A lifting aid apparatus with forks for attachment to a transport vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a lifting aid apparatus (1) for attachment to a transport vehicle (100) that comprises vehicle forks (110), the lifting aid apparatus (1) comprising apparatus forks (10), a manipulator (20) adapted to lift an object, a support structure (30) movably supporting the manipulator (20), and a securing mechanism (40) for securing the lifting aid apparatus (1) to at least one of the vehicle forks (110).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure generally pertains to transport of goods. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a lifting aid apparatus with fork receivers, the lifting aid apparatus being adapted to be attached to a transport vehicle. The arrangement may be attached to the vehicle for assisting a human operator in transporting objects.Background art

[0002] There exist a variety of transport vehicles that are manually loaded with goods. In stock picking, for example, objects such as boxes are often manually picked from warehouse storage racks and placed on pallets carried directly on forks of order pickers. The loading of transport vehicles may involve many heavy lifts for personnel.

[0003] WO2022096553A1 discloses a lifting aid arrangement that is adapted to be attached to a transport vehicle to aid an operator in lifting and placing objects on the transport vehicle. The objects are typically placed on a pallet that is carried directly by forks of the transport vehicle.Summary of the invention

[0004] Even though the above mentioned prior art solutions may well fulfil their intended purpose, there is still room for improvement. For example, improvements may relate to increasing the flexibility within transport of goods, preferably at a relatively low investment cost. In particular, it may be desired to provide or facilitate the possibility of temporary attaching a lifting aid apparatus to a transport vehicle. Further, it may be desired to provide a temporary attachable lifting aid apparatus that allows the transport vehicle to move while the lifting aid apparatus is active or in operation, thereby ensuring high productivity. The lifting aid apparatus should preferably be relatively light-weight and attachable to transport vehicles of various designs.

[0005] Thus, it is and object of the present disclosure to provide an improved lifting aid apparatus that solves at least one of the problems of the prior art. According to the present disclosure, this object is met by a lifting aid apparatus for attachment to a transport vehicle that comprises vehicle forks, the lifting aid apparatus comprising apparatus forks, a manipulator adapted to lift an object, a support structure movably supporting the manipulator, and a securing mechanism for securing the lifting aid apparatus to at least one of the vehicle forks.

[0006] Such a lifting aid apparatus is temporary attachable to the transport vehicle. In other words, a user such as for example a workhouse operative may selectively use the transport vehicle with or without the lifting aid apparatus. For example, the user may select to temporary attach the lifting aid apparatus for just a few operations that may last a few minutes. Typically, it is believed that the user will select to keep the lifting aid apparatus attached to the transport vehicle during a part or during parts of a shift, or alternatively during an entire shift. The present lifting aid apparatus may be referred to as a temporary attachable lifting aid apparatus.

[0007] By means of the securing mechanism, the lifting aid apparatus comprise integrated means for securing to the transport vehicle. Thus, no additional means are required when the transport vehicle is to be operated with the lifting aid apparatus attached thereto. In addition, the lifting aid apparatus needs no support legs or similar, which may be present on prior art solutions that do not provide the flexibility or productivity of the present lifting aid apparatus.

[0008] Now, since the present lifting aid apparatus readily allows for operation of a transport vehicle with or without the lifting aid apparatus, the need for investing in plural transport vehicles of different configurations is reduced. Further, one or more lifting aid apparatuses may be shared by a plurality of users that may select to utilise or not utilise a lifting aid apparatus depending on current work tasks or personal preferences.

[0009] Optionally, the securing mechanism comprises a clamping member. Such a securing mechanism may be relatively cost-effective, safe and easy to manufacture. Further, a clamping member may allow for visual inspection for confirming that lifting aid apparatus is securely attached to the transport vehicle. Preferably, the securing mechanism is configured to allow visual inspection that the securing mechanism is secured. For example, to visually inspect that the clamping member engages the transport vehicle.

[0010] Typically, the securing mechanism may be adapted to secure an apparatus fork to a vehicle fork. The securing mechanism may be adapted to clamp the apparatus fork to the vehicle fork to secure the lifting aid apparatus to the transport vehicle. The securing mechanism may be configured to allow visual inspection that the clamping member clamps the apparatus fork. Thus, the clamping member may be visible at least in a clamping position of the clamping member.

[0011] Optionally, the lifting aid apparatus is configured such that the clamping member is movable in a first direction towards and away from a vehicle fork to clamp the lifting aid apparatus to the vehicle fork. A securing mechanism with such a clamping member may be particularly safe and relatively easy to realize.

[0012] Optionally, the clamping member is linearly movable in the first direction. A securing mechanism with such a clamping member may be particularly easy to realize, e.g. by means of a linear actuator, or by means of a rotating actuator and a transmission translating a rotary movement into a translatory movement.

[0013] Optionally, the lifting aid apparatus, or more precisely the securing mechanism, comprises an electric actuator that is configured to move the clamping member in the first direction. Such a solution may be safe and easy to realize, in particular since electric power is typically available on transport vehicles. The electric actuator may be a linear electric actuator that is configured to linearly move the clamping member in the first direction, i.e. towards and away from a vehicle fork.

[0014] Optionally, the clamping member is movable in a second direction substantially in-plane with the vehicle forks. Thereby, the securing mechanism may be adaptable to vehicle forks of various widths.

[0015] Optionally, the clamping member is linearly movable in the second direction. A securing mechanism with such a clamping member may be particularly easy to realize, e.g. by means of a threaded adjustment member.

[0016] Optionally, the clamping member is attached to a carrier that is movable in the first direction. For example, the carrier may be linearly movable by means of a linear electric actuator. The clamping member may be linearly movably attached to the carrier. Such a solution may be cost effective and ensure safety. In addition, the solution may allow for visual inspection that the clamping member engages the transport vehicle.

[0017] Optionally, the lifting aid apparatus, or typically the securing mechanism, comprises a threaded adjustment member by means of which the clamping member may be moved in the second direction. A threaded adjustment member may be reliable and may be manually operated. Further, a threaded adjustment may not require electric power. The threaded adjustment may be received in an internally threaded through-hole of the carrier.

[0018] Optionally, the carrier and the clamping member may be configured such that the clamping member may slide in relation to the carrier in the second direction. The carrier may comprise an internally threaded through-hole for the threaded adjustment member, such that the threaded adjustment member may be rotated to move the clamping member in relation to the carrier in the second direction. Optionally, the securing mechanism may be configured such that the threaded adjustment member may be manually rotated to adjust the lifting aid apparatus for attachment to vehicle forks of various widths.

[0019] Optionally, the apparatus forks provide a fork load support length of at least one meter. Thereby, even if the lifting aid apparatus would be positioned on the vehicle forks and occupy some of their length (which it typically at least one meter), the lifting aid apparatus may not reduce the load support length of the transport vehicle.

[0020] Optionally, the lifting aid apparatus is configured such that the vehicle forks may be received by the apparatus forks, wherein one clamping member is assigned to each apparatus fork. Such a solution may firmly secure the lifting aid apparatus to the vehicle forks of the transport vehicle. The apparatus forks may enclose at least the top side and at least one lateral side of the vehicle forks. Such apparatus forks may ensure a secure connection to the vehicle forks, and may also provide protection to the vehicle forks. Typically, the apparatus forks comprise an open bottom such that the vehicle forks may enter and exit the apparatus forks from below. The apparatus forks may be said to receive the apparatus forks, even though the apparatus forks necessarily do not enclose all sides of the vehicle forks, typically not the bottom side of the vehicle forks. Similarly, the vehicle forks can be said to be received by or located inside the apparatus forks.

[0021] Optionally, the apparatus forks comprise a distal end and a proximal end and the clamping member is arranged at the proximal end. Such a design may be beneficial as the load to which the clamping member is subjected may be reduced, as compared to a design where the clamping member is arranged at a distance from the proximal end. In addition, the solution may allow for or facilitate visual inspection of the clamping member.

[0022] Optionally, the lifting aid apparatus is configured to be attached and supported solely by the transport vehicle during a lifting operation. Such a solution may be beneficial for productivity. For example, the transport vehicle may be allowed to move while the lifting aid apparatus is active or in operation. When the lifting air apparatus in active or in operation, the manipulator may lift an object or be prepared to lift an object. For example, the manipulator may be attached to the object or be prepared to be attached to the object. Thus, for example, the lifting aid apparatus may be active or in operation while the transport vehicle moves next to a walking operator using a so called "follow me" function of the transport vehicle.

[0023] The transport vehicle may e.g. be an order picker or a stacker, i.e. a transport vehicle that comprises forks, or vehicle forks, and that is adapted for operation in a warehouse.

[0024] Optionally, the lifting aid apparatus is free from support legs or similar to support against a floor or ground on which the transport vehicle operates. Such a solution may be beneficial for productivity, in particular as the user need not trigger any support legs or similar or wait for such support legs or similar to deploy. In addition, the transport vehicle may be allowed to move while the lifting aid apparatus is active or in operation, which is typically not possible if support legs or similar are deployed.

[0025] Optionally, the lifting aid apparatus is configured such that the transport vehicle may move when the lifting aid apparatus is attached to the transport vehicle and the manipulator is activated or in operation.

[0026] Optionally, the lifting aid apparatus is configured such that when the lifting aid apparatus is attached to the transport vehicle and the securing mechanism is not engaged to secure the lifting aid apparatus, the manipulator is deactivated. Such a solution may be beneficial for reducing or avoiding the risk of an accident, as it reduces or avoids the possibility of an object being handled by the lifting aid apparatus when the latter is not secured to the transport vehicle.

[0027] Optionally, the lifting aid apparatus comprises a control unit that is configured to deactivate the manipulator when the securing mechanism is not secured. Such a solution may provide a reliable function for deactivating the manipulator to reduce or avoid the possibility of an object being lifted by the lifting aid apparatus when the latter is not secured to the transport vehicle.

[0028] Optionally, the lifting aid apparatus is configured to be powered by the transport vehicle. Thereby, the lifting aid apparatus need not comprise an own energy source for powering the manipulator or other components, such as the support structure, to lift the object. Benefits include that the cost and also the weight of the lifting aid apparatus may be reduced, as compared to prior art apparatuses where a relatively large energy source, typically a battery, is included in the apparatus. Further, high productivity is ensured as there is no need to implement a charging routine or wait for the lifting aid apparatus to charge. Optionally, the total weight of the lifting aid apparatus is below 250 kilograms.

[0029] Optionally, the lifting aid apparatus comprises an electrical input that is adapted to be connected to the transport vehicle. For example, the electrical input may be adapted to receive 24 or 48 volts. Optionally, the lifting aid apparatus comprises an electric cable with an electric plug that is adapted to the connected to the transport vehicle. Such a solution may simplify equipping a transport vehicle with the lifting aid apparatus. Optionally, the lifting aid apparatus is configured to be connected to a charging inlet of the transport vehicle, which may allow or facilitate attaching the lifting aid apparatus to a transport vehicle without prior adaptation of the transport vehicle.

[0030] Optionally, the lifting aid apparatus comprises a compressor and a vacuum ejector. However, the present disclosure does not exclude the lifting aid apparatus comprising a vacuum generator, e.g. comprising an electric vacuum pump. Both alternatives make possible the manipulator attaching to and lifting an object by means of a vacuum gripper. Thus, the manipulator may comprise a vacuum gripper for releasable attachment to the object. The vacuum gripper may be driven or powered by the compressor and vacuum ejector or, alternatively, by the vacuum generator. A vacuum gripper may be beneficial for productivity, flexibility and ease of use as a variety of objects may quickly be attached to and lifted.

[0031] If the lifting aid apparatus comprises a compressor and a vacuum ejector to generate the vacuum that powers the vacuum gripper, several advantages are obtained. For one, pressurised air may be stored in an air tank such that the compressor unit need not operate continuously. Further, such a solution requires less energy that e.g. a system based on a vacuum generator directly connected to a vacuum gripper, and the manipulator may also be of a more compact design. As compared to a vacuum generator directly connected to a vacuum gripper, the combination of a compressor unit and a vacuum ejector may also involve a shorter activation time of the vacuum gripper from an idle state. Preferably, the manipulator comprises the vacuum ejector. Thus, pressurised air may be provided from the compressor to the manipulator, and only within the manipulator in the pressurised air converted into vacuum driving the vacuum gripper. The distance over which a vacuum need be provided is thus reduced.

[0032] Optionally, the lifting aid apparatus thus comprises a compressor, a vacuum ejector and an air tank for storing overpressure generated by the compressor. The air tank, or compressor tank, may be connected to the compressor and to the vacuum ejector. For space efficiency, the compressor and the air tank may be stacked vertically one on top of the other or next to one another in the transverse direction of the apparatus forks. Thereby, the lifting aid apparatus need only occupy a limited portion of the vehicle forks length, as compared to arranging the compressor and the air tank next to one another in the longitudinal direction of the apparatus forks.

[0033] Optionally, the support structure comprises a mast and an arm structure movably supporting the manipulator such that an operator may manually move the manipulator into engagement with the object. Such a solution may be beneficial for productivity and may be easy to use.

[0034] Optionally, the lifting aid apparatus comprises hoist means to which the manipulator is connected via a wire. Such a solution may be beneficial for productivity and may be easy to use, as an appropriate length of wire may be spooled out from the hoist means when a user manually pulls the manipulator to bring it into contact with an object to be lifted.

[0035] The hoist means may be comprised in the support structure, e.g. attached to the mast or the arm structure. The hoist means may be pneumatic hoist means adapted to be powered by compressed air from the compressor unit. The hoist means is preferably activated by the manipulator. The lifting aid apparatus is preferably configured such that the hoist means is activated when a vacuum gripper of the manipulator is brought into contact with an object.

[0036] Optionally, the arm structure comprises a proximal arm section and a distal arm section that are connected by a rotary joint solely allowing rotation in a horizontal plane. The arm structure may be horizontally rotatably supported by the transport vehicle. The operator may grasp the manipulator and move the manipulator to the object to be lifted whereby the arm structure is rotated and follows the manipulator.

[0037] Optionally, the lifting aid apparatus comprises a base housing that is positioned on the apparatus forks. Thus, the lifting aid apparatus may occupy a portion of the vehicle forks length. However, since the lifting aid apparatus comprise apparatus forks, the lifting aid apparatus may still provide an adequate fork load support length. The apparatus forks may protrude at least one meter with respect to the base housing such that a standard European pallet may be carried on the apparatus forks. Further, the lifting aid apparatus may be configured such that the vehicle forks may be received beneath the base housing and inside the apparatus forks, and the securing mechanism may comprise a clamping member that is movable substantially vertically towards and away from a vehicle fork to clamp the lifting aid apparatus to the vehicle fork, the lifting aid apparatus optionally comprising an electric actuator for moving the clamping member substantially vertically. The clamping member may be movable substantially horizontally, such that the securing mechanism is adaptable to vehicle forks of various widths. Furthermore, the support structure may comprises a mast and an arm structure attached to the mast, the arm structure movably supporting the manipulator such that an operator may manually move the manipulator into engagement with the object. The manipulator may comprises a vacuum gripper for releasable attachment to the object and the manipulator may be suspended by a wire from the support structure. The lifting aid apparatus may be configured to be powered by the transport vehicle. The base housing may contain a compressor or a vacuum generator driving the vacuum gripper.

[0038] The arm structure may arranged laterally centrally on the lifting aid apparatus. The distal end of the arm structure may then be conveniently brought to either lateral side of the transport vehicle by the operator. The arm structure may comprise two arm sections of essentially the same length that may be folded together, thus allowing long reach and a compact resting position. Preferably, the arm structure comprises blocking means for hindering movement of the arm structure when the transport vehicle is in motion. In this way, the arm structure may be kept in place when the transport vehicle is in motion so as to not be damaged or cause damage. Preferably, the hoist means, when activated, is configured to carry the weight of the object. The hoist means may be set to provide a predetermined lifting force to the manipulator via the wire.

[0039] Further advantages and conceivable features of the lifting aid apparatus will become clear from the following description of embodiments and examples.Brief description of the drawings

[0040] In order to explain advantages and features of the present disclosure more detail, a few embodiments will be described below, where references are made to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1is a side view of a lifting aid apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure, a vehicle fork of a transport vehicle is also indicated, Figure 2shows the lifting aid apparatus of figure 1 from behind, Figure 3shows the lifting aid apparatus of figures 1 and 2 and a transport vehicle to which the lifting aid apparatus is attached, Figure 4 and 5are enlarged views of a section of the lifting aid apparatus of figures 1 to 3 that illustrate how the lifting aid apparatus is secured to a vehicle fork of the transport vehicle, Figure 6is an exploded view of components of a securing mechanism of the lifting aid apparatus of the previous figures, and Figure 7shows the vehicle fork of figures 1, 4 and 6 in more detail. Detailed description of embodiments

[0041] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to persons skilled in the art.

[0042] Figures 1 to 6 show a lifting aid apparatus 1 for attachment to a transport vehicle 100 that comprises vehicle forks 110. The transport vehicle 100, in the present examples an order picker, is show in figure 3 and its vehicle forks 110 are shown or indicated in figures 1, 3, 4 and 7.

[0043] The lifting aid apparatus 1 comprises apparatus forks 10 as shown in each one of figures 1 to 5. When the lifting aid apparatus 1 is attached to the transport vehicle 100, the apparatus forks 10 serve the same purpose as the vehicle forks 110 do when the transport vehicle 100 is not equipped with a lifting aid apparatus 1. In other words, the apparatus forks 10 are adapted to engage a pallet.

[0044] The lifting aid apparatus 1 comprises a manipulator 20 adapted to lift an object, such as an undepicted box or similar. The manipulator 20 is schematically illustrated in figures 1 and 3. The lifting aid apparatus 1 further comprises a support structure 30 movably supporting the manipulator 20, as is shown in figures 1 to 3.

[0045] Importantly, the lifting aid apparatus 1 comprises a securing mechanism 40 for securing the lifting aid apparatus 1 to at least one of the vehicle forks 110. In the present examples, the securing mechanism 40 comprises a clamping member 42 as best shown in figures 4 to 6, which show a possible actual implementation of the securing mechanism 40. Figures 2 and 4 illustrate by hollow double-ended arrows that the clamping member 42 may be movable in a first direction Z towards and away from a vehicle fork 110 to clamp the lifting aid apparatus 1 to the vehicle fork 110. In the present examples, the first direction Z is a vertical direction. As is especially clear from figure 4, the clamping member 42 may be linearly movable in the first direction Z.

[0046] The lifting aid apparatus may comprise an electric actuator 50 that is configured to move the clamping member 42 in the first direction Z. In the present examples, the electric actuator 50 is arranged within the support structure 30 and therefore not visible.

[0047] As is also illustrated by hollow double-ended arrows in figures 2 and 4, and a double-ended arrow in figure 5, the clamping member 42 may be movable in a second direction X substantially in-plane with the vehicle forks 110. Thereby, as is especially clear from figures 4 and 5, the securing mechanism 40 is adaptable to vehicle forks 110 of various widths. In the present examples, the second direction X is a horizontal direction. In more detail, the present clamping member 42 is movable in a second direction X that is substantially in-plane with the vehicle forks 110. Further, the second direction X is substantially transverse to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle forks 110. As is especially clear from figures 4and 5, the clamping member 42 may be linearly movable in the second direction X.

[0048] As is shown in figures 4 to 6, in the present examples the clamping member 42 is attached to a carrier 52 that is movable in the first direction Z. As is also shown, there is a threaded adjustment member 44 by means of which the clamping member 42 may be moved in the second direction X. In some more detail, the carrier 52 may be an elongated structure such as a rod that is movably arranged inside the support structure 30, and extends out from a lower end of the support structure 30. The clamping member 42 may as shown be attached to the lower end of the elongated carrier 52. As illustrated, the clamping member 42 may be attached an end of the elongated carrier 52 that protrudes out from the support structure 30 such that the clamping member 42 is visible.

[0049] The carrier 52 and the clamping member 42 may be adapted such that the clamping member 42 is not movable with respect to the carrier 52 in the longitudinal direction of the carrier 52, but is movable with respect to the carrier 52 in the transverse direction of the carrier 52. Typically, in use, the longitudinal direction of the carrier 52 is the vertical direction Z.

[0050] In the example of figures 4 to 6, the lower end of the carrier 52 comprises a carrier recess 56 that extends in the transverse direction of the carrier 52, and the clamping member 42 is adapted to be received in said carrier recess. The carrier recess 56 may comprise first and second opposite recesses 56 formed in the outer surface of the carrier 52, see figure 6. The present clamping member 42 comprises a groove 46 allowing the clamping member 42 to be slid into connection with the carrier 52 by engaging the carrier recesses 56. The distal end 42a of the clamping member 42 that engages the vehicle fork 110 may be of a reduced height (Z-direction) to facilitate engagement but still ensure high structural strength of the clamping member 42, see in particular figure 6.

[0051] In the longitudinal direction of the carrier 52, the clamping member 42 may be secured to the carrier 52 in a form fit connection. The form fit connection may be accomplished between the carrier recess 56 or recesses and the groove 46. Thereby, the clamping member 42 may be securely clamped towards, in use, an underside of the vehicle forks 110. In an undepicted embodiment, the carrier may instead of a recess comprise one or more lateral protrusions, and the clamping member may be adapted to receive and slide on said protrusions in the transverse direction of the carrier.

[0052] As is apprehended from figures 4 to 6, the clamping member 42 may be moved in the transverse direction of the carrier 52 by a rotation of the threaded adjustment member 44. When the threaded adjustment member 44 is rotated, the clamping member 42 slides along the carrier recess 56 in the transverse direction of the carrier 52. Thereby, the clamping member 42 of the securing mechanism is adaptable to vehicle forks 110 of various widths.

[0053] For example, as shown in figures 4 to 6, an outer end of the threaded adjustment member 44 may comprise a tool interface, such as a bolt head, that may be engaged by a tool to turn the threaded adjustment member 44 to adjust the securing mechanism. The threaded adjustment member 44 may comprise undepicted external threads, and be received in an internally threaded through-hole 54 of the carrier 52.

[0054] Thus, the securing mechanism 40 may be configured such that the threaded adjustment member 44 may be manually rotated to adjust the lifting aid apparatus 1 for attachment to vehicle forks 110 of various widths.

[0055] In more detail, an outer end, opposite the tool interface end, of the threaded adjustment member 44 may comprise a waist portion 44a by means of which the threaded adjustment member 44 may be hindered from a movement in its longitudinal direction with respect to the clamping member 42. By means of the waist portion 44a, the threaded adjustment member 44 may be locked to the clamping member 42 in a form fit, allowing the threaded adjustment member 44 to rotate with respect to the clamping member 42 but not move in its longitudinal direction. More precisely, as is clear from figures 5 and 6, the clamping member 42 may comprise a receiving hole 44b that receives the outer end of the threaded adjustment member 44 such that the latter is rotatably journalled in the clamping member 42. A locking pin 44c may be insertable into a pin hole of the clamping member 42 to engage the waist portion 44a and lock the threaded adjustment member 44 in the receiving hole 44b of the clamping member 42. Referring to figure 6, said receiving hole 44b may be located at the bottom of the groove 46. The tool interface, or bolt head, of the threaded adjustment member 44 may bear against a bracket 48 that may be screwed to the clamping member 42, see figures 5 and 6.

[0056] The threaded adjustment member 44, in the example of figures 4 to 6 a bolt with a waist portion, may extend through the bracket 48, through the internally threaded through-hole 54 of the carrier 52, and into the receiving hole 44b of the clamping member 42. When the threaded adjustment member 44 is rotated, its threads cooperate with the internally threaded through-hole 54 such that the clamping member 42 moves along the longitudinal direction of the threaded adjustment member 44. By means of the tool interface end, or bolt head, that abuts against the bracket 48 and the waist portion 44a that is locked by the locking pin 44c, the threaded adjustment member 44 is hindered from moving, in its longitudinal direction, with respect to the clamping member 42.

[0057] In the present examples, the apparatus forks 10 provide a fork load support length 10f of at least 1 meter. The fork load support length 10f is indicated in figure 3 and may be defined as the fork length that is available to support or lift a load.

[0058] Referring in particular to figures 1 to 3, the lifting aid apparatus may be configured such that the vehicle forks 110 may be received by the apparatus forks 10. As is clear from figure 2, there may be one clamping member 42 assigned to each apparatus fork 10. As is also shown, the apparatus forks 10 comprise a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the clamping members 42 are arranged at the proximal end. The distal end may alternatively be referred to as an outer end (right in figure 1) and the proximal end may alternatively be referred to as an inner end (left in figure 1). The clamping members 42 may be arranged less than 20 centimeters or typically less than 10 centimeter from the proximal end of the apparatus forks 10.

[0059] In the present examples, the lifting aid apparatus 1 is configured to be attached and supported solely by the transport vehicle 100 during a lifting operation. In other words, the lifting aid apparatus 1 may be free from support legs or similar to support against a floor or ground on which the transport vehicle 100 operates. Thereby, the transport vehicle 100 may move when the lifting aid apparatus 1 is attached to the transport vehicle 100 and the manipulator 20 is activated to lift an object. There are no support legs or similar of the lifting aid apparatus 1 that hinder such movement of the transport vehicle 100.

[0060] An example of a vehicle fork 110 is shown in figure 7. As is shown, there may be a vehicle fork 110 - that is adapted to carry a load, such as a pallet - a and a support fork 110' that is arranged below the vehicle fork 110 to support against a floor or ground on which the transport vehicle 100 operates. The support fork 110', or base fork, is also indicated in figure 4. The support fork 110' typically comprises a wheel. The vehicle fork 110 may be raised in relation to the support fork 110' to lift a pallet, as in indicated by the hollow arrow in figure 7.

[0061] The lifting aid apparatus 1 may be configured such that when it is attached to the transport vehicle 100 and the securing mechanism 40 is not engaged to secure the lifting aid apparatus 1, the manipulator 20 is deactivated. For example, such a function may be accomplished by the lifting aid apparatus 1 comprising a control unit 70 as indicated in figure 1, which is configured to deactivate the manipulator 20 when the securing mechanism 40 is not secured.

[0062] The lifting aid apparatus 1 of the present examples may be configured to be powered by the transport vehicle 100, as is in figure 1 that shows an electrical input 80 for connection to the transport vehicle 100. As shown, the lifting aid apparatus 1 may comprise an electric cable 82 with an electric plug that is adapted to the connected to the transport vehicle 100, for example to a charging inlet 120 (exemplarily illustrated in figure 3) of the transport vehicle 100.

[0063] As is indicated in figure 1, the lifting aid apparatus 1 may comprise a compressor 60 and a vacuum ejector 22. As is shown, the compressor 60 may be carried by the apparatus forks 10 and the vacuum ejector may be comprised in the manipulator 20. Further, the lifting aid apparatus 1 may comprising a compressor tank 65 (figure 1) that is connected to the compressor 60 and to the vacuum ejector 22. As is illustrated, the compressor 60 and the compressor tank 65 may be stacked vertically one on top of the other. To obtain a low center of gravity, it may be beneficial to arrange the heaviest one of the compressor 60 and the compressor tank 65 lower than the other. Alternatively, the compressor 60 and the compressor tank 65 may be arranged next to one another in the transverse direction of the apparatus forks 10.

[0064] No examples of the manipulator 20 are shown or described in detail herein. Typically, the manipulator 20 may comprises a vacuum gripper for releasable attachment to the object.

[0065] Referring to figures 1 to 3, the support structure 30 may comprise a mast 35 and an arm structure 32 movably supporting the manipulator 20 such that an operator may manually move the manipulator 20 into engagement with the object.

[0066] The present arm structure 32 comprises a proximal arm section 34 and a distal arm section 36 that are connected by a rotary joint 38. In the present examples, the rotary joint 38 solely allowing rotation in a horizontal plane. The lifting aid apparatus 1 may further comprise hoist means 24 to which the manipulator 20 is connected via a wire 26, as shown in figures 1 and 3.

[0067] The arm structure and the manipulator may correspond to those of WO2022096553A1, herein incorporated by reference.

[0068] The hoist means 24 may be attached to the arm structure 32 and may comprise a pneumatic lifting cylinder configured to balance the weight of a lifted object. In another embodiment (not shown), electric lifting means may instead be put to use. The wire 26 is connected to the pneumatic lifting cylinder and is longitudinally movably guided along the arm structure 32 to the distal end thereof, where it is lead around a pulley and down to the manipulator 20. An example of a suitable pneumatic lifting cylinder is described in US20090188883A1 and is known under the trademark "Bal-Trol". The pneumatic lifting cylinder may be in fluid connection with the compressor 60 by air hoses (not shown). In the present embodiment, the pneumatic lifting cylinder is arranged on top the proximal arm section 24 at the proximal end thereof.

[0069] Referring still to figures 1 and 3, the present lifting aid apparatus 1 comprises a base housing 5 that is positioned on the apparatus forks 10. Preferably, as in the present examples, the apparatus forks 10 protrude at least 1 meter with respect to the base housing 5 such that a standard European pallet may be stably carried on the apparatus forks 10.

[0070] As is shown, the vehicle forks 110 may be received inside the apparatus forks 10 which may extend beneath the base housing 5. There may be two clamping members 42, one for each apparatus fork 10, which are movable substantially vertically towards and away from the respective vehicle fork 110 to clamp the lifting aid apparatus 1 to the vehicle forks 110.

[0071] Modifications and other variants of the described embodiments will come to mind to one skilled in the art having benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited to the specific example embodiments described in this disclosure and that modifications and other variants are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Therefore, a person skilled in the art would recognize numerous variations to the described embodiments that would still fall within the scope of the appended claims. As used herein, the terms "comprise / comprises" do not exclude the presence of other elements or steps.

[0072] Furthermore, although individual features may be included in different claims (or embodiments), these may possibly advantageously be combined, and the inclusion of different claims (or embodiments) does not imply that a certain combination of features is not feasible and / or advantageous. In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. Finally, reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

Claims

1. A lifting aid apparatus (1) for attachment to a transport vehicle (100) that comprises vehicle forks (110), the lifting aid apparatus (1) comprising - apparatus forks (10), - a manipulator (20) adapted to lift an object, - a support structure (30) movably supporting the manipulator (20), and - a securing mechanism (40) for securing the lifting aid apparatus (1) to at least one of the vehicle forks (110).

2. The lifting aid apparatus (1) of claim 1, wherein the securing mechanism (40) comprises a clamping member (42).

3. The lifting aid apparatus (1) of claim 2, configured such that the clamping member (42) is movable in a first direction (Z) towards and away from a vehicle fork (110) to clamp the lifting aid apparatus (1) to the vehicle fork (110).

4. The lifting aid apparatus (1) of claim 3, configured such that the clamping member (42) is linearly movable in the first direction (Z).

5. The lifting aid apparatus (1) of claim 3 or 4, comprising an electric actuator (50) that is configured to move the clamping member (42) in the first direction (Z).

6. The lifting aid apparatus (1) according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the clamping member (42) is movable in a second direction (X) substantially in-plane with the vehicle forks (110), such that the securing mechanism (40) is adaptable to vehicle forks (110) of various widths.

7. The lifting aid apparatus (1) of claim 6, wherein the clamping member (42) is linearly movable in the second direction (X).

8. The lifting aid apparatus (1) of claim 7, comprising a threaded adjustment member (44) by means of which the clamping member (42) may be moved in the second direction (X).

9. The lifting aid apparatus (1) of claim 8, comprising a carrier (52) that carries the clamping member (52), wherein the carrier (52) is movable in the first direction (Z) and is adapted to receive the threaded adjustment member (44) such that the clamping member (42) may be moved in the second direction (X) by a rotation of the threaded adjustment member (44).

10. The lifting aid apparatus (1) of any preceding claim, configured to be attached and supported solely by the transport vehicle (100) during a lifting operation, the lifting aid apparatus being free from support legs or similar to support against a floor or ground on which the transport vehicle (100) operates.

11. The lifting aid apparatus (1) of any preceding claim, comprising a control unit (70) that is configured to deactivate the manipulator (20) when the securing mechanism (40) is not secured.

12. The lifting aid apparatus (1) of any preceding claim, configured to be powered by the transport vehicle (100).

13. The lifting aid apparatus (1) of any preceding claim, comprising a compressor (60) and a vacuum ejector (22), or comprising a vacuum generator, wherein the manipulator (20) comprises a vacuum gripper for releasable attachment to the object.

14. The lifting aid apparatus (1) of any preceding claim, comprising hoist means (24) to which the manipulator (20) is connected via a wire (26).

15. The lifting aid apparatus (1) of any preceding claim, comprising a base housing (5) that is positioned on the apparatus forks (10), wherein the apparatus forks (10) protrude at least one meter with respect to the base housing (5) such that a standard European pallet may be carried on the apparatus forks (10), the lifting aid apparatus (1) is configured such that the vehicle forks (110) may be received beneath the base housing (5) and inside the apparatus forks (10), the securing mechanism (40) comprises a clamping member (42) that is movable substantially vertically towards and away from a vehicle fork (110) to clamp the lifting aid apparatus (1) to the vehicle fork (110), the lifting aid apparatus (1) comprises an electric actuator (50) for moving the clamping member (42) substantially vertically, the clamping member (42) is movable substantially horizontally, such that the securing mechanism (40) is adaptable to vehicle forks (110) of various widths, the support structure (30) comprises a mast (35) and an arm structure (32) attached to the mast (35), the arm structure (32) movably supporting the manipulator (20) such that an operator may manually move the manipulator (20) into engagement with the obj ect, the manipulator (20) comprises a vacuum gripper for releasable attachment to the object and the manipulator (20) is suspended by a wire (26) from the support structure (30), and the lifting aid apparatus (1) is configured to be powered by the transport vehicle (100).

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