Automated system for electrical connection and disconnection of refrigerated containers to power supply and / or data transmission networks

Abstract

A system for connecting and / or disconnecting a refrigerated container (3) to a power supply and / or data connection in ports, storage and transit locations and / or on board a ship, the container (3) being provided with at least one electrical connector (31, 21) for connecting to a power supply and / or data transmission network. The system comprises an automated device for electrically connecting the electrical connector (31, 21) to the power supply and / or data transmission network and disconnecting the electrical connector (31, 21) from the power supply and / or data transmission network, the device comprising at least one robotic arm (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an automated system for connecting and / or disconnecting the power supply and / or data connection of a refrigerated container or reefer box in ports, storage and transfer locations and / or on board a ship, the container being provided with at least one electrical connector for connection to a power supply and / or data transmission network. Background Art

[0002] Refrigerated containers are equipped with electric compressors to maintain controlled internal conditions (temperature, humidity) according to the type of cargo stored, which must be maintained during all stages of transport and intermediate storage in order to avoid deterioration and loss of the load, which could lead to subsequent legal action for compensation for damages and insurance costs.

[0003] Refrigerated containers require electrical connections for powering the compressor and data connections for setting operating parameters and for monitoring, transmitting and logging these parameters.

[0004] Both the container storage area and the container transport facility must have electrical sockets to power the refrigerated containers, thus ensuring the connection, storage and monitoring of the set parameters.

[0005] The storage of these containers in the port area is mainly achieved through special structures for storing and accessing containers, called "reefer racks". These special structures are composed of metal joinery structures. These metal joinery structures are used to place refrigerated containers in a dedicated area equipped with appropriate equipment and include gangways to ensure personnel access to refrigerated containers. The number of supply points equipped on the reefer racks is equal to the storage capacity of the containers. These structures allow operators to access the containers, so that these containers can be stored in multiple layers in an area served by mechanical devices (such as rail or wheel cranes) used to move the containers.

[0006] Currently, every movement requires manual intervention to connect or disconnect the container to the power network, and this event occurs not only when receiving or delivering a container, but also during the associated retrieval process, when moving a container underneath a container stacked above it.

[0007] These elements are also present on board ships when loading or unloading containers.

[0008] The connection and disconnection of reefer containers creates serious workplace safety issues in high-risk port areas due to the simultaneous presence of container lifting and handling equipment. Port, storage and junction safety are an absolute priority, as port activities are inherently dangerous due to the mix of human activity and handling equipment within the yard.

[0009] Another crucial factor is the lack of synchronization between the movement of refrigerated containers and their connection to the power supply. This leads to numerous disputes caused by damages caused by connection delays, resulting in the loss of set temperature and humidity parameters, the subsequent deterioration of the cargo, and direct costs related to the compensation of deductibles, as well as indirect costs of legal proceedings related to the premiums of risk insurance. Therefore, the synchronization of container handling with the connection and disconnection of the power supply is particularly important to maintain service quality.

[0010] These key issues also exist on board ships, where the increase in the size of cargo hold capacities leads to the unloading of large numbers of refrigerated containers with a high risk of lack of synchronization between the disconnection of the power supply and the actual movement of the containers, thus presenting the same problems of work safety, costs and service quality on the port area - container terminal side (as mentioned above).

[0011] Due to the strong growth trend in refrigerated cargo, as well as the continuous increase in the size of container ships and the associated landing volumes, the automation of refrigerated container connections and the synchronization between the electrical connection and its actual handling are of increasing importance for all players involved in the process.

[0012] Thus, there remains an unmet need for a system that automates the manual operations necessary for connecting and disconnecting refrigerated containers, both for power supply and data connectivity. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The present invention aims to overcome the shortcomings of the current fully manual systems for connecting refrigerated containers in ports and on ships by using an automatic or semi-automatic system of electrical connection and disconnection to a fixed power supply and / or data transmission network.

[0014] The present invention aims to overcome the disadvantages described in the opening part by means of a system, which also includes an automatic device for electrically connecting the electrical connector to a power supply and / or a data transmission network, and electrically disconnecting the electrical connector from the power supply and / or the data transmission network, the device comprising at least one robotic arm.

[0015] The present invention allows to obtain the following advantages:

[0016] - Improved safety by eliminating the need for human interaction with containers; in certain port situations, the presence of moving machinery eliminates the need for human presence in high-risk areas of the yard;

[0017] - Improve the quality of service provided by synchronizing in real time the connection / disconnection times of refrigerated containers with their actual movement in storage areas and on board ships; in specific port areas, this synchronization of refrigerated containers reduces the duration of power supply interruptions, which allows modifying the set temperature and humidity parameters inside the containers, thus contributing to the preservation of cargo;

[0018] - Reduce direct costs and improve operational efficiency by automating resource movements that are currently performed manually;

[0019] - In port areas, improve the flexibility of yard use and manage seasonal peaks;

[0020] - Improve efficiency by reducing indirect costs related to insurance premiums due to improved service quality.

[0021] The system has been designed in different configurations to suit the needs of the customer. This means various levels of increasing automation, suitable for servicing one or more refrigerated containers, or more specifically, equipment powered by electric current and equipped with a data connection.

[0022] In the refrigerated containers currently in use, the connector of each container is connected to the power system of the container itself via a cable, and the container is provided with a cable basket.

[0023] In one embodiment, a movable connector connected to the power supply and / or data transmission network is provided, which movable connector is moved by a robotic arm.

[0024] To facilitate the connection operation, in one example embodiment, the system includes a switchboard serving as an interconnection element between the container connector and the movable connector moved by the robotic arm.

[0025] The switchboard can be applied to the container by means of fixing means.

[0026] The fixing means may be of any type and may ensure that the switchboard is fixedly applied to the container, or alternatively they may be removably fixed. In the latter case, the fixing means may consist of mechanical grippers, or of a magnetic or vacuum system.

[0027] The switchboard is equipped with a container-side connector capable of connecting to a connector on a container, and at least one robot-side connector capable of connecting to a movable connector moved by a robot arm to connect to a power supply and / or data transmission network. The container-side connector and the robot-side connector of the switchboard are electrically connected to each other within a drawer. Thus, the robot-side connector of the switchboard is adapted to accommodate the movable connector, which is mounted on an arm head that operates an automatic connection / disconnection, and is in turn connected to a power supply and / or data network.

[0028] In an optional embodiment, the switchboard is equipped with an automatic ejection mechanism on the container side that automatically ejects the container connector from the switchboard's container-side connector. Therefore, upon command, the automatic ejection mechanism ejects the connector directly from the cable box. This ejection can be operated by a remote signal, or alternatively, by a local electronic unit connected to a sensor, or in combination. This mechanism allows for automatic disconnection without the need for human intervention. Therefore, in this optional embodiment, the switchboard is removable and can be removed from the refrigerated container by an automated robotic arm, automatically releasing and removing it.

[0029] In another embodiment, the power strip is provided with an electrical switch between the first connector and the second connector.

[0030] In a variant embodiment, the system comprises a fixed switchboard integrated in the container and provided with at least one robot-side connector adapted to be connected to a power supply and / or data transmission network.

[0031] In one embodiment example, the switchboard is provided with a transmitting unit that transmits data received from the container via radio waves.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the movable connector is displaced by a robot arm to connect or disconnect the movable connector with a robot-side connector of the switchboard.

[0033] The robotic arm makes it possible to automatically connect the container to the power supply and / or data transmission network, so that the connection can be made automatically without the intervention of a professional.

[0034] The robot arm connects the removable connector to the robot-side connector of the distribution board.

[0035] In another embodiment, the movable connector is connected to the power supply and / or data transmission network via a cable which is wound on a cable winder provided with an automatic cable winding mechanism.

[0036] This allows for automatic retrieval of the removable connector and its cable. The cable winder can be constantly activated, continuously applying force against the robotic arm so that when the robotic arm is released and / or the removable connector is ejected, the cable is automatically rewound. Alternatively, the cable winder can be activated only when the cable needs to be rewound.

[0037] In another embodiment, the robotic arm is provided with one or more hinges.

[0038] In another embodiment, the robotic arm is at least partially retractable.

[0039] In another embodiment, the robot arm has an indicator system to determine the location of the robot-side connector of the switchboard. The indicator system may include a camera mounted on the refrigerated shelf and / or the robot arm itself, or other types of indicators (radio, capacitive, inductive, laser, ultrasonic or similar wave-based indicators).

[0040] Once the arm-side connector of the power strip is identified, the automatic adjustment system moves the arm to connect the movable connector to the arm-side connector of the power strip, thereby achieving an electrical connection for power and / or data.

[0041] In another embodiment, the robotic arm is translatable in at least two axes, preferably in three axes, such that the robotic arm can be positioned adjacent to each of a plurality of said containers.

[0042] This enables only one robotic arm or a reduced number of robotic arms to operate on multiple containers.

[0043] According to an improvement, the robot arm is provided at its free end with a gripping member for said movable connector.

[0044] In this way, the robot arm can initially move to a position where it picks up the movable connector and then move to a position corresponding to the robot-side connector of the distribution board where it can make a connection.

[0045] In one embodiment, the system may be installed on a refrigerated container storage structure comprising a plurality of workstations, each of which is configured for a refrigerated container, wherein a dedicated robotic arm is provided at least in part of each workstation.

[0046] According to this variant, each container has a dedicated robotic arm. This proves particularly advantageous when installing the system in a pre-existing structure, such as a pre-existing refrigerated rack or the cargo hold of a container ship, where there are narrow spaces and constraints between the metal joinery and the containers. In this case, all or part of the refrigerated rack slots are provided with their own robotic arm.

[0047] In another embodiment, the system comprises a unit for monitoring the operating parameters of the refrigerated container, such as absorbed power, consumed energy, current and voltage, internal temperature and humidity.

[0048] In another embodiment, in conjunction with or as an alternative to the above description, a system for transmitting electricity between a fixed network and a container using magnetic induction is contemplated. The magnetic induction connection device may include a circuit that can be connected by magnetic induction located in the robot arm and the switchboard, respectively. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of some non-limiting embodiments thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0050] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of a system is shown;

[0051] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a system with a movable switchboard is shown;

[0052] Figure 3 Shown is a top view with a removable power strip and separate power and data connections;

[0053] Figure 4 Shows a top view with a fixed switchboard;

[0054] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a system with a movable switchboard is shown;

[0055] Figure 6 An exemplary embodiment is shown without a refrigerated shelf;

[0056] Figure 7 An exemplary embodiment of a robotic arm is shown;

[0057] Figure 8 shows a top view of another exemplary embodiment in which a robotic arm is used for each storage location of a refrigerated shelf; and

[0058] Figure 9 A detailed view of another embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Figure 1An exemplary embodiment of a system for electrically connecting and disconnecting refrigerated containers 3 from a power supply and / or data transmission network in a port area is shown. Each refrigerated container 3 is equipped with an electric compressor for maintaining the required conditions inside the container, as well as a connector 31 for supplying power to the compressor and / or for a data connection for setting operating parameters and / or for communicating, monitoring, transmitting, and storing these parameters.

[0060] It is possible to provide a single connector 31 for both container power and data connections, or it is possible to provide two separate connectors, one of which is the connector 31 for power and the other is the connector 34 for data connections (see for example Figure 3 )

[0061] like Figure 8 As shown, the refrigeration rack is a metal joinery structure formed on several levels by gangways 4 which allow access to personnel responsible for managing the power connection / disconnection operations of the container 3 and in particular its refrigeration equipment, as well as possible monitoring of its operating parameters.

[0062] like Figure 8 As shown, the containers 3 are arranged in front of the gangway 4 of the refrigerated racks, and the refrigerated racks are located on both sides of the gangway 4, and are oriented so that some of the containers 3 are located in front of the gangway 4 at the location of the compressor, and in front of the power supply sockets on the gangway 4 at the workstation or slot of each container 3.

[0063] Each container 3 is equipped with a basket 30 that is inserted in front of the compressor. A power cable 32 is positioned in the basket 30 ready for connection to an outlet, such as Figure 2 As shown, the power cable 32 is terminated at the connector 31. When unloading from a ship or arriving at a port entrance, the cable 32 is pre-connected to the switchboard 2 and then automatically connected to the power network by the robot arm 1, which moves the connected movable connector 11. In an alternative embodiment, the switchboard 2 is movably fixed to the container 3.

[0064] Figure 2 The elements are shown by way of example only, without regard to their shapes and sizes.

[0065] Alternatively, the switchboard 2 is fixed and integrated in the container 3, as shown in the figure with the number 2'. In this case, the switchboard 2' consists of components that are directly mounted on the container 3 and connected to the control panel and power supply system of the container 3 to provide a fixed interface for power supply and ultimately data.

[0066] Figure 1 An external switchboard 2 and a fixed switchboard 2' are shown. When using an existing refrigerated container, the use of the external switchboard 2 eliminates the need to modify the container in any way. While the installation of a fixed switchboard 2' is more expensive when retrofitting an existing container, it is advantageous if it is installed during the manufacture of a new container.

[0067] The fixed switchboard 2' can be used as an alternative to the connector 31 provided with the cable 32. Therefore, when only the fixed switchboard 2' is used, the container is not provided with the connector 31 or the related cable 32, but can be connected to the power network via the robot-side connector 21.

[0068] exist Figure 1 or Figure 4 In the example shown, both components are provided on the container 3 , and the fixed switchboard 2 ′ is connected in parallel with the connector 31 .

[0069] The fixed switchboard 2 ′, when provided in combination with the movable connector 31 , may be provided with an electric switch inside which selects the line to be fed and isolates the unconnected lines: thus, if the cable 32 is connected via the connector 31 , the manipulator-side connector 21 of the fixed switchboard 2 ′ remains isolated, and vice versa.

[0070] The movable connector 11, moved by the robotic arm 1, is connected to the power supply network via the connection unit 16 and / or to the data transmission network via the connection unit 16'. The movable connector 11 is moved by the robotic arm 1 to connect or disconnect with the robotic arm-side connector 21 of the switchboard 2. The movable connector 11 can be integrated into the head of the robotic arm 1. Alternatively, the robotic arm is provided with a gripping member, such as a gripper or other suitable gripping member, for gripping and moving the movable connector 11.

[0071] A coupling mechanism is provided between the robot arm 1 and the switchboard 2, allowing the robot arm 1 to recognize a target, namely, the robot arm-side connector 21 of the switchboard 2, and automatically connect or disconnect according to received commands. This mechanism may be constituted by an electrical coupling (e.g., a bayonet-type coupling) between the robot arm-side connector 21 mounted on the switchboard 2 and the movable connector 11 mounted on the head of the arm 1. Thus, a coupling system is provided for the movable connector 11 mounted on the top of the arm 1, which allows the robot arm 1 to automatically connect or disconnect the power and data supply, recognize the target through an optical or other type of system, and automatically perform hooking and releasing of the movable connector 11.

[0072] The coupling mechanism includes contacts for power supply and contacts for data transmission, and in the part connected to the head of the arm 1, it can accommodate an optical system (such as a miniature camera), and / or a laser pointer or an indicator of another characteristic for target identification, the target being represented by a connector on the robot arm 21 located on the distribution board 2, to guide the positioning of the robot arm 1 and make electrical connections.

[0073] In the case of providing a single connection for both power and data connections, the removable connector 11 integrates the terminals for power transmission with the terminals for data transmission, allowing the container to be connected to the terminal / ship using a single socket and thus requiring only a single action. Accordingly, an integrated component for integrating the power transmission terminals with the data terminals is provided in the manipulator-side connector 21 of the switchboard 2, and optionally in the connector 31 and the container-side connector 23 (if present).

[0074] Figure 3 An embodiment example is shown in which the switchboard 2, in addition to the container-side connector 23 connected to the container connector 31, also has a data connector 24 configured for data transmission and connected by a cable to a corresponding data connector 34 of the container 3. In this case, the robot-side connector 21 integrates terminals for power transmission and terminals for data transmission, as well as the movable connector 11 of the robot arm 1.

[0075] The robot arm 1 is an electromechanical connection drive capable of positioning movements in three axes and possibly movements of the end section to allow electrical contacts to be connected.

[0076] In the case where no fixed switchboard 2 ′ is provided, the connector 31 is first connected manually by the operator to the container-side connector 23 of the switchboard 2 , positioned to then be ejected into the basket 30 .

[0077] According to a variant embodiment, the switchboard 2 comprises a housing provided with a Figure 2 The schematic diagram shows a mechanical clamp 22 for hooking onto the exterior of the basket 30. The mobile switchboard 2 includes a power-assisted mechanism for releasing the mechanical clamp 22 from the basket: the clamp 22 can be moved from a restrained position to a released position and can be remotely controlled. Therefore, the mobile switchboard 2 is equipped with a mechanical coupling mechanism on the edge of the cable collection basket 30. When the system management issues a release command, the operator who placed the mechanism closes the mechanical coupling mechanism. This arrangement allows for an optional manual release to handle any emergency situations.

[0078] According to another embodiment variant, the switchboard 2 is provided with a vacuum system, for example consisting of one or more concentric sealing rings, for adhering to the surface of the refrigerated container 3 .

[0079] The switchboard 2 is positioned relative to the basket 30 and above the basket 30 for collecting the power cables 32 so that the ejected connectors 31 (connected to the power cables 32 on the refrigerated container 3) are directly transported to the collection basket 30 below.

[0080] The switchboard 2 may be provided with an internal switch 20 adapted to interrupt the electrical connection between the container-side connector 23 and the robot-side connector 21 according to a request of the system.

[0081] Alternatively or in combination, the robot arm 1 may remove the movable connector 11 from the robot arm-side connector 21 .

[0082] for Figure 6 In this configuration, the presence of a fixed switchboard 2' located directly on the wall of the container 3 proves to be particularly advantageous, although not essential. In this configuration, there are no refrigerated shelves, and the containers 3 are stacked one on top of the other. In front of each column of containers 3 are a plurality of removable connectors 11, preferably with the number of removable connectors 11 corresponding to the number of containers in the column. Each removable connector 11 is connected to the power supply and / or data transmission network via a cable 15, which is preferably wound on a cable winder 14.

[0083] The robot arm 1 is placed on a movable bracket 17 equipped with a lifting device. In this way, the robot arm 1 can grasp the movable connector 11 from its original position, move it to the robot arm-side connector 21 of the switchboard 2 of the selected container 3, and insert the movable connector 11 to connect. In the same way, the movable connector 11 is pulled out of the robot arm-side connector 21 of the switchboard 2 and returned to its original position, thereby performing a disconnection operation.

[0084] In another embodiment, the robotic arm 1 is connected to the refrigerated shelf so that it can move over each slot according to instructions received from a terminal operating system (TOS). To this end, the robotic arm is connected to a control unit that receives command data from the TOS. Horizontal and / or vertical translation means can be provided to perform such movements, for example by means of suitable electrically driven guides and slides, or other currently known methods.

[0085] This mechanism of movement of the robot arm 1, and the possibility of positioning it on any slot of the rack, on either side of the gangway 4, is preferred in the case of refrigerated containers to be manufactured. On the other hand, in the existing situation, given the limited space and the constraints between the metal joinery and the container 3, it is advantageous to provide a robot arm 1 for each slot.

[0086] The robot arm 1 may be telescopic and / or consist of multiple parts connected to each other by hinges 12 .

[0087] exist Figure 7 In an embodiment, the robot arm 1 is of Cartesian type and can be moved along the x-axis, for example being mounted on a carriage that slides on rails, or according to another currently known translation method, is telescopic in height and can therefore be extended or shortened along the y-axis, and is telescopic in depth and can therefore be extended or shortened along the z-axis to reach the container 3.

[0088] In manual operation, the operator pulls out the cable from the basket 30 on the refrigerated container 3 and connects the connector 31 to the power supply socket of the rack located in front of the slot, wherein the container 3 is pre-positioned by the crane. Unlike the manual operation, each slot of the rack is provided with its own cable 15, which is wound on the drum of the winder 14 and positioned on the structure of the rack. The cable 15 ends at a movable connector 11, which is managed by the robotic arm 1 to connect to the movable distribution board 2 on the container 3.

[0089] Upon receiving a command from the TOS, the robot arm 1 is positioned corresponding to the slot to be operated, grips the movable connector 11 by unwinding the cable 15 from the reel of the winder 14, and connects the movable connector 11 to the robot-side connector 21 of the movable distribution board 2 on the container 3.

[0090] The connection of the movable connector 11 by the robot arm 1 is performed with the aid of an indication system which identifies the position of the robot-side connector 21 on the switchboard 2 .

[0091] It is possible to provide a camera system that allows video to be sent to a remote control room of the robot arm 1 to allow an operator to remotely control the robot arm 1 .

[0092] In a simplified embodiment, no connection assistance is provided for the robot 1 and the functionality is limited to the automatic disconnection of the container 3. In this case, there are two modes of disconnection:

[0093] A) Retract the switchboard 2 in the movable configuration:

[0094] 1. Pop the connector 31 of the container 3 out of the first connector 23 , wherein the connector 31 itself falls into the basket 30 , in order to recover the cable 32 on the container 3 ;

[0095] 2. Deactivate the fixing device that fixes the movable switchboard 2 to the container 3;

[0096] 3. Simultaneously retracting the cable 15 and the movable switchboard 2 via the cable winder 14 placed on the rack structure;

[0097] B) Do not retract switchboard 2:

[0098] 1. Maintain the fixing device that fixes the movable switchboard 2 to the container 3;

[0099] 2. Eject the movable connector 11 from the second connector 21 and rewind the power cable 15 onto the retraction roller of the cord winder 14 .

[0100] When a container 3 stacked under another container has to be moved, but first the containers stacked on it need to be disconnected and moved, solution B) can be used with the robot arm 1 to speed up the disconnection process.

[0101] In another example without a movable switchboard 2, the robot arm 1 positions the movable connector 11 near the connector 31. The operator manually connects the connector 31 to the movable connector 11 to make a connection. To disconnect, the movable connector 11 automatically ejects the connector 31 and the robot arm 1 retracts to a rest position.

[0102] This is Figure 9 , in which the arm 1 is positioned so as to present the movable connector 11 near the basket 30. The operator can manually insert the connector 31 into the movable connector 11, which is connected to the power supply network via the connection unit 16. The arm 1 is provided with a mechanism for ejecting the connector 31 from the movable connector 11, so that for disconnection, the movable connector 11 automatically pushes the connector 31 out and the robot arm 1 retracts.

[0103] The arm 1 is also equipped with a removable data connector 11', which is connected to a cable reel 14' and connected to a data transmission network via a data connection unit 16'. The refrigerated container 3 is equipped with a data connector 34. An operator manually picks up the removable data connector 11' and connects it to the data connector 34 on the container 3. The data connector 34 is provided with an ejection mechanism that ejects from the removable data connector 11', so that when disconnection is required, the ejection mechanism ejects the removable data connector 11', and the removable data connector 11' is retracted to the arm 1 by rewinding the data cable 15' on the cable reel 14'.

[0104] Based on the above description, it is possible to implement different embodiments of the system with different functionality and complexity.

[0105] The first embodiment provides a switchboard 2 for each container, and a robot arm 1 for each slot of the refrigerated shelf 2 , the robot arm 1 being arranged in front of each container 3 with a pointing system to automatically guide the arm 1 to the robot arm side connector 21 .

[0106] The second embodiment provides a simple telescopic robot arm 1 that can be moved with a horizontal translation system (in a planar manner) and / or a vertical translation system, such as a translation connected to a horizontal and / or vertical column of a carpenter.

[0107] The third embodiment provides a robotic arm 1 with autonomous manipulation and identification capabilities of a basket 30. The pointing system provides identification of a connector 31 inside the basket 30, simulation of the human action of unplugging the connector 31, and repositioning of the cable 32 in the basket 30 for connection to a receptacle on the rack.

[0108] Based on the above description, it is possible to identify different configurations.

[0109] In a first embodiment example, referred to as "one-to-one," an arm 1 is provided for each storage location (slot) of a container 3. In this case, the arm 1 is capable of automatically performing connections and disconnections, minimizing manual intervention, limited to the operator initially applying the switchboard 2 to the container 3 upon unloading, if the container 3 is not already equipped with a fixed switchboard 2. Optionally, the arm 1 can retain the switchboard 2 in a removable configuration during final transport of the container 3.

[0110] In a second embodiment, called "traveling arm", several containers are connected to a single mechanism; the system consists of a robotic arm 1 with a gripper at the end, designed to remove movable connectors 11 and connect these to connectors on the robotic arm 21 of the switchboard 2 on the container 3: in this case, the robotic arm 1 moves on vertical and / or horizontal slides or rails to reach any slot of the refrigerated shelf structure.

[0111] Each slot is equipped with a removable connector 11 in its fixed part (that is, the part integrated with the refrigerated shelf), compatible with the above-mentioned coupling mechanism, which is connected in a controlled retrieval manner to a cable 15 wound on a reel 14 and, when commanded by the system, is connected via the arm 1 itself to the switchboard 2 on the container 3.

[0112] On the head of the arm 1 is mounted a suitable gripper capable of gripping a mobile connector 11 connected to a cable 15 situated on the fixed part of the refrigerated shelf and enabling it to engage with a connector 21 on the robot side of the switchboard 2 situated on the container 3 itself.

[0113] A fourth embodiment example, called "mobile platform", applies a "traveling arm" configuration to situations where there is no metal joinery (refrigerated racks) that would allow the storage and retrieval of containers 3. This solution is suitable for situations where containers 3 are stored in areas without "flying" connections.

[0114] In this case, if Figure 6 As shown, the arm 1 equipped with a gripper in the case of a “traveling arm” is mounted on a movable platform, allowing a movable connector 11 to be connected to a cable reel 14 mounted on the ground for connection to the container 3 .

[0115] The fourth embodiment example called "release only" refers to a simplified construction in which a movable arm 1 is provided for each slot, in which each arm 1 has a movable connector 11 mounted on its top, which is provided with an automatic ejection mechanism for the connector 31.

[0116] It can be shown that this solution can both simplify the operations of a container terminal that is primarily engaged in transshipment business and manage the disconnection of containers 3 in the holds of ships.

[0117] This configuration also offers the possibility of connecting a data cable 15 ′ with a removable data connector 11 ′ to the head of the arm 1 , the arm 1 being equipped with an ejector and a retraction mechanism 14 ′ of the data cable 15 ′ if necessary.

[0118] Downstream of the first connection, the operator connects the plug to the head of the arm 1 and positions the arm 1 above the basket 30 so that the ejector releases the connector 31 and the cable 32 directly into the basket 30 .

[0119] Following commands synchronized with the Terminal Operating System (TOS) or the vessel, the arm 1 pushes the connector 31 directly into the basket 30, allowing the container 3 to move and automatically return to the rest position.

Claims

1. A system for connecting and / or disconnecting a refrigerated container (3) to a power supply and / or data connection, wherein the container (3) is located in a port, and / or a storage and transfer site, and / or on a ship, and at least one electrical connector (31) for connecting to a power supply and / or data transmission network and a cable (32) for connecting the electrical connector (31) are provided outside the container body of the container (3), one end of the cable (32) for connecting the electrical connector (31) is connected to the container body of the container (3), and the other end of the cable (32) for connecting the electrical connector (31) is connected to at least one electrical connector (31). It is characterized by The system comprises an automated device for electrically connecting the electrical connector (31) to the power supply and / or data transmission network and disconnecting the electrical connector (31) from the power supply and / or data transmission network, the device comprising at least one articulated or Cartesian type robotic arm (1), The system further comprises a switchboard (2), which is detachably fixed to the container (3) and is provided with at least one container-side connector (23) and at least one robot-side connector (21), wherein the container-side connector (23) is adapted to be connected to the electrical connector (31) of the container (3), and the robot-side connector (21) is adapted to be connected to the power supply and / or data transmission network, because the container-side connector (23) and the robot-side connector (21) of the switchboard (2) are electrically connected to each other within the switchboard (2), wherein a movable connector (11) connected to the power supply and / or data transmission network is also provided, wherein the movable connector (11) is moved by the robot (1) to connect the movable connector (11) to the robot-side connector (21) of the switchboard (2) via electrical contacts, and / or to disconnect the movable connector (11) from the robot-side connector (21) of the switchboard (2) via the electrical contacts.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The switchboard (2) has a transmitting unit that transmits the data received from the container (3) via radio waves.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The mobile connector (11) is connected to the power supply and / or data transmission network via a cable (15) for connecting the mobile connector (11) wound on an automatic cable winder (14).

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The robot arm (1) has an indication system for determining the position of a robot arm side connector (21) of a switchboard (2).

5. The system according to claim 1 can be installed on a storage and access structure of a refrigerated container, wherein the storage and access structure includes a plurality of workstations, each of which is configured for a refrigerated container, wherein each of at least a portion of the plurality of workstations is equipped with a dedicated robotic arm (1).

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The robot arm (1) is capable of translation on at least two axes and is provided with means for moving the robot arm (1) so that the robot arm (1) can be arranged at each container (3) of a plurality of containers.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein: The robot arm (1) is provided at its free end with a clamping member for a movable connector (11).

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The box body of the refrigerated container (3) is equipped with a collection basket (30) inserted in front of the compressor, and the cable (32) for connecting the electrical connector (31) of the refrigerated container (3) and at least one electrical connector (31) are positioned in the collection basket (30).

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The distribution board (2) is positioned above the collection basket (30).

10. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The switchboard (2) comprises a housing equipped with a holder (22) for hooking onto the outside of the collecting basket (30).

11. A system for connecting and / or disconnecting a refrigerated container (3) to a power supply and / or data connection, wherein the container (3) is located in a port, and / or a storage and transfer site, and / or on a ship, and at least one electrical connector (31) for connecting to a power supply and / or data transmission network and a cable (32) for connecting the electrical connector (31) are provided outside the container body of the container (3), one end of the cable (32) for connecting the electrical connector (31) is connected to the container body of the container (3), and the other end of the cable (32) for connecting the electrical connector (31) is connected to at least one of the electrical connectors (31). It is characterized by The body of the refrigerated container (3) is equipped with a collection basket (30) inserted in front of the compressor, and the cable (32) for connecting the electrical connector (31) of the refrigerated container (3) and at least one electrical connector (31) are positioned in the collection basket (30). The system comprises an automated device for electrically connecting the electrical connector (31) to the power supply and / or data transmission network and disconnecting the electrical connector (31) from the power supply and / or data transmission network, the device comprising at least one articulated or Cartesian type robotic arm (1), The system further comprises a switchboard (2'), which is integrated in the container (3) and is provided with at least one container-side connector (23) and at least one robot-side connector (21), wherein the container-side connector (23) is adapted to be connected to the electrical connector (31) of the container (3), and the robot-side connector (21) is adapted to be connected to the power supply and / or data transmission network, because the container-side connector (23) and the robot-side connector (21) of the switchboard (2') are electrically connected to each other in the switchboard (2'), wherein a movable connector (11) connected to the power supply and / or data transmission network is also provided, wherein the movable connector (11) is moved by the robot (1) to connect the movable connector (11) to the robot-side connector (21) of the switchboard (2') via electrical contacts, and / or to disconnect the movable connector (11) from the robot-side connector (21) of the switchboard (2') via the electrical contacts.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein The switchboard (2') has a transmitting unit that transmits data received from the container (3) via radio waves.

13. The system according to claim 11, wherein: The mobile connector (11) is connected to the power supply and / or data transmission network via a cable (15) for connecting the mobile connector (11) wound on an automatic cable winder (14).

14. The system according to claim 11 can be installed on a storage and access structure of a refrigerated container, wherein the storage and access structure includes a plurality of workstations, each of which is configured for a refrigerated container, wherein each of at least a portion of the plurality of workstations is equipped with a dedicated robotic arm (1).

15. The system according to claim 11, wherein The robot arm (1) is capable of translation on at least two axes and is provided with means for moving the robot arm (1) so that the robot arm (1) can be arranged at each container (3) of a plurality of containers.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein: The robot arm (1) is provided at its free end with a clamping member for a movable connector (11).

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