EP1080018A1

EP1080018A1 - Frame with an insert

Info

Publication number: EP1080018A1
Application number: EP98947515A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Eckhard Napp
Original assignee: Anton Hurtz GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Anton Hurtz GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 1998-05-27
Filing date: 1998-09-04
Publication date: 2001-03-07
Anticipated expiration: 2018-09-04
Also published as: US6488167B1; DE19823612C2; ES2175788T3; ATE219010T1; DE19823612A1; WO1999061331A1; EP1080018B1; DE59804472D1

Abstract

A frame for pallets includes a plurality of frame bars that define a surface of the frame to which a frame insert is secured in a manner enabling the frame insert to be loaded transversely within a plane of the frame. The frame insert is form-fittingly interlocked with at least one frame bar transversely to the plane of the frame.

Description

Frame with frame insert

The invention relates to a frame, in particular a side wall frame for pallets, which is preferably composed of a plurality of frame bars which delimit a frame surface and to which a frame insert is fastened in a cross-loadable manner in a frame plane.

A frame with use with the aforementioned features is generally known. The frame insert is fastened in the frame such that it has to be held externally after insertion and is then riveted or welded. The joining techniques are carried out in at least two steps. Such frames are used in particular as side walls for pallets. These are articles that are manufactured in large numbers. In this case, it is particularly disadvantageous if high production costs are to be incurred due to complex production.

In contrast, the invention has for its object to improve a frame with a frame insert with the features mentioned in such a way that a little time and cost is required for the production of the frame with frame insert and the production is simplified.

This object is achieved in that the frame insert is positively locked transversely to the frame plane with at least one frame bar. It is important for the invention that even the latching of the frame insert with the frame, which is formed from frame bars, can hold the construction. No further welding or riveting of the frame insert to the frame is necessary, but for additional improvement of the hold it is possible without changing the shapes as needed after latching. Assembly is simplified in that the frame insert can be installed in the frame in one operation. Due to the simple assembly, there is a wide range of variations for the structure and materials of the frame rods and frame inserts with little effort. For cleaning or replacing frame inserts, these can be easily levered out without having to replace the frame as well. The frame inserts are not damaged during installation and removal and can be reused. By means of this latching technique, different materials, in particular also materials that cannot be welded or can only be welded at very different temperatures, can be connected to one another without problems. The frame inserts can also be inserted and held with play so that materials which have a different elasticity or expansion properties than the frame construction can be used as the frame insert material.

The frame can be designed so that it is rectangular and its frame insert is locked on mutually parallel frame bars. The rectangular frame shape enables a particularly simple assembly of the frame insert and a connection of different frames with each other and with

Attachment on a rectangular pallet. For a sufficient hold of the frame insert, a latching on opposite parallel frame bars is essentially sufficient. The frame insert can be easily snapped into place and sits firmly in both a one-piece and a multi-piece frame, which can be made from several frame bars for both blunt cuts and mitred cuts with welded seams or with corner connectors. It is advantageous to design a frame in such a way that a frame rod is provided with a longitudinally extending latching recess into which the frame insert engages with an insert edge. A longitudinally extending latching recess can be produced with little effort in a frame rod, which was produced, for example, from a hollow profile. If the locking recess extends over the entire frame bar, a variable arrangement of the insert within the frame is possible if it is shorter than the frame bar. A frame insert that can be moved in the frame after insertion can also be used. The insert edge of the frame insert is easy to manufacture in this arrangement.

It is advantageous if the frame insert is a thin plate with insert edges formed by bends. Bends can be made by bending or in a rolling process in e.g. Produce sheets easily. No complicated moldings are necessary.

An advantageous embodiment of the frame is that the locking recess is present on a frame bar wall facing a parallel frame bar. In this way, the frame insert can be installed between the two frame bars. This facilitates a good, form-fitting fit. The overall construction has a small depth with the same functionality. This is particularly desirable in the case of attachments for pallets due to the increased loading capacities due to the thinner frame side walls.

It is advantageous if the latching recess has the cross-sectional shape of the engaging insert edge, which if necessary is the same as the adjoining surface of the frame rod having the latching recess. In this way there is a good positive fit between the frame insert and the frame rod wall. The locking recess and the insert edge complement each other to form a smooth surface. When moving goods to be transported in a pallet attachment composed of these frame parts, the goods do not get caught on any overhangs in this way. There is no protrusion of a part and therefore no water or Arrest dirt. The creation of creative positions is prevented. Easy cleaning is possible. It also creates a good visual impression.

The frame can be designed in such a way that a wall of the frame bars that has the latching recess forms an acute angle with a direction of use of the frame insert. An edge that rises in the opposite direction to the direction of use of the frame insert or an acute angle prevents the frame insert from being pushed through when it is inserted into the frame and provides a positive fit in the direction of pushing through. This is particularly the case if the walls of two frame rods parallel to one another each form an acute angle with a direction of use of the frame insert in a practically mirror-image arrangement. As a result, the distances between the frame bars at the two end edges of the opposing parallel walls are different. The direction of use should preferably be arranged in the direction of the narrowing levels.

The frame is advantageously designed such that the insert edges of the frame insert engage in the latching depressions under pretension. As a result, in addition to the positive locking by the locking recesses, an additional hold is provided by increasing the static friction due to a contact pressure transverse to the direction of loading. This voltage can meet the respective load requirements e.g. be adjusted when transporting goods. The use of a prestressed frame insert is particularly advantageous for metals or other good elastic materials.

It is advantageous that the insert edges of the frame insert form an acute angle with its direction of use, which is larger in amount than the acute angle of the wall of the frame rod which has the respective locking recess. This provides an easy way to generate tension when the frame insert is in place. This is particularly advantageous in the case of metal sheets in order to improve the hold of the frame insert. An advantageous embodiment of the frame is that the frame insert with a smooth or cranked insert edge is inserted into a locking recess designed as an insertion groove. In particular, in addition to the inclined walls of the other frame bars of the frame on the insert side, this type of joining provides a possibility of obtaining a secure positioning in the manufacture of the frame with a frame insert before the other edges of the frame insert are used. A cranked insert edge in particular provides a smooth finish at the transition from the frame insert to the frame rod.

It is advantageous if the frame insert only partially fills the frame area. In this way, the goods to be transported can be ventilated or also observed and checked. In particular, material can be saved and the overall weight is reduced. In addition, the assembly of the frame insert is made easier by the lower press-in forces to be applied.

The frame can be designed so that the frame insert is in several parts and its parts are evenly distributed over the frame surface. The multi-part nature of the frame insert provides a greater variable design option for the device. If sliding frame inserts are used, they can also be arranged differently after installation, depending on requirements. By evenly distributing the frame insert parts over the frame surface, a uniform absorption of the forces to be absorbed is achieved, which when using the frame e.g. can occur with attachments for pallets. In addition, an attractive visual impression is guaranteed.

The frame insert is advantageously a hollow profile which engages with its front ends in locking recesses in the frame rods. The design of the frame insert as a hollow profile ensures good stability both against lateral forces and against longitudinal forces, while at the same time the component is low in weight. Less material is required and the hollow profile is more proven by extruding Easy to manufacture. When the frame insert is pressed in, the hollow profile absorbs elastic deformation forces in addition to the frame insert edges. It is therefore not always necessary to maintain a constant, constant pre-tension on the frame insert. Instead, the hollow profile can compensate for deviations that can occur, for example, through the use of different materials or shapes. The hollow profile enables the frame with frame insert to be used as a thermally insulating wall for temperature-sensitive perishable goods. In addition, the use of multi-part frame inserts distributed over the frame surface in this form of the hollow profile is particularly advantageous because the end edges can be securely locked even with a small contact surface.

It is advantageous if the insert edge of the frame insert is inserted into an undercut in the frame rod. The undercut ensures a better hold against slipping out of the frame insert against the direction of use and across it. In this case, the acute angle does not necessarily have to be selected with a view to an optimal hold, but can be adapted to simpler manufacturing conditions. When using the frame with the frame insert, e.g. in the case of an attachment for pallets when transporting heavy, bulky goods, the frame inserts are reliably prevented from being pushed out by the goods being moved during transport.

If the frame insert is supported against being pushed through by the frame against its direction of use, this offers an advantageous embodiment of the frame. Otherwise, it may be possible at a small angle of the wall of the frame rod provided with the latching device that the frame insert part is inadvertently pushed through the frame during assembly and does not find a hold.

It is advantageous if the frame bars have support projections which engage behind the frame insert. Supporting projections of this type are simple to produce in the case of hollow frame profiles by co-extrusion and can thus be shaped, that they do not represent a hindrance for the insertion and movement of the goods within an attachment for pallets constructed from the frame and the frame inserts, while at the same time holding well.

The frame can be designed such that the frame insert is held in alignment with the walls of the frame bars by the locking recesses. This type of construction ensures that goods do not get stuck when inserted into the box or that dirt or dirt cannot be detachably connected to the frame with the frame insert.

It is advantageous if the frame rods and / or the frame insert consist of metal or plastic. The production of metal or plastic ensures that the attachments built up from these frames and the frame inserts on pallets can be easily cleaned and are safe and hygienic. A structure made of metal or fiber-reinforced plastic is moreover particularly very resistant to the influence of external and internal forces. The plastic structure enables a very light construction, which is particularly suitable for transport in aircraft. Constructions of a frame with a frame insert made of a combination of different materials are also advantageous. The latching connection makes it possible to easily and inexpensively connect a wide variety of materials as a frame insert or frame.

A further advantageous embodiment of the frame is present when two or more frames are connected by a coupling / counter-coupling mechanism, consisting of a U-profile located on an outer frame wall of a first frame and a U-profile located on an outer frame wall of a second frame into which U-profile inserted bar. This enables a very variable construction of different attachments and frame constructions. The construction of the coupling mechanism from U-profiles and inserted strips ensures a stable hold and a good seal against the ingress of moisture. The simple assembly offers the possibility of saving space by stacking frames of the attachment if the attachment is temporarily not needed.

A method is proposed according to claims 1 to 20 for producing a frame from a plurality of frame bars with a frame insert, in which the frame bars are connected to one another at their ends and the frame insert is installed between the frame bars transversely to the frame plane. The task is to find a simple, inexpensive joining process for producing frames with frame inserts.

The object is achieved in that the frame insert is inserted transversely to the frame plane between the frame bars and is thereby locked in a form-locking manner in recesses in these frame bars. Compared to welding or riveting, this latching can be carried out in one operation without complex equipment. The locking method allows that very different frame inserts and frames can be assembled with one machine. This joining technique offers the particular advantage during production that the frame insert can be connected to the frame in a simple manner. There are no increased demands on the surface quality or material selection and material properties of the elements to be assembled. The method does not rule out the fact that other common joining methods are used in addition to supplement and improve the hold.

The invention is explained with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. It shows:

Fig.la side walls of a pallet attachment assembled from a frame and frame inserts with a longitudinal section through two frame bars and a frame insert, Fig. Lb the assembly of an attachment from several frames, Fig. 2a an enlarged detail of a corner area of a frame insert inserted into a frame, 2a shows a frame insert and the frame constructed from frame rods before assembly, 3a shows a section through a prestressed frame insert held in a frame, 3a shows a hollow profile inserted into a frame,

Fig.4a, b two sections through differently designed

Snap connections, Fig.5 a segment-filled frame with coupling profiles.

Fig. la shows an attachment 5 for pallets 60 assembled from several frames with frame inserts 12 (FIG. 1b). The frames of the designs shown here are rectangular. They are made up of miter cut hollow profile bars. Another possibility is to let the frame bars meet butt and then weld them, just as with the miter-cut frame bars. But corner connectors can also be used. A side piece 55 formed from a frame and a frame insert 12 is shown in section. It is enlarged again in FIGS. 3a, b and 4a, b and shown in cross section in various embodiments.

The cross sections of the frame rods 10 are rectangular or have a slight slope or an acute angle α (FIG. 3a) on the inner frame rod wall 16 with respect to an application direction ER (FIG. 2a) of the frame insert 12. The oblique frame bar wall 16 is formed with a latching recess 13 and the straight frame bar wall 16 'with an insertion groove 19. The latching depressions 13 for oblique inner frame bar walls 16 of the frame bars 10 or the straight inner frame bar walls 16 of the frame bars 10 with insertion grooves 19 for the insert edges 14 of the Frame inserts 12 advantageously have undercuts or supporting lugs (FIGS. 4 a, b). The frame surface 11 is completely filled with a thin, elongated frame insert 12. The frame surface 11 in Fig.la is in this case the same as the frame plane 11 '. The direction of use ER of the frame insert 12 is shown in Fig. 2b, 3a. It preferably extends transversely to the frame surface 11, in the direction of the rejuvenation. An end edge 14 of the frame insert 12 is seated in a latching recess 13 of an inner frame rod wall 16 of a rectangular frame rod 10, which extends longitudinally over the frame rod 10. The use of a frame insert 12 in a frame with a straight frame rod wall 16 'and several oblique frame rod walls 16, shown in FIG 4a, b, is carried out in such a way that only the insert edge 14 of the frame insert 12 intended for the straight wall 16 'is inserted into the insertion groove 19 and the remaining insert edges 14 are then clipped into the locking recesses 13 of the oblique frame rod walls 16.

For improved and form-fitting retention of an attachment on the pallet 60, tabs 30 are attached to the frame bars 10, which rest on the pallet 60, in such a way that they grip around the pallet 60, and thus protection against lateral displacement, a positive fit for the attachment 5 guarantee.

FIG. 1b shows how the side walls formed from frame and frame insert 12 are assembled using a coupling / counter-coupling mechanism. This mechanism consists of U-profiles 24 and strips 25 which are attached to outer surfaces 23, 23 'of the frame bars 10 in the longitudinal direction. In this way, frame parts with a U-profile 24 and frame parts with a bar 25 can be pushed into one another and form a variably configurable frame attachment 5.

Fig. 2a shows an enlarged detail of a corner area of the attachment 5 from Fig.la. At the corner, which is composed of two frame bars 10, the built-in frame insert 12 has a split into two insert edges 14 running along the frame bars 10. In the case of such a construction, a spread-out end part results at the corner, which connects the connecting seam of the frame rods 10, e.g. leaves a weld free.

2b shows schematically the insertion of a frame insert 12 into a frame. All insert edges 14 are formed angled and at the same time snap into the locking recesses 13 of the inner oblique frame bar walls 16 of the frame.

3a shows in more detail the insertion of a frame insert 12, known at an angle β, in the form of a sheet into a frame, formed from the frame bars 10 with angled frame edges 14 on the walls 16 with the angle α. The direction of use is marked with ER. The angle α is smaller than the angle β. In this way, the frame insert 12 is put under tension when inserted into the frame. This provides greater adhesion and thus greater durability or improved form fit in addition to the form fit formed by the sloping frame bar walls 16 and locking recesses 13 to prevent the frame insert 12 from slipping.

3b shows a hollow profile inserted into a frame rod 10 with its front ends 20. The hollow profile has a smaller thickness d than the thickness D of the frame bars 10. The locking recesses 13 on the oblique frame bar walls 16 have a length corresponding to a projection of the thickness d of the hollow profile onto the frame bar wall 16. In this way, the surface of the inner surface I of the frame with the frame insert 12 is smooth and the profile can be held towards the outside A of the frame by the locking recesses 13.

4a, b shows two preferred forms of construction of opposing frame bars 10 with an oblique frame wall 16 and a straight frame bar wall 16 '. The straight frame bar wall 16 has an insertion groove 19 into which a smooth (FIG. 4 a) or cranked (FIG. 4 b) insert edge 14 of a frame insert 12 is inserted. The cranked insert edge 14 offers the advantage that it forms a smoother transition on the inside I of the frame. This smooth transition is advantageous when sensitive goods are placed in the attachment 5 formed from the frame, which should not get caught or come into contact with dirt or water stuck in the edges. Furthermore, in addition to the simple latching recess 13 of an oblique frame bar wall 16 of a frame bar 10, an embodiment is shown which has a support projection 22 which engages behind the frame insert 12 to prevent it from slipping. In particular in the case of non-prestressed frame insert plates 12, it is advantageous to additionally secure the latching recess 13 against slipping out by an undercut 21 of the oblique frame bar wall 16 of the frame bar 10. It is advantageous to arrange a frame bar 10 with the straight inner frame bar wall 16 'in the frame so that the frame insert 12 can first be inserted into the insertion groove 19 during installation and then can be latched into the locking recesses 13 under tension. Likewise, however, it is also conceivable that the beveled, angled edges 14 engage with force on all four sides, as shown in FIGS. 2b, 3a.

5 shows a multi-part frame insert 12, the individual parts of which are evenly distributed over the frame surface 11 and can be snapped into the locking recesses 13 on opposite parallel frame bars 10. Molded snap edges can be used. U profiles 24 are arranged on the outside 23 of the frame rods 10. In conjunction with the strips 25, as already described above, they serve as a coupling / negative coupling mechanism when building up pallet attachments 5 from frames with frame inserts 12. The frame or side walls are secured against falling apart using conventional means, e.g. by strapping or fasteners.

Claims

Claims:

1. Frame, in particular side wall frame for pallets, which is composed of preferably a plurality of frame bars (10) which delimit a frame surface (11) and to which a frame insert (12) in a frame plane (11 ') is fastened transversely, characterized in that the frame insert (12) is locked with at least one frame bar (10) transversely to the frame plane (11 ').

2. Frame according to claim 1, characterized in that it is rectangular and its frame insert (12) is locked on mutually parallel frame bars (10).

3. Frame according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a frame rod (10) is provided with a longitudinally extending latching recess (13) into which the frame insert (12) engages with an insert edge (14).

Frame according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the frame insert (12) is a thin plate with insert edges (14) formed by bends (15).

Frame according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the latching recess (13) is provided on a frame bar wall (16) facing a parallel frame bar (10).

Frame according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the latching recess (13) has the cross-sectional shape of the engaging insert edge (14), which if necessary with the subsequent upper area of the locking recess (13) having the frame bar (10) is the same.

7. Frame according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a the recess

(13) having wall (16) of one of the frame bars (10) forms an acute angle (α) with a snap-in direction (ER) of the frame insert (12).

8. Frame according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the walls (16) of two mutually parallel frame bars (10) each have an acute angle (α) with a locking direction (ER) of the frame insert (12) in a practically mirror image Form the arrangement.

9. Frame according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the insert edges (14) of the frame insert (12) engage under tension in the locking recesses (13).

10. Frame according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the insert edges (14) of the frame insert (12) with its direction of use (ER) form an acute angle (ß) which is greater in amount than the acute angle (α) the wall (16) of the frame rod (10) which has the respective locking recess (13).

11. Frame according to one or more of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the frame insert (12) with a smooth or cranked insert edge (14) is inserted into a recess (13) designed as an insertion groove (19).

12. Frame according to one or more of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the frame insert (12) only partially fills the frame surface (11).

13. Frame according to one or more of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the frame insert (12) is in several parts and its parts on the frame surface

(11) are evenly distributed.

14. Frame according to one or more of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the frame insert (12) is a hollow profile which engages with its front ends (20) in locking recesses (13) of the frame rods (10).

15. Frame according to one or more of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the insert edge (14) of the frame insert (12) is inserted into an undercut (21) of the frame rod (10).

16. Frame according to one or more of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the frame insert (12) is supported against its direction of use by the frame against pushing through.

17. Frame according to one or more of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the frame bars (10) have the frame insert (12) engaging support projections (22).

18. Frame according to one or more of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the frame insert (12) of the locking recesses (13) in alignment with walls

(16) the frame bars (10) is held.

19. Frame according to one or more of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the frame rods (10) and / or the frame insert (12) consist of metal or plastic.

20. Frame according to one or more of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that two or more frames are connected by a coupling / negative coupling mechanism, consisting of a U-profile (24) and located on a frame outer wall (23) of a first frame one on a frame outer wall (23 ') of a second frame, inserted in the U-profile bar (25).

21. A method for producing a frame from a plurality of frame bars (10) with a frame insert (12), in which the frame bars (10) are connected to one another at their ends and the frame insert (12) between the frame bars (10) transversely to the frame plane (11 ') is installed to withstand loads, for the manufacture of a frame according to one or more of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the frame insert (12) is inserted transversely to the frame plane between the frame bars (10) and in the recesses (13) of these frame bars (10) to the frame plane (11 ') is locked in a form-locking manner.