load securing system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for determining the safety properties of loading units with load securing devices. A reference loading unit is created with specific types of cargo and load securing devices, optionally also cargo carriers, and tested in a test station for compliance with mechanical properties. The data and packaging parameters are recorded. Subsequently, at least one mechanical property of the reference loading unit is determined using at least one test station and stored in a reference data set, which also contains the data and packaging parameters. When an actual loading unit is subsequently created for shipping, the data and packaging parameters are also recorded and compared with those of the reference data set.If this data matches the data of the reference data set, the mechanical property of the reference loading unit is assigned to an identifier of the actual loading unit and stored in an accompanying data set of the actual loading unit.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a system and a method for detecting the safety properties of load units containing cargo stabilized by load securing devices such as strapping and film wrapping. The cargo can optionally be arranged on a cargo carrier. State of the art

[0002] In logistics, a unit load is generally a physical transport unit used to transport goods within the supply chain, i.e. from producer to retailer or consumer, or for internal transport. In the simplest case, a unit load consists of a stack of products stabilized with strapping as a load securing device. An example of this is stacks of printed matter, such as newspapers or magazines. It is also common practice to group goods packed in individual packaging cartons into load units. The packaging cartons are stacked and strapped or wrapped in film. A typical unit load for long-distance transport consists of a unit load device, often a pallet, and the cargo itself, i.e. the goods to be transported within the supply chain.These are often packaged, for example, in packaging boxes. Load securing devices connect the freight carrier and the freight attached to it so that the load unit is not damaged by forces acting during transport and parts of the freight cannot come loose. The most common load securing devices for load units consisting of a pallet and the freight arranged on it are strapping and film wrapping. Load units are often strapped using strapping machines with plastic or metal strapping. Strapping with paper straps is also used. The strapping is connected under tension to form closed loops and holds the components of the load unit together. Alternatively, load units consisting of pallet and freight are wrapped in film on film wrappers. Stretch film wrappers are the most common.However, wrapping with less elastic films or films made of materials other than plastic (e.g., paper films) is also known to stabilize a load unit. For this purpose, the pallet is placed on a turntable of the film wrapper, and one end of a film is attached to the load unit.

[0003] The turntable is then rotated around its vertical center axis, so that several strips of film are placed under tension around the load unit, securing the load unit components against slipping. Alternatively, rotary ring stretch wrappers or stretch wrappers with rotating arms can be used, in which the load unit is stationary and the film roll orbits the load unit for wrapping. Load securing systems are also known that consist of a combination of film wrapping and strapping to secure the load unit.

[0004] However, load units without carriers are also known. For example, several cartons containing products can form the cargo. The multiple cartons can be combined into a single package by wrapping them with film or strapping them with one or more tensioned loops of strapping tape.

[0005] Substantial safety requirements are placed on load units to ensure that the components of the load unit do not slip relative to one another. Safety requirements can vary considerably between different modes of transport (e.g., road transport, rail transport, sea transport, air transport). At the same time, aspects of economic efficiency and environmental protection must be considered. Load securing must not be too complex or heavy, as this would result in high costs and economic disadvantages, but also because excessive resource consumption and energy consumption would have negative consequences for the environment. Load securing should therefore be sufficiently strong, yet as light as possible.

[0006] DE 10 2005 019 280 A1, for example, demonstrates the importance of the stability and integrity of the load units loaded onto an aircraft. It presents a method for verifying load securing devices installed in an aircraft. This method involves recording the actual load securing configuration in the aircraft by receiving data from a plurality of machine-readable identifiers. The actual load securing configuration is compared with a desired load securing configuration and adjusted accordingly. During air transport, the weight distribution in the aircraft has a significant impact on fuel consumption and the safety of flight operations. Therefore, it is clear that the stability and integrity of the load units loaded onto an aircraft is a prerequisite for the safety of flight operations.The maximum permissible mechanical forces acting during flight operations determine the mechanical resilience requirements a cargo unit may be subjected to without damage or destruction. The same applies to sea transport. Summary of the invention

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide an economical and reliable method that enables the guarantee of specific mechanical properties of a loading unit.

[0008] This problem is solved by the totality of the features of patent claim 1.

[0009] The procedure comprises the steps explained below.

[0010] 1. Process step: Creation of a reference load unit with specific types of cargo and load securing equipment with specific packaging parameters. As mentioned above, the reference load unit can optionally have a cargo carrier, e.g. a Euro pallet, onto which the cargo is placed. In this step, a load unit is created using a cargo and a suitable load securing equipment for the purpose of determining at least one, and usually several, of its mechanical properties. When attaching the load securing equipment to the cargo, care must be taken to ensure that the specific type of load securing equipment (e.g. material, thickness and width of the strapping or film used) is recorded. The type or types of load securing equipment used to create the reference load unit is or are recorded in the same way as the cargo itself.When the load securing devices are attached, the packaging parameters are also recorded and logged. The load securing devices can be attached by a packaging machine, and the logging can be done automatically by the packaging machine. If the cargo is on a carrier, such as a Euro pallet, the specific type of carrier is also identified and logged.

[0011] If a strapping machine is used as a packaging machine, it can be equipped with a large number of sensors that record packaging parameters such as the tension of the strapping band and the number of straps or the spacing of the straps. Such a strapping machine with extensive sensor technology is described, for example, in the applicant's document WO 2015 / 135996 A1. The strapping machine design described here is intended for the production of smaller packages. However, strapping machines for pallets are also known (see, for example, DE 10 2019 118 307 A1 by the applicant) that can be equipped with similar sensors. The strapping band as a load securing device can have an identifier, e.g. a barcode, a QR code, or an RFID transponder, from which the exact type of load securing device can be determined.The strapping machine can be equipped with a machine reading device for this identification, so that the control system of the strapping machine always has the information available as to which load securing device was used for a specific load unit.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, film wrappers can be used, which wrap a film around the cargo carrier and the cargo on it as a load securing device. Film wrappers can also be equipped with appropriate sensors to record specific packaging parameters for the wrapping process, such as the tension applied to the film or the number of wraps around the load unit. The film roll can also be provided with a barcode, QR code, RFID transponder, or other machine-readable identifier that indicates the exact type of film.

[0013] 2nd process step: Determination of at least one mechanical property of the reference loading unit using at least one test station. In this process step, the reference loading unit is fed to a test station, which enables the determination of mechanical properties. For example, an inclination test device can be used to determine the inclination angle up to which the reference loading unit is stable. An acceleration and deceleration test device can be used to determine which acceleration and deceleration forces acting in the horizontal plane can act on the reference loading unit without causing damage. An oblique impact test device enables the testing of the influence of shocks and crushing forces on the reference loading unit.A vertical vibration test fixture allows testing the effects of vertical vibrations, or rather, determining which vertical vibrations can be applied without damaging the reference load unit during transport. The vertical vibration test fixture can also be equipped with an incline attachment to determine the vibration behavior of the load unit on an inclined support surface.

[0014] 3rd process step: Generation of a reference data set in which identifiers for the type of freight carrier (if available), the freight, and the load securing equipment, as well as the specific packaging parameters and information on at least one mechanical property of the reference load unit, are stored. It may also be advantageous to store the identifier for the type of packaging machine in the reference data set if the type of packaging machine can influence the mechanical properties of the load unit. This reference data set contains all relevant information about the generation of the reference load unit. In practice, the identifiers for the type of freight carrier, the load securing equipment, and the packaging machine can be recorded automatically.Packaging machines usually have a digital machine control system in which an identification of the packaging machine is stored, which is assigned to the type of packaging machine. This identification can be transferred to the reference data set to identify the type of packaging machine. If the type of packaging machine is not relevant for the mechanical properties of the load unit, there is no need to store an identifier for the packaging machine type. Many manufacturers also provide load securing devices (e.g. strapping or film) with identifiers that are clearly assigned to the type of load securing device. These identifiers can be machine-readable and can be attached to the sleeve onto which the load securing device is wound, for example as a barcode, QR code or RFID transponder. The identifier can be recorded or read by the packaging machine.The packaging machine's control system can then save this identifier in the reference data record. Alternatively, the identifier of the load securing device can be entered manually into the machine control system, e.g. via a terminal with a keyboard. Furthermore, the packaging machine's control system can record the packaging parameters, for example, the strap tension or the number of strappings when strapping with a strapping band. When film wrapping, the packaging parameters can include the film tension during wrapping and the number of wraps. The machine control system preferably records these values ​​automatically when the load securing device is attached so that they can be automatically saved in the reference data record. If a freight carrier is used, the packaging machine can also recognize the freight carrier used.Cargo carriers such as Euro pallets are now often provided with individual identifiers in the form of QR codes, which can be read by a reader on the packaging machine to identify the type of cargo carrier. Alternatively, the type of cargo carrier can be entered manually via a terminal if a cargo carrier is used. Finally, the reference data set contains information on the mechanical properties of the reference load unit, which were determined using the test stations described above. These can be mechanical load values ​​(e.g., forces, stresses) acting on the reference load unit during the test. However, it can also be information on test standards or cargo securing standards that the reference load unit met during the tests.

[0015] 4th process step: Saving the reference data set in a reference data storage device. As explained in the previous paragraph, the majority of the data contained in the reference data set can be recorded by the packaging machine's control system. However, this data is usually not assigned to one another, so the packaging machine's control system must be configured using appropriate control software to consolidate all data from the reference data set. Furthermore, the data storage device of the machine control system is often not networked and therefore cannot be read by external data processing devices. The reference data set should be saved in a reference data storage device that is connected to a data network such as the Internet via an interface.This allows the reference data set to be used by a variety of packaging systems that can create load units similar to the reference load unit. Of course, copies of the reference data set can be transmitted to other data storage and other data processing devices via the data network.

[0016] 5th process step: Creation of an actual loading unit, whereby the type of freight carrier (if available), freight and load securing equipment as well as the packaging parameters are recorded as actual data. The term actual loading unit refers to a loading unit that was not created for the purpose of conducting the reference tests, but rather to be transported in the supply chain from a sender to a recipient. The 5th process step can be carried out spatially and temporally separately from the creation of the reference loading unit. As with the creation of the reference data set, the type of load securing equipment and the packaging parameters can preferably also be automatically recorded in this process step by the control system of the packaging machine and assigned to the actual data.If the loading unit has a freight carrier and this is equipped with a machine-readable identification device, the type of freight carrier can also be automatically recorded by a corresponding reading device on the packaging machine. The type of packaging machine can also be read from its control system and assigned to the actual data if it is relevant to the stability and mechanical properties of the produced loading unit.

[0017] 6th process step: Comparison of the actual data with the data from the reference data set. This process step enables the verification of whether the actual loading unit corresponds to the reference loading unit. If the actual data matches or exceeds the data from the reference data set, the mechanical property of the reference loading unit is assigned to an identifier of the actual loading unit and stored in an accompanying data set for the actual loading unit. As a rule, the aim is to create actual loading units that are identical to the reference loading unit. Using the process described here, a reliable statement about the mechanical properties of a large number of actual loading units can be made without having to test each individual actual loading unit.Testing the reference load unit is sufficient to assign the mechanical properties determined during testing of the reference load unit to the actual load units produced using the same load securing equipment with the same packaging parameters. Exceeding the reference data is conceivable, for example, if a stronger load securing equipment (wider or thicker strapping or thicker film) is used or a larger number of wraps or straps are applied. In these cases, the actual load unit can be assigned the mechanical properties of the reference load unit despite the deviation because the mechanical properties (e.g. impact resistance or vibration resistance) of the actual load unit exceed the mechanical properties of the reference load unit due to the stronger load securing.

[0018] The comparison of the reference data set with the actual data can be performed by the digital machine control of the packaging machine on which the actual load unit was created. Alternatively, the comparison can be carried out by a separate computer connected to the machine control of the packaging machine via a data link. The mechanical property of the reference load unit is assigned to an identifier of the actual load unit and saved in an accompanying data set. This means that the actual load unit is assigned a unique identifier. If the actual load unit has a freight carrier that is provided with a unique identifier (e.g., a pallet with a QR code), this identifier can be used as the identifier of the actual load unit. Alternatively, a machine-readable identifier can be attached to the actual load unit during production of the actual load unit.For example, from DE 20 2016 102 026 U1, a device for printing a package (loading unit) in a packaging machine is known. The printed identifier (e.g. QR code) can contain, in coded form, both the identifier of the actual loading unit and the value or other identification of the associated mechanical property. The entire accompanying data record can be coded and stored readably in the identifier, e.g. in the QR code. However, this is only possible with a small data volume of the accompanying data record. If an RFID tag is attached to the loading unit, the accompanying data record can be stored on it. However, it is also possible to use the identifier of the actual loading unit to identify an accompanying data record of the actual loading unit stored in a data storage device and to retrieve it from the data storage device.In practice, a data server accessible via the Internet is set up to which both the creator of the actual loading unit and any person or facility authorized to handle and transport the actual loading unit can access in order to read the accompanying data records stored there. By storing the accompanying data record on a data server, each accompanying data record can be very comprehensive and contain a larger amount of data than, for example, an accompanying data record whose information is encoded in an identifier such as a QR code or RFID tag. In addition to the mechanical properties, the accompanying data record can also contain the actual data recorded when the actual data unit was created, as well as other information and data relevant to the actual loading unit, e.g. the date the actual loading unit was created, the duration of the actual loading unit's transport, and any physical variables recorded during transport (temperature, humidity, acceleration, etc.).To record these physical variables, either the means of transport or the loading units can be equipped with sensors that are connected to the data server and can store data in the accompanying data set on the data server. Information on the type and quantity of load securing equipment used can be relevant for the CO2 footprint of the loading unit, as can the selected means of transport and the transport route. This information can also be stored in the accompanying data set. The accompanying data set then contains all data relevant to the actual loading unit, such as detailed information on the freight carriers used, the cargo arranged on the freight carrier and the load securing equipment(s) of the actual loading unit, as well as on the transport of the actual loading unit (e.g. duration of the various transport stages, means of transport used, environmental conditions recorded during transport).

[0019] Such a complete accompanying data record enables optimal further processing of the actual loading unit or the cargo it contains. Furthermore, in the event of damage to the cargo or its packaging, the reasons for the damage can often be deduced from the accompanying data record, especially if it also contains data on the duration and environmental conditions of the transport of the actual loading unit.

[0020] The ability to retrieve the guaranteed mechanical properties using the identifier of the actual load unit significantly increases transport safety. Firstly, it can be ensured that only load units with the required mechanical properties are loaded onto a specific means of transport. For example, an aircraft will only be loaded with a load unit if it has the mechanical properties required for air transport. If the load unit does not have the mechanical properties required for air transport, it can be sent for rail transport, for example, where the requirements are lower. Furthermore, it can also be ensured that overly stable load units are not used for certain transport variants. For rail transport, a load unit does not have to be as strong and stable as for air or sea transport.As a result, packaging materials can be saved, which leads to a reduction in weight and energy consumption for transport and thus to an overall reduction in transport costs.

[0021] As mentioned, in practice, the reference data store or the data store for the accompanying data set or both data stores may be connected via data interfaces to a digital data network, in particular the Internet, via which data can be written to and read from this data store.

[0022] Furthermore, in practice, the identifier of the actual loading unit can be attached to the actual loading unit by means of a machine-readable information carrier. This machine-readable information carrier can, for example, be: - a barcode; - a QR code; - an RFID transponder.

[0023] The packaging parameters can include, for example, the following information: - Material of the load securing device; - tension of the load securing device; - Number of load securing devices; - Position of the load securing equipment; - Alignment of the load securing equipment to the cargo; - Distance between load securing devices; - Type of closure of the load securing device.

[0024] The packaging parameters can thus include all relevant information about the load securing devices themselves and their arrangement (tension, quantity, position on the cargo, alignment to the cargo, spacing, etc.). Especially for plastic strapping, the closure type can be specified using multiple data points, for example, by welding using an ultrasonic sonotrode and information about the duration of the welding process and the applied welding energy. All parameters of the welding process recorded by the packaging machine can be used to identify the type of closure of the load.

[0025] As mentioned, a test center for the reference charging unit may include at least one of the following test stations: - an inclination test device; - an acceleration and deceleration test device; - an oblique impact test device; - a vertical vibration testing device. Short description of the drawings

[0026] Further practical embodiments and advantages of the invention are described below in conjunction with the drawings. Fig. 1 shows a schematic plan view of a packaging system for producing a loading unit. Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a strapping machine, which is part of the packaging system of Fig. 1 is. Fig. 3 shows a side view of a film winder, which is an alternative or additional component of the packaging system of Fig. 1 can be. Fig. 4 shows the top view of the film winder from Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic arrangement of the system for recording the packaging parameters. Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of a test center with several test stations. Fig. 7 shows the process for creating a reference data set. Fig. Figure 8 shows the process for creating an accompanying data set. Description of the embodiments

[0027] The Fig. The packaging system 1 shown in Figure 1 is used to attach load securing devices to a freight carrier, in this case a pallet 2, which is placed onto a roller conveyor 4 by a first forklift truck 3. It is of course also possible to use freight carriers other than pallets 2, for example supporting structures made of cast fiber. A conveying means other than a roller conveyor can also be used (e.g. a conveyor belt). As mentioned above, load units can also be produced without freight carriers. Particularly with lighter products, it may be sufficient to stack the freight, if necessary in appropriate packaging boxes, and to strap or wrap it. Freight such as newspapers can also simply be stacked and strapped without packaging. However, to illustrate the method described here, load units with freight carriers are used in the drawings.

[0028] The pallet 2 is transported by the roller conveyor 4 along the various processing stations, which are also staffed by operating personnel 5 if necessary and have terminals 6 for manual data entry. For example, a scanner 7 for scanning a barcode or QR code can be arranged at the position of the pallet 2' in order to read such a code applied to the pallet 2' and to identify the type of freight carrier used based on the detected identifier. Identification of the freight carrier is of course not necessary if the loading unit is manufactured without a freight carrier. In this area, the width and length of the freight carrier and the loading unit to be formed can also be recorded using a measuring sensor (not shown).

[0029] Approximately in the middle of the roller conveyor 4 is the packaging machine 8 for attaching one or more load securing devices. Fig. 1 shown packaging machine 8 is a strapping machine which in conjunction with Fig. 2 is explained. In Fig. 1, a so-called labeler or printer 9 is shown below the packaging machine 8, which is configured to print on a loading unit 27 formed by attaching the load securing device. In particular, loading units 27 often have at least one so-called edge protector made of paper or cardboard in the upper area. Such edge protector is suitable for printing with a QR code or barcode.

[0030] If the freight carrier itself, i.e. the pallet 2, is provided with a unique code, printing by printer 9 is not necessary. However, codes attached to freight carriers are often difficult to read or ambiguous, so that alternatively or additionally a printer is provided to apply a machine-readable code. Alternatively, an RFID transponder can be used to uniquely identify the loading unit. An RFID transponder is a microchip on which data is stored that can be read without contact. RFID transponders are now very inexpensive and are hardly more expensive than printing on the loading unit. They are often manufactured as flat RFID tags and can be simply affixed to a flat section of the loading unit.

[0031] To check the applied identifier, a reader device 10 can be arranged along the roller conveyor 4, which reads the attached identifier (barcode, QR code, or RFID), thus ensuring the machine-readability of the identifier of the loading units 27 during transport. All components of the packaging system 1 are controlled by a central system control system 11, which is located in Fig. 1 is shown at the top right. The components, such as scanner 7, packaging machine / strapping machine 8, printer 9, and reading device 10, have their own control modules. These control modules are networked with the system control 11, so that all data for the resulting loading unit 27 is centrally received at the system control 11. After the loading unit 27 is completed, a second forklift 12 transports the loading unit 27 away from the roller conveyor 4.

[0032] The Fig. The packaging system 1 shown in Figure 1 can be used both to produce a reference loading unit and to produce a plurality of actual loading units for the delivery of the cargo. To determine the mechanical properties of the reference loading unit, the packaging system 1 Fig. 1 transported to a testing station.

[0033] Alternatively, a packaging system similar to packaging system 1 can be located near the test station, producing a loading unit that has the properties of the subsequent actual loading units. These include, in particular, a specified freight carrier, a specified freight arranged in a specified arrangement on the freight carrier, and a specified type and number of load securing devices.

[0034] The Fig. 2 shows details of the Fig. 1 shows a packaging machine 8 for attaching a load securing device. This is a strapping machine. The strapping machine 8 has a support frame 13 on which an upper carriage 14 is arranged so as to be vertically movable. The upper carriage 14 contains the drive for a strapping band which is pulled from a band reel 15. Also located here is the connecting unit with which a band loop is closed after tensioning. The strapping band is pulled from the band reel 15 and fed into a band guide frame 28 which is U-shaped and guides the band from the upper carriage 14, first downwards on one side of the load unit, then underneath the load unit to the other side of the load unit and finally back up to the upper carriage 14. The upper carriage 14 rests as close as possible to the top of the load unit.The formed strap loop is then tensioned by the strap drive on the upper carriage 14 and welded by a welding device on the upper carriage 14, and separated from the strap roll 15. The strap roll 15 is in turn provided with a machine-readable identifier 16, which can also be a machine-readable barcode, QR code, or RFID tag. The strapping machine 8 can be equipped with a reader that automatically reads the identifier 16 of the strap roll 15. Alternatively, the strapping band being used can be entered via a terminal.

[0035] With the strapping machine 8, several parallel straps can be applied to a load unit. If it is necessary to apply intersecting straps to the load unit, a turntable (not shown) can be arranged in the roller conveyor 4, which rotates the load unit by 90°.

[0036] The Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shows an alternative or additional embodiment of the packaging machine 8'. The packaging machine 8' here is a film wrapper. More precisely, it is a so-called automatic rotating ring stretch wrapper, in which a carrier 18 for a film roll with a vertical axis is provided on a height-adjustable rotating ring 17. During wrapping, the rotating ring 17 is moved vertically, with the carrier 18 with the film being rotated like a satellite around the loading unit 27. As mentioned, such a film wrapper 8' can be provided either in addition to the strapping machine 8 or as an alternative to the strapping machine 8 in the packaging system 1. The film roll (not shown) can also be provided with an identifier consisting of a printed code or an RFID tag.It should be noted that film wrappers other than the rotary ring stretch wrapper shown here can be used to wrap the load unit with film.

[0037] The Fig. Figure 5 schematically explains the data acquisition at the packaging machine 8, in this case the strapping machine 8. The information about the type of strapping used is stored in the RFID tag on the strap reel and is read by an RFID scanner and fed to the machine control system. The information about the freight carrier used (e.g., Euro pallet) is attached to a code (barcode or QR code) on the pallet and is read there by a scanner and fed to the machine control system. The parameters of the strapping created by the machine control system are recorded and fed to a data server 19 together with the information about the load securing device (strapping) and the freight carrier. Of course, further data processing units can be integrated into the transmission of the data acquired by the machine control system to the data server 19, such as, for example, the system control system 11 from Fig. 1.

[0038] The machine control system determines which identifier 29 the loading unit is to be labeled with and instructs printer 9 to print the loading unit with a corresponding code. Alternatively, the machine control system can attach a specific RFID tag to the loading unit and store the tag's identifier assigned to the loading unit.

[0039] If the reference load unit is created solely for the purpose of testing its mechanical properties, creating an identifier for the reference load unit is unnecessary, as long as other measures are taken to ensure that the reference data set with the corresponding characteristics is fed to the test stations. In practice, however, it is useful to also assign an identifier to the reference load unit. This facilitates verification that the reference load unit allows for a simple retrieval of the reference data set assigned to this reference load unit.

[0040] The Fig. Figure 6 shows a test center with various test stations. At the top left, an inclination test station 20 is visible, which is used to perform an inclination test to evaluate the load stability during transport. The inclination test is a first simple indicator for rapid quality control, which can be used to verify the stability of the formed load unit when tilted.

[0041] At the top right, an acceleration and deceleration test station 21 can be seen, which can be used to conduct tests in accordance with the most important international standards such as EUMOS 40509 and the American FMCSA cargo securing requirements. Here, the load unit is placed on a carriage 22 that can be accelerated and decelerated horizontally and subjected to loads according to a special transport simulation software program. An integrated high-speed camera can document all deformations of the load units at every moment of loading.

[0042] Another test station, 23, tests the impact of impact and crushing forces on the loading unit. Here, too, tests can be conducted according to various international test protocols.

[0043] Finally, a fourth test action 24 is used for vertical vibration tests. The loading unit is placed on a vibrating plate 25, which can simulate various vibration profiles that may occur during the distribution cycle.

[0044] The data from the various test stations 20, 21, 23, 24 are merged into a central control computer 26. The control computer 26 of the test center is also connected to the Internet, so that the data generated in the test center can be transferred to the data server 19 (see Fig. 5) can be stored. Of course, test stations 20, 21, 23, and 24 can also be operated individually and equipped with their own control computer. Which tests are to be performed and which test data are to be stored may vary depending on the loading unit and the intended mode of transport.

[0045] The Fig. 7 now explains how the reference data sets are generated using the packaging system and the test center. First, on packaging system 1 (see Fig. 1) a reference loading unit is created and all relevant data of the reference loading units are recorded. This includes, in particular, the attachment of the load securing device by the packaging machine 8 of the packaging system 1 as well as the recording of the packaging parameters. This data recorded during the creation of the reference loading units is processed as in connection with Fig. 5 explained on the data server 19. Subsequently, in the test center according to Fig. 6 In at least one, several, or all of the test stations 20, 21, 23, 24, mechanical properties are determined that represent the resistance, strength, durability, or load-bearing capacity of the produced loading unit. The information about the mechanical properties is stored together with the information about the reference loading unit and its load securing in the data server 19, which is accessible via the Internet.

[0046] The Fig. Figure 8 now explains the process of creating an actual loading unit for actual transport to the customer. The creation of the loading unit, as well as the attachment of the load securing device and the recording of the packaging parameters, corresponds to the process for creating the reference loading unit. Since the actual loading unit is correct for transport to the customer, it is not subjected to any mechanical tests. Instead, the parameters generated during its creation are compared with the parameters of the reference data set. For this purpose, the packaging machine 8 ( Fig. 1) to the data server 19 ( Fig.5) via the internet and retrieves the data from the reference data set. If a match is established, or if it is determined that certain mechanical properties of the load securing device, for example, exceed the properties derived from the reference data set, the mechanical properties of the reference data set are transferred to the accompanying data set assigned to the actual loading unit. If it cannot be verified that the actual loading unit meets the requirements of the reference loading units, the mechanical properties from the reference data set are not transferred to the accompanying data set.

[0047] Of course, multiple reference data sets can also exist, so that the successively generated actual loading units are each assigned the mechanical properties of one of the reference data sets whose data matches the data of the actual loading unit. For example, different mechanical properties can be specified for air transport, sea transport, road transport, and rail transport. Each loading unit can then be manufactured with the corresponding configuration, allowing it to be assigned the mechanical properties required for the corresponding transport mode.

[0048] The accompanying data record then forms a cargo pass, in which the identifier of the actual loading unit, as well as the associated data and mechanical properties determined by testing the reference loading unit, are stored. Further information can be stored in the accompanying data record, such as the time the actual data unit was created and information about the transport process (start, end, and, if applicable, the type of transport means). If the transport means or the actual loading unit is equipped with sensors that record environmental conditions during transport, their values ​​can also be stored in the accompanying data record during the transport period.

[0049] The features of the invention disclosed in the present description, the drawings, and the claims may be essential, both individually and in any combination, for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments. It may be varied within the scope of the claims and taking into account the knowledge of the person skilled in the art. List of reference symbols 1 packaging plant 2, 2' pallet, freight carrier 3 forklifts 4 roller conveyors 5 operating personnel 6 Terminal 7 scanners 8 Packaging machine, strapping machine 8' packaging machine, film wrapper 9 printers 10 Reading device 11 Plant control 12 forklifts 13 supporting frames 14 upper slide 15 tape rolls 16 Identification 17 Rotating ring 18 carriers 19 data servers 20 inclination test station 21 Acceleration and deceleration test station 22 sleds 23 Test station for impacts and shear forces 24 Vibration test station 25 vibrating plate 26 control computers of the test center 27 loading unit 28 tape guide frames 29 Identification of the loading unit

Claims

[1] Method for detecting the safety properties of loading units (27), each comprising at least the following: - freight; - at least one load securing device which stabilizes the cargo; the method comprising the following steps: - Creating a reference loading unit with specific types of cargo and load securing equipment with specific packaging parameters; - determining at least one mechanical property of the reference loading unit using at least one test station (20, 21, 23, 24), - Creation of a reference data set containing identifiers for the type of cargo and load securing equipment as well as the specific packaging parameters and information on at least one mechanical property of the reference loading unit, - Saving the reference data set in a reference data store, - generation of an actual loading unit (27), wherein the type of freight and load securing equipment as well as the packaging parameters are recorded as actual data, - Comparison of the actual data with the data of the reference data set, - if the actual data match or exceed the data of the reference data set, the at least one mechanical property of the reference loading unit is assigned to an identifier of the actual loading unit (27) and stored in an accompanying data set of the actual loading unit. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized bythat the reference loading unit and the actual loading unit (27) have a freight carrier (2) on which the freight is arranged, wherein the load securing means connects the freight carrier (2) and the freight, and wherein an identifier for the type of freight carrier is also stored in the reference data set and when the actual loading unit (27) is generated, the type of freight carrier (2) is recorded and compared with the type of freight carrier (2) stored in the reference data set. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the reference data store or the data store for the accompanying data set or both data stores is or are connected to a digital data network, in particular the Internet. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the identifier of the actual loading unit (27) is attached to the actual loading unit (27) by means of a machine-readable information carrier. [5] Method according to the preceding claim, characterized by that at least one of the following is used as a machine-readable information carrier: - a barcode; - a QR code; - an RFID transponder. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one of the following is used as load securing equipment: - a strapping band; - a slide. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the load securing device is applied with a packaging machine (8, 8') selected from the following: - a strapping machine (8); - a film winder (8'). [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one of the following packaging parameters is recorded: - Material of the load securing device; - tension of the load securing device; - Number of load securing devices; - Position of the load securing equipment; - Alignment of the load securing equipment to the cargo; - Distance between load securing devices; - Type of closure of the load securing device. [9] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one of the following test stations is used: - an inclination testing device (20); - an acceleration and deceleration testing device (21); - an oblique impact testing device (23); - a vertical vibration testing device (24). [10] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that further information and data relevant to the actual loading unit are stored in the accompanying data record. [11] Method according to the preceding claim, characterized bythat the additional data and information contain at least one of the following: - Date of creation of the actual loading unit (27), - Duration of transport of the actual loading unit (27), - physical quantities such as temperature, humidity and acceleration recorded by sensors during transport.

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