MXPA04011819A

MXPA04011819A - A system and method for creation of load units.

Info

Publication number: MXPA04011819A
Application number: MXPA04011819A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Kickner Allan
Original assignee: Inter Ikea Sys Bv
Priority date: 2002-05-28
Filing date: 2003-04-24
Publication date: 2005-03-31
Also published as: US20050108988A1; ES2270013T3; NO328995B1; DE60307458D1; SI1509452T1; JP4690035B2; LT2004111A; CN1655988A; DK1509452T3; TNSN04221A1; RU2311325C2; NO20045230L; DE60307458T2; LT5230B; IL165202A0; SE0201593L; ATE335665T1; CA2487448A1; PL372199A1; IL165202A

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

WO 03/099660 Al '????? G ?? lili - 'II ?????? ? G ?? III ???? II, For two-year codes and other abbreviations, refer to the "Guid-anceNotes on Codes and Abbreviations" appearing at the beginning of each regular issue of the PCT Gazette.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CREATING LOAD UNITS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a system for the creation of load units, and very specifically to a system based on two or more stations that are used to form the load units. Each load unit is formed from one or more separate packages.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION At present, it is very common to use pallets of various shapes and sizes as a base for different load units. The so-called EUR pallets made of wood are often used. The pallets as such occupy a relatively large place in storage, are heavy and can be uncomfortable to handle. In addition, EUR pallets can normally be reused, which means that they are often returned without carrying a load. To avoid the drawbacks with previously used systems based on EUR pallets or other forms of 2 For pallets, it has been suggested that two or more separate and smaller loading elements or pallets can be used in place of the EUR pallets or other pallets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Due to the increased use of loading platforms, the need for an adequate system and method to create separate loading units has been felt. The system and method for the creation of load units, of pference, should satisfy a number of demands. Therefore, one goal is for the system and method to be relatively easy to adapt to different situations, both related to the level of automation and the shape and size of the packages that make up each load unit. An additional objective is that the system and method should be able to be formed, run and maintained at a reasonable cost. Still an additional objective is that the system and method should work with different means of transport. 3 In accordance with the present invention, a system for the creation of load units has been established. Said system comprises two or more stations to form the loading units. In a method using said system, a first station is used to collect and place one or more packages and thus form a convenient loading unit. Additionally, in preferred current stations, the loading platforms are placed on the loading units and one or more belts and / or elastic wraps are wound around the loading units. Further objects and advantages with the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art when reading the detailed description below of the currently preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The invention will now be further described, by way of example and with reference to the appended figures. In the figures: Figures a to li show different load units formed by using the 4 present invention; Figure 2 shows a part of the system for creating load units according to the present invention; and Figure 3 shows one embodiment of the system of the present invention in a schematic manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The system and method of the present invention is based on the assumption that packages 1 of different sizes and shapes are used to form load units 4. Even when the packages 1 which are all shown have a general rectangular shape, an expert in the technique will be able to realize that it is possible to realize load units 4 of packages having other general forms. The present invention is based on the use of several stations 8-10, wherein the loading units 4 are successively formed. In a first station 8, one or more packages 1 are collected and placed in the form of each desired final load unit 4. In a second station 9, at least one loading platform 2 is placed on each of the two opposite bottom edges of the unit 4. In a third and final station 10, belts and / or elastic or similar wraps are wound in one or more laps around the loading unit 4, including the loading platforms 2. The loading platforms 2 that are used , they are usually from. type that is described in PCT / DKOl / 00748 or any corresponding load elements. The loading platforms 2 have a generally L-shaped cross section. The loading platforms 2 will be placed on a lower edge of a package or the like, in such a way that a part of each loading platform 2 is placed below the package and a part along the sides of said package. The part of the loading platform 2 to be placed below the packages has projections to allow a lifting and / or transporting means to slide under the package. If, for example, loading units 4 are to be formed with several small packages 1, there may be a need for additional stations. Therefore, said additional stations can 6 include stations where sub-units are formed, each provided with loading platforms 2. (See for example the figures le and lf). The sub-units can be provided with straps, but normally it is not necessary. A number of sub-units is then sent to a station to form the final load units 4. It is also possible to have different stations for belts 7 and flexible wraps. As indicated in Figures 1 and 1, a plate may be placed in the lower part of the loading unit 4, if a large number of small packages 1 form the loading unit 4. A person skilled in the art will realize that packets 1 and load units, respectively, can be transported to and between said stations in many different ways. In addition, the different stations can be totally or partially manual and / or automatic. The term "fully automatic", as used in this description, means that all the actual handling of the packages 1 or loading units 4 is carried out by means of a machine, robot or similar, which, on the other hand, can be automatically driven OR be 7 controlled by a person. Packages 1 are usually stored in a certain type of hold. The first station 8 is normally placed in or next to the hold or the like. In said first station 8, the appropriate number of packets 1 is collected to form a unit load. The load units 4 of the present invention can be formed by a single pack 1 or by many packets 1. The desired size of the completed load units will govern the number of packets 1 that are used for each separate load unit 4. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the packages 1 forming the loading unit 4 are collected on a conveyor 6. By means of the conveying machine 6, the loading units 4 are taken to the second station 9. At the second station 9, the loading units 4 are received in a machine 5, wherein each loading unit 4 is provided with loading platforms 2, in a more or less automatic manner. In other embodiments, the loading platforms 2 are provided in a more manual manner (not shown). The loading unit 4 with loading platforms 2 is then transported away from the machine 5, by means of an additional conveying machine 6. A person skilled in the art will realize that the shape of the conveyor machines can vary, and therefore bands, belts, rollers, wheels, etc. could be used. In addition, a person skilled in the art will realize that the load units 4 can be transported to and from the machine 5 through any other suitable means, such as industrial trucks, cranes, transverse lines, etc. In the station 9 comprising the machine for the addition of loading platforms 2, an appropriate number of loading platforms 2 is added to the loading units 4. In figure 1, it is shown schematically that, depending on the size of the package, the sensitivity of the contents, etc. the number of loading platforms 2 on each side can vary and, the loading platforms can be placed at different heights and widths on each loading unit 4. After the machine 5 supplies the loading units 4 with loading platforms 2, the loading units are brought to the third station 10. In said station 10, the loading units are provided with belts 7 and / or wraps 9 elastic or similar. Normally, a machine, well known in the art, is used to provide the belts 7 and / or elastic wraps or the like. However, it is also possible to apply the straps 7, the elastic wrap or the like in a manual manner. When the loading units 4 leave the third station 10, they are ready to be transported in any suitable manner. Therefore, the loading units 4 are sent to a container, truck or any other means of transport.

Claims

10 NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and, therefore, the content of the following is claimed as a priority: CLAIMS

1. - A system for the creation of load units (4), characterized in that it has two or more stations (8-10), where the load units (4) are formed.

2. - The system according to claim 1, characterized in that a station (8) has means to collect one or more packages (1) and where said packages have to be placed (1) to form a desired load unit (4).

3. - The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a station (9) has the means to provide to the load unit (4) two or more loading platforms (2) .

4. - The system according to claim 3, characterized in that the number of 11 Loading platforms (2) that are used as well as their placement is based on the size and shape of the packages (1), which will form the load unit (4).

5. The system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that a second station (9) comprises a machine (5) for placing loading platforms (2) in the caga units (4).

6. The system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a station (10) has the means to provide to each load unit (4) one or more belts (7) and / or an elastic wrap wound around the outside of the loading unit (4), including the loading platforms (2).

7. A method for forming a load unit (4), characterized in that in a first station (8), one or more packages (1) are collected and placed to form a load unit (4).

8. - The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the load units (4) formed in the first station 88) are provided with at least two platforms of 12 load 82) in a second station (9).

9. - The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the belt (s) (7) and / or elastic wrap is wound in one or more turns around the loading unit (4), including the loading platforms (2). ), in a third station (10).

10. - The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the finished loading units (4) are sent to a container, truck or other means of transport.

11. - The method according to any of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the size of the load units (4) are adapted to the size of a container, a truck or similar, with which the units are to be transported Load (4).