DE10015636A1 - Process for adjusting and locking pallets together with wooden parts comprises automatically feeding partially dismantled pallets into a device and assigning replacement parts, adjusting and locking, and automatically removing the pallets - Google Patents

Abstract

Process for adjusting and locking pallets together with wooden parts comprises automatically feeding partially dismantled pallets into a device and assigning replacement parts to the pallets, automatically adjusting and locking the pallets together with the wooden parts to be replaced, and automatically removing the pallets. An independent claim is also included for a device for adjusting and locking pallets comprising a conveyor (12) for introducing the pallets into a device, a centering unit (15) for the pallets and centering units (13, 14) for runners. The conveyor is height-adjustable.

Description

Summary

The invention relates to a device and a method for centering and adjustment of wooden pallets to be nailed up. For this purpose, the respective pallet or that of defek The parts of the cleaned pallet body introduced into a device. New parts (boards or runners) are added. Thereupon the pallet body and the open parts are adjusted and locked in relation to the pallet body and can verna be valid. The basic principle is in different automation and execution forms of application applicable.

description

The invention has for its object a device for adjustment and locking of pallets in need of repair. The device is intended to enable Holzpa Latvians that have defects in a previous operation for repair purposes Parts have been dismantled, together with the parts to be added quickly, easy and exact to adjust in such a way that the pallet with the new parts z. B. can be restored by nailing. It is important that the new parts can be positioned relative to the existing pallet body and that a light Nailing is possible. In addition, the feed and discharge of the pallets should be automatic respectively. Furthermore, the integration of the device into a partial or extensive Automated pallet repair system must be possible and the system must be switched off sufficient scope of performance and sufficient speed at a reasonable NEN selling price can be produced.

The solution to the above object is achieved by the in claims 1 to 2 specified characteristics realized. Further embodiments of the invention are in described the subclaims.

The device according to the invention can lock and adjust pallets almost all previously removed defective parts with short cycle times automatically or partially tomatically efficient and without expensive manual activities in the correct position tion can be adjusted and locked relative to the pallet.

In the following an embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawing described in more detail. (The embodiment is based on the processing of an all commonly known DIN Euro pallet.)

Show it:

Fig. 1 embodiment of a pallet repair line in plan view.

Fig. 2 device with the features of the invention in a cross section. (Execution variant 1 ).

Fig. 3 device with the features of the invention in a longitudinal section. (Execution variant 1 ).

Fig. 4 pallet in side view (cross section).

Fig. 5 pallet in side view (longitudinal section).

Euro pallets ( Fig. 4 and 5)

Euro pallets ( 1 ) made of wood have nine blocks arranged in three longitudinal and transverse rows. In the longitudinal direction, a floor board is nailed under three of the blocks in a row. In total there are 3 floor boards and accordingly three runners ( 38 ). Cross boards ( 37 ) are arranged in the transverse direction on the blocks, that is to say on the side of the blocks opposite the floor boards. The cross boards rest on three of the blocks. In turn, five cover boards ( 36 ) lie in the longitudinal direction on the cross boards. The two outer cover boards ( 36 ) and the middle cover board lie on the cross boards above the floor boards. The cross boards ( 37 ) and the cover boards ( 36 ) are nailed together on the blocks. The two remaining somewhat narrower deck boards are only nailed to the cross boards.

The use of the euro pallet ( 11 ) often leads to individual blocks, cover boards, cross boards or floor boards being damaged. The damaged pallets are then generally repaired by replacing the corresponding parts. A system for such a pallet repair system is shown in Fig. 1.

An overview of a pallet sorting and repair system ( Fig. 1)

To demonstrate a possible integration of the invention in a more or less automatic repair system for pallets, the process sequence of FIG. 1 is briefly described below. The system shown shows an embodiment of a simple repair system.

Pallet stacks are set up on a conveyor belt ( 1 ) using a forklift. the pallet stacks are transported on a lifting table ( 2 ). The pallets are then unstacked by an employee. The lifting table ( 2 ) serves as an aid so that the pallets do not have to be lifted from below. The pallets are partially dismantled by two employees on the dismantling aids (plate cutting machine 3 , band saw 5 ), the defective parts such as boards, runners or blocks are separated. Via the trans porter ( 4 ) the pallets are transported to the device for adjustment and locking ( 6 ). Here the employee inserts the missing parts and nailed them up. In a next step, the corners of the pallet are trimmed ( 7 ) using a corner cross-cut saw, whereupon they are fed into the pallet stacker ( 9 ) via a corner station ( 8 ). The pallet stackers are then made available for collection by a forklift by means of a conveyor ( 10 ).

This system layout is just one of many examples for the integration of the Devices according to the invention. Depending on the degree of automation, the systems are open positions differently and possibly also much more complex.  

Device and method for centering and adjusting wooden pallets to be nailed - variant 1 - functional description ( Fig. 2 and Fig. 3)

The following descriptions are examples of the widely used Euro pallet guided. However, the basic principles of the device according to the invention are also based on other pallet formats can be transferred.

In the following, a brief functional description is given of how the sequence of actions and movements of operating personnel and the device is in the embodiment variant 1 according to the invention.

• 1. The operator looks at the pallet ( 11 ) to be processed. The pallet has been cleaned of the defective parts in previous operations. It is important that in the device according to the invention primarily all longitudinal Pa parts are machined. These are the deck boards ( 36 ) and the runners ( 38 ).
• 2. If skids ( 38 ) are missing, he places the corresponding skids ( 38 ) in the device. They are placed on the pallet supports ( 26 ) in the spaces provided.
• 3. He releases the switch.
• 4. The pallet retracts. Medium is a chain conveyor ( 12 , 28 ), which is arranged in such a way that the chain strands ( 12 ) are below the cross boards ( 37 ) between the runners ( 38 ) of the pallet ( 11 ). The level of the retracting Pa lette ( 11 ) is higher than that of the inserted runners ( 38 ), so that the pallet ( 11 ) moves over the runners.
• 5. The pallet ( 11 ) moves against a stopper ( 29 ) and the chain conveyor ( 12 , 28 ) is lowered so that the pallet ( 11 ) on the newly inserted runners ( 38 ) and the still on the pallet body ( 11th ) located runners on the pallet support ( 26 ).
• 6. Now the operator gives another release. Then 1. the entire pallet ( 11 ) in the transverse direction against a fixed stop ( 27 ) and 2. all three runners ( 38 ) against the outer stops (front pallet stop ( 27 ) and lever pressure pallet ( 15 )) or in the middle pressed and thereby aligned.
• 7. The operator now places the missing cover boards ( 36 ) on the pallet body ( 11 ). He can align the side cover boards ( 36 ) with the outer stops (front pallet stop ( 27 ) and lever for pressing the pallet ( 15 )). He aligns the middle boards by eye. Alignment aids can also be attached.
• 8. Then he nailed the pallet ( 11 ) together with a nail gun.
• 9. He releases again. The stopper ( 29-31 ) opens and the chain conveyor ( 12 , 28 ) is raised by the lifting drive ( 35 ) and conveys the pallet ( 11 ) out of the device.
• 10. The stopper ( 29-31 ) closes. The device according to the invention is thus ready for the subsequent cycle.

Method and apparatus for centering and adjustment of at vernagelnden wooden pallets - variant 1 - System Description (Fig 2 and Fig. 3). 1. The basic framework

The device according to the invention is preferably constructed in a heavy base frame (not indicated in the figures for the sake of clarity), in which all the individual components described below are arranged. The working height is preferably approximately 800 mm and there is sufficient legroom on the operating side so that the operator can work largely without fatigue. Preferably, the front pallet stop ( 27 ) for the pallet is also arranged on the operating side ( FIG. 2 left).

The pallet supports ( 26 ) and the front pallet stop ( 27 ) are fixed in the base frame. The pallet supports ( 26 ) are preferably stable sheets that have approximately the size of the floor boards ( 39 ) of the pallet. They are arranged in such a way that the pallet, when the chain conveyor ( 12 , 28 ) is lowered, rests with the floor boards on the entire surface of the pallet supports ( 26 ) and can be nailed. The front pallet stop is preferably dimensioned in such a way that it removes the entire surface of the side of the pallet ( 11 ) and projects a few millimeters above it when the chain conveyor ( 12 , 28 ) is lowered.

2. The chain conveyor

A standard chain conveyor ( 12 , 28 ) with a chain center distance of approximately 470 mm (based on euro pallets) is preferably used in the device according to the invention. Due to the chain spacing set in this way, the two chain strands ( 12 ) are located approximately in the middle between the outer and the middle skids ( 38 ) of the pallet ( 11 ).

The chain conveyor is preferably equipped with a closed chain return and a lower drive station. A deeper drive station or alternatively large chain deflection wheels are necessary because the pallet ( 11 ), which rests on the cross boards ( 37 ) on the chain conveyor ( 12 , 28 ) in the device according to the invention, with its hanging skids ( 38 ) above the if necessary connect the drive coupling shafts of the chain conveyor ( 12 , 28 ) must be guided along. The chain conveyor ( 12 , 28 ) is preferably arranged on short-stroke cylinders ( 35 ) (only one cylinder is outlined in FIG. 3), which have a stroke of approximately 40 mm. A linear guide for the stroke of the chain conveyor ( 12 , 28 ) may have to be provided for design reasons.

3. The stopper

The stopper ( 29 ) is preferably arranged pivotable by approximately 90 ° and is preferably driven by a pneumatic cylinder ( 31 ). It is constructed in such a way that, with the exception of cuts for the chain conveyor ( 12 ), it covers the entire pallet on the narrow side. This is important because the stopper ( 29 ) forms the stop for the pallet ( 11 ) and all newly added cover boards ( 36 ) and runners ( 38 ) of the pallet.

4. The pallet and skid centering

In order to achieve a simple, inexpensive and functional centering of the loose parts ( 36 , 38 ) in relation to the pallet body ( 11 ), the system according to the invention described below is used as a basis. It is important that not only pallet parts ( 36 , 38 ) can be centered, adjusted and locked, but that the system also has the opportunity to avoid improperly attached runners ( 38 ). The system is described below using one of five components.

A weighting and pressing unit (13, 14, possibly 21) is preferably constructed on a stable shaft ( 23 ) which is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the pallet ( 11 ). The shaft ( 23 ) is secured against longitudinal displacement and is pivotally mounted in a bearing ( 34 ). The bearings of all weighting and pressing units (13, 14, possibly 21) are preferably combined in two central bearing receptacles ( 24 ). The bearing receptacles ( 24 ) are arranged in the base frame.

Attached (welded or screwed) to a shaft ( 23 ) are preferably three struts (lever contact pressure ( 13 )) which protrude upwards and extend between the runners ( 38 ) of the pallet ( 11 ). At the upper ends of lever pressing (13) of the blade facing anzupres send is preferably either each contact pressure lever (13) a movable platen (14) or the preferably three pressure lever (13) arranged connecting areas moving clamp bar. The pressure plates ( 14 ) or pressure rails only have a small amount of movement so that they can lie against the runners ( 38 ) as optimally as possible. Alternatively, the movable pressure plates ( 14 ) can be dispensed with and fixed head pieces can be used instead.

A linkage lever is also attached to the shaft ( 23 ) either upwards ( 33 ) or downwards ( 32 ). The linkage levers ( 32 , 33 ) are fork-shaped or have an elongated hole at least at the end and each extend over the upper or lower push rod ( 25 ).

Basically constructed similarly, but longer and without pressure plate ( 14 ) is the lever to press pallet ( 15 ). This is arranged for the purpose of pushing the entire pallet with a higher force against the front pallet stop ( 27 ) and adjusting it in this way. When the pallet ( 11 ) is lowered, the pressure on the pallet ( 15 ), like the front pallet stop ( 27 ), extends up to a few millimeters above the cover board of the pallet ( 11 ).

As an alternative to the pressing of the pallet ( 15 ) shown, a linear pressing is also suitable, which can be controlled via a separate drive or preferably by means of a push rod via the same drive. Only the movement z. B. a pressure plate that presses the pallet against the front pallet stop ( 27 ) is guided linearly. This is particularly advantageous for pallets with larger dimensional tolerances.

5. Drive of the pressure units

The pressing units and the lever pressing pallet ( 15 ) are preferably actuated by means of a single drive ( 20 ).

Preferably, two parallel at right angles to the pivot axes pressing (23) of the pressing units (13-15) horizontal superposed and transmitted mechanically interconnected with push rods (25), the forces of the drive (20). The push rods ( 25 ) are connected to one another by means of a connecting cross member ( 19 ) and are each mounted in preferably linear plain bearings. The drive ( 20 ) acts on the system at a suitable point - if possible below the work area.

On the push rods are preferably collars ( 17 , 22 ) and compression springs ( 16 ) arranged, preferably such that between two collars ( 17 , 22 ) each Weil one of the above-described forks ( 32 , 33 ) of a pressing unit or Lever pressure pallet ( 15 ) and a spring ( 16 ).

If the drive ( 20 ) is now moved, the spring ( 16 ) supported against an adjusting ring ( 17 ) presses against the fork ( 32 , 33 ) of a pressing unit ( 13 , 14 ). As a result, the pressure pieces of the pressing units ( 14 ) are pressed against the blocks of the runners ( 38 ) from the inside. The runner ( 38 ) is pressed with the set spring pressure ( 16 ) against the front pallet stop ( 27 ) or that of the lever pressure pallet ( 15 ) and thus adjusted and locked.

In the middle runner ( 38 ), the setting is carried out by one of the two press units ( 13 , 14 ) being equipped with a stronger spring ( 16 ). As a result, one of the pressure units is practically the zero position, while the other adapts to the width of the runner. The first-mentioned contact pressure unit can, however, avoid the runner in the event of an incorrect position of the runner.

The direction of movement of the pressure units ( 13 , 14 ) and the lever pressure pallet ( 15 ) is determined by the arrangement of the forks above or below the pivot point of the swivel axis pressure ( 23 ). Due to the mutual articulation of the swivel axes, only one drive ( 20 ) can be used.

The lever pressure pallet ( 15 ) has priority over the pressure units for the runners, which is accomplished by a stronger spring ( 16 ) and a preferred timing.

Device and method for centering and adjusting to be nailed Wooden pallets - variant 2

A further embodiment variant, which is however not outlined, is provided for the newly added pallet spare parts with the automatic nailing machine Nail the pallet, or either manually or automatically place the spare parts on to let.

For this it is necessary that the cover boards are adjusted and locked on the one hand and that on the other hand the pallet together with the spare parts in the invention direction is transported.

To achieve this purpose, a conveyor provided with driving plates is preferably used instead of the chain conveyor ( 12 , 28 ) described above. These with slave plates, which have approximately a contour that corresponds to a cross section through a pallet, are attached to the chains of the transporter. Preferably several re driving lugs are arranged such that the conveyor chains (such as 12) are also below half of the cross boards ( 37 ) of the pallet ( 11 ).

There is preferably no stopper (like 29-31) because the pallet parts together with the Place the pallet on the sliding catch tabs. The chain conveyor is preferred wise not designed to be raised or lowered. The pallet supports (like 26) designed to be raised or lowered. Alternatively, you can also directions) the level of the pallet supports can be increased in the course of the conveyor, so that the skids lying loosely under the pallet due to the rising pallet supports be moved under the pallet body.

As an alternative to the chain conveyor, the insertion of the pallet ( 11 ) can be represented by means of a slide. The slide has a push plate with which the pallet is inserted into the device.

The pallet ( 11 ) and the runners ( 38 ) are then centered and locked in the same manner as described above. A centering and locking of the deck boards is preferably carried out by a mirror image arranged above the pallet th mechanism, as described for the runners. Here, the lever pressure ( 13 , 14 ) engage in the gap between the individual cover boards and press them either centered or against the outer stops.

Now you can nail with a nail machine. It is also possible to do this To push the pallet in preferably three cycles under the fixed nailing machine. The centering is done during the process of sliding the pallet solved briefly and stretched again before nailing. Likewise, the nail car mat can be moved over the fixed pallet.

With manual nailing, the upper controls and pressing units preferably very flat and possibly offset to the side of the pallet, so that for the operator has enough space to nail the pallet.  

Device and method for centering and adjusting to be nailed Wooden pallets - variant 3

Another embodiment variant is a modification of variant 2 described above. The use of drives for pallet centering is completely dispensed with. Instead, the head plate pressure ( 14 ) described above is carried out as narrow sheets which are funnel-shaped bent at the inlet of the pallet. The pressure on the sheets is done using the same mechanism as described above, only that the springs ( 16 ) are permanently under tension, as if the drive ( 20 ) were in action.

The pallet, together with the loose parts, is pushed into the device through the drive tabs (like variant 2 ) and automatically centered by the spring-loaded plates. The sheet is expanded to the required size by pushing the pallet between the funnel-shaped inlet openings of the sheet.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Pallet conveyor with forklift protection

2

pallet destacker

3

Plates Ripper

4

carrier

5

band saw

6

Device for adjusting and locking pallets

7

Eckensäge

8th

corner station

9

pallet stacker

10

Pallet transporter - here the removal place of the sorted pallet stacks

11

Euro pallet / pallet

12

chain conveyors

13

Lever pressure

14

Head plate pressure

15

Lever pressure pallet

16

feather

17

Collar spring

18

linear guide

19

Crossbar connecting rods

20

Pneumatic cylinder push rods

21

Link lever pressure

22

Collet zero position

23

Swivel axis contact pressure

24

Bearing swivel axes

25

pushrod

26

pallet support

27

Front pallet stop

28

Deflection wheel chain conveyor

29

Stopper pallet

30

Articulated stopper pallet

31

Drive stopper pallet

32

Linkage lever below

33

Linkage lever above

34

Bearing swivel axes

35

Drive hub feed dog

36

Cover board of a pallet

37

Cross board of a pallet

38

Skid of a pallet (block and floor board)

39

Bottom board of a pallet

Claims (11)

1. Method for adjusting and locking pallets together with wooden parts to be attached with several or all of the following procedural steps:

• - Automatic feeding of partially dismantled pallets into the device. Spare parts have previously been assigned to the pallet or are partially applied after feeding.
• - Automatic or partially automatic adjustment and locking of pallets together with wooden parts to be replaced.
• - Automatic removal of the pallet, in which the spare parts were nailed to the pallet (preferably) manually or automatically.

2. Device for adjusting and locking pallets, together with wooden parts to be attached, characterized in that
that the entire device is built in a base frame,
that a conveyor ( 12 ) is arranged with which the pallet is introduced into the device,
that a centering device ( 15 ) is arranged for the pallet.
that centering devices ( 13 , 14 ) for the runners ( 38 ) are arranged and 3. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the chain conveyor ( 12 ) is height-adjustable by means of a drive ( 35 ) or that, alternatively, the pallet support ( 26 ) is height-adjustable. 4. Device according to one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that a front pallet stop ( 27 ) and a pressing pallet ( 15 ) are arranged for the lateral centering of the pallet ( 11 ). 5. Device according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that pivotable or linearly guided pressing devices ( 13 , 14 ) are arranged in such a way that runners ( 38 ) and or cover boards ( 36 ) are adjusted in the required positions and there be locked. 6. Device according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the pressing devices ( 13 , 14 ) are resilient ( 16 ) and thereby the possibility is given in individual settings and for evasive actions. 7. Device according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the pressing devices ( 13 , 14 ) are pivotally mounted ( 23 , 24 , 34 ) and are moved by means of connecting rods ( 32 , 33 ) by means of push rods. 8. Device according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that a stopper ( 29 ) is arranged which is moved by means of a drive ( 31 ). 9. Device according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the Ket tenförderer ( 12 ) has driver lugs, or a pallet insert is arranged with a driver lug and the pallets ( 11 ) are introduced into the device in this way. 10. Device according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that a automatic nailing machine and or automatic placement equipment for Cover boards and runners are integrated in the device. 11. The device according to one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that the Device in a semi-automatic or automatic system for repairing pa Latvians can be incorporated.