EP2230186B1 - Palette, in particular europalette - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a pallet, in particular a Euro flat pallet, consisting essentially of at least two pallet segments, which are releasably coupled together by at least one connecting element, wherein the connecting element is designed as a Zugverbindungselement which exerts on the pallet segments at least one shock-absorbing traction.

Such pallets are used, inter alia, and on a large scale in the food industry, generally as a product carrier. Historically, the Euro-Pool range or colloquially the Euro-pallet or Euro-flat pallet has been used, which is a reusable (rectangular) transport pallet with standardized dimensions (usually 1200 mm length x 800 mm width x 144 mm height). Euro pallets are so-called four-way pallets, meaning that they can be picked up or transported from all four sides with a material handling device or a forklift truck. However, the inclusion with a lift truck is limited to the shorter sides of the rectangular base due to the bottom closed side openings. Standardization allows problem-free reuse and exchange.

Such pallets in general or Euro pallets in particular have proved their worth when it comes to packaging, transporting and presenting goods at the point of sale, for example in the food industry. The increasing expansion of the product range has now led to more and more so-called Düsseldorfer pallets, ie half pallets compared to the Euro pallet, are used. Because these half-pallets offer the advantage that they are the same material handling equipment or Pallet trucks as the Euro pallets can be transported, but only have half their plate size. As a result, for example, two different goods can be arranged on a Düsseldorf pallet in the same place on the sales floor, which has previously claimed a Euro pallet or Euro flat pallet for itself. In this way, the expansion of the product range can be elegantly countered. All the more so as the so-called Düsseldorfer pallets or half-pallets are also converted in exchange and in the industry in comparison to the euro pallets.

For the half-pallets or generally the at least two pallet segments from which the pallet in question consists essentially in practice arises increasingly the requirement to combine the two usually equal-sized pallet segments flexible to the overall pallet or to separate the two pallet segments from each other , For this purpose, various solutions are described in the prior art.

So the utility model beats DE 87 07 837 U1 before that the local pallet segments are connected to the feet with a plastic strap that wraps around them. Apart from the fact that such a connection is too weak for certain applications, there is the problem that the plastic tape must be installed, removed and disposed of.

In addition, the utility model deals DE 92 10 381 U1 with a pallet in which the individual pallet segments are interconnected with composite boards attached to the underside of their respective platforms. The composite boards extend beyond the joint of at least two of these pallet segments. Mostly, the pallet segments are interconnected by two parallel composite boards, which are transverse to the Butt of the pallet segments extend over this. For the connection, the known teaching proposes to nail the composite boards from above through the platforms with these. As a result, the composite boards must be separated from the platforms with a crowbar, crowbar or the like. So it is not only a considerable effort required, but additional tool.

At this fundamental problem also changes the generic state of the art after the DE 2 674 504 A1 basically nothing. Because the connection of the local pallet segments is done with the help of folding brackets and associated latch notifications. As a result, only limited impact forces can build up.

This also applies to the further generic state of the art according to the FR 2 829 467 A1 , In fact, in this case, continuous slats are realized, which are fixed by means of these transversal screws on the pallet segments.

The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a pallet so that the connection of the two pallet segments is simple and problem-free.

To solve this technical problem, a generic pallet is characterized in that the connecting element has a matched to the composite length of the gapless adjoining pallet segments length and at least two parts with a tie rod and two locking elements each end of the tie rod is formed, the tie rod as a tie rod and at least one Locking element is designed as a rotatable and releasably connected to the pull rod locking sleeve.

In the context of the invention provides the connecting element - in contrast to the DE 92 10 381 U1 - So not only for the fact that the previously positioned collision against each other pallet segments are fixed against each other nailing. Also a screw connection, like the FR 2 829 467 A1 propagated, deleted. But the connecting element according to the invention is designed as Zugverbindungselement. That is, the connecting element can exert on a pallet segment or the two pallet segments substantially a tensile force, in a direction which overlaps a shock between the two pallet segments to be connected. Regularly at this point a tensile force is exerted which runs parallel or along the longitudinal central axis of the pallet. This longitudinal central axis is usually aligned perpendicular to the transverse central axis of the assembled from the two pallet segments range, which in turn coincides with the respective abutting edge of the two in the installed position gapless adjacent and usually the same size pallet segments.

In any case, ensures the most parallel to the longitudinal central axis and with the help of the connecting element or Zugverbindungselementes inventively exercised and the impact between the two pallet segments cross traction that on the one hand, the two pallet segments are fixed in the installed position against each other and form the palette and on the other hand, the two pallet segments Connection process an alignment. That is, the connecting element or Zugverbindungselement invention takes care at the same time fixing and centering function. The state of the art with the nailed composite board can not even hint.

Consequently, only the invention is able to properly align the two pallet segments during the connection process to each other and in the installed position to connect together so that the composite in this way range has similar strength properties as a one-piece range. Here are the main benefits.

The connecting element has a length adapted to the assembled length of the pallet segments lying gaplessly against one another in the installed position. That is to say, the length of the connecting element corresponds essentially to the length of the longitudinal central axis of the pallet composed of the two interconnected pallet segments. In this case, the connecting element is arranged regularly below a load-bearing platform.

The load-bearing platform is usually carried by pallet feet. The platform is connected to the head of the pallet feet in question and can be easily undercut in this way, for example, trolley, lift truck, etc.

The connecting element itself is now fixed to two mirror-symmetrically opposite pallet feet with respect to the transverse center axis or respective abutment edge of the two pallet segments to be connected. In addition, it has been proven that the connecting element is formed at least in two parts. In this case, the connecting element is composed of the tie rod and the at least one releasably fixed locking element. According to the invention, two locking elements are respectively provided on the end side of the tie rod.

When the tie rod is a pull rod, wherein the locking element is designed as a rotatably connected to the Zugstande Verrieglungsmuffe. By turning the Verrieglungsmuffe opposite the tie rod, the two thus connected pallet segments are increasingly approached in the connection process to each other until they rest in the installed position in the region of their respective abutting edge gap to each other.

To achieve this in detail, the pull rod may be formed as a threaded rod and the locking element or the locking sleeve as a locking nut.

In most cases, a locking contour is assigned to the locking element or the locking sleeve. In this case, there is this locking contour in or on one or the two pallet feet, in which the tie rod or the tie rod opens at each end and is fixed thereto. In the simplest case, the locking contour may be an indentation in the relevant pallet foot. This is not mandatory. In addition, the locking contour may have a display that documents the mounting position of the locking element. In most cases, the display of the locking contour cooperates with a nose, which has the locking element or the locking sleeve. Because even the nose is used to display the installation position of the locking element.

Fig. 1

ein Palettensegment, aus dem die erfindungsgemäße Palette zusammengesetzt ist,

Fig. 2

eine schematische Unteransicht auf die Palette aus den beiden Palettensegmenten und

Fig. 3

eine Ansicht auf den Gegenstand nach Figur 2 aus Richtung X.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing showing only one exemplary embodiment; show it:

Fig. 1

a pallet segment from which the pallet according to the invention is assembled,

Fig. 2

a schematic bottom view of the pallet of the two pallet segments and

Fig. 3

a view of the object FIG. 2 from direction X.

In the figures, a pallet is shown, which is in the embodiment and not limiting a euro flat pallet. This Euro flat pallet consists essentially of two pallet segments or so-called half pallets 1, which are also referred to as Düsseldorfer range. This is of course only to be understood as illustrative and not restrictive. In any case, the two half-pallets or pallet segments 1 are releasably coupled together, by at least one connecting element 2, 3rd

The two half-pallets or pallet segments 1 consist in the embodiment and also not restrictive predominantly of plastic. Actually one recognizes in the representation after FIG. 1 in that the respective pallet segment 1 is first of all equipped with a platform 1a made of plastic. This platform 1a made of plastic rests on six pallet feet 1b, which are each steel sections in the exemplary embodiment. Also associated runners 1c include steel profiles, wherein the steel profiles of the pallet feet 1b and those of the skids 1c are welded together. The skids 1c are then encapsulated, so that they are equipped on the outside with a plastic coating. In principle, the platform 1 a and the skids 1 c as the pallet feet 1 b can of course be made of other materials, such as wood or wooden boards, steel, etc.

In the context of the embodiment, however, a pallet segment 1 or a Düsseldorfer half-pallet made of plastic is used, which is characterized in comparison to such a wooden with a longer life and opens up the possibility for cleaning. As a result, the individual pallet segments 1 are predestined for use in the food industry and in suppliers.

Of particular importance for the doctrine of the invention is now the fact that this particular in the Figures 2 and 3 to be recognized connecting element 2, 3 is designed as a Zugverbindungselement. This means that with the help of the Zugverbindungselementes 2, 3 can exert a tensile force F on the two pallet segments 1, each of which engages over a shock or a joint edge 4 between the two pallet segments 1. The tensile force F in question is in FIG. 2 registered and runs in the context of the embodiment parallel or in the direction of a longitudinal center axis L of the two pallet segments 1 composite pallet. By contrast, the two abutting edges 4 of the individual pallet segments 1 are arranged along a transverse center line Q of the pallet in question.

The transverse central axis Q divides the pallet into two equal halves, because the two pallet segments 1 are the same size and designed as half pallets. In addition, each of the longitudinal center axis L as well as the transverse center axis Q act as mirror axes for the assembled from the two pallet segments 1 and rectangular pallet.

In any case, the connecting element 2, 3 ensures that the pallet segments 1 are acted upon by a traction force F that overlaps their respective abutting edges 4, so that the pallet segments 1 are centered relative to one another during the joining process and, at the same time, approach each other.

As soon as the two pallet segments 1 lie against each other without gaps, like the FIG. 2 represents, the installation position of the connecting element 2, 3 is reached. The connecting element 2, 3 thus provides according to the invention for a simultaneous centering and coupling of the two pallet segments 1 with each other.

For this purpose, the connecting element 2, 3 has a length T adapted to the assembled length of the gapless adjoining pallet segments 1. In fact, the length T of the connecting element 2, 3 corresponds to the length of the longitudinal axis L in the example case. On the basis of a comparison of the Figures 2 and 3 it can be seen that the connecting element 2, 3 is formed at least in two parts with tie rods 2 and at least one locking element 3 detachably fixed thereto. In the context of the embodiment and not limiting the tie rod 2 has at its one end via a permanently connected to this end sleeve 3 ', while at the other end of the tie rod 2, the releasably thereto fixed locking sleeve 3 is connected. Of course, the tie rod 2 could also be equipped with each end releasably connected to this locking sleeves 3, but this is not shown.

It can be seen that the connecting element 2, 3 is disposed overall below the respective load-bearing platform 1a. In fact, the connecting element 2, 3 experiences a fixation on two each with respect to the transverse center axis Q mirror-inverted pallet feet 1 b. Doing that FIG. 3 Moreover, it is clear that the connecting element 2, 3 is centrally connected to the respective pallet foot 1b, or is located in the region of its center Z, in order to ensure the most uniform introduction of force of the tensile force F into the respective pallet foot 1b.

This tensile force F is transmitted via the two pallet feet 1b opposite one another to the platform 1a, which is attached thereto on the head side, and thus the pallet segment 1 as a whole. In detail, the tie rod 2 is presently designed as a pull rod 2 in general and threaded rod 2 in particular. In contrast, the locking element 3 is a locking sleeve 3 in general and a locking nut 3 in particular.

When the locking nut 3 is screwed onto the threaded rod 2, this process ensures that the distance between the locking nut 3 and the other end fixed end sleeve 3 'is reduced and as a result thereof the tensile force F is exerted as described on the pallet segments 1 to be joined. Previously, however, it is necessary that the connecting element 2, 3 in general or the tie rods 2 and the tie rod 2 or threaded rod 2 is threaded through in each case an opening 5 in the associated Palettenfuß 1 b.

As a result, the two pallet segments 1 to be joined already experience a certain degree of coarse alignment with one another. As soon as the locking nut 3 is screwed onto the threaded rod 2 and tightened, the two pallet segments 1 are approximated and aligned with each other at the same time. For the tie rod 2 or the drawbar 2 or the threaded rod 2 in particular ensures in conjunction with the opening 5 in the respective pallet base 1b for the necessary centering. As soon as the two pallet segments 1 abut each other with their abutting edges 4 (as the FIG. 2 shows) the installation position has been reached.

In detail, this is the locking element or the locking nut 3 assigned in the example, a locking contour 6, which has an arrangement on the respective Palettenfuß 1 b. The locking contour 6 in the example case is a ring or a ring segment. As shown below FIG. 3 around a semicircular ring segment. The locking contour 6 may be recessed mounted on the pallet foot 1b. This is not mandatory.

The locking element or the locking nut 3 in particular has a nose 7 which on the one hand interacts with the locking contour 6 and on the other hand indicates the installation position of the locking element 2, 3 as a whole. To display the mounting position of the locking element 2, 3 is also a further display 8 on the locking contour 6, which in the present case is designed as a stop 8 or may be.

In order for the locking element 2, 3 with the locking nut 3 with nose 7 already mounted thereon to be able to penetrate the respective pallet foot 1b for the connection operation, the opening 5 in the pallet foot 1b according to the exemplary embodiment is designed in the manner of a keyhole. In order now to exert the tensile force F on the two to be connected pallet segments 1, the locking nut 3, starting from the in FIG. 3 Turned illustrated connection position in the clockwise direction, as indicated by an arrow. In this process, the nose 7 of the locking nut 3 slides along the locking contour 6. At the same time the nose 7 and the locking nut 3 exerts the already described tensile force F from.

After the nose 7 has swept over approximately a semicircle or has been moved along the semicircular segment or the locking contour 6, the nose 7 abuts against the stop 8. This will be the already addressed display causes, which documents that the connecting element 2, 3 is in the installed position. At the same time, this position of the connecting element 2, 3 documents that the two pallet segments 1 abut one another without gaps in the region of their respective abutting edges 4.

Within the scope of the exemplary embodiment and not restricting, an abutment or an abutment plate 9 is assigned to the locking element or the locking nut 3. The abutment or the abutment plate 9 is located on the back of the pallet base 1b with the opening 5 for the guided through locking element 2, 3. In addition, like the locking element or the locking nut 3 according to the FIG. 3 be adjusted with the help of a screwdriver. A corresponding receiving slot can then detect whether the locking element 3 is in its closed or open position.

Claims (9)

1. A pallet, in particular a Euro flat pallet, consisting substantially of at least two pallet segments (1), which are detachably coupled to one another by means of at least one connecting element (2, 3), wherein the connecting element (2, 3) is embodied as traction connecting element (2, 3), which exerts at least a tractive force (F) with a comprehensive impact on the pallet segments (1),
   characterized in that

   - the connecting element (2, 3) encompasses a length (T), which is adapted to the combined length of the pallet segments (1), which rest against one another without a gap and

   - is embodied in at least two parts with a tension rod (2) as well as two locking elements (3, 3') in each case on the end side of the tension rod (2), wherein

   - the tension rod (2) is embodied as connecting rod (2) and at least one locking element (3) is embodied as a locking sleeve (3), which is connected to the connecting rod (2) so as to be capable of being rotated and disengaged.
2. The pallet according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting element (2, 3) is arranged underneath a load-bearing platform (1 a).
3. The pallet according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connecting element (2, 3) is fixed to pallet feet (1 b).
4. The pallet according to claim 3, characterized in that the pallet feet (1b) support the platform (1 a), which is attached thereto on the head side and which can be passed from below.
5. The pallet according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the connecting element (2, 3) is arranged on a longitudinal center axis (L) of the pallet.
6. The pallet according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the connecting rod (2) is embodied as threaded rod (2) and the locking sleeve (3) is embodied as locking nut (3).
7. The pallet according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a locking contour (6) is assigned to the locking element (3).
8. The pallet according to claim 7, characterized in that the locking contour (6) is embodied on at least one pallet foot (1 b).
9. The pallet according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the locking element (3) encompasses a nose (7), which serves to display the installation position thereof.

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