EP1588952A1 - Carton pallet - Google Patents

Abstract

The cardboard pallet has a base (10) and comprises a cardboard tube of rectangular cross section. It has open sections (20) to allow for passage through the bases, and closed load-bearing sections (30). The load-bearing sections are divided into compartments by a reinforcement walls formed by the inwardly folded side walls of the cardboard tube.

Description

1. Field of the invention

The present invention relates to the field of transport pallets, which serve for the transport of goods. Pallets are used to transport To load goods, for example, with forklifts.

2. State of the art

Various approaches are known in the art, standard pallets from Replace wood with pallets of cardboard material. Pallets made of cardboard material have the advantage of being the recipient of the goods the paper recycling cycle can be supplied. But also for weight reasons find such Pallets are more and more used because they are lighter than wooden pallets and cause lower transport costs.

From DE 201 03 902 U1 is a cardboard or corrugated board existing range known, which has feet, consisting of several, parallel and spaced from each other extending and integrally formed together with the upper deck Runners exist. In the folded arrangement, the skids have a triangular or square cross section.

From DE 195 23 492 A1 a pallet is known, the roll cores of paper, Carpet and similar material rolls used as support elements, wherein the Roll cores are two layers over each other and arranged perpendicular to each other.

Finally, from WO 95/25672 a pallet system is known, which consists of a flat upper deck, which is provided with tubular runners. The runners are folded from a flat cardboard box. To reinforce the runners, separate cuboidal reinforcing elements are introduced into the runners, for example, from wound or honeycomb-shaped cardboard material consist.

The carton pallets of the prior art reveal various disadvantages in terms of their low strength or stability, elaborate production, material consumption and large transport volume for shipping the pallet itself. Furthermore, the known carton pallets because of the capillary action of Cardboard material prone to water and moisture.

There is therefore a need for a pallet that is easier to produce, a higher one Stability, less or less expensive material used against Moisture and water is better protected and easier to carry is. Furthermore, there is a need for a method of making such a pallet and a plant for the production of such pallets.

3. Summary of the invention

The above problems and requirements are solved by a pallet foot for a pallet according to claim 1, and by a pallet according to Claim 11, a method for producing a Palettenfußes according to claim 14, a plant for producing pallet feet according to claim 21 and by a method for producing a pallet according to claim 32nd

In particular, the o.g. Problems with a pallet foot for a pallet solved, comprising a cardboard tube having an angular cross section, wherein the cardboard tube having open areas that pass transversely through the pallet feet provide and have closed load-bearing areas, each the closed load-bearing areas by stiffening walls in a plurality is divided by chambers, with the stiffening walls from inside folded side walls of the cardboard tube are formed.

Such a pallet base can be quickly and easily made of a square cardboard tube finished. Since it is the starting material is a pipe, the only is processed, no additional carton elements have to be made and assembled become. The stiffeners of the load-bearing areas are pure by the cardboard material present in the cardboard tube formed. This allows an absolute Waste-free production of the pallet feet. The tubular starting material is In addition, particularly stable, since there are no splices, pronounced seams or similar. having, but preferably is wound in one piece. Furthermore, by the infill the load-bearing areas through the stiffening walls on the one hand stable and on the other hand created very lightweight structure, which also resists high loads.

In a preferred embodiment, the cardboard tube is wound Paper layers or wound recycled paper layers. By winding the paper layers a particularly high strength is achieved, even in use of recycled paper. The use of recycled paper reduces material costs.

Furthermore, board and paper mills have fixed working widths of their machines, so that in the production of certain paper or board widths constantly branch lines, accumulate. When weight changes also transition tracks which also occur as waste. These side or transition tracks are usually returned to the waste paper cycle. This is with high costs associated with the paper mill, as the roles of ancillary and Transition tracks are too compact to recycle directly. They will therefore unwound or sawn with great effort.

As for winding the cardboard tubes according to the invention only narrow paper or Cardboard strips of a width of about 70mm - 140mm are needed, The sideways and transitional tracks used in paper production can be considered as waste incurred, used without problems and thus supplied to a meaningful use become. Wider side or transition railways need only to the required Strip width can be cut, which is easily possible in the paper mill is. Since the branch lines are otherwise almost unsalable, they are very available inexpensively, if not for nothing, what the material costs for significantly reduces the pallet feet.

Preferably, the cardboard tube has a quadrangular or octagonal cross-sectional shape on. Due to these shapes, the pallet base forms a flat bearing surface for a cover plate of the pallet and a flat bearing surface on the floor, whereby occurring loads can be distributed over a large area.

In a further preferred embodiment, the cardboard tube consists of a Cardboard material cured by means of water glass. Hardening the cardboard tube with water glass gives the pallet base made of it a particularly high Strength. Furthermore, water glass is very inexpensive as a hardening and adhesive material, because it costs only about 1/3 of the commonly used adhesives. additionally When exposed to water in the air, water glass releases no toxic fumes. additionally if the cardboard tube is protected from water and moisture after curing, so that the pallet can also be used outdoors.

Preferably, the closed areas of the plate feet have side walls, which are provided with impressions, which are substantially parallel to the load direction run. The indentations or corrugations amplify in comparison To a flat surface, the side walls of the load-bearing areas and increase the kink security. The indentations can also merge into each other, so that a waveform is created.

Preferably, the closed areas are each in three or four chambers divided. Further preferably, the individual chambers of the closed Areas the same shape on The shape and number of chambers determined significantly the stability of the pallet. The preferred closed chambers can In addition to the compressive forces by the weight of the cargo also very good Transverse forces that often occur during transport and loading the pallet occur.

In a further preferred embodiment, the stiffening walls folded at folding grooves, which run parallel to the load direction. The folding grooves facilitate a precise folding of the stiffening walls. Since the folding grooves in the load direction run, the stiffening walls are within the load-bearing Areas perpendicular and therefore transmit the pressure forces occurring in the main load direction into the floor area.

Preferably, the stiffening walls of a closed area are interconnected glued flat. Gluing the stiffening walls increases the load capacity of the load-bearing areas substantially, because the splices shear forces between can transfer the stiffening walls.

Preferably, the cardboard tube has a continuous upper wall and a continuous bottom wall, wherein the inwardly folded side walls with the upper wall and the lower wall are glued. The continuous upper and bottom walls of the pallet base, serve as spacers and as reinforcements the load-bearing areas.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the closed areas continue each at least have a side window to connect the Palettenfuß with a cross strut.

In particular, the o.g. Problems also solved by a pallet, the one essentially flat, flat cover plate and at least two pallet feet according to one of claims 1-11. By adding a suitable one Cover plate, for example made of wood, plastic, metal or cardboard is created with the palette feet a full range, based on the particular application is customizable.

Preferably, the cover plate is also made of cardboard or recycled cardboard. This provides a completely recyclable cardboard pallet.

In a further preferred embodiment, the pallet feet are parallel glued to each other on the cover plate.

Preferably, the pallet further comprises at least one transverse strut, which with the Pallet feet is connected and perpendicular to them. By such a Cross strut, the stability of the pallet can be extremely increased, so that the material thickness the cover plate can be reduced. For example, the thickness could the comparatively expensive cover plate with the same load reduced to about 50% become. As a result, a cost reduction of up to 20% can be achieved.

Furthermore, the cross brace can be used as needed or omitted, so that an individually configurable pallet system is provided.

The transverse strut is preferably made of the same cardboard tube as the pallet feet manufactured. Thus, the same pipe winding machine can be used.

1. Stanzen von Schnittlinien in die Mantelfläche eines Kartonrohrs, um Versteifungswände auszuschneiden;

2. Einprägen von Faltrillen in die Mantelfläche des Kartonrohrs, um Faltrillen zum Falten der Versteifungswände zu bilden; und

3. Falten der Versteifungswände, um die lasttragenden Bereiche des Palettenfußes in Kammern zu unterteilen.

Furthermore, the above problems are also solved by a method for producing a pallet foot for a pallet, which comprises the following steps:

1. Cutting cutting lines in the outer surface of a cardboard tube to cut stiffening walls;

2. impressing folding grooves in the outer surface of the cardboard tube to form folding grooves for folding the stiffening walls; and

3. Folding the stiffening walls to divide the load bearing areas of the pallet base into chambers.

By the method according to the invention are also the above with respect to achieves the advantages described pallet feet invention.

1. Wickeln eines Endlos-Kartonrohres aus Papier- oder Kartonlagen; und

2. Abschneiden des Endlos-Kartonrohres auf eine gewünschte Länge, um ein einzelnes Kartonrohr zu bilden.

In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises the following steps, which are performed before the other steps:

1. winding an endless cardboard tube from paper or cardboard layers; and

2. Cutting the endless cardboard tube to a desired length to form a single cardboard tube.

Thus, in one method, starting from paper stock, a pallet foot a certain length and with a certain strength and Load capacity. The step of winding can be varied so that different Wall thicknesses of the cardboard tube are obtained and thereby also a different load capacity of the pallet base.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of introducing indentations in the outer surface of the cardboard tube, the indentations in Essentially parallel to the desired load direction. The impressions or corrugations reinforce the lateral surface of the cardboard tube.

Preference is given to the steps of punching cut lines, imprinting of Faltrillen and the introduction of indentations carried out simultaneously. Thus reduces the production time of the pallet foot.

In a further preferred embodiment, the method further the step of placing the cardboard tube with water glass on. It is preferred the paper strip from which the cardboard tube is wound by a gluing aggregate pulled, with one side of the paper strip on the full surface is painted with water glass. The use of water glass as an adhesive and curing agent is only possible because the same after the winding process of "Press-stamping-punching process" is performed. By pressing the pipe an absolute bonding is achieved, which in a conventional winding only by a cost-intensive post-treatment using high-quality Adhesives can be achieved. In particular, the winding of the cardboard tube with a much higher winding speed than conventional methods take place, as possible air bubbles between the paper webs to be bonded be pressed by the pressing of the tube.

In a further preferred embodiment, the method comprises the step pressing and heating the cardboard tube to bubble free the cardboard tube cure. Preferably, the step of pressing and heating is simultaneous performed with the punching-embossing step. When pressing the cardboard fibers remain and the board surface is smoothed, making the pallet foot a shows lower moisture absorption. Furthermore, by heating the Drying time of the pallet feet reduced so much that an immediate further processing can be done. In a normal drying would be otherwise Drying times of up to 2 weeks.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of applying adhesives on portions of the stiffening walls on to the stiffening walls to stick together.

Furthermore, the o.g. Problems also by a plant for the production of Pallet feet solved, comprising a pipe processing machine for punching of cutting lines and introducing folding grooves in a lateral surface of a square Cardboard tube and a folding machine for folding stiffening walls along the folding grooves, to form load bearing areas of a pallet foot.

Such a system allows pallet feet to be quick and inexpensive Cardboard tubes are produced. The system can work fully automatically, so that produces a high number of pallet feet at low unit costs can be.

Preferably, the system further comprises a tube winding machine for generating an endless cardboard tube and a cutting device for cutting off the Endless cardboard tube to obtain a cardboard tube of a desired length;

In a further preferred embodiment, the tube processing machine an inner tool that is inserted into the cardboard tube can be and wherein the inner tool can be radially spread to to rest against the inner wall of the cardboard tube.

The inner tool preferably has interchangeable working surfaces Grooving, embossing and punching or cutting on. The working surfaces of the inner tool can be easily replaced when worn.

Preferably, the inner tool further comprises at least one electric heating element on. Through the heating element, the inner tool can be heated to the curing of impregnated with water glass and thus moist cardboard tube to promote. The cardboard tube is thus quasi "baked" or pressed in the mold.

In a further preferred embodiment, the processing machine Outside tools on which interchangeable punches for punching Include cutting lines in the lateral surface of the cardboard tube and interchangeable Embossing tools for introducing folding grooves in the lateral surface of the cardboard tube include. Through the interaction of external and internal tools the cardboard tube is further compressed so far that air between the Paper layers of the cardboard tube is pressed out and optimal bonding the paper webs is achieved.

Preferably, the outer tool further comprises interchangeable embossing tools for introducing indentations.

It is further preferred that the system further comprises edge trimmers, for punching longitudinal cutting lines in the lateral surface of the cardboard tube.

Preferably, the folding machine on vacuum suction on the stiffening walls to bend outwards from the lateral surface of the cardboard tube. The vacuum cups are placed on the cut-out side wall portions of the cardboard tube and applied the vacuum to grab the stiffening walls and they easy to bend outward.

The folding machine preferably has motor-driven driving claws in order to the stiffening walls in the load-bearing areas of the cardboard tube into it wrinkles. After bending the stiffening walls by means of the vacuum cups Screw-in claws can be used to turn the stiffening walls into their desired ones To fold shape.

Preferably, the Einrehkrallen can be rotated by stepper motors and be moved up and down pneumatically.

1. Formen von Preformen aus einem eckigen Kartonrohr;

2. Versand der Preformen zum Endanwender;

3. Befestigen der Preformen an eine geeignete Deckplatte beim Endanwender.

The problem of space-consuming transport of the finished pallet is solved by a method for producing a pallet, the method comprising the following steps in this order:

1. molding preforms from a square cardboard tube;

2. shipping the preforms to the end user;

3. Attach the preforms to a suitable cover plate at the end user.

Since the last step is only performed by the end user, arises the comparatively bulky pallet only at this time. The preforms take only a small space when shipping to the end user, so that the shipping costs are low. A truck can usually have 800 empty pallets load the euro pallet size. When shipping preforms can about 8000 individual systems transported per truck, which are then mounted at the end user become.

Preferably, the preforms pallet feet or cross struts, then remains the It is left to the end user, which cover plate, for example, made of wood, plastic or Cardboard, he wants to use. Furthermore, it is depending to be transported Load capacity flexible with regard to the number of preforms required. For example instead of three at light loads, only two pallet feet per pallet could be used which would mean a material saving of about 30% per pallet. The End users can still choose depending on the load, whether used cross braces to be or not.

In a further preferred embodiment, the method further the step of providing the cover plate to the end user. Thus receives the End user a complete kit of a pallet.

Preferably, a pallet according to the invention with the same dimensions only a dead weight of about 3.5 kg compared to a Euro pallet made of wood about 11 kg. Thus, these pallets can also be used by female employees handle. Furthermore, a gas treatment, as for export operations is required, eliminated, resulting in a further reduction in manufacturing costs leads.

4. Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1

eine erfindungsgemäße Palette in einer dreidimensionalen Ansicht gemäß einer ersten bevorzugten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung, mit erfindungsgemäßen Palettenfüßen;

Fig. 2

zwei Seitenansichten einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Palettenfußes, wobei die obere Seitenansicht Faltlinien und die untere Seitenansicht Schnittlinien zeigt;

Fig. 3A bis 3E

horizontale Schnittansichten durch lasttragende Bereiche bevorzugter Palettenfüße, wobei verschiedene Faltvarianten der Versteifungswänden dargestellt sind;

Fig. 4

eine horizontale Querschnittsansicht durch eine Rohr-Bearbeitungsmaschine zum Bearbeiten von Kartonrohren;

Fig. 5

eine Querschnittsansicht durch ein Außenwerkzeug einer bevorzugten Rohrbearbeitungsmaschine;

Fig. 6

eine dreidimensionale Ansicht eines Außenwerkzeuges;

Fig. 7

eine longitudinale Querschnittsansicht durch einen Innenwerkzeug einer bevorzugten Rohr-Bearbeitungsmaschine;

Fig. 8

eine axiale Querschnittsansicht durch ein bevorzugtes Kartonrohr sowie ein Innenwerkzeug einer bevorzugten Rohr-Bearbeitungsmaschine;

Fig. 9

eine Quersichtsansicht eines Teilbereichs einer Rohr-Bearbeitungsmaschine, welche Kartonrohr, Außenwerkzeuge, Innenwerkzeug und Kantenschneider zeigt;

Fig. 10

eine dreidimensionale Ansicht eines Kartonrohrs mit Innenwerkzeug, sowie einen bevorzugten Kantenschneider;

Fig. 11

oben eine Aufsicht auf ein Faltwerkzeug einer Faltmaschine und unten eine Seitenansicht des Faltwerkzeuges, sowie eine angedeutete Versteifungswand des Kartonrohrs;

Fig. 12

eine Eindrehkralle im Eingriff mit einer Versteifungswand;

Fig. 13

eine Seitenansicht, sowie acht Aufsichten auf eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform eines Palettenfußes zur Verdeutlichung des Einfaltsvorganges der Versteifungswände;

Fig. 14

eine Aufsicht auf eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform einer Anlage zur Herstellung von Palettenfüßen;

Fig. 15

eine Seitenansicht der Anlage aus Figur 14;

Fig. 16

eine zweite Ausführungsform einer Palette in der Seitenansicht, wobei zusätzlich zu den Palettenfüßen auch Querstreben verwendet werden;

Fig. 17

ein Zusammenbauschema in der Draufsicht für eine Palette, die drei Palettenfüße und sechs Querstreben verwendet;

Fig. 18

eine Seitenansicht auf ein mit Faltrillen und Schnittlinien versehenes Kartonrohr;

Fig. 19

den Endbereich einer Querstrebe in einer dreidimensionalen Ansicht; und

Fig. 20

eine Querschnittsansicht einer Querstrebe.

The drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described. It shows:

Fig. 1

a pallet according to the invention in a three-dimensional view according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, with pallet feet according to the invention;

Fig. 2

two side views of a preferred embodiment of a pallet foot according to the invention, wherein the upper side view shows fold lines and the lower side view section lines;

Fig. 3A to 3E

horizontal sectional views through load-bearing areas of preferred pallet feet, wherein different folding variants of the stiffening walls are shown;

Fig. 4

a horizontal cross-sectional view through a pipe processing machine for processing cardboard tubes;

Fig. 5

a cross-sectional view through an outer tool of a preferred pipe processing machine;

Fig. 6

a three-dimensional view of an outer tool;

Fig. 7

a longitudinal cross-sectional view through an inner tool of a preferred pipe processing machine;

Fig. 8

an axial cross-sectional view through a preferred cardboard tube and an inner tool of a preferred pipe processing machine;

Fig. 9

a cross-sectional view of a portion of a pipe processing machine, which shows cardboard tube, outer tools, inner tool and edge cutter;

Fig. 10

a three-dimensional view of a cardboard tube with an internal tool, and a preferred edge cutter;

Fig. 11

above a plan view of a folding tool a folding machine and below a side view of the folding tool, and an indicated stiffening wall of the cardboard tube;

Fig. 12

a screw-in claw engaged with a stiffening wall;

Fig. 13

a side view, as well as eight views of a preferred embodiment of a Palettenfußes to illustrate the folding operation of the stiffening walls;

Fig. 14

a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a plant for the production of pallet feet;

Fig. 15

a side view of the system of Figure 14;

Fig. 16

a second embodiment of a pallet in the side view, wherein in addition to the pallet feet and transverse struts are used;

Fig. 17

an assembly plan view of a pallet using three pallet feet and six cross braces;

Fig. 18

a side view of a provided with folding grooves and cut lines cardboard tube;

Fig. 19

the end region of a transverse strut in a three-dimensional view; and

Fig. 20

a cross-sectional view of a crossbar.

5. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Hereinafter, with reference to the figures, preferred embodiments of the present invention described in detail.

Figure 1 shows a pallet 1 consisting of a substantially flat, planar Cover plate 50 and three pallet feet 10, preferably under the cover plate 50th are attached. Preferably, three pallet feet 10 are used, the pallet feet 10 are arranged parallel to each other. Two pallet feet 10 are on Edge of the cover plate 50 and a Palettenfuß 10 is in the middle of the cover plate 50th attached. The attachment can be done by various attachment methods, however, adhering the pallet feet 10 to the top plate 50 is preferred.

Depending on the application of the pallet 1 and depending on the maximum load can Also only two pallet feet or more than three pallet feet are used.

The pallet feet 10 essentially consist of a one-piece cardboard tube 11 with a square cross-section. In Figure 1 are cardboard tubes 11 with a square Cross-section shown, Figures 8 to 15 show cardboard tubes an octagonal cross section. Of course, hexagonal or Greater cross-sections conceivable, although the bearing surfaces of the pallet base 10 should be flat to the cover plate 50, so that the pallet feet with the cover plate 50 can be securely glued.

The pallet base 10 of FIG. 1 shows three closed load-bearing areas 30, the are preferably cuboid shaped, and two open areas 20 between the load bearing areas 30. The open areas represent a transversal i.e. transverse passage through the pallet feet ready, leaving the pallet also be received in the transverse direction of the fork of a forklift can.

The Palettenfuß 10 has a continuous upper wall 16, with the Palettenfuß 10 is glued to the cover plate 50, and a continuous lower Wall 14, which connects and spaces the load bearing areas 30, to provide improved stability of the pallet foot 10.

Each pallet base 10 is made from a cardboard tube 11 of angular cross-section, which may be a specially wound cardboard tube or a cardboard tube which is obtained as a waste product in paper or board production. Prefers is used to wind the cardboard tube recycled or waste paper from secondary tracks or of transitions, preferably before winding with Water glass can be soaked or coated to the later pallet base 10 to provide increased strength.

Water glass is available as potassium water glass (potassium silicate K ₂ SiO ₃ ) or as sodium silicate (sodium silicate Na ₂ SiO ₃ ) and is a syrup-like solution of sodium silicate or potassium silicate in water. Water glass cures in the air and serves as an inorganic binder, which gives the cardboard tube 11 and the pallet base 10 increased strength and moisture resistance. Water glass is used as a component for bonding, hardening and moisture protection of the pallet feet. Moisture protection can be increased even more if the pallet feet are immersed 20 - 30 mm from the bottom or completely in water glass. Due to the accuracy of the punching no water glass can penetrate into the interior of the load-bearing areas 30.

In Figure 2 is shown as a cardboard tube 11 with folding grooves 36 and cutting lines 38 is provided to produce a pallet base 10 therefrom. The top view in Figure 2 shows a side wall of a square cardboard tube 11 with later load-bearing Areas 30 and stiffening walls 32 extending from the side wall of the cardboard tube 11 are folded. Furthermore, the upper view of Figure 2 shows the Dashed grooves shown 36, which are introduced into the cardboard tube 11 to facilitate folding of the stiffening walls 32 at these folding grooves 36.

The bottom view of Figure 2 shows the cut lines 38 which are needed to cut out the stiffening walls 32 from the side walls of the cardboard tube 11 or punch out.

To stiffen the load-bearing areas 30 of each pallet foot 10 and to increase its carrying capacity are portions of the side walls of the cardboard tube 11th as stiffening walls 32 folded into the load-bearing areas 30. Thereby arise within the tube in the region of the load-bearing areas 30 in each case a plurality of chambers 34.

Preferred examples of the shape of such chambers 34 and preferred folding patterns are shown in Figures 3A to 3E. Figures 3A to 3E show horizontal Cross sections through each one load-bearing area 30. Preferred glued flat abutting areas of the stiffening walls 32 together, whereby the stiffening effect is significantly increased. For bonding the stiffening walls 32 with each other and also for bonding with the deck 16, Bottom 14 and side walls 17 of the pallet base may be a conventional paper adhesive, Hot glue, or similar be used. Water glass is also preferred for this purpose used.

The gap shown in Figures 3A to 3E between the stiffening walls 32 is merely an illustration of the corresponding folding pattern and is in reality not or not so pronounced.

FIG. 3A shows a first folding variant in which the stiffeners 32 are connected to three Folding grooves 36 are folded inwardly to a cross-shaped stiffening structure to form within the closed area 30, wherein the stiffening walls run on the symmetry lines of the closed area 30. As a result, the closed region of FIG. 3A essentially becomes four divided equally large chambers 34.

Figure 3B also shows a cross-shaped arrangement of the stiffening walls 32, although a stiffening wall is not duplicated.

FIG. 3C shows a variant in which two elongate chambers are formed, wherein a chamber is partially divided in the middle by stiffening walls.

Figure 3D shows an embodiment in which the stiffening walls 32 three closed Form chambers 34, which are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the pallet base 10 are. This embodiment presents by the large overlapping areas the individual stiffening walls 32 a very good stiffening effect ready.

The same applies to the embodiment of Figure 3E, wherein by the Abknikken two ends of the stiffening walls 32 to the side wall, a more uniform stiffening of the load-bearing areas 30 results.

Of course, other folding patterns are conceivable, such as the punched out Side walls 32 of the cardboard tube 11 folded into the load-bearing areas 30 may be to form a plurality of chambers 34.

FIG. 4 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view through a tube processing machine 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the tube processing machine 110 from two internal tools 111 and two external tools 114 pressed by hydraulic cylinders 130 in the direction of the inner tools 111 can be to press the cardboard tube 11 to stamping, to grooves and to cut. The inner tools 111 are inserted laterally into the tube 11 and spread by means of two pressure cylinders 140. After spreading is the inner wall 18 of the cardboard tube 11 on the outside of the inner tool 111 on.

FIG. 5 shows a detail of an outer tool 114 and two impression cylinders 130 shown. A three-dimensional representation of the outer tool 114 is shown in FIG Figure 6 can be seen. Figures 5 and 6 show that the actual tools 115, 116, 117 of the outer tool 114 of elongated profile-shaped elements are constructed, which are screwed to a continuous support plate. In order to If necessary, the tools 115, 116, 117 of the external tool 114 can be exchanged.

An outer tool 114 includes cutting tools 115 for cutting Cutting lines 38 in the lateral surface of the cardboard tube 11, embossing tools 116th for introducing Faltrillen 36 in the lateral surface of the cardboard tube 111 and Embossing tools 117 for inserting indentations 39 for reinforcing the Lateral surface of the cardboard tube 11. The embossing tools 117 are preferably on rounded off its working surface, leaving a slight curl of the side surface the cardboard tube 11 is formed, but no sharp edges are introduced, which could promote a kinking.

Figure 7 shows a longitudinal section of the inner tool 111 and illustrates how that can be radially spread in the tool 111. This includes the Inner tool 111 a pressure cylinder 140, the wedge-shaped element 141st moved, which is pushed between two also wedge-shaped outer elements 142 can be. In this Einschiebevorgang move the wedge-shaped outer elements 142 parallel away from each other. The spreading of the inner tool 111 is limited by two stops 143, so that the cardboard tube 11 only firmly is clamped on the inner tool but is not torn.

FIG. 8 shows a cross section through the inner tool 111 and through a cardboard tube 11. In particular, Figure 8 shows electrical heating elements 113 which enable to heat the interior tool. Thus, the outside hardening process can accelerated or even completely accelerated by the water glass cardboard tube 11 be completed. The cardboard tube 11 is then quasi at a temperature from about 80 ° C to 120 ° C in the tube processing machine "baked". It will ev. Between the paper layers trapped air squeezed out. Further shows Figure 8 interchangeable processing surfaces 112, the editing tools 115, 116, 117 of the outer tool 114 correspond. The working surfaces 112 can also be replaced if necessary.

Figure 9 shows a cross section through a pipe processing machine 110, wherein here four outer tools 114 are used to cover all four sides of the Can process cardboard tube 111. To the longitudinal cuts for the stiffening walls cutting is the pipe processing machine with cutting tools 118 equipped, the longitudinal sections of the stiffening walls 32 in bring the cardboard tube 11.

Figure 10 shows an exemplary cutting tool 118 in a three-dimensional View, wherein the cutting tool 118 by two pressure cylinder 130 in Direction of the inner tool 111 can be driven. Furthermore, FIG 10 shows a further embodiment of the indentations 39 in the S-shape. One through the cutting tool 118 generated cutting line 38 is also shown symbolically.

In the embossing process get the through upper 16 and lower walls 14 also an imprint (not shown) showing the stability of the two walls, especially against deflection, increased. By embossing the stiffening walls 32 fixed inside and may not need each other be glued. Furthermore, the bearing surface of the pallet base 10 is reduced to the cover plate 50, whereby a better bonding due to a higher Contact pressure can be achieved. In this case, the adhesive insert can be reduced become.

In addition, reduced by such an embossing the bearing surface on the Soil, so that the moisture absorption is additionally reduced. Farther Damage to the pallet is avoided by retracting pallet trucks, because the wheels of the pallet trucks are provided by the curvature of the cardboard wall in the Free spaces are managed. Such an execution also allows the Use of pallet on automatic transport lines, as well as storage and removal from automatic storage warehouses.

FIG. 11 shows the plan view at the top and a side view of a folding-in device at the bottom 127 a folding machine 120 for folding the stiffening walls 32. A Folding machine 120 has as many folding devices as stiffening walls 32 are present. In the embodiment described herein, these are 12 Folding devices 127.

The illustrated folding-in device 127 consists of two screw-in claws 122, 123, which are shown in detail in Figure 12. The Einrehkrallen 122, 123 can be placed on the edge of a stiffening wall 32 to the stiffening wall 32 to fold along its folding grooves 36. These are the Einrehkrallen 122, 123 pneumatically movable up and down around the edge of the stiffening wall 32 to take.

The unfolding device 127 further comprises two stepper motors 124 and 125, the PLC-controlled rotate the Einrehkrallen 122, 123. The left stepper motor 124 rotates the entire unfolding device 127 and the right stepping motor 125 rotates a turntable 126, the Einrehkralle 123 and the associated pneumatic for raising and lowering has.

With the help of such Einfaltvorrichtungen 127 and vacuum cups 121 runs the Folding process for all stiffening walls 32 of the pallet base 10 automatically and simultaneously. The folding process is exemplified in steps 2 through 9 of FIG shown.

The top view of Figure 13 shows again by way of example a punched and Cardboard tube 11 provided with folding grooves 38. Steps 1 to 8 are described in FIGS Top view displayed.

Before the folding process, adhesive is applied to areas of the stiffening walls to be bonded 32 applied.

In step 1, the vacuum suction 121 are on the punched side walls 32 of the cardboard tube 11 is placed and applied a vacuum to the Aspirate side walls 32. in step 2, the vacuum cups 121 pivoted outwardly and the stiffening walls 32 to the outside, i. away from folded the cardboard tube 11. In step 3, the Einrehkrallen 122, 123 placed on the edges of the stiffening walls 32 by the Einrehkrallen 122, 123 are pneumatically moved down. The driving claws are in Fig. 13 symbolized by black or circles. At the same time the Vacuum sucker 121 is removed by releasing the vacuum.

In step 4, the outer Einrehkrallen 122 are screwed, thereby the first folding takes place at a first folding groove 26. In step 5, the removed external driving claws, d. H. moved up and the medium driving claws screwed in to make a second fold, if desired.

In step 6, all driving claws are removed by pneumatic be raised. In step 7, the stiffening walls 32 in the load bearing areas 30 by a pressure from the outside by means of the folding device automatically folded, as symbolized by the arrows shown is.

In step 8, finally, the remaining end tabs 37 down and folded up and glued to the stiffening walls 32.

Figure 14 shows a plan view of a plant 100 for the production of pallet feet 10. The plant 100 comprises a tube winding machine 150, the wrapping paper 13 to an endless cardboard tube 12 with angular cross-section wound. Prefers has the endless cardboard tube 12 and thus also the cardboard tube 11 5 to 20 layers Paper on, depending on the required load of the Palettenfußes 10. Thus, a Wall thickness of about 3mm - 5mm received, due to the special manufacturing process may be thinner than conventionally produced cardboard tubes, which have the same strength a wall thickness of 12mm - 15mm. The wrapping paper of the endless cardboard tube is before winding by means of a Belieimungsaggregats in the tube winding machine 150 on one side with water glass coated.

The endless cardboard tube 12 is discharged from the tube winding machine 150 and from a cutter 160 in cardboard tubes 11 of a desired Cut length. Preferably, a length of 1.40 meters for the cardboard tube 11th

After cutting, the cardboard tube 11 falls onto a first conveyor 170. From there it is conveyed to a second conveyor belt 180, as through the Arrows symbolizes. The second conveyor belt conveys the cardboard tube 11 to the respective processing lines. In Fig. 14, only a first processing line is shown fully illustrated and hinted at a second line, however, could be connect further processing lines at the top.

At the height of the first processing line, the cardboard tube 11 by means of a Pusher 185 of the second conveyor belt 180 is conveyed to a pipe depot 200. If there is a pipe overcapacity, the cardboard tubes become 11 at the end of the conveyor belt 180 in a magazine (not shown) collected. If necessary, the cardboard tubes 11 can be connected via a further tube depot 190 the second conveyor belt 180 are fed again.

From the tube depot 200, the cardboard tubes 11 by means of a first transport cross 210 gripped by a vacuum suction and the pipe processing machine 110 promoted. For this purpose the transport cross drives 210 upwards and turns 180 °. The vacuum is then removed and the cardboard tube 11 falls into the tube processing machine 110. Thereafter, drive the transport cross 210 back to its original position.

In the pipe processing machine 110, the machining process of the Cardboard tube 11. The six pressure cylinders 130 right and left move to "fixation", wherein the cardboard tube 11 is held only slightly but not pressed. Then the inner tools 111 by means of gear transporters 145 briskly in the cardboard tube 11 retracted. At the same time, the upper pressure cylinder lowers 135 (see Figure 15) on another Zahnradtransporter 146 quickly downward. The gear transporters 145 and 146 are locked to provide enough drag for the corresponding printing cylinder 140, 135 apply. The impression cylinder 130, 135 and 140 are now pressurized hydraulically or pneumatically and drive in "working position". In this position are all folding grooves 36, cutting lines 38 and indentations 39 simultaneously in the lateral surface of the Carton tube 11 introduced. At the same time, the material of the cardboard tube 11 compressed so much that air pressed out between the paper webs becomes. Then, or even before, the electric heating elements 113 the inner tool 111 is activated, whereby the inner tool 111 heats up, and the cardboard tube 11 is dried and cured.

After curing of the cardboard tube 11, or even after a partial curing, the impression cylinders 130, 135, 140 and the gear transporters 145 and 146 returned to their original position.

The cut and provided with folding grooves 36 and indentations 39 Cardboard tube 11 is then by means of a second transport cross 220 of the Tube processing machine 110 promoted to the folding machine 120. There will be the required folding operations, as described in detail above.

The Palettenfiiße 10 are now finished and by means of a third conveyor belt, the all existing processing lines connects to a depot (not shown).

Subsequently, the pallet feet 10 with a suitable cover plate 50 to Glued to a pallet 1. However, this last assembly step is preferred not performed directly after the manufacture of the pallet feet 10, but only with the end user. For this purpose, the finished pallet feet 10 separated from the cover plates 50 to the end user. The end user can then perform the final assembly (gluing, pinning, stapling, etc.). Thus, the transport volume is reduced to a minimum and the transport costs minimized for shipping the pallet.

Of course, the pallets can also directly from the manufacturer of the pallet feet 10 are final assembled, if the end user does not perform any assembly would like to.

FIG. 16 shows another preferred embodiment of a pallet 1. In this embodiment are between the pallet feet 10 cross struts 300th used, which further increase the stability of the pallet 1.

The cross struts 300 are made like the pallet feet 10 from a wound Cardboard tube 11. The required cardboard tube can be placed on the same tube winding machine 150 are produced, as the tubes 11 for the pallet feet 10. From a cardboard tube 11 of the required length can by punching, grooves and Embossing each two transverse struts 300 are made.

Fig. 18 shows a side view of a cardboard tube 11 with embossed longitudinal Folding grooves 304 and punched cut lines 302. The cut lines 302 separate the cardboard tube 11 into an upper half 305 and a lower half 306, each yielding a crossbar 300. When punching the cutting lines 302 At the same time the ends of the cardboard tube are trimmed (not shown) to later to be able to form pin 310, as shown in Fig. 19.

As shown in Fig. 20 in a cross-sectional view, the side surfaces the cardboard tube halves 305, 306 along the folding grooves 304 folded inwards to to double the sidewall thickness of the U-shaped crossbar 300. After that are formed at the ends of the transverse struts 300 pin 310 by the double Sidewalls are turned over at the end to the outside, as shown in FIG. 20 is shown.

To connect the Palettenfiiße 10 with the crossbars 300 are the pallet feet 10 in their load-bearing areas 30 equipped with side windows 22, the are also punched, as shown in Fig. 16. When assembling the pallet 1 with transverse struts 300, the pins 310 in the side window 22 of Pallet feet 10 inserted and glued with water glass if necessary. It shows the open side of the U-shaped transverse strut 300 preferably upward, in the direction the cover plate 50, and abuts this with its upper edge.

The production of the transverse struts 300 is analogous to the production of the pallet feet 10, by means of a corresponding facility. The transverse struts 300 are also pressed by means of a tube processing machine 110 in one operation, punched, grooved and indented if desired. After that be with a folding machine 120, the convolutions of the side walls and the the pin 310 performed.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

palette

10

pallet

11

cardboard tube

12

Continuous cardboard tube

13

paper documents

14

bottom wall

16

upper wall

17

Side wall

18

inner wall

20

open areas in the cardboard tube

22

sidewindow

30

closed load-bearing areas in the cardboard tube

32

stiffening walls

34

chambers

36

folding grooves

37

end flaps

38

cut lines

39

indentations

50

cover plate

100

investment

110

Pipe processing machine

111

internal tool

112

working surfaces

113

electric heating element

114

External tools

115

Cutting Tools

116

Embossing tools for folding grooves

117

Embossing tools for indentations

118

Edger

120

folding machine

121

vacuum cups

122

turning claws

127

folding in device

130

pressure cylinder

135

pressure cylinder

140

pressure cylinder

141

wedge-shaped inner element

142

wedge-shaped outer element

143

attack

145

gear Transportation

146

gear Transportation

150

Pipe-winder

160

cutter

170

first conveyor belt

180

second conveyor belt

185

ejector

190

second pipe depot

200

first pipe depot

210

first transport cross

220

second transport cross

230

third conveyor belt

300

crossmember

302

intersection

304

folding grooves

305

upper half

306

bottom half

310

spigot

Claims (36)

Pallet base (10) for a pallet (1), comprising: a) a cardboard tube (11) with an angular cross-section; in which b) the carton tube (11) has open areas (20) providing a transverse passageway through the pallet feet (10) and having closed load bearing areas (30); in which c) each of the closed load-bearing areas (30) is divided by stiffening walls (32) into a plurality of chambers (34); and where d) the stiffening walls (32) are formed from inwardly folded side walls of the cardboard tube (11). A pallet base according to claim 1, wherein the cardboard tube (11) is wound from Paper layers (13) or wound recycled paper layers. Pallet base according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the cardboard tube (11) has a quadrangular or octagonal cross-sectional shape. Pallet foot according to one of claims 1-3, wherein the cardboard tube (11) made of a cardboard material which has been hardened by means of water glass. Pallet foot according to one of claims 1 - 4, wherein the closed areas the plate feet (30) have side walls, which with indentations (39) which extend substantially parallel to the load direction. Pallet foot according to one of claims 1-5, wherein the closed areas (30) are divided into three or four chambers (34). Pallet base according to claim 6, wherein the individual chambers (34) of the closed Areas (30) have the same shape. Pallet foot according to one of claims 1-7, wherein the stiffening walls (32) are folded at Faltrillen (36) which extend parallel to the load direction. Pallet foot according to one of claims 1-8, wherein the stiffening walls (32) of a closed area (30) are glued together flat. Pallet base according to one of claims 1-9, wherein the cardboard tube (11) a continuous upper wall (16) and a continuous lower wall (14) wherein the stiffening walls (32) with the upper wall (16) and the lower wall (14) are glued. Pallet foot according to one of claims 1-10, wherein the closed areas (30) further each have at least one side window (22) to to connect the pallet base (10) with a cross strut (300). Pallet (1), comprising: a) a substantially flat, flat cover plate (50) b) at least two pallet feet (10) according to any one of claims 1-10. Pallet according to claim 12, wherein the cover plate (50) is made of cardboard or recycled cardboard consists. Pallet according to one of claims 12 or 13, wherein the pallet feet (10) glued parallel to each other on the cover plate (50). A pallet according to any of claims 12-14, further comprising at least a transverse strut (300) connected to the pallet feet (10) and vertical goes to them. Method for producing a pallet foot (10) for a pallet (1), comprising the following steps: 1. punching cut lines (38) in the outer surface of a square cardboard tube (11) to cut out stiffening walls (32); 2. embossing folding grooves (36) in the lateral surface of the cardboard tube (11) to form folding grooves (36) for folding the stiffening walls (32); and 3. folding the stiffening walls (36) to divide the load bearing areas (30) of the pallet foot (10) into chambers (34). The method of claim 16, further comprising the following steps performed before the other steps: 1. winding an endless cardboard tube (12) from paper or cardboard layers (13); and 2. Cutting the endless cardboard tube (12) to a desired length to form a single cardboard tube (12). A method according to any one of claims 16 or 17, further comprising Step of inserting indentations (39) in the lateral surface of the cardboard tube (11), wherein the indentations (39) are substantially parallel to desired load direction run. The method of claim 18, wherein the steps of punching cut lines (38), the impression of folding grooves (36) and the introduction of indentations (39) be carried out simultaneously. The method of any of claims 16-19, further comprising Step of introducing the cardboard tube (11) with water glass. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of pressing and heating the cardboard tube (11) to bubble free the cardboard tube (11) cure. The method of any of claims 16-21, further comprising Step of applying adhesive to portions of the stiffening walls (32) to bond the stiffening walls (32) together. Plant (100) for manufacturing pallet feet (10), comprising: a) a tube processing machine (110) for punching cut lines (38) and introducing Faltrillen (36) in a lateral surface of a square cardboard tube (11); and b) a folding machine (120) for folding stiffening walls (32) along the folding grooves (36) to form load bearing areas (30) of a pallet foot (10). Plant according to claim 23, further comprising: a) a tube winding machine (150) for producing an endless cardboard tube (12); and b) a cutting device (160) for cutting the endless cardboard tube (12) to obtain a cardboard tube (11) of a desired length. Plant according to one of the claims 23 or 24, wherein the tube processing machine (110) has an inner tool (111), which in the Cardboard tube (11) can be inserted, and wherein the inner tool (111) can be spread radially to on the inner wall (18) of the cardboard tube (11) to abide. Plant according to claim 25, wherein the inner tool (111) is replaceable Has machining surfaces (112) for grooving, embossing and punching. Plant according to one of the claims 25 or 26, wherein the inner tool (111) has at least one electrical heating element (113). Plant according to one of the claims 23-27, wherein the pipe processing machine (110) has external tools (114) which are interchangeable Punching tools (115) for punching cutting lines (38) in the Covering the cardboard tube (11) and include the interchangeable embossing tools (116) for introducing folding grooves (36) in the lateral surface of the Carton tube (11) include. Plant according to claim 28, wherein the external tools (114) continue interchangeable embossing tools (117) for the insertion of indentations (39). The system of any of claims 23-29, further comprising Edge cutter (118) for punching longitudinal cutting lines (38) in the lateral surface of the cardboard tube (11). Plant according to one of the claims 23 - 30, wherein the folding machine (120) has vacuum suction (121) to the stiffening walls (32) of the The lateral surface of the cardboard tube (11) to bend outwards. Installation according to one of the claims 23 - 31, wherein the folding machine (120) motor driven Einrehkrallen (122, 123) to the stiffening walls (32) in the load-bearing areas (30) of the cardboard tube (11) to fold into it. Plant according to claim 32, wherein the screw-in claws (122, 123) by means of Stepper motors (124, 125) can be rotated and pneumatic on and can be driven off. Method for producing a pallet (1), comprising the following steps in this order: 1. forming preforms (10) from a square cardboard tube (11); 2. shipping the preforms (10) to the end user; 3. Attaching the preforms (10) to a suitable cover plate (50) by the end user. A method according to claim 34, wherein the preforms (10) are pallet feet or Cross struts (10) according to any one of claims 1-11. A method according to any one of claims 34 or 35, further comprising Step of providing the cover plate (50) to the end user.

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