LOADED PALLETS

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a device for loading a vehicle, the device comprising an elongate first frame, which first frame:

- is configured and suitable for bearing loaded pallets;

- is provided with first transport means configured and suitable for transporting loaded pallets over the first frame parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first frame;

- is provided with first displacing means configured and suitable for displacing the first frame in the longitudinal direction of the first frame; and

- is provided with handling means configured and suitable for moving a loaded pallet relative to the first frame in a first, in use horizontal direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first frame, and also in a second, in use vertical direction perpendicularly of the first direction.

The invention also relates to an assembly of such a device and a vehicle, the vehicle comprising an elongate loading space and a loading opening located in the vicinity of an outer end of the loading space. The invention further relates to a method for loading such a vehicle by means of such a device.

In the context of the invention 'vehicle* is always understood to mean a device for transporting a cargo, such as a truck or a semi-trailer, but also a container placed on a semi-trailer, on a fixed surface or on a support frame.

Background of the invention Where formerly loading and unloading of trucks, semi-trailers and containers usually took place manually, since the advent of the pallet use is generally made of pallet trucks and forklift trucks. Working with a pallet truck, and particularly with a forklift truck, has many drawbacks, such as high labour costs, the cost of acquiring and maintaining the equipment, safety issues (in the Netherlands alone there are 2,000 accidents every year with a forklift truck, about 8 of which are fatal and 200 result in permanent disability), damage to the vehicle, the load and the equipment itself, and a limited maximum loading speed. Other issues are that it is becoming increasingly more difficult to find motivated and qualified staff, ageing of current staff, the ever-contmuing automation of warehouses, the increasingly common 'just-in-time loading' and developments relating to self-driving vehicles. All these issues are arguments in favour of automation of the loading and/or unloading of trucks and semi-trailers.

Known optionally automated systems for loading and/or unloading a vehicle with loaded pallets can be divided into two categories: a first category wherein the loaded pallets are loaded and/or unloaded one by one, and a second category wherein several loaded pallets are loaded and/or unloaded simultaneously, row by row or all in one operation (One shot'). Important considerations here are the investment required, the necessary use of labour and possible flexibility thereof, the possibility of (later) upscaling of the system, the capacity and loading speed, possible loading patterns and suitability of the system for standardized pallets or other carriers. Of further importance is whether or not the vehicle has to be modified to the system.

Some one-shot systems require a usually undesired and relatively expensive modification of the vehicle, for instance in the form of chains, slats, a conveyor belt, channels for skis or a walking floor for transporting the cargo in the loading space. In other one-shot systems operation takes place with a plate as carrier of the cargo or with a 'skate loader ⁹ , wherein modification of the vehicle is not necessary. A general problem in systems of the second category is the necessity for sufficiently accurate alignment of the cargo and the carrying equipment relative to the vehicle or loading space. If this is not done, the vehicle, the cargo and/or the equipment can sustain (considerable) damage. For one by one or row by row loading of loaded pallets a self -driving automatic vehicle can be used, or for instance a telescopic system. A general problem with such systems is that the carrier of the loaded pallet has to move in and out of the loading space of the vehicle in the case of each individual loaded pallet or row of loaded pallets, which takes time and limits the loading speed. US S403142 Al thus describes a device for loading a vehicle comprising a telescopic loading boom provided at an end with handling means for handling a loaded pallet The handling means have to be moved here to load each individual pallet into and out of the loading space of the vehicle which, as stated, takes time and limits the loading speed. The loading boom moreover has to take a very heavy form in order to be able to absorb the large moments and forces which occur.

EP 0524913 Al describes an apparatus for loading a vehicle comprising a self-bearing elongate framework over which loaded pallets can be supplied and which is provided at an end with handling means for handling a loaded pallet The framework is movable in its longitudinal direction and can thus be carried at least partially into the loading space of the vehicle. Following introduction a single row of loaded pallets can be loaded in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, or the loading space, wherein the apparatus is withdrawn in stepwise manner from the loading space. In order to load a following row of loaded pallets in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle or the loading space, the apparatus first has to be displaced laterally and men at least partially carried back into the loading space and again retracted in stepwise manner from the loading space. In order to load two or more rows use can also be made of two or more of such apparatuses adj acently of each other, although this will of course result in additional cost and other obvious drawbacks.

Every known system has one or more of said drawbacks. The present invention now provides a solution which does not have said drawbacks, or at least does so to lesser extent, and which in addition has a number of unique advantages of its own.

Summary pf the invention The invention provides a device according to claim 1, an assembly according to claim 17 and a method according to claim 19. By means of the handling means a loaded pallet can thus be moved more or less freely in the space. The distance of 0.8 m corresponds to the minimal width of a typical pallet A loaded pallet can thus be removed from the first frame carried into the loading space and be placed on the loading floor at a desired position in line with the first frame as well as laterally of the central axis of the first frame. Loaded pallets can thus be loaded adjacently of each other in rows. The first frame can be repeatedly moved back stepwise in the longitudinal direction of the first frame over a determined suitable distance in the direction of the loading opening by means of the first displacing means, after which other loaded pallets can again be taken from the first frame by means of the handling means and placed at other desired positions on the loading floor. The whole loading space can thus be fully loaded in stepwise manner with rows of loaded pallets, while the first frame or the handling means need to be carried only once into the loading space.

The handling means are preferably movable here relative to the first frame in the longitudinal direction of the first frame and dimensioned such mat in use they can move in a space between a wall of the loading space and a loaded pallet carried by the first frame and present in the loading space. The handling means can thus move in the loading space along loaded pallets present on the first frame. When the handling means comprise a loading fork, the mutual distance between the prongs is preferably adjustable. The prongs can thus be moved closer together so that the handling means can thus move in the space between a wall of the loading space and loaded pallets carried by the first frame and present in the loading space, and the prongs can be moved apart again in order to pick up, bear and displace a loaded pallet The first frame can be provided here with support means configured and suitable for supporting the handling means during the movement of a loaded pallet relative to the first frame. Heavily loaded pallets can in mis way be handled.

The first frame can comprise a plurality of mutually coupled first frame parts. The first frame parts can thus pivot relative to each other within specific limits so that height differences, for instance between the floor of a warehouse and title loading floor of a vehicle and a bridging part therebetween, can be readily surmounted. A first frame part can be provided here with first bearing means suitable for bearing a loaded pallet, and also with first adjusting means suitable for adjusting the position of the first bearing means relative to the first frame part The position of the first bearing means can thus be adjusted relative to a first frame part by means of the first adjusting means such that a first bearing surface of the first bearing means comes to lie in the same plane as a second bearing surface of the first bearing means of an adjacent first frame part A loaded pallet can thus be readily transported from the first frame part to the adjacent first frame part without having to surmount an inadmissible or undesirable height difference.

The device preferably also comprises an elongate second frame, which second frame is configured and suitable for bearing loaded pallets and is also provided with second transport means configured and suitable for transporting loaded pallets over the second frame in the longitudinal direction of the second frame. When the first frame is placed in line with the second frame, loaded pallets can be transported over the second frame to the first frame and then transported further over the first frame. The first frame can thus be loaded with a number of pallets via the second frame before being carried inside the loading space and/or be 'fed' with loaded pallets in the loading space during loading.

The device preferably also comprises a third frame, which third frame is configured and suitable for bearing loaded pallets and comprises a plurality of second frame parts, wherein a second frame part is provided with third transport means configured and suitable for transporting a loaded pallet in a first direction over the second frame part. Following the placing of the third frame in the vicinity of the first frame and the second frame such that a second frame part is located in a first position lying adjacently of a space between the first frame and the second frame, a second frame part can be displaced by means of second displacing means provided for this purpose to a second position lying between the first frame and the second frame. A plurality of second frame parts can in the same way be positioned in line between the second frame and the first frame, after which a loaded pallet can be transported thereover in the first direction by means of the third transport means. Loaded pallets can thus be transported from the second frame via the third frame to the first frame, wherein the third frame forms a 'bridge' which can be lengthened or shortened in steps equivalent to the operating length of a second frame part, for instance during or after the introduction of the first frame into the loading space or during the stepwise withdrawal of the first frame during loading of the loading space. The first frame is preferably provided with varying means configured and suitable for varying the mutual distance between a first frame part and an adjacent first frame part. The length of the first frame can thus be continuously varied within specific limits, and a 'bridge' with a length which is continuously variable within specific limits can thus be realized between the first frame and the third frame.

Terms such as 'in the same plane', 'perpendicularly' , 'parallel', 'in the longitudinal direction', 'horizontal' and 'vertical' are understood in the context of the invention to mean in each case 'substantially in the same plane', 'substantially perpendicularly' and so on.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention is further elucidated hereinbelow on the basis of exemplary embodiments. In the drawings:

- figure 1 shows a combination of a first exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention comprising a first frame, a second frame and a third frame, and a vehicle for loading;

- figures 2-8 show loading of the vehicle with loaded pallets by means of the device;

- figure 9 shows the first frame provided with handling means in dual form movable relative thereto;

- figure 10 shows single handling means;

- figure 11 shows a first frame part forming part of the first frame;

- figure 12 shows two first frame parts forming part of the first frame and coupled at a mutual variable distance;

- figure 13 shows a second frame part forming part of the third frame; and

- figures 14-19 show transporting of loaded pallets over the first frame;

- figure 20 shows a combination of a second exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention comprising a first frame, a second frame and a third frame, and a vehicle for loading;

- figure 21 shows the first frame provided with handling means in dual form movable relative thereto; and

- figure 22 shows two second frame parts forming part of the third frame. Exemplary embodiments of the invention

Figures 1-19 show a first exemplary embodiment (100) of a device according to the invention for loading a vehicle (200) in accordance with a method according to the invention. Vehicle (200) comprises an elongate loading space (201) above a loading floor (202) and a loading opening (203) located in the vicinity of an outer end of loading space (201).

Device (100) comprises an elongate first frame (300) provided with first transport means (307) for transporting loaded pallets (1-33;A,B) over first frame (300) parallel to the longitudinal direction of first frame (300). In the given example the first transport means (307) comprise a number of rollers, although these can also be for instance chains, slats or a conveyor belt First frame (300) is provided with first displacing means (306) for displacing first frame (300) in the longitudinal direction, hi the given example the first displacing means (306) comprise a number of wheels. First frame (300) comprises a plurality of mutually coupled first frame parts (301-305), in the given example a driven 'locomotive' (302) and a number of 'wagons' (303), and thus takes the form of an articulated veMcle/'train'. In the given example first frame parts (301-305) can pivot relative to each other within specific limits so that high differences, for instance between the floor of a warehouse and loading floor (202) of vehicle (200) and optionally a bridging part therebetween, can be surmounted.

First frame (300) is provided with handling means (601), in the given example in dual form (600), for handling a loaded pallet Because of the dual embodiment (600) of handling means (601) the loading speed is higher, provided handling means (601,601) are controlled in coordinated and correct manner. It is then also possible to press loaded pallets against each other and pallet overhang can thus be prevented or reduced. By means of handling means (601) a loaded pallet can be moved relative to first frame (300) in a direction (X) parallel to the longitudinal direction of first frame (300), and also in a vertical direction (Y) perpendicularly of the longitudinal direction of first frame (300), as well as according to the invention in a horizontal direction (Z) perpendicularly of the longitudinal direction of first frame (300). The loaded pallet can thus be moved freely in the space within specific limits.

Handling means (601) are placed on 'locomotive' (302) and comprise a loading fork (62) with two prongs (603). A loading fork (602) can be moved relative to first frame (300), or 'locomotive' (302), in a horizontal direction (X) parallel to the longitudinal direction of first frame (300) and also in a vertical direction (Y) perpendicularly of the longitudinal direction of first frame (300). Loading fork (602) can also be moved in a horizontal direction (Z) perpendicularly of the longitudinal direction of first frame (300), in the given example by means of a rod mechanism in a parallelogram configuration (607), although this is also possible in any other suitable manner. In the given example a loading fork (62) can also rotate through a limited angle about a horizontal rotation axis perpendicularly of the longitudinal direction of first frame (300).

By means of handling means (601) or a loading fork (602) loaded pallets (1-33) can be picked up from first frame (300) or 'locomotive' (302) carried into loading space (201) and be placed at desired positions in loading space (201) in line with as well as laterally of the central axis of the first frame. First frame (300) can then be displaced over a deternuned suitable distance in the longitudinal direction of first frame (300) in the direction of loading opening (203) by means of first displacing means (306), after which other loaded pallets can be taken from first frame (300) by means of handling means (601) or loading fork (602) and can be placed at other desired positions in loading space (201), and so on. The whole loading space (201) can thus be loaded in stepwise manner.

Handling means (601) are movable relative to first frame (300) or 'locomotive' (302) in the longitudinal direction of first frame (300) and can move here in a space between a wall (204) of loading space (201) and a loaded pallet carried by first frame (300) or 'locomotive' (302). Handling means (601) can thus move in loading space (201) along loaded pallets present on first frame (300) or 'locomotive' (302). For this purpose the distance between prongs (603) of a loading fork (602) is adjustable, in the given example by means of second adjusting means (606) which comprise a scissor mechanism as shown in figure 10, although this can also be any other suitable mechanism. Prongs (603) of a loading fork (602) can thus be moved closer together so mat the respective handling means (601) can move between wall (204) and the loaded pallets on first frame (300) or 'locomotive' (302), and can be moved apart again in order to pick up, displace and place a loaded pallet First frame (300) or 'locomotive' (302) is provided with support means (604) for supporting handling means (601) during bearing of a loaded pallet Heavily loaded pallets can in mis way also be handled. Support means (604) comprise wheels which are omnidirectional in the given example and which can support on three beams (60S) provided for this purpose (because in the given example the pallets are disposed in rows of three in loading space (201)), although this can for instance also be two beams (in the case the pallets are disposed in rows of two in the loading space) or a single plate. In the given example the wheels are movable relative to first frame (300) or 'locomotive' (302) by means of a mechanism provided for the purpose so that they can be retracted when support is not required. Support can also take place in any other suitable manner.

A first frame part (301) is provided with first bearing means (308) for bearing a loaded pallet In the given example bearing means (308) are formed by the first transport means (307) or the rollers, although the bearing and transporting functions can in principle also be performed separately by individual means. The position of first bearing means (308) or the rollers relative to first frame part (31) can be adjusted by means of first adjusting means (312) provided for the purpose, in the given example such that a first bearing surface (310) of first bearing means (308) can translate and/or rotate within specific limits relative to first frame part (301). The position of first bearing means (308) can thus be adjusted relative to first frame part (301) by means of adjusting means (312) such that first bearing surface (310) comes to lie in the same plane as a second bearing surface (311) of an adjacent first frame part (301). Loaded pallets (A3) can thus be readily transported over first frame (300) or the first frame parts (301) from first frame part (301) to first frame part (301) without inadmissible or undesirable height differences having to be surmounted, as shown in figures 14-19.

Device (100) also comprises an elongate second frame (400) provided with second transport means (405) suitable for transporting loaded pallets over second frame (400) in the longitudinal direction of second frame (400). When first frame (300) is placed in line with second frame (400), loaded pallets can be transported over second frame (400) to first frame (300) and then be further transported over first frame (300). First frame (300) can thus be loaded "with a number of loaded pallets before being carried inside loading space (201), and/or be 'fed' in loading space (201) 'with loaded pallets via second frame (400) during loading.

Device (100) also comprises a third frame (500) for bearing loaded pallets. Third frame (500) comprises a number of second frame parts (501). A second frame part (SOI) is provided with third transport means (SOS) for transporting a loaded pallet in a fourth direction (S) over second frame part (S01). In the given example transport means (SOS) once again comprise a number of rollers, although these can for instance again also be chains, slats or a conveyor belt Third frame (500) also comprises second displacing means (504) for displacing a second frame part (501) from a first position to a second position. In the given example second displacing means (504) comprise a number of wheels, although these can for instance also be caterpillar tracks with which a second frame part (501) can be translated (T) horizontally and perpendicularly of the fourth direction (S). A second frame part (501) is guided in the shown example along rails arranged on the ground surface, although this is also possible in any other suitable manner.

Following the placing of third frame (500) in the vicinity of first frame (300) and second frame (400) such mat a second frame part (501) is located in a first position lying adjacently of a space between first frame (300) and second frame (400), a second frame part (501) can be displaced by means of second displacing means (504) to a second position lying between first frame (300) and second frame (400). In the same way a plurality of second frame parts (501) can be positioned in line between second frame (400) and first frame (300), after which a loaded pallet can be transported thereover in the fourth direction (S) by means of third transport means (505). Loaded pallets can thus be transported from second frame (400) via third frame (500) to first frame (300), wherein third frame (500) or the second frame parts (501) located at second positions between second frame (400) and first frame (300), form a 'bridge' between second frame (400) and first frame (300). Said 'bridge' can be lengthened or shortened in steps equivalent to the operating length of a second frame part (501), for instance during or after introduction of first frame (300) into loading space (201) or during the stepwise withdrawal of first frame (300) during loading.

First frame (300) is also provided with varying means (313) for varying the mutual distance between a first frame part (304) and an adjacent first frame part (305). Varying means (313) comprise in the shown example a mechanism as shown in figure 12, although any other suitable mechanism can also be used. The length of first frame (300) can thus be varied continuously within specific limits, and a 'bridge' with a length which is continuously variable within specific limits can thus be realized between first frame (300) and third frame (500) or the second frame parts (S01) located between second frame (400) and first frame (300). Third frame (500) could in principle also comprise two second frame parts (501) with a variable mutual distance in the first direction and with the same function.

Figures 2-8 show an example of loading of vehicle (200) with loaded pallets (1-33), here in eleven rows of three, according to the invention by means of device (100). The loaded pallets can for instance also be loaded in rows of two or in any other suitable loading pattern. Shown here is the introduction of first frame (300), here with eight loaded pallets (1-8) thereon, into loading space (201), wherein second frame parts (501) of third frame (500) are successively translated laterally into the increasingly longer space forming behind first frame part (300). A first row of three loaded pallets (1-3) is then placed on loading floor (202) on the front side of loading space (201) by means of handling means

(601) or the two loading forks (602). A loaded pallet for placing is transported here in each case over first frame (300) to the front side of first frame (300), wherein loading forks

(602) alternately pick up a loaded pallet and place it at a desired position on loading floor (202).

First frame (300) is subsequently withdrawn a determined distance conesponding to the operating length of a second frame part (501) and a second row of loaded pallets (4-6) is placed on loading floor (202). The whole loading space (201) is thus loaded in steps, wherein loaded pallets (9-33) are supplied continuously from second frame (400) via third frame (500). Second frame parts (501) of third frame (500) are here again successively translated back laterally, out of the space that is becoming short again behind first frame part (300), to the first positions.

The distance between the final first frame part (304) and the penultimate first frame part (305) is repeatedly varied by means of varying means (313), this such that the final first frame part (304) forms a kind of 'shuttle' between the second frame parts (501), located between second frame (400) and first frame (300), and first frame (300), wherein the final first frame part (304) repeatedly 'takes up' a loaded pallet from third frame (500) and 'relinquishes' it again to the penultimate first frame part (35), and so repeatedly 'bridges' the distance between third frame (500) and first frame (300).

Already during loading of the final loaded pallets (22-33) fresh loaded pallets (Γ-8 ¹ ) are already being supplied over second frame (400) and placed on first frame (300) ready to enable loading of a following vehicle. Figures 20-22 show a second exemplary embodiment (100') of a device according to invention. Device (lOO ¹ ) once again comprises an elongate first frame (300') provided with handling means (601 ¹ ), in the shown example again in dual form (600'). First frame (300 ¹ ) is however not articulated here but forms one whole. Handling means (601 ¹ ) can now move along the whole of first frame (300*)· First frame (300') is again provided with first displacing means (306 ¹ ), which now comprise a number of caterpillar tracks.

Device (100') also again comprises an elongate second frame (4Q0 ^r ) and a third frame (500*). Third frame (5000 once again comprises a number of second frame parts (501 *). Third frame (500 ¹ ) again also comprises second displacing means (504*) for displacing a second frame part (5010 from a first position to a second position. Displacing now takes place however by means of a rotation about a horizontal rotation axis (R) parallel to the fourth direction (S).

Advantages of a loading system according to the invention are, among others:

- high loading capacity

- low basic investment;

- automatic but nevertheless flexible; - simple integration into new and existing systems;

- no modification of vehicle or loading space required;

- large clearance between cargo and walls of loading space;

- no accurate alignment relative to the vehicle or loading space required;

- safe; and

- use of relatively simple mechanisms and techniques.

It will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the given exemplary embodiments but mat within the scope of the invention diverse variants obvious to a skilled person are possible. A chain fork can for instance thus also be used as a loading fork, the support means or omnidirectional wheel can also be driven, and the first frame can also be provided with displacing means to enable displacement thereof in transverse direction, for instance in order to be able to bring it into line with the vehicle and/or the second frame. The invention can also be applied to unload a vehicle, wherein a method according to the invention is then performed in reverse sequence. The invention can in principle also be advantageously applied for loading and/or unloading of a vehicle with loading units other than loaded pallets.

Reference numerals used 1-33 loaded pallets 100 device

200 vehicle

201 loading space

202 loading floor

203 loading opening

204 wall

300 first frame

301 first frame part (of first frame)

302 'locomotive'

303 'wagon'

304 final first frame part (of the first frame)

305 penultimate first frame part (of the first frame)

306 first displacing means (of the first frame)

307 first transport means (of the first frame)

308 first bearing means (of a first frame part)

309 second bearing means (of an adjacent first frame part)

310 first bearing surface (of the first bearing means)

311 second bearing surface (of the second bearing means)

312 first adjusting means (position of first transport means relative to first frame part)

313 varying means (mutual distance first frame parts)

400 second frame

405 second transport means (of the second frame)

500 third frame

501 second frame part (of the third frame) 504 second displacing means (of a second frame part)

505 third transport means (of a second frame part)

600 (multiple) handling means

601 (single) handling means

602 loading fork

603 prong

604 support means (of the handling means)

605 beam

606 second adjusting means (mutual distance prongs)

607 rod mechanism