Handling trolley and logistics system facilitating the transfer of items

Abstract

The present invention relates to a handling trolley (1). Said trolley (1) comprises a body having side walls (11) and a bottom wall (12), and a set of wheels (13) associated with said bottom wall (12). At least one movable portion (12') of said bottom wall (12) is articulated with respect to said side walls (11) so as to pass between a closed position, in which said bottom wall (12) and said side walls (11) jointly define an internal volume (14) for storing items, and an open position, in which said bottom wall (12) and said side walls (11) define a gravity discharge opening (15) for said trolley (1), said opening (15) communicating with said internal volume (14). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Handling trolley and logistics system facilitating the transfer of items technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of logistics.

[0002] The present invention relates more particularly to a handling trolley configured to facilitate the transfer of items, in particular to a conveyor, without requiring any particular effort from an operator.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a logistics system enabling the transfer of items between several levels via such handling trolleys.

[0004] The present invention will thus find many advantageous applications in the design and equipment of warehouses and other storage buildings for a variety of articles. Technological background

[0005] In the field of logistics, it is common to store items on several levels, particularly within a warehouse or other dedicated building. In order to transfer products between different levels, especially to collect multiple stored items, for example during order picking, the items are first manually collected in a trolley, which is then moved to a conveyor. The items are then transferred, one by one, onto the conveyor. The conveyor connects the different levels and allows the items to be transported to the desired level, particularly to the lowest level.

[0006] For the purposes of this application, a conveyor means, as stated herein and throughout, a mechanism or machine for transporting products along a predetermined path. In particular, and as stated above, a conveyor may connect several levels of a building, or more generally, several distinct areas. A conveyor may be a roller conveyor, a belt conveyor, a gravity conveyor, a hopper, or any other element known to those skilled in the art to perform a similar function.

[0007] The Applicant notes that the sequence of these tasks requires numerous manipulations by the operator, which can cause discomfort or injury through repetition. The multiplication of these manipulations also represents a considerable loss of time, and it is advisable to minimize them as much as possible.

[0008] In particular, it appears advantageous to allow the trolley to be emptied in a single operation, in order to transfer all the items onto the conveyor together.

[0009] In certain contexts, particularly for transporting bulk products, hopper trolleys are known to be used. These trolleys have a funnel shape and a lateral opening along their lower portion. The lateral opening can be operated to discharge the products. However, such hopper trolleys appear to be limited to transporting bulk products and are difficult to adapt to other types of goods, such as textiles. Furthermore, this design makes it difficult to guarantee complete emptying of the trolley when it is operated.

[0010] It is also designed to use tipper trucks, in which the skip can be tilted, particularly forwards, to empty its contents. Such a tipping operation is heavy-duty, and the skip is thus severely limited in terms of maximum load, or requires specific tools, particularly motorized ones, to enable the tipping of the skip.

[0011] The Applicant therefore submits that there is currently no satisfactory alternative handling trolley solution enabling the transfer of transported articles to a conveyor, which is suitable for a wide range of articles and does not require the application of any particular force. Summary of the invention

[0012] The present invention aims to improve the current situation described above.

[0013] The present invention is aimed more particularly at overcoming the following drawbacks: above by offering a handling trolley and a logistics system allowing a simple transfer of items between the trolley and the conveyor, i.e. a simple and efficient emptying of the handling trolley, which requires a minimum of effort or tools to increase productivity and limit injuries related to handling operations.

[0014] To this end, the object of the present invention relates in a first aspect to a handling trolley, the trolley comprising: - a body having side walls and a bottom wall; and - a set of wheels associated with the bottom wall, in which at least a movable portion of the bottom wall is articulated with respect to the side walls so as to pass between a closed position, in which the bottom wall and the side walls jointly define an internal volume for storing items, and an open position, in which the bottom wall and the side walls define a gravity discharge opening for the trolley, the opening communicating with the internal volume.

[0015] It is understood here that, when the moving portion is in the closed position, the trolley has a standard shape of handling trolley known to those skilled in the art, the side walls and the bottom wall forming a central tray in which Items can be placed in the cart. For example, the cart is roughly rectangular in shape, with four side walls defining a rectangular form. The cart is also preferably equipped with easy-to-use gripping features, such as handles located at the rear end of the cart and attached to the side walls. Naturally, the shape of the cart can be adjusted according to the requirements of a person skilled in the art. The cart is preferably without a top wall for easy placement of items, but can also be equipped with a top wall and a lid allowing access to the internal space. The bottom wall is therefore contiguous with the side walls when closed.

[0016] On the contrary, in the open position, the lower wall is at least partially non-contiguous with the side walls, the space between the lower wall and the side walls forming the gravity discharge opening. In other words, the movable portion forms a gravity discharge hatch for the trolley.

[0017] It is understood here and throughout the rest of this document that the notions of side, lower, upper walls, as well as the notions of front and rear of the trolley will be taken into consideration of the classic operation of the trolley during its use, the trolley being oriented so as to form an open container according to its upper portion, and its main direction of movement defining the rear and the front of the trolley, a trolley being usually pushed, from the rear, to move forward.

[0018] It is understood here that the implementation of the opening at the level of the lower wall ensures complete emptying of the trolley by simple gravity, more efficiently than a hopper trolley, and does not require tipping the trolley as with a tipper truck. Gravity emptying of the trolley without tipping thus eliminates the need for the operator to carry the load and does not require a motorized and energy-intensive solution.

[0019] Preferably, the entire lower wall is hinged to ensure a complete opening at the bottom of the trolley. In other words, the lower wall is the movable portion. Such a complete opening allows for the emptying of any type of item that can be placed in the trolley. The opening can be sized to cover the entire surface area of ​​the trolley, and the emptying does not require a flared shape; that is, the cross-section gradually narrows towards the bottom of the trolley. The emptying can therefore be adapted to any type of item that fits the dimensions of the trolley. Thus, the trolley can be adapted for handling a wide variety of items, including, but not limited to, textiles or bulk products.

[0020] According to other designs, it is possible to provide only a partial opening of the lower wall, that is to say, a lower wall comprising a fixed portion and a mobile portion. However, an excessively large fixed portion can impact the emptying of the trolley.

[0021] As stated, the trolley has a set of wheels associated with the lower wall, such that the trolley is supported via the wheels and the lower wall. The set of wheels can also be at least partially associated with the moving portion, so that the wheels move in conjunction with the opening of the moving portion and do not impede the emptying of the items.

[0022] Thanks to the present invention, the handling trolley can thus be emptied completely without requiring individual handling of the items, guaranteeing a complete emptying and without requiring any particular effort.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the movable portion is configured to be in the closed position when the trolley is supported by the wheel assembly, and to be in the open position when the trolley is suspended by the side walls.

[0024] It is understood here that a simple suspension of the trolley allows the moving portion to move from the closed position to the open position, thus emptying the trolley. The trolley can therefore be attached to a suitable support for its suspension, resulting in automatic emptying without any particular action on the part of the operator. Such a suspension can be implemented in a variety of ways, notably as described below. Meanwhile, during normal use of the trolley, it rests on its wheels and the moving portion remains closed, ensuring its proper operation.

[0025] It is further understood that, since the weight of the articles is not much transferred to the side walls but rather to the lower wall, in particular to the moving portion, and the suspension of the trolley naturally results in emptying, the force required to suspend the trolley by its side walls is greatly limited compared to that required to tip a conventional trolley filled with articles.

[0026] Preferably, the movable portion is assembled according to a pivot joint vis-à-vis the side walls, the lower wall being butted against the side walls in the closed position.

[0027] This design corresponds to a simple embodiment that ensures the trolley remains closed when resting on its wheels. Since the wheels are at least partially connected to the lower wall, the weight of the trolley supported by the wheels holds the lower wall in place against the side walls. The lower wall defines, for example, a shape, particularly a rectangle, within which the side walls fit, thus defining an enclosed space and allowing the side walls to rest on the lower wall.

[0028] On the contrary, as soon as the trolley is suspended and therefore no longer supported by the wheels, the movable portion pivots around the pivot joint to move into the open position, simply by the action of gravity. The pivot joint is preferably located at the rear end of the trolley, so that the main movement of the movable wall occurs at the front end of the trolley, promoting a spillage that is substantially directed forward rather than backward. Depending on the range of movement of the movable portion and the speed at which the items are spilled, the spillage can be more or less pronounced toward the front or toward the center of the trolley.According to other embodiments, it is possible to implement the pivot joint at the front end of the trolley, at the risk of spilling the products too close to the operator, on the left or right sides of the trolley, or to implement a movable portion in several parts, for example with a first part with a pivot joint at the front end and a second part with a pivot joint at the rear end, to guarantee a spillage centered with respect to the trolley.

[0029] The Applicant further submits that the closure of the movable portion is facilitated if its travel interval is not too large, in particular less than 90° relative to its opening, so that stopping the suspension of the trolley puts the wheels directly into contact with the ground and results in an automatic closure of the movable portion.

[0030] Furthermore, taking the example of a pivot joint arranged along the rear end of the trolley, the trolley can remain supported by the wheels placed at the rear end of the trolley and suspended opposite this end, i.e. here at the front end of the trolley, so as to minimize the stresses on the support on which to suspend the trolley while allowing the opening of the movable portion.

[0031] In one embodiment, the trolley includes means for attaching to a complementary support, the means for attaching being fixed to the side walls.

[0032] It is understood here that attaching the trolley to a support allows the side walls to be held in position while the movable portion opens. The provision of dedicated attachment means facilitates the use of the trolley by matching the attachment means to the support to trigger gravity emptying. Furthermore, the concept of suspending the trolley by the side walls is to be taken in a broad sense, as the trolley can be suspended by means attached to the side walls.

[0033] It is also understood that a trolley without dedicated attachment means can still be received and suspended by an appropriate structure, for example a dedicated structure clamping the side walls or reusing other elements of the trolley for its suspension, for example trolley handles.

[0034] In accordance with the embodiment described above, attachment means can be provided arranged along the end of the trolley having the discharge opening. gravity-driven, or in other words, the opposite of a pivot joint for the moving portion. In a preferred example, the moving portion is assembled via a pivot joint at the rear end of the carriage, and the attachment means are arranged at the front end of the carriage. This design facilitates suspension from the front of the carriage, with the carriage remaining supported by rear wheels, and the suspension remaining sufficient to allow the moving portion to open.

[0035] Preferably, the attachment means comprise an arch fixed on both sides to the side walls, the arch comprising a central portion configured for receiving the support.

[0036] It is understood here that the hoop corresponds to an arched piece extending from one side wall to the opposite side wall. The suspension is then carried out at the top of the hoop, generally in the central portion. The hoop is, for example, fixed to the left and right side walls so as to extend perpendicularly to the fore-aft direction of travel of the carriage and allow the carriage to be suspended by simply sliding it on the support.

[0037] The hoop can also be fitted with a roller located at the central portion, the roller's axis of rotation being perpendicular to the direction of travel of the trolley. For example, the roller's axis of rotation is parallel to the axis of rotation of the trolley's wheels. This facilitates the trolley's sliding on the support.

[0038] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a logistics system for transferring items between a set of levels of a building, the system comprising: - a load-bearing structure extending between the levels; - on at least one first level, called the upper level, of the set of levels, a first receiving space for a first trolley according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first receiving space being defined by the supporting structure; - on at least a second level, called the lower level, of the set of levels, a second space for receiving articles, the second receiving space being defined by the supporting structure; and - between the first level and the second level, at least one conveyor configured for the transport of items from the first level to the second level, the conveyor being assembled on the supporting structure and communicating with the first space and the second space, so that a gravity discharge of the first trolley into the first receiving space brings the items into the conveyor and the conveyor brings the items into the second space.

[0039] It is understood here that this system, in particular the first space, corresponds to a complementary structure of the trolley according to the first aspect of the invention, which here forms the "first trolley". This system therefore allows the first trolley to be integrated. in an overall structure, taking advantage of the design of the first trolley to allow its gravity emptying without carrying load.

[0040] Such a system is particularly suitable for warehouses comprising mezzanines, in which products are stored on several floors and items must be subsequently transported to a lower floor.

[0041] Depending on the design of the logistics system, it may include a plurality of conveyors connecting different levels to one another. For example, a logistics system associated with a building may be designed to include a first level, a second level below the first level, and a third level below the second level, the logistics system comprising: - a first conveyor linking the first level to the second level; - a second conveyor linking the first level to the third level; and - a third conveyor linking the second level to the third level.

[0042] To facilitate the transfer of items between different levels or floors, conventional warehouses are generally equipped only with simple chutes. Transferring items from one floor to another thus requires handling each item individually, transferring each item onto the chute. Providing a logistics structure adapted to the use of the trolley according to the first aspect of the invention eliminates this handling operation and therefore greatly simplifies the handling of items between different floors, by transferring all the items from the first trolley to the conveyor simultaneously and effortlessly.

[0043] Preferably, the system includes at least one first trolley according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first trolley being associated with the first receiving space.

[0044] In other words, the system comprises on the one hand a supporting structure equipped with a first receiving space, a conveyor and a second receiving space, on the other hand a first trolley complementary to the first receiving space.

[0045] Obviously, it is possible to design a system comprising a set of first trolleys, which are associated with the first reception area or more generally with the first level.

[0046] In one embodiment, the conveyor is configured for gravity discharge of articles from the first space to the second space.

[0047] It is understood here that the conveyor allows a simple, more or less controlled, "drop" of the articles between the first level and the second level. Such a conveyor takes, for example, the form of a hopper, a chute, or more generally any means known to those skilled in the art and suitable for gravity discharge.

[0048] It is further understood that the configuration of a gravity discharge conveyor, particularly in the form of a hopper or chute, results in a simpler design than a mechanical conveyor. A gravity discharge conveyor is easier to install and maintain and eliminates the risks associated with moving mechanisms.

[0049] Obviously, a gravity discharge conveyor, without external energy input, only allows the transfer of articles from a higher level to a lower level, i.e. from top to bottom.

[0050] Preferably, the conveyor is equipped with speed reducers configured to control the discharge speed of articles between the first space and the second space.

[0051] A person skilled in the art understands that speed reducers are, for example, adapted to a particular type of article, and that it is possible to design a conveyor equipped with dedicated speed reducers according to the articles considered, i.e. according to the sector of activity to which the logistics system is associated.

[0052] In one embodiment, the second receiving space corresponds to a receiving space for a second trolley.

[0053] In other words, the conveyor is configured to discharge the items directly into the second trolley. Thus, the items are transferred, via the logistics system, from a first trolley located on a first level to a second trolley located on a second level, without requiring any handling by the operator.

[0054] It is further understood that the second trolley corresponds to a trolley equipped with an opening allowing the items from the conveyor to be emptied directly into the second trolley, for example, by gravity discharge. The second trolley is thus compatible with the second receiving space.

[0055] In particular, the second trolley can correspond to a trolley according to the first aspect of the present invention, for ease of use, to employ a single type of trolley with respect to the logistics system or to allow for subsequent unloading.

[0056] According to other variants, the second receiving space can correspond to a variety of means of storing the articles, depending on the overall design of the logistics system and the warehouse, the conveyor being configured to transport the articles into the associated storage means.

[0057] Preferably, the system includes at least a second trolley according to the first aspect of the invention, the second trolley being associated with the second receiving space.

[0058] It is also possible to design a logistics system comprising a set of trolleys according to the first aspect of the invention, the trolleys being complementary to both the first receiving area and the second area of Receiving areas are designed to allow goods to flow into the conveyor and receive items from it. The carts can also navigate between levels depending on the building's design, and therefore between receiving areas depending on their use.

[0059] In one implementation, the system further comprises: - an access door associated with the first reception area; - at least one sensor associated with the second receiving space; and - control electronics, the control electronics being configured to: - receive information representative of the presence of the second trolley from the sensor; and - operate the access door according to the information.

[0060] Thus, this design allows items to be discharged only when a second trolley is present to receive them at the conveyor's output. Depending on the design of the access door, it can be configured to block access to the first receiving area, to prevent the first trolley from opening, or to retain the items in a retention zone on the conveyor, beneath the first trolley. Furthermore, the actuation can correspond to either opening the access door or unlocking it for subsequent opening, either manually or remotely.

[0061] The use of control electronics therefore makes it possible to add an additional layer of security to the use of the logistics system.

[0062] Of course, it is possible to perform additional processing via the control electronics for more precise use of the logistics system. For example, the control electronics can receive an opening command from an interface associated with the first receiving area. This command could, for instance, simply open the access door, or it could allow the selection of the second level from among all the available levels. The logistics system includes, for example, a distributor associated with the conveyor. The distributor is controlled according to the opening command so as to route the items towards the selected second level.

[0063] According to yet another variant, the logistics system may include a camera associated with the second receiving area and a screen associated with the first receiving area, so as to allow visual control by the operator of the presence of a second trolley or of its state of filling.

[0064] In one embodiment, the first receiving space includes means for suspending the first trolley and an opening in communication with the conveyor, the suspension means being arranged above the opening.

[0065] It is understood here that the suspension means allow the trolley to be held in position above the opening for gravity emptying via its lower wall. This design is particularly advantageous for a trolley whose movable wall is configured to open when the trolley is suspended, so that the first trolley's arrival at the suspension point automatically results in its gravity emptying, without any further action required from the operator. Furthermore, as previously stated, such a movable wall design minimizes stress on the suspension system, which only needs to be sized to partially suspend the trolley, with little or no consideration given to the weight of the transported items.

[0066] Obviously, a person skilled in the art can adjust the exact position of the suspension means and the opening according to the method of emptying the trolleys, so as to ensure gravity emptying directly into the conveyor.

[0067] Preferably, the suspension means include an additional support for the attachment means of the first trolley.

[0068] The support is therefore configured to receive and hold in position the fastening means. Such fastening means are preferably, as stated above, attached to the side walls of the first carriage.

[0069] Preferably, the support corresponds to a gantry extending substantially longitudinally in a direction of insertion and withdrawal of the first trolley in the first receiving space.

[0070] A gantry, for example, complements a hoop as described above. It is also possible to provide, for example, two gantry cranes arranged side by side, so as to form two support points for the trolley and ensure a more stable reception.

[0071] In particular, such a gantry allows the trolley to be suspended by simply moving the trolley forward into the first receiving space, resulting in the trolley naturally receiving the attachment means. Similarly, the trolley can be removed from the gantry by a simple reverse movement.

[0072] This design is particularly suitable for suspending the trolley by its front wheels. This design is thus compatible with the implementation of a pivot joint located at the rear end of the trolley, for emptying the trolley from the front. The trolley may or may not be kept in contact with the ground via its rear wheels during emptying.

[0073] Thus, through the various functional and structural technical characteristics described above, the Applicant proposes a handling trolley and an associated logistics system, which allow for simple gravity emptying of the trolley into a conveyor, thereby saving on the handling of items from the trolley to the conveyor, without requiring any particular effort or motorization of the trolleys. Handling operations are thus facilitated and accelerated. Description of the figures

[0074] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the particular and non-limiting embodiments of the present invention below, with reference to the attached Figures 1 to 5, in which:

[0075] Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of a handling trolley according to an example of an embodiment of the present invention, the movable portion of which is in the open position;

[0076] [Fig.2] illustrates a front view of a handling trolley conforming to [Fig.1], the movable portion of which is in the closed position;

[0077] [Fig.3] illustrates a top view of a handling trolley conforming to [Fig.2];

[0078] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a logistics system associated with a first trolley conforming to Figure 1; and

[0079] Figure 5 schematically illustrates a logistics system and a first trolley, both conforming to Figure 4, during a gravity unloading of the first trolley. Detailed description

[0080] A handling trolley and a logistics system will now be described in what follows with joint reference to Figures 1 to 5. The same elements are identified with the same reference signs throughout the description that follows.

[0081] As indicated in the preamble to the description, handling articles on multiple levels involves a plurality of tasks, including collecting the articles into a trolley, transferring the articles from the trolley onto a conveyor connecting the levels, and then retrieving the articles from the conveyor, each of these operations involving the handling of each individual article. Furthermore, while trolley structures exist in some areas configured to facilitate emptying, these designs are limited by constraints on the type of article compatible or on the tipping mechanism of the bin associated with the trolley.

[0082] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a trolley whose design allows for simple and effortless unloading of a wide range of items, thereby greatly simplifying the transfer of items from the trolley to the conveyor. Another objective is to provide a logistics system adapted to this trolley operation.

[0083] As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, a logistics system 2 for transferring items between different levels of a building is provided here. System 2 can be integrated into any type of building extending over several levels, but is particularly suitable for buildings, especially warehouses, with mezzanines, where system 2 can be installed without impacting the rest of the structure. Items, such as textiles, bulk goods, or other types of goods, are stored on several levels of the building. Specifically, items are stored on a first level, called the upper level, and must be moved to a second level, called the lower level.

[0084] System 2 thus comprises a load-bearing structure 20 extending between the levels, so that system 2 can connect them. The load-bearing structure 20 can be assembled with the different levels in such a way as to ensure the stability of system 2 on each floor. In a more integrated design, particularly for a building without a mezzanine, the load-bearing structure 20 can be integrated into and / or merged with the structure of the building itself.

[0085] The load-bearing structure 20 defines a first receiving space 21 for a first trolley 1 on the first level and a second receiving space 22 for items on the second level. Here, the building has two levels, the first level forming the upper level and the second level forming the lower level. It is also possible for the load-bearing structure 20 to be associated with a building comprising a greater number of levels. In this case, and depending on the warehouse's intended use, any level from which items can be collected constitutes a first level, and the load-bearing structure 20 is likely to present a first space 21 there, and any level to which items can be conveyed constitutes a second level, and the load-bearing structure is likely to present a second space 22 there.The load-bearing structure 20 can thus present, on an intermediate level, both a first space 21 and a second space 22, depending on the handling requirements in the building.

[0086] Between the first level and the second level, the logistics system 2 also includes a conveyor 23, which is configured for transporting items from the first level to the second level. The conveyor 23 is thus assembled on the supporting structure 20 so as to communicate with the first space 21 and the second space 22, and so as to allow the first trolley 1 to be emptied into the first space 21 and the items to be transported into the second space 22.

[0087] In particular, the conveyor 23 and the first space 21 are configured to allow gravity unloading of the first trolley 1. The logistics system 2 is thus complementary to the first trolley 1. The logistics system 2 can therefore comprise one or more first trolleys 1, considering a more comprehensive assembly. The logistics system 2 and the first trolley 1 can also be considered as two distinct, complementary components.

[0088] The first trolley 1 corresponds in particular to a trolley according to the present invention, configured to allow gravity emptying.

[0089] Figures 1 to 3 illustrate such a trolley 1. The trolley 1 comprises a body having side walls 11 and a bottom wall 12, and a set of wheels 13 associated with the bottom wall 12, i.e., the wheels 13 are arranged along the lower end of the trolley 1. The trolley 1 preferably comprises gripping means 19, for example, two handles defining the rear end of the trolley 1 and assembled on the side walls 11

[0090] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, the lower wall 12 comprises a movable portion 12' hinged to the side walls 11. Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the movable portion 12' in the closed position, in which the side walls 11 and the lower wall 12 are contiguous and together define an internal volume 14. It is understood here that, in this position, the carriage 1 has a conventional shape in which the internal volume 14 can receive a plurality of items. In [Fig. 1], the movable portion 12' is in the open position and is separated, at least partially, from the side walls 11. The lower wall 12 and the side walls 11 thus define, by their separation, an opening 15 in communication with the internal volume 14. The opening 15 is positioned at the lower end of the internal volume 14, and therefore ensures its gravity emptying.

[0091] In particular, the movable portion 12' is assembled via a pivot joint 16 with respect to the side walls 11. According to the design, the pivot joint 16 corresponds to an assembly of the movable portion 12' on the side walls 11 and / or to an assembly of the movable portion 12' on the rest of the lower wall 12. In the closed position, the lower wall 12, and more specifically the movable portion 12', is brought against the side walls 11. The movable portion 12' can therefore move, via this pivot joint, from the closed position, in which it is against the side walls 11, to the open position in which it is separated from the side walls 11. In other words, the pivot allows the movable portion 12' to move away from the side walls 11.Here, the pivot joint is provided along the rear end of the carriage 1, on the same side as the gripping means, so that the opening 15 is formed towards the front of the carriage 1.

[0092] Thus, due to the assembly of the wheels 13 on the lower wall 12, including on the movable portion 12', the movable portion 12' remains in the closed position when the carriage 1 is supported by the wheels 13, the movable portion 12' being held against the side walls 11 due to the weight of the carriage 1. Conversely, when the carriage 1 is no longer supported by the wheels 13, or at least by the wheels 13 associated with the movable portion 12', the movable portion 12' moves to the open position under the action of gravity. This movement to the open position can be achieved, in particular, by suspending the carriage 1 via its side walls 11.

[0093] Thus, a simple suspension of the trolley 1 results directly in its gravity emptying, without additional action, handling or load carrying by an operator.

[0094] Advantageously, the trolley 1 and / or the logistics system 2 have dedicated means for suspending the trolley 1. As illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, the trolley 1 is thus equipped with attachment means 17 fixed to the side walls 11. The attachment means 17 are preferably arranged along the front end of the trolley 1 so that, as in Figures 1 and 5, the trolley 1 is suspended along its front end and remains supported by its wheels along its rear end, in accordance with a movable wall 12' pivotally connected along its rear end. In other words, the attachment means 17 are arranged along the same portion of the trolley 1 as the opening 15. The partial suspension of the trolley 1 minimizes the mechanical stresses associated with such suspension and more easily allows the movable portion 12' to return to a closed position by simply retracting the trolley 1.

[0095] Figure 2 illustrates the attachment means 17. These advantageously include An arch fixed to the side walls 11, that is to say, an element of generally curved shape, extending from a first side wall 11 to a second opposite side wall 11. The arch preferably includes a central portion 18, corresponding to the apex of the arch, configured to receive an additional support. The central portion 18 is, for example, equipped with a roller allowing the carriage 1 to slide on the support, so as to avoid friction.

[0096] In addition to the attachment means 17, and as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the first space 21 includes suspension means 25 for the first carriage 1. The suspension means 25 here correspond to a complementary support for the attachment means 17, more precisely to a support arm extending substantially longitudinally in the direction of insertion and withdrawal of the first carriage in the first space 21. The suspension of the carriage 1 thus corresponds to a simple advance of the carriage 1 into the first space 21, resulting in the hoop being hooked onto the support arm by sliding on the roller. According to other designs, it is possible to provide suitable suspension means 25 for suspending a carriage 1 lacking dedicated attachment means 17, for example, suspension means adapted to hook or clamp the side walls 11.

[0097] To facilitate gravity emptying, the first space 21 is also provided with an opening communicating with the conveyor 23, the suspension means 25 being arranged substantially above the opening. Thus, when the trolley 1 is received onto the suspension means, the movable portion 12' opens automatically so as to discharge the products by gravity, directly into the conveyor 23. This The design thus allows for emptying of the trolley 1 in a fully mechanical manner, without requiring any energy-intensive device to lift or tilt the trolley 1.

[0098] Once the items are received in conveyor 23, they can then be conveyed to the second space 22. In order to maintain a simple design, conveyor 23 is preferably configured for gravity discharge, without any energy input. Conveyor 23 corresponds, for example, to a simple chute connecting the first space 21 to the second space 22. In particular, speed reducers can be provided on conveyor 23 to control the discharge speed of the items. The speed reducers are sized according to the incline of conveyor 23 and the items being conveyed. Naturally, a conveyor 23 configured for gravity discharge is only suitable for connecting a first level to a second level located below the first level, and the characterization of the building levels in first and second level, i.e. the arrangement of the first space(s) 21 and second space(s) 22, then respects this constraint..

[0099] In an advantageous design, the second space 22 corresponds to a receiving area for a second trolley, meaning that the items are directly emptied from the conveyor 23 into the second trolley. This design thus avoids any additional handling at the output of the conveyor 23 and connects the first trolley 1 of the first level to the second trolley of the second level. The second trolley can correspond to a trolley 1 according to the present invention and can also be integrated into the logistics system 2. More broadly, the logistics system 2 can include a set of trolleys 1 according to the present invention, which can be freely associated with different levels depending on their position in the building, the supporting structure 20 allowing for rapid transfer of items between levels without requiring the trolleys 1 to be moved between levels.

[0100] If the second space 22 can or cannot receive a second trolley, it is also relevant to control the discharge of the first trolley 1 according to the presence or absence of the second trolley, so as to ensure that the second trolley is actually able to receive the items.

[0101] The logistics system 2 further comprises a sensor associated with the second receiving space 22, an access door 24 associated with the first space 21 and control electronics configured to control the access door 24. The control electronics thus implements a method of controlling the access door, in which the control electronics receives information representative of the presence of the second trolley from the sensor, and actuates the access door 24 according to the information.

[0102] The access door 24 corresponds here, as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, to a door configured to block or release access to the first space 21, so as to control The entry of the first trolley 1 into the first space 21. The actuation thus corresponds to an opening of the access door 24 when the second trolley is present. According to other variants, it is also possible to provide an access door 24 at the opening between the first space 21 and the conveyor 23, blocking the release of products from the first trolley 1 when it is in the first space 21, or an access door 24 located in the conveyor and associated with the first space 21, so that the products emptied into the first space 21 by the first trolley 1 are held there until the access door 24 is opened.

[0103] Furthermore, the control electronics can also be configured for different or more complex controls, depending on the objectives of the person skilled in the art. The logistics system 2 includes, for example, a human-machine interface associated with the first space 21, the control electronics being in communication with the interface and receiving commands via communication with this interface, for example, commands to open the access door 24, commands to select the second level, etc.

[0104] Thus, it will be understood that the present invention provides a handling trolley allowing simplified gravity unloading and a complementary logistics system for such a handling trolley, enabling the simple transfer of items between several levels of a building. The transfer of items between the trolley and the conveyor is facilitated in such a way as to allow the transfer of a wide range of items, without handling by the operator, and without energy-intensive operation for unloading the trolley.

[0105] It should be noted that this detailed description relates to a particular embodiment of the present invention, but in no way does this description limit the scope of the invention; on the contrary, its purpose is to remove any possible inaccuracy or misinterpretation of the following claims.

[0106] It should also be noted that the reference signs in parentheses in the following claims are in no way intended to be limiting; these signs are solely intended to improve the intelligibility and understanding of the following claims and the scope of the protection sought.

Claims

Demands

1. Handling trolley (1), said trolley (1) comprising: - a body having side walls (11) and a bottom wall (12); and - a set of wheels (13) associated with said bottom wall (12), in which at least one movable portion (12') of said bottom wall (12) is articulated with respect to said side walls (11) so as to pass between a closed position, in which said bottom wall (12) and said side walls (11) jointly define an internal volume (14) for storing articles, and an open position, in which said bottom wall (12) and said side walls (11) define a gravity discharge opening (15) for said trolley (1), said opening (15) communicating with said internal volume (14).

2. Trolley (1) according to claim 1, wherein said movable portion (12') is configured to be in the closed position when said trolley (1) is supported by said wheel assembly (13), and to be in the open position when said trolley (1) is suspended by said side walls (11).

3. Trolley (1) according to claim 2, wherein said movable portion (12') is assembled according to a pivot joint (16) vis-à-vis said side walls (11), said lower wall (12) being butted against said side walls (11) in said closed position.

4. Trolley (1) according to claim 2 or 3, which further comprises attachment means (17) on a supplementary support, said attachment means (17) being integral with said side walls (11).

5. Trolley (1) according to claim 4, wherein said attachment means (17) comprise an arch fixed on both sides to said side walls (11), said arch comprising a central portion (18) configured for receiving said support.

6. A logistics system (2) for transferring items between a set of levels of a building, said system comprising: - a load-bearing structure (20) extending between said levels; - on at least one first level, said top level, of said set of levels, a first receiving space (21) for a first trolley (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, said first receiving space (21) being defined by said support structure (20); - on at least a second level, said lower level, of said set of levels, a second receiving space (22) for said articles, said second receiving space (22) being defined by said support structure (20); and - between said first level and said second level, at least one conveyor (23) configured for conveying said articles from said first level to said second level, said conveyor (23) being assembled on said support structure (20) and communicating with said first space (21) and said second space (22), so that a gravity discharge of said first trolley (1) into said first receiving space (21) brings said articles into said conveyor (23) and said conveyor (23) brings said articles into said second space (22).

7. System (2) according to claim 6, which comprises at least one first trolley (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, said first trolley (1) being associated with said first receiving space (21).

8. System (2) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said conveyor (23) is configured for gravity discharge of said articles from said first space (21) to said second space (22).

9. System (2) according to claim 8, wherein said conveyor (23) is provided with retarders configured to control the discharge speed of said articles between the first space (21) and the second space (22).

10. System (2) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein said second receiving space (22) corresponds to a receiving space of a second trolley.

11. System (2) according to claim 10, which comprises at least one second trolley according to any one of claims 1 to 5, said second trolley being associated with said second receiving space (22).

12. System (2) according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising: - an access door (24) associated with said first receiving space (21); - at least one sensor associated with said second receiving space (22); and - control electronics, said control electronics being configured to: - receive information representative of the presence of said second trolley from said sensor; and - operate said access door (24) according to said information.

13. System (2) according to any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein said first receiving space (21) comprises means for suspending said first trolley (1) and an opening in communication with said conveyor (23), said means for suspending (25) being disposed above said opening.

14. System (2) according to claim 13, wherein said suspension means (25) comprise a supplementary support for attachment means (17) of said first trolley (1).

15. System (2) according to claim 14, wherein said support corresponds to a gantry extending substantially longitudinally in a direction of insertion and withdrawal of said first trolley (1) in said first receiving space (21).

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