Conveyance device, assembly comprising a conveyance device and at least one article, and method for conveying the article using the device

Abstract

The invention relates to a handling device (2) comprising a lifting mechanism (20) having at least one articulated arm (30) and configured to be mechanically secured to any support (13) in order to support an article between a transport position and a working position; the handling device further comprises at least one movable transmission member (40), which moves in a translational manner and is mechanically connected to the at least one articulated arm, for converting the handling device from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration; and comprising a mechanical drive system (50) configured to drive the at least one movable transmission member in a translational direction, the mechanical drive system comprising a first drive phase in which the at least one movable transmission member is driven by the mechanical drive system in the translational direction. The handling device transitions from its retracted configuration in which the articles are in the transport position to an intermediate deployed configuration in which the articles are in an intermediate position between the transport position and the working position; and a second drive phase, in which the handling device is transferred from the intermediate deployed configuration to its deployed configuration, in which the article is in the working position, and a second drive phase, in which the handling device is transferred from the intermediate deployed configuration to its deployed configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of material handling technology, and more particularly to material handling technology for mobile carts used to carry one or more containers (e.g., boxes or the like).

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a handling device configured to enable an article, particularly a mobile trolley capable of carrying one or more containers, to switch between a transport position and a working position.

[0003] The present invention also relates to an assembly comprising the aforementioned conveying device and at least one article, particularly at least one mobile trolley capable of carrying one or more containers, the article being mounted on the conveying device.

[0004] The present invention also relates to a handling method for switching an article, particularly a mobile cart capable of carrying one or more containers, between a transport position and a working position.

[0005] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a production site comprising at least one storage area and / or production area, multiple items, particularly mobile carts capable of carrying one or more containers, and one or more handling devices configured to allow the mobile carts to switch between transport and working positions. Background Technology

[0006] European Patent EP 1 663 826 discloses a handling device for boxes and the like, which is used to repeatedly present the topmost box in a first box stack disposed on a first trolley to a predetermined height and allow the topmost box to be removed, such that the boxes removed from the first stack gradually form a second box stack on a second trolley.

[0007] Specifically, the device includes a first support member movable in a vertical direction for carrying a first stack; a second support member movable in a vertical direction for carrying a second stack; a device for synchronously controlling the first and second support members, wherein when one support member rises, the other support member falls, and vice versa; and a first side column located on a first side of the device and a second side column located on a second side of the device opposite to the first side.

[0008] The first side column and the second side column are each provided with a guide rail, wherein the first support member is installed on the guide rail of the first side column and the second support member is installed on the guide rail of the second side column.

[0009] The device is arranged at a predetermined height, leaving free space between the second side column and the topmost box of the first stack, so that the topmost box of the first stack can be directly transferred to the second stack by lateral translation.

[0010] This handling device enables the boxes to be stacked and aligned, so that the first box in one stack can be transferred to another stack by a simple action of the operator or by an actuator.

[0011] Therefore, this handling device can improve the productivity and ergonomics of the workstation with less downtime by continuously providing boxes containing a predetermined number of parts and by quickly and conveniently removing empty boxes.

[0012] The support members can also be positioned at an intermediate height, in which the support members are arranged opposite each other and at the same or approximately the same height.

[0013] When the aforementioned boxes are stacked on a mobile trolley (a common practice in such applications), the device also allows the trolley to be easily moved from one support to another when the supports are at an intermediate height. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The present invention aims to provide a handling device similar to the above-described type, namely, a mobile trolley configured to allow an article, especially a mobile trolley capable of carrying one or more containers, to switch between a transport position and a working position, and the handling device is particularly simple, compact and easy to use.

[0015] Therefore, according to a first aspect of the invention, a handling device is provided, configured to switch an article, particularly a mobile cart capable of carrying one or more containers, between a transport position and a working position. The handling device is configured to be mechanically fixed to any support member via a first end and to support the article via a second end opposite the first end. The handling device is capable of having a retracted configuration in which the article is in the transport position, and an extended configuration in which the article is in the working position. The handling device includes a lifting mechanism having at least one articulated arm and configured to be mechanically fixed to the any support member to switch between the transport position and the working position. The device includes: a support for the article; at least one movable transmission component that is translatably movable and mechanically connected to the at least one articulated arm for transferring the transport device from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration; and a mechanical drive system configured to drive the at least one movable transmission component in a translating direction, wherein the mechanical drive system includes a first drive phase in which the transport device transfers from the retracted configuration to an intermediate deployed configuration in which the article is located at an intermediate position between a transport position and a working position; and a second drive phase in which the transport device transfers from the intermediate deployed configuration to the deployed configuration.

[0016] In the conveying device according to the invention, the mechanical drive system drives the at least one movable transmission member to translate along the same generally horizontal direction in a first direction; and the at least one movable transmission member causes the at least one articulated arm to articulate along a second direction different from the first direction (e.g., generally vertical).

[0017] In the handling device according to the invention, the mechanical drive system drives the at least one movable transmission component to slide on the arbitrary support.

[0018] Furthermore, by means of the mechanical drive system of the conveying device according to the invention, the drive of the at least one movable transmission component, and thus the at least one articulated arm, is divided into two independent drive stages, thereby first causing the conveying device to change from its retracted configuration to its intermediate extended configuration, and then causing it to change from the intermediate extended configuration to its extended configuration.

[0019] Specifically, during the first drive phase (also known as the initiation phase), the conveying device is configured to apply a defined torque to the at least one articulated arm to initiate the lifting of the article, thereby lifting the article to a first predetermined height at a first predetermined speed; and during the second drive phase (also known as the lifting phase), the conveying device is configured to apply the same defined torque to the at least one articulated arm to lift the article to a second predetermined height significantly higher than the first predetermined height, and to lift at a second predetermined speed greater than the first predetermined speed.

[0020] For example, the second predetermined height may correspond to an ergonomic height of at least approximately 800 mm, so that any user can easily access the item, such as a component located inside a container on a mobile cart.

[0021] The following describes some preferred features of the handling device according to the present invention, which are simple in structure, easy to use, and economical.

[0022] The mechanical drive system may include a threaded rod configured to be rotatably driven and including a first threaded segment having a first predetermined pitch and a second threaded segment having a second predetermined pitch greater than the first predetermined pitch.

[0023] The conveying device may include an electric motor configured to drive the threaded rod of the mechanical drive system to rotate.

[0024] The mechanical drive system may include a first drive block mounted on a first threaded segment of the threaded rod and a second drive block mounted on a second threaded segment of the threaded rod, wherein the first drive block is configured to cooperate with the at least one movable transmission component in a first drive phase, and the second drive block is configured to cooperate with the at least one movable transmission component in a second drive phase.

[0025] The conveying device may include a guide rail, on which the mechanical drive system and the at least one movable transmission component are mounted.

[0026] The mechanical drive system can be arranged such that the first drive block and the second drive block translate along the guide rail when the threaded rod rotates.

[0027] The at least one hinged arm may include at least one first segment fixed to the support member via a first pivot connection; at least one second segment fixed to the at least one movable transmission member via a second pivot connection; wherein the at least one first segment and the at least one second segment are hinged to each other via a third pivot connection.

[0028] The lifting mechanism may include multiple articulated arms connected to each other.

[0029] The plurality of interconnected hinged arms can collectively present at least one double-X-shaped structure, which includes: at least two double-X-shaped structures that are stacked on top of each other and hinged together by the at least one movable transmission component, and / or at least two double-X-shaped structures that are arranged side by side, facing each other and hinged together by the at least one movable transmission component.

[0030] The transport device may include a support structure mechanically connected to the at least one articulated arm to support the article at a second end of the transport device.

[0031] The transport device may include a support base forming any of the supports, the lifting mechanism being mechanically fixed to the support base, wherein the support base is configured to be placed on the ground, and / or has a ground profile that is substantially the same as the footprint of the article.

[0032] According to a second aspect of the invention, an assembly is also provided, comprising a conveying device as described above and at least one article, particularly at least one mobile trolley capable of carrying one or more containers, the article being mounted on the conveying device.

[0033] According to a third aspect of the invention, a handling method is also provided for switching an article, particularly a mobile cart capable of carrying one or more containers, between a transport position and a working position by means of the handling device described above, the method comprising driving the mechanical drive system to move the at least one movable transmission member and the at least one articulated arm thereby in a translational direction, wherein, in a first driving phase, the handling device switches from its retracted configuration to an intermediate deployed configuration in which the article is located at an intermediate position between the transport position and the working position; and in a second driving phase, the handling device switches from the intermediate deployed configuration to its deployed configuration.

[0034] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a production site is also provided, comprising at least one storage area and / or production area, a plurality of articles, particularly mobile trolleys capable of carrying one or more containers, and one or more handling devices as described above, the handling devices being configured to switch the articles between transport locations and working locations.

[0035] The production site may include multiple adjacent handling devices, which are arranged front to back and / or side to side with each other, and are configured to gradually unload a stack of items formed on a first handling device and transfer it to a second handling device adjacent to it. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view shows an assembly of the transport device according to the invention in a retracted configuration, and a mobile trolley located on the transport device and in a transport position.

[0037] Figure 2 To and Figure 1 A similar side view.

[0038] Figure 3 To and Figure 1 A similar view shows the transport device in a centrally deployed configuration with the mobile trolley positioned between the transport and working positions.

[0039] Figure 4 To and Figure 1 and Figure 3 A similar view shows the transport device in its deployed configuration and the mobile trolley in its working position.

[0040] Figure 5 To and Figure 1 A similar view, but the moving vehicle is not shown.

[0041] Figure 6 This is a top view of the transport device in its retracted configuration.

[0042] Figure 7 To and Figure 6 A similar view, but the transport device is not equipped with a supporting structure.

[0043] Figure 8 To and Figure 7 A similar perspective view.

[0044] Figure 9 To and Figure 8 Similar views, but taken from different perspectives.

[0045] Figure 10 To and Figures 7 to 9 A similar side view.

[0046] Figure 11 This is a sectional view of the conveying device obtained by cutting along the longitudinal mid-plane, such as... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown.

[0047] Figure 12 To and Figure 3A similar perspective view shows the transport device in a centrally deployed configuration but without the mobile trolley.

[0048] Figure 13 To and Figure 12 A similar side view.

[0049] Figure 14 To and Figure 12 A similar view, but the transport device is not equipped with a supporting structure.

[0050] Figure 15 To and Figure 14 Similar views, but taken from different perspectives.

[0051] Figure 16 To and Figure 4 A similar perspective view shows the transport device in its unfolded configuration but without the mobile trolley.

[0052] Figure 17 To and Figure 16 A similar side view.

[0053] Figure 18 To and Figure 16 A similar view, but the transport device is not equipped with a supporting structure.

[0054] Figure 19 To and Figure 18 Similar views, but taken from different perspectives.

[0055] Figure 20 A schematic top view shows a storage and / or production area of ​​a production site, which is equipped with multiple mobile carts and multiple handling devices, which are arranged substantially adjacent to each other in a first side-by-side arrangement.

[0056] Figure 21 To and Figure 20 Similar view, but the conveying devices are arranged basically adjacent to each other in the second front-to-back arrangement. Detailed Implementation

[0057] Figures 1 to 4 An assembly 1 is schematically shown, which includes a conveying device 2 and an article, which is here constituted by a mobile trolley 3 and is placed on the conveying device 2.

[0058] The transport device 2 is configured to move the mobile trolley 3 from the transport position ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) via the middle position ( Figure 3 ) Switch to work location ( Figure 4 ), and reverse conversion.

[0059] Specifically, the mobile trolley 3 can carry one or more containers, such as boxes or similar objects (not shown in the figure).

[0060] The mobile trolley 3 is a standard trolley with standardized dimensions, such as a length of approximately 600 mm and a width of approximately 400 mm.

[0061] The mobile trolley 3 includes a generally tray-shaped chassis 4 with an outer contour 5, which is made of a grid structure consisting of metal rods 21 welded at their intersections.

[0062] The mobile trolley 3 also includes a roller mechanism 6, in which some rollers are fixed and some are steerable. The roller mechanism supports the chassis 4 and enables the mobile trolley 3 to move.

[0063] The mobile trolley 3 includes a traction rod 8, which is located at the front of the mobile trolley 3 and connected to the chassis 4 via a hinge structure 7 (especially a pivot).

[0064] The traction rod 8 has a downwardly curved lower end 9 located below the chassis 4.

[0065] The tow bar 8 can rotate relative to the chassis 4 between a default position (also known as the raised tilt position) and a low position. In the low position, it can be attached to a towing device or to another trolley (not shown).

[0066] The mobile trolley 3 is also provided with a hook 10 at its rear, that is, on the side opposite to the traction rod 8, for example, to cooperate with the traction rod of another mobile trolley of the same type.

[0067] The mobile trolley 3 also includes an elastic return element 11, which is a spring under tension. One end of the spring is fixed to the anchor point below the chassis 4, and the other end is fixed to the bent lower end 9 of the traction rod 8.

[0068] The elastic return element 11 is used to push the traction rod 8 to its default raised tilt position.

[0069] The tow bar 8 also has a longitudinal groove 12 configured to cooperate with the towing device of the vehicle or to receive a hook (not shown) of another vehicle.

[0070] It should be noted that, Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this configuration, the transport device 2 is in a retracted configuration, and the mobile trolley 3 is in its transport position on the transport device 2.

[0071] In the transport location, the mobile trolley 3 can move freely with the help of its roller mechanism 6.

[0072] For example, the mobile trolley 3 can be towed by a vehicle (autonomous or non-autonomous) equipped with a traction device, or pushed by a user, to a predetermined position corresponding to its transport position on the handling device 2, wherein its roller mechanism 6 is in contact with the support surface.

[0073] In the example shown, the mobile trolley 3 is guided onto a support base 13 that forms a support member, and the transport device 2 is mechanically fixed to the support base 13.

[0074] The supporting base 13 is set on the ground and can be placed directly on the ground or at least partially embedded in a shallow groove pre-formed in the ground.

[0075] The support base 13 here has a ground occupation profile generally similar to that of the mobile trolley 3, which is defined in particular by its chassis 4 and the tow bar 8 extending from the chassis 4.

[0076] The handling device 2 includes a lifting mechanism 20 configured to lift and lower the mobile trolley 3 in a second direction (e.g., generally vertical) to switch it between a transport position, an intermediate position and a working position.

[0077] Here, the conveying device 2 includes an electric motor 14, which is configured to drive the lifting mechanism 20.

[0078] In addition, the handling device 2 also includes a support structure 15 for supporting the mobile trolley 3.

[0079] For example, the load-bearing structure 15 is formed of a metal plate, which includes a main wall 16 that is generally located in a horizontal plane and includes two transverse walls 17 that extend from two opposite side edges of the main wall 16 and are generally located in a vertical plane.

[0080] The load-bearing structure 15 also includes two support bars 18, which are protruding and mounted on the main wall 16 and located near two opposite side edges of the main wall 16, from which the transverse wall 17 extends.

[0081] Each support bar 18 has a positioning notch 19, which is configured to receive a section of metal rod 21 in the grid structure that forms the chassis 4 of the mobile trolley 3.

[0082] It should be noted that the main wall 16 also has an opening 22, which is specifically used to receive the resilient return element 11 of the moving trolley 3.

[0083] like Figure 2As shown, in the retraction configuration of the transport device 2, the upper end of the support bar 18 is at a first distance H1 from the upper surface 23 of the bearing base 13, and the lower end of the chassis 4 is at a second distance H2 from the upper end of the support bar 18. The sum of the first distance H1 and the second distance H2 generally defines the height of the mobile trolley 3 relative to the bearing base 13 (excluding the difference caused by the mesh thickness of the chassis 4).

[0084] exist Figure 3 In the middle, the lifting mechanism 20 is driven by the electric motor 14, so that the conveying device 2 is in the middle unfolded configuration, and the moving trolley 3 is in the middle position between the transport position and the working position.

[0085] In other words, the mobile trolley 3 is raised to a first predetermined height and is at a third distance H3 from the support base 13, which is greater than the sum of the first distance H1 and the second distance H2.

[0086] Several metal rods 21 segments in the grid structure of the chassis 4 are accommodated in the positioning recesses 19 of the support bars 18 to ensure the stability of the moving trolley 3, and the opening 22 can at least partially receive the elastic return element 11, such as the traction rod 8.

[0087] exist Figure 4 In the middle, the lifting mechanism 20 is driven by the motor 14 again, so that the conveying device 2 is in the unfolded configuration and the moving trolley 3 is in the working position.

[0088] In other words, the mobile trolley 3 is raised to a second predetermined height (which is the maximum height in this case), and its distance from the support base 13 is a fourth distance H4, which is greater than the third distance H3.

[0089] Indeed, in Figure 4 In the process, since the mobile trolley 3 is not carrying any containers, the transport device 2 lifts the mobile trolley 3 to its highest position; however, it should be understood that when the mobile trolley 3 carries one or more containers, the deployment of the transport device 2 will be adapted accordingly so that the container at the highest point on the mobile trolley 3 reaches the second predetermined height corresponding to the working position.

[0090] For example, the second predetermined height may correspond to an ergonomic height of at least approximately 800 mm, which should allow any user to approach the object being lifted effortlessly, i.e., the mobile cart 3 in this case, but more generally one or more containers.

[0091] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in particular, the conveying device 2 is configured to be mechanically fixed to the support base 13 via a first end 24, and to support the moving trolley 3 via a second end 25 opposite to the first end 24 by means of its support structure 15.

[0092] In addition, the lifting mechanism 20 has a plurality of articulated arms 30, which are configured to be mechanically fixed to the support base 13 and / or the support structure 15, and are capable of being extended and / or retracted in a second direction that is generally vertical.

[0093] The lifting mechanism 20 also has a movable transmission component that translates along a first direction different from the second direction, which is generally horizontal.

[0094] The movable transmission component 40 is mechanically connected to a portion of the hinged arm 30 to allow the transport device 2 to switch from a retracted configuration to an intermediate unfolded configuration and further to an unfolded configuration, while taking into account that the height corresponding to the unfolded configuration may vary depending on, for example, the number of containers on the mobile trolley 3.

[0095] The lifting mechanism 20 also includes a mechanical drive system 50, which is configured to be driven to rotate by an electric motor 14 and to drive the movable transmission component 40 to translate along a first direction that is generally horizontal. The mechanical drive system includes a first drive phase in which the conveying device 2 changes from its retracted configuration to its intermediate extended configuration; and a second drive phase in which the conveying device 2 changes from its intermediate extended configuration to its extended configuration.

[0096] Therefore, in the conveying device 2, the mechanical drive system 50 drives the movable transmission component 40 to translate along the same first direction in a generally horizontal direction, while the movable transmission component causes the articulated arm 30 to articulate along a second direction (generally vertical) different from the first direction.

[0097] The following will combine Figures 5 to 11 (Where the conveying device 2 is in a retracted configuration and there is no moving trolley) and Figure 14 and Figure 15 (Where the transport device 2 is in the middle of the unfolded configuration) The transport device 2 will be described in more detail.

[0098] Figures 5 to 11 The compactness of the conveying device 2 on the support base 13 is shown.

[0099] Specifically, the conveying device 2 is generally in the shape of a parallelepiped and is located between the front end 26 and the rear end 27. In the retracted configuration of the conveying device 2, the movable transmission component 40 is located at the front end 26, while the motor 14 is located at the rear end 27, which is opposite to the front end 26.

[0100] The support structure 15 extends between the front end 26 and the rear end 27, covering most of the upper surface 23 of the support base 13.

[0101] Therefore, the plate of the supporting structure 15 forms a cover on the top of the conveying device 2 through its main wall 16, the positioning notch 19 of the support bar 18 opens upward, and the transverse wall 17 is provided on the long side of the conveying device 2.

[0102] The articulated arm 30 and the drive system 50 are almost entirely covered by the load-bearing structure 15.

[0103] The motor 14 is powered here via cable 28.

[0104] The transport device 2 also includes several fixed legs 31, which protrude from the upper surface 23 of the bearing base 13.

[0105] The hinged arms 30 are arranged in a stacked and juxtaposed double X-shaped structure, connected to each other, and hinged in pairs.

[0106] In other words, in the example shown, the lifting mechanism 20 has a pair of hinged arms 30 on each side of the movable transmission component 40, and each pair of hinged arms 30 extends along their respective transverse walls 17 of the bearing structure 15, thereby forming a juxtaposed structure of multiple pairs of hinged arms 30 (see especially). Figure 8 ).

[0107] It should be noted that these juxtaposed articulated arms are connected to each other by a crossbeam 32, which defines a predetermined spacing to form a space in which, for example, a movable transmission component 40, a movable drive system 50, and a portion of the electric motor 14 are arranged.

[0108] In addition, each pair of hinged arms 30 is arranged in a stacked manner, that is, they form two stacked X-shaped structures in pairs.

[0109] For ease of simplification and understanding, only one pair of hinged arms 30 will be described below, while considering that the other pair of hinged arms is the same. The description refers in particular to Figures 8 to 10 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 .

[0110] The following concepts will be used: a first hinged arm 130 located on one side of the support base 13, and a second hinged arm 230 located on one side of the support structure 15 (opposite to the support base 13).

[0111] Therefore, each set of hinge arms 30 includes a first hinge arm 130 and a second hinge arm 230.

[0112] Each of the first hinge arm 130 and the second hinge arm 230 has a first segment 133, 233 and a second segment 134, 234 respectively. The first segment and the second segment intersect each other and are hinged to each other by a third pivot connection 135, 235.

[0113] The first segment 133 of each first articulated arm 130 located on one side of the bearing base 13 is here fixed to the fixed leg 131 of the bearing base 13 via a first pivot connection 136.

[0114] The second segment 134 of each first articulated arm 130 located on one side of the support base 13 is here fixed to the movable transmission component 40 by a second pivot connection 137.

[0115] The first segment 233 of each second hinge arm 230 located on one side of the load-bearing structure 15 is here fixed to the second segment 134 of the corresponding first hinge arm 130 via a fourth pivot connection 138.

[0116] The second segment 234 of each second hinge arm 230 located on one side of the load-bearing structure 15 is here fixed to the first segment 133 of the corresponding first hinge arm 130 by a sixth pivot connection 238.

[0117] The second segment 234 of each second hinge arm 230 located on one side of the load-bearing structure 15 is fixed to the load-bearing structure 15 via a fifth pivot connection 239, located below the main wall 16 and abutting against the corresponding transverse wall 17.

[0118] The first segment 233 of each second articulated arm 230 located on one side of the load-bearing structure 15 is provided with a roller 41 at its free end (the end opposite to the fourth pivot connection 138), the roller abutting against the underside of the main wall 16 of the load-bearing structure 15.

[0119] Therefore, for each pair of hinged arms 30, the second segment 234 of the second hinged arm 230 is hinged relative to the load-bearing structure 15, while the first segment 233 of the second hinged arm 230, apart from being hinged to the second segment 234, can only translate under the main wall 16 of the load-bearing structure 15.

[0120] In other words, the first segment 233 of the second hinged arm 230 is not hinged to the load-bearing structure 15, and the second segment 234 of the second hinged arm 230 does not translate relative to the load-bearing structure 15.

[0121] Furthermore, for each pair of articulated arms 30, the second segment 134 of the first articulated arm 130 is hinged to the movable transmission component 40 on the one hand, and is driven by the movable transmission component to perform translational movement on the other hand; while the first segment 133 of the first articulated arm 130 is hinged to the bearing base 13, and is also hinged to the second segment 134.

[0122] In other words, the first segment 133 of the first articulated arm 130 does not translate relative to the bearing base 13.

[0123] In the example shown, the conveying device 2 includes a guide mechanism 70, which has a bearing seat 71 and two fixing clips 72 fixed to the bearing base 13 and protruding from the upper surface 23 (see especially). Figure 7 ).

[0124] The bearing housing 71 is positioned between the two fixing clips 72.

[0125] The guide mechanism 70 is located between the electric motor 14 and the mechanical drive system 50.

[0126] In the example shown, the conveying device 2 also includes a guide rail 80, which is fixed to the upper surface 23 of the support base 13. The mechanical drive system 50 and the movable transmission component 40 are mounted on the guide rail 80 (see especially). Figure 7 ).

[0127] The guide rail 80 has a planar wall 81 and two side walls 82, which extend from the planar wall 81 and in a first direction that is generally vertical.

[0128] The mechanical drive system 50 includes a threaded rod 51 extending between a distal end 52 and a proximal end 53, wherein the distal end 52 is located on one side of the guide mechanism 70 and is kept at a certain distance from the rear end 27 of the conveying device 2, and the proximal end 53 is opposite to the distal end 52 and located on one side of the front end 26 of the conveying device 2 (see especially). Figure 7 ).

[0129] The threaded rod 51 is configured to be driven to rotate by the electric motor 14 via the bearing housing 71, wherein the distal end 52 of the threaded rod 51 is mechanically fixed to the bearing housing 71.

[0130] The threaded rod 51 here has a first threaded segment 54, which has a first thread with a first predetermined pitch; and a second threaded segment 55, which has a second thread with a second predetermined pitch, and the second predetermined pitch is greater than the first predetermined pitch.

[0131] The first threaded section 54 and the second threaded section 55 are directly connected at a connecting part 56 (see...). Figure 11 ).

[0132] The first threaded section 54 extends from the free proximal end 53 to the connecting portion 56, while the second threaded section 55 extends from the connecting portion 56 to the distal end 52 (see...). Figure 11 ).

[0133] In the example shown, the mechanical drive system 50 also includes a first drive stop 57 mounted on a first threaded section 54 of the threaded rod 51, and a second drive stop 58 mounted on a second threaded section 55 of the threaded rod 51.

[0134] The mechanical drive system 50 is arranged such that the first drive stop 57 and the second drive stop 58 translate along the guide rail 80 when the threaded rod 51 rotates.

[0135] The first drive block 57 and the second drive block 58 are generally parallelepiped-shaped nuts.

[0136] Since the second predetermined pitch of the second thread of the second thread segment 55 is greater than the first predetermined pitch of the first thread of the first thread segment 54, the second drive block 58 moves faster on the second thread segment 55 than the first drive block 57 moves faster on the first thread segment 54.

[0137] The first drive stop 57 is configured to cooperate with the movable transmission component 40 in the first drive phase, while the second drive stop 58 is configured to cooperate with the movable transmission component 40 in the second drive phase.

[0138] The movable transmission component 40 includes a body 42, which is at least partially housed on a guide rail 80 and is configured to translate within the guide rail 80 in a first direction that is generally horizontal.

[0139] The main body 42 of the movable transmission component 40 has a central block 43, in which a recess 44 is formed. The recess forms a first receiving cavity 45 for receiving the first drive stop 57 on one hand, and a first pressing wall 46 on the other hand.

[0140] The main body 42 of the movable transmission component 40 also has side walls 47 located on both sides of the central block 43 and each of them spans a corresponding side wall 82 of the guide rail 80, and the side walls 47 also extend toward the rear end 27 of the conveying device 2.

[0141] The main body 42 of the movable transmission component 40 also has a second push wall 48, which is connected to the side wall 47 at a position spaced apart from the central block 43, thereby forming a second receiving cavity 49 for receiving the second drive stop 58, the second receiving cavity 49 being located between the central block 43 and the second push wall 48.

[0142] It should be noted that the second segment 134 of the first hinge arm 130 of each hinge arm 30 located on one side of the bearing base 13 is fixed to a corresponding side wall 47 of the main body 42 of the movable transmission component 40 via a corresponding second pivot connection 137.

[0143] In the retraction configuration of the conveying device 2 (such as...) Figures 5 to 11 As shown), the first hinge arm 130 and the second hinge arm 230 of each pair of hinge arms 30 are close to each other and in a retracted state, and the movable transmission component 40 is located near the front end 26 of the conveying device 2.

[0144] At this time, the first drive stop 57 is located on the first threaded section 54 of the threaded rod 51 and abuts against the first push wall 46 of the movable transmission component 40.

[0145] The second drive stop 58 is located on the second threaded section 55 of the threaded rod 51, maintaining a certain distance from the second push wall 48 of the movable transmission component 40, and close to the central block 43.

[0146] Therefore, the following combination Figures 12 to 19 The conveying device 2 transitions from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration via a first driving phase. In this first driving phase, the first driving block 57 translates along the first threaded section 54 of the threaded rod 51 and pushes the movable transmission component 40 to translate. Subsequently, the conveying device 2 transitions to an extended configuration via a second driving phase. In this second driving phase, the second driving block 58 translates along the second threaded section 55 of the threaded rod 51 and pushes the movable transmission component 40.

[0147] Therefore, in Figures 12 to 19 In the middle, the conveying device 2 has been transformed from its retracted configuration to its deployed configuration (such as...). Figure 4 As shown), and via an intermediate unfolding configuration between the retracted and unfolded configurations (such as... Figure 3 (As shown).

[0148] In other words, Figures 12 to 15 The first driving phase is shown, in which the conveying device 2 transitions from a retracted configuration to an intermediate deployed configuration; and Figures 16 to 19 The second driving phase is shown, in which the conveying device 2 transitions from the intermediate unfolded configuration to the unfolded configuration.

[0149] Figures 12 to 19 This describes one implementation of a handling method, in which a mobile trolley 3 capable of carrying containers is moved from a transport position on the ground to a working position at a higher level using a handling device 2.

[0150] In the conveying device 2, the mechanical drive system 50 drives the movable transmission component 40 to translate along the same first direction in a generally horizontal direction, while the movable transmission component causes the articulated arm 30 to articulate along a second direction (e.g., generally vertical) different from the first direction.

[0151] Furthermore, with the help of the mechanical drive system of the conveying device 2, the drive of the movable transmission component 40 (and thus the articulated arm 30) is divided into two different drive stages, so that the conveying device 2 is first converted from the retracted configuration to the intermediate unfolded configuration, and then converted from the intermediate unfolded configuration to the unfolded configuration.

[0152] In particular, during the first drive phase (also known as the start-up phase), the transport device 2 is configured to transmit a defined torque to the articulated arm 30 to initiate the lifting of the trolley, thereby lifting it to a first predetermined height at a first predetermined speed; while during the second drive phase (also known as the lifting phase), the transport device 2 is configured to transmit the same defined torque to the articulated arm 30 to lift the trolley to a second predetermined height significantly higher than the first predetermined height, such as an ergonomic height, and to lift it at a second predetermined speed greater than the first predetermined speed.

[0153] In the first driving phase (by Figures 5 to 11 Transition to Figures 12 to 15 As shown), the motor 14 drives the threaded rod 51 to rotate via the bearing housing 71, thereby causing the first drive stop 57 to translate along the first threaded section 54 of the threaded rod 51 on the guide rail 80, and causing the second drive stop 58 to translate along the second threaded section 55 of the threaded rod 51 on the guide rail 80.

[0154] In the first driving phase, since the first driving block 57 abuts against the first pressing wall 46 and the second driving block 58 is spaced apart from the second pressing wall 48, the first driving block 57 pushes the main body 42 of the movable transmission component 40 to translate along a first direction in the horizontal direction at a first speed. The first speed corresponds to the torque provided by the motor 14 and the first predetermined pitch on the first threaded section 54; and thereby drives the second section 134 of the first hinge arm 130 of each pair of hinge arms 30 to move.

[0155] The movement of the second segment 134 of the first articulated arm 130 of each pair of articulated arms 30 causes the movement of its first segment 133, and the two together cause the movement of the first segment 233 and the second segment 234 of the second articulated arm 230 of each pair of articulated arms 30.

[0156] In other words, each pair of hinged arms 30 extends upward along a second direction that is generally vertical, thereby causing the load-bearing structure 15 to rise from a static position to an intermediate position.

[0157] In the first driving phase, the second driving stop 58 moves faster along the second threaded section 55 of the threaded rod 51 than the first driving stop 57 moves along the first threaded section 54, and also faster than the main body 42 of the movable transmission component 40. Therefore, the second driving stop 58 will catch up with the second pushing wall 48.

[0158] The first predetermined pitch of the first thread of the first thread segment 54 and the second predetermined pitch of the second thread of the second thread segment 55 are set such that the second drive stop 58 catches up with the second push wall 48 at about one-third of the travel of the first drive stop 57 on the first thread segment 54 or earlier.

[0159] Therefore, in the second driving phase (by Figures 12 to 15 Transition to Figures 16 to 19 As shown), the motor 14 still drives the threaded rod 51 to rotate via the bearing housing 71. The threaded rod 51 then causes the first drive stop 57 to translate along the first threaded section 54 on the guide rail 80, and causes the second drive stop 58 to translate along the second threaded section 55 on the guide rail 80.

[0160] In the second driving phase, since the second driving block 58 abuts against the second pushing wall 48, the second driving block 58 pushes the main body 42 of the movable transmission component 40 to translate in a first direction in the horizontal direction at a second speed. The second speed is greater than the first speed and corresponds to the torque provided by the motor 14 and the second predetermined pitch of the second thread of the second thread segment 55; thereby driving the second segment 134 of the first hinge arm 130 of each pair of hinge arms 30 to move.

[0161] In the second driving phase, the main body 42 of the movable transmission component 40 moves faster than the first driving block 57 moves along the first threaded section 54, thereby causing the first driving block 57 to gradually move away from the first pushing wall 46 until it exits from the first receiving cavity 45.

[0162] Since the first drive stop 57 is supported on the guide rail 80, it does not rotate with the threaded rod, but continues to move forward along the first threaded segment 54.

[0163] Each pair of articulated arms 30 continues to extend upward along a second direction that is generally vertical, thereby driving the load-bearing structure 15 to rise further from the middle position to the working position.

[0164] Of course, this handling method can also be implemented in the opposite direction to move the mobile trolley 3 from a high working position to a ground transport position; and the working position can also be located in a different location. Figures 16 to 19 The height shown.

[0165] Figure 20 The production site 100 is schematically and partially shown, which includes a first work area 101 (or production area), a second area 102 (or storage area) located near the first work area 101, and a free area 103 disposed between the first work area 101 and the second area 102, the free area 103 providing direct access to the first work area 101 and the second area 102.

[0166] In particular, the idle area 103 can be used to accommodate the user 104 (or operator) of the production site 100; the second area 102 can be used to place the mobile cart 3, which is equipped with a container 105 and stores components 106 for the user 104 to access; and the first work area 101 can be configured to enable the user 104 to perform assembly and / or manufacturing operations therein using the components 106.

[0167] In the example shown, two conveying devices 2 are arranged in the second region 102.

[0168] These handling devices 2 are arranged side by side so that the user 104 can easily access both.

[0169] As described above, each of the two handling devices 2 is configured to allow the mobile trolley 3 to switch between a transport position and a working position, thereby facilitating the operation of the user 104.

[0170] Furthermore, in this arrangement, the user can use the first of the two handling devices 2 as described above to lift the mobile trolley 3 carrying the container 105 and its components 106 to an ergonomic height; and use the second handling device 2 as a depalletizer, that is, as a support to receive the container 105 whose components 106 have been removed.

[0171] In other words, the first conveying device 2 ( Figure 20 The upper middle one) is used to lift the mobile trolley 3 loaded with at least one container 105 containing component 106, while the second conveying device 2 ( Figure 20 The lower middle section is used to lift the mobile cart 3, which initially does not have a container loaded.

[0172] Once container 105 is emptied, user 104 removes it and transfers it to the mobile trolley 3, which was initially unloaded. The height of the mobile trolley 3 on the first and second transport devices can then be adjusted.

[0173] Therefore, the first transport device 2 and the second transport device 2 are configured to gradually unload the container stack formed on the first transport device 2 from the first transport device 2 and load it onto the second transport device 2 adjacent to it.

[0174] Figure 21 and Figure 20 The only difference is the arrangement of the first transport device 2 and the second transport device 2.

[0175] As described above, each of the two handling devices 2 is configured to allow the mobile trolley 3 to switch between a transport position and a working position, thereby facilitating the operation of the user 104.

[0176] Furthermore, in this arrangement, the user can use the first of the two handling devices 2 as described above to lift the mobile trolley 3 carrying the container 105 and its components 106 to an ergonomic height; and use the second handling device 2 as a depalletizer, that is, as a support to receive the container 105 whose components 106 have been removed.

[0177] In other words, the first conveying device 2 ( Figure 21 The upper middle one) is used to lift the mobile trolley 3 loaded with at least one container 105 containing component 106, while the second conveying device 2 ( Figure 21 The lower middle section is used to lift the mobile cart 3, which initially does not have a container loaded.

[0178] Once container 105 is emptied, user 104 removes it and transfers it to the mobile trolley 3, which was initially unloaded. The height of the mobile trolley 3 on the first and second transport devices can then be adjusted.

[0179] Therefore, the first transport device 2 and the second transport device 2 are configured to gradually unload the container stack formed on the first transport device 2 from the first transport device 2 and load it onto the second transport device 2 adjacent to it.

[0180] The following describes variants that are not shown.

[0181] The lifting mechanism comprises only a pair of articulated arms, which have a first arm and a second arm stacked on top of the first arm, and the pair of articulated arms are located only on one side of the support base.

[0182] The lifting mechanism comprises only a pair of articulated arms, which has a first arm located on one side of the support base and another first arm located side by side on the other side of the support base.

[0183] The lifting mechanism includes only one articulated arm on one side of the transport device.

[0184] The mechanical drive system may include multiple threaded rods, and each threaded rod is provided with at least one drive stop.

[0185] The threaded rod may include more than two threaded segments with different threads, and the mechanical drive system may include multiple drive stops corresponding to the number of threaded segments with different threads.

[0186] The lifting mechanism may not include a guide mechanism located between the threaded rod and the motor.

[0187] Mechanical drive systems, along with movable transmission components, can be fully or partially submerged in fluids, such as oil.

[0188] Support bars are not required for load-bearing structures.

[0189] The mobile vehicle may include a base plate rather than a metal mesh structure.

[0190] The mobile trolley can have a traction rod without longitudinal grooves.

[0191] The mobile cart can have dimensions different from those described above.

[0192] The support base may be equipped with guide rails or channels to receive the roller mechanism of the moving trolley.

[0193] In the production site, the handling devices may be arranged in other ways, and / or the number of adjacent handling devices may be more than two, and they shall be arranged in at least pairs adjacent to each other.

[0194] More generally, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and illustrated.

Claims

1. Handling device configured for mutually converting an article, in particular a mobile trolley (3) capable of carrying one or more containers (105), between a transport position and a work position, said handling device being configured to be mechanically fixed to an arbitrary support (13) by means of a first end portion (24) and to support said article by means of a second end portion (25) opposite said first end portion, and being capable of having a retracted configuration, in which said article is in the transport position, and a deployed configuration, in which said article is in the work position, characterized in that said handling device comprising: a lifting mechanism (20) having at least one articulated arm (30) and configured to be mechanically fixed to said arbitrary support for supporting said article between the transport position and the work position; at least one movable transmission member (40) moving in translation and mechanically connected to said at least one articulated arm for converting said handling device from said retracted configuration to said deployed configuration; and a mechanical drive system (50) configured to drive said at least one movable transmission member in translation, wherein said mechanical drive system comprises a first drive phase, in which said handling device is converted from said retracted configuration to an intermediate deployed configuration, in which said article is in an intermediate position between the transport position and the work position, and a second drive phase, in which said handling device is converted from said intermediate deployed configuration to said deployed configuration.

2. The handling device of claim 1, wherein said mechanical drive system (50) comprises a threaded rod (51) configured to be rotatably driven and comprising a first threaded segment (54) having a first predetermined pitch and a second threaded segment (55) having a second predetermined pitch greater than said first predetermined pitch.

3. The handling device of claim 2, wherein, it comprises an electric motor (14) configured for driving the threaded rod (51) of said mechanical drive system (50) in rotation.

4. Handling device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said mechanical drive system (50) comprises a first drive block (57) mounted on the first threaded segment (54) of said threaded rod (51) and a second drive block (58) mounted on the second threaded segment (55), wherein said first drive block is configured to cooperate with said at least one movable transmission member (40) in said first drive phase and said second drive block is configured to cooperate with said at least one movable transmission member in said second drive phase.

5. The handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a guide rail (80) on which said mechanical drive system (50) and said at least one movable transmission member (40) are mounted.

6. Handling device according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that said mechanical drive system (50) is arranged so that said first drive block (57) and said second drive block (58) move in translation along said guide rail (80) when said threaded rod (51) is rotated.

7. The handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said at least one articulated arm (30) comprises: at least one first segment (133) fixed to said support (13) by means of a first pivotal connection (136); at least one second segment (134) fixed to said first segment (133) by means of a second pivotal connection (137); and at least one third segment (135) fixed to said second segment (134) by means of a third pivotal connection (138). at least one second segment (134) which is fixed to the at least one movable transmission element (40) by a second pivotal connection (137); wherein the at least one first segment and the at least one second segment are hingedly connected to each other by a third pivotal connection (135).

8. The handling device of claim 7, wherein, The lifting mechanism (20) comprises a plurality of hinged arms (30) which are connected to each other.

9. The handling device of claim 8, wherein, The plurality of hinged arms (30) which are connected to each other as a whole assumes at least one structural form, which comprises: at least two mutually superimposed double X-shaped structures which are hingedly connected by the at least one movable transmission element (40); and / or at least two side-by-side, mutually facing double X-shaped structures which are hingedly connected by the at least one movable transmission element.

10. The handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that It comprises a load-bearing structure (15) which is mechanically connected to the at least one hinged arm (30) to support the article at the second end (25) of the handling device (2).

11. The handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that It comprises a load-bearing base (13) which forms the arbitrary support, to which the lifting mechanism (20) is mechanically fixed, wherein the load-bearing base is configured to be placed on the ground and / or has a ground profile which is substantially identical to the footprint of the article as a whole.

12. A combination comprising a handling device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and at least one article, in particular at least one mobile trolley (3) capable of carrying one or more containers (105), which is mounted on the handling device.

13. A handling method for converting an article, in particular a mobile trolley (3) capable of carrying one or more containers (105), between a transport position and a work position by means of a handling device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The method comprises the following steps: driving the mechanical drive system (50) to move the at least one movable transmission element (40) and, with it, the at least one hinged arm (30) in a translational direction, wherein, in a first driving phase, the handling device is converted from its retracted configuration to an intermediate deployed configuration in which the article is in an intermediate position between the transport position and the work position, and, in a second driving phase, the handling device is converted from the intermediate deployed configuration to its deployed configuration.

14. A production site comprising at least one storage and / or production area (101, 102), a plurality of articles, in particular mobile trolleys (3) capable of carrying one or more containers (105), and one or more handling devices (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, which are configured for converting the mobile trolleys between a transport position and a work position.

15. The production site according to claim 14, characterized in that It comprises a plurality of handling devices (2) which are arranged next to each other and / or side by side and are configured to stepwise unload and transfer a stack of articles formed on a first handling device from this first handling device to a second handling device which is adjacent thereto. It comprises a plurality of handling devices (2) which are arranged next to each other and / or side by side and are configured to stepwise unload and transfer a stack of articles formed on a first handling device from this first handling device to a second handling device which is adjacent thereto.

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