EP4240686A1

EP4240686A1 - Load handling device, loader and method for handling loads

Info

Publication number: EP4240686A1
Application number: EP21790943.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jari Virtanen; Teemu JAUHIAINEN; Jari NYGRÉN; Aleksi TOIVIAINEN
Original assignee: Auramo Oy
Current assignee: Auramo Oy
Priority date: 2020-11-06
Filing date: 2021-10-04
Publication date: 2023-09-13
Also published as: FI20206112A1; WO2022096776A1; FI130588B

Abstract

Load handling device (1), which device comprises a frame structure (2) and at least two substantially horizontally extending forks (5, 5') for contacting and supporting a load (6), which frame structure is configured to be connectable to a frame of a loader (10), wherein the position of the forks (5, 5') are adjustable by rotating in relation to the frame structure (2) on a cross-sectional plane relative to the length direction of the forks, and the center of rotation (4) of all the forks is located in vertical direction always substantially at the horizontal plane (A) of the forks or below that plane when both of the forks are on the same horizontal plane. The invention also relates to a loader (10) equipped with such a load handling device (1) and to a method for handling loads (6) with a loader (10).

Description

LOAD HANDLING DEVICE, LOADER AND METHOD FOR HANDLING LOADS

The present invention relates to load handling for a loader, such as a forklift truck for example. More precisely the invention relates to a load handling device especially suitable for handling and moving substantially elongated loads, such as paper rolls for example, in horizontal orientation, to a loader equipped with such a load handling device, and to such a method.

Many areas of industry manufacture products that have large diameters, lengths and weights. Typical examples of these kinds of products are paper rolls, concrete pipes, steel pipes, steel coils, plastic material rolls, etc.

Interest for utilizing standardized transportation devices and means for transporting different kinds of loads is increasing. The most typical standardized transportation means are cargo containers, such as defined in ISO 668 standard for example. Container transportation and shipping is one of the most used modes of transportation. The transportation of the above-mentioned elongate cylindrical products with cargo containers is also quite common.

In the cases where the length of elongate items exceeds the height of the cargo space of the typical transportation equipment, the items will generally need to be transported in horizontal orientation. When the transportation equipment does not allow loading of the horizontally oriented elongate products from above or from sides of the cargo container, the loading typically needs to be carried out via the end area of the cargo container and in the length direction of the elongate products, such as is the case typically with standardized cargo containers.

This way of loading is typically implementable with the loading equipment usually available. Generally, the loading equipment consists of forklift truck or similar loading device. In some cases, the loading is done with a wheel loader, a telescopic handler, or other similar machines. The loading machine type and model in cargo container loading is restricted by the inner dimensions of the cargo container and the dimensions of the doorway of the container. Also, the load bearing capacity of the floor surface of the container often restricts the weight of the loading machine. Generally, the heavier the load, the bigger is the required loading machine.

Pallets generally used in load handling are not always suitable or usable when handling the large diameter elongate products. One reason for this is that the pallets use up the loading space available inside the container. Other reason is that the elongate products loaded may not allow loads on pallets on top of them due to the damage caused to the products by this. Further, the diameters of some elongate products can be so great, that they do not fit to be loaded side-by-side inside the container, but needs to be loaded partially or completely overlappingly in vertical direction inside the container.

In the situations where pallets are not used, the commonly used solution for loading or unloading large diameter cylindrical products is to lift them directly from the lower outer surface. This is typically done with two or more forks or lift poles. Lift poles typically have either completely or partially rounded cross-section. The problem with this type of loading and unloading arises from the positioning of products inside the container, wherein the products are often laterally displaced on the width of the cargo space inside the container. Thus, in order to properly position the products and/or the forks or lift poles inside the container, quite large lateral movement of the forks or lift poles is required.

Further problem arises in situations where the diameter of the cylindrical products is so large, that these products needs to be loaded, or are loaded, inside the cargo space of the container at different elevations and partially overlapping. Depending on the diameter of the product, in this situation it is often the case that there is not sufficient room under the product for positioning forks or lift poles to lift the product safely and without damaging the product. This problem can be partially decreased or eliminated by rotating the forks or lift poles used in the lifting into such a position where these fit better under the product to be lifted, and between the surfaces of the container and other products located therein.

The above discussed problems also apply to any long elongate loads with large cross-sectional dimensions regardless of their cross-sectional shape. Examples of alternative cross-section shapes to circular include, for example, oval, hexagonal or any other similar shapes.

In the cases where the products comprise a hole or holes, it is sometimes possible to use an alternative load handling method, wherein the load is lifted with a pole-like lifting device inserted in the hole. In this approach the load handling device comprises a single lift pole which carries the whole product. The diameter of the lift pole must be significantly smaller than the hole in the product to allow this way of load handling. This load handling method is only possible if the product to be lifted allows this type of lifting without damage, or that the possibly caused damage is acceptable. For example, in paper rolls there is often a wrapping completely covering the roll, which wrapping in some cases may not be removed or pierced during transportation for load protection or hygienic reasons. In these cases, it is not possible to use the center hole of a paper roll for load handling purposes during transportation. Also, if the hole available for lifting has a small diameter in relation to the weight of the product, the size or diameter of the lift pole needs to be restricted, which increases the possibility that the load handling device does not have sufficient capacity for lifting the load.

The common restricting factor in the above-discussed methods is that the bigger the weight of the product to be handled, the greater capacity is required from the load handling device used in the lifting. Greater required capacity of the loader, such as a forklift truck for example, typically used in lifting also means generally bigger physical size of the suitable loader. In practice this typically means that the width of the loader increases. And the larger width of the loader means that the center line of the loader inside the cargo container will be further away from the center line of the individual circular product loaded to, or unloaded from, the cargo container when there are plurality of products on the width of the cargo space. In this situation the load handling of large diameter cylindrical products is possible only when the load handling device or the loader has a function allowing sufficient lateral movement of the load bearing forks or lift poles from the center line of the forklift truck.

Problem with the existing load handling devices and machines is that the presently known and utilized technical solutions are physically or operatively so large, that they do not sufficiently provide the functionality required for handling these kinds of products. This applies especially to, but is not limited to, the situations where products are loaded to, or unloaded from, a restricted space, such as a cargo container for example, and wherein the elongate cylindrical products have diameter greater than half of the width of the available cargo space.

The above discussed problems also apply in any other restricted space of situations where lateral movement during loading and/or unloading is needed, but load or circumstances prevent current commonly known handling methods.

The present invention provides a solution for overcoming at least partially this problem. In the present invention the forks or lift poles of a loader can be turned or rotated on a cross-sectional plane in relation to the length direction of the forks, wherein the center of rotation is located substantially at the horizontal plane of the forks or below that plane. This allows the proper positioning of the forks in relation to the cylindrical product to be lifted and within the space available, and the rotating simultaneously moves the forks in lateral direction. This way the additional lateral movement of the forks in loading and unloading of these kinds of products inside restricted space, such as inside a cargo container for example, can be minimized.

The load handling device of the invention comprises a frame structure and at least two substantially horizontally extending forks for contacting and supporting a load, which frame structure is configured to be connectable to a frame of a loader, wherein the position of the forks is adjustable by rotating in relation to the frame structure on a cross-sectional plane relative to the length direction of the forks, and the center of rotation of all the forks is located in vertical direction always substantially at the horizontal plane of the forks or below that plane when both of the forks are on the same horizontal plane.

In the context of the present invention it is to be noted that directions “horizontal”, “vertical” and “lateral” are defined in relation to the centerline of the elongated load which is handled.

In an embodiment of the load handling device of the invention each of the two forks is connected at the edge areas of a separate plate member extending in a transversal plane in relation to the length direction of the fork, which plate member is connected to the frame structure of the frame structure of the load handling device pivotably at the center of rotation of the forks.

In an embodiment of the load handling device of the invention the distance between the forks is adjustable. This way the distance between the forks can be adjusted to correspond different diameter products more properly.

In an embodiment of the load handling device of the invention each of the forks are individually rotatable on the cross-sectional plane relative to the length direction of the forks in relation to their fixing point and/or in relation to the said center of rotation of the forks. In this embodiment the inclination of the surface of the fork setting against a load to be lifted can be adjusted by rotating the fork in relation to its longitudinal center axis, or by turning each of the forks independently in relation to the center of rotation of the forks. This turning of each of the forks independently in relation to the center of rotation of the forks also adjusts the distance between the forks.

In an embodiment of the load handling device of the invention the cross-section of the forks is rectangular, circular, partially circular, triangular, or comprises a surface matching the corresponding diameter or shape of the load to be handled. Other suitable cross-sections of the forks are also possible.

In an embodiment of the load handling device of the invention the load handling device comprises a rack and pinion mechanism, one or more hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders or motors, one or more electric actuators, and/or other actuators for rotating the forks on the cross-sectional plane in relation to the center of rotation of the forks. The load handling device can also further comprise a linkage mechanism, a gear mechanism, a chain mechanism and/or a belt mechanism for rotating the forks on the cross-sectional plane in relation to the center of rotation of the forks. Other suitable mechanisms for rotating the forks are also possible.

The present invention also provides a loader comprising a frame, wherein the loader comprises a load handling device of the invention.

In an embodiment of the loader of the invention the loader comprises a device for vertically moving the load handling device in relation to the frame of the loader. Preferably this device is arranged between the frame of the loader and the load handling device.

In an embodiment of the loader of the invention the loader comprises a device for moving the load handling device in lateral direction in relation to the frame of the loader. Preferably this device is arranged between the frame of the loader and the load handling device, or between the device for vertically moving the load handling device and the load handling device.

In an embodiment of the loader of the invention the loader comprises device for rotating the load handling device in relation to the frame of the loader on a cross- sectional plane in relation to the length direction of the forks.

In an embodiment of the loader of the invention the loader is a forklift truck, a wheel loader, a telescopic handler, or other similar movable machine used in loading and unloading of loads.

Further, the present invention also provides a method for handling loads with a loader, in which method elongate loads are loaded in a cargo container in horizontal orientation with a load handling device of the loader, which load handling device comprises a frame structure and at least two substantially horizontally extending forks for contacting and supporting a load, and wherein the horizontal dimension of the elongate loads is greater than half of the width of the cargo container, wherein the position of the forks is adjusted by rotating in relation to the frame structure on a cross-sectional plane relative to the length direction of the forks and to the elongate load before and/or during contacting the outer surface of the load with the forks, wherein the center of rotation of the forks is located in vertical direction always at the horizontal plane of the forks or below that plane when both of the forks are on the same horizontal plane.

More precisely the features defining a load handling device in accordance with the present invention are presented in claim 1 , the features defining a loader in accordance with the present invention are presented in claim 8, and the features defining a method of the invention are presented in claim 13. Dependent claims present advantageous features and embodiments of the invention.

Exemplifying embodiment of the invention and its advantages are explained in greater detail below in the sense of example and with reference to accompanying drawings, where

Figures 1A-1 D show schematically an embodiment of a load handling device of the invention,

Figures 2A and 2B show schematically the embodiment of figures 1A-1 C in practice,

Figures 3B illustrate schematically the advantages obtained with the loading device of the invention in relation to prior art solution illustrated in Figure 3A, and

Figures 4A and 4B show schematically an embodiment of a loader equipped with an embodiment of a load handling device of the invention.

The embodiment of a load handling device 1 shown in figures 1A-1 D comprises a frame piece 2, via which frame piece the load handling device is connected to a loader (not shown). In the frame piece 2 is connected a plate member 3 rotatably via rotation center 4. From the edge areas of the plate member 3 extend two forks 5, 5’ perpendicularly in relation to the surface of the plate member.

The rotation center 4 is located a distance from plane on which both of the forks 5, 5’ are located, as can be best seen from figure 1 C. In the position of the figures 1A- 1C, the fork 5 is rotated at its lowermost position and the fork 5’ is at its uppermost position in relation to the frame piece 2. In the position of figure 1 D, the forks 5, 5’ are positioned at their center position in relation to the frame piece 2, i.e. the forks

5, 5’ are in the same horizontal plane A.

Figure 1 D also illustrates most clearly the position the of the rotation center 4 in relation to the plane A of the forks 5, 5’, which in this embodiment is clearly below the plane A.

The rotation of the forks 5, 5’ together with the plate member 3 also moves a load 6 supported by the forks in lateral direction due to the location of the forks in relation to the location of the rotation center 4. This way the load 6, which in this embodiment is a paper roll, can be laterally moved inside the restricted cargo space of a cargo container 7, for example, as can be seen figures 2A and 2B, in addition to the more suitable positioning of the forks 5, 5’ in relation to the load. This minimizes the need for additional devices providing lateral movement for the load in relation to the loader when loading and unloading cargo spaces wherein the required lateral movement of the load cannot be achieved by moving the loader itself.

Turning of the plate member 3, and with it the forks 5, 5’, in relation to the frame piece 2 in this embodiment can be implemented with hydraulic cylinders (not shown), for example. Alternative turning solutions such as a rack and pinion mechanism, one or more pneumatic cylinders or motors, one or more electric actuators, or other actuators can also be used. Further, a linkage mechanism, a gear mechanism, a chain mechanism and/or a belt mechanism may also be included in the turning solution.

Figures 3A and 3B schematically illustrate the problems with prior art load handling devices and the advantages of the load handling device of the invention in similar situations of loading and unloading of the cargo space of a cargo container 7. In figure 3A is shown prior art load handling device, and in figure 3B is shown the load handling device of the invention.

As can be seen from figure 3A the walls of the cargo container 7 present obstacles for proper positioning of the lower elongate load 6 as well as later for the higher load

6. Further, the proper positioning of the higher elongate load 6 also easily causes damaging of the lower elongate load 6 with a fork. In relation to figure 3A, it is also to be noted, that the required lateral movement of the load handling device, 2 x L/2 = L, between the two loading positions is quite large, and effectively requires a special device for laterally moving the load handling device in relation to the loader equipped with the load handling device. Similar problems are not present with the load handling device of the invention as shown in figure 3B. As can be seen from this figure, the forks of the load handling device can be turned to be in optimal position for fitting the loads 6 inside the walls of the cargo container 7, and to prevent the forks damaging the other load. Further, this turning or rotating of the forks also minimize the need for lateral movement of the load handling device between the two loading positions, when the forks are turned to the opposite extreme positions.

Figures 4A and 4B show schematically an embodiment of a loader 10 equipped with the load handling device 1 of previous figures. The loader 10 is in this embodiment of a forklift truck.

The load handling device 1 is connected to the loader 10 via a mast 11 , which allows the vertical movement of the load handling device in relation to the frame of the loader 10. In this embodiment there is also a fork carriage 12 located between the mast 11 and the load handling device 1 , which fork carriage may or may not allow lateral movement of the load handling device in relation to the frame of the loader 10, depending on the type of the fork carriage.

With the combined utilization of the turning of the forks 5, 5’ of the load handling device 1 and vertical movement via mast 11 , load 6 container can be loaded into and unloaded from a cargo container without laterally moving the loader 10 itself. Additional lateral movement of the load handling device 1 and the load 6 may be obtained with the fork carriage 12 where necessary and possible. Laterally moving the loader 10 itself is often impossible inside the cargo space of a cargo container due to the large size of the loader required for moving these kinds of heavy loads 6.

In stead of a forklift truck shown in the embodiment of figures 4A and 4B, the loader 10 of the invention may also be a wheel loader, a telescopic handler, or other movable loader suitable of handling such elongated loads.

The specific exemplifying embodiment of the invention shown in the figures and discussed above should not be construed as limiting. A person skilled in the art can amend and modify the embodiment described in many evident ways within the scope of the attached claims. Thus, the invention is not limited merely to the embodiment described.

Claims

9 Claims

1 . Load handling device (1 ), which device comprises a frame structure (2) and at least two substantially horizontally extending forks (5, 5’) for contacting and supporting a load (6), which frame structure is configured to be connectable to a frame of a loader (10), and the position of the forks are adjustable by rotating in relation to the frame structure (2) on a cross-sectional plane relative to the length direction of the forks, characterized in that the center of rotation (4) of all the forks is located in vertical direction always substantially at the horizontal plane (A) of the forks or below that plane, when both of the forks are on the same horizontal plane.

2. Load handling device (1 ) of claim 1 , wherein each of the two forks (5, 5’) is connected at the edge areas of a separate plate member (3) extending in a transversal plane in relation to the length direction of the fork, which plate member is connected to the frame structure (2) of the load handling device pivotably at the center of rotation (4) of the forks.

3. Load handling device (1 ) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the distance between the forks (5, 5’) is adjustable.

4. Load handling device (1 ) of any of claims 1 -3, wherein each of the forks (5, 5’) are individually rotatable on the cross-sectional plane relative to the length direction of the forks in relation to their fixing point and/or in relation to the said center of rotation (4) of the forks.

5. Load handling device (1 ) of any of claims 1 -4, wherein the cross-section of the forks (5, 5’) is rectangular, circular, partially circular, triangular, or comprises a surface matching the corresponding diameter or shape of the load (6) to be handled.

6. Load handling device (1 ) of any of claims 1 -5, wherein the load handling device comprises a rack and pinion mechanism, one or more hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders or motors, one or more electric actuators, and/or other actuators for rotating the forks (5, 5’) on the cross-sectional plane in relation to the center of rotation (4) of the forks.

7. Load handling device (1 ) of claim 6, wherein the load handling device further comprises linkage mechanism, gear mechanism, chain mechanism and/or belt mechanism for rotating the forks (5, 5’) on the cross-sectional plane in relation to the center of rotation (4) of the forks.

8. Loader (10) comprising a frame, characterized in that the loader (10) comprises a load handling device (1 ) according to any of claims of the preceding claims

9. Loader (10) according to claim 8, wherein the loader comprises a device (11 ) for vertically moving the load handling device (1 ) in relation to the frame of the loader.

10. Loader (10) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the loader comprises a device (12) for moving the load handling device (1 ) in lateral direction in relation to the frame of the loader.

11. Loader (10) according to any of claims 8-10, wherein the loader comprises device for rotating the load handling device (1 ) in relation to the frame of the loader on a cross-sectional plane in relation to the length direction of the forks (5, 5’).

12. Loader (10) according to any of claims 8-11 , wherein the loader is a forklift truck, a wheel loader or a telescopic handler.

13. Method for handling loads (6) with a loader (10), in which method elongate loads are loaded in a cargo container (7) in horizontal orientation with a load handling device (1 ) of the loader, which load handling device comprises at least two substantially horizontally extending forks (5, 5’) for contacting and supporting a load, and wherein the horizontal dimension of the elongate loads is greater than half of the width of the cargo container, characterized in that the position of the forks (5, 5’) is adjusted by rotating in relation to the frame structure (2) on a cross-sectional plane relative to the length direction of the forks and to the elongate load (6) before and/or during contacting the outer surface of the load with the forks, wherein the center of rotation (4) of all the forks is located in vertical direction always substantially at the horizontal plane (A) of the forks or below that plane when both of the forks are on the same horizontal plane.