RU2849660C2 - Manipulation device with variable support area for manipulating containers - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: lifting devices.

SUBSTANCE: device with a variable support area (101) for manipulating containers (105) comprises a first upright (155) designed to be connected to the fifth wheel coupling (130) of a tractor (110), a second stand (175) to which a first freely rotating support wheel (180) is freely connected, a third stand (200) to which a second freely rotating support wheel (205) is freely connected, a lifting device (240, 245, 250, 255, 260, 265, 270, 275, 280, 285) for lifting the container (105), and a connecting device (220, 230, 235) which connects the second upright (175) and the third upright (200) to the first upright (155) and is designed to allow at least one of the three uprights to move relative to another of the three uprights between a first position and a second position. The support area in plan of the device in the second position is smaller than the variable support area in plan of the device in the first position.

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

10 cl, 9 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 on the ground 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 using 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 three posts relative to another of the three posts between a first position and a second position, wherein the support area in plan of the device in said second position is smaller than the support area in plan of the device in said first position.

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 is adapted, for example, when free-linked. 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 included in 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 increase the compactness of the system in the transport configuration while maintaining high functionality in the working configuration, the connecting device can be configured to move the third post between a first position, wherein the distance of the third post from the first post is maximum, and a second position, wherein the distance between the third post and the first post is minimum, and the third post is at a distance from the first post that is less than the distance of the second post from the first post.

According to another aspect of the invention, the connecting device may comprise:

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

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

- a drive designed with the possibility of moving the third rack during rotation relative to the specified 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 and the first crossbar, and an opposite second end pivotally connected to one of the sections between the third 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 be provided with a first section connected to the second post and a second section connected to the third post.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the first portion and the second portion of the lifting device may comprise:

- a pair of levers, of which the first and second levers are pivotally connected to the corresponding stand relative to the corresponding vertical axis of the hinge and develop along the corresponding longitudinal directions transverse to the corresponding axis of the hinge,

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

- a second container gripping member connected to a second cable, at least partially wound on a second wheel, pivotally connected to the first lever and driven by a second drive.

The first spacer bar and the second spacer bar are removably connected to the corresponding levers facing each other so as to prevent rotation of the said levers relative to the hinge axes.

This allows the device to be easily positioned in its working configuration and ensures the rigidity of the system without increasing its dimensions, particularly when it is in its transport configuration.

In an alternative embodiment, which is not illustrated and is less preferred, a locking system may be provided to hold the levers in a fixed position by preventing them from rotating relative to the respective hinge axes, and which is capable of acting directly on the hinge itself.

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 the three posts or the connecting device.

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 stage of handling a container on the ground.

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 plan view of what is illustrated in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a schematic plan view illustrating the step of transition of the device from the working configuration to the 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 device of the previous figures, in which the second crossbar is telescopic.

Fig. 9 is a schematic plan view of the system of the previous figures, in which the tractor is located to the side of the device and container.

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 manipulated 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 100 comprises a tractor 110, i.e. a self-propelled vehicle suitable for land transportation, which comprises a chassis 115 to which at least one pair of driving and steering wheels 120 or one pair of driving wheels and one pair of steering wheels (and, possibly, in general, also at least one pair of freely rotating wheels 125) 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 attached to a plurality of supporting wheels, all of which are free-wheeling. In practice, a tractor is required to move a bogie.

The tractor 110 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 110 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 110 comprises a fifth wheel coupling device 130 (international name) connected to the frame of the tractor and designed with the possibility of a detachable connection with a towed bogie, which supports a section of the said bogie from below.

In particular, the fifth wheel coupling device 130 comprises a plate provided with a substantially flat upper surface 135 (which is usually lubricated to reduce friction with the section of the bogie placed on top of it), in which a recess 140 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 fifth wheel coupling 130 is located at the rear of the tractor.

System 100 further comprises a variable-base handling device 101 (hereinafter referred to as device 101) 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 a tractor 110, as will become clear below, the container can be manipulated, moving it horizontally in space, while the device holds the container suspended in the air.

The device 101 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 transport configuration in which the maximum total support area of the device 101 is reduced compared to the operating configuration.

A variable support area is defined as the ability to vary at least one of its dimensions 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 direction of measurement perpendicular to the forward direction of the tractor, when device 101 is connected to and aligned with the tractor (as seen in the figures), while length will refer to a direction of measurement parallel to the forward direction 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 101.

The device 101 comprises a frame with a variable support area, also defined as "with variable geometry", configured to be detachably connected to the tractor 110, namely to the fifth wheel coupling device 130 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.

Varying the frame's support area allows device 101 to operate between a working configuration, in which it is capable of handling the container—that is, lifting, lowering, and holding it suspended—and a transport or storage configuration, in which device 101 is adapted for transport on a bogie attached to a tractor. In the transport configuration, device 101 is not intended for handling the container.

In the working configuration, the support area of the frame (and the device 101) is maximum, while in the transport or storage configuration it is minimum.

Said variable-footprint frame comprises a first pillar 155, which is vertical—i.e., extends primarily longitudinally along the vertical axis—and is adapted for detachable connection to a tractor. Specifically, device 101 is connected to the tractor only through the first pillar.

The first post 155 is adapted to be connected, i.e. is freely connected, to the fifth wheel coupling device 130 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 130, 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 156 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 140 of the fifth-wheel coupling device 130. 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 sail 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 160, which comprises a lower portion of the first rack, and an upper section 165, which is configured to move relative to the lower section in a vertical direction, for example, by means of a linear drive 170.

The frame with a variable support area comprises a second post 175 (vertical, i.e. developing in the longitudinal direction along the vertical axis), to which the first freely rotating support wheel 180 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 180 is rotatably connected to the second post 175, at least relative to the horizontal axis of rotation. It is possible that the first freely rotating wheel 180 may also be rotatably connected to the second post 175 relative to a vertical axis of rotation, for example, coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the post.

The first freely rotating wheel 180 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 185, within which, at least partially, the first freely rotating wheel 180 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 190, to which the first freely rotating wheel 180 is directly connected in the manner described above, and an upper section 195, movable relative to the lower section along the vertical axis. For example, the second section may be actuated by a linear actuator 196, as shown in the figures.

The second rack 175 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 200 (vertical, i.e. developing in the longitudinal direction along the vertical axis), to which a second freely rotating support wheel 205 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 205 is rotatably connected to the third post 200, at least relative to the horizontal axis of rotation. It is possible that the second freely rotating wheel 205 may also be rotatably connected to the third post 200 relative to a vertical axis of rotation, for example, coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the post.

The second freely rotating wheel 205 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 210, within which, at least partially, a second freely rotating wheel 205 is contained.

For example, the third post may also comprise a drive configured to extend the second 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 200a, to which a second freely rotating wheel 205 is directly connected in the manner described above, and an upper section 200b, movable relative to the lower section along the vertical axis. For example, the second section may be actuated by a linear actuator 215, as shown in the figures.

The third post 200 is different and spaced at a non-zero distance from both the first post 155 and the second post 175.

Preferably, the variable-footprint frame does not contain any other support posts besides the first, second, and third. In other words, the weight of the device 101 and any associated container is distributed across the base, passing only through the first, second, and third posts.

Additionally, during use, the device 101 contacts the base only through the first freely rotating wheel, the second freely rotating wheel and the tractor, when the device 101 is connected to the tractor (alternatively, the device 101 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 175 and the third post 200 with the first post 155 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 101 has a given support area in plan), for example, where the support area in plan of the device 101, i.e. the frame with a variable support area, is maximum, and a second position, where the support area in plan of the device 101, i.e. the frame with a variable support area, in said second position is less than the support area in plan of the device 101 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 operating configuration of the device 101 in which it allows the container to be transported, and the second position must be adopted to achieve the transport configuration of the device 101.

In the first position, the container to be raised or lowered, or which is held in a raised position by the device 101, is placed (directly) between the first post, the second post and the third post.

The direction in which the width of the device 101 is measured can also be defined as the direction of the horizontal distance between the second post 175 and the third post 200 when the connecting device is in the first position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting device is configured to move the third post 200 (relative to the second post 175 and the first post 155) between a first position in which the distance (horizontal and minimum) of the third post 200 from the first post 155 is maximum, and a second position in which the distance (horizontal and minimum) between the third post and the first post is minimum, and the third post is at a smaller distance from the first post than the distance of the second post from the first post.

For example, in this second position, the third rack is placed between the first and second racks.

When moving from one position to another, only the third stand moves relative to the two, which always remain at a given distance from each other.

In practice, the connecting device is designed to bring the third post and the first 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 first position, the distance of the third post from the first is approximately equal to the distance of the second post from the first, i.e., the distance of the third post from the first is + to - 20% of the distance of the second post from the first. In the illustrated embodiment, in the first position, the distance of the third post from the first post is equal to the distance of the second post from the first post.

Additionally, in the first position, the second post and the third post are aligned along a direction perpendicular to the vertical axial plane of device 101, which passes through the first post (this axial plane can be detected when the connecting device is in the first position). This axial plane also divides the container into two parts when device 101 manipulates it.

In a preferred embodiment of the connecting device illustrated in the figures, the connecting device comprises a first crossbar 220, for example with a straight stroke, which is provided with a first end 220a, rigidly attached (without residual degrees of freedom) to the first post 155, that is, to the upper portion (upper section) of the first post 155, and an opposite second end 220b, with which the second post 175, that is, with the upper portion (upper section) of the second post 175, is pivotally connected relative to the vertical axis of rotation R2.

For example, the first crossbar is located horizontally.

The first crossbar 220 is preferably telescopic to allow for a change in the horizontal distance between its first end 220a and second end 220b. This allows for a change in the horizontal distance between the first post 155 and the second post 175, thereby improving the compactness of the variable support area frame.

Thus, the first crossbar may comprise a first section including a first end 220a and a second section including a second end 220b, which is configured to move relative to the first section along a straight axis using a linear drive 225.

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

In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting device also comprises a second crossbar 230 having a first end 230a rigidly attached (without residual degrees of freedom) to the second post 175, that is, to the upper portion (upper section) of the second post 175, and an opposite second end 230b rigidly attached (without residual degrees of freedom) to the third post 200, that is, to the upper portion (upper section) of the third post 200.

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

For example, the second crossbar is located horizontally.

In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1-7, the second crossbar is preferably non-extensible.

However, in the embodiment of the device illustrated in Fig. 8, the second crossbar is telescopic, so that the horizontal distance between its first end and second end can be varied. In such a case, as illustrated in Fig. 8, the second crossbar also comprises a linear actuator 231, configured to vary said horizontal distance between the aforementioned first and second ends.

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 235, configured to cause the third post to rotate relative to the axis of rotation R2 and relative to the first crossbar, that is, to move the second crossbar 230, to which the third post is rigidly attached, relative to the axis of rotation R2 and relative to the first crossbar.

Rotation of the third post relative to the rotation axis R2 using the drive 235 allows the connecting device to operate between the first and second positions of the connecting device.

Said rotation of the third pillar about the axis of rotation R2 in combination with the rotation of the first pillar about its axis of rotation R1 further allows the tractor 110 to be positioned laterally in relation to the device 101 and, therefore, next to the container 105, as illustrated in Fig. 9.

Thus, the system can be used to lift and handle loads longer than the ISO container, for example, even longer than the system itself, if the second crossbar is positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the load, and the tractor is positioned in plan next to the load, forcing it to move forward or backward along a trajectory parallel to the longitudinal axis of the load.

For example, the drive 235 is a linear drive provided with a first end 235a pivotally connected to one of the sections between the first post 155 and the first crossbar 220, and an opposite second end 235b pivotally connected to one of the sections between the third post 200 and the second crossbar 230.

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 embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, the first end 235a is pivotally connected to the first crossbar, and the second end 235b is pivotally connected to the second crossbar.

The drive is preferably of the oleopneumatic type.

For example, the first and second crossbars can be straight.

In the second position, the first and second crossbars have longitudinal axes facing each other, and in the second position, the first and second crossbars have longitudinal axes that are substantially parallel to each other.

In an alternative, less preferred embodiment of the connecting device, the third post may be directly connected by a telescopic crossbar to the first post, and the second post may be connected by a rigid crossbar, which does not change in length, to the first post.

A frame with a variable bearing area is rigid, meaning it does not deform under normal operating loads. In other words, the uprights and crossbars of a frame with a variable bearing area are rigid.

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.

In the illustrated embodiment, both the first and second portions of the lifting device comprise a pair of levers, wherein the first lever 240 and the second lever 245 are pivotally connected to the corresponding post, preferably freely, relative to the corresponding vertical hinge axis (different for the two levers) and develop along the corresponding longitudinal directions transverse to the corresponding hinge axis, for example, horizontally in the direction from the corresponding post.

Each section of the lifting device contains a first gripping member 250, i.e. a first connecting member of the container and a first drive device of said first gripping member, designed with the possibility of its vertical movement.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first drive device comprises a first cable 255, at least partially wound on a first (freely rotating) wheel 260, pivotally connected to a first lever 240 and driven by a first drive 265, for example, a linear drive, to which the first cable and the first gripping member are connected.

The first gripping member may be, for example, a hook.

Each section of the lifting device also contains a second gripping member 270, i.e. a second connecting member of the container and a second drive device of said second gripping member, configured to move it vertically.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second drive device comprises a second cable 275, at least partially wound on a second (freely rotating) wheel 280, pivotally connected to a second lever 245 and driven by a second drive 285, for example, a linear drive, to which the second cable and the second gripping member are connected.

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 top section of the second post, and the other pair rigidly connected to the top 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 illustrated lifting device comprises a first spacer bar 290 and a second spacer bar 295 configured to be removably connected to the corresponding facing levers of the lifting device so as to prevent rotation of said levers relative to the hinge axes.

In particular, the first spacer bar has a first end connected to the first lever of the first section of the lifting device, and an opposite second end connected to the second lever of the second section of the lifting device, and located directly between them.

The spacer bars are rigid, meaning they do not deform under the normal operating loads they are subjected to. Specifically, these bars only undergo tension and compression under the forces applied to them by the levers between which they are positioned.

The lifting device may comprise, in addition to the first and second spacer bars, a third spacer bar 300 and a fourth spacer bar 305, which extend from one of the posts between the second and third posts towards the levers of the section of the lifting device connected to the opposite post.

The device 101 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 101, i.e. the frame with a variable support area, occurs when the connecting device is in the first position, and all telescopic racks are in one of their positions of maximum longitudinal extension.

In the illustrated embodiment, the operating configuration occurs when the connecting device is in the 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 101, 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 one of their positions 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 101 can be coupled to any tractor, such as 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 101 to be releasably coupled to the special tractor, forming a rotoidal pair with a vertical axis of rotation with the first column of the device 101. 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 211 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.

The operation of the system, according to the invention, is carried out as follows.

The device 101 is transported in a transport configuration, located on a cart 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 101 is transferred from the transport configuration to the working configuration, supporting it during this transition, for example, by placing it on special stands, such as, for example, stand 211, or by using a forklift, or by lifting it with a crane.

First, when switching from the transport configuration to the operating configuration, the coupling device drive, which rotates the second crossbar 230 about the vertical rotation axis R2, is activated to move it from the second position to the first position. After this, the first post 155 can be connected to the fifth wheel coupling 130 of the tractor.

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

Also, in the illustrated case, when the lifting device comprises levers 240, 245, from the position visible in the plan in Fig. 5, they must be rotated relative to the corresponding hinge axes in such a way that in each pair of levers they both protrude in diametrically opposite directions from the corresponding post to which they are pivotally connected. These directions are essentially parallel to the forward direction of movement of the system when the device 101 is connected to the tractor, that is, parallel to the median plane of the device 101 when it is in the first position. Additionally, after the installation of the levers, they are fixed in place using spacer strips 290, 295, 300, 305 attached to them.

When the device 101 is in the working configuration and connected to the tractor, the device 101 is moved by the tractor towards 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 of the invention, the container is also located in plan between the levers of the first section of the lifting device and the levers of the second section of the lifting device.

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 101 holds the container in a raised position, the tractor moves the device 101 to the location where the container is to be unloaded, i.e., lowered. For example, thanks to the first telescopic pillar, the first crossbar can be positioned at a higher height than the upper portion of the tractor, so that the tractor can be oriented such that the second and third pillars, and therefore the lifting device, are located in front of the cabin (as illustrated in Fig. 3).

Once the 101 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 device 101, the first step is to remove the spacer bars, after which, or if the device 101 is not the illustrated device, the drive of the connecting device is actuated to move it 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 levers must be rotated relative to the respective hinge axes as illustrated in Fig. 6, i.e. so that they are aligned in twos (thus, within one pair of levers) relative to the direction transverse to the direction passing from the second post to the first post when the connecting device is in the second position.

Since the arms are free to move in this configuration, it is recommended to attach them to the rest of the variable bearing frame using cables.

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 (22)

1. A device with a variable support area (101) for handling containers (105), comprising: - a first post (155) configured to be connected to a fifth wheel coupling (130) of a tractor (110), - a second stand (175), to which the first freely rotating support wheel (180) is freely connected, - a third stand (200), to which a second freely rotating support wheel (205) is freely connected, - lifting device (240, 245, 250, 255, 260, 265, 270, 275, 280, 285) for lifting the container (105), - a connecting device (220, 230, 235) that connects the second post (175) and the third post (200) to the first post (155) and is configured to move at least one of the three posts relative to another of the three posts between a first position and a second position, wherein the support area in plan of the device in said second position is smaller than the support area in plan of the device in said first position, wherein the connecting device (220, 230, 235) is configured to move the third post (200) between a first position in which the distance of the third post (200) from the first post (155) is maximum, and a second position in which the distance between the third post (200) and the first post (155) is minimum, and the third post (200) is at a distance from the first post (155) that is less than the distance of the second post (175) from the first post (155). 2. The device (101) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting device comprises: - a first crossbar (220) provided with a first end (220a) rigidly attached to the first post (155) and a second end (220b) to which the second post (175) is pivotally connected relative to the vertical axis of rotation (R2), - a second crossbar (230) provided with a first end (230a) rigidly attached to the second post (175) and a second end (230b) rigidly attached to the third post (200), - a drive (235) configured to move the third post (200) during rotation relative to the specified vertical axis of rotation (R2). 3. The device (101) according to claim 1, in which the drive (235) is a linear drive provided with a first end (235a) pivotally connected to one of the sections between the first post (155) and the first crossbar (220), and an opposite second end (235b) pivotally connected to one of the sections between the third post (200) and the second crossbar (230). 4. The device (101) according to claim 1, in which the third stand (200) and the second stand (175) are made telescopic. 5. The device (101) according to claim 1, in which the first post (155) and the first crossbar (220) are made telescopic. 6. The device (101) according to claim 1, in which the lifting device is provided with a first section connected to the second post (175) and a second section connected to the third post (200). 7. The device (101) according to claim 6, in which both the first section and the second section of the lifting device each comprise: - a pair of levers, of which the first lever (240) and the second lever (245) are pivotally connected to the corresponding stand relative to the corresponding vertical axis of the hinge and develop along the corresponding longitudinal directions transverse to the corresponding axis of the hinge, - a first gripping member (250) of the container, connected to a first cable (255), at least partially wound on a first wheel (260), pivotally connected to a first lever (240) and driven by a first drive (265), - a second container gripping member (270) connected to a second cable (275), at least partially wound on a second wheel (280), pivotally connected to the first lever (245) and driven by a second drive (285). 8. The device (101) according to claim 7, comprising a first spacer bar (290) and a second spacer bar (295) configured to be removably connected to corresponding levers (240, 245) facing each other so as to prevent rotation of said levers relative to the hinge axes. 9. The device (101) according to claim 1, comprising a pump driven by a motor and operatively connected to a connecting device for moving the first post (155) between a first and a second position, wherein the pump and the motor are connected to at least one of the first (155), second (175) or third post (200) or the connecting device. 10. A system (100) for handling containers (105) comprising a tractor (110) equipped with a fifth wheel coupling (130) and a device according to claim 1, in which the first post (155) is removably connected to the fifth wheel coupling (130) of the tractor (110).