The invention is related to an apparatus for loading a cargo space, the apparatus including a frame, which is arranged movably relative to the base and on the surface of which, opposing the base, successive rollers are arranged essentially over the entire width of the frame in parallel rows that extend essentially over the entire length of the frame, and an actuator, with which at least part of the rollers are arranged driving for moving products placed on the rollers with the rollers .

US2007036639A1 discloses an apparatus for loading a cargo space, which includes at least one conveyor unit installed in the loading area. The conveyor unit is capable of transporting especially several product units simultaneously. In the embodiment disclosed, the conveyor unit is provided with a belt conveyor. An electric motor rotates a roll, which drives the belt conveyor. At the same time, the conveyor unit is moved out from the cargo space. In this way, products are moved from the belt conveyor to the cargo space.

The apparatus disclosed is only suitable for certain types of products, especially for lightweight boxes without pallets. This is due to several reasons. Firstly, since the frame of the conveyor unit is high, pallets with products would tilt too much when lowering the load down to the cargo space. In practice, the angle and length of the head slide are determined according to the cargo loaded, which leads to falling of the cargo from a high altitude onto the bottom of the cargo space. Secondly, the height of the conveyor unit disclosed restricts the height of the load transferred to the cargo space. In addition, the load resistance and handling capacity of the belt conveyor are modest. The frame is also provided with a hydraulic lifting unit, which complicates the structure of the conveyor unit and increases its weight.

The object of the invention is to provide a new kind of apparatus for loading a cargo space, which is simple, efficient, and suitable for loading both various products and cargo spaces. The characteristic features of the apparatus according to this invention become apparent from the appended claims. The simple design of the apparatus according to the invention is achieved with a new kind of structure and power transmission. The efficiency is improved by a reduction of components and auxiliary devices, which also decreases purchase and operating costs. With minor modifications, the apparatus is suitable for loading all kinds of cargo spaces without any changes or auxiliary devices in the cargo space or the transport medium. In addition to placing on pallets, products can be loaded even without pallets. Furthermore, the load bearing capacity of the apparatus is good, which enables utilisation of the maximum carrying capacity or volume of the cargo space .

The invention is described below in detail by referring to the appended drawings, which illustrate an embodiment of the invention, in which:

Figure la shows the apparatus according to the invention in the beginning of loading while forming a load,

Figure lb is a lateral view of the apparatus of Figure la,

Figure 1c shows the apparatus of Figure la when loading is continued while forming a load,

Figure Id is a lateral view of the apparatus of Figure 1c,

Figure le illustrates the loading procedure of the apparatus of Figure la with the load formed,

Figure If is a lateral view of the apparatus of Figure le, Figure 2a shows the apparatus according to the invention together with a cargo space with the load formed,

Figure 2b shows the apparatus of Figure 2a after loading,

Figure 3a is a basic view of a part of a typical roller assembly of the apparatus according to the invention,

Figure 3b is a lateral view of the roller assembly of Figure 3a,

Figure 3c is a partial sectional view of the apparatus according to the invention,

Figure 4a shows a first embodiment of the roller assembly of the apparatus according to the invention,

Figure 4b shows a second embodiment of the roller assembly of the apparatus according to the invention,

Figure 4c shows a third embodiment of the roller assembly of the apparatus according to the invention,

Figure 5 is a basic view of different drive roller assemblies ,

Figure 6 is a basic view of a part of a drive roller assembly,

Figure 7 shows the head ramp of the apparatus,

Figure 8a is a top view of a second embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention in the initial position,

Figure 8a is a top view of a second embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention in the initial position,

Figure 8b is a lateral view of the apparatus of Figure 8a in the end position,

Figure 9a is a sectional view passing planes A-A and B-B of the head part and the rear part of the apparatus of Figure 8b,

Figure 9b is a sectional view passing plane C-C of the head part of Figure 9a, Figure 9c is a sectional view of the apparatus according to the invention.

Figures la - If show the apparatus according to the invention for loading a cargo space. In Figures 2a and 2b, the cargo space 10 is a conventional semi-trailer. The cargo space can also consist, for example, of a transport container arranged in a transport medium. Loading of separate transport containers or cargo spaces placed on stands is also possible. Regardless of the cargo space or transport medium, loading into the cargo space can be performed without auxiliary devices or installations to the cargo space. In practice, during loading, the cargo space is arranged as an extension of the apparatus and the apparatus including its load is moved to the cargo space. In the embodiment shown in Figures la - 2b, products 11 are arranged on pallets 12, which are here in two parallel rows. A pallet or a big bag, for example, can be called a transport unit. The complete load of Figure le has thirteen pallets successively, that is, twenty-six pallets in total. Hence, the length of the load is thirteen metres. Varying the size and positioning of pallets influences the number of pallets. Thanks to standardisation, a cargo space can usually accommodate in the width direction two pallets in the head part of the apparatus with the long side ahead, as in Figure la and Figure 8a, or three pallets with the short side ahead, as in the rear part of the apparatus in Figure 8a.

In the embodiments shown, the apparatus is arranged as a part of loading equipment, which forms a base 13 for the apparatus. Here, the base 13 has six lifting devices 14, with which the height, inclination and direction of the base can be adjusted according to the cargo space. Thus, the apparatus can move with products to the cargo space without damage to the products or the cargo space. The base is also provided with equipment for moving the apparatus and thereby the load to the cargo space. Pallets can be placed on the base with a fork-lift truck, for example, but the base is preferably arranged as an extension of the conveyor system, in which case pallets arrive from the store or directly from production with a conveyor, for example. The apparatus can also be used for loading without pallets. For example, bag products can be piled in stacks, which are loaded without pallets. The apparatus can also be utilised without loading equipment, if the base has sufficient levelness and carrying capacity and the cargo space can otherwise be positioned relative to the base and the apparatus.

The apparatus includes a frame 15, which is arranged movably relative to the base 13. On the surface of the frame 15 opposing the base 13, successive rollers 16 are arranged in parallel rows 17 essentially over the entire width of the frame 15. In addition, the rows 17 extend essentially over the entire length of the frame 15. Thus, the rollers cover essentially the entire surface of the frame. In addition, connected to the frame, there is an actuator 18, with which at least part of the rollers 16 are arranged driving for moving products 11 placed on the rollers 19 with the rollers 16. According to the invention, a flexible power transmission element 20, which is routed via a drive roller 19, is arranged between the actuator 18 and the rollers 16. The number of drive rollers depends on the power requirement, which is influenced, for example, by the product loaded and the load mass. The pallet and the dimensioning of rollers also play a role. However, the components and their positioning are arranged in such a way that a desired load can be moved onto the rollers and further, from the rollers to the cargo space. Several advantages are achieved with a flexible power transmission element. Firstly, rollers can be conventional rollers. In addition, the power transmission element requires only little space. Thus, the frame can be made advantageously low. In addition, the power transmission element can be routed very freely in different directions in contrast to metal power transmission chains, for example. The frame can also be made flexible, in which case the mutual positions and distances of the rollers can change during the use. In other words, the frame adjusts itself during use, to which a flexible power transmission element adapts without problems. Furthermore, the power transmission element is wear resistant and needs no lubrication. In addition, the capacity of the apparatus can be changed in a simple way with minor modifications to the general structure. Thus, advantages of serial production are achieved, and the apparatus can be adapted in a simple way to suit the current need. The components are additionally simple, yet with a long lifetime.

In addition to moving products from rollers to a cargo space, the roller assembly can also be used for forming a load. In other words, pallets with products or products without pallets that need to be taken to the apparatus are driven onto the apparatus by means of the rollers, in Figures la and lb, the first row is already transferred. In Figures 1c and Id, the second row has been driven with the rollers onto the apparatus, attached to the first row. The operation is continued until the load is ready. Finally, the entire load is driven with the rollers to the head part of the apparatus (Figures le, If and 2a) . Alternatively, it is possible to form the load before the apparatus and move the entire load in a queue onto the rollers at one go. Load forming can be completed before the transport medium arrives. When the load is ready, it is sufficient to align the loading equipment with the cargo space. In other words, both the base and the apparatus resting on it are parallel with the cargo space. Then the apparatus with the load is moved into the cargo space. Here, it is possible to use conventional chains, which are arranged inside the base, in this case, the loading equipment. The chains are preferably connected to the rear part of the frame so that the frame can be pushed into the cargo space almost completely. When the load is in the cargo space, products are run down from the rollers by driving the rollers with an actuator. At the same time, the apparatus is pulled out from the cargo space. Gradually, the load moves away from the rollers while the apparatus simultaneously exits the cargo space. Hence, a gate known from previous transfer board solutions is needless. The actuator that drives the rollers and the mechanism that moves the apparatus are synchronised with each other ensuring in this way that products remain in the cargo space without being damaged and without unnecessary queue backpressure.

The new and surprising power transmission requires only little space. At the same time, it is possible to use rollers with small diameters. Thus, the apparatus can be made low so that product stacks tilt as little as possible when moving products down from the top of the frame. At the same time, the head ramp or slide, if used, can be made low and short. In practice, the vertical dimension 21 from the base 13 to the top point of the roller 16 is from 50 mm to 200 mm, more preferably from 70 mm to 100 mm. The vertical dimension also covers an inclined embodiment of the apparatus, which is described later in more detail. Thus, the new apparatus is notably lower than known solutions. However, the frame 15 is advantageously extended by a head ramp 22, which includes separate rollers 23 that are smaller than the drive rollers 19 (Figure 7) . Thus, products can be moved from the rollers to the cargo space in a controlled manner. A part of the head ramp may be composed of a plastic slide enabling pallets to slide down to the cargo space. In Figure 7, the key 24 located at the very tip is made of sliding plastic. With a short head ramp, the load unit, such as a pallet or product, is deposited in the cargo space by gravity and friction in such a way that the last row can presumably be driven with drive rollers at least partly onto the floor of the cargo space, whereupon the friction between the floor of the cargo space and the load unit pulls it away from the free rollers and the plastic key, if installed, located on the head ramp. In the case of a load unit with a pallet, the tip of the sliding board can be used, if necessary, to compact the load by pushing the pallets placed on the floor of the cargo space. All other load units except the last row are affected by the queue backpressure of the load units behind them; therefore, depositing them in the cargo space is reliable.

In one advantageous embodiment, the power transmission element 20 is a synthetic fibre cord 25 arranged in the form of a rope or a belt. For example, the fibre cord may be a Dyneema rope or belt. A rope, in particular, can be freely turned to any direction. In addition, a rope requires only little installation space. A belt is also relatively freely turnable. On the other hand, a belt provides a larger contact area than a rope, which increases friction. In contrast to a chain, with a rope and a belt, power transmission is mainly based on friction. The power transmission element 20 is arranged at a wrap angle (X, where the power transmission element 20 is in contact with a drive roller 19. In the embodiment of Figure 3a, the fibre cord is routed above the drive rollers 19 and below the free rollers 26. Depending on the rollers and the route of the power transmission element, the wrap angle (X is from 30 to 75, preferably from 50 to 70 degrees. In other words, sufficient friction is achieved even with a small wrap angle. In the second advantageous embodiment, the wrap angle is remarkably small, but the load mass forces the belt down against the roller, which increases friction. A reinforced rubber belt can also be arranged as the flexible power transmission element 20. Due to the reinforcement, the rubber belt can be arranged tight. On the other hand, rubber as such provides high friction with a roller. The rubber belt may be, for example, a V belt, cogged belt or multigroove belt. For example, on a non-driven, i.e. , free roller, the back of the V belt is against the roller, which decreases friction.

Generally, in a row 17 that is arranged to be driving, every second, every third or every fourth roller is arranged as a drive roller. Thus, power losses of the apparatus can be minimised while simultaneously adjusting the capacity suitable for each need. Figure 5 shows the alternatives described above. It is also possible to arrange two out of three or three out of four rollers as drive rollers. Basically, an individual pallet can determine the power requirement, according to which rollers and their power transmission is adjusted. On the other hand, power can be adjusted as desired in the different parts of the apparatus by simply changing the route of the power transmission element.

In a basic embodiment, the power transmission element uses one row or at least part of the rollers of the row. According to the actuator, the power transmission element is returned to the start of the row once the row is completed. In the second embodiment, one and the same power transmission element 20 is arranged at least via one parallel row 17 (Figure 6) . Thus, one power transmission element can be used to drive two rows. In this case, on the way back, the power transmission element is routed via the rollers of the second row in such a way that the rotating motion of the rollers of both rows is in the same direction. If necessary, more than one power transmission element are arranged for a drive roller. For example, it is possible to arrange two ropes side by side at one end of the roller or one rope at both ends of the roller. The number of power transmission elements depends on the number of the roller rows and the power requirement, as well as the actuator used. In light use, one power transmission element can be routed via more than two roller rows.

A low apparatus is possible when small rollers can be used. In practice, the diameter of the roller 16 is from 30 mm to 60 mm arranged in the row 17 with a roller spacing 27 between 35 and 100 mm. As the roller increases, the roller spacing also increases. The roller spacing means the distance between the centre lines of two rollers. When using pallets, less rollers are needed, and they are then placed less densely so that a clear gap can exist between the rollers. For example, when loading bag products without a pallet, rollers are practically next to each other without a significant gap.

In principle and in practice, too, the power transmission element can run along the surface of the roller as long as this enables the advancement of products and pallets, or generally pallets, on the rollers. The roller may have a groove, for example, for the power transmission element. For the power transmission element 20, the roller 16 preferably includes a separate grooved pulley 28, which is lockedly connected in a drive roller 19 and free in a free roller 26 (Figures 3a and 3c) . Thus, it is possible to use conventional rollers. In addition, by changing lockings, the apparatus can be adjusted, for example, by changing the number of drive rollers. The route of the power transmission element can also be changed thereby adjusting the number of drive rollers, wherein a separate lockable pulley is advantageous. In other words, the locking of an individual grooved pulley can be released independent of other grooved pulleys. The groove 29 in the grooved pulley 28 keeps the power transmission element in place simultaneously increasing friction as the contact surface increases compared to the smooth surface of the roller. Advantageously, the groove and the rope are dimensioned relative to each other, which enables maximisation of friction and minimisation of rope wear. A narrow belt also adapts to the groove. Advantageously, the groove has a variable surface profile, which increases friction. For example, a knurl or a coating that increases friction is also possible.

Figure 3c shows an alternative embodiment illustrated with a broken line. Here, the roller 16 includes a shell 30, in which a groove 29 is formed for the power transmission element 20. In addition, the groove can be positioned in a desired place in the roller, including the centre area of the roller. In fact, a groove integrated in the shell is applied in a certain way. In the invention, secondary traction 31 may be provided between a drive roller 19 and an adjacent roller 16 (Figure 6) . Thus, secondary traction can be used to connect rollers that are free from the primary power transmission element as drive rollers. Hence, traction can be distributed evenly, and the operation of the apparatus can be adjusted in a simple and quick manner. Secondary traction can be implemented, for example, with a rubber band or belt, which is placed in the groove formed in the shell.

A new kind of power transmission simplifies the structure of the apparatus. For example, several power transmission elements 20 can be arranged in one actuator 18. In this case, the drive of all of the drive rollers of the apparatus can be implemented even with a single actuator. On the other hand, for example, the frame may have four parallel roller rows, which are driven with two power transmission elements, which are correspondingly operated with one actuator. Thus, all drive rollers rotate at the same speed. When more power is needed, actuators can be added. The number of drive rollers can also be used to easily distribute the power of the actuator to drive rollers.

One advantageous actuator is a drawing drum 32, to which, at different ends, the power transmission element is connected by its ends and the loop formed from the power transmission element rotates via the roller assembly. The drawing drum is driven with an electric motor, for example, using a reduction gear between them, if necessary. By rotating the drawing drum, the driving end is wound around the drawing drum while the other end unwinds from the drawing drum. Thus, the drawing drum can be operated in both directions thereby driving the roller assembly forward and backward. The actuator can move with the apparatus, in which case the power transmission element is short and easily controllable. Alternatively, the actuator may be integrated with the base, for example, and the power transmission element is routed in such a way that the back- and-forth movement of the apparatus is enabled (Figure 2b) . For example, the actuator may be beside or below the base in a place, into which it is most convenient to fit. The actuator may also be a double drum hoist, in which the power transmission element rotates via rope pulleys arranged on parallel axles, thus achieving sufficient friction for transmitting power to the drive rollers. A third possible actuator is a Capstan winch, in which the power transmission element rotates several times around the drum. In the case of a Capstan winch, the power transmission element may even be an endless loop, and the length of the power transmission element does not limit the rotation distance of the rollers. Alternatively, it is possible to make use of two winches arranged at both ends of the power transmission element, the power transmission element thus being unwound and rewound from one drum to another. Thus, the rollers can be driven back and forth by operating the winches alternately. Since the rollers are driven at full load mainly in one direction, the power output of the returning winch may be smaller, as rollers are rotated without products. Normally, the diameter of the drawing drum is only dependent on the transfer distance, i.e. , the capacity of the drum to collect and release the rope that is arranged as the power transmission element. The diameter of a Capstan winch is determined according to the bending radius of the power transmission element, and a small diameter is more advantageous as the required rotational torque is smaller.

Generally, the number of parallel rows 17 is from 1 to 4 per a metre of width of the frame 15. Thus, several rollers are under a pallet in the direction of both width and length, which enables a smooth advancement of the pallet and an adequate power transmission to the pallet. Figure 4a shows a basic model for conventional pallets and, generally, palletised products. Here, all rollers are identical, and they are aligned in identical rows, the number of which is six. Thus, depending on the size and direction of advance of the pallet, two to three roller rows are under a pallet. When using a pallet, the rollers can be detached from each other. In Figure 4b, the positioning and number of the rollers is optimised for pallets. Here, it is even possible to use a so-called EUR pallet in both directions. In other words, a partly open pallet with feet can be moved with both the long and short side ahead. In an industrial pallet, foot boards are provided throughout so that rollers may be placed even less densely than shown in Figure 4b. In Figure 4c, rollers are compacted and placed over lappingly for palletless loads or, on the other hand, loads that require more transfer power. Narrow gaps between the rollers allow a versatile pallet bottom structure. On the other hand, palletless loads, such as bag stacks, benefit from the overlap of rollers. A long and regular gap between the roller rows may cause bagginess and thereby breakage of the bottommost bags. This phenomenon is avoided by overlapping the rollers .

Figure 3c shows a partial enlargement of the edge of the apparatus. Advantageously, under the frame 15, there are slide elements 33, the surface of which towards the base 13 is wear resistant thermoplastic. A plastic slide may be continuous covering the entire apparatus. In practice, a plastic slide is a functional part of the frame, to which the rollers are fastened. Alternatively, it is possible to use smaller strips in the same way as runners, in which case the frame bears a larger portion of the load. Due to the plastic slide, friction is smaller, and the frame adapts to irregularities. Instead of slide elements, it is possible to arrange roller elements under the frame 15. In this case, the height of the apparatus easily increases, and the base must be sufficiently smooth and resistant to concentrated loads. In addition, crossing the gap between the base and the cargo space requires special arrangements .

An apparatus according to the invention can be used to load almost any kind of cargo space. Products can be on a pallet or even without a pallet. It is sufficient that the cargo space is open at one end. The apparatus is advantageously low, and it is easy to change the capacity of the apparatus. The apparatus is composed of simple components, which require minimal maintenance. In practice, the rollers are short rolls. In addition, the length of the rollers can vary. For example, the freely rotating rollers between the drive rollers can be narrow . The power requirement depends mainly on the load mass, which can vary from 5, 000 kg to 35, 000 kg. For example, a bag load can include nine stacks, each of which has six layers of ten bags. The mass of one bag being 50 kilogrammes, the load mass is 27, 000 kilogrammes or 27 tons. Other factors affecting the power requirement are the type of the product loaded, i.e. , rolling resistance. The rolling resistance of pallets is clearly smaller than for bags, for example. The position of the cargo space also affects the power requirement. For example, a rise of a few tens of centimetres may exist over a distance of twelve metres.

For the dimensioning of the power transmission element, for example, a safety factor of 5 to 7 is used in relation to the breaking strength and drive power of the power transmission element. In addition, the calculations assume that the power required for transferring a load is between 5% and 30%, more preferably, between 10% and 15% of the load mass. Regardless of high total masses, for example, the diameter of a sufficient fibre cord is a few millimetres.

Figures 8a to 9c show a second embodiment of the apparatus, wherein brackets 35 are fastened to the plastic slide 34 formed by the slide element 33 in the transverse direction for seven rollers 16. In this example, the thickness of the plastic slide is four millimetres, and the material thickness of the brackets is six millimetres. When the width of the plastic slide is 2, 400 millimetres, seven arranged at ends, an individual roller is approximately 335 millimetres long while the rollers are of the same length. In the embodiment disclosed, a belt 36, here with a width of 250 millimetres, is utilised instead of a rope. Thus, the belt covers essentially the entire length of the roller. Generally, the belt width is between 65% and 95%, more preferably between 70% and 85% of the length of the roller. Then, friction is as high as possible and a contact of the belt with brackets can be avoided. In the embodiment disclosed, the load mass may be thirty tons. Even in this case, a three millimetres thick belt is sufficient for moving a load. More generally, the thickness of the belt is from one to five millimetres. A thin belt takes little space and bends even to a small radius. Thus, the entire belt can fit inside the apparatus as an endless loop.

The brackets are arranged in such a way that the distance between the rollers and the plastic slide decreases gradually. In practice, the height of the apparatus, in practice, of the bracket, becomes lower from the rear part towards the head part. This facilitates the lowering of a load, such as pallets loaded with products, from the apparatus to the cargo space. At the same time, a gentle descent, less than one degree, reduces the power requirement for moving the load. In the embodiment disclosed, a thickness of approximately 200 mm is reduced to approximately 50 millimetres over a distance of almost fourteen metres. Generally, the inclination angle caused by the reduced distance is from 0.5 to 1.5 degrees.

Figures 8a and 8b illustrate, in the head part of the apparatus, two pallets 12 with short sides against each other. The size of these pallets is 1, 000 * 1, 200 millimetres. Correspondingly, illustrated in the rear part of the equipment, there are three pallets 12 with long sides against each other. The size of these pallets is 800 * 1, 200 millimetres. For one load, it is possible to use both pallets, when necessary, so that the cargo space can be utilised as efficiently as possible.

In this embodiment, in fact, the base 13 has a fixedly supported metal plate assembly 37 supported on beams 38. While the height of the base is thus constant, the height of the cargo space is adjusted, for example, with pneumatic springs of a vehicle or a lifting device arranged in front of the loading equipment (not shown) . For aligning the base, the ends of the base and thereby the entire base can be adjusted in the lateral direction. In Figure 9a, plastic slide components 39 are provided under the beams 38 at the ends of the base 13, which makes it possible to move both ends of the base with an actuator for aligning the apparatus relative to the cargo space.

The size of the freely rotating rollers remains the same over the entire length of the apparatus (Figure 9b) . In the head part, the size of the drive rollers is smaller so that the belt 36 can travel between the rollers 16 and the slide element 33 unobstructed. In the example, the diameter of the rollers is approximately 35 millimetres excluding the aforementioned smaller rollers, which have a diameter of approximately 25 millimetres. Between the roller rows, there is only one bracket that is shared by the two roller rows. In other words, the same rising bracket supports both the driving and the freely rotating row. With this, it is possible to minimise the number of brackets. At the same time, a more uniformly distributed support is achieved for the pallet. In the same way as with the rope embodiment, the belt can also be routed under the roller, if the diameter of the roller is smaller compared to others. In this case, this would be a guide roller rotating in the opposite direction, detached from the pallet yet keeping the belt according to the roller row.

A belt wider than the rope contacts the drive roller on the upper surface. In practice, the belt is between the roller and the pallet so that the load mass forces the belt down against the roller. The roll 40 driving the belt is in the rear part of the apparatus, under the rollers. A sufficient belt overlap on the roll 40 is achieved with a deflector roll 41. If necessary, the roll is provided with a rubber coating, for example, to achieve sufficient friction. By changing the position of the deflector roll, sufficient tension is achieved for the belt. Advantageously, rolls of all belts are driven with one drive 42, thereby, all belts advance at an equal speed. Here, the drive 42 is on the left side of the apparatus and moves with the apparatus. Alternatively, each roll has a drive of its own inside, in which case rolls are programmably synchronised. Of the seven roll rows, three rows have a belt according to Figure 8a. Thus, at least one belt extending over its entire width is under each pallet. Rolls without belts are freely rotating. However, aforementioned guide rollers may be present in the belt row. Therefore, this is not a conventional belt conveyor, wherein the belt covers essentially the entire width of the apparatus and wherein the belt hangs loose between the supporting rolls. In the invention, rollers may be provided in several rows next to each other. In addition, several narrow belts are used, which cover only a part of the width of the roller, yet transmitting the power to the rollers for rotating the rollers .

Due to rollers and a lightweight flexible belt, the load can be moved onto the apparatus and, correspondingly, from the apparatus even with a single drive. Two or three pallets at one go are brought to the rear part of the apparatus and moved to the apparatus by simultaneously rotating the rollers with belts. Pallets are added until the desired load is ready. Then, the apparatus including its load has been moved to the cargo space and pallets are lowered from the apparatus to the cargo space by rotating again the rollers with the belts. At the same time, the apparatus is moved out from the cargo space. Under the transfer board, there is a frame construction having chains inside it for transferring the transfer board, here operated by two drives 43. Moving the apparatus requires more power than the rotation of the rollers even when loaded.

With drive rollers, forming a load is easy and accurate. At the same time, an escape of pallets is avoided regardless of an inclined apparatus. In addition, it is possible to exclude a gate that was used previously for supporting the load when the transfer board is pulled from under the load, thus simplifying the apparatus. At the same time, the previous queue backpressure towards the load caused by the traction is excluded as pallets are moved by rotating the rollers.