handling of the pallet frame is supported by the fact that two locking elements, which are arranged opposite one another on the same wall of the pallet frame, can be handled together. This is basically advantageous because it simplifies the operation of the pallet frame. Especially with comparatively smaller dimensions of the pallet frame, such. As in a pallet frame for a half pallet of 600 × 800 mm, so a simultaneous unlocking all four bars can be enabled by both pairs of locking elements can be operated simultaneously with both hands, given the dimensions of the pallet frame both pairs of handles simultaneously reachable are. According to the proposal, it is therefore provided that the two locking elements of the same wall either have a common handle, by means of which they are simultaneously actuated, or that they each have their own handle, which, however, so close are arranged together so that they can be operated simultaneously with one hand.

Advantageously, it may be provided that the abutment edges are designed on the one hand as long as possible, not in the direction down, but rather along a longitudinal section or end portion of the frame, in order in this way the surface pressures and thus the mechanical stress on the frame and its abutment edges acts to minimize as much as possible. However, in order to allow several stacked pallet frame can be easily separated from each other, can be advantageously provided that below the end walls is not provided a continuous contact edge, but rather two abutment edges are provided which create a recessed grip between them by a corresponding distance from each other are arranged. If several pallet frames are stacked, the longitudinal and end walls are each pivoted into the lying rest position, so the recessed grips allow single or even multiple pallet frame from the mentioned stack of pallet frame herauslösösen, so that as fast, time-saving and economical handling of Pallet frame is supported.

Advantageously, the center of gravity of a longitudinal wall and / or an end wall can be constructively determined in such a way that the wall in question strives, by itself, d. H. gravity-assisted, to fall into their rest position. This can be effected by the fact that the center of gravity of the relevant wall is located radially further inwards than the pivot axis about which this wall is pivotable between its position of use and rest position. The terms "inside" or "outside" always refer to the area enclosed by the pallet frame. By the mentioned position of the center of gravity a particularly fast and thus ergonomically and economically advantageous handling of the pallet frame is supported: For example, if two opposite walls of the pallet frame are pivoted from the use position to the rest position, the other two, not specifically actuated, walls automatically fall as well in their rest position and do not have to be handled by the user.

Advantageously, it can be provided that the longitudinal walls are arranged lower in the rest position than the end walls of the pallet frame. The present proposal is based on the consideration that the longitudinal walls are longer than the end walls and therefore the end walls further spaced from each other and the longitudinal walls are arranged closer to each other. When the wall height reaches a certain level, for example approximately half the width of the pallet frame, the two longitudinal walls almost or actually touch when they are folded into their rest position. The two end walls, however, are further apart, so that a space between the two end walls remains, even if they are in their flat lying rest position, so that it is possible to detect the two longitudinal walls between the two end walls. Now, if the two longitudinal walls erect, then automatically the end walls are also raised and pivoted from its lying rest position to the upright position of use. This in turn also supports the already mentioned as ergonomic and time-saving economic handling of the pallet frame. If, on the other hand, the longitudinal walls are arranged in their rest position above the end walls, the longitudinal walls would first have to be erected in order then to be able to access the end walls and erect them in a subsequent separate assembly step as well.

In the case of a standard pallet size of a so-called half pallet with a standardized dimension of 600 × 800 mm, it can accordingly be advantageously provided that the pallet frame has a height of substantially 30 cm and a base area of substantially 80 cm length x 60 cm width occupies. The dimensions are referred to as "substantially", since starting from the standard dimension of the half-pallet of the proposed pallet frame is slightly longer and wider to be able to overlap the pallet with its investment edges.

Advantageously, the frame outside have an upwardly projecting stop which limits the pivotal movement of a longitudinal wall or an end wall from the rest position into the position of use. By such a stop, for example, an overload of the hinges can be avoided, which would otherwise have to define a certain end position, and in particular by means of such a stop in turn supports the particularly fast and easy handling of the pallet frame. If namely longitudinal and side walls are positively connected with each other in their position of use, it is necessary to achieve the positive fit that both walls occupy a certain position, so that the corresponding form-fitting surfaces "find" and can interact with each other. The stop ensures that one of the two walls assumes a certain position, while the other of the two walls is handled by the user. Assuming that the user handles two opposite walls, for example, as mentioned above, the two longitudinal walls, so put the two Stops that are provided for the front sides, ensure that the end faces are in a required position for the lock, without having to be specially handled.

Advantageously, this mentioned stop can be designed as an upward extension of an underlying contact edge of the frame. In this way, a particularly smooth-surfaced design of the frame is made possible, which supports the longevity of the entire pallet frame through its shock-resistant smooth-surfaced outer design and which is particularly easy to keep clean in a hygienic advantageous manner. In addition, this smooth surface configuration of the frame can serve to mark carriers such. As self-adhesive labels to attach to the frame.

Advantageously, it can be ensured by means of locking elements that the pallet frame reliably maintains its position of use, in which the longitudinal and end walls are upright. For this purpose, it can be advantageously provided that on a longitudinal wall or on an end wall, two opposing locking elements serve to effect the locking of this respective wall with the respective two adjacent walls. The locking elements are designed to be movable, so that they can be released by the user and can be moved from its locked position into a release position, in which the pivotal movement of the relevant longitudinal wall or end wall is made possible in its rest position. By such locking elements can be reliably ruled out that due to external influences purely accidentally collapses the pallet frame and its walls are moved to the rest position.

The movable locking elements can be configured, for example, as spring tabs, which are automatically endeavor to take their locking position and are movable against the spring action in their release position. It can be advantageously provided that the two opposite locking elements of a wall have a common handle, by means of which they are simultaneously actuated. In this way, a user with his two hands, the four locking elements of two opposing walls simultaneously actuate in terms of the already mentioned several times fast and easy and also economically advantageous handling of the pallet frame.

As an alternative to the mentioned common handle can be provided to allow the same handling advantage in that although two separate handles are provided for the two opposing locking elements, but that these two own handles are arranged so close together that they detected with one hand and thus simultaneously can be operated.

Ergonomically advantageous may be provided that these two separate handles are arranged at a distance of a maximum of 15 cm from each other, in particular, the distance may be even lower, for example, less than 10 cm may be so that for users with different body or Hand sizes in each case a problem-free simultaneous operability of both handles is guaranteed, the distance may be advantageous even lower, z. B. may be only 5 to 6 cm. Firstly, this distance between the two locking elements should be sufficiently large so that sufficient movement space is provided in order to be able to reliably move the locking elements between locking and release position and that in the case of force deflection by a correspondingly long path, little handling forces are required. Second, it is ensured by a sufficiently small distance that even persons of different body size and with different sized hands can reliably operate these two separate handles simultaneously, ie with a single handle, while applying sufficient force to move the locking elements.

Advantageously, it can be provided that the entire pallet frame is made of plastic, so not only the four walls and the frame, but also possibly provided locking elements and the hinges with which the walls are pivotally movable relative to the frame. Due to the exclusive use of plastic, the pallet frame according to the proposal is excellently protected against weather influences, in particular moisture, as well as being hygienic and lightweight. In particular, if predominantly the same plastic material is used, the entire pallet frame can be excellently recycled and the plastic can be reprocessed.

An embodiment of the innovation will be explained in more detail below with reference to the purely schematic representations. It shows

1 a pallet frame in its position of use,

2 the pallet frame in its rest position,

3 two similar, stacked pallet frames on a pallet,

4 in opposite 3 larger scale a perspective view of the corner of the Pallet with the pallet frame resting on it,

5 a perspective view on two end walls,

6 a perspective view on two longitudinal walls,

7 a perspective view of the frame of the pallet frame, and

8th a perspective view of the upper corner of the pallet frame, with two not yet connected end and longitudinal walls.

In the drawings is with 1 Overall, a pallet frame referred to, a lower, circumferential, rectangular frame 2 has and two opposite, longer longitudinal walls 3 and two also opposite, shorter end walls 4 , In 1 are the longitudinal and end walls 3 . 4 in their upright position of use.

2 shows the pallet frame 1 from 1 at rest, with the longitudinal and end walls 3 . 4 have been pivoted from their position of use in a horizontal lying rest position. On the long walls 3 are each two handles 5 of locking elements 6 recognizable. 3 shows two pallet frames 1 stacked on top of each other. Both pallet frames 1 stand together on a pallet 7 , which is designed as a pallet in mixed construction and has a so-called half-pallet dimensions of 600 × 800 mm. The lower pallet frame 1 stands on the deck of this pallet 7 with a bottom edge 8th of his frame 2 on. Opposite this bottom edge extending edges 9 of the frame 2 continue down, leaving the pallet frame 1 with his frame 2 and in particular its abutment edges 9 the pallet 7 positively overlaps and thus secure against displacement on the pallet 7 is fixed.

Out 3 is still evident that the frame 2 face portions 10 which is along its upper edge with a recess 11 are provided. When two pallet frames are in their rest position 1 stacked on each other, so a positive connection of this indentation 11 with a contact edge 9 a similar frame above it 2 causes, making a secure stack of multiple pallet frames 1 can be created.

Furthermore, it can be seen from the drawings that the frame 2 longitudinal sections 12 having, the investment edge 9 in one piece over most of the longitudinal section 12 extends. In contrast, at the front sections 10 of the frame 2 two contact edges each 9 provided, which are spaced apart, so that this distance a recessed grip 14 forms.

In 3 is still to see that the two pallet frames 1 not only are complemented by a floor area, which through the pallet 7 is provided, but also with the help of a lid 15 are closed at the top, so that a closed container is created.

4 shows a corner of the pallet 7 , it can be seen that this corner is designed in the range as a comparatively sharp 90 ° corner. In contrast, the frame runs 2 in the area of the corner with a radius 16 , In the area of the corner is therefore provided that the frame 2 exclusively above the pallet 7 runs. In this way, the corner of the pallet deck can easily cross the radius 16 out further than the frame 2 ,

5 shows two end walls 4 in their opposite arrangement, similar to that in the finished assembled pallet frame 1 is taken. The end walls 4 have in their lower edges molded hinge pins 17 on, each near the lower outer edge of the end walls 4 are arranged. This results in that the center of gravity of the entire component, namely each end wall 4 , lying further inside, based on the entire pallet frame 1 , and that thereby an automatic pivotal movement of the end walls 4 is supported. Gravity-assisted are the end walls 4 anxious to get the hinge pins 17 to tilt out of an upright resting position.

On the inside have the end walls 4 guideways 18 on, which run bent. These guideways 18 lie the longitudinal walls 3 at. As in 2 visible, lie the end walls 4 at rest on the longitudinal walls 3 on. If the longitudinal walls 3 be lifted, these run along the tracks 18 on the end walls 4 along and automatically align the end walls 4 on by the end walls 4 around their pivot pins 17 be pivoted in the upright position of use.

Further shows 5 that the end walls 4 holding claws in the area of their upper corners 19 which will be discussed later. The retaining claws 19 are with holes 20 Mistake.

6 shows two oppositely arranged longitudinal walls 3 , also at their lower ends with hinge pins 17 are provided. In the area of their upper corners, the longitudinal walls 3 retaining pins 21 on. These are advised when the pallet frame 1 is unfolded, against the retaining claws 19 or in their holes 20 , so that a positive connection between the longitudinal walls 3 and the end walls 4 is created, the stability of the pallet frame 1 improved. Around the longitudinal and end walls 3 and 4 to hold in their upright position of use, the locking elements 6 provided by guide slots 22 and a guide channel 23 extend. tabs 24 are at the lower edge of the longitudinal walls 3 intended.

7 shows a perspective view of a frame 2 with its four forehead and longitudinal sections 10 and 12 , hinge bearing 25 serve to accommodate the hinge pin 17 , Furthermore, receiving pockets 26 provided, which for receiving the tabs 24 the longitudinal walls 3 serve, so that the longitudinal walls 3 in this way on the frame 2 are secured when they are in their lying rest position.

8th shows the corner area, in which a longitudinal wall 3 and a front wall 4 abut one another, with only the upper edge of this corner area being shown. It can be seen that the locking element 6 a bolt tongue 27 has at its end. During its pivoting movement, the bolt tongue 27 with its slope automatically on the front wall 4 abut and loaded on pressure, so that the bolt tongue 27 the locking element 6 into a release position, until the bolt tongue 27 in front of a latch opening 28 is arranged in the front wall 4 in the area of the retaining claw 19 is provided. Once the bolt tongue 27 with this latch opening 28 overlapping device, the spring-loaded locking element can 6 relax. The bolt tongue 27 is doing in the latch opening 28 guided so that in this way the longitudinal and end walls 3 and 4 securely locked in their upright position of use. Only by means of the handles 5 can against the mentioned spring effect the locking element 6 be moved from the latch position to the release position by the bolt tongue 27 from the latch opening 28 is pulled out, so now the longitudinal wall 3 opposite the front wall 4 can be pivoted inwards and thereby the positive connection between the retaining pin 21 and the retaining claw 19 with their holes 20 is solved.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 pallet frame

2

 frame

3

 longitudinal wall

4

 bulkhead

5

 handle

6

 locking element

7

 palette

8th

 bottom edge

9

 contact edge

10

 front section

11

 indentation

12

 longitudinal section

14

 grip

15

 cover

16

 radius

17

 hinge pin

18

 guideway

19

 retaining claw

20

 drilling

21

 retaining pins

22

 guide slot

23

 guide channel

24

 flap

25

 hinge bearing

26

 receiving pocket

27

 bolt tongue

28

 bolt opening

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

• EP 2681123 B1 [0002]

Claims (10)

Foldable pallet frame ( 1 ), with two longitudinal walls ( 3 ), and two end walls ( 4 ), which are shorter than the longitudinal walls ( 3 ), the longitudinal walls ( 3 ) and the end walls ( 4 ) are each pivotable between an upright position of use and a horizontal rest position, and with a peripheral frame ( 2 ), which has a lower floor edge ( 8th ), with which the pallet frame ( 1 ) on a pallet ( 7 ) is placed, and on which the longitudinal walls ( 3 ) and the end walls ( 4 ), and the longitudinal sections ( 12 ) and frontal sections ( 10 ), and being on a longitudinal wall ( 3 ) or on an end wall ( 4 ) two opposing locking elements ( 6 ) are arranged, which the longitudinal wall ( 3 ) or the front wall ( 4 ) with the two adjacent walls of the pallet frame ( 1 ) cooperate latch-wise, such that the longitudinal wall ( 3 ) or the front wall ( 4 ) is locked in its position of use, wherein the locking elements ( 6 ) from its locked position into a pivotal movement of the longitudinal wall ( 3 ) or the front wall ( 4 ) are movable into their rest position enabling release position, characterized in that the frame ( 2 ), the longitudinal walls ( 3 ) and the end walls ( 4 ) made of plastic, the frame ( 2 ) both below the longitudinal walls ( 3 ) as well as the end walls ( 4 ) outside abutment edges ( 9 ) lower than the bottom edge ( 8th ) protrude downwards that the frame ( 2 ) each in a radius ( 16 ) of the longitudinal sections ( 12 ) in the forehead sections ( 10 ), and in the area of these radii ( 16 ) at the level of the bottom edge ( 8th ) or above it, and that the two opposing locking elements ( 6 ) have a common handle, by means of which they are simultaneously actuated, or that the two opposing locking elements ( 6 ) each have their own handle ( 5 ), which handle ( 5 ) are arranged close to each other in such a way that they can be actuated simultaneously with one hand. Pallet frame according to claim 1, characterized in that below the end walls ( 4 ) two abutment edges ( 9 ) between a recessed grip ( 14 ) are creatively spaced from each other. Pallet frame according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the center of gravity of a longitudinal wall ( 3 ) and / or an end wall ( 4 ) radially inward, relative to the pallet frame ( 1 ) enclosed base surface, as the pivot axis of the respective longitudinal wall ( 3 ) or end wall ( 4 ). Pallet frame according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal walls ( 3 ) are arranged lower in the rest position than the end walls ( 4 ). Pallet frame according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pallet frame ( 1 ) Has dimensions of substantially 80 cm in length and 60 cm in width, and a height of substantially 30 cm. Pallet frame according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame ( 2 ) has an upwardly projecting stop on the outside, which the pivoting movement of a longitudinal wall ( 3 ) and / or an end wall ( 4 ) From the rest position limited to the position of use. Pallet frame according to claim 6, characterized in that the stop as an upward extension of the underlying investment edge ( 9 ) of the frame ( 2 ) is configured. Pallet frame according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two handles ( 5 ) are arranged at a distance of a maximum of 15 cm from each other. Pallet frame according to claim 8, characterized in that the two handles ( 5 ) are arranged at a maximum distance of 10 cm from each other. Pallet frame according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the entire pallet frame ( 1 ) consists of plastic.

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