WO2017005690A1

WO2017005690A1 - System and method for automatic loading of a vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2017005690A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/065700
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sergio Brioschi
Original assignee: Flsmidth A/S
Priority date: 2015-07-06
Filing date: 2016-07-04
Publication date: 2017-01-12

Abstract

A system (10) for automatically loading a vehicle with sacks (3, 4) arranged in layers (1); where each layer (1) of sacks (3, 4) comprises a plurality of sacks (3, 4) arranged in a predetermined configuration: said system (10) comprises: a conveyor system (16) to convey and rotate said sacks (3, 4); a handling structure (30, 32), designed to receive a succession of lines of said sacks and to form a layer of sacks arranged in said predetermined configuration; said handling structure (30, 32) comprising cantilever-mounted second rollers (41); said system (10) further comprises a plurality of vertically and longitudinally movable prongs (57), arranged so as to be insertable between said second rollers (41).

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC LOADING OF A VEHICLE

Technical Field The present invention related to a system and method for the automatic loading of sacks of loose material onto a vehicle.

In particular, the present invention finds application in the automatic loading of layers of sacks of cement on a truck. Nevertheless, the invention can relate to other loose materials in sacks.

Background Art

There exists a system invented by the applicant for loading trucks, with the brand name Caricamat®, which uses suckers to pick up a group of sacks of cement, arranged in a predetermined configuration to form a layer, and load it onto the truck.

In this case, operation of the system may have problems if the sacks of cement are porous.

Systems also exist with an automatic loader that fits in the loading platform of the truck. In this case, the size of the loader limits the minimum size of trucks that can be loaded.

Document WO 2014/206418 describes a system for loading palletized sacks of cement on a truck by means of a fork that takes them from a movable carriage. This system envisages the use of a palletizer for preparing pallets Summary of the Invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a system for automatically loading layers of sacks on a vehicle, which has dimensions not exceeding the size in width of the layers of sacks.

Another object is to provide a system that can also operate with porous sacks.

A further object is to provide a system that does not use a vacuum system.

Another object is to provide a system that enables sacks of cement to be loaded directly without the use of a palletizer.

In accordance with the present invention, these and other objects are achieved by a system for automatically loading a vehicle with sacks arranged in layers, where each layer of sacks comprises a plurality of sacks arranged in a predetermined configuration. This system comprises: a conveyor system to convey and rotate said sacks; a handling structure, designed to receive a succession of lines of said sacks and form a layer of sacks arranged in said predetermined configuration; said handling structure comprising cantilever- mounted second rollers; said system further comprises a plurality of vertically and longitudinally movable prongs, arranged so as to be insertable between said second rollers. These objects are also achieved by a method for automatically loading a vehicle with sacks arranged in layers, where each layer of sacks comprises a plurality of sacks arranged in a predetermined configuration, comprising the steps of: conveying and rotating said sacks; received a succession of lines of said sacks to form a layer of sacks arranged in said predetermined configuration on cantilever- mounted second rollers; and picking up said layer of sacks arranged in said predetermined configuration on said cantilever-mounted second rollers, by means of a plurality of vertically and longitudinally movable prongs. Further characteristics of the invention are described in the dependent claims. There are several advantages of this solution with respect to solutions of the known art. Brief Description of Drawings

The characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be evident from the following detailed description of a practical embodiment, shown by way of non-limitative example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a system for automatic loading of a vehicle, seen in perspective, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a system for automatic loading of a vehicle, seen from the side, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a system for automatic loading of a vehicle, seen from above, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 4 shows a system for automatic loading of a vehicle, seen from the front, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 5 shows a handling detail of a system for the automatic loading of a vehicle, seen in perspective, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 6 shows a handling detail of a system for the automatic loading of a vehicle, seen from the side, in accordance with the present invention; and

Figure 7 shows an example of an arrangement of the sacks of cement as preferably used in accordance with the present invention. Detailed Description

The sacks of cement are normally arranged in layers having a predetermined configuration.

For example, a configuration 1 used in the present invention envisages a first group 2 of three sacks 3 placed side by side along their long side and two sacks 4 placed side by side along their short side and placed alongside the other three sacks 3. An identical second group 5 is made and placed alongside the first with the long sides of sacks 4 side by side.

A system 10 for automatic loading of a vehicle, in accordance with the present invention, comprises a load-bearing structure (not shown) that supports two parallel rails 1 1 , typically placed at a height of approximately 5 m.

A carriage 12 is designed to run on the rails 1 1 thanks to three pairs of wheels 13, 14 and 15.

The carriage 12 has a light-weight structure at the rear formed by tie rods placed between the pairs of wheels 14 and 15 that laterally support a conveyor system

16, which extends along the direction of the rails 1 1 . The conveyor system 16 is connected to the carriage 12 at the height of the rear pair of wheels 15 and to a support 17 connected to the central pair of wheels 14. The conveyor system 16 projects slightly beyond the position of the central pair of wheels 14.

The conveyor system 16 comprises: a first portion 20, for sack accumulation, inclined downwards from the rear pair of wheels 15; a powered level second portion 21 for sack synchronization, which is beneath the rails 1 1 ; a level third portion 23 designed to provide possible rotation of the sack of cement in transit; and a powered level fourth portion 24 for sack line formation, and which conveys the lines of sacks of cement to a first handling structure 30. At the front, the carriage 12 comprises a frame 31 , built on the two pairs of wheels 13 and 14, which supports another laterally movable inner frame 71 .

The inner frame 71 slides on horizontal guides 72 and, by means of a motor 73, can move perpendicularly to the rails 1 1 to centre the truck below.

The inner frame 71 supports the first handling structure 30, alongside which a second handling structure 32 is placed. The handling structures 30 and 32 are suspended from the frame 71 .

The second handling structure 32 is located precisely above the loading platform of the vehicle to be loaded. Handling structure 30, and the conveyor system 16 aligned therewith, are at the side of handling structure 32. Two vertical beams 35 extend downwards from the inner frame 71 and support a horizontal beam 36.

The first handling structure 30 comprises a first series of powered rollers 37, cantilever-mounted on beam 36, i.e. with the opposite ends from the beam 36 free. The longitudinal axes of the rollers 37 ae positioned parallel to the direction of the conveyor system 16.

The motorized belts 38 of a conveyor are inserted between the rollers 37. The conveyor belts 38, positioned along the direction of the conveyor system 16, are at the level of the powered level fourth portion 24, while the rollers 37, these also positioned along the direction of the conveyor system 16, are slightly lower (2-5 cm) than the powered level fourth portion 24. The conveyor belts 38 are driven by a motorized drum located at the ends of the rods 39, close to conveyor 24. The rods 39 can turn about a fixed pivot 40 located on the beam 36. In consequence, conveyor 38 can be inclined upwards from the horizontal position and vice versa. At the end of conveyor 38 there is a stop 70 formed by a horizontal bar fastened to beam 36.

The second handling structure 32 is composed of a second series of powered cantilever-mounted rollers 41 , i.e. fastened only to beam 36, and positioned parallel to direction of the conveyor system 16, but at the side thereof.

In addition, a vertically movable separator 33 is fastened to the centre line of the second handling structure 32 to define the centre line of the load and to limit the lateral force on the sacks and the deformation they are subjected to during preparation of the configuration of the sacks.

A handling member 50 is associated with the inner frame 71 . In particular, a vertically-arranged tubular support 51 is fastened to the inner frame 71 .

A vertical guide 52 can move vertically inside the support 51 . The foot of the guide 52 supports a horizontal guide 53, which extends towards the rear of the carriage 12 and on which a horizontal carriage 54 can slide.

The horizontal carriage 54 supports an underlying horizontal structure 55, which can rotate about a pivot 56.

In front of the pivot 56, the horizontal structure 55 comprises a plurality of prongs 57, to form a fork. The prongs 57 have the lower surface tapered towards the tip of the prongs. Behind the pivot 56, structure 55 is connected to an actuator 58 that enables rotation of the structure 55 about the pivot 56. Guide 52 supports a horizontal stop 59, as wide as the width of the prongs 57, in a position slightly above the prongs 57.

The prongs 57 have a width that is equal to, and preferably slightly less than, a layer of sacks arranged according to the desired arrangement.

The various parts of the system are moved by means of motors, with the aid of gears and belts. These parts are controlled and governed from a computerized control centre. These characteristics will not be described in detail as a person skilled in the art is capable of implementing them after reading this document and reviewing the attached drawings.

The functioning of the invention will be evident to a person skilled in the art from what has been described and, in particular, is as follows.

The truck arrives and parks in a predetermined position.

Carriage 12 is positioned over the truck's loading platform and the inner frame 71 is centred over the truck beneath.

The sacks of cement arrive at the conveyor system 16, and in particular at the first portion 20, are accumulated, aligned, and made to advance in an orderly way by the powered level second portion 21 . If necessary, they are rotated by means of the level third portion 23 and lines of (two or three) sacks are formed by means of the powered level fourth portion 24. The sacks arrive at the first handling structure 30 where, thanks to the conveyor with motorized belts 38, they are aligned against stop 70, to form lines of sacks.

The conveyor 38 always moves the sacks in the same direction as the conveyor system 16. A this point, the conveyor with motorized belts 38, which is slightly raised with respect to the rollers 37, rotates to the horizontal position, dropping slightly below the rollers 37, and leaves the lines of sacks of cement resting on the series of powered cantilever-mounted rollers 37.

The rollers 37 move the lines of sacks in the direction perpendicular to that of the conveyor system 16, so as to transfer then to the second handling structure 32.

The separator 33, initially raised, allows a first row of sacks 3 and a second row of sacks 4 (or vice versa) to pass, to form the first group of sacks 5, then drops and acts as a stop for a new row of sacks 4 and 3 for forming the second group of sacks 2, and thus form the desired configuration 1 or, alternatively, the symmetrical configuration. The guide 52 and the prongs 57 are raised, are aligned (and beneath) the second handling structure 32 and the horizontal carriage 54, and consequently the prongs 57 are in their most advanced position.

The prongs 57 are arranged so as to be insertable between the second series of rollers 41 . They are raised, passing in between the rollers 41 and slightly lift the sacks of cement.

The carriage 54 retracts on guide 53, together with the prongs 57, which carry a configuration of sacks of cement with them. Guide 52 is lowered towards the truck's loading platform.

During the lowering, the actuator 58 is operated and the horizontal structure 55, with the prongs 57, inclines a few degrees forward, bringing the lower tapered surface of the prongs 57 parallel to the loading platform of the truck, or with the sacks of cement already deposited.

When the guide arrives at a few centimetres from the truck's loading platform, structure 55 is retracted, making carriage 54 slide along guide 53. In consequence, the prongs 57 on which the sacks of cement are placed retract. Stop 59 comes into contact with the sacks of cement and, by retracting structure 55 again, leaves the sacks on the truck's loading platform. In the meantime, the arrival of sacks, their alignment and positioning on the second handling structure 32, continues on the upper part. The prongs 57 are positioned horizontally again, are raised by guide 52 and positioned beneath the second handling structure 32 again to pick up the new layer of sacks of cement. The above-described operations are repeated and, layer by layer, each symmetrical with respect to the previous one, a stack of sacks is built, the carriage 12 is then moved to start the first layer of a new stack of sacks and so on until the truck is filled. Of the entire system the equipment that moves closest to the truck and which moves within the sides of the truck, is structure 55 and, in particular, the prongs 57. Their size is slightly less than the layer of sacks arranged in the predetermined configuration, and is therefore such that it can move easily and position the sacks of cement even against the sides of the truck.

Sensors and other systems are present for moving close to the loading platform of the truck and the layers of sacks of cement already deposited, for stopping at the most appropriate height for depositing new sacks and for centring the prongs in the desired position with respect to the truck, all controlled and managed by a control centre.

The system can have any dimensions, according to the needs and the state of the art. The thus-conceived system is liable to numerous modifications and variants, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept; furthermore, all details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements.

Claims

1 . A system (10) for automatically loading a vehicle with sacks (3, 4) arranged in layers (1 ); where each layer (1 ) of sacks (3, 4) comprises a plurality of sacks (3, 4) arranged in a predetermined configuration; said system (10) comprises a conveyor system (16) to convey and rotate said sacks (3, 4) and a handling structure (30, 32), designed to receive a succession of lines of said sacks, and form a layer of sacks arranged in said predetermined configuration; said handling structure (30, 32) comprising cantilever-mounted second rollers (41 ); and said system (10) further comprises a plurality of vertically and longitudinally movable prongs (57), arranged so as to be insertable between said second rollers (41 ).

2. A system in accordance with claim 1 characterized in that it comprises: a support (51 ) inside which a vertical guide (52) can move vertically; at its foot, said vertical guide (52) supports a horizontal guide (53) on which a horizontal carriage (54) can run; said horizontal carriage (54) comprises said plurality of prongs (57).

3. A system in accordance with one of the preceding claims characterized in that said plurality of prongs (57) have the lower surface tapered towards the tip of said prongs (57); said prongs (57) can be inclined by rotating about a pivot (56) located on said horizontal carriage (54).

4. A system in accordance with one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises a horizontal stop (59), as wide as the width of said prongs (57), and fastened on said vertical guide (52).

5. A system in accordance with one of the preceding claims characterized in that said handling structure (30, 32) comprises: a first handling structure (30) comprising first rollers (37) and a conveyor with motorized belts (38), said first rollers (37) being arranged so as to be insertable between said motorized belts

(38); and a second handling structure (32), comprising second rollers (41 ), alongside said first handling structure (30).

6. A system in accordance with one of the preceding claims characterized in that said motorized belts (38) move said lines of sacks (3, 4) in a first direction along the handling direction of said conveyor system (16); said first rollers (37) moving said lines of sacks (3, 4) in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction.

7. A system in accordance with the preceding claim characterized in that said second rollers (41 ) move said lines of sacks (3, 4) in said second direction, to form said predetermined configuration.

8. A system in accordance with one of the preceding claims characterized in that said first rollers (37) are aligned with said conveyor system (16) and are arranged slightly lower than said conveyor system (16).

9. A system in accordance with one of the preceding claims characterized in that said motorized belts (38) can be inclined from a first operating position, set at the same height as said conveyor system (16), to a second operating position, inclined downwards.

10. A system in accordance with one of the preceding claims characterized in that said conveyor system (16) comprises: a first portion (20) for sack accumulation; a powered level second portion (21 ) for sack synchronization; a level third portion (23) designed to perform possible rotation of the sack of cement in transit; and a powered level fourth portion (24) for sack line formation, and which conveys the lines of sacks of cement to said handling structure (30, 32).

1 1 . A system in accordance with one of the preceding claims characterized in that said system is placed on a carriage (12) designed to run on rails (1 1 ).

12. A method for automatically loading a vehicle with sacks (3, 4) arranged in layers (1 ), where each layer (1 ) of sacks (3, 4) comprises a plurality of sacks (3, 4) arranged in a predetermined configuration, comprising the steps of: conveying and rotating said sacks (3, 4); receiving a succession of lines of said sacks (3, 4) and forming a layer of sacks arranged in said predetermined configuration on cantilever-mounted second rollers (41 ); picking up said layer of sacks arranged in said predetermined configuration on said cantilever-mounted second rollers (41 ), by means of a plurality of vertically and longitudinally movable prongs (57).

13. A method in accordance with the preceding claim characterized by

providing said plurality of prongs (57) with a lower surface tapered towards the tip of said prongs (57); and

inclining said prongs (57) downwards during the release of said layer of sacks arranged in said predetermined configuration on said vehicle.