Patent ID: 9446918
Filing Date: 2016-09-20
CPC Classification: B65G,G05D

Claim Text:
1. A guidance method of a vehicle for transporting, loading and unloading at least one container within a handling zone equipped with at least one loading and unloading station for the container, the station being comprised of at least two guideways mounted on bases and extending horizontally, parallel to one another, and spaced apart to receive a standardized width of the container, the container resting on a raised lower longitudinal bearing zone, the vehicle having a width so as to pass between the bases of the station and being comprised of a rear lifting platform, wherein width of the vehicle allows the departure between the guideways of the station and maintenance of the container during loading and unloading operations, the method successively comprising the following steps: driving the vehicle manually within said handling zone, outside an immediate vicinity of the station; and positioning the vehicle in a vicinity of the station and parked within a waiting zone; wherein, one parked, the vehicle is handled by automatic guidance, automatically actuating at least control of a trajectory of vehicle, wherein the vehicle is guided automatically in reverse until being positioned within the station between the bases and below the guideways of the station, wherein a loading or unloading operation is performed for at least one container reciprocally from the station toward a vehicle, or conversely, through a raising or lowering operation of the platform passing between the guideways, wherein the vehicle is guided automatically in forward movement outside the station until being positioned within said waiting zone or driven manually in forward motion by the driver, the driver commanding the lowering of said platform after a loading operation once the vehicle is outside the station, wherein automatic guidance is abandoned and driver resumes manual driving, and wherein the driver moves the vehicle forward manually outside said waiting zone.