Load handling device, load handling system and method for an automated warehouse

Abstract

A load handling device (1) on tracks (5, 5') adapted to automatically transport a load (100) in a warehouse (200) provided with said tracks (5, 5'), and comprising: a base frame (6) to which wheels (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D) are rotatably connected, the wheels being adapted to allow the load handling device (1) to translate along the tracks (5, 5'); a first actuator device (61) for realizing the translation of the load handling device (1) along the tracks (5, 5'); an operating section (7) defining a temporary support surface (PA) for said load (100); a command and control unit (4) for the first actuator device (61); a charge storage unit (65) mounted to the base frame (6) and operatively connected to the command and control unit (4) to power thereto; and an electrical connector (8, 8'') for charging said charge storage unit (65). Furthermore, the connector moving system (9) is configured to move the electrical connectors (8, 8') to make electrical contact with a power source (50), and includes an energy storage unit (91) configured to store energy and an actuator system (93) configured to use the energy stored in the energy storage unit (91) to move the electrical connectors (8, 8'). A load handling system (300) and a method for handling loads include such a load handling device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of production of automated systems for storing items on pallets in automated warehouses.

[0002] Specifically, the present invention relates to a load handling device for an automated warehouse, a system including such a device, and a method for handling loads, particularly a method for handling pallets containing items. Background Technology

[0003] Automated warehouses designed to allow for the automatic storage of pallets are known in the art.

[0004] From a design perspective, these warehouses typically employ a load-bearing structure, comprising a structure with shoulders and columns that defines multiple variable-sized storage aisles based on foreseeable loads. Pallets are arranged and picked up along / from such aisles by automated equipment called satellite carts or shuttles. These devices automatically and continuously place multiple pallets onto support rails arranged along the storage aisles. More specifically, this placement typically begins at one end of the aisle, or in any case, from the first available location identified within the aisle itself.

[0005] Before pallets are placed in the vertical storage aisles of the warehouse, they must be accessible from the ground to forklifts. This allows the pallets to be loaded from the ground onto satellite trucks, which are then moved by forklifts to the higher aisles.

[0006] Since there may be more than one forklift station around the warehouse, it is necessary to move pallets to and from forklifts in an organized, fast and efficient manner to handle pallets entering and leaving the warehouse at the appropriate time.

[0007] Typically, the loading and unloading of pallets from forklifts is carried out by a suitable forklift controlled by an operator who brings the pallets to each forklift or to the vicinity of an automated conveyor, which then transports the pallets to the forklifts.

[0008] In some automated warehouses that frequently need to connect to production lines, shipping areas, picking areas or other warehouses, there are conveyor lines or loops on the ground leading to / from forklifts, and additional shuttles travel on these lines or loops.

[0009] The downside is that shuttles typically consist of a frame with multiple wheels driven by electric motors to allow the shuttle to move along the transport line, requiring continuous energy to operate. Traditionally, shuttles are directly connected to the power grid via high-voltage busbars running along the entire route.

[0010] With the help of special brushes, the shuttle draws current from the busbar.

[0011] The inconvenience is that the brushes move continuously within the busbar, which can easily cause wear and tear, leading to sudden malfunctions and stops of the shuttle, which in turn causes other shuttles running on the same line to stop, resulting in storage delays.

[0012] Therefore, the system efficiency of existing technologies is not high. Summary of the Invention

[0013] Therefore, there is a strong sense of need to remedy the aforementioned shortcomings associated with existing technologies.

[0014] In particular, the purpose of this invention is to provide a load handling device that can ensure more efficient transportation.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a load handling device that requires less brush maintenance.

[0016] Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide a load handling device that, while ensuring the aforementioned objectives, is also safe from an electrical perspective.

[0017] One or more of the above objectives are achieved by a load handling device, a load handling system, and a method for handling loads as described in the appended independent claims. The dependent claims describe preferred embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The features and advantages of the load handling device, system, and method of the present invention will become clearer from the following description, which is given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an automated storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention, including a load handling system and multiple load handling devices; Figure 2 This is a top plan view of a load handling system according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the load handling device is shown as being stationary in a first position on a track; Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a load handling system according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein only a portion of the total length of the track is shown; Figure 4 This is an isometric view of a load handling device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a load is loaded onto the operating part of the load handling device; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A side view of the load handling equipment, where the load has been removed; Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 The horizontal section of plane AA shown Figure 4A top view of the load handling equipment; Figure 7 yes Figure 4 An isometric view of the load handling equipment, in which the upper frame of the basic frame has been removed, making the lower frame and the components within the lower frame visible; Figure 7 and the following Figure 8 In the accompanying drawings, for clarity, fluid connections between hydraulic components have been concealed, such as between the tank and the fluid displacement device, between the tank and the actuator system, and between the linear actuator and the solenoid valve. However, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the actual fluid connections are located and arranged between the components. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Top view plan; Figure 9 This is an isometric view of a portion of an actuator system including an electrical connector for a load-carrying device, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A top plan view of a part of the actuator system; Figure 11 yes Figure 9 A longitudinal sectional view of a part of the actuator system. Detailed Implementation

[0019] While the invention is described below with reference to preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and illustrated herein. Rather, the described and illustrated embodiments illustrate certain aspects of the invention.

[0020] The present invention has proven particularly advantageous in the construction of a load handling device 1 adapted to move within a warehouse 200 in an autonomous / semi-autonomous and preferably self-powered manner, for example, on fixed tracks 5, 5' anchored to the ground, and the device is placed on the tracks as better described below.

[0021] Figure 1 A warehouse 200 for storing loads 100 (typically pallets) is schematically shown, which includes a load handling device 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] As an example, the warehouse 200 shown in the figure has a simple layout and preferably includes storage channels 11, 21, 31 arranged laterally relative to the central aisle 51.

[0023] Warehouse 200 also preferably includes a loading / unloading station 18 for loads, i.e., an area where loads 100 that must be stored in a predetermined compartment of warehouse 200 are placed, or an area where loads 100 taken out from a compartment of warehouse 200 are placed.

[0024] The transport of loads 100 within warehouse 200 toward loading / unloading station 18 is advantageously performed by load handling equipment 1 according to the invention.

[0025] The load handling device 1 according to the invention preferably allows the handling of large and heavy loads, such as pallets, but does not exclude other types of items.

[0026] Therefore, the load handling device 1 according to the present invention is particularly adapted to handle pallets containing items for automatically storing loads 100 in warehouses 200.

[0027] The load handling equipment 1 includes a base frame 6 to which wheels 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D are rotatably connected. These wheels are adapted to allow the load handling equipment 1 to translate along tracks 5 and 5' of the warehouse 200 in the translational direction X. Preferably, the tracks are arranged around the outermost periphery of the industrial shelving 201, which defines the storage aisles 11, 21, and 31 of the warehouse 200. In particular, the tracks 5 and 5' are preferably arranged on the ground and preferably form a loop, such as a closed transport loop.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the base frame 6 defines an internal compartment 67, which preferably has a box shape and extends in height to a degree much smaller than the other two dimensions of width and length.

[0029] The load handling device 1 also includes first actuator devices 61, 61', which are preferably arranged in an internal compartment 67 inside the base frame 6 and are operatively connected to one or more of the wheels 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D for translating the load handling device 1 along the tracks 5, 5'.

[0030] Preferably, the first actuator device 61, 61' includes one or more electric motors associated with one or more of the wheels 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, preferably connected to the first pair of wheels 10B, 10D via a mechanical transmission system, for example.

[0031] The load handling device 1 includes an operating section 7 (or several operating sections) that defines a temporary support surface PA (or support plane) for the load 100.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the load handling device 1 includes a second actuator device 62 operatively connected to the operating portion 7 for moving the operating portion 7 to load a load 100 onto and / or unload a load 100 from the temporary support surface PA. Preferably, the operating portion 7 is movable relative to the base frame 6.

[0033] In one embodiment, the operating section 7 (or several operating sections) includes a plurality of rollers 71, 72 arranged side by side, which are operable by a second actuator device 62 to rotate about their roller axes for moving the load 100 and allowing it to be loaded or unloaded.

[0034] The load handling device 1 includes a command and control unit 4 configured to control a first actuator device.

[0035] Preferably, the command and control unit includes electronic command and control units known to those skilled in the art, such as processing units, memory storage units, and communication protocol processing units, such as microcontrollers or microprocessors.

[0036] Preferably, the command and control unit 4 is arranged inside the base frame 6, located in the internal compartment 67.

[0037] Preferably, the command and control unit 4 controls all moving parts of the device 1 and communication with the sensors.

[0038] Preferably, the command and control unit 4 also communicates with the warehouse management unit, where warehouse software programs manage the operation of the warehouse 200, particularly the movement of the equipment 1 within the warehouse 200. Communication between the command and control unit 4 and the warehouse management unit is preferably wireless.

[0039] The load handling device 1 includes a charge storage unit 65, which is mounted on a base frame 6 and is operatively connected to a command and control unit 4 for power supply.

[0040] In one embodiment, the charge storage unit 65 includes a supercapacitor and / or a fast-charging battery, preferably located in the base frame 6.

[0041] The load handling device 1 includes at least one electrical connector 8, 8' (or several electrical connectors) for charging the charge storage unit 65. Preferably, such electrical connectors 8, 8' (or several electrical connectors) are movable relative to the base frame 6.

[0042] Preferably, the command and control unit 4 is configured to use power from electrical connectors 8, 8' to control the charging of the charge storage unit 65.

[0043] According to the present invention, the load handling device 1 includes a connector moving system 9 configured to move the electrical connectors 8, 8' (or a plurality of electrical connectors) from a first configuration to a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration the electrical connectors 8, 8' are not in electrical contact with the power supply 50, and in the second configuration the electrical connectors 8, 8' are in electrical contact with the power supply 50.

[0044] According to an advantageous embodiment, the power supply 50 includes rails 5, 5'; for example, these are the same rails 5, 5' powered by an external power source. This advantageously allows electrical connectors 8, 8' to be connected at any point along the movement path defined by the rails 5, 5' in the warehouse.

[0045] According to another embodiment, the power supply 50 includes a dedicated connector located in a specific position, such as above or outside the rails, for connecting to electrical connectors 8, 8', rather than directly on rails 5, 5'.

[0046] The connector moving system 9 includes an energy storage unit 91 and an actuator system 93. The energy storage unit 91 is configured to store energy, and the actuator system 93 is configured to use the energy stored in the energy storage unit 91 to move the electrical connectors 8, 8' from a first configuration to a second configuration and / or vice versa.

[0047] Preferably, the command and control unit 4 is configured to control the amount of energy stored in the energy storage unit 91, for example, when the electrical connectors 8, 8' are electrically connected to the power supply 50, such as when they are electrically connected to the rails 5, 5', by obtaining energy from the storage unit 65 or directly from the power supply 50.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the energy storage unit 91 includes a tank 910 and a fluid displacement device 911 (e.g., a pump or compressor), the fluid displacement device being adapted to displace or compress a fluid (working fluid), such as a gas or gas mixture, like air, within the tank 910 to store energy. This advantageously allows for the storage of potential energy for subsequent movement of the electrical connectors 8, 8'.

[0049] Preferably, the command and control unit 4 is configured to control the fluid displacement device 911.

[0050] Clearly, depending on the different embodiments, the energy storage unit 91 may include another potential energy storage system, such as an elastic potential energy storage system using a spring that can be compressed by a suitable actuator device.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the actuator system 93 includes a linear actuator 931 adapted to move electrical connectors 8, 8' preferably along an actuation direction Y intersecting the translational direction X of the load handling device 1.

[0052] Preferably, when the electrical connectors 8, 8' are in the first configuration, they are mainly or entirely housed in the base frame 6, preferably in the lower frame 6", for example, spaced apart from the tracks 5, 5', and do not obstruct movement of the device on the tracks 5, 5'.

[0053] Preferably, when the electrical connectors 8, 8' are in the second configuration, these electrical connectors 8, 8' protrude from the base frame 6, preferably from the lower frame 6", for example, in contact with the rails 5, 5'.

[0054] Preferably, the linear actuator 931 includes hydraulic cylinders 932, 932', such as double-acting hydraulic cylinders, which are fluidly connected to tank 910 and one or more solenoid valves 933 adapted to allow or prevent fluid from flowing toward the hydraulic cylinders 932, 932' to move electrical connectors 8, 8'.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the load handling device 1 includes a second electrical connector 8'. In this variant, the actuator system 93 includes a linear actuator 931 and a second linear actuator 931', adapted to move the electrical connector 8 and the second electrical connector 8' respectively along an actuation direction Y intersecting the translational direction X of the load handling device 1.

[0056] In the following description, for the sake of simplicity, embodiments of the linear actuator 931 or the electrical connector 8 will be described, but it will be clear that these embodiments will also apply equally to the second linear actuator 931' and / or the second electrical connector 8'.

[0057] Preferably, the linear actuator 931 includes a base 934 in which electrical connectors 8, 8' are slidably accommodated along a sliding direction Y'. Preferably, this sliding direction Y' has a principal component parallel to the actuation direction Y, or is precisely parallel to the actuation direction Y.

[0058] Preferably, the base 934 includes a slide seat 935, wherein the electrical connectors 8, 8' are restricted to moving only in the sliding direction Y'.

[0059] In one embodiment, linear actuator 931 and the second linear actuator 931' each include a corresponding hydraulic cylinder 932, 932', such as a double-acting hydraulic cylinder, which is fluidly connected to tank 910 and one or more solenoid valves 933, the solenoid valves 933 being adapted to allow or prevent fluid flow to hydraulic cylinders 932, 932' to move the corresponding electrical connector 8 or the second electrical connector 8'.

[0060] The fluid connection between the corresponding hydraulic cylinders 932, 932' and tank 910 and / or one or more solenoid valves 933 is achieved through a suitable hydraulic connection 937, for example in Figures 9 to 11 As shown in the image.

[0061] Preferably, the linear actuator 931 includes a sliding element 936 fixed to the electrical connectors 8, 8', allowing replacement, for example, by means of screws, when the electrical connectors 8, 8' wear. The sliding element 936 is slidably engaged in a sliding seat 935 and connected on one side to a rod 938 of a hydraulic cylinder 932 and on the other side to the electrical connectors 8, 8', such that movement of the rod 938 is transmitted to the electrical connectors 8, 8'. This advantageously allows for the replacement of the electrical connectors 8, 8'.

[0062] Preferably, the electrical connectors 8 and 8' are made of carbon graphite, and more preferably, they are brushes made of carbon graphite.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the base frame 6 includes a right wing 160 and a left wing 170 opposite to the right wing. An electrical connector 8 is disposed on the right wing 160 of the base frame 6, and a second electrical connector 8' is disposed on the left wing 170.

[0064] Preferably, wheels 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D are associated on the right wing surface 160 and the left wing surface 170, and when the device is positioned on the tracks 5 and 5', the right wing surface 160 and the left wing surface 170 are adapted to be arranged in a direction parallel to the tracks 5 and 5'.

[0065] Specifically, according to an advantageous embodiment, the base frame 6 includes an upper frame 6' and a lower frame 6'" interconnected, such that the upper frame 6' is arranged above the lower frame 6'", wherein wheels 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D and operating parts 7 are rotatably fixed to the upper frame 6', and wherein electrical connectors 8, 8' are anchored to the lower frame 6'". This advantageously allows the internal components to be assembled, configured, and maintained independently, thereby simplifying the process.

[0066] Preferably, the upper frame 6' is composed of interconnected metal plate elements 160', 170', 180', and 190', particularly the right side plate 160', left side plate 170', head plate 180', and tail plate 190'.

[0067] Preferably, the lower frame 6' is composed of interconnected metal structural elements 160”, 170”, 180”, and 190”, particularly the right element 160”, the left element 170” opposite to the right element, the head element 180”, and the tail element 190” opposite to the head element 180”.

[0068] Preferably, the electrical connector 8 is anchored to the right element 160” and is movable relative to the right element 160”.

[0069] Preferably, the second electrical connector 8' is anchored to the left element 170" and is movable relative to the left element 170".

[0070] Obviously, the present invention also relates to a load handling system 300, which includes a loading and handling device 1 according to any of the foregoing embodiments and a pair of guide rails 5, 5', which are powered in such a way that a potential difference ΔV can be measured between the first guide rail 5 and the second guide rail 5', for example as... Figure 2 As shown.

[0071] According to a preferred embodiment, the potential difference ΔV is less than 60V, preferably equal to or less than 48V, thereby ensuring that the load handling system 300 has inherent electrical fault safety characteristics because it is a low voltage system.

[0072] In the load handling system, the command and control unit 4 is configured to control the actuator system 93 to move the electrical connectors 8, 8' from a first configuration (in which the electrical connectors 8, 8' are not in contact with the first rail 5 and / or the second rail 5') to a second configuration (in which the electrical connectors 8, 8' are in contact with the first rail 5 and the second rail 5'), and / or vice versa.

[0073] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to an innovative method for processing load 100, comprising the following steps: a) Provide a load handling device 1 according to any of the foregoing embodiments and a pair of tracks 5, 5', wherein the load handling device 1 is positioned on the tracks 5, 5'; b) Control the actuator system 93 via command and control unit 4 to move the electrical connectors 8, 8' from a first configuration where the electrical connectors 8, 8' are not in contact with the power supply 50 to a second configuration where the electrical connectors 8, 8' are in contact with the power supply 50; c) Then, the actuator system 93 is commanded by the control unit 4 to move the electrical connectors 8, 8' from the second configuration where the electrical connectors 8, 8' are in contact with the power supply 50 to the first configuration where the electrical connectors 8, 8' are not in contact with the power supply 50; d) While keeping the electrical connectors 8, 8' disconnected from the power supply 50, activate the first actuator device 61 to achieve translation of the loading processing device 1 along a pair of tracks 5, 5'.

[0074] In a highly innovative way, this method allows electrical contact between the electrical connector and the power supply 50 to be obtained only when the storage unit 65 needs to be recharged, thus eliminating the need for continuous contact between the electrical contacts and the power supply.

[0075] Therefore, once the storage unit 65 is fully charged, the vehicle can move along the track without physical contact between the power supply and the electrical connector, ensuring a longer lifespan.

[0076] According to one embodiment, after step b) and before step c), the process includes starting a fluid displacement device 911 (e.g., a pump or compressor) and displacing or compressing a fluid (e.g., a gas or a gas mixture) in a tank 910 to store energy.

[0077] Preferably, after step d), the process includes stopping the load-carrying device 1, for example by braking or by activating the first actuator device 61 in energy recovery mode, and when the load-carrying device 1 comes to a standstill or decelerates, the process includes the following steps: b1) Command actuator system 93 to move electrical connectors 8, 8' from a first configuration where electrical connectors 8, 8' are not in contact with power supply 50 to a second configuration where electrical connectors 8, 8' are in contact with power supply 50.

[0078] This allows the electrical connectors to be activated not for the entire duration of the load handling equipment 1's movement, but only when the vehicle is stationary or decelerating, thus ensuring lower consumption of electrical connectors 8, 8'.

[0079] According to one embodiment, after step b1), with the load handling device 1 stationary and maintaining electrical contact between the electrical connectors 8, 8' and the power supply 50, a step is included to activate the fluid displacement device 911 (e.g., a pump or compressor) and displace or compress the fluid (e.g., a gas or gas mixture) in the tank 910 to store energy. This allows the fluid displacement device 911 to activate only when electrical contact is present and avoids drawing power from the charge storage unit 65.

[0080] Innovatively, the present invention successfully overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages compared to existing technology devices.

[0081] In particular, because one or more movable electrical connectors exist in two different configurations (with and without power contact), the typical wear of brushes in existing technology equipment can be reduced, ensuring less maintenance.

[0082] Furthermore, the ability to freely load the charge storage unit 65 allows for a reduction in the weight of the load-carrying equipment, as a supercapacitor or battery with reduced capacity can be installed on the vehicle, and thus the overall size can also be reduced.

[0083] Furthermore, advantageously, the process of installing the tracks in the warehouse is greatly simplified because only the possibility of electrified tracks is provided, and because a dedicated busbar is no longer needed to power the vehicle's engine.

[0084] Furthermore, it offers greater flexibility in the design of transport lines and bypass areas, as the load handling equipment does not require a constant electrical connection to the busbar as required by existing technologies, but can instead be self-powered by the charge storage unit.

[0085] Furthermore, due to the presence of supercapacitors, energy can be recovered directly from the supercapacitors during the regenerative braking phase, thereby achieving lower energy consumption.

[0086] Furthermore, because the electrical connector is movable, it automatically adjusts its contact height with the power source (or corresponding track) with the aid of pneumatic thrust throughout its entire service life (i.e., until complete wear).

[0087] Obviously, for the embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art can modify or replace the elements with functionally equivalent elements to meet specific needs.

[0088] These variations are also included within the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A load handling device (1) on tracks (5, 5') for automatically transporting loads (100), such as pallets containing items, in a warehouse (200) provided with said tracks (5, 5'), said device comprising: - A base frame (6) with wheels (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D) rotatably connected to the base frame (6), the wheels being adapted to allow the load handling equipment (1) to translate along the tracks (5, 5') of the warehouse (200) in the translation direction (X); - A first actuator device (61), operably connected to one or more of the wheels (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D) to achieve translation of the loading and handling device (1) along the track (5, 5'), - Operating section (7), the operating section defining a temporary support surface (PA) for the load (100); - Command and control unit (4) for the first actuator device (61); - Charge storage unit (65), which is mounted on the base frame (6) and operatively connected to the command and control unit (4) to supply power thereto; - Electrical connectors (8, 8') for charging the charge storage unit (65); The load handling device (1) is characterized in that it includes a connector moving system (9) configured to move the electrical connector (8, 8') from a first configuration in which the electrical connector (8, 8') is not in electrical contact with the power supply (50) to a second configuration in which the electrical connector (8, 8') is in electrical contact with the power supply (50). The connector moving system (9) includes an energy storage unit (91) and an actuator system (93), the energy storage unit being configured to store energy and the actuator system being configured to use the energy stored in the energy storage unit (91) to move the electrical connector (8, 8') from the first configuration to the second configuration and / or vice versa.

2. The load handling device (1) according to claim 1, wherein The energy storage unit (91) includes a tank (910) and a fluid displacement device (911), such as a pump or compressor, adapted to displace or compress a fluid, such as a gas or gas mixture, within the tank (910) to store energy. And therein, the command and control unit (4) is configured to control the fluid displacement device (911).

3. The load handling device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The actuator system (93) includes a linear actuator (931) adapted to move the electrical connector (8, 8') along an actuation direction (Y) that intersects the translational direction (X) of the load handling device (1).

4. The load handling device (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The linear actuator (931) includes a hydraulic cylinder (932, 932'), such as a double-acting hydraulic cylinder, which is fluidly connected to the tank (910) and one or more solenoid valves (933) adapted to allow or prevent fluid flow to the hydraulic cylinder (932, 932') to move the electrical connector (8, 8').

5. The load handling device (1) according to claim 1, comprising a second electrical connector (8'), wherein, The actuator system (93) includes a linear actuator (931) and a second linear actuator (931'), which are adapted to move the electrical connector (8) and the second electrical connector (8') along an actuation direction (Y) that intersects the translation direction (X) of the load handling device (1), respectively.

6. The load handling device (1) according to claim 5, wherein, The linear actuator (931) and the second linear actuator (931') each include a corresponding hydraulic cylinder (932, 932'), such as a double-acting hydraulic cylinder, which is fluidly connected to the housing (910) and one or more solenoid valves (933) adapted to allow or prevent fluid flow to the hydraulic cylinder (932, 932') to move the corresponding electrical connector (8) or the second electrical connector (8').

7. The load handling device (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The base frame (6) includes a right wing (160) and a left wing (170) opposite to the right wing, wherein the electrical connector (8) is disposed on the right wing (160) of the base frame (6), and the second electrical connector (8') is disposed on the left wing (170) of the base frame (6).

8. The load handling device (1) according to claim 7, wherein, The wheels (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D) are associated on the right wing (160) and the left wing (170), and wherein, when the device is positioned on the track (5, 5'), the right wing (160) and the left wing (170) are adapted to be arranged in a direction parallel to the track (5, 5').

9. The load handling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The base frame (6) includes an upper frame (6') and a lower frame (6") connected to each other, such that the upper frame (6') is arranged above the lower frame (6"), wherein the wheels (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D) and the operating part (7) are rotatably fixed to the upper frame (6'), and wherein the electrical connectors (8, 8') are anchored to the lower frame (6").

10. The load handling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The electrical connector (8) or the second electrical connector (8') includes a carbon graphite brush.

11. A load handling system (300) comprising a loading and handling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and a pair of tracks (5, 5'), said pair of tracks being powered such that a potential difference (ΔV) between a first track (5) and a second track (5') of said pair of tracks (5, 5') is measurable, and wherein, The command and control unit (4) is configured to control the actuator system (93) to move the electrical connector (8, 8') from a first configuration in which the electrical connector (8, 8') is not in contact with the first rail (5) and / or the second rail (5') to a second configuration in which the electrical connector (8, 8') is in contact with the first rail (5) and the second rail (5'), and / or vice versa.

12. A method for handling a load (100), comprising the following steps: a) Provide a load handling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and a pair of tracks (5, 5'), the load handling device (1) being positioned on the pair of tracks; b) Control the actuator system (93) via command and control unit (4) to move the electrical connector (8, 8') from a first configuration in which the electrical connector (8, 8') is not in contact with the power supply (50) to a second configuration in which the electrical connector (8, 8') is in contact with the power supply (50); c) The actuator system (93) is then commanded by the command and control unit (4) to move the electrical connector (8, 8') from a second configuration in contact with the power supply (50) to a first configuration in which the electrical connector (8, 8') is not in contact with the power supply (50); d) While keeping the electrical connectors (8, 8') disconnected from the power source, activate the first actuator device (61) to achieve translation of the loading processing device (1) along the pair of tracks (5, 5').

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, After step b) and before step c), the process includes starting a fluid displacement device (911), such as a pump or compressor, and displacing or compressing a fluid, such as a gas or gas mixture, in a tank (910) to store energy.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, Following step d), the process includes stopping the load handling device (1), for example by braking or by activating the first actuator device (61) in energy recovery mode, and when the load handling device (1) is stationary or decelerating, the process includes the following steps: b1) Command the actuator system (93) to move the electrical connector (8, 8') from a first configuration in which the electrical connector (8, 8') is not in contact with the power supply (50) to a second configuration in which the electrical connector (8, 8') is in contact with the power supply (50).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, After step b1), while the load handling device (1) is stationary and electrical contact is maintained between the electrical connector (8, 8') and the power source (50), the process includes starting a fluid displacement device (911), such as a pump or compressor, and displacing or compressing a fluid, such as a gas or gas mixture, in a tank (910) to store energy.

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