Load handling device for automated warehouses, load handling system, and method

Abstract

A load handling device (1) on rails (5, 5' ) is suitable for automatically transporting the load (100) in a warehouse (200) provided with said rails (5, 5' ) and comprises : a base frame (6) onto which wheels (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D) suitable for allowing the translation of the load handling device (1) along the rails (5, 5' ) are rotatably connected; a first actuator device (61) to achieve the translation of the load handling device (1) along the rails (5, 5' ), an operating portion (7) defining a temporary support surface (PA) for said load (100). a command and control unit (4) for said first actuator device (61); a charge storage unit (65) mounted to the base frame (6) and operatively connected to the command and control unit (4) for the electrical power supply thereof; an electrical connector (8, 8' ) for recharging said charge storage unit (65). Furthermore, a connector movement system (9) is configured to move the electrical connector (8, 8' ) in electrical contact with the electrical power source (50) and comprises an energy storage unit (91), configured to store energy, and an actuator system (93) configured to use the energy stored in the energy storage unit (91) so as to move the electrical connector (8, 8' ). A load handling system (300) and a method for handling a load comprise such load handling device.

Description

"LOAD HANDLING DEVICE FOR AUTOMATED WAREHOUSES, LOAD HANDLING SYSTEM, AND METHOD"DESCRIPTIONFIELD OF APPLICATION

[0001] The present invention falls within the field of the production of automated systems for the storage of items on pallets in an automated warehouse.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a load handling device, a system comprising such device, and a method for handling a load, in particular for handling pallets containing articles, for automated warehouses.

[0003] PRIOR ART

[0004] Automated warehouses structured to allow the automatic storage of pallets are known in the art.

[0005] From a design point of view, these warehouses normally employ load-bearing structures comprising a structure with shoulders and uprights that defines a plurality of storage aisles of variable dimensions according to the foreseen loads. The pallets are arranged and picked up along / from such aisles through automated devices, called satellites or shuttles. These devices deposit, automatically and in series, a plurality of pallets on support guides arranged alongthe storage aisle. In more detail this deposit normally takes place starting from one end of an aisle or in any case from the first free position identified within the aisle itself.

[0006] Before being arranged in the vertical storage aisles of the warehouse, the pallets must be made accessible from the ground to a forklift which allows the pallet to be loaded from the ground onto a satellite which is transferred to the aisles at greater heights by the forklift.

[0007] Since there may be more than one forklift station in the perimeter of the warehouse, it is necessary for the transport of the pallets to and from the forklifts to be as organized, rapid, and efficient as possible, so that the pallets in and out of the warehouse are disposed of in a suitable time.

[0008] Typically, the operation of loading and unloading the pallets from the forklifts takes place by means of appropriate forklifts controlled by operators who bring the pallets to each forklift or else in proximity to automatic conveyors which transport the pallets to the forklifts.

[0009] In some automated warehouses that often require connections with production lines, shipping bays,picking bays, or other warehouses, conveyor lines or circuits are arranged on the ground in the warehouse to / from the forklifts, in which additional shuttles travel.

[0010] Inconveniently, the shuttles, which normally comprise a frame provided with a plurality of wheels moved by electric motors to allow the shuttle to translate along the conveyor line, are in constant need of energy to travel. Traditionally, the shuttle is connected directly to the power supply grid by means of a high-voltage busbar located along the entire route.

[0011] The shuttle draws electric current from the busbar, with the aid of special brushes.

[0012] Inconveniently, the brushes travel continuously inside the busbar and wear out easily, leading to sudden breakages and stops of the shuttle, and consequent stops of the other shuttles running on the same line and, therefore, warehousing delays.

[0013] Therefore, the systems of the prior art are not efficient.

[0014] SOLUTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The need to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks relating to the prior art is therefore strongly felt.

[0016] In particular, an object of the present inventionis to provide a load handling device which is capable of ensuring more efficient transport.

[0017] A further object of the present invention is to provide a load handling device that requires less maintenance of the brushes.

[0018] Furthermore, it is the object of the present invention to provide a load handling device which, together with ensuring the preceding objects, is also safe from an electrical point of view.

[0019] One or more of the aforesaid objects are achieved by a load handling device, by a load handling system, and by a method for handling a load, according to the appended independent claims. The dependent claims describe preferred embodiments.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The features and advantages of the load handling device, of the system, and of the method according to the present invention will appear more clearly from the following description, made by way of an indicative and non-limiting example according to the accompanying figures, in which:- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an automated storage system, comprising a load handling system and aplurality of load handling devices, according to an embodiment of the present invention;- Fig. 2 is a plan view from above of a load handling system according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a load handling device is shown stationary in a first position on rails;- Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a load handling system according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which only a portion of the entire length of the rails is shown;- Fig. 4 is an axonometric view of a load handling device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a load is loaded onto an operating portion of the load handling device;- Fig. 5 is a side elevation view of the load handling device of Fig. 4, in which the load has been removed;- Fig. 6 is a plan view from above of the load handling device of Fig. 4 in a horizontal section along the plane A-A indicated in Fig. 5;- Fig. 7 is an axonometric view of the load handling device of Fig. 4, in which an upper frame of the base frame has been removed, so that the lower frame and the components inside the lower frame are visible; in this Fig. 7 and in the subsequent Fig. 8, for reasons ofclarity of the figures, the fluidic connections between the hydraulic components have been hidden, for example between the tank and the fluid displacement device and between the tank and the actuator system and between the linear actuator and the solenoid valves, but it is clear that the person skilled in the art is able to understand where and how the actual fluidic connections are located between the parts;- Fig. 8 is a plan view from above of Fig. 7;- Fig. 9 is an axonometric view of a part of the actuator system comprising an electrical connector of the load handling device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;- Fig. 10 is a plan view from above of the part of the actuator system of Fig. 9;- Fig. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of the part of the actuator system of Fig. 9;DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] While the present invention is described below with reference to preferred embodiments shown in the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below and shown in the drawings. On the contrary, the described and representedembodiments clarify some aspects of the present invention.

[0022] The present invention has proved to be particularly advantageous with reference to the construction of a load handling device 1 suitable for moving within a warehouse 200 in an autonomous / semi- autonomous and preferably self-powered manner, for example on fixed rails 5, 5' anchored to the ground and on which the device rests, as better described hereinafter .

[0023] Figure 1 schematically shows a warehouse 200 for storing loads 100, typically pallets, comprising a load handling device 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0024] The warehouse 200 shown in the figures by way of example has a simple layout and preferably comprises storage aisles 11, 21, 31 arranged laterally with respect to a central aisle 51.

[0025] The warehouse 200 also preferably comprises a loading / unloading station 18 for the loads, i.e. an area on which a load 100 which must be stored in a predetermined compartment of the warehouse 200 is placed, or an area on which a load 100 taken from a compartment of the warehouse 200 is placed.

[0026] The handling of a load 100 towards the loading / unloading station 18 within the warehouse 200 is advantageously carried out by the load handling device 1 according to the invention.

[0027] The load handling device 1 according to the invention preferably allows the handling of loads of large dimensions and weights, such as pallets, but other types of articles are not excluded.

[0028] The load handling device 1 according to the invention is therefore in particular suitable for handling pallets containing articles, for automatically storing the load 100 in a warehouse 200.

[0029] The load handling device 1 comprises a base frame 6 onto which wheels 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D suitable for allowing the translation of the load handling device 1 along rails 5, 5' of the warehouse 200 along a translation direction X are rotatably connected. Preferably, the rails are arranged about the outermost perimeter of the industrial shelving 201, which defines the storage aisles 11, 21, 31 of the warehouse 200. In particular, the rails 5, 5' are preferably arranged on the ground and preferably form a circuit, for example a closed transport circuit.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the base frame 6defines an inner compartment 67, preferably having a box shape, and extending in height to a much lesser extent than the other two dimensions of width and length.

[0031] The load handling device 1 also comprises a first actuator device 61, 61' preferably arranged inside said base frame 6, in the inner compartment 67, and operatively connected to one or more of said wheels 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D for achieving the translation of the load handling device 1 along the rails 5, 5'.

[0032] Preferably, the first actuator device 61, 61' comprises one or more electric motors associated with one or more of said wheels 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, preferably by means of a mechanical transmission system, for example to a first pair of wheels 10B, 10D.

[0033] The load handling device 1 comprises an operating portion 7 (or several operating portions) defining a temporary support surface PA (or a support plane) for the load 100.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the load handling device 1 comprises a second actuator device 62 operatively connected to said operating portion 7 for moving it so as to load and / or unload the load 100 onto / from the temporary support surface PA. Preferably,the operating portion 7 is moved with respect to the base frame 6.

[0035] In one embodiment, the operating portion 7 (or several operating portions) comprises a plurality of rollers 71, 72 arranged side by side and operable in rotation about a roller axis thereof by the second actuator device 62 for moving the load 100 and allowing its loading or unloading.

[0036] The load handling device 1 comprises a command and control unit 4, configured to command the first actuator device.

[0037] Preferably, the command and control unit comprises electronic command and control units known to the person skilled in the art, for example a processing unit, such as a microcontroller or a microprocessor, a memory storage unit, and a processing unit of the communication protocols.

[0038] Preferably, the command and control unit 4 is arranged inside the base frame 6, in the inner compartment 67.

[0039] Preferably, the command and control unit 4 controls all the moving parts of the device 1 and the communication with the sensors.

[0040] Preferably, the command and control unit 4 alsocommunicates with a warehouse management unit, on which a warehouse software program manages the operation of the warehouse 200 and in particular the movements of the device 1 within the warehouse 200. The communication between the command and control unit 4 and the warehouse management unit is preferably wireless communication.

[0041] The load handling device 1 comprises a charge storage unit 65 mounted on the base frame 6 and operatively connected to the command and control unit 4 for the electrical supply thereof.

[0042] In one embodiment, the charge storage unit 65 comprises supercapacitors and / or fast-charging batteries, preferably positioned in the base frame 6.

[0043] The load handling device 1 comprises at least one electrical connector 8, 8' (or several electrical connectors) for recharging said charge storage unit 65. Preferably, such electrical connector 8, 8' (or several electrical connectors) is an electrical connector movable with respect to the base frame 6.

[0044] Preferably, the command and control unit 4 is configured to control the recharging of the charge storage unit 65 with the electric power coming from the electrical connector 8, 8'.

[0045] According to the invention, the load handling device 1 comprises a connector movement system 9 configured to move said electrical connector 8, 8' (or electrical connectors) from a first configuration, in which the electrical connector 8, 8' is not in electrical contact with an electrical power source 50, to a second configuration, in which the electrical connector 8, 8' is in electrical contact with the electrical power source 50.

[0046] According to an advantageous embodiment, the electrical power source 50 comprises the rails 5, 5'; for example they are the same rails 5, 5' electrified by an external power source. This advantageously allows the electrical connector 8, 8' to be connected along any point along the movement path defined by the rails 5, 5' in the warehouse.

[0047] According to another embodiment, the electrical power source 50 comprises a dedicated connector in a specific position, for example above the rails or outside the rails, for example a dedicated contact plate, for connection with the electrical connector 8, 8', instead of directly on the rails 5, 5'.

[0048] The connector movement system 9 comprises an energy storage unit 91, configured to store energy, andan actuator system 93, configured to use the energy stored in the energy storage unit 91 so as to move the electrical connector 8, 8' from the first configuration to the second configuration and / or vice versa.

[0049] Preferably, the command and control unit 4 is configured to control the amount of energy stored in the energy storage unit 91, for example by drawing energy from the storage unit 65 or directly from the electrical power source 50 when the electrical connector 8, 8' is electrically connected to the electrical power source 50, for example to said rails 5, 5'.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the energy storage unit 91 comprises a tank 910 and a fluid displacement device 911, for example a pump or a compressor, suitable for displacing or compressing a fluid (a working fluid), for example a gas or a gas mixture, such as air, inside the tank 910 for storing energy. This advantageously allows potential energy to be stored for use for the subsequent movement of the electrical connector(s) 8, 8'.

[0051] Preferably, the command and control unit 4 is configured to control the fluid displacement device 911.

[0052] It is clear that, according to different embodiments, the energy storage unit 91 may comprise a potential energy storage system of another kind, for example elastic potential energy, by means of a spring that may be compressed by means of suitable actuator means.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the actuator system 93 comprises a linear actuator 931 suitable for moving the electrical connector 8, 8', preferably along an actuation direction Y incident to the translation direction X of the load handling device 1.

[0054] Preferably, when the electrical connector 8, 8' is in the first configuration, such electrical connector 8, 8' is mainly or totally received in the base frame 6, preferably in the lower frame 6'', for example to be spaced apart from the rails 5, 5' and not to be in the way while the device is in motion on the rails 5, 5'.

[0055] Preferably, when the electrical connector 8, 8' is in the second configuration, such electrical connector 8, 8' protrudes from the base frame 6, preferably from the lower frame 6'', for example to come into contact with the rails 5, 5'.

[0056] Preferably, the linear actuator 931 comprises a hydraulic cylinder 932, 932', for example a doubleacting hydraulic cylinder, fluidly connected to the tank 910 and one or more solenoid valves 933 suitable for allowing or preventing the flow of fluid towards the hydraulic cylinder 932, 932' for moving the electrical connector 8, 8'.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the load handling device 1 comprises a second electrical connector 8'. In this variant, the actuator system 93 comprises a linear actuator 931 and a second linear actuator 931' suitable for moving the electrical connector 8 and the second electrical connector 8', respectively, along an actuation direction Y incident to the translation direction X of the load handling device 1.

[0058] Hereinafter, for simplicity of presentation, embodiments of the linear actuator 931 or of the electrical connector 8 will be described, but it is clear that such embodiments will also apply similarly to the second linear actuator 931' and / or to the second electrical connector 8'.

[0059] Preferably, the linear actuator 931 comprises a base body 934, in which the electrical connector 8, 8' is slidably housed along a sliding direction Y'. Preferably, such sliding direction Y' has a main component parallel to the actuation direction Y or isprecisely parallel to the actuation direction Y.

[0060] Preferably, the base body 934 comprises a sliding seat 935, in which the electrical connector 8, 8' is constrained to move only in the sliding direction Y'.

[0061] In one embodiment, the linear actuator 931 and the second linear actuator 931' each comprise a respective hydraulic cylinder 932, 932', for example a double acting hydraulic cylinder, fluidly connected to the tank 910 and one or more solenoid valves 933 suitable for allowing or preventing the flow of fluid towards the hydraulic cylinder 932, 932' for moving the respective electrical connector 8 or second electrical connector 8'.

[0062] The fluid connection of the respective hydraulic cylinder 932, 932' with the tank 910 and / or the one or more solenoid valves 933 is obtained by means of appropriate hydraulic connections 937, shown for example in Fig. 9 to 11.

[0063] Preferably, the linear actuator 931 comprises a sliding element 936 fixed to the electrical connector 8, 8' so that the replacement of the electrical connector 8, 8' when worn, such as by a screw, is allowed. The sliding element 936 is slidably engaged in the sliding seat 935 and is connected to a stem 938 ofthe hydraulic cylinder 932 on one side thereof and to the electrical connector 8, 8' on the other side, so that the motion of the stem 938 is transferred towards the electrical connector 8, 8'. This advantageously allows the electrical connector 8, 8' to be replaced.

[0064] Preferably, the electrical connector 8, 8' is made of carbographite, preferably it is a brush made of carbographite.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the base frame 6 comprises a right flank 160 and a left flank 170 opposite the right flank. The electrical connector 8 is arranged on the right flank 160 and the second electrical connector 8' is arranged on the left flank 170 of the base frame 6.

[0066] Preferably, on the right flank 160 and on the left flank 170 the wheels 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D are associated, and such right flank 160 and left flank 170 are suitable for being arranged parallel to the direction of the rails 5, 5' when the device is positioned on the rails 5, 5'.

[0067] In particular, according to an advantageous embodiment, the base frame 6 comprises an upper frame 6' and a lower frame 6'' joined to each other so that the upper frame 6' is arranged above the lower frame6'', wherein the wheels 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D and the operating portion 7 are rotatably fixed on the upper frame 6' and wherein the electrical connector 8, 8' is anchored on the lower frame 6'’. This advantageously makes it possible to make the inner components independent in assembly, configuration, and maintenance, simplifying the processes.

[0068] Preferably, the upper frame 6' is composed of sheet metal elements 160', 170', 180', 190' joined to each other, in particular a right side sheet 160', a left side sheet 170, a head sheet 180' and a tail sheet 190'.

[0069] Preferably, the lower frame 6' is composed of metal structural elements 160'', 170'', 180'', 190'' joined to each other, in particular a right side element 160'', a left side element 170'' opposite the right side element, a head element 180'', and a tail element 190'' opposite the head element 180''.

[0070] Preferably, the electrical connector 8 is anchored on the right side element 160'' and movable relative thereto.

[0071] Preferably, the second electrical connector 8' is anchored on the left side element 170'' and movable relative thereto.

[0072] It is clear that the present invention further relates to a load handling system 300 comprising a load handling device 1 according to any of the previously described embodiments and a pair of rails 5, 5' powered in such a way that between a first rail 5 and a second rail 5' of said pair of rails 5, 5' a difference in electric potential ΔV may be measured, as for example shown in Fig. 2.

[0073] According to a preferred embodiment, the electric potential difference ΔV is less than 60V, preferably equal to or less than 48V, so as to ensure an intrinsic electrical fail-safe of the load handling system 300, being low-voltage.

[0074] In said load handling system, the command and control unit 4 is configured to control the actuator system 93 so as to move the electrical connector 8, 8' from the first configuration, in which the electrical connector 8, 8' is not in contact with the first rail 5 and / or the second rail 5', to the second configuration, in which the electrical connector 8, 8' is in contact with the first rail 5 and the second rail 5', and / or vice versa.

[0075] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to an innovative method for handling a load 100 comprisingthe following steps:

[0076] a) providing a load handling device 1 according to any one of the embodiments described thus far and a pair of rails 5, 5' on which the load handling device 1 is positioned;

[0077] b) controlling, by means of the command and control unit 4, the actuator system 93 so as to move the electrical connector 8, 8' from the first configuration, in which the electrical connector 8, 8' is not in contact with the electrical power source 50, to the second configuration, in which the electrical connector 8, 8' is in contact with the electrical power source 50;

[0078] c) then commanding, by means of the control unit 4, the actuator system 93 so as to move the electrical connector 8, 8' from the second configuration, in which the electrical connector 8, 8' is in contact with the electrical power source 50, to the first configuration, in which the electrical connector 8, 8' is not in contact with the electrical power source 50;

[0079] d) while keeping the electrical connector 8, 8' disconnected from the electrical power source 50, activating the first actuator device 61, to achieve the translation of the load handling device 1 along thepair of rails 5, 5'.

[0080] In an extremely innovative way, the method allows the electrical contact between the electrical connectors and the electrical power source 50 to be obtained only when necessary for recharging the storage unit 65 and therefore does not require the continuous contact of the electrical contacts with the electrical power source.

[0081] Therefore, once the storage unit 65 is recharged, the vehicle may proceed along the rails without physical contact between the electrical power source and the electrical connector, ensuring a longer life thereof.

[0082] According to one embodiment, after step b) and before step c) there is included the step of activating the fluid displacement device 911, for example a pump or a compressor, and displacing or compressing a fluid, for example a gas or a gas mixture, in the tank 910 for storing energy.

[0083] Preferably, after step d) there is included the step of stopping the load handling device 1, for example through braking means or by activating the first actuator device 61 in energy recovery mode, and, when the load handling device 1 is stationary or isdecelerating, there is included the step of:

[0084] bl) commanding the actuator system 93 so as to move the electrical connector 8, 8' from the first configuration, in which the electrical connector 8, 8' is not in contact with the electrical power source 50, to the second configuration, in which the electrical connector 8, 8' is in contact with the electrical power source 50.

[0085] This allows the contact of the electrical connector to be activated not for the entire duration of the movement of the load handling device 1 but only when the vehicle is stationary or is decelerating, thus ensuring lower consumption of the electrical connector 8, 8'.

[0086] According to one embodiment, after step bl), with the load handling device 1 being stationary and keeping the electrical contact between the electrical connector 8, 8' and the electrical power source 50, there is included the step of activating the fluid displacement device 911, for example a pump or a compressor, and displacing or compressing a fluid, for example a gas or a gas mixture, in the tank 910 for storing energy. This allows the fluid displacement device 911 to be activated only when there is electrical contact and toavoid taking charge from the charge storage unit 65.

[0087] Innovatively, the present invention successfully overcomes the cited drawbacks with respect to the devices of the prior art.

[0088] In particular, due to the presence of one or more movable electrical connectors in two distinct configurations (in contact with and not in contact with the electrical power source), it is possible to reduce the typical wear of the electrical brushes of the devices of the prior art, ensuring less maintenance.

[0089] Furthermore, the possibility of loading the charge storage unit 65 at will makes it possible to reduce the weight of the load handling device, since it is possible to install on board a reduced capacity of supercapacitors or batteries, and consequently, it is also possible to reduce the total overall dimensions.

[0090] Furthermore, advantageously, due to the possibility of providing only the electrified rails and since a dedicated busbar is no longer necessary for powering the engines of the vehicle, the step of installing the rails in the warehouse is drastically simplified .

[0091] Furthermore, advantageously, there is greater freedom in the design of the transport line and thebypass zones, since the load handling device does not require a constant electrical connection to the busbar, as instead required by the prior art, being able to be self-powered by the charge storage unit.

[0092] Furthermore, due to the presence of the supercapacitors, lower energy consumption is possible due to the possibility of recovering energy during the regenerative braking phase directly on the supercapacitors .

[0093] Additionally, due to the fact that the electrical connector is movable, the electrical connector, by means of the pneumatic thrust, self-registers with the contact height with the electrical power source (or the respective rail) for the entire useful life of the connector (i.e. until complete wear is reached).

[0094] It is clear that, to the embodiments of the present invention, a person skilled in the art, in order to meet specific needs, could make variations or substitutions of elements with functionally equivalent ones.

[0095] These variants are also contained within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A load handling device (1) on rails (5, 5') for automatically transporting the load (100), for example pallets containing items, in a warehouse (200) provided with said rails (5, 5'), said device comprising:- a base frame (6) onto which wheels (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D) suitable for allowing the translation of the load handling device (1) along the rails (5, 5') of the warehouse (200) along a translation direction (X) are rotatably connected;- a first actuator device (61) operatively connected to one or more of said wheels (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D) to achieve the translation of the load handling device (1) along the rails (5, 5'),- an operating portion (7) defining a temporary support surface (PA) for said load (100);- a command and control unit (4) for said first actuator device (61);- a charge storage unit (65) mounted to the base frame (6) and operatively connected to the command and control unit (4) for the electrical power supply thereof;- an electrical connector (8, 8') for recharging said charge storage unit (65); said load handling device (1) being characterized inthat it comprises a connector movement system (9) configured to move said electrical connector (8, 8') from a first configuration, in which the electrical connector (8, 8') is not in electrical contact with an electrical power source (50), to a second configuration, in which the electrical connector (8, 8') is in electrical contact with the electrical power source (50), said connector movement system (9) comprising an energy storage unit (91) configured to store energy and an actuator system (93) configured to use energy stored in the energy storage unit (91) so as to move the electrical connector (8, 8') from the first configuration to the second configuration and / or vice versa.

2. Load handling device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the energy storage unit (91) comprises a tank(910) and a fluid displacement device (911), for example a pump or a compressor, suitable for displacing or compressing a fluid, for example a gas or a gas mixture, inside the tank (910) for storing energy, and wherein the command and control unit (4) is configured to control the fluid displacement device(911).

3. Load handling device (1) according to claim 1 or 2,wherein the actuator system (93) comprises a linear actuator (931) suitable for moving the electrical connector (8, 8') along an actuation direction (Y) incident to the translation direction (X) of the load handling device (1).

4. Load handling device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the linear actuator (931) comprises a hydraulic cylinder (932, 932'), for example a double acting hydraulic cylinder, fluidly connected to the tank (910) and one or more solenoid valves (933) suitable for allowing or preventing the flow of fluid towards the hydraulic cylinder (932, 932') for moving the electrical connector (8, 8').

5. Load handling device (1) according to claim 1, comprising a second electrical connector (8'), wherein the actuator system (93) comprises a linear actuator (931) and a second linear actuator (931') suitable for moving the electrical connector (8) and the second electrical connector (8'), respectively, along an actuation direction (Y) incident to the translation direction (X) of the load handling device (1).

6. Load handling device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the linear actuator (931) and the second linear actuator (931') each comprise a respective hydraulic cylinder (932, 932'), for example a double actinghydraulic cylinder, fluidly connected to the tank (910) and one or more solenoid valves (933) suitable for allowing or preventing the flow of fluid towards the hydraulic cylinder (932, 932') for moving the respective electrical connector (8) or second electrical connector (8').

7. Load handling device (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the base frame (6) comprises a right flank (160) and a left flank (170) opposite to the right flank, and wherein the electrical connector (8) is arranged on the right flank (160) and the second electrical connector (8') is arranged on the left flank (170) of the base frame (6).

8. Load handling device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the wheels (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D) are associated on the right flank (160) and on the left flank (170), and wherein said right flank (160) and left flank (170) are suitable for being arranged parallel to the direction of the rails (5, 5') when the device is positioned on the rails (5, 5').

9. Load handling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base frame (6) comprises an upper frame (6') and a lower frame (6'') joined to each other so that the upper frame (6') is arranged above the lower frame (6''), wherein the wheels (10A,10B, 10C, 10D) and the operating portion (7) are rotatably fixed on the upper frame (6') and wherein the electrical connector (8, 8') is anchored on the lower frame (6'').

10. Load handling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical connector (8) or the second electrical connector (8') comprises a carbon graphite brush.

11. Load handling system (300) comprising a load handling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and a pair of rails (5, 5') powered so that an electric potential difference (ΔV) is measurable between a first rail (5) and a second rail (5') of such a pair of rails (5, 5'), and wherein the command and control unit (4) is configured to control the actuator system (93) so as to move the electrical connector (8, 8') from the first configuration, in which the electrical connector (8, 8') is not in contact with the first rail (5) and / or the second rail (5'), to the second configuration, in which the electrical connector (8, 8') is in contact with the first rail (5) and the second rail (5'), and / or vice versa.

12. A method for handling a load (100) comprising the following steps:a) providing a load handling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and a pair of rails (5, 5') on which the load handling device (1) is positioned; b) controlling, by means of the command and control unit (4), the actuator system (93) so as to move the electrical connector (8, 8') from the first configuration, in which the electrical connector (8, 8') is not in contact with the electrical power source (50), to the second configuration, in which the electrical connector (8, 8') is in contact with the electrical power source (50); c) then commanding, by means of the command and control unit (4), the actuator system (93) so as to move the electrical connector (8, 8') from the second configuration, in which the electrical connector (8, 8') is in contact with the electrical power source (50), to the first configuration, in which the electrical connector (8, 8') is not in contact with the electrical power source (50); d) while keeping the electrical connector (8, 8') disconnected from the electrical power source, activating the first actuator device (61) to achieve the translation of the load handling device (1) along the pair of rails (5, 5').

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein, after stepb) and prior to step c), there is included the step of activating the fluid displacement device (911), for example a pump or a compressor, and displacing or compressing a fluid, for example a gas or a gas mixture, in the tank (910) for storing energy.

14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, after step d), there is included the step of stopping the load handling device (1), for example through braking means or by activating the first actuator device (61) in an energy recovery mode, and when the load handling device (1) is stationary or is decelerating, there is included the step of: bl) commanding the actuator system (93) so as to move the electrical connector (8, 8') from the first configuration, in which the electrical connector (8, 8') is not in contact with the electrical power source (50), to the second configuration, in which the electrical connector (8, 8') is in contact with the electrical power source (50).

15. Method according to claim 14, wherein, after step bl), with the load handling device (1) being stationary and keeping the electrical contact between the electrical connector (8, 8') and the electrical power source (50), there is included the step of activating the fluid displacement device (911), for example a pumpor a compressor, and displacing or compressing a fluid, for example a gas or a gas mixture, in the tank (910) for storing energy.

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