Loading device and method for loading and unloading goods

Abstract

The invention relates to a loading device (1) provided for use during the loading and unloading of goods (2) on a load carrier (3), preferably a pallet, and for securing and transporting the goods (2) located on the load carrier (3), comprising a surrounding wall (6) which is open at the upper end face (4) and at the lower end face (5) and is designed to receive the loaded or unloaded load carrier (3), said surrounding wall (6) being designed such that the height of the load carrier (3) can be adjusted in the interior (7) of the surrounding wall (6) over the entire height (8) of the surrounding wall (6) in the loaded or unloaded state of the load carrier.

Description

[0001] LOADING EQUIPMENT AND METHOD FOR LOADING AND UNLOADING GOODS

[0002] The present invention relates to a loading device intended for use in loading and unloading goods on a load carrier, preferably a pallet, as well as for securing and transporting the goods arranged on the load carrier.

[0003] Loading devices are known from the prior art. They are used primarily for transporting goods. For goods to be transported, the goods must be secured to the load carrier. For this purpose, it is known in the prior art to use external (stretch) films to secure the goods to the load carrier. It is also known to design the entire loading device as a box or container, whereby goods can be placed in the box or closed container and subsequently removed again.

[0004] The term "load carrier" is defined in DIN standard 30781 (as of February 2024) as a supporting device for combining goods into a loading unit. A loading unit is understood to be the load carrier containing the goods. In industrial environments, standardized load carriers such as Euro pallets or plastic containers of various sizes are often used. When using Euro pallets, it is common practice to secure the load with (stretch) film, as explained previously.

[0005] The advantage of plastic containers is that the laborious removal of the film to retrieve the goods and subsequent disposal of the film can be avoided. A disadvantage of conventional plastic containers, however, is that loading and unloading the transported goods is comparatively complex and, in particular, cannot be automated. However, wrapping a Euro pallet loaded with goods with film can be automated. Therefore, Euro pallets are used as load carriers for transporting the goods, particularly in automated high-bay warehouses.

[0006] As a result, transporting goods requires not only ensuring that the load carrier can adequately support the load, but also adequately securing the goods for transport. Ultimately, no loading units are known in practice that can be used in an automated high-bay warehouse where loading and unloading can also be carried out automatically. This is particularly useful when goods within the high-bay warehouse are changing locations or are intended for external / further transport.

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a loading device of the type mentioned above which improves the transport of goods, in particular in an automated high-bay warehouse.

[0008] The above-mentioned object is at least essentially achieved by a charging device according to claim 1.

[0009] The subclaims are preferred embodiments and further developments of the charging device according to the invention.

[0010] The loading device according to the invention is intended for use in loading and unloading goods onto a load carrier. In particular, the loading device can be used for the automated loading and unloading of goods in an automated high-bay warehouse.

[0011] A pallet, in particular a Euro pallet, is preferably provided as the load carrier. The load carrier is not part of the loading device; rather, the loading device can interact with the load carrier and the goods arranged on the load carrier, as explained below.

[0012] The loading device is designed to secure and transport the goods arranged on the load carrier. For this purpose, the loading device comprises a wall that is open at the upper and lower ends and designed to accommodate the loaded and unloaded load carrier. The wall is designed such that the height of the load carrier is adjustable within the wall over the entire height of the wall when loaded or unloaded.

[0013] The advantage of the loading device according to the invention is that, on the one hand, it enables the securing of goods with a rigid or, in use, fixed loading device. This avoids the additional attachment of film to secure the goods arranged on the load carrier, while the loading device is reusable. For ecological reasons, this loading device is therefore particularly preferred.

[0014] The loading device can also improve the securing of the transported goods, as it ensures stability during transport. This represents a significant improvement over wrapping the transported goods with film.

[0015] The loading device therefore offers the advantage of leveraging the transport safety benefits of a closed plastic container, while simultaneously allowing a familiar load carrier, such as a pallet, to be used to support the load during transport. This ensures easy loading and unloading of goods, as the height of the load carrier is adjustable within the enclosure.

[0016] Height adjustment is achieved by designing the loading device so that it is open both at the top and bottom. The top of the loading device is particularly open with an opening cross-section that exceeds the area of ​​the load carrier to be arranged in the loading device. The bottom of the loading device is also open. However, this opening does not have to correspond to the cross-section of the load carrier to be arranged in the loading device. In particular, the bottom of the loading device is open in such a way that a lifting device for moving or raising or lowering the load carrier within the loading device can be arranged below the loading device. This lifting device can then move the load carrier with the goods provided on it as required within the loading device by raising or lowering the load carrier.

[0017] The height adjustment of the load carrier within the enclosure also enables the loading device to be used in an automated loading and unloading process, particularly in a high-bay warehouse, without the need for human intervention.

[0018] The loading device thus significantly simplifies the loading and unloading of goods in a high-bay warehouse and enables efficient transport of goods without generating packaging waste from film. The necessary intervention by operators for loading and unloading can also be avoided. This also leads to a significant reduction in the costs of loading and unloading goods, making the loading device particularly advantageous not only from an ecological but also from an economic perspective.

[0019] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the interior of the enclosure is at least substantially shaped to match the cross-sectional shape of the outer cross-section of the loaded load carrier. Shape adaptation within the meaning of the present invention means that the load carrier can be arranged within the enclosure. The load carrier is then arranged within the enclosure with only slight play, so that the enclosure can also ensure the securing of the goods during transport. The cross-sectional shape of the interior of the enclosure can thus be designed to complement the outer shape of the load carrier. However, a certain amount of play of the load carrier within the enclosure, in particular in the range of up to 15 mm per side, is preferred, so that certain tolerances for inserting and removing the load carrier from the loading device are present during transport and in the automated process.

[0020] Furthermore, in a further preferred embodiment, the interior of the enclosure can have an inner cross-section across its entire height that is larger than the outer cross-section of the load carrier. This applies in particular to the standardized dimensions of a Euro pallet. This allows the load carrier to be height-adjustable within the interior of the enclosure across the entire height of the enclosure.

[0021] Particularly preferably, the dimensions of the cross-sectional shape of the interior of the wall are such that the load carrier is arranged with play in the interior of the wall. The aforementioned play ensures, in particular, that there is no need for a precise fit between the inner shape of the wall and the outer shape of the load carrier, so that different load carriers can be equipped with the same loading device for transporting the goods. At the same time, it is common in automated processes that tolerances are required to avoid complex coordination of the introduction of the load carrier into the wall. In a further preferred embodiment, the wall has a plurality of wall sections. In particular, the wall has four wall sections. The wall sections can be connected to one another or can be connected to one another.Particularly preferably, the wall sections are designed to be rigid, thus ensuring load security during transport of goods. The wall preferably has a closed rectangular cross-section.

[0022] Furthermore, adjacent wall sections are preferably connected to one another in an articulated manner. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that all wall sections are produced from a common wall piece, in particular wherein material thinnings, in particular in the form of a film hinge, are provided in the joint regions. When producing the wall from a common wall piece, it is then necessary to connect two wall sections to one another, in particular in a form-fitting, force-fitting and / or material-fitting manner. In particular, the film hinge forms a bevel, in particular a 45° bevel, with respect to the respective adjacent wall sections, wherein adjacent wall sections are connected to one another via a corner connecting the wall sections. The corner can in turn form, in particular, the aforementioned 45° bevel.

[0023] Accordingly, a rigid design of the individual wall sections can be provided. The enclosure itself can (but does not have to) be rigid. In particular, it can be provided that the enclosure can be folded when not attached to a load carrier, so that the enclosed opening cross-section of the enclosure does not have a rectangular shape, but rather individual wall sections can lie on top of one another.

[0024] This is particularly advantageous for transporting the loading device, as the increased space required is only needed for transporting the goods. If the loading device is subsequently stowed or transported without the goods, it can be folded up for storage capacity reasons, which not only simplifies but also improves the use of the loading device.

[0025] In a further, particularly preferred embodiment, the material of the enclosure comprises and / or consists of plastic, in particular polypropylene (PP). Such a material for the enclosure ensures, in particular, that sufficient stability of the enclosure or the individual wall sections of the enclosure can be guaranteed.

[0026] Particularly preferably, at least one wall section is designed as a structural chamber panel, in particular as a PP structural chamber panel or as a polypropylene structural chamber panel. Structural chamber panels are panels with an internal structure to increase stability. The structure arranged inside the structural chamber panel can take on various forms, for example, it can have a dimpled central layer or a framework. Finally, a structure that increases stability and rigidity is attached inside the structural chamber panel. Thus, the structural chamber panel can have at least two outer layers and a structure arranged between the outer layers. If necessary, a multi-layer structure of the structural chamber panel can also be provided.

[0027] Preferably, the wall has a height of at least 200 mm, in particular between 300 mm and 4000 mm, preferably between 500 and 2000 mm. The height of the wall is selected depending on the goods to be transported or the intended purpose.

[0028] The wall section can have a wall thickness between 1 and 50 mm, preferably between 2 and 20 mm, in particular between 8 and 15 mm. A wall thickness of the aforementioned type ensures sufficiently high stability of the wall section.

[0029] In a further particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that at least one centering means projecting into the interior space is provided on the inside of the wall for centering the load carrier in the wall.

[0030] In particular, the centering means is formed on at least one wall section, in particular on all wall sections, by an inner insertion bevel, preferably provided in the upper end region. The insertion bevel can enable simplified insertion of the load carrier into the interior. Preferably, the insertion bevel can reduce the play of the load carrier in the interior of the wall by 1 mm to 2 mm. The orientation of the insertion bevel can be provided in two different variants. Ultimately, the question is whether the bevel - starting from the outside of the wall to the inside of the wall - is designed to be ascending or descending. It is particularly preferred if the bevel is designed to be descending from the outside to the inside of the wall, so that the play of the load carrier in the loading device is reduced when inserted into the wall.However, the other variant for centering the load carrier within the wall is also possible; the insertion bevel can also be designed to rise, at least in some areas, from the outside to the inside of the wall.

[0031] In a further embodiment, the centering means may also have a projection with at least one insertion bevel, in particular with both a descending and a rising bevel.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that a further centering means—also independent of the (first) centering means, if necessary—is provided in the lower region of the enclosure. The further centering means can, in particular, have at least one insertion bevel. Finally, a centering means arranged in the lower region of the enclosure enables centering of the load carrier in the loaded state, in particular wherein the further centering means can face the underside of the loading device or be arranged on it.

[0033] In a further, particularly preferred embodiment, a substructure is arranged on the underside of the enclosure for gripping underneath the load carrier. For example, the substructure can be designed to allow a forklift to grip underneath for raising or lowering the loading device.

[0034] In particular, the substructure also ensures a captive arrangement of the loading device on the load carrier. The substructure allows for a reduction in the opening cross-section of the loading device on the underside. Thus, the substructure can also be designed to be open at the upper and lower ends, in particular with the upper end of the substructure directly adjacent to the enclosure, merging into it, and / or being connected to it.

[0035] It is particularly preferred that the substructure on the lower end face be designed to partially enclose and / or surround the load carrier. This enables, in particular, a captive arrangement of the load carrier in the loading device and thus also allows the loading device and the load carrier to be transported captive during the transport of goods.

[0036] Preferably, the substructure can be firmly connected to the enclosure, in particular by a material fit, friction fit, and / or form fit, and / or formed integrally with the enclosure. The substructure thus ensures the stability of the loading device.

[0037] For the arrangement of the wall, a circumferential groove or step can be provided in the substructure, into which the wall engages with its lower edge. The edge of the wall can, in particular, have a step or groove complementary to the groove or step of the substructure. The groove or step of the substructure has the advantage of enabling easy positioning of the wall on the substructure for assembly or installation of the loading device.

[0038] In a further preferred embodiment of the loading device, it is provided that the inner side of the wall is at least substantially aligned with the inner side of the substructure, in particular wherein the aforementioned inner sides merge into one another at least substantially seamlessly. Such a design enables the advantages of improved movement of the load carrier in the interior of the loading device. In particular, an aligned arrangement of the inner sides of the substructure and the wall can be enabled in the transition area between the wall and the substructure, so that, in particular, disruptive contours during the movement of the load carrier within the loading device can be avoided. Furthermore, damage to the transported goods caused by any protruding contours can be avoided.

[0039] The substructure is preferably constructed in multiple parts and comprises, in particular, two shorter end sections and / or two longer longitudinal sections. In particular, each end section is firmly connected to two longitudinal sections, preferably by a material fit, friction fit, and / or form fit. This allows for the provision of a closed frame.

[0040] Preferably, the longitudinal sections on opposite sides of the substructure can be of identical construction. Alternatively or additionally, the end sections on opposite sides of the substructure can be of identical construction. This enables, in particular, simplified production of the substructure and leads to reduced production costs.

[0041] The substructure can be designed such that the height of the load carrier is larger relative to the height of the substructure, so that in particular the load carrier projects beyond the substructure when arranged in the loading device.

[0042] Furthermore, in another preferred embodiment, the longitudinal section has at least two feet for gripping underneath the corners of the load carrier. Alternatively or additionally, the longitudinal section can be designed as a runner that grips underneath the load carrier over its entire length. The runner can, in particular, have an elongated underside that runs the length of the load carrier.

[0043] The skid design is particularly advantageous for transporting the loading unit comprising the loading device, the load carrier, and the load arranged on the load carrier, preferably via roller conveyors or the like, as this ensures low-vibration transport of the goods or the load. It also avoids disruptive edges that could potentially cause damage to the conveyor belts or the loading device itself.

[0044] The feet have the advantage that the substructure can be gripped not only at the front sides, but also at the long sides, whereby, if necessary, appropriate lifting equipment, such as a forklift, can then grip the load carrier not only at the front sides of the substructure, but especially also at the long sides, which is advantageous depending on the different load carriers.

[0045] The feet can have a bottom side and side walls adjoining the bottom side and can be arranged in particular in the corner areas of the charging device.

[0046] The skid can also be connected to the wall via a corresponding side wall section. Particularly preferably, the end section has an end wall adjoining the wall section, wherein, preferably, at least one projection angled toward the interior of the wall is provided on the end wall, which projection serves, in particular, to engage underneath the load carrier. The end section, through the end wall, particularly increases the stability of the entire substructure, which interacts with the load carrier when the load carrier is loaded.

[0047] The height of the end wall of the end section can be less than the height of the longitudinal section, although the upper edges of the end and longitudinal sections, which face the surrounding wall, can be aligned or arranged in a straight plane. Such a design results in particular in improved adaptation to a load carrier designed as a Euro pallet, which in particular has corresponding recesses for the engagement of a forklift truck on the end sides, which extend over the length of the load carrier. Therefore, a lower height of the end wall ensures that such an engagement can be ensured for transporting the loading device and / or the load unit.

[0048] Preferably, the projection of the front section is arranged offset from the underside of the runner or the support foot.

[0049] The end section can particularly preferably have two projections. Alternatively or additionally, the projection can have a ramp at its free end on the underside facing away from the wall. The ramp also enables the improved arrangement of transport means, such as a forklift, and in particular the insertion and / or landing of the forks of the forklift.

[0050] In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the material of the substructure, in particular of the support section, comprises and / or consists of polypropylene (PP) and / or polyoxymethylene (POM) and / or differs from the material of the surrounding wall, in particular is designed to be more resistant. The material of the substructure is designed to be particularly wear-resistant, with PP and / or POM being particularly suitable in this context, as they have a high level of resistance. The substructure is exposed to wear in particular from transport along roller and / or conveyor belts, but also from transport by transport vehicles such as forklifts. A resistant material for the substructure therefore ensures long-term use of the loading device.

[0051] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for loading and unloading goods onto a load carrier, preferably a pallet, as well as for securing and transporting the goods arranged on the load carrier, particularly in a preferably automated high-bay warehouse. The method comprises the following method steps, preferably in the specified order:

[0052] A) Providing a charging device according to one of the preceding embodiments;

[0053] B) Arranging a load carrier, in particular a pallet, in the enclosure of the loading device;

[0054] C) Arranging a lifting device on the underside of the load carrier arranged in an underside, open area of ​​the loading device;

[0055] D) Lifting and / or lowering the load carrier in the enclosure of the loading device via the lifting device to a loading position;

[0056] E) Loading the load carrier located in the respective loading position with goods;

[0057] F) Lowering the load carrier in the enclosure via the lifting device into a transport position, in particular in which the load carrier is adjacent to and / or rests on the substructure.

[0058] With regard to advantages and / or preferred embodiments, reference may be made to the aforementioned statements regarding the charging device, which also apply equally to the method according to the invention. In particular, the following statements regarding the method also apply equally to the charging device according to the invention, in particular without requiring further explicit explanation.

[0059] In the automated method according to the invention, the advantageous property of the loading device for automated loading and unloading is particularly advantageous. This allows, in particular, a step-by-step loading of the load carrier with the goods. In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that the load carrier is lowered step by step into individual loading positions, so that, in particular, at least essentially a continuous loading with goods takes place. Continuous loading with goods means that the load carrier is lowered step by step as soon as a corresponding layer of goods has been loaded or filled onto the load carrier. A corresponding lowering then enables the renewed supply of goods.The goods can be fed to the load carrier in particular via the front side of the wall, so that in particular the goods arranged on the load carrier are at least substantially aligned with the open front side of the wall, so that easy loading can take place.

[0060] The continuous loading and / or unloading of goods, as well as the control of the infeed and outfeed of goods via belts or other conveying means, is carried out by a control device, which is associated with sensors for monitoring the loading and / or unloading process. The infeed or outfeed device and the lifting device are also coupled to the control device.

[0061] The lifting device used in the method according to the invention can be designed in different ways. Appropriate lifting tools, when arranged on the open underside of the loading device, in particular on the underside of the substructure, enable the load carrier to be raised and lowered accordingly. The load carrier can then be removed from the loading device once the goods have been removed from it. If necessary, however, the load carrier, along with the goods arranged on it, can also be removed from the interior of the loading device's enclosure by lifting the load carrier.

[0062] The load carrier can also be unloaded step by step. The load carrier can be raised step by step within the enclosure, allowing individual layers or levels of goods to be removed from the top. The unloading of the goods depends on the goods to be transported and can, in particular, be individually adapted to different process configurations. Furthermore, it is expressly pointed out that all the aforementioned and following intervals include all intermediate intervals and individual values ​​contained therein, and these intermediate intervals and individual values ​​are to be considered essential to the invention, even if these intermediate intervals or individual values ​​are not specifically specified.

[0063] Further features, advantages and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing and the drawing itself. All described and / or illustrated features, individually or in any combination, form the subject matter of the present invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their reference back to them.

[0064] It shows:

[0065] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a loading of a loading device according to the invention,

[0066] Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a high-bay warehouse in which further embodiments of loading devices according to the invention are used,

[0067] Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a loading device according to the invention during the loading process,

[0068] Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the loading device according to the invention shown in Fig. 3 in the loaded state,

[0069] Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of a charging device according to the invention with a load carrier arranged in the charging device,

[0070] Fig. 6 is a further schematic perspective view of the charging device according to the invention shown in Fig. 5 with the charge carrier in a first state, Fig. 7 is a further schematic perspective view of the charging device according to the invention shown in Fig. 6 with the charge carrier in a second state,

[0071] Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of a charging device according to the invention with a load carrier arranged in the charging device,

[0072] Fig. 9 is another schematic perspective view of the charging device according to the invention shown in Fig. 8,

[0073] Fig. 10 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a charging device according to the invention,

[0074] Fig. 11 is another further schematic perspective view of the charging device according to the invention shown in Fig. 10,

[0075] Fig. 12 is a schematic perspective view of a front section according to the invention,

[0076] Fig. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a longitudinal section according to the invention,

[0077] Fig. 14A is a schematic perspective view of the upper end region of a wall according to the invention,

[0078] Fig. 14B is a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the upper end region of a further embodiment of a wall according to the invention,

[0079] Fig. 14C is a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the upper end region of a further embodiment of a wall according to the invention,

[0080] Fig. 15 is a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of a wall according to the invention and Fig. 16 is a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of an end section according to the invention.

[0081] Fig. 1 shows a loading device 1 intended for use in loading and unloading goods 2 onto a load carrier 3. In this context, Fig. 1 shows the loading process using the loading device 1. The load carrier 3 is designed, in particular, as a pallet, as shown in Fig. 1. Particularly preferably, the load carrier 3 is a so-called Euro pallet, which has a defined shape and size. A Euro pallet is a standard pallet according to EN 13698-1 (as of February 2024) with a base area of ​​0.96 m 2 with dimensions of 1,200 mm x 800 mm x 144 mm (length x width x height) and a dead weight of 20 to 24 kg (depending on the wood moisture content). It consists of 11 boards and 9 blocks and is held together by 78 nails. The gaps between the boards on the top of a Euro pallet are typically 40 to 43 mm wide.

[0082] The loading device 1 also serves to transport and secure the goods 2 arranged on the load carrier 3. The goods 2 are also shown schematically in Fig. 1.

[0083] It is understood that different shapes of goods 2 can be used. Fig. 1 shows that the goods 2 are arranged in individual layers 32. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the individual layers 32 are fed to the loading device 1 via a conveyor belt 33, in particular a roller belt. For loading the loading device 1, a lifting device 30 is also provided, which will be discussed in more detail below. The drive and the specific design of the lifting device 30 are shown only schematically in Fig. 1. The lifting device 30 is provided to move the load carrier 3 up or down within the loading device 1 or to raise or lower the load carrier 3.

[0084] Fig. 1 further shows that the loading device 1 has a wall 6 which is open at the upper end face 4 and the lower end face 5, which is shown in more detail in Fig. 3. The upper end face 4 of the wall 6 can also form the upper end face of the loading device 1. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the lower end face 5 of the wall is not the lower end face 38 of the loading device 1, whereby the lower end face 38 of the loading device 1 can also be open at least in some areas. The open lower end face 38 of the loading device 1 allows access to the load carrier 3, in particular for the lifting device 30, as shown schematically in Fig. 1.

[0085] The enclosure 6 as such is also shown schematically in Fig. 15 in a further embodiment.

[0086] When the goods 2 are arranged in the loading device 1, it is provided in particular that the wall 6 surrounds, at least in regions, preferably completely, the goods 2 or the layers 32 with the goods 2, as shown in Fig. 4.

[0087] In Fig. 3 it is shown that the wall 6 is designed to receive the loaded or unloaded load carrier 3. Fig. 3 shows the receiving of the loaded load carrier 3, whereas for a further embodiment of the loading device

[0088] 1 in Fig. 5 the reception of the charge carrier 3 in the enclosure 6 is shown in the discharged state.

[0089] Fig. 1 also illustrates that the enclosure 6 is designed such that the load carrier 3, when loaded or unloaded, is height-adjustable in the interior 7 of the enclosure 6 over the entire height 8 of the enclosure 6. Furthermore, the height adjustment can also be enabled over the entire height 11 of the loading device 1.

[0090] The height adjustment made possible according to the invention has the advantage that a step-by-step loading of the loading device 1 with goods 2 can take place, as is shown schematically in Fig. 1. Thus, after each loading step, for example with a layer 32, the load carrier 3 can be lowered in the wall 6, in particular via the lifting device 30, so that on this layer 32 already arranged on the load carrier 3, a further layer 32 with goods

[0091] 2 can be arranged. The wall 6 is designed such that the load carrier 3 is adjustable over the entire inner height 11 of the loading device 1.

[0092] The open end faces 4, 5 of the enclosure 6 also enable access to the load carrier 3 arranged within the enclosure 6. The load carrier 3 can thus be both loaded and unloaded within the enclosure 6 and simultaneously raised or lowered within the enclosure 6. If the lower end face 5 of the enclosure 6 were closed, lower actuation of the load carrier 3 would not be possible.

[0093] The height adjustment enabled across the entire height 8 of the enclosure 6 further provides the advantage that any loading and unloading position of the load carrier 3 within the enclosure 6 can be specified, particularly depending on how this is required for different goods 2. Thus, the loading device 1 can be loaded or unloaded, in particular, with different goods 2, whereby the respective height of the load carrier 3 in the enclosure 6 can also be specified depending on the different goods 2.

[0094] If the load carrier 3 is arranged in the wall 6 without the lifting device 30, the load carrier 3 rests, in particular, in or on the lower region of the wall 6, as Figs. 5 and 6 illustrate.

[0095] Fig. 3 further shows that the cross-sectional shape of the interior space 7 of the wall 6 is at least substantially shaped to the cross-sectional shape of the outer cross-section of the (loaded) load carrier 3. In addition, Fig. 3 shows that the interior space 7 of the wall 6 has an inner cross-section over its entire height 8 which is larger than the outer cross-section of the load carrier 3. The aforementioned features depend on the load carrier 3. Depending on different load carriers 3, the charging device 1 can therefore also be designed differently or the charging device 1 is provided with a shape adapted to different load carriers 3. Although the invention relates in particular only to the charging device 1 as such, the shape of the charging device 1 results from the interaction with the load carrier 3, which can also be removed from the charging device 1 again if necessary.

[0096] Adapting the cross-sectional shape of the interior space 7 and also the inner cross-section of the wall 6 to the load carrier 3 enables the load carrier 3 to be height-adjustable over the entire height 8 of the wall 6 when arranged in the wall 6, as is also illustrated in Fig. 3.

[0097] Fig. 15 shows that the wall 6 has a plurality of wall sections 9. This is also provided in the embodiments of the charging device 1 shown in Figs. 3 to 11. In the respective embodiment shown, four wall sections 9 are provided for the wall 6. The wall sections 9 are connected to one another. In further embodiments, the wall sections 9 can be connected to one another. It can be provided that the wall 6 has a closed rectangular shape in cross-section, as also shown in Fig. 15.

[0098] The dimensions of the cross-sectional shape of the interior space 7 of the wall 6 are, in particular, such that the load carrier 3 is arranged in the loading device 1 with a clearance of less than 20 mm and / or with a clearance per wall section 9 of less than 5 mm. In particular, the clearance of the load carrier 3 when arranged in the wall 6 or in the state arranged in the interior space 7 of the wall 6 is between 0.1 mm and 2 mm. Thus, the shape adaptation of the interior space 7 of the wall 6 to the load carrier 3 is to be understood, in particular, such that the wall 6 at least substantially closely conforms to the outer shape of the load carrier 3 or is arranged thereon.

[0099] The wall sections 9 can be connected to one another in an articulated manner, as shown in Fig. 15. In particular, adjacent wall sections 9 are connected to one another in an articulated manner. All wall sections 9 can be made from a common wall piece, in particular with material thinnings, particularly in the form of a film hinge, being provided in the joint regions 10. Fig. 15 shows the joint regions 10 of the wall 6.

[0100] The aforementioned design of the wall 6 can ensure that the wall 6 has the required rigidity in the in-use state. If necessary, the wall 6 can also be folded together so that the wall sections 9 can lie directly on top of one another, for example, for transport purposes. In the in-use state, however, the wall sections 9 are connected to one another, in particular via the joint areas 10. Adequate stability of the wall 6 in the in-use state can be achieved by a substructure 15 provided according to the invention and described below.

[0101] Fig. 15 shows that the joint areas 10 form a corner between the wall sections 9 connected via the corner, in particular a 45° oblique corner.

[0102] The material of the wall 6 is, in particular, plastic, preferably polypropylene. It is particularly preferred that at least one wall section 9 be designed as a structural chamber plate, in particular a polypropylene structural chamber plate. The wall sections 9 can be connected to one another via the joint regions 10, which also comprise plastic as their material. The joint regions 10 do not have to be designed as a structural chamber plate, but can connect the wall sections 9 designed as structural chamber plates to one another. The aforementioned structure of the wall 6 provides, in particular, high stability for the goods 2 during transport.

[0103] The surrounding wall 6 can have different heights 8, in particular, the height 8 can be between 300 mm and 4,000 mm. The wall thicknesses 12 of the wall sections 9 can also be different and can be between 8 and 15 mm.

[0104] Figures 14A to 14C show different forms of a centering means 13 for centering the charge carrier 3 in the enclosure 6.

[0105] Fig. 14A shows the upper end region 14 of the wall 6, with only one wall section 9 shown in cross-section. Thus, Fig. 14A shows that the centering means 13 is formed by an inner insertion bevel, namely in the upper end region 14 of the wall 6. According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 14A, the insertion bevel is designed such that it slopes from the outer side of the wall 6 to the inner side 18 of the wall 6.

[0106] Figs. 14B and 14C also show cross sections of a wall section 9 in the upper front end region 14 of the wall 6.

[0107] Fig. 14C shows an alternative design to Fig. 14A. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 14C, the insertion slope slopes in the opposite direction. It rises from the outer side of the wall 6 to the inner side 18 of the wall 6.

[0108] A further embodiment of the centering means 13 is shown in Fig. 14B, in which both a descending and a rising insertion bevel are provided, and the centering means 13 is thus designed, in particular, as a projection. This projection can particularly preferably be provided in the upper end region 14 of the surrounding wall 6. Not shown in detail is the fact that at least one centering means can also be provided in the lower end region—that is, in particular, in the region of the lower end face 5 of the surrounding wall 6.

[0109] Fig. 10 shows that a substructure 15 for engaging underneath the load carrier 3 is arranged on the lower end face 5 of the wall 6. The embodiments according to Figs. 3 to 11 also show different substructures 15, each of which is arranged on the wall 6.

[0110] The substructure 15 can be firmly connected to the surrounding wall 6. In further embodiments, the substructure 15 can also be formed integrally with the surrounding wall 6. To connect the substructure 15 to the surrounding wall 6, a material-to-material, friction-to-material, and / or positive-locking connection can be provided.

[0111] Fig. 15 shows that a circumferential edge 17 is provided in the substructure 15 for the arrangement 6. For arrangement at the edge 17, the substructure 15 can have a groove or step 16. A step 16 is shown schematically for parts of the substructure 25 in Figs. 12 and 13. This step 16 can engage in the edge 17 of the wall 6. The edge 17 and the step 16 can, in particular, be designed to complement one another and thus simplify the assembly of the loading device 1 and, in particular, the arrangement of the wall 6 on the substructure 15.

[0112] Fig. 11 shows that in particular the inner side 18 of the wall 6 is at least substantially aligned with the inner side 19 of the substructure or that these inner sides 18, 19 merge into one another at least substantially without steps.

[0113] The substructure 15 shown in Fig. 10 is constructed in several parts. For example, according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 10, the substructure 15 can comprise two shorter end sections 20 and two longer longitudinal sections 21.

[0114] Fig. 12 shows a further embodiment of an end section 20, and Fig. 13 shows a further embodiment of a longitudinal section 21. Thus, Fig. 13 shows that the end section 20 can be configured in a specific manner. However, Figures 12 and 13 do not show the arrangement of the end section 20 on the longitudinal sections 21.

[0115] Fig. 10 shows a connected state of the substructure 15, wherein the end sections 20 can each be firmly connected to the longitudinal sections 21, in particular by means of a material fit, friction fit and / or form fit.

[0116] Fig. 11 schematically illustrates that the longitudinal sections 21 on opposite sides of the substructure 15 can be constructed identically, in particular, and the end sections 20 on opposite sides of the substructure 15 can also be constructed identically. However, different designs of the longitudinal sections and the end sections 20, 21 can also be provided in a substructure 15.

[0117] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7, it is provided that the longitudinal section 21 has at least two feet 22 for gripping underneath the corner of the load carrier 3, wherein the gripping underneath the corner is shown schematically in particular in Fig. 6.

[0118] Fig. 11, however, shows that the longitudinal section 21 is designed as a skid 23 that engages underneath the load carrier 3 over its entire length. The skid 23 is particularly advantageous for transport on roller conveyors, as shown schematically in Fig. 1 for the conveyor belt 33, since this allows for minimal wear and at least substantially less interference between the substructure 15 and the conveyor belt 33.

[0119] Fig. 12 shows that at least one projection 25, in the illustrated embodiment two projections 25, can be provided on an end section 20.

[0120] Fig. 10 further illustrates that the projection 25 can be angled toward the interior space 7 of the wall 6. The projection 25 can also adjoin an end wall 24, which is also illustrated in Fig. 12.

[0121] Fig. 9 shows that the projection 25, in the use state, can be used to grip underneath the load carrier 3. Fig. 10 further shows that the height 26 of the end wall 24 of the end section 20 is less than the height 27 of the longitudinal section 21. In the use state, this enables, in particular, the forks 36 of a forklift truck 35 (the forklift truck is shown schematically in Fig. 2) to grip underneath the load carrier 3 when arranged in the loading device 1, in particular via the end faces of the loading device 1, wherein the forks 36 can then be guided, in particular, underneath the end section 20.

[0122] Fig. 16 schematically shows that the projection 25 has a run-on slope 28 at its free end on the underside 29 facing away from the wall 6. The run-on slope 28 is particularly advantageous for the running-on / attachment of a fork 36 of a forklift truck 35 or other lifting equipment.

[0123] Polypropylene and / or polyoxymethylene are particularly intended as the material for the substructure 15. The material of the substructure 15 may differ from the material of the surrounding wall 6, in particular, it may be more resistant.

[0124] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for loading and unloading goods 2 onto a load carrier 3. The relevant method is shown schematically in Figures 1 and 2. In particular, a pallet, namely in particular a Euro pallet, is provided as the load carrier 3. The method also serves to secure and transport the goods 2 arranged on the load carrier 3. The method is used in particular in a preferably automated high-bay warehouse 34, with Figure 2 schematically showing a section of a high-bay warehouse 34. A high-bay warehouse 34 is characterized in particular by a plurality of shelf surfaces, with individual shelf surfaces being arranged one below the other. The goods 2 can then be arranged on the shelf surfaces. If necessary, the loading devices 1 are also arranged on the shelf surfaces, as shown schematically in Figure 2.

[0125] The method comprises the method steps A to F, which are carried out in particular one after the other.

[0126] In method step A, a charging device 1 according to one of the aforementioned embodiments is provided. In method step B, in turn, it is provided that the load carrier 3 is arranged in the enclosure 6 of the charging device 1. This state is illustrated, for example, in Fig. 5.

[0127] In method step C, a lifting device 30 engages the underside 31 of the load carrier 3, which is arranged in an open area of ​​the loading device 1, as shown schematically in Figs. 1 and 3. Fig. 3 shows the lifting device 30 in this context.

[0128] Fig. 4 shows the load carrier 3 in the loaded state within the loading device 1 without lifting device 30.

[0129] In method step D, it is provided that the load carrier 3 is raised and / or lowered within the enclosure 6, namely via the lifting device 30, which is schematically illustrated in Fig. 1. In this case, the load carrier 3 is lowered or raised within the enclosure 6 to a loading position.

[0130] In method step E, it is provided that the load carrier 3 is loaded with goods 2 in the respective loading position, which is also shown schematically in Fig. 1.

[0131] Following process step E, process step F provides for the load carrier 3 to be lowered into a transport position in the enclosure 6 via the lifting device 30. The transport position is shown in Fig. 4. In this transport position, the load carrier 3 can be adjacent to the substructure 15 or rest on it.

[0132] In the method, it can be provided in particular that the load carrier 3 is lowered step by step into individual loading positions, so that in particular an at least substantially continuous and / or step-by-step loading with goods 2 can take place.

[0133] The goods 2 can be fed to the load carrier 3 individually or in layers 32. This ultimately depends on which goods 2 are used.

[0134] In Fig. 2, in addition to a forklift truck 35 with forks 36, a removal device 37 is also shown, which is designed to remove the goods 2 or the loading devices 1 from the high-bay warehouse 34 or from the individual shelf areas of the high-bay warehouse 34. Conveyor belts 33 can be adjacent to or connected to the removal device 37, as shown schematically in Fig. 1. This is not shown in detail in Fig. 2. The forklift truck 35 can also be designed to transport and raise or lower the loading device 1 with the load carrier 3 loaded as required arranged therein. The loading device 1 with the load carriers loaded as required arranged therein can also be removed from the shelf areas of the high-bay warehouse 34 via the removal device 37.

[0135] List of reference symbols:

[0136] Charging device Fork of 35

[0137] goods Withdrawal device

[0138] load carrier Lower front side of 15

[0139] Upper front side of 6

[0140] Lower front side of 6

[0141] Conversion

[0142] Interior

[0143] Height of 6

[0144] Wall section

[0145] joint area

[0146] Height of 1

[0147] Wall thickness of 9

[0148] Centering agent

[0149] Upper front end area

[0150] Substructure

[0151] Level

[0152] Lower edge

[0153] Inside of 6

[0154] Inside of 15

[0155] forehead section

[0156] Longitudinal section

[0157] Stand

[0158] runner

[0159] front wall

[0160] projection

[0161] Height of 24

[0162] Height of 21

[0163] ramp

[0164] Bottom of 25

[0165] Lifting device

[0166] Bottom of 3

[0167] Layer with goods

[0168] conveyor belt

[0169] High-bay warehouse

[0170] Forklift

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Loading device (1) intended for use in loading and unloading goods (2) on a load carrier (3), preferably a pallet, and for securing and transporting the goods (2) arranged on the load carrier (3), with a wall (6) open on the upper end face (4) and the lower end face (5), designed to receive the loaded or unloaded load carrier (3), wherein the wall (6) is designed such that the load carrier (3) is height-adjustable in the interior space (7) of the wall (6) over the entire height (8) of the wall (6) in the loaded or unloaded state.

2. Loading device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cross-sectional shape of the interior (7) of the wall (6) is at least substantially adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the outer cross section of the, in particular loaded, load carrier (3) and / or that the interior (7) of the wall (6) has an inner cross section over its entire height (8) which is larger than the outer cross section of the load carrier (3).

3. Loading device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the wall (6) has a plurality of interconnected or connectable, in particular inherently dimensionally rigid, wall sections (9) and that, preferably, the wall (6) has a closed rectangular shape in cross-section and / or that the dimensions of the cross-sectional shape of the interior (7) of the wall (6) are such that the load carrier (3) is arranged in the interior (7) of the wall (6) with a play of less than 20 mm, preferably less than or equal to 10 mm, and / or with a play per wall section (9) of less than 5 mm, preferably between 0.1 and 2 mm.

4. Loading device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that adjacent wall sections (9) are connected to one another in an articulated manner and / or that all wall sections (9) are made from a common wall piece, in particular wherein material thinnings, in particular in the form of a film hinge, are provided in the joint regions (10).

5. Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material of the wall (6) comprises and / or consists of plastic, in particular polypropylene (PP), and / or that at least one wall section (9) is designed as a structural chamber plate, in particular a polypropylene structural chamber plate.

6. Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall (6) has a height (8) of at least 200 mm, in particular between 300 mm and 4000 mm, preferably between 500 mm and 2000 mm, and / or that the wall section (9) has a wall thickness (12) between 1 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 20 mm, in particular between 8 mm and 15 mm.

7. Loading device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one centering means (13) projecting into the interior (7) for centering the load carrier (3) in the wall (6) is provided on the inside of the wall (6), in particular wherein on at least one wall section (9), in particular on all wall sections (9), the centering means (13) is formed by an inside insertion bevel, preferably provided in the upper end region (14).

8. Loading device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a substructure (15) for engaging underneath the load carrier (3) is arranged on the lower end face (5) of the wall (6), in particular wherein the substructure (15) is firmly connected, in particular by a material fit, friction fit and / or form fit, to the wall (6) and / or is formed integrally with the wall (6).

9. Loading device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the substructure (15) for arranging the wall (6) a, in particular circumferential, groove or step (16) is provided, into which the wall (6) engages with its lower edge (17), and / or that the inner side (18) of the wall (6) is at least substantially aligned with the inner side (19) of the substructure (15).

10. Loading device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the substructure (15) is designed in several parts and in particular comprises two shorter end sections (20) and / or two longer longitudinal sections (21), in particular wherein in each case one end section (20) is firmly connected to two longitudinal sections (21), in particular by a material fit, friction fit and / or form fit, and / or in particular wherein the longitudinal sections (21) on opposite sides of the substructure (15) are of identical construction and / or in particular wherein the end sections (20) on opposite sides of the substructure (15) are of identical construction.

11. Loading device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal section (21) has at least two feet (22) for engaging underneath the corners of the load carrier (3) or in that the longitudinal section (21) is designed as a runner (23) engaging underneath the load carrier (3) over its entire length.

12. Loading device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end section (20) has an end wall (24) adjoining the wall section (9), wherein, preferably, at least one projection (25) angled in the direction of the interior space (7) of the surrounding wall (6) is provided on the end wall (24), which projection serves in particular to engage underneath the load carrier (3), in particular wherein the height (26) of the end wall (24) of the end section (21) is less than the height (27) of the longitudinal section (21) and / or in particular wherein the end section (20) has two projections (25) and / or in particular wherein the projection (25) has a run-on slope (28) on its free end on the underside (29) facing away from the surrounding wall (6).

13. Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material of the substructure (15) comprises and / or consists of polypropylene (PP) and / or polyoxymethylene (POM) and / or differs from the material of the surrounding wall (6), in particular is more resistant.

14. Method for loading and unloading goods (2) on a load carrier (3), preferably a pallet, and for securing and transporting the goods (2) arranged on the load carrier (3), in particular in a preferably automated high-bay warehouse (34), wherein the method comprises the following method steps, preferably in the specified order: A) Providing a charging device (1) according to one of the preceding claims; B) arranging a load carrier (3), in particular a pallet, in the wall (6) of the loading device (1); C) arranging a lifting device (30) on the underside (31) of the load carrier (3) arranged in an underside, open area of ​​the loading device (1); D) raising and / or lowering the load carrier (3) in the enclosure (6) of the loading device (1) via the lifting device (30) to a loading position; E) loading the load carrier (3) located in the respective loading position with goods (2); F) Lowering the load carrier (3) in the enclosure (6) via the lifting device (30) into a transport position, in particular in which the load carrier (3) is adjacent to and / or rests on the substructure (15).

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the load carrier (3) is lowered step by step into individual loading positions, so that in particular an at least substantially continuous and / or step-by-step loading with goods (2) takes place.

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