LT5230B - A system and method for creation of load units - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention concerns a system and a method for load unit (4) creation. The system includes two or more stations (8-10), in which the load units (4) are formed. In a first station (8), one or more packages (1) are collected and placed to form the load unit (4). In later stations loading ledges (2) are added to the load units (4), and straps (7) and/or stretch wrapping is wound around the load units (4).

Description

The present invention relates to a system for forming a unit load, more particularly to a system based on two or more positions used to form a unit load. Each sectional load is formed from one or more individual packages.

Preconditions of the invention

It is now common to use pallets of various shapes and sizes as the basis for different sectional loads. The so-called EUR wooden pallets are often used. Pallets as such occupy a relatively important place in storage, are heavy and can be cumbersome to maintain. In addition, EUR pallets are usually reused, meaning that they are often returned without carrying any cargo. To avoid disadvantages with previously used systems based on EUR pallets or other forms of pallets, it has been suggested that two or more smaller, separate loading elements or loading ledges could be used instead of EUR pallets or other pallets.

The state of the art transportation, storage, and display device that forms a particular type of pallet when stored items are floorboards or boxed products (GB 2312416 A) does not solve all of the above problems.

The essence of the invention

As the use of loading ledges has increased, there is a need for an appropriate system and method for forming individual sectional loads.

The system and method of section loading should be more responsive to the volume of demands. Thus, one of the goals is that the system and method should be easily adaptable to different situations, both because of the level of automation and the shape and size of the packages that make up each sectional load.

Another goal is that the system and method can be executed, continued and maintained at affordable prices.

Yet another object is that the system and method should function using different means of transport.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a system for forming a unit load. This system consists of two or more positions for forming sectional loads. In the method utilizing this system, the first position is used to collect and place one or more packets to form a suitable sectional load. The loading ledges are then placed on the sectional loads, and one or more strips and / or elastic wraps are wrapped around the sectional loads.

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Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be further described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

FIG. Fig. 1 shows different sectional loads formed using the present invention. 2 shows a part of a sectional loading system according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates one embodiment of a system according to the present invention.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

The system and method of the present invention are based on the assumption that packages of different sizes and shapes are used to form sectional loads.

The present invention is based on the use of multiple headings 8-10 for successfully forming sectional loads 4. In the first position 8, one or more packages 1 are accumulated and stacked in the required finished sectional cargo 4. In the second position 9, at least one loading ledge 2 is placed on each of the two opposite lower edges 4 of the sectional load. In the third and last position 10, the tape 7 and / or the elastic wrapper or the like is wrapped around the unit load including the loading ledges 2, one or more times.

The loading ledges 2 used are generally of the type described in PCT / DK01 / 00748 or any appropriate loading member. The loading ledges 2 usually have an L-shaped cross-section. The loading ledges 2 are positioned on the underside of a packet or similar element such that one portion of each loading ledge 2 is positioned beneath the packet and the other portion along the side of the packet. The part of the loading ledge 2 located below the package has protrusions to allow the lifting and / or transport vehicles to slip under the package.

If, for example, sectional loads 4 are formed of several small packages 1, additional positions may be required. Thus, such additional positions may include positions where semi-loads are formed, each with loading ledges 2. (See, e.g., Figs. Lc and lf). Semi-loads may be provided with straps, but are usually not required. Then a certain number of semi-loads are directed to the position to form the final sectional loads 4. It is also possible to have different positions for strip wrapping 7 or elastic wrapping. As shown in Figs. Ig and lh, if a large number of small packages 1 form a section load 4, a plate may be placed on the bottom of the section load 4.

It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that packages 1 and sectional loads, as appropriate, may be transported to and between positions in many different ways. In addition, different positions may be fully or partially serviced manually and / or automatically. The expression "fully automated" as used in this description means that the actual servicing of packages 1 or sectional loads 4 is performed by a mechanism, robot or the like, which, on the other hand, may be automatically driven or controlled by the operator.

Packages 1 are usually stored in some type of warehouse. The first position 8 is usually located in or adjacent to the warehouse or the like. This first position 8 collects the corresponding number of unit load packages 1. Sectional loads 4 according to the present invention may be formed from a single package 1 or a plurality of packages 1. The required size of the completed sectional loads will determine the number of packages 1 used for each individual sectional cargo 4.

FIG. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the packages 1 forming the sectional load 4 are collected on a conveyor 6. By means of the conveyor 6, the sectional loads 4 are moved to the second position 9. way. In other embodiments, the unit loads 2 are provided more manually (not shown). The sectional load 4 with the loading ledges 2 is then removed from the mechanism 5. It is well understood by one skilled in the art that various forms of conveyors may be used, such as belts, belts, rollers, gears, and the like. In addition, it is well understood by one skilled in the art that sectional loads 4 can be transported to and from the mechanism 5 by any suitable means, such as industrial trucks, cranes, levers, and the like.

In position 9, which has a mechanism for attaching the loading ledges 2, a sufficient number of loading ledges 2 is added to the sectional loads. 1 schematically shows that, depending on the size of the package, the sensitivity of the contents and the like, the number of loading ledges 2 on each side may vary and the loading ledges 2 may be arranged at several different heights and widths in each sectional load 4.

After the mechanism 5 provides the unit loads 4 with the loading ledges 2, the unit loads are moved to the third position 10. In this position, the unit loads 10 are provided with straps 7 and / or an elastic wrapper or the like. Typically, a mechanism known in the art is used to provide sectional loads 4 with straps, elastic wraps or the like. However, the tapes 7, elastic wrap or the like can also be applied manually.

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When the sectional loads 4 leave the third position 10, they are ready for transport by any suitable means. In this way, the sectional loads 4 are directed to a container, truck, wagon or other means of transport.

Claims (11)

Definition of the Invention A system for forming a unit load (4), characterized in that it has two or more positions (8 to 10) in which the unit load is formed. 2. A system according to claim 1, characterized in that one position (8) has means for collecting one or more packets (1) and for positioning said packet (s) (1) to form the required sectional load (4). 3. A system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that one position (9) has means for providing the section load (4) with two or more loading ledges (2). 4. A system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the number of loading ledges (2) used and their arrangement are based on the size and shape of the packing (1) forming the sectional load (4). 5. A system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the second position (9) has 15 (5) for positioning the loading ledges (2) on the sectional loads (4). 6. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one position (10) has means for providing one or more strips (1) to each section load. 7) and / or an elastic wrapper wrapped around the outside of the unit load (4) including the loading ledges (2). 7. A method for forming a unit load (4), characterized in that, in the first position (8), one or more packages (1) are assembled and arranged to form the unit load (4). 8. A method according to claim 7, characterized in that the sectional loads (4) formed in the first position (8) are provided in the second position (9) with at least two 25 loading flanges (2). 9. The method of claim 8, wherein in the third position (10) one or more webs (7) and / or elastic wraps are wrapped one or more times around the sectional load (4), including the loading ledges (2). 10. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that the finished sectional loads (4) are directed to a container, truck, wagon or other means of transport. 11. A method as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the size of the unit loads (4) is adapted to the size of the container, truck, wagon or similar means by which the unit loads are conveyed.