WO2023195037A1

WO2023195037A1 - Self-propelled apparatus for moving a trailer or operating machine without autonomous movement means

Info

Publication number: WO2023195037A1
Application number: PCT/IT2023/050101
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michele PETRAZZO; Oscar PETRAZZO; Daniele VECCHIATO
Original assignee: Domek S.R.L.
Priority date: 2022-04-07
Filing date: 2023-04-06
Publication date: 2023-10-12
Also published as: IT202200006989A1

Abstract

Self-propelled apparatus (10) for moving an operating machine (100) provided with at least one coupling element (101), wherein the apparatus (10) comprises a frame (11) on which there are mounted movement means (12), an articulation device (13) associated with the frame (11), connection means (16) configured to cooperate selectively with the coupling element (101), and drive means (15) which can be selectively activated to move the articulation device ( 13) in order to connect the connection means (16) to the coupling element (101).

Description

“SELF-PROPELLED APPARATUS FOR MOVING A TRAILER OR OPERATING MACHINE WITHOUT AUTONOMOUS MOVEMENT

MEANS”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns an apparatus of the self-propelled type which can be used to selectively move operating machines without autonomous movement means, such as for example construction site machines, such as cranes, lifters, or suchlike, or any type of trailer. Therefore, the field of application of the apparatus according to the present invention includes any sector in which it is necessary to move or displace trailers or operating machines without autonomous movement means, preferably for short distances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the state of the art, apparatuses of the self-propelled type are known, that is, provided with one or more motors, the function of which is to make them autonomously mobile, in order to move operating machines without autonomous movement means, such as cranes, lifters, or suchlike, or in general any type of trailer, which can be used above all, but not only, on construction sites or in industrial plants. Among the documents of the prior art, documents WO 2008/068670 Al and EP

2.730.444 Al describe apparatuses of the self-propelled type for moving operating machines.

In particular, an apparatus of the self-propelled type is known which comprises a frame on which a pair of motorized wheels is rotatably mounted, which are driven by an electrically powered and remote-controlled motor unit. On the rear part of the frame and perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the motorized wheels, a vertical stem is mounted on which two pairs of arms are pivoted, which form a parallelogram and function as a command element.

A vertical connection plate is hinged to the rear ends of the four arms, and is frontally provided with two coupling hooks, disposed in a determinate fixed position and at a certain distance from each other, which are configured to couple with corresponding coupling pegs present on the operating machine to be moved.

The arms can be driven by a central piston to raise or lower the connection plate while keeping it in a vertical position. In the lower part of the frame and below the vertical stem, a pair of transverse pistons are mounted which are connected to the lower part of the vertical stem in order to incline it laterally, that is, toward the right wheel or toward the left wheel, by an amplitude limited to an angle of 15°, together with the connection plate.

This known apparatus has the disadvantage that it is rather complex and bulky and allows the connection plate to move only in a vertical direction and to incline laterally by a limited amplitude.

Moreover, this known apparatus, since it has its frontal coupling hooks in a determinate fixed position, also has the non-negligible disadvantage that it does not allow easy and safe coupling with the various known operating machines, because the latter have their coupling pins in different and non-standardized positions. In fact, to allow the known apparatus to be able to be coupled with the various operating machines, it is necessary to use specific connection adapters to be mounted on the front part of the connection plate.

However, these connection adapters are very heavy, in the order of several tens of kilograms, and bulky, so that a rather complex assembly operation is required in order to associate the most appropriate one to the connection plate, which operation is usually performed in an at least partly manual manner. This operation is very tiring and laborious, with consequent risks for the health and safety of those involved in the operation itself.

Furthermore, precisely because of the considerable weight of the connection adapters and their bulk, sometimes two or more operators are required to carry out the assembly operation, and/or the use of lifting means is required, such as for example a forklift.

In addition, since the connection plate is in a fixed and substantially vertical position, when the apparatus is connected to the operating machine in order to move it, it may happen that there is not a correct longitudinal balancing of the apparatus, so that, especially in the case of sloping ground, the apparatus can incline upward, generating unbalanced mechanical stresses which can lead to premature wear of its mechanical members, and/or possible malfunctions thereof.

Another disadvantage of the known apparatus is that it has limited movement functions when the ground is sloping longitudinally, or on surfaces with a considerable lateral slope, for example with longitudinal or lateral inclinations which exceed about 15° with respect to a generic horizontal plane.

There is therefore a need to perfect a self-propelled apparatus that can be used to selectively move an operating machine without autonomous movement means, or a trailer, which can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

To do this it is necessary to solve at least the technical problem of providing a self-propelled apparatus that can be used to selectively move an operating machine without autonomous movement means which allows to perform the operation of coupling the connection plate with each of the connection adapters without the manual intervention of any operator or the use of lifting equipment.

In particular, one purpose of the present invention is to provide a self-propelled apparatus which can be used to selectively move trailers or operating machines without autonomous movement means which is simple, reliable, economical and easy to use, and with which it is possible, if necessary, to also perform a coupling operation with one or more connection adapters quickly and easily.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a self-propelled apparatus which can be used to selectively move trailers or operating machines without autonomous movement means which allows optimum balancing of the stresses during the movement of the trailers or operating machines and which can be adapted in the best possible way to the conditions of both longitudinal and lateral inclination of the ground.

The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea. In accordance with the above purposes and to resolve the technical problem disclosed above in a new and original way, also achieving considerable advantages compared to the state of the prior art, a self-propelled apparatus according to the present invention for moving a trailer or an operating machine without autonomous movement means, but each provided with at least one coupling element, comprises a frame on which there are mounted movement means, an articulation device supported by the frame, connection means configured to cooperate selectively with the at least one coupling element, and drive means which can be selectively activated to move the articulation device and to connect the connection means to the at least one coupling element.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the articulation device comprises a support member mounted on the frame, a command member pivoted on the support member and able to be inclined with respect to the latter along a substantially vertical plane, and a support plate pivoted on a distal end of the command member, the support plate being configured to support the connection means and able to be inclined with respect to the command member. Moreover, the drive means comprise a first actuator configured to incline the command member with respect to the support member and at least one second actuator configured to incline the support plate with respect to the distal end of the command member.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the connection means comprise a connection plate associated with the support plate, and an adapter member configured to be coupled to the connection plate and to be selectively connected to the at least one coupling element in order to temporarily constrain the apparatus to the trailer or to the operating machine.

The apparatus, thanks to the possibility of inclining the support plate, has the advantage of allowing a simple, quick and substantially automated coupling between the connection plate and the adapter member. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, between the support plate and the connection plate there is interposed a connection member configured to allow a rotation of the connection plate with respect to the support plate.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the movement means comprise a pair of motorized wheels rotatable around a first axis of rotation, and the support member comprises both a lower part pivoted on the frame in such a way that the entire articulation device can rotate with respect to the frame around a second axis of rotation perpendicular to the first axis of rotation, and also an upper part on which the command member is pivoted. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the support member also comprises an upper part on which the command member is pivoted in such a way that the latter can rotate with respect to the support member around a third axis of rotation, in order to pass from a lowered position to a raised position, and vice versa.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the first actuator comprises a fluid-dynamic piston capable of selectively passing from a first contracted position to a first extended position, and vice versa, in order to take the command member to the lowered and raised position, respectively. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the at least one second actuator is able to rotate the support plate around a fourth axis of rotation, substantially parallel to the third axis of rotation, in order to selectively take it into an operating position comprised between a first position of use and a second position of use, and vice versa. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the at least one second actuator comprises a fluid-dynamic piston capable of selectively passing from a second contracted position to a second extended position, and vice versa, in order to take the support plate to the first and second position of use, respectively. In accordance possible embodiments of the present invention, the command member comprises two arms parallel to each other and disposed on opposite sides with respect to the first actuator. In particular, the apparatus comprises two second actuators disposed parallel to each other under the two arms; the two second actuators each comprise a first end connected in a pivoted manner to a corresponding one of the two arms in proximity to the support member, and a second end connected in a pivoted manner to a lower part of the support plate.

In particular, the support plate comprises, in correspondence with an upper part thereof, two pivot seatings by means of which it is connected in a pivoted manner to corresponding distal ends of the lateral arms. In accordance with other possible embodiments of the present invention, the two second actuators are disposed parallel to each other and externally with respect to the two arms; the two second actuators each comprising a first end connected in a pivoted manner to a corresponding one of the two arms in proximity to the support member, and a second end connected in a pivoted manner to an upper part of the support plate.

In particular, the support plate comprises, in correspondence with a lower part thereof, two pivot seatings by means of which it is connected in a pivoted manner to corresponding distal ends of the lateral arms.

Moreover, the support plate comprises sustaining elements to support guiding and stabilizing means associated with the connection member and configured to guide and allow a stable rotation thereof.

In this way, the movement, the contraction and the extension of the actuators allow the apparatus to always be aligned longitudinally with respect to the slope of the ground and/or the inclination of the operating machine, also allowing to distribute the stresses uniformly on the frame.

The present invention also concerns a method for connecting the self-propelled apparatus to the trailer or to the operating machine as above, comprising one or more steps in which the drive means are selectively activated to create first a coupling between the connection plate and the adapter member, and then a coupling between the latter and the at least one coupling element in order to temporarily constrain the apparatus to the trailer or to the operating machine.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, in order to create such coupling, a first actuator is driven and inclines a command member pivoted to a support member of the articulation device, and at least one second actuator is driven and inclines a support plate which is pivoted to a distal end of the command member and is operatively and rotatably connected to the connection plate.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus is provided with a central control unit configured to command and coordinate the drive both of one or more drive members configured to drive the movement means, and also of the drive means. Advantageously, the central control unit is commanded by a command device, preferably of the remote-controlled type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

- fig. 1 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a self-propelled apparatus according to the present invention for moving trailers or operating machines without autonomous movement means;

- fig. 2 is a top view of the apparatus of fig.1 ;

- fig. 3 is a simplified representation of the apparatus of fig. 1 coupled to an operating machine;

- figs, from 4 to 7 are schematic views of an operating sequence of the apparatus of fig. 1 ;

- fig. 8 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a self-propelled apparatus according to the present invention, in accordance with another embodiment; - figs, from 9 to 12 are schematic views of an operating sequence of the apparatus of fig. 8.

We must clarify that in the present description the phraseology and terminology used, as well as the figures in the attached drawings also as described, have the sole function of better illustrating and explaining the present invention, their function being to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.

DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

With reference to figs. 1 and 8, a self-propelled apparatus 10 according to the present invention is suitable and able to be used to move a trailer or, in the example given here, an operating machine 100, without autonomous movement means, such as, for example, and without limits to generality, a crane, a lifter or suchlike, which can be used above all, but not only, on construction sites or in industrial plants.

The operating machine 100, shown schematically in fig. 3, is provided with at least one coupling element 101 configured to couple to corresponding coupling means which are associated or able to be associated with the apparatus 10, as will be described in detail below. In the example given here, the coupling element 101 is provided with four coupling holes 102 (figs. 1 and 8).

The apparatus 10 comprises a frame 11 on which there are mounted movement means 12 configured to allow the movement of the apparatus 10, an articulation device 13 supported by the frame 11 , connection means 16 configured to cooperate selectively with the coupling element 101 and drive means 15 which can be selectively activated to move the articulation device 13 in order to connect the connection means 16 to the coupling element 101. The movement means 12 (figs. 1, 2 and 8) comprise a pair of motorized wheels 12a and 12b coaxial with a first axis of rotation XI and driven by a respective drive member 17a and 17b.

The drive members 17a and 17b are disposed in a front part of the apparatus 10 and can consist of electric motors powered by corresponding power supply members, not shown in the drawings. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the drive members can be of the fluid-dynamic type, or possibly of the endothermic type. Preferably, the drive members 17a and 17b are coaxial with the motorized wheels 12a and 12b.

Advantageously, the presence of the two drive members 17a and 17b allows to drive the two motorized wheels 12a and 12b independently so as to allow both the advance of the apparatus 10, forward or backward, and also its selective rotation, even partial, with respect to a second axis of rotation Y perpendicular to the first axis of rotation XI and passing through the latter.

Moreover, in correspondence with a front part of the frame 11 , at least one support wheel can be mounted, not shown in the drawings, which can be selectively retracted or disassembled, which has the function of keeping the apparatus 10 balanced when it is not used, or when it is moved without being coupled to the operating machine 100.

Please note that hereafter in the description we will distinguish between the characteristics of a first and a second preferred embodiment, in which the means, or components, of the second embodiment, unless otherwise indicated, have the same functions as those of the first embodiment, with the corresponding numbers increased by one hundred. Furthermore, we must clarify that common features are not described separately for both embodiments. The articulation device 13 (figs. 1 and 8) comprises a support member 19 mounted on the frame 11, a command member 20, 120 pivoted on the support member 19 and inclinable with respect thereto, and a support plate 21 , 121 pivoted on a distal end 22, 122 of the command member 20, 120, the support plate 21, 121 being configured to support the connection means 16 and inclinable with respect to the command member 20, 120.

In particular, the support member 19 is mounted rotatably with respect to the frame 11 around the second axis of rotation Y, so that during the movement of the operating machine 100 the articulation device 13 is able to rotate freely, or in a controlled manner, with respect to the frame 11 in order to be oriented, to the right or to the left, with respect to the direction of advance of the apparatus 10.

The connection between the frame 11 and the support member 19 can be achieved by means of a connection member 23 of a known type, which is capable of allowing a free, or controlled, rotation of the support member 19, and which comprises, or consists of, a bearing mechanism, a fifth wheel or suchlike.

According to the preferred embodiments, the support member 19 comprises a lower part, or base, 24 with which the connection member 23 is associated at the lower part, two substantially vertical arms 25 parallel to each other, which are located at a first distance from each other and are connected at the top by a cylindrical sleeve, which defines an upper part, or end, 26 of the support member 19 on which the command member 20, 120 is pivoted.

According to the preferred embodiments, the command member 20, 120 (figs. 1 and 8), in addition to the distal end 22, 122, comprises a base end 27, 127 which is pivoted on the upper part 26 of the support member 19. In this way, the command member 20, 120 is able to incline with respect to the support member 19 by rotating around a third axis of rotation X2, which in the operating condition shown in figs. 1, 2 and 8 is parallel to the first axis of rotation XI, in order to pass from a lowered position Pl (figs. 4 and 9) to a raised position P2 (figs. 7 and 12), as will be described in detail below.

In particular, the command member 20, 120 (figs. 1, 2 and 8) comprises two lateral arms 29, 129 parallel to each other, which are located at a second distance from each other, slightly greater than the first distance mentioned above, and are attached to a connection part 30, 130 that is disposed perpendicular to the lateral arms 29, 129 and close to the distal end 22, 122.

It is clear that in other embodiments of the present invention, not shown in the drawings, the command member 20, 120 can have a different structure from the one shown and described here, while maintaining the same functional characteristics.

According to preferred embodiments, the drive means 15 comprise a first actuator 31 configured to incline the command member 20, 120 with respect to the support member 19, raising and lowering it, and at least one second actuator 32, 132 configured to incline the support plate 21, 121 with respect to the command member 20, 120.

According to the preferred embodiments, there are two second actuators 32, 132 the same as each other. Moreover, both the first actuator 31 and also the second actuators 32, 132 each comprise, or consist of, a fluid-dynamic piston, of a type known per se.

The first actuator 31 is disposed between the two lateral arms 29, 129, aligned with the second axis of rotation Y, and it comprises a tubular body 33 having one end 35 connected in a pivoted manner to the base 24, and a mobile stem 34 sliding inside the tubular body 33 and having one end 36 connected in a pivoted manner to the connection part 30, 130 of the command member 20, 120.

Furthermore, the first actuator 31 is capable of selectively passing from a first contracted position PCI (figs. 4 and 9), to which the lowered position Pl of the command member 20, 120 corresponds, to a first extended position PEI (figs. 7 and 12), to which the raised position P2 of the command member 20, 120 corresponds, and vice versa. It is clear that the lengthening of the first actuator 31 can be interrupted at any time in order to make the command member 20, 120 assume a desired intermediate position (figs. 5, 6 and 10, 11) between the lowered Pl and raised P2 positions of the command member 20, 120.

In accordance with a first preferred embodiment, shown in figs, from 1 to 7, the two second actuators 32 (figs. 1 and 2) are disposed parallel to each other below the two lateral arms 29, and each of them comprises a tubular body 37 having one end 39 connected in a pivoted manner to the corresponding lateral arm 29, in proximity to the support member 19, and a mobile stem 38 (fig. 6) sliding inside the tubular body 37 and having one end 40 connected in a pivoted manner to a lower part of the support plate 21.

In accordance with a second preferred embodiment, shown in figs, from 8 to 12, the two second actuators 132 (fig. 8) are disposed parallel to each other externally with respect to the two lateral arms 129, and each of them comprises a tubular body 137 having one end 139 connected in a pivoted manner to the corresponding lateral arm 129, in proximity to the support member 19, and a mobile stem 138 sliding inside the tubular body 137 and having one end 140 connected in a pivoted manner to an upper part of the support plate 121. The two second actuators 32, 132 are capable of selectively passing from a second contracted position PC2 (figs. 4, 5, 7 and 10, 11) in which the support plate 21, 121 is in a first position of use PU1, to a second extended position PE2 (figs. 6 and 9, 12) in which, by lengthening, they incline the support plate 21, 121 clockwise in order to take it into a second position of use PU2 (fig. 12). It is clear that the lengthening of the second actuators 32, 132 can be interrupted at any time to make the support plate 21, 121 assume a desired position of use that is intermediate between the limit positions of use PU1 and PU2.

In accordance with the first preferred embodiment, the support plate 21 (figs. 1 and 2) is provided in its upper part with two pivot seatings 41 by means of which it is connected in a pivoted manner to the distal end 22 of the command member 20, that is, to corresponding distal ends of the two lateral arms 29, while in its lower part it is provided with two pivot seatings 42 by means of which it is connected in a pivoted manner to the ends 40 of the second actuators 32.

In accordance with the second preferred embodiment, the support plate 121 (fig. 8) is provided in its upper part with two pivot seatings 141 by means of which it is connected in a pivoted manner to the ends 140 of the second actuators 132, while in its lower part it is provided with two pivot seatings 142 by means of which it is connected in a pivoted manner to the distal end 122 of the command member 120, that is, to corresponding distal ends of the two lateral arms 129. Moreover, in correspondence with the lower part of the support plate 121 there can be sustaining elements 144.

In particular, through the action of the second actuators 32, 132, the support plate 21, 121 can be made to rotate around a fourth axis of rotation X3, substantially parallel to the third axis of rotation X2, passing from the first position of use PU1 (figs. 4, 5 and 9, 10) to the second position of use PU2 (figs. 7 and 12).

According to the preferred embodiments, the connection means 16 comprise a connection plate 45, 145 parallel to the support plate 21, 121 and an adapter member 46, 146, substantially of a known type, configured both to be rigidly and temporarily coupled to the connection plate 45, 145 and also to be selectively connected to the coupling element 101 so as to temporarily constrain the apparatus 10 to the operating machine 100.

According to the preferred embodiments, a connection member 43, 143 is interposed between the support plate 21, 121 and the connection plate 45, 145 in order to allow a free, or controlled, rotation of the latter with respect to the support plate 21, 121 around a fifth axis of rotation Z perpendicular to the latter. The connection member 43, 143 is of a known type and can comprise, or consist of, a bearing mechanism, a fifth wheel or suchlike. Furthermore, in accordance with the second embodiment, with the connection member 143 there are associated guiding and stabilizing means 154 which are supported by the sustaining elements 144 and which are configured to guide and allow a stable rotation of the connection member 143.

In this way, the connection means 16 can rotate as a whole around the fifth axis of rotation Z, automatically adapting to the inclination assumed by the operating machine 100 and, in particular, the coupling element 101 thereof, during the corresponding movement.

Therefore, during the movement of the operating machine 100, the apparatus 10 has the advantage of always being longitudinally aligned with respect to the slope of the ground and/or the lateral inclination of the operating machine 100, allowing to uniformly distribute the stresses on the frame 11 , balancing them, reducing the expected wear of the mechanical members, reducing possible malfunctions and increasing the useful life of the apparatus 10.

In accordance with the first embodiment, in order to create the temporary and easy to disassemble coupling of the adapter member 46 to the connection plate 45, the latter, in its upper part, is provided with two fixed lateral pegs 47, protruding toward the outside and perpendicular to the fifth axis of rotation Z, and the adapter member 46 is provided, in its upper part, with two corresponding hooks 51 suitable to hook onto the lateral pegs 47. Moreover, in its lower part the connection plate 45 is provided with mobile pegs

49, parallel to the lateral pegs 47, and the adapter member 46, in its lower part, is provided with two flaps 48 provided with through holes 50. In particular, the adapter member 46 is configured so that when the hooks 51 are hooked to the corresponding lateral pegs 47 and the connection plate 21 is in the correct position of use, its through holes 50 are aligned with the mobile pegs 49 of the connection plate 45. The mobile pegs 49 can be driven, for example, by a dedicated fluiddynamic drive system, of a known type and not shown in the drawings, to temporarily clamp the adapter member 46 to the connection plate 45.

In accordance with another possible embodiment of the present invention, the connection plate 45, instead of the mobile pegs 49, can be provided with clamping holes, not shown in the drawings, so that suitable clamping pins can be inserted therein through the through holes 50, thus temporarily clamping the adapter member 46 to the connection plate 45.

In accordance with the second embodiment, in order to create the temporary and easy to disassemble coupling of the adapter member 146 (fig. 8) to the connection plate 145, the latter, in its upper part, is provided with two hook elements 157, defining housing seatings for corresponding coupling pegs 158 of the adapter member 146.

Furthermore, in its lower part the connection plate 145 is provided with mobile pegs 149, parallel to the coupling pegs 158, and in its lower part the adapter member 146 is provided with two flaps 148 provided with through holes 150. In particular, the adapter member 146 is configured so that when the hook elements 157 are hooked to the corresponding coupling pegs 158 and the connection plate

121 is in the correct position of use, its through holes 150 are aligned with the mobile pegs 149 of the connection plate 145. The mobile pegs 149 can be driven, for example, by a dedicated fluid-dynamic drive system, of a known type and not shown in the drawings, to temporarily clamp the adapter member 146 to the connection plate 145.

Moreover, in order to achieve a stable coupling between the mobile pegs 149 and the through holes 150, the connection plate 145 can be provided with coupling seatings in which the flaps 148 can be inserted.

According to the preferred embodiments, the adapter member 46, 146 comprises two lateral protrusions 53, 153 in which four coupling holes 52, 152 are present (figs. 1 , from 4 to 7 and from 8 to 12) disposed in such a way as to be coaxial with the four coupling holes 102 of the coupling element 101 of the operating machine 100, in order to allow, during use, the insertion of respective removable clamping pins 103 and thus create the temporary connection between the apparatus 10 and the operating machine 100.

The apparatus 10, thanks to the possibility of inclining the support plate 21, 121 with respect to a vertical plane, has the advantage of allowing a simple, rapid and substantially automated coupling between the connection plate 45, 145 and the adapter member 46, 146.

Furthermore, the apparatus 10 is provided with a central control unit 55 (figs. 1 and 2) configured to command and coordinate at least the drive of the drive members 17a and 17b and of the drive means 15. Advantageously, the central control unit 55 is commanded by a command device, not shown in the drawings, preferably of the remote-controlled type, which during use can be managed by an operator, even remotely.

The operation of the apparatus 10 according to the present invention, and in particular the method for coupling the adapter member 46, 146 to the connection plate 45, 145 and then connecting the apparatus 10 with the operating machine 100, comprises the following steps, which occur under the command and control of the central control unit 55.

According to the first preferred embodiment, in an initial preparation step (fig.

4) the adapter member 46 is rested on a rest surface PL, for example on the ground (figs, from 3 to 7), with the hooks 51 in an upward position and facing toward the connection plate 45 (fig. 4). Then, the remaining part of the apparatus 10 is moved, in order to take the connection plate 45 toward the adapter member 46, keeping all the actuators 31 and 32 in their condition of maximum contraction, in which the command member 20 is in the lowered position Pl and the support plate 21 is in the first position of use PU 1.

In a subsequent first coupling step (fig. 5), the apparatus 10, with the exception of the adapter member 46, is moved toward the latter which is stationary, and the drive means 15, that is, the actuators 31 and 32, are driven to allow a first partial coupling between the adapter member 46 and the connection plate 45. In particular, the first actuator 31 is driven to raise the command member 20, so that the two lateral pegs 47 of the connection plate 45 go inside the hooks 51 of the adapter member 46. After which, by driving the first actuator 31 and possibly the joint drive of the second actuators 32, the support plate 21 begins to incline and with it also the connection plate 45.

Subsequently, in a second coupling step (fig. 6) the second actuators 32 are driven to reach the second extended position PE2 and the support plate 21 is inclined and taken to the second position of use PU2. In this way, the adapter member 46 is inclined and its through holes 50 reach a position coaxial with the mobile pegs 49; then the mobile pegs 49, which were initially in a retracted position, are driven so as to make them enter the through holes 50, thus creating the coupling of the adapter member 46 with the connection plate 45. At the same time, the first actuator 31 can be driven to take it into an extended position PEI thereof, in order to raise the command member 20.

According to the second preferred embodiment, in an alternative initial preparation step (fig. 9) the adapter member 146 is rested on a rest surface PL, for example on the ground, with the coupling pegs 158 in an upward position and facing toward the connection plate 145. Then, the remaining part of the apparatus 10 is moved, in order to take the connection plate 145, with its hook elements 157, toward the adapter member 146, keeping the actuator 31 contracted and the actuators 132 in their condition of maximum extension, in which the command member 120 is in the lowered position Pl and the support plate 121 is in the first position of use PU 1. In a subsequent alternative first coupling step (figs. 9 and 10), the apparatus 10, with the exception of the adapter member 146, is moved toward the latter which is stationary, and the drive means 15, that is, the actuators 31 and 132, are driven to allow a first partial coupling between the adapter member 146 and the connection plate 145. In particular, the first actuator 31 is driven in order to raise the command member 120, so that the hook elements 157 of the connection plate 145 are associated with the two coupling pegs 158 of the adapter member 146. After which, by driving the first actuator 31 and possibly the joint drive of the second actuators 132, the support plate 121 begins to incline and with it also the connection plate 145. Subsequently, in an alternative second coupling step (fig. 11), the second actuators 132 are driven to substantially reach the contracted position PC2 and the support plate 121 is inclined and taken to the second position of use PU2. In this way, the through holes 150 of the adapter member 146 reach a position that is coaxial with the mobile pegs 149; then the mobile pegs 149, which were initially in a retracted position, are driven so as to make them enter the through holes 150, thus creating the coupling of the adapter member 146 with the connection plate 145. At the same time, the first actuator 31 can be driven to take it into an extended position PEI thereof, in order to raise the command member 120 to the raised position P2.

Subsequently, according to the preferred embodiments, in a subsequent step, the drive means 15 are driven to take the connection means 16 in correspondence with the coupling element 101 of the operating machine 100 (figs. 7 and 12). In particular, the first actuator 31 is driven to reach the first extended position PEI so as to align the coupling holes 52, 152 of the adapter member 46, 146 with the coupling holes 102 of the coupling element 101.

It is clear that the first actuator 31 and the second actuators 32, 132 can be driven to assume certain intermediate positions in order to align the coupling holes 52, 152 of the adapter member 46, 146 with the coupling holes 102 of the coupling element 101.

Subsequently, in a connection step, the clamping pins 103 are inserted inside the coupling holes 102 and the coupling holes 52, 152 in order to create the connection between the apparatus 10 and the operating machine 100. Finally, in a movement step, the apparatus 10 is moved by driving the drive members 17a and 17b, which in turn drive the movement means 12, that is, the motorized wheels 12a and 12b.

It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts may be made to the apparatus 10 and to the method of operation as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims.

In particular, in the event that the adapter member 46, 146 is disposed on another rest plane, not on the ground, for example positioned on a truck body and, therefore, raised with respect to the apparatus 10, the position of the articulation device 13 and of the movement members 15, that is, of the actuators 31 and 32, 132, for the coupling to the adapter member 46, 146, will be different from the one previously described by way of example.

It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art will be able to achieve other equivalent forms of self-propelled apparatuses for moving a trailer or a machine without autonomous movement means, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate their reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. Self-propelled apparatus (10) for moving a trailer or an operating machine (100) without autonomous movement means, but each provided with at least one coupling element (101), wherein said apparatus (10) comprises a frame (11) on which there are mounted movement means (12), an articulation device (13) supported by said frame (11), connection means (16) configured to cooperate selectively with said at least one coupling element (101), and drive means (15) which can be selectively activated to move said articulation device (13) and to connect said connection means (16) to said at least one coupling element (101), said apparatus (10) being characterized in that said articulation device (13) comprises a support member (19) mounted on said frame ( 11 ), a command member (20, 120) pivoted on said support member (19) and able to be inclined with respect to the latter along a substantially vertical plane, and a support plate (21, 121) pivoted on a distal end (22, 122) of said command member (20, 120), said support plate (21, 121 ) being configured to support said connection means (16) and able to be inclined with respect to said command member (20, 120), and in that said drive means (15) comprise a first actuator (31) configured to incline said command member (20, 120) with respect to said support member (19) and at least one second actuator (32, 132) configured to incline said support plate (21, 121) with respect to said distal end (22, 122) of said command member (20, 120).

2. Apparatus (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that said connection means (16) comprise a connection plate (45, 145) rotatably associated with said support plate (21, 121), and an adapter member (46, 146) configured to be coupled to said connection plate (45, 145) and to be selectively connected to said at least one coupling element ( 101 ) in order to temporarily constrain said apparatus ( 10) to said trailer or to said operating machine (100).

3. Apparatus (10) as in claim 2, characterized in that between said support plate (21, 121) and said connection plate (45, 145) there is interposed a connection member (43, 143) configured to allow a rotation of said connection plate (45, 145) with respect to said support plate (21, 121).

4. Apparatus (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, in which said movement means (12) comprise a pair of motorized wheels (12a, 12b) rotatable around a first axis of rotation (XI), characterized in that said support member (19) comprises both a lower part (24) pivoted on said frame (11) in such a way that the entire articulation device (13) can rotate with respect to said frame (11) around a second axis of rotation (Y) perpendicular to said first axis of rotation (XI), and also an upper part (26) on which said command member (20, 120) is pivoted.

5. Apparatus (10) as in claim 4, characterized in that said support member (19) also comprises an upper part (26) on which said command member (20, 120) is pivoted in such a way that the latter can rotate with respect to said support member (19) around a third axis of rotation (X2), in order to pass from a lowered position (Pl) to a raised position (P2), and vice versa.

6. Apparatus (10) as in claim 5, characterized in that said first actuator (31) comprises a fluid-dynamic piston capable of selectively passing from a first contracted position (PCI) to a first extended position (PEI), and vice versa, in order to take said command member (20, 120) respectively to said lowered (Pl) and raised (P2) position.

7. Apparatus (10) as in claim 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that said at least one second actuator (32, 132) is able to rotate said support plate (21, 121) around a fourth axis of rotation (X3), substantially parallel to said third axis of rotation (X2), in order to selectively take it into an operating position comprised between a first position of use (PU1) and a second position of use (PU2), and vice versa.

8. Apparatus (10) as in claim 7, characterized in that said at least one second actuator (32, 132) comprises a fluid-dynamic piston capable of selectively passing from a second contracted position (PC2) to a second extended position (PE2), and vice versa, in order to take said support plate (21, 121) respectively to said first and second position of use (PU 1 , PU2).

9. Apparatus (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said command member (20) comprises two arms (29) parallel to each other and disposed on opposite sides with respect to said first actuator (31), and in that there are two second actuators (32) disposed parallel to each other under said two arms (29); said two second actuators (32) each comprising a first end (39), connected in a pivoted manner to a corresponding one of said two arms (29) in proximity to said support member ( 19), and a second end (40) connected in a pivoted manner to a lower part of said support plate (21).

10. Apparatus (10) as in claim 9, characterized in that said support plate (21) comprises, in correspondence with an upper part thereof, two pivot seatings (41) by means of which it is connected in a pivoted manner to corresponding distal ends of said lateral arms (29).

11. Apparatus (10) as in any claim from 1 to 8, characterized in that said command member (120) comprises two arms (129) parallel to each other and disposed on opposite sides with respect to said first actuator (31), and in that there are two second actuators (132) disposed parallel to each other, externally with respect to said two arms (129); said two second actuators (132) each comprising a first end (139), connected in a pivoted manner to a corresponding one of said two arms (129) in proximity to said support member (19), and a second end (140) connected in a pivoted manner to an upper part of said support plate (121).

12. Apparatus ( 10) as in claim 11 , characterized in that said support plate ( 121 ) comprises, in correspondence with a lower part thereof, two pivot seatings (142) by means of which it is connected in a pivoted manner to corresponding distal ends of said lateral arms ( 129).

13. Apparatus (10) as in claim 11 or 12 when they depend on claim 3, characterized in that said support plate (121) comprises sustaining elements (144) to support guiding and stabilizing means (154) associated with said connection member (143) and configured to guide and allow a stable rotation thereof.

14. Method for connecting a self-propelled apparatus (10) to a trailer or to an operating machine (100) without autonomous movement means, but each provided with at least one coupling element (101), wherein said apparatus (10) comprises at least connection means (16) configured to cooperate selectively with said at least one coupling element (101) and comprising a connection plate (45, 145) and an adapter member (46, 146) configured to be selectively coupled to said connection plate (45, 145) and to be selectively connected to said at least one coupling element (101), an articulation device (13) to move at least said connection plate (45, 145), and drive means (15) which can be selectively activated to move said articulation device (13) and to connect said connection means ( 16) to said at least one coupling element (101), said method being characterized in that it comprises one or more steps in which said drive means (15) are selectively activated to create first a coupling between said connection plate (45, 145) and said adapter member (46, 146), and then a coupling between the latter and said at least one coupling element (101) in order to temporarily constrain said apparatus (10) to said trailer or to said operating machine (100).

15. Method as in claim 14, characterized in that in order to create said coupling, a first actuator (31) of said drive means (15) is driven and inclines a command member (20, 120) pivoted to a support member (19) of said articulation device (13), and at least one second actuator (32, 132) of said drive means (15) is driven and inclines a support plate (21, 121) which is pivoted to a distal end (22, 122) of said command member (20, 120) and operatively and rotatably connected to said connection plate (45, 145).