EP3722245A1 - System and method for remote adjustment of a voltage in a cable dispenser for a crane - Google Patents

Abstract

Tension adjustment system for remote adjustment of a tension in a distributor cable (9) ensuring movement of a distributor trolley (1) along a crane boom, comprising: - a winch equipped with a motor cooperating with the cable to ensure a movement of the carriage; - a control unit connected to the motor to control a movement of the carriage; - a mechanical adjustment device (2) mounted on the carriage and which can be actuated under the action of movement of the carriage, this mechanical device being coupled to the cable and configurable between: - a working configuration in which the mechanical device is fixed regardless of the movement of the carriage and provides tension maintenance in the cable; and a relaxation configuration in which, under the action of a movement of the carriage controlled by the control unit according to a first reciprocating movement sequence, the mechanical device provides a release of the tension in the cable.

Description

The invention relates to a tension adjustment system for remote adjustment of a tension in a distributor cable providing movement of a distributor cart movable along a distributor boom of a crane.

It also relates to a crane, such as a tower crane, comprising such a tension adjustment system, as well as to an associated tension adjustment method.

In the field of cranes, it is known to use a tension adjustment system comprising a distribution winch equipped with a distribution motor and cooperating with the distribution cable to ensure movement of the distribution trolley, and a mechanical adjustment device. mounted on the distributor trolley and coupled to the distributor cable to provide an adjustment of the tension of the distributor cable, where this mechanical adjustment device comprises a main drum rotatably mounted on the distributor trolley and around which the distributor cable is partially wound so that, on the one hand, a rotation of the main drum in the first direction causes unwinding of the distributor cable resulting in a release of the tension in the distributor cable and that, on the other hand, a rotation of the main drum in the second direction, opposite to the first direction, causes a winding of the distributor cable resulting in an increase in the tension in the cable th distributor. It is also known to use a locking system provided with a toothed wheel integral in rotation with the drum and a pawl mounted to pivot and capable of locking in the notches of the toothed wheel to prevent the rotation of the main drum in the first direction. , while allowing the rotation of the main drum in the second direction.

The distributor cable generally has a great length, which can exceed one hundred meters depending on the length of the boom, which helps the distributor cable to stretch during the time of its use, so that it is essential to retension this distributor cable. regularly. Generally, it is necessary to carry out this re-tensioning of the distribution cable about two to three times during the first month of use of the crane, then approximately once per quarter.

This tensioning of the distributor cable is in fact necessary to ensure proper operation of the translation of the distributor trolley which does not accept having a relaxed distributor cable, because a cable slack safety system would come into action and block the trolley in safety position in accordance with classical safety requirements, and in particular with the indications of European standard EN 14439 on "suspended load lifting devices - safety - tower cranes".

This tensioning of the distributor cable is also necessary to guarantee responsive operation of the translation of the distributor trolley and precise positioning of the distributor trolley on the boom. In fact, at each movement impulse, the distributor trolley reacts faster when the distributor cable is sufficiently stretched because there will be little or no slack in the cable to recover.

Conventionally, this tensioning operation (or retensioning operation) consists in rotating the main drum of the mechanical adjustment device in the second direction of rotation, the pawl of the locking system then passing from notch to notch in the ferret to tension measurement. To turn the main drum of the mechanical adjustment device, provision is now made to do so manually by means of a specific operating key handled by an operator placed on the boom. Such an operating key is generally long enough, for example between 70 and 120 centimeters, so that the operator can exert sufficient force to tighten the distribution cable. This operation of tensioning the distribution cable constitutes a dangerous maneuver to be carried out at height on the boom of the crane and adds an additional cost of operating the crane.

In addition, when dismantling the crane, it is necessary to relax the distribution cable. Conventionally, this expansion operation consists in rotating the main drum of the mechanical adjustment device according to the first direction of rotation, after having disengaged the pawl from the toothed wheel. To perform this triggering operation, it is now planned to do it manually using the same operating key, by turning the main drum slightly with this operating key in the second direction of rotation to release the pawl from its sound. notch, then by completely disengaging the ratchet either by hand or by means of pliers, while keeping the main drum stationary by holding the operating key, then finally releasing the operating key, without releasing it , to leave the main drum free to rotate in the first direction of rotation under the effect of the intrinsic tension in the distributor cable. This operation of relaxing the distributor cable is also a dangerous maneuver to be carried out in height over the boom of the crane and also adds an additional cost of operating the crane.

The object of the present invention is to resolve all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks, by proposing a system for adjusting the tension of a distributor cable which allows the distributor cable to be released from a distance, therefore without the need for manual intervention during the operation where forces are involved, thus helping to improve safety during dismantling of the crane.

Another object of the invention is to provide a solution which makes it possible to automate the expansion operation, either autonomously or by direct control by the operator of the crane.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tension adjustment system which also allows the distribution cable to be tensioned from a distance, so again without the need for manual intervention during the operation where forces are in force. Game.

Another object of the invention is to control, during a remote tensioning operation, the tension within a predefined tension value interval, in order to guarantee a controlled tension and to avoid free will of an operator.

• un treuil de distribution équipé d'un moteur de distribution et coopérant avec le câble distributeur pour assurer un déplacement du chariot distributeur dans un sens avant et dans un sens arrière ;
• une unité de pilotage raccordée au moteur de distribution pour piloter à distance un déplacement du chariot distributeur dans le sens avant et dans le sens arrière ; et
• un dispositif mécanique de réglage monté sur le chariot distributeur et pouvant être actionné sous l'action d'un déplacement du chariot distributeur, ledit dispositif mécanique de réglage étant couplé au câble distributeur et configurable entre :
  • une configuration de travail dans laquelle le dispositif mécanique de réglage est figé quel que soit le déplacement du chariot distributeur et procure un maintien de la tension dans le câble distributeur; et
  • une configuration de détente dans laquelle, sous l'action d'un déplacement du chariot distributeur piloté par l'unité de pilotage selon une première séquence de déplacement prédéfinie en va-et-vient entre le sens avant et le sens arrière, le dispositif mécanique de réglage procure un relâchement de la tension dans le câble distributeur.

Also, the invention proposes a tension adjustment system for remote adjustment of a tension in a distributor cable ensuring movement of a distributor trolley movable along a distributor boom of a crane, said adjustment system voltage including:

• a distribution winch equipped with a distribution motor and cooperating with the distributor cable to ensure movement of the distributor carriage in a forward direction and in a rearward direction;
• a control unit connected to the distribution motor to remotely control a movement of the distributor carriage in the forward direction and in the rear direction; and
• a mechanical adjustment device mounted on the distributor trolley and able to be actuated under the action of a movement of the distributor trolley, said mechanical adjustment device being coupled to the distributor cable and configurable between:
  • a working configuration in which the mechanical adjustment device is fixed regardless of the movement of the distributor carriage and provides tension maintenance in the distributor cable; and
  • a relaxation configuration in which, under the action of a movement of the distributor carriage controlled by the control unit according to a first predefined movement sequence back and forth between the forward direction and the rear direction, the mechanical device adjustment provides a release of tension in the distributor cable.

The invention therefore proposes to remotely control the movement of the distributor trolley, and it is this movement which will act on the mechanical adjustment device to cooperate with the distributor cable and provide a release of the tension in the distributor cable, in other words a relaxation. Thus, and as described later, such a tension adjustment system, when the mechanical adjustment device is in the expansion configuration, allows the distributor cable to be relaxed remotely, possibly in an automated manner, by moving the distributor trolley which acts on it. this mechanical adjustment device.

In a particular embodiment, the mechanical adjustment device can also be configured in a tension configuration in which, under the action of a movement of the distributor carriage controlled by the control unit according to a second predefined movement sequence back and forth -Comes between the forward direction and the reverse direction, the mechanical adjustment device provides an increase in the tension in the distributor cable.

Thus, this embodiment still proposes to remotely control the movement of the distributor trolley, but this time this movement will act on the mechanical adjustment device to cooperate with the distributor cable and provide an increase in the tension in the distributor cable, in other words a setting. in tension. Thus, in this embodiment, the tension adjustment system, when the mechanical adjustment device is in the tension configuration, makes it possible to tension remotely, possibly in an automated manner, the distributor cable by moving the distributor trolley which acts on this device. mechanical adjustment.

In summary, this tension adjustment system is automated to facilitate the implementation by the crane operator, guarantee the correct maneuvers and their precision, and allow to have a controlled repeatability of the sequences and of the relaxation and retensioning forces put into the machine. distribution cable (s).

This embodiment also makes it possible to automatically update the “zero range” of the dispenser trolley which corresponds to the reference position of the dispenser trolley to determine its position along the boom, after retention.

According to one characteristic, the control unit comprises an autopilot module configured to automatically implement the first movement sequence once the mechanical adjustment device is in the relaxation configuration in order to automatically implement a release of the tension. in the distributor cable.

Thus, with this self-piloting module, the trigger operation is done automatically, without human action during the operation, the module autopilot following a dedicated piloting program which can implement several first successive movement sequences to relax increment by increment.

According to one possibility, the autopilot module is configured to automatically implement the second movement sequence once the mechanical adjuster is in the tension configuration to automatically implement an increase in tension in the distributor cable.

Thus, with this autopilot module, the tensioning operation is done automatically, without human action during the operation, the autopilot module following a dedicated piloting program which can implement several second sequences of successive movements to retension increment by increment.

According to another possibility, the mechanical adjustment device comprises a safety device connected to the control unit and able to be manipulated between an operating configuration preventing the first movement sequence and allowing the second movement sequence, and an assembly configuration allowing both the first reciprocating sequence and the second moving sequence.

Thus, the mechanical adjustment device is secured by an intervention on the safety device to switch from a tensioning operation to an expansion operation and vice versa, the tensioning being preferably accessible to the crane assembler. and to the crane operator (tensioning being necessary when assembling the crane and in operation once mounted), while the trigger is only accessible to the crane installer (the trigger is only necessary when dismantling the crane. crane).

• soit pour actionner ledit mécanisme principal dans le premier sens pour un relâchement de la tension dans le câble distributeur après un déverrouillage du mécanisme principal par ledit mécanisme secondaire ;
• soit pour actionner ledit mécanisme principal dans le second sens pour un accroissement de la tension dans le câble distributeur lorsque le dispositif mécanique de réglage est en configuration de tension.

According to another possibility, the mechanical adjustment device comprises a main mechanism coupled to the distributor cable and operable in a first direction for a release of the tension in the distributor cable and in a second direction for an increase in the tension in the distributor cable, this main mechanism being configurable between a locked configuration suitable for preventing actuation in the first direction and allowing actuation in the second direction, and an unlocked configuration suitable for authorizing actuation in the second direction under the effect of the voltage in the distributor cable,
and in which the mechanical adjustment device further comprises a secondary mechanism cooperating with the main mechanism under the action of a movement of the distributor carriage controlled by the control unit,

• either to actuate said main mechanism in the first direction for a release of the tension in the distributor cable after an unlocking of the main mechanism by said secondary mechanism;
• or to actuate said main mechanism in the second direction for an increase in the tension in the distributor cable when the mechanical adjustment device is in the tension configuration.

• la configuration de détente dans laquelle, sous l'action d'un déplacement du chariot distributeur piloté par l'unité de pilotage selon la première séquence de déplacement, le mécanisme secondaire est apte à agir sur le mécanisme principal pour le faire passer d'une configuration verrouillée vers une configuration déverrouillée et pour autoriser un actionnement du mécanisme principal dans le premier sens pour un relâchement de la tension dans le câble distributeur jusqu'à un retour en configuration verrouillée ;
• la configuration de tension dans laquelle, sous l'effet d'un déplacement du chariot distributeur piloté par l'unité de pilotage selon la seconde séquence de déplacement, le mécanisme secondaire est apte à actionner le mécanisme principal dans le second sens pour un accroissement de la tension dans le câble distributeur.

In a particular embodiment, the secondary mechanism can be configured between:

• the trigger configuration in which, under the action of a movement of the dispensing carriage controlled by the control unit according to the first movement sequence, the secondary mechanism is able to act on the main mechanism to make it pass from one locked configuration to an unlocked configuration and to allow actuation of the main mechanism in the first direction for a release of tension in the distributor cable until a return to the locked configuration;
• the voltage configuration in which, under the effect of a movement of the distributor carriage controlled by the control unit according to the second movement sequence, the secondary mechanism is able to actuate the main mechanism in the second direction for an increase in the tension in the distributor cable.

• la configuration verrouillée dans laquelle le système de blocage principal est engagé avec le tambour principal pour interdire la rotation du tambour principal dans le premier sens et autoriser la rotation du tambour principal dans le second sens; et
• la configuration déverrouillée dans lequel le système de blocage principal est dégagé du tambour principal pour autoriser la rotation du tambour principal dans le premier sens.

According to one possibility, the main mechanism comprises a main drum mounted to rotate along a main axis and around which the distributor cable is partially wound so that, on the one hand, a rotation of the main drum in the first direction causes unwinding of the distributor cable. resulting in a release of the tension in the distribution cable and that, on the other hand, a rotation of the main drum in the second direction, opposite to the first direction, causes a winding of the distribution cable resulting in an increase in the tension in the distributor cable;
and wherein the main mechanism further comprises a main locking system movable between:

• the locked configuration in which the main locking system is engaged with the main drum to prevent rotation of the main drum in the first direction and allow rotation of the main drum in the second direction; and
• the unlocked configuration in which the main locking system is released from the main drum to allow rotation of the main drum in the first direction.

• un brin avant muni d'une première extrémité fixée et enroulée sur le tambour principal et une seconde extrémité opposée fixée sur un premier côté d'un tambour de distribution du treuil de distribution entraîné en rotation par le moteur de distribution, où ce brin avant passant par au moins une poulie avant de renvoi disposée en pointe de la flèche distributrice ; et
• un brin arrière muni d'une première extrémité fixée sur le chariot distributeur et une seconde extrémité opposée fixée sur un second côté du tambour de distribution, ce brin arrière passant par au moins une poulie arrière de renvoi disposée au pied de la flèche distributrice.

According to one variant, the distributor cable has:

• a front strand with a first end fixed and wound on the drum main and a second opposite end fixed to a first side of a distribution drum of the distribution winch driven in rotation by the distribution motor, where this front strand passing through at least one forward return pulley arranged at the tip of the distribution boom ; and
• a rear strand provided with a first end fixed on the dispensing carriage and an opposite second end fixed on a second side of the dispensing drum, this rear strand passing through at least one rear return pulley arranged at the foot of the dispensing boom.

• une roue crantée solidaire en rotation du tambour principal et munie en périphérie d'une succession de crans de type cran unidirectionnel ;
• un cliquet principal monté pivotant et propre à se bloquer dans les crans de la roue crantée pour interdire la rotation du tambour principal selon le premier sens, tout en autorisant la rotation du tambour principal selon le second sens ; et
• un moyen de rappel principal sollicitant le cliquet principal vers une position de blocage dans les crans de la roue crantée.

According to one characteristic, the main locking system comprises:

• a toothed wheel integral in rotation with the main drum and provided at the periphery with a succession of notches of the unidirectional notch type;
• a main pawl mounted to pivot and able to lock in the notches of the toothed wheel to prevent rotation of the main drum in the first direction, while allowing rotation of the main drum in the second direction; and
• a main return means urging the main pawl towards a locking position in the notches of the toothed wheel.

• un levier secondaire monté pivotant autour de l'axe principal et muni d'une tête dépassant de la roue crantée, et ledit levier secondaire étant couplé à un moyen de rappel arrière qui sollicite le levier secondaire vers l'arrière ;
• un moyen de guidage secondaire monté sur la tête ;
• un cliquet secondaire monté pivotant sur la tête du levier secondaire et apte à venir en engagement avec les crans de la roue crantée pour agir en rotation sur cette roue crantée ;
• une came secondaire montée pivotante et présentant une surface de came, ladite came secondaire étant couplé au cliquet principal via un moyen de couplage, et ladite came secondaire étant couplée à un moyen de rappel de came qui sollicite la came secondaire vers une position neutre ;
• un moyen de rappel secondaire monté entre le levier secondaire et le cliquet secondaire, ledit moyen de rappel secondaire étant configurable entre :
  • une première configuration associée à la configuration de détente du dispositif mécanique de réglage, dans laquelle le moyen de rappel secondaire sollicite le cliquet secondaire vers un désengagement vis-à-vis de la roue crantée ; et
  • une seconde configuration associée à la configuration de tension du dispositif mécanique de réglage, dans laquelle le moyen de rappel secondaire sollicite le cliquet secondaire vers un engagement dans les crans de la roue crantée.

According to another characteristic, the secondary mechanism comprises:

• a secondary lever mounted to pivot about the main axis and provided with a head projecting from the toothed wheel, and said secondary lever being coupled to a rear return means which urges the secondary lever backwards;
• a secondary guide means mounted on the head;
• a secondary pawl pivotally mounted on the head of the secondary lever and able to come into engagement with the notches of the toothed wheel to act in rotation on this toothed wheel;
• a secondary cam pivotably mounted and having a cam surface, said secondary cam being coupled to the primary pawl via coupling means, and said secondary cam being coupled to cam return means which biases the secondary cam to a neutral position;
• a secondary return means mounted between the secondary lever and the secondary pawl, said secondary return means being configurable between:
  • a first configuration associated with the relaxation configuration of the mechanical adjustment device, in which the secondary return means urges the secondary pawl towards a disengagement with respect to the toothed wheel; and
  • a second configuration associated with the tension configuration of the mechanical adjustment device, in which the secondary return means urges the secondary pawl towards engagement in the notches of the toothed wheel.

Advantageously, the secondary mechanism comprises a means for adjusting the return force exerted by the rear return means on the secondary lever.

Such an adjustment means in fact makes it possible to be able to adjust the return force on the secondary lever, and therefore the pushing force of the secondary lever on the toothed wheel to rotate the main drum in the second direction of rotation (direction of rotation). tensioning).

In a particular embodiment, in the relaxation configuration of the mechanical adjustment device, the tension adjustment system further comprises a first stop element which is static relative to the dispensing carriage and which is shaped to cooperate with the mechanical control device. adjustment under the action of a movement of the distributor carriage according to the first movement sequence.

Thus, the movement of the dispenser carriage necessarily requires a movement of the mechanical adjustment device which is mounted on the dispenser carriage, so that in the expansion operation and by moving this dispenser carriage according to the first sequence, the mechanical adjustment device will cooperate with the first static stop element to act on the distributor cable and provide release of the tension in the distributor cable.

According to one possibility, the first stop element has a front stop and a rear stop which extend opposite to surround the secondary guide means.

According to one variant, the first stop element has the general shape of an upturned “U”.

• (1-a) un déplacement du chariot distributeur dans le sens avant est apte à procurer les phases successives suivantes :
  • le levier secondaire pivote vers l'arrière, sous l'effet du moyen de rappel arrière, jusqu'à ce que le cliquet secondaire, qui est en désengagement vis-à-vis de la roue crantée, vienne en appui sur la surface de came de la came secondaire, ladite came secondaire étant en position neutre ; puis
  • la butée arrière du premier élément de butée quitte l'appui sur le moyen de guidage secondaire et la butée avant vient ensuite en appui sur le moyen de guidage secondaire, ce qui fait à nouveau pivoter le levier secondaire vers l'arrière, concomitamment à un pivotement du cliquet secondaire en direction de la roue crantée, ledit cliquet secondaire étant guidé sur la surface de came de la came secondaire, jusqu'à ce que le cliquet secondaire vienne en appui contre la roue crantée avant de s'engager et se bloquer en fond d'un cran secondaire de la roue crantée ;
  • le levier secondaire finit de pivoter vers l'arrière, entraînant une poussée du cliquet secondaire dans le cran secondaire qui fait tourner la roue crantée selon le second sens, libérant ainsi le cliquet principal du cran principal de départ dans lequel il était engagé, et l'appui du cliquet secondaire sur la came secondaire entraîne le pivotement de la came secondaire selon un sens d'ouverture à l'encontre du moyen de rappel de came, et cette came secondaire en tournant fait pivoter le cliquet principal, via le moyen de couplage, de sorte que le cliquet principal préalablement libéré s'écarte de la roue crantée jusqu'à ce que le système de blocage principal soit en configuration déverrouillée ;
  et ensuite
• (1-b) un déplacement du chariot distributeur dans le sens arrière est apte à procurer les phases successives suivantes :
  • le tambour principal et la roue crantée pivotent dans le premier sens sous l'effet d'un effort exercé par le câble distributeur sur le tambour principal, provoquant le pivotement du levier secondaire vers l'avant, le moyen de rappel arrière ne s'opposant pas à ce pivotement vers l'avant du levier secondaire et le moyen de guidage secondaire restant au contact de la butée avant du premier élément de butée ; et
  • concomitamment au pivotement du levier secondaire vers l'arrière, la came secondaire pivote selon un sens de fermeture, opposée au sens d'ouverture, sous l'effet du moyen de rappel de came, ce qui laisse le cliquet principal revenir au contact de la roue crantée sous l'effet du moyen de rappel principal, jusqu'à ce que ledit cliquet principal soit en prise avec un cran principal de fin situé après le cran principal de départ selon le premier sens, pour un relâchement de la tension dans le câble distributeur; puis
  • la butée avant du premier élément de butée quitte l'appui sur le moyen de guidage secondaire et la butée arrière du premier élément de butée vient ensuite en appui sur le moyen de guidage secondaire, ce qui fait à nouveau pivoter le levier secondaire vers l'arrière jusqu'à ce que le cliquet secondaire se désengage vis-à-vis de la roue crantée sous l'effet du moyen de rappel secondaire pour un retour dans une situation de départ.

According to another possibility, starting from a starting situation in which the main pawl is engaged in a main starting notch of the toothed wheel and the secondary lever is tilted forward, against the rear return means , by means of a support of the secondary guide means on the rear stop of the first stop element,
the mechanical adjustment device is able to provide a release of the tension in the distributor cable under the action of a movement of the distributor carriage according to the first movement sequence, as follows:

• (1-a) movement of the distributor carriage in the forward direction is able to provide the following successive phases:
  • the secondary lever pivots rearward, under the effect of the rear return means, until the secondary pawl, which is in disengagement with respect to the toothed wheel, comes to rest on the cam surface of the secondary cam, said cam secondary being in neutral position; then
  • the rear stop of the first stop element leaves the support on the secondary guide means and the front stop then comes to bear on the secondary guide means, which again causes the secondary lever to pivot backwards, concomitantly with a pivoting of the secondary pawl in the direction of the toothed wheel, said secondary pawl being guided on the cam surface of the secondary cam, until the secondary pawl comes to rest against the toothed wheel before engaging and locking in bottom of a secondary notch of the toothed wheel;
  • the secondary lever finishes pivoting backwards, causing the secondary pawl to push into the secondary notch which rotates the toothed wheel in the second direction, thus freeing the main pawl from the main starting notch in which it was engaged, and 'pressing the secondary pawl on the secondary cam causes the secondary cam to pivot in an opening direction against the cam return means, and this secondary cam by turning causes the main pawl to pivot, via the coupling means , so that the previously released main pawl moves away from the toothed wheel until the main locking system is in the unlocked configuration;
  and then
• (1-b) movement of the distributor carriage in the rear direction is capable of providing the following successive phases:
  • the main drum and the toothed wheel pivot in the first direction under the effect of a force exerted by the distributor cable on the main drum, causing the secondary lever to pivot forward, the rear return means not opposing not to this forward pivoting of the secondary lever and the secondary guide means remaining in contact with the front stop of the first stop element; and
  • concomitantly with the pivoting of the secondary lever backwards, the secondary cam pivots in a closing direction, opposite to the opening direction, under the effect of the cam return means, which lets the main pawl return to contact with the toothed wheel under the effect of the main return means, until said main pawl engages with a main end notch located after the main starting notch in the first direction, for release of the tension in the cable distributor; then
  • the front stop of the first stop element leaves the support on the secondary guide means and the rear stop of the first stop element then comes to rest on the secondary guide means, which again causes the secondary lever to pivot towards rear until the secondary pawl disengages vis-à-vis the toothed wheel under the effect of the secondary return means for a return to a starting situation.

According to another possibility, the first stop element is fixed in a removable manner on the dispensing boom, in particular at the bottom of the boom, in order to be able to mount the first stop element in the detent configuration and to be able to remove the first stop element in the working configuration.

Thus, before initiating a relaxation operation, it is necessary to come and fix this first stop element, after having previously positioned the distributor carriage, and then the entire expansion operation is carried out remotely as described above.

In a particular embodiment, in the tension configuration of the mechanical adjustment device, the tension adjustment system further comprises a second stop element which is static relative to the dispensing carriage and which is shaped to cooperate with the mechanical adjustment device under the action of a movement of the dispensing carriage according to the second movement sequence.

Thus, in the tensioning operation and by moving the distributor trolley in the second sequence, the mechanical adjustment device will cooperate with the second static stop element to act on the distributor cable and provide the increase in tension in the cable. distributor.

According to one possibility, the second stop element has an inclined front face forming a ramp, extended by a longitudinal lower face.

• (2-a) un déplacement du chariot distributeur dans le sens arrière est apte à procurer les phases successives suivantes :
  • le moyen de guidage secondaire vient en appui sur la face avant inclinée du second élément de butée, faisant pivoter le levier secondaire vers l'avant, à l'encontre du moyen de rappel arrière, jusqu'à ce que le moyen de guidage secondaire soit appui sur la face inférieure longitudinale du second élément de butée ;
  • le pivotement du levier secondaire vers l'avant amène le cliquet secondaire, qui est sollicité contre la roue crantée par le moyen de rappel secondaire, à quitter un cran secondaire de départ pour passer dans un cran secondaire de fin situé avant le cran secondaire de départ selon le premier sens ;
  et ensuite
• (2-b) un déplacement du chariot distributeur dans le sens avant est apte à procurer les phases successives suivantes :
  • le moyen de guidage secondaire quitte l'appui sur la face inférieure longitudinale du second élément de butée, et vient en appui sur la face avant inclinée du second élément de butée, autorisant le levier secondaire à pivoter vers l'arrière sous l'effet du moyen de rappel arrière ;
  • le pivotement du levier secondaire vers l'arrière amène le cliquet secondaire à exercer une poussée dans le fond du cran secondaire de fin, provoquant une rotation de la roue crantée et du le tambour principal selon le second sens, et le cliquet principal quitte le cran principal de départ pour passer dans un cran principal de fin situé avant le cran principal de départ selon le premier sens, pour un accroissement de la tension dans le câble distributeur.

According to another possibility, the main pawl is engaged in a main starting notch of the toothed wheel, the mechanical adjustment device is able to provide an increase in the tension in the distributor cable under the action of a movement of the distributor carriage. according to the second movement sequence, as follows:

• (2-a) movement of the distributor carriage in the rear direction is capable of providing the following successive phases:
  • the secondary guide means bears on the inclined front face of the second stop element, causing the secondary lever to pivot forward, against the rear return means, until the secondary guide means is bearing on the longitudinal underside of the second stop element;
  • the pivoting of the secondary lever forwards causes the secondary pawl, which is urged against the toothed wheel by the secondary return means, to leave a secondary starting notch to pass into a secondary end notch located before the secondary starting notch according to the first meaning;
  and then
• (2-b) movement of the distributor carriage in the forward direction is able to provide the following successive phases:
  • the secondary guide means leaves the support on the longitudinal underside of the second stop element, and comes to rest on the inclined front face of the second stop element, allowing the secondary lever to pivot rearward under the effect of rear return means;
  • the pivoting of the secondary lever backwards causes the secondary pawl to exert a thrust in the bottom of the secondary end notch, causing a rotation of the toothed wheel and of the main drum in the second direction, and the main pawl leaves the notch main start to pass into a main end notch located before the main start notch in the first direction, for an increase in the tension in the distribution cable.

Advantageously, the second stop element is fixed in a removable manner on the dispensing boom, in particular at the bottom of the boom, in order to be able to mount said second stop element in the tension configuration and to be able to remove said second stop element in the configuration of work and in the relaxation setup.

Thus, before initiating a tensioning operation, this second stop element must be fixed, after having previously positioned the distributor carriage, and then the entire tensioning operation is carried out remotely as described above.

In a particular embodiment, the first stopper element and the second stopper element are mounted at the same location on the distributor boom in the detent configuration and in the tension configuration, respectively.

Advantageously, the tension adjustment system further comprises at least one sensor for measuring at least one of the following parameters: tension in the distributor cable, configuration of the mechanical adjustment device, position of the distributor carriage, position of a component. component of the mechanical adjustment device

One or more of these sensors will make it possible to secure and make the automation of the expansion operation and / or the tensioning operation more reliable.

The invention also relates to a crane provided with a distributor trolley movable along a distributor boom by means of a distributor cable, such a crane comprising a tension adjustment system according to the invention.

• une mise en configuration du dispositif mécanique de réglage dans la configuration de détente, suivi de
• un pilotage par l'unité de pilotage du déplacement du chariot distributeur selon la première séquence de déplacement pour agir sur le dispositif mécanique de réglage et procurer un relâchement de la tension dans le câble distributeur.

The invention also relates to a tension adjustment method for remote adjustment of a tension in a distributor cable providing a displacement. of a distributor trolley movable along a distributor boom of a crane as described above, such a method of tension adjustment implementing a relaxation operation for a release of the tension in the distributor cable and comprising :

• configuration of the mechanical adjustment device in the trigger configuration, followed by
• a control by the control unit of the movement of the distributor trolley according to the first movement sequence to act on the mechanical adjustment device and provide a release of the tension in the distributor cable.

According to one possibility, during the expansion operation, the control by the control unit of the movement of the distributor trolley according to the first movement sequence is implemented automatically by the autopilot module described above.

According to one possibility, during the expansion operation, the control by the control unit of the movement of the distributor trolley according to the first movement sequence implements several first successive movement sequences until the tension in the distributor cable goes below a predefined low threshold.

According to one possibility, during the expansion operation, provision is made for a verification of the configuration of the mechanical adjustment device in the expansion configuration, before starting the control by the control unit of the displacement of the distributor carriage according to the first movement sequence.

Advantageously, the verification of the configuration of the mechanical adjustment device in the expansion configuration is carried out by means of at least one sensor.

• (1-a) un déplacement du chariot distributeur dans le sens avant procure les phases successives suivantes :
  • le levier secondaire pivote vers l'arrière, sous l'effet du moyen de rappel arrière, jusqu'à ce que le cliquet secondaire, qui est en désengagement vis-à-vis de la roue crantée, vienne en appui sur la surface de came de la came secondaire, ladite came secondaire étant en position neutre ; puis
  • la butée arrière du premier élément de butée quitte l'appui sur le moyen de guidage secondaire et la butée avant vient ensuite en appui sur le moyen de guidage secondaire, ce qui fait à nouveau pivoter le levier secondaire vers l'arrière, concomitamment à un pivotement du cliquet secondaire en direction de la roue crantée, ledit cliquet secondaire étant guidé sur la surface de came de la came secondaire, jusqu'à ce que le cliquet secondaire vienne en appui contre la roue crantée avant de s'engager et se bloquer en fond d'un cran secondaire de la roue crantée ;
  • le levier secondaire finit de pivoter vers l'arrière, entraînant une poussée du cliquet secondaire dans le cran secondaire qui fait tourner la roue crantée selon le second sens, libérant ainsi le cliquet principal du cran principal de départ dans lequel il était engagé, et l'appui du cliquet secondaire sur la came secondaire entraîne le pivotement de la came secondaire selon un sens d'ouverture à l'encontre du moyen de rappel de came, et cette came secondaire en tournant fait pivoter le cliquet principal, via le moyen de couplage, de sorte que le cliquet principal préalablement libéré s'écarte de la roue crantée jusqu'à ce que le système de blocage principal soit en configuration déverrouillée ;
  et ensuite
• (1-b) un déplacement du chariot distributeur dans le sens arrière procure les phases successives suivantes :
  • le tambour principal et la roue crantée pivotent dans le premier sens sous l'effet d'un effort exercé par le câble distributeur sur le tambour principal, provoquant le pivotement du levier secondaire vers l'avant, le moyen de rappel arrière ne s'opposant pas à ce pivotement vers l'avant du levier secondaire et le moyen de guidage secondaire restant au contact de la butée avant du premier élément de butée ; et
  • concomitamment au pivotement du levier secondaire vers l'arrière, la came secondaire pivote selon un sens de fermeture, opposée au sens d'ouverture, sous l'effet du moyen de rappel de came, ce qui laisse le cliquet principal revenir au contact de la roue crantée sous l'effet du moyen de rappel principal, jusqu'à ce que ledit cliquet principal soit en prise avec un cran principal de fin situé après le cran principal de départ selon le premier sens, pour un relâchement de la tension dans le câble distributeur; puis
  • la butée avant du premier élément de butée quitte l'appui sur le moyen de guidage secondaire et la butée arrière du premier élément de butée vient ensuite en appui sur le moyen de guidage secondaire, ce qui fait à nouveau pivoter le levier secondaire vers l'arrière jusqu'à ce que le cliquet secondaire se désengage vis-à-vis de la roue crantée sous l'effet du moyen de rappel secondaire pour un retour dans une situation de départ.

According to one possibility, the tension adjustment method implements the control by the control unit of the movement of the distributor carriage according to the first movement sequence as follows:

• (1-a) a movement of the distributor carriage in the forward direction provides the following successive phases:
  • the secondary lever pivots rearward, under the effect of the rear return means, until the secondary pawl, which is in disengagement with respect to the toothed wheel, comes to rest on the cam surface of the secondary cam, said secondary cam being in the neutral position; then
  • the rear stop of the first stop element leaves the support on the secondary guide means and the front stop then comes to rest on the guide means secondary, which again rotates the secondary lever backwards, concomitantly with a pivoting of the secondary pawl in the direction of the toothed wheel, said secondary pawl being guided on the cam surface of the secondary cam, until the secondary pawl comes to rest against the toothed wheel before engaging and locking at the bottom of a secondary notch of the toothed wheel;
  • the secondary lever finishes pivoting backwards, causing the secondary pawl to push into the secondary notch which rotates the toothed wheel in the second direction, thus freeing the main pawl from the main starting notch in which it was engaged, and 'pressing the secondary pawl on the secondary cam causes the secondary cam to pivot in an opening direction against the cam return means, and this secondary cam by turning causes the main pawl to pivot, via the coupling means , so that the previously released main pawl moves away from the toothed wheel until the main locking system is in the unlocked configuration;
  and then
• (1-b) a movement of the distributor trolley in the rear direction provides the following successive phases:
  • the main drum and the toothed wheel pivot in the first direction under the effect of a force exerted by the distributor cable on the main drum, causing the secondary lever to pivot forward, the rear return means not opposing not to this forward pivoting of the secondary lever and the secondary guide means remaining in contact with the front stop of the first stop element; and
  • concomitantly with the pivoting of the secondary lever backwards, the secondary cam pivots in a closing direction, opposite to the opening direction, under the effect of the cam return means, which lets the main pawl return to contact with the toothed wheel under the effect of the main return means, until said main pawl engages with a main end notch located after the main starting notch in the first direction, for release of the tension in the cable distributor; then
  • the front stopper of the first stopper element leaves the support on the secondary guide means and the rear stopper of the first stopper element then comes to rest on the secondary guide means, which again causes the secondary lever to pivot towards the rear until the secondary pawl disengages vis-à-vis the toothed wheel under the effect of the secondary return means for a return to a starting situation.

• une mise en configuration du dispositif mécanique de réglage dans la configuration de tension, suivi de
• un pilotage par l'unité de pilotage du déplacement du chariot distributeur selon la seconde séquence de déplacement pour agir sur le dispositif mécanique de réglage et procurer un accroissement de la tension dans le câble distributeur.

In a particular embodiment, the tension adjustment method implements a tensioning operation for an increase in the tension in the distributor cable and comprising:

• configuration of the mechanical adjustment device in the voltage configuration, followed by
• a control by the control unit of the movement of the distributor carriage according to the second movement sequence to act on the mechanical adjustment device and provide an increase in the tension in the distributor cable.

According to one possibility, during the tensioning operation, the control by the control unit of the movement of the distributor carriage according to the second movement sequence is implemented automatically by the autopilot module described above.

According to one possibility, during the tensioning operation, the control by the control unit of the movement of the distributor carriage according to the second movement sequence implements several second successive movement sequences until the tension in the distributor cable passes above a predefined high threshold.

According to one possibility, during the tensioning operation, provision is made for a verification of the configuration of the mechanical adjustment device in the tension configuration, before starting the control by the control unit of the displacement of the distributor carriage. according to the second movement sequence.

Advantageously, the verification of the configuration of the mechanical adjustment device in the tension configuration is carried out by means of at least one sensor.

• (2-a) un déplacement du chariot distributeur dans le sens arrière procure les phases successives suivantes :
  • le moyen de guidage secondaire vient en appui sur la face avant inclinée du second élément de butée, faisant pivoter le levier secondaire vers l'avant, à l'encontre du moyen de rappel arrière, jusqu'à ce que le moyen de guidage secondaire soit appui sur la face inférieure longitudinale du second élément de butée ;
  • le pivotement du levier secondaire vers l'avant amène le cliquet secondaire, qui est sollicité contre la roue crantée par le moyen de rappel secondaire, à quitter un cran secondaire de départ pour passer dans un cran secondaire de fin situé avant le cran secondaire de départ selon le premier sens ;
  et ensuite
• (2-b) un déplacement du chariot distributeur dans le sens avant procure les phases successives suivantes :
  • le moyen de guidage secondaire quitte l'appui sur la face inférieure longitudinale du second élément de butée, et vient en appui sur la face avant inclinée du second élément de butée, autorisant le levier secondaire à pivoter vers l'arrière sous l'effet du moyen de rappel arrière ;
  • le pivotement du levier secondaire vers l'arrière amène le cliquet secondaire à exercer une poussée dans le fond du cran secondaire de fin, provoquant une rotation de la roue crantée et du le tambour principal selon le second sens, et le cliquet principal quitte le cran principal de départ pour passer dans un cran principal de fin situé avant le cran principal de départ selon le premier sens, pour un accroissement de la tension dans le câble distributeur.

According to one possibility, the tension adjustment method implements the control by the control unit of the movement of the distributor carriage according to the second movement sequence as follows:

• (2-a) moving the distributor trolley in the rear direction provides the following successive phases:
  • the secondary guide means bears on the inclined front face of the second stop element, causing the secondary lever to pivot forward, against the rear return means, until the secondary guide means is bearing on the longitudinal underside of the second stop element;
  • the pivoting of the secondary lever forwards causes the secondary pawl, which is urged against the toothed wheel by the secondary return means, to leave a secondary starting notch to pass into a secondary end notch located before the secondary starting notch according to the first meaning;
  and then
• (2-b) movement of the distributor carriage in the forward direction provides the following successive phases:
  • the secondary guide means leaves the support on the longitudinal underside of the second stop element, and comes to rest on the inclined front face of the second stop element, allowing the secondary lever to pivot rearward under the effect of rear return means;
  • the pivoting of the secondary lever backwards causes the secondary pawl to exert a thrust in the bottom of the secondary end notch, causing a rotation of the toothed wheel and of the main drum in the second direction, and the main pawl leaves the notch main start to pass into a main end notch located before the main start notch in the first direction, for an increase in the tension in the distribution cable.

• [Fig.1] est une vue schématique partielle et en perspective, côté extérieur, d'un chariot distributeur équipé d'un dispositif mécanique de réglage pour une grue selon l'invention, avec un premier élément de butée en place pour opérer un relâchement de la tension dans le câble distributeur, dans une situation de départ et avec le ressort de rappel secondaire en seconde configuration ;
• [Fig.2] est une vue schématique partielle et en perspective selon un autre point de vue, du chariot distributeur toujours dans la situation de départ et avec le ressort de rappel secondaire en seconde configuration ;
• [Fig.3] est une vue schématique partielle et en perspective, côté intérieur, du chariot distributeur toujours dans la situation de départ et avec le ressort de rappel secondaire en seconde configuration ;
• [Fig.4] est une vue schématique partielle et en perspective, côté intérieur comme en Figure 3, du chariot distributeur toujours dans la situation de départ mais cette fois avec le ressort de rappel secondaire en première configuration afin de débuter la première séquence de déplacement propre à opérer un relâchement de la tension dans le câble distributeur;
• [Fig.5] est une vue schématique partielle et de côté, côté extérieur, du chariot distributeur toujours dans la situation de départ et avec le ressort de rappel secondaire en première configuration, au début de la première séquence de déplacement ;
• [Fig.6] est une vue schématique partielle et en perspective, côté extérieur, du chariot distributeur qui a opéré un déplacement dans le sens avant comparativement à la situation de départ en Figure 6, dans le cadre de la première séquence de déplacement ;
• [Fig.7] est une vue schématique partielle et de côté, côté extérieur, du chariot distributeur qui a opéré un déplacement dans le sens avant comparativement à la situation de départ en Figure 6, dans le cadre de la première séquence de déplacement ;
• [Fig.8] est une vue schématique partielle et en perspective, côté extérieur, du chariot distributeur qui a opéré un déplacement dans le sens avant comparativement à la situation des Figures 6 et 7, dans le cadre de la première séquence de déplacement ;
• [Fig.9] est une vue schématique partielle et en perspective, côté extérieur, du chariot distributeur qui a opéré un déplacement dans le sens avant comparativement à la situation en Figure 8, dans le cadre de la première séquence de déplacement ;
• [Fig.10] est une vue schématique partielle et en perspective, côté extérieur, du chariot distributeur qui a opéré un déplacement dans le sens avant comparativement à la situation en Figure 9, dans le cadre de la première séquence de déplacement ;
• [Fig.11] est une vue schématique partielle et en perspective, côté extérieur, du chariot distributeur qui a opéré un déplacement dans le sens arrière comparativement à la situation en Figure 10, dans le cadre de la première séquence de déplacement ; et
• [Fig.12] est une vue schématique partielle et de côté, côté extérieur, du chariot distributeur qui a opéré un déplacement dans le sens arrière comparativement à la situation en Figure 11, dans le cadre de la première séquence de déplacement ;
• [Fig.13] est une vue schématique partielle et en perspective, côté extérieur, du chariot distributeur qui a opéré un déplacement dans le sens arrière comparativement à la situation en Figure 12, dans le cadre de la première séquence de déplacement ;
• [Fig.14] est une vue schématique partielle et en perspective, côté extérieur, du chariot distributeur qui a opéré un déplacement dans le sens arrière comparativement à la situation en Figure 13, atteignant ainsi une situation de fin de la première séquence de déplacement ;
• [Fig.15] est une vue schématique partielle et de côté, côté extérieur, du chariot distributeur qui a opéré un déplacement dans le sens arrière comparativement à la situation en Figure 14, atteignant ainsi la situation de fin de la première séquence de déplacement ;
• [Fig.16] est une vue schématique partielle et de côté, côté intérieur, du chariot distributeur avec un second élément de butée en place pour opérer un accroissement de la tension dans le câble distributeur, et avec le ressort de rappel secondaire en seconde configuration ; et
• [Fig.17] est une vue schématique partielle et de côté, côté extérieur, du chariot distributeur avec le second élément de butée en place et avec le ressort de rappel secondaire en seconde configuration.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent on reading the detailed description below, of a non-limiting example of implementation, made with reference to the appended figures in which:

• [ Fig. 1 ] is a partial schematic and perspective view, on the exterior side, of a distribution trolley equipped with a mechanical adjustment device for a crane according to the invention, with a first stop element in place to effect a release of the tension in the distributor cable, in an initial situation and with the secondary return spring in the second configuration;
• [ Fig. 2 ] is a partial schematic and perspective view from another point of view, of the dispenser trolley still in the starting situation and with the secondary return spring in the second configuration;
• [ Fig. 3 ] is a partial schematic and perspective view, on the inside, of the dispenser trolley still in the starting position and with the secondary return spring in the second configuration;
• [ Fig. 4 ] is a partial schematic and perspective view, interior side as in Figure 3 , of the distributor trolley still in the starting situation, but this time with the secondary return spring in the first configuration in order to start the first movement sequence suitable for releasing the tension in the distributor cable;
• [ Fig. 5 ] is a partial schematic side view, on the exterior side, of the distributor carriage still in the starting position and with the secondary return spring in the first configuration, at the start of the first movement sequence;
• [ Fig. 6 ] is a partial schematic and perspective view, on the outside, of the dispensing trolley which has moved in the forward direction compared to the starting situation in Figure 6 , as part of the first movement sequence;
• [ Fig. 7 ] is a partial schematic side view, outside, of the dispensing trolley which has moved in the forward direction compared to the starting situation in Figure 6 , as part of the first movement sequence;
• [ Fig. 8 ] is a partial schematic and perspective view, on the exterior side, of the dispenser trolley which has moved in the forward direction compared to the situation of Figures 6 and 7 , as part of the first movement sequence;
• [ Fig. 9 ] is a partial schematic and perspective view, on the exterior side, of the dispensing trolley which has moved in the forward direction compared to the situation in Figure 8 , as part of the first movement sequence;
• [ Fig. 10 ] is a partial schematic and perspective view, on the exterior side, of the dispensing trolley which has moved in the forward direction compared to the situation in Figure 9 , as part of the first movement sequence;
• [ Fig.11 ] is a partial schematic and perspective view, on the outside, of the dispensing trolley which has moved in the rear direction compared to the situation in Figure 10 , as part of the first movement sequence; and
• [ Fig. 12 ] is a partial schematic side view, exterior side, of the dispensing trolley which has moved in the rear direction compared to the situation in Figure 11 , as part of the first movement sequence;
• [ Fig.13 ] is a partial schematic and perspective view, on the outside, of the dispensing trolley which has moved in the rear direction compared to the situation in Figure 12 , as part of the first movement sequence;
• [ Fig. 14 ] is a partial schematic and perspective view, on the outside, of the dispensing trolley which has moved in the rear direction compared to the situation in Figure 13 , thus reaching an end situation of the first movement sequence;
• [ Fig. 15 ] is a partial schematic side view, exterior side, of the dispensing trolley which has moved in the rear direction compared to the situation in Figure 14 , thus reaching the end situation of the first movement sequence;
• [ Fig. 16 ] is a partial schematic side view, inside, of the dispenser carriage with a second stop member in place to increase the tension in the dispenser cable, and with the secondary return spring in the second configuration; and
• [ Fig. 17 ] is a partial schematic side view, exterior side, of the dispenser carriage with the second stop member in place and with the secondary return spring in the second configuration.

The figures illustrate a distributor trolley 1 designed to be movable along a distributor jib of a crane, and in particular of a tower crane. This crane thus comprises a distribution boom along which the distribution trolley 1 can be moved, where the distribution boom is mounted on a tower at the bottom of the boom. The dispensing trolley 1 is shaped to distribute a load along the dispensing boom.

The distributor trolley 1 travels on a track between the foot of the boom and the tip of the boom (or free end of the dispenser boom), and supports at least two wheels 14 provided to roll on the track of the boom distributor. This distributor trolley 1 also supports a lifting member (such as a hook) mounted on a lifting block suspended from the distributor trolley 1 by a lifting cable. The distributor trolley 1 is movable forwards (in other words in the direction of the tip of the arrow), and also backwards (in other words in the direction of the foot of the arrow).

To ensure the movement of the distributor trolley 1, the crane comprises a distribution winch (not shown) mounted on the distribution boom, at the foot of the boom, equipped with a distribution motor rotating a distribution drum cooperating with a distribution cable 9 to ensure a movement of the distributor carriage 1 in a forward direction and in a rear direction.

The crane also includes a control unit (not shown) connected to the distribution motor to remotely control a movement of the distribution truck in the forward direction and in the rear direction, in particular for control by the crane operator (or crane operator) placed in a cabin located at the foot of the boom.

The crane also comprises a mechanical adjustment device 2 mounted on the distributor carriage 1 and which can be actuated under the action of a movement of the distributor trolley 1 to allow remote adjustment by the crane driver (or crane operator) of the tension of the distributor cable 9 by movements of the distributor trolley 1 forwards and backwards.

This mechanical adjustment device 2, associated with the distribution winch and the control unit, together form a tension adjustment system for remote adjustment of the tension in the distribution cable 10.

The mechanical adjustment device 2 comprises a main mechanism coupled to the distributor cable 9 and operable in a first direction for a release of the tension in the distributor cable 9 and in a second direction for an increase in the tension in the distributor cable 9.

To do this, this main mechanism comprises a main drum 20 rotatably mounted about a main axis AP on a frame 11 of the distributor carriage 1 and around which the distributor cable 9 is partially wound.

• un brin avant muni d'une première extrémité fixée et enroulée sur le tambour principal 20 et une seconde extrémité opposée fixée sur un premier côté du tambour de distribution du treuil de distribution, où ce brin avant passe par au moins une poulie avant de renvoi disposée en pointe de la flèche distributrice ; et
• un brin arrière muni d'une première extrémité fixée sur le chariot distributeur 1, sur un point fixe de son châssis 10, et une seconde extrémité opposée fixée sur un second côté du tambour de distribution, ce brin arrière passant par au moins une poulie arrière de renvoi disposée au pied de la flèche distributrice.

More precisely, this distributor cable 9 presents:

• a front strand provided with a first end fixed and wound on the main drum 20 and an opposite second end fixed on a first side of the distribution drum of the distribution winch, where this front strand passes through at least one forward return pulley arranged at the tip of the distributor arrow; and
• a rear strand provided with a first end fixed on the distributor carriage 1, on a fixed point of its frame 10, and an opposite second end fixed on a second side of the distribution drum, this rear strand passing through at least one rear pulley return located at the foot of the dispensing boom.

Thus, the front strand has a length substantially equivalent to twice the length of the dispensing arrow, while the rear strand has a length substantially equivalent to the length of the dispensing arrow. For a movement of the distributor carriage 1 forwards, the distribution motor turns the distribution drum in a direction of rotation known as the forward direction which corresponds to a winding of the front strand on the distribution drum and to unwinding of the rear strand. on the distribution drum. To move the distributor carriage 1 backwards, the distribution motor rotates the distribution drum in a direction of rotation called the rear direction, opposite to the front direction, which corresponds to unwinding of the front strand on the distribution drum and to a winding of the rear strand on the distribution drum.

• une rotation du tambour principal 20 selon un premier sens (sens horaire sur les Figures 5, 7, 12, 15) qui entraîne un déroulement du brin avant du câble distributeur 9 se traduisant par un relâchement de la tension dans le câble distributeur 9 ;
• une rotation du tambour principal 20 selon un second sens (sens antihoraire sur les Figures 5, 7, 12, 15), opposé au premier sens, qui entraîne un enroulement du brin avant du câble distributeur 9 se traduisant par un accroissement de la tension dans le câble distributeur 9.

The front end of the distributor cable 9 being fixed and wound on the main drum 20, it is possible to adjust the tension of the distributor cable 9 by rotating the main drum 20, with:

• a rotation of the main drum 20 in a first direction (clockwise on the Figures 5 , 7 , 12 , 15 ) which causes unwinding of the front strand of the distributor cable 9 resulting in a release of the tension in the distributor cable 9;
• a rotation of the main drum 20 in a second direction (counterclockwise on the Figures 5 , 7 , 12 , 15 ), opposite to the first direction, which causes a winding of the front strand of the distributor cable 9 resulting in an increase in the tension in the distributor cable 9.

• une configuration verrouillée propre à interdire un actionnement dans le premier sens et à autoriser un actionnement dans le second sens, autrement dit interdisant un relâchement de la tension dans le câble distributeur 9 ; et
• une configuration déverrouillée propre à autoriser un actionnement dans le second sens sous l'effet de la tension dans le câble distributeur 9, autrement dit libérant un relâchement de la tension dans le câble distributeur 9.

This main drum 20 of the main mechanism is configurable between:

• a locked configuration suitable for preventing actuation in the first direction and for authorizing actuation in the second direction, in other words preventing a release of the tension in the distributor cable 9; and
• an unlocked configuration suitable for allowing actuation in the second direction under the effect of the tension in the distributor cable 9, in other words releasing a release of the tension in the distributor cable 9.

• une roue crantée 21 solidaire en rotation du tambour principal 20 selon l'axe principal AP, où cette roue crantée 21 est munie en périphérie d'une succession de crans 22 de type cran unidirectionnel ;
• un cliquet principal 23 monté pivotant sur le châssis 10 selon un axe transversal AT parallèle à l'axe principal AP et propre à se bloquer dans les crans 22 de la roue crantée 21 pour interdire la rotation du tambour principal 20 selon le premier sens, tout en autorisant la rotation du tambour principal 20 selon le second sens ; et
• un moyen de rappel principal sollicitant le cliquet principal 23 vers une position de blocage dans les crans 22 de la roue crantée 21.

To do this, the main mechanism of the mechanical adjustment device 2 further comprises a main locking system which comprises:

• a toothed wheel 21 integral in rotation with the main drum 20 along the main axis AP, where this toothed wheel 21 is provided at the periphery with a succession of notches 22 of the unidirectional notch type;
• a main pawl 23 pivotally mounted on the frame 10 along a transverse axis AT parallel to the main axis AP and capable of locking in the notches 22 of the toothed wheel 21 to prevent the rotation of the main drum 20 in the first direction, while by allowing the rotation of the main drum 20 in the second direction; and
• a main return means urging the main pawl 23 towards a locking position in the notches 22 of the toothed wheel 21.

• la configuration verrouillée dans laquelle le cliquet principal 23 est engagé avec un cran 22 de la roue crantée 21 et donc avec le tambour principal 20 pour interdire la rotation du tambour principal 20 dans le premier sens et autoriser la rotation du tambour principal dans le second sens ; et
• la configuration déverrouillée dans lequel le cliquet principal 23 est désengagé des crans 22 de la roue crantée 21 et est donc dégagé du tambour principal 20 pour autoriser la rotation du tambour principal 20 dans le premier sens.

Thus, this main locking system can be moved between:

• the locked configuration in which the main pawl 23 is engaged with a notch 22 of the toothed wheel 21 and therefore with the main drum 20 to prevent the rotation of the main drum 20 in the first direction and allow the rotation of the main drum in the second direction ; and
• the unlocked configuration in which the main pawl 23 is disengaged from the notches 22 of the toothed wheel 21 and is therefore disengaged from the main drum 20 to allow the rotation of the main drum 20 in the first direction.

It should be noted that the main pawl 23 is located at the rear of the main drum 20, and it is in the locked configuration positioned at least partially below. of a main plane PP parallel to the distributor boom and passing through the main axis AP.

• soit pour autoriser la rotation du tambour principal 20 dans le premier sens pour un relâchement de la tension dans le câble distributeur 9 après un déverrouillage du cliquet principal 23 du mécanisme principal par le mécanisme secondaire ;
• soit pour faire tourner le tambour principal 20 dans le second sens pour un accroissement de la tension dans le câble distributeur 9.

The mechanical adjustment device 2 also comprises a secondary mechanism cooperating with the main mechanism 20, 21, 23 under the action of a movement of the distributor carriage 10 controlled by the control unit,

• either to allow the rotation of the main drum 20 in the first direction for a release of the tension in the distributor cable 9 after unlocking of the main pawl 23 of the main mechanism by the secondary mechanism;
• either to rotate the main drum 20 in the second direction for an increase in the tension in the distributor cable 9.

To do this, the secondary mechanism comprises a secondary lever 30 mounted to pivot around the main axis AP and provided with a head 31 projecting from the toothed wheel 21, above the main plane PP. This secondary lever 30 is pivotable independently of the main drum 20 and of the toothed wheel 21. This secondary lever 30 has the general shape of an arch, with two parallel plates 300 extending on either side of the main drum 20 and of the toothed wheel 21, and these plates 300 are joined by a branch which passes below the main drum 20. The free ends of the two plates 300 form the head 31, and between these two plates 300 is fixed a rod 301 forming a physical axis of pivoting parallel to the main axis AP.

This secondary mechanism also comprises a rear return means comprising two rear springs 32 (which are not systematically illustrated in the Figures) which are mounted between a rear anchor 12 on the frame 10 and two anchor points 310 provided on the head 31. , and more precisely provided on the respective free ends of the two plates 300. These two rear springs 32 urge the secondary lever 30 in rearward pivoting (pivoting to the left on the Figures 5 , 7 , 12 and 15 ). The two anchor points 310 are offset to the rear compared to the rod 301.

A factory setting of the preload of the two rear springs 32 makes it possible firstly to adjust the desired final tension force, and secondly to mechanically detect a lack of tension in the distributor cable 9.

The secondary mechanism also comprises a means for adjusting the return force exerted by these two rear springs 32 on the secondary lever 30, such adjustment means comprising a means for adjusting the distance of the rear anchor 12 on the frame 10, for example by a system of screws, thus making it possible to tension more or less these rear springs 32.

This secondary mechanism comprises a secondary guide means comprising a roller 33 rotatably mounted on the head 31, and more precisely mounted rotatably around the rod 301 carried by the head 31 between the free ends of the two plates 300, along an axis parallel to the main axis AP.

This secondary mechanism comprises a secondary pawl 34 pivotally mounted on the head 31, and more precisely mounted to rotate around the rod 301 carried by the head 31 between the free ends of the two plates 300, along an axis parallel to the main axis AP. This secondary pawl 34 is placed next to the roller 33. This secondary pawl 34 is able to come into engagement with the notches 22 of the toothed wheel 21, on top of the toothed wheel 21, to act in rotation on this toothed wheel 21 .

• une branche arrière dont l'extrémité est adaptée pour venir en engagement avec les crans 22 de la roue crantée 21, et aussi pour venir en appui sur la came secondaire 35 décrite ci-dessous ; et
• une branche avant qui prolonge sur l'avant et plus ou moins à angle droit la branche arrière.

The secondary pawl 34 has a general "L" shape with:

• a rear branch, the end of which is adapted to come into engagement with the notches 22 of the toothed wheel 21, and also to come to bear on the secondary cam 35 described below; and
• a front branch which extends to the front and more or less at right angles to the rear branch.

This secondary pawl 34 comprises two "L" -shaped plates spaced from one another, which carry between them at a rear end a rod 343 adapted to come into engagement in the notches 22 and also to come into abutment against the secondary cam 35 described below.

This secondary mechanism comprises a secondary cam 35 pivotally mounted on the frame 10 along the transverse axis AT common to the main pawl 23. This secondary cam 35 is therefore located on the rear of the main drum 20. To do this, the frame 10 comprises a caliper 13 at the rear of the main drum 20 and provided with two parallel flanges carrying a shaft defining the transverse axis AT and around which are pivotally mounted and side by side, between the two flanges of the caliper 13, the secondary cam 35 and the main pawl 23; the main pawl 23 being positioned opposite the toothed wheel 21. This secondary cam 35 has a cam surface 351 facing forward and upward, facing the secondary pawl 34 which has a width adapted to come into engagement in the toothed wheel 21 and also come to bear on this cam surface 351 of the secondary cam 35. More precisely, it is the rod 343 which will come into engagement in the toothed wheel 21 and also come to bear on this cam surface 351 of the secondary cam 35.

This secondary mechanism comprises a cam return spring 36 mounted between the frame 10, and more precisely the caliper 13, and the secondary cam 35, and which urges the secondary cam 35 towards a neutral position (visible on the figures 1 to 8 ), wherein the secondary cam 35 has its cam surface 351 facing forward and up.

This secondary mechanism comprises a coupling means between the main pawl 23 and the secondary cam 35, where this coupling means comprises a coupling spring 37 connecting the main pawl 23 and the secondary cam 35. Furthermore, the secondary cam 35 has a arcuate groove 350 in which slides a pin integral with the secondary pawl 23; this pin associated with the arcuate gore 350 can form all or part of the main return means urging the main pawl 23 towards a locking position in the notches 22 of the toothed wheel 21. It is also possible to envisage providing a main return spring to form all or part of this main recall means.

This secondary mechanism also comprises a secondary return means formed of a secondary return spring 38 mounted between the secondary lever 30 and the secondary pawl 34, where the secondary lever 30 comprises a single point of attachment 304 for this secondary return spring. 38 while the secondary pawl 34 comprises two separate attachment points for this secondary return spring 38, more precisely a first attachment point 341 provided on its front branch and a second attachment point 342 provided on its rear branch.

• une première configuration (visible sur la Figure 4) associée à une configuration de détente du dispositif mécanique de réglage 2, dans laquelle le ressort de rappel secondaire 38 est attaché sur le premier point d'attache 341 et sollicite le cliquet secondaire 34 vers un désengagement vis-à-vis de la roue crantée 21 ; et
• une seconde configuration (visible sur les Figures 3 et 16) associée à une configuration de tension du dispositif mécanique de réglage 2, dans laquelle le ressort de rappel secondaire 38 est attaché sur le second point d'attache 342 et sollicite le cliquet secondaire 34 vers un engagement dans les crans 22 de la roue crantée 21.

Thus, this secondary return spring 38 can be configured between:

• a first configuration (visible on the Figure 4 ) associated with a relaxation configuration of the mechanical adjustment device 2, in which the secondary return spring 38 is attached to the first attachment point 341 and biases the secondary pawl 34 towards a disengagement with respect to the toothed wheel 21; and
• a second configuration (visible on the Figures 3 and 16 ) associated with a tension configuration of the mechanical adjustment device 2, in which the secondary return spring 38 is attached to the second attachment point 342 and biases the secondary pawl 34 towards engagement in the notches 22 of the toothed wheel 21 .

The mechanical adjustment device 2 is configurable in a working configuration in which no element on the dispenser boom acts on the secondary lever 30, and the secondary return spring 38 is preferably in its second configuration so that the secondary pawl 34 is engaged in a notch 22 of the toothed wheel 21 and the main pawl 23 is in engagement in another notch 22 of the toothed wheel 21. In this working configuration, the mechanical adjustment device 2 is frozen regardless of the movement of the distributor trolley 1 and it provides a maintenance of the tension in the distributor cable 9. In this working configuration, the distributor trolley 1 is controlled in movement to perform load distribution operations, without interacting with the mechanical adjustment device 2.

Mechanical adjustment device 2 can also be configured in a trigger configuration (visible on the Figures 4 to 15 ) in which, under the action of a movement of the distributor carriage 10 controlled by the control unit according to a first predefined movement sequence back and forth between the forward direction and the rear direction, the mechanical adjustment device 2 provides a release of the tension in the distributor cable 9.

In other words, in this expansion configuration, under the action of a movement of the distributor carriage 1 controlled by the control unit according to the first movement sequence, the secondary mechanism 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 is able to act on the main mechanism 20, 21, 23 to change it from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration and to allow actuation of the main drum 20 in the first direction for a release of the tension in the distributor cable 9 until it returns to the locked configuration.

To do this, in the expansion configuration, there is provided a first stop element 4 which is static relative to the distributor carriage 10 and which is shaped to cooperate with the mechanical adjustment device 2 under the action of a movement of the carriage. distributor 1 according to the first movement sequence.

This first stop element 4 is in the general shape of an inverted “U”, or an inverted fork, and has a front stop 41 and a rear stop 42 which extend opposite to frame the roller 33; where the front stop 41 and the rear stop 42 are curved inwardly at their ends and form the branches facing the "U".

This first stop element 4 is fixed in a removable manner, for example by screwing or bolting, on the distributor boom, at the bottom of the boom, in order to be able to mount this first stop element 4 in the detent configuration and to be able to remove this first stop element 4 in the working configuration.

The remainder of the description relates to this first movement sequence in the trigger configuration, with reference to Figures 4 to 15 , in order to be able to remotely, and in particular in an automated manner, act the mechanical adjustment device 2 to provide a controlled release of the tension in the distribution cable 9.

• le cliquet principal 23 est engagé dans un cran 22, appelé cran principal de départ (cran noirci sur les Figures), de la roue crantée 21 ;
• le premier élément de butée 4 est en place avec sa butée avant 41 et sa butée arrière 42 qui encadrent le galet 33, et ce après avoir déplacé le chariot distributeur 1 jusqu'à une position de départ référencée ;
• le levier secondaire 30 est basculé vers l'avant, à l'encontre des ressorts arrière 32 (qui ne sont pas systématiquement illustrés sur les différentes Figures 4 à 15), au moyen d'un appui de l'avant du galet 33 sur la butée arrière 42 du premier élément de butée 4;
• le cliquet secondaire 34 est dégagé d'un cran de la roue crantée 21, sous l'effet du ressort de rappel secondaire 38 en seconde configuration qui relève le cliquet secondaire 34.

The start of the first movement sequence corresponds to a starting situation visible on the Figures 4 and 5 , and after having if necessary made pass the secondary return spring 38 of the second configuration (visible on the Figure 3 ) to the first configuration (visible on the Figure 4 ), in which :

• the main pawl 23 is engaged in a notch 22, called the main starting notch (blackened notch in the Figures), of the toothed wheel 21;
• the first stop element 4 is in place with its front stop 41 and its rear stop 42 which surround the roller 33, and this after having moved the distributor carriage 1 to a referenced starting position;
• the secondary lever 30 is tilted forward, against the rear springs 32 (which are not systematically illustrated on the various Figures 4 to 15 ), by means of a support of the front of the roller 33 on the rear stop 42 of the first stop element 4;
• the secondary pawl 34 is released by one notch of the toothed wheel 21, under the effect of the secondary return spring 38 in the second configuration which raises the secondary pawl 34.

• (1-a) un déplacement du chariot distributeur dans le sens avant (illustré par la flèche AV sur les Figures 5 à 10) est apte à procurer les phases successives suivantes :
  • le levier secondaire pivote vers l'arrière, sous l'effet des ressorts arrière 32 (comme schématisé par la flèche PR sur les Figures 5 à 7), jusqu'à ce que le cliquet secondaire 34, qui est en désengagement vis-à-vis de la roue crantée 21, vienne en appui sur la surface de came 351 de la came secondaire 35 (comme visible sur la Figure 8), cette came secondaire étant initialement en position neutre sous l'effet du ressort de rappel de came 36 ; puis
  • la butée arrière 42 du premier élément de butée 4 quitte l'appui sur l'avant du galet 33 et la butée avant 41 vient ensuite en appui sur l'arrière du galet 33, ce qui fait à nouveau pivoter le levier secondaire 30 vers l'arrière (comme schématisé par la flèche PR sur la Figure 9), concomitamment à un pivotement vers le bas du cliquet secondaire 34 en direction de la roue crantée 21 (comme visible sur la Figure 9), ce cliquet secondaire 34 étant guidé sur la surface de came 351 de la came secondaire 35 (ce qui fait en même temps pivoter la came secondaire 35 selon un sens d'ouverture (sens horaire sur les Figures 9 et 10) à l'encontre du ressort de rappel de came 36, jusqu'à ce que le cliquet secondaire 34 vienne en appui contre un cran 22 de la roue crantée 21 avant de s'engager et se bloquer en fond du cran 22, appelé cran secondaire, de la roue crantée 21 (comme visible sur la Figure 9) ;
  • le levier secondaire 30 finit de pivoter vers l'arrière (comme schématisé par la flèche PR sur la Figure 10), entraînant une poussée du cliquet secondaire 34 dans le cran secondaire 22 qui fait tourner la roue crantée 21 (et donc aussi le tambour principal 20) selon le second sens (comme schématisé par la flèche S2 sur les Figures 9 et 10), libérant ainsi le cliquet principal 23 du cran principal de départ 22 dans lequel il était engagé, et l'appui du cliquet secondaire 34 sur la came secondaire 35 continue d'entraîner le pivotement de la came secondaire selon le sens d'ouverture à l'encontre du ressort de rappel de came 36, et cette came secondaire 35 en tournant fait pivoter le cliquet principal 23, via le ressort de couplage 37, de sorte que le cliquet principal 34 préalablement libéré s'écarte de la roue crantée 21 jusqu'à ce que le système de blocage principal soit en configuration déverrouillée (comme visible sur la Figure 10) ;
• (1-b) un déplacement du chariot distributeur dans le sens arrière (illustré par la flèche AR sur les Figures 11 à 15) est apte à procurer les phases successives suivantes :
  • suite au déverrouillage du cliquet principal 23, le tambour principal 20 et la roue crantée 21 pivotent dans le premier sens (comme schématisé par la flèche S1 sur les Figures 11 et 12) sous l'effet d'un effort exercé par le brin avant du câble distributeur 9 sur le tambour principal 20, provoquant le pivotement du levier secondaire 30 vers l'avant (comme schématisé par la flèche PV sur les Figures 11 et 12) car la roue crantée 21 pousse sur le cliquet secondaire 34, le galet 33 reste au contact de la butée avant 41 du premier élément de butée 4 et les ressorts arrière 32 ne s'opposent pas à ce pivotement vers l'avant du levier secondaire 30 ; et
  • concomitamment au pivotement du levier secondaire 30 vers l'arrière, la came secondaire 35 pivote selon un sens de fermeture (sens antihoraire sur les Figures 11 à 13), opposée au sens d'ouverture, sous l'effet du ressort de rappel de came 36, ce qui laisse le cliquet principal 23 revenir au contact de la roue crantée 21 (comme schématisé par la flèche RE sur la Figure 12) sous l'effet du ressort de rappel principal et aussi du pion qui est poussé dans la gorge arquée 350 de la came secondaire 35, jusqu'à ce que ce cliquet principal 23 soit en prise avec un nouveau cran 22, appelé cran principal de fin, qui est situé après le cran principal de départ (cran noirci sur la Figure 7 à 14) selon le premier sens (comme visible sur la Figure 13), pour un relâchement de la tension dans le câble distributeur 9, et ce qui bloque le tambour principal 20 dans sa rotation selon le premier sens après avoir « gagné » un cran de détente ou de relâchement ; puis
  • la butée avant 41 du premier élément de butée 4 quitte l'appui sur l'avant du galet 33 et la butée arrière 42 du premier élément de butée 4 vient ensuite en appui sur l'arrière du galet 33, ce qui fait à nouveau pivoter le levier secondaire 30 vers l'arrière jusqu'à ce que le cliquet secondaire 34 se désengage vis-à-vis de la roue crantée 21 sous l'effet du ressort de rappel secondaire 38 (comme visible en Figure 14) pour un retour dans une situation de départ.

Starting from this initial situation, the mechanical adjustment device 2 is able to provide a release of the tension in the distributor cable 9 under the action of a movement of the distributor carriage according to the first movement sequence, as follows:

• (1-a) a movement of the distributor trolley in the forward direction (illustrated by the arrow AV on the Figures 5 to 10 ) is capable of providing the following successive phases:
  • the secondary lever pivots rearward, under the effect of the rear springs 32 (as shown diagrammatically by the arrow PR on the Figures 5 to 7 ), until the secondary pawl 34, which is in disengagement with respect to the toothed wheel 21, comes to bear on the cam surface 351 of the secondary cam 35 (as visible on the figure Figure 8 ), this secondary cam being initially in neutral position under the effect of the cam return spring 36; then
  • the rear stop 42 of the first stop element 4 leaves the bearing on the front of the roller 33 and the front stop 41 then bears on the rear of the roller 33, which again causes the secondary lever 30 to pivot towards the 'rear (as shown by the arrow PR on the Figure 9 ), concomitantly with a downward pivoting of the secondary pawl 34 in the direction of the toothed wheel 21 (as visible on Figure 9 ), this secondary pawl 34 being guided on the cam surface 351 of the secondary cam 35 (which at the same time causes the secondary cam 35 to pivot in an opening direction (clockwise on the Figures 9 and 10 ) against the cam return spring 36, until the secondary pawl 34 comes to rest against a notch 22 of the toothed wheel 21 before engaging and locking at the bottom of the notch 22, called notch secondary, of the toothed wheel 21 (as visible on the Figure 9 );
  • the secondary lever 30 finishes pivoting backwards (as shown by the arrow PR on the Figure 10 ), causing a thrust of the secondary pawl 34 in the secondary notch 22 which rotates the toothed wheel 21 (and therefore also the main drum 20) in the second direction (as shown diagrammatically by the arrow S2 on the Figures 9 and 10 ), thus releasing the main pawl 23 from the main starting notch 22 in which it was engaged, and the support of the secondary pawl 34 on the secondary cam 35 continues to cause the pivoting of the secondary cam in the direction of opening to against the cam return spring 36, and this secondary cam 35 by rotating causes the main pawl 23 to pivot, via the coupling spring 37, so that the main pawl 34 previously released moves away from the toothed wheel 21 until '' that the main locking system is in the unlocked configuration (as visible on the Figure 10 );
• (1-b) a movement of the distributor trolley in the rear direction (illustrated by the arrow AR on the Figures 11 to 15 ) is capable of providing the following successive phases:
  • following the unlocking of the main pawl 23, the main drum 20 and the toothed wheel 21 pivot in the first direction (as shown diagrammatically by the arrow S1 on the Figures 11 and 12 ) under the effect of a force exerted by the front end of the distributor cable 9 on the main drum 20, causing the secondary lever 30 to pivot forward (as shown diagrammatically by the arrow PV on the Figures 11 and 12 ) because the toothed wheel 21 pushes on the secondary pawl 34, the roller 33 remains in contact with the front stop 41 of the first stop element 4 and the rear springs 32 do not oppose this forward pivoting of the secondary lever 30 ; and
  • concomitantly with the pivoting of the secondary lever 30 backwards, the secondary cam 35 pivots in a closing direction (counterclockwise on the Figures 11 to 13 ), opposite to the opening direction, under the effect of the cam return spring 36, which lets the main pawl 23 come into contact with the toothed wheel 21 (as shown diagrammatically by the arrow RE on the Figure 12 ) under the effect of the main return spring and also of the pin which is pushed into the arcuate groove 350 of the secondary cam 35, until this main pawl 23 is engaged with a new notch 22, called the main notch of end, which is located after the main starting notch (blackened notch on the Figure 7 to 14 ) according to the first sense (as visible on the Figure 13 ), for a release of the tension in the distributor cable 9, and which blocks the main drum 20 in its rotation in the first direction after having "gained" a notch of relaxation or release; then
  • the front stop 41 of the first stop element 4 leaves the support on the front of the roller 33 and the rear stop 42 of the first stop element 4 then comes to rest on the rear of the roller 33, which again rotates the secondary lever 30 backwards until the secondary pawl 34 disengages vis-à-vis the toothed wheel 21 under the effect of the secondary return spring 38 ( as visible in Figure 14 ) for a return to an initial situation.

Of course, this first displacement sequence can be repeated in order to increase each time a release of the tension in the distributor cable 9, until a single predefined low tension is reached. It is then advantageous to use one or more sensors to access at least one parameter representative of the voltage in the distributor cable 9 in order to continue or stop the expansion operation depending on the value of this parameter.

It should be noted that it is advantageous to provide a verification of the configuration of the mechanical adjustment device 2 in the expansion configuration (verification that the secondary return spring 38 is in the first configuration, that the first stop element 4 is in place and the distributor carriage 1 is positioned so that the first stop element 4 surrounds the roller 33) before starting the control by the control unit of the movement of the distributor carriage 1 according to the first movement sequence.

Mechanical adjustment device 2 can also be configured in a voltage configuration (visible on the Figures 16 and 17 ) in which, under the action of a movement of the distributor trolley controlled by the control unit according to a second predefined movement sequence back and forth between the forward direction and the rear direction, the mechanical adjustment device 2 provides an increase in tension in the distributor cable 9.

In other words, in this voltage configuration, under the effect of a movement of the distributor carriage 1 controlled by the control unit according to the second movement sequence, the secondary mechanism 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 is able to actuate the main mechanism 20, 21, 23 and more precisely the main drum 20 in the second direction for an increase in the tension in the distributor cable 9.

To do this, in the tension configuration, a second stop element 5 is provided which is static relative to the distributor carriage 10 and which is shaped to cooperate with the mechanical adjustment device 2 under the action of a movement of the carriage. distributor 1 according to the second movement sequence.

This second stop element 5 has an inclined front face 51 forming a ramp, extended by a longitudinal lower face 52 extending parallel to the dispensing boom.

This second stop element 5 is fixed in a removable manner, for example by screwing or bolting, on the distributor boom, at the bottom of the boom, in order to be able to mount this second stop element 5 in the tension configuration and to be able to remove this second stop element 5 in the working configuration. Advantageously, the first stop element 4 and the second stop element 5 are mounted at the same location on the dispensing boom respectively in the detent configuration and in the tension configuration.

The remainder of the description relates to this second movement sequence in the voltage configuration, with reference in part to the Figures 16 and 17 , in order to be able to operate remotely, and in particular in an automated manner, the mechanical adjustment device 2 to provide a controlled increase in the tension in the distribution cable 9.

• le cliquet principal est engagé dans un cran 22, appelé cran principal de départ, de la roue crantée 21 ;
• le ressort de rappel secondaire 38 est dans la seconde configuration (comme visible sur la Figure 16) ;
• le cliquet secondaire 34 est engagé dans un cran 22, appelé cran secondaire de départ, de la roue crantée 21, et ce cliquet secondaire 34 est contraint dans ce cran secondaire 22 sous l'effet des ressorts arrière 32 (qui ne sont pas entièrement illustrés sur ces Figures 16 et 17) ; et
• le second élément de butée 5 est en place, et le chariot distributeur 1 est quant à lui éloigné vers l'avant vis-à-vis de ce second élément de butée 5.

The start of the second movement sequence corresponds to a starting situation (which almost corresponds to the situation illustrated on the Figures 1 to 3 except for the first stop element 4 which is absent) in which:

• the main pawl is engaged in a notch 22, called the main starting notch, of the toothed wheel 21;
• the secondary return spring 38 is in the second configuration (as visible on the Figure 16 );
• the secondary pawl 34 is engaged in a notch 22, called the secondary starting notch, of the toothed wheel 21, and this secondary pawl 34 is constrained in this secondary notch 22 under the effect of the rear springs 32 (which are not fully illustrated on these Figures 16 and 17 ); and
• the second stop element 5 is in place, and the distributor carriage 1 is for its part moved forward vis-à-vis this second stop element 5.

• (2-a) un déplacement du chariot distributeur dans le sens arrière (illustré par la flèche AR sur les Figures 16 et 17) est apte à procurer les phases successives suivantes :
  • le galet 33 vient en appui sur la face avant 51 inclinée du second élément de butée 5, faisant pivoter le levier secondaire 30 vers l'avant (comme schématisé par la flèche PV sur les Figures 16 et 17), à l'encontre des ressorts arrière 32, jusqu'à ce que le galet 33 soit appui sur la face inférieure 52 longitudinale du second élément de butée 5 ;
  • le pivotement du levier secondaire vers l'avant amène le cliquet secondaire 34, qui est sollicité contre la roue crantée 21 par le ressort de rappel secondaire 38, à quitter le cran 22 secondaire de départ pour passer dans un cran secondaire de fin situé avant le cran secondaire de départ selon le premier sens ;
  et ensuite
• (2-b) un déplacement du chariot distributeur dans le sens avant est apte à procurer les phases successives suivantes :
  • le galet 33 quitte l'appui sur la face inférieure 52 longitudinale du second élément de butée 5, et vient en appui sur la face avant 51 inclinée du second élément de butée 5, autorisant le levier secondaire 30 à pivoter vers l'arrière sous l'effet des ressorts arrière 32 ;
  • le pivotement du levier secondaire 30 vers l'arrière amène le cliquet secondaire 34 à exercer une poussée dans le fond du cran 22 secondaire de fin, provoquant une rotation de la roue crantée 21 et du le tambour principal 20 selon le second sens, et le cliquet principal 23 quitte le cran principal de départ pour passer dans un cran principal de fin situé avant le cran principal de départ selon le premier sens, pour un accroissement de la tension dans le câble distributeur 9, ce qui se traduit par un « gain » d'un cran de tension.

Starting from this initial situation, the mechanical adjustment device 2 is able to provide an increase in the tension in the distributor cable 9 under the action of a movement of the distributor carriage according to the second movement sequence, as follows:

• (2-a) a movement of the distributor trolley in the rear direction (illustrated by the arrow AR on the Figures 16 and 17 ) is capable of providing the following successive phases:
  • the roller 33 comes to bear on the inclined front face 51 of the second stop element 5, causing the secondary lever 30 to pivot forward (as shown diagrammatically by the arrow PV on the Figures 16 and 17 ), against the rear springs 32, until the roller 33 is supported on the lower longitudinal face 52 of the second stop element 5;
  • the pivoting of the secondary lever forwards causes the secondary pawl 34, which is biased against the toothed wheel 21 by the secondary return spring 38, to leave the secondary starting notch 22 to pass into a secondary end notch located before the secondary starting notch according to the first direction;
  and then
• (2-b) movement of the distributor carriage in the forward direction is able to provide the following successive phases:
  • the roller 33 leaves the support on the lower longitudinal face 52 of the second stop element 5, and comes to bear on the inclined front face 51 of the second stop element 5, allowing the secondary lever 30 to pivot backwards under the effect of the rear springs 32;
  • the pivoting of the secondary lever 30 backwards causes the secondary pawl 34 to exert a thrust in the bottom of the secondary end notch 22, causing a rotation of the toothed wheel 21 and of the main drum 20 in the second direction, and the main pawl 23 leaves the main starting notch to pass into a main end notch located before the main starting notch in the first direction, for an increase in the tension in the distributor cable 9, which results in a "gain" a notch of tension.

Of course, this second movement sequence can be repeated in order to increase each time an increase in the tension in the distributor cable 9, until reaching a single predefined high tension. It is then advantageous to use one or more sensors to access at least one parameter representative of the tension in the distributor cable 9 in order to continue or stop the tensioning operation according to the value of this parameter.

It should be noted that it is advantageous to provide a verification of the configuration of the mechanical adjustment device 2 in the tension configuration (verification that the secondary return spring 38 is in the second configuration and that the second stop element 5 is in place) before starting the control by the control unit of the movement of the distributor carriage 1 according to the second movement sequence.

Advantageously, the tensioning operation comprises a step of setting to zero a reference position of the dispenser carriage when the stop is returned to the start of the stroke following the second movement of the dispenser carriage.

It should be noted that the tensioning operation is carried out on the single front strand of the distribution cable 9, which is the one which passes through the arrowhead. Also, once the desired increase in voltage has been reached, it is advantageous to move the distributor trolley 1 forwards (towards the arrowhead) by an average value equal to half the length of the coiled distribution cable 9, then backwards, to distribute the tension between the front strand and the back strand. This movement can be done automatically at the end of the tensioning operation.

Thus the tensioning operation makes it possible to automatically reset the “zero range” of the dispenser trolley 1 which corresponds to the reference position of the dispenser trolley to determine its position along the arrow. With the automation of this readjustment, the risk of error on this reference position is eliminated and the range indication will always remain accurate and reliable.

Thus, the tension adjustment system, which as a reminder comprises the mechanical adjustment device 2, the distribution winch and the control unit, makes it possible to control remotely (possibly in an automated manner by means of an autopilot module. ), the movement of the distributor carriage 1, and thus act on the mechanical adjustment device 2, via the first stop element 4 or the second stop element 5 previously fixed on the distributor boom, to provide a release of the tension in the distributor cable 9 or an increase in tension in the distributor cable 9.

• une automatisation de l'opération de détente et donc du relâchement de tension du câble distributeur 9, avec un conducteur de grue qui déclenche la première séquence de déplacement ;
• une automatisation de l'opération de mise en tension et donc de l'accroissement de tension du câble distributeur 9, avec une précision quant à la tension dans le câble distributeur 9 ;
• un système de réglage de tension automatisé qui permet de limiter et de maîtriser l'effort dans le câble distributeur 9 (sans risque de sur-tension et de sous-tension) ;
• une détente automatisée et simple d'utilisation, ce qui permettra de réduire les risques lors d'un démontage de la grue ;
• une mise en tension automatisée et simple d'utilisation, ce qui permettra de diminuer le risque de travail avec un câble distributeur 9 détendu qui pourrait entrainer le déclenchement d'un dispositif de sécurité du mou de câble ;
• une automatisation qui permet d'effectuer une mise en tension plus souvent qu'auparavant, améliorant ainsi le déplacement du chariot distributeur 1 qui sera plus réactif et plus précis car il n'y aura plus de mou de câble à retendre avant de déclencher le déplacement du chariot distributeur 1 ;
• une mise en tension automatisée qui permet de remplacer l'intervention manuelle d'un opérateur extérieur de maintenance par une action plus facile, sans effort et autonome du conducteur de grue, améliorant également la sécurité pendant l'exploitation de la grue ;
• une automatisation des mouvements qui permet de reporter une partie des responsabilités attribués avant aux opérateurs extérieurs de maintenance, au bon déroulement de la première ou seconde séquence donc au constructeur de la grue qui s'engage sur le bon fonctionnement des mouvements et de la fiabilité des composants et du système de réglage de tension ;
• une automatisation qui permet de réduire les frais de maintenance, de diminuer les temps d'arrêt de maintenance et donc d'augmenter la productivité sur le chantier et améliorer les coûts d'exploitation de la grue, donc une meilleure rentabilité pour le commanditaire du chantier ;
• une mise à zéro automatisée de la position de référence du chariot distributeur 1, qui permet ainsi de toujours indiquer sur un écran de pilotage des bonnes valeurs de portée de la charge, ces valeurs restants précises pourront ainsi être reprises dans un processus de contrôle commande de la grue.

Consequently, the invention has many technical advantages:

• automation of the expansion operation and therefore of the tension release of the distributor cable 9, with a crane conductor which triggers the first movement sequence;
• automation of the tensioning operation and therefore of the increase in tension of the distributor cable 9, with precision as to the tension in the distributor cable 9;
• an automated tension adjustment system which makes it possible to limit and control the force in the distributor cable 9 (without risk of over-tension and under-tension);
• an automated and easy-to-use trigger, which will reduce the risks when dismantling the crane;
• an automated and easy-to-use tensioning, which will make it possible to reduce the risk of working with a relaxed distributor cable 9 which could trigger the triggering of a cable slack safety device;
• automation which allows tensioning to be carried out more often than before, thus improving the movement of the distributor carriage 1, which will be more responsive and more precise because there will be no slack in the cable to be tightened before triggering the movement of the distributor trolley 1;
• automated tensioning that allows manual intervention to be replaced an external maintenance operator by an easier, effortless and autonomous action of the crane operator, also improving safety during the operation of the crane;
• automation of movements which makes it possible to transfer part of the responsibilities previously assigned to external maintenance operators, to the smooth running of the first or second sequence, therefore to the crane manufacturer who is committed to the proper functioning of the movements and the reliability of the components and tension adjustment system;
• automation that reduces maintenance costs, decreases maintenance downtime and therefore increases productivity on the site and improves crane operating costs, thus improving profitability for the site sponsor ;
• an automated zeroing of the reference position of distributor trolley 1, which thus makes it possible to always indicate on a control screen the correct load range values, these remaining precise values can thus be included in a control command process the crane.

Claims (16)

Tension adjustment system for remote adjustment of a tension in a distributor cable (9) ensuring movement of a distributor carriage (1) movable along a distributor boom of a crane, said control system voltage including: - a distribution winch equipped with a distribution motor and cooperating with the distributor cable (9) to ensure movement of the distributor carriage (1) in a forward direction and in a rear direction; - a control unit connected to the distribution motor to remotely control a movement of the distributor carriage (1) in the forward direction and in the rear direction; and - a mechanical adjustment device (2) mounted on the distributor trolley (1) and which can be actuated under the action of a movement of the distributor trolley (1), said mechanical adjustment device (2) being coupled to the distributor cable ( 9) and configurable between: - A working configuration in which the mechanical adjustment device (2) is fixed regardless of the movement of the dispensing carriage (1) and provides for maintaining the tension in the dispensing cable (9); and - a relaxation configuration in which, under the action of a movement of the distributor carriage (1) controlled by the control unit according to a first predefined movement sequence back and forth between the forward direction and the rear direction , the mechanical adjustment device (2) provides a release of the tension in the distributor cable (9). Tension adjustment system according to Claim 1, in which the mechanical adjustment device (2) is also configurable in a tension configuration in which, under the action of a movement of the distributor carriage (1) controlled by the unit piloting according to a second predefined sequence of movement back and forth between the forward direction and the reverse direction, the mechanical adjustment device (2) provides an increase in the tension in the distributor cable (9). A tension adjustment system according to any of claims 1 and 2, wherein the control unit comprises an autopilot module configured to automatically implement the first movement sequence after the mechanical adjustment device (2 ) is in the relaxation configuration in order to automatically implement a release of the tension in the distributor cable (9). A tension adjustment system according to claims 1 and 2, wherein the mechanical adjustment device (2) comprises a main mechanism (20, 21, 23) coupled to the distributor cable (9) and operable in a first direction for a release of the tension in the distributor cable (9) and in a second direction for an increase of the tension in the distributor cable (9), said main mechanism (20, 21, 23) being configurable between a locked configuration suitable for preventing actuation in the first direction and allowing actuation in the second direction, and a specific unlocked configuration to allow actuation in the second direction under the effect of the tension in the distributor cable (9),
and wherein the mechanical adjustment device (2) further comprises a secondary mechanism (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38) cooperating with the main mechanism (20, 21, 23) under the '' action of a movement of the distributor carriage (1) controlled by the control unit, - or to actuate said main mechanism (20, 21, 23) in the first direction for a release of the tension in the distributor cable (9) after unlocking of the main mechanism (20, 21, 23) by said secondary mechanism (30 , 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38); - Or to actuate said main mechanism (20, 21, 23) in the second direction for an increase in the tension in the distribution cable (9) when the mechanical adjustment device (2) is in tension configuration. A tension adjustment system according to claim 4, wherein the secondary mechanism (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38) is configurable between: - the trigger configuration in which, under the action of a movement of the distributor carriage (1) controlled by the control unit according to the first movement sequence, the secondary mechanism (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38) is able to act on the main mechanism (20, 21, 23) to change it from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration and to allow actuation of the main mechanism (20, 21, 23 ) in the first direction for a release of the tension in the distributor cable (9) until a return to the locked configuration; - the voltage configuration in which, under the effect of a movement of the distributor carriage (1) controlled by the control unit according to the second movement sequence, the secondary mechanism (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38) is able to actuate the main mechanism (20, 21, 23) in the second direction for an increase in the tension in the distribution cable (9). A tension adjustment system according to any one of claims 4 and 5, wherein the main mechanism (20, 21, 23) comprises a main drum (20) rotatably mounted about a main axis (AP) and around which is partially wound the distributor cable (9) so that, on the one hand, a rotation of the main drum (20) in the first direction causes unwinding of the distributor cable (9) resulting in a release of the tension in the distributor cable (9 ) and that, on the other hand, a rotation of the main drum (20) in the second direction, opposite to the first direction, causes a winding of the distributor cable (9) resulting in an increase in the tension in the distributor cable (9);
and wherein the main mechanism (20, 21, 23) further comprises a main locking system (21, 23) movable between: - the locked configuration in which the main locking system (21, 23) is engaged with the main drum (20) to prevent the rotation of the main drum (20) in the first direction and allow the rotation of the main drum (20) in the second meaning; and - the unlocked configuration in which the main locking system (21, 23) is released from the main drum (20) to allow rotation of the main drum (20) in the first direction. A tension adjustment system according to claim 6, wherein the main locking system (21, 23) comprises: - A toothed wheel (21) integral in rotation with the main drum (20) and provided at the periphery with a succession of notches (22) of the unidirectional notch type; - a main pawl (23) pivotally mounted and able to lock in the notches (22) of the toothed wheel (21) to prevent the rotation of the main drum (20) in the first direction, while allowing the rotation of the main drum (20) according to the second sense; and - a main return means urging the main pawl (23) towards a locking position in the notches (22) of the toothed wheel (21); and wherein the secondary mechanism (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38) comprises: - a secondary lever (30) mounted to pivot around the main axis (AP) and provided with a head (31) projecting from the toothed wheel (21), and said secondary lever (30) being coupled to a return means rear (32) which urges the secondary lever (30) backwards; - a secondary guide means (33) mounted on the head (31); - a secondary pawl (34) pivotally mounted on the head (31) of the secondary lever (30) and able to come into engagement with the notches (22) of the toothed wheel (21) to act in rotation on this toothed wheel (21) ); - a secondary cam (35) mounted to pivot and having a cam surface (351), said secondary cam (35) being coupled to the main pawl (23) via a coupling means (37), and said secondary cam (35) being coupled to a cam return means (36) which biases the secondary cam (35) to a neutral position; - a secondary return means (38) mounted between the secondary lever (30) and the secondary pawl (34), said secondary return means (38) being configurable between: - a first configuration associated with the relaxation configuration of the mechanical adjustment device (2), in which the secondary return means (38) urges the secondary pawl (34) towards a disengagement with respect to the toothed wheel (21 ); and - a second configuration associated with the tension configuration of the mechanical adjustment device (2), in which the secondary return means (38) urges the secondary pawl (34) towards engagement in the notches (22) of the toothed wheel ( 21). A tension adjustment system according to any preceding claim, wherein, in the relaxed configuration of the mechanical adjustment device (2), the tension adjustment system further comprises a first stop member (4) which is static relative to the dispensing carriage (1) and which is shaped to cooperate with the mechanical adjustment device (2) under the action of a movement of the dispensing carriage (1) according to the first movement sequence. Tension adjustment system according to Claim 8, in which the first stop element (4) is fixed in a removable manner on the dispensing boom, in particular at the foot of the boom, in order to be able to mount said first stop element (4) in the relaxation configuration and being able to remove said first stop element (4) in the working configuration. A tension adjustment system according to claims 2 and 8, wherein in the tension configuration of the mechanical adjustment device (2), the tension adjustment system further comprises a second stop member (5) which is relatively static. to the distributor trolley (1) and which is shaped to cooperate with the mechanical adjustment device (2) under the action of a movement of the distributor trolley (1) according to the second movement sequence. Tension adjustment system according to Claim 10, in which the second stop element (5) is fixed in a removable manner on the dispensing boom, in particular at the foot of the boom, in order to be able to mount said second stop element (5) in the tension configuration and to be able to remove said second stop element (5) in the working configuration and in the detent configuration. Crane provided with a distribution trolley (1) movable along a distribution boom by means of a distribution cable (9), said crane comprising a tension adjustment system according to any one of claims 1 to 11. A tension adjustment method for remote adjustment of a tension in a distributor cable (9) providing movement of a distributor carriage (1) movable along a distributor boom of a crane according to claim 12, said tension adjustment method implementing a relaxation operation for releasing the tension in the distributor cable (9) and comprising: - a configuration of the mechanical adjustment device (2) in the expansion configuration, followed by - A control by the control unit of the movement of the distributor trolley (1) according to the first movement sequence to act on the mechanical adjustment device (2) and provide a release of the tension in the distributor cable (9). Tension adjustment method according to claim 13, in which, during the expansion operation, the control by the control unit of the movement of the distributor carriage (1) according to the first movement sequence is implemented automatically by the module Self-piloting of the tension adjustment system of claim 3. Tension adjustment method according to any one of Claims 13 and 14, in which, during the expansion operation, the control by the control unit of the movement of the distributor carriage (1) according to the first movement sequence sets in performs several first successive movement sequences until the tension in the distributor cable (9) goes below a predefined low threshold. A method of tension adjustment according to any of claims 13 to 15, said method of tension adjustment using a tension adjustment system according to claim 2 to carry out a tensioning operation for increasing the tension in the distributor cable (9) and comprising: - setting up the mechanical adjustment device (2) in the voltage configuration, followed by - A control by the control unit of the movement of the distributor carriage (1) according to the second movement sequence to act on the mechanical adjustment device (2) and provide an increase in the tension in the distributor cable (9).

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