Transportation system and application of plastic tray in transportation system

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport system (2) for transporting plastic pallets (1) for transporting and unloading goods (11), the plastic pallets (1) having a base (6), a frame (7) and an opening (4), the opening (4) having a cross-shaped cross-section in the base (6) for the passage of lifting pins (5) of the transport system (2), and the transport system having a conveyor belt (13) and an unloading station (12) with lifting pins (5), wherein the lifting pin (5) has a cross-shaped cross-section complementary to the cross-shaped opening (4) of the plastic tray.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a transport system and use of a plastic pallet in the transport system to transport goods. Background Art

[0002] Transport systems for transporting goods by means of conveyor systems such as conveyor belts and pallets with peripheral edges are well known and are described, for example, in EP 1698573 A1. Such transport systems use pallets with round holes in the bottom for the passage and lifting of goods by means of lifting pins.

[0003] The drawback of such pallets with holes is that, depending on the position of the goods on the pallet, the round lift pins of the pallet system may not properly contact the goods, which may cause the goods to fall over or not be fully lifted from the pallet. In addition, the round lift pins may damage the goods and leave small holes in delicate items.

[0004] Mission of the present invention

[0005] The invention is based on the problem of specifying a transport system and the use of a plastic pallet in such a transport system, wherein the transport system and the use of a plastic pallet allow greater support of the goods on the lifting pins, without damaging the goods when they are lifted by the lifting pins, while at the same time maintaining the stability of the pallet surface. Summary of the invention

[0006] The problem is solved by providing a transport system for transporting and unloading goods and the use of a plastic pallet in the transport system, wherein the plastic pallet has a bottom, a frame and an opening with a cross-shaped cross section in the bottom for the lifting pins of the transport system to pass through; and wherein the transport system has a conveyor belt and an unloading station with lifting pins with a cross-shaped cross section designed to complement the cross-shaped opening of the plastic pallet. The opening with a cross-shaped cross section is hereinafter referred to as a cross-shaped opening.

[0007] The advantage of an opening with a cross-shaped cross section over a circular opening is that the circumference of a cross-shaped opening is greater than the circumference of a circular opening with the same opening diameter. As a result, for a cross-shaped opening with the same diameter, there is less ejection in the pallet and the stability of the pallet bottom surface is greater than for a circular opening of the same size. The cross-shaped lifting pins grip the cross-shaped opening and thus provide optimal support for the load with minimal loss of pallet bottom area. This means that even small loads can be lifted from the pallet without being damaged. With round lifting pins, there is a risk of holes in the load. In addition, the load is better guided with the cross-shaped lifting pins and there is less risk of the load tipping over to the side than with round lifting pins.

[0008] Preferably, the cross-shaped openings are arranged in parallel rows, wherein the cross-shaped openings of one row are preferably offset from the cross-shaped openings of the adjacent rows. This allows the cross-shaped openings to be distributed as widely as possible while maintaining the stability of the bottom. Preferably, the cross-shaped openings are arranged at equal distances over the entire bottom surface of the plastic pallet. This provides the particular advantage that the goods to be transported can be placed at any position on the bottom of the plastic pallet, and when the plastic pallet is lifted, the lifting pins can always accurately contact and lift the goods. Preferably, the cross-shaped openings of one row are offset from the cross-shaped openings of the adjacent rows by less than the length of one cross arm, and by the width of at least one cross arm. Therefore, the distance between the cross-shaped openings of one row and the cross-shaped openings of the adjacent rows is preferably less than the length of the cross arm. Preferably, the distance between the cross-shaped openings is greater than the width of the cross arm. In a preferred embodiment, each row in the transverse direction has two or three cross-shaped openings, and each row in the longitudinal direction has five openings offset from each other. Preferably, each of the plurality of longitudinal rows has four or five cross-shaped openings, and the nine transverse rows are offset from each other.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the cross arms of the cross-shaped opening are at 90 degrees to each other. Preferably, the cross arms of the cross-shaped opening are arranged in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the pallet. Preferably, each cross arm has the shape of a rectangular beam, is equal in length and is arranged at right angles to each other. Each cross-shaped opening has only two cross arms and preferably has the shape of a plus sign +.

[0010] In another embodiment, the cross arm of the cross-shaped opening is rotated 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction of the plastic pallet, and the opening has an X-shape.

[0011] Preferably, the two cross arms of the cross-shaped opening have the same length, preferably between 50 mm and 150 mm, and more preferably 100 mm.

[0012] The bottom of the plastic pallet is flat and tray-shaped and is preferably surrounded by a frame. Depending on the application, the bottom may have different thicknesses and may have reinforcing ribs at the bottom edge of the bottom (e.g. between the cross-shaped openings) to further stabilize the bottom. In one embodiment, the frame surrounds the upper part of the bottom and the lower part of the bottom protrudes from the bottom of the frame. The frame of the plastic pallet preferably has a flat top and bottom and is preferably arranged along the entire perimeter of the plastic pallet. In a preferred embodiment, the frame has the same height over the entire perimeter of the plastic pallet.

[0013] Preferably, the plastic pallets can be stacked on top of each other, preferably in such a way that when stacked, the bottom edge of the frame of the upper plastic pallet rests on top of the frame of the lower plastic pallet. In one embodiment, the bottom of the upper pallet is stacked within the frame of the lower pallet so that it is flush with the lower container and the container cannot move relative to the lower container.

[0014] The plastic pallet is made of a durable and resilient material, preferably one or more thermoplastics. For example, the thermoplastic material includes polyethylene or polypropylene or a mixture thereof.

[0015] The transport system according to the invention is suitable for conveying plastic pallets with a cross-shaped opening for the purpose of transporting and unloading goods, wherein the transport system has an unloading station with lifting pins having a cross-shaped cross section complementary to the cross-shaped opening. The lifting pins have a cross-shaped cross section which is preferably slightly smaller than the cross-shaped cross section of the cross-shaped opening so that the lifting pins will not get stuck when passing through the cross-shaped opening. Such a transport system is used, for example, for transporting goods such as food, medicines and various spare parts packed in cartons. For this purpose, the goods are loaded from the warehouse (preferably individually or in batches) onto the plastic pallet and transported to the unloading station via a conveyor belt, where the goods are lifted from the plastic pallet by means of the lifting pins and pushed onto the conveyor belt above by means of a conveyor arm. This separates the goods and the plastic pallet from each other and the plastic pallet is transported away by the conveyor belt below.

[0016] The goods are loaded onto plastic pallets for transportation. The plastic pallet with a cross-shaped opening is transported to the unloading station via a conveyor belt together with the loaded goods, where the plastic pallet is centrally positioned by means of an entrance ramp provided on the side of the unloading station, and then the plastic pallet is blocked by a blocking member in the form of a latch. The latch is arranged at the end of the entrance ramp of the unloading station to keep the plastic pallet in place so that the cross-shaped opening of the plastic pallet is just above the cross-shaped opening of the unloading station for the insertion of the lifting pin. In this position, the lifting pin passes through the opening of the unloading station and the opening of the plastic pallet, and the lifting pin lifts the goods and transports the goods to the next conveyor belt that is slightly led upward by means of a conveying arm. For example, the conveying arm is driven by an electronically operated gripping arm. As a result, the plastic pallet is empty and the lifting pin is also retracted. The goods are transported away via other conveyor belts, and the latch is lowered so that the plastic pallet can be transported to the lower conveyor belt at the rear by another conveying arm. The goods and the plastic pallet are then transported separately on different horizontal planes, and the latch is folded again to block and position the next plastic pallet.

[0017] In addition, the present invention discloses the use of a plastic pallet in a transport system for transporting goods, wherein the plastic pallet has a bottom, a frame, and an opening in the bottom, the opening being passed through by a lifting pin of the transport system to unload goods from the plastic pallet, wherein the opening of the plastic pallet has a cross-shaped cross-section, the lifting pin has a cross-shaped cross-section, and the cross-shaped cross-section of the lifting pin is complementary to the opening having the cross-shaped cross-section.

[0018] Combinations of two or more of the above forms and variations are contemplated and may be claimed.

[0019] Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which the invention is explained in more detail based on embodiments shown in the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] It shows:

[0021] Figure 1 A plastic pallet in perspective from above.

[0022] Figure 2 A plastic pallet in perspective from below.

[0023] Figure 3 A transport system is shown in a perspective view, wherein the goods on the plastic pallet are in a first position,

[0024] Figure 4 A transport system is shown in perspective, with the goods on the plastic pallet in the second position,

[0025] Figure 5 A transport system in perspective, with the goods on the plastic pallet in the third position.

[0026] Figure 6 is a transport system in perspective view with the goods on the plastic pallet in a fourth position, and

[0027] Figure 7 The transport system is shown in a perspective view with the goods on the plastic pallets in the fifth position.

[0028] Unless expressly stated otherwise, the same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same elements, and the interpretation of specific reference numerals applies to all the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Figure 1 A perspective view of a plastic pallet 1 for transporting goods in a transport system is shown from above, the plastic pallet having a bottom 6, a frame 7 and a lifting pin 5 ( Figure 1 Not shown, in Figure 5The cross-shaped opening 4 passes through the tray (shown in FIG. 1 ), the opening 4 having a cross-shaped cross section with two cross arms 9, 9', which is formed in the shape of a plus sign +. The cross-shaped openings 4 are arranged in parallel rows 8, 8' in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. The cross-shaped openings 4 of row 8 are offset by less than the length of the cross arm and greater than the width of the cross arm relative to the cross-shaped openings 4 of the adjacent row 8'. Therefore, the distance between two cross-shaped openings 4 in a row from the end of one cross arm 9' to the end of the adjacent cross arm 9" is between one quarter of the length of the cross arm and the entire length of the cross arm, and the distance is preferably about the width of one cross arm. Similarly, the distance from the end of one cross arm 9' of row 8 to the end of the cross arm 9" of the adjacent row 8' is between one quarter of the length of the cross arm and the entire length of the cross arm, and the distance is preferably the width of one cross arm. In the transverse direction, each of the multiple rows has two or three cross-shaped openings 4, so that the tray has five longitudinal rows offset from each other, namely two outer longitudinal rows 8, one middle longitudinal row 8, and two longitudinal rows 8' located between the outer longitudinal rows and the middle longitudinal rows. The cross-shaped openings 4 are arranged at equal intervals over the entire surface of the bottom 6 of the plastic pallet 1. Since the cross-shaped openings 4 in the bottom 6 of the plastic pallet 1 are distributed over the entire bottom 6 and arranged in a staggered manner, the bottom surface remains as stable as possible and the stability of the plastic pallet 1 is maintained.

[0030] The cross arms 9, 9' of the cross-shaped opening 4 have a 90 degree angle relative to each other, and the cross arms 9, 9' have the same length. In this embodiment, the cross arms 9, 9' of the cross-shaped opening 4 are arranged in the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction of the tray 1.

[0031] The frame 7 with the flat top edge 3 and bottom edge 10 is as a circumferential edge around the entire periphery of the plastic pallet 1 and has the same height over the entire periphery. Such plastic pallets 1 can be stacked on top of each other in such a way that the bottom edge 10 of the frame 7 of the upper plastic pallet 1 rests on the top edge 3 of the frame 7 of the lower plastic pallet 1 when stacked (not shown).

[0032] Figure 2 Shown as seen from below Figure 1 , the plastic pallet 1 having a bottom 6, a frame 7 and a cross-shaped opening 4 in the bottom 6 for a lifting pin 5 (not shown) to pass through, so that the opening 4 has a cross-shaped cross section with cross arms 9, 9", 9"'. The lower part of the bottom 6 protrudes from the bottom edge 10 of the frame 7.

[0033] Figure 3A transport system 2 for transporting plastic pallets 1 for transporting goods is shown, the transport system 2 having a plurality of conveyor belts 13 and a loading station 12, the loading station 12 having a cross-shaped opening 16 for a lifting pin 5 (not shown) to pass through, wherein the opening 16 for the lifting pin to pass through has the same shape and positioning as the cross-shaped opening 4 of the plastic pallet 1. Goods 11 are loaded onto the plastic pallet 1 for transportation. Figure 2 As shown, a plastic pallet 1 with a cross-shaped opening 4 loaded with goods 11 is transported to a discharge station 12 via a conveyor belt 13, where the plastic pallet 1 is centrally positioned by means of an entrance ramp 17 provided on the side of the discharge station 12, and then the plastic pallet 1 is stopped by a stopper in the form of a latch 15. The latch 15 is arranged at the end of the entrance ramp 17 of the discharge station 12 to hold the plastic pallet 1 in place so that the cross-shaped opening 4 of the plastic pallet is located just above the cross-shaped opening 16 of the discharge station 12, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 shown.

[0034] Figure 4 It shows that Figure 3 The transport system 2 shown is used to transport plastic pallets 1 to transport goods, and the transport system 2 has a multi-section conveyor belt 13 and an unloading station 12. Figure 4 In the position shown, the plastic pallet 1 is located on the unloading station 12 and is held in place by the entry ramp 17 and the latch 15 so that the opening 4 of the plastic pallet 1 is just above the opening 16 (not visible here) of the unloading station 12 for the lifting pin 5 to pass through.

[0035] Figure 5 It shows that Figure 3 The transport system 2 shown is used to transport plastic pallets 1 to transport goods, and the transport system 2 has a multi-section conveyor belt 13 and an unloading station 12. Figure 5 In the position shown, the lifting pin 5 passes through the opening 16 of the unloading station 12 and the opening 4 of the plastic pallet 1, so that the load 11 is lifted and conveyed to the next conveyor belt 13 which is led slightly upwards by means of the conveying arm 14. For example, the conveying arm 14 is driven by an electronically operated gripping arm (not shown). The lifting pin 5 has a cross-shaped cross section which is complementary to the cross-shaped opening 4 and is preferably slightly smaller than the cross-shaped cross section of the cross-shaped opening 4, so that the lifting pin 5 will not be stuck when passing through the cross-shaped opening 4.

[0036] Figure 6 It shows that Figure 3 The transport system 2 shown, in which the conveyor arm 14 has moved the goods in the direction of the conveyor belt 13, and the plastic pallet 1 is empty. The lifting pin is retracted again. The goods 11 are conveyed away via the other conveyor belt 13, and the latch 15 is lowered so that the plastic pallet 1 can be conveyed to the rear by another conveyor arm (not shown).

[0037] Figure 7 It shows that Figure 3 The transport system 2 shown, in which the goods 11 and the plastic pallet 1 are transported separately on different levels, and the latch 15 is folded up again to block and position the next plastic pallet 1 .

[0038] Reference numerals list

[0039] 1 Plastic Pallet

[0040] 2 Conveyor system

[0041] 3 Top edge of frame

[0042] 4 Opening

[0043] 5 Lifting pin

[0044] 6 Bottom

[0045] 7 Framework

[0046] 8, 8' row

[0047] 9, 9', 9" cross arm

[0048] 10 Bottom edge of frame

[0049] 11 Cargo

[0050] 12 Unloading station

[0051] 13Conveyor Belt

[0052] 14Transmission Arm

[0053] 15 Latch

[0054] 16 Opening for lift pin

[0055] 17Entrance ramp.

Claims

1. A transport system (2) for conveying plastic pallets (1) for transporting and unloading goods (11), wherein the plastic pallet (1) has a bottom (6), a frame (7) and an opening (4), wherein the opening (4) has a cross-shaped cross section in the bottom (6) for the passage of lifting pins (5) of the transport system (2), characterized in that The transport system has a conveyor belt (13) and an unloading station (12) with lifting pins (5), wherein the lifting pins (5) have a cross-shaped cross section complementary to the cross-shaped opening (4) of the plastic pallet.

2. The transport system (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that The openings (4) having the cross-shaped cross section are arranged in a plurality of parallel rows (8, 8') at equal distances on the entire bottom surface of the plastic pallet.

3. The transport system (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that The openings (4) of a row (8) having the cross-shaped cross section are arranged offset relative to the cross-shaped openings (4) of an adjacent row (8').

4. The transport system (2) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that The cross-shaped openings (4) of one row (8) are offset relative to the cross-shaped openings (4) of an adjacent row (8') by less than the length of one cross arm and by at least the width of one cross arm.

5. The transport system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Each of the plurality of rows (8, 8') has two or three cross-shaped openings (4) in the transverse direction.

6. The transport system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The cross arms (9, 9') of the cross-shaped opening (4) and the cross-shaped cross section of the lifting pin (5) have an angle of 90 degrees relative to each other and each has the shape of a rectangular beam.

7. The transport system (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that The two cross arms (9, 9') of the cross-shaped opening (4) and the cross-shaped cross section of the lifting pin (5) have equal lengths, and the cross sections of the cross-shaped opening (4) and the lifting pin (5) have a plus sign shape.

8. The transport system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The cross arms of the cross-shaped opening (4) and the cross-shaped cross-section of the lifting pin (5) are arranged in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the tray (1).

9. The transport system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The cross-shaped cross section of the cross arm of the cross-shaped opening (4) and the lifting pin (5) is rotated 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction of the plastic pallet (1), and the opening (4) has an X shape.

10. The transport system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A plurality of said plastic pallets (1) can be stacked on top of one another in such a way that in the stacked state the bottom edge (10) of the frame (7) of the upper plastic pallet (1) rests on the top edge (3) of the frame (7) of the lower plastic pallet (1).

11. A use of a plastic pallet (1) for use in a transport system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 to transport and unload the goods (11), wherein the plastic pallet (1) comprises a bottom (6), a frame (7) and an opening (4), the opening (4) having a cross-shaped cross-section in the bottom (6) for a lifting pin (5) of the transport system (2) to pass through to unload the goods (11) from the plastic pallet (1), wherein the opening (4) of the plastic pallet (1) has a cross-shaped cross-section, and the lifting pin (5) has a cross-shaped cross-section, and the cross-shaped cross-section of the lifting pin (5) is complementary to the opening (4) having a cross-shaped cross-section.

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