Handling device, assembly provided with a handling device and at least one article, and method for handling such an article using such a device

Abstract

The invention relates to a handling device (2) comprising a lifting mechanism (20) provided with at least one articulated arm (30) and configured to be mechanically secured to any support (13) and to support an article between a transport position and a working position, of at least one translatably movable transmission member (40) that is mechanically secured to the at least one articulated arm in order to move the handling device from a retracted configuration to a deployed configuration, and a mechanical drive system (50) configured to drive the at least one movable transmission member in translation, according to a first drive phase during which the handling device moves from its retracted configuration, in which the article is in a transport position, to an intermediate deployment configuration, in which the article is in an intermediate position between the transport position and a working position, and according to a second drive phase during which the handling device moves from its intermediate deployment configuration to its deployed configuration, in which the article is in the working position.

Description

[0001] Title: Handling device, assembly provided with a handling device and at least one article, method of handling such an article using such a device

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003]

[0001] The invention relates to the field of handling, in particular mobile trolleys on which one or more containers, such as crates or the like, can be placed.

[0004]

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a handling device configured to pass an article, in particular a mobile trolley on which one or more containers can be arranged, from a transport position to a working position and vice versa.

[0005]

[0003] The invention also relates to an assembly provided with such a handling device and at least one article, in particular at least one mobile trolley on which one or more containers can be arranged, mounted on the handling device.

[0006]

[0004] The invention also relates to a handling method for moving an article, in particular a mobile trolley on which one or more containers can be arranged, from a transport position to a working position and vice versa.

[0007]

[0005] The invention further relates to a production site provided with at least one storage and / or production area, a plurality of articles, in particular mobile trolleys on which one or more containers can be arranged, and one or more handling devices configured to move the mobile trolleys from a transport position to a working position and vice versa.

[0008] STATE OF THE ART

[0009]

[0006] European patent EP 1 663 826 discloses a device for handling crates and the like, intended to repeatedly present an upper crate of a first stack of crates formed on a first trolley at a predetermined height and to allow the upper crate to be removed, so that the crates removed from the first stack gradually form a second stack on a second trolley.

[0010]

[0007] In particular, this device comprises a first vertically movable support, intended to receive the first stack, a second vertically movable support, intended to receive the second stack, means for synchronously controlling the first support and the second support with one of these supports rising when the other descends, and vice versa, a first lateral upright located on a first lateral side of the device and a second lateral upright distinct from the first upright and located on a second lateral side of the device, opposite the first lateral side.

[0011]

[0008] Each of the first upright and second upright is provided with a slide, the first support being mounted on the slide of the first upright and the second support being mounted on the slide of the second upright.

[0012]

[0009] The device is arranged to leave free the space existing between the second upright and the upper box of the first stack, at the predetermined height so that the upper box of the first stack can be transferred directly to the second stack by lateral translation.

[0013]

[0010] Such a handling device makes it possible to align the stacks of crates in such a way that the first crate of a stack can be transferred to the other stack with a simple gesture by the operator or by an actuator.

[0014]

[0011] Such a handling device is therefore suitable for increasing the productivity and ergonomics of a workstation by permanently providing a box with a determined quantity of parts and by the easy and rapid evacuation of empty boxes, with little downtime.

[0015]

[0012] The supports may further be adapted to occupy a mid-height position in which they are arranged opposite each other, at the same level or approximately so.

[0016]

[0013] When said stacks of crates are established on mobile trolleys, which is common in this type of application, the device also allows easy transfer of the rolling trolley from one support to another, in particular when these are in their mid-height position.

[0017] STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0018]

[0014] The present invention aims to provide a handling device of a similar type, that is to say configured to pass an article, in particular a mobile trolley on which one or more containers can be arranged, from a transport position to a working position and vice versa, and which is particularly simple, compact and convenient to use.

[0019]

[0015] The invention thus relates, according to a first aspect, to a handling device configured to pass an article, in particular a mobile trolley on which one or more containers can be arranged, from a transport position to a working position and vice versa, the handling device being configured to be mechanically secured by a first end to any support, to support said article by a second end opposite the first end, and to admit a retracted configuration in which the article is in the transport position and a deployed configuration in which the article is in the working position, the handling device being characterized in that it comprises a lifting mechanism provided with at least one articulated arm and configured to be mechanically secured to the any support and to support said article between the transport position and the working position,of at least one transmission member movable in translation and mechanically secured to the at least one articulated arm to move the handling device from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration, and of a mechanical drive system configured to drive in translation the at least one movable transmission member, according to a first drive phase during which the handling device moves from its retracted configuration to an intermediate deployment configuration where the article is in an intermediate position between its transport position and a working position, and according to a second drive phase during which the handling device moves from its intermediate deployment configuration to its deployed configuration.,

[0020]

[0016] In the handling device according to the invention, the mechanical drive system drives in a first generally horizontal direction the at least one mobile transmission member in translation in this same first generally horizontal direction; and the at least one mobile transmission member articulates the at least one arm in a second direction different from the first direction, for example generally vertical.

[0021]

[0017] In the handling device according to the invention, the mechanical drive system drives the at least one mobile transmission member to slide on any support.

[0022]

[0018] Furthermore, thanks to the mechanical drive system of the handling device according to the invention, the driving of the at least one mobile transmission member, and therefore of the at least one articulated arm, is carried out according to two distinct driving phases, which firstly makes it possible to move the handling device from its retracted configuration to its intermediate deployment configuration, then to move it from its intermediate deployment configuration to its deployed configuration.

[0023]

[0019] In particular, during the first drive phase, also called the initiation phase, the handling device is configured to pass a determined torque to the at least one articulated arm to initiate the lifting of the article, thus raising the latter to a first determined height at a first determined speed; while during the second drive phase, also called the elevation phase, the handling device is configured to pass this same determined torque to the at least one articulated arm to raise the article to a second determined height much greater than the first determined height, with a second determined speed greater than the first determined speed.

[0020] For example, the second determined height may correspond to an ergonomic height for a man, at least equal to approximately 800 mm, which must allow any user to access the article, including for example a component located in a container placed on a mobile trolley, without difficulty.

[0024]

[0021] Preferred, simple, convenient and economical characteristics of the handling device according to the invention are presented below.

[0025]

[0022] The mechanical drive system may comprise a threaded rod configured to be driven in rotation and having a first section provided with a first thread having a first determined pitch and a second section provided with a second thread having a second determined pitch larger than the first determined pitch.

[0026]

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

[0027]

[0024] The mechanical drive system may comprise a first drive stop mounted on the first section of the threaded rod, engaged with the first thread, and a second drive stop mounted on the second section of the threaded rod, engaged with the second thread; the first drive stop being configured to cooperate with the at least one mobile transmission member during the first drive phase and the second drive stop being configured to cooperate with the at least one mobile transmission member during the second drive phase.

[0028]

[0025] The handling device may comprise a rail on which the mechanical drive system and the at least one mobile transmission member are mounted.

[0029]

[0026] The mechanical drive system may be arranged such that the first drive stop and the second drive stop are mounted to be movable in translation on the rail when the threaded rod is driven in rotation.

[0030]

[0027] The at least one articulated arm may have at least one first section configured to be secured by a first pivot connection to the support, at least one second section secured by a second pivot connection to the at least one mobile transmission member, with the at least one first section and the at least one second section being articulated together by a third pivot connection.

[0031]

[0028] The lifting mechanism may comprise a plurality of articulated arms secured to each other.

[0032]

[0029] The plurality of articulated arms secured to each other may have a shape at least in a double X superimposed and articulated by the at least one mobile transmission member and / or at least in a double X juxtaposed, facing each other, and articulated by the at least one mobile transmission member.

[0030] The handling device may comprise a supporting structure mechanically secured to the at least one articulated arm to support said article at the second end of the handling device.

[0033]

[0031] The handling device may comprise a base forming any support and on which the lifting mechanism is mechanically secured, with the base being configured to be placed on the ground and / or having a footprint on the ground generally similar to that of the article.

[0034]

[0032] The invention also relates, according to a second aspect, to an assembly provided with a handling device as described above and at least one article, in particular at least one mobile trolley on which one or more containers can be arranged, mounted on the handling device.

[0035]

[0033] The invention also relates, according to a third aspect, to a handling method for passing an article, in particular a mobile trolley on which one or more containers can be arranged, from a transport position to a working position and vice versa, using a handling device as described above, comprising the step of actuating the mechanical drive system to drive in translation the at least one mobile transmission member and thus the at least one articulated arm, according to a first drive phase during which the handling device passes from its retracted configuration to an intermediate deployment configuration where the article is in an intermediate position between its transport position and a working position, and according to a second drive phase during which the handling device passes from its intermediate deployment configuration to its deployed configuration.

[0036]

[0034] The invention further relates, according to a fourth aspect, to a production site provided with at least one storage and / or production area, a plurality of articles, in particular mobile trolleys on which one or more containers can be arranged, and one or more handling devices as described above and which are configured to move the articles from a transport position to a working position and vice versa.

[0037]

[0035] The production site may comprise several handling devices arranged adjacently, one in front of the other and / or one next to the other, and configured so that a stack of articles formed on a first handling device is progressively unloaded from the latter to be loaded onto a second handling device adjacent to the first handling device.

[0038] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0036] Figure 1 schematically represents in perspective an assembly formed of a handling device according to the invention, in a retracted configuration, and a mobile carriage in transport position on the handling device.

[0039]

[0037] Figure 2 is similar to Figure 1, taken in side view.

[0040]

[0038] Figure 3 is a view similar to that of Figure 1, showing the handling device in an intermediate deployment configuration and the mobile trolley in an intermediate position between its transport position and a working position.

[0041]

[0039] Figure 4 is a view similar to those of Figures 1 and 3, showing the handling device in a deployed configuration and the mobile trolley in the working position.

[0040] Figure 5 is similar to Figure 1, but without the mobile trolley.

[0042]

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

[0043]

[0042] Figure 7 is similar to Figure 6, but with the handling device lacking a supporting structure.

[0044]

[0043] Figure 8 is similar to Figure 7, but taken in perspective.

[0045]

[0044] Figure 9 is similar to Figure 8, but taken from a different viewing angle.

[0046]

[0045] Figure 10 is similar to Figures 7 to 9, but in side view.

[0047]

[0046] Figure 11 is a longitudinal median sectional view of the handling device as seen in Figures 5 and 6.

[0048]

[0047] Figure 12 is a perspective view similar to Figure 3, i.e. with the handling device in the intermediate deployment configuration, but without the mobile trolley.

[0049]

[0048] Figure 13 is similar to Figure 12, but in side view.

[0050]

[0049] Figure 14 is similar to Figure 12, but with the handling device being devoid of the supporting structure.

[0051]

[0050] Figure 15 is similar to Figure 14, but taken from a different viewing angle.

[0052]

[0051] Figure 16 is a perspective view similar to Figure 4, i.e. with the handling device in the deployed configuration, but without the mobile trolley.

[0053]

[0052] Figure 17 is similar to Figure 16, but in side view.

[0054]

[0053] Figure 18 is similar to Figure 16, but with the handling device being devoid of the supporting structure.

[0055]

[0054] Figure 19 is similar to Figure 18, but taken from a different viewing angle.

[0056]

[0055] Figure 20 shows schematically, in top view, a storage and / or production area of ​​a production site, provided with a plurality of mobile trolleys and handling devices arranged substantially adjacently, in a first side-by-side arrangement.

[0056] Figure 21 is similar to Figure 20, with the handling devices arranged substantially adjacently, in a second arrangement one in front of the other.

[0057] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0058]

[0057] Figures 1 to 4 schematically illustrate an assembly 1 comprising a handling device 2 and an article here formed by a mobile carriage 3 and which is arranged above the handling device 2.

[0059]

[0058] The handling device 2 is configured to move the mobile carriage 3 from a transport position (figures 1 and 2) to a working position (figure 4), passing through an intermediate position (figure 3) between its transport position and its working position, and vice versa.

[0060]

[0059] In particular, this mobile trolley 3 can support one or more containers, such as crates or the like (not shown in these figures).

[0061]

[0060] The mobile trolley 3 is a so-called standard trolley, here having standardized dimensions, including a length of approximately 600 mm and a width of approximately 400 mm.

[0062]

[0061] The mobile trolley 3 comprises a chassis 4 generally in the form of a tray having an external contour 5 and made here from a lattice of metal rods 21 welded at their intersections.

[0063]

[0062] The mobile trolley 3 further comprises roller mechanisms 6, some being fixed and others pivoting, which carry the chassis 4 and make the trolley 3 mobile.

[0064]

[0063] The mobile carriage 3 comprises a drawbar 8 which is arranged at the front of the mobile carriage 3 and is secured to the chassis 4 by an articulation 7, in particular formed by a pivot.

[0065]

[0064] The drawbar 8 has a lower end 9 which is curved and located under the chassis 4.

[0066]

[0065] The drawbar 8 is here articulated to the chassis 4 between a default position, also called raised-inclined, and a low position in which it can be attached to a coupling device or attached to another trolley (not shown).

[0067]

[0066] The mobile trolley 3 further comprises, at the rear and opposite the drawbar 8, a hook 10 designed to cooperate with the drawbar 8 of another mobile trolley, for example of the same type.

[0068]

[0067] The mobile carriage 3 comprises an elastic return element 11, here a spring working in traction, which is attached on the one hand to an anchoring point fixed under the chassis 4 and on the other hand to the curved lower end 9 of the drawbar 8.

[0069]

[0068] The elastic return element 11 makes it possible to bias the drawbar 8 towards the default position called raised-inclined.

[0069] The drawbar 8 here has a longitudinal slot 12 which is configured either to cooperate with a coupling device of a vehicle or to receive the hook of another trolley (not shown).

[0070]

[0070] It will be noted that in Figures 1 and 2, the handling device 2 is in a retracted configuration and the mobile carriage 3 is in its transport position on the handling device 2.

[0071]

[0071] In the transport position, the mobile trolley 3 is able to move by means of its roller mechanisms 6.

[0072]

[0072] For example, the mobile trolley 3 is brought coupled by a vehicle having the coupling device, autonomous or not, or by a user, into a predetermined position corresponding to the transport position in which it is located on the handling device 2, with its roller mechanisms 6 in contact with a support.

[0073]

[0073] In particular, in the example illustrated, the mobile carriage 3 is brought onto a base 13 forming a support and on which the handling device 2 is mechanically secured.

[0074]

[0074] The base 13 is placed on the ground, either by being directly affixed to the ground, or by being at least partially integrated into a small cavity made in the ground.

[0075]

[0075] The base 13 here has a footprint on the ground that is generally similar to that of the mobile trolley 3, defined in particular by its chassis 4 and by the drawbar 8 which projects from the chassis 4.

[0076]

[0076] The handling device 2 comprises a lifting mechanism 20 configured to raise and lower the mobile carriage 3, in a second direction, for example generally vertical, between its transport, intermediate and working positions.

[0077]

[0077] The handling device 2 here comprises an electric motor 14 configured to actuate the lifting mechanism 20.

[0078]

[0078] The handling device 2 further comprises a supporting structure 15 provided to support the mobile trolley 3.

[0079]

[0079] The supporting structure 15 is for example formed here by a metal plate having a main wall 16 which extends generally in a horizontal plane, and two transverse walls 17 which extend from two opposite sides of the main wall 16 and here generally in vertical planes.

[0080]

[0080] The supporting structure 15 further comprises two support bars 18 mounted projecting from the main wall 16, close to its two respective opposite sides from which the transverse walls 17 extend.

[0081]

[0081] Each support bar 18 comprises positioning notches 19 configured to receive a portion of metal rod 21 of the trellis forming the frame 4 of the mobile carriage 3.

[0082] It will be noted that the main wall 16 also has an opening 22 provided to receive in particular the elastic return element 11 which the mobile carriage 3 comprises.

[0082]

[0083] As visible in Figure 2, in the retracted configuration of the handling device 2, the top of the support bars 18 is located at a first distance H1 from an upper face 23 of the base 13, and the bottom of the chassis 4 is located at a second distance H2 from the top of the support bars 18, the sum of the first and second distances H1 and H2 generally defining the height of the mobile carriage 3 relative to the base 13, to within the value of the thickness of the lattice of the chassis 4.

[0083]

[0084] In Figure 3, the lifting mechanism 20 has been actuated by the electric motor 14 so that the handling device 2 is in an intermediate deployment configuration and the mobile trolley 3 is in its intermediate position between the transport position and the working position.

[0084]

[0085] In other words, the mobile carriage 3 is here raised by a first determined height and is located at a third distance H3 from the base 13, greater than the sum of the first and second distances H1 and H2.

[0085]

[0086] Portions of metal rods 21 of the lattice of the chassis 4 are received in the notches 19 of the support bars 18 to ensure the stability of the mobile carriage 3, and the opening 22 can receive at least partially in particular the elastic return element 11 of the drawbar 8.

[0086]

[0087] In Figure 4, the lifting mechanism 20 has been further operated by the electric motor 14 so that the handling device 2 is in a deployed configuration and the mobile trolley 3 is in its working position.

[0087]

[0088] In other words, the mobile carriage 3 is here raised by a second determined height, here maximum, and is located at a fourth distance H4 from the base 13, greater than the third distance H3.

[0088]

[0089] Indeed, in Figure 4, as the mobile trolley 3 does not carry any container, the handling device 2 raises the mobile trolley 3 to the highest point, but it must of course be understood that if the mobile trolley 3 carries one or more containers, the deployment of the handling device 2 is adapted so as to bring the highest container on the mobile trolley 3 to the second determined height corresponding to the working position.

[0089]

[0090] For example, the second determined height may correspond to an ergonomic height for humans, at least equal to approximately 800 mm, which must allow any user to access without difficulty what is high, namely here the mobile trolley 3, but more generally one or more containers.

[0090]

[0091] As can be seen in particular in Figures 3 and 4, the handling device 2 is here configured to be mechanically secured by a first end 24 to the base 13 and to support the mobile carriage 3 by a second end 25 opposite the first end 24, by means of its supporting structure 15.

[0091]

[0092] Furthermore, the lifting mechanism 20 is provided with a plurality of articulated arms 30 which are here configured to be mechanically secured either to the base 13 or to the supporting structure 15 and to deploy and / or retract in the second generally vertical direction.

[0092]

[0093] The lifting mechanism 20 is also provided with a transmission member movable in translation in a first direction different from the second direction and here generally horizontal.

[0093]

[0094] The mobile transmission member 40 is mechanically secured to some of the articulated arms 30 to move the handling device 2 from the retracted configuration to the intermediate deployment configuration and then to the deployed configuration, taking into account the fact that the deployed configuration corresponds to a variable height depending for example on the number of containers on the mobile trolley 3.

[0094]

[0095] The lifting mechanism 20 is also provided with a mechanical drive system 50 configured to be driven in rotation by the electric motor 14 and to drive in translation, in the first generally horizontal direction, the mobile transmission member 40, according to a first drive phase during which the handling device 2 passes from its retracted configuration to its intermediate deployment configuration, and according to a second drive phase during which the handling device 2 passes from its intermediate deployment configuration to its deployed configuration.

[0095]

[0096] Thus, in the handling device 2, the mechanical drive system 50 drives, in the first generally horizontal direction, the mobile transmission member 40 in translation in this same first generally horizontal direction, which articulates the arms 30 in the second direction different from the first direction, here generally vertical.

[0096]

[0097] The handling device 2 will now be described in more detail with particular reference to Figures 5 to 11, in which the handling device 2 is in the retracted configuration, without a mobile trolley, and also to Figures 14 and 15 where the handling device 2 is in the intermediate deployment configuration.

[0097]

[0098] Figures 5 to 11 show the compactness of the handling device 2 on the base 13.

[0098]

[0099] In particular, the handling device 2 has a generally parallelepiped shape between a front end 26 where the mobile transmission member 40 is located in the retracted configuration of the handling device 2, and a rear end 27, opposite the front end 26, where the electric motor 14 is located.

[0100] The supporting structure 15 here extends over a major part of the upper face 23 of the base 13 between the front end 26 and the rear end 27.

[0099]

[0101] Thus, the plate of the supporting structure 15 forms a cover with its main wall 16 on top of the handling device 2, the notches 19 of the support bars 18 being open upwards, and with the transverse walls 17 on the long sides of the handling device 2.

[0100]

[0102] The articulated arms 30 and the drive system 50 are here almost covered by the supporting structure 15.

[0101]

[0103] The electric motor 14 is here powered by electric cables 28.

[0102]

[0104] The handling device 2 is further provided with fixing lugs 31 provided projecting from the upper face 23 of the base 13.

[0103]

[0105] The articulated arms 30 are here arranged in a double X, superimposed and juxtaposed, and are secured to each other and articulated in pairs.

[0104]

[0106] In other words, the lifting mechanism 20 comprises in the example illustrated a pair of articulated arms 30 on each side of the mobile transmission member 40, each of the pairs of articulated arms 30 extending along the respective transverse walls 17 of the supporting structure 15, thus forming a juxtaposition of pairs of articulated arms 30 (see figure 8 in particular).

[0105]

[0107] It will be noted that these pairs of articulated arms 30, which are juxtaposed, are connected to each other by crosspieces 32 defining a predetermined distance and thus a space in which are arranged in particular the mobile transmission member 40, the mobile drive system 50 and partially the electric motor 14.

[0106]

[0108] The articulated arms 30 of the pairs of articulated arms are further superimposed in that they form, two by two, two Xs which are superimposed.

[0107]

[0109] For the sake of simplification and understanding, only one of the pairs of articulated arms 30 will be described below, taking into account the fact that the other pair of articulated arms is identical, with particular reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, 14 and 15.

[0108]

[0110] The concept of a first articulated arm 130, located on the side of the base 13, and a second articulated arm 230, located on the side of the supporting structure 15, opposite the base 13, will be used.

[0109]

[0111] Each of the articulated arms 30 therefore comprises a first arm 130 and a second arm 230.

[0110]

[0112] Each of the first and second articulated arms 130, 230 has a first section 133, 233 and a second section 134, 234 which are crossed and articulated with each other via a third pivot connection 135, 235.

[0113] The first section 133 of each first articulated arm 130, located on the side of the base 13, is here secured by a first pivot connection 136 to the fixing lug 131 of the base 13.

[0111]

[0114] The second section 134 of each first articulated arm 130, located on the side of the base 13, is here secured by a second pivot connection 137 to the mobile transmission member 40.

[0112]

[0115] The first section 233 of each second articulated arm 230, located on the side of the supporting structure 15, is here secured by a fourth pivot connection 138 to the second section 134 of a respective first articulated arm 130.

[0113]

[0116] The second section 234 of each second articulated arm 230, located on the side of the supporting structure 15, is here secured by a sixth pivot connection 238 to the first section 133 of a respective first articulated arm 130.

[0114]

[0117] The second section 234 of each second articulated arm 230, located on the side of the supporting structure 15, is secured by a fifth pivot connection 239 to the supporting structure 15, under the main wall 16 and against a respective transverse wall 17.

[0115]

[0118] The first section 233 of each second articulated arm 230, located on the side of the supporting structure 15, here has a rolling roller 41 at a free end opposite the fourth pivot connection 138 and coming to bear under the main wall 16 of the supporting structure 15.

[0116]

[0119] Thus, for each pair of articulated arms 30, the second section 234 of the second arm 230 is articulated relative to the supporting structure 15, while the first section 233 of the second arm 230 is only movable in translation under the main wall 16 of the supporting structure 15, in addition to being articulated to this second section 234.

[0117]

[0120] In other words, the first section 233 of the second arm 230 is not articulated to the supporting structure 15, and the second section 234 of the second arm 230 is not movable in translation relative to the supporting structure 15.

[0118]

[0121] Furthermore, for each pair of articulated arms 30, the second section 134 of the first arm 130 is on the one hand articulated to the mobile transmission member 40 and on the other hand driven in translation by the latter; while the first section 133 of the first arm 130 is articulated relative to the base 13, in addition to being articulated to this second section 134.

[0119]

[0122] In other words, the first section 133 of the first arm 130 is not movable in translation relative to the base 13.

[0120]

[0123] In the example illustrated, the handling device 2 comprises a guide mechanism 70 provided with a bearing 71 and two flanges 72 fixed to the base 13, projecting from the upper face 23 (see figure 7 in particular).

[0121]

[0124] The bearing 71 is here interposed between the flanges 72.

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

[0122]

[0126] In the example illustrated, the handling device 2 further comprises a rail 80 fixed to the upper face 23 of the base 13 and on which the mechanical drive system 50 and the mobile transmission member 40 are mounted (see figure 7 in particular).

[0123]

[0127] The rail 80 is here provided with a flat wall 81 and two side walls 82 extending from the flat wall 81, in the first generally vertical direction.

[0124]

[0128] The mechanical drive system 50 comprises a threaded rod 51 extending between a distal end 52, on the side of the guide mechanism 70 and at a distance from the rear end 27 of the handling device 2, and a proximal end 53 opposite the distal end 52 and on the side of the front end 26 of the handling device 2 (see FIG. 7 in particular).

[0125]

[0129] The threaded rod 51 is configured to be driven in rotation by the electric motor 14, via the bearing 71 to which the threaded rod 51 is mechanically secured by its distal end 52.

[0126]

[0130] The threaded rod 51 here has a first section 54 provided with a first thread having a first determined pitch, and a second section 55 provided with a second thread having a second determined pitch, larger than the first determined pitch.

[0127]

[0131] The first section 54 and the second section 55 are here directly linked to each other at a junction 56 (visible in figure 11).

[0128]

[0132] The first section 54 extends from the free proximal end 53 to this junction 56, while the second section 55 extends from this junction 56 to the distal end 52 (see figure 11).

[0129]

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

[0130]

[0134] The mechanical drive system 50 is here arranged so that the first drive stop 57 and the second drive stop 58 are mounted to move in translation on the rail 80 when the threaded rod 51 is driven in rotation.

[0131]

[0135] The first drive stop 57 and the second drive stop 58 here have substantially the shape of a parallelepiped nut.

[0132]

[0136] Since the second determined pitch of the second thread of the second section 55 is larger than the first determined pitch of the first thread of the first section 54, the second drive stop 58 moves faster on the second section 55 than the first drive stop 57 on the first section 54.

[0137] The first drive stop 57 is configured to cooperate with the mobile transmission member 40 during the first drive phase and the second drive stop 58 is configured to cooperate with the mobile transmission member 40 during the second drive phase.

[0133]

[0138] The mobile transmission member 40 comprises a body 42 at least partially housed on the rail 80 and configured to move in translation in the rail 80 in the first horizontal direction.

[0134]

[0139] The body 42 of the mobile transmission member 40 has a central block 43 in which a recess 44 is formed forming on the one hand a first housing 45 for receiving the first drive stop 57, and on the other hand a first thrust wall 46.

[0135]

[0140] The body 42 of the mobile transmission member 40 further has side walls 47 which extend on either side of the central block 43, each overlapping a respective side wall 82 of the rail 80, and which also extend towards the front end 27 of the handling device 2.

[0136]

[0141] The body 42 of the mobile transmission member 40 also has a second thrust wall 48 which joins the side walls 47 at a distance from the central block 43, so as to form a second housing 49 for receiving the second drive stop 58, which second housing 49 is located between the central block 43 and the second thrust wall 48.

[0137]

[0142] It will be noted that the second section 134 of the first arm 130 of each articulated arm 30, located on the side of the base 13, is secured by the respective second pivot connection 137 to a respective side wall 47 of the body 42 of the mobile transmission member 40.

[0138]

[0143] In the retracted configuration of the handling device 2, as visible in FIGS. 5 to 11, the first arms 130 and the second arm 230 of each pair of articulated arms 30 are brought together, retracted, and the mobile transmission member 40 is located in the immediate vicinity of the front end 26 of the handling device 2.

[0139]

[0144] The first drive stop 57 is then on the first section 54 of the threaded rod 51 bearing against the first thrust wall 46 of the mobile transmission member 40.

[0140]

[0145] The second drive stop 58 is on the second section 55 of the threaded rod 51 at a distance from the second thrust wall 48 of the movable transmission member 40 and close to the central body 43.

[0141]

[0146] Thus, as described below with reference to Figures 12 to 19, the handling device 2 has passed from its retracted configuration to its intermediate deployment configuration by the first driving phase where the first driving stop 57 is movable in translation along the first section 54 of the threaded rod 51 and pushes the movable transmission member 40 in translation; then the handling device 2 has passed to its deployed configuration by the second driving phase where the second driving stop 58 is movable in translation along the second section 55 of the threaded rod 51 and pushes the movable transmission member 40.

[0142]

[0147] In Figures 12 to 19, the handling device 2 has therefore been moved from its retracted configuration to its deployed configuration, as already visible in Figure 4, passing through its intermediate deployment configuration between the retracted configuration and the deployed configuration, as already visible in Figure 3.

[0143]

[0148] In other words, Figures 12 to 15 show the first training phase during which the handling device 2 passes from its retracted configuration to its intermediate deployment configuration; while Figures 16 to 19 show the second training phase during which the handling device 2 passes from its intermediate deployment configuration to its deployed configuration.

[0144]

[0149] These figures 12 to 19 are representative of the implementation of the handling method for moving the mobile trolley 3 with the containers that it can carry, from its transport position, on the ground, to its working position, at height, using the handling device 2.

[0145]

[0150] In the handling device 2, the mechanical drive system 50 drives, in the first generally horizontal direction, the mobile transmission member 40 in translation in this same first generally horizontal direction, which articulates the arms 30 in the second direction different from the first direction, for example generally vertical.

[0146]

[0151] Furthermore, thanks to the mechanical drive system of the handling device 2, the driving of the mobile transmission member 40, and therefore of the articulated arms 30, is done according to two distinct driving phases, which firstly makes it possible to move the handling device 2 from its retracted configuration to its intermediate deployment configuration, then to move it from its intermediate deployment configuration to its deployed configuration.

[0147]

[0152] In particular, during the first drive phase, also called the priming phase, the handling device 2 is configured to pass a determined torque to the articulated arms 30 to initiate the lifting of the mobile carriage, thus raising the latter to the first determined height at a first determined speed; while during the second drive phase, also called the raising phase, the handling device 2 is configured to pass this same determined torque to the articulated arms 30 to raise the mobile carriage to the second determined height much higher than the first determined height, for example an ergonomic height for humans, at a second determined speed higher than the first determined speed.

[0153] During the first drive phase, illustrated by the transition from figures 5 to 11 to figures 12 to 15, the electric motor 14 drives in rotation, via the bearing 71, the threaded rod 51 which thus drives in translation on the rail 80 the first drive stop 57 along the first section 54 of the threaded rod 51 and the second drive stop 58 along the second section 55 of the threaded rod 51.

[0148]

[0154] During the first driving phase, as the first driving stop 57 is against the first thrust wall 46 and the second driving stop 58 is at a distance from the second thrust wall 48, it is therefore the first driving stop 57 which moves in translation in the first horizontal direction, and according to the first speed corresponding to the torque supplied by the electric motor 14 and to the first determined pitch of the first thread on the first section 54, the body 42 of the mobile transmission member 40, and thus the second section 134 of the first arm 130 of each pair of articulated arms 30.

[0149]

[0155] The movement of the second section 134 of the first arm 130 of each pair of articulated arms 30 generates the movement of the first section 133 of the first arm 130 of each pair of articulated arms 30, which together generate the movement of the first section 233 and the second section 234 of the second arm 230 of each pair of articulated arms 30.

[0150]

[0156] In other words, the pairs of articulated arms 30 deploy in the second vertical direction, upwards, and thus raise the supporting structure 15 from the rest position to the intermediate position.

[0151]

[0157] During this first driving phase, the second driving stop 58 moves more quickly along the second section 55 of the threaded rod 51 than the first driving stop 57 along the first section 54 of the threaded rod 51 and therefore also more quickly than the body 42 of the movable transmission member 40, so that the second driving stop 58 catches up with the second thrust wall 48.

[0152]

[0158] The first determined pitch of the first thread of the first section 54 of the threaded rod 51 and the second determined pitch of the second thread of the second section 55 of the threaded rod 51 are determined so that the second drive stop 58 catches up with the second thrust wall 48 here approximately at a third, or less, of the travel of the first drive stop 57 on the first section 54.

[0153]

[0159] Thus, during the second drive phase, illustrated by the transition from figures 12 to 15 to figures 16 to 19, the electric motor 14 still drives in rotation, via the bearing 71, the threaded rod 51 which itself drives in translation on the rail 80 the first drive stop 57 along the first section 54 of the threaded rod 51 and the second drive stop 58 along the second section 55 of the threaded rod 51.

[0160] During the second driving phase, as the second driving stop 58 is against the second thrust wall 48, it is therefore the second driving stop 58 which moves in translation in the first horizontal direction, and according to the second speed greater than the first speed and corresponding to the torque supplied by the electric motor 14 and to the second determined pitch of the second thread of the second section 55, the body 42 of the mobile transmission member 40, and thus the second section 134 of the first arm 130 of each pair of articulated arms 30.

[0154]

[0161] During the second driving phase, the body 42 of the mobile transmission member 40 moves faster than the first driving stop 57 along the first section 54, so that the first driving stop 57 moves away from the first thrust wall 46, until it leaves the first housing 45.

[0155]

[0162] Since the first drive stop 57 rests on the rail 80, it is not driven in rotation but continues to advance along the first section 54.

[0156]

[0163] The pairs of articulated arms 30 are further deployed in the second vertical direction, upwards, and thus raise the supporting structure 15 from the intermediate position to the working position.

[0157]

[0164] Of course, the handling method can be implemented to inversely move the mobile trolley 3 from its working position, at height, to its transport position, on the ground, using the handling device 2; and the working position can be at a height different from that illustrated in figures 16 to 19.

[0158]

[0165] Figure 20 schematically and partially illustrates a production site 100 provided here with a first zone 101, or production zone, a second zone 102, or storage zone, located near the first zone 101, and a free zone 103 arranged between the first zone 101 and the second zone 102 and offering direct access to each of the first zone 101 and the second zone 102.

[0159]

[0166] In particular, the free zone 103 may be provided for the placement of a user 104, or operator, of the production site 100, the second zone 102 may be provided to receive the mobile trolleys 3 on which containers 105 are arranged and in which components 106 are stored, for their gripping by the user 104, and the first zone 101 may be configured so that the user 104 carries out assembly and / or manufacturing operations there using the components 106.

[0160]

[0167] In the illustrated example, two handling devices 2 are arranged in the second zone 102.

[0161]

[0168] These handling devices 2 are here arranged adjacently, side by side, so that the user 104 has easy access to both.

[0169] As described above, these two handling devices 2 are each configured to move the mobile trolleys 3 from their transport position to the working position and vice versa, to facilitate the work of the user 104.

[0162]

[0170] Furthermore, in this arrangement, the user can use a first of the two handling devices 2 as described above to place a mobile trolley 3 with its containers 105 and its components 106 at an ergonomic height for humans, and a second handling device 2 as a destacker, that is to say as a support for receiving the containers 105 emptied of these components 106.

[0163]

[0171] In other words, the first handling device 2 (the one at the top in Figure 20) is used to lift a mobile trolley 3 provided with at least one container 105 having components 106, while the second handling device 2 (the one at the bottom in Figure 20) is used to lift a mobile trolley 3 initially without a container.

[0164]

[0172] Once the container 105 is emptied, the user 104 takes it to pass it onto the mobile trolley 3 initially without a container and the heights of the mobile trolleys 3 on the first and second handling devices 2 can then be adjusted.

[0165]

[0173] The first and second handling devices 2 are thus configured so that a stack of containers formed on the first handling device 2 is progressively unloaded from the latter to be loaded onto the second handling device 2 adjacent to the first handling device 2.

[0166]

[0174] Figure 21 differs from Figure 20 only in the arrangement of the first and second handling devices 2.

[0167]

[0175] As described above, these two handling devices 2 are each configured to move the mobile trolleys 3 from their transport position to the working position and vice versa, to facilitate the work of the user 104.

[0168]

[0176] Furthermore, in this arrangement, the user can use a first of the two handling devices 2 as described above to place a mobile trolley 3 with its containers 105 and its components 106 at an ergonomic height for humans, and a second handling device 2 as a destacker, that is to say as a support for receiving the containers 105 emptied of these components 106.

[0169]

[0177] In other words, the first handling device 2 (the one at the top in Figure 21) is used to lift a mobile trolley 3 provided with at least one container 105 having components 106, while the second handling device 2 (the one at the bottom in Figure 21) is used to lift a mobile trolley 3 initially without a container.

[0170]

[0178] Once the container 105 is emptied, the user 104 takes it to pass it onto the mobile trolley 3 initially without a container and the heights of the mobile trolleys 3 on the first and second handling devices 2 can then be adjusted.

[0179] The first and second handling devices 2 are thus configured so that a stack of containers formed on the first handling device 2 is progressively unloaded from the latter to be loaded onto the second handling device 2 adjacent to the first handling device 2.

[0171]

[0180] Variants not shown are described below.

[0172]

[0181] The lifting mechanism comprises only one pair of articulated arms, having a first arm and a second arm superimposed on the first arm and located on one side of the base.

[0173]

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

[0174]

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

[0175]

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

[0176]

[0185] The threaded rod can have more than two sections with different threads and the mechanical drive system can have as many drive stops as there are sections with different threads.

[0177]

[0186] The lifting mechanism may be without a guide mechanism between the threaded rod and the electric motor.

[0178]

[0187] The mechanical drive system, together with the movable transmission member, may be totally or partially immersed in a fluid, such as oil.

[0179]

[0188] The supporting structure may be without a support bar.

[0180]

[0189] The trolley may have a bottom plate rather than a wire mesh.

[0181]

[0190] The trolley may have a drawbar without a slot.

[0182]

[0191] The trolley may have different dimensions than those mentioned above.

[0183]

[0192] The base can be provided with rails, or chutes, to receive the roller mechanisms of the mobile trolleys.

[0184]

[0193] At the production site, the handling devices may be arranged differently and / or there may be more than two handling devices arranged adjacently, at least two by two.

[0185]

[0194] More generally, the invention is not limited to the examples described and shown.

Claims

Claims 1. Handling device configured to move an article, in particular a mobile trolley (3) on which one or more containers (105) can be arranged, from a transport position to a working position and vice versa, the handling device being configured to be mechanically secured by a first end (24) to any support (13), to support said article by a second end (25) opposite the first end, and to admit a retracted configuration in which the article is in the transport position and a deployed configuration in which the article is in the working position, the handling device being characterized in that it comprises a lifting mechanism (20) provided with at least one articulated arm (30) and configured to be mechanically secured to the any support and to support said article between the transport position and the working position,of at least one mobile transmission member (40) in translation and mechanically secured to the at least one articulated arm to move the handling device from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration, and of a mechanical drive system (50) configured to drive in translation the at least one mobile transmission member, according to a first drive phase during which the handling device moves from its retracted configuration to an intermediate deployment configuration where the article is in an intermediate position between its transport position and a working position, and according to a second drive phase during which the handling device moves from its intermediate deployment configuration to its deployed configuration., 2. Handling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the mechanical drive system (50) comprises a threaded rod (51) configured to be driven in rotation and having a first section (54) provided with a first thread having a first determined pitch and a second section (55) provided with a second thread having a second determined pitch larger than the first determined pitch.

3. Handling device according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises an electric motor (14) configured to drive the threaded rod (51) of the mechanical drive system (50) in rotation.

4. Handling device according to one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the mechanical drive system (50) comprises a first drive stop (57) mounted on the first section (54) of the threaded rod (51) and a second drive stop (58) mounted on the second section (55) of the threaded rod, with the first drive stop being configured to cooperate with the at least one mobile transmission member (40) during the first drive phase and the second drive stop being configured to cooperate with the at least one mobile transmission member during the second drive phase.

5. Handling device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a rail (80) on which the mechanical drive system (50) and the at least one mobile transmission member (40) are mounted.

6. Handling device according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the mechanical drive system (50) is arranged so that the first drive stop (57) and the second drive stop (58) are mounted to move in translation on the rail (80) when the threaded rod (51) is driven in rotation.

7. Handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the at least one articulated arm (30) has at least one first section (133) configured to be secured by a first pivot connection (136) to the support (13), at least one second section (134) secured by a second pivot connection (137) to the at least one mobile transmission member (40), with the at least one first section and the at least one second section which are articulated together by a third pivot connection (135).

8. Handling device according to claim 7, characterized in that the lifting mechanism (20) comprises a plurality of articulated arms (30) secured to each other.

9. Handling device according to claim 8, characterized in that the plurality of articulated arms (30) secured to each other has a shape at least in a double X superimposed and articulated by the at least one mobile transmission member (40) and / or at least in a double X juxtaposed, facing each other, and articulated by the at least one mobile transmission member.

10. Handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a supporting structure (15) mechanically secured to the at least one articulated arm (30) to support said article at the second end (25) of the handling device (2).

11. Handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises a base (13) forming any support and on which the lifting mechanism (20) is mechanically secured, with the base which is configured to be placed on the ground and / or which has a footprint on the ground generally similar to that of the article.

12. Assembly provided with 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) on which one or more containers (105) can be arranged, mounted on the handling device.

13. Handling method for moving an article, in particular a mobile trolley (3) on which one or more containers (105) can be arranged, from a transport position to a working position and vice versa, using a handling device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising the step of actuating the mechanical drive system (50) to drive in translation the at least one mobile transmission member (40) and thus the at least one articulated arm (30), according to a first drive phase during which the handling device passes from its retracted configuration to an intermediate deployment configuration where the article is in an intermediate position between its transport position and a working position, and according to a second drive phase during which the handling device passes from its intermediate deployment configuration to its deployed configuration.

14. Production site provided with at least one storage and / or production area (101, 102), a plurality of articles, in particular mobile trolleys (3) on which one or more containers (105) can be arranged, and one or more handling devices (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and which are configured to move the mobile trolleys from a transport position to a working position and vice versa.

15. Production site according to claim 14, characterized in that it comprises several handling devices (2) arranged adjacently, one in front of the other and / or one next to the other, and configured so that a stack of articles formed on a first handling device is progressively unloaded from the latter to be loaded onto a second handling device adjacent to the first handling device.

Images