EP2297012A1

EP2297012A1 - Assembly for loading of trucks

Info

Publication number: EP2297012A1
Application number: EP09773781A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Lothar Pasch
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-06-30
Filing date: 2009-06-30
Publication date: 2011-03-23
Also published as: NL2001734C2; WO2010002248A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly for loading a loading surface (2) of a truck (1), comprising a loading platform (4) having a work floor (5), a substantially rectangular loading pallet (7) for carrying a cargo (8), wherein the loading pallet (7) comprises a mobile undercarriage along two opposite sides, wherein the mobile undercarriage is adapted for moving the loading pallet in a direction substantially parallel to the sides. In one embodiment the loading platform comprise a recess for accommodating the loading pallet therein, wherein the supporting surface of the loading pallet can be placed substantially in the plane of the work floor. The loading pallet can be loaded independent of a vehicle being available.

Description

ASSEMBLY FOR LOADING OF TRUCKS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an assembly for loading a loading surface of a truck.

When loading and unloading trucks it is advantageous when the time the truck stands still is as short as possible. This can be achieved by handling the cargo in portions that are as large as possible, so that the number of loading and/or unloading cycles will be as low as possible. It is also laborious to place cargo piece by piece into the truck.

From Japanese patent publication 54057716 a skid or loading pallet is known, wherein the dimensions of the pallet substantially equal the dimensions of the loading surface of a truck (see for instance figure 7 of JP 54057716). For loading the truck, it is placed near a loading platform, such that the loading surface of the truck is contiguous to the loading platform.

To compensate a possible difference in height between the loading surface of the truck and a work floor of the loading platform, an adjustable loading ramp has been placed at the edge of the loading platform, which loading ramp at the side facing the loading platform is connected to the loading platform so as to hinge about a substantially horizontally placed hinge axis. As a result the end of the loading ramp facing the truck can be adjusted as regards height so that the end of the loading ramp is situated at substantially the same level as the loading surface of the truck. The loading pallet as described and shown in Japanese patent application 54057716 can be pulled from the loading platform to the loading surface of the truck by means of a winch on the truck (see figure 7A of JP 54057716) or, via a number of pulleys be pulled from the loading surface of the truck to the loading platform {see figure 7B of JP 54057716}. For unloading the loading pallet use can also be made of a further winch placed on the loading platform (see figure 7A of JP 54057716).

For a smooth course of loading or unloading the truck, the loading surface of the truck, as well as the loading platform and the loading ramp are provided with freely rotating rollers for supporting the loading pallet thereon.

It is an object of the invention to provide an alternative or improved assembly for loading trucks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect the invention provides an assembly for loading a loading surface of a truck, comprising a loading platform having a work floor, a substantially rectangular loading pallet for carrying a cargo, wherein the loading pallet comprises a mobile undercarriage along two opposite sides, wherein the mobile undercarriage is adapted for moving the loading pallet in a direction substantially parallel to the sides, wherein the mobile undercarriage comprises at least one track chain or one chain belt per side.

As the loading pallet according to the invention is provided with a mobile undercarriage it will not be necessary to provide the loading platform and the loading surface of the truck with freely rotating rollers or a retraction mechanism. Particularly the freely rotating rollers in the floor of the loading platform, as described in the state of the art, are a potential danger of tripping or slipping to persons working on the work floor of the loading platform. In the loading pallet according to the invention said freely rotating rollers in the work floor of the loading platform are not required. Moreover the loading surface of the truck need no longer be provided with freely rotating rollers either, as a result of which a truck with a common level loading surface can be loaded by means of an assembly according to the invention.

A further advantage of the assembly according to the invention is that the loading pallet can be loaded independent of a vehicle being available.

In one embodiment the loading pallet is placed above the work floor. However, a drawback of said embodiment is that the loading pallet may form an obstruction for the movement of goods over the work floor. Another drawback is that the products to be placed on the loading pallet, need to be lifted up in order to be placed on top of the loading pallet. The products that need to be supplied on top of the loading pallet as well, need to be lowered down from the loading pallet for unloading. One or more of said drawbacks are overcome in an embodiment of the assembly according to the invention wherein the loading platform comprises a recess for accommodating the loading pallet therein, wherein a supporting surface of the loading pallet can substantially be placed in the plane of the work floor.

In one embodiment the depth of the recess in the work floor substantially equals the height of the loading pallet. In that way the supporting surface of the loading pallet and the work floor constitute one continuous floor surface. As a result it is possible to load the loading floor on three sides simultaneously.

In one embodiment a lifting device is placed in the recess, wherein the lifting device comprises a running surface for placing the loading pallet thereon, wherein as regards height the lifting device can be placed in a first position wherein the supporting surface of the loading pallet is placed substantially in the plane of the work floor. Due to said lifting device use van be made of loading pallets of different heights, wherein due to adjustment of the height of the lifting device the supporting surface of the loading pallet is placed substantially in the plane of the work floor. The plane of the work floor and the supporting surface of the loading pallet then form a continuous working surface, substantially without obstructions. In one embodiment the lifting device comprises a substantially closed running surface, wherein the lifting device can be placed in a second position wherein the running surface is placed substantially in the plane of the work floor. In this embodiment the running surface of the lifting device can be placed in the plane of the work floor at the moment the loading pallet is not present. Thus at the moment no loading pallet is placed in the recess of the loading platform, the running surface of the lifting device is able to ensure that a substantially continuously level work floor is provided, that means without obstructions.

In one embodiment the lifting device can furthermore be placed in a third position, wherein the running surface of the lifting device is substantially contiguous to the loading surface of the truck. In this way the position of the loading pallet can be adjusted to the height of the loading surface of the truck, so that the loading pallet can be reciprocally moved between the loading platform and the loading surface without difference in height. In that way a loading ramp that is hinged to the edge of the loading platform, as described in JP 54057716 will not be required. In that way it can also be avoided that the loading pallet, like in the device according to JP 54057716, is possibly moved diagonally upwards or diagonally downwards over some distance when the height of the loading surface of the truck does not correspond with the height of the loading platform.

In one embodiment the recess and/or the lifting device is adapted for placing a number of loading pallets on top of each other in the recess, wherein the top loading pallet is available for carrying a cargo. Said embodiment therefore comprises a buffer stock or store of loading pallets. When the top loading pallet has been placed in a truck, the lifting device can move upwards, as a result of which the next loading pallet becomes available for loading with a next cargo.

In one embodiment the loading platform comprises means for retaining and/or locking at least the top loading pallet. When said retaining means have been activated, the lifting device is able to move downwards, without taking the top loading pallet along. Due to the space thus realised between the top loading pallet and the lifting device, it is possible on the one hand to place one or more new, particularly empty, loading pallets below the top loading pallet for future use. On the other hand also empty loading pallets, present on an arriving truck, can be placed below the top loading pallet, before placing the top loading pallet on the then empty loading surface of the truck. For that purpose the third position of the lifting device is preferably placed below the first position.

In one embodiment the means for retaining and/or locking at least the top loading pallet comprise a clamping device for clamping the loading pallet therebetween.

In one embodiment the means for retaining comprise movable carriers that can be placed in a first position, wherein at least the top loading pallet is able to rest on the carriers, and in a second position, wherein at least the top loading pallet rests on the lifting device.

In one embodiment a buffer stock or store of loading pallets is placed adjacent to a loading position. In one embodiment the loading pallets can be substantially horizontally moved from the buffer stock or store to the loading position on the loading platform. In this embodiment the loading pallets can be provided with a cargo and made ready to be loaded onto a truck, both in the loading position and in the adjacent buffer stock.

In one embodiment the mobile undercarriage per side comprises at least three wheels placed distributed over the length of the side in question.

In one embodiment the loading pallet is suitable and adapted for being manually driven. However, preferably the assembly comprises a drive mechanism for driving a movement of the loading pallet from the loading platform to the loading surface, or vice versa.

In one embodiment the loading pallet comprises the drive means, wherein the drive means are operationally connected to the mobile undercarriage, particularly to the drive wheel of the track chain, a drive wheel of the chain belt or one or more of the wheels of the loading pallet. In this way the loading pallet is provided with its own drive and no external drive means need to be placed in the truck and/or on the loading platform.

In one embodiment the drive means comprise a motor, particularly an electromotor. As a result a substantially noiseless movement during loading and unloading is possible.

In one embodiment the motor and a wheel or drive wheel for a track chain or chain belt driven by it, form a drive unit, wherein said drive unit preferably is placed underneath the supporting surface of the loading pallet. In that way the manufacturing of a loading pallet can be strongly simplified by arranging one or more drive units.

In one embodiment the loading pallet comprises at least two drive units, wherein at each of the two opposite sides one of the at least two drive units is placed, for driving the mobile undercarriage at the side in question.

In one embodiment the loading pallet along two opposite sides per side comprises three or more wheels placed distributed over the length of the side in question, wherein one or more of the wheels at each side is/are part of a drive unit. As a result the loading pallet can be moved in a more stable manner between the loading surface of the truck and the loading platform, as in principle always two or more wheels, particularly with motor, on each side of the loading pallet are able to support the cargo.

In one embodiment the loading pallet comprises a track chain on each of the two opposite sides. In that case the loading pallet is provided with at least one drive wheel per track chain and a number of support wheels placed distributed over the length of the side in question, which support wheels are placed within the circulating track chain. Also because of this the loading pallet can be moved in a more stable manner, as in principle a part of the track chain is always able to support the cargo on each side of the loading pallet.

In one embodiment the loading pallet comprises a chain belt on each of the two opposite sides. In one embodiment the chain belt comprises a number of links placed in series, wherein the links are connected so as to hinge. The links are in that case able to hinge with respect to each other about a hinge axis oriented substantially transverse to the movement direction of the loading pallet. In one embodiment the links comprise freely rotatable support wheels for letting the loading pallet rest thereon.

In one embodiment the loading pallet comprises a control for one or more motors. One embodiment of the invention is provided with a wireless control. In one embodiment having more than one motor, the control is adapted for having the mobile undercarriages, particularly the track chains, chain belts or wheels thereof driven by the motors, run synchronously. In that way the loading pallet can be controlled in a substantially rectilinear path. Electromotors or hydraulic motors may for instance be used as motors.

In one embodiment the loading pallet comprises one or more sensors coupled to the control, wherein the sensors are adapted for detecting an obstruction in the path of the loading pallet. Examples of such sensors are optical or acoustic sensors for detecting an obstruction in the path of the loading pallet. By means of such sensors the control is able to control the drive of the loading pallet, and for instance stop the moment the loading pallet has been placed in the truck, for instance when the sensor arrived at an end of the loading surface that faces away from the loading platform. On the other hand the control is able to stop the drive of the loading pallet the moment the loading pallet in the recess of the loading platform moves and the sensor detects the end of the recess that faces away from the truck.

In one embodiment the loading pallet comprises a plug contact with cord for connecting the loading pallet to a voltage source for feeding the electromotors. In one embodiment the voltage source comprises an electricity grid. In said embodiment the plug contact will be only be connected to the voltage source the moment the loading pallet needs to be moved. In all other cases the plug contact preferably is not connected to the voltage source, as a result of which a possible undesired operation of the drive of the loading pallet can be prevented. In one embodiment the loading pallet comprises a metal supporting surface for the cargo. Such a robust metal supporting surface ensures a long life-span of the loading pallet according to the invention. In an alternative embodiment at least the supporting surface of the loading pallet is at least partially made of a synthetic material or of wood.

In one embodiment the metal supporting surface comprises a turned edge along the two opposite sides. On the one hand said edge may provide the sides with a certain degree of rigidity, on the other hand the edge can be used as attachment or part of the mobile undercarriage.

In one embodiment the turned edge may rest on the freely rotatable support wheels of a chain belt. As a result the edge may rest on a large number of support wheels as a result of which the loading pallet can be supported and moved in a stable manner.

According to a second aspect the invention provides a loading assembly for loading a loading surface of a truck, comprising a loading platform having a work floor, a substantially rectangular loading pallet for carrying a cargo, wherein the loading pallet comprises a mobile undercarriage along two opposite sides, wherein the mobile undercarriage is adapted for moving the loading pallet in a direction substantially parallel to the sides, wherein a buffer stock or store of loading pallets is placed adjacent to or below a loading position.

In one embodiment the loading assembly comprises one or more of the measures as described per se above in relation to the assembly according to the first aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect the invention provides a loading pallet intended and suitable for an assembly for loading a loading surface of a truck or a loading assembly as described above.

According to a fourth aspect the invention provides a loading pallet comprising a substantially rectangular supporting surface for carrying a cargo, wherein the loading pallet comprises a mobile undercarriage along two opposite sides, wherein the mobile undercarriage per side comprises at least one track chain, one chain belt or three wheels placed distributed over the length of the side in question, wherein the mobile undercarriage is adapted for moving the loading pallet in a direction substantially parallel to the sides, and wherein the loading pallet comprises a drive mechanism operationally connected to the mobile undercarriage for driving a movement of the loading pallet.

In one embodiment the loading pallet comprises one or more of the measures as described per se above in relation to the loading pallet of the assembly.

The aspects and measures described in this description and the claims of the application and/or shown in the drawings of this application may where possible also be used individually. Said individual aspects may be the subject of divisional patent applications relating thereto. This particularly applies to the measures and aspects that are described per se in the sub claims.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of a number of exemplary embodiments shown in the attached drawings, in which:

Figures 1 A and 1 B show a schematic top view and side view, respectively, partially in cross-section, of a truck placed near an exemplary embodiment of an assembly for loading the loading surface of the truck;

Figures 2A and 2B show a schematic top view and side view, respectively, partially in cross-section, of a truck placed near a further exemplary embodiment wherein the work floor comprises a recess for a loading pallet;

Figure 3 shows a schematic view in cross-section of a second exemplary embodiment of an assembly for loading a loading surface of a truck;

Figure 4 shows a schematic bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of a loading pallet according to the invention; Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of an exemplary embodiment including a buffer stock or store of stacked loading pallets;

Figure 6 shows a schematic view in cross-section of a further exemplary embodiment including a buffer stock of stacked loading pallets, furthermore provided with means for retaining at least the top loading pallet;

Figure 7 shows a schematic side view of the exemplary embodiment including a buffer stock of stacked loading pallets of figure 6;

Figure 8 shows a schematic top view of an exemplary embodiment including a buffer stock or store adjacent to a loading position on the loading platform;

Figure 9 shows a schematic view in cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of a loading pallet with a centrally placed drive mechanism,

Figures 10A and 10B show a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a loading pallet provided with a track chain, and

Figures 1 1 A, 1 1 B and 1 1C show a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a loading pallet provided with a chain belt with freely rotatable support wheels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures 1 and 2 show a schematic view of a truck 1 with a loading surface 2. The truck has been placed with its rear side 3 near a loading platform 4.

In a first embodiment as shown in the figures 1 A and 1 B the loading platform 4 comprises a work floor 5 and a substantially rectangular loading pallet 7 placed on the work floor 5 for carrying a cargo 8. In a second embodiment as shown in figures 2A and 2B the loading platform 4 further comprises a recess 6 placed in the work floor 5. In the recess 6 a substantially rectangular loading pallet 7 is placed for carrying a cargo 8.

Along two opposite sides 9, 10, the loading pallet comprises four wheels 1 1 , 12 placed distributed over the length of the sides 9, 10 in question. The loading pallet 7 is supported by the wheels 1 1 , 12 which wheels are adapted for moving the loading pallet in a direction A, substantially parallel to the sides 9, 10. By moving the loading pallet 7 from the loading platform 4 to the loading surface 2 or vice versa, the truck 1 can be loaded or unloaded, respectively.

In one embodiment the length L of the loading pallet is substantially equal to or is shorter than the length M of the loading surface of the truck.

On the one hand the length L may be substantially equal the length M, the cargo 8 for a truck 1 may be ready on the loading pallet 7, as a result of which the truck 1 can be loaded entirely in one go by moving the loading pallet 7 from the loading platform 4 to the loading surface 2 of the truck 1. In this way the time the truck 1 stands still is limited to a minimum.

On the other hand the length L can be shorter than the length M to such an extend that several loading pallets 7 can be placed on a truck. For instance L is chosen such that M substantially is an integer multiple of L. For instance when M is twice or trice as large as L, two or three loading pallets, respectively, can be placed one after the other on a loading surface of a truck. This may for instance be advantageous when a truck has to deliver one or more loading pallets to several clients.

In a further embodiment the width of a loading pallet can be chosen such that several loading pallets can be placed adjacent to each other on the loading surface of the truck 1. Preferably the width of a loading pallet is chosen such that the width of a loading surface substantially is an integer multiple of the width of the loading pallet. Although the loading pallet 7 could be driven by external means, the loading pallet 7 according to this exemplary embodiment is provided with drive units 14 that each comprise an electromotor 15 and a wheel 16 driven by it, as shown in more detail in figure 3.

In figure 2 the running surface 17 of the recess 7 is placed at such a height from the road surface that said height substantially equals the height of the loading surface 2 of the truck.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, as shown in the view in cross- section of figure 3, the recess 26 in the loading platform 24 is provided with a lifting device 27. The lifting device 27 is provided with a substantially closed running surface 28 which by means of hydraulic jacks 29 can be adjusted as regards height. As a result the height of the running surface 28 can be adjusted to the height of the loading surface 2 of the truck, as a result of which a smooth transfer of the loading pallet 7, that means without significant differences in height, between the loading platform and the truck becomes possible.

In figure 3 the lifting device 27 is shown in a first position wherein the supporting surface 7 of the loading pallet is placed at equal height to the work floor 25. For adjustment to the height of the loading surface 2 of the truck, the running surface 28 of the lifting device 27 can be moved further upwards or downwards in the direction H.

In a further embodiment the running surface 28 of the lifting device 27 can be placed in a second position wherein the running surface 28 connects to the work floor 25, particularly at the moment that no loading pallet 7 is present. Said position of the running surface 28 can moreover be used to place a new loading pallet 7 in the recess 26 or to carry away a loading pallet delivered by a truck from the recess 26. Due to said second position a loading pallet 7 can be delivered or carried away by movement on its own wheels 16, over the work floor 25. For controlling the electromotors 15 of the drive units 14 a control 18 is placed at the lower side of the loading pallet 7, which control is connected to the various electromotors 15 by means of cable work 19.

Figure 4 shows a bottom view of a loading pallet 7 according to the invention. The loading pallet 7 is made of a frame of substantially rectangular tube profiles that thus form the longitudinal side walls 42 and head side walls 41 . In the embodiment shown in figure 4 a further frame beam 43 is placed halfway, which frame beam also offers support to the control 18. On top of said frame 41 , 42 the supporting surface of the loading pallet 7 is placed.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment the frame beam is formed out of a turned edge of the supporting surface as for instance shown in figure 1 1. Here the supporting surface and at least a part of the frame beam have been formed out of one plate.

The frame is furthermore provided with drive units 14 and a control 18 which via cable work 19 is connected to the individual drive units 14.

In the exemplary embodiment, as shown in figure 4, the head sides 41 of the frame are provided with sensors 30, particular ultrasonic sensors, for detecting an obstruction in the path of the loading pallet 7. On the one hand a collision with workmen working near the loading pallet 7 can thus be prevented, on the other hand the sensors 30 can be used for correctly placing the loading pallet 7 on the loading surface of the truck 1 or in the recess 6, 26. The sensors 30 are connected to the control 18 via the cable work 19, which control is adapted for controlling the drive units 14 depending on a signal given by the sensors 30.

Furthermore the exemplary embodiment, as shown in figure 4, is provided with a plug contact 31 with a cord 32 for connecting the loading pallet 7 with a voltage source for feeding the electromotors, the control device 18 and/or the sensors 30.

In a further exemplary embodiment as shown in the side view of figure 5, the recess 36 in the loading platform 34 is provided with a lifting device 37 with a supporting surface 38 which by means of jacks 39 can be adjusted as regards height, such that on the supporting surface a number of loading pallets 7a, 7b, 7c can be placed on top of each other. For loading the top loading pallet 7c, its supporting surface can be placed substantially at the same height as the work floor 35. After the loading pallet 7c has been loaded, the height of the loading pallets 7a, 7b, 7c can be adjusted to the height of the loading surface 2 of the truck 1 , after which the top loading pallet 7c can be placed on the loading surface 2 of the truck 1. Subsequently the lifting device 37 is able to move the remaining loading pallets as regards height, such that the supporting surface of the new top loading pallet 7b is placed at substantially the same height as the work floor 35. In this way immediately after loading a truck 1 , loading the new top loading pallet 7b can be started with.

Figure 6 shows a schematic view in cross-section of a further development of the exemplary embodiment of figure 5. In this exemplary embodiment the loading platform 45 is provided with holders 46 for retaining a loading pallet 7c, of which the supporting surface is placed at substantially the same height as the work floor 45. The holders 46 can for instance be moved horizontally in a first position, wherein the holders 4 retain the loading pallet 7c, and preferably support it as shown in figure 6. For retaining the loading pallet 7c the holders 46 may engage the loading pallet 7c in a force closing and/or form closing manner.

In the embodiment as shown in figure 6, the loading pallet 7c is supported in a carrying manner by the holders 46, preferably such that the loading pallet 7c can be loaded. The lifting device 39 is now able to lower the loading pallets 7a, 7b below the top loading pallet 7c. As a result room is created below the top loading pallet 7c for inserting a new empty loading pallet 70 in there. Figure 7 shows a schematic side view of the exemplary embodiment of figure 6 with an arriving truck 1 having an empty loading pallet 70. The empty loading pallet 70 can now be inserted below the top loading pallet 7c. Subsequently the lifting device 39 will lift the loading pallets 7a, 7b, 70 placed thereon, until the top loading pallet 7c is able to rest on the loading pallet 70 positioned below it. The holders 46 can now be retracted into a second position, wherein the top loading pallet 7c is no longer retained by the holders 46. Subsequently the lifting device 39 is able to lower the loading pallets 7a, 7b, 70 and 7c until the top, loaded loading pallet 7c is placed at the location of the loading surface 2 of the truck 1 , after which the top loading pallet 7c can be placed on the loading surface 2 of the truck 1 . The loaded truck can subsequently leave. The empty loading pallet 70 carried along by the truck is now available for loading. When the truck 1 had not carried along an empty loading pallet, loading pallet 7b had now been available for loading.

Each loading position according to this exemplary embodiment is able to comprise a stock of loading pallets, so that after transferring a loaded loading pallet to a truck, a new loading pallet is immediately available. Furthermore said exemplary embodiment offers the possibility of adding an empty loading pallet carried along by a truck to the stock, by placing it below the top loading pallet that optionally has been or is being filled. The time a truck 1 is in a loading position can thus be minimised.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment two loading pallets 71 , 72 are placed adjacent to each other, wherein the loading platform is provided with recesses 56 for placing two adjacently placed loading pallets 71 , 72 therein such that the upper sides of the loading pallets 71 , 72 are placed substantially in the plane of the loading platform 55.

In this exemplary embodiment a shifting device can be placed in the recesses 56, in order to shift the loading pallets 71 , 72 in transverse direction B. As a result a buffer stock or store of loading pallets 72 can be placed adjacent to a loading position with loading pallet 71 . In this case both loading pallets 71 , 72 are available to be provided with cargo.

This is particularly advantageous when a production facility successively delivers different products that need to be distributed over different clients. After production of a series of first products, said first products may, depending on the order of the various clients, be distributed over the various loading pallets 71 , 72. Subsequently the production of a series of second products starts. After production of the series of second products, they can also be distributed over the various loading pallets 71 , 72 depending on the order of the various clients. Etcetera... In this way the various products can successively be placed on the loading pallets until the loading pallets have been provided with the products ordered by the various clients. Subsequently the loading pallets 71 are placed at the loading position in the truck 1 standing ready. When said loaded truck drives off the loading pallets 72 can be moved in the direction B to the loading position and subsequently be placed in another truck that stands ready.

In a simple exemplary embodiment of a loading pallet 97 according to the invention at least two wheels 95, 96 that are situated opposite each other on either side, are connected by means of an axle 93. This may on the one hand be individual wheels with which the loading pallet is able to ride, on the other hand this may be drive wheels 106, 1 16 for driving a track chain 104 or chain belt 1 14 wrapped around them, as shown in figure 10 and 1 1. On said axle 83 a drive mechanism 94 has been placed for via the axle 93 driving both wheels 95, 96 or drive wheels 106, 1 16.

In a further exemplary embodiment, a loading pallet 107 along two opposite sides has two or more {in this case three) wheels 105, 106 placed over the length of the side in question, with a track chain 104 running over said wheels. On the one hand the track chain 104 is able to transmit a drive from one of the wheels 106 to the other wheels, so that only one motor is required for driving the track chain. On the other hand the track chain 104 may support the loading pallet 107 substantially over the full length of the chain tyre, as a result of which a more gradual transition is possible when moving the loading pallet 107 from the loading platform to the loading surface of a truck, or vice versa.

In a further exemplary embodiment of a loading pallet 1 17, the loading pallet 1 17 is provided with turned edges 1 18 forming a side wall of the loading pallet 1 17. In this exemplary embodiment the loading pallet 1 17 along two opposite sides is provided with a chain belt 1 14, as shown in figures 1 1 A and 1 1 B. The chain belt 114 runs over two turning wheels near the ends of each of the two sides. Here at least one of the revolving wheels 1 16 is connected via an axle 1 13 to a motor, for instance as schematically shown in figure 9. The chain tyre 114 as shown in more detail in figure 1 1 C, comprises a number of links 121 placed in series, wherein the links 121 are connected to each other so as to hinge. The links 121 here can be hinged with respect to each other about a hinge axis that is oriented substantially transverse to the longitudinal direction of the loading pallet 1 17. The chain belt 1 14 is furthermore provided with freely rotatable support wheels 122 for supporting the loading pallet thereon, particularly for letting the lower side 119 of the turned edge 1 18 rest thereon.

In a further exemplary embodiment the chain belt 114 may at a side facing the outer circumference of the circulating chain belt 1 14 be provided with running surfaces 123, preferably provided with a rough material that at least partially prevents slipping or sliding of the running surfaces 123 on a basis (such as the loading surface of the truck or the surface of the loading platform or the lifting device).

It will be clear that the loading pallets as shown in figures 1 -9 can also be provided with a track chain as shown in figures 10A and 10B, or with a chain tyre as shown in figures 1 1A, 1 1 B and 1 1 C, wherein the wheels 1 1 , 12, 16, 95, 96 are adapted for having the track chain 104 or chain belt 1 14 run over them.

The above description is included to illustrate the operation of preferred embodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention. Starting from the above explanation many variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention will be evident to an expert.

toctrooi/185515/PCTP185515A des BP/NG 6024)

Claims

1 . Assembly for loading a loading surface of a truck, comprising a loading platform having a work floor, a substantially rectangular loading pallet for carrying a cargo, wherein the loading pallet comprises a mobile undercarriage along two opposite sides, wherein the mobile undercarriage is adapted for moving the loading pallet in a direction substantially parallel to the sides, wherein the mobile undercarriage comprises at least one track chain or one chain belt per side.

2. Assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the loading platform comprises a recess for accommodating the loading pallet therein, wherein a supporting surface of the loading pallet can substantially be placed in the plane of the work floor.

3. Assembly according to claim 2, wherein the depth of the recess substantially equals the height of the loading pallet.

4. Assembly according to claim 2, wherein a lifting device is placed in the recess, wherein the lifting device comprises a running surface for placing the loading pallet thereon, wherein the lifting device can be placed in a first position wherein the supporting surface of the loading pallet is placed substantially in the plane of the work floor.

5. Assembly according to claim 4, wherein the lifting device comprises a substantially closed running surface, wherein the lifting device can be placed in a second position wherein the running surface is placed substantially in the plane of the work floor.

6. Assembly according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the lifting device can furthermore be placed in a third position, wherein the running surface of the lifting device is substantially contiguous to the loading surface of the truck, wherein the third position is preferably placed below the first position.

7. Assembly according to any one of the claims 3-6, wherein the recess and/or the lifting device is adapted for placing a number of loading pallets on top of each other in the recess, wherein the top loading pallet is available for carrying a cargo.

8. Assembly according to claim 7, wherein the loading platform comprises means for retaining and/or locking at least the top loading pallet.

9. Assembly according to claim 8, wherein the means for retaining and/or locking at least the top loading pallet comprise a clamping device for clamping the loading pallet therebetween.

10. Assembly according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the means for retaining comprise movable carriers, wherein the carriers can be placed in a first position, wherein at least the top loading pallet is able to rest on the carriers, and in a second position, wherein at least the top loading pallet rests on the lifting device.

1 1. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a buffer stock or store of loading pallets is placed adjacent to or below a loading position.

12. Assembly according to claim 1 1 , wherein the assembly is provided with means for moving the loading pallets from the buffer stock or the store to the loading position.

13. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile undercarriage per side comprises at least three wheels placed distributed over the length of the side in question.

14. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly comprises drive means for substantially horizontally moving the loading pallet from the loading platform to the loading surface, or vice versa.

15. Assembly according to claim 14, wherein the loading pallet comprises the drive means, wherein the drive means are operationally connected to the mobile undercarriage, and wherein the drive means preferably comprise a motor.

16. Assembly according to claim 15, wherein the motor and a wheel driven by it form a drive unit, which drive unit is placed underneath the loading surface of the loading pallet.

17. Assembly according to claim 16, wherein the loading pallet comprises at least two drive units, wherein at each of the two opposite sides one of the at least two drive units is placed.

18. Assembly according to claim 16, wherein the loading pallet along two opposite sides per side comprises three or more drive units placed distributed over the length of the side in question.

19. Assembly according to claim 15, 16 or 17, wherein the motor comprises an electromotor and wherein the loading pallet preferably comprises a control for the one or more electromotors.

20. Assembly according to claim 19 having more than one electromotor, wherein the control is adapted for having the wheels driven by the electromotors run substantially synchronously.

21. Assembly according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the loading pallet comprises one or more sensors coupled to the control, wherein the sensors are adapted for detecting an obstruction in the path of the loading pallet.

22. Assembly according to claim 19, 20 or 21 , wherein the loading pallet comprises a plug contact with cord for connecting the loading pallet to a voltage source for feeding the electromotors.

23. Assembly according to claim 22, wherein the voltage source comprises an electricity grid.

24. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the loading pallet comprises a metal supporting surface for the cargo, wherein the metal supporting surface preferably comprises a turned edge along the two opposite sides.

25. Assembly for loading a loading surface of a truck, comprising a loading platform having a work floor, a substantially rectangular loading pallet for carrying a cargo, wherein the loading pallet comprises a mobile undercarriage along two opposite sides, wherein the mobile undercarriage comprises at least one chain track or one chain belt per side and wherein the mobile undercarriage is adapted for moving the loading pallet in a direction substantially parallel to the sides, wherein the loading platform comprises a recess for accommodating the loading pallet therein, wherein a supporting surface of the loading pallet can be placed substantially in the plane of the work floor.

26. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chain tyre comprises a number of links placed in series, wherein the links are connected so as to hinge about a hinge axis oriented substantially transverse to the movement direction of the loading pallet, and wherein the links comprise freely rotatable support wheels for letting the loading pallet rest thereon.

27. Assembly according to claim 26 and claim 24, wherein the turned edge of the loading pallet abuts the freely rotatable support wheels.

28. Loading assembly for loading a loading surface of a truck, comprising a loading platform having a work floor, a substantially rectangular loading pallet for carrying a cargo, wherein the loading pallet comprises a mobile undercarriage along two opposite sides, wherein the mobile undercarriage is adapted for moving the loading pallet in a direction substantially parallel to the sides, wherein a buffer stock or store of loading pallets is placed adjacent to or below a loading position.

29. Loading assembly according to claim 28, comprising one or more of the measures as described in any one of the preceding claims, 1 -27.

30. Loading pallet intended and suitable for an assembly for loading a loading surface of a truck or a loading assembly according to any one of the preceding claims.

31. Loading pallet comprising a substantially rectangular supporting surface for carrying a cargo, wherein the loading pallet comprises a mobile undercarriage along two opposite sides, wherein the mobile undercarriage comprises at least one chain track or one chain belt per side, wherein the mobile undercarriage is adapted for moving the loading pallet in a direction substantially parallel to the sides, and wherein the loading pallet comprises a drive mechanism operationally connected to the mobile undercarriage for driving a movement of the loading pallet.

32. Loading pallet according to claim 31 , provided with one or more of the measures as described per se in claims 14-27.

33. Assembly for loading a loading surface of a truck comprising one or more of the characterising measures described in the attached description and/or shown in the attached drawings.

34. Loading pallet comprising one or more of the characterising measures described in the attached description and/or shown in the attached drawings.

35. Method for loading and/or unloading a truck comprising one or more of the characterising measures described in the attached description and/or shown in the attached drawings.