EP2722285B1 - Plastic pallet with stiffening element - Google Patents

Plastic pallet with stiffening element Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2722285B1
EP2722285B1 EP12188830.9A EP12188830A EP2722285B1 EP 2722285 B1 EP2722285 B1 EP 2722285B1 EP 12188830 A EP12188830 A EP 12188830A EP 2722285 B1 EP2722285 B1 EP 2722285B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
plastic pallet
stabilizing
pallet
reinforcing element
stiffening element
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP12188830.9A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2722285A1 (en
EP2722285B8 (en
Inventor
Richard Metzler
Stefan Mueller
Gat. Ramon
Stephanie. Wedeward
Sebastian. Stegeman
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
CABKA & Co KG GmbH
Lidl Stiftung and Co KG
Original Assignee
Cabka & Co KG GmbH
Lidl Stiftung and Co KG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority to HUE12188830A priority Critical patent/HUE029714T2/en
Priority to RS20160395A priority patent/RS54872B1/en
Priority to EP12188830.9A priority patent/EP2722285B8/en
Priority to PL12188830.9T priority patent/PL2722285T3/en
Application filed by Cabka & Co KG GmbH, Lidl Stiftung and Co KG filed Critical Cabka & Co KG GmbH
Priority to DK12188830.9T priority patent/DK2722285T3/en
Priority to SI201230640A priority patent/SI2722285T1/en
Priority to ES12188830.9T priority patent/ES2575698T3/en
Publication of EP2722285A1 publication Critical patent/EP2722285A1/en
Publication of EP2722285B1 publication Critical patent/EP2722285B1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2722285B8 publication Critical patent/EP2722285B8/en
Priority to CY20161100614T priority patent/CY1117716T1/en
Priority to HRP20160792TT priority patent/HRP20160792T1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D19/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D19/0004Rigid pallets without side walls
    • B65D19/0006Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element
    • B65D19/0008Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface
    • B65D19/001Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface the base surface being made of a single element
    • B65D19/0014Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface the base surface being made of a single element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces
    • B65D19/0016Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface the base surface being made of a single element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces and each contact surface having a stringer-like shape
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D19/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D19/0004Rigid pallets without side walls
    • B65D19/0006Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element
    • B65D19/0008Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface
    • B65D19/002Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface the base surface being made of more than one element
    • B65D19/0024Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface the base surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces
    • B65D19/0026Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface the base surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces and each contact surface having a stringer-like shape
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
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    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009Materials
    • B65D2519/00014Materials for the load supporting surface
    • B65D2519/00034Plastic
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
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    • B65D2519/00069Plastic
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
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    • B65D2519/00129Metal
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
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    • B65D2519/00139Plastic
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00263Overall construction of the pallet
    • B65D2519/00268Overall construction of the pallet made of one piece
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00263Overall construction of the pallet
    • B65D2519/00273Overall construction of the pallet made of more than one piece
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00283Overall construction of the load supporting surface
    • B65D2519/00288Overall construction of the load supporting surface made of one piece
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00313Overall construction of the base surface
    • B65D2519/00318Overall construction of the base surface made of one piece
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00313Overall construction of the base surface
    • B65D2519/00323Overall construction of the base surface made of more than one piece
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00313Overall construction of the base surface
    • B65D2519/00328Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base
    • B65D2519/00333Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base contact surface having a stringer-like shape
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00368Overall construction of the non-integral separating spacer
    • B65D2519/00373Overall construction of the non-integral separating spacer whereby at least one spacer is made of one piece
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00398Overall construction reinforcements
    • B65D2519/00432Non-integral, e.g. inserts
    • B65D2519/00442Non-integral, e.g. inserts on the base surface
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00398Overall construction reinforcements
    • B65D2519/00432Non-integral, e.g. inserts
    • B65D2519/00447Non-integral, e.g. inserts on the non-integral separating spacer
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00547Connections
    • B65D2519/00552Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer
    • B65D2519/00572Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer with separate auxiliary element, e.g. screws, nails, bayonets
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00736Details
    • B65D2519/00741Dimensional aspects of the pallet
    • B65D2519/00771Dimensional aspects of the pallet smaller than "standard"

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a plastic pallet.
  • a plastic pallet comprises a deck for storing objects to be transported, in particular goods. It also comprises feet, which are formed projecting from an underside of the deck and runners, which are each formed at least two feet on the undersides connecting to each other.
  • Plastic pallets are mainly used for the transport of goods within a company or between different factories and for the display of goods in sales rooms.
  • They can be injection molded from polymers, regenerated plastics, or mixtures thereof, with the possibility of using additives such as reinforcing fibers.
  • the deck can have a continuous, essentially closed loading area, but the loading area can also be formed by a grid or ribbed structure. The latter is particularly advantageous during transport or storage of goods to be cooled, since the cargo can then be cooled from below.
  • feet are formed projecting down. They are mainly used to facilitate transport with vehicles, such as forklifts, the fork can then retract into the spaces between the feet. At the same time, the feet must also be able to carry the weight of the pallet with the goods stored thereon, without causing material fatigue phenomena.
  • a common configuration involves nine feet at the bottom of the deck. Four feet each are placed in the corners, another four feet each in the middle of the edges. The ninth foot is usually arranged below the geometric center of gravity of the deck or the loading area. Depending on the size of the pallet, more or fewer feet may be used.
  • feet may already be sufficient if they are dimensioned correspondingly large.
  • the feet can be integrally formed on the underside of the deck and made together in an injection molding process, but they can also be made separately and then bolted to the deck, for example.
  • the material for the feet can be determined separately, for example, a material with a higher impact resistance can be selected than it has the material used for the deck.
  • plastic pallets include runners, which are each formed connecting the undersides of at least two feet together.
  • runners which are each formed connecting the undersides of at least two feet together.
  • three skids can be used, each skid connecting three feet.
  • the skids are arranged in this case parallel to each other, their longitudinal direction is usually parallel to the narrower edge of the pallet, but this is not mandatory.
  • circumferential runners or runners which connect the feet together along the longer edge of the pallet, so that, for example, six runners are used on the undersides of the feet.
  • the runners can be made in one piece with the pallet as well as the feet, but they can also be made separately and then bolted to, for example, the feet of the pallet, or glued or clipped to the feet.
  • the pallets are aligned when parked on roller conveyors so that the skids are oriented along the transport direction, chain conveyors, however, the runners are usually aligned transversely to the transport direction, the pallet with the goods stored in In this case with the runners on the chains.
  • the replacement of a whole range is usually more expensive than replacing only part of it.
  • it is proposed in the prior art for example, to manufacture the runners separately from a harder material.
  • a palette will be in the DE 10 2009 008 277 A1 described.
  • the runners are here releasably connected to the pallet body and can be solved without much effort from the pallet body as soon as a vertical force acts on the runners by pressure on the pallet from above.
  • the skids can therefore be replaced in a relatively simple manner, they are also made of a rigid material than the pallet body, such as polypropylene with glass fiber shares.
  • the production of a pallet with separate skids is more complex, since several forms must be kept, so that the production is associated with higher costs.
  • different material mixtures must be maintained.
  • Another way to increase the stability of the runners is to provide metal reinforcements in the runners. This is the case, for example, with Applicant's CPP 726-M model, where the metal reinforcements are used to increase the payload.
  • the pallet is made of several parts, the metal reinforcements are bolted to the skids and not visible from the outside.
  • the change of metal reinforcement is very complex in this range, as is recycling, for which the metal reinforcement of the remaining pallet must be separated.
  • the metal reinforcement increases the stiffness of the blade, it does not prevent the above-described wear during transport on roller or chain conveyors.
  • a pallet with high dimensional stability and carrying capacity is described.
  • the pallet is made of plastic and has individual feet on the underside. Fastened to these feet in correspondingly arranged grooves foot rails made of sheet steel, which connect in series feet.
  • the foot rails have a U-shaped profile in cross section, on which spring elements are formed for frictional connection with the pallet in the grooves. They close flush with the underside of the feet when inserted.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to further develop a plastic pallet of the type described above in such a way that the deflection of the runners and their wear is reduced.
  • a plastic pallet of the type described above in that at least one of the runners at least one running in the longitudinal direction of the runner, groove-shaped recess is formed on the underside, wherein in the at least one recess, a stiffening element of a material having a higher modulus than that of the material from which the runners are formed.
  • the stiffening element is fixed in the recess via fixing means.
  • the stiffening element may for example be shaped rod-shaped with a round or polygonal cross-section, which fills at least part of the groove in the longitudinal direction of the blade. For reasons of symmetry and stability, however, it is advantageous to completely fill the groove in a region which is preferably located between the outer edges of two opposite corner feet of the pallet, ie along the entire runner.
  • the groove may be continuous and open at the ends, but it may also be completed in the longitudinal direction, so that the stiffening element is held in the longitudinal direction of the groove in a form-fitting manner in the runner. If the runner extends over an area of more than two feet, for example over three feet, in principle a plurality of reinforcing elements can also be arranged behind one another in the same or in different grooves, each reinforcing element covering an area between two feet.
  • stiffening elements When using a material with a correspondingly high modulus of elasticity of the material used can be reduced, in this case, for example, flatter, band-shaped stiffening elements are used.
  • the arrangement of several stiffening elements in mutually parallel grooves on a runner is a possible variant, as is the formation of a groove occupying the entire width of the runner.
  • stiffening elements are preferably formed in each of the runners, with several runners perpendicular to each other, there are at least those runners that are parallel in one direction, but if necessary, all runners can be provided with stiffening elements, so that the orientation of the pallet on roller or chain conveyors in this case no longer plays a role.
  • the fixing means for fixing the stiffening element in the recess may for example comprise screws with which the stiffening element is screwed into the groove, so that it can not fall down.
  • the fixing means additionally or alternatively therefore comprise at least one lug which partially covers the at least one recess and fixes the reinforcing element in a form-fitting manner in the recess.
  • a nose may be formed for example in the form of a circular arc at the edge of the recess, parallel to the base or standing surface of the blade, it protrudes partially over the recess and prevents falling out of the stiffening element.
  • the lugs can be provided with a certain elasticity, which makes it possible to remove the stiffening element, for example by hand with the help of a screwdriver by overcoming the force exerted by the nasal force due to the leverage of attaching to the edge of the groove screwdriver. Compared to a screw this allows a faster change of such a stiffening element, should this be necessary, also the mechanical stresses in the case of a deflection are lower than in the screw.
  • the deflection already with the rod or band-shaped stiffening element - the thickness of the band in a band-shaped design is usually several millimeters - already reduce or almost completely prevent with correspondingly thick stiffening elements.
  • the stiffening elements are, for example, metal ones, the mass of the overall pallet may be increased to a significant extent if the stiffening elements are too thick.
  • too thin stiffening elements may not sufficiently prevent sagging and thus faster wear.
  • At least one stabilizing element projecting from the reinforcing element is arranged on the stiffening element. which is formed by an opening on one of the feet, is formed engaging.
  • the occurring during transport on roller or chain conveyors, leading to the deflection forces are directed in this way in the at least one stabilizing element, which in turn transmits to the foot, since the trained in the foot recording in turn of walls or serving as walls accordingly
  • Grid or rib structures is at least partially limited, which is a deflection of the stabilizing element from its rest position, ie from the position occupied by the stabilizing element in unloaded, not bent stiffening limited. An over the stabilization element in the recording available game beyond deflection is prevented by the walls of the recording.
  • the stabilizing element is formed projecting at a predetermined angle of the stiffening element and connected to the stiffening element angle stable.
  • the latter means that the connection between the stiffening element and stabilizing element is designed to be stable, that it counteracts a change in the angle between stabilizing element and stiffening element when the stabilizing element engages the receptacle on the foot and the stiffening element during transport, for example on a chain conveyor through on the pallet lying product is so heavily loaded that it bends. In this way, the deflection at the ends of the stiffening element can be reduced even more.
  • This angular stability is determined on the one hand by the selection of appropriate materials and dependent on the thickness of the stiffening element and the dimensions of the compound.
  • the stabilizing element can be welded to the stiffening element, screwed to it, it can also be integrally formed on this. It is also conceivable a releasable connection between the stabilizing element and the stiffening element, for example, by pins are formed on the stabilizing element, with which it is used in blind holes, which are formed on the stiffening element.
  • the connection can be made accurately, with little clearance, but also with oversize fit.
  • the blind holes may for example be formed at the ends of the stiffening element, so that the pins engage along the longitudinal direction of the stiffening element in this.
  • Such a detachable connection has the advantage that when the stiffening element is worn, it can be replaced without the stabilizing elements also having to be replaced.
  • the deflection is already reduced when such a stabilizing element is attached only at one end of the stiffening element, but preferably such a stabilizing element is arranged at each of the two ends of the stiffening element, since the deflection is then symmetrical, the load of the pallet or runners And so that their wear is uniform.
  • the stabilizing elements need not necessarily sit at the end of the stiffening element, but here the leverage over the length of the stiffening element is greatest. Additionally or alternatively, it is possible to provide more than one stabilizing element at each end, for example two stabilizing elements per foot.
  • the stabilizing elements can also be dimensioned so that they connect these stiffening elements.
  • the at least one stabilizing element is plate-shaped, wherein the broad sides of the plate are oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the runners.
  • the receptacle can be designed so that, in the state without deflection or with a slight deflection, the broad side of a plate-shaped stabilizing element bears almost completely against a wall surface.
  • the design of the at least one stabilizing element as a plate-shaped body is not mandatory, and other structures are suitable for use as a stabilizing element.
  • the stiffening element with the stabilizing element may be integrally formed thereon from a material strand of corresponding thickness in the manner of a clamp, i. At each end of the stiffening element, the stabilizing elements are formed simply by bending the ends.
  • the foamed material for example Polyuhrethan, can be selected in its Shore hardness in a wide range so that it is capable of - in a bending of the stiffening element basically expected, but limited by the walls of the recording - movement of the Stabilizing element out of its rest position, in the area where the stabilizing element has a certain amount of play to dampen.
  • the area of the groove-shaped recess may be completely or partially foamed with a plastic, which may for example be composed so that it enters into a permanent connection with the material of the skids and feet.
  • a bed for the stiffening element can be produced with the stabilizing elements, which not only can serve to dampen a relative movement of the stiffening element with the stabilizing elements against the skids or the feet, but by this damping also the mechanical loads of the feet or To reduce runners by the relative movement and finally to reduce noise emissions when using the pallet.
  • the interiors of the feet can be foamed.
  • the receptacle for the at least one stabilizing element is designed as an opening accessible from the deck.
  • the fixing means preferably comprise a detachable from the deck connection between the at least one stabilizing element and the receptacle.
  • This connection can be configured, for example, as a latching connection which comprises at least one projection formed on the receptacle, to which at least one latching hook formed on the stabilization element engages, so that the stabilization element is fixed in a form-fitting manner in the receptacle.
  • two catch hooks can be used.
  • the latching hooks are suitably flexibly connected to the stabilizing element, so that they can be pushed away from the projections without special aids, whereby the connection is released.
  • a latching connection other, releasable connections can be used, for example, screw or plug connections.
  • readily solvable compounds such as bonding are conceivable alternatives, if the intended use should require a particularly strong connection.
  • stiffening element and its combination with one or more stabilizing elements is particularly suitable for plastic pallets in which deck, feet and / or skids are integrally formed, since in such pallets for two or all components, the same material is used, but for the individual components usually represents only a compromise.
  • the stiffening element with respect to the footprint of the blade, in whose recess it is used, a projection on.
  • the stiffening element can be controlled in this way, whether either the stiffening element on the runner or the rollers or chains of the corresponding conveyor are exposed to higher wear.
  • the stiffening element is preferably made of aluminum, which in combination with steel also has a favorable for the use of roller conveyors friction behavior. In this case, a supernatant of a few tenths of a millimeter is already sufficient to substantially reduce the wear, so that the additional expenditure of material is kept within limits.
  • FIG. 1 First, the construction of a typical plastic pallet 1 is shown from the bottom.
  • the plastic pallet 1 is made here in one piece, but can also be composed of several parts.
  • the plastic pallet 1 comprises a deck 2, which in FIG. 1 is arranged on the side facing away from the viewer of the pallet. At the bottom 3 of the deck 2 are from the deck 2 downwardly projecting feet 4 and 5 are formed.
  • the plastic pallet 1 shown here which is, for example, a half pallet with the dimensions 800 mm x 600 mm or even a larger range with dimensions such. B. 1200 mm x 800 mm, has a total of nine feet 4, 5.
  • the feet 4 on the longer sides of the pallet are designed to be narrower than the feet 5, which lie between them; However, this configuration of the feet is not mandatory, as well as all feet can be configured similar.
  • the plastic pallet 1 also has three runners 6, the three feet 4, 5 connect each other and are arranged parallel to each other and to the narrower edges of the plastic pallet 1. This is also to be understood as an example only, the plastic pallet 1 may alternatively or additionally also skids along the longer narrow side of the pallet, perpendicular to the runners 6 shown here have.
  • a recess 7 is provided, which is arranged centrally with respect to the transverse axis of each of the runners.
  • it can also form a plurality of groove-shaped recesses on a runner 6, for example, two at the edges of the runner or three, then at the edges and in the middle.
  • a stiffening element is used in the at least one recess 7.
  • a stiffening element is formed from a material having a higher modulus of elasticity than the material from which the blade 6 is formed.
  • the stiffening element is fixed in the recess via fixing means.
  • Such a stiffening element 8 is for example in FIG. 2 shown, it is a rod-shaped element, for example, made of a plastic, or of a metal such as aluminum.
  • the stiffening element 8 can be fixed for example by screws in the runners 6, wherein such compounds under load, which can lead to a deflection - albeit much less than without stiffening element 8 - can be mechanically stressed so much that these compounds under be destroyed in unfavorable circumstances.
  • other purely positive connections as can be achieved, for example, when at the outside of the groove-shaped recess 7 at certain intervals opposite to each other noses formed from the plastic material of the pallet, which prevent upright plastic pallet 1 that the stiffening elements 8 after fall down.
  • the stiffening element is not fixed directly in the recess via such fixing means, but instead a stabilizing element 9 is arranged at each end of the stiffening element 8, relative to its longitudinal direction.
  • Each of the stabilizing elements 9 is formed engaging in a corresponding receptacle 10 on one of the feet 4.
  • the stabilizing elements 9 are of the stiffening element 8 at a predetermined angle - here at right angles - from. They are plate-shaped, their broad sides are aligned transversely to the longitudinal direction of the runners 6 and the stiffening element 8.
  • the stabilizing elements 9 with respect to the stiffening element 8 angle stable:
  • the receptacles 10, which are formed as openings or depressions are limited by walls which a deflection of the stabilizing element 9 from its rest position, which can be caused for example by a load on the plastic pallet 1 with goods on a chain conveyor, counteract and limit this. Due to the angular stability, the angle between stiffening element 8 and stabilizing element 9 does not change or only insignificantly changes when subjected to stress due to deflection, even if the deflection of the stabilizing element 9 is limited by the walls of the receptacle 10.
  • the fixing means which serve to fix the stiffening element in the recess 7 are not attached or formed on the recess 7 or the stiffening element 8, but comprise a connection between the stabilizing elements 9 and the receptacle 10.
  • This connection is advantageous detachably configured, so that the stiffening element 8 with the stabilizing elements 9 attached thereto can be replaced if necessary, for example when worn.
  • the fixing means comprise a latching connection, for which flexible locking hooks 11 are formed on the stabilizing elements 9. These engage in the receptacle 10 formed projections 12 - shown for example in Fig. 3 -, So that the stabilizing elements 9 are positively fixed in the receptacle 10.
  • the receptacle 10 is in the in Fig. 3 shown embodiment designed as accessible from the deck 2 opening so that the connection can be solved without further aids.
  • the recess 7 and the receptacles 10 may be partially foamed with a plastic, for example, with a polyurethane foam having a lower Shore hardness than that used for the plastic pallet 1 material.
  • the connection between the stabilizing elements 9 and the stiffening element 8 is stable in angle, ie that under a load of the stiffening element 8, which leads to a deflection, held in the receptacles 10 stabilizing elements 9 counteract such a deflection, since the angle at which the stabilizing elements 9 protrude from the stiffening element 8, is held almost constant.
  • connection between stabilizing element 9 and stiffening element 8 can be designed, for example, as a welded or screwed connection, the stabilizing elements 9 can also be integrally formed on the stiffening element 8.
  • a particularly preferred embodiment which requires particularly stable and compared to a one-piece production with less material, is to provide in the stiffening elements 8 in the longitudinal direction at the ends of each blind holes, are plugged into the corresponding formed on the stabilizing elements 9 pin. This also allows the replacement of the stiffening element 8 regardless of the state of wear of the stabilizing elements. 9
  • FIG. 4 is exemplified the deflection of the stiffening element 8, wherein in FIG. 4a the deflection of a stiffening element 8 without stabilizing elements 9 and in FIG. 4b the deflection at the same load for a stiffening element 8 with stabilizing elements 9 is shown.
  • the arrow symbolizes the load caused by the load.
  • the pallet is stored on a chain conveyor whose chains are symbolized by the triangles.
  • the groove-shaped recess 7 and inserted into the recess 7 stiffening element 8 are dimensioned so that the stiffening element 8 relative to a base - also referred to as a standing surface - the runner 6, on which the blade normally rests and in the recess. 7 it is inserted, has a supernatant.
  • This supernatant is preferably a few tenths of a millimeter, but can also be in the millimeter range.
  • the wear of the runners 6 made of plastic on roller and chain conveyors, in particular in those situations in which the rollers or chains rotate, but the further transport of the plastic pallet 1 is impeded, is essential be reduced because initially only the stiffening element 8 is exposed to increased wear by the supernatant. Only when this supernatant has been removed for example by a continuous movement of the chain of a chain conveyor, the runner 6 of the plastic pallet 1 is attacked. The life of such a plastic pallet 1, in which the skids 6 are made in one piece on the pallet, can be substantially increased in this way.
  • stiffening elements 8 of a different material which is comparable in hardness comparable to that of the chain or the rollers of the corresponding conveyors, although the wear of the stiffening element 8 is reduced, but increases the wear of the delivery components, which in the Usually not beneficial.
  • the plastic pallet 1 are further used by the stiffening element 8 and possibly also the stabilizing elements 9 are replaced.
  • the replacement can be done user-friendly by hand without much effort in the here presented latching mechanism, which represents only one of different possibilities for fixing by the latch hooks 11 towards each other and then the stabilizing elements 9 are pushed down out of the range.
  • the life of the pallet is increased by the fact that the stiffening element 8 can be changed without any special effort at low additional costs.
  • stiffening elements 8 and possibly stabilizing elements 9 in the plastic pallet 1 described above not only the mechanical load on the skids 6 and thus the pallet in the form of deflection during transport on conveyors can be reduced, but also the life of such a plastic pallet 1 be substantially extended.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Pallets (AREA)
  • Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Kunststoffpalette. Eine solche Palette umfasst ein Deck zur Lagerung von zu transportierenden Objekten, insbesondere von Waren. Sie umfasst außerdem Füße, welche von einer Unterseite des Decks abstehend ausgebildet sind sowie Kufen, welche jeweils mindestens zwei Füße an deren Unterseiten miteinander verbindend ausgebildet sind.The invention relates to a plastic pallet. Such a pallet comprises a deck for storing objects to be transported, in particular goods. It also comprises feet, which are formed projecting from an underside of the deck and runners, which are each formed at least two feet on the undersides connecting to each other.

Stand der TechnikState of the art

Kunststoffpaletten werden überwiegend für den Transport von Waren innerhalb eines Betriebes oder zwischen verschiedenen Betrieben sowie für die Zurschaustellung von Waren in Verkaufsräumen benutzt. Sie können beispielsweise im Spritzgussverfahren aus Polymeren, Regenerat-Kunststoffen oder Mischungen davon hergestellt werden, wobei auch die Verwendung von Zusatzstoffen wie verstärkenden Fasern möglich ist. Das Deck kann eine durchgehende, im wesentlichen geschlossene Ladefläche aufweisen, die Ladefläche kann aber auch durch eine Gitter- oder Rippenstruktur gebildet werden. Letzteres ist insbesondere beim Transport oder bei der Lagerung von zu kühlenden Waren von Vorteil, da das Transportgut dann auch von unten gekühlt werden kann.Plastic pallets are mainly used for the transport of goods within a company or between different factories and for the display of goods in sales rooms. For example, they can be injection molded from polymers, regenerated plastics, or mixtures thereof, with the possibility of using additives such as reinforcing fibers. The deck can have a continuous, essentially closed loading area, but the loading area can also be formed by a grid or ribbed structure. The latter is particularly advantageous during transport or storage of goods to be cooled, since the cargo can then be cooled from below.

An der Unterseite des Decks, also dem Boden zugewandt, sind Füße nach unten abstehend ausgebildet. Sie dienen vor allem der Erleichterung des Transports mit Fahrzeugen, wie beispielsweise Gabelstaplern, deren Gabel dann in die Zwischenräume zwischen den Füßen einfahren kann. Gleichzeitig müssen die Füße auch in der Lage sein, das Gewicht der Palette mit den darauf gelagerten Waren zu tragen, ohne dass es zu Materialermüdungserscheinungen kommt. Eine häufig anzutreffende Konfiguration sieht an der Unterseite des Decks neun Füße vor. Jeweils vier Füße sind in den Ecken platziert, weitere vier Füße jeweils in der Mitte der Kanten. Der neunte Fuß ist üblicherweise unterhalb des geometrischen Schwerpunkts des Decks bzw. der Ladefläche angeordnet. Je nach Größe der Palette können auch mehr oder weniger Füße verwendet werden. Bei Halbpaletten mit den Abmessungen 800 mm x 600 mm in Länge und Breite können beispielsweise bereits sechs Füße ausreichen, wenn diese entsprechend groß dimensioniert sind. Die Füße können dabei einstückig an der Unterseite des Decks ausgebildet sein und gemeinsam in einem Spritzgussvorgang hergestellt werden, sie können aber auch separat gefertigt werden und dann beispielsweise mit dem Deck verschraubt werden. In letzterem Fall kann das Material für die Füße separat bestimmt werden, beispielsweise kann ein Material mit einer höheren Schlagzähigkeit gewählt werden, als sie das Material, welches für das Deck verwendet wird, aufweist.At the bottom of the deck, so facing the ground, feet are formed projecting down. They are mainly used to facilitate transport with vehicles, such as forklifts, the fork can then retract into the spaces between the feet. At the same time, the feet must also be able to carry the weight of the pallet with the goods stored thereon, without causing material fatigue phenomena. A common configuration involves nine feet at the bottom of the deck. Four feet each are placed in the corners, another four feet each in the middle of the edges. The ninth foot is usually arranged below the geometric center of gravity of the deck or the loading area. Depending on the size of the pallet, more or fewer feet may be used. For half pallets with the dimensions 800 mm x 600 mm in length and width, for example, six feet may already be sufficient if they are dimensioned correspondingly large. The feet can be integrally formed on the underside of the deck and made together in an injection molding process, but they can also be made separately and then bolted to the deck, for example. In the latter case, the material for the feet can be determined separately, for example, a material with a higher impact resistance can be selected than it has the material used for the deck.

Beim innerbetrieblichen Transport, beispielsweise in Warenlagern, werden neben Flurförderzeugen wie Gabelstaplern oder Hubwagen sehr oft auch Rollen- und Kettenförderer verwendet. Um einen stabilen Transport auf den letztgenannten Transportmitteln zu ermöglichen, umfassen für diesen Zweck ausgelegte Kunststoffpaletten auch Kufen, die jeweils die Unterseiten von mindestens zwei Füßen miteinander verbindend ausgebildet sind. Bei einer Palette oder Halbpalette mit neun Füßen lassen sich beispielsweise drei Kufen verwenden, von denen jede Kufe drei Füße miteinander verbindet. Die Kufen sind in diesem Fall parallel zueinander angeordnet, ihre Längsrichtung liegt üblicherweise parallel zur schmaleren Kante der Palette, was aber nicht zwingend vorgegeben ist. Möglich ist auch eine Verwendung von umlaufenden Kufen bzw. von Kufen, welche die Füße noch entlang der längeren Kante der Palette miteinander verbinden, so dass man beispielsweise sechs Kufen an den Unterseiten der Füße verwendet. Die Kufen können ebenso wie die Füße einstückig mit der Palette gefertigt sein, sie können aber auch separat hergestellt und dann beispielsweise mit den Füßen der Palette verschraubt werden, oder an die Füße angeklebt oder angeklipst werden.For in-house transport, for example in warehouses, roller conveyors and chain conveyors are very often used in addition to industrial trucks such as forklifts or pallet trucks. In order to enable a stable transport on the latter means of transport, designed for this purpose plastic pallets include runners, which are each formed connecting the undersides of at least two feet together. For example, in a pallet or half-pallet with nine feet, three skids can be used, each skid connecting three feet. The skids are arranged in this case parallel to each other, their longitudinal direction is usually parallel to the narrower edge of the pallet, but this is not mandatory. It is also possible to use circumferential runners or runners which connect the feet together along the longer edge of the pallet, so that, for example, six runners are used on the undersides of the feet. The runners can be made in one piece with the pallet as well as the feet, but they can also be made separately and then bolted to, for example, the feet of the pallet, or glued or clipped to the feet.

Um beim Transport der beladenen Kunststoffpaletten die größtmögliche Stabilität zu erhalten, werden die Paletten beim Abstellen auf Rollenförderern so ausgerichtet, dass die Kufen längs der Transportrichtung orientiert sind, bei Kettenförderern hingegen sind die Kufen üblicherweise quer zur Transportrichtung ausgerichtet, die Palette mit den Waren lagert in diesem Fall mit den Kufen auf den Ketten.In order to obtain the greatest possible stability during transport of the loaded plastic pallets, the pallets are aligned when parked on roller conveyors so that the skids are oriented along the transport direction, chain conveyors, however, the runners are usually aligned transversely to the transport direction, the pallet with the goods stored in In this case with the runners on the chains.

Bei der Verwendung von Rollen- oder Kettenförderern sind daher die Kufen auch einem höheren Verschleiß ausgesetzt. Gerade bei Kettenförderern liegen die - in der Regel zwei - Ketten an den Kufen in der Mitte zwischen zwei Füßen an, also dort, wo auch die stärkste Durchbiegung der Kufen bei beladenen Paletten zu erwarten ist. Dies führt zu einer schnellen Materialermüdung. Bei Rollenförderern kann ein größerer Abstand zwischen den einzelnen Rollen ebenfalls zu einer Durchbiegung führen, was zu einer stärkeren Belastung der in Transportrichtung nach vorne weisenden Fußkanten führt, da diese aufgrund der Durchbiegung nicht mehr auf dem Niveau der durch die Oberkanten der Rollen gebildeten Transportebene liegen, sondern darunter, so dass bei der Vorwärtsbewegung die Fußkante gegen die nächste Rolle stößt.When using roller or chain conveyors, therefore, the runners are also exposed to higher wear. Especially with chain conveyors are the - usually two - chains on the skids in the middle between two feet, so where the strongest deflection of the skids is to be expected for loaded pallets. This leads to a fast material fatigue. With roller conveyors, a greater distance between the individual rollers can also lead to a deflection, resulting in a greater load on the Transport direction leads forward facing foot edges, as these are no longer at the level of the transport plane formed by the upper edges of the rollers due to the deflection, but underneath, so that in the forward movement, the foot edge abuts against the next role.

Weitere Materialbelastungen treten auf, wenn die Paletten auf dem Transportweg oder am Ende des Transportweges auf dem Rollen- oder Kettenförderer gestoppt werden, bevor sie weiter oder mit anderen Transportmitteln abtransportiert werden, wobei sich die Rollen bzw. Ketten des jeweiligen Förderers jedoch unter den Kufen weiter drehen. Rollen und Ketten sind in der Regel aus einem Stahl und damit härter als die Kunststoffpaletten bzw. ihre ebenfalls aus Kunststoff gefertigten Kufen. Insbesondere bei Kettenförderern führt dies zu einem verstärkten Materialabrieb, was die Lebensdauer der Kufen erheblich verkürzt. Wenn die Paletten einstückig gefertigt sind, d.h. Füße und Kufen direkt an das Deck angespritzt werden, wird dadurch die Lebensdauer der Palette erheblich reduziert, da für die Herstellung einstückiger Kunststoffpaletten meist solche Kunststoffe bzw. Kunststoff-Gemische verwendet werden, mit denen eine hohe Schlagzähigkeit der Palette eingestellt werden kann. Solche Kunststoffe weisen einen eher niedrigen Elastizitätsmodul auf, sind also als weich einzustufen, was in einer stärkeren Durchbiegung der Kufen resultiert. Sind die Kufen verschlissen, so muss die ganze Palette ausgetauscht werden.Further material loads occur when the pallets are stopped on the transport path or at the end of the transport path on the roller or chain conveyor before they are transported away or with other means of transport, with the roles or chains of the respective conveyor but continue under the runners rotate. Rolls and chains are usually made of a steel and thus harder than the plastic pallets or their also made of plastic runners. Especially with chain conveyors, this leads to increased material abrasion, which significantly shortens the life of the runners. If the pallets are made in one piece, i. Feet and skids are sprayed directly to the deck, thereby significantly reducing the life of the pallet, since for the production of one-piece plastic pallets usually those plastics or plastic mixtures are used with which a high impact resistance of the pallet can be adjusted. Such plastics have a rather low modulus of elasticity, so they are classified as soft, which results in a greater deflection of the runners. If the runners are worn, the entire pallet must be replaced.

Der Austausch einer ganzen Palette ist jedoch in der Regel teurer als der Austausch nur eines Teils davon. Um den Verschleiß zu verringern, wird im Stand der Technik beispielsweise vorgeschlagen, die Kufen separat aus einem härteren Material zu fertigen. Eine solche Palette wird in der DE 10 2009 008 277 A1 beschrieben. Die Kufen sind hier lösbar mit dem Palettenkörper verbunden und lassen sich ohne großen Kraftaufwand von dem Palettenkörper lösen, sobald auf die Kufen eine vertikale Kraft durch Druck auf die Palette von oben wirkt. Die Kufen lassen sich daher auf relativ einfache Weise auswechseln, sie sind zudem aus einem biegesteiferen Werkstoff als der Palettenkörper gefertigt, beispielsweise aus Polypropylen mit Glasfaseranteilen. Gegenüber einer einstückigen Fertigung ist die Herstellung einer Palette mit separaten Kufen jedoch aufwendiger, da mehrere Formen vorgehalten werden müssen, so dass die Herstellung mit höheren Kosten verbunden ist. Zudem müssen verschiedene Materialmischungen vorgehalten werden.However, the replacement of a whole range is usually more expensive than replacing only part of it. In order to reduce the wear, it is proposed in the prior art, for example, to manufacture the runners separately from a harder material. Such a palette will be in the DE 10 2009 008 277 A1 described. The runners are here releasably connected to the pallet body and can be solved without much effort from the pallet body as soon as a vertical force acts on the runners by pressure on the pallet from above. The skids can therefore be replaced in a relatively simple manner, they are also made of a rigid material than the pallet body, such as polypropylene with glass fiber shares. Compared to a one-piece production, however, the production of a pallet with separate skids is more complex, since several forms must be kept, so that the production is associated with higher costs. In addition, different material mixtures must be maintained.

Eine andere Möglichkeit zur Erhöhung der Stabilität der Kufen besteht darin, in den Kufen Metallverstärkungen vorzusehen. Dies ist beispielsweise bei dem Modell CPP 726-M der Anmelderin der Fall, wobei die Metallverstärkungen dort besonders der Erhöhung der Traglast dienen. Die Palette ist mehrteilig gefertigt, die Metallverstärkungen sind mit den Kufen verschraubt und von außen nicht sichtbar. Der Wechsel der Metallverstärkung ist bei dieser Palette sehr aufwendig, ebenso das Recycling, für welches die Metallverstärkung von der restlichen Palette getrennt werden muss. Zudem erhöht die Metallverstärkung zwar die Steifigkeit der Kufe, verhindert jedoch nicht den oben beschriebenen Verschleiß bei dem Transport auf Rollen- oder Kettenförderern.Another way to increase the stability of the runners is to provide metal reinforcements in the runners. This is the case, for example, with Applicant's CPP 726-M model, where the metal reinforcements are used to increase the payload. The pallet is made of several parts, the metal reinforcements are bolted to the skids and not visible from the outside. The change of metal reinforcement is very complex in this range, as is recycling, for which the metal reinforcement of the remaining pallet must be separated. In addition, although the metal reinforcement increases the stiffness of the blade, it does not prevent the above-described wear during transport on roller or chain conveyors.

In der WO 2007/019833 A1 wird eine Palette mit hoher Formstabilität und Tragkraft beschrieben. Die Palette dort ist aus Kunststoff gefertigt und weist an der Unterseite einzelne Füße auf. An diesen Füßen in entsprechend angeordneten Nuten Fußschienen aus Stahlblech befestigt, die in Reihe angeordnete Füße verbinden. Die Fußschienen haben im Querschnitt ein u-förmiges Profil, an welchem Federelemente zur kraftschlüssigen Verbindung mit der Palette in den Nuten ausgebildet sind. Sie schließen im eingesetzten Zustand bündig mit der Unterseite der Füße ab.In the WO 2007/019833 A1 a pallet with high dimensional stability and carrying capacity is described. The pallet is made of plastic and has individual feet on the underside. Fastened to these feet in correspondingly arranged grooves foot rails made of sheet steel, which connect in series feet. The foot rails have a U-shaped profile in cross section, on which spring elements are formed for frictional connection with the pallet in the grooves. They close flush with the underside of the feet when inserted.

Beschreibung derdescription of Erfindunginvention

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es daher, eine Kunststoffpalette der eingangs beschriebenen Art dahingehend weiterzuentwickeln, dass die Durchbiegung der Kufen und ihr Verschleiß verringert wird.The object of the invention is therefore to further develop a plastic pallet of the type described above in such a way that the deflection of the runners and their wear is reduced.

Diese Aufgabe wird bei einer Kunststoffpalette der eingangs beschriebenen Art dadurch gelöst, dass an der Unterseite mindestens einer der Kufen mindestens eine in Längsrichtung der Kufe verlaufende, nutförmige Aussparung ausgebildet ist, wobei in die mindestens eine Aussparung ein Versteifungselement aus einem Material mit einem höheren Elastizitätsmodul als der des Materials, aus dem die Kufen geformt sind, eingesetzt ist. Dabei ist das Versteifungselement über Fixierungsmittel in der Aussparung fixiert.This object is achieved in a plastic pallet of the type described above in that at least one of the runners at least one running in the longitudinal direction of the runner, groove-shaped recess is formed on the underside, wherein in the at least one recess, a stiffening element of a material having a higher modulus than that of the material from which the runners are formed. In this case, the stiffening element is fixed in the recess via fixing means.

Das Versteifungselement kann beispielsweise stabförmig mit rundem oder mehreckigem Querschnitt geformt sein, welches in Längsrichtung der Kufe mindestens einen Teil der Nut ausfüllt. Aus Symmetrie- und Stabilitätsgründen ist es jedoch vorteilhaft, die Nut vollständig in einem Bereich, der sich bevorzugt zwischen den Außenkanten zweier einander gegenüberliegenden Eckfüße der Palette befindet, ausfüllt, also entlang der gesamten Kufe. Die Nut kann durchgehend und an den Enden offen sein, sie kann aber auch in Längsrichtung abgeschlossen sein, so dass das Versteifungselement in Längsrichtung der Nut formschlüssig in der Kufe gehalten wird. Erstreckt sich die Kufe über einen Bereich von mehr als zwei Füßen, beispielsweise über drei Füße, so können grundsätzlich auch mehrere Versteifungselemente hintereinander in der gleichen oder in verschiedenen Nuten angeordnet sein, wobei jedes Versteifungselement jeweils einen Bereich zwischen zwei Füßen abdeckt.The stiffening element may for example be shaped rod-shaped with a round or polygonal cross-section, which fills at least part of the groove in the longitudinal direction of the blade. For reasons of symmetry and stability, however, it is advantageous to completely fill the groove in a region which is preferably located between the outer edges of two opposite corner feet of the pallet, ie along the entire runner. The groove may be continuous and open at the ends, but it may also be completed in the longitudinal direction, so that the stiffening element is held in the longitudinal direction of the groove in a form-fitting manner in the runner. If the runner extends over an area of more than two feet, for example over three feet, in principle a plurality of reinforcing elements can also be arranged behind one another in the same or in different grooves, each reinforcing element covering an area between two feet.

Bei Verwendung eines Materials mit einem entsprechend hohen Elastizitätsmodul kann der Materialeinsatz verringert werden, in diesem Fall können beispielsweise auch flachere, bandförmige Versteifungselemente verwendet werden. Auch die Anordnung mehrerer Versteifungselemente in parallel zueinander verlaufenden Nuten an einer Kufe ist eine mögliche Variante, ebenso die Ausbildung einer die gesamte Breite der Kufe einnehmenden Nut. Um die Abnutzung gleichmäßig gering zu halten, sind solche Versteifungselemente bevorzugt in jeder der Kufen ausgebildet, bei mehreren senkrecht zueinander stehenden Kufen sind es zumindest diejenigen Kufen, die in einer Richtung parallel liegen, bei Bedarf können aber alle Kufen mit Versteifungselementen versehen werden, so dass die Orientierung der Palette auf Rollen- oder Kettenförderern in diesem Fall keine Rolle mehr spielt.When using a material with a correspondingly high modulus of elasticity of the material used can be reduced, in this case, for example, flatter, band-shaped stiffening elements are used. The arrangement of several stiffening elements in mutually parallel grooves on a runner is a possible variant, as is the formation of a groove occupying the entire width of the runner. In order to keep the wear uniformly low, such stiffening elements are preferably formed in each of the runners, with several runners perpendicular to each other, there are at least those runners that are parallel in one direction, but if necessary, all runners can be provided with stiffening elements, so that the orientation of the pallet on roller or chain conveyors in this case no longer plays a role.

Die Fixierungsmittel zur Fixierung des Versteifungselements in der Aussparung können beispielsweise Schrauben umfassen, mit denen das Versteifungselement in der Nut verschraubt wird, so dass es nicht nach unten herausfallen kann. Die mechanische Beanspruchung dieser Schraubverbindungen sind jedoch recht hoch, da in der Regel trotz der Versteifung mit einer geringen Durchbiegung bei Belastung zu rechnen ist. In einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung umfassen die Fixierungsmittel ergänzend oder alternativ daher mindestens eine Nase, welche die mindestens eine Aussparung teilweise abdeckt und das Versteifungselement formschlüssig in der Aussparung fixiert. Eine solche Nase kann beispielsweise in Form eines Kreisbogens an der Kante der Aussparung, parallel zur Grund- bzw. Standfläche der Kufe ausgebildet sein, sie ragt teilweise über die Aussparung und verhindert ein Herausfallen des Versteifungselements. Günstig ist dabei eine mehr oder weniger gleichmäßige Verteilung von kleineren Nasen entlang beider Kanten der Nut, auch versetzt, so dass ein bestmöglicher Halt gewährleistet wird.The fixing means for fixing the stiffening element in the recess may for example comprise screws with which the stiffening element is screwed into the groove, so that it can not fall down. However, the mechanical stress of these screw connections are quite high, as is generally expected despite the stiffening with a low deflection under load. In a preferred embodiment, the fixing means additionally or alternatively therefore comprise at least one lug which partially covers the at least one recess and fixes the reinforcing element in a form-fitting manner in the recess. Such a nose may be formed for example in the form of a circular arc at the edge of the recess, parallel to the base or standing surface of the blade, it protrudes partially over the recess and prevents falling out of the stiffening element. Favorable is a more or less uniform distribution of smaller lugs along both edges of the groove, also offset, so that the best possible hold is guaranteed.

Die Nasen können mit einer gewissen Elastizität versehen sein, die es ermöglicht, das Versteifungselement beispielsweise per Hand mit Hilfe eines Schraubendrehers durch Überwindung der durch die Nasen ausgeübten Kraft aufgrund der Hebelwirkung des an die Kante der Nut ansetzenden Schraubendrehers zu entfernen. Gegenüber einer Schraubverbindung ermöglicht dies einen schnelleren Wechsel eines solchen Versteifungselementes, sollte dieser notwendig werden, zudem sind die mechanischen Beanspruchungen im Falle einer Durchbiegung geringer als bei der Schraubverbindung.The lugs can be provided with a certain elasticity, which makes it possible to remove the stiffening element, for example by hand with the help of a screwdriver by overcoming the force exerted by the nasal force due to the leverage of attaching to the edge of the groove screwdriver. Compared to a screw this allows a faster change of such a stiffening element, should this be necessary, also the mechanical stresses in the case of a deflection are lower than in the screw.

Grundsätzlich lässt sich die Durchbiegung bereits mit dem stab- oder bandförmigen Versteifungselement - wobei die Dicke des Bandes bei einer bandförmigen Ausführung in der Regel mehrere Millimeter beträgt - bereits verringern bzw. mit entsprechend dicken Versteifungselementen auch nahezu verhindern. Falls es sich bei den Versteifungselementen jedoch beispielsweise um solche aus Metall handelt, wird die Masse der Gesamtpalette dadurch unter Umständen in nicht unerheblichem Maße erhöht, wenn die Versteifungselemente zu dick sind. Zu dünne Versteifungselemente andererseits könnten eine Durchbiegung und damit den schnelleren Verschleiß möglicherweise nicht ausreichend unterbinden.Basically, the deflection already with the rod or band-shaped stiffening element - the thickness of the band in a band-shaped design is usually several millimeters - already reduce or almost completely prevent with correspondingly thick stiffening elements. However, if the stiffening elements are, for example, metal ones, the mass of the overall pallet may be increased to a significant extent if the stiffening elements are too thick. On the other hand, too thin stiffening elements may not sufficiently prevent sagging and thus faster wear.

Um die insbesondere bei der Verwendung von Rollen oder Kettenförderern auf die Kufen bzw. Versteifungselemente der Kunststoffpalette wirkenden Kräfte besser zu verteilen und die Durchbiegung weiter zu verringern, ist daher an dem Versteifungselement mindestens ein von dem Versteifungselement abstehendes Stabilisierungselement angeordnet, welches in eine entsprechende Aufnahme, die durch eine Öffnung an einem der Füße gebildet wird, eingreifend ausgebildet ist. Die bei dem Transport auf Rollen- oder Kettenförderern auftretenden, zur Durchbiegung führenden Kräfte werden auf diese Weise auch in das mindestens eine Stabilisierungselement geleitet, welches sie seinerseits auf den Fuß überträgt, da die in dem Fuß ausgebildete Aufnahme ihrerseits von Wänden oder entsprechend als Wänden dienenden Gitter- oder Rippenstrukturen mindestens teilweise begrenzt wird, die eine Auslenkung des Stabilisierungselements aus seiner Ruheposition, d.h. aus der Position, die das Stabilisierungselement bei unbelastetem, nicht durchgebogenem Versteifungselement einnimmt, begrenzt. Eine über das dem Stabilisierungselement in der Aufnahme zur Verfügung stehende Spiel hinausgehende Auslenkung wird durch die Wände der Aufnahme verhindert.In order to better distribute the forces acting on the skids or reinforcing elements of the plastic pallet in particular when using rollers or chain conveyors and to further reduce the deflection, at least one stabilizing element projecting from the reinforcing element is arranged on the stiffening element. which is formed by an opening on one of the feet, is formed engaging. The occurring during transport on roller or chain conveyors, leading to the deflection forces are directed in this way in the at least one stabilizing element, which in turn transmits to the foot, since the trained in the foot recording in turn of walls or serving as walls accordingly Grid or rib structures is at least partially limited, which is a deflection of the stabilizing element from its rest position, ie from the position occupied by the stabilizing element in unloaded, not bent stiffening limited. An over the stabilization element in the recording available game beyond deflection is prevented by the walls of the recording.

Darüber hinaus ist das Stabilisierungselement in einem vorgegebenen Winkel von dem Versteifungselement abstehend ausgebildet und mit dem Versteifungselement winkelstabil verbunden. Letzteres bedeutet, dass die Verbindung zwischen Versteifungselement und Stabilisierungselement so stabil ausgebildet ist, dass sie einer Veränderung des Winkels zwischen Stabilisierungselement und Versteifungselement entgegenwirkt, wenn das Stabilisierungselement in die Aufnahme an dem Fuß eingreift und das Versteifungselement beim Transport beispielsweise auf einem Kettenförderer durch auf der Palette aufliegende Ware so stark belastet wird, dass es sich durchbiegt. Auf diese Weise kann die Durchbiegung an den Enden des Versteifungselements noch stärker verringert werden. Diese Winkelstabilität wird zum einen durch die Auswahl entsprechender Materialien und davon abhängig durch die Dicke des Versteifungselements und der Abmessungen der Verbindung bestimmt. Beispielsweise kann das Stabilisierungselement mit dem Versteifungselement verschweißt sein, mit diesem verschraubt sein, es kann auch einstückig an diesem ausgebildet sein. Denkbar ist auch eine lösbare Verbindung zwischen Stabilisierungselement und Versteifungselement, indem beispielsweise an dem Stabilisierungselement Zapfen ausgebildet sind, mit denen es in Sacklöcher, die am Versteifungselement ausgebildet sind, eingesetzt wird. Die Verbindung kann passgenau, mit geringer Spielpassung, aber auch mit Übermaßpassung erfolgen. Die Sacklöcher können beispielsweise an den Enden des Versteifungselements ausgebildet sein, so dass die Zapfen entlang der Längsrichtung des Versteifungselements in dieses eingreifen. Eine derart lösbare Verbindung hat den Vorteil, dass bei Verschleiß des Versteifungselements dieses ersetzt werden kann, ohne dass auch die Stabilisierungselemente ausgetauscht werden müssen.In addition, the stabilizing element is formed projecting at a predetermined angle of the stiffening element and connected to the stiffening element angle stable. The latter means that the connection between the stiffening element and stabilizing element is designed to be stable, that it counteracts a change in the angle between stabilizing element and stiffening element when the stabilizing element engages the receptacle on the foot and the stiffening element during transport, for example on a chain conveyor through on the pallet lying product is so heavily loaded that it bends. In this way, the deflection at the ends of the stiffening element can be reduced even more. This angular stability is determined on the one hand by the selection of appropriate materials and dependent on the thickness of the stiffening element and the dimensions of the compound. For example, the stabilizing element can be welded to the stiffening element, screwed to it, it can also be integrally formed on this. It is also conceivable a releasable connection between the stabilizing element and the stiffening element, for example, by pins are formed on the stabilizing element, with which it is used in blind holes, which are formed on the stiffening element. The connection can be made accurately, with little clearance, but also with oversize fit. The blind holes may for example be formed at the ends of the stiffening element, so that the pins engage along the longitudinal direction of the stiffening element in this. Such a detachable connection has the advantage that when the stiffening element is worn, it can be replaced without the stabilizing elements also having to be replaced.

Grundsätzlich wird die Durchbiegung schon reduziert, wenn nur an einem Ende des Versteifungselementes ein solches Stabilisierungselement angebracht ist, bevorzugt jedoch ist ein solches Stabilisierungselement an jedem der beiden Enden des Versteifungselements angeordnet, da die Durchbiegung dann symmetrisch erfolgt, die Belastung der Palette bzw. der Kufen und damit auch ihre Abnutzung gleichmäßig erfolgt. Auch müssen die Stabilisierungselemente nicht zwingend am Ende des Versteifungselementes sitzen, hier ist jedoch die Hebelwirkung über die Länge des Versteifungselements am größten. Ergänzend oder alternativ ist es möglich, mehr als ein Stabilisierungselement an jedem Ende vorzusehen, beispielsweise zwei Stabilisierungselemente pro Fuß. Sind Palette, Füße und Kufen so ausgebildet, dass die Kufen sich beispielsweise über drei Füße erstrecken, von denen einer etwa in der Mitte der Kufe angeordnet ist, so können auch an dieser Position des mittleren Fußes beim Versteifungselement ein oder mehrere Stabilisierungselemente angeordnet sein. Bei der Verwendung von mehreren Versteifungselementen bei einer Kufe können die Stabilisierungselemente auch so dimensioniert sein, dass sie diese Versteifungselemente verbinden.Basically, the deflection is already reduced when such a stabilizing element is attached only at one end of the stiffening element, but preferably such a stabilizing element is arranged at each of the two ends of the stiffening element, since the deflection is then symmetrical, the load of the pallet or runners And so that their wear is uniform. Also, the stabilizing elements need not necessarily sit at the end of the stiffening element, but here the leverage over the length of the stiffening element is greatest. Additionally or alternatively, it is possible to provide more than one stabilizing element at each end, for example two stabilizing elements per foot. Are pallet, feet and runners designed so that the runners extend, for example, over three feet, one of which is located approximately in the middle of the runner, as may be arranged at this position of the middle foot of the stiffening element one or more stabilizing elements. When using a plurality of stiffening elements in a runner, the stabilizing elements can also be dimensioned so that they connect these stiffening elements.

Bevorzugt ist das mindestens eine Stabilisierungselement plattenförmig ausgebildet, wobei die Breitseiten der Platte quer zur Längsrichtung der Kufen orientiert sind. Auf diese Weise erhält man einen möglichst großen, flächenförmigen Bereich, auf welchen die bei der Durchbiegung auftretenden Kräfte verteilt werden, so dass die Belastung der Wände der Aufnahme gering gehalten werden kann. Die Aufnahme kann dabei so ausgestaltet sein, dass im durchbiegungsfreien Zustand oder bei einer geringen Durchbiegung die Breitseite eines plattenförmigen Stabilisierungselements an einer Wandfläche nahezu vollständig anliegt.Preferably, the at least one stabilizing element is plate-shaped, wherein the broad sides of the plate are oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the runners. In this way, one obtains the largest possible, area-shaped area on which the forces occurring during the deflection are distributed, so that the load on the walls of the recording can be kept low. In this case, the receptacle can be designed so that, in the state without deflection or with a slight deflection, the broad side of a plate-shaped stabilizing element bears almost completely against a wall surface.

Die Ausgestaltung des mindestens einen Stabilisierungselements als plattenförmiger Körper ist dabei nicht zwingend, auch andere Strukturen eignen sich für eine Verwendung als Stabilisierungselement. So kann beispielsweise das Versteifungselement mit dem Stabilisierungselement daran einstückig aus einem Materialstrang entsprechender Dicke nach Art einer Klammer geformt sein, d.h. an jedem Ende des Versteifungselements werden die Stabilisierungselemente einfach durch Umbiegen der Enden geformt.The design of the at least one stabilizing element as a plate-shaped body is not mandatory, and other structures are suitable for use as a stabilizing element. Thus, for example, the stiffening element with the stabilizing element may be integrally formed thereon from a material strand of corresponding thickness in the manner of a clamp, i. At each end of the stiffening element, the stabilizing elements are formed simply by bending the ends.

Um den Krafteintrag von dem mindestens einen Stabilisierungselement auf die Wände der Aufnahme besser zu verteilen und die Aufnahme insbesondere von örtlichen Kraftspitzen zu entlasten, ist es von Vorteil, mindestens den Bereich der Aufnahme in den Füßen teilweise auszuschäumen, d.h. mit einem Schäummaterial aufzufüllen, in welchem dann das Stabilisierungselement gelagert wird. Das geschäumte Material, beispielsweise Polyuhrethan, kann dabei in seiner Shore-Härte in einem großen Bereich so gewählt werden, dass es in der Lage ist, eine - bei einer Durchbiegung des Versteifungselements grundsätzlich zu erwartende, jedoch durch die Wände der Aufnahme beschränkte - Bewegung des Stabilisierungselements aus seiner Ruhelage heraus, in dem Bereich, wo das Stabilisierungselement ein gewisses Spiel hat, zu dämpfen. Auch der Bereich der nutförmigen Aussparung kann ganz oder teilweise mit einem Kunststoff ausgeschäumt sein, welcher beispielsweise so zusammengesetzt sein kann, dass er mit dem Material der Kufen und der Füße eine dauerhafte Verbindung eingeht. Auf diese Weise kann ein Bett für das Versteifungselement mit den Stabilisierungselementen erzeugt werden, was nicht nur dazu dienen kann, eine Relativbewegung des Versteifungselements mit den Stabilisierungselementen gegen die Kufen bzw. die Füße zu dämpfen, sondern durch diese Dämpfung auch die mechanischen Belastungen der Füße bzw. Kufen durch die Relativbewegung zu reduzieren und schließlich auch Lärmemissionen beim Einsatz der Palette zu reduzieren. Zur generellen Versteifung bzw. Verstärkung können auch die Innenräume der Füße ausgeschäumt sein.In order to better distribute the force input from the at least one stabilizing element to the walls of the receptacle and to relieve the receptacle, in particular from local force peaks, it is advantageous to partially foam at least the area of the receptacle in the feet, ie to fill it with a foaming material in which then the stabilizing element is stored. The foamed material, for example Polyuhrethan, can be selected in its Shore hardness in a wide range so that it is capable of - in a bending of the stiffening element basically expected, but limited by the walls of the recording - movement of the Stabilizing element out of its rest position, in the area where the stabilizing element has a certain amount of play to dampen. Also, the area of the groove-shaped recess may be completely or partially foamed with a plastic, which may for example be composed so that it enters into a permanent connection with the material of the skids and feet. In this way, a bed for the stiffening element can be produced with the stabilizing elements, which not only can serve to dampen a relative movement of the stiffening element with the stabilizing elements against the skids or the feet, but by this damping also the mechanical loads of the feet or To reduce runners by the relative movement and finally to reduce noise emissions when using the pallet. For general stiffening or reinforcement also the interiors of the feet can be foamed.

In einer bevorzugten Ausführung ist die Aufnahme für das mindestens eine Stabilisierungselement als vom Deck aus zugängliche Öffnung ausgestaltet. In diesem Fall umfassen die Fixierungsmittel bevorzugt eine vom Deck aus lösbare Verbindung zwischen dem mindestens einen Stabilisierungselement und der Aufnahme. Diese Verbindung kann beispielsweise als Rastverbindung ausgestaltet sein, die mindestens einen an der Aufnahme ausgebildeten Vorsprung umfasst, an welchen mindestens ein an dem Stabilisierungselement ausgebildeter Rasthaken angreift, so dass das Stabilisierungselement formschlüssig in der Aufnahme fixiert ist. Beispielsweise lassen sich zwei Rasthaken verwenden.In a preferred embodiment, the receptacle for the at least one stabilizing element is designed as an opening accessible from the deck. In this case, the fixing means preferably comprise a detachable from the deck connection between the at least one stabilizing element and the receptacle. This connection can be configured, for example, as a latching connection which comprises at least one projection formed on the receptacle, to which at least one latching hook formed on the stabilization element engages, so that the stabilization element is fixed in a form-fitting manner in the receptacle. For example, two catch hooks can be used.

Die Rasthaken sind dabei zweckmäßig flexibel mit dem Stabilisierungselement verbunden, so dass sie ohne besondere Hilfsmittel von den Vorsprüngen weggedrückt werden können, wodurch die Verbindung gelöst wird. Anstelle einer Rastverbindung sind andere, lösbare Verbindungen einsetzbar, beispielsweise Schraub- oder Steckverbindungen. Auch ohne weiteres nicht lösbare Verbindungen wie eine Verklebung sind denkbare Alternativen, wenn der Verwendungszweck eine besonders starke Verbindung erforderlich machen sollte.The latching hooks are suitably flexibly connected to the stabilizing element, so that they can be pushed away from the projections without special aids, whereby the connection is released. Instead of a latching connection, other, releasable connections can be used, for example, screw or plug connections. Also readily solvable compounds such as bonding are conceivable alternatives, if the intended use should require a particularly strong connection.

Das vorangehend beschriebene Versteifungselement und seine Kombination mit einem oder mehreren Stabilisierungselementen ist besonders für Kunststoffpaletten geeignet, bei denen Deck, Füße und/oder Kufen einstückig ausgebildet sind, da bei solchen Paletten für zwei bzw. alle Komponenten das gleiche Material verwendet wird, was jedoch für die einzelnen Komponenten in der Regel nur einen Kompromiss darstellt. Die Wirkung des Versteifungselements entfaltet sich hier besonders deutlich.The above-described stiffening element and its combination with one or more stabilizing elements is particularly suitable for plastic pallets in which deck, feet and / or skids are integrally formed, since in such pallets for two or all components, the same material is used, but for the individual components usually represents only a compromise. The effect of the stiffening element unfolds here particularly clearly.

In einer besonders bevorzugten Ausführung weist das Versteifungselement gegenüber der Standfläche der Kufe, in deren Aussparung es eingesetzt ist, einen Überstand auf. In Abhängigkeit von der Wahl des Werkstoffes für das Versteifungselement kann auf diese Weise gesteuert werden, ob entweder das Versteifungselement an der Kufe oder die Rollen bzw. Ketten des entsprechenden Förderers einer höheren Abnutzung ausgesetzt sind. Um den Verschleiß bei den Komponenten der Fördereinrichtung, den Rollen bzw. Ketten möglichst gering zu halten, ist das Versteifungselement vorzugsweise aus Aluminium gefertigt, welches in Kombination mit Stahl auch ein für das Benutzen von Rollenbahnen günstiges Reibverhalten aufweist. Dabei ist ein Überstand von wenigen Zehntel Millimetern bereits ausreichend um den Verschleiß wesentlich zu reduzieren, so dass der Mehraufwand an Material in Grenzen gehalten wird.In a particularly preferred embodiment, the stiffening element with respect to the footprint of the blade, in whose recess it is used, a projection on. Depending on the choice of material for the stiffening element can be controlled in this way, whether either the stiffening element on the runner or the rollers or chains of the corresponding conveyor are exposed to higher wear. To the Wear on the components of the conveyor to keep the rollers or chains as low as possible, the stiffening element is preferably made of aluminum, which in combination with steel also has a favorable for the use of roller conveyors friction behavior. In this case, a supernatant of a few tenths of a millimeter is already sufficient to substantially reduce the wear, so that the additional expenditure of material is kept within limits.

Es versteht sich, dass die vorstehend genannten und die nachstehend noch zu erläuternden Merkmale nicht nur in den angegebenen Kombinationen, sondern auch in anderen Kombinationen oder in Alleinstellung einsetzbar sind, ohne den Rahmen der vorliegenden Erfindung zu verlassen.It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the specified combinations but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Kurze Beschreibung der Erfindung Brief description of the invention

Nachfolgend wird die Erfindung beispielsweise anhand der beigefügten Zeichnungen, die auch erfindungswesentliche Merkmale offenbaren, noch näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine Kunststoffpalette,
Fig. 2
ein Versteifungselement mit daran angesetzten Stabilisierungselementen,
Fig. 3
einen Abschnitt einer Aufnahme für das Versteifungselement und
Fig.4 4
einen Vergleich des Biegeverhaltens des Versteifungselements mit und ohne Stabilisierungselementen.
The invention will be explained in more detail for example with reference to the accompanying drawings, which also disclose characteristics essential to the invention. Show it:
Fig. 1
a plastic pallet,
Fig. 2
a stiffening element with stabilizing elements attached thereto,
Fig. 3
a portion of a receptacle for the stiffening element and
Fig.4 4
a comparison of the bending behavior of the stiffening element with and without stabilizing elements.

Ausführliche Beschreibung der Zeichnungen Detailed description of the drawings

In Figur 1 ist zunächst der Aufbau einer typischen Kunststoffpalette 1 von der Unterseite her gezeigt. Die Kunststoffpalette 1 ist hier einstückig gefertigt, kann aber auch aus mehreren Teilen zusammengesetzt sein. Die Kunststoffpalette 1 umfasst ein Deck 2, welches in Figur 1 auf der dem Betrachter abgewandten Seite der Palette angeordnet ist. An der Unterseite 3 des Decks 2 sind vom Deck 2 nach unten abstehend Füße 4 und 5 ausgebildet. Die hier gezeigte Kunststoffpalette 1, bei der es sich beispielsweise um eine Halbpalette mit den Maßen 800 mm x 600 mm oder auch um eine größere Palette mit Maßen wie z. B. 1200 mm x 800 mm handeln kann, verfügt über insgesamt neun Füße 4, 5. Die Füße 4 an den längeren Seiten der Palette sind dabei schmaler ausgebildet als die Füße 5, die zwischen diesen liegen; diese Ausgestaltung der Füße ist jedoch nicht zwingend vorgegeben, ebenso können alle Füße gleichartig ausgestaltet sein. Die Kunststoffpalette 1 verfügt außerdem über drei Kufen 6, die jeweils drei Füße 4, 5 miteinander verbinden und parallel zueinander und zu den schmaleren Kanten der Kunststoffpalette 1 angeordnet sind. Auch dies ist nur beispielhaft zu verstehen, die Kunststoffpalette 1 kann alternativ oder ergänzend ebenso auch Kufen entlang der längeren Schmalseite der Palette, senkrecht zu den hier gezeigten Kufen 6 aufweisen.In FIG. 1 First, the construction of a typical plastic pallet 1 is shown from the bottom. The plastic pallet 1 is made here in one piece, but can also be composed of several parts. The plastic pallet 1 comprises a deck 2, which in FIG. 1 is arranged on the side facing away from the viewer of the pallet. At the bottom 3 of the deck 2 are from the deck 2 downwardly projecting feet 4 and 5 are formed. The plastic pallet 1 shown here, which is, for example, a half pallet with the dimensions 800 mm x 600 mm or even a larger range with dimensions such. B. 1200 mm x 800 mm, has a total of nine feet 4, 5. The feet 4 on the longer sides of the pallet are designed to be narrower than the feet 5, which lie between them; However, this configuration of the feet is not mandatory, as well as all feet can be configured similar. The plastic pallet 1 also has three runners 6, the three feet 4, 5 connect each other and are arranged parallel to each other and to the narrower edges of the plastic pallet 1. This is also to be understood as an example only, the plastic pallet 1 may alternatively or additionally also skids along the longer narrow side of the pallet, perpendicular to the runners 6 shown here have.

An der Unterseite mindestens einer der Kufen 6, hier an allen drei Kufen 6, ist mindestens eine in Längsrichtung der Kufen 6 verlaufende, nutförmige Aussparung 7 ausgebildet. Bei den hier gezeigten Kufen 6 ist jeweils eine Aussparung 7 vorgesehen, die bezüglich der Querachse jeder der Kufen mittig angeordnet ist. Es lassen sich aber auch mehrere nutförmige Aussparungen an einer Kufe 6 ausbilden, beispielsweise zwei an den Rändern der Kufe oder drei, dann an den Rändern und in der Mitte. Außerdem ist es auch möglich, die ganze Unterseite der Kufe 6 als eine einzige Aussparung 7 auszugestalten, so dass von der Kufe 6 nur die Ränder stehen bleiben.On the underside of at least one of the runners 6, here on all three runners 6, at least one groove-shaped recess 7 extending in the longitudinal direction of the runners 6 is formed. In the skids 6 shown here in each case a recess 7 is provided, which is arranged centrally with respect to the transverse axis of each of the runners. But it can also form a plurality of groove-shaped recesses on a runner 6, for example, two at the edges of the runner or three, then at the edges and in the middle. In addition, it is also possible to design the entire underside of the runner 6 as a single recess 7, so that only the edges of the runner 6 remain.

In die mindestens eine Aussparung 7 wird ein Versteifungselement eingesetzt. Ein solches Versteifungselement ist aus einem Material geformt, welches einen höheren Elastizitätsmodul aufweist, als das Material, aus dem die Kufe 6 geformt ist. Das Versteifungselement wird über Fixierungsmittel in der Aussparung fixiert.In the at least one recess 7, a stiffening element is used. Such a stiffening element is formed from a material having a higher modulus of elasticity than the material from which the blade 6 is formed. The stiffening element is fixed in the recess via fixing means.

Ein solches Versteifungselement 8 ist beispielsweise in Figur 2 gezeigt, es handelt sich hier um ein stabförmiges Element, beispielsweise auch aus einem Kunststoff, oder aus einem Metall wie beispielsweise Aluminium. Das Versteifungselement 8 kann beispielsweise über Schrauben in den Kufen 6 fixiert werden, wobei solche Verbindungen bei Belastung, die zu einer Durchbiegung - wenn auch im wesentlich geringerem Maße als ohne Versteifungselement 8 - führen können, mechanisch so stark beansprucht werden können, dass diese Verbindungen unter ungünstigen Umständen zerstört werden. Vorteilhafter sind andere, rein formschlüssige Verbindungen, wie sie beispielsweise erreicht werden können, wenn an der Außenseite der nutförmigen Aussparung 7 in gewissen Abständen einander gegenüberliegend Nasen aus dem Kunststoffmaterial der Palette ausgeformt sind, die bei aufrecht stehender Kunststoffpalette 1 verhindern, dass die Versteifungselemente 8 nach unten fallen.Such a stiffening element 8 is for example in FIG. 2 shown, it is a rod-shaped element, for example, made of a plastic, or of a metal such as aluminum. The stiffening element 8 can be fixed for example by screws in the runners 6, wherein such compounds under load, which can lead to a deflection - albeit much less than without stiffening element 8 - can be mechanically stressed so much that these compounds under be destroyed in unfavorable circumstances. Advantageously, other purely positive connections, as can be achieved, for example, when at the outside of the groove-shaped recess 7 at certain intervals opposite to each other noses formed from the plastic material of the pallet, which prevent upright plastic pallet 1 that the stiffening elements 8 after fall down.

In dem in den Figuren 1-3 gezeigten Beispiel ist das Versteifungselement jedoch nicht direkt über solche Fixierungsmittel in der Aussparung fixiert, vielmehr ist an jedem Ende des Versteifungselements 8, auf seine Längsrichtung bezogen, ein Stabilisierungselement 9 angeordnet. Jedes der Stabilisierungselemente 9 ist in eine entsprechende Aufnahme 10 an einem der Füße 4 eingreifend ausgebildet. Die Stabilisierungselemente 9 stehen von dem Versteifungselement 8 in einem vorgegebenen Winkel - hier im rechten Winkel - ab. Sie sind plattenförmig ausgebildet, ihre Breitseiten sind quer zur Längsrichtung der Kufen 6 bzw. des Versteifungselements 8 ausgerichtet. Insbesondere sind die Stabilisierungselemente 9 gegenüber dem Versteifungselement 8 winkelstabil: Die Aufnahmen 10, die als Öffnungen oder Vertiefungen ausgebildet sind, werden durch Wände begrenzt, die eine Auslenkung des Stabilisierungselements 9 aus seiner Ruhelage, welche beispielsweise durch eine Belastung der Kunststoffpalette 1 mit Waren auf einem Kettenförderer hervorgerufen werden kann, entgegenwirken und diese beschränken. Aufgrund der Winkelstabilität ändert sich bei Belastung durch Durchbiegung der Winkel zwischen Versteifungselement 8 und Stabilisierungselement 9 nicht oder nur unwesentlich, auch wenn die Auslenkung des Stabilisierungselements 9 durch die Wände der Aufnahme 10 begrenzt wird.In the in the Figures 1-3 As shown, however, the stiffening element is not fixed directly in the recess via such fixing means, but instead a stabilizing element 9 is arranged at each end of the stiffening element 8, relative to its longitudinal direction. Each of the stabilizing elements 9 is formed engaging in a corresponding receptacle 10 on one of the feet 4. The stabilizing elements 9 are of the stiffening element 8 at a predetermined angle - here at right angles - from. They are plate-shaped, their broad sides are aligned transversely to the longitudinal direction of the runners 6 and the stiffening element 8. In particular, the stabilizing elements 9 with respect to the stiffening element 8 angle stable: The receptacles 10, which are formed as openings or depressions are limited by walls which a deflection of the stabilizing element 9 from its rest position, which can be caused for example by a load on the plastic pallet 1 with goods on a chain conveyor, counteract and limit this. Due to the angular stability, the angle between stiffening element 8 and stabilizing element 9 does not change or only insignificantly changes when subjected to stress due to deflection, even if the deflection of the stabilizing element 9 is limited by the walls of the receptacle 10.

Vorteilhaft sind in diesem Fall die Fixierungsmittel, die der Fixierung des Versteifungselements in der Aussparung 7 dienen, nicht an der Aussparung 7 bzw. am Versteifungselement 8 angebracht oder ausgebildet, sondern umfassen eine Verbindung zwischen den Stabilisierungselementen 9 und der Aufnahme 10. Vorteilhaft ist diese Verbindung lösbar ausgestaltet, so dass das Versteifungselement 8 mit den daran angebrachten Stabilisierungselementen 9 bei Bedarf, beispielsweise bei Verschleiß, ausgewechselt werden kann. Im gezeigten Beispiel umfassen die Fixierungsmittel eine Rastverbindung, für die an den Stabilisierungselementen 9 flexible Rasthaken 11 ausgebildet sind. Diese greifen an in der Aufnahme 10 ausgebildete Vorsprünge 12 - dargestellt beispielsweise in Fig. 3 - an, so dass die Stabilisierungselemente 9 formschlüssig in der Aufnahme 10 fixiert sind. Die Aufnahme 10 ist dabei in der in Fig. 3 gezeigten Ausführung als vom Deck 2 zugängliche Öffnung ausgestaltet, so dass die Verbindung ohne weitere Hilfsmittel gelöst werden kann.Advantageously, in this case, the fixing means which serve to fix the stiffening element in the recess 7 are not attached or formed on the recess 7 or the stiffening element 8, but comprise a connection between the stabilizing elements 9 and the receptacle 10. This connection is advantageous detachably configured, so that the stiffening element 8 with the stabilizing elements 9 attached thereto can be replaced if necessary, for example when worn. In the example shown, the fixing means comprise a latching connection, for which flexible locking hooks 11 are formed on the stabilizing elements 9. These engage in the receptacle 10 formed projections 12 - shown for example in Fig. 3 -, So that the stabilizing elements 9 are positively fixed in the receptacle 10. The receptacle 10 is in the in Fig. 3 shown embodiment designed as accessible from the deck 2 opening so that the connection can be solved without further aids.

Um den Halt der Stabilisierungselemente 9 und des Versteifungselements 8 in den Aufnahmen 10 bzw. der Aussparung 7 zu verbessern und um die Kräfte, die bei einer Durchbiegung auftreten können, örtlich besser zu verteilen und dadurch lokale Kraftspitzen zu vermeiden sowie um eine zusätzliche Dämpfung der Auslenkung zu erreichen, können die Aussparung 7 und die Aufnahmen 10 teilweise mit einem Kunststoff ausgeschäumt werden, beispielsweise mit einem Polyurethan-Schaum mit einer geringeren Shore-Härte als sie das für die Kunststoffpalette 1 verwendete Material aufweist. Durch diese Ausschäumung der Zwischenräume zwischen dem Versteifungselement 8 und der Kufe 6 bzw. zwischen den Stabilisierungselementen 9 und den Wänden der Aufnahmen 10 kann auch die akustische Belastung, die durch eine Relativbewegung zwischen Versteifungselementen 8 bzw. Stabilisierungselementen 9 und den Kufen 6 hervorgerufen werden könnte, wenn die Kunststoffpalette 1 transportiert wird, reduziert werden.In order to improve the support of the stabilizing elements 9 and the stiffening element 8 in the receptacles 10 and the recess 7 and to better distribute the forces that may occur during a deflection locally and thereby avoid local force peaks and to an additional damping of the deflection To achieve the recess 7 and the receptacles 10 may be partially foamed with a plastic, for example, with a polyurethane foam having a lower Shore hardness than that used for the plastic pallet 1 material. By this foaming of the spaces between the stiffening element 8 and the runner 6 or between the stabilizing elements 9 and the walls of the receptacles 10 and the acoustic stress, which could be caused by a relative movement between stiffening elements 8 and stabilizing elements 9 and the skids 6, when the plastic pallet 1 is transported, to be reduced.

Die Verbindung zwischen den Stabilisierungselementen 9 und dem Versteifungselement 8 ist dabei winkelstabil, d.h. dass bei einer Belastung des Versteifungselements 8, die zu einer Durchbiegung führt, die in den Aufnahmen 10 gehaltenen Stabilisierungselemente 9 einer solchen Durchbiegung entgegenwirken, da der Winkel, in dem die Stabilisierungselemente 9 von dem Versteifungselement 8 abstehen, nahezu konstant gehalten wird. Dadurch, dass die Auslenkung der Stabilisierungselemente 9 durch die Wände der Aufnahme 10 begrenzt wird, und durch die winkelstabile Verbindung von Stabilisierungselementen 9 und Versteifungselement 8 wird die Durchbiegung erheblich vermindert. Die Verbindung zwischen Stabilisierungselement 9 und Versteifungselement 8 kann beispielsweise als Schweiß- oder Schraubverbindung ausgeführt sein, die Stabilisierungselemente 9 können an dem Versteifungselement 8 auch einstückig ausgebildet sein. Eine besonders bevorzugte Ausgestaltung, die besonders stabil und gegenüber einer einstückigen Fertigung mit weniger Material auskommt, besteht darin, in den Versteifungselementen 8 in Längsrichtung an den Enden jeweils Sacklöcher vorzusehen, in die entsprechende an den Stabilisierungselementen 9 ausgebildete Zapfen gesteckt sind. Dies ermöglicht auch den Austausch des Versteifungselements 8 unabhängig vom Verschleißzustand der Stabilisierungselemente 9.The connection between the stabilizing elements 9 and the stiffening element 8 is stable in angle, ie that under a load of the stiffening element 8, which leads to a deflection, held in the receptacles 10 stabilizing elements 9 counteract such a deflection, since the angle at which the stabilizing elements 9 protrude from the stiffening element 8, is held almost constant. Characterized in that the deflection of the stabilizing elements 9 limited by the walls of the receptacle 10 is, and by the angular stable connection of stabilizing elements 9 and stiffening element 8, the deflection is significantly reduced. The connection between stabilizing element 9 and stiffening element 8 can be designed, for example, as a welded or screwed connection, the stabilizing elements 9 can also be integrally formed on the stiffening element 8. A particularly preferred embodiment, which requires particularly stable and compared to a one-piece production with less material, is to provide in the stiffening elements 8 in the longitudinal direction at the ends of each blind holes, are plugged into the corresponding formed on the stabilizing elements 9 pin. This also allows the replacement of the stiffening element 8 regardless of the state of wear of the stabilizing elements. 9

In Figur 4 ist beispielhaft die Durchbiegung des Versteifungselementes 8 skizziert, wobei in Figur 4a die Durchbiegung eines Versteifungselementes 8 ohne Stabilisierungselemente 9 und in Figur 4b die Durchbiegung bei gleicher Belastung für ein Versteifungselement 8 mit Stabilisierungselementen 9 gezeigt ist. Der Pfeil symbolisiert jeweils die durch die Ladung verursachte Belastung. Die Palette ist dabei auf einem Kettenförderer, dessen Ketten durch die Dreiecke symbolisiert werden, gelagert.In FIG. 4 is exemplified the deflection of the stiffening element 8, wherein in FIG. 4a the deflection of a stiffening element 8 without stabilizing elements 9 and in FIG. 4b the deflection at the same load for a stiffening element 8 with stabilizing elements 9 is shown. The arrow symbolizes the load caused by the load. The pallet is stored on a chain conveyor whose chains are symbolized by the triangles.

In einer besonders bevorzugten Ausgestaltung sind die nutförmige Aussparung 7 und das in die Aussparung 7 eingesetzte Versteifungselement 8 so bemessen, dass das Versteifungselement 8 gegenüber einer Grundfläche - auch als Standfläche bezeichnet - der Kufe 6, auf der die Kufe normalerweise aufliegt und in deren Aussparung 7 es eingesetzt ist, einen Überstand aufweist. Dieser Überstand beträgt vorzugsweise einige zehntel Millimeter, kann aber auch im Millimeterbereich liegen. Verwendet man beispielsweise Aluminium als Material für das Versteifungselement, so kann der Verschleiß der Kufen 6 aus Kunststoff auf Rollen- und Kettenfördern, insbesondere in solchen Situationen, bei denen sich die Rollen bzw. Ketten drehen, der Weitertransport der Kunststoffpalette 1 jedoch behindert ist, wesentlich reduziert werden, da durch den Überstand zunächst nur das Versteifungselement 8 einem erhöhten Verschleiß ausgesetzt ist. Erst wenn dieser Überstand beispielsweise durch eine fortlaufende Bewegung der Kette eines Kettenförderers abgetragen wurde, wird die Kufe 6 der Kunststoffpalette 1 angegriffen. Die Lebensdauer einer solchen Kunststoffpalette 1, bei der die Kufen 6 einstückig an der Palette gefertigt sind, kann auf diese Weise wesentlich erhöht werden.In a particularly preferred embodiment, the groove-shaped recess 7 and inserted into the recess 7 stiffening element 8 are dimensioned so that the stiffening element 8 relative to a base - also referred to as a standing surface - the runner 6, on which the blade normally rests and in the recess. 7 it is inserted, has a supernatant. This supernatant is preferably a few tenths of a millimeter, but can also be in the millimeter range. If, for example, aluminum is used as the material for the stiffening element, the wear of the runners 6 made of plastic on roller and chain conveyors, in particular in those situations in which the rollers or chains rotate, but the further transport of the plastic pallet 1 is impeded, is essential be reduced because initially only the stiffening element 8 is exposed to increased wear by the supernatant. Only when this supernatant has been removed for example by a continuous movement of the chain of a chain conveyor, the runner 6 of the plastic pallet 1 is attacked. The life of such a plastic pallet 1, in which the skids 6 are made in one piece on the pallet, can be substantially increased in this way.

Bei der Wahl von Versteifungselementen 8 aus einem anderen Material, welches von der Härte her vergleichbar mit dem der Kette bzw. der Rollen der entsprechenden Fördereinrichtungen vergleichbar ist, wird der Verschleiß des Versteifungselements 8 zwar verringert, jedoch der Verschleiß der Förderkomponenten erhöht, was in der Regel nicht von Vorteil ist. In jedem Falle kann, wenn das Versteifungselement 8 verschlissen ist, d.h. der Überstand durch Materialabtrag beispielsweise durch einen Kettenförderer auf Null reduziert wurde, die Kunststoffpalette 1 weiter verwendet werden, indem das Versteifungselement 8 und ggf. auch die Stabilisierungselemente 9 ausgetauscht werden. Der Austausch kann bei dem hier vorgestellten Rastmechanismus, der nur eine von verschiedenen Möglichkeiten zur Fixierung darstellt, benutzerfreundlich von Hand ohne großen Aufwand erfolgen, indem die Rasthaken 11 aufeinander zu und anschließend die Stabilisierungselemente 9 nach unten aus der Palette herausgedrückt werden. Die Lebensdauer der Palette wird dadurch, dass das Versteifungselement 8 ohne besonderen Aufwand gewechselt werden kann, zu geringen Mehrkosten weiter erhöht.In the selection of stiffening elements 8 of a different material, which is comparable in hardness comparable to that of the chain or the rollers of the corresponding conveyors, although the wear of the stiffening element 8 is reduced, but increases the wear of the delivery components, which in the Usually not beneficial. In any case, when the stiffening element 8 is worn, that is, the supernatant was reduced to zero by material removal, for example, by a chain conveyor, the plastic pallet 1 are further used by the stiffening element 8 and possibly also the stabilizing elements 9 are replaced. The replacement can be done user-friendly by hand without much effort in the here presented latching mechanism, which represents only one of different possibilities for fixing by the latch hooks 11 towards each other and then the stabilizing elements 9 are pushed down out of the range. The life of the pallet is increased by the fact that the stiffening element 8 can be changed without any special effort at low additional costs.

Durch die Verwendung von Versteifungselementen 8 und ggf. von Stabilisierungselementen 9 in der vorangehend beschriebenen Kunststoffpalette 1 kann nicht nur die mechanische Belastung der Kufen 6 und damit der Palette in Form einer Durchbiegung beim Transport auf Förderanlagen verringert werden, sondern kann auch die Lebensdauer einer solchen Kunststoffpalette 1 wesentlich verlängert werden.By using stiffening elements 8 and possibly stabilizing elements 9 in the plastic pallet 1 described above, not only the mechanical load on the skids 6 and thus the pallet in the form of deflection during transport on conveyors can be reduced, but also the life of such a plastic pallet 1 be substantially extended.

BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

11
KunststoffpalettePlastic pallet
22
Deckdeck
33
Unterseite des DecksBottom of the deck
44
Fußfoot
55
Fußfoot
66
Kufeskid
77
Aussparungrecess
88th
Versteifungselementstiffener
99
Stabilisierungselementstabilizing element
1010
Aufnahmeadmission
1111
Rasthakenlatch hook
1212
Vorsprunghead Start

Claims (10)

  1. A plastic pallet (1), comprising
    - a deck (2) for supporting objects to be transported,
    - legs (4, 5), which are shaped to project from a bottom side (3) of the deck (2),
    - bottom runners (6), which are shaped to connect at least two legs (4, 5) at their bottom sides, characterized in that
    - at least one slot (7) running in the longitudinal direction of the bottom runners (6) is provided in the bottom side of at least one of the bottom runners (6),
    - a reinforcing element (8) made of a material having a higher modulus of elasticity than that of the material of the bottom runners (6) is inserted in the at least one slot (7),
    - with the reinforcing element (8) being fixed in the slot (7) through fixing means,
    - at least one stabilizing element (9) is joined to, and arranged at a specified, stable angle relative to, the reinforcing element (8), and
    - the at least one stabilizing element (9) is adapted to engage with a corresponding receptacle (10) in one of the legs (4).
  2. The plastic pallet (1) as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that the fixing means comprise at least one nose that partially covers the at least one slot (7) and positively fixes the reinforcing element (8) in the slot (7).
  3. The plastic pallet (1) as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that
    - the reinforcing element (8) is of a rod- or strip-shaped design, and
    - a stabilizing element (9) is arranged at each end of the reinforcing element (8).
  4. The plastic pallet (1) as claimed in any of Claims 1 through 3, characterized in that
    - the receptacle (10) is designed as an opening accessible from the deck (2), and
    - the fixing means comprise a joint between the at least one stabilizing element (9) and the receptacle (10), the joint being detachable with access from the deck (2).
  5. The plastic pallet (1) as claimed in Claim 4, characterized in that the joint is designed as a latching joint and comprises at least one lug (12) provided on the receptacle (10), that lug engaging with at least one hook-shaped latch (11) provided on the at least one stabilizing element (9), so that the at least one stabilizing element (9) is fixed in the receptacle (10) in a form-closed manner.
  6. The plastic pallet (1) as claimed in any of Claims 1 through 5, characterized in that the at least one stabilizing element (9) is of a plate-shaped design, with its broad sides arranged across the longitudinal direction of the bottom runners (6).
  7. The plastic pallet (1) as claimed in any of Claims 1 through 6, characterized in that the at least one stabilizing element (9) is joined to the reinforcing element (8) through a welded, adhesive-bonded or screwed joint, that the at least one stabilizing element (9) and the reinforcing element (8) are shaped as a single piece, or that the at least one stabilizing element (9) is joined to the reinforcing element (8) through a detachable plug-in joint.
  8. The plastic pallet (1) as claimed in any of Claims 1 through 7, characterized in that a clearance existing between the reinforcing element (8) and the bottom runner (6), and/or between the at least one stabilizing element (9) and a wall confining the receptacle (10) is filled with a plastic foam.
  9. The plastic pallet (1) as claimed in any of Claims 1 through 8, characterized in that the reinforcing element (8) inserted in the slot (7) projects from the base surface of the bottom runner (6) in the slot (7) of which it is inserted.
  10. The plastic pallet (1) as claimed in any of Claims 1 through 9, characterized in that the reinforcing element (8) is made of aluminum.
EP12188830.9A 2012-10-17 2012-10-17 Plastic pallet with stiffening element Active EP2722285B8 (en)

Priority Applications (9)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP12188830.9A EP2722285B8 (en) 2012-10-17 2012-10-17 Plastic pallet with stiffening element
PL12188830.9T PL2722285T3 (en) 2012-10-17 2012-10-17 Plastic pallet with stiffening element
SI201230640A SI2722285T1 (en) 2012-10-17 2012-10-17 Plastic pallet with stiffening element
DK12188830.9T DK2722285T3 (en) 2012-10-17 2012-10-17 Plastic Pallet with stiffening element
RS20160395A RS54872B1 (en) 2012-10-17 2012-10-17 Plastic pallet with stiffening element
ES12188830.9T ES2575698T3 (en) 2012-10-17 2012-10-17 Plastic pallet with reinforcement element
HUE12188830A HUE029714T2 (en) 2012-10-17 2012-10-17 Plastic pallet with stiffening element
CY20161100614T CY1117716T1 (en) 2012-10-17 2016-07-04 PLASTIC PALLETS WITH AID
HRP20160792TT HRP20160792T1 (en) 2012-10-17 2016-07-05 Plastic pallet with stiffening element

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP12188830.9A EP2722285B8 (en) 2012-10-17 2012-10-17 Plastic pallet with stiffening element

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2722285A1 EP2722285A1 (en) 2014-04-23
EP2722285B1 true EP2722285B1 (en) 2016-04-06
EP2722285B8 EP2722285B8 (en) 2016-06-15

Family

ID=47115395

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EP12188830.9A Active EP2722285B8 (en) 2012-10-17 2012-10-17 Plastic pallet with stiffening element

Country Status (9)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2722285B8 (en)
CY (1) CY1117716T1 (en)
DK (1) DK2722285T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2575698T3 (en)
HR (1) HRP20160792T1 (en)
HU (1) HUE029714T2 (en)
PL (1) PL2722285T3 (en)
RS (1) RS54872B1 (en)
SI (1) SI2722285T1 (en)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3254983B1 (en) 2016-06-08 2019-05-15 Cabka GmbH & Co. KG Composite pallet for transporting and long term storage of barrels
DE102017121813A1 (en) 2017-09-20 2019-03-21 Schoeller Allibert Gmbh Plastic pallet
DE102018128137A1 (en) 2018-11-09 2020-05-14 Schoeller Allibert Gmbh Plastic pallet with reinforcement elements
US11111053B2 (en) 2018-11-13 2021-09-07 Chep Technology Pty Limited Stackable half-size reconfigurable pallet/dolly platform

Family Cites Families (2)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2007019833A1 (en) * 2005-08-16 2007-02-22 Mark Arinstein Maschinen & Anlagen Gmbh Pallet having great dimensional stability and load-bearing capacity
DE102009008277A1 (en) 2009-02-10 2010-08-12 Paul Craemer Gmbh Plastic pallet with reinforced runner

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
SI2722285T1 (en) 2016-08-31
ES2575698T3 (en) 2016-06-30
PL2722285T3 (en) 2016-10-31
HRP20160792T1 (en) 2016-08-12
DK2722285T3 (en) 2016-07-18
RS54872B1 (en) 2016-10-31
EP2722285A1 (en) 2014-04-23
CY1117716T1 (en) 2017-05-17
EP2722285B8 (en) 2016-06-15
HUE029714T2 (en) 2017-03-28

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