FOR PROTECTING LOAD ON A PALLET

The invention relates to a pallet load for protector for protecting pallet and load on a pallet. The pallet load protector is particularly suitable for protecting pallet and load during picking up of a pallet with a fork-lift truck, particularly when the forks are moved in or inserted.

In practice, many goods are transported and/or stored on pallets. Fork-lift trucks are used to displace the goods by using the fork-lift truck to insert forks into and then pick up and set down a pallet. This frequently results in damage to the goods and to the pallet. This damage is caused partly because the bending radius of the fork-lift forks, also referred to as the heel of the forks, i.e. the rounded portion between the vertical and horizontal parts of the fork-lift forks on which the load is located, comes into contact with the lead board of the pallet during insertion of the forks into the pallet. This board will then move upward to some extent, which may result in damage to the pallet and the goods placed thereon. Damage can also be caused, or be worsened, if the forks are not completely horizontal. This is for instance the case if the tip of the fork lies at a lower position than the heel of the fork. The movement of the forks during insertion of the forks into the pallet, the lifting of the forks during picking up of the pallet with a load and the accompanying forces can result in damage to the pallet and the load placed thereon. In addition, damage can be caused or worsened by excessive speed during insertion of the forks into the pallet, whereby the upright part of the forks may damage the lead board of the pallet and/or the goods at the front.

The present invention has for its object to protect pallet load and pallet during picking up of the pallet with the load placed thereon using a fork-lift truck.

This object is achieved with the pallet load protector according to the invention for protecting a pallet and load on a pallet during insertion into and subsequent picking up of the pallet using a fork-lift truck, wherein the pallet load protector comprises:

a frame with a mounting element configured to mount the pallet load protector at or on the fork-lift truck;

a pallet contact body mounted at or on the frame and configured to come into contact with the pallet during picking up thereof; and

- a sensor or sensor system operatively connected to the pallet load protector and

configured to measure an impact indication during picking up of the pallet. By providing a pallet contact body this body will come into contact with the so-called middle pallet block, stringer board and top deckboard of the pallet, or alternatively come into contact with the stringer board/top deckboard and/or bottom deckboard, during picking up of the pallet. Together with the stringer board and the top deckboard, this middle pallet block forms one of the strongest parts of the pallet. In use, the mounting element of the frame of the pallet load protector according to the invention is preferably provided at or on the fork-lift truck such that the pallet contact body is placed at a height relative to the forks such that, in practice, this body comes into contact with said middle pallet block, stringer board and top deckboard during moving into and picking up of the pallet. Picking up of the pallet preferably takes place by means of fork-lift forks, both fixed forks and manual or hydraulic extending forks.

The pallet load protector can preferably be removably mounted on a frame of a fork-lift truck. The dimensions of the pallet contact body are here further adapted to dimensions of the fork- lift truck, particularly the type of fork and the heel of the forks of such a fork-lift truck. The thickness is thus preferably greater than the radius of the heel of the forks so as to avoid damage. Dimensions are preferably also adapted to the weight class and lifting class of the fork-lift truck. The pallet contact body is preferably manufactured from a plastic such as PE, a rubber or other suitable material, for instance a casting plastic with a suitable composition.

By further providing the pallet load protector according to the invention with a sensor or sensor system operatively connected thereto it is achieved that a measurement of an impact indication during picking up of the pallet can be obtained. Measuring the impact indication, i.e. the impact exerted directly or indirectly by the fork-lift truck on the pallet to be picked up during displacing of goods on the pallet, makes it possible to monitor the damage-free handling of goods on a pallet. The impact indication therefore provides an estimation of the risk of damage during handling of the goods. The impact is influenced inter alia by the speed of the fork-lift truck during picking up, the weight of the fork-lift truck and the pallet with goods optionally placed thereon, as well as other possible influencing factors, such as roughness of the ground, position of the pallet and the like.

Measuring the impact indication enables a detection or monitoring of moments or situations of increased risk of damage, or the occurrence of actual damage. It also enables a connection to be made between an occurrence of damage and the moment that this damage occurred, and, optionally linked thereto, the person responsible for the damage. It is further possible to generate data about practical situations with the purpose of making improvements to fork-lift truck, load, travel routes, environment and so on, so as to thereby reduce the risk of damage. Damage to load on the pallet can hereby be reduced or avoided. Damage to the pallet itself can also be avoided or reduced. This limits or prevents pallet repair costs and reduces the amount of wood splinters on the ground, resulting in less damage to or wear of rubber wheels and drive shafts of a fork-lift truck, and in increased safety.

An additional advantage is that the knowledge of the occurring measurement of the impact indication will make a user, including the driver of the fork-lift truck, more aware of the risk of damage, which can have a positive influence on behaviour, optionally in combination with additional coaching and instruction. It is hereby possible for the pallet load protector according to the invention to impart a preventative effect. This preferably results in a learning system which further increases safety and the like.

In an advantageous preferred embodiment according to the invention the pallet load protector further comprises an impact detection system operatively connected to the sensor or the sensor system and configured to detect an impact during picking up of the pallet on the basis of a signal for the impact indication received from the sensor or the sensor system.

Providing an impact detection system achieves that the measurement of the impact indication can be processed such that the impact itself and the associated risk of damage to goods on a pallet, and to the pallet itself, can also be determined.

In one of the present embodiments the impact detection system comprises an impact notifier arranged at or on the fork-lift truck and configured to inform a fork-lift truck driver of the impact indication. Providing an impact notifier enables a fork-lift truck driver to receive immediate feedback about his or her actions in respect of picking up a pallet with goods placed thereon. The impact indication gives an impression of the impact and the associated risk of damage to the pallet and/or goods placed thereon. This can have a positive influence on the behaviour of the driver of the fork-lift truck. It is possible herein to apply a logging system with which the notifications of the impact notifier can be tracked over time and/or can be linked to the actual driver of the fork-lift truck. Immediate feedback is hereby achieved. The input indication can additionally or alternatively also be reported directly to the driver, for instance via an app on a mobile phone, a notification on a smart watch and the like.

The pallet load protector according to the invention is preferably provided with a bend sensor configured to detect bending of the forks of a fork-lift truck provided with the pallet load protector. In addition to an impact indication, it is hereby possible for the pallet load protector to also transmit an indication or measurement of the bending of the forks to a driver, (logging) system, operator and/or for instance a warehouse manager. A transmission of such a signal can for instance also relate to an alarm notification and/or other indication. It is thus for instance possible to identify dangerous situations involving overloading and/or possibly excessive impact in time, and to undertake appropriate action. This contributes further to the safety. The signal of an impact notifier and/or bend sensor is preferably transmitted wirelessly, for instance via Bluetooth. The pallet load protector is hereby also suitable for application in, for example, existing fork-lift trucks. The wireless system further has the advantage that cables need not be concealed in the forks, this requiring relatively complex and expensive operations, for instance the arranging of an additional channel for the cabling. Providing a receiver enables the sensor system to also receive information from for instance a controller. The controller is hereby able to request that a measurement is performed. In a currently preferred embodiment the sensor system is provided with an inclinometer and/or strain gauges for providing a bending measurement of at least one of the forks. In the case that the pallet load protector is applied in combination with so-called extending forks the sensor system is here preferably substantially mounted on the extendable part of the forks, optionally in combination with a reference sensor or reference point on the fixed part of the lifting device or a fixed part of the fork. It is noted that when a heavy cargo is expected, the forks can optionally be tilted, i.e. placed at an angle relative to the horizontal, so as to pre-empt the expected bending. The sensors then detect whether the expectation is correct or whether a further (additional) correction is required. The bending measurement is preferably combined with a weight measurement in order to determine the overall load for the forks, including for instance occurring forces and moments, for instance with a weighing sensor (load cell) with which the weight of the load on the fork can be measured. More information about the actual load is hereby obtained, whereby unsafe situations can be avoided still further. In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above stated sensors, use can here be made of a further alternative sensor, for instance a length measurement and/or pointing system for picking up a pallet with forks.

As a further addition or alternative to the impact notifier the impact detection system comprises a central logistical system configured to monitor risks in respect of the received signal for the impact indication.

Coupling the sensor or sensor system for measuring the impact indication and an impact detection system comprising the central logistical system achieves that the risk of damage to goods on a pallet can be monitored at a central point in for instance a distribution centre. It is possible here to simultaneously monitor these risks in respect of a plurality of fork-lift trucks and/or a plurality of drivers of fork-lift trucks. This monitoring is preferably performed in real time so that immediate action can be taken, if required. It is also possible to use the data for analysis and reporting.

In a currently preferred embodiment the central system is combined with the non-centrally arranged impact notifier on the fork-lift truck. Both the driver of the fork-lift truck and the central system are hereby provided with immediate feedback.

In an advantageous embodiment the sensor or the sensor system comprises one or more of a temperature sensor, camera, laser sensor, impact sensor, contact switch.

By providing one or more of said type of sensor an effective measurement of the impact indication is obtained. It will be apparent that diverse combinations of sensors can be applied in advantageous manner, wherein other types of sensor can also be used. It is also possible to make use of vehicle information, such as speed. An effective system is hereby provided for determining an impact indication during picking up of the pallet with goods placed thereon. By making use of a camera it is possible to allow the fork-lift truck driver to see the actual distance between the pallet and the fork-lift forks, after which the speed of the fork-lift truck and/or the position of the forks relative to the pallet insertion openings can for instance be adjusted. This can also be done on the basis of a laser sensor. An impact sensor and/or a switch can for instance send a signal when a set value is exceeded. An impact indication can hereby also be obtained. If desired, it is possible to provide a sensor which measures the distance between the pallet load protector and the ground. It is hereby possible to monitor wear of the underside of the forks as a result of friction over the ground. It is hereby also possible to provide an indication for the total wear and the accompanying decrease of the load-bearing capacity of the forks of the fork-lift truck. This increases the overall safety.

In an advantageous embodiment according to the invention the pallet contact body is provided with a height greater than a pallet height on which load can be arranged.

By providing the pallet body with a greater height it is achieved that, in a situation in which the pallet load protector is mounted on a fork-lift truck, the raised block is higher than the overall pallet height, which ensures that the pallet contact body cannot be located between the pallet boards during lifting. This can be advantageously applied in so-called chemical pallets or wing pallets, wherein the middle pallet block at the front does not lie flush with the outer edge of the stringer board or top deckboard. This reduces risks during handling of such palettes further still.

In a further advantageous embodiment according to the present invention the pallet load protector comprises an additional load contact body arranged on the frame, which is placed in use in mounted state above the pallet contact body.

Providing an additional load contact body achieves that goods arranged on the pallet are kept clear of the forks, and the upper sides of these forks are for instance unable to protrude into the wall of the goods by becoming caught therein during the lifting movement. This is relevant inter alia if use is made of a big bag (also referred to as FIDC) and in the case of goods packaged in bags, so that these do not tear as a result of being picked up with a fork-lift truck. This achieves that damage to the goods is avoided further.

In a further advantageous embodiment according to the invention the pallet load protector further comprises filler plates for making the thickness of the pallet contact body to size, as seen in the usual direction of travel of the fork-lift truck.

By providing filler plates a modular pallet contact body can be applied, the thickness of which can be adjusted to and subject to the type of fork-lift truck, particularly to the dimensions of for instance the heel of the forks of such a fork-lift truck. A pallet load protector with modular application which, with the filling plates, is suitable for all types of available fork-lift truck is hereby obtained. The invention further relates to a fork-lift truck comprising a pallet load protector as in an embodiment according to the above described invention.

Such a fork-lift truck provides similar advantages and effects as described for the pallet load protector.

The pallet load protector is particularly provided at the position of the fork-lift truck with a sufficient thickness, as seen in the usual direction of travel of the fork-lift truck. This thickness is preferably greater than the radius of the transition from a substantially horizontally extending fork part and a substantially vertically extending fork part, i.e. the heel of the forks. This prevents damage as far as possible, and damage due to contact between heel and pallet is avoided in particular. In a further embodiment the thickness of the protector is greater, i.e. the block is deeper, so as to take into account occurring overhang of goods on a pallet.

Arranging an impact notifier at or on the fork-lift truck achieves that the driver of a fork- lift truck obtains immediate feedback in respect of the risks of damage which were taken and/or the damage to goods which actually occurred during his or her work. It is for instance possible here to use a logging system to track the number of times that risky situations occur. It is here preferably the intention of the impact notifier to achieve a preventative effect, such that the driver will start displacing goods on a pallet more carefully. Specific measures aimed at for instance the pallet stacking, the form or pattern in which goods are stacked on a pallet or the choice of pallet can additionally or alternatively be taken, such that the risk of damage is reduced.

The invention further also relates to a method for protecting load on a pallet and a pallet itself, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a pallet load protector in an embodiment according to the invention at or on a fork-lift truck;

inserting forks of the fork-lift truck into the pallet;

- measuring an impact indication with the sensor or the sensor system;

the pallet contact body engaging on the pallet; and

lifting the pallet with the load.

Such a method provides the same effects and advantages as described for the pallet load protector and/or fork-lift truck.

The method for protecting the load preferably has the particular object of achieving a preventative effect by means of the impact indication. This greatly reduces the risk of damage to goods on a pallet and to the pallet itself during handling thereof. An impact detection system can here detect an actual risk on the basis of the impact indication. The fork-lift truck driver is informed of the impact indication using an optional impact notifier. This has the primary object of achieving a preventative effect. In a currently preferred embodiment according to the invention the impact indication is combined with a measurement/indication of the bending of forks of a fork-lift truck provided with the pallet load protector. This further increases the safety.

The method additionally or alternatively comprises of monitoring risks in respect of the impact indication using a central logistical system. It is here also possible on the basis of the central system to process impact indications of more than one fork-lift truck. A complete system, which is coupled to the fork-lift truck and/or relevant fork-lift truck driver, is hereby obtained.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention are elucidated on the basis of preferred embodiments thereof, wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 A-B are views of a first embodiment of the pallet load protector according to the invention;

Fig. 2A-B are views of an alternative embodiment of a pallet load protector according to the invention; and

- Fig. 3 is a view of a fork-lift truck provided with a pallet load protector according to one of the embodiments.

Pallet load protector 2 (figures 1 A-B) comprises frame 4 on which hooks 6 are arranged. Frame 4 is further provided with two beams 8 and two uprights 10. Contact body or contact block 12 is provided as protective element.

In the shown embodiment camera 14 is shown schematically, as are laser sensor 16 and other sensors 18, including for instance a contact switch and/or bend sensor. In the shown schematic view measurement signals 20 are processed with processor 22, resulting in impact indication 24. Impact indication 24 can be sent to driver impact notifier 26 and/or central impact notifier 28. Driver impact notifier 26 can be arranged on or close to a fork-lift truck or the driver can be notified directly via an app on a smart phone, a smart watch, a chip in or at a driver, or other suitable system. The impact notifier on the fork-lift truck can take the form of a screen and/or indicator lights. Central notifier 28 preferably forms part of a central logistical system, for instance in a distribution centre. In such an embodiment a plurality of fork-lift trucks can preferably be connected thereto. With notifiers 26, 28 it is also possible to keep a log file and, if desired, link it to a specific driver and/or specific load being transported and/or stored.

Forks 30 are mounted on a frame 32 of a fork-lift truck. Forks 30 are provided with vertical part 34 and horizontal part 36, which are mutually connected with heel 38. Heel 38 is provided with radius 40. Radius 40 preferably determines the minimum thickness of block 12.

In the shown embodiment pallet 42 to be picked up is provided with carriers or top deckboard 44, pallet blocks 46, including middle pallet block 48, and further with stringer boards 49 and bottom deckboard 50. During picking up of load on pallet 42 forks 30 are inserted through openings between pallet blocks 46 on either side of middle pallet block 48. Block 12 comes into contact here with middle pallet block 48, stringer board 49 and top deckboard 44. The thickness of block 12 is preferably greater than radius 40 of heel 38 of forks 30. Damage to lead board 44 is hereby avoided. Pallet 42 can then be picked up, whereby the goods (not shown) can be displaced to a desired location.

Sensors 14, 16, 18 monitor the impact, for instance by measuring/monitoring a distance between block 12 and middle pallet block 48 and/or detecting actual contact between block 12 and middle pallet block 48. Preferably provided using processing system 22, and in combination with these measurement signals 20 and fork-lift truck information 21, including mass and fork-lift truck speed, is impact indication 24. Impact indication 24 preferably comprises an indication of an impact moment/time and of an impact force which is exerted on pallet 42. A notification is further sent to one of the notifiers 26, 28. This allows for an estimation of a possible occurrence of damage, for an additional check to be performed if relevant, and, if desired, for the person responsible to be spoken to. Notifiers 26, 28 will also have a preventative effect, which reduces damage.

Alternative load protector 52 (figures 2A-B) is provided with a raised contact body 54 which in the shown embodiment protrudes above the upper side of pallet 42. Such a block 54 is particularly relevant for "chemical"/wing pallets. Additionally or alternatively, upper contact body 56, with which load can also be supported at a greater height, is further provided. This has been found particularly advantageous in so-called FIBCs, i.e. big bags. Additional block 56 prevents forks 30 or other parts of a fork-lift truck from protruding into a big bag, which can for instance cause it to tear. This considerably reduces the risk of damage. In the shown embodiment additional block 56 is provided at a distance from and above lower block 54. It will be apparent that, if desired, it is also possible to combine blocks 54, 56 into a single block. Other parts of pallet load protector 52 preferably correspond to the parts of the pallet load protector 2 elucidated above and will therefore not be repeated here.

Pallet load protector 2, 52 is preferably provided from a metal, for instance steel, wherein blocks 12, 54, 56 are provided from a plastic such as PE, or casting plastic such as

polyamide/nylon, or aluminium. In alternative embodiments diverse components of pallet load protector 2, 52 take an integral form, preferably from one material. It will be apparent that other embodiments are also possible.

Fork-lift truck 58 (figure 3) is provided with cab 60 with frame 62, mast 64 provided with upright 66. In the shown embodiment fork-lift truck 58 is provided with extending forks 68 as embodiment of forks 30. It will be apparent that more conventionally embodied forks 30 can also be applied for fork-lift truck 58. In the shown embodiment extending fork 68 is connected using a releasable connection 70 to vertical part 34 of forks 30. It will be apparent that it is also possible to provide an integrated fork. Extending fork 68 is provided with tip 71. Fork-lift truck 58 can be steered via wheels 72.

In the shown embodiment of fork-lift truck 58 protector 52 is provided with a higher impact block, such that this makes contact with middle pallet block 48, stringer board 49 and top deckboard 44. In this embodiment protector 52 is further provided with sensors 14, 16, 18.

Protector 58 is arranged on frame 32 of fork-lift truck 58. System 22 determines an impact indication, which can then be reported to notifier 26 on fork-lift truck 58 and/or central system 28. In the shown embodiment system 22 obtains fork-lift truck information 76 such as mass and speed of fork-lift truck 58 in order to determine a good impact indication. In the shown embodiment system 22 is arranged in fork-lift truck 58. It will be apparent that this can also be arranged wholly or partially in protector 52 or central system 28 or other system. Impact detection can be provided via a lamp 74 and/or notifier 26 and/or signal 78 of central system 28 or other indication. These systems 26, 28 can also be integrated.

In the shown embodiment fork 68 of fork-lift truck 58 is brought into the desired position during picking up of load on pallet 42. These forks are then inserted into pallet 42, and the desired notifications are preferably obtained in the case of an impact or risk thereof, in the above described manner.

The present invention is by no means limited to the above described preferred embodiments thereof. The rights sought are defined by the following claims, within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged.