Interface device for handling a container, in particular a tilting container

Abstract

Handling interface device (1) intended to cooperate with a forklift (3) and to carry a container (2), in particular a tilting container, and comprising a chassis (10) provided with passages designed to accommodate forks (30) of a forklift (3), support means (13) intended to carry the container and a structure (14) with a mobility function, intended to make the container mobile, characterized in that the structure (14) with a mobility function operates in horizontal translation so that it is capable of moving in horizontal translation the container which is intended to be carried by the interface device.

Description

Title of the invention: Interface device for handling a container, in particular a tilting container

[0001] The invention relates to the field of handling containers, in particular tilting containers intended for the temporary storage of any type of object or waste.

[0002] The invention will be more particularly described with regard to the handling of tilting containers with a view to their dumping by tilting into a storage bin, without however being limited thereto, and will apply to any container to be handled by a forklift.

[0003] A standard tilting container comprises a chassis with a pair of sleeves for the passage of the forks of a forklift, a box fixed to the chassis and pivoted to move from an upright and horizontal position for storing waste to a tilted position for dumping the waste by gravity, and a system for locking and unlocking the box in the upright position. The locking system is manually operated by the operator to unlock the lock of the box and allow it to tilt. However, such a container has the disadvantage of requiring the intervention of an operator who must manually operate the locking system to dump the box and then manually relock the box once emptied and returned to the upright position. The operator is often the forklift driver who must therefore get off the forklift and then get back on several times.

[0004] To avoid manual actuation, patent application FR2958924 proposes a removable interface device between the forklift and the tilting container; this interface device comprises passages for the forks of a forklift, which are intended to be inserted into the sleeves of the container chassis, and an automated system for lifting one of the ends of the container allowing the box to pivot. The automated lifting system comprises a central column with a slide capable of tilting via a jack, and a pair of miniature arms close together cooperating in vertical translation in the slide of the central column to be positioned at the height of the box. The pair of arms, opposite the slide, cooperates centrally with the edge of the box and the pivoting of the slide causes the box to tilt.This interface device allows you to move from one container to another with a forklift and to tip the container automatically.

[0005] However, although this patent proposes a solution for automated tipping, there still remains a drawback, that of unloading by the forklift systematically at the edge of the bin. However, in order to distribute the waste throughout the bin during its filling, the operator positions himself with his forklift regularly at different locations at the edge of the bin. However, this requires providing a free area all around the bin that is sufficient for the accessibility and maneuverability of the forklift, which is not always possible, especially when several bins must be arranged next to each other. Also, it is known from patent FR3114088B1 to provide a bin with longitudinal tracks at the level of which a container to be dumped is capable of being moved in translation, the container being carried by a small vehicle equipped with a lifting system and a translation system.The small vehicle allows the container to be lifted to the edge of the skip, which can then be moved along the skip's tracks to be dumped at a distance from the edge of the skip. This advantageous solution allows the entire volume of the skip to be filled gradually by placing the small vehicle always at the end of the skip, without having to move around it. However, the entire small vehicle and container are specifically designed. However, for certain applications, it may be desirable to continue to use a forklift as a means of transporting and lifting the container and to use existing standard containers.

[0006] The invention therefore aims to propose a solution for an interface device for handling a tilting container above a storage bin, which can be used with a forklift and standard containers, without having the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0007] According to the invention, the handling interface device intended to cooperate with a forklift and to carry a container, in particular a tilting container, comprises a chassis provided with passages designed to accommodate forks of a forklift, support means intended to carry the container and a structure with a mobility function, intended to make the container mobile (while the interface device is intended to be carried by the forklift), the interface device being characterized in that the structure with a mobility function operates in horizontal translation so that it is capable of moving in horizontal translation the container which is intended to be carried by the interface device.

[0008] Consequently, the interface device allows a container to be carried and is entirely suitable for being transported and conveyed by a forklift to bring the container to the desired location, in particular to a storage bin, to raise it to the appropriate height, in particular to the height of the opening plane upper part of the storage bin, and move it in translation, in particular above the storage bin to dump it at the desired location in the bin.

[0009] Thus, only the interface device has been specifically designed which can be used easily with any forklift and can carry any type of container.

[0010] Furthermore, it is not necessary to move the forklift all around the storage bin to fill it from one end to the other, but it is sufficient to position it at the end of the storage bin. This has the advantage of saving space on the ground by several storage bins which can then be arranged by being laterally attached to each other parallel to their longitudinal sides, since only their end access is sufficient.

[0011] In the remainder of the description, the qualifiers “horizontal”, “vertical”, “upper”, “lower”, “high” and “low” of an element of the interface device and of a tilting container are used in the context of a normal installation of the interface device and of the tilting container, that is to say relating to a vertical notion with respect to a horizontal surface on which the interface device or the container would be placed.

[0012] The term "front", as opposed to "rear", describes an element in the context of normal use of the interface device and the tilting container, the front of the interface device corresponding to the area at which the container will be installed while the rear will be intended to cooperate with a forklift, and the front of the container corresponding to the area from which the container will be dumped.

[0013] In the remainder of the description, the term “upright position” means the non-tilted position of the tilting container.

[0014] In the remainder of the description, the term “transverse” is understood to mean the direction corresponding to the width of the interface device, i.e. in the direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis which corresponds to the front-rear direction or engagement direction of the forks of a forklift truck intended to cooperate with the interface device.

[0015] According to one characteristic, the chassis comprises two parts, a so-called front part and a so-called rear part, the front part comprising the means for supporting the container and the rear part comprising the fork passages, and the front part is furthermore capable of being movable in translation relative to the rear part via the structure with a mobility function. Thus, in the position of use of the interface device, the rear part remains carried by the forklift while the front part on which the container is installed can be moved away from the rear part and therefore away from the forklift.

[0016] In a preferred example of the invention, the structure with a mobility function connects the rear part to the front part and is capable of deploying and folding, preferably said structure being actuated by cylinders, in particular said structure comprising two opposite and parallel compass arms (which deploy and fold concomitantly).

[0017] According to one characteristic, the support means (intended for supporting a container), which are in particular two hollow interface profiles spaced apart for the passage of forks of a forklift, are arranged in alignment with the passages designed to accommodate forks.

[0018] Advantageously, the support means (intended for supporting a container) comprise two hollow and spaced interface profiles, which project towards the front of the interface device (and in a longitudinal direction which corresponds to the translation direction), the two interface profiles being, on the one hand, capable of receiving the forks of a forklift, and on the other hand, capable of being introduced into a pair of sleeves which are usually used for inserting forks of a forklift (the sleeves being integral with the container intended to be carried by the interface device), preferably the two interface profiles having a generally U-shaped section. Of course, for the introduction of the forks, the interface profiles are open at least at one of their ends.The U-shape of the section rather than a closed right quadrilateral shape allows for material thickness to be gained on one of the faces of the profile and thus for profile height to be gained to fit with a slight clearance into a forklift fork accommodating sleeve.

[0019] Advantageously, the fork passages are adjustable in spacing in an automated manner, preferably via jacks, and the support means, which are in particular two hollow interface profiles spaced apart for the passage of forks of a forklift, are also adjustable in spacing, preferably are capable of being adjusted at the same time as the adjustment of the fork passages by being mechanically connected to said passages outside of any translation operation (outside the position of separation of the front part, that is to say when the front part is arranged against the rear part). In this way, the interface device adapts to all containers regardless of the spacing of the sleeves with which a container is provided.

[0020] According to one characteristic, the interface device comprises gripping means with a locking function (such as hooks) which are intended and capable of cooperating with a forklift to lock said interface device on said forklift, in particular by cooperating with (at the rear of) a rising part of the forks of the forklift, and preferably the gripping means being movable by jacks to couple and uncouple from said forklift. Advantageously, the gripping means are located at the rear of the interface device, in particular on the rear part of the two-part interface device. The gripping means are in particular remotely controlled for their coupling and uncoupling in relation to the forklift.

[0021] According to one feature, the chassis comprises a lifting system coupled to the support means and capable of lifting in vertical translation and lowering said support means, preferably the lifting system being actuated by jacks. This lifting system allows for certain types of containers, in particular for so-called "front axle" containers, to raise them in position above a storage bin so that when they tip and / or return to the end of the storage bin in their tipped state, they do not come up against waste present in the storage bin.

[0022] According to one feature, the interface device comprises an automated locking and unlocking interface system intended to ensure the locking and unlocking of the tilting of a container to be positioned on the interface device, in particular the locking and unlocking interface system comprises a movable locking and unlocking part which is fixed to the interface device, in particular at the front of the interface device (more particularly on one of the means for supporting a container), as well as automated means for actuating the movable part and a fixed part in the form of an adaptation kit part, which is intended to be fixed to, and to be designed specifically for, a tilting actuating member with which a container intended to be carried by the interface device is provided,the movable part being able to cooperate with the fixed part in a so-called active safety position preventing the container from tipping and in an unlocked position allowing tipping. In particular, a tipping container is always equipped with an actuating member such as a lever which in a certain position allows the container to tip; this lever has a mechanical safety which when activated prevents it from being in a position allowing the container to tip. Depending on the manufacturer's model, the actuating member having various forms (lever, pedal, thick sheet metal, etc.), the adaptation kit part is therefore specifically designed to adapt to the actuating member. The kit part may be made integral with the actuating member by mechanical fixing, welding, etc. In addition,a standard container always has an additional mechanical safety feature that must be unlocked before acting on the safety feature directly linked to the actuating device. This additional safety feature ensures, in particular, that when the container is moved on the forklift, it does not tip over unexpectedly. However, today, the operator must always get off the forklift to deactivate this additional safety feature, which is not necessarily safe for him in areas where other trucks may be circulating. Also, the locking interface system and, The automated unlocking of the invention advantageously allows, on the one hand, to replace the mechanical safety associated with the actuating member authorizing tilting on a tilting container, and on the other hand, to replace the additional safety. Thus, the fixed part of the adaptation kit of the system is arranged beforehand on the actuating member of the container authorizing tilting (having been designed specifically to adapt to the type of actuating member which is different depending on the manufacturer's model and depending on whether the container is "front axis" or "central axis"). As for the mobile part which is on the interface device, this is capable of being actuated automatically by the operator from a human-machine interface (for example by pressing a control button visible on the interface).According to one feature, the movable part is intended and capable of cooperating in an automated manner with the fixed part of the actuating member of the container, in at least two positions, a so-called active safety position which prohibits any actuation of the actuating member (and therefore prevents any untimely tilting of the container, particularly during transport) and corresponds to the additional mechanical safety of a standard container, and an unlocked position which allows the container to be tilted. Thus, the operator can act on the active safety of the container in an automated manner while remaining seated in the forklift and without having to operate manually, which is a guarantee of safety for the operator. During transport and until the container is positioned above the storage bin, the movable part of the locking and unlocking interface system is in the active position.Once the container is in place above the storage bin, the operator automatically activates the movable part to move from the active safety position to the unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the actuating member can be activated at the desired time to tip the container. When the container has been emptied, it will be tilted back by itself as usual by its abutment against the edge of the storage bin to put itself in the upright position and the actuating member will systematically return to its position before activation; the operator can then automatically via the human-machine interface (without getting off the truck) activate the movable part so that it returns to the active safety position.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the fixed part of the kit comprises a light and the mobile part comprises a rotary cam actuated by a jack and, at the end of the cam, a hook which is able to cooperate with the light of the fixed part, the hook being arranged parallel to the general plane of the light in the unlocked position and being arranged in the light and at an angle non-parallel to the general plane of the light in the active safety position, the cam being further able to position the hook outside the light (so-called open position) to ensure the installation of the container on the means of supporting the interface device (without the moving part being engaged in the lumen of the fixed part).

[0024] According to one characteristic, the interface device comprises display means such as a camera and / or a scanner as well as at least one equipment block comprising the electrical power supply, means for controlling different actuators integrated into the interface device, data processing means which receive data from the display means as well as remote communication means for remotely controlling the actuators and remotely transmitting the data from the display means.

[0025] According to one characteristic, the interface device comprises, in particular in a rear part, at least one equipment block comprising the electrical power supply, means for controlling the various actuators (in particular jacks) of the interface device, data processing means which receive data from display means placed on the interface device and remote communication means for remotely controlling the actuators, as well as a man-machine interface which is intended to be arranged in the forklift, this interface being able to be nomadic. Preferably, the communication is carried out using secure wireless technology.

[0026] According to one feature, the interface device is used for at least one waste storage bin, in particular for several storage bins arranged juxtaposed against each other, the interface device being brought to the end of each of the bins. This makes it possible to reduce the arrangement areas of the storage bins by arranging them side by side parallel to their longitudinal direction.

[0027] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a aforementioned interface device of the invention and a container, in particular a tilting container, preferably the container comprising two spaced-apart sleeves for inserting forks of a forklift.

[0028] The invention also relates to the aforementioned assembly of the invention and at least one storage bin provided with longitudinal tracks with which the interface device cooperates for its translational movement when the structure with mobility function has been actuated. Thus, the interface device with the container can advantageously be moved reliably away from the distal end / edge of the bin to dump the container into a location in the bin that is still empty while the operator with his forklift remains positioned at the end of the bin. The movement of the interface device and therefore of the container relative to the storage bin makes it possible to optimize the filling of the bin.

[0029] The present invention is now described using examples which are solely illustrative and in no way limitative of the scope of the invention, and from the attached illustrations, in which: - [Fig.l] represents a side-by-side perspective view of a forklift, an example of a standard tipping container (commercially known as a “central axis tipping bucket”) and an example of an embodiment of an interface device according to the invention for handling and translating a tipping container. - [Fig.2] represents a perspective view of the interface device of [Fig.l] loaded by the forklift and supporting the container. - [Fig.3] shows the front part of the interface device of [Fig.l] in the deployed position and without the container installed. - [Fig.4] is a perspective view of a storage bin placed on the ground and the entire interface device and container of [Fig.l], lifted by the forklift to the height of the storage bin and before tipping. - [Fig.5] corresponds to [Fig.4], a part of the interface device carrying the container having been translated before dumping the container, away from the end of the storage bin in order to optimize the filling of the storage bin. - [Fig.6] corresponds to [Fig.4] with another usual example of a tipping container (commercially known as a "front axle tipping skip"), the container being here tilted having advantageously been previously raised via a lifting system with which the interface device is provided. In the figure one of the longitudinal tracks of the storage skip has been removed to visualize the interface device after translation. - [Fig.7] is a rear perspective detail view of the interface device of [Fig.4] at the start of deployment relative to the forklift. - [Fig.8] is a partial top view of the forklift and the interface device of [Fig.l] at the rear part without illustrating the equipment block in order to be able to visualize the means for adjusting the spacing of the fork passages of the forks of the forklift. - [[Fig.9A]] represents a detailed and perspective view from above of an exemplary embodiment of the means for locking and unlocking the container on the interface device, which can be operated remotely, the container here being that of [Fig.l], with a central axis, and the locking and unlocking means being in a so-called open position allowing the installation of the container on the interface device. - [[Fig.9B]] corresponds to [[Fig.9A]] in an intermediate position called active safety for which the container is locked in place on the interface device and is prevented from being tilted. - [[Fig.9C]] corresponds to [[Fig.9A]] in a so-called actuation position for which the container is locked in place on the interface device while being able to be tilted. - [[Fig. 10]] corresponds to the intermediate position of [[Fig.9A]] according to the container example of [Fig.6] with central axis.

[0030] The interface device 1 for handling and translating a container, illustrated in the figures, constitutes an interface device for handling a container 2 with a forklift 3 and being able to translate it at a distance from the forklift.

[0031] In a non-limiting manner, the example of use of the interface device 1 of the invention is used with respect to a container 2 which is tilting. The interface device 1 makes it possible to pour the tilting container 2 into a storage bin 4 as illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, at a distance from a forklift 3 which will have brought the container 2 to the end of the storage bin.

[0032] The container 2 is intended for temporarily storing waste, for example; it is tiltable in order to subsequently dump the waste into the bin 4, having been raised to a height using the forklift 3 and the interface device 1. The bin 4 advantageously comprises longitudinal tracks or guide rails 40 arranged on the longitudinal edges of the bin 4 (figures 4 to 7) in order to move in translation a part of the interface device 1 which carries the container 2 above the bin 4, from the end where the forklift 3 is located, in the direction of the opposite end.

[0033] Container 2 is a standard commercial container; for example, it has a central axis like that illustrated in [Fig. 1] or a front axis like that illustrated in [Fig. 6]. Container 2 with a front axis, in the tilted position, extends further downwards than a container with a central axis.

[0034] Usually, the container 2 comprises a chassis 20, a temporary storage box 21 which has a rear part 21-1 and a front part 21-2, and two sleeves 22 spaced apart to receive the forks 30 of the forklift 3. The container 2 comprises a base for placing it on the ground when not being handled. The base may be made up of the sleeves 22 by their lower face and / or feet 23 or casters which may be retractable. The box 21 is capable of adopting a so-called upright position for temporary storage of the waste and a tilted position for its dumping. The box 21 is capable of tilting by being pivotally articulated around an axis which, in a known manner, may be said to be central or front. The container 2 comprises an actuating member 24 ([Fig.7]) allowing, in its unlocked position, the container 2 to tilt. This actuating member 24 is located in the rear part 21-1 and is usually manually actuated.It can have various shapes depending on the manufacture (the trademark) of the container. For example, the actuating member 24 is a lever. As will be described later, the interface device 1 comprises an interface system 5 which is interposed between said interface device 1 and the actuating member 24 in order to remotely and automatically control the unlocking of the actuating member so that the container can be in the ready-to-tilt position.

[0035] The interface device 1 is designed to be able to translate the container 2 horizontally beyond the edge of the bin 4 and parallel to the opening plane of the bin 4 in order to be able to dump the waste both at the end of the bin and at a distance from this end (figures 5 and 6).

[0036] The interface device 1 comprises a chassis 10 in two parts called front part 11 and rear part 12, a pair of interface profiles 13 integral with the front part 11 and intended to carry the container 2, a structure with a mobility function 14, subsequently called the connecting structure, connecting the rear part 12 to the front part 11 and ensuring the translational mobility of the front part 11 of the chassis 10 relative to the rear part 12 (and therefore ensuring the mobility of the container 2 relative to the forklift 3 and the bucket 4), and rolling or sliding members 15 arranged on the front part 11 of the chassis to accompany the translation of said front part 11 along the tracks 40 of the bucket 4. Preferably, the front part 11 further comprises an elevation system 16 intended for raising the container 2 when the latter is in particular with a front axle.

[0037] The front part 11 of the chassis 10 is intended to be positioned under the container 2 ([Fig.2]) and to support the container 2 thanks to its pair of interface profiles 13 ([Fig.l]). Preferably, the front part 11 comprises, for its rigidity and its functionalities, a base 11A and a gantry 11B connected by struts 11C. As shown in [Fig.3], the base 11A is delimited by a so-called transverse beam 11-1, two lateral profiles 11-2 and 11-3 which extend forward perpendicular to the transverse beam 11-1. The side profiles 11-2 and 11-3 are provided on their external face with rolling or sliding members 15. The interface profiles 13 are arranged inside the base between and parallel to the side profiles 11-2 and 11-3. They are fixed to the transverse beam 11-1. They are preferably movable along the transverse beam 11-1 to adapt their position and their spacing, as detailed later.

[0038] Each interface profile 13 (attached to the front part 11) is, on the one hand, capable of receiving by engagement each fork 30 of the forklift 3, and on the other hand, of cooperating by engagement in each sleeve 22 of the container 2. The forks 30 of the forklift 3 cooperate only temporarily with the interface profiles 13 to ensure the introduction of said interface profiles 13 into the sleeves 22 of the container 2. The interface profiles 13 extend in length to cooperate with substantially the entire length of the sleeves 22 in order to support the container 2 without overhang when the container is in an upright position. The interface profiles 13 are of dimensions adapted in section for their engagement in the (rectangular) section of the sleeves 22. Preferably, the interface profiles 13 have a U-shaped section.

[0039] The gantry 11B of the front part 11 of the interface device 1 comprises two uprights 11-4 and 11-5 secured to the base 11A, in particular at the level of the two lateral profiles 11-2 and 11-3 respectively. The struts 11C connect the upper part of the uprights 11-4 and 11-5 to the lateral profiles 11-2 and 11-3. The gantry 11B supports the elevation system 16 which comprises two jacks capable of vertically translating the transverse beam 11-1 along the two uprights 11-4 and 11-5 respectively in order to raise the interface profiles 13 and lower them. The elevation system 16 serves, when the container 2 is carried by the interface profiles 13, to raise it as shown in [Fig.6].This is particularly useful for a container 2 with a front axis, which when tilted projects further downwards than a container with a central axis; thus, the raising of the container 2 allows for more optimal filling of the storage bin 4 and prevents the front of the tilted container 2 from coming into contact with the waste when it returns to its initial position, still in the tilted position.

[0040] The rear part 12 of the interface device 1 ([Fig.l]) comprises a base 12A which carries an equipment block 12B comprising the electrical power supply and means for controlling the various actuators (in particular jacks) of the interface device as well as means for remote communication with a man-machine interface that the operator has at hand in the forklift to remotely control the actuators.

[0041] The rear part 12A, in particular at the base 12A, comprises ([Fig.7]) a pair of passages 17 for the engagement and support of the forks 30 of the forklift 3. The engagement of the forks 30 in the passages 17 allows the forklift 3 to lift the rear part 12 and consequently to lift the interface device 1 with its front part 11 which supports the container 2 since the rear 12 and front 11 parts are connected to each other by the connecting structure 14.

[0042] The spacing of the passages 17 is advantageously adjustable to correspond to the spacing of the interface profiles 13 and therefore to the spacing of the sleeves 22 of the container 2. The adjustment of the spacing of the passages 17 is done automatically thanks to a system of jacks 6 ([Fig.8]) which act in pushing or pulling in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the passages 17 and to the direction of the forks 30 in the mounted position of the rear part 12 on the forks 30.

[0043] In addition, to secure the maintenance of the interface device 1, in particular to secure the rear part 12 in the mounted position on the forks 30 of the forklift 3, the interface device 1, in particular the rear part 12, comprises gripping means 12' which are capable of cooperating with preferably the rising part 31 of the forks 30 of the forklift (Figures 7 and 8). The gripping means 12' are movable, preferably also by jacks 7, so as to pass from a coupling position to a decoupling position, and vice versa, with the rising part 31 of the forks 30 of the forklift.

[0044] As indicated previously, the spacing between the interface profiles 13 is advantageously adjustable to adapt to the spacing of the sleeves 22, which can vary depending on the container 2. The adjustment of the spacing of the interface profiles 13 is done via the adjustment of the spacing of the passages 17 when the front part 11 is positioned against the rear part 12. Each of the interface profiles 13 ([Fig.7]) comprises externally and on each side of their entry which faces the rear part 12, lateral stops 13' with an indexing function. The lateral stops 13' are preferably oriented angularly in a divergent manner towards the outside relative to the entry plane of the interface profiles 13.The lateral stops 13' are capable of engaging in the passages 17 of the rear part 12 (at the exit of said passages 17 and opposite their entry at the level of which each of the forks 30 of the forklift is introduced); once the lateral stops 13' are introduced into the passages 17, the movement of the passages 17 in one direction or the other via the jacks 6 mechanically causes the movement of the interface profiles 13 by moving them apart or bringing them together.

[0045] For the mobility of the front part 11 relative to the rear part 12 (which remains in a fixed position), the connecting structure 14 is a deployment structure operating with jacks 8 to deploy it (Figures 3, 5 and 6) and fold it (Figures 1 and 4). The structure 14 with mobility function for the front part 11 is able to unfold and fold to position the front part 11 against or at a distance from the rear part 12, the base 1 1A of the front part 11 always remaining in a horizontal plane.

[0046] Preferably, the connecting structure 14 comprises two opposite and parallel compass arms 14A and 14AB each comprising for their articulation a jack 8. To ensure rigidity and perfect parallelism of the compass arms 14A and 14B, the front parts of the arms are connected by crosspieces 14C. Thus, in combination with the rolling or sliding means 15 of the front part 11, the actuation of the jacks 8 makes it possible to unfold the compass arms 14A and 14B and to push in translation the front part 11 which can thus move away from the rear part 12, and consequently translate and move the container 2 away from the end of the storage bin 4 in the position of use. Once the front part 11 and therefore the container 2, moved to the appropriate location of the storage bin 4, the operator can remotely unlock the locking and unlocking interface system 5 (described in more detail below) so as to release the actuating member 24 of the container 2 so that the container 2 can tip.

[0047] The interface system 5 is intended to allow automated unlocking of the actuating member 24 without having to modify the design of said actuating member 24. For this purpose, the interface system 5 is mounted on the actuating member while its manual safety has been manually deactivated. The interface system 5 then serves to automatically lock or unlock the actuating member 24 in its free position for being actuated. The automated locking or unlocking of the actuating member 24 by the interface system 5 thus replaces the manual locking or unlocking of the locking member 24.

[0048] The interface system 5 comprises two parts, a first part 50, called the fixed part, mounted on the actuating member 24 and a second part 51, called the movable part secured to the frame 10 of the interface device. The movable part 51 is intended to cooperate with the fixed part 50 to lock it in a so-called active safety position or to unlock it to correspond respectively to the blocking or unlocking of the actuating member 24 (the unlocking making it possible to act on the actuating member when it is desired to tilt the container). In Figures 9A to 10 is illustrated a non-limiting example of interface system 5.

[0049] The fixed part 50 of the interface system 5 is an adaptation kit part which must be fixed beforehand on the actuating member 24. The fixed part 50 comprises a portion 50A intended to be fixed on the actuating member 24, and an offset portion 50B provided with a light 50'. The portion 50A fixed on the actuating member 24 is for example a tubular sleeve threaded and mechanically fixed around the lever. The offset portion 50B has a shape adapted to the type of lever to be able to cooperate with the movable part 51. The offset portion 50B is in particular bent. As visible in Figures 9A and 10, the offset portion 50B here has two examples of different shapes. This part of the adaptation kit is specifically designed for each container model in order to adapt perfectly to the actuating member which may be different depending on the container manufacturer model.

[0050] The movable part 51 is integral with the front end of the front part 11 of the interface device. In particular, the movable part 51 is integral with the transverse beam 11-1, preferably integral with one of the interface profiles 13 at its attachment portion on the transverse beam 11-1, which, because the interface profile 13 is movable, makes it possible to optimize the indexing of the interface system 5 with the actuating member (lever) 24. The movable part 51 is movable relative to the fixed part 50 (and therefore relative to the actuating member 24). The movable part 51 is preferably pivotable. The movable part 51 comprises a hook 51' which is intended to be introduced into the slot 50' of the fixed part 50 or to be uncoupled from it. The movable part 51 is capable of adopting three positions, an open position for which the hook 51' is disengaged from the slot 50' ([Fig.9A]), an intermediate position called active safety ([Fig.9B]) for which the hook 51' is (partially) engaged in the slot 50' while being oriented angularly relative to the opening plane of the slot 50' (i.e. at an angle not parallel to the opening plane of the slot), and a so-called closed or unlocking position for which the hook 51' is fully engaged while being positioned beyond the slot 50' and along a plane parallel to the opening plane of the slot ([Fig.9C]).The movable part 51 comprises for example a rotating cam 52 and a jack 53, the translation of the jack 53 in one direction or the other causing the rotation of the cam 52 in one direction or the other and consequently the coupling or uncoupling of the hook 51' with the light 50'. In [Fig.9A], the cam 52 is in the open position (the hook 51' is completely clear of the light 50') in order to be able to fix the fixed part 50 on the actuating member (lever) 24 and to install the container in the upright position on the interface device when it is taken with the forklift. In [Fig.9B] as in [Fig. 10], the cam 52 is in the active safety position which places the hook 51' partially engaged in the light 50' and then prevents any tilting of the container 2 since the hook 51' is angularly locked in the light and therefore prevents the container from pivoting / tilting forward. In [Fig.9C], the cam 52 is in the unlocked position, which places the hook 51' parallel to the general plane of the light 50' allowing the container 2 to tilt. The light 50' which has a stop function, also has a suitable dimension (according to its longitudinal dimension parallel to the direction of translation of the interface device) to allow tilting.

[0051] Furthermore, the interface device 1, in particular the front part 11, even more particularly the underside of the transverse beam 11-1, comprises viewing means 9 of the camera type ([Fig.2]). In particular, the viewing means 9 are fixed on the front of the central platform 12-1. Thus, this allows the operator (while remaining seated in the forklift 3) to be able to observe the interior of the skip 4 in order to optimize the loading of the skip when dumping the waste. In particular, the camera allows: - positioning assistance when the forklift 3 and the interface device 1 pick up the container from the ground; - better movement of the forklift 3 when it carries the interface device; - assistance in positioning the interface device 1 and therefore the container 2 on the storage bin 4 by centering it relative to the guide rails 40; - assistance in emptying container 2 by helping to position it correctly in relation to the space available in storage bin 4; - a reading identifying container 2 and storage bin 4 and other associated data (container 2 and the storage bin may include, for example, a barcode-type label).

[0052] The display means 9 transmit all the information to data processing means which are internal to the equipment block 12A and which can be transmitted remotely. The equipment block can also include RFID processing and communication means to communicate if necessary with the container 2 or the storage bin 4 or the forklift 3 which would be equipped with RFID chips.

[0053] The visualization means 9 may comprise a scanner for reading the filling profile in the storage bin 4.

[0054] The human-machine interface is provided within easy reach of the operator, such as a touch pad, and according to a preferably secure wireless communication technology. The human-machine interface communicates with the actuator control means in the equipment block 12B and data processing means which receive the data from the display means 9. The human-machine interface controls in particular: - the spacing of the passages 17 and therefore of the interface profiles 13 in relation to the spacing of the sheaths 22 of the container 2 (the spacing dimension can for example be known by the feedback of information when reading a bar code on the container by the display means 9); - locking the gripping means 12' on the forks 30 of the forklift 3; - the jack 53 to pivot the cam 52 to the different positions (open position for taking the container 2, end of operation of the interface device 1, unlocking for authorization of tilting and locking after lifting the container 2 after emptying); - the translational advancement and retreat of the interface device 1 and therefore of the container 2 along the tracks 40 of the storage bin 4; - stopping in the emptying position; - the raising by the elevation system 16 of the container 2 (in particular for a container with a front axle) relative to the interior of the storage bin 4; - pulling on the actuating member 24 to tilt the container 2 and empty it.

Claims

Claims

1. A handling interface device (1) intended to cooperate with a forklift truck (3) and to carry a container (2), in particular a tilting container, the interface device comprising a chassis (10) comprising a so-called front part (11) and a so-called rear part (12) and provided with passages (17) designed to accommodate forks (30) of a forklift truck (3), support means (13) intended to carry the container and a structure (14) with a mobility function, intended to make the container mobile, the structure (14) with a mobility function operating in horizontal translation so that it is capable of moving in horizontal translation the container which is intended to be carried by the interface device, characterized in that it comprises rolling or sliding members (15) which are arranged on the front part (11) of the chassis.

2. Interface device according to claim 1, characterized in that the front part (11) comprises the support means (13) of the container and the rear part (12) comprises the fork passages (17), and in that the front part (11) is capable of being movable in translation relative to the rear part (12) via the structure (14) with mobility function.

3. Interface device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the structure (14) with mobility function connects the rear part (12) to the front part (11) and is capable of deploying and folding, preferably said structure (14) being actuated by jacks (8), in particular said structure (14) comprising two opposite and parallel compass arms (14A, 14B).

4. An interface device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support means (13) comprise two hollow and spaced interface profiles, which project towards the front of the interface device, the two interface profiles (13) being, on the one hand, capable of receiving the forks (30) of a forklift truck, and on the other hand, capable of being introduced into a pair of sleeves (22) which are usually used for the insertion of forks of a forklift truck, preferably the two interface profiles (13) having a generally U-shaped section.

5. Interface device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support means (13), which are in particular two hollow interface profiles spaced apart for the passage of forks of a forklift, are arranged in alignment with the passages (17) designed to accommodate forks.

6. Interface device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fork passages (17) are adjustable in spacing in an automated manner, preferably via jacks (6), and the support means (13), which are in particular two hollow interface profiles spaced apart for the passage of forks of a forklift, are also adjustable in spacing, preferably are capable of being adjusted at the same time as the adjustment of the fork passages (17) by being mechanically connected to said passages outside of any translation operation.

7. Interface device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises gripping means (12') with a locking function which are intended and capable of cooperating with a forklift truck to lock said interface device on said truck, in particular by cooperating with a rising part (31) of the forks (30) of the forklift truck, and preferably the gripping means being movable by jacks (7) to couple and uncouple from said truck.

8. Interface device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chassis (10) comprises a lifting system (16) coupled to the support means (13) and capable of raising in vertical translation and lowering said support means (13), preferably the lifting system (16) being actuable by jacks.

9. Interface device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an automated locking and unlocking interface system (5) intended to ensure the blocking and unlocking of the tilting of a container, in particular the locking and unlocking interface system (5) comprising a movable locking and unlocking part (51) which is fixed to the interface device, in particular at the front of the interface device, as well as automated actuating means (53) of the movable part (51), and a fixed part (50) in the form of an adaptation kit part, which is intended to be fixed to a tilting actuating member (24) with which a container is provided intended to be carried by the interface device, the movable part (51) being able to cooperate with the fixed part (50) in a so-called active safety position preventing the container from tilting and in an unlocked position allowing tilting.

10. Interface device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the fixed part (50) of the kit comprises a light (50') and the movable part (51) comprises a rotary cam (52) actuated by a jack (53) and, at the end of the cam (52), a hook (51') which is capable of cooperating with the light (50') of the fixed part, the hook (51') being arranged parallel to the general plane of the light (50') in the unlocked position and being arranged in the light (50') and at an angle non-parallel to the general plane of the light in the active safety position, the cam (52) being further capable of positioning the hook (51') outside the light (50') to ensure the installation of a container (2) on the support means (13) of said interface device.

11. Interface device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises display means (9) such as a camera and / or a scanner as well as at least one equipment block (12B) comprising the power supply, means for controlling different actuators (6, 7, 8, 53) integrated in the interface device, data processing means which receive data from the display means (9) as well as remote communication means for remotely controlling the actuators and remotely transmitting the data from the display means.

12. Use of an interface device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is used for at least one waste storage bin (4) and as for a container (2) which is tiltable, the device making it possible to pour the tiltable container (2) into the storage bin (4) both at the end of the bin and at a distance from this end, in particular for several storage bins (4) arranged juxtaposed against each other, the interface device being brought to the end of each of the bins.

13. Assembly comprising an interface device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and a container (2) in particular tilting, preferably the container (2) comprising 19 two sheaths (22) spaced apart for the introduction of forks of a forklift.

14. Assembly according to the preceding claim and at least one storage bin (4) provided with longitudinal tracks with which the interface device (1) cooperates for its translational movement when the structure (14) with mobility function has been actuated.

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