EP1953112B1 - Lifting device - Google Patents

Abstract

The machine (1) has a crane (19) associated with a frame (2) by an intermediate part (16) of a jack unit (26) permitting to rotate the crane with respect to the frame in a vertical plane. The jack unit has an end fixed to the crane, and the part (16) is mounted on an upper part of a mast (12). The crane is mounted with respect to the part (16) around a horizontal rotating axis (24) and a transversal rotating axis. The jack unit has another end fixed to the part (16) remote from a base part (3) of the frame along a vertical direction.

Description

The present invention relates to a hoist.

The invention finds particular application on industrial storage sites, where it is desired to move relatively heavy objects or tools (can weigh up to 3 tons for example).

Such a hoist is described in particular in the document EP 0 860 395 . It comprises on the one hand a chassis comprising a base portion resting on the ground and secured to a mast of substantially vertical axis, and on the other hand an arrow associated with the chassis by means of a jack allowing the pivoting of the arrow relative to the frame in a substantially vertical plane.

By actuation of one or more control members, an operator can rotate the boom and thus lift an object for its displacement to the place where it must be deposited.

In the document EP 0 860 395 , the cylinder is connected by a first end to the arrow and a second end to the base portion of the frame. From this structure arise a number of disadvantages.

First of all, this implies that the jack used is of great length, so that one can obtain a sufficient angular displacement amplitude of the arrow, that is to say, a sufficiently large tip end height. As a result, on the one hand, the power required to move the jack is important and the cost of the hoist is increased. On the other hand, the length of the jack being important even in the retracted position, it is generally not possible with this single cylinder to descend the end of the arrow to the ground.

To seize an object placed on the ground, it is necessary to provide additional means. These means may consist of an extension of the boom and an additional cylinder to rotate this extension relative to the arrow. This solution therefore involves the use of a second cylinder, which results in additional control means (wiring, hydraulic circuit, etc.), an increased assembly time, a more complex maintenance, and an increase in the cost of the system. gear. Alternatively, these additional means may consist of a winch, attached to the free end of the boom. In addition to the aforementioned drawbacks, the winch does not provide significant accuracy, and it is therefore more difficult and longer for an operator to grasp an object on the ground. Problems of fragility can also arise.

In addition, with the structure proposed by the document EP 0 860 395 , there is no possibility to provide a displacement of the arrow transversely. Thus, when the machine is not perfectly positioned laterally with respect to the object that it must enter or in relation to the place where the object is to be deposited, the operator must necessarily move the whole of the gear, which is difficult and expensive in energy.

The document JP A-2002200124 describes a device for lifting a bedridden person, which comprises a fixed foot and a movable foot rolling on the ground, connected by a frame carrying an arrow.

The present invention aims to overcome the disadvantages mentioned above.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a hoist according to claim 1.

With this structure, the second end of the cylinder can be located at a significant distance above the base portion of the frame. The cylinder is therefore much shorter than in the prior art, with the advantages that ensue. In addition, since the length of the cylinder in the retracted position is also smaller, the boom can be inclined downwards more importantly, until its free end is located near or at ground level. This avoids the use of an additional jack, and a winch (or at least it limits considerably its length).

The use of a shorter jack but situated in height makes it possible to obtain an angular amplitude of displacement of the arrow just as important as in the prior art.

Another possible advantage of the invention, because of the existence of the intermediate piece, is to obtain an additional movement of the jib: for this purpose, the intermediate piece has at least one degree of freedom in a horizontal plane by relative to the upper part of the mast.

This allows an operator to refine the positioning of the end of the boom relative to the object or the intended location, without having to move the entire lifting gear.

Thus, the intermediate piece can be mounted on the upper part of the mast so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis (for example around the axis of the mast) and / or to be movable in horizontal translation, substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the boom.

The amplitude of this or these movements is generally limited, but chosen so as to give the machine the required maneuverability.

According to one possible embodiment, the intermediate piece comprises a frame slidably mounted on at least one cross member secured to the upper part of the mast, the frame comprising two vertical uprights and defining an opening in which the arrow passes, the boom being pivotally mounted around an integral axis of the two uprights and transverse to them.

The pivot axis of the boom and the axis of the mast may be substantially intersecting. By "substantially secant" is meant that these axes intersect or are very close to one another (for example, less than 10 cm apart).

The intermediate piece has a portion in console relative to the mast, to which is fixed the second end of the cylinder. In other words, the console portion is offset relative to the mast.

According to one possible embodiment, the intermediate piece comprises two flanges rigidly connected to each other, between which the jack is housed at least partially.

The cylinder can be inclined, from its first end to its second end, in the direction of the pivot axis of the boom.

Advantageously, it is possible to provide a telescopic mast which comprises a first part integral with the base part of the frame and a second part associated with the first part in a vertically sliding manner, the intermediate piece being mounted on the upper part of the second part of the mast. .

Similarly, the boom is advantageously telescopic and comprises a first arm associated with the frame via the connecting means and a second arm associated with the first arm longitudinally sliding.

• La figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un engin de levage selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• Les figures 2 à 6 sont des vues latérales de l'engin de la figure 1 dans différentes positions du mât et de la flèche ;
• Les figures 7 et 8 sont des vues de dessus de l'engin de la figure 1 montrant les deux position extrêmes de la flèche dans son déplacement horizontal ;
• La figure 9 est une vue en perspective d'un engin de levage selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention ; et
• Les figures 10 à 15 sont des vues latérales de l'engin de la figure 9 dans différentes positions du mât et de la flèche.

Several non-limiting examples of embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of nonlimiting examples, with reference to the appended figures:

• The figure 1 is a perspective view of a hoist according to a first embodiment of the invention;
• The Figures 2 to 6 are side views of the craft of the figure 1 in different positions of the mast and the boom;
• The Figures 7 and 8 are top views of the craft of the figure 1 showing the two extreme positions of the arrow in its horizontal displacement;
• The figure 9 is a perspective view of a hoist according to a second embodiment of the invention; and
• The Figures 10 to 15 are side views of the craft of the figure 9 in different positions of the mast and the boom.

We first refer to Figures 1 to 8 which illustrate a first embodiment of the invention.

The hoist 1 illustrated on the figure 1 first comprises a frame 2. The frame 2 comprises a base portion 3 comprising a support plate 4 connected to two lateral arms 5, substantially parallel and spaced from one another, which can be telescopic to obtain of a variable wheelbase, and each provided at their free end with a wheel 6 resting on the ground.

The longitudinal direction x is defined as the direction in which the arms 5 extend, and the transverse direction y as the horizontal direction perpendicular to x. The vertical direction will be noted z.

A steerable drive wheel 7 is connected to the support plate 4, on the opposite side to the rollers 6, the wheel 7 being operable by an operator via an actuating arm 8 provided with a handle 9 carrying control devices (keyboard, buttons) not shown.

On the support plate 4 are placed different functional elements of the hoist 1 and for example: batteries 10, a device for charging the batteries, a control panel, etc. Weighting weights 11 may also be arranged, as required, on the support plate 4.

The frame 2 also comprises a mast 12 having a vertical axis 13. In the embodiment shown, the mast 12 comprises a first portion 14 secured to the support plate 4 and a second portion 15, both of square cross section. The second portion 15 has dimensions smaller than those of the first portion 14 and is slidably engaged therein along the axis 13, so that the mast 12 is telescopic.

On the upper part of the second part 15 of the mast 12 is mounted an intermediate piece 16. It comprises two identical flanges 17, extending in the plane (x, z), spaced from one another according to the direction y, and fixed to each other, for example at least by a transverse rod 18. The intermediate part 16 comprises a portion in console relative to the mast 12, located on the side of the rollers 6. In the embodiment shown, each flange 17 has a curved shape, in stock, the console portion extending generally vertically and downwards, but being located at a distance from the support plate 4. For example, the lower end of the intermediate part 16 is located at a distance of 1 m from the support plate 4.

The intermediate piece 16 is mounted on the second portion 15 of the mast 12 pivotally about the axis 13, and by any suitable means (bearing, bearing, etc.). The angular amplitude of this movement is limited from -α to + α with respect to the longitudinal direction x, α being of the order of 5 to 10 ° (see Figures 7 and 8 ).

The hoist 1 finally comprises an arrow 19, with axis 20, located above the intermediate part 16. The boom 19 is advantageously telescopic and can thus comprise a first arm 21 associated with the mast 12 as described herein. -after, and a second arm 22, both of square cross section. The second arm 22 has dimensions smaller than those of the first arm 21 and is slidably engaged thereto along the axis 20. At the free end of the second arm 22 is placed a hook 23 making it possible to grip an object to be raised and / or moved. The hook may be orientable and / or disposed at the end of the cable of a winch.

The link between the boom 19 and the mast 12 is now described.

On the one hand, the first arm 21 is pivotally mounted relative to the intermediate part 16 about an axis 24 perpendicular to the axis 20 of the boom 19 and located in the upper part of the intermediate part 16. This axis 24 can be formed by a transverse rod extending between the two flanges 17 and cooperating with two orifices each formed in a side lug 25 secured to the first arm 21. The axis 24 is secant with the axis 13 of the mast 12 or at least very close thereto.

On the other hand, the first arm 21 of the boom 19 is associated with the intermediate piece 16 by means of a jack 26. A first end of the jack 26 is fixed to the first arm 21, about an axis 27 of parallel pivoting to the axis 24, at two lateral tabs 28 secured to the first arm 21. A second end of the cylinder 26 is fixed to the intermediate part 16, at the lower end of the console part, about an axis 29 pivoting parallel to the axis 24. The jack 26 is housed, at its lower part, between the flanges 17.

The first arm 21 of the boom 19 is arranged, in the longitudinal direction and with respect to the frame 2, so that its two ends are substantially at the ends of the frame 2 (see FIG. figure 2 ). In addition, the jack 26, located under the boom 19, is inclined upwardly towards the free end of the boom 19.

We refer to Figures 2 to 6 to describe a first series of possible motions for the moving parts of the hoist 1. In these figures, the boom 19 is positioned so that its axis 20 is substantially parallel to the x axis, the boom being able to pivot in a vertical plane (x, z).

On the figure 2 , the mast 12 is in the retracted position, as is the jack 26. The boom 19 is therefore in its most lowered position, and the most inclined towards the ground: For example, in lateral view, it forms with the horizontal a angle can vary between 20 and 40 ° depending on the geometry and dimensions of the various components of the machine 1.

When you want to grab an object on the ground, it is possible, from the position of the figure 2 , deploy the boom 19 until the second arm 22 is fully extended. The hook 23 is then as close to the ground as possible ( figure 3 ). If necessary, a short cable may be provided to allow the hook 23 to reach ground level.

Can then deploy the cylinder 26 so as to rotate the boom 19 about the axis 24. When the cylinder is fully deployed, it is substantially vertical ( figure 4 ). When in addition we deploy the mast 12, we obtain the highest possible position for the hook 23 ( figure 5 ). The cylinder 26 can then be returned to its retracted position to lower the hook 23. Of course, these different movements can be performed independently from each other and in any order, as needed. In particular, these movements can be judiciously combined to allow an almost vertical lifting of the object.

In combination with the aforesaid movements, the boom may further pivot about the axis 13 of the mast 12, as shown in FIGS. Figures 7 and 8 . The axis x corresponds to the median position of the arrow 19, the latter being able to pivot by an angle α on either side of this axis x. With this arrangement, it is possible to enter an object by the hook 23 even when the machine 1 is not perfectly positioned relative to this object in the direction y. Indeed, the pivoting of the boom 19 may allow to have a certain tolerance as to the accuracy of the positioning of the machine 1 and to compensate for an approximate positioning without it being necessary for the operator to move the machine 1 as a whole.

We now refer to Figures 9 to 15 which illustrate a second embodiment of the invention.

As for the first embodiment, the hoist 1 comprises a frame 2 comprising a base portion 3 formed of a support plate 4 connected to two lateral arms 5 provided with a wheel 6. There is also the wheel 7, the actuating arm 8 and the handle 9.

• deux ailes 32 solidaires de la plaque de support 4, formant la première partie du mât 30. Chaque aile 32 se présente comme un U et forme une glissière U. Les ailes 32 sont verticales et généralement situées dans un plan (x, z), les deux ailes étant écartées l'une de l'autre selon la direction y ;
• deux plaques 33 sensiblement verticales, coulissant chacune dans une aile 32, reliées par des traverses 34, et formant la deuxième partie du mât 30.

The chassis 2 also comprises a mast 30 having a vertical axis 31. The mast 30 is telescopic and consists of:

• two wings 32 secured to the support plate 4, forming the first part of the mast 30. Each wing 32 is in the form of a U and forms a slide U. The wings 32 are vertical and generally located in a plane (x, z), the two wings being spaced apart from each other in the direction y;
• two plates 33 substantially vertical, each sliding in a wing 32, connected by cross members 34, and forming the second part of the mast 30.

An intermediate piece 35 is associated with the upper part of the plates 33. This intermediate piece 35 comprises a frame having two vertical uprights 36 parallel to the plates 33 connected by transverse connecting elements 37 mounted to slide each on a crosspiece 34. Thus, the piece intermediate 35 is movable in translation relative to the mast 30, in the direction y, with an amplitude of about 100 mm on either side of a median position.

On the frame is fixed a console portion 38 extending above the mast 30, substantially parallel to a plane (x, z), being inclined from the bottom upwards towards the actuating arm 8. This part in console 38 comprises two identical flanges 39 spaced apart from each other in the y direction, and fixed to one another, by a wall 40 forming a spacer.

The hoist 1 finally comprises an arrow 19, axis 20 substantially parallel to x, passing through the opening defined by the frame of the intermediate piece 35, thus disposed under the console part 38. Advantageously, the arrow 19 here also comprises a first arm 21 in which slides longitudinally a second arm 22 at the end of which is placed a hook 23.

The first arm 21 of the boom 19 is pivotally mounted relative to the uprights 36 of the frame of the intermediate piece 35 about an axis 41 parallel to y. This axis 41 is for example formed by a transverse rod integral with these uprights 36 and passing through the arrow 19. The axis 41 is secant with the axis 31 of the mast 30 or at least very close thereto. In addition, the first arm 21 of the boom 19 is associated with the intermediate piece 35, more precisely with the console portion 38, by means of a jack 42. A first end of the jack 42 is fixed to the first arm 21, around a pivot axis 43 parallel to y, at two lateral lugs 44 integral with the first arm 21. A second end of the cylinder 42 is fixed to the wall 40 about a pivot axis 29 parallel to y. The jack 42 is housed, at its upper part, between the flanges 39.

The first arm 21 of the boom 19 is arranged, in the longitudinal direction and with respect to the frame 2, so that its two ends are substantially at the ends of the frame 2 (see FIG. figure 10 ). In addition, the jack 42, located above the arrow 19, is inclined upwards towards the free end of the boom 19.

We refer to Figures 10 to 15 which illustrate different possible positions for the moving parts of the hoist 1, the boom being pivotable in a vertical plane (x, z).

On the Figures 10 to 12 , the mast 30 is deployed. The cylinder 42 being partially deployed, the arrow 19 is substantially horizontal and can itself be retracted ( figure 10 ) or deployed ( figure 11 ). By complete deployment of the jack 42, the boom 19 can be pivoted to raise the hook 23.

When the mast 30 is retracted ( Figures 13 to 15 ), the jack 42 can be retracted to bring the hook 23 at ground level ( figure 15 ).

• la dissociation des fonctions de rotation ou de translation de la flèche, d'inclinaison et de déploiement de celle-ci, et de la fonction de déploiement du mât, permettant une grande flexibilité de mouvements ;
• l'encombrement limité, tout en offrant un champ d'action important sans coût excessif, du fait de l'emploi d'un vérin plus court ;
• la possibilité d'effectuer des manoeuvres précises sans avoir à déplacer la totalité de l'engin.

Among the advantages of the invention are:

• separating the functions of rotation or translation of the boom, tilt and deployment thereof, and the deployment function of the mast, allowing great flexibility of movement;
• limited footprint, while offering a large scope without excessive cost, because of the use of a shorter cylinder;
• the ability to perform precise maneuvers without having to move the entire machine.

It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above as examples but that it encompasses all variants.

Claims (9)

1. Lifting device comprising:

   - a chassis (2) comprising a base part (3) resting on the ground and secured to a mast (12, 30) of substantially vertical axis (13, 31);

   - a jib (19), associated with the chassis (2) via connecting means allowing the jib (19) to pivot with respect to the chassis (2) in a substantially vertical plane;

   the connecting means comprising an actuating cylinder (26, 42) a first end of which is fixed to the jib (19) and, also,
   an intermediate component (16, 35) mounted on the upper part of the mast (12, 30), the jib (19) being mounted such that it can pivot with respect to the said intermediate component (16, 35) about a substantially horizontal and transverse pivot axis (24, 41), and the second end of the actuating cylinder (26, 42) being fixed to the said intermediate component (16, 35) some distance from the base part (3) of the chassis (2) in a vertical direction;
   characterized in that the intermediate component (16, 35) comprises a portion (38) that is bracket-like in relation to the mast (12, 30) and to which the second end of the actuating cylinder (26, 42) is attached, this bracket portion running substantially parallel to a vertical plane containing the jib, and in that the intermediate component (16, 35) has at least one degree of freedom in a horizontal plane in relation to the upper part of the mast (12, 30).
2. Lifting device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the intermediate component (16) is mounted on the upper part of the mast (12) such that it is able to rotate about a vertical axis (13).
3. Lifting device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the intermediate component (35) is mounted on the upper part of the mast (30) such that it is able to move in horizontal translation substantially parallel to the axis (41) of pivoting of the jib (19).
4. Lifting device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the intermediate component (35) comprises a frame mounted such that it can slide on at least one crossmember (34) secured to the upper part of the mast (30), the frame comprising two vertical uprights (36) and defining an opening through which the jib (19) passes, the jib (19) being mounted such that it can pivot about an axis (41) secured to the two uprights (36) and transverse thereto.
5. Lifting device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the axis (24, 41) of pivoting of the jib (19) and the axis of the mast (13, 31) are substantially secant.
6. Lifting device according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the intermediate component (16, 35) comprises two flanges (17, 39) joined rigidly together, and between which the actuating cylinder (26, 42) is at least partially housed.
7. Lifting device according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the actuating cylinder (26, 42) is inclined, from its first end towards its second end, in the direction of the axis (24, 41) of pivoting of the jib (19).
8. Lifting device according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the mast (12, 30) is telescopic and has a first part (14, 32) secured to the base part (3) of the chassis (2) and a second part (15, 33) associated with the first part (14, 32) such that it can slide vertically, the intermediate component (16, 35) being mounted on the upper part of the second part (15, 33) of the mast (12, 30).
9. Lifting device according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the jib (19) is telescopic and comprises a first arm (21) associated with the chassis (2) via the connecting means and a second arm (22) associated with the first arm (21) such that it can slide longitudinally.

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