EP0467722A1 - Lifting boom comprising a principal boom and a complementary boom - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a handling boom comprising a main boom (1) and a complementary boom (2-4), which is pivotally mounted relative to the main boom around a first axis (3), the complementary boom comprising a support frame (2) pivotally mounted on the main boom (1) around the first axis (3), and, a handling arm (4) pivotally mounted on the support frame (2) around a second axis (5) horizontal. According to the invention, the second pivot axis (5) is disposed near the upper face of the complementary boom (2-4), so as to allow, from a first deployment configuration of the complementary boom , an upward pivoting of the handling arm (4). One application is the production of a handling boom comprising a telescopic main boom, which is relatively light and reliable. <IMAGE>

Description

There is already known a handling arrow having the constitution recalled in the preamble of claim 1. EP-A-O 254 510 describes such a handling arrow.

According to the known prior art, the axis of pivoting of the manipulation arm relative to the support frame is placed near the underside of the complementary boom, which results in the possibility of pivoting of the manipulation arm, at from the configuration of the complementary boom in which the handling arm is placed in the extension of the support frame, only downwards. Given the usual dimensions of cranes and their handling booms, and the need to avoid resting on the ground the free end of the handling arm in the folding configuration, the only boom folding configurations complementary are similar to that shown in Figure 2 of the aforementioned European document, in which the first pivot axis can not be placed vertical. Therefore, the pivoting of the complementary boom in its folding configuration, around said first pivot axis, requires a large force, necessarily mechanized, for example that of powerful jacks.

The invention, in the context of a handling boom having the constitution defined in the preamble of claim 1, aims to allow the configuration of the folding boom configuration and the verticality of the first pivot axis to be reduced, in order to reduce the force necessary to pivot the complementary boom, folded back, around the first pivot axis, substantially only to the force making it possible to overcome the friction of said pivoting.

To do this, according to the invention, the second pivot axis is arranged as specified in the characterizing part of claim 1.

• la flèche principale est susceptible d'être placée dans une position particulière dans laquelle ledit premier axe de pivotement est sensiblement vertical, cependant que, ladite flèche principale étant effectivement placée dans ladite position particulière, l'encombrement maximal de la flèche complémentaire mesuré dans un plan horizontal perpendiculaire audit premier axe de pivotement à partir de ce premier axe de pivotement, correspondant à sa configuration de reploiement est sensiblement inférieur à celui correspondant à la configuration de déploiement de ladite flèche complémentaire ;
• le rapport desdits encombrements de la flèche complémentaire entre lesdites configurations de reploiement et de déploiement est inférieur à 0,20 ;
• la flèche de manutention comporte une broche mobile susceptible d'occuper une première position, dans laquelle le bras de manipulation est rendu solidaire du bâti-support et une deuxième position dans laquelle le bras de manipulation est monté à pivotement libre, autour dudit deuxième axe de pivotement, par rapport au bâti-support ;
• la broche est attelée à un vérin de réglage de sa position ;
• la flèche de manutention comporte un vérin de réglage du pivotement du bras de manipulation par rapport au bâti-support, qui est attelé entre ces deux éléments ;
• la flèche principale comporte un support sur lequel le bras de manipulation est en appui lorsque la flèche complémentaire est placée dans ladite première position principale, repliée le long de la flèche principale ;
• la flèche de manutention comporte un dispositif de maintien du bras de manipulation en appui sur ledit support.

The following advantageous arrangements are also preferably adopted:

• the main boom is capable of being placed in a particular position in which said first pivot axis is substantially vertical, however that, said main boom being effectively placed in said particular position, the maximum size of the complementary boom measured in a horizontal plane perpendicular to said first pivot axis from this first pivot axis, corresponding to its configuration folding is significantly lower than that corresponding to the configuration of deployment of said complementary boom;
• the ratio of said dimensions of the complementary boom between said configuration of deployment and deployment is less than 0.20;
• the handling boom comprises a movable spindle capable of occupying a first position, in which the manipulation arm is made integral with the support frame and a second position in which the manipulation arm is mounted to pivot freely, around said second axis of pivoting, relative to the support frame;
• the spindle is coupled to a cylinder for adjusting its position;
• the handling boom comprises a jack for adjusting the pivoting of the handling arm relative to the support frame, which is coupled between these two elements;
• the main boom comprises a support on which the manipulation arm is supported when the complementary boom is placed in said first main position, folded along the main boom;
• the handling boom comprises a device for holding the handling arm in abutment on said support.

The main advantage of a boom according to the invention lies both in its ease of use and in a greater lightness of manufacture.

The invention will be better understood, and secondary characteristics and their advantages will appear during the description of an embodiment given below by way of example.

It is understood that the description and the drawings are given for information only and are not limiting.

• la figure 1 est une vue perspective d'une flèche de manutention conforme à l'invention ;
• les figures 2A, 3A, 4A et 5A sont des vues de dessus de la flèche de manutention de la figure 1, dans quatre configurations successives ;
• les figures 2B, 3B, 4B et 5B sont des vues de côté de la flèche de manutention de la figure 1, qui correspondent aux figures 2A, 3A, 4A et 5A, respectivement ;
• les figures 2C et 3C sont des vues de côté, partielles, analogues aux figures 2B et 3B, respectivement, montrant un détail de la structure de la flèche de manutention ;
• les figures 3D et 4C sont des vues de dessus, partielles, analogues aux figures 3A et 4A, respectivement, montrant un détail de la structure de la flèche de manutention ;
• la figure 6 montre la constitution de la broche d'immobilisation du bâti-support de la flèche complémentaire par rapport à la flèche principale ;
• la figure 7 montre la constitution de la broche d'immobilisation du bras de manutention de la flèche complémentaire sur le bâti-support ;
• la figure 8 représente le schéma du circuit de commande de la flèche de manutention ;
• les figures 9 et 10 sont des vues perspectives d'une variante de réalisation conforme à l'invention de la flèche de manutention de la figure 1, correspondant à deux configurations distinctes de cette flèche de manutention ; et,
• la figure 11 est une section transversale de la flèche de manutention par le plan XI-XI de la figure 10.

Reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a handling boom according to the invention;
• Figures 2A, 3A, 4A and 5A are top views of the handling boom of Figure 1, in four successive configurations;
• Figures 2B, 3B, 4B and 5B are side views of the handling boom of Figure 1, which correspond to Figures 2A, 3A, 4A and 5A, respectively;
• Figures 2C and 3C are partial side views, similar to Figures 2B and 3B, respectively, showing a detail of the structure of the handling boom;
• Figures 3D and 4C are partial top views, similar to Figures 3A and 4A, respectively, showing a detail of the structure of the handling boom;
• Figure 6 shows the constitution of the immobilization pin of the support frame of the complementary boom relative to the main boom;
• Figure 7 shows the constitution of the immobilization pin of the handling arm of the complementary boom on the support frame;
• FIG. 8 represents the diagram of the control circuit of the handling boom;
• Figures 9 and 10 are perspective views of an alternative embodiment according to the invention of the handling arrow of Figure 1, corresponding to two distinct configurations of this handling arrow; and,
• FIG. 11 is a cross section of the handling boom by the plane XI-XI of FIG. 10.

• une flèche principale 1, télescopique, dans sa configuration non déployée, de longueur L1 ;
• un bâti-support 2, qui est monté pivotant sur la flèche principale autour d'un axe de pivotement 3, le bâti-support 2 étant dans la configuration représentée dirigé vers l'arrière 1A de la flèche principale 1 ;
• un bras de manipulation 4, qui est monté pivotant sur le bâti-support 2 autour d'un axe de pivotement 5, un vérin 6 étant attelé entre ces deux éléments pour en régler la position relative.

The arrow in Figure 1 includes:

• a main boom 1, telescopic, in its non-deployed configuration, of length L1;
• a support frame 2, which is pivotally mounted on the main boom about a pivot axis 3, the support frame 2 being in the configuration shown directed towards the rear 1A of the main arrow 1;
• a handling arm 4, which is pivotally mounted on the support frame 2 about a pivot axis 5, a jack 6 being coupled between these two elements to adjust the relative position.

The handling arm 4 and the support frame 2 constitute a complementary arrow 2-4, in two parts articulated around the pivot axis 5 contained substantially in the upper face S 2/4 of said complementary arrow in its deployment configuration (Figure 2B). This position of the pivot axis 5 makes it possible to pivot upwards (FIG. 3B) of the handling arm 4 relative to the support frame 2, from the configuration of FIG. 2B.

In the configuration of Figure 1, as in those of Figures 2B, 3B, 4B and 5B, the main boom 1 is substantially horizontal. In this configuration known as folding of the complementary boom (2-4), represented in FIG. 1, the pivot axis 3 is vertical, while the pivot axis 5 is horizontal, transverse with respect to the main general direction D1 parallel to which extends the main boom 1. The handling arm 4 is oriented upwards, its free end 4A being placed in front of the pivot axis 5 so that the center of gravity G of the assembly of the support frame 2 and of the complementary arrow 4 is placed on a vertical V close to the pivot axis 3.

In the configuration known as deployment of the complementary boom 2-4, shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the complementary general direction D4 of the manipulation arm 4 is parallel to the main direction D1, the manipulation arm 4 being oriented towards the rear. 1A of the main boom 1. The complementary boom, constituted by the assembly of the support frame 2 and of the handling arm 4 is placed along the main boom 1, in configuration out of service, the length of the assembly being limited to the length L1 of the main boom 1. The general direction D2 of the support frame is parallel to the main direction D1.

In the configuration of folding of the complementary boom (2-4) of FIGS. 3A and 3B, only the handling arm 4 has been moved relative to the configuration of FIGS. 2A, 2B, by pivoting upwards about the axis horizontal pivot 5, the direction D4 being close to the vertical direction, slightly inclined towards the front of the main boom 1. From this configuration, the pivoting of the support frame 2 around the vertical axis 3, displaces l 'assembly of the support frame 2 and the manipulation arm 4 to the configuration of Figures 4A, 4B.

In this configuration of FIGS. 4A, 4B, the support frame 2 has pivoted by approximately 180 ° around the vertical pivot axis 3 and its general direction is again parallel to that D1 of the main boom 1 and substantially merged with it, the support frame 2 being placed in the extension of the main boom 1, in front of the front end 1B of this main boom.

It is then possible to replace the handling arm 4 in the extension of the support frame 2, which is achieved in the configuration of Figures 5A, 5B.

In this latter configuration of FIGS. 5A, 5B, the directions D1, D2, D4 are horizontal and parallel. The handling arm 4 has been replaced in the extension of the support frame 2, after pivoting around the horizontal axis 5. The deployment configuration of the complementary boom (2-4) is again obtained. The total length LT of the equipment is equal to the sum of the lengths of the main boom 1 and of the complementary boom constituted by the support frame 2 and the manipulation arm 4. This is the service configuration of the complementary arrow (2-4).

During the transition from the configuration of FIGS. 3A, 3B, to the configuration of FIGS. 4A, 4B, the vertical V on which the center of gravity G is disposed has moved over a circle C of radius R centered on the axis of pivoting 3. In this case the radius R is small, less than 1 m, whereas previously, when the handling arm 4 had to be moved while remaining horizontal, the radius R could in some arrows, exceed 10 m.

FIGS. 2C and 3C show the complementary arrow, seen from the side, in the configurations of FIGS. 2B and 3B, respectively, as well as the jack 6 for controlling the pivoting around the axis 5.

Figures 3D and 4C show the complementary arrow, seen from above, in the configurations of Figures 3A and 4A, respectively, as well as the device for controlling the pivoting of the support frame 2 around the vertical pivot axis 3.

• une bielle 7, montée pivotante à l'extrémité avant 1B de la flèche principale 1 au moyen d'un axe 8 ;
• une bielle 9, montée pivotante sur le côté du bâti-support 2 dont une extrémité est traversée par l'axe de pivotement 3, au moyen d'un axe de pivotement 12, au tiers environ de la longueur de ce côté à partir dudit axe de pivotement 3, les bielles 7 et 9 étant en outre reliées à leur autre extrémité respective par un autre axe de pivotement 10 ;
• un vérin de commande 11, qui est attelé entre l'extrémité 2B du bâti-support 2 opposée à l'axe de pivotement vertical 3, et, la bielle 9.

This control device includes:

• a connecting rod 7, pivotally mounted at the front end 1B of the main boom 1 by means of an axis 8;
• a connecting rod 9, pivotally mounted on the side of the support frame 2, one end of which is crossed by the pivot axis 3, by means of a pivot axis 12, approximately one third of the length of this side from said axis pivot 3, the connecting rods 7 and 9 being further connected to their other respective end by another pivot axis 10;
• a control jack 11, which is coupled between the end 2B of the support frame 2 opposite the vertical pivot axis 3, and, the connecting rod 9.

The end 2B of the support frame 2, near which the pivot axis 5 of the handling arm 4 is disposed on said support frame, is located behind the front face 1B of the main boom 1 in the configuration of Figure 3D, and in front of this front face 1B in the configuration of Figure 4C.

It is desirable that, in the service configuration of the complementary boom (2-4) (FIGS. 5A, 5B), the two pivotings around axes 3 and 5 are neutralized. This is achieved by means of pins 13 and 14, which penetrate into the eyes formed in the parts then opposite.

The spindle 13 is arranged parallel to the pivot axis 3 of the support frame 2 with respect to the main boom 1 and is constituted by two half-shafts 15 integral with the pistons 16 of two opposite jacks and capable of entering the eyes 17 formed at the front end 1B of the main boom 1 and 18 formed in the support frame 2. The jacks have a common chamber 19, which is connected to a conduit 20 and which, when supplied with pressurized fluid, causes the output of the half-shafts 15 and their introduction into the eyes 17 and 18, when these are opposite one another (FIGS. 4A, 4C). Each actuator also has a chamber 21, opposite the chamber 19, the two chambers 21 being connected by a conduit 22, itself connected to a conduit 23.

The spindle 14 is arranged parallel to the pivot axis 5 of the handling arm 4 relative to the support frame 2 and is constituted by two half-shafts 24 integral with the pistons 25 of two opposite jacks and capable of entering the eyes 26 formed at the end 2B of the support frame and 27 formed in the manipulation arm 4. The jacks have a common chamber 28, which is connected to a conduit 29 and which, when supplied with pressurized fluid, causes the output of the half-shafts 24 and their introduction into the eyes 26 and 27, when these are opposite one another (FIGS. 5B, 2B). Each actuator also has a chamber 30, opposite the chamber 28, the two chambers 30 being connected by a conduit 31, itself connected to a conduit 32.

• le vérin 6 possédant une chambre 33 de grande section utile et une chambre 34 de petite section utile, l'alimentation de la chambre 33 de grande section utile provoquant la sortie de la tige de piston 35 et le basculement du bras de manipulation 4 de la configuration de la figure 2C vers la configuration de la figure 3C ;
• le vérin 11 possédant une chambre 36 de grande section utile et une chambre 37 de petite section utile, l'alimentation de la chambre 36 de grande section utile provoquant la sortie de la tige de piston 38 et le pivotement du bâti-support 2 de la configuration de la figure 4C vers la configuration de la figure 3D ;
• un réservoir de fluide 39 ;
• une pompe hydraulique 40 ;
• un clapet de décharge 41, taré contre les surpressions ; et,
• quatre distributeurs de fluide à trois positions 42,43,44 et 45 ; et,
  les conduits suivants :
• le conduit d'aspiration 46 de la pompe 40, reliant celle-ci au réservoir de fluide 39 ;
• le conduit de refoulement 47 de ladite pompe 40 ;
• des conduits 48,49,50,51 reliant les distributeurs de fluide 42,43,44,45, respectivement, au conduit de refoulement 47 ;
• un conduit 52 de retour au réservoir de fluide 39 ;
• des conduits 53,54,55,56 reliant les distributeurs de fluide 42,43,44,45, respectivement, au conduit de retour 52 ;
• un conduit 57, qui relie le conduit de refoulement 47 au réservoir de fluide 39, et sur lequel est disposé le clapet de décharge 41 ;
• les conduits 20,23, qui sont raccordés au distributeur de fluide 42 ;
• les conduits 29,32 qui sont raccordés au distributeur de fluide 43 ;
• des conduits 58,59, raccordés, d'une part, aux chambres 33,34 du vérin 6, respectivement, d'autre part, au distributeur de fluide 44 ;
• des conduits 60,61, raccordés, d'une part, aux chambres 36,37 du vérin 11, respectivement, d'autre part, au distributeur de fluide 45.

The control circuit is completed in the following manner, as comprising:

• the jack 6 having a chamber 33 of large useful cross-section and a chamber 34 of small useful cross-section, the supply of the chamber 33 of large useful cross-section causing the exit of the piston rod 35 and the tilting of the handling arm 4 of the configuration of Figure 2C to the configuration of Figure 3C;
• the actuator 11 having a chamber 36 of large useful section and a chamber 37 of small useful section, the supply of the chamber 36 of large useful section causing the exit of the piston rod 38 and the pivoting of the support frame 2 of the configuration of Figure 4C to the configuration of Figure 3D;
• a fluid reservoir 39;
• a hydraulic pump 40;
• a relief valve 41, calibrated against overpressure; and,
• four three-position fluid distributors 42,43,44 and 45; and,
  the following conduits:
• the suction duct 46 of the pump 40, connecting the latter to the fluid reservoir 39;
• the discharge conduit 47 of said pump 40;
• conduits 48,49,50,51 connecting the fluid distributors 42,43,44,45, respectively, to the discharge conduit 47;
• a conduit 52 returning to the fluid reservoir 39;
• conduits 53,54,55,56 connecting the fluid distributors 42,43,44,45, respectively, to the return conduit 52;
• a conduit 57, which connects the discharge conduit 47 to the fluid reservoir 39, and on which is disposed the relief valve 41;
• the conduits 20,23, which are connected to the fluid distributor 42;
• the conduits 29, 32 which are connected to the fluid distributor 43;
• conduits 58, 59, connected, on the one hand, to the chambers 33, 34 of the jack 6, respectively, on the other hand, to the fluid distributor 44;
• conduits 60, 61, connected, on the one hand, to the chambers 36, 37 of the jack 11, respectively, on the other hand, to the fluid distributor 45.

• la première position, à la communication des conduits 23 et 53, et, des conduits 20 et 48 ;
• la deuxième position, à l'obturation des conduits 20, 23, 48 et 53 ;
• la troisième position, à la communication des conduits 23 et 48, et, des conduits 20 et 53.

The three positions of the distributor 42 correspond:

• the first position, at the communication of the conduits 23 and 53, and, of the conduits 20 and 48;
• the second position, at the closing of the conduits 20, 23, 48 and 53;
• the third position, to the communication of the conduits 23 and 48, and, of the conduits 20 and 53.

• la première position, à la communication des conduits 29 et 49, et, des conduits 32 et 54 ;
• la deuxième position, à l'obturation des conduits 29, 32, 49 et 54 ;
• la troisième position, à la communication des conduits 29 et 54, et, des conduits 32 et 49.

The three positions of the distributor 43 correspond:

• the first position, at the communication of the conduits 29 and 49, and, conduits 32 and 54;
• the second position, at the closing of the conduits 29, 32, 49 and 54;
• the third position, at the communication of the conduits 29 and 54, and, of the conduits 32 and 49.

• la première position, à la communication des conduits 58 et 55, et, des conduits 59 et 50 ;
• la deuxième position, à l'obturation des conduits 58, 59, 50 et 55 ;
• la troisième position, à la communication des conduits 58 et 50, et, des conduits 59 et 55.

The three positions of the distributor 44 correspond:

• the first position, at the communication of the conduits 58 and 55, and, of the conduits 59 and 50;
• the second position, at the closing of the conduits 58, 59, 50 and 55;
• the third position, to the communication of conduits 58 and 50, and, of conduits 59 and 55.

• la première position, à la communication des conduits 60 et 51, et, des conduits 61 et 56 ;
• la deuxième position, à l'obturation des conduits 60, 61, 51 et 56 ;
• la troisième position, à la communication des conduits 60 et 56, et, des conduits 61 et 51.

The three positions of the distributor 45 correspond:

• the first position, at the communication of the conduits 60 and 51, and, of the conduits 61 and 56;
• the second position, at the closing of the conduits 60, 61, 51 and 56;
• the third position, to the communication of the conduits 60 and 56, and, of the conduits 61 and 51.

The variant of FIGS. 9 to 11 has a constitution identical to the handling arrow of FIG. 1, to which a supplement has been added.

This variant therefore comprises a main boom 1, telescopic, a complementary boom 2-4, itself comprising the support frame 2 pivotally mounted on the main boom 1 around the pivot axis 3, and, a handling arm 4 pivotally mounted on the support frame 2 around the pivot axis 5, all this having the characteristics already defined with reference to the preceding figures 1 to 8.

In addition, two supports 62 of the manipulation arm 4 extend laterally on one side of the main boom 1, having their upper faces 63 located substantially in the extension of the face 64 of the main boom 1, which constitutes the lower face. of said main boom when the latter is substantially horizontal. The manipulation arm 4 can be supported by these supports 62, their width being sufficient to receive said handling arm. In addition, the upper face 63 of each support 62 is delimited by two oblique edges 66 for holding the handling arm 4 in position for wedging on the supports 62. Finally, the end of each support is shaped into two plates 67 between which an upright 68 which comprises the manipulation arm 4 is capable of being disposed, each plate 67 comprising an eye 69 for receiving a removable rod 70 preventing the amount of upright 68 from leaving the two plates 67 between which it is capable of being received. Thus, when the handling arm 4 is stored along the main boom 1, the supports 62 hold it and the eyes 69 of the plates 67 and the rod 70 immobilize it in this storage configuration.

The handling jibs described above each have a main telescopic jib 1 associated with a complementary jib 2-4 and constitute the handling equipment for mobile cranes. If the particular structure solves well the problems of size and weight of a mobile crane equipped with a telescopic main boom, it must however be observed that such a structure can be adopted in the production of fixed cranes and that the boom main may be other than telescopic: the structural advantages are effectively appreciable and sought after whatever the type of crane and / or main boom on which the complementary boom 2-4 is mounted.

In fact, when it is a question of deploying the complementary boom 2-4 relative to the main boom 1 (passage from the configuration of FIGS. 2A, 2B to that of FIGS. 5A, 5B), and conversely, the space required , in a horizontal plane, is that allowing the pivoting of the support frame 2 from FIG. 3A to FIG. 4A, measured by the radius of gyration R2 between the pivot axis 3 and the point P2 of the support frame 2 most distant from said pivot axis 3, whereas previously, when the complementary arrow 2-4 was in one piece, without pivot axis 5, the radius of gyration was measured by the distance R4 between the pivot axis 3 and the end P4 of the handling arm 4, in the configurations of FIGS. 2A and 5A. The following lengths can usually be accepted:
R2 between 1 and 2 meters; R4 between 10 and 20 meters.

More generally, the originality of the invention lies in obtaining an R2 / R4 ratio of less than about 0.20 between the dimensions, measured in a horizontal plane (plane of FIGS. 2A; 3A), of the complementary jib 2-4 between its folding configuration (R2, FIG. 3A) and its deployment configuration (R4, FIG. 2A), the maximum overall dimensions being able to not exceed that of the crane itself.

The advantage of the reduction in size results from the comparison between these figures: while it is often possible to rotate handling equipment in a space of 1 to 2 m in radius, it is however often impossible to achieve such a pivoting, for lack of space, when the radius necessary for the pivoting reaches or exceeds 10 meters.

The fact that it is possible to place the complementary boom 2-4 in its folding configuration (FIGS. 3A, 3B), while placing the pivot axis 3 vertical (and the main boom 1 substantially horizontal) allows the pivoting of the complementary boom 2-4 about said pivot axis 3, between FIGS. 3A-3B and 4A-4B, having only to overcome the friction forces of the pivoting around the pivot axis 3, with forces which can be very weak.

The problem of the offset of the center of gravity G is different from that of congestion, but the conclusions of his study converge with that of congestion. Indeed, reducing the radius of the circle C on which the center of gravity G moves, from 10 m to 1 m obviously allows to considerably reduce the torsional and bending stresses that must be capable to support the main boom 1 during the pivoting of the support frame 2 and of the handling arm 4 between the configurations of FIGS. 3A and 4A. Not only, the risks of deformations excessive have been removed, but it also becomes possible, at least as regards the recovery of said constraints, to design a main boom 1 less resistant, and therefore lighter than previously. Again, the benefit is significant.

Of course, the various jacks which have been provided, as well as their control circuit, make it easy to deploy and deploy the complementary boom 2-4.

Finally, the fact that the manipulation arm 4 pivots upwards (FIG. 3B) around the pivot axis 5 from the configuration in which it is placed along and parallel to the main boom 1 (FIG. 2B) allows you to deploy it simply by removing the holding rods in position 70 (Figure 11), without having to make complex movements of release relative to the main boom 2.

Similarly, to replace the handling arm 4 along the main boom 1, it suffices to lower it from the configuration of FIG. 3B to that of FIG. 2B by pivoting around the axis 5, until 'at its support on the supports 62. Movements as simple as this are impossible to carry out with manipulation arms pivoting downward relative to the support frame 2 and to the main boom 1.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown, but on the contrary covers all the variants which could be made to them without departing from their scope or their spirit.

Claims (8)

Handling boom comprising a main boom (1), which extends in a main general direction (D1), and a complementary boom (2-4), which extends in a complementary general direction, which is pivotally mounted with respect to to the main boom around a first pivot axis (3) perpendicular to the main direction (D1) and which is thus able to occupy two main positions, a first main position (FIGS. 2A, 2B) in which the complementary arrow ( 2-4) is folded along the main boom (1), said main (D1) and complementary (D4) directions being substantially parallel to each other and all of the main boom and the complementary boom having its shortest length (L1) in the main direction (D1), and, a second main position (FIGS. 5A, 5B) in which the complementary arrow (2-4) constitutes an extension of the main arrow (1) , the assembly then having its greatest length in service (LT) in said main direction (D1), the complementary boom comprising a support frame (2) pivotally mounted on and relative to the main boom (1) around the first pivot axis (3), and a handling arm (4) which extends in a general direction of arm (D4) and which is pivotally mounted on and relative to the support frame (2) around a second pivot axis (5), substantially horizontal, orthogonal to said first pivot axis (3) and to said general direction of the arm (D4),
characterized in that said second pivot axis (5), substantially horizontal, is disposed near the upper face (S 2/4) of the complementary arrow (2-4), so as to allow, from a first so-called deployment configuration (FIG. 2B) of the complementary boom in which the handling arm (4) is disposed substantially in the extension of the support frame (2), pivoting upwards (FIG. 3B) around said second axis of pivot (5) of the manipulation (4) relative to the support frame (2), placing the complementary boom in a second configuration called folding. Handling boom according to claim 1, characterized in that the main boom (1) can be placed in a particular position in which said first pivot axis (3) is substantially vertical, while said main boom (1 ) being effectively placed in said particular position (FIGS. 2B; 3B), the maximum size (R2) of the complementary boom (2-4) measured in a horizontal plane (FIG. 3A) perpendicular to said first pivot axis (3) at from this first pivot axis (3), corresponding to its folding configuration (FIG. 3A) is substantially less than that (R4) corresponding to the deployment configuration (FIG. 2A) of said complementary boom (2-4). Handling boom according to claim 2, characterized in that the ratio of said dimensions (R2 / R4) of the complementary boom (2-4) between its configuration of folding back and deployment is less than 0.20. Handling boom according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a movable spindle (14) capable of occupying a first position (Figures 2C; 5B), in which the handling arm (4) is made integral with the support frame (2) and a second position (FIGS. 3B; 3C) in which the manipulation arm (4) is mounted with free pivoting, around said second pivot axis (5), relative to the frame support (2). Handling boom according to claim 4, characterized in that the spindle (14) is coupled to a jack (25-28-30) for adjusting its position. Handling boom according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a jack (6) for adjusting the pivoting of the handling arm (4) relative to the support frame (2), which is coupled between these two elements. Handling boom according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the main boom (1) comprises a support (62) on which the handling arm (4) is supported when the complementary boom (2-4 ) is placed in said first main position, folded along the main arrow (1). Handling boom according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a device (69-70-68) for holding the handling arm (4) in abutment on said support (62).

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