Load securing system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for capturing the safety properties of unit loads with load securing means. A reference unit load with specific types of freight and load securing means, optionally also freight carriers, is generated and is tested in a test station for compliance with mechanical properties. In the process, data and packaging parameters are captured. Then at least one mechanical property of the reference unit load is determined using at least one test station and stored in a reference data set in which the data and packaging parameters are also stored. When an actual unit load intended for shipment is subsequently generated, data and packaging parameters are likewise captured and compared with those of the reference data set. If these data correspond to the data of the reference data set, the mechanical property of the reference unit load is assigned to an identifier of the actual unit load and stored in an accompanying data set of the actual unit load.

Description

LOAD SECURING SYSTEM Technical field

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

[0002] In logistics, a unit load (or unit load) is generally a physical transport unit used to move goods within the supply chain, i.e., from producer to retailer or consumer, or for internal transport within a company. In its simplest form, a unit load consists of a stack of products secured with strapping. An example of this is stacks of printed materials, such as newspapers or magazines. It is also common to group goods packaged in individual cardboard boxes into unit loads. The boxes are stacked and secured with strapping or wrapped in film. A typical unit load for long-distance transport comprises a unit load device, often a pallet, and the goods themselves, i.e., the items to be transported within the supply chain.These are often packaged, for example in cardboard boxes. Load securing devices connect the load carrier and the cargo attached to it, preventing damage to the load unit from forces acting during transport or the release of cargo parts. The most common load securing devices for load units consisting of a pallet and cargo arranged on it are strapping and film wrapping. Load units are frequently strapped using strapping machines with plastic or metal strapping bands. Paper strapping is also used. The strapping bands are connected under tension to form closed loops, holding the components of the load unit together. Alternatively, load units consisting of a pallet and cargo are wrapped with film using film wrappers. Stretch film wrappers are the most widespread.However, wrapping with less elastic films or films made of materials other than plastic (e.g., paper films) is also known for stabilizing 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. The turntable is then rotated around its vertical central axis, so that several strips of film are wrapped under tension around the load unit, securing its components against slippage. 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 rotates around it for wrapping. Load securing systems consisting of combinations of film wrapping and strapping to secure the load unit are also known.

[0003] However, loading units without carriers are also known. For example, several cartons containing products can constitute the cargo. These cartons can be bundled together by wrapping them in film or strapping them with one or more tensioned loops of strapping band, forming a single loading unit.

[0004] Significant safety requirements are placed on loading units to ensure that their components do not shift relative to one another. These safety requirements can vary considerably between different modes of transport (e.g., road, rail, sea, and air). At the same time, economic and environmental considerations must be taken into account. Load securing must not be too complex or heavy, as this results in high costs and economic disadvantages, as well as negatively impacting the environment through excessive resource and energy consumption. Therefore, load securing should be sufficiently secure while remaining as lightweight as possible.

[0005] German patent DE 10 2005 019 280 A1, for example, highlights the importance of the stability and integrity of cargo units loaded onto an aircraft. It presents a method for verifying cargo securing devices installed in an aircraft, whereby the actual cargo securing configuration is recorded by receiving data from a multitude of machine-readable identifiers. The actual cargo securing configuration is then compared with a desired configuration and adjusted accordingly. In air transport, weight distribution within the aircraft has a significant impact on fuel consumption and flight safety. Therefore, it is clear that the stability and integrity of cargo units loaded onto an aircraft are prerequisites for flight safety.The maximum permissible mechanical forces acting during flight operations determine the requirements for the mechanical load-bearing capacity to which a cargo unit may be subjected without damage or destruction. Similar principles apply to sea transport.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide an economical and reliable method that enables the assurance of specific mechanical properties of a charging unit.

[0007] This problem is solved by the totality of features of claim 1.

[0008] The procedure involves the steps described below.

[0009] Step 1: Creating a reference loading unit with specific types of cargo and load securing devices with specific packaging parameters. As mentioned above, the reference loading unit can optionally include a cargo carrier, e.g., a Euro pallet, on which the cargo is placed. In this step, a loading unit is created using cargo and suitable load securing devices for the purpose of determining at least one, and usually several, of its mechanical properties. When attaching the load securing device to the cargo, care must be taken to record the specific type of load securing device (e.g., material, thickness, and width of the strapping or film used). The type(s) of load securing device(s) used to create the reference loading unit are recorded, just like the cargo itself.When securing loads, the packaging parameters are also recorded and logged. The securing loads can be applied by a packaging machine, and the logging can be done automatically by the packaging machine. If the cargo is on a load carrier, such as a Euro pallet, the specific type of load carrier is also identified and logged.

[0010] When a strapping machine is used as a packaging machine, it can be equipped with a variety of sensors that detect packaging parameters such as strapping tension and the number or 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 therein is intended for the production of smaller packages. However, strapping machines for pallets are also known (see, for example, the applicant's DE 10 2019 118 307 A1), which can be equipped with similar sensors. The strapping band, as a load securing device, can have an identifier, such as 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 identifier, so that the control system of the strapping machine always has the information available as to which load securing device was used for a particular load unit.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, film wrappers can be used, which wrap a film around the load carrier and the cargo on it as a load securing device. Film wrappers can also be equipped with appropriate sensors to record packaging-specific 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 marked with a barcode, QR code, RFID transponder, or other machine-readable identifier from which the exact type of film can be determined.

[0012] Step 2: Determination of at least one mechanical property of the reference loading unit using at least one test station. In this step, the reference loading unit is fed to a test station that enables the determination of its mechanical properties. For example, a tilt test device can be used to determine the maximum tilt angle at which the reference loading unit remains stable. An acceleration and deceleration test device can determine the acceleration and deceleration forces acting in the horizontal plane that can be applied to the reference loading unit without causing damage. An oblique impact test device allows for the verification of the influence of shocks and crushing forces on the reference loading unit.A vertical vibration test device allows for the testing of the effects of vertical vibrations, or rather, the determination of which vertical vibrations can occur during transport without damaging the reference load unit. The vertical vibration test device can also include a tilt attachment to determine the vibration behavior of the load unit when placed on an inclined surface.

[0013] Step 3: Generation of a reference data record containing identifiers for the type of load carrier (if applicable), the cargo, and the load securing devices, as well as the specific packaging parameters and information on at least one mechanical property of the reference loading unit. It can also be advantageous to store the identifier for the type of packaging machine in the reference data record if the type of packaging machine can influence the mechanical properties of the loading unit. This reference data record includes all relevant information about the generation of the reference loading unit. In practice, the identifiers for the type of load carrier, the load securing device, and the packaging machine can be captured automatically.Packaging machines typically have a digital machine control system that stores an identification number associated with the machine type. This identification can be transferred to the reference data record to identify the packaging machine type. If the packaging machine type is not relevant to the mechanical properties of the loading unit, storing an identifier for the packaging machine type is unnecessary. Many manufacturers also mark load securing devices (e.g., strapping bands or films) with unique identifiers that are clearly assigned to the type of load securing device. These identifiers can be machine-readable and, for example, attached to the core around which the load securing device is wound, as a barcode, QR code, or RFID transponder. The packaging machine can then detect or read this identifier.The packaging machine's control system can then store this identifier in the reference data record. Alternatively, the identifier of the load securing device can be manually entered into the machine control system, for example, via a terminal with a keyboard. Furthermore, the packaging machine's control system can record the packaging parameters, such as the strap tension or the number of straps when using strapping bands. For 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 these values ​​can be automatically stored in the reference data record. If a load carrier is used, the packaging machine can also identify the load carrier.Cargo carriers such as Euro pallets are nowadays often marked with individual identifiers in the form of QR codes, which can be read by a scanner 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 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. This can include mechanical load values ​​(e.g., forces, stresses) acting on the reference load unit during testing. It can also include information on test standards or cargo securing standards that the reference load unit met during testing.

[0014] Step 4: Saving the reference data set to a reference data storage device. As explained in the previous paragraph, the majority of the data contained in the reference data set can be acquired by the packaging machine's control system. However, this data is generally not linked to each other, so the packaging machine's control system must be configured with appropriate control software to combine all the data from the reference data set. Furthermore, the machine control's data storage is often not networked and therefore cannot be read by external data processing devices. The reference data set should be stored in a reference data storage device that is connected to a data network, such as the internet, via an interface.This enables the use of the reference data set by a variety of packaging systems that can produce loading units similar to the reference loading unit. Naturally, copies of the reference data set can be transmitted via the data network to other data storage devices and other data processing equipment.

[0015] Step 5: Generation of an actual loading unit, whereby the type of load carrier (if applicable), cargo, and load securing devices, as well as the packaging parameters, are recorded as actual data. The term "actual loading unit" refers to a loading unit that was not generated for carrying out the reference tests, but rather for transport within the supply chain from a sender to a recipient. Step 5 can be performed separately in terms of location and time from the generation of the reference loading unit. As with the creation of the reference data set, the type of load securing device and the packaging parameters can preferably be automatically recorded and assigned to the actual data by the packaging machine's control system during this step as well.If the loading unit includes a cargo carrier and this carrier is equipped with a machine-readable identification mark, the type of cargo carrier can also be automatically detected 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 resulting loading unit.

[0016] Step 6: Comparison of the actual data with the data of the reference dataset. This step verifies whether the actual charging unit corresponds to the reference charging unit. If the actual data matches or exceeds the data of the reference dataset, the mechanical properties of the reference charging unit are assigned an identifier to the actual charging unit and stored in a companion dataset for the actual charging unit. The goal is generally to generate actual charging units that are identical to the reference charging unit. The method described here allows for a reliable assessment of the mechanical properties of a large number of actual charging units without requiring individual testing of each unit.Testing the reference load unit is sufficient to assign the mechanical properties determined during testing to actual load units produced using the same load securing devices and packaging parameters. Exceeding the reference data is conceivable, for example, if a stronger load securing device (wider or thicker strapping or film) is used, or if a greater number of wraps or straps are applied. In these cases, the actual load unit can still 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 those of the reference load unit due to the stronger load securing.

[0017] 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 loading unit was created. Alternatively, the comparison can be carried out by a separate computer connected to the packaging machine's machine control via a data link. The mechanical properties of the reference loading unit are assigned an identifier for the actual loading unit and stored in an accompanying data set. This means that the actual loading unit is assigned a unique identifier. If the actual loading unit has a load carrier marked with a unique identifier (for example, a pallet with a QR code), this identifier can be used as the actual loading unit's identifier. Alternatively, a machine-readable identifier can be applied to the actual loading unit during its manufacture.For example, a device for printing on a package (loading unit) in a packaging machine is known from DE 20 2016 102 026 U1. The printed identifier (e.g., a 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 set can be encoded and stored in a readable format within the identifier, e.g., in the QR code. However, this is only possible with a small volume of accompanying data. If an RFID tag is attached to the loading unit, the accompanying data set can be stored on it. It is also possible to use the identifier of the actual loading unit to identify and retrieve an accompanying data set for the actual loading unit stored in a data storage device.In practice, an internet-accessible data server is set up, which both the producer of the actual charging unit and any person or system authorized to handle and transport it have access to in order to read the accompanying data records stored there. Storing the accompanying data record on a data server allows each record to 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 during the production of the actual charging unit, as well as other information and data relevant to the actual charging unit, such as the production date, the duration of transport, and any physical parameters recorded during transport (temperature, humidity, accelerations, etc.).To capture these physical quantities, either the means of transport or the loading units can be equipped with sensors that communicate with the data server and can store data in the accompanying data record on the data server. Information about the type and quantity of load securing devices used can be relevant to the CO2 footprint of the loading unit, as can the chosen means of transport and the transport route. This information can also be stored in the accompanying data record. The accompanying data record then contains all data relevant to the actual loading unit, such as detailed information about the freight carriers used, the freight arranged on the freight carrier, and the load securing device(s) of the actual loading unit, as well as information about the transport of the actual loading unit (e.g., duration of the various transport segments, means of transport used, environmental conditions recorded during transport).

[0018] Such a comprehensive accompanying data set enables optimal further processing of the actual loading unit or the freight it contains. Furthermore, in the event of damage to the freight or its packaging, the reasons for the damage can often be derived from the accompanying data set, especially if it also contains data on the duration and environmental conditions of the transport of the actual loading unit.

[0019] The ability to retrieve the guaranteed mechanical properties via the identifier of the actual loading unit significantly increases transport safety. Firstly, it ensures that only loading units with the required mechanical properties are loaded into a specific means of transport. For example, an aircraft will only be loaded with a unit that possesses the mechanical properties required for air transport. If the loading unit does not have the mechanical properties required for air transport, it can be used for rail transport, where the requirements are less stringent. Furthermore, it also prevents the use of excessively robust loading units for certain transport modes. A loading unit for rail transport does not need to be as strong and stable as one for air or sea transport.Consequently, packaging materials can be saved, leading to a reduction in weight and a decrease in energy consumption for transport, and thus to an overall reduction in transport costs.

[0020] As mentioned, in practice the reference data storage or the data storage for the accompanying data set, or both data storage devices, can be connected via data interfaces to a digital data network, in particular the Internet, through which data can be written to and read from this data storage device.

[0021] Furthermore, in practice, the identifier of the actual charging unit can be attached to the actual charging unit by means of a machine-readable information carrier. This machine-readable information carrier can be, for example: a barcode; a QR code; an RFID transponder.

[0022] 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 devices; orientation of the load securing devices to the cargo; distance between the load securing devices; type of closure of the load securing device.

[0023] The packaging parameters can therefore include all relevant information about the load securing devices themselves, as well as their arrangement (tension, number, position on the cargo, orientation to the cargo, spacing, etc.). Particularly with strapping bands made of plastic, the closure type can be specified by several 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 securing device.

[0024] As mentioned, a test center for the reference charging unit can include at least one of the following test stations: a tilt test device; an acceleration and deceleration test device; a slant impact test device; a vertical vibration test device.

[0025] Further practical embodiments and advantages of the invention are described below in connection with the drawings.

[0026] shows a schematic top view of a packaging plant for the production of a loading unit.

[0027] shows a schematic view of a strapping machine, which is part of the packaging system.

[0028] shows a side view of a film wrapper, which can be part of the packaging system as an alternative or additional component to the strapping machine.

[0029] shows the top view of the film winder.

[0030] shows a schematic arrangement of the system for recording the packaging parameters.

[0031] shows a schematic representation of a test center with several test stations.

[0032] shows the process for creating a reference data set.

[0033] shows the process for creating an accompanying data set.

[0034] The packaging system 1 shown is used to attach load securing devices to a load carrier, in this case a pallet 2, which is placed onto a roller conveyor 4 by a first forklift 3. Of course, load carriers other than pallets 2 can also be used, for example, cast fiber support structures. A conveying device other than a roller conveyor can also be used (e.g., a conveyor belt). As mentioned above, loading units can also be produced without load carriers. Especially with lighter products, it may be sufficient to stack the goods, possibly in suitable packaging cartons, and strap or wrap them. Goods such as newspapers can also simply be stacked and strapped without packaging. However, for the purpose of illustrating the process described here, loading units with load carriers are used in the drawings.

[0035] Pallet 2 is transported by roller conveyor 4 along the various processing stations, which are also staffed with operators 5 as needed and have terminals 6 for manual data entry. For example, a scanner 7 for scanning a barcode or QR code can be positioned at pallet 2' to read such a code affixed to the pallet and identify the type of load carrier used based on the captured identifier. Load carrier identification is, of course, unnecessary if the load unit is produced without a load carrier. Furthermore, a measuring sensor (not shown) can detect the width and length of the load carrier and the load unit to be formed in this area.

[0036] Approximately in the middle of the roller conveyor 4 is the packaging machine 8 for attaching one or more load securing devices. The packaging machine 8 shown is a strapping machine, which is explained in conjunction with [reference missing]. Below the packaging machine 8 is a so-called labeler or printer 9, 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 an edge protector is suitable for printing with a QR code or barcode.

[0037] If the load carrier itself, i.e., pallet 2, is marked with a unique code, printing by printer 9 is unnecessary. However, codes attached to load carriers are often difficult to read or ambiguous, so a printer is provided as an alternative or additional method for applying a machine-readable code. Alternatively, an RFID transponder can be used to uniquely identify the load unit. An RFID transponder is a microchip that stores data which can be read without physical contact. RFID transponders are now very affordable and incur hardly any additional costs compared to printing on the load unit. They are often manufactured as flat RFID tags and can be easily affixed to a flat section of the load unit.

[0038] To verify the attached identifier, a reader 10 can be arranged along the roller conveyor 4. This reader reads the attached identifier (barcode, QR code, or RFID), ensuring 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 controller 11, which is shown in the upper right. The components, such as the scanner 7, packaging / strapping machine 8, printer 9, and reader 10, each have their own control modules. These control modules are networked with the system controller 11, so that all data for the formed loading unit 27 is received centrally at the system controller 11. Once the loading unit 27 is complete, a second forklift 12 transports it away from the roller conveyor 4.

[0039] The packaging system 1 shown in the figure can be used both to produce a reference loading unit and to produce a large number of actual loading units for the delivery of the freight. To determine the mechanical properties of the reference loading unit, it is transported from packaging system 1 to a test station.

[0040] Alternatively, a packaging system similar to packaging system 1 can be located near the test station, producing a loading unit that exhibits the characteristics of the later actual loading units. These characteristics include, in particular, a predefined cargo carrier, predefined cargo arranged on the cargo carrier in a predefined configuration, and a predefined type and number of load securing devices.

[0041] This shows details of the packaging machine 8, which is used for applying 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 mounted so that it can be moved vertically. The drive for a strapping band, which is fed from a band reel 15, is located on the upper carriage 14. The connecting unit, which closes a strap loop after tensioning, is also located here. The strapping band is fed from the band reel 15 into a U-shaped guide frame 28, which guides the band from the upper carriage 14 first downwards on one side of the load unit, then under 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, thus separating it from the strap roll 15. The strap roll 15 is itself 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 type of strapping being used can be entered via a terminal.

[0042] The strapping machine 8 can apply several parallel straps to a loading unit. If it is necessary to apply intersecting straps to the loading unit, a turntable (not shown) can be arranged in the roller conveyor 4, which rotates the loading unit by 90°.

[0043] Figures 1 and 4 show an alternative or additional embodiment of the packaging machine 8'. Here, the packaging machine 8' is a film wrapper. More precisely, it is a so-called automatic rotary ring stretch wrapper, in which a carrier 18 for a film roll with a vertical axis is provided on a height-adjustable rotary ring 17. During wrapping, the rotary ring 17 is moved vertically, whereby the carrier 18 with the film is rotated satellite-like around the loading unit 27. As mentioned, such a film wrapper 8' can be provided in the packaging system 1 either in addition to or as an alternative to the strapping machine 8. 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 for wrapping the charging unit with film.

[0044] This schematically illustrates the data acquisition process at packaging machine 8, in this case, strapping machine 8. Information about the type of strapping used is stored in the RFID tag on the strap roll and is read by an RFID scanner and transmitted to the machine control system. Information about the load 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 transmitted to the machine control system. The parameters of the strapping generated by the machine control system are recorded and, together with the information about the load securing device (strapping) and the load carrier, transmitted to a data server 19. Of course, other 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 the plant control system 11.

[0045] The machine control system determines which identifier 29 is to be used to label the loading unit and instructs printer 9 to print the corresponding code on the loading unit. Alternatively, the machine control system can attach a specific RFID tag to the loading unit and store the tag's identifier as associated with the loading unit.

[0046] If the reference charging unit is created solely for the purpose of testing its mechanical properties, creating an identifier for the reference charging unit is unnecessary, provided that the reference data set with the corresponding characteristics is supplied to the test stations by other means. In practice, however, it is advisable to also assign an identifier to the reference charging unit. This facilitates verification that the reference charging unit can be easily accessed via the reference data set assigned to it.

[0047] This shows a test center with various test stations. In the upper left is a tilt test station 20, which is used to perform a tilt test to evaluate load stability during transport. The tilt test is a simple initial indicator for quick quality control, allowing verification of the stability of the assembled load unit when tilted.

[0048] In the upper right corner, an acceleration and deceleration test station 21 can be seen, which allows tests to be carried out in accordance with the most important international standards such as EUMOS 40509 and the American FMCSA cargo securing requirements. Here, the loading unit is positioned on a sled 22 that can be accelerated and decelerated in a horizontal plane and loaded according to a special software program for transport simulation. An integrated high-speed camera can document all deformations of the loading units at every moment of the load.

[0049] Another test station, number 23, tests the influence of shocks and crushing forces on the charging unit. Tests can also be carried out here according to various international test protocols.

[0050] 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.

[0051] The data from the various test stations 20, 21, 23, and 24 are combined at a central control computer 26. The test center's control computer 26 is also connected to the internet, allowing the data generated at the test center to be stored on the data server 19 (see figure). Of course, test stations 20, 21, 23, and 24 can also be operated individually and equipped with their own control computers. The specific tests to be performed and the test data to be stored can vary depending on the loading unit and the intended mode of transport.

[0052] This section explains how the reference data sets are generated using the packaging system and the test center. First, a reference load unit is created on packaging system 1 (see figure), and all relevant data from the reference load units are recorded. This includes, in particular, the application of load securing by packaging machine 8 of packaging system 1, as well as the recording of the packaging parameters. This data, recorded during the generation of the reference load units, is stored on data server 19, as explained in the preceding section. Subsequently, in the test center, mechanical properties representing the resistance, strength, durability, or load-bearing capacity of the generated load unit are determined at least in one, several, or all of the test stations 20, 21, 23, and 24.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.

[0053] This section now explains the process of generating an actual loading unit for transport to the customer. Generating the loading unit, applying the load securing devices, and recording the packaging parameters corresponds to the process of generating 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 recorded during its generation are compared with the parameters of the reference data set. For this purpose, packaging machine 8 () accesses data server 19 () via the internet and retrieves the data from the reference data set.If a match is found, or if it is determined that certain mechanical properties of the load securing exceed those of the reference data set, the mechanical properties of the reference data set are adopted into the accompanying data set assigned to the actual load unit. If it cannot be verified that the actual load unit meets the requirements of the reference load units, the mechanical properties from the reference data set are not adopted for the accompanying data set.

[0054] Naturally, multiple reference datasets can exist, allowing each successively generated actual loading unit to be assigned the mechanical properties of one of the reference datasets 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 respective mode of transport.

[0055] The accompanying data record then forms a load passport, containing the identifier of the actual load unit as well as its associated data and mechanical properties, which were determined by testing the reference load unit. Further information can be stored in the accompanying data record, such as the time the actual data unit was generated and information about the transport process (start, end, and, if applicable, the type of transport vehicle). If the transport vehicle or the actual load 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.

[0056] The features of the invention disclosed in this description, in the drawings, and in the claims can be essential for realizing the invention in its various embodiments, both individually and in any combination. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments. It can be varied within the scope of the claims and taking into account the knowledge of the person skilled in the art.

[0057] 1 Packaging system 2, 2' Pallet, Cargo carrier 3 Forklift 4 Roller conveyor 5 Operator 6 Terminal 7 Scanner 8 Packaging machine, Strapping machine 8' Packaging machine, Film wrapper 9 Printer 10 Reading device 11 System control 12 Forklift 13 Support frame 14 Upper carriage 15 Belt roller 16 Identifier 17 Rotating ring 18 Carrier 19 Data server 20 Tilt test station 21 Acceleration and deceleration test station 22 Carriage 23 Shock and lateral force test station 24 Vibration test station 25 Vibratory plate 26 Test center control computer 27 Loading unit 28 Belt guide frame 29 Loading unit identifier

Claims

Method for recording the safety characteristics of loading units, each comprising at least the following: cargo; at least one load securing device that stabilizes the cargo; wherein the method comprises the following steps: generating a reference loading unit with specific types of cargo and load securing devices with specific packaging parameters;Determination of at least one mechanical property of the reference loading unit using at least one test station; generation of a reference data set containing identifiers for the type of cargo and load securing devices, as well as the specific packaging parameters and information on the at least one mechanical property of the reference loading unit; storage of the reference data set in a reference data storage device; generation of an actual loading unit, whereby the type of cargo and load securing devices, 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 matches or exceeds 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 and stored in an accompanying data set of the actual loading unit. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the reference loading unit and the actual loading unit have a cargo carrier on which the cargo is arranged, wherein the load securing device connects the cargo carrier and the cargo, and wherein an identifier for the type of cargo carrier is also stored in the reference data set and the type of cargo carrier is recorded during the generation of the actual loading unit and compared with the type of cargo carrier stored in the reference data set. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the reference data storage or the data storage for the accompanying data set or both data storage devices is or are connected to a digital data network, in particular the Internet. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the identifier of the actual charging unit is attached to the actual charging unit by means of a machine-readable information carrier. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one of the following is used as a machine-readable information carrier: a barcode; a QR code; an RFID transponder. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the following is used as load securing means: a strapping band; a film. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the load securing device is applied using a packaging machine selected from the following: a strapping machine; a film wrapper. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in 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 devices; orientation of the load securing devices to the cargo; distance between the load securing devices; type of closure of the load securing device. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the following test stations is used: a tilt test device; an acceleration and deceleration test device; a slant impact test device; a vertical vibration test device. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that further information and data relevant to the actual charging unit are stored in the accompanying data set. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the further data and information comprise at least one of the following: date of generation of the actual charging unit, duration of transport of the actual charging unit, physical quantities such as temperature, humidity and acceleration recorded by sensors during transport.

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