IT202000023758A1 - APPARATUS FOR UNLOADING GOODS FROM A CONTAINER - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

Field of Invention

The present invention generally refers to the goods transport sector. In particular, the present invention relates to a system and method of unloading goods from a unit? of intermodal (container) freight transport.

Technological background of the invention

Intermodal transport of goods requires that the goods to be transported are placed at the factory or at the warehouse of a shipper in a specific unit? of intermodal transport, or container (container), in which the goods remain until the final destination is reached.

Intermodal transport usually takes place through two or more? means of transport (such as articulated lorries, rail cars, or ships).

Intermodal transport represents a valid alternative to the transport of goods by tipping trucks. Tipper trucks, although widely used today, have several drawbacks, such as high rental cost, exposure of the goods to contamination (for example, organic and inorganic pollutants) and losses (for example, due to air currents), and economic inconvenience for relatively long journeys: on the other hand, intermodal transport lends itself to logistically complex journeys without requiring the transshipment of material between the different means of transport, thus avoiding the contaminations and losses that inevitably afflict tipper trucks.

A critical phase of intermodal transport, for example of bulk products or materials, includes the transport of the container (typically, by means of an articulated lorry) to an unloading site, where a collection apparatus and an unloading system are installed, capable of unloading of the goods from the container into the collection apparatus (typically, a hopper suitable for receiving the goods and conveying them inside a collection tank, for example a storage silo).

A prior art unloading system comprises a tilting platform with hydraulic lifting, within which the container is placed. slid and to which the container ? hooked and bridled before being lifted (completely) to allow the unloading of the goods.

Summary of the Invention

The Applicant has noted that the unloading system of the prior art based on the tilting platform is not satisfactory in terms of cost, time and efficiency.

In particular, has the Applicant noted that in this exhaust system ? necessary to carry out long and complex maneuvers with the articulated lorry, which are aimed at placing the container in a precise predefined position with respect to the tilting platform (to allow the subsequent sliding of the container inside it).

Furthermore, in this unloading system, the container must necessarily be separated from the semi-trailer of the articulated lorry (which involves long and complex sliding operations of the container from the semi-trailer to the tilting platform), and coupled and harnessed to the tilting platform (which involves long and complex hooking and bridling operations). In addition, in order to guarantee the operators sufficient maneuvering space for the operations of hooking and harnessing the container to the tilting platform, the articulated lorry must be temporarily moved from the vicinity of the tilting platform, with a further burden in terms of logistics.

The Applicant has also noted that the large dimensions of the tilting platform, as well as the peculiarities design of the same, do not allow the crossing of the tilting platform by the articulated lorry, so this tilting platform cannot? be easily made in correspondence of? collection apparatus: ci? means that often the emptying of the goods from the container cannot be carried out directly in the collection apparatus (but in a different and separate unloading site in its vicinity), and that, after the container has been emptied by the tilting platform, further operations, hereinafter transfer operations, are necessary for the transfer of the goods from the unloading area to the collection apparatus. Furthermore, during these transfer operations, the goods ? subject to loss, damage, and/or contamination (with a negative impact on the quality of the goods).

The Applicant has devised a discharge apparatus, and a corresponding discharge system and a corresponding discharge method, capable of overcoming these (and other) drawbacks.

In particular, one or more aspects of the present invention are indicated in the independent claims, with advantageous features of the same invention being indicated in the dependent claims, the text of which? incorporated herein by reference (with any advantageous features provided by reference to a specific aspect of the present invention applying mutatis mutandis to any other aspect thereof).

Pi? specifically, one aspect of the present invention proposes an apparatus for unloading goods from a container into a collection apparatus. The container comprises, on a wall located at a first side of the container, an opening suitable for allowing the goods to come out of the container. The apparatus? adapted to cooperate, in use, with a lifting apparatus adapted to lift from the ground, along a first direction perpendicular to the ground, a second side of said container opposite the first side. Does the apparatus include a stop device suitable for being installed near the of the collection apparatus. The stopping device? adapted to intercept the container in correspondence with said first side and to prevent, during the lifting of the second side of the container by means of the lifting apparatus, the sliding of the container along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, thus allowing the? inclination of the container with respect to the ground by rotation around a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions and the exit of the goods from said opening by gravity? within the collection apparatus.

In accordance with an embodiment, the characteristics of which are additional or alternative to the characteristics of any previous embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a movement device able to move the stop device along the first direction. Said handling device allows to adjust a distance of the stop device from the ground along the first direction in accordance with the distance of the container from the ground along the first direction.

In accordance with an embodiment, the characteristics of which are additional or alternative to the characteristics of any previous embodiment, the stop device and the movement device are adapted to be installed within a channel extending, along the first direction, at the below the ground. The stopping device? adapted to be moved within the channel between a first position in which the stop device ? below the ground, and a second position in which the stop device protrudes from the ground at a distance from the ground depending on the distance of the container from the ground along the second direction. The apparatus further includes a cover element to cover the channel, at ground level, when the arresting device is in the first position.

In accordance with an embodiment, the characteristics of which are additional or alternative to the characteristics of any previous embodiment, the stop device comprises at least one interception element capable, in use, of intercepting an edge region of the container. Said at least one element of interception ? rotatable around the third direction.

In accordance with an embodiment, the characteristics of which are additional or alternative to the characteristics of any previous embodiment, the stop device comprises at least one alignment element suitable for aligning the container with respect to the stop device. Said at least one alignment element being rotatable about the third direction.

In accordance with one embodiment, the features of which are additional to or alternative to the features of any previous embodiment, the stop device ? rotatable around the first direction. The apparatus further comprises blocking means adapted to block the rotation of the stop device during the lifting of the second side of the container by the lifting apparatus.

In accordance with an embodiment, the characteristics of which are additional or alternative to the characteristics of any previous embodiment, the locking means comprise a traction device suitable for exerting and regulating a traction force on the stop device.

In accordance with one embodiment, the features of which are additional to or alternative to the features of any previous embodiment, said at least one alignment element ? mobile along the third direction. Said blocking means further block the movement of said at least one alignment element along the third direction.

In accordance with an embodiment, the characteristics of which are additional or alternative to the characteristics of any previous embodiment, the stop device comprises a sliding region adapted to facilitate the sliding of the goods on the stop device, thus preventing accumulations of goods on the stop device during the exit of the goods.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for unloading goods from a container. The method includes:

positioning the container with respect to the above apparatus, wherein said positioning the container comprises

place the container parallel to the ground, e

positioning a first side of the container comprising a wall provided with an opening that can be opened/closed suitable for allowing the exit of the goods from the container in contact with the stopping device of said apparatus;

with the container placed parallel to the ground, open the opening so that a part of said goods comes out, without external interventions, from said opening by gravity;

to lift from the ground, along a first direction orthogonal to the ground, a second side of said container opposite the first side, during the lifting of the second side of the container, the stop device prevents the container from sliding along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, allowing in this way the inclination of the container with respect to the ground by rotation around a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions and the exit of the remaining goods from said opening by gravity.

The present invention has advantages in terms of logistics and cost (since it can be applied to pre-existing systems with reduced structural modifications thereof), while still complying with the safety requirements.

Brief Description of the Attached Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention, as well as? further characteristics and the relative advantages will be better understood with reference to the following detailed description, given purely as an indicative and non-limiting example, to be read in conjunction with the attached figures (in which corresponding elements are indicated with the same or similar references and their explanation does not repeated for brevity?). In this regard, ? expressly understood that the figures are not necessarily to scale (with some details that can be expanded and/or simplified) and that, unless otherwise indicated, they are simply used to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described. Particularly:

Figures 1A and 1B schematically show a system for unloading goods from a container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the container of Figures 1A and 1B in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 3A and 3B show a stop apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and

Figure 3C shows a coupling between the arresting apparatus of Figures 3A and 3B and the container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention With reference to the drawings, Figures 1A and 1B schematically show a system (hereinafter, unloading system) 100 for unloading goods from a container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, Figures 1A and 1B show the unloading system 100 in distinct operating phases of a corresponding unloading procedure.

In the following, directional terminology (for example, top, bottom, front, back, side) in relation to the exhaust system 100 ? referred to its orientation in the figures, which ? by way of example taken as a typical orientation of use. In particular, the directional terminology in relation to the exhaust system 100 ? referred to the reference directions X, Y, and Z, mutually orthogonal, hereinafter referred to respectively as longitudinal, transversal and vertical directions.

In the continuation, when one or more? characteristics of the exhaust system are introduced by means of the expression ?in accordance with an embodiment?, are they to be understood as additional or alternative characteristics to any previously introduced characteristic, unless explicitly indicated to the contrary and/or unless there is incompatibility? among characteristics immediately evident to the person skilled in the art.

In accordance with one embodiment, the exhaust system 100 comprises a shutoff apparatus 105 (discussed below). In accordance with one embodiment, the discharge system 100 comprises a lifting apparatus 110 (discussed below) with which the stop apparatus 105 is positioned. act, in use, to interact or cooperate (to allow the unloading of the goods).

In accordance with one embodiment, the exhaust system 100 is suitable for unloading goods from a container 115 (or from another intermodal transport unit suitable for the transport of such goods). For this purpose, the container 115 comprises one or more? fasteners, discussed below.

In accordance with one embodiment, the container 115 is suitable for the transport of granular goods - such as grains (including, for example, cereals such as oats, spelt, wheat, corn, millet, barley, rice and rye) or salt. However, container 115 is not? limited to any specific type of goods to be transported.

With joint reference to Figure 2 , it shows a perspective view of the container 115 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with one embodiment, the container 115 is analogous to the container described in the patent application n. IT201700024162. In the sequel, for brevity? of display, only elements of the container 115 will be described that are deemed relevant to an understanding of the present invention.

In accordance with one embodiment, the container 115 is compliant with the ISO (?International Organization for Standardization?) standard.

In accordance with one embodiment, the container 115 comprises a carcass 200 which delimits an internal space or cavity within the container. (not visible) within which ? housed/contained the goods during transport. In accordance with one embodiment, the housing 200 is in the shape of a parallelepiped, and comprises a wall 200B (hereinafter, lower wall) which, during the transport of the container 115, is parallel to the ground, a wall 200T (hereinafter, upper wall) opposite the lower wall 200B, a wall (hereinafter, front wall) 200F which, during unloading of the goods, is facing the stop apparatus 105, a wall 200R (hereinafter, rear wall) opposite the front wall 200F, and two walls 200S1, 200S2 (hereinafter, side walls) opposite and parallel to each other and perpendicular to the lower wall 200B and to the upper wall 200T. Thus, considering the X, Y, and Z reference directions, the bottom 200B and top 200T walls are parallel to the X-Y plane, the front 200F and back 200R walls are parallel to the Y-Z plane, and the side walls 200S1,200S2 are parallel to the X-Z plane.

In accordance with one embodiment, the container 115 comprises one or more containers. fixing elements - for example, corner blocks (?corner castings? and/or ?twist locks?) - suitable for being fixed to lifting equipment (for example, forklifts, overhead traveling cranes, cranes, container cranes), such as ?lifting apparatus 110, for transferring the container 115 between different means of transport (for example articulated lorries, railway wagons, and ships) and/or for unloading the goods contained in the container 115, and to the fastening elements of other containers ( for example, in order to allow the stacking of two or more containers). In accordance with one embodiment, the container 115 comprises a fastening element (hereinafter, upper fastening element) 205T in each upper corner of the casing 200, and a fastening element (hereinafter, lower fastening element) 205B in each lower corner of the casing 200.

In accordance with an embodiment, the container 115 comprises a roof 210 which can be selectively operated between an open condition (shown in Figure 2) which allows the goods to be inserted into the cavity from above, and a closed condition (shown in Figures 1A and 1B) which prevents the insertion of the goods inside the cavity? and the exposure of the goods to impurities? (such as dirt and smog) and atmospheric agents (such as rain, ice and snow) during transport.

In accordance with one embodiment, the roof 210 includes the upper wall 200T of the casing 200, and an access structure 215 for selectively accessing the cavity. (allowing, in this way, the insertion from above of the goods inside it).

In accordance with one embodiment, such selective access is obtained by means of one or more (e.g., four) inlet doors 2151,2152,2153,2154 each selectively operable between an open position (shown in Figure 2 ) and a closed position (shown in Figures 1A and 1B ).

In accordance with an embodiment, the container 115 comprises an opening (hereinafter, outlet opening) suitable for allowing the goods to come out of the container 115. In accordance with an embodiment, the container 115 comprises an outlet door 220 (or multiple exit doors, in alternative embodiments) for selectively covering (closing) or uncovering (opening) the exit aperture.

In accordance with one embodiment, the exit gate 220 is formed on a front face of the casing 200 comprising the front wall 200F, the portion of the front face not occupied by the front wall 200F identifying the outlet opening (not visible in the figures). In other words, the? opening of exit ? formed on one side of the container 115 which, in use, ? facing the stop apparatus 105 (hereinafter, the front side).

In accordance with one embodiment, the exit gate 220 is hinged to the front wall 200F by one or more? (for example, two) hinges, so as to rotate around an axis of rotation parallel to the transversal direction Y between an open position, in which the exit door 220 uncovers (opens) the exit opening allowing frontal exit of the goods from the cavity (as discussed below, this release being facilitated by the rear lifting of the container 115 by means of the lifting apparatus 110, so that the inclination resulting from this lifting determines the release of the goods by gravity), and a closed position, in where the exit door 220 covers (closes) the exit opening preventing the exit of the goods from the cavity.

In accordance with one embodiment, in the open position of the exit door 220, the exit door 220 abuts on (that is, on a portion of) the front wall 200F, and ? advantageously retained to it by means of suitable retaining elements (not shown), so that, during the (rear) lifting of the container 115, the exit door 220 remains stably in the open position).

In accordance with one embodiment, the exhaust system 100 is suitable for unloading the goods from the container 105 into a collection apparatus 120 (visible in Figures 1A and 1B)

In accordance with one embodiment, the collection apparatus 120 comprises a hopper suitable for receiving the goods and conveying them inside a collection tank (for example, a storage silo).

In accordance with one embodiment, the hopper is positioned below the ground, i.e. it has an inlet mouth at the level (or substantially at the level) of the ground and an outlet mouth below the ground (along the vertical direction Z). For the purposes of this description, for soil ? to be understood as the ground surface of a site (hereinafter, unloading site) at which the unloading system 100 and the collection apparatus 120 are installed, it being understood that the unloading site can be in a raised or lowered position (even locally) with respect to the ground surface of, for example, a container 115 provenance site.

In accordance with one embodiment, the lifting apparatus 110 is suitable for lifting the container 115 from the rear, ie from one side of the container 115 (hereinafter, the rear side) opposite the front side.

In accordance with one embodiment, the lifting apparatus 110 comprises a container crane, i.e. an apparatus which performs the lifting action by means of flexible members (ropes, chains) 110R ending with a device management system 110S - known as the spreader (?spreader?) - adapted to be placed on top of the container 115 and locked to the four upper fastening elements 205T.

In accordance with one embodiment, the arresting apparatus 105, preferably located (installed) in close proximity to the of the collection apparatus 120 (for example, of the hopper), comprises a stop device 105A (discussed in detail below) adapted to intercept the container 115 at its front side (Figure 1A) and to prevent, during lifting (rear) of the container 115 by means of the lifting apparatus 110 (Figure 1B), the sliding of the container 115 along the longitudinal direction X: what? it allows the inclination of the container 115 with respect to the ground and the exit of the goods from the exit opening by gravity.

In accordance with an embodiment, the stop apparatus 105 comprises a movement device 105D, for example a hydraulic movement device, capable of moving the stop device 105A along the vertical direction Z.

In accordance with one embodiment, the handling device 105D is adapted to move the stop device 105A between a lowered position in which the stop device 105A is below a predetermined height with respect to the ground level, and a raised position (visible in Figures 1A and 1B) in which the stop device 105A comes out of the ground at a distance from the ground along the vertical direction Z (hereinafter, distance vertical) depending on the vertical distance of the container 115 from the ground (the handling device 105D thus allowing to adjust the vertical distance of the stop device 105A from the ground in accordance with the vertical distance of the container 115 from the ground).

In accordance with one embodiment, the predetermined elevation with respect to the ground level corresponds to the ground level.

In accordance with one embodiment, the predetermined elevation relative to ground level corresponds to an elevation below ground level.

In accordance with one embodiment, the predetermined elevation with respect to the ground level corresponds to an elevation above the ground level and below a minimum vertical distance of the container 115 from the ground.

In accordance with one embodiment, the stop device 105A and the movement device 105D are adapted to be installed within a suitable channel (not shown) extending from the ground, along the vertical direction Z, within the ground.

In accordance with one embodiment, the channel ? adjacent to the hopper. In accordance with one embodiment, the discharge system 100 comprises a covering element 125 (for example, a trap door) able to cover the channel when the stop device 105A is ? in the lowered position, and to uncover the channel to allow the stop device 105A to come out of the ground (as visible in Figures 1A and 1B).

In accordance with an embodiment, the stop device 105A and the movement device 105D are at least partially in contact with the hopper (or, more generally, with the collection apparatus 120): in this case, in order to to ensure that the hopper (or, more generally, the collection apparatus 120) has adequate structural resistance to the stresses resulting from the lifting apparatus 110 and the container 115, the hopper (or, more generally, the ?collection apparatus 120) ? equipped with a stiffening structure (not shown).

Advantageously, the adjustment of the vertical distance of the stop device 105A from the ground allows the present invention to be applied both in the case in which the container 115 lies (that is, rests directly) on the ground, and in the case in which the container 115 lies on a semi-trailer of an articulated lorry (as shown by way of example in Figures 1A and 1B) and, in the latter case, regardless of the dimensions (and therefore of the vertical distance from the ground) of the semi-trailer.

With reference also to Figures 3A and 3B, and to Figure 3C, they show, respectively, the stop apparatus 105 (that is, a portion thereof) and a coupling between the stop apparatus 105 (more particularly, the device stop 105A) and the container 115, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

As previously mentioned, in accordance with an embodiment, the arresting apparatus 105 comprises a arresting device 105A adapted to intercept the container 115 at its front side and to prevent, during the (rear) lifting of the container 115 by the lifting apparatus 110, the sliding of the container 115 along the longitudinal direction X. In other words, the stop device 105A ? capable of realizing a setback with the container 115 (at its front side), with what? preventing the sliding of the container 115 along the longitudinal direction X during the (rear) lifting of the container 115.

In accordance with one embodiment, the stop device 105A is made at least partly of steel.

In accordance with one embodiment, the stop device 105A comprises one or more? shut-off elements (discussed below) adapted to intercept the container 115 (i.e., the front side thereof), and a support body 305 adapted to support the shut-off elements and to support the weight of the container 115 during lifting (rear) of the same.

In accordance with one embodiment, the support body 305 (and, therefore, more generally, the stop device 105A) is rotatable about the vertical direction Z. In this way, as better discussed below, the stop device 105A can? be oriented on the basis of a desired arrangement (even approximate) of the container 115, thus avoiding? long and complex maneuvers to arrange the container in a precise predefined position.

In accordance with one embodiment, the support body 305 is essentially T-shaped. In accordance with one embodiment, the support body 305 comprises a support portion (hereinafter, vertical support portion) 305V extending along the vertical direction Z, and a support portion (hereinafter, transverse support portion 305T) extending orthogonally to the vertical support portion 305V (the transverse support portion 305T thus extending parallel to the X-Y plane, along the transverse direction Y in the embodiment illustrated by way of example).

In accordance with one embodiment, the vertical support portion 305V and the transverse support portion 305T are made at least partially of steel. In any case, the vertical support portion 305V (or one or more components thereof) and/or the transversal support portion 305T (or one or more components thereof) can be made of any material with structural resistance characteristics adequate (for example, in order to support the weight of the container 115 during its lifting).

In order to give the support body 305 adequate characteristics of structural strength, in accordance with one embodiment, the vertical support portion 305V ? positioned substantially centrally with respect to the transverse support portion 305T.

As mentioned above, in accordance with one embodiment, the stop device 105A comprises one or more? eavesdropping elements. In accordance with an embodiment, the stop device 105A comprises, on one surface (hereinafter, upper surface) of the transverse support portion 305T which, in use, is ? facing the lower wall 200B of the container 115, a shut-off element 310 adapted, in use, to receive a lower edge region of the container 115 (that is, the angular edge region between the lower wall 200B and the front wall 200F). In accordance with one embodiment, the shut-off element 310 is adapted, in use, to receive the lower edge region of the container 115 located on the front side of the container 115.

In accordance with one embodiment, the shut-off element 310 is formed substantially centrally (along the transversal direction Y) with respect to the transversal support portion 305T (the shut-off element 310 is therefore aligned with the vertical support portion 305V), so that in the following it will be? referred to as central shut-off element 310.

In accordance with one embodiment, the central shut-off element 310 protrudes in height, i.e. along the vertical direction Z, above the upper surface of the transverse support portion 305T.

In accordance with one embodiment, the central shut-off element 310 protrudes lengthwise, i.e. along the longitudinal direction X, beyond the upper surface of the transverse support portion 305T. In accordance with one embodiment, the central shut-off element 310 protrudes in length, beyond the upper surface of the transverse support portion 305T, from a side of the transverse support portion 305T which, in use, is ? facing container 115 (hereinafter, front side).

As can be better appreciated in Figures 3B and 3C, the central shut-off element 310 is essentially in the shape of an inverted T. In accordance with an embodiment, the central shut-off element 310 comprises a base portion 310B arranged parallel to the X-Y plane (and, therefore, parallel to the upper surface of the transverse support portion 305T), and a barrier portion 310W extending orthogonally to the base portion 310B (the barrier portion 310W thus extending parallel to the vertical direction Z) from a surface (hereinafter, upper surface) of the base portion 310B, which, in use, is? facing the lower wall 200B of the container 115. In accordance with one embodiment, the barrier portion 310W is the part of the base portion 310B extending between the barrier portion 310W and an end? front of the base portion 310B (that is, the end of the base portion 310B which, in use, faces the container 115) identifies an angular seat (for example, L-shaped) able to receive the lower edge of container 115.

In order to give the central shut-off element 310 adequate characteristics of structural resistance, in accordance with one embodiment, the base portion 310B and the barrier portion 310W are made in a single piece.

In order to give the central shut-off element 310 (and in particular to the barrier portion 310W) adequate characteristics of structural resistance, in accordance with one embodiment, the central shut-off element 310 comprises one or more? (for example, two) 310R stiffeners.

In accordance with one embodiment, each reinforcing member 310R extends between the barrier portion 310W and one end of the barrier. rear of the base portion 310B (that is, the end of the base portion 310B opposite the front end). In order to give the central shut-off element 310 adequate characteristics of structural strength, in accordance with one embodiment, each reinforcing element 310R ? formed in a single piece with the barrier portion 310W.

In accordance with one embodiment, the central shut-off element 310 is rotatable around the transversal direction Y, so as to allow the inclination of the container 115 during its (rear) lifting. For this purpose, in accordance with an embodiment, the support body 305 comprises a constraint structure (hereinafter, central constraint structure) 315 (partially visible in Figure 3B) capable of constraining the central shut-off element 310 to rotate about the transversal direction Y. In accordance with one embodiment, the central shut-off element 310 comprises, for example on one surface thereof (hereinafter, the lower surface) of the base portion 310B opposite the upper surface, a portion of fastener 310X extending substantially along the vertical direction Z and adapted for engagement with the central restraint structure 315. In accordance with one embodiment, the central restraint structure 315 is? disposed within the transverse support portion 305T. In accordance with one embodiment, the constraint structure 315 ? accessible (for coupling with the fixing portion 310X of the shut-off element 310) through a corresponding opening formed on the upper surface of the transverse support portion 305T.

As can be better appreciated in Figures 3B and 3C, in accordance with one embodiment, the stop device 105A comprises a sliding region adapted to facilitate the sliding of the goods within the collection apparatus.

In accordance with one embodiment, the slip region ? made in the cross support portion 305T. In accordance with one embodiment, the transverse support portion 305T has a substantially wedge-shaped shape. In accordance with one embodiment, the transverse support portion 305T has a chamfer 305TS at a rear flank of the transverse support portion 305T (i.e., the flank of the transverse support portion 305T opposite the front flank), the chamfer 305TS acting as a slip region.

In accordance with one embodiment, the stop device 105A comprises one or more? alignment elements adapted to align the container 115 with respect to the stop device 105A.

In accordance with one embodiment, the stop device 105A comprises two alignment elements 320. In accordance with one embodiment, the alignment elements 320 are formed at the ends of the alignment elements. opposite, along the transverse direction Z, of the transverse support portion 305T. In accordance with one embodiment, the central shut-off element 310 is arranged substantially centrally, along the transverse direction Y, with respect to the alignment elements 320, so that the central interception element 310 substantially centrally intercepts the container 115 (and thus reducing the risks of imbalance during its lifting).

In accordance with one embodiment, as seen in Figure 3C , each alignment element 320 ? adapted to intercept (for example, receive) a respective lower fastening element 205B of the container 115, in particular a respective lower fastening element 205B located at the front side of the container 115.

As best seen in Figure 3B , in accordance with one embodiment each alignment element 320 projects in height above the upper surface of the transverse support portion 305T.

In accordance with one embodiment, each alignment member 320 protrudes in length beyond the transverse support portion 305T. In accordance with one embodiment, each alignment member 320 protrudes in length beyond the front side of the transverse support portion 305T.

As best appreciated in Figure 3B, each alignment element 320 is essentially L-shaped. In accordance with one embodiment, each alignment member 320 comprises a wall (hereinafter, longitudinal wall) 320L extending along the longitudinal direction X, and a wall 320T (hereinafter, transverse wall) extending along the transversal direction Y from a? extremity? of the longitudinal wall 320L. In accordance with one embodiment, the longitudinal walls 320L and transversal walls 320T of each alignment element 320 identify an angular seat suitable for receiving a respective lower fastening element 205B.

In order to give each alignment element 320 adequate characteristics of structural strength, in accordance with one embodiment, the longitudinal wall 320L and the transversal wall 320T are made in a single piece.

In accordance with one embodiment, each alignment element 320 comprises one or more? support elements able to provide support to the container 115 at the respective lower fixing element 205B (so that the alignment elements 320 can also act as lateral interception elements in addition or as an alternative to the central interception element 310) . In accordance with one embodiment, each alignment element 320 comprises a support element 320P, for example a pin. In accordance with one embodiment, the support element 320P of each alignment element 320 extends, along the transverse direction Y, from the respective longitudinal wall 320L.

In accordance with one embodiment, the support member 320P of each alignment member 320 is formed in a single piece with the respective longitudinal wall 320L. In accordance with one embodiment, the support member 320P of each alignment member 320 is removably coupled to the respective longitudinal wall 320L.

In accordance with one embodiment, each alignment element 320 ? movable along the transversal direction Y, so as to adapt to containers having different widths (and so as to adapt to any inaccuracies in the orientation of the container 115 with respect to the stop device 105A, as will become clear hereinafter).

In accordance with one embodiment, each alignment element 320 ? rotatable around the transversal direction Y, so as to allow the inclination of the container 115 during its (rear) lifting.

In accordance with one embodiment, the support body 305 comprises one or more? further constraint structures able to constrain each alignment element 320 to rotate around the transversal direction Y (and, preferably, to translate along the transversal direction Y). In accordance with an embodiment, the support body 305 comprises two of these further constraint structures (hereinafter, lateral constraint structures) 325, each associated with a respective alignment element 320 (the lateral constraint structures 325 being partially visible in Figure 3B).

In accordance with one embodiment, each alignment element 320 comprises a fastening portion 320X, arranged substantially parallel to the X-Y plane, suitable for engagement with a respective lateral constraint structure 325. In accordance with one embodiment, the portion fixing element 320X of each alignment member 320 extends from one? bottom of the transverse wall 320T towards the rear side of the transverse support body 305T. In accordance with one embodiment, the fastening portion 320X of each alignment element 320 is formed in one piece with the respective cross wall 320T.

In accordance with one embodiment, each lateral restraint structure 325 is accessible (for coupling with the fixing portion 320X of the respective alignment element 320) through a corresponding opening formed on the upper surface of the transverse support portion 305T.

As previously mentioned, according to one embodiment, the support body 305 (and, therefore, more generally, the stop device 105A) is rotatable (or at least orientable) about the vertical Z direction.

In accordance with an embodiment, the stop apparatus 105 comprises locking means suitable for blocking the rotation of the stop device 105A about the vertical direction Z during the (rear) lifting of the container 115.

As can be better seen in Figures 3A and 3B , in accordance with one embodiment, the locking means comprise a traction device capable of exerting and regulating a traction force on the stop device 105A.

In accordance with one embodiment, the traction device is suitable for coupling with an alignment element 320 (as will become clear hereinafter, in this way the blocking means also allow blocking the movement of the alignment element 320 along the transversal direction Y during (rear) lifting of the container 115). In accordance with an embodiment, the locking means comprise two traction devices, each suitable for coupling with a respective alignment element 320.

In accordance with one embodiment, each traction device comprises a flexible draft member and a traction mechanism adapted to exert a tractive force via the flexible draft member.

In accordance with one embodiment, the flexible draft member comprises a rope F. In accordance with alternative embodiments, the flexible draft member comprises a chain, rope, strap or cable.

In accordance with one embodiment, the traction mechanism comprises a winch 330 (or other type of winch). In accordance with one embodiment, the winch 330 has an installation portion 330A for securely installing the winch 330 on the ground, and a rotating cylinder (?drum?) 330T connected to one end of the rope F and on which ? wrapped the rope F.

In accordance with one embodiment, the 330T drum is adapted to rotate, around a vertical axis parallel to the vertical direction Z, in a first direction of rotation which determines the winding of the rope F around the drum 330T and in a second direction of rotation (opposite to the first direction of rotation) which determines the unwinding of the rope from the drum 330T (the direction of rotation determining the amount of traction force exerted by the traction device on the stop device 105A).

In accordance with one embodiment, the winch 330 is a motorized winch, i.e. it comprises a motor 330M (for example, an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic motor) able to allow rotation of the drum 330T in the first or second direction of rotation.

In accordance with one embodiment, the traction mechanism comprises an anchoring element 335 able to anchor the other end of the rope F to the ground. In accordance with an embodiment, the anchor element 335 has an installation portion 335A for firmly installing the anchor element 335 on the ground, and a connection portion (fixed) 330T connected to the other end of the rope F to hold the latter in the position of the anchor element 335.

In accordance with one embodiment, not shown, the traction mechanism, or at least a part thereof, is movable along the vertical direction Z. For this purpose, each winch 330 and/or each anchor element 335 can? comprising a respective handling device (not shown), for example a hydraulic handling device conceptually similar to the handling device 105D. In accordance with an embodiment, the traction mechanism handling devices are able to move the winches 330 and/or the anchor elements 335 between a lowered position in which they are below a predetermined height with respect to the level of the ground, and a raised position in which they come out of the ground at a vertical distance from the ground depending on the vertical distance of the container 115 from the ground (the traction mechanism movement devices thus allowing to adjust the vertical distance of the traction mechanism from the ground in agreement with the vertical distance of the container 115 from the ground).

In accordance with an embodiment, the traction mechanism comprises a pulley 340 able to receive the rope F and to allow the sliding of the same during its winding (or unwinding) around the winch 330. In accordance with an embodiment, the pulley 340 includes a rotatable disc portion 340D, rotatable about a pin passing through its center, and a support portion 340S for supporting the pin (spinning disc portion 340D being partially visible in Figure 3B ).

In accordance with one embodiment, the traction device comprises a hook element for hooking the traction mechanism to the stop device 105A. As best appreciated in Figure 3B , in accordance with one embodiment, the hook element comprises a hook 345 (or other folded or hook-foldable element). In accordance with one embodiment, the hook 345 is in metallic material.

In accordance with one embodiment, the hook 345 is connected to the pulley 340. In accordance with one embodiment, the hook 345 forms an appendage of the support portion 340S of the pulley 340, the hook 345 being for example formed in a single piece with this support portion 340S.

In accordance with one embodiment, the hook 345 is suitable for coupling with a respective alignment element 320.

In accordance with one embodiment, the hook 345 is suitable for insertion into a corresponding hole made in the transversal wall 320T of the alignment element 320, as visible in Figures 3B and 3C: the insertion of the hook 345 into the hole in the transversal wall 320T of the respective alignment element 320 (insertion which , advantageously, is facilitated by a loose initial condition of the rope F), and the winding of the rope F around the drum until it is stretched completely, causes a traction action on the alignment element 320, and therefore the blocking of the alignment element alignment 320 and of the stop device 105A (which makes the container 115 stable during its (rear) lifting).

In accordance with one embodiment, the hook 345 is further suitable for insertion into a corresponding hole made in the respective lower fastening element 205B: the insertion of the hook 345 into the hole of the transversal wall 320T of the respective alignment element 320 and into the hole of the respective lower fastening element 205B, and the The winding of the rope F around the drum 330T of the winch 330 until it is stretched completely also determines the lateral locking of the container 115 (which makes the container 115 further stable during its (rear) lifting).

In order to illustrate the advantages of the present invention, the following will be discussed briefly a method (hereinafter, unloading method), applicable to the unloading system 100 described above, for unloading the goods from a container 115 located on an articulated lorry.

In accordance with one embodiment, the unloading method comprises the following steps (a) ? (d).

a) Positioning of the container in relation to the unloading apparatus.

In this phase, the container 115, positioned parallel to the ground (as located on the semi-trailer of the articulated lorry), is? positioned with the front side of the container 115 (that is, the side of the container 115 which includes the opening/closing exit opening from the exit door 220) in contact with the stop device 105A of the stop apparatus 105. In accordance with one embodiment, as discussed above, the container 115 ? positioned such that the lower fasteners 205B located on the front side of the container 115 are received in the respective alignment members 320 of the stopper 105A, and that the lower edge region of the container 115 (i.e., the angular edge region between the lower wall 200B and the front wall 200F of the container 115) is received by the shut-off element 310.

Thanks to the rotatability of the stop device 105A about the vertical direction Z and the mobility? along the transversal direction Y of the alignment elements 320, the maneuvers to be carried out with the articulated lorry do not require high accuracy, being reduced to maneuvers which can be assimilated to a relatively precise parking at a loading/unloading dock, resulting therefore simple (and, therefore , which can be performed in a short time): on the contrary, in the prior art unloading system, the maneuvers to be carried out with the articulated lorry are long and complex, as they are aimed at placing the container in a precise predefined position with respect to a tilting lifting platform hydraulic (for the subsequent sliding of the container inside it).

Furthermore, the tilting platform of the discharge system of the prior art has large dimensions, as well as peculiarities design that do not allow them to be crossed by articulated lorries; therefore this tilting platform cannot? be carried out in correspondence with the collection apparatus (for which, after the container has been emptied by this platform, further operations, subsequently transfer operations, are necessary for the transfer of the goods from the unloading area to the collection apparatus) . Conversely, the exhaust system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can be easily installed near? of the collection apparatus 120, thus making it possible to directly unload the goods inside it (and thus avoiding losses, damages, and contamination of the goods during the transfer operations).

b) Preliminary emptying of the container

In this phase, with the container 115 arranged parallel to the ground (and still located on the semi-trailer of the articulated lorry), the exit door 220 is open. opened so that a part (for example, up to about 40%) of the goods contained in the container 115 comes out, without external interventions, from the outlet opening by gravity. This phase, which can? even be omitted in a basic embodiment of the unloading method, it advantageously allows the weight of the container 115 to be lightened for the subsequent lifting operations (for example, so as to decrease the stresses on the unloading apparatus 105 and on the apparatus lift 110), and ? allowed by the possibility to unload the goods directly into the collection apparatus 120.

c) Rear lifting of the container

After unhooking the container 115 from the semi-trailer (which in any case remains positioned on the same due to its weight), after connecting the lifting apparatus 110 to the container 115, and after hooking the traction mechanism to the stop device 105A ( operations which, in accordance with alternative embodiments, can be performed simultaneously with phase a) and/or with phase b)), the rear side of the container 115 ? raised from the ground along the vertical direction Z: in this way, as previously discussed, during the lifting of the rear side of the container 115, the stop device 105A prevents the sliding of the container 115 along the longitudinal direction X (or, more general, in case of different orientation of the stop device 105A, along a direction of interception of the container 115 by the stop device 105A), thus allowing the inclination of the container 115 with respect to the ground for rotation around the transversal direction Y (or, more generally, in the event of different orientation of the stop device 105A, around the direction perpendicular to the direction of interception).

Therefore, in this phase, the unloading of the goods from the container 115 takes place with the articulated lorry stationary and the container 115 on the semi-trailer. There? allows to avoid the long and complex operations required in the prior art unloading system, in particular the sliding of the container from the semi-trailer to the tilting platform, and the hooking and harnessing of the container to the tilting platform (the latter operations further requiring the movement of the container? articulated lorry to ensure that operators have sufficient maneuvering space).

d) Resetting of the container

After having unloaded the goods in the collection apparatus 120, with operations inverse to those described in the previous phase (that is, lowering of the rear side of the container, disconnection of the lifting apparatus 110 from the container 115, release of the traction mechanism from the stop 105A and reattachment of the container 115 to the semi-trailer), the container 115 ? rearranged on the semi-trailer for its subsequent transport.

In addition to the advantages discussed above deriving from the use of the unloading system 100, the present invention entails low manufacturing costs, and in particular very low compared to the cost of the tilting platform.

Naturally, in order to satisfy contingent and specific needs, a technician in the sector can making numerous logical and/or physical modifications and variations to the solution described above. Pi? specifically, although this solution has been described with a certain level of detail with reference to one or more? its embodiments, ? it is clear that various omissions, substitutions and changes in form and detail so? as other embodiments are possible. In particular, different embodiments of the invention can be put into practice even without the specific details (such as the numerical examples) disclosed in the previous description to provide a better understanding of them. complete understanding; conversely, well-known features may have been omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the description with unnecessary detail. Moreover, ? it is expressly understood that specific elements and/or method steps described in relation to each embodiment of the disclosed solution can be incorporated in any other embodiment as a normal design choice.

For example, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, not illustrated, the stop device can be fixed (rather than mobile) along the vertical direction. In accordance with embodiments, the stopping device can include only the transverse support portion (for example, installed at ground level).

Claims (10)

1. Apparatus (105) for unloading goods from a container (105) into a collection apparatus (120), wherein the container comprises, on a wall located at a first side of the container, an opening suitable for allow the exit of the goods from the container, and in which the? apparatus ? adapted to cooperate, in use, with a lifting apparatus (110) adapted to lift from the ground, along a first direction (Z) orthogonal to the ground, a second side of said container opposite the first side, the apparatus comprising: a stop device (105A) adapted to be installed near? of the collection apparatus, the stop device being able to intercept the container at said first side and to prevent, during the lifting of the second side of the container by means of the lifting apparatus, the sliding of the container along a second direction (X) orthogonal to the first direction, thus allowing the container? within the collection apparatus. 2. Apparatus (105) according to claim 1, further comprising a movement device (105D) able to move the stop device (105A) along the first direction (Z), said movement device allowing to adjust a distance of the ground stop device along the first direction in accordance with the distance of the container (115) from the ground along the first direction. 3. Apparatus (105) according to claim 2, wherein the stop device (105A) and the movement device (105D) are adapted to be installed within a channel extending, along the first direction (Z), beyond under the ground, and in which the arrest device ? adapted to be moved within the channel between a first position in which the stop device ? below the ground, and a second position in which the stop device protrudes from the ground at a distance from the ground dependent on the distance of the container from the ground along the second direction, the apparatus further comprising a cover member (125) for covering the channel, at ground level, when the arrest device ? in the first position. 4. Apparatus (105) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stopping device (105A) comprises at least one shut-off element (310) capable, in use, of shutting off an edge region of the container (115) , said at least one shut-off element being rotatable about the third direction (Y). 5. Apparatus (105) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stop device (105A) comprises at least one alignment element (320) able to align the container (115) with respect to the stop device, said at least one alignment element being rotatable about the third direction (Y). 6. Apparatus (105) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stop device (105A) is rotatable about the first direction (Z), the apparatus further comprising locking means (330,335,340,F) able to block the rotation of the stop device during the lifting of the second side of the container (115) by the lifting apparatus ( 110). 7. Apparatus (105) according to claim 6, wherein the locking means (330,335,340,F) comprise a traction device suitable for exerting and regulating a traction force on the stop device (105A). The apparatus (105) according to claim 6, when dependent on claim 5, or claim 7, wherein said at least one alignment element (320) ? movable along the third direction (Y), said locking means (330,335,340,F) further blocking the movement of said at least one alignment element along the third direction. 9. Apparatus (105) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stop device (105A) comprises a sliding region (305TS) adapted to facilitate the sliding of the goods on the stop device, thus preventing accumulations of goods on the stop device during the exit of the goods. 10. Method of unloading cargo from a container (115), the method comprising: positioning the container relative to the apparatus (105) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said positioning the container comprises positioning the container parallel to the ground, and positioning a first side of the container comprising a wall provided with an opening that can be opened/closed suitable for allowing the exit of the goods from the container in contact with the stop device (105A) of said apparatus; with the container placed parallel to the ground, open the opening so that a part of said goods comes out, without external interventions, from said opening by gravity; lift from the ground, along a first direction (Z) orthogonal to the ground, a second side of said container opposite the first side, during the lifting of the second side of the container the stop device preventing the sliding of the container along a second direction (X) orthogonal to the first direction, thus allowing the container?