FR3079828A1 - TOOL FOR LIFTING AND TRANSPORTING GROUND EQUIPMENT - Google Patents

Abstract

A tool for lifting and transporting (1) equipment on the ground, the transport tool (1) comprising a frame (10) comprising ground rolling means (21, 22), the frame (10) having a T-shape defining a central body (11), extending along a longitudinal axis X and a base (12) extending along a lateral axis, a receiving plate (4) configured to support equipment and means for lifting (3), connecting the central body (11) to the receiving tray (4), configured to vertically move and tilt the receiving tray (4) relative to the frame.

Description

The present invention relates to the field of equipment support, in particular, during an assembly or maintenance operation.

When assembling aeronautical equipment, for example a landing gear, it is necessary for operators to move around the equipment to assemble, fix elements. Also, it is known to position the equipment on a support structure so that the equipment is located in an ergonomic position. Given the weight and size of the equipment, the support structure is generally massive and offers little space for operators to access the equipment. Indeed, it is necessary to provide a large mass at the center of gravity of the equipment in order to be able to support it stably. This is particularly problematic for equipment having a large overhang, which requires providing a support structure of very large dimensions and complicates the work of operators.

In addition, such a support structure is generally immobile and requires auxiliary displacement means, for example hoists, to move the equipment from one assembly station to another. Such manipulations between mounting stations increase the risk of damage to the equipment and are no longer desired.

The invention therefore aims to remedy these drawbacks by providing a lifting and transport tool to support equipment which can provide practical access to equipment during the work of an operator while providing increased ergonomics and cost limit.

GENERAL PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a tool for transporting ground equipment, the transport tool comprising a chassis comprising rolling means on the ground, the chassis having a T-shape defining a central body, extending along a longitudinal axis. X and a base extending along a lateral axis Y, a receiving tray configured to support equipment and lifting means, connecting the central body to the receiving tray, configured to vertically move and tilt the receiving tray relative to the frame.

Thanks to the chassis according to the invention, the receiving plate can move freely relative to the central body while having great stability. Indeed, the base offers increased stability even when the central body is very long, in particular when it supports equipment having a significant overhang such as a landing gear. A long central body allows it to be positioned under the center of gravity of equipment with a large overhang while remaining stable when moving the receiving platform. Unlike the prior art which taught a massive structure under the center of gravity, the present invention proposes that the base provides stability in a remote manner from the center of gravity of the equipment to be supported in order to obtain a compact and narrow transport tool, which facilitates the work of the operators and reduces the arduousness.

Preferably, the transport tool comprising one or more energy sources for supplying the rolling means on the ground and the lifting means, the energy source or sources are mounted in a housing of the base. Thus, the base makes it possible to reduce the size of the central part, which advantageously allows it to have a reduced height and a reduced width.

Preferably, the receiving tray has a width, defined along the lateral axis Y, of less than 600 mm. Such a receiving tray is narrow and allows operators to be in close proximity to the equipment, which reduces their arduousness.

According to a preferred aspect, the ground rolling means comprise a central rolling member mounted at a free end of the central body and two rolling members mounted at the ends of the base. Such rolling members provide significant stability while allowing a wide variety of movements.

Preferably, the lifting means comprise two lifting arms connecting the central body to the receiving plate. Preferably, the lifting means comprise only two lifting arms. The use of two lifting arms allows vertical movement as well as a longitudinal tilt to position the equipment ergonomically. Preferably, the lifting arms are offset along the lateral axis Y. Preferably, the lifting arms are nested with one another so as to reduce the lateral space requirement. Preferably, the lifting arms are connected to the ends of the receiving platform in order to maximize the amplitude of the inclination.

According to a preferred aspect, the lifting arms are connected to the ends of the receiving plate by pendulum displacement means, in particular, connecting rods preferably, connected by a ball joint connection. Thus, the receiving tray can be moved flexibly while being supported. This is particularly advantageous for an installation / removal operation of equipment which requires precise and controlled movement.

Preferably, the transport tool comprises at least two protective members mounted between the central part and the receiving plate so as to prevent physical access to the lifting means.

Preferably, the transport tool has a minimum vertical thickness of less than 350 mm so that it can easily slide under equipment in order to be able to support it.

The invention also relates to a method of transporting equipment by means of a transport tool as presented above, the method comprising:

A step of moving the receiving tray under the equipment,

A step of lifting the receiving plate by the lifting means so that said equipment is supported by said transport tool and

A step of moving said transport tool on the ground so as to move said equipment.

PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example, and referring to the appended drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation from above of a transport tool according to the invention in the low position,

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation from below of the transport tool according to the invention in the low position,

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation from above of the transport tool according to the invention at mid-height,

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation from above of the transport tool according to the invention in a high inclined position with protective members,

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation from above of the transport tool when supporting landing gear equipment in the low position and

Figure 6 is a schematic representation from above of the transport tool of Figure 5 in the high position.

It should be noted that the figures show the invention in detail to implement the invention, said figures can of course be used to better define the invention if necessary.

DESCRIPTION OF ONE OR MORE MODES OF IMPLEMENTATION AND IMPLEMENTATION

Referring to Figures 1 to 4, there is shown a transport tool 1 according to the invention for the transport of equipment on the ground and its lifting.

The transport tool 1 comprises a chassis 10 comprising rolling means on the ground, the chassis 10 having a T-shape defining a central body 11, extending along a longitudinal axis X and a base 12 extending along an axis lateral Y. The transport tool 1 further comprises a receiving plate 4 configured to support equipment 9, lifting means connecting the central body 11 to the receiving plate 4, configured to vertically move and tilt the receiving plate 4 relative to the chassis 10. Thus, equipment can be moved and positioned without constraint during its assembly or maintenance.

The different components of the transport tool 1 will now be presented in detail.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the transport tool 1 is presented in an orthonormal coordinate system X, Y, Z in which the central body 11 extends longitudinally along the axis X from the rear to the front and in which the base 12 extends laterally along the axis Y from the left to the right. The Z axis extends vertically from bottom to top. The chassis 10 has a high mechanical strength so as to be able to support a mass of several tonnes. The chassis 10 is preferably metallic.

The central body 11 advantageously makes it possible to support equipment, in particular, of great length and high mass, for example, of the order of one ton to three tons. The base 12 is located at the rear of the chassis 10 and, for its part, fulfills a function of stabilizing the central body 11 and avoiding any tilting. Preferably, the base 12 has a width defined along the lateral axis Y between 1300mm and 1700mm, preferably of the order of 1500mm. The transport tool 1 has a length defined along the longitudinal axis X of the order of 3200mm. Such a length makes it possible to extend under the center of gravity of equipment having a cantilever, for example, a landing gear.

Preferably, the base 12 includes a housing 120 in which are housed the various sources of energy necessary for the transport tool 1 so that it is energy independent. This is particularly advantageous for limiting the size of the central body 11 in order to facilitate operator access to the equipment. A T-shaped chassis is particularly advantageous for facilitating operator access while providing optimum stability and enabling autonomous feeding.

In this example, as will be presented below, the base 12 includes an electrical source (not shown), in particular an electric battery, for supplying the rolling means. The base 12 also comprises a hydraulic source for supplying the lifting means. However, it goes without saying that the rolling means and the lifting means could be supplied differently.

Preferably, the housing 120 of the base 12 also makes it possible to store one or more electronic computers in order to control, in particular remotely, the transport tool 1.

The chassis 10 comprises rolling means which are, in this example, in the form of three rolling members 21, 22, 23 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. A central rolling member 21 is mounted at the free end of the central body 11 while two rolling members 22, 23 are mounted at the ends of the base 12. Subsequently, there is a left rolling member 22 and a right rolling member 23. In this example, the rolling members are in the form of wheels but it goes without saying that other rolling means could be suitable, for example, balls, rollers. Thanks to the rolling means, the transport tool 1 can be moved while rolling on the ground even if it supports equipment of high mass. Preferably, the rolling members 21, 22, 23 are equipped with brakes in order to be able to immobilize the transport tool 1 in a secure manner.

In this example, the central rolling member 21 and the right rolling member 23 are omni-directional wheels while the left rolling member 22 is a crazy swivel wheel. Such a configuration makes it possible to offer several movements for the transport tool 1. Advantageously, with reference to FIG. 2, the chassis 10 can move in a first movement M1 along the longitudinal axis X, in a second movement M2 along the lateral axis Y and according to a third movement M3 called “crab” along an oblique axis with respect to the axes X, Y. In other words, the chassis 10 offers a wide variety of movements which makes it possible to move equipment without constraint in a workshop.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the transport tool 1 comprises a receiving plate 4 intended to receive equipment directly or indirectly via a cradle or an interface pallet as will be presented below with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. The receiving tray 4 is rectangular in order to allow a narrow support to allow work close to the operators.

In this example, the receiving plate 4 has a length of 2100mm and a width of less than 600mm, preferably of the order of 500mm. The narrowness of the receiving plate 4 advantageously allows operators to get as close as possible to the equipment when it is supported, which is advantageous. Its length allows it to extend under equipment whose center of gravity is located at one of its ends. In addition, since the receiving plate 4 can be raised and tilted, the operators can work in ergonomic positions.

Still with reference to FIG. 3, the transport tool 1 comprises lifting means, connecting the central body 11 of the chassis 10 to the receiving platform 4, so as to allow lifting and tilting of equipment positioned on the receiving platform 4.

In this example, the lifting means are in the form of two lifting arms 3. Each end of the receiving plate 4 is connected to the end of a lifting arm 3. As illustrated in FIG. 3, each arm lifting 3 is configured to carry out a kinematic displacement "Scott Russel" in order to allow a significant vertical displacement by carrying out a horizontal control stroke which limits the overall space requirement in height. Such kinematics is advantageous for a compact transport tool 1 like that of the invention. However, it goes without saying that other kinematics could be suitable, in particular, kinematics with scissors.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, each lifting arm 3 comprises a first element 31 of which a lower end is sliding along the central body 11 along the axis X and adapted to articulate on said central body 11 along an axis of lateral articulation, parallel to the lateral axis Y, and have an upper end is connected to the receiving plate 4. Each lifting arm 3 further comprises a second element 32 of which an upper end is articulated to the first element 31 along an axis d lateral articulation, parallel to the lateral axis Y, and the lower end of which is articulated on the frame 10 so as to guide the straightening of the first element 31. Preferably, the lower end of the first element 31 is equipped with a roller to facilitate its longitudinal movement. In this example, each lifting arm 3 further comprises a hydraulic cylinder configured to move the lower end of the first element 31 and, consequently, the raising / lowering of said lifting arm 3. Each cylinder is controllable by an operator preferably by means of a remote control or a wired control panel connected to an electronic card located in the base 12. Similarly, the source of hydraulic energy supplying the hydraulic jacks is positioned in the base 12.

Still with reference to FIG. 3, the two lifting arms 3 are offset in the lateral direction. Preferably, in order to limit the lateral space requirement, the two lifting arms 3 are nested with each other. Referring to Figure 3, the lower part of the first element 31 of the lifting arm 3 has two legs. The jambs are tangled to limit the bulk. Thus, it benefits from advantageous functions while limiting the size, which facilitates the work of operators.

Advantageously, each lifting arm 3 can be controlled independently in order to lift the receiving plate 4 vertically but also to tilt it along the 2 axes in order to facilitate the work of an operator. In this embodiment, the lifting means are configured to achieve a vertical displacement of at least 100 cm.

In the lowered position, the transport tool 1 has a minimum vertical thickness of less than 350 mm so that it can easily slide under equipment in order to be able to support it. Preferably, each lifting arm 3 is equipped with at least one force sensor in order to measure, limit and / or record the forces applied to each lifting arm 3. The movement of an item of equipment is thus optimally controlled.

In this embodiment, still with reference to FIG. 3, each lifting arm 3 comprises pendulum displacement means configured to bring flexibility to the receiving plate 4. Thus, the lower part of the transport tool 1 does not does not move, flexibility is provided only in the upper part at the level of the receiving plate 4.

The pendulum displacement means are located in the upper part of the lifting arm 3 so as to provide flexibility as close as possible to the equipment. In this example, the pendulum displacement means comprise a plurality of connecting rods 51, 52 configured to allow fine displacement in several directions in the manner of a swing or a pendulum.

The pendulum displacement means comprise two first connecting rods 51 at each end of the receiving plate 4 which are connected to the upper end of the lifting arm 3 by two second connecting rods 52 by ball joints. The ball joint connection between a first connecting rod 51 and a second connecting rod 52 allows flexible movement in several directions to optimally orient the receiving plate 4. Advantageously, an equilibrium position is obtained naturally due to gravity . There is no need for lifting cylinders or inclinometers. The system is advantageously mechanical and passive, which reduces the risk of malfunction. In addition, the integration of the connecting rods 51, 52 makes it possible to keep a compact transport tool 1.

It goes without saying that the lifting means could comprise only three pairs of connecting rods 51, 52 in order to allow a pendulum support in an isostatic manner adapted to support an eccentric load relative to the center of gravity. The use of four pairs of connecting rods 51, 52 advantageously makes it possible to increase the rigidity.

Preferably, the transport tool 1 comprises one or more protective members 6 in order to block physical access to the lifting arms 3 by an operator. This advantageously makes it possible to avoid that an operator inadvertently introduces his hand or his foot near a lifting arm 3 and does not injure himself.

In this embodiment, with reference to FIG. 4, the transport tool 1 comprises two protective members 6 in order to protect each lateral face of the lifting means. Each protective member 6 extends over the entire length of the receiving plate 4 and is connected between the central body 11 and the receiving plate 4. Advantageously, the protective member 6 is deformable so as to adapt dynamically to the orientation of the receiving plate 4. In this example, the protective member 6 comprises a plurality of bellows 60 oriented so as to deform in the vertical direction Z to prevent lateral contact with the lifting arms 3.

An example of implementation is shown in Figures 5 and 6 for lifting and transporting equipment 9, in particular, a landing gear.

With reference to FIG. 5, the equipment 9 is positioned on a pallet 90 (or cradle) in which the equipment 9 is kept. Such a pallet 90 makes it possible to facilitate the interface with the receiving tray 4. Thus, the transport tool 1 can be adapted to a plurality of different pieces of equipment 9. Due to its low height, the transport tool 1 can be slid under the pallet 90 which has been previously raised so that the receiving plate 4 can be placed under the pallet 90. The movement of the transport tool 1 is easy thanks to the rolling means on the ground. The transport tool 1 being energy independent, it moves without constraint.

In order to support the weight of the pallet 90 and of the equipment 9, the lifting arms 3 are activated so as to lift the receiving plate 4. The weight is then supported by the central body 11 and then distributed in the rolling members 21, 22, 23. In this example, the center of gravity of the pallet 90 is located near the free end of the central body 11, in particular, in the vicinity of the rolling member 21. Thus, the weight is optimally supported and the risk of tipping is limited by the base 12. Advantageously, even if the receiving plate 4 is narrow and supports equipment 9 having a significant overhang, the transport tool 1 remains stable due to the base 12 which, at the rear, ensures stability. All the heavy and / or auxiliary components have advantageously been moved to the base 12 to avoid any tilting and to promote ergonomic work for the operators.

Advantageously, the equipment 9 can be positioned in different positions in order to allow operators to carry out assembly or maintenance in an ergonomic position. For this purpose, the receiving plate 4 can go up, down and tilt in two directions. In addition, the presence of deformable protective members 6 as a function of the position of the receiving plate 4 makes it possible to guarantee the safety of the operators in all circumstances by avoiding any contact with the lifting arms 3.

The pendulum displacement means make it possible to offer flexibility in order to move the receiving plate 4 to an ergonomic height without using the lifting arms 3. This is particularly advantageous for the installation and removal operations.

The lifting and moving of a landing gear has been presented, but the invention applies to all equipment, for example, an engine, a heavy load, etc.

Claims (10)

1. Transport tool (1) for ground equipment (9), the transport tool (1) comprising: A chassis (10) comprising means for rolling on the ground (21, 22, 23), the chassis (10) having a T-shape defining a central body (11), extending along a longitudinal axis X and a base ( 12) extending along a lateral axis Y, A receiving tray (4) configured to support equipment (9) and Lifting means (3), connecting the central body (11) to the receiving tray (4), configured to vertically move and tilt the receiving tray (4) relative to the frame (10). 2. Transport tool (1) according to claim 1, in which the transport tool (1) comprising one or more sources of energy for supplying the ground rolling means (21, 22, 23) and the means lifting (3), the energy source or sources are mounted in a housing (120) of the base (12). 3. Transport tool (1) according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the receiving plate (4) has a width, defined along the lateral axis Y, less than 600mm. 4. Transport tool (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ground rolling means (21, 22, 23) comprise a central rolling member (21) mounted at a free end of the central body (11) and two rolling members (22, 23) mounted at the ends of the base (12). 5. Transport tool (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lifting means comprise two lifting arms (3) connecting the central body (11) to the receiving plate (4). 6. Transport tool (1) according to claim 5, wherein the lifting arms (3) are nested with each other so as to reduce the lateral dimensions. 7. Transport tool (1) according to one of claims 5 to 6, in which the lifting arms (3) are connected to the ends of the receiving plate (4). 8. Transport tool (1) according to claim 7, wherein the lifting arms (3) are connected to the ends of the receiving plate (4) by pendulum displacement means. 9. Transport tool (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, comprising at least two protective members (6) mounted between the central part (11) and the receiving plate (4) so as to prohibit the physical access to the lifting means (3). 10. Transport tool (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, having a minimum vertical thickness of less than 350 mm.