EP1165425B1 - Device for handling parts, in particular sheet metal coils and apparatus equipped with same - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a device for handling sheet metal coils from a storage pallet to a reel and inversely without manual handling, in all safety for the operator and the material, in a short time, using a single and standard apparatus such as a forklift truck. Said handling device (10) comprises at least a member (20) for gripping the coil, a frame (30) bearing said gripping member by means of a first pivoting pin (21) and mounted on said lift truck (1) table (5) by means of a second pivot pin (31) and control means (40) coupled with said frame and designed to move it between an inoperative position wherein the gripping member is lifted inside said lift truck mast (4) and an operative position wherein said member is lowered between said truck forks (6). The invention is useful for loading and unloading parts, in particular sheet metal coils.

Description

The present invention relates to a parts handling device intended for load and unload coils of sheet metal between a storage area and a machine for example of the reel type, this device being arranged to be mounted on a handling device comprising at least one fixed mast and a movable deck vertically along the mast and carrying forks.

The invention applies more specifically to the handling of sheet metal coils commonly called "coils" of width less than or equal to about 700 mm, but can of course extend to other heavy, bulky and difficult products to handle.

These sheet metal coils are generally stored flat, by the companies of cutting, on pallets or on planks assembled to form a support for transport. They are stacked on top of each other and separated from each other by wooden slats with variable sections, for example from 25 to 50 mm. This coil-pallet assembly is stored for example in a storage rack and transported in the traditional way by a forklift truck and deposited at near the reel which is, in this specific case, a reel with horizontal shaft.

There are several techniques for loading a coil of this type onto the reel mandrel. A first technique consists of a monorail beam equipped with a winch which allows, thanks to a sling, the gripping of the reel, its change of axes, i.e. its passage from the vertical axis to the horizontal axis by a tilting of 90 °, and its mounting on the reel mandrel. This technique requires several manual interventions by the operator, often dangerous continued possible shocks and the fact that the reel, which is split, may be sharp.

A second technique, which is the most widespread, consists in the direct taking of the coil by one of the forks of the forklift. This manipulation requires a lot of dexterity on the part of the operator with the risk that the reel will escape from fork and fall to the ground.

A third technique consists in equipping a forklift with a device for specific grip as described in publications US-A-3,991,893 and GB-A-1 260 474. However, in this solution, the forklift can no longer be used for other purposes, the gripping device being permanently mounted on said carriage. That is, with the same forklift, the operator cannot both move the reel pallets and load the reels on the reel.

Furthermore, in this very particular technical field, the majority of users of sheet metal coils require their suppliers to wind the coils. Through example, the winding direction of the spool is considered correct for supply the reel, and the production line located downstream, if the underside of the coil, when delivered flat, corresponds to the bearing face on the mandrel of the reel. However, suppliers do not always respect the meaning of winding requested by their customers. It is therefore necessary to turn the coil half a turn when it is in the raised position, its axis being horizontal. But this operation is dangerous for the operator due to the weight of the coil and the risk fall.

The aim of the present invention is to propose a technical solution allowing a single operator, operating a single, standard cart-type device forklift equipped with a specific handling device, ensuring the stacking the pallets of reels, transporting the pallets near the reel and loading and unloading of the reels on the reel, without any intervention manual, safe for the operator and the equipment, and in a limited time.

Another object of the invention is to arrange the specific handling device on said forklift so that it can work normally with all its capacities and functions, when the handling device is not in working position.

Yet another object of the invention is to be able to choose the direction of lifting of the reels so that they can be returned if necessary, especially if they are positioned upside down on the pallet, the correct side of the spool being above.

For these purposes, the invention relates to a device as defined in the preamble, which device comprises at least one support arranged to be mounted on the apron of the handling device so as to be able to use said handling device handling, at least one gripping member of a reel to be handled, a frame connecting the gripping member to said support and control means, the gripping member being articulated relative to said frame about a first axis pivoting and the frame being articulated relative to said support around a second pivot axis, the first and second pivot axes being parallel and distant from each other in such a way that when using the handling device, the support being mounted on the bulkhead of the handling, the control means act on the frame from said support to tilt it around the second pivot axis between a position of work, in which the gripping member extends from the first axis of pivoting between the forks of the handling device so that the gripping is in a condition to suspend the reel to be handled below the handling equipment forks, and a rest position, in which at the both the gripping member and the frame are raised above the support so as to be housed inside the mast of the handling device so that the forks do not are more crowded.

Preferably, the gripping member comprises an L-shaped hook whose large branch is integral with a spreader arranged parallel and opposite to the small branch and arranged to bear on said forks of the handling when the handling device is in working position, the small branch being placed at a level lower than that of said forks.

Advantageously, the hook is arranged to handle reels whose width is at most equal to twice the useful length of the small branch and whose radial thickness is at most equal to the length of the large branch. The little branch of the hook has at its end a thickness preferably less than the section of the intermediate slats provided between two coils superimposed on a palette.

In a preferred embodiment, the lifter comprises opposite each forklift fork two support points spaced apart from each other i and defining a support plane, at least one of the support points that can be adjustable in height.

In this embodiment, the first pivot axis between the grip and the frame can be placed vertically from the center of gravity of said organ grip so as to position the hook vertically and the support surface horizontally regardless of the position of said frame.

The interval i separating the two support points on the same fork is preferably at least equal to the useful length of the small hook branch. So the vertical passing through the center of gravity of the reel to be handled when it is carried through the hook passes between these two support points, which stabilizes and stiffen in space said gripping member in the working position.

The frame may have two parallel levers connected together by at least one crosses but can also be designed differently.

In the preferred embodiment, the control means comprise at least a jack coupled on the one hand to the support by means of a third pivot axis constituting a fixed point and on the other hand to the frame by means of a fourth axis of pivot constituting a movable point.

This fourth pivot axis is, for example, constituted by a crosspiece of said frame arranged at a distance from the second pivot axis provided between the frame and the support, in order to create a torque on said frame.

This frame may include a locking element arranged to lock the member. gripping in rest position.

The first and second pivot axes provided respectively between the grip and the frame and between the frame and the support are spaced a distance apart less equal to the length of the large hook branch.

In an alternative embodiment, the lifter comprises opposite each fork of the lift truck at least one support zone at the front of said hook.

In this variant, the frame comprises two parallel rods connected together by their pivot axes.

Preferably, the control means comprise at least one cylinder coupled to a part to the support by means of a third pivot axis constituting a fixed point and on the other hand to the lifting beam by means of a fourth pivot axis constituting a movable point, so that the four pivot axes form a deformable polygon.

The frame may include at least one turning stop arranged to stop against the lifter when the latter is in the inversion phase between the work and rest position.

In this embodiment, the gripping means comprise, advantageously, a device for rotating said hook arranged to rotate it around an axis of rotation between at least one front position and one rear position.

This rotation device comprises, for example, at least one cylinder integral with the spreader and whose rod is integral with a rack meshing a toothed wheel secured to said hook.

The gripping member may, in certain cases, include two hooks arranged parallel and oriented in the same direction or in opposite direction.

The invention also relates to a handling device comprising at least one fixed mast and an apron movable vertically along the mast and carrying forks, characterized in that it includes a parts handling device as defined above.

• la figure 1 est une vue de profil d'un chariot élévateur à fourches équipé d'un dispositif de manutention,
• les figures 2A et 2B sont des vues respectivement de profil et de face du dispositif de manutention en position de repos et d'une partie du chariot élévateur,
• les figures 3A et 3B sont des vues similaires aux figures 2A et 2B, le dispositif de manutention étant en position intermédiaire,
• les figures 4A et 4B sont des vues similaires aux figures 2A et 2B, le dispositif de manutention étant en position de travail,
• les figures 5A à J sont des vues schématiques illustrant les différentes étapes de chargement d'une bobine sur un dévidoir à arbre horizontal,
• la figure 6 est une vue de profil d'un chariot élévateur à fourches équipé de l'autre dispositif de manutention,
• les figures 7A et 7B sont des vues respectivement de profil et de face du dispositif de manutention de la figure 6 en position de repos et d'une partie du chariot élévateur,
• les figures 8A et 8B sont des vues similaires aux figures 7A et 7B, le dispositif de manutention étant en position de travail,
• la figure 9 est une vue de dessus de la figure 6,
• les figures 10A à Q sont des vues schématiques illustrant les différentes étapes de chargement d'une bobine sur un dévidoir à arbre horizontal au moyen du dispositif de la figure 6.

The present invention and its advantages will be better understood in the following description of two embodiments given by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• FIG. 1 is a side view of a forklift truck equipped with a handling device,
• FIGS. 2A and 2B are respectively side and front views of the handling device in the rest position and of part of the forklift,
• FIGS. 3A and 3B are views similar to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the handling device being in the intermediate position,
• FIGS. 4A and 4B are views similar to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the handling device being in the working position,
• FIGS. 5A to J are schematic views illustrating the different stages of loading a coil on a reel with horizontal shaft,
• FIG. 6 is a side view of a forklift equipped with the other handling device,
• FIGS. 7A and 7B are side and front views respectively of the handling device of FIG. 6 in the rest position and of part of the forklift,
• FIGS. 8A and 8B are views similar to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the handling device being in the working position,
• FIG. 9 is a top view of FIG. 6,
• FIGS. 10A to Q are schematic views illustrating the different stages of loading a reel on a reel with a horizontal shaft by means of the device of FIG. 6.

Referring to Figure 1, the forklift 1 shown is of the known type and comprises a chassis 2 mounted on casters 3, a fixed mast 4 in which is mounted a apron 5 sliding vertically and carrying a pair of parallel forks 6. This carriage 1 also includes a motorization and a cockpit 7 equipped with a control console and handwheel. This forklift 1 is equipped a handling device 10 specially designed for loading and unloading sheet metal coils commonly called "coils" between a storage area and a machine called horizontal shaft type reel. This handling device 10 is shown, in this figure, both in the working position (continuous drawing) and in rest position (discontinuous line). It is arranged above the deck 5 and forks 6. In its working position, it is lowered on the forks 6 and, in its rest position, it is raised and retracts completely inside the mast 4 so as not to not interfere with the standard use of said lift truck 1.

This handling device 10 is described more precisely with reference to Figures 2 to 4 in which only part of the forklift 1 is shown, namely the forks 6 and the deck 5. The handling device 10 includes a gripping 20, a frame 30 carrying said gripping member 20 by means of a first pivot axis 21, this frame being mounted on the deck 5 of the carriage elevator by means of a second pivot axis 31. The handling device 10 also includes control means 40 coupled to said frame 30 and arranged to move it between a rest position, shown in Figures 2A and 2B, in which the entire handling device 10 is raised inside of the mast of said forklift and a working position, shown in the figures 4A and 4B, in which it is lowered, the gripping member 20 being positioned between the forks 6 of said carriage. Figures 3A and 3B show a position handling device 10.

The gripping member 20 comprises an L-shaped hook 22, the large of which branch 23 is arranged vertically in the working position and the small branch 24 is perpendicular to the large branch 23. This small branch 24 has a useful length at least equal to the width J of the coils to be handled, one end which thins so that the point is less than the cross-section of the planned intermediate slats between two superimposed coils and a width less than the space provided between two consecutive jaws of the mandrel provided on the reel and intended to receive the coils. The large branch 23 has a length substantially equal to the radial thickness of said coils. The gripping member 20 also comprises a lifting beam 25 integral with the large branch 23 and arranged opposite the small branch 24 parallel to she. The pivot axis 21 coupling the gripping member 20 to the frame 30 is provided in the lifting beam 25 near the hook 22 and arranged vertically from the center of gravity g of said gripping member 20. Thus, the gripping member 20 is mounted pivoting on said frame 30 around this axis 21 and retains a vertical position whatever the position of said frame 30. When the gripping member 20 is in working position, the hook 22 is disposed between the forks 6 of the forklift so that the small branch 24 is positioned well below them and the lifter 25 rests on these forks 6 to stabilize and stiffen said gripping member 20. For this purpose, the spreader 25 comprises at least two and preferably four support points a, b, or two support points per fork, defining a support plane. This support plane always remains horizontal regardless of the position of the frame 30 thanks to the position of the pivot axis 21. The forks 6 being distant, the four support points a and b ensure a rigorous and constant position of the organ gripping 20 and a perfect orientation rigidity in space. Both support points a, b on the same fork 6 are spaced apart by an interval i at least equal to half the width J of the coils to be handled. Therefore, the vertical passing through the center of gravity G of the coil when it is carried by the hook 22 passes between the two support points a and b, which ensures a very large stability and rigidity in the space of the hook 22 and its load. In the realization illustrated, the fulcrum a is fixed and the fulcrum b is adjustable in height at means of a screw-bolt assembly 26 making it possible to adjust the horizontal position of said support plan.

The gripping member 20 as described above is adapted to a pin reel with the jaws of the mandrel arranged so as to leave a space free vertically in order to be able to introduce the hook 22. In the case where the jaws of the mandrel are offset by 45 °, then the gripping member 20 is designed with two hooks 22 parallel, these hooks being intended to be inserted on either side of the jaw arranged vertically on the spindle. Of course, this change does not change not the other components of the device.

The lifter 25 has two parallel arms 27 interconnected by at least one cross member and, in the example illustrated, by two cross members 28, 29. The pivot axis 21 coincides with the cross member 29. This lifter 25 also has a support bar 25 'which is arranged to bear on the forks 6 of the forklift and guides the handling device 10 in the intermediate position as shown in Figures 3A and 3B.

The frame 30 comprises two levers 32 parallel and interconnected by at least one cross member and, in the example shown, by two cross members 33, 34 arranged opposite of the pivot axis 21 and behind the apron 5 and of the pivot axis 31. These levers 32 have a substantially elongated substantially triangular shape, the axis of pivot 31 connecting the frame 30 to the deck 5 of the forklift being provided in the zone of the top of said levers 32. The apron 5 for this purpose comprises uprights vertical 8 between which the levers 32 are held and guided. The frame 30 further comprises a locking element 35 provided with a bar 36 forming a bridge between the two levers 32 near the pivot axis 21 and carrying two projecting and parallel legs 37 connected together by a removable clip 38. The legs 37 are spaced apart by a distance at least equal to the width of the hook 22 allowing it to be housed there and to be held there jointly by the fastener 38, the set up can be manual or automatic by means of a button control provided on the lift truck control console.

The control means 40 comprise, in the example shown, a cylinder with single or double acting whose body 42 is mounted on the deck 5 of the carriage elevator by means of a pivot axis 41 between two vertical uprights 9 integral with said apron. This pivot axis 41 constitutes a fixed point. Rod 43 of the jack is integrally coupled to the frame 30 and more precisely to the cross member 34, constituting a moving point. The cross member 34 being distant from the pivot axis 31 provided between the frame 30 and the deck 5, the jack 40 can apply a torque said frame 30. This jack 40, which can be hydraulic or pneumatic, is controlled by means of an appropriate lever and provided on the control console of said forklift. Thus, the operator can from his cockpit actuated the handling device 10.

• figure 5A : le chariot élévateur 1 va chercher un ensemble palette-bobines de tôle 50 dans une aire de stockage et le transporte à proximité d'un dévidoir 60, le dispositif de manutention 10 étant en position repos,
• figure 5B : l'opérateur actionne le levier de commande, qui peut être hydraulique, prévu sur le pupitre de commande pour faire descendre le dispositif de manutention 10 dans sa position de travail,
• figure 5C : le dispositif de manutention 10 est en position de travail, le vérin pouvant être verrouillé dans cette position par tout moyen connu,
• figure 5D : l'opérateur descend le tablier 5 du chariot élévateur pour abaisser l'organe de préhension 20 à l'intérieur de la première bobine 51,
• figure 5E : l'opérateur avance légèrement le chariot élévateur 1 pour glisser la petite branche du crochet 22 sous la première bobine 51. Cette opération n'est possible que grâce à la rigidité du crochet 22 dans l'espace, qui est comme expliqué ci-dessus obtenue par le palonnier 25 en appui sur les fourches 6.
• figure 5F : une fois en position, l'opérateur remonte le tablier 5 pour soulever la bobine 51 qui se tourne sous l'effet de la gravité,
• figure 5G : la bobine 51 s'est tournée de 90°. Elle se présente verticalement et son axe horizontalement dans une position correcte de chargement,
• figure 5H : l'opérateur a dégagé le chariot élévateur 1 de la palette et s'approche du dévidoir 60 en portant la bobine prête à être chargée,
• figure 5I : l'opérateur avance le chariot élévateur 1 dans l'axe du dévidoir 60 pour placer la bobine 51 sur le mandrin 61 du dévidoir. La faible largeur de la petite branche 24 du crochet 22 lui permet de se glisser directement entre les mors du mandrin.
• figure 5J : quand le chargement est terminé, l'opérateur recule le chariot élévateur 1 pour dégager l'organe de préhension 20 du mandrin 61 du dévidoir.

The operation of this handling device 10 is now described with reference to FIGS. 5A to J which schematize all the operating steps enabling a sheet metal coil to be loaded onto the mandrel of a rewinding machine with horizontal spindle, called a reel:

• FIG. 5A: the forklift 1 searches for a pallet-sheet coil assembly 50 in a storage area and transports it near a reel 60, the handling device 10 being in the rest position,
• FIG. 5B: the operator actuates the control lever, which can be hydraulic, provided on the control console to lower the handling device 10 into its working position,
• FIG. 5C: the handling device 10 is in the working position, the jack being able to be locked in this position by any known means,
• FIG. 5D: the operator lowers the deck 5 of the forklift to lower the gripping member 20 inside the first coil 51,
• FIG. 5E: the operator slightly advances the forklift 1 to slide the small branch of the hook 22 under the first coil 51. This operation is only possible thanks to the rigidity of the hook 22 in space, which is as explained below above obtained by the spreader 25 resting on the forks 6.
• FIG. 5F: once in position, the operator raises the deck 5 to lift the coil 51 which turns under the effect of gravity,
• FIG. 5G: the coil 51 has turned 90 °. It presents itself vertically and its axis horizontally in a correct loading position,
• FIG. 5H: the operator has released the lift truck 1 from the pallet and is approaching the reel 60 carrying the reel ready to be loaded,
• Figure 5I: the operator advances the forklift 1 in the axis of the reel 60 to place the coil 51 on the mandrel 61 of the reel. The small width of the small branch 24 of the hook 22 allows it to slide directly between the jaws of the mandrel.
• FIG. 5J: when the loading is finished, the operator moves the forklift back 1 to release the gripping member 20 from the mandrel 61 of the reel.

Then the forklift returns to its original functions when the operator picks up the handling device 10 in the rest position. In case the coil is not fully consumed, after being recirculated, the operator can at the command of his forklift take the reel 51 on the mandrel 61 of the reel 60 and the put on hold. To do this, simply proceed to the above mentioned steps of reverse.

• il doit comporter deux vérins d'élévation disposés à l'extérieur des profilés de mât pour que la zone centrale soit dégagée, ce qui exclut les chariots élévateurs équipés d'un vérin d'élévation central,
• la profondeur de mât doit être voisine de celle du crochet 22 ce qui correspond au moins à la moitié de la largeur des bobines à manutentionner de telle manière, qu'en position de repos, le dispositif de manutention 10 ne dépasse pas le plan vertical défini par le tablier 5,
• le chariot élévateur doit permettre de placer l'ensemble palette-bobines 50 sous les fourches 6, les longerons au sol solidaires du mât devant donc être compatibles avec l'encombrement de la palette.

This handling device 10 is adapted, in particular, on forklifts having the following characteristics:

• it must include two lifting cylinders arranged outside the mast profiles so that the central zone is clear, which excludes forklifts equipped with a central lifting cylinder,
• the mast depth must be close to that of the hook 22 which corresponds to at least half the width of the coils to be handled in such a way that, in the rest position, the handling device 10 does not exceed the defined vertical plane by apron 5,
• the forklift must allow the pallet-reels 50 assembly to be placed under the forks 6, the longitudinal members on the ground integral with the mast therefore having to be compatible with the size of the pallet.

• un dispositif de manutention universel pouvant être monté sur des chariots élévateurs normalisés sans aucune modification structurelle,
• un dispositif de manutention escamotable adapté à un mât de faible épaisseur,
• un dispositif de manutention permettant le retournement des bobines, sans aucune manipulation et sans danger pour l'opérateur.

With reference to FIGS. 6 to 10, we describe another embodiment of a handling device 100 having additional advantages compared to the handling device 10 described above, namely:

• a universal handling device that can be mounted on standard forklifts without any structural modification,
• a retractable handling device suitable for a thin mast,
• a handling device allowing the reels to be turned over, without any manipulation and without danger for the operator.

FIG. 6 illustrates a forklift 1 of the known type, similar to that of FIG. 1 and bearing the same reference numbers. The handling device 100 which team this forklift 1 is shown, in this figure, both in position work (continuous line) and in rest position (discontinuous line). As in the previous example, it is arranged above the deck 5 and the forks 6. In its working position, it is lowered on the forks 6 and, in its rest position, it is raised and retracts completely inside the mast 4 so as not to interfere with use standard of said forklift 1.

This handling device 100 is described more precisely with reference to the figures 7 to 9 in which only part of the forklift 1 is shown, namely the forks 6 and the deck 5. The handling device 100 includes a gripping 200, a frame 300 carrying said gripping member 200 by means of a first pivot axis 210, this frame being mounted on the deck 5 of the carriage elevator by means of a second pivot axis 310. More specifically, a plate 500 is rigidly mounted on the deck 5 between the two forks 6 and door bearings receiving the second pivot axis 310. This plate 500 is specially designed to be compatible with the dimensions of the aprons standardized and able to be mounted on these aprons without any modification.

The handling device 100 also includes control means 400 coupled to said gripping member 200 and arranged to move it between a rest position, shown in Figures 7A and 7B, in which the entire handling device 100 is raised inside the mast of said forklift and a working position, shown in Figures 8A and 8B, in which it is lowered, the gripping member 200 being positioned between the forks 6 of said carriage.

The gripping member 200 has an L-shaped hook 220, the large of which branch 230 is arranged vertically in the working position and the small branch 240 is perpendicular to the large branch 230, this hook 220 being similar to the hook 22 of the previous example. The gripping member 200 also includes a spreader 250 coupled to the large branch 230 and arranged opposite the small branch 240 parallel to it. The pivot axis 210 coupling the gripping 200 to the frame 300 is provided in the lifter 250 as an extension of the large branch 230 of hook 220.

When the gripping member 200 is in the working position, the hook 220 is disposed between the forks 6 of the forklift so that the small branch 240 is positioned well below them and the lifter 250 rests on these forks 6 to stabilize and stiffen said gripping member 200. To this end, the lifter 250 has at least two support zones c, i.e. one support zone per fork, each formed by the generator of a half-cylinder 251 oriented perpendicular to the forks 6 and arranged in front of the hook 220.

The frame 300 consists of two parallel rods 320 and connected to each other by their pivot axes 210 and 310. These rods 320 are arranged on the side and on the other side of the plate 500 and between the forks 6.

The control means 400 comprise, in the example shown, a cylinder with double effect, the body 420 of which is mounted on the plate 500 secured to the deck 5 at by means of a pivot axis 410 constituting a fixed point. The cylinder rod 430 is coupled to the spreader 250 by means of a pivot axis 440 constituting a point mobile. This double-acting cylinder 400 is disposed between the two links 320 parallel to them and below them. The pivot axes 410 and 440 are respectively distinct from the pivot axes 310 and 210, these four axes of pivot defining a deformable polygon.

In the working position (see Fig. 8A), the rod 430 of the jack is retracted, locked against an end of travel stop, and the assembly formed by the jack 400, the plate 500, the rods 320, the lifter 250 with the hook 220 is rigid and non-deformable. same in the event of significant bending of the forks 6, the inclination of the hook 220 varies widely little thanks to the geometry of the polygon.

To bring the gripping device 100 to the rest position (see Fig. 7A), the rod 430 of the cylinder is extended, locked against an end of travel stop. At the start of his stroke, the rod 430 rotates the lifter 250 with the hook 220 around the axis of pivoting 210 substantially by a quarter turn until it comes to rest on a turning stop 330 integral with the rods 320. Continuing its course, the rod 430 returns the assembly formed by the links 320 and the lifter 250 with the hook 220 around the pivot axis 310 until retracting said assembly at inside the mast of the forklift. The working position of the handling 100 is obtained by the retraction of the rod 430 of the jack requesting said together in reverse.

This cylinder 400, which can be hydraulic or pneumatic, is controlled, as in the previous example, using an appropriate lever provided on the console control of said forklift. Thus, the operator can from his workstation piloting actuated the handling device 100.

The handling device 100 comprises, in addition to that described in the example above, a rotation device 600 of the hook 220 illustrated in FIG. 9. This rotation device 600 is provided inside the spreader 250 and is intended to make pivot the hook 220 around an axis of rotation 610 parallel to its large branch 230 between two extreme positions 1 and 2, passing through an intermediate position 0, shown schematically in Figure 9 by axis lines. It has a double-acting cylinder 620 whose body 621 is fixed to the lifter 250 at a fixed point 622 and whose rod 623 is rigidly coupled to a rack 630 by means of a rigid coupling 624. The rack 630 is arranged parallel to the axis of the jack 620 so that that a linear displacement of the rod 623 causes an equal linear displacement of the rack. The latter meshes with a toothed wheel 640 secured to the hook 220 and coaxial with its axis of rotation 610.

This cylinder 620, which can be hydraulic or pneumatic, is also ordered by means of an appropriate lever and provided on the control console of said forklift. Thus, the operator can from his cockpit actuated the rotation device 600 of hook 220 to place it as necessary in the positions 0, 1 or 2. In position 0, the hook 220 has its small branch 240 forward, shown in solid lines in Figure 6. In position 1, the hook 220 is rotated 180 ° and has its small branch 240 backwards, shown in line fine mixed in Figure 6. In position 2, the hook 220 is rotated 60 ° by relative to its position 0, this angle can be different if necessary. This position 2 can be used especially when the reels are arranged in spikes to facilitate loading and unloading of coils.

• figure 10A : l'opérateur cherche un ensemble palette-bobines de tôle 50 avec son chariot élévateur 1 dans une aire de stockage et le transporte à proximité d'un dévidoir 60, le dispositif de manutention 100 étant en position repos,
• figure 10B : l'opérateur bascule le dispositif de manutention 100 dans sa position de travail, en actionnant le levier de commande du vérin 400, qui peut être hydraulique, prévu sur le pupitre de commande,
• figure 10C : le dispositif de manutention 100 est en position de travail, la tige 430 du vérin étant en position rentrée,
• figure 10D : l'opérateur tourne à vide le crochet 220 de 180° pour placer la petite branche 240 du crochet vers l'arrière, en actionnant le levier de commande du vérin 620, qui peut être hydraulique, prévu sur le pupitre de commande,
• figure 10E : l'opérateur avance le chariot élévateur 1 pour amener le crochet 220 au-dessus de la palette 50,
• figure 10F : l'opérateur descend le tablier 5 du chariot élévateur 1 pour abaisser le crochet 220 à l'intérieur de la première bobine 51,
• figure 10G : l'opérateur recule légèrement le chariot élévateur 1 pour glisser la petite branche 240 du crochet 22 sous la première bobine 51. Cette opération n'est possible que grâce à la rigidité du crochet 220 dans l'espace, qui est comme expliqué ci-dessus obtenue par l'ensemble rigide formé par le palonnier 250 en appui sur les fourches 6, les biellettes 320, la platine 500 et le vérin 400.
• figure 10H : une fois en position, l'opérateur remonte le tablier 5 pour soulever la bobine 51 qui se tourne sous l'effet de la gravité,
• figure 10I : la bobine 51 s'est tournée de 90°. Elle se présente verticalement et son axe horizontalement.
• figure 10J : l'opérateur dégage le chariot élévateur 1 de la palette 50,
• figure 10K : l'opérateur abaisse à nouveau le tablier 5 pour poser la bobine 51 au sol sur une génératrice,
• figure 10L : l'opérateur avance légèrement le chariot élévateur 1 pour dégager le crochet 220 de la bobine 51,
• figure 10M : l'opérateur tourne à vide le crochet 220 de 180° en sens inverse pour ramener la petite branche 240 du crochet vers l'avant,
• figure 10N : l'opérateur avance le chariot élévateur 1 pour engager à nouveau le crochet 220 dans la bobine 51,
• figure 100 : l'opérateur remonte le tablier 5 et avance le chariot élévateur 1 vers le dévidoir 60 en portant la bobine 51 prête à être chargée, cette dernière présentant le bon côté,
• figure 10P : l'opérateur avance le chariot élévateur 1 dans l'axe du dévidoir 60 pour placer la bobine 51 sur le mandrin 61 du dévidoir. La faible largeur de la petite branche 240 du crochet 220 lui permet de se glisser directement entre les mors du mandrin.
• figure 10Q : quand le chargement est terminé, l'opérateur recule le chariot élévateur 1 pour dégager le crochet 220 du mandrin 61 du dévidoir.

The operation of the handling device 100 is now described with reference to FIGS. 10A to Q which schematize all the operating steps enabling a sheet metal coil to be loaded onto the mandrel of a rewinding machine with horizontal spindle, called a reel. In this example, one or more sheet metal reels are positioned upside down on the pallet and must imperatively be turned over in order to be loaded on the reel in the correct winding direction, the correct face of the reel being positioned against the chuck:

• FIG. 10A: the operator searches for a pallet-sheet metal coil assembly 50 with his forklift 1 in a storage area and transports it near a reel 60, the handling device 100 being in the rest position,
• FIG. 10B: the operator switches the handling device 100 into its working position, by actuating the control lever of the jack 400, which can be hydraulic, provided on the control console,
• FIG. 10C: the handling device 100 is in the working position, the rod 430 of the jack being in the retracted position,
• FIG. 10D: the operator turns the hook 220 by 180 ° when empty to place the small branch 240 of the hook towards the rear, by actuating the control lever of the jack 620, which can be hydraulic, provided on the control console,
• FIG. 10E: the operator advances the forklift 1 to bring the hook 220 above the pallet 50,
• FIG. 10F: the operator lowers the deck 5 of the forklift 1 to lower the hook 220 inside the first coil 51,
• FIG. 10G: the operator moves the forklift 1 slightly back to slide the small branch 240 of the hook 22 under the first coil 51. This operation is only possible thanks to the rigidity of the hook 220 in space, which is as explained above obtained by the rigid assembly formed by the lifter 250 bearing on the forks 6, the links 320, the plate 500 and the jack 400.
• FIG. 10H: once in position, the operator raises the deck 5 to lift the coil 51 which turns under the effect of gravity,
• FIG. 10I: the coil 51 has turned 90 °. It presents itself vertically and its axis horizontally.
• FIG. 10J: the operator releases the forklift 1 from the pallet 50,
• FIG. 10K: the operator again lowers the apron 5 to place the coil 51 on the ground on a generator,
• FIG. 10L: the operator slightly advances the lift truck 1 to release the hook 220 from the reel 51,
• FIG. 10M: the operator turns the hook 220 empty 180 ° in the opposite direction to bring the small branch 240 of the hook forward,
• FIG. 10N: the operator advances the forklift 1 to again engage the hook 220 in the reel 51,
• FIG. 100: the operator remounts the deck 5 and advances the forklift 1 towards the reel 60 by carrying the reel 51 ready to be loaded, the latter having the correct side,
• Figure 10P: the operator advances the forklift 1 in the axis of the reel 60 to place the coil 51 on the mandrel 61 of the reel. The small width of the small branch 240 of the hook 220 allows it to slide directly between the jaws of the mandrel.
• Figure 10Q: when loading is complete, the operator moves the lift truck 1 back to release the hook 220 from the mandrel 61 of the reel.

This operating process can be different depending on the presentation mode of the coils. It is possible, for example, to load the spool from the front, to turn the hook under load, place the reel on the ground, turn the hook empty and take the spool to load it on the reel.

Then, the lift truck 1 returns to its initial functions when the operator picks up the handling device 100 in the rest position. In case the coil is not fully consumed, after being recirculated, the operator can at the command of his forklift take the reel 51 on the mandrel 61 of the reel 60 and the put on hold. To do this, simply proceed to the above mentioned steps of reverse.

This handling device 100 adapts easily and without structural modification on forklifts with a standard deck, the lifting cylinder can be arranged inside the mast profiles, and the mast may have a thickness reduced since, in the retracted position, the hook is turned over.

• réduction des moyens de manutention dans l'atelier de découpage des tôles étant donné qu'un seul appareil suffit pour :
  • décharger les camions,
  • charger les palettes de bobines dans les râteliers de stockage,
  • charger les mandrins de dévidoirs à arbres horizontaux,
  • manutentionner les palettes et les containers divers de l'atelier,
• réduction des temps de chargement des dévidoirs à arbres horizontaux grâce au passage instantané d'un appareil universel à un appareil spécifique au chargement des mandrins et inversement par simple manoeuvre d'un levier sur le pupitre de commande,
• modification à volonté des lignes de découpage étant donné que les moyens de manutention n'affectent pas la structure du bâtiment.

It is clear from this description that the invention achieves the following advantages:

• reduction in handling resources in the sheet metal cutting workshop, since a single device is sufficient to:
  • unload trucks,
  • load the pallets of reels in the storage racks,
  • load the mandrels of reels with horizontal shafts,
  • handle the pallets and various containers in the workshop,
• reduction of loading times of reels with horizontal shafts thanks to the instantaneous passage from a universal device to a device specific to the loading of mandrels and vice versa by simple operation of a lever on the control console,
• modification at will of the cutting lines since the handling means do not affect the structure of the building.

It is also clear that the handling devices 10 and 100 can be provided as standard on forklifts or may be available in after-sales service to equip the forklifts in operation. They can also equip other machines or devices to load and unload others room types.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described but extends to any modification and variant obvious to a person skilled in the art as defined in the claims. In particular, the number and shape of the parts may vary. Likewise, the means control may include two cylinders or other equivalent means such than a motor, a rack and pinion system, etc. The gripper can also have two hooks arranged in parallel and oriented in the same direction or in reverse.

Claims (22)

1. Parts handling device (10, 100) intended to load and unload sheet metal coils between a storage area and a machine such as a reel, whereas this device is designed to be mounted on a handling apparatus (1) comprising at least a fixed mast (4) and a table (5) moving vertically along the mast and equipped with forks (6), which device includes at least a support (8, 9, 500) designed to be mounted on the table of the handling apparatus so as to allow using said handling device, at least a member (20, 200) for gripping a coil to be handled, a frame (30, 300) connecting the gripping member with said support and control means (40, 400), whereas the gripping member is articulated in relation to said frame on a first pivoting pin (21, 210) and the frame is articulated in relation to said support on a second pivoting pin (31, 310), whereas the first and second pivoting pins are parallel and distant of each another in such a way that, when using the handling device, whereas the support is mounted on the table of the handling apparatus, the control means act from said support upon the frame in order to tilt it on the second pivoting pin between an operative position, in which the gripping member extends from the first pivoting pin between the forks of the handling apparatus so as to allow the gripping member to hang up the coil to be handled below the forks of the handling apparatus, and an inoperative position, in which both the gripping member and the frame are lifted above the support in order to be placed inside the mast of the handling apparatus, so as to set the forks free.
2. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that the gripping member (20, 200) includes a L-shaped hook (22, 220), whose long leg (23, 230) is firmly attached to a lifting beam (25, 250) arranged parallel and on the end opposite to the small leg (24, 240), and designed to rest on said forks (6) of the handling apparatus when the handling device (10, 100) is in operative position, whereas the small leg (24, 240) is located at a lower level than the level of said forks.
3. A device according to claim 2, characterised in that said hook (22, 220) is designed so as to handle coils having a width at the most equal to twice the useful length of the small leg (24, 240) and a radial thickness at the most equal to the length of the long leg. (23, 230).
4. A device according to claim 2, characterised in that the small leg (24,240) of the hook (22, 220) has an end that becomes thinner and whose tip has a thickness smaller than the section of the laths placed between two coils lying upon another on a pallet.
5. A device according to claim 2, characterised in that the lifting beam (25) has, at each fork (6) of the lift truck, two supporting points (a, b) with an interval (i) between them and defining a supporting plane.
6. A device according to claim 5, characterised in that at least one of the supporting points (b) at each fork (6) can be adjusted in height.
7. A device according to claim 5, characterised in that the first pivoting pin (21) is placed vertically above the centre of gravity (g) of said gripping member (20) so as to position the hook (22) vertically and said supporting plane horizontally, whatever the position of said frame (30).
8. A device according to claim 5, characterised in that the interval (i) is at least equal to the useful length of the small leg (24) of hook (22).
9. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that the frame (30) has two parallel levers (32) linked together by means of at least one crossbeam (33, 34).
10. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that the control means include at least one jack (40) connected on one side with support (9) by means of a third pivoting pin (41) constituting a fixed point and, on the other side, with frame (30) by means of a fourth pivoting pin (34) constituting a mobile point.
11. A device according to claim 10, characterised in that the fourth pivoting pin between jack (40) and frame (30) is made up of a crossbeam (34) of said frame (30) placed at a distance of the second pivoting pin (31) between the frame and the support (8).
12. A device according to claim 2, characterised in that the first and second pivoting pins (21, 31) are parallel and distant of each another by a distance at least equal to the length of the long leg (23) of hook (22).
13. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that the frame (30) includes a locking element (35) designed to lock the gripping member (20) in inoperative position.
14. A device according to claim 2, characterised in that the lifting beam (250) includes, at each fork (6) of the lift truck, at least one supporting area (c) at the front of said hook (220).
15. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that the frame (300) includes two parallel levers (320) linked together by means of their pivoting pins (210, 310).
16. A device according to claim 15, characterised in that the control means include at least one jack (400) connected on one side with the support (500) of the lift truck by means of a third pivoting pin (410) constituting a fixed point and, on the other side, with the lifting beam (250) by means of a fourth pivoting pin (440) constituting a mobile point.
17. A device according to claim 16, characterised in that the axes pivoting pins (210, 310, 410, 440) are arranged to build a deformable polygon.
18. A device according to claim 17, characterised in that the frame (300) includes at least one tilting stop (330) designed to abut against the lifting beam (250) when the latter is in the tilting phase to go over from the operative position to the inoperative position.
19. A device according to claim 2, characterised in that the gripping means (200) comprise a rotation device (600) of said hook (220) designed to turn it on a rotation axis (610) between at least a front position (0) and a rear position (1).
20. A device according to claim 19, characterised in that the rotation device (600) includes at least a jack (620) firmly attached to the lifting beam (250) and whose rod (623) is firmly attached to the rack (630) driving a pinion (640) firmly attached to said hook (220).
21. A device according to claim 2, characterised in that the gripping member (20) includes two hooks (22) arranged in parallel and oriented in the same direction or in opposite directions.
22. Handling apparatus (1) including at least a fixed mast (4) and a table (5) moving vertically along the mast and bearing forks (6), characterised in that it comprises a parts handling device (10, 100) according any of the previous claims.

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