DE102007007729B3 - Method and device for marking pallets and palletizing cell - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for identifying a pallet loaded with staple goods. In the method according to the invention, an identification element having the relevant information for identification is attached to an intermediate layer which is introduced between two layers of stacked goods when the pallet is loaded. According to the invention, the identification element is fastened without a connection to the intermediate layer by a positive connection produced by means of deforming the intermediate layer and the identification element. For this purpose, the device according to the invention comprises corresponding fastening means.

Description

I. Field of application

The The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for marking pallets and in particular for marking of pallets loaded with staple goods, one of which is for marking relevant information element on a Liner is attached when loading the pallet between two layers of staple material is introduced, and a palletizing cell, having such a device.

II. Technical background

At the Palletizing of stacked goods on pallets is for further handling the loaded pallet usually necessary to mark them. The marking Here, for example, the nature of the stacked products, the Manufacturer, the addressee, the weight of the pallet and others Hints that may be relevant to handling the pallet include.

To the Attaching a corresponding identification element on a pallet Various methods are known from the prior art.

For example Is it possible, the marking element only after wrapping the finished loaded Pallet with foil, the so-called stretch, on the outside the pallet, so in this case to attach to the film. This usually takes place using self-adhesive label elements. The Disadvantages of this method are that on the one hand, the label element damaged during transport of the loaded pallet and thus illegible and on the other hand after removing the slide no information about the Range are more available. Also, self-adhesive label elements are with accordingly high additional costs and usually in terms of their format size to a maximum Limited to DIN A5.

From the DE 44 36 159 C2 It is known to attach a preprinted label in the form of a thin polyolefin sheet to a surface by ultrasonic welding to identify products being transported using a protective cover made of plastic material.

Finally are also the labeling systems used in this context high costs, so usually for many Palletizing a common labeling system is used. Thus, the Kenzeichnung not directly in the respective Palletizing cell take place. Rather, the finished loaded, but not marked pallets from the individual palletizing cells be transported to the labeling. This brings on the one hand an additional amount of time and corresponding costs with it and on the other hand is due the not yet present marking of the pallets the danger of confusion on the way to the labeling plant.

A different possibility to identify a pallet is the label element before stretching the pallet. To damage the Stapelguts to avoid this, attachment of the marking element is usually this on an intermediate layer of the pallet. Liners become when loading The pallet is used to increase the stability of the construction of the pallet increase and are introduced for this purpose between predetermined layers of staple. Normally, such intermediate layer consist of cardboard, paper or corrugated cardboard, with the exact properties of the liner however, may depend on the stacked staple.

at the method known from the prior art in this regard the corresponding marking elements after completion of the Building a pallet manually on an intermediate layer of the pallet attached. Thus, here too an identification of the pallets not directly in the palletizing cell. Consequently are also in this case by transporting the pallets to the place where the tag is finally made, the above Disadvantages of additional costs and the risk of confusion of unmarked pallets given.

Farther are usually aids in the manual attachment of the labeling elements, such as adhesive, adhesive tape, staples or the like used.

The use of such aids, however, has significant disadvantages. Thus, the tools generate additional costs. Furthermore, the interlayers are recycled after the removal of a pallet due to their relatively high value. In this case, the aids used to attach the marking element impair the quality of the intermediate layer, since, for example, adhesive residues remain on the intermediate layer or the intermediate layer is damaged by the antagonism of the marking element or the removal of the staple clamps. However, liners of such reduced quality are not easily sorted due to the high cost, but recycled as much as possible. This could then damage the handling of the Zwischenla problems with palletizing.

Around To avoid these disadvantages would be furthermore conceivable, the respective marking element simply between to introduce an intermediate layer and the staple stacked on this and thus cause an attachment by a frictional connection.

To would it be However, necessary, already parked on the intermediate staple raise again to insert the tag. Also is not guaranteed that the marking element in the further handling of the Pallet, for example, when stretched, by exclusively on a frictional attachment is held sufficiently secure.

III. Presentation of the invention

a) Technical task

• • eine sichere Befestigung des entsprechenden Kennzeichnungselement an der Palette gewährleistet,
• • eine problemlose Wiederverwertung von Zwischenlagen, die Verwendung großformatiger Etiketten sowie eine Kennzeichnung unmittelbar in der Palettierzelle ermöglicht und
• • sich durch niedrige Anschaffungs- und Betriebskosten auszeichnet.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method and an apparatus for identifying a pallet loaded with staple, the / the

• • ensures secure attachment of the corresponding marking element to the pallet,
• • easy reuse of intermediate layers, the use of large format labels and labeling directly in the palletizing cell, and
• • characterized by low acquisition and operating costs.

Of Furthermore, it is the object of the present invention to provide a palletizing cell for palletizing stacked goods on a pallet.

b) solution the task

These The object is achieved by the method and the device with the features of claim 1 or claim 15 and the palletizing cell with the Characteristics of claim 23 solved. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the dependent claims.

at the method according to the invention to mark a pallet loaded with stacked goods is at least an information relevant to the labeling Label element attached to an intermediate layer. This liner will be as usual introduced during loading of the pallet between two layers of staple. According to the invention is the Identification element without connecting means by means of a deformation the intermediate layer and the identification element produced positive connection attached to the intermediate layer.

There a positive connection in contrast to a traction by a mesh If the two connection partners emerge, the connection partners can become not solve without or with interrupted power transmission, so that a secure attachment of the marking element to the intermediate layer guaranteed is.

In In this sense, the inventive device for identification comprises a pallet-laden pallet fastener through which that for forming the positive connection between the intermediate layer and needed the label element Deformation of the same is achieved.

in the Unlike a riveting or a stapling is by a formed by deformation of the elements involved positive connection no additional Lanyard needed. For removing the label attached to the intermediate layer Consequently, it is only necessary to subject the positive connection with a corresponding force cancel. The case here if necessary occurring damage to the Zwischenlage lies within the framework of what, in the sense of a recycling is readily considered acceptable.

Of the to be produced according to the invention Positive locking of the marking element with the intermediate layer is preferably by pressing, that for example by crimping can be produced, formed. Here under crimping a kind of compression is to be understood. For the fasteners to be used this may preferably be at least one conventional commercial Act Crimping tool, in its open position the intermediate layer and the connecting element are placed one above the other lying and then by pressing the pliers are crimped or crimped together. Depending on The shape of the pliers tool can in this case a sufficiently large area of both materials for producing the positive connection according to the invention be deformed.

Preferably the fasteners are pneumatically operated, however Alternatively, another type of operation, such as hydraulic or otherwise mechanically controlled conceivable would be.

In a preferred embodiment, in this case the actuation of the fastening means could be triggered automatically depending on the positions of the intermediate layer and the Kenn drawing element, these positions by entspre ing sensors, for example, could be optically detected.

There the fastening method according to the invention essentially independent of the material of the marking element, if this is sufficient can be pressed / deformed can, for example, as a label element a sheet of paper or cardboard but also a piece of plastic existing label element are used. Especially would be here also a use of labeling elements based on Transponders conceivable, with the corresponding electronic components in a plastic sheath could be introduced then also, for example, in a specially provided for this purpose Area for attachment according to the invention serves at the liner.

Preferably the identification element is attached to an intermediate layer, in the finished stacked pallet in terms of the height of the pallet substantially is arranged in the middle area. This has the advantage that easy access to the information of the label element guaranteed is.

In a preferred embodiment the method according to the invention the identification element is attached to the intermediate layer before the intermediate layer between two layers of stacked goods on the pallet is introduced. This means that an automated labeling within a palletizing cell, where the pallet is usually using appropriate robots or other automated Elements is built up, possible is.

A Attaching the marking element to the intermediate layer before Inserting the liner has the further advantage that the Position of the invention for attachment To be generated positive fit can be chosen so that the immediate On the intermediate layer to be built from Stapelgut the mounting position of the Identification element covered. This would have the Advantage that the marking element in addition to the inventively generated Positive fit still due to the weight of the stacked good acting frictional connection between the intermediate layer and the stacked goods is held.

advantageously, be in the inventive method at least two identification elements on a pallet to be marked attached their information from different sides of the Pallet accessible are. This has the advantage that the marked range for Reading the information is not brought into a specific orientation must become.

in this connection the at least two identification elements are preferably attached attached to the same intermediate layer. This has procedurally the Advantage that only one liner when loading the pallet in led to a marking position must be attached to the label elements attached to it become.

As usual the generation of the positive connection in the plane of the intermediate layer takes place especially when using sufficiently rigid marking elements In addition, the tagging element is outwardly of the pallet, or the liner to which it is attached is, projects. this could later Stretching the pallet can lead to problems. As a result, the tag element becomes a particularly preferred embodiment of the inventive method deformed after attachment to the liner so that it is in essentially brought into the pallet state of the intermediate layer perpendicular to the corresponding side surface of the pallet. For this purpose can the attached to the intermediate label element, for example guided against a contact edge be the label element in the appropriate position kinks or folds over.

In this connection would be of course, too conceivable, the marking element already before attachment deform the intermediate layer by folding / bending accordingly and then fix in the deformed state to the intermediate layer.

Also could the identification element equipped with a predetermined bending / predetermined bending point to be a simple and controlled buckling / bending over guarantee. Could do this the label element in the relevant places, for example with a pre-break, perforation, embossing, creasing or the like be provided.

at the use of non-rigid materials as marking elements, For example, paper, it is usually but not necessary, the marking element after fixing to deform at the intermediate position, as a substantially to the side surface the pallet fitting position of the marking element below Can independently adjust the action of gravity.

The feed of the marking element to the intermediate position for attachment This can be done in several ways.

On the one hand can with appropriate Infor mation provided labeling elements for a whole series of pallets prepared and stored in batches, with the appropriate to be attached to the respective pallet marking element then taken by a corresponding removal device isolated from the stack and guided for attachment to the intermediate layer.

For this includes the device according to the invention at least one magazine in which the with the appropriate information provided label elements are stacked provided. Farther a removal device is present, which designed in such a way is that they are a single label element from the magazine remove and can lead to the attachment to the liner.

in the Case of using conventional sheets of paper as labeling elements this is a conventional one Magazine, for example, a copier or printer, with a act corresponding dicing device. The preferably in advance Label elements generated with a printer are used in this Case simply inserted in the appropriate magazine and the labeling device occasionally fed.

alternative would be possible, a Identification element only immediately before its attachment for the concrete to be marked pallet with the corresponding information to Mistake. In this case, the identifier is then through a removal device directly from the output shaft of the label element taken with the information providing device and the Attachment led to the liner.

The Removal device could in this case have a roller transport or the like to the promotion the marking elements to a defined marking position, on which the attachment of the marking element takes place to allow. Also would be therefor a vacuum-based gripper system conceivable.

If it is the label element to a paper-like Element, could For example, a printer can be used to provide the appropriate Information on the label element.

at a use of transponders or RFID technology could for Apply the appropriate information on the label element a chip or electronic components used corresponding programming device can be used.

Of course it would be too conceivable to use tag elements originating from a role and the before feeding to the intermediate layer of a corresponding separating device to be isolated. In this case could be between the individual Label elements on the roll Breakaway points, eg. B. perforations or the like be present to facilitate a separation.

Should the stacked goods are products which are in the form of flat pieces of material, for example unfolded cardboard boxes or the like, so may in a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention as a marking element, a pattern of the stacked good can be used. Thus would be can be seen directly to which stacked material it is the pallet is.

Of course, this would be here also conceivable, a pattern of Stapelgut in addition to an identification element to attach to the intermediate layer, preferably the attachment the pattern analogous to the attachment of the marking element according to the invention, So by creating a positive connection between the pattern and the liner, takes place.

In both cases is to be attached to the intermediate layer pattern of the Stapelguts preferably not from the stack of the ongoing palletizing but rather is taken separately, for example in one appropriate magazine provided.

Around a secure holding the attached to the intermediate label element to ensure, is advantageously at least two spaced apart Positions a positive connection between the liner and the label element generated.

in this connection can either a corresponding number of fastening means, preferably crimping tools, be used, or it will only use a single when using Fastener the change the position of the positive connection by a corresponding change of Relative position of the intermediate layer and the connecting element with respect to the Affixed fastener.

In order to guide the respective intermediate layer to a defined marking position at which the attachment of the marking element takes place, the device according to the invention preferably comprises a feed device. Advantageously, the feeder is essentially of the Trans formed port device, which is generally used to transport the intermediate layers of a supply position on the pallet to be built. If an identification element is to be fastened to the intermediate layer transported by the transport device, then the transport of the intermediate layer from the supply position to the pallet is guided via an additional position, the identification position, at which the fastening means are arranged and to which also the to be fastened marking element is conveyed. After attaching the marking element to the intermediate layer, this is then transported by the transport device to the pallet. Palletizing robots with corresponding grippers / suction heads usually serve as transport devices.

If in this case attack the means of transport centrally on the intermediate layer and the liner does not over should have sufficient inherent rigidity, it may happen that the intermediate layer sags downwards at the edges during transport. Around in this case nevertheless an exact positioning of the intermediate layer to reach the identification position, the device of the invention in a preferred embodiment two converging in the direction of the identification position guide elements on. Through these guiding elements, for example in the form of baffles, that of the transport device transported liner during their movement to the identification position to be aligned in a vertical position.

in this connection are the used guide elements preferably designed such that it easy to attach of the marking element on the intermediate layer in the marking position enable. For this purpose can the guide elements For example, identify recesses or recesses through the arranged the respective fastening means on the one above the other Combine combination of marker and liner can.

Preferably If the marking element is arranged above the intermediate layer during fastening.

c) embodiments

A embodiment according to the invention in the following with reference to the figures described in more detail by way of example. Show it:

1 : a plan view of a palletising cell with an embodiment of the device according to the invention;

2 a perspective view of an embodiment of the device according to the invention;

3 a plan view of an embodiment of the device according to the invention; and

4 : A side view of an embodiment of the device according to the invention.

1 shows a plan view of a palletizing cell 1 with a device according to the invention 10 for labeling a stacked goods 3 to be loaded pallet 5 , That on the respective pallet to be loaded 5 stacked goods to be stacked 3 becomes the palletizing cell 1 over a treadmill 2 supplied in the direction indicated by the arrow Z feed direction.

In the palletizing cell 1 is a transport device 9 present, which is formed in the present example as a palletizing robot. The transport device 9 takes one pallet to be loaded each 5 from the pallet stock 4 and transports them to the palletizing position P on the treadmill 6 ,

Completely loaded pallets leave the palletizing cell in the discharge direction indicated by the arrow A. Usually, the fully loaded pallets containing the palletizing cell 1 leave, then wrapped in a further process steps with a film ("stretched").

At predetermined intervals, the transport device takes 9 from the one in the palletizing cell 1 arranged intermediate layer stock 7 an intermediate layer, this leads to the palletizing P and puts them on a completed layer of staple 3 from. Following this, the stacking of the stacked good 3 continued, so that the appropriate intermediate final between two successive layers of staple 3 is arranged.

If at the by the transport device 9 recorded liner 8th an identification element to be attached, so performs the transport device 9 the recorded liner 8th before being deposited at the palletizing position P of the device according to the invention 10 to mark.

Only after the fastening of the marking element according to the invention by means of positive locking on the intermediate layer 8th this is from the transport device 9 led to the palletizing P and on the appropriate layer of staple 3 stored.

As in the 2 . 3 and 4 illustrated, includes the device according to the invention 10 for marking the pallets 5 two symmetrical arranged fasteners 12 , which are formed in the present example by conventional crimping tools. Furthermore, the device comprises 10 a magazine 11 that, like in the 2 and 3 seen, for filling with a stack 15 from identification elements laterally out of the device 10 can be pulled out.

in the The present example is the individual identification elements to conventional leaves made of paper, which in a previous step with the respective Information was printed.

A removal device 13 removed during operation of the device 10 that in the stack 15 marking element in each case at the topmost position label element and this leads to the marking position K. This may be in the magazine 11 and the sampling device 13 to trade a commercial sheet feeder for a printer or copier, through which in the magazine 11 arranged label elements are deducted isolated.

In the 2 to 4 is the liner 8th to which the corresponding identification element is to be attached, shown in the identification position K, in which it from the transport device 9 was led.

This is a vertically correct orientation of the liner 8th through the two baffles 14 guaranteed. These baffles 14 are arranged so that the distance between their inner surfaces decreases to the identification position K out. At the same time, they have recesses in their sides in order to secure the marking element to the intermediate layer located in the marking position K. 8th through the crimping pliers 12 to enable.

As soon as the liner 8th and the label element to be attached to this is superimposed in the identification position K, the two crimping pliers 12 actuated. This happens in the present case by means of a pneumatic actuator 16 , Here, the marking element is when crimping over the intermediate layer 8th arranged.

By pressing the crimping pliers 12 become the liner 8th and pressed together on this to be fastened marking element / crimped, so that forms an inventive positive connection by the resulting deformation of the two components.

Pressing the crimping pliers 12 This can be done fully automatically by the correct positioning of the intermediate layer 8th and the identification element to be attached to it in the identification position K is detected, for example, by means of a sensor.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, it would also be conceivable that not only, as in the 2 to 4 shown, on the longitudinal side L of the intermediate layer 8th an identification element is attached, but also on the transverse side Q of the intermediate layer 8th , For this purpose, it would only be necessary that the transport device 9 the interlayer she recorded 8th from the device 10 removed, rotated 90 ° and returned to the marking position K on the device 10 leads.

As possible identification elements in the present embodiment in 3 Paper sheets in the formats DIN A4 and DIN A3 shown.

1

palletizing

2

treadmill staple commodities

3

staple commodities

4

pallet stock

5

to loading pallet

6

treadmill pallets

7

Liner stock

8th

to characterizing liner

9

transport device

10

contraption for marking

11

magazine

12

fastener

13

removal device

14

baffles

15

stack from labeling elements

16

pneumatic actuator

Z

feeding direction staple commodities

A

discharge direction pallets

P

palletizing

K

marking position

L

Long side of 8th

Q

Transverse side of 8th

Claims (23)

Method for identifying a pallet loaded with staple goods ( 5 ) in which at least one identification element having the information relevant to the marking is attached to an intermediate layer ( 8th ) when loading the pallet ( 5 ) between two layers of staple ( 3 ) is introduced, wherein the marking element without connecting means by means of a deformation of the intermediate layer ( 8th ) and the identification element produced on the intermediate layer ( 8th ) is attached. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the positive connection by pressing the marking element with the intermediate layer ( 8th ) will be produced. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that the pressing of the marking element with the intermediate layer ( 8th ) is made by crimping. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the marking element on an intermediate layer ( 8th ) stored in the finished stacked pallet ( 5 ) regarding the height of the pallet ( 5 ) is arranged substantially in the central region. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the marking element on the intermediate layer ( 8th ) is fastened before the intermediate layer ( 8th ) between two layers of staple ( 3 ) on the pallet ( 5 ) is introduced. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the identification element by a removal device ( 13 ) isolated from a pile ( 15 ) are taken from identification elements provided with the corresponding information and are attached to the intermediate layer ( 8th ) to be led. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on a palette to be marked ( 5 ) at least two identification elements are attached whose information from different sides of the pallet ( 8th ) are accessible. A method according to claim 7, characterized in that the at least two identification elements on different sides (L, Q) of the same intermediate layer ( 8th ) are attached. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the marking element after attachment to the intermediate layer ( 8th ) is deformed such that it is in the palette ( 5 ) introduced state of the intermediate layer ( 8th ) substantially perpendicular to the corresponding side surface of the pallet ( 5 ) is present. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the marking element immediately before its attachment to the pallet to be specifically marked ( 5 ) is provided with the appropriate information and by a removal device 13 taken directly from the output shaft of the labeling element with the information providing device and for attachment to the intermediate layer ( 8th ) to be led. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that that as a marker element a paper-like element and as the Identification element with the information providing device a printer is used. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the case of staple ( 3 ) in the form of flat pieces of material as a marking element, a pattern of the stacked good ( 3 ) is used. Method according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, characterized in that in the case of staple ( 3 ) in the form of pieces of flat material, in addition to the marking element, a pattern of the stacked good ( 3 ) at the intermediate layer ( 8th ), wherein the attachment of the pattern takes place analogously to the attachment of the identification element. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least at two spaced-apart positions a positive connection between the intermediate layer ( 8th ) and the identification element is generated. Contraption ( 10 ) for labeling a stacked product ( 3 ) loaded pallet ( 5 ) in which at least one marking element having the information relevant to the marking is attached to an intermediate layer ( 8th ) when loading the pallet ( 5 ) between two layers of staple ( 3 ) is introduced, wherein the device ( 10 ) Fastening means ( 12 ), to the identification element without connecting means by means of a deformation of the intermediate layer ( 8th ) and the identification element produced on the intermediate layer ( 8th ) to fix. Contraption ( 10 ) according to claim 15, characterized in that it is in the fastening means ( 12 ) is at least one crimping tool. Contraption ( 10 ) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the fastening means ( 12 ) are pneumatically operated. Contraption ( 10 ) according to one of claims 15-17, characterized in that the device ( 10 ) at least one magazine ( 11 ), in the identification elements bearing the relevant information ( 15 ) are provided stacked, and a removal device ( 13 ) configured to be a single one an identification element from the magazine ( 11 ) and for attachment to the intermediate layer ( 8th ) can lead. Contraption ( 10 ) according to one of claims 15-17, characterized in that the device ( 10 ) a concrete marking element specifically for the pallet to be marked ( 5 ) comprising a device providing the corresponding information and a removal device which is designed such that it removes the identification element directly from the output shaft of the device which provides the identification element with the corresponding information and to the intermediate layer ( 8th ) can lead. Contraption ( 10 ) according to claim 19, characterized in that the device providing the identification element with the corresponding information is a printer, the identification element being a paper-like sheet-shaped element. Contraption ( 10 ) according to one of claims 15-20, characterized in that the device ( 10 ) a feeder ( 9 . 14 ) to the respective intermediate layer ( 8th ) to a defined identification position (K). Apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that the feed device ( 9 . 14 ) from which the intermediate layer in the palletizing position (P) on the pallet ( 5 ) laying transport device ( 9 ) and two in the direction of the identification position (K) distance converging guide elements ( 14 ) is formed. Palletizing cell ( 1 ) for palletizing stacked goods ( 3 ) on a pallet ( 5 ), characterized in that the palletizing cell ( 1 ) for marking the pallets ( 5 ) within the palletizing cell ( 1 ) a device ( 10 ) according to any one of claims 14-21.