FR3060546A1 - METHOD AND DEVICE FOR TRANSFERRING A PALLETABLE LAYER TO AN ASSOCIATED PALLET - Google Patents

Abstract

It is disclosed a device (1) for transferring a palletizable layer (3) on an associated pallet (5). Said device (1) comprises a provision (4) by which a layer (3) palletizable and comprising a plurality of retail products can be presented. In addition, a loading station (7) comprises a first loading unit (8) and a second loading unit (9). The first loading unit (8) is adapted to receive an entire palletizable layer (3). In addition, the completely received palletizable layer (3) can be transferred in part from the first loading unit (8) to the second loading unit (9) so that the palletizable layer (3) is jointly supported by the first loading unit (8) and the second loading unit (9). In addition, a component of the device (1) is a transfer unit (11) which can fetch, on provision, a palletizable layer (3) offered and can transfer it to the first loading unit (8). ). It is expected that the first loading unit (8) and the second loading unit (9) can enlarge their relative distance relative to each other to deposit a commonly supported palletizable layer (3). It is further provided that the transfer unit (11) can be moved up and down in the vertical direction to compensate at least in part for a height level formed between the first loading unit (8) of the station loading (7) and provision (4).

Description

Description

The present invention relates to a method and a device for transferring a palletizable layer onto an associated pallet.

To palletize layers of whole articles, the articles normally pass first through a grouping station in which the transported articles are brought together to form palletizable layers. Then, these palletizable layers are transferred from a supply station to a loading station. The loading station then deposits these layers of articles at a desired location. This place is most often formed by a stacking location and a pallet which is located thereon and on which the layers of articles can be deposited. Said supply station and said grouping station most often constitute a unit and are directly coupled together.

Like the grouping station, the supply station includes a support surface or a support surface on which the articles are grouped and joined to form a layer. The loading station also includes a support surface on which a respective palletizable layer can be placed to be transferred to a respective associated pallet. The person skilled in the art knows many variants for the configuration of the support plane, such as for example gripping heads with jealousy or the like. Such a palletizing process implemented by means of a palletizing device known from the prior art takes place in such a way that, first of all, articles are joined together by means of a grouping device to form a palletisable layer and are then transferred from a provision location or a provision station in said loading station. To this end, it is possible that the loading station, such as a louvered gripping head arranged on a lifting mechanism or also a robot, is directly contiguous to the place of provision so that the transfer of the layer of articles in the loading station can take place. In doing so, the louvered gripping head or the loading station stops in place until the diaper has been completely transferred from the delivery station to the loading station. When the article layer is completely in the loading station, the loading station positions, by horizontal and vertical movements, the article layer on a desired place of delivery, most often on a pallet made available on a stacking location. Following this, the same procedure is carried out until the desired number of layers has been deposited on the pallet.

Thus, for example, document EP 1 321 396 A1 discloses a palletizing device in which articles are moved in disorder by a horizontal transport device in the lateral direction while being grouped, before they are transferred in complete layers onto a lifting device. During this, the lifting device or the transfer platform serves as level compensation between the grouping station and the loading station, which stack the layers on top of each other and deposit them on a pallet by means of a bottom. moving to open. Furthermore, the document discloses that the transfer platform is not able to receive and transfer in a single movement phase a number of rows of articles which is necessary to form a complete article layer. In this case, the advantage lies in the fact that, due to the smaller construction of the transfer platform and due to the fact that an entire article layer is not lifted completely, less weight has to be lifted and , thus, the energy consumption is lower than that taking place when the loading station is lifted per se.

In order to be able to transfer palletized layers to a pallet, the devices according to published patent application EP 1 321 396 A1 require a great deal of time. In practice, devices are desirable by means of which a transfer of pallet layers onto pallets can be carried out at a high rate.

This is why the invention aims to provide a device according to the genre and a method according to the genre which make it possible to transfer a palletizable layer onto a respectively associated pallet at a high rate. The device must be of simple construction. In addition, the method must be able to be easy to implement.

The aforementioned objects are achieved by a method and a device which include the features presented below. Other advantageous configurations are also described.

The invention relates to a method of transferring a palletizable layer onto an associated pallet. As part of a first step, a palletizable layer which has a plurality of retail products is provided. During this, it is possible that retail products are placed in a defined orientation with respect to each other by rotation and / or by displacement, whereby a palletizable layer is produced or else created from retail products. Thus, the palletizable layer consisting of retail products can be produced or else created in a grouping station. In this way, it is possible that the respective palletizable layer is supplied or else offered on a grouping table of the grouping station. The grouping table can form a horizontal support surface on which a respective palletizable layer is provided.

The retail products, as transferred as a component of said palletizable layer, in the context of the present invention, on an associated pallet, can be produced, for example, respectively as a plurality of beverage containers joined together to form a respective multipack. It is also possible that the retail products are produced respectively as a plurality of boxes joined by at least one respective additional packaging. If necessary, the beverage containers produced as a component of a multipack or the boxes joined together by at least one additional packaging can be placed on a support or a table.

In addition, a palletizable layer supplied is fetched by a transfer unit which is transferred from said transfer unit to a first loading unit produced as a component of a loading station. The first loading unit completely receives the palletizable layer.

In order to avoid unintentional spillage of individual retail products of the supplied palletizable layer, when this is fetched by the transfer unit, embodiments have been proven in practice in which a plan of support formed by said transfer unit, when it seeks the palletizable layer provided, is at least approximately at a level of vertical height identical to that of a vertical height level of a horizontal support surface of a table group supplying the palletizable layer. In addition, embodiments have been proven in which the transfer unit, when it seeks the palletisable layer supplied, does not have or has only a small horizontal distance from the grouping table providing the palletizable layer. Thanks to this also, the risk of unintentional spillage of individual retail products from the palletizable layer, as it passes from the grouping table to the transfer unit, can be minimized.

Likewise, it is possible that, when the respective completely received palletizable layer is transferred to the first loading unit, a support plane formed by the transfer unit is at least approximately at a level of vertical height identical with respect to at a vertical height level of a bearing surface of the first loading unit. In addition, it may be that when the respective palletizable layer is transferred to the first loading unit, the transfer unit does not have or has only a small horizontal distance from the first loading unit in order to minimize the risk of unintentional spillage of individual retail products from the pallet layer when it is transferred to the first loading unit.

In addition, it is provided that the palletizable layer received by the first loading unit is moved towards a second loading unit produced as a component of the loading station, so that the palletizable layer received by the first loading unit loading partly passes to the second loading unit made as a component of the loading station, and is jointly supported by the first loading unit and the second loading unit.

During this, the first loading unit and the second loading unit may perform an approach movement before the partial passage of the palletizable layer. As part of the approach movement, the first loading unit and the second loading unit can reduce their relative distance from each other. In particular, it is possible that, as part of the approach movement, the first loading unit and the second loading unit are brought closer to each other until the first loading unit and the second loading unit come into contact with each other or until only a small distance or a small gap is formed between the first loading unit and the second loading unit. For the approach movement, the first unloading unit and the second loading unit can be moved towards each other respectively in the horizontal direction or with a horizontal direction component. In practice, successful embodiments in which the first loading unit and the second loading unit are only moved in the horizontal direction or else with a component of horizontal direction, a movement of the first loading unit and of the second loading unit in the vertical direction not taking place during the approach movement. By means of the approach movement, the first loading unit and the second loading unit can, if necessary, reach a determined relative position. Provision may be made for the palletizable layer to pass partly from the first loading unit to the second loading unit, the first loading unit and the second loading unit maintaining their determined relative position while the palletizable layer partly passes from the first loading unit to the second loading unit.

In addition, the first loading unit and the second loading unit enlarge their relative distance from each other, whereby the palletizable layer supported jointly by the first loading unit and the second loading unit loading is placed on an associated pallet. The first loading unit and the second loading unit can each form a support plane, the respective palletizable layer being, during the common support, on the support plane of the first loading unit and on the plane. support of the second loading unit. When the relative distance of the first loading unit with respect to the second loading unit is increased, the palletizable layer can be moved with sliding on the support plane of the first loading unit and on the support plane of the second loading unit. Furthermore, embodiments have been proven in which the palletisable layer loses at least approximately at the same time its contact with the first loading unit and its contact with the second loading unit.

It is also intended that, for the transfer, the transfer unit brings in the vertical direction the palletizable layer which it has gone to seek, at said first loading unit produced as a component of the loading station. Thanks to this, a process is provided which stands out with a high throughput, or else which process allows palletizable layers to be transferred in a large number per unit of time on pallets.

If necessary, the transfer unit can be in communication with a lifting column or can be placed on a lifting column and be moved up or down in the vertical direction along the lifting column in order to to bring the palletizable layer which it went to seek, to said first loading unit produced as a component of the loading station.

It is possible to provide a control unit or else a control and / or adjustment unit which has information relating to the respective actual position of the first loading unit produced as a component of the loading station. If necessary, said control unit or said control and / or adjustment unit can control the transfer unit taking into account the information, in order to raise in the vertical direction or to lower in the vertical direction the palletizable layer.

In preferred embodiments, it is possible that the transfer unit goes to seek another palletizable layer and that it reaches a vertical level of the first loading unit at the latest immediately after the respective palletizable layer has been completely deposited. by the loading station. In this way, advantageously, said other palletizable layer can be returned from the transfer unit to the first loading unit immediately after having deposited the palletizable layer. This is why, such embodiments are noted by a high flow rate during the transfer of palletizable layers onto pallets.

It is also conceivable that the transfer unit and the first loading unit are moved together in the vertical direction while the respective palletizable layer is transferred from the transfer unit to the first loading unit. During this, in particular, the first loading unit can arrive at a vertical height level which corresponds to the pallet or to a stack of several palletizable layers already formed on the pallet or which is at a determined distance above the vertical height level of the pallet or of a stack of several palletizable layers already formed on the pallet. Since the palletizable layer, to be deposited, must be brought to a height level which corresponds at least to the height level of the pallet or at least to the height level of a stack of palletizable layers already formed on the pallet , such embodiments are also noted by a large flow.

In addition, it is conceivable that, after having completely transferred the palletizable layer from the transfer unit to the first loading unit, the transfer unit is moved in the direction of another supplied palletizable layer, in which at least the first loading unit arrives at a predetermined vertical height level for depositing the palletizable layer, during the movement of the transfer unit towards another supplied palletizable layer, and / or that the first loading unit and the second unit of loading carry out an approach movement in temporal superposition with the movement of the transfer unit in the direction of another palletizable layer supplied. Proven embodiments in which the transfer unit is moved towards another supplied pallet layer immediately after the pallet layer has been completely delivered to the first loading unit, and then fetch said other palletizable layer provided.

It is possible that, during the approach movement and / or during the enlargement of the relative distance of the first loading unit with respect to the second loading unit, the transfer unit brings, in the vertical direction, to the first loading unit made as a component of the loading station, another palletizable layer that she went to look for.

In this case, proven embodiments in which the transfer unit brings, in the vertical direction, to the first loading unit produced as a component of the loading station, said other palletizable layer that it is went to fetch, while the palletizable layer partly passes from the first loading unit to the second loading unit.

As already mentioned above, in preferred embodiments, it is possible that the plurality of retail products of a respective palletizable layer is formed respectively by several beverage containers filled and joined together to form a multipack.

For the process described, it is also conceivable that

a) the first loading unit and the second loading unit increase their relative distance from each other, which results in the palletizable layer jointly supported by the first loading unit and the second loading unit is deposited as the highest palletizable layer on a first associated pallet, which first associated pallet already supports several palletizable layers, and in which it is intended that

b) the first associated pallet, together with the several palletizable layers and the highest palletizable layer deposited by the loading station, is replaced by a new pallet, in which the transfer unit, jointly with another palletizable layer, reaches a vertical height level of the first loading unit provided for depositing said other palletizable layer on the new pallet, at the latest when the replacement of the first associated pallet with the new pallet is completed.

Since, next, the transfer unit is at a vertical height level which corresponds to a vertical height level of the first loading unit for depositing the palletizable layer, the other palletizable layer can be laid quickly and easily as the first palletizable layer on the new pallet after replacing the first associated pallet with the new pallet.

Beyond this fact, it is conceivable that the other palletizable layer is returned from the transfer unit to the first loading unit, said other palletizable layer having passed, at least proportionally and preferably completely, to the first unit. loading station, at the latest when the replacement of the first associated pallet with the new pallet is complete. Immediately after replacing the associated pallet with the other associated pallet, the first loading unit and the second loading unit can execute an approach movement, after which the other palletizable layer is moved in the direction of the second loading unit. loading, thus passes to the second loading unit, or alternatively passes proportionally, and is jointly supported by the first loading unit and the second loading unit.

In addition, the transfer unit may be moved in the direction of the other palletizable layer immediately after having delivered the palletizable layer to the first loading unit produced as a component of the loading station.

Beyond this fact, the invention relates to a device for transferring a palletizable layer onto an associated pallet. Characteristics which have already been mentioned above in connection with various embodiments of the method according to the invention can also be provided for various embodiments of the device described below and are not mentioned redundantly. In addition, the characteristics described below which relate to the device can be provided, if necessary, in various embodiments of the method already described above.

The device comprises a provision by which a palletizable layer and comprising a plurality of retail products can be presented. The provision can be carried out as a component of a grouping station or as a grouping table. In addition, the provision can form a horizontal support surface for a respective palletizable layer.

In addition, a component of the device is a loading station which includes a first loading unit and a second loading unit. The first loading unit is designed to receive an entire palletizable layer. The first loading unit can form a support plane on which a whole palletizable layer can be received. In addition, a completely received pallet layer can be transferred in part from the first loading unit to the second loading unit so that the pallet layer is jointly supported by the first loading unit and the second loading unit. For example, said loading station may include a push bar; it is by means of said push bar that the palletizable layer completely received by the first loading unit can be partially displaced from the first loading unit onto the second loading unit.

The second loading unit can also form a support plane. A capacity of the support plane of the second loading unit for retail products may be less than a capacity of the support plane of the first loading unit for retail products. The first loading unit and the second loading unit can be mechanically coupled together so that the first loading unit and the second loading unit cannot be moved relative to each other in the vertical direction.

The device further comprises a transfer unit which can pick up, on making available, a palletizable layer offered and can transfer this to the first loading unit. It is expected that

a) the first loading unit and the second loading unit can increase their relative distance from one another to deposit a palletizable layer supported in common, and that

b) the transfer unit can be moved up and down in the vertical direction to at least partially compensate for a height level formed between the first loading unit of the loading station and the provision.

In this case, it is possible that a movement of the transfer unit and a movement of the first loading unit are matched to each other so that the transfer unit reaches a vertical level of the first loading unit at the latest after the respective palletizable layer has been deposited by the loading station.

Furthermore, it is possible that a movement of the transfer unit and a movement of the first loading unit are matched to each other so that the transfer unit and the first loading unit can be moved together and at a synchronous speed in the vertical direction while the palletizable layer is transferred from the transfer unit to the first loading unit.

In addition, proven embodiments in which the first loading unit and the second loading unit are designed to perform an approach movement. A movement of the transfer unit and a movement of the first and second loading units of the loading station can be matched to each other in such a way that the transfer unit can be moved, in temporal superposition with the movement of approach, in the direction of provision and / or at least the first loading unit and, preferably, the first and second loading units of the loading station arrive at a predetermined vertical height level for deposit the palletizable layer, in temporal superposition with a movement of the transfer unit in the direction of the provision.

Beyond this fact, it is conceivable that a movement of the transfer unit and a movement of the first and second loading units are granted to each other in such a way that the transfer unit can pick up, when available, another palletizable layer and / or move it vertically in the direction of the first loading unit during the approach movement and / or during the enlargement of the relative distance of the first loading unit by compared to the second loading unit.

It is also possible that a movement of the transfer unit and a movement of the first and second loading units are matched to each other so that the transfer unit can move vertically towards the first unit 30 loading another palletizable layer which it went to obtain at the disposal, while the palletizable layer is transferred from the first loading unit to the second loading unit.

Beyond this fact, it is conceivable that the transfer unit is mechanically coupled to a vertical column along which the transfer unit can be moved up and down in the vertical direction.

In addition, proven embodiments in which the device comprises at least one push bar, which at least one push bar is designed so that it can be moved in the horizontal direction and can push in support a palletizable layer that we went to get from the transfer unit on the first loading unit. In other embodiments, the transfer unit can provide, if necessary, a circulating conveyor belt; it is by means of said circulating conveyor belt that a respective palletizable layer can be pushed from the transfer unit onto the first loading unit.

In addition, it may be that

a) the first loading unit and the second loading unit can enlarge their relative distance from one another to deposit, on the associated pallet, a palletizable layer supported in common, and that, in this case,

b) the device comprises a control and / or adjustment unit which is in communication with the transfer unit, the transfer unit being controllable by means of the control and / or adjustment unit in such a way that the transfer unit, together with another palletizable layer received by the transfer unit, reaches a vertical height level of the first loading unit intended to deposit said other palletizable layer on the new pallet at the latest when a replacement of the pallet, associated with the palletizable layer deposited on it, by a new pallet is finished.

In possible embodiments, it is possible that the loading station is in communication with the control and / or adjustment unit, the loading station being able to be controlled by the control and / or adjustment unit of such way that the

3o first loading unit of the loading station reaches the vertical height level provided for depositing said other palletizable layer on the new pallet at the latest when the replacement of the pallet, associated with the palletizable layer deposited on it, by the new pallet is finished .

It is also possible that the device comprises at least one means which is in communication with said control and / or adjustment unit and is intended for the respective transfer of the palletizable layer and of said other palletizable layer to the first loading unit of the station. loading. Said at least one means can be controlled by the control and / or adjustment unit in such a way that said other palletizable layer is delivered at least proportionally and preferably completely, by said at least one means, to the first loading unit. , at the latest when the replacement of the associated palette with the new palette is complete. It is conceivable for example that said at least one means is produced by conveyor belts, which conveyor belts form a component of the transfer unit as well as of the first loading unit. Likewise, said at least one means can have at least one push bar; it is by means of said at least one push bar that said other palletizable layer can be pushed completely from the transfer unit onto the first loading unit.

Beyond this fact, the invention relates to a method and a device intended to successively equip over time several pallets with palletizable layers. Characteristics which have been described above already in connection with the device for transferring a palletizable layer onto an associated pallet can also be used for the device described below, this is why they are not mentioned in a redundant manner. . Likewise, the characteristics which follow and which relate to the device or else to the process intended to equip successively over time several pallets of palletizable layers can be used for the device already described above or else for the process already described above. , this is the reason why they are not mentioned several times.

As part of the process there is provided a palletizable layer which has a plurality of retail products. Another step provides that a transfer unit will pick up the supplied palletizable layer and that the palletizable layer is transferred from the transfer unit to a first loading unit produced as a component of a loading station. Said first loading unit produced as a component of the loading station completely receives the palletizable layer and can, for this purpose, as already mentioned above, have a capacity which corresponds at least to an entire palletizable layer.

In addition, provision is made for a displacement of the palletizable layer received by the first loading unit, in the direction of a second loading unit produced as a component of the loading station, so that the palletizable layer completely received by the first loading unit partly passes to the second loading unit made as a component of the loading station, and is supported in commurT by the first loading unit and the second loading unit.

As part of the process, it is expected that

a) the first loading unit and the second loading unit increase their relative distance from each other, which results in the palletizable layer jointly supported by the first loading unit and the second loading unit is deposited as the highest palletizable layer on a first associated pallet, which first associated pallet already supports several palletizable layers, and in which it is intended that

b) the first associated pallet, together with the several palletizable layers and the highest palletizable layer deposited by the loading station, is replaced by a new pallet, in which the transfer unit, jointly with another palletizable layer, reaches a vertical height level of the first loading unit provided for depositing said other palletizable layer on the new pallet, at the latest when the replacement of the first associated pallet with the new pallet is completed.

Since, next, the transfer unit is at a vertical height level which corresponds to a vertical height level of the first loading unit for depositing the palletizable layer, the other palletizable layer can be laid quickly and easily as the first palletizable layer on the new pallet after replacing the first associated pallet with the new pallet. The action of transferring palletizable layers and placing these palletizable layers on the first palletizable layer already placed on the new pallet can then be done according to the preceding description relating to the process or else to the device for transferring a palletizable layer onto a pallet associated.

Beyond this fact, it is conceivable that the other palletizable layer is returned from the transfer unit to the first loading unit, said other palletizable layer having passed, at least proportionally and preferably completely, to the first unit. loading station, at the latest when the replacement of the first associated pallet with the new pallet is complete. Immediately after replacing the associated pallet with the other pallet, the first loading unit and the second loading unit can execute an approach movement, after which the other palletizable layer is moved in the direction of the second loading unit , thus passes to the second loading unit, or alternatively passes proportionally, and is jointly supported by the first loading unit and the second loading unit.

In addition, the transfer unit may be moved in the direction of the other palletizable layer immediately after having delivered the palletizable layer to the first loading unit produced as a component of the loading station.

Beyond this fact, the invention relates to a device intended to equip several pallets with palletizable layers. The device comprises a provision by which a palletizable layer and comprising a plurality of retail products can be presented. In addition, the device includes a loading station that includes a first loading unit and a second loading unit. The first loading unit is made to receive an entire palletizable layer. In addition, the fully received pallet layer can be transferred in part from the first loading unit to the second loading unit so that the pallet layer is jointly supported by the first loading unit and the second loading unit. After that, the first loading unit and the second loading unit can enlarge their relative distance from which results that the other palletizable layer jointly supported by the first loading unit and the second loading unit is deposited as the first palletizable layer on the new palette.

The device further comprises a transfer unit which can pick up, on making available, a palletizable layer offered and transfer it to the first loading unit, it is intended that

a) the first loading unit and the second loading unit can increase their relative distance from one another to deposit, on the associated pallet, a palletizable layer supported in common, and that

b) the device comprises a control and / or adjustment unit which is in communication with the transfer unit, the transfer unit being controllable by means of the control and / or adjustment unit so that the transfer unit, together with another palletizable layer received by the transfer unit, reaches a vertical height level of the first loading unit intended to deposit said other palletizable layer on the new pallet at the latest when a replacement of the pallet, associated with the palletizable layer deposited on it, by a new pallet is finished.

In possible embodiments, it is possible that the loading station is in communication with the control and / or adjustment unit, the loading station being able to be controlled by the control and / or adjustment unit of such so that the first loading unit of the loading station reaches the vertical height level provided for depositing said other palletizable layer on the new pallet at the latest when the replacement of the pallet, associated with the palletizable layer deposited on it, by the new pallet is finished,.

It is also possible that the device comprises at least one means which is in communication with said control and / or adjustment unit and is intended for the respective transfer of the palletizable layer and of said other palletizable layer to the first loading unit of the station. loading. Said at least one means can be controlled by the control and / or adjustment unit in such a way that said other palletizable layer is delivered at least proportionally and preferably completely, by said at least one means, to the first loading unit. , at the latest when the replacement of the associated palette with the new palette is complete. It is conceivable for example that said at least one means is produced by conveyor belts, which conveyor belts form a component of the transfer unit as well as of the first loading unit. Likewise, said at least one means can have at least one push bar; it is by means of said at least one push bar that said other palletizable layer can be pushed completely from the transfer unit onto the first loading unit.

Hereinafter, examples of embodiments are intended to explain in more detail the invention and its advantages on the basis of the appended figures. The proportions of the individual elements in relation to each other in the figures do not always correspond to the actual proportions because certain forms are represented in a simplified manner and other forms, for better illustration, are represented in enlarged form in relation to d other elements.

Figures 1 to 51 Figure 52 Figures 53 Figure 54 each show a schematic side view showing how an embodiment of a device according to the invention can be achieved. In addition, Figures 1 to 51 explain the individual steps, as they may be provided in a possible embodiment of the method according to the invention;

shows a schematic side view of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 51 explaining other aspects;

show a transfer unit and a provision, as they can be provided as a component of various embodiments of the device according to the invention or of the method according to the invention;

shows a schematic top view on a loading station, as it can be provided as a component of various embodiments of the device according to the invention or of the method according to the invention.

Identical reference numerals are used for elements of the invention which are identical or have the same effect. In addition, for the sake of clarity, only the reference numbers are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. The embodiment shown is only an example showing how the invention can be conceived, and does not constitute a definitive limitation. In addition, the characteristics described below should not be understood in isolation for the example embodiment described, but can be used, if necessary, in the general context.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a device 1 which is designed to transfer a palletizable layer 3 onto an associated pallet 5, or else by means of which pallets 5 can be equipped with palletizable layers 3. In the example of embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 54 below, the device 1 is produced as a palletizer 2. FIG. 1 also shows a situation such that it can arise in various embodiments at the start of a palletization or at the start of a transfer of several palletizable layers 3 onto an associated pallet 5.

The device 1 includes a provision 4 which can be carried out as a component of a grouping station or, if necessary, as a grouping table, and by means of which the palletizable layer 3 is offered . In the embodiment of the present figs 1 to 54, the palletizable layer 3 comprises a plurality of beverage containers which are joined together to form several multipacks. The multipacks have been placed in a relative arrangement with respect to each other and form, in the determined arrangement, the palletizable layer 3.

The provision 4 or else the grouping table offers the palletisable layer 3 at a determined vertical height level and may itself not be adjusted in its vertical position or else is fixed as to its position.

The device 1 also has a transfer unit 11 (cf. FIG. 53a) which is arranged immediately downstream of the provision 4 and has a support plane for a respective palletizable layer 3. The transfer unit 11 comprises a column 12a (cf. FIG. 52) along which the support plane of the transfer unit 11 can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction. A capacity of the transfer unit 11 or else of the support surface provided by the transfer unit 11 corresponds at least to an entire palletizable layer 3 so that an entire palletizable layer 3 can pass from provision 4 directly to the unit transfer 11. A means 6 or a push bar 6 is provided for this purpose (cf. FIG. 52) whose longitudinal axis, in FIG. 1, extends in the direction of the plane of the image and which, by pushing, completely passes, by means of a horizontal movement, a respective palletizable layer 3 from the provision 4 to the transfer unit 11. So that individual beverage containers or multipacks of a respective palletizable layer 3 can keep their relative arrangement with respect to each other, we may provide at least one guide railing, which at least one guide railing extends, at least in sections, parallel to a direction of movement of the push bar 16. In addition, for the sake of clarity, said at least one guide railing is not shown in the figures of this patent application and can if necessary, be positioned at the level of provision 4. In this case, embodiments have made their proofs in which two parallel guide railings are provided at provision 4, which two parallel guide railings are in contact with a palletizable layer 3 offered by provision 4 and guide said palletizable layer 3 offered by the provision 4 while it is pushed on the transfer unit 11.

In addition, the system 1 comprises a loading station 7 comprising a first loading unit 8 and a second loading unit 9. As will be described below in further detail, said first loading unit 8 and said second loading unit 9 can be moved relative to each other at the end of a transfer of a respective palletizable layer 3 on the pallet shown in the figures, being designated by the number 5. The first loading unit 8 of the station loading 7 can receive a complete palletizable layer 3. In this way, a complete palletizable layer 3 can pass or be pushed from the transfer unit 11 onto the first loading unit 8 before this complete palletizable layer 3 is returned to the pallet 5 by means of the loading station 7, after the complete passage. As will be described further below, a complete palletizable layer 3 and received by the first loading unit 8 is transferred in part from the first loading unit 8 to the second loading unit 9 so that a respective palletizable layer 3 is jointly supported by the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9. A capacity of the second loading unit 9 for several retail products or else multipacks produced as a component of a respective palletizable layer 3 is therefore less than a capacity of the first loading unit 8 for several retail products or else multipacks produced as a component of a respective palletizable layer 3.

In addition, FIG. 1 illustrates a control and / or adjustment unit S which is produced as a computer-assisted system and which is in communication with the transfer unit 11 as well as with the loading station 7. L control and / or adjustment unit S synchronizes with each other a vertical movement of the loading station 7 and a vertical movement of the transfer unit 11. It is also possible that, if necessary, the bar thrust 16 already mentioned above or else an actuator provided for moving the push bar 16 is in communication with the control and / or adjustment unit S, the push bar 16 being moved horizontally under the impulse of the control and / or adjustment unit S for passing, by pushing, a respective palletizable layer 3 from the provision 4 on the transfer unit 11.

FIG. 2 illustrates the embodiment of a device 1 of FIG. 1 as well as a step of an embodiment of the method according to the invention, which takes place following the situation according to FIG. 1. In looking together at FIGS. 1 and 2, it can be seen that the palletizable layer 3 has been completely transferred from provision 4 or else from the grouping table to the transfer unit 11. So that a palletizable layer 3 can pass if possible without any problem of the provision 4 to the transfer unit 11, a support plane formed by the transfer unit 11 and intended for the palletizable layer 3 or else to the individual beverage containers of the palletizable layer 3 is at least approximately at an identical vertical level with respect to a bearing surface formed by the provision 4 and intended for the palletizable layer 3 or else to the individual beverage containers of the palletizable layer 3. In addition, in looking together at Figures 1 and 2, it can be seen that, while the palletisable layer 3 passes from provision 4 to transfer unit 11, the first loading unit 8 is contiguous to transfer unit 11 or else remains in a position where the first loading unit 8 is located directly following the transfer unit 11, either without distance or with a small distance. The second loading unit 9 of the loading station 7 also remains stationary in its position according to FIG. 1 during a passage of the palletizable layer 3 from the provision 4 on the transfer unit 11. As already mentioned above above, the palletizable layer 3 can be moved, if necessary, by means of a push bar from the provision 4 on the transfer unit 11. During this, the palletizable layer 3 is in surface contact sliding with the horizontal support surface formed by the provision 4 as well as with the support plane formed by the transfer unit 11. The movement of a push bar 16 produced, if necessary, as that component of the device 1 can be brought about by means of the control and / or adjustment unit S for passing or moving a palletizable layer 3 respectively from the provision 4 to the transfer unit 11.

In addition, Figures 3 and 4 show the device 1 of the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 and allow to see, beyond this fact, the movement of the palletizable layer 3 to move completely to the first unit of loading 8 of the loading station 7. The capacity of the first loading unit 8 or else the capacity of a support surface formed by the first loading unit 8 is such that the entire palletizable layer 3 can be transferred from the transfer unit 11 to the first loading unit 8. Also, the support plane formed by the first loading unit 8 and the support plane formed by the transfer unit 11 are at least approximately at a level of identical vertical height while a respective palletizable layer 3 passes from the transfer unit 11 to the first loading unit 8. Beyond this fact, looking together at FIGS. 3 and 4, it appears that the second unit of load 9 is moved horizontally in direction of the first loading unit 8 already while a palletizable layer 3 passes from the transfer unit 11 to the first loading unit 8, while the first loading unit 8 remains in its position in FIGS. 1 to 3. The loading station 7 has therefore already started an approach movement for the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9. The second loading unit 9 keeps the height level vertical until the palletizable layer 3 either passed completely from the transfer unit 11 to the first loading unit 8. In addition, the respective movement or else the approach movement of the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 can be imposed on the by means of the control and / or adjustment unit S.

In FIG. 5, the second loading unit 9 continued its movement in the direction of the first loading unit 8, and, moreover, it was lowered together with the first loading unit 8, the support plane formed by the first loading unit 8 and intended for beverage or multi-pack containers of a palletizable layer 3 and a support surface formed by the second loading unit 9 and intended for beverage or multi-pack containers of a palletizable layer 3 are each located at least approximately at an identical vertical height level during lowering. Furthermore, the first loading unit 8 moves away from the transfer unit 11 and is moved towards the second loading unit 9. Thus, a relative distance of the first loading unit 8 relative to the second unit loading 9 is reduced. Thus, the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 or else the loading station 7 continues an approach movement already started. Due to the vertical lowering of the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9, the first 8 and second 9 loading units, together with the palletizable layer 3 completely received by the first loading unit 8, are approach pallet 5 or are moved towards pallet 5.

In FIG. 6, the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 continued their lowering movement as well as their approach movement and, thus, they continued to reduce their relative distance so that the first unit loading 8 and the second loading unit 9 are in surface contact with each other or form between them a short distance or else a slot. In FIG. 6, the approach movement of the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 is completed.

During the vertical lowering movement of the loading station 7, another palletizable layer 3a has been delivered from the provision 4 to the transfer unit 11 so that another palletizable layer 3a is received completely by the unit transfer 11. Au3060546 beyond this fact, it appears from Figure 6 that the transfer unit 11, together with said other palletizable layer 3a, has started a vertical lowering movement so that the first loading unit 8 jointly with the palletisable layer 3 completely received, the second loading unit 9 as well as the transfer unit 11 together with the other palletisable layer 3a completely received by the transfer unit 11 are lowered down in time overlap. In addition, as already mentioned above, a transfer of said other palletizable layer 3a from the provision 4 to the transfer unit 11 can be done using at least one push bar 16 (cf. FIG. 52) which slides, by a horizontal movement, said other palletizable layer 3a from a horizontal support surface formed by the provision 4 in the direction of a support plane formed by the transfer unit 11. The horizontal support surface formed by the provision 4 and the support plane formed by the transfer unit 11 are at a vertical height level at least approximately identical while said other palletizable layer 3a is pushed from the provision 4 on the transfer unit 11.

FIG. 7 makes it possible to recognize a step, such as it can take place following the step according to FIG. 6. The transfer unit 11 as well as said other palletizable layer 3a which is received or else supported by the transfer unit 11, continued their vertical lowering movement started in FIG. 6. The loading station 7 or else the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 also continued their movement of 'vertical lowering towards the pallet 5 and have kept unchanged their relative spacing relative to each other so that there is no or that there is only a small distance or gap between the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9.

Looking at Figures 6 and 7 together, it is clear that, during a continuous vertical lowering movement of the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9, the palletizable layer 3 received by the loading station 7 or well supported by the loading station 7 is transferred in part from the first loading unit 8 to the second loading unit 9 or else passes in part from the first loading unit 8 to the second loading unit 9. Thus, during the partial passage from the first loading unit 8 to the second loading unit 9, the palletizable layer 3 is moved in temporal superposition in the horizontal and vertical directions.

Figure 8 illustrates the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 in a position where the vertical lowering towards the pallet 5 is complete. In FIG. 8, the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 have reached a vertical end position in which the loading station 7 or else the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 can release the palletisable layer 3 supported jointly by the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9. During this, the palletisable layer 3 is in an orientation where the palletisable layer 3 is aligned with the pallet 5 or else where the palletisable layer 3 can be placed on the pallet 5 by means of a single vertical movement in the direction of the pallet 5, without the palletizable layer 3, after it has been laid, protruding from the lateral marginal zones of the pallet 5.

In addition, in FIG. 8, the transfer unit 11 as well as said other palletizable layer 3a supported by the transfer unit 11 have continued their vertical lowering movement 15 so that, in FIG. 8, the plane d 'support formed by the transfer unit 11 and the support plane formed by the first loading unit 8 are at an identical vertical height level. In FIG. 8, the transfer unit 11 is, together with the other palletizable layer 3a, in a waiting position.

Looking together at Figures 8, 9 and 10, we can see a relative movement relative to each other of the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9, it is by means of said relative movement that the palletizable layer 3 supported jointly by the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 is released and placed on the pallet 5. In the context of the relative movement, the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 enlarge their relative distance from each other and each keep their vertical height level or else are not raised or lowered vertically as part of the relative movement. Thus, in the context of the relative movement, the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 are each moved horizontally or are spaced apart from each other horizontally. During this, the first loading unit 8 moves in the direction of the transfer unit 11, while the second loading unit 9 moves in the direction opposite to the transfer unit 11 or in the opposite direction with respect to to the first loading unit 8.

The distance between the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 is increased in such a way that the palletizable layer 3 loses its contact with the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 and is thus placed on the pallet 5. During the enlargement of the relative distance of the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 with respect to each other, the palletizable layer 3 slides to slide on the support plane respective formed by the first loading unit 8 and by the second loading unit 9, it is on said support planes of the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 that the palletizable layer 3 is located during the common support by the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9. In addition, during the enlargement of the relative distance, push bars 16 (cf. FIG. 54) may be in contact with the surface, opp sides daring, with the respective palletizable layer 3 to be deposited.

The palletizable layer 3 loses contact with the first loading unit 8 and 15 with the second loading unit 9 at least approximately at the same time. Thanks to this, it can be guaranteed that the palletisable layer 3 can be placed on the pallet 5 without running the risk of involuntary displacement and / or inversion of individual detail products or of multipacks of the palletisable layer 3. In addition , it appears from FIG. 10 that the first loading unit 8, immediately after it has lost its contact with the palletizable layer 3, is in a position where the first loading unit 8 is contiguous without distance or with a slight distance to the transfer unit 11 which is still in the waiting position already mentioned. During this, a vertical height level of the support plane formed by the first loading unit 8 and a vertical height level of the support plane formed by the transfer unit 11 are identical at least approximately. Thanks to this, it is possible to pass said other palletizable layer 3a to the first loading unit 8 already immediately after having deposited the palletizable layer 3 on the pallet 5 which allows a high flow rate during palletization or else during the transfer of layers. palletizable on an associated pallet 5.

Looking together at Figures 11 and 12, we see another step, as may be provided in various embodiments of the method according to the invention. Thus, the first loading unit 8, the second loading unit 9 and the transfer unit 11 are lifted in the vertical direction by the same amount by a distance. The support planes of the first loading unit 8, the second loading unit 9 as well as the transfer unit 11 therefore have, during lifting or else during the vertical lifting movement, an identical height level.

During the lifting in the vertical direction, said other palletizable layer 3a is pushed from the transfer unit 11 onto the first loading unit 8 or else onto the support plane formed by the first loading unit 8. During this, the transfer unit 11, the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 either keep their relative spacing relative to one another or are not moved horizontally. Due to this fact, the other palletizable layer 3a moves, during lifting, in the vertical direction upwards and, in superposition with the vertical movement, in the horizontal direction towards the pallet 5 or else towards the first loading unit. 8. The horizontal movement of the other palletizable layer 3a in the direction of the first loading unit 8 or else the transfer by pushing of the other palletizable layer 3a onto the first loading unit 8 takes place until the another palletizable layer 3a is either completely supported by the first loading unit 8 or else is completely transferred from the transfer unit 11 to the first loading unit 8.

Figure 13 shows that the transfer unit 11 is lifted in the vertical direction while being moved in the direction of provision 4, immediately after the other palletizable layer 3a has been completely transferred to the first loading unit 8 In order to reach provision 4 to receive as quickly as possible a third palletizable layer 3b (cf. FIG. 15) which is not yet offered, it is possible that the transfer unit 11 is accelerated from the position according to FIG. 12 and is moved in the direction of provision 4 at a speed which is greater than a speed of the common movement with the first and second loading units 8 and 9 according to an overview of FIGS. 11 and 12.

In order to deposit on the palletizable layer 3 which is already on the pallet 5 said other palletizable layer 3a then transferred completely to the first loading unit 8, the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 are raised, according to the figure 14, so as to be above the vertical level of the palletisable layer 3 already deposited on the pallet 5, and execute, in temporal superposition with the vertical lifting, an approach movement during which the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 approach or where a relative distance between the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 is reduced. In FIG. 14, the transfer unit 11 has reached the provision 4 and is oriented so as to be flush with or else in alignment with the provision 4. A third palletizable layer 3b (cf. FIG. 15) which is not yet offered can then be handed over from the provision 4 to the transfer unit 11 to be transferred to the pallet 5 or else to the other palletizable layer 3a deposited at the very top on the pallet 5.

In FIG. 15, the third palletizable layer 3b has already been pushed onto the transfer unit 11, the transfer unit 11 having completely received the third palletizable layer 3b. Compared to FIG. 14, the transfer unit 11 in FIG. 15 has already started a vertical lowering movement and brings said third palletizable layer 3b in the vertical direction to the first loading unit 8. Looking together at the FIGS. 14 and 15, it can also be seen that the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 have approached still more within the framework of the approach movement or else have reduced their relative distance one with respect to the other. Thus, the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 continued without interruption the respective horizontal movement already carried out in FIG. 14 during which the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 approach the one from the other, to reach the position according to FIG. 15. The first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 continue the approach movement or else the approaching of one another until the first loading unit 8 comes into contact with the second loading unit 9 or until a small distance or gap is made between the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9.

In view of FIG. 16, the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 have completed their approach movement. In FIG. 16, said other palletizable layer 3a is moved from the first loading unit 8 in the direction of the second loading unit 9 so that the other palletizable layer 3a is supported proportionally by the second loading unit 9 or else so that the other palletizable layer 3a partly passes to the second loading unit 9 and is jointly supported by the first loading unit 8 and by the second loading unit 9. The vertical lowering movement which has been started in Figure 15 and in which the transfer unit 11 provides the third palletizable layer 3b to the second loading unit 9, was continued in Figure 16 and also in Figure 17 which follows.

In FIG. 17, the partial passage of the other palletizable layer 3a from the first loading unit 8 to the second loading unit 9 is finished. FIG. 17 shows that the other palletisable layer 3a and the palletisable layer 3 already placed on the pallet 5 are oriented so as to be aligned with each other. Thus, the other palletisable layer 3a can be placed on the palletisable layer 3 which is already on the pallet 5, by a vertical movement in the direction of the pallet 5, and is then oriented so as to be flush or at least approximately flower of the palletizable layer 3.

Looking together at Figures 17 to 19, we see the action of placing the other palletizable layer 3a on the palletizable layer 3 already on the pallet 5 and we can thus recognize a relative movement of the first loading unit 8 and of the second loading unit 9 relative to each other. During this, the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 enlarge their relative distance from each other. In addition, the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 each keep their vertical height level or are not raised or lowered vertically as part of the relative movement. To deposit the other palletizable layer 3a on the palletizable layer 3 already transferred to the pallet 5, the first loading unit 8 moves in the direction of the transfer unit 11, while the second loading unit 9 moves in the direction opposite to the transfer unit 11 or in the opposite direction with respect to the first loading unit 8.

The distance between the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 is increased so that said other palletizable layer 3a is placed on the palletizable layer 3 already transferred to the pallet 5, so as to be flush or at least approximately flush. During the enlargement of the relative distance of the first loading unit 8 with respect to the second loading unit 9, the other palletizable layer 3a slides to slide on the respective support plane formed by the first loading unit 8 and by the second loading unit 9, it is on said support planes of the first loading unit 8 and of the second loading unit 9 that the other palletizable layer 3a is located during the common support by the first unit loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9.

The other palletizable layer 3a loses contact with the first loading unit 8 and with the second loading unit 9 at least approximately at the same time. Furthermore, it appears from FIG. 19 that the first loading unit 8, immediately after it has lost its contact with the other palletizable layer 3a, is in a position where the first loading unit 8 is contiguous without distance or with a short distance to the transfer unit 11. During this, a vertical height level of the support plane formed by the first loading unit 8 and a vertical height level of the support plane formed by the transfer unit 11 are identical at least approximately.

In FIG. 20, the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 as well as the transfer unit 11 are lifted vertically by the same amount by a distance. Simultaneously with the vertical lifting, the third palletizable layer 3b is pushed from the transfer unit 11 onto the first loading unit 8. After the third palletizable layer 3b has completely passed over the first loading unit 8, the third palletizable layer 3b is placed, by means of the loading station 7, above the vertical height level of the other palletizable layer 3a already located on the pallet 5, is oriented, by a partial passage over the second loading unit 9, so as to be flush with the other palletizable layer 3a and is placed after that, moving the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 apart, on said other palletizable layer 3a already transferred to the pallet 5. After having completely transferred the third palletizable layer 3b to the first loading unit 8, the transfer unit 11 is directly re-moved ion of provision 4 to fetch or receive from there a fourth palletizable layer 3c (cf. figure 23). The steps according to Figures 20 to 26 therefore correspond to the steps according to Figures 12 to 19 so that it is referred to the previous description. Looking together at Figures 12 to 19 and Figures 20 to 26, it is further seen that the vertical height level of a stack formed on the pallet 5 from a plurality of palletizable layers 3 increases. To place a respective palletizable layer 3 on the respective palletizable layer 3 made at the very top as part of the stack, the loading station 7 must be brought above the respective height level of the stack and must orient the layer respective palletizable 3 to be placed on the stack, by means of a partial passage of the respective palletizable layer 3 from the first loading unit 8 onto the second loading unit 9, so as to be aligned with the other palletizable layers 3 of the battery. FIGS. 27 and 28 once again show a palletisable layer 3 or else a fourth palletisable layer 3c which has been approached to the first loading unit 8 by the transfer unit 11 by means of a vertical lowering movement and a was then completely transferred to the first loading unit 8. The loading station 7 again lifts the palletizable layer 3 or else the fourth palletizable layer 3c in the vertical direction (cf. FIGS. 28 to

30), leads the fourth palletizable layer 3c to the stack of palletizable layers 3 already formed on the pallet 5 and directs the fourth palletizable layer 3c so as to be aligned with the palletizable layers 3 already transferred to the stack (cf. FIGS. 31 and 32). After that, the fourth palletizable layer 3c is placed on the third palletizable layer 3b already produced as a component of the stack, by a relative movement of the first loading unit 8 with respect to the second loading unit 9 (cf. figures 33 and 34) and is oriented, after that, so as to be flush with the other palletizable layers 3 of the stack.

In FIG. 34, the palletisable layer 3 transferred last to the pallet 5 or else the fourth palletisable layer 3c disposed at the very top on the stack is at a vertical height level which exceeds the vertical height level of the provision 4. In order to transfer, from the situation according to FIG. 34, palletizable layers 3 to the pallet 5 or else place these on the fourth palletizable layer 3c of the stack of palletizable layers 3 placed on the pallet 5, the fifth 3d palletizable layer shown for the first time in Figure 31 must be lifted in the vertical direction with respect to the provision 4 and must be brought above the vertical level of the stack of palletizable layers 3 located on the pallet 5 .

Looking together at Figures 32 and 33, it can be seen that the transfer unit 11 lifts said fifth palletizable layer 3d in the vertical direction, while the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 are moved one by relative to each other or distant from one another to deposit the fourth palletizable layer 3c. In FIG. 33, the support plane formed by the transfer unit 11 and the support plane formed by the first loading unit 8 are at least approximately at the same vertical height level. Advantageously, the first loading unit 8 does not have to be lowered vertically to receive the fifth palletizable layer 3d because the fifth palletizable layer 3d has been brought in, already while the fourth palletizable layer 3c is deposited, by means of the transfer unit 11 at a vertical height level suitable for transfer by pushing to the first loading unit 8. Thanks to this, palletization can be carried out at a high flow rate.

FIGS. 34 to 36 then illustrate that, immediately after having deposited the fourth palletizable layer 3c on the stack, the transfer unit 11, the first loading unit 8 together with the fifth palletizable layer 3d disposed completely on the first loading unit 8 as well as the second loading unit 9 are raised in the vertical direction until the transfer unit 11, the first loading unit 8 together with the fifth palletizable layer 3d disposed completely on the first loading unit 8 as well that the second loading unit 9 together reach a vertical height level which is situated above the stack or else above the fourth palletizable layer 3c forming a component of the stack. During this, the transfer unit 11 as well as the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 are moved at synchronous speed in the vertical direction. Simultaneously with the vertical movement, the fifth palletizable layer 3d is pushed completely from the transfer unit 11 onto the first loading unit 8. During the vertical movement of the first loading unit 8, the second loading unit 9 and the transfer unit 11, the fifth palletizable layer 3d thus moves in temporal superposition in the vertical and horizontal directions.

After the first loading unit 8, the second loading unit 9 and the transfer unit 11 have been moved above the vertical height level of the stack or else of the fourth palletizable layer 3c, the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 execute, according to FIG. 37, an approach movement and thus approach each other until the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 come into contact with each other or until, according to Figure 38, only a small distance or slot is formed between the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9. Simultaneously with the movement approach, the transfer unit 11 is lowered in the vertical direction to go to the provision 4 or to receive a sixth palletizable layer there 3rd (cf. FIG. 38) which is not yet offered by the placing available 4 in Figure 37.

In FIG. 38, said sixth palletizable layer 3e offered by provision 4 has already been transferred completely to the transfer unit 11. The first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 of the loading station 7 have executed their approach movement. The fifth palletizable layer 3d is partially pushed onto the second loading unit 9 and is oriented, during this, so as to be aligned with the stack of palletizable layers 3 already located on the pallet 5.

Then, the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 of the loading station either execute a relative movement according to FIG. 39 or are distant from each other. In addition, the transfer unit 11, together with the sixth palletizable layer 3e, is moved down in the vertical direction or is lowered in the vertical direction.

In FIG. 40, the fifth palletizable layer 3d is placed on the fourth palletizable layer 3c and is thus produced as a component of the stack of palletizable layers 3. In this case, the fourth palletizable layer 3d is produced as the most palletizable layer high of pallet 5 or else forms the highest palletizable layer of a complete finished pallet 5. All the palletizable layers 3 or else 3 to 3d intended for the pallet 5 were then deposited by means of the device 1 or else by means of the palletizer 2 on the pallet 5. If necessary, the stack or else the palletizable layers 3 of the stack can be wrapped in packaging film or stretch film so that the palletizable layers 3 keep their orientation flush with each other during transport. Furthermore, in FIG. 40, the sixth palletizable layer 3e is lowered in the vertical direction by means of the transfer unit 11 and reaches in FIG. 41 a vertical end position. In addition, passing through FIGS. 42 and 43, the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 are lowered in the vertical direction and reach in FIG. 44 the vertical height level of the transfer unit 11. Furthermore, in FIG. 44, the pallet 5 previously provided for transferring palletizable layers 3 has been removed together with the stack of palletizable layers 3 and has been replaced by a new pallet 5a. By looking together at Figures 40 to 44 and the other Figures 45 to 51 which follow these, it can be seen that, at the latest when the replacement of the pallet 5 by the new pallet 5a is finished, the transfer unit 11, together with the sixth palletizable layer 3e, reaches a vertical height level of the first loading unit 8 produced as a component of the loading station 7, which is designed to deposit said sixth palletizable layer 3e on the new pallet 5a. In addition, FIGS. 44 to 47 show that, immediately after replacing the pallet 5 with the new pallet 5a, the sixth palletizable layer 3e is returned from the transfer unit 11 to the first loading unit 8 or else is pushed from the transfer unit 11 on the first loading unit 8. Thanks to this, the sixth palletizable layer 3e can be quickly deposited on the new pallet 5a after replacing the pallet 5 with the new pallet 5a. To be complete, it should be noted that the sixth palletizable layer 3e can be pushed from the transfer unit 11 onto the first loading unit 8, according to FIGS. 40 to 44, also before and / or during a replacement of the pallet 5 with the new pallet 5a. Preferably, the sixth palletizable layer 3e is pushed from the transfer unit 11 onto the first loading unit 8 so that the sixth palletizable layer 3e is received completely by the first loading unit 8 at the latest after having completed a replacement of pallet 5 with the new pallet 5a. While the sixth palletizable layer 3e is pushed from the transfer unit 11 onto the first loading unit 8, the first loading unit 8 and the transfer unit 11 are at a vertical height level from the first loading unit loading 8, which is intended to deposit the sixth palletizable layer 3e on the new pallet 5a, and, while the sixth palletizable layer 3e is pushed from the transfer unit 11 onto the first loading unit 8, they continuously keep the vertical height level of the first loading unit 8, which is provided for depositing the sixth palletizable layer 3e, until the sixth palletizable layer 3e is received completely by means of the first loading unit 8.

In Figures 45 and 46 which follow, the sixth palletizable layer 3e is pushed completely from the transfer unit 11 onto the first loading unit 8. After that, the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 execute a approach movement during which the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 are each moved horizontally and during which the relative distance of the second loading unit 9 relative to the first loading unit 8 is reduced. Beyond this fact, FIG. 47 shows that, after the complete passage or else after the complete transfer of the sixth palletizable layer 3e to the first loading unit 8, the transfer unit 11 moves again towards the setting in provision 4 or is lifted vertically in the direction of provision 4. As mentioned above, the transfer unit 11 can be accelerated for this purpose.

In FIGS. 47 and 48, the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 make an approach movement so that the sixth palletizable layer 3e can pass to the second loading unit 9 and be placed there on the new palette 5a. In addition, the transfer unit 11 is lifted in the vertical direction and reaches, in FIG. 48, a vertical height level of the provision 4 in order to receive from the provision 4 a seventh layer. palletizable 3f (see figure 49). As can be seen from FIG. 50, said seventh palletizable layer 3f is returned in the vertical direction to the first loading unit 8 or else is lowered vertically in the direction of the first loading unit 8. In time overlap, the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 execute a relative movement to deposit the sixth palletizable layer 3e on the new pallet 5a.

As can be seen from Figure 51, the transfer unit 11 is lowered even further in the vertical direction so that the transfer unit 11 reaches the vertical height level of the first loading unit 8 shortly after depositing the sixth 3rd palletizable layer on the new pallet 5a. The other palletization is done again according to the previous description relating to FIGS. 10 to 43 so that, with a view to the individual steps for the continuation of the process from FIG. 51, it is referred to the preceding steps described in connection with the Figures 10 to 43.

FIG. 52 illustrates a schematic side view of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 51, explaining other aspects. Figure 52 shows the provision 4 which provides a horizontal support surface for a respective palletizable layer 3 shown in the previous figures and which rests by several support feet 18 on a floor surface.

In addition, we can once again see the transfer unit 11 which includes a column 12a. A loading plate 22 is in communication with the column 12a; the latter can fetch, upon provision 4, an entire palletizable layer 3 and can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction along said column 12a. The upward movement and downward movement of the loading plate 22 is caused via the transmission means 23a, which transmission means 23a can be produced, for example, as a belt or chain and is driven by the actuator 14a . Said actuator 14a is suspended on the column 12a or is mechanically coupled to the column 12a and can, if necessary, be designed as a servomotor. In addition, the actuator 14a is in communication with the control and / or adjustment unit S. Thus, the control and / or adjustment unit S can control the actuator 14a to cause an upward movement or movement lowering of the loading plate 22, caused via said transmission means 23a. By means of the upward movement or the downward movement, a respective palletizable layer 3 received by the loading plate 22 is delivered in the vertical direction to the loading station 7 or else to the first loading unit 8 of the loading station 7.

In addition, other details of the loading station 7 emerge from FIG. 52. The loading station 7 also comprises a column 12b on which the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 are suspended or else to which the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 are mechanically coupled. The first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 can be optionally raised or lowered vertically via the transmission means

23b. The transmission means 23b of the loading station 7 can be produced, for example, as a belt or chain and is driven by the actuator 14b. The actuator 14b of the loading station 7 is mechanically coupled to the column 12b and is in communication with the control and / or adjustment unit S. Thus, the control and / or adjustment unit S can control the actuator 14b of the loading station 7 for causing a common upward or downward movement of the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9, caused via said transmission means 23b. As already mentioned above, the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 can be moved relative to each other in order to deposit a respective palletizable layer 3 on the pallet 5. The relative movement of the first unit of loading 8 and of the second loading unit 9 takes place in a direction which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the column 12b produced as a component of the loading station 7.

FIG. 52 also shows a plurality of means 6 by means of which a respective palletizable layer 3 can be pushed from provision 4 on the loading plate 22 of the transfer unit 11, from the loading plate 22 of the transfer unit 11 on the first loading unit 8 as well as, in part, from the first loading unit 8 on the second loading unit 9. Said means 6 are each produced as a push bar 16 whose longitudinal axis respective is oriented, in Figure 52, towards the plane of the image.

Figures 53 illustrate a transfer unit 11 and a provision 4, such that they can be provided as a component of various embodiments of the device 1 according to the invention or of the method according to the invention. For the sake of clarity, the column 12a of the transfer unit 11 according to FIG. 52 is not shown in FIG. 53a. FIG. 53a illustrates once again said loading plate 22 of FIG. 52 as well as, beyond this fact, a carriage 32 by means of which the loading plate 22 of the transfer unit 11 is coupled to the column 12a already shown in Figure 52. During an upward movement and a downward movement of the loading plate 22, the carriage 32 is moved in the vertical direction together with the loading plate 22 along the 'longitudinal extension of column 12a.

FIG. 53b makes it possible to see once again the provision 4. The provision 4 provides a horizontal support surface from which the transfer unit 11 will seek a palletizable layer 3. The provision 4 or else the support surface itself is not adjustable in their vertical position. In addition, Figure 53b again shows the support legs 18 by which the provision 4 rests on a ground surface. On either side of the bearing surface as well as obliquely or else perpendicular to the direction of movement of individual retail products, the provision 4 comprises centering elements 36 in order to create a palletizable layer 3 from a respective pre-grouping made up of several retail or multipack products, by tightening its retail or multipack products.

Figure 54 shows a schematic top view on a loading station 7, as it can be provided as a component of various embodiments of the device 1 according to the invention or of the method according to the invention. Figure 54 illustrates column 12b which is already shown in Figure 52 and along which the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 can be moved together in the vertical direction. In addition, an actuator 34 is shown which can be made as a servomotor for example. It is with the aid of the actuator 34 that the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9 can be moved relative to each other in the horizontal direction.

Another actuator 35 is provided respectively at both the first loading unit 8 and at the second loading unit 9. It is by means of the other actuators 35 that the means 6 or else push bars 16 can be moved so as to partially push on the second loading unit 9 a respective pallet layer 3 completely received by the first loading unit 8, so that the respective pallet layer 3 is jointly supported by the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9. In particular, the means 6 or else the push bars 16 can each be moved in circulation using the actuators 35. Both the actuator 34 and the other actuators 35 are in communication with the control and / or adjustment unit S. Thus, the control and / or adjustment unit S can control the actuator 34 in order to cause, by means of the actuator 34, a relative movement of the first unit loading 8 with respect to the second loading unit 9. Likewise, the control and / or adjustment unit S can control the other two actuators 35 to partially place on the second loading unit 9 a respective palletizable layer supported completely by the first loading unit 8 or else to push it partially from the first loading unit 8 onto the second loading unit 9, so that the respective palletizable layer 3 is supported jointly by the first loading unit 8 and the second loading unit 9.

The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it is conceivable for a person skilled in the art to be able to make variations or modifications of the invention without departing from the scope of protection of the claims which follow.

List of reference figures palletizing device palletizable layer

3a other palletisable layer 3b third palletisable layer 3c fourth palletisable layer 3d fifth palletisable layer 3rd sixth palletisable layer 3f seventh palletisable layer made available medium pallet

5a new pallet loading station first loading unit second loading unit 11 transfer unit

12a column (transfer unit 11) 12b column (loading station 7) 14 push bar drive 18 support feet loading plate 23a transmission means (transfer unit 11) 23b transmission means (loading station 7) carriage actuator carriage other actuator centering element

S control and / or adjustment unit

Claims (52)

Claims 1. Method for transferring a palletizable layer (3) onto an associated pallet (5), the method comprising the following steps consisting in: - providing a palletizable layer (3) which has a plurality of retail products, - causing a palletisable layer (3) to be fetched by a transfer unit (11) and transferring the palletisable layer (3) from said transfer unit (11) to a first loading unit (8) which is produced in as a component of a loading station (7) and which completely receives the palletizable layer (3), - moving the palletizable layer (3) received by the first loading unit (8) towards a second loading unit (9) produced as a component of the loading station (7), so that the palletizable layer ( 3) received completely by the first loading unit (8) passes in part to the second loading unit (9) made as a component of the loading station (7), and is jointly supported by the first loading unit ( 8) and the second loading unit (9), in which a) the first loading unit (8) and the second loading unit (9) increase their relative distance from each other, which results in the palletizable layer (3) jointly supported by the first loading unit (8) and the second loading unit (9) is placed on an associated pallet (5), in which it is intended that, b) for the transfer, the transfer unit (11) returns the palletizable layer (3) which it has gone to seek in a vertical direction to said first loading unit (8) produced as a component of the loading station (7) . 2. Method according to claim 1, in which the transfer unit (11) searches for another palletizable layer (3a) and reaches a vertical level of the first loading unit (8) at the latest immediately after the palletizable layer (3) has been deposited completely by the loading station (7). 3. Method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the transfer unit (11) and the first loading unit (8) are moved together in the vertical direction while the respective palletizable layer (3) is transferred from the transfer unit (11) to the first loading unit (8). 4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, after the palletisable layer (3) has been completely transferred from the transfer unit (11) to the first loading unit (8), the transfer unit (11) is moved towards another supplied palletizable layer (3a), in which a) at least the first loading unit (8) reaches a predetermined vertical height level for depositing the palletizable layer (3), during the movement of the transfer unit (11) in the direction of another palletizable layer (3a ) provided, and / or in which b) the first loading unit (8) and the second loading unit (9) execute an approach movement in temporal superposition with the movement of the transfer unit (11) in the direction of another palletizable layer (3a ) provided. 5. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, during the approach movement and / or during the enlargement of the relative distance of the first loading unit (8) relative to the second unit of loading (9), the transfer unit (11) brings, in the vertical direction, to the first loading unit (8) produced as a component of the loading station (7), another palletizable layer (3a) which 'she went to get. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the transfer unit (11) brings, in the vertical direction, to the first loading unit (8) made as a component of the loading station (7), said other layer palletizable (3a) that it went to seek, while the palletizable layer (3) passes in part from the first loading unit (8) to the second loading unit (9). 7. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of retail products of a respective palletizable layer (3) is respectively formed by several beverage containers filled and joined together to form a multipack. 8. Device (1) for transferring a palletizable layer (3) onto an associated pallet (5), comprising - a provision (4) by which a palletizable layer (3) comprising a plurality of retail products can be presented, - a loading station (7) which comprises a first loading unit (8) and a second loading unit (9), the first loading unit (8) being designed to receive an entire palletizable layer (3), and the fully received pallet layer (3) which can be partially transferred from the first loading unit (8) to the second loading unit (9) so that the pallet layer (3) is jointly supported by the first loading unit ( 8) and the second loading unit (9), 5 and including - a transfer unit (11) which can fetch, upon provision (4), a palletizable layer (3) offered and can transfer this to the first loading unit (8), in which a) the first loading unit (8) and the second loading unit (9) can io increase their relative distance from one another to deposit a palletizable layer (3) supported in common, and in which b) the transfer unit (11) can be moved up and down in the vertical direction to at least partially compensate for a height level formed between the first loading unit (8) of the loading station (7 ) and the provision 15 (4). 9. Device according to claim 8, in which a movement of the transfer unit (11) and a movement of the first loading unit (8) are matched to each other in such a way that the unit transfer (11) reaches a vertical level from the first 20 loading unit (8) at the latest after the respective palletizable layer (3) has been deposited by the loading station (7). 10. Device according to claim 8 or claim 9, in which a movement of the transfer unit (11) and a movement of the first loading unit 25 (8) are matched to each other so that the transfer unit (11) and the first loading unit (8) can be moved together and at synchronous speed in the vertical direction while the palletizable layer (3) is transferred from the transfer unit (11) to the first loading unit (8). 11. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, in which the first loading unit (8) and the second loading unit (9) are designed to execute an approach movement, and in which a movement of approach. the transfer unit (11) and a movement of the first and second loading units (8, 9) of the loading station (7) are matched to each other so that a) the transfer unit (11) can be moved, in temporal superposition with the approach movement, in the direction of the provision (4) and / or b) that at least the first loading unit (8) of the loading station (7) arrives at a predetermined vertical height level to deposit the palletizable layer (3), 5 temporal superposition with a movement of the transfer unit (11) in the direction of the provision (4). 12. Device according to claim 11, in which a movement of the transfer unit (11) and a movement of the first and second loading units (8, 9) are tuned together so that the unit transfer (11) can fetch, upon provision (4), another palletizable layer (3a) and / or move it vertically in the direction of the first loading unit (8), during the movement of approach and / or during the enlargement of the relative distance of the first loading unit (8) with respect to the second loading unit (9). 13. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 12, in which a movement of the transfer unit (11) and a movement of the first and second loading units (8, 9) are matched to each other in such a way. so that the transfer unit (11) can move vertically towards the first loading unit (8) a 20 another palletizable layer (3a) which it has gone to obtain at the disposal (4), while the palletizable layer (3) is transferred from the first loading unit (8) to the second loading unit (9) . 14. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the unit of 25 transfer (11) is mechanically coupled to a vertical column along which the transfer unit (11) can be moved up and down in the vertical direction. 15. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 14, comprising at least one push bar, which at least one push bar is designed so as to 30 be able to be moved in the horizontal direction and can push a palletizable layer (3) which one went to seek, bearing on the palletizable layer (3) which one went to seek, from the transfer unit (11) on the first loading unit (8). 16. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which: a) the first loading unit (8) and the second loading unit (9) increase their relative distance from each other, which results in the palletizable layer (3) jointly supported by the first loading unit (8) and the second loading unit (9) is deposited as the highest palletizable layer (3) on an associated first pallet (5), which associated first pallet (5) already supports several palletizable layers (3) , and in which it is expected that, b) the first pallet (5) associated, together with the several palletizable layers (3) and the highest palletizable layer (3) deposited by the loading station (7), is replaced by a new pallet (5a), in which the transfer unit (11), together with another palletizable layer (3a), reaches a vertical height level intended to deposit said other palletizable layer (3a) on the new pallet (5a), at the latest when the replacement of the first pallet (5) associated with the new pallet (5a) is finished. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the other palletizable layer (3a) is returned from the transfer unit (11) to the first loading unit (8), said other palletizable layer (3a) being passed to the less proportionally and preferably completely, to the first loading unit (8) of the loading station (7), at the latest when the replacement of the first associated pallet (5) by the new pallet (5a) is completed. 18. The method of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the transfer unit (11) is moved towards the other palletizable layer (3a) immediately after having delivered the palletizable layer (3) to the first unit of loading (8) produced as a component of the loading station (7). 19. Device according to one of claims 8 to 15, in which a) the first loading unit (8) and the second loading unit (9) can increase their relative distance relative to each other to deposit, on the associated pallet (5), a palletizable layer (3) supported in common, and in which b) the device (1) comprises a control and / or adjustment unit (S) which is in communication with the transfer unit (11), the transfer unit (11) being controllable by means of the control and / or adjustment unit (S) in such a way that the transfer unit (11), together with another palletizable layer (3a) received by the transfer unit (11), reaches a vertical height level of the first loading unit (8) provided for depositing said other palletizable layer (3a) on the new pallet (5a), at the latest when a replacement of the pallet (5), associated with the palletizable layer (3) deposited above, a new pallet (5a) is finished. 20. Device intended to equip several pallets (5) with palletizable layers (3), according to claim 19, in which the loading station (7) is in communication with the control and / or adjustment unit (S), the loading station (7) being able to be controlled by the control and / or adjustment unit (S) so that the first loading unit (8) of the loading station (7) reaches its vertical height level provided for depositing said other palletizable layer (3a) on the new pallet (5a) at the latest when the replacement of the pallet (5), associated with the palletizable layer (3) deposited on it, by a new pallet (5a) is finished . 21. Device according to claim 19 or claim 20, comprising at least one means which is in communication with said control and / or adjustment unit (S) and is intended for the respective transfer of the palletizable layer (3) and of said other palletizable layer (3a) to the first loading unit (8) of the loading station (7), said at least one means that can be controlled by the control and / or adjustment unit (S) of 20 such that said other palletizable layer (3a) is delivered at least proportionally and preferably completely, by said at least one means, to the first loading unit (8), at the latest when the replacement of the pallet (5) associated with the new palette (5a) is finished. 1/54 2/54 3/54 4/54 5/54 œ> ώ • LL <N S 7/54 in 8/54 9/54 10/54 11/54 12/54 13/54 14/54 15/54 ωΐ rn 16/54 17/54 rn 18/54 oo cuo <N s 19/54 ωι σ> rH ώ LL 20/54 21/54 22/54 23/54 Ο 24/54 LT) 25/54 26/54 27/54 28/54 29/54 ο »7 30/54 31/54 32/54 33/54 -Q O rn 34/54 35/54 36/54 37/54 ωι m ώ LL. <N • s' -H 38/54 U " 39/54 40/54 41/54 42/54 43/54 44/54 45/54 46/54 ωι L0 ώ LL <N ’-H 47/54 48/54 σ> 49/54 ο LT) CD ώ <N 50/54 <M 51/54 52/54 12ο