Device for handling at least one object

Abstract

TITLE. Device (1) for handling at least one object The invention relates to a device (1) for handling at least one object, this handling device (1) comprises, on the one hand, a chassis (2), on the other hand, rolling means (3; 3') as well as mounting means (4; 4') of the rolling means (3; 3') which are configured to mount the rolling means (3; 3') at least in rotation relative to the chassis (2), on the other hand, handling means (5) for at least one object, mounting means (6) of the handling means (5) which are configured to mount the handling means (5) in displacement relative to the chassis (2) as well as drive means (7) of the handling means (5) which are configured to drive the handling means (5) in displacement relative to the chassis (2). This handling device (1) is characterized in that it comprises at least one telemetry means (8; 8') which equips the handling means (5).Figure for abstract: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Device for handling at least one object

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for handling at least one object.

[0002] This invention relates to the field of manufacturing devices designed to handle objects, more particularly the field of manufacturing forklifts which are designed to handle goods, in particular goods positioned on pallets.

[0003] Devices for handling at least one object are already known which can take the form of a forklift.

[0004] Such a handling device comprises, on the one hand, a chassis, on the other hand rolling means, which are movable relative to the chassis, and which allow movement of such a handling device, on the other hand again, handling means, which are movable relative to the chassis, and which may comprise a pair of forks which are configured to cooperate with a pallet on which goods are arranged.

[0005] Such a handling device may also comprise telemetry means, which equip the chassis or the hood of such a handling device, and which are configured to measure the distance between the handling device and any obstacles which are likely to hinder the movement of the handling device. These telemetry means are associated with means for managing the operation of the handling device which may, in the event of detection of such an obstacle by the telemetry means, as the case may be, emit a signal (visual and / or audible), or even act on the rolling means to brake, stop or divert the trajectory of the handling device.

[0006] These telemetry means, on the one hand, emit at least one beam of light and, on the other hand, collect at least one beam of light reflected by an obstacle. These beams of light extend according to several detection layers so that these telemetry means can only detect an obstacle which is located in such a detection layer. As a result, these telemetry means cannot detect an obstacle which is located above their upper detection layer or below their lower detection layer.

[0007] Also, to scan the entire environment of the handling device, it is necessary to equip this handling device with a multitude of telemetry means which, on the one hand, increases the cost of such a handling device and, on the other hand, requires significant resources for the processing, by the operation management means, of the data provided by these telemetry means.

[0008] The present invention is intended to be able to remedy, at least in part, the inconveniences- advantages of state-of-the-art handling devices.

[0009] For this purpose, the invention relates to a device for handling at least one object. This handling device comprises, on the one hand, a chassis, on the other hand, rolling means as well as means for mounting the rolling means which are configured to mount the rolling means at least in rotation relative to the chassis, on the other hand again, means for handling at least one object, means for mounting the handling means which are configured to mount the handling means in displacement relative to the chassis as well as means for driving the handling means which are configured to drive the handling means in displacement relative to the chassis.

[0010] This handling device is characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one telemetry means which equips the handling means.

[0011] Another characteristic relates to the fact that the handling device comprises, on the one hand, means for mounting said at least one telemetry means which are configured to mount said at least one telemetry means in movement relative to the handling means and, on the other hand, means for driving said at least one telemetry means which are configured to drive said at least one telemetry means in movement relative to the handling means.

[0012] According to another characteristic, the means for mounting said at least one telemetry means and / or the means for driving said at least one telemetry means are configured to position said at least one telemetry means, as the case may be, above or below at least one handling member that the handling means comprise.

[0013] Yet another feature concerns the fact that the handling device comprises a first telemetry means and a second telemetry means which equip the handling means.

[0014] According to another characteristic, the handling device is configured so that, on the one hand, the first telemetry means is positioned or can be positioned above or below at least one handling member that the handling means comprise and, on the other hand, the second telemetry means is positioned or can be positioned below or above said at least one handling member that the handling means comprise.

[0015] The invention also relates to a handling device, on the one hand, which has the characteristics described above, on the other hand, which is constituted by a forklift, on the other hand, in which the handling means comprise at least one handling member which is constituted by a fork or the like as well as a support, which is integral with said at least one handling member, which is mounted for movement relative to the chassis by means of the means for mounting the handling means, which is driven in movement relative to the chassis by means of the driving means of the handling means, and which is equipped with said at least one telemetry means.

[0016] Thus, the handling device comprises at least one telemetry means which equips the handling means that this handling device comprises.

[0017] Because the handling means are movable relative to the chassis, said at least one telemetry means is then also movable relative to the chassis, more particularly vertically as the handling means are. This then advantageously makes it possible to move said at least one telemetry means relative to the chassis as well as relative to the ground, more particularly vertically, this over a significant height and, thus, to detect elements over a significant height which is considerably greater than the detection height permitted only by the detection layers of a telemetry means fixed relative to the chassis. In particular, this makes it possible to detect obstacles (in particular on the ground or at height), a pallet, an object positioned on such a pallet, a shelf on which such a pallet is to be positioned or from which such a pallet is to be loaded.

[0018] According to another characteristic, the handling device is configured so that said at least one telemetry means is positioned or can be positioned above or below at least one handling member that the handling means comprise.

[0019] These characteristics then advantageously make it possible to ensure that such telemetry means are positioned above or below a handling member which may be a fork.

[0020] Thus, by positioning such telemetry means above such a handling device, it is possible to detect a pallet and its load, in order to define the dimensions and the optimal gripping point, as well as to evaluate the space available for depositing a new pallet.

[0021] By positioning such telemetry means below such a handling member, it is possible to determine the perpendicularity of the handling device relative to elements such as shelf rails, by measuring the distance and the altitude. In addition, by positioning such telemetry means below such a handling member, it is possible to detect obstacles which are located below a pallet which is being handled.

[0022] According to another characteristic, the handling device comprises, on the one hand, means for mounting said at least one telemetry means in movement relative to the handling means and, on the other hand, means for driving said at least one telemetry means in movement relative to the ma- maintenance.

[0023] These characteristics make it possible, when the ground is not flat and / or a pallet is not level, to vary the height of said at least one telemetry means, which then advantageously makes it possible to detect said pallet, in particular to ensure its handling. In addition, these characteristics advantageously make it possible to move (more particularly vertically) said at least one telemetry means relative to the handling means, with a view to positioning such a telemetry means above or below a handling member, in particular to obtain the advantages mentioned above.

[0024] Other aims and advantages of the present invention will appear during the description which follows relating to embodiments which are given only as indicative and non-limiting examples.

[0025] Understanding of this description will be facilitated by referring to the attached drawings in which:

[0026] [Fig-1] represents a schematic and perspective view of a device of my handling which comprises a first telemetry means and a second telemetry means, these telemetry means being positioned below said at least one handling member.

[0027] [Fig.2] represents a schematic and perspective view of a handling device which comprises a first telemetry means and a second telemetry means, these telemetry means being positioned above said at least one handling member.

[0028] [Fig.3] represents a schematic and perspective view of a handling device which comprises, on the one hand, a first telemetry means which is positioned below said at least one handling member and, on the other hand, a second telemetry means which is positioned above said at least one handling member, said at least one handling member being loaded by a pallet.

[0029] With reference to the figures of the attached drawings, the present invention then relates to the field of manufacturing devices designed to handle objects, more particularly the field of manufacturing forklifts which are designed to handle goods, in particular goods positioned on pallets.

[0030] The invention then relates to a handling device 1 for at least one object.

[0031] Such a handling device 1 comprises a chassis 2.

[0032] Such a handling device 1 also comprises rolling means (3; 3') as well as mounting means (4; 4') of these rolling means (3; 3') which are configured to mount the rolling means (3; 3') at least in rotation (more particularly around a horizontal axis) relative to the chassis 2, more parti- particularly on this chassis 2.

[0033] Such mounting means 4' may also be configured to mount at least one part 3' of these rolling means (3; 3') in rotation (more particularly around a horizontal axis) as well as in pivoting (more particularly around a vertical axis) relative to the chassis 2, more particularly on this chassis 2.

[0034] The handling device 1 may also comprise means for driving at least one part 3' of the rolling means (3; 3') which are configured to drive said at least one part 3' of these rolling means (3; 3'), this at least in rotation (more particularly around a horizontal axis) as well as in pivoting (more particularly around a vertical axis) relative to the chassis 2, more particularly on this chassis 2. These drive means then advantageously make it possible to ensure the movement of the handling device 1.

[0035] The handling device 1 also comprises handling means 5 for handling at least one object. Such handling means 5 may then comprise, on the one hand, at least one support 50 which may take the form of a plate, a tray or the like and, on the other hand, at least one handling member 51 (or even, and preferably, two handling members 51, in particular parallel and / or which extend along the same horizontal plane), which may take (in particular each) the form of a fork or the like, which extends from said at least one support 50, and which may, depending on the case, be fixedly secured to said support 50 or movable (more particularly in translation, in particular horizontal) relative to this support 50.

[0036] Additionally, this handling device 1 comprises means 6 for mounting the handling means 5 which are configured to mount the handling means 5 (more particularly said at least one support 50 that these handling means 5 comprise) in displacement (more particularly in translation, in particular vertical) relative to the chassis 2, more particularly on this chassis 2.

[0037] The handling device 1 then also comprises drive means 7 for the handling means 5 which are configured to drive the handling means 5 (more particularly said at least one support 50 that these handling means 5 comprise) in movement (more particularly in translation, in particular vertical) relative to the chassis 2, more particularly on this chassis 2.

[0038] According to the invention, the handling device 1 comprises at least one telemetry means (8; 8') which equips the handling means 5. In particular, said at least one telemetry means (8; 8') equips the support 50 which the handling means 5 comprise.

[0039] Such telemetry means (8; 8') may consist of a LIDAR which is an acronym of the Anglo-Saxon term for "light detection and ranging" or "laser imaging detection and ranging". The operation of such a LIDAR is based on a remote measurement technique based on the analysis of the properties of a beam of light (particularly laser) returned to its transmitter.

[0040] According to a first embodiment, said at least one telemetry means (8; 8') is fixedly secured to the handling means 5, more particularly to said support 50.

[0041] However, and according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the handling device 5 comprises mounting means (9; 9') for said at least one telemetry means (8; 8') which are configured to mount said at least one telemetry means (8; 8') in movement (more particularly in translation, in particular vertical) relative to the handling means 5 (more particularly relative to the support 50).

[0042] In this regard, it will be observed that the mounting means (9; 9') of said at least one telemetry means (8; 8') may then comprise, on the one hand, at least one translation mounting member which is integral (more particularly fixed) with the handling means 5 (more particularly with the support 50) and, on the other hand, at least one complementary translation mounting member, which is integral (more particularly fixed) with said at least one telemetry means (8; 8'), which cooperates with said at least one translation mounting member, and which is movable in translation relative to said at least one translation mounting member.

[0043] According to a first embodiment, said at least one translational mounting member may be constituted by a slide, respectively by a slider, while said at least one complementary translational mounting member may be constituted by a slider, respectively by a slider.

[0044] However, and according to a preferred embodiment, said at least one translational mounting member may be constituted by a cage which comprises at least one caster (or even, and preferably, a plurality of casters), respectively by a rail, while said at least one complementary translational mounting member may be constituted by a rail, respectively by a carriage which comprises at least one caster (or even, and preferably, a plurality of casters).

[0045] Additionally, the handling device 1 comprises means for driving said at least one telemetry means (8; 8') which are configured to drive said at least one telemetry means (8; 8') in movement (more particularly in translation, in particular vertical) relative to the handling means 5 (more particularly relative to the support 50).

[0046] In this regard, it will be observed that the drive means of said at least one telemetry means (8; 8') comprise, on the one hand, a screw (in particular trapezoidal) which is movable at least in rotation at least relative to the handling means 5 and / or with respect to said at least one telemetry means (8; 8').

[0047] These means for driving said at least one telemetry means (8; 8') comprise, on the other hand, a nut which cooperates with the screw and, on the other hand, a motor (in particular a stepping motor) which comprises a rotor (which is integral in rotation with the screw) as well as a stator.

[0048] In this regard and according to a first embodiment, said nut is integral (more particularly fixed) with the handling means (5) while the stator is integral (more particularly fixed) with said at least one telemetry means (8; 8'), more particularly by means of said complementary translation mounting member.

[0049] Alternatively, on the one hand, the nut is integral (more particularly fixedly) with said at least one telemetry means (8; 8'), more particularly by means of said complementary translational mounting member, while the stator is integral (more particularly fixedly) with the handling means (5).

[0050] According to another characteristic, the handling device 1 is configured so that said at least one telemetry means (8; 8') is positioned or can be positioned above or below said at least one handling member 51 that the handling means 5 comprise.

[0051] In this regard, it will be observed that, according to a first embodiment in which said at least one telemetry means (8; 8') is fixedly secured to the handling means 5, said at least one telemetry means (8; 8') is fixedly positioned above or below said at least one handling member 51 that the handling means 5 comprise.

[0052] However, and according to a preferred embodiment in which the handling device 1 comprises means (9; 9) for mounting said at least one telemetry means (8; 8') and means for driving said at least one telemetry means (8; 8') in movement relative to the handling means 5, the means (9; 9') for mounting said at least one telemetry means (8; 8') and / or the means for driving said at least one telemetry means (8; 8') are configured to position said at least one telemetry means (8; 8'), as the case may be, above or below said at least one handling member 51 that the handling means 5 comprise.

[0053] According to another characteristic, the handling device 1 comprises at least one means for detecting the position of said at least one telemetry means (8; 8') relative to the handling means 5 (more particularly relative to the support 50 and / or to said at least one handling member 51).

[0054] Such detection means include means for determining the number of revolutions made by the rotor of the motor. Since there is a direct relationship between the number of revolutions made by the rotor of the motor and the position of said at least one telemetry means (8; 8'), the determination of this number of revolutions advantageously makes it possible to deduce the position of said at least one telemetry means (8; 8'), in a particularly precise manner.

[0055] According to another characteristic, the handling device 1 comprises at least one means for detecting the end of travel of said at least one telemetry means (8; 8') relative to the handling means 5.

[0056] Such an end-of-travel detection means may comprise at least one inductive sensor.

[0057] As mentioned above, the handling device 1 comprises at least one telemetry means (8; 8') which equips the handling means 5, more particularly the support 50 which these handling means 5 comprise.

[0058] According to a first embodiment, this handling device 1 comprises a single telemetry means 8 which then equips these handling means 5, more particularly this support 50.

[0059] However, and according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, this handling device 1 comprises a plurality of telemetry means (8; 8') which equip the handling means 5, more particularly the support 50.

[0060] In particular and as visible in the attached figures, this handling device 1 may comprise, on the one hand, a first telemetry means 8 which equips the handling means 5 (more particularly the support 50) and, on the other hand, a second telemetry means 8' which also equips the handling means 5 (more particularly the support 50).

[0061] As regards said handling means 5 (more particularly the support 50), these comprise, on the one hand, a first lateral edge 52 and, on the other hand, a second lateral edge 53 which is, preferably, symmetrical to the first lateral edge 51, this with respect to said at least one handling member 51 mentioned above.

[0062] In such a case, the first telemetry means 8 equips the first lateral edge 52 while the second telemetry means 8' equips the second lateral edge 53.

[0063] According to another characteristic, the first telemetry means 8 and the second telemetry means 8' are positioned laterally relative to said at least one handling member 51, which the handling means 5 comprise, and which can adopt the form of a fork.

[0064] Alternatively or (and preferably) additionally, the first telemetry means 8 and the second telemetry means 8' are positioned on either side of said at least one handling member 51 that the handling means 5 comprise.

[0065] According to another characteristic, the handling device 1 is configured so that, on the one hand, the first telemetry means 8 is positioned or can be positioned above or below said at least one handling member 51 that the handling means 5 comprise and, on the other hand, the second telemetry means 8' is positioned or can be positioned below or above said at least one handling member 51 that the handling means 5 comprise.

[0066] According to a first embodiment, on the one hand, the first telemetry means 8 is positioned fixedly above or below said at least one handling member 51 that the handling means 5 comprise and, on the other hand, the second telemetry means 8' is positioned fixedly below or above said at least one handling member 51 that the handling means 5 comprise.

[0067] However, according to a preferred embodiment and as mentioned above, the handling device 1 comprises, on the one hand, mounting means (9; 9') of said at least one telemetry means (8; 8) which are configured to mount said at least one telemetry means (8; 8') in displacement (more particularly in vertical translation) relative to the handling means 5 and, on the other hand, driving means of said at least one telemetry means (8; 8) which are configured to drive said at least one telemetry means (8; 8) in displacement (more particularly in vertical translation) relative to the handling means 5.

[0068] In this regard, it will be observed that the mounting means (9; 9') of said at least one telemetry means (8; 8') then comprise a first mounting means 9 of the first telemetry means 8 in displacement (more particularly in vertical translation) relative to the handling means 5 (more particularly relative to the support 50) as well as a second mounting means 9' of the second telemetry means 8' in displacement (more particularly in vertical translation) relative to the handling means 5 (more particularly relative to the support 50).

[0069] Additionally, the drive means of said at least one telemetry means (8; 8') comprise a first drive means for movement (more particularly in vertical translation) of the first telemetry means 8 relative to the handling means 5 (more particularly relative to the support 50) as well as a second drive means for movement (more particularly in vertical translation) of the second telemetry means 8' relative to the handling means 5 (more particularly relative to the support 50).

[0070] According to another characteristic, the first mounting means 9 and the first drive means can then be configured to position the first telemetry means 8, as the case may be, above or below said at least one handling member 51 that the handling means 5 comprise.

[0071] Alternatively or (and preferably) additionally, the second mounting means 9' and the second driving means are configured to position the second telemetry means 8', as the case may be, above or below said at least one handling member 51 of the handling means 5.

[0072] Finally, the handling device 1 comprises control means which are configured to control the drive means of the rolling means (3, 3') and / or the drive means 7 of the handling means 5 and / or the drive means of said at least one telemetry means (8; 8').

[0073] According to another characteristic and as visible in the attached figures, the handling device 1 is constituted by a forklift.

[0074] In such a handling device 1, the handling means 5 comprise a support 50, which is as described above, which is mounted for movement (more particularly in vertical translation) relative to the chassis 2 by means of the mounting means 6 of the handling means 5, which is driven for movement (more particularly in vertical translation) relative to the chassis 2 by means of the drive means 7 of the handling means 5, and which is equipped with said at least one telemetry means (8; 8'), this as described above.

[0075] In such a handling device 1, the handling means 5 further comprise at least one handling member 51 (preferably two handling members 51), which is as described above, which is constituted by a fork or the like, and which is, as the case may be, fixedly secured to the support 50 or mounted for movement (more particularly in horizontal translation) relative to this support 50.

Claims

Claims

1. Handling device (1) for at least one object, this handling device (1) comprises, on the one hand, a chassis (2), on the other hand, rolling means (3; 3') as well as mounting means (4; 4') of the rolling means (3; 3') which are configured to mount the rolling means (3; 3') at least in rotation relative to the chassis (2), on the other hand, handling means (5) for at least one object, mounting means (6) of the handling means (5) which are configured to mount the handling means (5) in movement relative to the chassis (2) as well as drive means (7) of the handling means (5) which are configured to drive the handling means (5) in movement relative to the chassis (2), characterized in that it comprises at least one telemetry means (8; 8') which equips the handling means (5).

2. Handling device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises, on the one hand, mounting means (9; 9') of said at least one telemetry means (8; 8) which are configured to mount said at least one telemetry means (8; 8') in displacement relative to the handling means (5) and, on the other hand, driving means of said at least one telemetry means (8; 8) which are configured to drive said at least one telemetry means (8; 8) in displacement relative to the handling means (5).

3. Handling device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the mounting means (9; 9') of said at least one telemetry means (8; 8') comprise, on the one hand, at least one translation mounting member which is integral with the handling means (5) and, on the other hand, at least one complementary translation mounting member, which is integral with said at least one telemetry means (8, 8'), which cooperates with said at least one translation mounting member, and which is movable in translation relative to said at least one translation mounting member.

4. Handling device (1) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the drive means of said at least one telemetry means (8; 8') comprise, on the one hand, a screw which is movable at least in rotation at least relative to the handling means (5) and / or relative to said at least one telemetry means (8; 8'), on the other hand, a nut, which cooperates with the screw, and which is integral with the handling means (5), respectively with said at least one telemetry means (8; 8') and, on the other hand, a motor which comprises a rotor which is integral in rotation with the screw as well as a stator which is integral with said at least one telemetry means (8; 8'), respectively with the handling means (5).

5. Handling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is configured so that said at least one telemetry means (8; 8') is positioned or can be positioned above or below at least one handling member (51) that the handling means (5) comprise.

6. Handling device (1) according to claims 2 and 5, characterized in that the mounting means (9; 9') of said at least one telemetry means (8; 8') and / or the driving means of said at least one telemetry means (8; 8') are configured to position said at least one telemetry means (8; 8'), as the case may be, above or below said at least one handling member (51) that the handling means (5) comprise.

7. Handling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one means for detecting the position of said at least one telemetry means (8; 8') relative to the handling means (5).

8. Handling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one means for detecting the end of travel of said at least one telemetry means (8; 8') relative to the handling means (5).

9. Handling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a first telemetry means (8) and a second telemetry means (8') which equip the handling means (5).

10. Handling device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, on the one hand, the handling means (5) comprise a first lateral edge (52) and a second lateral edge (53) and, on the other hand, the first telemetry means (8) equips the first lateral edge (52) while the second telemetry means (8') equips the second lateral edge (53).

11. Handling device (1) according to any one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the first telemetry means (8) and the second telemetry means (8') are positioned laterally by relative to at least one handling member (51) that the handling means (5) comprise and / or on either side of said at least one handling member (51) that the handling means (5) comprise.

12. Handling device (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 10 characterized in that it is configured so that, on the one hand, the first telemetry means (8) is positioned or can be positioned above or below at least one handling member (51) that the handling means (5) comprise and, on the other hand, the second telemetry means (8') is positioned or can be positioned below or above said at least one handling member (51) that the handling means (5) comprise.

13. Handling device (1) according to claims 2 and 9, characterized in that, on the one hand, the mounting means (9; 9') of said at least one telemetry means (8; 8') comprise a first mounting means (9) of the first telemetry means (8) in displacement relative to the handling means (5) as well as a second mounting means (9') of the second telemetry means (8') in displacement relative to the handling means (5) and, on the other hand, the driving means of said at least one telemetry means (8; 8') comprise a first driving means in displacement of the first telemetry means (8) relative to the handling means (5) as well as a second driving means in displacement of the second telemetry means (8') relative to the handling means (5).

14. Handling device according to claim 13, characterized in that the first mounting means (9) and the first drive means are configured to position the first telemetry means (8), as the case may be, above or below at least one handling member (51) that the handling means (5) comprise.

15. Handling device (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the second mounting means (9') and the second drive means are configured to position the second telemetry means (8'), as the case may be, above or below said at least one handling member (51) of the handling means (5).

16. Handling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, on the one hand, it is constituted by a forklift, on the other hand, the handling means (5) comprise at least one handling member (51) which is constituted by a fork or the like as well as a support (50), which is integral with said at least one handling member (51), which is mounted for movement relative to the chassis (2) by means of the mounting means (6) of the handling means (5), which is driven for movement relative to the chassis (2) by means of the drive means (7) of the handling means (5), and which is equipped with said at least one telemetry means (8; 8').

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