WO2022190031A1

WO2022190031A1 - Automatically guided vehicle with lateral pressors, method and system for moving cargo

Info

Publication number: WO2022190031A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/052159
Authority: WO
Inventors: Maurizio Bardi
Original assignee: Sacmi Tech S.P.A.
Priority date: 2021-03-12
Filing date: 2022-03-10
Publication date: 2022-09-15
Also published as: IT202100005864A1; ES2957945A2

Abstract

Automated guided vehicle (2) for moving loads (C), made up of a plurality of loading units (C1, C2, C3) reciprocally flanked and superposed, comprising a first part (3), lifting means (4), a first presser (5) a second presser (6). The pressers are arranged laterally to the load (C), and are mutually transversally movable and have a respective confining surface (50, 60) predisposed to face against all the loading units (C1, C2, C3) which are facing, so as to limit or prevent displacement thereof. In particular the first presser (5) is movable between a retracted position in which it is transversally more internal than the first side (31), so that the first part (3) determines the transversal dimension, and an extracted position in which it is transversally more external than the first side (31), so as to move out of gauge loads (C). Also described are a method and a system (1) for moving a load (C).

Description

AUTOMATICALLY GUIDED VEHICLE WITH LATERAL PRESSORS, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MOVING CARGO

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the technical sector concerning the movement systems of loads with automated guided vehicles, indicated in the following by the acronym AGV of the expression Automated/Automatic Guided Vehicle. More in particular, the invention relates to an automated guided vehicle, a method and a system which comprises at least one example of the said vehicle, normally a plurality, equipped with pressers. In the reference sector the term presser is used to indicate a load stabiliser.

The invention is particularly advantageous in applications in the sector of continuous production of tiles of various sizes.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

In modern industrial plants, whether in production plants, storehouses, logistical centres or the like, AGVs are widely used for transporting, lifting and stacking loads; these can be of very different types, for example from single loose products to stacks of loose products, from boxed products to stacks of boxes, including on pallets or in crates. Usually, AGVs are equipped with support means appropriately conformed for specific needs. The load is often made up of a plurality of loading units, for example single boxes, grouped together, i.e. reciprocally flanked and superposed as can be observed in figure 3, by way of example. This situation frequently occurs in the sector of tile production, with packs of single tiles or packs of a plurality of tiles, which form a load that, generally, is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. For example, in the sector of tile production, a same production facility processes both large sizes, for example 1600 mm x 3200 mm, and smaller sizes, for example 300 mm x 300 mm.

Clearly with a load made up of a plurality of loading units there is a greater risk of losing a part of the load or the initial shape of the load which, for example, has been created by a palletiser. This risk is especially present when negotiating bends or with accelerations or decelerations.

To obviate this drawback and with reference to figure 1, AGVs can comprise a presser (A) which is vertically movable above the load and which is predisposed to press the loading units which face superiorly, or at least those in proximity of the edges. All the loading units are thus compressed between the support means and the presser (A) so that the lateral displacements are limited or prevented.

From among the drawbacks of this solution we cite the possible damage to the loading units due to the vertical pressure and the need to avail of a presser (A) sufficiently large to contact the most lateral loading units. Clearly the pressure produced by the presser (A) must not serve to support the load but opposes displacements of the loading units.

Known solutions, such as the one in figure 1 , relate to fixed lateral sizes for each type of AGV.

As well as not being able to transit in narrow corridors, a larger AGV requires greater manoeuvring spaces and generally takes longer to complete its work; it frequently occurs that some paths, potentially more rapid, are accessible only for vehicles of smaller size. In the case of AGVs equipped with vertically movable support means, the drawbacks extend to the movement of the load in a raised position.

These drawbacks persist also when the automated guided vehicle is used for the transport of a load of a smaller size. For this reason the movement systems of known type often use a plurality of AGVs adapted to transport loads of differing sizes; smaller AGVs are more rapid in manoeuvres and in their crossings, as they are also able to use a greater number of pathways. The complications in plant structure and the greater costs deriving from an approach such as the one described are obvious. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention undertakes to obviate the drawbacks in the prior art. A first aim is therefore to provide an AGV which has limited dimensions in safe transport of loads made up of a plurality of loading units. A second aim is to provide an AGV that is particularly flexible in the load dimensions that it can transport and/or lift. A further aim is to provide an AGV with small manoeuvring spaces with respect to the load it is transporting. A further aim is to improve the management of the spaces and/or the paths of a movement system.

These and other aims, which will be obvious to the expert in the sector from a reading of the following text, are attained by means of an automated guided vehicle, of a method and a system for moving loads according to the claims; the loads being made up of a plurality of loading units flanked and superposed on one another.

The automated guided vehicle comprises a first part, lifting means for lifting a load, a first presser and a second presser.

The first part extends according to a vertical direction and extends according to a transversal direction from a first side to a second side determining a first transversal dimension of the automated guided vehicle.

The lifting means comprise a support part for supporting the load which is vertically movable with respect to the first part and is arranged on a third side of the first part interposed between the first side and the second side.

The first presser has a first confining surface arranged to face against all the loading units that face towards a same first direction so as to limit or prevent displacement thereof.

The automated guided vehicle advantageously comprises a second presser which has a second confining surface predisposed to face against all the loading units that face towards a same second direction so as to limit or prevent displacement thereof. The first presser and the second presser are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the support part so as to be external of the load according to the transversal direction and are mutually movable towards and away from one another according to the transversal direction so as to vary the distance, between the sides of the load and the respective facing confining surface, on the basis of the dimensions of the load.

The first presser is movable between a retracted position in which it is more internal than the first side according to the transversal direction so that the first side determines the transversal dimension of the automated guided vehicle, and an extracted position in which it is more external than the first side according to the transversal direction, determining the transversal dimension of the automated guided vehicle; the automated guided vehicle can thus move out of gauge loads, i.e. they do not fit within the transversal borders of the first part.

Some embodiments can adjust the distance between the first presser and the second presser also for loads decidedly smaller than the gauge, or even in the absence of a load, obtaining manoeuvring advantages due to being more compact.

The solution has a particular applicational advantage for AGVs provided with support means that are vertically movable and/or which have adjustable support means on the basis of the size of the load.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Specific embodiments of the invention will be described in the following part of the present description, according to what is set down in the claims and with the aid of the appended figures, in which:

- figure 1 is an axonometric view of and AGV of the prior art, with a vertical presser (A);

- figure 2 is an axonometric view of an embodiment of an automated guided vehicle according to the invention; - figure 3 is an axonometric view of the automated guided vehicle of figure 2 while it transports a out of gauge load made up of a plurality of loading units;

- figures 4, 5 and 6 are respectively a frontal view, a lateral view and a view from above of figure 2;

- figures 7 and 8 are respectively an axonometric view and a view from above of the embodiment of figure 2 with the transversal dimension practically constant over the whole longitudinal extension;

- figure 9 is a view from above of the embodiment of figure 2, with a smaller modification, which moves a load made up of a plurality of loading units of small dimensions;

- figure 10 is a frontal view of a portion of the automated guided vehicle of figure 9;

- figure 11 is a view from above of a portion of an embodiment of a system for moving loads according to the invention, particularly suitable for warehousing tiles.

With reference to the appended figures, reference numeral 1 denotes in its entirety a system for moving loads (C) comprising at least an automated guided vehicle (2) for moving loads (C) according to the invention.

The loads (C) are made up of a plurality of loading units (C1, C2, C3) arranged on several levels, i.e. reciprocally flanked and superposed.

An embodiment of the automated guided vehicle (2) comprises a first part (3), lifting means (4) for lifting a load (C) made up of a plurality of loading units (C1, C2, C3) reciprocally flanked and superposed, a first presser (5) and a second presser (6).

The first part (3) extends according to a vertical direction (Z) and which extends according to a transversal direction (Y) from a first side (31) to a second side (32) determining a first transversal dimension of the automated guided vehicle (2).

The lifting means (4) comprise a support part for supporting the load (C) that is vertically movable with respect to the first part (3) and is arranged on a third side (33) of the first part (3) interposed between the first side (31) and the second side (32), as can be observed in figure 2, for example.

The first presser (5) has a first confining surface (50) predisposed to face against all the loading units (C1, C2, C3) that face towards a same first direction so as to limit or prevent displacement thereof.

Likewise the second presser (6) has a second confining surface (60) predisposed to face against all the loading units (C1, C2, C3) that face towards a same second direction so as to limit or prevent displacement thereof.

The first presser (5) and the second presser (6) are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the support part so as to be external of the load (C) according to the transversal direction (Y) and are mutually movable towards and away from one another according to the transversal direction (Y),). In this way it is possible to vary the distance between the first confining surface (50) and the second confining surface (60) and the respective sides of the load (C) on the basis of the load (C) which is placed on the support part.

In other words the first confining surface (50) and the second confining surface (60) are arranged so as to face all the loading units (C1, C2, C3) which face on opposite sides with respect to the support part.

The mobility between the first presser (5) and the second presser (6) also possibly enables placing the first confining surface (50) and the second confining surface (60) in contact with the loading units (C1, C2, C3) towards which they face.

The contact between the first confining surface (50) and the load (C) and, possibly, between the second confining surface (60) and the load (C) can also determine a pressure which opposes the movement of the loading units (C1, C2, C3); in any case the pressure exerted by the first confining surface (50) and the second confining surface (60) is lower than a demanded pressure for lifting the load (C), i.e. the vertical component of the friction force generated by the pressure is lower than the weight force of the load (C). In fact, in the automated guided vehicle (2) according to the invention, the support part has the function of supporting the load (C) while the pressure must be limited because the load (C) is often delicate and/or subject to breakage, as happens in the case that the load (C) comprises tiles.

The first presser (5) is advantageously movable between a retracted position in which it is more internal than the first side (31) according to the transversal direction (Y), so that the first part (3) determines the transversal dimension of the automated guided vehicle (2), and an extracted position in which it is more external than the first side (31) according to the transversal direction (Y), determining a transversal dimension of the automated guided vehicle (2) that is greater than the first transversal dimension.

It is thus possible to move out of gauge loads (C) with respect to the first part (3) in safety, i.e. by limiting or preventing the displacement of the walls of the loading units (C1, C2, C3) and, at the same time, arranging an automated guided vehicle (2) having smaller dimensions when the load (C) is not overly large or, possibly, in the absence of a load. With respect to the prior art it is possible to move a out of gauge load without having to use an AGV having larger dimensions. These advantages clearly emerge from a comparison between figures 3, 7 and 9.

The flexibility of the automated guided vehicle (2) has several consequences. For example it enables reducing the number of versions of AGV internally of a system (1), it enables operating with the same AGV for varied productions or lines and/or enables operating the AGVs of a system (1) more rapidly. According to the specific need the automations can vary, as well as the level of integration thereof with the centralised supervision and control system (1) to which the automated guided vehicle (2) belongs.

The first part (3) preferably houses the drive wheel and the on-board electronics and can bear the navigating means, such as for example transmitting antennas and a laser head. In other words, the first part (3) preferably comprises elements and/or devices useful for the correction operation of the automated guided vehicle (2) and determines the size of a portion thereof, downstream of the support part.

The second presser (6) is preferably also movable between an extracted position in which it is more external than the second side (32) according to the transversal direction (Y) and a retracted position in which it is more internal than the second side (32) according to the transversal direction (Y), so as to move out of gauge loads (C). It might be preferable, for example for the sake of simplicity, for the displacement of the first presser (5) to correspond to an equal displacement of the second presser (6) having an opposite direction.

The first presser (5) and possibly the second presser (6) can be moved manually, for example by displacing them along a linear guide, but generally appropriate actuator means are included, such as for example a linear actuator. The linear actuator can be of the electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic type, according to design needs. Figure 2 illustrates how a first end of the second presser (6) and, likewise, of the first presser (5) is connected to the rod of a respective double-acting piston (7, 8). In an alternative embodiment, movement thereof is imparted by a rack.

As can be observed in the figures, the pistons (7, 8) are preferably of a telescopic type. The actuator means can therefore preferably comprise double-acting telescopic pistons (7, 8).

The identical displacements can be obtained mechanically or by programming of a control unit which manages the position of the first presser (5) and, possibly, of the second presser (6) on the basis of the loads to be moved and, possibly, the operating conditions. The control unit acts on the basis of the information coming from sensors and/or the instructions entered by an operator and/or the instructions coming from a centralised supervision and control system of the system (1) to which the automated guided vehicle (2) belongs. For example, the sensors can be borne directly by the first presser (5) and by the second presser (6) and can be configured to assess the position thereof with respect to the load (C). The control unit can therefore establish the minimum distance that allows the first and second movable parts to be kept outside the load (C); for example with the aid of photocells, capacitive sensors and/or radars located at least at a free end of the first presser (5) and/or of the second presser (6). In the case that contact with the load (C) is included, the sensors can detect the entity of the pressure, for example the sensors can comprise load cells. In an integrated or independent way, the centralised supervision and control system can transmit to the control unit the information on the size of the loads (C) to be moved and/or on the dimensions of the programmed pathway. The control unit, or directly the centralised supervision and control system, can manage the distance between the first presser (5) and the second presser (6) in order to minimise the movement times and/or to best exploit the passage or manoeuvring spaces.

In the light of what is illustrated in the foregoing, in a case where an automated guided vehicle (2) comprises actuator means for moving the first presser (5) and the second presser (6), the actuator means are configured in such a way that the first presser (5) and the second presser (6) do not contact the load or exert a lower pressure than a demanded pressure for lifting the load (C). For example, the control unit manages the energising of the pistons (7, 8) on the basis of the information in arrival from load cells.

In the embodiment of the accompanying figures of the drawings, the longitudinal direction (X) of the vehicle corresponds to the advancement direction which gives rise to a rectilinear motion on the floor plane; in greater detail, it can be observed how some wheels of the movement means (21) have a rotation axis directed according to the transversal direction (Y).

The first confining surface (50) and the second confining surface (60) are preferably flat and the normals thereof are parallel to the transversal direction (Y). This shape and arrangement adapts to the loads (C) made up of packages having flat surfaces and makes the movement of loads (C) made up of packages having flat surfaces particularly easy.

The first presser (5) and the second presser (6) both comprise a lower edge on the side facing the ground surface, an upper edge, on the opposite side to the lower edge, a proximal edge on the side near the first part (3) and a distal edge on the opposite side to the proximal edge.

It is preferable for both the first presser (5) and the second presser (6) to extend, or substantially extend, for the reason illustrated below, in a vertical direction from the support part for a distance that is greater than or equal, or substantially equal, to the maximum height of the load (C) for which the automated guided vehicle (2) is configured.

This can be observed, for example, in figures 4, 5 and 7, in which the first presser (5) and the second presser (6) are slightly detached from the ground surface to prevent dragging.

It is preferable for both the first presser (5) and the second presser (6) to extend, or substantially extend, in a horizontal direction aside the support part over the whole extension thereof. This can be observed, for example, in figure 9, in which only a small end portion of a first support (41) and a second support (42), described in the following, projects with respect to the first presser (5) and the second presser (6).

More preferably the first presser (5) and the second presser (6) extend both vertically and horizontally as detailed in the foregoing.

In this way the first presser (5) and the second presser (6) face completely towards each loading unit (C1, C2, C3) facing towards them, i.e. they are in front of the whole surface of the loading units (C1, C2, C3) facing towards them.

Figure 10 illustrates a smaller modification to the support structure of the first presser (5) with respect to the one visible in figure 2 so as to transport loads (C) of small dimensions; in the automated guided vehicle (2) of figure 9 the support structure of the second presser (6) has been modified in an entirely like way.

In general the lifting means (4) comprise a carriage (43) and a vertical frame (44), the first part (3) bears the vertical frame (44) and the carriage (43) is vertically movable along the vertical frame (44) and bears the support part. The vertical mobility is guaranteed by a lifting unit (45) which can comprise, for example, belts or chains and relays, as schematised in the appended figures.

The carriage (43) preferably bears the first presser (5) and the second presser (6) so that the first presser (5) and second presser (6) move vertically together with the support part. In this case the safety of the load (C) is also guaranteed during the course of the lifting and not only during the movement.

The support part preferably comprises a first support (41) and a second support (42), both for contacting the load (C), which are mutually movable towards and away from one another according to the transversal direction (Y) so as to vary the distance thereof on the basis of the load (C). For example, the first support (41) and the second support (42) can translate with respect to the carriage (43) which bears them; the mobility thereof enables greater flexibility in the management of the loads (C) which is inter-related with the possibility of varying the distance between the first presser (5) and the second presser (6). Further, it enables stabilising the load (C) to best effect, an even more significant advantage in the case of loads (C) that are out of gauge.

For example, as in the embodiment of the accompanying figures, the first support (41) and the second support (42) are forks with variable interaxis.

The invention further relates to a method for moving loads (C) made up of a plurality of loading units (C1, C2, C3) reciprocally flanked and superposed, from a first loading or unloading area (11) to a second loading or unloading area (12).

An embodiment of the method comprises steps of:

- providing an automated guided vehicle (2) according to the invention; providing a first load (C), made up of a plurality of loading units (C1, C2, C3) reciprocally flanked and superposed;

- providing a second load (C), made up of a plurality of loading units (C1, C2, C3) reciprocally flanked and superposed and of dimensions such as to be out of gauge with respect to the first part (3);

- placing the first load (C) on the support part in a first loading or unloading area (11) with the first presser (5) and the second presser (6) in the retracted position;

- moving the automated guided vehicle (2) to a second loading or unloading area (12);

- unloading the first load (C) from the support part;

- moving the automated guided vehicle (2) to the first loading or unloading area (12);

- bringing at least one from between the first presser (5) and the second presser (6) into the extracted position;

- placing the second load (C) on the support part.

The step of moving the automated guided vehicle (2) to the first loading or unloading area (12) and the step of bringing at least one from between the first presser (5) and the second presser (6) into the extracted position can be carried out in both successions, or also contemporaneously; generally it is preferable to displace the first presser (5) and the second presser (6) successively in movement.

As indicated in the foregoing, the automated guided vehicle (2) according to the invention offers several advantages, among which the possibility of operating with loads (C) having different sizes, thus minimising the size and manoeuvring spaces when required.

Each loading unit (C1, C2, C3) comprises a lower base, an upper base and, between them, walls; each loading unit (C1, C2, C3) preferably being conformed as a rectangular parallelepiped. Preferably during the step of providing a first load (C), more preferably also in the step of providing a second load (C), the loading units (C1, C2, C3) which face on a first side and/or on a second side opposite the first side are arranged in such a way that the walls of the loading units (C1, C2, C3) facing towards the first side and the walls of the loading units (C1, C2, C3) facing towards the second side are positionable, or are substantially positionable, respectively internally of the first confining surface (50) and of the second confining surface (60) over the entire extension of each of the walls.

In this way the first presser (5) and the second presser (6) face the entire surface of the walls of the loading units (C1, C2, C3) once the load (C) is on the support part.

Preferably during the step of providing a first load (C), more preferably also in the step of providing a second load (C), the loading units (C1, C2, C3) are flanked on and superposed on one another so as to form a parallelepiped which comprises a first face, destined to be facing towards the first part (3), and two faces adjacent to the first face, destined to be faced respectively towards the first presser (5) and the second presser (6), with the adjacent faces being positionable, or substantially positionable, internally of the first confining surface (50) and the second confining surface (60).

In other words, the height of the adjacent faces is smaller than the distance between the support part and the upper edge of the first presser (5) and between the support part and the upper edge of the second presser (6); further, the width of the adjacent faces is smaller than the distance between the proximal edge and the distal edge of the first presser (5) and between the proximal edge and the distal edge of the second presser (6).

In this way, once the load (C) is on the support part, the first presser (5), as well as the second presser (6), faces against the whole surface formed by the walls of the loading units (C1, C2, C3) of an adjacent face. The surface is further flat, with the consequent above-mentioned advantages which are made in a particular way when the first confining surface (50) and the second confining surface (60) are flat and the normals thereof are parallel to the transversal direction (Y). This can be observed, for example, in figure 9.

For greater stability it is preferable for the first confining surface (50) and the second confining surface (60) to contact the loading units (C1, C2, C3) towards which they face, or at least the most external ones.

The method preferably comprises a step of:

- nearing the first presser (5) and the second presser (6) to one another up to contacting all the loading units (C1, C2, C3) of the second load (C) placed on the support part which face towards the first confining surface (50) and the second confining surface (60).

The invention also relates to a system (1) for moving loads (C), made up of a plurality of loading units (C1, C2, C3) flanked and superposed on one another, comprising:

- a first loading or unloading area (11), a second loading or unloading area (12), and a third loading or unloading area (13);

- a first passage (14) between the first loading or unloading area (11) and the second loading or unloading area (12);

- a second passage (15) between the first loading or unloading area (11) and the third loading or unloading area (13);

- an automated guided vehicle (2) according to the invention.

In this system (1) the width of the first passage (14) is smaller than the first transversal dimension and the width of the second passage (15) is greater than the first transversal dimension.

The presence of the automated guided vehicle (2) according to the invention enables increasing exploitation of spaces and, possibly, enables reducing the dimensions of the passages. These advantages can be translated into greater storage capacity.

Figure 11 clearly illustrates some of the advantages over the solutions of the prior art: while the automated guided vehicle (2) according to the invention cannot cross some corridors when transporting a out of gauge load (C), it succeeds in crossing the corridors with smaller loads (C) or without any loads (C). Further, in the above conditions the spaces required for steering with respect to a fixed configuration are reduced, as for example it is possible to turn about centrally in the corridor illustrated. With regard to this advantage, it is observed how the smaller transversal dimension is also particularly advantageous with respect to the first part (3).

The system preferably also comprises the centralised supervision and control system mentioned in the foregoing and/or a plurality of automated guided vehicles (2).

It is understood that the foregoing has been described by way of non-limiting example, so that any constructional variants are understood to fall within the protective scope of the present technical solution, as claimed in the following.

Claims

1) An automated guided vehicle (2) for moving loads (C), made up of a plurality of loading units (C1, C2, C3) reciprocally flanked and superposed, comprising:

- a first part (3) which extends according to a vertical direction (Z) and which extends according to a transversal direction (Y) from a first side (31) to a second side (32) determining a first transversal dimension of the automated guided vehicle (2);

- lifting means (4) for lifting a load (C), made up of a plurality of loading units (C1, C2, C3) reciprocally flanked and superposed, which comprise a support part for supporting the load (C), the support part being vertically movable with respect to the first part (3) and being arranged on a third side (33) of the first part (3) interposed between the first side (31) and the second side (32);

- a first presser (5) which has a first confining surface (50) predisposed to face against all the loading units (C1, C2, C3) that face towards a same first direction so as to limit or prevent displacement thereof; characterised in that it comprises a second presser (6) which has a second confining surface (60) predisposed to face against all the loading units (C1, C2, C3) that face towards a same second direction so as to limit or prevent displacement thereof, wherein:

- the first presser (5) and the second presser (6) are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the support part so as to be external of the load (C) according to the transversal direction (Y) and are mutually movable towards and away from one another according to the transversal direction (Y) so as to vary the distance between the first confining surface (50) and the second confining surface (60) and the respective sides of the load (C) on the basis of the load (C) which is placed on the support part;

- the first presser (5) is movable between a retracted position in which it is more internal than the first side (31) according to the transversal direction (Y) so that the first part (3) determines the transversal dimension of the automated guided vehicle (2) and an extracted position in which the first presser (5) is more external than the first side (31) according to the transversal direction (Y), determining a transversal dimension of the automated guided vehicle (2) that is greater than the first transversal dimension, so as to move out of gauge loads (C).

2) The automated guided vehicle (2) of the preceding claim, comprising actuator means for moving the first presser (5) and the second presser (6), wherein the actuator means are configured in such a way that the first presser (5) and the second presser (6) do not contact the load (C) or exert a lower pressure than a demanded pressure for lifting the load (C).

3) The automated guided vehicle (2) of the preceding claim, wherein the actuator means comprise a double-acting telescopic piston (7, 8).

4) The automated guided vehicle (2) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein both the first presser (5) and the second presser (6) extend, or substantially extend, in a vertical direction from the support part for a distance that is greater than or equal, or substantially equal, to the maximum height of the load (C) for which the automated guided vehicle (2) is configured.

5) The automated guided vehicle (2) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second presser (6) is movable between an extracted position in which it is more external than the second side (32) according to the transversal direction (Y) and a retracted position in which it is more internal than the second side (32) according to the transversal direction (Y), so as to move out of gauge loads (C).

6) The automated guided vehicle (2) of claim 5, wherein an equal displacement of the second presser (6), having an opposite direction, corresponds to the displacement of the first presser (5).

7) The automated guided vehicle (2) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first confining surface (50) and the second confining surface (60) are flat and the normals thereof are parallel to the transversal direction (Y).

8) The automated guided vehicle (2) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein:

- the lifting means (4) comprise a carriage (43) and a vertical frame (44);

- the first part (3) bears the vertical frame (44);

- the carriage (43) is vertically movable along the vertical frame (44) and bears the support part.

9) The automated guided vehicle (2) of the preceding claim, wherein the carriage (43) bears the first presser (5) and the second presser (6) so that the first presser (5) and second presser (6) move vertically together with the support part.

10) The automated guided vehicle (2) of claim 8 or 9, wherein the support part comprises a first support (41) and a second support (42), for contacting the load (C), which are mutually movable towards and away from one another according to the transversal direction (Y) so as to vary the distance thereof on the basis of the load (C).

11) A method for moving loads (C) made up of a plurality of loading units (C1, C2, C3) reciprocally flanked and superposed from a first loading or unloading area (11) to a second loading or unloading area (12) comprising steps of: providing the automated guided vehicle (2) of any one of the preceding claims; providing a first load (C) made up of a plurality of loading units (C1, C2, C3) reciprocally flanked and superposed; providing a second load (C) made up of a plurality of loading units (C1, C2, C3) reciprocally flanked and superposed and of dimensions such as to be out of gauge with respect to the first part (3); placing the first load (C), on the support part in a first loading or unloading area (11) with the first presser (5) and the second presser (6) in the retracted position; moving the automated guided vehicle (2) to a second loading or unloading area (12); unloading the first load (C) from the support part; moving the automated guided vehicle (2) to the first loading or unloading area (12); bringing at least one from between the first presser (5) and the second presser (6) into the extracted position; placing the second load (C) on the support part.

12) The method of the preceding claim comprising the step of: nearing the first presser (5) and the second presser (6) to one another up to contacting all the loading units (C1, C2, C3) of the second load (C) placed on the support part which face towards the first confining surface (50) and the second confining surface (60).

13) The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein in the step of providing a first load (C) the loading units (C1, C2, C3) which face on a first side and/or on a second side opposite the first side are arranged in such a way that the walls of the loading units (C1, C2, C3) facing towards the first side and the walls of the loading units (C1, C2, C3) facing towards the second side are positionable, or are substantially positionable, respectively internally of the first confining surface (50) and of the second confining surface (60) over the entire extension of each of the walls.

14) The method of the preceding claim, wherein in the step of providing a first load (C) the loading units (C1, C2, C3) are flanked on and superposed on one another so as to form a parallelepiped.

15) A system (1) for moving loads (C), made up of a plurality of loading units (C1, C2, C3) reciprocally flanked and superposed, comprising: a first loading or unloading area (11), a second loading or unloading area (12), and a third loading or unloading area (13); a first passage (14) between the first loading or unloading area (11) and the second loading or unloading area (12); a second passage (15) between the first loading or unloading area (11) and the third loading or unloading area (13); an automated guided vehicle (2) of any one of claims from 1 to 10; wherein the width of the first passage (14) is smaller than the first transversal dimension and the width of the second passage (15) is greater than the first transversal dimension.