EP3564145A1 - Pallet comprising a holder for electronic built-in part - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a pallet (10) with an upper deck (12) which forms a loading area for goods, a number of feet or runners (16) arranged on the underside of the upper deck (12) and at least one receptacle (18) for an electronic built-in part on the upper deck (12). The at least one receptacle (18) has a blind hole-like design and can be closed at its opening with a cover (20) and has at least one opening (22) in at least one of its side walls for ventilation.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a pallet having an upper deck forming a loading surface, a plurality of skids or feet disposed on the underside of the upper deck, and at least one receptacle for an electronic insert, such as a seat. an RFID chip, a transponder chip or a sensor unit, in the upper deck.

State of the art

From the prior art pallets for the transport and storage of goods are known, which are equipped with electronic components. Examples of such components are RFID chips or transponder units for the electronic identification of pallets and their contents. With the increasing networking of containers and goods in logistics, various sensor units are becoming more widespread. For example. Temperature sensors are attached to containers, which then allow a conclusion about the environmental conditions to which the container and its contents were exposed. Such electronic components are sensitive to moisture and are also operated with batteries whose function should not be affected by condensation.

There are already various applications in the prior art in which transponders are used in pallets. Some known solutions use the transponder freely accessible in columns or pockets of a pallet, for example. Between structurally related stiffening ribs. Such freely accessible recordings offer no protection against moisture penetrating from the outside, which can occur, for example, due to the weather conditions or during the cleaning of the pallets. Often, the transponders are glued or clipped into these open shots.

Furthermore, solutions are known in the prior art in which the transponder chips are inserted into pockets which are closed. These bags are usually welded. In such sealed pockets condensation water may form with a corresponding drop in the temperature of the air trapped therein, which in turn adversely affects electronic components therein.

Disclosure of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a pallet that provides improved moisture protection for an electrical / electronic component incorporated therein / embedded due to the above-described disadvantages of known pallets.

This object is achieved by a pallet with the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

Basically, a pallet according to the invention comprises an upper deck, which forms a loading area of the pallet, a number of feet or runners, which are arranged on the lower deck on the upper deck, and at least one receptacle for an electronic built-in part. The at least one receptacle is blind hole-like or formed as a pocket (it does not penetrate the pallet, but has a bottom at one end) and can be closed at its opening with a lid. In at least one side wall of the receptacle at least one opening for ventilation is formed. By sidewalls in this case are meant those walls which connect the opening of the receptacle and the bottom of the receptacle. In other words, a pallet is provided, which has a receptacle or recess / pocket for accommodating an electronic / electrical component which is closed to one side and closable to its other side with a lid. In the extending in the intermediate region between the bottom and lid side walls of the receptacle is at least one, preferably horizontally (parallel to the loading area) extending, ventilation opening, for example a hole or a slot provided. The arrangement according to the invention described above has the advantage that the A good protection against water entering from the outside, but at the same time provides a good ventilation to avoid condensation.

Preferably, the opening of the receptacle, which can be closed with a lid, can be arranged in the loading area of the pallet so that the side walls generally extend vertically (perpendicular to the loading area). The receptacle is therefore preferably closed down (to the feet / skids) and up (to the loading area) towards or closed. Such orientation of the receptacle facilitates the accessibility of the same.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one opening in the side wall of the receptacle can be connected to a pallet interior. Preferably, within the pallet and adjacent to the at least one receptacle, a vertical chamber (a cavity) may be formed, which is connected to the receptacle via the at least one opening or the ventilation hole. A gas exchange takes place in such a design initially only between the recording and an internally located chamber, whereby the penetration of liquids or dust is prevented from the outside.

It is advantageous if said adjacent chamber is connected to the environment via another breakthrough, so that an exchange between the air in the intake and the ambient air can take place over comparatively short distances. More preferably, the adjacent chamber may extend to a lower outer wall of the pallet (in particular one foot of the pallet) and the aperture of the adjacent chamber may be formed as a drain in said lower outer wall. In this way, possibly resulting in the interior of the chamber condensation moisture can run out of this. Advantageously, the receptacle and the adjacent chamber can be designed so that in the recording condensed water can also flow through the drain in the adjacent chamber. This can be achieved, for example, via suitable bevels in the bottoms of the receptacle and the chamber.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the receptacle can be arranged in the region of one of the feet or one of the runners. In this way, more space in the vertical direction is available for recording. Preferably, the receptacle in the region of a centrally arranged in the upper deck metatarsus, be arranged.

According to a preferred embodiment, a vent opening may be provided in at least one of the outer (vertical) side walls of the foot accommodating the receptacle, which vent is at least indirectly connected to the receptacle and thereby enables gas exchange between the receptacle and the surroundings.

According to a further aspect, at least one projection acting as a spacer may be provided on the side walls of the receptacle. In particular, it may be a vertically extending rib, particularly preferably a plurality of ribs on the vertical side walls and / or the bottom side wall of the receptacle. In this way, the air permeability between an inserted electronic component and the side wall or the bottom of the receptacle is ensured and condensation water can drain on the side walls of the receptacle, without coming into contact with the electrical fitting.

According to a preferred embodiment, the upper deck and the runners or feet can first be manufactured as separate parts and then joined together. At least one of the feet or runners and the upper deck have in such a case in each case corresponding, in the assembled state, the recording-forming recesses. Optionally, corresponding corresponding recesses may be provided which form the adjacent chamber for receiving in the assembled state of the pallet. For joining the pallet, for example, connecting means such as screws or bolts can be used, but the pallet parts can also be welded or glued, for example.

Preferably, upper deck and feet / skids may each have complementary support structures at their joining areas, e.g. Have ribs that come into contact during assembly and allow power transmission. The feet of the pallet can thus be substantially hollow and can be traversed by stiffening ribs. It is advantageous if, in such an embodiment, the stiffening ribs define the side walls of the receptacle and the chamber adjacent thereto. Particularly preferably, a gas exchange can be made possible between all the chambers defined by the said rib structure via suitable openings in the ribs.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the breakthrough, which serves as a ventilation hole / slot of the receptacle, may be formed in the boundary area / joining area between upper deck and runners or feet, i. it may be a single recess or it may be located two complementary recesses in the joint zone / interface between the upper deck and the feet / runners.

According to one aspect, at least one ventilation hole may be formed in the outer vertical side walls or the outer walls of the receptacle-occupying foot of the pallet. This can preferably open into a separate from the recording and standing in fluid communication with this cavity. Particularly preferably, said cavity may be a separate chamber for receiving and understanding described for receiving adjacent separate chamber and be designed to exchange air with the receptacle and the adjacent chamber for receiving chamber.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the pallet can be manufactured as an injection molded part, preferably the upper deck and the feet / runners can each be injection-molded separately. Preferably, the receptacle and / or the opening for ventilation and / or the chamber adjacent to the receptacle during injection molding is integrally introduced into the upper deck and into the feet / skids.

According to a preferred embodiment, the lid can be clipped in the upper deck. For this purpose, preferably the lid Rastzungen- or noses or Have latching hooks which can be snapped into complementary recesses of the pallet. Between the lid and the receptacle, a circumferential seal may be provided to reliably prevent ingress of water.

According to an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention, the lid (after inserting the electronic component) are welded to the upper deck.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the cover may be flush with the upper deck in a condition closing the receptacle. As a result, this presents no obstacle during loading.

According to a preferred embodiment, two receptacles for electronic components can be arranged in the region of the midfoot of the pallet. In this way, for example, a transponder or RFID chip for identification and an additional sensor can be integrated into the pallet.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the receptacle may have a rectangular cross-section. Particularly preferably, at least two of the side walls of the receptacle and / or the chamber adjacent to the receptacle can be formed by reinforcing ribs oriented perpendicular to one another.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a pallet unit with a pallet according to one of the aspects described above and an electronic insert arranged in the receptacle. The electronic installation part may preferably be an RFID chip, a transponder chip or a sensor unit, in particular a temperature sensor.

Brief description of the figures

• Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a pallet according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
• Fig. 2 is an illustration of an upper pallet section from below;
• Fig. 3 is a partial perspective section through a metatarsus of the pallet according to the preferred embodiment;
• Fig. 4 is a sectional view through the metatarsus of the pallet according to the preferred embodiment;
• Fig. 5 Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a cut-away side wall of an electronic fixture receptacle according to the preferred embodiment;
• Fig. 6 is a detail view of the underside of a Palettenfußes according to the preferred embodiment;
• Fig. 7 is a detail view of the inside of an upper, the upper deck associated Palettenfußabschnittes according to the preferred embodiment; and
• Fig. 8 is a detail view of the inside of a lower Palettenfußabschnittes according to the preferred embodiment.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure will be described based on the accompanying drawings.

In Fig. 1 a pallet 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in a perspective plan view. The pallet 10 is made of plastic, more specifically made of a thermoplastic injection-molded. However, similar pallets could be produced just as well with other primary forming processes, for example in the rotomoulding process. The pallet 10 basically has an upper deck 12 which forms the loading area 14 of the pallet 10 and on the underside of which a number (here nine) of feet 16 are arranged. The feet 16 form on all sides engaging openings through which the pallet 10 shown with the known stacking and transport equipment (trucks) is easy to handle. The feet 16 are connected in the example shown by skids, which gives the pallet 10 additional stability and makes it suitable for roller conveyors, automatic conveyor systems and high-bay warehouses.

The pallet 10 has, as Fig. 1 shows, on the upper deck 12, on the side surfaces and on the undersides of the runners 16 on a flat surface. It is thus easy to load and clean. Instead of corners, transport-technically advantageous curves are preferably provided. Despite this outwardly smooth surface of the pallet 10, it is desirable to have a rib structure / ribbing 44 (see FIG Fig. 2 ) in the pallet 10, as this leads to increase the mechanical stability while saving weight. For better clarity, only isolated ribs are provided with the number plate 44. For this purpose, the in Fig. 1 pallet 10 shown in two parts. More specifically, the upper deck 12 is injection-molded as a kind of pallet main body, and the skids / feet 16 are injection-molded as a separate part or plural separate parts, and then connected to the upper deck 12. In this way, on the respectively in the assembled state of the pallet 10 inner sides of the upper deck 12 and the skids 16, the rib structure 44 are introduced, while the outwardly facing surfaces are kept smooth / flat. In terms of production technology, this has the advantage that the rib structure 44 can be produced without creating any hind undercuts for removal from the mold.

In Fig. 2 the rib structure 44 is shown on the (inwardly facing) underside of the upper deck 12. Conveniently, upper deck 12 and feet 16 of the pallet 10 have similar / complementary ribs which abut each other when connecting upper deck 12 and feet 16, allowing power transmission and providing high rigidity and flexural rigidity of the pallet. The ribbing runs in the in Fig. 2 illustrated bottom of the upper deck 12 largely cross-shaped, but could also be, for example, honeycomb-shaped. However, in the area of the feet 16, a cross-shaped (orthogonal) arrangement of the ribs is preferable in order to define a receptacle for an electronic insert as described in detail below.

For connecting the upper deck 12 with the feet / runners 16 a bolt connection is provided in the illustrated embodiment. For this purpose, each of the feet 16 of the pallet has a bolt receptacle 28. The bolt receptacle 28 extends, as well in the FIGS. 3 and 4 can be seen, perpendicular to the upper deck 12 through the foot area of the upper deck and the base 16 disposed thereon foot through. Via a thread 30 and a support shoulder 32, the upper deck 12 and the foot 16 are clamped by a bolt 34 against each other. The bolt receptacle 28 is closed at the top with a bolt receiving lid 36, which prevents dirt or liquid from accumulating in the bolt receptacle 28. As in Fig. 4 can be seen well, 16 centering / Zentrierhilfestrukturen 38 are formed in the joining areas between upper deck 12 and feet. The structural design of the centering / centering structures 38 is such that the rib structure 44 of one fitting slightly protrudes while that of the other adherend is slightly engaged so that the rib structure 44 of one fitting (here the foot 16) dips into the other adherend and thus the relative positioning of the two parts to be joined in the extension direction of the loading surface 14 determines positively.

The pallet 10 according to the invention has a receptacle 18 for a (not shown) electrical / electronic installation part, such as, for example, a transponder or sensor units. More precisely, two such receptacles 18 are formed, which are each formed in the region of the midfoot of the pallet 10. The receptacles 18 are pocket-shaped embedded in the upper deck 12, so closed to the bottom of the pallet 10 out, and form a substantially cuboidal cavity, the exact shape of the receptacle 18 of course - depending on the Einbauteil- can be varied. The loading surface side opening of the receptacles 18 are, as in. In Fig. 1 shown with a lid 20 closed. The cover 20 may be clipped or welded. In the example shown, it is clipped and the upper deck has this in Fig. 3 shown locking receptacles 40 on. An indentation 42 that runs around the edge of the opening of the receptacle 18 allows the cover 20, when installed, to end flush with the loading surface of the upper deck 12.

Since the receptacle 18 is closed on the bottom side and closed by the cover 20 on the loading surface side, it is effectively prevented that spraying water or other liquids penetrate into the receptacle 18 from the outside and compromise the function of built-in components that may be installed. In order to avoid condensation of the air trapped in the receptacle 18, openings 22 are made in the vertical side walls of the receptacle 18, which act as ventilation holes. The openings 22 also have the advantage that temperature differences are transmitted from the outside faster when a temperature sensor is inserted into the receptacle 18. The openings / ventilation holes 22 extend in a horizontal (loading plane parallel) direction to a receptacle 18 adjacent chamber 24 inside the pallet 10, more precisely inside the foot 16. Accordingly, the embodiment shown in the figures, two such adjacent chambers 24 (one each Recording 18). The adjacent chambers 24 may be advantageously created by the construction of the rib structure 44. The adjacent chambers 24 have bottom side of the foot 16, in which they are arranged, two drain holes 26, the example. In Fig. 6 or Fig. 8 are clearly visible.

The FIGS. 7 and 8 show the upper deck side and the foot-side half of the midfoot 16, in which the two receptacles 18 are integrated. Based on these representations, the inner workings of the metatarsus 16 can be described well. It can be seen that many of the ribs 44 meeting each other during assembly have recesses 43 towards the joining zone / interface, so that all the cavities formed by the rib structure 44 can exchange gas with one another. In the outer wall 46 of the metatarsus are in Fig. 7 shown additional vent holes 48 provided to provide a further improved air circulation within the foot 16. In the example shown, the ventilation holes 48 are arranged in corner regions of the foot and open into corner chambers 45, which are connected via recesses 43 with the chambers 18 adjacent to the receptacle 18.

The construction described above avoids penetration of spray through the openings / ventilation holes 22, since the receptacles 18th not directly connected to the environment. At the same time, however, an effective ventilation of the receptacle 18 is provided via the drainage openings 26 and the ventilation holes 48. To further improve the air circulation within the receptacle 18 spacers 27 are provided on the side walls and at the bottom of the receptacle 18, which prevent a built-in part inserted therein bears against one of the walls. The spacers 27 are, for example, in the FIGS. 7 and 8 can be seen as along the receiving 18 bounding walls extending ribs 27 formed. The spacers 27 can, as in Fig. 8 shown, in turn, have indentations 50 to the electronic fixture, so that no chamber formation formed by the spacer 27.

The apertures / vent holes 22 are formed in the illustrated preferred embodiment at the interface between the upper deck 12 and the feet 16 fixed thereto. This allows for intergral fabrication of the vent holes 22 in injection molding without additional undercuts being created, although the vent holes 22 are transverse to the demolding direction. Such as in the FIGS. 3 and 4 It can be seen, the vent holes 22 are formed in the illustrated embodiment of the invention as each complementary semi-circular recesses on the colliding rib edges of the upper deck 12 and the feet 16. With a comparatively large passage area, a circular shape offers little impairment of the mechanical stability, for example due to notch effect.

By the above-described design of the receptacle 18 accommodating foot 16 ensures that 16 accumulating water can leak in the pallet base and due to the air circulation no condensation forms. Since the receptacle 18 has no direct access to the environment but is only indirectly connected via the interior of the foot 16 with this, also a good protection against water penetrating from the outside is given.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Palette;

12

Upper deck;

14

cargo space;

16

Feet / runners;

18

Admission;

20

Cover;

22

Breakthrough / ventilation hole;

24

Chamber;

26

Procedure;

27

Spacers / ribs;

28

Bolt Hole;

30

Thread;

32

Support shoulder;

34

Bolt;

36

Bolt receptacle lid;

38

centering;

40

Latching receptacle;

42

indentation;

43

recess;

44

Rib structure / ribbing,

45

Eckkammer;

46

outer wall;

48

Ventilation holes; and

50

Indentation.

Claims (15)

Pallet (10) with - An upper deck (12), which forms a cargo area (14) for goods; - A number on the underside of the upper deck (12) arranged feet or runners (16), which are preferably adapted for transport by industrial trucks; and at least one receptacle (18) for an electronic insert, characterized in that
the at least one receptacle (18) is formed in the upper deck (12) in the manner of a blind hole or pocket, is closed or closable at its opening with a cover (20) and has at least one opening (22) in at least one of its side walls. and venting is at least indirectly in fluid communication with the ambient air. Pallet (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that within the pallet (10) and adjacent to the at least one receptacle (18) a chamber (24) is formed, which is connected via the opening (22) with the receptacle (18) and which has at least one drain (26) towards the bottom thereof. Pallet (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the receptacle (18) in the region of one of the feet or one of the runners (16), in particular in the region of a centrally in the upper deck (12) arranged midfoot (16) is arranged , Pallet (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that on at least one side wall of the receptacle (18) at least one spacer (27), in particular as a vertically extending rib, is formed to the air permeability between a in the receptacle ( 18) used to ensure electronic component and the at least one side wall. Pallet (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the upper deck (12) and the skids or feet (16) are made as separate parts and then joined together and that at least one of the feet or runners (16) and the upper deck (12) each have corresponding, in the assembled state, the receptacle (18) forming recesses. Pallet (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one breakthrough (22) in the border or joining region between upper deck (12) and runners or feet (16) is arranged. Pallet (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the pallet (10) is made as a plastic injection molded part and the receptacle (18) during injection molding integrally in the upper deck (12) and / or the feet or runners ( 16) is introduced. Pallet (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cover (20) in the upper deck (12) is clipped or can be and in particular a circumferential seal between the cover (20) and the receptacle (18) is provided , Pallet (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cover (20) is welded to the upper deck (12). Pallet (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the cover (20) in a receptacle (18) occluding state is inserted flat in the upper deck (12). Pallet (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that in the region of the midfoot (16) of the pallet (10) two receptacles (18) are arranged for electronic components. Pallet (10) according to one of claims 3 to 11, characterized in that in the vertical outer walls (46) of the receptacle (18) accommodating the foot (16) of the pallet (10) at least one vent hole (48) is formed, which in one opens from the receptacle (18) and the chamber (24) separate and communicating with these in fluid communication cavity. Pallet (10) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the receptacle (18) has a rectangular cross-section. Pallet unit with a pallet (10) according to one of claims 1 to 13 and an in the receptacle (18) arranged electronic built-in part. Pallet unit according to claim 14, characterized in that the electronic built-in part is an RFID chip, a transponder chip or a sensor unit, in particular a temperature sensor.

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