METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR TRANSPORTING LOAD UNITS

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and arrangement for transporting larger cargo units, for example containers (5), said method and arrangement comprising standardized individual cargo trolleys (1a, 1b, ..., 1n) for each pallet (4a, 4b, ..., 4n), and one correspondingly standardized pallet for each cargo unit (5), so as to form a train of a plurality of similar trolleys matching with a similar train of standardized pallets, said train of trolleys being further provided with automatic locking and securing means as well as means for running said trolleys through curves and slopes.

Description: METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR TRANSPORTING LOAD UNITS Field of the invention The present invention relates to a method of the type as stated in the preamble of the enclosed patent claim 1. Further, the invention relates to an arrangement as stated in the preamble of the enclosed patent claim 12. Prior art From US 5 618 148 there are known a method and an arrangement for transporting larger units, especially for loading and unloading containers, the method and system being developed to provide a loading and unloading system which is specifically fast and effective, and which par- ticularly finds application in connection with high-speed container boats. The present invention is a further development of a system as disclosed in US 5 618 148, and the development is specifically concentrated upon making such loading and unloading systems even faster and more automatically operated. From UK patent application 2 291 032 (Sørensen/Thorny Croft Guilds & Co. Inc.) there is known an apparatus for use in transporting a load wherein a plurality of transporters are arranged as a train having a predetermind length. Preferably the prior art train is formed such that the length thereof corresponds substantially to the effective length of a selected position on a cargo deck of the vessel to be loaded. However, according to said GB 2 291 032 there are suggested transporters comprising gaseous supporting means arranged at each corner of each transporter, which as an outset are independent of any driving rails . How- ever, although such a gaseous support arrangement is independent of any driving rails the arrangement according to UK 2 291 032 is dependent upon guiding rails along which the transporters have to be guided when entering the transport vessel in question. Further, the traction force for the train of transporters is provided by a large locomotive which in turn requires friction contact against the surface on which the train is to be transported. On the other hand the gaseous supporting means require a smooth base, which is very difficult to pro- vide, especially at outdoors ports. Objects of the invention As stated above, an object of the present invention is to provide an improvement of the system according to US 5 618 148, by refining the technologies thereof in a new and effective manner. Further, it is an object of the present invention to avoid the disadvantages with which the arrangement according to UK 2 291 032 are hampered, i.e. to present a method and an arrangement wherein commonly available rails can be used on deck, which rails can communicate with associated rails on shore, and wherein special transfer trolleys will be part of the port equipment for being maintained on land. A still further object of the present invention is to provide a trolley train which comprises trolleys having their own lifting and driving equipment, as well as comprising a power trolley which can easily pass underneath the pallets or pallet loads in question, so as to drive the trolley train in any direction underneath the corresponding pallet train. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a unique locking system which can be operated by the trolleys themselves, so as to furhter increase the automatic and personal-free operation of the system. Another object of the present invention is to provide cargo trolleys provided with means for driving in a safe and effictient manner also through curves of the associated rails. Summary of the invention The above objects are achieved by a method and an arrangement according to the invention, and more specifi- cally the idea and solution as stated in the characterizing clause of the enclosed patent claim 1 and patent claim 12, respectively. Further features and advantages of the present invention will appear from the following description taken in connection with the enclosed drawings, as well as from the further patent claims enclosed herewith. Brief disclosure of the drawing Fig. 1 is a general perspective layout of a first embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention, whereby the method according to the invention can be carried out . Fig. 2 illustrates on a larger scale a perspective view of a possible locking system to be used on deck. Fig. 3 is a perspective view, on a larger scale illustrating details of an embodiment of positioning studs, for example used on land. Fig. 4 is an end view illustrating the resting situation of an embodiment of a transport trolley according to the present invention. Fig. 5 is an end view similar to Fig. 4, but illustrates the driving situation of said embodiment of transport trolley. Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the train of transport trolleys only, as compared with Fig. 1, and illustrating further details of such trolleys, especially the so-called end trolley. Fig. 7 is a schematical plan view illustrating a specific embodiment of a power trolley according to the present invention, as well as control and driving details included in a specific embodiment of any transfer trolley according to the present invention. Fig. 8 is on a larger scale, a top view of the end trolley, illustrating an embodiment of the lashing control system included therein. Fig. 9 is on a still larger scale, a top view illustrating details of the lashing control system included in the end trolley according to Fig. 8. Fig. 10 in an end view of the end trolley as illustrated in Fig. 8, here in a raised position of the pallet thereon. Fig. 11 is an end view similar to Fig. 10, but here illu- trating the pallet in a lowered and positioned as well as latched position. Fig. 12 is a plan view, partly in section, illustrating further details of the lashing system according to the present invention. Fig. 13 is a schematical plan view of the control and driving means of a transport trolley, similar to what is illustrated in Fig. 7, but comprising further details regarding an embodiment of radial beam adjustment included therein. Description of embodiments In the enclosed drawings there are illustrated embodiments of an improved loading and unloading system, espe- cially for serving high-speed container vessels. The present CP- train (container platform train) system has been developed to provide a fast an realiable loading and unloading system for containers up to 45', swap bodi- es, trailers, pallets, slip sheets and outsize loads. The CP-train system is designed to a) Reduce the turn round times of the ship b) Reduce the cargo handling cost c) Provide more efficient use of space d) Provide an efficient and cost effective inter- modal transfer e) Reduce the dwell time of the cargo in the terminal f) Reduce the damage both to cargo and equipment g) Provide a system that is compatible with the EDI requirements of the modern logistics industry h) Reduced terminal labour requirements The CP-train is designed for an intermodal terminal operation connecting ship loading/unloading with rail/road pick up and delivery. The system involves the loading and unloading of unitised cargo to or from vessels, normally through stern doors using a link-span or ramp to provide for the difference in height between the cargo decks and the quay. The terminal can be arranged in several different ways to suit the particular operational requirements of the location selected. As best illustrated in Figures 1-7, an arrangement according to the present invention may comprise a number of motorized trolleys, here designated by la, lb... In, said trolleys being joined together by connecting frames 2a, 2b...2m, to form a train, see especially Fig. 6. In the illustrated embodiment electric power may be supplied to the individual trolleys la, lb... In by one or more power trolleys, in the illustrated embodiment as shown on Fig. 1 and Fig. 6, one power trolley, here de- signated by reference numeral 3, and comprising details as illustrated more specifically in Fig. 7. The entire train including the power trolley or trolleys may preferably by designed to pass under specially de- signed load bearing platforms or cargo platforms, here also designed as cargo pallets 4a, 4b...4n, which have been preassembled to a train corresponding to the trolley train, and on which train of cargo pallets the cargo units 5a, 5b ...5n have been preloaded so that the pre- loaded pallets or platforms can be lifted prior to being arranged in a train ready for transporting to and from the ship . As further illustrated in Fig. 7, an electrically driven hydraulic system on each trolley, here trolley la, provides traction to the wheels 6a-6d, as well as provides power for braking, cleating and lifting systems installed on the respective trolley. On board the ship the train of platforms with cargo, for example as illustrated in Fig. 1, will be arranged in lanes parallel to the ship centre line. The loading and unloading operation will be as follows. Before the ship arrival the export cargo is secured on platforms 4a, 4b...4n as illustrated in Fig. 1, in a pattern corresponding to the proposed stowage of the ship . The operation may start with removing the first two lanes of platforms on board a ship. An empty train of trolleys runs under the appropriate row of platforms, and stops in the correct position automatically whilst simultaneously releasing the securing devices, as this will be explained in further details with reference to Figures 8-12. In order to facilitate positioning of the trolleys la, lb... In underneath the corresponding train of platforms 4a, 4b...4n, there may as this is illustrated in Fig. 4 and 5, and in further details in Fig. 8-12, be arranged guiding pins 50 at the top of each trolley la for fitting into corresponding holes 51 in the bottom of the individual platforms 4a. Each of the cargo trolleys in the trolley train will then lift each platform from the deck and bring the train of platforms through a series of switches to pre-assigned locations in the terminal in question. In this terminal the platforms will be lowered onto positioning pins or studs, for example as illustrated by reference numeral 7a- 7b in Fig. 3, whereafter the empty CT-train is moved in any direction in order to pick up export cargo arranged as another train of preloaded platforms corresponding to the empty trolley train in question. As the import trains clear the switches waiting trains will move export cargo into the vacated lanes on said vessel, and the platforms are lowered onto positioning stands 8a-8b, for example as illustrated in Fig. 2, ar- ranged on the vessel deck. Upon removal of the empty CP- trains the positioned trains of pallets will thereby be automatically secured in said positioning stands, in a manner which will be further discussed in connection with Figures 8-12. The unloading/loading operation is repeated until loading/unloading of the vessel is completed. To further ensure correct platform positioning on land, there may be used conical studs 7a-7b as illustrated in Fig. 3, for example of 60-80 mm height, positioned appropriately along the terminal tracks, said studs 7a-7b being arranged to fit into corresponding holes in the platform legs 9 when said platforms are being lowered. Similar studs may be inserted along the lanes on the cargo decks on boards . It is to be understood that the train or trains of platforms will remain onboard with its cargo, while the CP- trains comprising said transport trolleys and associated power trolleys will return to the terminal for further land-based operations. It is further to be understood that said CP-train system is designed to provide a fast terminal throughput and a minimum cargo transfer time and related cost. Cargo is transferred directly from the platform to the road or rail chassis. It is also to be understood that the system may be designed for direct transfer of a train of platforms from one vessel to another. The CP-train may appropriately run on railway tracks which are arranged to provide an efficient flow of cargo through the terminal . The system may be designed to be controlled by a data system that is consistent with the state of the art logistics handling systems with auto- matic or semi -automated gate and cargo booking systems. The CP-train may be designed for logistics systems between dedicated ports. The control system and cargo stowage aspect of the system are required to be co-ordi- nated between the ports concerned. The system design should encorporate emergency procedures to discharge vessels using conventional Ro-Ro port handling equipment in the event that a dedicated terminal is not available to the service. As illustrated in Fig. 7 the power trolley 3 is arranged to supply the CP-train trolleys, here the trolley la, said trolleys la-lb... In, thereby being self-propelled, with tractive energy. It is to be understood that the power trolley 3 should provide sufficient tractive energy to propel the train in accordance with operational criteria, as well as produce sufficient energy to lift the cargo loads in accordance with operational criteria. Further, the power trolley 3 should comprise control means supervising the brake and safety systems of the train. The maximum height of the power trolley 3 should not exceed the maximum height of any transport trolley, for example being less than 750 mm or otherwise permit the power trolley to pass under a line of platforms. Appropriately, the power trolley may be built up of mod- ules, each containing a complete power pack for example a diesel motor 12, an electric generator 13, a second die- sel motor 14 and a second generator 15, the electric control allowing high voltage to be distributed to appropriate power supply cables 17, it being understood that the power trolleys may be coupled for operation in tandem, for thereby meeting the supply requirements of a particular trolley train. As further illustrated in Fig. 6 and 7 a CP-train trol- ley, or transport trolley, may have installed train couplings on top of the trolley structure so that trolleys in a train can be joined together on a frame structural basis. The coupling may comprise king pins preferably having a two-plane movement to allow the trolleys to turn around curves or climb a slope. The vertically operating wheels 6a- 6d provided with flanges shall interact between the trolley and the rails in the terminal area, and the wheels may preferably be mounted to the trolley structure using high quality roller bearings . Preferably a minimum of two wheels on each trolley may be mounted with an integrated shaft and planetary gear sys- tern 20 with integrated parking brakes 21, said brakes being provided with a fail-safe brake system being released for example by hydraulic pressure. Each trolley la may be provided with an integrated hydraulic system 22 with variable displacement motors running in closed regenerative circuit . Each local hydraulic system 22 may be powered by at least two electric motors 23, which in turn is connected to an electric control system 24. Possibly, the transport trolleys may be provided with DC/AC railway drives, or a solution with hydraulically distributed power may be contemplated. Further, each trolley la is provided with necessary sensors 25a, 25b to be connected to the master or power trolley via an I/O bus and a control table thereof. As further illustrated in Fig. 4 and 5 each trolley la will be provided with hydraulic sylinders 30 for lifting its cargo frame 31 and thereby also the associated cargo pallet 4a with container or other cargo units. In general all platforms or pallets should be designed to optimise weight. All platforms for containers may be equipped with standard twist locks, and the pallet structure should be provided with conical steel guides for positioning against the cones in the vessel deck structure and for positioning against the frames on the associated CP-train. The connecting frames of the trolleys can be provided as an open steel structure which is able to position and carry said platforms, said frames being arranged for easily connection to said trolley king pins. As more specifically illustrated in Fig. 8-12, the pre- sent system provides a unique locking system. As stated above the platforms for containers should be provided with twist locks or similar, and in Fig. 8-12 there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of how the automatic locking system according to the present invention can be brought into practice. In Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 it is illustrated how the platform 4a is being lowered into position, i.e. from a raised position in Fig. 10 to a lowered position in Fig. 11, at the same time as the securing element 40 is being lowered into a position prepared for secure ent . After the lowered position has been reached, as illustrated in Fig. 11 the trolley la will be free to be retracted from underneath the platform 4a, and when starting its retrieval operation a first set of trolley locking arms 41 will be arranged to be brought in contact with protruding platform locking arms 43, so that when the end trolley In passes each of the securing devices 40, the sequential operation of pivoting each of the associated platform locking arm will take place, which will result in securing the lowered pallets 4n...4a sequentially as the trolley train is returned to the terminal . It is to be understood that when an empty train of trolleys enters underneath a train of platforms, then a second set of trolley locking arms 41A will unlock each of the securing devices in question, but then in an oppositely sequential operation. Further details of the protruding platform locking arms 43 is illustrated in Fig. 12, and in Fig. 8 there are illustrated two positions thereof, i.e. an upper open position as well as a lower locked position, as this is also illustrated in Fig. 9. It is to be understood that by having such an automatic securing system it is not necessary to have a crew on board for locking the individual securing means, which further contributes to a rapid and economic transfer of goods . In order to improve the present system such that any train can be driven through curves and ascend and descend slopes each trolley is provided with a so-called radial beam adjustment, as this is illustrated in Fig. 7, and as further illustrated in Fig. 13. The radial beam adjustment means will involve that the two shafts 60a, 60b of the trolley in question can be adjusted to an angle corresponding to the expected curve radius. This is important in order to obtain a "one contact point" for the wheel flange throughout the curve. This ability may reduce the flanges friction and the associated climbing of the wheel. In Fig. 7 and 13 the radial beam adjustment means have been incorporated as two sylinders 61a and 61b, respectively said sylinders 61a and 61b being operated when one of the sensors 25a or 25b passes a point at the start or at the end of a rail curve. It is also to be understood that a coupling can be installed to cater for any free wheeling throughout the curve . It is also to be understood that conical wheels with a stiff shaft can be installed, so as to secure a safe "sinus" run along the rails through the straight parts thereof .

Claims: P a t e n t c l a i m s 1. Method for transporting larger load units, for example containers (5) , especially for loading and unloading containers (5) using a pallet (4) , by which method the pallet (4) with load units (5) is lifted and transported and lowered by at least one land-based transfer trolley (la) for being loaded onto a larger transport vessel, for thereafter removing said transfer trolley (la) from said pallet (5) for another loading sequence, until said vessel is loaded, whereby unloading at a port of destination can take place in substantially opposite sequence by similar land-based trolley means, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the method comprises the use of one standardized individual cargo trolley (la, lb... In) for each pallet (4a, 4b...4n) and one correspondingly standardized pallet for each cargo unit (5), said one individual cargo trolley being included in a train of a plurality of similar trolleys (la, lb... In) so as to match with a similar train (4a, 4b...4n) of standardized pallets. 2. Method as claimed in claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that said train of standardized cargo trolleys (la, lb... In) are adapted for being mutually interconnected and also connected to at least one end power trolley (3) comprising a power unit for supplying power to individual driving and lifting means arranged on each cargo trolley. 3. Method as claimed in claim 1 or 2 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d by providing at least one cargo trolley with positioning sensing means, for example a centre trolley. 4. Method as claimed in claim 1 or 2 or 3 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d by providing the loading deck of said transport vessel with detachable rails and appropriately spaced positioning and locking securing means. 5. Method as claimed in claim 1 or 2 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d by using standardized cargo pallets provided with securing devices matching with said corresponding positioning and locking receiving means arranged on the loading deck of said transport vessel . 6. Method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d by using a power trolley which is low enough to pass underneath any pallet, said power trolley also being equipped with means for remote operation. 7. Method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d by using an end trolley provided with automatic locking means . 8. Method as claimed in claim 7, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that said locking means are arranged to undo any securing devices of a train of pallets when being passed underneath said pallet train as the front end of a correponding trolley train (pick-up) , and that said locking means are arranged to lock said securing devices when being passed underneath said pallet train as the rear end of said train of trolleys (positioning) . 9. Method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d by using individual trolleys having radial beam adjustment means, which co-operates with curvature sensor means so as to allow radial beam adjustment when the trolley enters a rail curve. 10. Method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that two trains of power trolleys are used at a time for unloading two lanes of cargo platforms from said vessel to pre-assigned locations in the port terminal, and that a waiting pair of trains thereafter move export cargo into the vacated lanes on said vessel, and so on. 11. Method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d by using at least one power trolley at each end of said trolley train, said power trolleys being arranged for tandem operation. 12. Arrangement for transporting larger load units, for example containers (5), said arrangement comprising a pallet (4) by which said containers or load units (5) are lifted and transported by means of at least one land- based transfer trolley (la) for loading and unloading a larger transport vessel, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that said arrangement comprises a plurality of standardized individual cargo trolleys (la, lb... In), each of which carrying one correspondingly standardized pallet (4a, 4b...4n) for each cargo unit (5) , said cargo trolleys being included in a train of a plurality of similar trolleys (la, lb... In) so as to match with a similar train (4a, 4b...4n) of standardized pallets. 13. Arrangment as claimed in claims 12, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that said train of stan- dardized cargo trolleys (la, lb... In) also comprises connecting means (2a, 2b...2m) arranged for joining together said cargo trolleys, as well as at least one end power trolley (3) comprising a power unit for supplying power to individual driving and lifting means carried by each cargo trolley. 14. Arrangement as claimed in claim 12 or 13, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that at least one cargo trolley is provided with positioning sensing means, for example a centre trolley. 15. Arrangement as claimed in any of the claims 12-14, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that said cargo trolley train communicates with a loading deck of a transport vessel comprising detechable rails and appropriately spaced positioning and locking securing means. 16. Arrangement as claimed in any of the claims 12-15, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that said cargo train is adapted to a train of standardized cargo pallets provided with securing devices matching with said corresponding positioning and locking receiving means arranged on the loading deck of said transport vessel. 17. Arrangement as claimed in any of the preceding claims 12-16, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the height of any power trolley is low enough to pass underneath any pallet, such one or more power trolley also being equipped with means for remote operation. 18. Arrangement as claimed in any of the preceding claims 12-17, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that an end trolley is provided with automatic locking means. 19. Arrangement as claimed in any of the preceding claims 12-18, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that said automatic locking means are arranged as remotely operated means adapted to undo any securing devices of a train of pal- lets when being passed underneath said pallet train as the front end of a corresponding trolley train (pick up) said locking means further comprising remotely operated means for locking said securing devices when passing underneath said pallet train, substantially in the opposite direction, as the rear end of said train of trolleys (positioning) . 20. Arrangement as claimed in any of the preceding claims 12-19, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that said trolleys are provided with radial beam adjustment means co-operating with curvature sensor means, so as to allow radial beam adjustment when a trolley in a train enters a rail curve. 21. Arrangement as claimed in any of the preceding claims 12-20, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that two trains of power trolleys are adapted for loading and unloading operation at a time, for unloading two lanes of cargo platforms from said vessel, and that a second pair of trains are adapted for moving export cargo into the vacated lanes on said vessel. 22. Arrangement as claimed in any of the preceding claims 12-21 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that said train of trol- leys comprises at least one power trolley at each end of said trolley train, said power trolleys being arranged for tandem operation.

Inventors: IVERSEN OEYVIND T, IVERSEN, OEYVIND, T.
Applicants: IVERSEN OEYVIND T, TTS HANDLING SYSTEMS AS, IVERSEN, OEYVIND, T.
Application year: 1998
Main classification: B65G63
IPC codes: B63B25, B65D88, B65G63, B65G67