Automatic loading of trolleys onto trucks

Problems

Trolleys are often used for the transport of large-volume storage boxes by means of tugger trains. In the store, the storage boxes (e.g. post pallets) are placed on these trolleys, which run on four castors, and the trolleys are inserted into a trailer of the tugger train. The simplest form of trailer has a fold-out loading ramp. However, this trailer design presents the problem that the trolley and its load must overcome the height interval between the floor and the trailer by being pushed up the loading ramp by the worker loading it. An edge or ridge on the loading ramp must often be overcome in addition. This leads to major force exertion (see also EN 1005-3), particularly with heavy loads, and is time-consuming.

Stress category

Exertion of force and handling of loads

Solution

The LKE MultiLiner can automatically load different types of trolley weighing up to 500 kg. The design consists of two conveyor belts which are able to move around a central rocker and tilt to the side. The trolley need only be moved to the lowered side of the rocker. The conveyor belts then engage with the trolley between the wheels and draw it onto the trailer truck. When the trolley has reached the mid-point of the truck trailer, the rocker levels the gradient and the load rests safely in the centre of the truck trailer for the purpose of transport. For the trolley to be unloaded, a switch is simply activated and the load is discharged fully automatically. The trolley can be loaded and unloaded onto and from either side of the trailer truck.

Principle of operation

• Use of driven conveyor belts on handling equipment for the automation of loading processes

Standards

• EN 1005-3: Safety of machinery - Human physical performance - Part 3: Recommended force limits for machinery operation