FR3125807A1 - Device for moving-tilting a stack of objects - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1) for moving-tilting a stack of objects (P), in particular waste containers nested one inside the other and forming a stack with a vertical axis, which device (1) is characterized in that it comprises a mobile and folding frame (2) provided with rolling means (3), the frame (2) carrying lifting means (4) able to lift the vertical axis stack by gripping the lowest object of the stack (P), and tilting means (5) adapted to move, in use, the frame (2) between a folded configuration, in which the stack (P) occupies a raised position of vertical axis, and a configuration deployed on the ground, in which the stack (P) occupies an unstacking position with an axis close to the horizontal. Fig. 7.

Description

Device for moving-tilting a stack of objects

The present invention relates to the field of handling stacked objects, and more particularly, to the movement and tilting over approximately 90 degrees of a stack of nested objects.

The present invention will find its application in many fields of industry where it is required to move a stack of objects whose height is significant in relation to the dimensions of its base.

In particular, but not limited to, the present invention relates to the field of waste containers or bins.

Indeed, the various containers or waste bins are stacked from their exit from the factory until their delivery to the end customer or the local authority in charge of the collection of household waste, for example, the waste management services communities of municipalities or SIVOM (Multiple Vocation Intermunicipal Syndicates).

Thus, waste containers are delivered stacked over 2 meters and often still hot and sticky.

However, customers or local authorities do not have specific handling means for such stacked containers.

Currently, in order to unstack these nested containers, the stack of containers is overturned on the ground manually, by tilting the entire stack, in particular on tires previously placed on the ground, by several operators and, possibly with the help of various motorized means of handling. Then, the operators pull on each container to unstick them and separate them from the stack.

However, such a stack switch operation is not secure. Indeed, there is a risk of the pile falling, and therefore a safety risk for the operators as well as a risk of damage to the containers. In addition, due to the height and weight of such a stack, this tilting operation is not easy and can lead to a risk of shock, injury or even musculoskeletal disorders for the operators. In addition, due to the fact that the containers are delivered still sticky and hot, these are difficult to extract individually.

The applicant company has sought to offer a handling solution, without motorization, allowing an operator to move and tip a stack of containers or similar objects in complete safety for the operator, easily and without risk of damage to the stacked objects.

The solution according to the present invention is based on a device for moving-tilting a stack of containers and other similar objects able to provide two kinematic functions, namely a translation function making it possible to move a stack in a direction of vertical translation and/or or horizontal, and a tilting function for tilting a stack about 90 degrees, in particular from a stack having a vertical axis to a stack having an axis close to the horizontal.

The present invention thus relates to a device for moving-tilting a stack of objects, in particular waste containers nested one inside the other and forming a stack with a vertical axis, which device is characterized in that it comprises a movable and folding frame provided with rolling means, the frame carrying lifting means suitable for lifting the vertical axis stack by grasping the lowest object of the stack, and tilting means suitable for moving, in use, the frame between a folded configuration, in which the stack occupies a raised position with a vertical axis, and a deployed configuration on the ground, in which the stack occupies an unstacking position with an axis close to the horizontal.

The presence of rolling means, lifting means and tilting means makes it possible to obtain a device which can be moved up to a stack of objects and positioned correctly with respect to this stack, which can lift said stack above above the ground in order to move it to a desired location, and which can tilt this stack to the ground in complete safety, in particular to an unstacking position in which the objects can be handled easily and in complete safety.

Preferably, in the unstacking position, the axis of the stack is horizontal or substantially horizontal, for example inclined by a few degrees relative to the ground, for example by less than 15°.

In a particular embodiment, the frame comprises a main body and at least one support leg, the at least one support leg having a first end articulated in rotation to the main body around a horizontal axis of articulation, such that the main body and the at least one supporting leg form a scissor assembly, the main body being integral with a first rolling assembly of the rolling means and carrying the lifting means, the at least one supporting leg support being integral with a second bearing assembly of the rolling means and carrying at least one member forming a rocker at its second end, the tilting means comprising the scissor assembly and a mechanism for controlling the opening of the assembly scissors between the folded and deployed configurations on the ground, the scissor assembly being arranged such that in the folded configuration the frame is in contact with the ground by the first and second bearing assemblies, and in the configuration deployed on the ground, the frame is in contact with the ground by the first bearing assembly and the at least one member forming a rocker.

Such tilting means allow tilting of the stack by a simple rotational movement during which the main body and the at least one support leg are separated from each other up to a predetermined opening angle . In particular, when tilting the stack, once the rocker-forming member(s) are in contact with the ground, the scissor assembly opens by rolling the first rolling assembly away from the at least one body forming rocker. The main body carrying the lifting means which cooperate with the pile, the opening of the scissor assembly causes the inclination of the pile towards the ground.

Preferably, the mechanism for controlling the opening of the scissor assembly comprises a single winch integral with the main body, the winch being a double drum winch, each drum of which receives a cable, each cable going from the winch to a tensioner assembly integral from the second end of the at least one support leg while being guided along the main body by one or more pulleys and one or more cable guides.

Such a control mechanism has the advantage of being compact. In addition, due to the presence of a single winch for the control of two cables, this mechanism is inexpensive.

Preferably, the rolling means comprise two pairs of wheels, including two front wheels and two rear wheels, forming the first rolling assembly where appropriate, and at least one idler wheel, forming the second rolling assembly where appropriate, which wheels are mounted and arranged on the frame such that in the folded configuration of the frame, the two front wheels and the at least one idler wheel rest on the ground, and in the deployed configuration on the ground of the frame, the two rear wheels take ground support.

Thus, when the stack is moved by the device, the frame being in its folded configuration, the device is stabilized by at least three support points on the ground.

Preferably, the chassis comprises two support legs, the second bearing assembly, where appropriate the at least one idler wheel, being integral with a cradle mounted to rotate about a horizontal axis of rotation connecting the two legs of support, and extending parallel to the axis of articulation, at least one torsion spring, preferably two torsion springs, being wound around the axis of rotation and connected on the one hand to the cradle and on the other hand to the rocker-forming member of one of the two support legs, so that when the frame is moved to its deployed configuration, the second bearing assembly, where appropriate the at least one idler wheel, is moved away from the floor.

With such an assembly of the idler wheel or wheels, the relaxation of the cable causes the rotational displacement of the cradle, so that when the pile tilts the idler wheel or wheels are no longer in contact with the ground. Thus, when tilting the stack, the support legs come to rest on the ground only via the at least one body forming a rocker. Therefore, when opening the scissor assembly, the second end of each support leg does not move in translation relative to the ground, and it is the main body which moves on the ground, in moving away from the supporting legs.

Preferably, each support leg carries a pair of rocker-forming members.

Preferably, the main body comprises at least one stop element capable of interfering with the at least one support leg so as to limit the opening angle of the scissor assembly.

Such a stop element provides additional safety, preventing damage to the device, especially in the event of a winch failure.

Preferably, the lifting means comprise at least one hooking member capable of cooperating with the lowest object of the stack and mounted so as to be able to move in translation relative to the frame by means of a means of movement in translation.

Preferably, the at least one hooking member is a comb-shaped element having a teeth part configured to cooperate with an upper rim or a hooking flange of the lowest object of the stack and carried by a translation guide part, the translation guide part being able to slide along the frame.

Such an attachment member is reliable, simple in structure and inexpensive.

A single comb-type tine portion is suitable for lifting a stack of narrow, so-called two-wheeled, containers. In the case of very wide containers, said to have four wheels, two integral tooth parts spaced apart from each other could be more suitable.

Preferably, the means for moving the at least one hooking member relative to the chassis in translation is a rack and pinion jack.

Preferably, the rack jack is of the manual type, namely operated by a crank.

Alternatively, the rack jack could be of the motorized type.

Preferably, the at least one attachment member is arranged so as to cooperate with an upper region of the lowest object of the stack, the lifting means further comprising an element forming a lower stop arranged so as to cooperate with a lower region of the lowest object of the stack, the element forming the bottom stop being integral in translation with the at least one hooking member.

Such an element forming a bottom stop makes it possible to ensure the stability of the stack during its tilting, by wedging the region of the object which is not attached to the device.

To better illustrate the object of the present invention, a description will be given below, by way of illustration and not of limitation, of particular embodiments, with reference to the appended drawings.

In these drawings:

is an overall front perspective view of the moving-tilting device according to the present invention, the frame being in an intermediate configuration between its folded configuration and its deployed configuration;

is an overview perspective view from behind of the device of the ;

is a rear view of the device from the ;

is a rear perspective view of the at least one attachment member;

is a side view showing the docking step of the device according to the present invention against a stack of containers, the chassis being in the folded configuration;

is a side view showing the step of lifting the stack of containers by the device according to the present invention;

is a side view showing an intermediate step of tilting the stack of containers by the device according to the present invention, the chassis being moved from its folded configuration to its deployed configuration on the ground; And

is a side view showing the final step of tilting the stack of containers by the device according to the present invention, the chassis being in its deployed configuration on the ground.

If one first refers to Figures 5 to 8, it can be seen that the moving-tilting device 1 according to the present invention is suitable for handling a stack of objects P, in particular a stack of waste containers, and makes it possible to move the stack of objects P with respect to the ground and to tilt it towards the ground.

Although the pile of objects P shown in Figures 5 to 8 is a pile of waste containers, it is understood that the device 1 according to the present invention can be used for handling any other pile of objects.

If we refer to Figures 1 to 3, we can see that there is shown a device 1 for moving-tilting a stack of objects P according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The device 1 for moving-tilting a stack of objects P comprises a mobile and folding frame 2 able to be moved on the ground by means of rolling means 3, able to grasp a stack of objects P and to raise it above the ground via lifting means 4, and capable of tilting the stack P towards the ground via tilting means 5.

The frame 2 comprises a main body 2A and at least one support leg 2B. In the preferred embodiment shown, the frame 2 comprises a main body 2A and two support legs 2B. Indeed, the presence of two support legs 2B makes it possible to obtain better stability than with a single support leg 2B.

The main body 2A is a mechanically welded structure comprising a structure 20 for supporting and guiding the lifting means 4 and a structure 21 integral with part of the rolling means 3. The structures 20, 21 can for example be made of steel, and the welds can for example be made by MIG (under inert gas) or MAG (under active gas) welding.

The structure 20 for supporting and guiding the lifting means 4 comprises two uprights 20a, a support plate 20b, two handles 20c and two stop elements 20d.

The two uprights 20a are arranged parallel to each other and are interconnected by connecting tubes 20e, 20f. Each post 20a comprises a first U-shaped cross-section profile having a bottom wall and two side walls. The two uprights 20a are arranged with the side walls of a first U-section opposite the side walls of the other first U-section. The two uprights 20a are interconnected by a bottom connecting tube 20e and a high link 20f. The bottom connection tube 20e connects the two uprights 20a at a first end of each first U-section. The top connection tube 20f connects the two uprights 20a at a second end of each first U-section. The first U-shaped profile of each upright 20a is extended, at the second end of the first U-shaped profile, by a second profile with a substantially U-shaped cross-section. The second profile has a bottom wall located in the same plane than one of the side walls of the first profile, and two side walls including a side wall located in the same plane as the bottom wall of the first profile. The two second sections are therefore arranged with two side walls facing each other.

The support plate 20b extends in the space located between the second sections of the two uprights 20a and the top connecting tube 20f, and is integral with the uprights 20a, in particular by welding. This support plate 20b is substantially rectangular in shape.

The two handles 20c, which allow the operator to move the device 1, are also integral with the second profiles of the two uprights 20a. In particular, a first handle 20c is secured to one of the uprights 20a and a second handle 20c is secured to the other upright 20a. The two handles 20c extend symmetrically with respect to each other with respect to a plane passing through the center of the support plate 20b and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the two uprights 20a. Each handle 20c has two L-shaped branches extending from the side wall on the support plate 20b side of the second profile and a branch intended to be gripped by an operator and connecting the two L-shaped branches. The branch intended to be gripped by an operator extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the two uprights 20a.

The two stop elements 20d are carried by the second section of each of the two uprights 20a. In particular, each stop element 20d is in the form of a cylindrical axis extending in the vicinity of the free end of the second section. Each stop element 20d extends from the side wall of the second profile on the side opposite the support plate 20b, perpendicular to this side wall and therefore perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the uprights 20a. Thus, the two stop elements 20d protrude on either side of the structure 20 for supporting and guiding the lifting means 4.

The structure 21 secured to a part of the rolling means 3 is secured to the structure 20 for supporting and guiding the lifting means 4, in particular by welding.

The structure 21 comprises two arms 21a, two reinforcements 21b and a support plate 21c.

The two arms 21a are secured to the two ends of the bottom connecting tube 20e via their first end. The two arms 21a extend parallel to each other. The bottom connecting tube 20e projecting on either side of the two uprights 20a, the spacing between the two arms 21a is greater than the spacing between the two uprights 20a. More precisely, the spacing between the two arms 21a is provided to be greater than the largest width of the objects forming the stack of objects P. The two arms 21a are inclined opposite the two uprights 20a and form an angle of approximately 120 degrees with the uprights 20a.

Each arm 21a is in the form of a profile open to the outside of the main body 2A having an inner wall, an upper wall, a lower wall and a front wall. The inner wall extends in a plane perpendicular to the ground. The front wall is at the end of the inner wall opposite the bottom connecting tube 20e and is connected to part of the rolling means 3. The bottom wall is also sized to be connected to part of the rolling means 3.

The support plate 21c, intended to support part of the tilting means 5, is integral with the inner wall of one of the two arms 21a, on the side of the inner wall facing the outside of the frame 2. The support 21c is secured to frame 2, in particular by screwing.

The two reinforcements 21b are bent sheets connecting each of the two uprights 20a to the arm 21a located on the outside of this upright 20a.

The main body 2A of the frame 2 preferably has the following dimensions: a height of 1383 mm, a width of the structure 20 for supporting and guiding the lifting means 4 of 345 mm, a space between the two arms 21a of 595 mm, a width of the support plate 20b between the uprights 20a of 163.40 mm. The mass of the main body 2A is between 30 and 35 kg, in particular 33.2 kg.

The two support legs 2B are hinged in rotation to the main body 2A, so that the two support legs 2B and the main body 2A form a scissor assembly.

Each support leg 2B is in the form of a tube of square cross section having a first end connected to the main body 2A and an opposite second end. More particularly, the tube of each support leg 2B has two tube sections forming an angle between them, namely a connecting section 22a and a main section 22b, the main section 22b having a length greater than that of the link 22a.

The two support legs 2B are arranged parallel to each other, with the connecting sections 22a arranged in the same first plane and the main sections 22b arranged in the same second plane inclined with respect to the first plane. The two support legs 2B are interconnected by two horizontal connecting tubes 23 secured to the main section 22b of each leg 2B.

At their first end, the two legs 2B are traversed by a horizontal hinge pin A1 adapted to be received in the top connecting tube 20f of the main body 2A. At the level of each leg 2B, this hinge pin A1 is crossed by a spring pin 24 received in the holes provided in the connecting sections 22a.

At its second end, each support leg 2B carries at least one rocker member 25. In the preferred embodiment shown, each leg 2B carries a pair of rocker members 25.

Each body forming rocker 25 is in the form of a plate having a face in contact with the leg 2B and an opposite face, and delimited by three edges, including two rectilinear edges forming a right angle between them and an arcuate edge of circle connecting these two straight edges. This circular arc shape allows the body forming rocker 25 to tilt on the ground when moving the frame between the folded and deployed positions on the ground. Each member forming rocker 25 has a circular opening for the passage of a horizontal axis of rotation A2 and several successive holes spaced from each other, for example four holes, for the passage of the end of a torsion spring 26 .

The two bodies forming rocker 25 of the same pair are arranged opposite one another on either side of the leg 2B, namely in a plane perpendicular to the horizontal axis of articulation A1.

The horizontal axis of articulation A1, and therefore the top connecting tube 20f, are positioned relative to the uprights 20a, and the length of the support legs 2B is chosen, so that when the chassis 2 is in its configuration folded, the bodies forming rocker 25 are not in contact with the ground.

The horizontal axis of rotation A2 is mounted for rotation relative to the legs 2B. The horizontal axis of rotation A2 protrudes on either side of the two legs 2B, beyond the members forming rocker 25. Each end of the horizontal axis of rotation A2 is secured, by screwing, to a tensioner assembly 27 comprising a turnbuckle 27a carrying an eyelet, the eyelet itself carrying a cable tie 27b.

The two support legs 2B of the frame 2 preferably have the following dimensions: a length (projected distance between the end of a member forming a rocker 25 and the first end of a leg 2B) of 1105.75 mm and a width of 453 mm. The horizontal axis of rotation A2 has a length of 772 mm.

With such dimensions, the two support legs 2B, the bodies forming rocker 25, the axis of rotation A2 and the tensioner assemblies 27 have an overall mass of 16.5 kg.

The rolling means 3 of the frame 2 comprise a first rolling assembly 3A integral with the main body 2A and a second rolling assembly 3B connected to the support legs 2B.

The first bearing assembly 3A comprises a pair of front wheels 30 and a pair of rear wheels 31. Each front wheel 30 is mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis A3 received in a U-shaped flange. The U-shaped flange has a wall of fixing fixed, in particular by screwing, to the front wall of each arm 21a and two wings facing each other and receiving the axis of rotation A3 of the wheel 30. In the same way, each rear wheel 31 is rotatably mounted about a horizontal axis A4 received in a U-shaped flange having a fixing wall fixed, by screwing, to the bottom wall of each arm 21a. Rear wheel mounting flange 31 is attached at the end of arm 21a connected to bottom link tube 20e. The front wheel 30 and the rear wheel 31 located on the same side of the main body 2A are arranged in alignment with each other.

The second bearing assembly 3B is pivotally mounted around the axis of rotation A2 passing through the bodies forming rocker 25.

The second bearing assembly 3B comprises a cradle 32, at least one idler wheel 33 and two torsion springs 26.

The cradle 32 comprises, at one of its ends, two fitting tubes 34 capable of receiving the horizontal axis of rotation A2. These two fitting tubes 34 are spaced apart so that they are arranged around the axis of rotation A2 and between the two support legs 2B. Thus, the cradle 32 and the bodies forming rocker 25 are mounted around the axis of rotation A2 of the support legs 2B. The cradle 32 has, at its other end, two holes for the passage of a horizontal axis A5, parallel to the axis of rotation A2. This axis A5 carries, at each of its two ends, a bearing 35 fixed to the axis A5 via a washer and a screw and which is intended to roll against the main body 2A when the chassis 2 approaches and is in the folded configuration. Bearing 35 is preferably a urethane coated bearing having a diameter of 60 mm. The cradle 32 also comprises a plate pierced with a hole having an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation A2 and capable of receiving a support 36 for mounting the idler wheel(s) 33.

Thus, the mounting support 36 is mounted for rotation relative to the cradle 32, around an axis of rotation A6 perpendicular to the horizontal axis of articulation A1. The or each of the idler wheels 33 is itself rotatably mounted around an axis A7 carried by the mounting support 36, which axis A7 is parallel to the axis of rotation A2 of the cradle 32.

The two torsion springs 26 are wound around the two fitting tubes 34, on either side of the cradle 32, and are therefore integral with the cradle 32. More specifically, one end of each torsion spring 26 is integral with a region of the cradle 32 located in the vicinity of the fitting tube 34, and the other end of the torsion spring 26 is integral with the rocker-forming member 25 located opposite the cradle 32, by passage of said end of the spring 26 in one of the holes made in the rocker-forming member 25. Thus, the two torsion springs 26 are able to urge the cradle 32 and the idler wheel(s) 33 away from the ground when the rocker-forming member 25 comes in contact with the ground. In the folded configuration, the cradle 32 and the idler wheel(s) 33 are prevented from rotating under the action of the torsion springs 26 due to the contact of the bearings 35 against the main body 2A. It is of course possible to provide, instead of the torsion springs 26, any other means of elastic biasing of the cradle 32.

The second bearing assembly 3B, made of steel, has a mass of approximately 10.3 kg. The second bearing assembly 3B can have the following dimensions: a maximum width of 388 mm, a maximum depth of 297 mm.

As indicated above, the lifting means 4 are carried by the main body 2A of the frame 2.

The lifting means 4 comprise at least one hooking member 4A intended to allow the seizure of the stack of objects P and a means of displacement in translation 4B of said at least one hooking member 4A adapted to allow movement in translation of at least one attachment member 4A, and therefore of the stack of objects P, with respect to the main body 2A.

If we refer more specifically to the , it can be seen that in the preferred embodiment represented, the device 1 comprises a single attachment member 4A. It should be emphasized that the device 1 could also comprise several attachment members 4A integral with each other in translation.

The attachment member 4A as shown in the comes in the form of a comb-shaped element.

The comb-shaped element comprises a teeth part 40 and a translation guide part 41.

The teeth part 40 is fixed to the translation guide part 41, in particular by means of four screws. The teeth part 40 comprises a plurality of teeth, for example six teeth, arranged in the same plane, parallel to the plane of the uprights 20a, and regularly spaced from each other. Each of the teeth has a rectangular cross section. The prongs are sized such that they are suitable to be received in a downward facing rim of an object in the stack, which rim is referred to as a hooking flange C in the case of waste containers.

For example, each of the teeth may have a length of 90 mm, a width of 27.5 mm for the teeth located at the ends of the tooth part 40 and a width of 35 mm for the other teeth, a thickness of 15 mm and a space between teeth of 45 mm. With such dimensions of the tines, the tine part has a maximum width of 420 mm and a height of 200 mm and has a mass of 5.1 kg.

This teeth part 40 is particularly suitable for gripping an object having an attachment collar C or any edge facing downwards and capable of receiving the teeth. In the case where the object to be grasped does not have such a fastening flange or the like, the teeth part 40 could be replaced by any other appropriate gripping means, for example suction cups or a clamp.

The translation guide part 41 is in the form of a plate having a central wall 41a and two lateral flanges 41b on either side of the central wall 41a. The central wall 41a, of rectangular shape, has a first end arranged on the support plate 20b side of the structure 20 for supporting and guiding the lifting means 4, and a second end arranged on the bottom connecting tube 20e side of the main body 2A. The teeth part 40 is fixed to the translation guide part 41 at the first end region, such that the teeth project beyond the first end.

The translation guide part 41 comprises two pairs of rollers 42 fixed to the side wings 41b. In particular, two rollers 42 are fixed one below the other on the face of each of the two wings 41b directed towards the outside of the frame 2. The four rollers 42 are fixed in half of the guide part 41 on the tooth part 40 side, one of the rollers 42 of each pair being fixed at the level of the first end of the guide part 41, therefore at the level of the tooth part 40, and the other roller 42 of each pair being fixed below the tooth part 40. The rollers 42 are dimensioned and arranged so as to be received in the first U-sections of the uprights 20a. Thus, the attachment member 4A is slidably mounted along the uprights 20a.

The guide part 41 also carries an element forming a bottom abutment 43 integral with the second end of the guide part 41. This element forming a bottom abutment 43 is in the form of an apron provided with a non-slip profile intended to cooperate with one face of the object facing the attachment member 4A side.

The attachment member 4A has a mass of approximately 16.7 kg.

The hooking member 4A is connected to the translation displacement means 4B by the translation guide part 41.

In particular, the translation displacement means 4B is a rack and pinion jack 44, 45, the rack 44 of which is connected, by screwing, to the face of the central wall 41a opposite to the face bearing the tooth part 40. The rack 44 s extends in the longitudinal direction of the translation guide part 41. The rack 44 is also received in a gear part 45 fixed to the support plate 20b of the structure 20 for supporting and guiding the lifting means 4. The movement of the rack 44 in the gear part 45 is preferably carried out manually by means of a crank (not shown).

The means for moving in translation 4B is capable of moving the attachment member 4A between a low position and a high position. When passing from the low position to the high position, the attachment member 4A is moved away from the structure 21 of the frame 2.

It should be emphasized that the rack and pinion jack 44, 45 could be replaced by any other appropriate means of movement in translation, in particular a hydraulic cylinder.

The lifting means 4 can have the following dimensions: a length of the rack 44 of 700 mm, a length of the attachment member 4A (between the element forming the bottom stop 43 and the teeth) of 668.6 mm, a width (width of the teeth part 40) of 420 mm and a width of the translation guide part 41 (between the two wings 41b) of 276 mm.

The tilting means 5 of the frame 2 comprise the scissor assembly 2A, 2B described above and a mechanism 50-61 for controlling the opening of the scissor assembly.

The mechanism 50-61 for controlling the opening of the scissor assembly 2A, 2B comprises a single actuator making it possible to move the main body 2A and the support legs 2B apart or bring them closer together and therefore to cause the frame 2 to pass from its folded configuration to its deployed configuration on the ground, and vice versa.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the opening control mechanism 50-61 comprises a single winch 50. It should be noted that the winch 50 could be replaced by any other means capable of allowing the separation and bringing the main body 2A closer to the at least one support leg 2B, for example a system of jacks.

The winch 50 is a two-drum winch, or double-drum winch, comprising an upper drum 51 and a lower drum 52 coaxial around each of which is wound a cable 53, 54. In particular, a first cable 53 is wound around the upper drum 51 and a second cable 54 is wound around the lower drum 52.

The winch 50 is fixed to the support plate 21c secured to one of the arms 21a of the main body 2A. The longitudinal axis of the winch 50 is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arm 21a on which it is fixed.

The first cable 53 connects the upper drum 51 of the winch 50 to the horizontal axis A2 passing through the members forming rocker 25 passing through the front wheel 30 of the main body 2A located on the side of the winch 50. More precisely, the first cable 53 leaves of the upper drum 51, runs along the arm 21a on which the winch 50 is fixed up to the front end of this arm 21a where it is received in a first cable guide 55, passes around a first pulley 56 placed at the level of the front wheel 30 carried by this arm 21a, which first pulley 56 is mounted on the same axis of rotation A3 as the front wheel 30, then is connected to the cable clamp 27b of the tensioner assembly 27 integral with the horizontal axis A2 passing through rocker members 25.

The second cable 54 connects the lower drum 52 of the winch 50 to the horizontal axis A2 crossing the members forming rocker 25 passing through the front wheel 30 of the main body 2A located on the side opposite the winch 50. More precisely, the second cable 54 starts from the lower drum 52, extends along the arm 21a carrying the winch 50 towards the rear end of the arm 21a where it is received in a second cable guide 57 located at the level of the rear wheel 31 on the winch side 50 , then passes around a second pulley 58 arranged close to the second cable guide 57 and oriented with its axis parallel to the axis of the drums 51, 52. This second pulley 58 makes it possible to direct the second cable 54 so that 'it is received in the lower connecting tube 20e of the main body 2A. After passing through the lower connecting tube 20e, the second cable 54 arrives at the rear end of the arm 21a not carrying the winch 50 and changes direction again by passing around a third pulley 59 with an axis parallel to the axis of the drums 51, 52. The second cable 54 runs along the arm 21a carrying the third pulley 59 up to the front end of this arm 21a where it is received in a third cable guide 60. The second cable 54 changes at direction by passing around a fourth pulley 61 located at the level of the front wheel 30 of the arm 21a not carrying the winch 50 and mounted on the axis of rotation A3 of the said front wheel 30. Finally, the second cable 54 is connected to the cable clamp 27b of the tensioner assembly 27 secured to the horizontal axis A2 passing through the members forming rocker 25, at the end of the horizontal axis A2 opposite to that to which the first cable 53 is connected. Thus , the two ends of the axis A2 of the members forming rocker 25 are connected to the cables 53, 54 whose winding and unwinding are controlled by the winch 50. In particular, the unwinding of the cables 53, 54 makes it possible to increase the angle between the main body 2A and the support legs 2B, by rotation around the axis of articulation A1 and bearing of the front wheels 30 or of the rear wheels 31 opposite the support legs 2B. On the contrary, the winding of the cables 53, 54 makes it possible to bring the support legs 2B closer to the uprights 20a of the main body 2A.

The winch 50 can be controlled by means of a crank, a screwdriver or any other appropriate means.

If we consider the dimensions of the frame 2 indicated above, the length of cable 53, 54 to be unrolled is of the order of 1200 mm. If we consider all the dimensions indicated above, the moving-tilting device 1 as a whole has a mass of 103.4 kg.

Referring again to Figures 5 to 8, it can be seen that the moving-tilting device 1 according to the present invention can be used to assist in the unstacking of a stack P of waste containers.

Such a stack P of waste containers comprises a plurality of containers, for example fourteen containers, stacked one on top of the other and nested one inside the other. The lowest container in the stack has wheels, for example two wheels. The other containers do not have wheels, these being fitted after the containers have been unstacked. The device 1 according to the invention is also suitable for four-wheeled containers. It is simply necessary to adapt the dimensions of the device 1, in particular the spacing between the arms 21a of the main body 2A, to the largest dimensions of the stacked objects. In addition, each of the waste containers has a hooking flange C designed to be hooked on the comb of a container lift fitted to a waste collection vehicle.

In practice, to move the stack P of containers from a stacked position, in which the stack P has a vertical axis and the lowest container is in contact with the ground ( ), in an unstacking position, in which the stack P has an axis close to the horizontal, is no longer in contact with the ground and is placed close to the ground ( ), the displacement-tilting device 1 implements the following steps: a step for docking the device 1, a step for lifting the stack P of containers and a step for tilting the stack P of containers.

As can be seen on the , during the docking step, the device 1 is moved and positioned against the stack P of containers.

In particular, the frame 2 is in the folded configuration and the attachment member 4A is in the low position. In this folded configuration, the angle of the scissor assembly 2A, 2B is zero, in other words, the main section 22b of each support leg 2B extends in a plane parallel to the plane in which the uprights 20a of the main body 2A, namely a vertical plane. Thus, the structure 20 for supporting and guiding the lifting means 4 is oriented vertically. Moreover, in this folded configuration, the frame 2 is in contact with the ground by the two front wheels 30 and the idler wheel(s) 33. The device 1 is dimensioned such that, in the low position, the tooth part 40 is arranged below the collar C of the lowest container of the stack P.

Thus, during the docking step, the device 1 is moved on the ground thanks to the two front wheels 30 and the idler wheel(s) 33, the operator being able to steer the device 1 by means of the two handles 20c. When the device 1 is positioned against the stack P of containers, the containers are received in the space formed between the two arms 21a of the main body 2A, a lower region of the lowest container comes into contact with the element forming a lower stop 43, the teeth part 40 is disposed below the flange C of the lowermost container and in alignment with this flange C, and one or more of the containers of the stack P come into contact with the upper region of the uprights 20a of the main body 2A.

As can be seen on the , during the step of lifting the stack P of containers, the means for moving in translation 4B is actuated in order to move the hooking member 4A from the low position to the high position, thus making it possible to lift the stack P of vertical axis above the ground.

In particular, the operator manually actuates the rack jack 44, 45 so as to cause the translation guide part 41 to slide along the uprights 20a, so as to move away from the ground. Thus, the teeth part 40, integral in translation with the guide part 41, is moved in a vertical plane and away from the ground, so that the teeth are housed in the flange C of the lowest container. The movement of the teeth to the high position therefore causes the lifting of the stack P of containers.

Thus, at the end of this lifting step, the stack P has a vertical axis, is raised above the ground and is positioned against the main body 2A of the frame 2.

As can be seen in Figures 7 and 8, during the step of tilting the stack P of containers, the frame 2 is moved from its folded configuration to its deployed configuration on the ground, in other words, the scissor assembly 2A , 2B is opened by means of the mechanism 50-61 for controlling the opening of the scissor assembly.

In particular, the operator actuates the winch 50 in order to control the unwinding of the cables 53, 54. The cables 53, 54 interconnect the free ends of the scissor assembly, namely the end of each support leg 2B opposite to the axis of articulation A1 and each front wheel 30, the unwinding of the cables 53, 54 causes the separation of the main body 2A and the support legs 2B.

If we refer to the , it can be seen that during tilting, the idler wheel 33 is raised above the ground by the rotation of the cradle 32 around the axis A2 passing through the rocker-forming members 25. It is then the rocker-forming members 25 which ensure the contact of the support legs 2B with the ground. Once the rocker-forming members 25 are in contact with the ground, the support legs 2B no longer roll on the ground, only the front wheels 30 roll on the ground, opposite the rocker-forming members 25, in order to further open the scissor assembly.

Then, as can be seen in the , the spacing between the main body 2A and the support legs 2B is such that the main body 2A no longer comes into contact with the ground via the front wheels 30, but via the rear wheels 31. The opening angle of the scissor assembly 2A, 2B is limited both by the length of cable 53, 54 that can be unwound and by the stop elements 20d. Indeed, in the fully deployed position on the ground of the chassis 2, the stop elements 20d come into abutment against the support legs 2B.

After the unwinding of the cables 53, 54, the uprights 20a of the main body 2A and the support legs 2B occupy a position close to the horizontal, in other words a position slightly inclined with respect to the ground. For example, in the configuration deployed on the ground of the chassis 2, the attachment member 4A and therefore the stack P of containers can form an angle of a few degrees, for example 15°, with respect to the ground.

Thus, once the frame 2 is completely deployed on the ground, the containers can be handled easily and in complete safety by a single operator. For example, the operator can manually grab each container and separate it from the container in which it is nested. The operator can also enter each container using a dedicated unstacking tool, separate from the device 1 according to the invention.

It will be easily understood that to place the frame 2 again in its folded configuration and the attachment member 4A in the low position, in order to handle another stack of objects, the previous steps are carried out in the reverse order. In particular, the winch 50 is actuated in order to rewind the cables 53, 54 and the rack jack 44, 45 is actuated before moving the attachment member 4A to the low position.

It is understood that the particular embodiment which has just been described has been given as an indication and not limiting, and that modifications can be made without departing from the present invention.

Claims (10)

Device for moving-tilting (1) a stack of objects (P), in particular waste containers nested one inside the other and forming a stack with a vertical axis, which device (1) is characterized in that it comprises a mobile and folding frame (2) provided with rolling means (3), the frame (2) bearing lifting means (4) able to lift the vertical axis stack (P) by gripping the object lowermost of the stack (P), and tilting means (5) adapted to move, in use, the frame (2) between a folded configuration, in which the stack (P) occupies a raised position with a vertical axis , and a configuration deployed on the ground, in which the stack (P) occupies an unstacking position with an axis close to the horizontal. Moving-tilting device (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the frame (2) comprises a main body (2A) and at least one support leg (2B), the at least one support leg (2B) having a first end articulated in rotation to the main body (2A) around a horizontal axis of articulation (A1), such that the main body (2A) and the at least one supporting leg (2B ) form a scissor assembly, the main body (2A) being integral with a first rolling assembly (3A) of the rolling means (3) and carrying the lifting means (4), the at least one supporting leg ( 2B) being integral with a second bearing assembly (3B) of the rolling means (3) and carrying at least one member forming a rocker (25) at its second end, the tilting means (5) comprising the scissor assembly ( 2A, 2B) and a mechanism (50-61) for controlling the opening of the scissor assembly (2A, 2B) between the folded and deployed configurations on the ground, the assembly ble scissors (2A, 2B) being arranged such that in the folded configuration, the frame (2) is in contact with the ground by the first (3A) and second (3B) rolling assemblies, and in the deployed configuration at the ground, the frame (2) is in contact with the ground by the first bearing assembly (3A) and the at least one member forming a rocker (25). Moving-tilting device (1) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the mechanism (50-61) for controlling the opening of the scissor assembly (2A, 2B) comprises a single winch (50) integral with the main body (2A), the winch (50) being a double drum winch in which each drum (51, 52) receives a cable (53, 54), each cable (53, 54) going from the winch (50) to a set tensioner (27) integral with the second end of the at least one support leg (2B) being guided along the main body (2A) by one or more pulleys (56, 58, 59, 61) and one or more cable guides (55, 57, 60). Moving-tilting device (1) according to any one of Claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the rolling means (3) comprise two pairs of wheels (30, 31), two of which are front wheels (30) and two rear wheels (31), forming the first bearing assembly (3A), and at least one idler wheel (33), forming the second bearing assembly (3B), which wheels (30, 31, 33) are mounted and arranged on the frame (2) so that in the folded configuration of the frame (2), the two front wheels (30) and the at least one idler wheel (33) rest on the ground, and in the deployed configuration on the ground of the frame (2), the two rear wheels (31) rest on the ground. Moving-tilting device (1) according to any one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the frame (2) comprises two support legs (2B), the second rolling assembly (3B), the case optionally the at least one idler wheel (33), being integral with a cradle (32) mounted for rotation around a horizontal axis of rotation (A2) connecting the two support legs (2B), and extending parallel to the axis of articulation (A1), at least one torsion spring (26), preferably two torsion springs (26), being wound around the axis of rotation (A2) and connected on the one hand to the cradle (32) and on the other hand to the member forming a rocker (25) of one of the two support legs (2B), so that when the chassis (2) is moved towards its deployed configuration, the second bearing assembly (3B), where appropriate the at least one idler wheel (33), is moved away from the ground. Moving-tilting device (1) according to any one of Claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the main body (2A) comprises at least one stop element (20d) capable of interfering with the at least one leg support (2B) so as to limit the opening angle of the scissor assembly (2A, 2B). Moving-tilting device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the lifting means (4) comprise at least one hooking member (4A) capable of cooperating with the object lowest of the stack (P) and mounted movable in translation relative to the frame (2) by means of a means of displacement in translation (4B). Moving-tilting device (1) according to Claim 7, characterized in that the at least one hooking member (4A) is a comb-shaped element having a tooth part (40) configured to cooperate with a rim upper or a fastening collar (C) of the lowest object of the stack (P) and carried by a part for guiding in translation (41), the part for guiding in translation (41) being capable of sliding the along the chassis (2). Moving-tilting device (1) according to any one of Claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the means for moving in translation (4B) of the at least one attachment member (4A) with respect to the chassis (2) is a rack jack (44, 45). Moving-tilting device (1) according to any one of Claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the at least one attachment member (4A) is arranged so as to cooperate with an upper region of the object the lowest of the stack (P), the lifting means (4) further comprising a bottom stop member (43) arranged to cooperate with a lower region of the lowest object of the stack (P) , the element forming the bottom stop (43) being integral in translation with the at least one attachment member (4A).