RU2849663C2 - Manipulation device with variable support area for manipulating containers - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: lifting devices.

SUBSTANCE: device (401, 401') for manipulating containers (105) with a variable support area comprises a first upright (455) designed to be connected to the fifth wheel coupling (430) of a tractor (410), a second stand (475) to which a first freely rotating support wheel (480) is freely connected, a third stand (500) to which a second freely rotating support wheel (505) is freely connected, a lifting device (540, 545, 550, 555, 560, 565, 570, 575, 580, 585) for lifting the container (105), and a connecting device (520, 530, 535) which connects the second upright (475) and the third upright (500) to the first upright (455) and is designed to allow at least one of the second upright (475) and the third upright (500) to be moved between a first position, in which the distance between the third upright (500) and the second upright (475) is maximum, and a second position, in which the said distance is minimum.

EFFECT: improvement of the device design and reduction of the load on the support.

8 cl, 10 dwg

Description

Field of technology

The present invention relates to a container handling device (ISO) with a variable footprint, i.e., configured to be placed in an operating configuration in which it allows containers to be lifted and lowered, for example, onto and from a road train bogie, and in a storage/transport configuration in which containers cannot be lifted or lowered. In particular, the footprint of the device in the storage/transport configuration is smaller than the footprint in the operating configuration, so that the device can be transported on a standard road train bogie and on ordinary roads open to public use.

State of the art

Devices for handling containers are known that are capable of varying the support area, defined as the combination of the maximum height, width and length of the device, to change from an operating configuration in which they can lift/lower and transport on the ground a container, usually one or a maximum of two containers, to a storage or transport configuration in which the support area of the device is reduced compared to the operating configuration, so that it can, for example, be transported on the chassis of a standard road train moving on city roads.

Such devices typically comprise a frame with a variable support area, for example, comprising telescopic vertical side members and/or posts, wherein the frame with a variable support area rests against the base by means of at least three, preferably four wheels, at least one, preferably two, of which are driving wheels, in order to be able to move the frame and, together with it, the container, which was connected to the container by means of a lifting device.

Thus, the device is equipped with a motor that provides the necessary force to the drive wheels to move the device, and a cabin that allows the operator to control the device. The motor can be a hydraulic motor, driven by a pressurized fluid supplied by a pump connected to a variable-base frame.

As one might expect, the engine and cabin have a significant support surface area, which conflicts with the need to minimize the unit's footprint in a storage/transport configuration. As one might also expect, such components complicate and lengthen the design/construction process, and also contribute to a significant weight load.

The objective of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of prior art devices.

This problem is solved by the features of the invention set forth in the independent claim. The dependent claims describe preferred and/or particularly preferred aspects of the invention.

disclosure of invention

In particular, the invention makes available a handling device with a variable support area for handling containers, comprising:

- a first post configured to be connected to the fifth wheel coupling of a tractor,

- a second stand, to which the first freely rotating support wheel is freely connected,

- a third stand, to which a second freely rotating support wheel is freely connected,

- a lifting device for lifting the container,

- a connecting device that connects the second post and the third post to the first post and is configured to move at least one of the second post and the third post between a first position, wherein the distance of the third post from the second post is maximum, and a second position, in which said distance is minimum.

This solution makes available a container handling device with a variable support surface that is more compact, lightweight, easily transportable, and cost-effective, while maintaining the same performance as prior art devices. These advantages are particularly evident in the device's ability to handle containers without the need for drive wheels, as it can utilize the drive wheels of a tractor equipped with a fifth-wheel coupling (or any other equivalent coupling element) to which the first leg, for example, is adapted for free-wheeling. Accordingly, since it does not require drive wheels, it does not require motors, typically hydraulic/oleodynamic, used in prior art devices to rotate the support wheels, nor does it require means for controlling and orienting the drive wheels and for driving the device, as these means are already incorporated into the tractor. As also described below, the device may comprise a pump driven by an electric motor or an endothermic engine to generate pressurized fluid to activate the coupling device, which, since it does not need to provide sufficient force to actuate the drive wheels, may be smaller than prior art devices and therefore less bulky. Furthermore, it is possible that the device may not have an integrated pump for actuating the coupling device and may be connected to a pump external to the device, making it even lighter and more compact. The device may also be transported on the bogie of a standard road train on public roads, since, after being brought into the transport position, its configuration does not protrude beyond the bogie of the road train.

According to one aspect of the invention, designed to improve the compactness of the system in the transport configuration while maintaining high functionality in the working configuration, the connecting device may comprise:

- a first crossbar provided with a first end connected to the first post and a second end connected to the third post,

- a second crossbar provided with a first end rigidly attached to the second post and a second end pivotally connected to the first post and the first crossbar relative to the vertical axis of rotation,

- a drive designed with the possibility of moving the second rack during rotation relative to the specified vertical axis of rotation.

Another aspect of the invention provides that the drive may be a linear drive provided with a first end pivotally connected to one of the sections between the first post, the first crossbar and the third post, and an opposite second end pivotally connected to one of the sections between the second post and the second crossbar.

Another aspect of the invention provides that the third post and the second post may be of a telescopic type.

Thus, it is possible, with the same support area in the working configuration, to reduce the support area in the transport configuration.

Another aspect of the invention, according to which the first post and the first crossbar can be of a telescopic type, can contribute to improving this advantage.

Additionally, this feature allows the rack to be raised to a point where the first crossbar and second crossbar are above the tractor, allowing the unit to be positioned in front of the tractor for improved maneuverability, while still allowing the unit to be loaded onto the dolly.

According to one aspect of the invention, the lifting device may comprise:

- the first lever, connected to the second rack and developing transversely to it in the longitudinal direction,

- the second lever, connected to the third pillar and developing transversely to it in the longitudinal direction,

- a first gripping member of the container, connected to a first cable, at least partially wound on a first wheel, pivotally connected near the first end of the first lever distal from the second post and driven by a first drive,

- a second gripping member of the container, connected to a second cable, at least partially wound on a second wheel, pivotally connected near the second end of the first lever distal from the second post and opposite the first, and driven by a second drive,

- a third gripping member of the container, connected to a third cable, at least partially wound on a third wheel, pivotally connected near the first end of the second lever distal from the third post and driven by a third drive,

- a fourth gripping member of the container, connected to a fourth cable, at least partially wound on a fourth wheel, pivotally connected near the second end of the second lever distal from the third post and opposite the first, and driven by a fourth drive,

and where at least one of the first and second levers is pivotally connected to the corresponding stand along the vertical axis of the hinge.

In this way, it is possible to reduce the support area of the device, which otherwise, if all two levers were rigidly attached, that is, rigidly attached without a residual degree of freedom with respect to the rack, would touch each other when passing from the first position to the second, well before the proposed solution, which allows at least one of the levers to be adapted to the other, keeping them, for example, parallel and not incident, and, therefore, allows the second rack and the third rack to be brought closer to each other.

According to another aspect of the invention, the device may comprise a pump driven by a motor and operatively connected to a connecting device for moving the first post between the first and second position, wherein the pump and the motor are connected to one of said three posts or said connecting device.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the second end of the first crossbar may be pivotally connected to the third post relative to the first axis of rotation, and the first end of the second crossbar may be pivotally connected to the second post relative to the second axis of rotation.

This allows the first and second columns to be rotated relative to the corresponding crossbars of the coupling device, keeping the support wheels parallel to each other even when handling loads larger or smaller than an ISO container. Without these characteristics, beyond the optimal calculated distance between the third and second columns, and in other positions, since the wheels are pivotally connected to the columns only about the horizontal axes of rotation, the wheels will roll along uneven trajectories, forcing them to slide when the device moves along a straight axis.

The invention also makes it possible to create a system for handling containers, comprising a tractor equipped with a fifth wheel coupling and a device according to paragraph 1, wherein the first post is detachably connected to the fifth wheel coupling of the tractor.

Brief description of the drawings

Additional characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from reading the following description, given as a non-limiting example, with the help of the figures illustrated in the accompanying tables.

Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view of a container handling system according to the invention, comprising a container handling device according to the invention, illustrated in a container handling step on land.

Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of the system of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of the container handling system shown in the previous figures, illustrated in the stage of picking up or unloading a container relative to a truck of a road train.

Fig. 4 is a schematic side view of the container handling device of the previous figures, illustrated in a transport configuration during transport on a truck of a road train.

Fig. 5 is a schematic side view of what is illustrated in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a schematic plan view showing the apparatus in a transport configuration.

Fig. 7 is a plan view of the tractor of the system of the previous figures.

Fig. 8 is a schematic plan view of an alternative embodiment of the system according to the invention, illustrated in the stage of handling the container on land.

Fig. 9 is a schematic plan view of the apparatus of the system of Fig. 8 shown in a transport configuration.

Fig. 10 is a schematic plan view of an alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention.

The best version of the invention

In particular, with reference to such figures, a system for handling containers 105 ("ISO containers"), in particular of a type capable of autonomously moving on roads and highways open to public use, is globally designated by the number 100. In the illustrated embodiments, the system 100 is intended for handling a single container, however, with appropriate changes in the dimensions of the system, which are readily available to a person skilled in the art, the inventive concept underlying the system can be adapted to transport two containers stacked vertically on top of each other.

The container 105 that can be handled by the system is preferably an ISO container (provided with connecting elements, for example in the form of pins and/or grooves) adapted to be gripped by the system 100, for example using hooks.

The system 400 comprises a tractor 410, i.e. a self-propelled vehicle suitable for land transportation, which comprises a chassis 415 to which at least one pair of driving and steering wheels 420 or one pair of driving and one pair of steering wheels (and, possibly, in general, at least one pair of freely rotating wheels 425) are attached.

The illustrated tractor is a road train, i.e. a self-propelled vehicle adapted for transporting carts standing on the ground by means of freely rotating wheels, however, it is possible that the tractor could also be another self-propelled vehicle, such as a forklift.

A bogie is defined as a frame with a flat top surface for supporting a load, such as a container, and to which are attached a plurality of supporting wheels, all of which are free-wheeling. In practice, a tractor is required to move a bogie.

The tractor 410 comprises an engine (not shown) for generating the force required by the drive wheels to move the tractor, and a transmission (in the case where the engine is endothermic) for transmitting the engine energy to the drive wheels.

The tractor 410 further comprises a steering system (not shown) for controlling the steering wheels or steering and driving wheels, as well as a cabin adapted to accommodate the tractor operator and controls for controlling the said tractor systems.

The tractor 410 comprises a fifth wheel coupling device 430 (international name) connected to the frame of the tractor and designed with the possibility of a detachable connection with a towed bogie, which supports from below a section of the said bogie.

In particular, the fifth wheel coupling 430 comprises a plate provided with a substantially flat upper surface 435 (which is typically lubricated to reduce friction with the portion of the bogie positioned on top of it), in which a recess 440 is formed, adapted to receive the bogie pin.

The fifth wheel coupling comprises a locking mechanism capable of selectively holding and releasing a pin (bogie) inserted into a recess.

The cabin is located at the front of the tractor, and the 430 fifth wheel coupling is located at the rear of the tractor.

The system 100 further comprises a handling device 401, 401' (hereinafter abbreviated as device 401, 401') with a variable support area for handling containers 105. Specifically, the handling performed by the device includes raising, lowering, and holding the container suspended above the ground. By connecting the device to the tractor 410, as will become clear below, the container can be handled, moving it horizontally in space, while the device holds the container suspended in the air.

The device 401, 401' is a device with a variable support area, since it is capable of changing its support area between an operating (or functional) configuration in which a container (or a pair of containers) can be raised/lowered and held in a raised position, and a storage or transportation configuration in which the maximum total support area of the device 401, 401' is reduced compared to the operating configuration.

It is defined that a variable support area means the ability to vary at least one of its dimensions in the space between height, width, and length. Width and length are perpendicular to each other and lie in a horizontal plane, while height is measured vertically. Additionally, in this discussion, width will be used to refer to a measurement direction perpendicular to the forward direction of travel of the tractor, in the state where device 401, 401' is connected to the tractor and aligned with it (as seen in the figures), while length will refer to a measurement direction parallel to the forward direction of travel of the tractor and perpendicular to the length.

The maximum total support area can be considered as the volume of the smallest parallelepiped that completely contains the device 401, 401'.

The device 401, 401' comprises a frame with a variable support area, also defined as "with variable geometry", designed with the possibility of detachably connecting to the tractor 410, namely to the fifth wheel coupling device 430 of the tractor for movement with its help.

In the illustrated embodiment, the frame is capable of varying its support area in all three specified directions (height, width, and length). However, it is possible that in a less preferred and unillustrated embodiment, the frame is capable of varying its support area only in the width direction, or in both the width and length direction, but not in the height direction.

Changing the frame support area allows the device 401, 401' to operate between a working configuration, in which it is capable of handling the container, i.e., lifting, lowering, and holding it in a suspended state, and a transport or storage configuration, in which the device 401, 401' is adapted for transportation on a bogie of a road train, i.e., on a bogie connected to a tractor. In the transport configuration, the device 401, 401' is not intended for handling the container.

In the working configuration, the support area of the frame (and the device 401, 401') is maximum, while in the transport or storage configuration it is minimum.

Said variable-footprint frame comprises a first pillar 455, which is vertical, i.e., extends primarily longitudinally along the vertical axis, and is adapted for detachable connection to a tractor. Specifically, device 401,401' is connected to the tractor only through the first pillar.

The first post 455 is adapted to be connected, i.e., to be freely connected, to the fifth wheel coupling device 430 of the tractor, so that the first post can rotate relative to the tractor about the vertical axis of rotation R1. Alternatively, the post may comprise a rigidly fixed lower section, i.e., rigidly fixed without residual degrees of freedom, on the fifth wheel coupling device 430, and the remaining part of the first post is connected with the possibility of rotation to said lower section about the vertical axis of rotation R1.

For connection with a fifth wheel coupling, the first post comprises a coupling device located at the lower end 456 of the first post.

Such a coupling device may, for example, be known to those skilled in the art for attaching a bogie to a fifth-wheel coupling device of a tractor and may comprise a pin (not shown) adapted to be inserted into a recess 440 of the fifth-wheel coupling device 430. Obviously, it cannot be ruled out that, as an alternative to the fifth-wheel coupling device, the tractor may comprise a system for ad hoc coupling of the first pillar. In such a case, the tractor may, for example, comprise a vertical pin on which the lower section of the first pillar is seated, so as to realize a rotoidal pair with a vertical axis of rotation R1.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first stand is made telescopic and has the ability to change its longitudinal extension along the vertical direction.

Thus, the first rack comprises a lower section 460, which comprises a lower portion of the first rack, and an upper section 465, which is configured to move relative to the lower section in a vertical direction, for example, by means of a linear drive 470.

The frame with a variable support area comprises a second post 475 (vertical, i.e. developing in the longitudinal direction along the vertical axis), to which the first freely rotating support wheel 480 is freely connected. In practice, the second post rests on the base (only) by means of the first freely rotating wheel, which is connected to the lower end of the second post.

The first freely rotating wheel 480 is rotatably connected to the second post 475, at least relative to the horizontal axis of rotation. It is possible that the first freely rotating wheel 480 may also be rotatably connected to the second post 475 relative to a vertical axis of rotation, for example, coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the post.

The first freely rotating wheel 480 may be at least partially vertically aligned with the second post. Preferably, the second post completely overlaps the first freely rotating wheel in plan.

In the illustrated embodiment, to further reduce the support area, the second post comprises a cavity 485, within which, at least partially, the first freely rotating wheel 480 is contained.

For example, the second post may also comprise a drive configured to selectively extend the first freely rotating wheel out of the cavity (so that at least one third of the wheel protrudes) and retract it into the cavity (so that less than one quarter of the wheel protrudes from the cavity), which allows for a further reduction in the support area and at the same time allows for overcoming obstacles when the wheel is extended.

It is possible that the second pillar may contain more than one support wheel, freely pivotally connected to the second pillar.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second column is telescopic and capable of varying its longitudinal extension along the vertical direction. Specifically, the second column may comprise a lower section 490, to which the first freely rotating wheel 480 is directly connected in the manner described above, and an upper section 495, movable relative to the lower section 490 along the vertical axis. For example, the second section may be actuated by a linear actuator 496, as shown in the figures.

The second rack 475 is different and spaced at a non-zero distance from the first rack.

The frame with a variable support area also contains a third post 500 (vertical, i.e. developing in the longitudinal direction along the vertical axis), to which a second freely rotating support wheel 505 is freely connected. In practice, the third post rests on the base (only) by means of the second freely rotating wheel, which is connected to the lower end of the third post.

The second freely rotating wheel is rotatably connected to the third post 500, at least about the horizontal axis of rotation. It is possible that the second freely rotating wheel may also be rotatably connected to the third post 500 about a vertical axis of rotation, for example, coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the post.

The second freely rotating wheel may be at least partially vertically aligned with the third post. Preferably, the third post completely overlaps the second freely rotating wheel in plan.

In the illustrated embodiment, to further reduce the support area, the third pillar comprises a cavity 510, within which, at least partially, a second freely rotating wheel is contained.

For example, the third post may also comprise a drive configured to extend the first freely rotating wheel out of the cavity (so that at least one third of the wheel protrudes) and retract it into the cavity (so that less than one quarter of the wheel protrudes from the cavity), which allows for a further reduction in the support area and at the same time allows for overcoming obstacles when the wheel is extended.

It is possible that the third pillar may contain more than one support wheel, freely pivotally connected to the third pillar.

In the illustrated embodiment, the third column is telescopic and capable of varying its longitudinal extension along the vertical direction. Specifically, the third column may comprise a lower section directly connected to a second freely rotating wheel in the manner described above, and an upper section movable relative to the lower section along a vertical axis. For example, the second section may be actuated by a linear actuator, shown in the figures.

The third rack 500 is different from and spaced at a non-zero distance from both the first rack 455 and the second rack 475.

Preferably, the variable-footprint frame does not contain any other support posts besides the first, second, and third posts. In other words, the weight of the device 401, 401' and any associated container is distributed across the base, passing only through the first, second, and third posts.

Additionally, during use, the device 401, 401' contacts the base only through the first freely rotating wheel, the second freely rotating wheel and the tractor, when the device 401, 401' is connected to the tractor (alternatively, the device 401, 401' may briefly rest on a stand and/or a support leg with variable extension).

The frame with a variable support area comprises a connecting device connecting the second post 475 and the third post 500 with the first post 455 and made, for example, with the help of drives and rods and/or hinges, with the possibility of moving at least one of the three posts relative to another of the three posts between a first position (in which the device 401, 401' has a given support area in plan), for example, where the support area in plan of the device 401, 401', i.e. the frame with a variable support area, is maximum, and a second position, where the support area in plan of the device 401, 401', i.e. the frame with a variable support area, in said second position is less than the support area in plan of the device 401, 401' in said first position.

It should be noted that the support area in plan is the width and length of the frame as seen from the plan. Alternatively, this support area in plan can be understood as the area of a triangle lying in a horizontal plane, the vertices of which are located at the corresponding posts.

The first position of the connecting device is the position that must be adopted to achieve the working configuration of the device 401, 401', in which it allows the container to be transported, and the second position must be adopted to achieve the transport configuration of the device 401, 401'.

In the first position, the container to be raised or lowered, or which is held in a raised position by the device 401, 401', is placed (directly) between the first post, the second post and the third post.

The direction in which the width of the device 401, 401' is measured can also be defined as the direction of the horizontal distance between the second post 475 and the third post 500 when the connecting device is in the first position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting device is configured to move at least one of the second and third posts between a first position in which the (minimum and horizontal) distance of the third post from the second post is maximum, and a second position in which said distance is minimum.

When the connecting device is in the first position, the second post and the third post are located at the same distance (horizontally) from the vertical axial plane of the devices 401, 401', which intersects the first post and is located between the second post and the third post.

When moving between the first position and the second position, the distance of the second post from the first post and the distance of the third post from the first post remain unchanged.

In practice, the connecting device is designed to bring the third post and the second post closer to each other and move them further away from each other, for example, by causing at least one of them to rotate relative to a vertical axis of rotation.

In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting device comprises a first crossbar 520 having a first end 520a connected, for example, without residual degrees of freedom, to the first post 455, that is, to the upper portion (upper section) of the first post, and an opposite second end 520b connected, for example, without residual degrees of freedom, to the third post 500, that is, to the upper portion (upper section) of the third post.

For example, the first crossbar is located horizontally.

The first crossbar 520 is preferably telescopic, allowing for a variable horizontal distance between its first end 520a and second end 520b. This allows for a variable horizontal distance between the first post 455 and the second post 475, thereby improving the compactness of the variable-footprint frame. In particular, as will become clear below, the illustrated embodiment, in combination with the first telescopic crossbar, allows for a variable horizontal distance between the third and second posts relative to the first post.

Thus, the first crossbar may comprise a first section including a first end 520a and a second section including a second end 520b, which is configured to move relative to the first section along a straight axis using a linear drive 525.

The first crossbar contains only the ends indicated and is directly connected only to the first post and the third post.

To improve the bearing surface area, the first crossbar is shaped such that, in plan, the first section is inclined relative to the second section. For example, the longitudinal axes of these sections intersect and form an obtuse angle (ranging from 90° to 180°) toward the first crossbar. Essentially, the second section develops from the first section in the direction of the second post.

The connecting device also comprises a second crossbar 530, having a first end 530a, rigidly attached (without residual degrees of freedom) to the second post 475, that is, to the upper portion (upper section) of the second post 475, and an opposite second end 530b, pivotally connected between the first crossbar, that is, the second section of the first crossbar, and the first post, relative to the vertical axis of rotation T2. In the illustrated embodiment, the second end is pivotally connected to the second section of the first crossbar, which makes it possible to change the horizontal distance of the third and second posts relative to the first post using the telescopic element of the first crossbar.

The second crossbar contains only the specified ends and, for example, is directly connected only to the second post and the first crossbar.

For example, the second crossbar is located horizontally.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second crossbar is preferably non-extensible. However, it is possible that in an alternative embodiment, it could be telescopic, allowing for the horizontal distance between its first end and second end to be varied.

The first and second crossbars are positioned at such a vertical height that they are completely above the container being handled, without interfering with it.

The connecting device further comprises a drive 535, configured to cause the second post to rotate relative to the axis of rotation T2 and relative to the first crossbar, that is, to move the second crossbar 530, to which the second post is rigidly attached, relative to the axis of rotation T2 and relative to the first crossbar.

Rotation of the third post relative to the axis of rotation T2 using drive 535 allows the connecting device to operate between the first and second positions of the connecting device.

For example, the actuator 535 is a linear actuator provided with a first end 535a pivotally connected to one of the sections between the first post 455 and the first crossbar 520, and an opposite second end 535b pivotally connected to one of the sections between the second post 475 and the second crossbar 530.

The drive comprises a first section equipped with a first end and a second section equipped with a second end and movable relative to the first section along a straight axis. Such a straight axis preferably lies on the horizontal axis.

In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the first end 535a is pivotally connected to the first cross member, and the second end is pivotally connected to the second cross member.

The drive is preferably of the oleopneumatic type.

It is possible that, in an alternative, less preferred, non-illustrated embodiment, the connecting device may comprise a horizontally positioned telescopic crossbar connecting the second post to the first post. This crossbar, by varying its longitudinal extension, allows the first and second positions of the connecting device to be achieved by moving the second and third posts closer together and further apart. This telescopic crossbar will be perpendicular to the vertical axial plane passing through the first post and located between the second and third posts.

A lifting device for lifting the container (relative to the ground, i.e. relative to the vertical height of the wheels) is connected to the frame with a variable support area, i.e. it is designed with the ability to lift, hold the container in a raised and lowered position.

The said lifting device is provided with a first section (directly) connected to the second post, and a second section (directly) connected to the third post.

Each of the said sections is provided with a connecting device or a lower support of the container, designed with the possibility of operating at least in a vertical direction for lifting, holding in a raised state and lowering the container.

A lifting device for lifting the container (relative to the ground, i.e. relative to the vertical height of the wheels) is connected to the frame with a variable support area, i.e. it is designed with the ability to lift, hold the container in a raised and lowered position.

The said lifting device is provided with a first section (directly) connected to the second post, and a second section (directly) connected to the third post.

Each of the said sections is provided with a connecting device or a lower support of the container, designed with the possibility of operating at least in a vertical direction for lifting, holding in a raised state and lowering the container.

The lifting device comprises a first lever 540, connected to a second post 475 and extending transversely therefrom in a longitudinal (horizontal) direction, and a second lever 545, connected to a third post and extending transversely therefrom in a longitudinal (horizontal) direction. Specifically, the levers are connected to the corresponding post at a corresponding central section such that the longitudinal ends of the levers are spaced apart from the corresponding post.

At least one of these levers is pivotally connected to the corresponding rack to which it is connected, relative to the vertical axis of rotation of the TZ.

For example, the second lever is pivotally connected to the third rack along the vertical axis of the TZ hinge.

The first lever 540 and the second lever 545 are, for example, straight, preferably they are made in the form of straight rods located on a horizontal longitudinal axis.

In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting device may comprise a drive 546 configured to cause the second lever to rotate relative to the corresponding vertical axis of the T3 hinge.

As an alternative to drives, a mechanism for locking and unlocking the rotation of the levers relative to the posts can be used. The coupling device then contains:

- a first gripping member of the container 550, such as a first hook, connected to a first cable 555, at least partially wound on a first wheel 560 (freely), pivotally connected near the first end 540a of the first lever 540 distal from the second post 475 and driven by a first drive 565,

- a second gripping member of the container 570, such as a second hook, connected to a second cable 575, at least partially wound on a second wheel 580 (freely), pivotally connected near the second end 540b of the first lever 540 distal from the second post 475 and opposite the first end 540a, wherein the second cable is driven by a second drive 585,

- a third container gripping member (not shown) such as a third hook connected to a third cable 590 at least partially wound on a third wheel 595 (freely), pivotally connected near the first end 545a of the second lever 545 distal from the third post 500 and driven by a third drive (not shown),

- a fourth container gripping member (not shown), such as a fourth hook, connected to the fourth cable 600, at least partially

- a fourth container gripping member (not shown), for example a fourth hook connected to a fourth cable 600, at least partially wound on a fourth wheel 605 (freely), pivotally connected near the second end 545b, opposite the first, of the second lever distal from the third post 500 and opposite the first, and driven by a third drive (not shown)

The unillustrated parts connected to the second lever are identical to the corresponding parts connected to the first lever.

Alternatively, the drive devices may comprise linear actuators with one end connected (e.g., rigidly or pivotally) to a corresponding lever and the opposite end connected (e.g., rigidly or pivotally) to a corresponding gripping element. In such an embodiment, the gripping element may be a forklift fork or a hook.

In a non-illustrated embodiment, the lifting device may comprise at least two pairs of forks, one pair rigidly connected to the upper section of the second post, and the other pair rigidly connected to the upper section of the third post. Thus, the telescopic posts can be used to lift the container by pushing it from below, after the forks are positioned underneath.

The device 401, 401' may comprise a pump (not shown) driven by a motor (not shown) and operatively connected to the coupling device for moving the first post between the first and second positions, i.e. for supplying power to the drive of the coupling device.

As you might guess, such a pump can also be used to power other drives that may be present when certain elements are telescopic, such as racks.

These pumps and motor are smaller in size than prior art devices because they only need to power the variable geometry frame drives and do not also need to drive the wheels to move the frame.

The said pump and the said motor are connected to one of the three posts or to a connecting device.

The working configuration of the device 401 401, i.e. the frame with a variable support area, occurs when the connecting device is in its first position and all telescopic columns are in the position of maximum longitudinal extension.

In the illustrated embodiment, the operating configuration occurs when the connecting device is in its first position, all telescopic pillars are in the position of maximum longitudinal extension, the freely rotating wheels protrude at least one third from the cavity, and the spacer strips are located between the levers of the lifting device.

The working configuration coincides with the first position of the connecting device only in a less preferred embodiment, in which the racks are not telescopic, the wheels are not located in cavities made in the racks, and are movable relative to these cavities, and the lifting device contains forks that can move vertically along the racks, instead of articulated levers.

The transport configuration of the device 401 401, i.e. the frame with a variable support area, occurs when the connecting device is in its second position and all telescopic pillars are in the position of minimum longitudinal extension.

In the illustrated embodiment, the transport configuration occurs when the connecting device is in the second position, all telescopic racks are in the position of minimum longitudinal extension, the freely rotating wheels protrude less than a quarter of the cavity, while the first crossbar is in the position of minimum longitudinal extension, and the spacer bars are not located between the levers of the lifting device.

The working configuration coincides with the second position of the connecting device only in a less preferred embodiment, in which the posts are not telescopic, the first crossbar is not telescopic, the wheels are not located in cavities made in the posts and are movable relative to these cavities, and the lifting device contains forks that can move vertically along the posts.

The illustrated device 401, 401' can be coupled to any tractor, for example a road train, if it is equipped with a fifth wheel coupling. Alternatively, it is possible to envisage the use of a special tractor equipped with a fifth wheel coupling (or, alternatively, a device for fastening the device, containing a pin or a round saddle, which allow the device 401, 401' to be remotely connected to a special tractor, forming a rotoidal pair with a vertical axis of rotation with the first post of the device 401, 401'. For example, such a tractor can be an adapted forklift or other self-propelled industrial vehicle.

To facilitate loading of the device onto a trolley for its transportation, when the device is in the transportation configuration, the system may comprise a stand 610 having a pair of horizontal telescopic upper crossbars that are located next to and parallel to each other and are configured to extend and retract during operation of the connecting device between the first and second position by partially supporting the first and second crossbars and following them in a movement leading to a transition between the second and first position.

Fig. 8 and 9 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the system 400' according to the invention, in which the device 400' differs from the device 400 only in that the second crossbar is pivotally connected to the first crossbar by means of an appendage protruding from the first crossbar along the horizontal direction and transversely to the longitudinal axis of the first crossbar, i.e. the first section of the first crossbar. In particular, this appendage has an elongation in the direction in which it protrudes from the first crossbar, which is greater than the maximum width of the first crossbar, measured along the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Fig. 10 illustrates another embodiment of the system, designated as 400'', which differs from the system 400' in that it contains a device 401'', in which the second end 520b of the first crossbar can be pivotally connected to the third post, that is, to the upper portion (upper section) of the third post, relative to the vertical axis of rotation T4, and where the first end 530a of the second crossbar can be pivotally connected to the second post, that is, to the upper portion (upper section) of the second post, relative to the vertical axis of rotation T5.

In such a case, the device may comprise a first locking mechanism (not shown) that can operate at least between a first position in which it allows the third post to rotate relative to the first crossbar, and a second position in which it blocks the relative rotation between the first crossbar and the third post.

The said mechanism may comprise a drive (not shown) configured to rotate the third post relative to the said axis of rotation T4, i.e. to move the third post relative to the first crossbar, and to selectively lock the relative angular position between the said third post and the first crossbar.

The device may also comprise a second locking mechanism (not shown) that can operate between at least a first position in which it allows the third post to rotate relative to the first crossbar, and a second position in which it locks the relative rotation between the second crossbar and the second post.

The said mechanism may comprise a drive (not shown) configured to rotate the second post relative to the said axis of rotation T5, i.e. to move the second post relative to the second crossbar, and to selectively lock the relative angular position between the said second post and the second crossbar.

It is possible that in an alternative embodiment, not illustrated, the posts are connected to the crossbars, as in embodiments 400 and 400', but the support wheels can also be pivotally connected to the corresponding posts about the vertical axes of rotation.

The operation of the system 400, 400', 400'', according to the invention, is as follows.

The device is transported in a transport configuration, located on a trolley pulled by a tractor, which delivers it to where it is to be used for handling containers (see Figs. 4 and 5).

Upon reaching the destination, the device is transferred from the transport configuration to the working configuration, supporting it during this transition, for example, by placing it on a special stand 610, or using a forklift, or lifting it with a crane.

First, when switching from the transport configuration to the operating configuration, the coupling device drive, which rotates the second crossmember 530 about the vertical rotation axis T2, is activated to move it from the second position to the first position. After this, the first post 455 can be connected to the fifth wheel coupling 430 of the tractor.

If the uprights are telescopic, as illustrated, then the uprights and possibly the first crossbar extend.

In the illustrated case, when the lifting device comprises levers 540, 545, from the position visible in the plan in Fig. 6, they must be rotated relative to their respective vertical hinge axes, for example, with the help of the provided drives, so that, having reached the first position of the connecting device, the levers are located with longitudinal axes parallel to each other and parallel to the vertical central plane of the device, equidistant from the third and second posts and intersecting the first post.

When the device is in the working configuration and connected to the tractor, the device is moved by the tractor to the container that needs to be lifted, positioning it so that the container is located between the first post, the second post and the third post.

In the illustrated embodiment, the container is also located in plan between the first lever and the second lever, which wrap around the container from the side.

At this point, the container is grabbed by the gripping devices of the lifting device and lifted so that it does not touch the ground or the trolley on which the container is located.

While the device holds the container in a raised position, the tractor moves the device to the location where the container is to be unloaded, i.e., lowered. For example, thanks to the first telescopic post, the first crossbar can be positioned at a higher height than the top of the tractor, so that the tractor can be oriented so that the second and third posts, and therefore the lifting device, are located in front of the cabin (as illustrated in Fig. 3).

Once the device has completed its work, it can be returned from the transport configuration, stored at the work site, or moved to another location (work or storage).

In the case of the illustrated system, the first and second crossbars can be placed on a stand 610, which, thanks to its telescopic crossbars, is able to support the crossbars from below when they move from the first position to the second position.

If the posts and the first crossbar are telescopic, as in the illustrated case, they are also moved to the position of minimum longitudinal extension.

The second lever 545, when the connecting device moves from the first position to the second, is rotated so that it does not touch the first lever, which, being connected to the second post, rotates together with it around the vertical axis of rotation T2, as a result of which its first end 545a would soon touch the second lever if it were not rotated around the axis T3, for example, so that the second lever remains parallel to the first lever while the first lever rotates around the vertical axis of rotation T2.

The invention thus conceived admits of several modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the concept of the invention.

Moreover, all parts can be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.

In practice, the materials used, as well as the conventional shapes and sizes, may be any in accordance with the requirements, without going beyond the scope of protection of the following invention formula.

Claims (23)

1. A handling device with a variable support area (401, 401’, 401’’) for handling containers (105), comprising: - a first post (455) configured to be connected to a fifth wheel coupling (430) of a tractor (410), - a second stand (475), to which the first freely rotating support wheel (480) is freely connected, - a third stand (500), to which a second freely rotating support wheel (505) is freely connected, - lifting device (540, 545, 550, 555, 560, 565, 570, 575, 580, 585) for lifting the container (105), - a connecting device (520, 530, 535) that connects the second post (475) and the third post (500) to the first post (455) and is configured to move at least one of the second post (475) and the third post (500) between a first position, wherein the distance of the third post (500) from the second post (475) is maximum, and a second position, in which said distance is minimum, wherein the connecting device comprises: - a first crossbar (520) provided with a first end (520a) connected to a second post (455) and a second end (520b) connected to a third post (500), - a second crossbar (530) provided with a first end (530a) rigidly attached to the second post (475) and a second end (530b) pivotally connected to the first post (455) relative to the vertical axis of rotation (T2), - a drive (535) configured to move the second post (475) during rotation relative to the specified vertical axis of rotation (T2). 2. The device (401, 401’, 401’’) according to claim 1, in which the drive (535) is a linear drive provided with a first end (535a) pivotally connected to the first post (455), the first crossbar (520) and the third post (500), and an opposite second end (535b) pivotally connected to the second post (475) and the second crossbar (530). 3. The device (401, 401’, 401’’) according to claim 1, in which the third post (500) and the second post (475) are made telescopic. 4. The device (401, 401’, 401’’) according to claim 1, in which the first post (455) and the first crossbar (520) are made telescopic. 5. The device (401, 401', 401'') according to claim 1, wherein the lifting device comprises: - the first lever (540), connected to the second rack (475) and developing transversely to it in the longitudinal direction, - the second lever (545), connected to the third rack (500) and developing transversely to it in the longitudinal direction, - a first gripping member (550) of a container (105) made in one piece with a first cable (555) at least partially wound on a first wheel (560), pivotally connected near the first end (540a) of a first lever (540) distal from the second post (475) and driven by a first drive (565), - a second gripping member (570) of the container (105) connected to a second cable (575) at least partially wound on a second wheel (580), pivotally connected near the second end (540b) of the first lever (540) distal from the second post (475) and opposite the first and driven by a second drive (585), - a third container gripping member connected to a third cable (590) at least partially wound on a third wheel (595), pivotally connected near the first end (545a) of the second lever (545) distal from the third post (500) and driven by a third drive, - a fourth gripping member of the container, connected to a fourth cable (600), at least partially wound on a fourth wheel (605), pivotally connected near the second end (545b) of the second lever (545) distal from the third post (500) and opposite the first and driven by a fourth drive, and where at least one of the first lever (540) and the second lever (545) is pivotally connected to the corresponding post along the vertical axis of the hinge (T3). 6. The device (401, 401’, 401’’) according to claim 1, comprising a pump driven by a motor and operatively connected to a connecting device for moving the first post (455) between the first and second position, wherein the pump and the motor are connected to at least one of the first (455), second (475) or third (500) posts or the connecting device. 7. The device (401’’) according to claim 1, in which the second end (520b) of the first crossbar (520) is pivotally connected to the third post (500) relative to the vertical axis of rotation (T4), and wherein the first end (530a) of the second crossbar (530) is pivotally connected to the second post (475) relative to the vertical axis of rotation (T5). 8. A system (400, 400’) for handling containers (105) comprising a tractor (410) equipped with a fifth wheel coupling (430) and a device (401, 401’, 401’’) according to claim 1, in which the first post (455) is removably connected to the fifth wheel coupling (430) of the tractor.