EP3828124A1 - Lifting crane with system for automated determination of hoisting - Google Patents

Abstract

Lifting crane (1) comprising a boom (2) and a lifting device (4) with double reeving shaped to distribute and lift a load along the boom (2), said lifting device (4) being reversibly configurable between two reeving configurations including a single reeving configuration with two lifting legs and a double reeving configuration with four lifting legs, and the lifting device (4) including a reeving change system allowing to change the reeving between the configuration single reeving and the double reeving configuration, and vice versa, said lifting crane (1) being characterized in that it comprises an automated system for determining the reeving (7) configured to automatically determine the reeving configuration between the single reeving configuration and the double reeving configuration.

Description

The invention relates to a lifting crane comprising a jib and a lifting device with double reeving shaped to distribute and lift a load along the jib.

It relates more particularly to a lifting crane in which the lifting device is reversibly configurable between two reeving configurations including a single reeving configuration with two lifting legs and a double reeving configuration with four lifting legs, and where the lifting device lifting device comprising a reeving change system making it possible to change reeving between the single reeving configuration and the double reeving configuration. The invention finds a preferred, and non-limiting, application in the field of tower cranes.

The document FR3061163 describes an example of a lifting crane provided with such a lifting device reversibly configurable between a single reeving configuration and a double reeving configuration.

In a known manner, a lifting crane comprises a control / command unit controlling all of the crane movements in order to guarantee correct use within the authorized limits of the crane, and in particular to guarantee the stability of the crane by constantly checking that the load suspended on the lifting device at the reach measured on the boom is less than a maximum load authorized by a predefined load curve.

In a known manner with electromechanical control / command units, this suspended load control function is performed by a moment bar calculation which makes it possible to directly measure an elastic deformation of the deflection under the suspended load moment, with numerous disadvantages including the cost of such control / command units and the complexity of implementation.

It is also known to calculate the suspended load from an actual lifting tension measured on at least one lifting strand (part of the lifting cable partially supporting the load), then this lifting tension is multiplied by the number of lifting lines in action, which is two in the single reeving configuration and four in the double reeving configuration.

Also, it is necessary for the control / command unit to be aware of the number of lifting legs, in other words of the reeving configuration between the single reeving configuration and the double reeving configuration.

Currently, the reeving configuration is known in a declarative mode, that is to say that it is the crane pilot who declares the current reeving configuration on an interface. Consequently, the stability of the crane, and therefore compliance with safety conditions, will depend on the correct declaration of the reeving configuration by the pilot; it being noted that poor consideration of the number of sections involved can lead to accepting an overload of a factor of 2 compared to the maximum authorized load, with serious consequences such as for example a tilting of the crane.

Thus, the invention proposes to eliminate this declarative mode of the reeving configuration, and by the same to eliminate the aforementioned drawbacks associated with its implementation, including mainly the risks of false declarations, erroneous declarations or late declarations.

To this end, the invention relates to a lifting crane comprising a jib and a lifting device with double reeving designed to distribute and lift a load along the jib, said lifting device being reversibly configurable between two reeving configurations. including a single reeving configuration with two lifting legs and a double reeving configuration with four lifting legs, and the lifting device including a reeving change system allowing to make a change of reeving between the single reeving configuration and the double reeving configuration , and conversely, said lifting crane being remarkable in that it comprises an automated system for determining the reeving configured to automatically determine the reeving configuration between the single reeving configuration and the double reeving configuration.

Thus, the invention is based on an automated method of determining the reeving configuration, rather than on a declarative mode, which makes it possible to make the recognition of the reeving configuration more reliable and thus makes it possible to automatically change the load curve. (adaptation of the load curve according to the number of lifting legs) without a decision by the crane operator, and by making sure to always have the correct load curve, in particular during the transition phases, during the reeving change.

The invention also makes it possible to make the recognition of the reeving configuration more reliable without using a moment bar calculation which, in addition to being expensive, is complicated to implement.

• un système de détection de présence de la moufle secondaire propre à détecter une présence/absence de la moufle secondaire à un emplacement de référence prédéterminé occupé par ladite moufle secondaire dans l'une ou l'autre des configurations de mouflage, et
• une unité de contrôle/commande raccordée au système de détection de présence de la moufle secondaire et conformée pour déterminer automatiquement la configuration de mouflage en fonction de la détection d'absence/présence de la moufle secondaire à l'emplacement de référence.

According to one characteristic, the lifting device comprises a dispensing trolley comprising a structure suspended on the boom and connected to a distribution system suitable for moving the dispensing trolley along the boom in a forward direction and an opposite rear direction, and a block main suspended from said suspended structure by a lifting cable;
the reeving change system comprises a secondary block and a locking / unlocking mechanism cooperating with the main block and the secondary block to switch from the single reeving configuration to the double reeving configuration or vice versa; and
the automated reeving determination system includes at least:

• a system for detecting the presence of the secondary block capable of detecting a presence / absence of the secondary block at a predetermined reference location occupied by said secondary block in one or the other of the reeving configurations, and
• a control / command unit connected to the presence detection system of the secondary block and configured to automatically determine the reeving configuration according to the detection of absence / presence of the secondary block at the reference location.

Thus, the automated determination of the reeving configuration relies on the detection of the absence / presence of the secondary block at a reference location, which has the advantage of having a reliable detection and thus a determination of the configuration. equally reliable hauling system.

According to one possibility, the automated system for determining the reeving comprises a storage module connected to the control / command unit for storing at least one last reeving configuration determined by the control / command unit, and the control unit / command is conformed to automatically determine the reeving configuration also as a function of said last reeving configuration stored in the storage module.

Thus, during a change of reeving, the control / command unit can determine the new reeving configuration and check whether this determination is consistent with the last reeving configuration stored in the memory. Also, the control / command unit can verify the correct progress or not of a change of reeving, so as to be able to deduce the new reeving configuration in a safe manner and, once the new reeving configuration has been determined, this is stored in the storage module until the next reeving change.

• dans la configuration simple mouflage, le mécanisme de verrouillage/déverrouillage déverrouille la moufle secondaire qui reste positionnée à l'intérieur d'un logement de moufle prévu sur la moufle principale de sorte que le câble de levage coopère avec la moufle principale pour un levage à deux brins de levage, et
• dans la configuration double mouflage, le mécanisme de verrouillage/déverrouillage verrouille la moufle secondaire sur le chariot distributeur à un emplacement au-dessus de la moufle principale de sorte que le câble de levage coopère à la fois avec la moufle principale et la moufle secondaire pour un levage à quatre brins de levage.

Alternatively:

• in the single hauling configuration, the locking / unlocking mechanism unlocks the secondary block which remains positioned inside a block housing provided on the main block so that the lifting cable cooperates with the main block for lifting at two lifting arms, and
• in the double reeving configuration, the locking / unlocking mechanism locks the secondary block on the dispensing trolley at a location above the main block so that the lifting cable cooperates with both the main block and the secondary block to a lifting with four lifting legs.

In a first embodiment, the system for detecting the presence of the secondary block is configured to detect the presence / absence of the secondary block inside the block housing occupied by the secondary block in the simple reeving and / or in the configuration. 'location above the main block occupied by the secondary block in the double reeving configuration.

• à l'intérieur du logement de moufle (si la moufle secondaire est à l'intérieur du logement de moufle alors le dispositif de levage est en configuration simple mouflage) ;
• à l'emplacement au-dessus de la moufle principale (si la moufle secondaire est suspendue à l'emplacement au-dessus de la moufle principale alors le dispositif de levage est en configuration double mouflage).

Thus in this first embodiment, the system for detecting the presence of the secondary block uses direct detection of the presence / absence of the secondary block at a reference location; this corresponding reference location:

• inside the block housing (if the secondary block is inside the block housing then the lifting device is in simple reeving configuration);
• at the location above the main block (if the secondary block is suspended at the location above the main block then the lifting device is in the double reeving configuration).

• dans la configuration double mouflage, le mécanisme de verrouillage/déverrouillage verrouille ensemble le chariot distributeur et le chariot restant qui sont assemblées et déplaçables en association le long de la flèche, et la moufle secondaire est suspendue sur le chariot restant à l'emplacement au-dessus de la moufle principale ; et
• dans la configuration simple mouflage, le mécanisme de verrouillage/déverrouillage déverrouille le chariot restant, de sorte que le chariot distributeur et le chariot restant sont désassemblés, la moufle secondaire est logée à l'intérieur du logement de moufle prévu sur la moufle principale et le chariot distributeur est déplaçable seul tandis que le chariot restant est positionné statiquement avec la moufle secondaire à un emplacement de stockage ;

et le système de détection de présence de la moufle secondaire est configuré pour détecter une présence/absence du chariot restant à l'emplacement de stockage.In a second embodiment, the reeving change system comprises a remaining carriage comprising a frame suspended on the boom and supporting the secondary block, where:

• in the double reeving configuration, the locking / unlocking mechanism locks together the dispensing trolley and the remaining trolley which are assembled and movable in association along the boom, and the secondary block is suspended on the remaining trolley at the location at the- above the main block; and
• in the simple reeving configuration, the locking / unlocking mechanism unlocks the remaining trolley, so that the dispensing trolley and the remaining trolley are disassembled, the secondary muffle is housed inside the muffle housing provided on the main muffle and the dispensing trolley is movable on its own while the remaining trolley is statically positioned with the secondary muffle at a storage location;

and the secondary block presence detection system is configured to detect a presence / absence of the remaining cart at the storage location.

• si le chariot restant est présent à l'emplacement de stockage, alors nécessairement la moufle secondaire est à l'intérieur du logement de moufle et le dispositif de levage est en configuration simple mouflage ;
• si le chariot restant est absent de l'emplacement de stockage, alors nécessairement la moufle secondaire est suspendue à l'emplacement au-dessus de la moufle principale et le dispositif de levage est en configuration double mouflage.

Thus in this second embodiment, the system for detecting the presence of the secondary block uses indirect detection of the presence / absence of the secondary block at a reference location. Indeed, it is the remaining cart which is detected as being present / absent at this storage location, in other words:

• if the remaining carriage is present at the storage location, then necessarily the secondary block is inside the block housing and the lifting device is in a simple reeving configuration;
• if the remaining trolley is absent from the storage location, then necessarily the secondary block is suspended at the location above the main block and the lifting device is in double reeving configuration.

According to one variant, this storage location is located at the foot of the boom.

• une première séquence automatisée faisant passer le dispositif de levage de la configuration simple mouflage vers la configuration double mouflage ; et inversement
• une seconde séquence automatisée faisant passer le dispositif de levage de la configuration double mouflage vers la configuration simple mouflage ;

en fonction de la configuration de mouflage déterminée automatiquement par ladite unité de contrôle/commande.In a particular embodiment, the reeving change system changes the lifting device from the single reeving configuration to the double reeving configuration, and vice versa, by moving the distribution trolley with its main block, and the control / command unit is connected to the distribution system to control the movement of the distribution trolley according to:

• a first automated sequence passing the lifting device from the single hauling configuration to the double hauling configuration; and vice versa
• a second automated sequence switching the lifting device from the double reeving configuration to the single reeving configuration;

according to the reeving configuration automatically determined by said control / command unit.

• la première séquence automatisée au moins à la condition où l'unité de contrôle/commande a déterminé que le dispositif de levage est en configuration simple mouflage ;
• la seconde séquence automatisée au moins à la condition où l'unité de contrôle/commande a déterminé que le dispositif de levage est en configuration double mouflage.

Thanks to the automated detection of the reeving configuration, it is therefore now advantageous to automatically control reeving changes, either fully or not from start to finish; just as it is conceivable that this piloting comes under piloting assistance, for example by controlling or limiting the speeds and / or the accelerations and / or the braking and / or the stops. Advantageously, the control / command unit is configured to allow:

• the first automated sequence at least under the condition where the control / command unit has determined that the lifting device is in the simple hauling configuration;
• the second automated sequence at least under the condition where the control / command unit has determined that the lifting device is in double reeving configuration.

Thus, the invention makes it possible to secure the reeving changes, and therefore to avoid erroneous operations.

In a particular embodiment, the lifting crane comprises a lifting winch provided with a lifting drum cooperating with the lifting cable to move the load up and down, said lifting winch being equipped with a load sensor. unwinding suitable for measuring an unwound length of the lifting cable, where the control unit is configured to compare the unwound lengths of the lifting cable at the start of a first automated sequence and at the start of a second automated sequence that follows or precedes said first automated sequence. According to one possibility, the control / command unit is configured to automatically determine the reeving configuration also based on the comparison between the unwound lengths of the lifting cable at the start of a first automated sequence and at the start of a second sequence automated sequence which follows or precedes said first automated sequence.

Thus, this comparison makes it possible to make the determination of the reeving configuration even more reliable.

In an advantageous embodiment, a load sensor coupled to a lifting strand of the lifting cable for measuring a lifting tension on said lifting strand, where the control / command unit is connected to the load sensor and is configured to calculate. a load value as a function of said lifting tension on said lifting strand and of the reeving configuration automatically determined by said control / command unit.

The invention indeed finds an advantageous application for calculating a value of the load suspended on the lifting legs, reliably and without declarative mode, thus offering a reliable solution making it possible to overcome human error and thus improve the level of security.

Alternatively, the control / command unit is configured to compare the value of the load with a maximum permitted load.

• réaliser un changement de mouflage entre la configuration simple mouflage et la configuration double mouflage, ou inversement ;
• déterminer automatiquement la configuration de mouflage entre la configuration simple mouflage et la configuration double mouflage.

The invention also relates to a method of controlling a lifting crane according to the invention, as described above, comprising the steps of:

• change the reeving between the single reeving configuration and the double reeving configuration, or vice versa;
• automatically determine the reeving configuration between the single reeving configuration and the double reeving configuration.

• détecter une présence/absence de la moufle secondaire à un emplacement de référence prédéterminé occupé par ladite moufle secondaire dans l'une ou l'autre des configurations de mouflage ;
• déterminer automatiquement la configuration de mouflage en fonction de la détection d'absence/présence de la moufle secondaire à l'emplacement de référence. Avantageusement, le procédé de pilotage comprend une étape de stockage d'au moins une dernière configuration de mouflage déterminée automatiquement, et dans lequel la configuration du dispositif de levage est déterminée automatiquement en fonction également de ladite dernière configuration de mouflage stockée.

According to one characteristic, the control method comprises the steps of:

• detect the presence / absence of the secondary block at a location of predetermined reference occupied by said secondary block in one or the other of the reeving configurations;
• automatically determine the reeving configuration based on the absence / presence of the secondary block at the reference location. Advantageously, the piloting method comprises a step of storing at least one last reeving configuration determined automatically, and in which the configuration of the lifting device is determined automatically as a function also of said last reeving configuration stored.

• une première séquence automatisée faisant passer le dispositif de levage de la configuration simple mouflage vers la configuration double mouflage ; et inversement
• une seconde séquence automatisée faisant passer le dispositif de levage de la configuration double mouflage vers la configuration simple mouflage ; en fonction de la configuration de mouflage déterminée automatiquement.

According to another characteristic, the control method comprises a step of controlling the movement of the distributor trolley according to:

• a first automated sequence passing the lifting device from the single hauling configuration to the double hauling configuration; and vice versa
• a second automated sequence switching the lifting device from the double reeving configuration to the single reeving configuration; according to the automatically determined reeving configuration.

• la première séquence automatisée au moins à la condition où il est déterminé automatiquement que le dispositif de levage est en configuration simple mouflage ;
• la seconde séquence automatisée au moins à la condition où il est déterminé automatiquement que le dispositif de levage est en configuration double mouflage.

Advantageously, the control method comprises the step of authorizing:

• the first automated sequence at least on the condition that it is automatically determined that the lifting device is in the simple hauling configuration;
• the second automated sequence at least on the condition that it is automatically determined that the lifting device is in the double reeving configuration.

• mesurer une longueur déroulée du câble de levage, ledit câble de levage coopérant avec un tambour de levage d'un treuil de levage pour déplacer la charge en montée et en descente,
• comparer les longueurs déroulées du câble de levage au début d'une première séquence automatisée et au début d'une seconde séquence automatisée qui suit ou précède ladite première séquence automatisée.

In a particular embodiment, the control method comprises the steps of:

• measuring an unwound length of the lifting cable, said lifting cable cooperating with a lifting drum of a lifting winch to move the load up and down,
• comparing the unwound lengths of the lifting cable at the start of a first automated sequence and at the start of a second automated sequence which follows or precedes said first automated sequence.

According to one possibility, the configuration of the lifting device is determined automatically also as a function of the comparison between the unwound lengths of the lifting cable at the start of a first automated sequence and at the start of a second automated sequence which follows or precedes said first. automated sequence.

• mesurer une tension de levage sur un brin du câble de levage ;
• calculer une valeur de la charge en fonction de ladite tension de levage sur ledit brin du câble de levage et de la configuration de mouflage déterminée automatiquement.

According to another possibility, the control method comprises the steps of:

• measuring a lifting tension on a strand of the lifting cable;
• calculating a load value as a function of said lifting tension on said strand of the lifting cable and the automatically determined reeving configuration.

Advantageously, the control method comprises the step of comparing the value of the load with a maximum authorized load.

• [Fig. 1] est une vue en perspective d'une partie d'une grue de levage conforme à l'invention, comprenant un dispositif de levage illustré en configuration double mouflage, ce dispositif de levage comprenant un chariot distributeur et un chariot restant assemblés, et un câble de levage coopérant avec une moufle principale et avec une moufle secondaire suspendue au-dessus de la moufle principale ;
• [Fig. 2] est une vue en perspective d'une partie de la grue de levage de la Figure 1, avec le dispositif de levage en configuration double mouflage et en pied de flèche ;
• [Fig. 3] est une vue zoomée de la zone III de la Figure 2 qui est positionnée sur un système de détection de présence de la moufle secondaire ;
• [Fig. 4] est une vue d'une partie de la grue de levage de la Figure 1, avec le dispositif de levage en configuration simple mouflage, où le chariot distributeur et le chariot restant sont désassemblés, la moufle secondaire est logée dans un logement de moufle de la moufle principale, et le chariot restant étant stationné au pied de la flèche ;
• [Fig. 5] est une vue schématique d'une grue de levage conforme à l'invention en configuration simple mouflage ; et
• [Fig. 6] est une vue schématique d'une grue de levage similaire à celle de la Figure 5 mais en configuration double mouflage.

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 perspective view of part of a lifting crane according to the invention, comprising a lifting device illustrated in double reeving configuration, this lifting device comprising a distributor trolley and a trolley remaining assembled, and a cable lifting unit cooperating with a main block and with a secondary block suspended above the main block;
• [ Fig. 2 ] is a perspective view of part of the lifting crane of the Figure 1 , with the lifting device in double reeving configuration and at the bottom of the boom;
• [ Fig. 3 ] is a zoomed view of Zone III of the Figure 2 which is positioned on a system for detecting the presence of the secondary block;
• [ Fig. 4 ] is a view of part of the lifting crane of the Figure 1 , with the lifting device in the simple hauling configuration, where the dispensing trolley and the remaining trolley are disassembled, the secondary block is housed in a block housing of the main block, and the remaining trolley is parked at the foot of the boom;
• [ Fig. 5 ] is a schematic view of a lifting crane according to the invention in a simple reeving configuration; and
• [ Fig. 6 ] is a schematic view of a lifting crane similar to that of the Figure 5 but in double hauling configuration.

Referring to the Figures, a lifting crane 1 according to the invention, of the tower crane type, comprises a distribution boom 2 mounted on a tower 3 (also called a mast) at the foot 20 of the boom 2. Conventionally, the foot 20 of the boom 2 is rotatably mounted on the tower 3 along a vertical axis. The boom 2 can be extended to the other side of the tower 3 by a counter-boom 30, generally provided with weights.

The lifting crane 1 further comprises a lifting device 4 with double reeving shaped to distribute a load (not shown) along the jib 2, this lifting device 4 running on a track formed on the jib 2, between the foot 20 and the point 21 of the boom 2, also called the free end of the boom 2.

This lifting device 4 comprises a distributor trolley 5 which comprises a structure 50 suspended on the raceway by front and rear primary rolling members formed of rollers or wheels rolling on the raceway. This suspended structure 50 supports pulleys which guide a lifting cable 40.

The suspended structure 50 is connected to a distribution system 55 suitable for moving the distributor carriage 5 along the raceway in a forward direction (in other words in the direction of the point 21 of the arrow 2, to the right in the figures). and a rear direction (in other words in the direction of the foot 20 of the arrow 2, to the left in the figures) opposite.

As shown schematically in Figures 4 , 5 and 6 , this distribution system 55 comprises a motor 56 driving a distribution winch 57 coupled to a distribution cable 58 having strands fixed on either side of the distributor carriage 5 and which circulates to the point 21 of the boom 2 .

The distributor trolley 5 further comprises a main block 51 suspended from the suspended structure 50 by the lifting cable 40. This main block 51 supports a lifting member 52 at the bottom; this lifting member 52 being provided for hooking up the load and being able to take the form of a hook articulated on the main block 51.

• comme illustré aux Figures 4 et 5, une configuration simple mouflage à deux brins de levage du câble de levage 40 ; et
• comme illustré aux Figures 1, 2 et 6, une configuration double mouflage à quatre brins de levage du câble de levage 40.

This lifting device 4 is reversibly configurable between two reeving configurations including:

• as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 , a simple reeving configuration with two lifting legs of the lifting cable 40; and
• as illustrated in Figures 1 , 2 and 6 , a double reeving configuration with four lifting legs of the lifting cable 40.

The lifting device 4 comprises a reeving change system enabling a reeving change to be made reversibly between the single reeving configuration and the double reeving configuration, and vice versa.

This reeving change system comprises a remaining carriage 6 which is movable on the track. The remaining carriage 6 comprises a frame 60 suspended on the raceway by secondary front and rear rolling members formed of rollers or wheels rolling on the raceway. The suspended frame 40 is open on the front, allowing entry / exit of the distributor trolley 3.

This reeving change system further comprises a secondary block 61 supported by the suspended frame 60 of the remaining carriage 6 in double reeving configuration.

• dans la configuration double mouflage illustrée aux Figures 1, 2 et 6, le mécanisme de verrouillage/déverrouillage verrouille ensemble le chariot distributeur 5 et le chariot restant 6 qui sont assemblées et déplaçables en association le long de la flèche 2, et ainsi le mécanisme de verrouillage/déverrouillage verrouille la moufle secondaire 51 sur le chariot distributeur 5 qui est alors déplaçable avec la moufle principale 51 et avec la moufle secondaire 61 qui est suspendue au-dessus de la moufle principale 51, de sorte que le câble de levage 40 coopère à la fois avec la moufle principale 51 et la moufle secondaire 61 pour un levage à quatre brins de levage ; et
• dans la configuration simple mouflage illustrée aux Figures 4 et 5, le mécanisme de verrouillage/déverrouillage déverrouille le chariot restant 6 vis-à-vis du chariot distributeur 5, de sorte que le chariot distributeur 5 et le chariot restant 6 sont désassemblés et le chariot distributeur 5 est déplaçable seul tandis que le chariot restant 5 est positionné statiquement à un emplacement de stockage stationnaire sous la flèche 2, et plus précisément sous le pied 20 de la flèche 2, et ainsi le mécanisme de verrouillage/déverrouillage déverrouille la moufle secondaire 51 qui reste positionnée à l'intérieur d'un logement de moufle 55 prévu sur la moufle principale 51, de sorte que le câble de levage 40 coopère avec la moufle principale 51 pour un levage à deux brins de levage.

This reeving change system also comprises a locking / unlocking mechanism cooperating with the main block 51 and the secondary block 61 to switch from the single reeving configuration to the double reeving configuration or vice versa, so that:

• in the double reeving configuration illustrated in Figures 1 , 2 and 6 , the locking / unlocking mechanism locks together the dispenser carriage 5 and the remaining carriage 6 which are assembled and movable in association along the boom 2, and thus the locking / unlocking mechanism locks the secondary block 51 on the dispenser carriage 5 which is then movable with the main block 51 and with the secondary block 61 which is suspended above the main block 51, so that the lifting cable 40 cooperates with both the main block 51 and the secondary block 61 to a lifting with four lifting legs; and
• in the simple reeving configuration illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 , the locking / unlocking mechanism unlocks the remaining carriage 6 from the dispenser carriage 5, so that the dispenser carriage 5 and the remaining carriage 6 are disassembled and the dispenser carriage 5 is movable on its own while the remaining carriage 5 is statically positioned at a stationary storage location under the boom 2, and more precisely under the foot 20 of the boom 2, and thus the locking / unlocking mechanism unlocks the secondary block 51 which remains positioned inside a housing block 55 provided on the main block 51, so that the lifting cable 40 cooperates with the main block 51 for lifting with two lifting legs.

In the embodiment illustrated in the Figures 1 to 4 , the locking / unlocking mechanism comprises support members integral with the suspended frame 60 of the remaining carriage 6 and on which the secondary block 61 is suspended at a location above the main block in the double reeving configuration, and the main block 51 comprises the block housing 55 arranged to at least partially house the secondary block 61 in the simple reeving configuration.

Furthermore, the lifting device 4 is arranged to pass from the single reeving configuration to the double reeving configuration, and vice versa, by moving the distributor trolley 5 with its main block 51, and to do this the reeving change system and more. specifically, its locking / unlocking mechanism are configured to pass from the single hauling configuration to the double reeving configuration, and vice versa, by acting on the distribution system (to move the distributor trolley 5) and on the lifting cable 40.

As shown schematically in Figures 5 and 6 , the lifting crane 1 comprises a lifting system 45 provided with a motor 46 driving a lifting winch 47 provided with a drum lifting device coupled to the lifting cable 40 on which the main block 51 is suspended, and which runs up to the point 21 of the jib 2.

This type of lifting device 4 is described in full and detail in French patent applications no. FR 3,061,163 and n ° FR 3 061 164 , and those skilled in the art will usefully refer to these two French patent applications for further structural and functional details, and a summary of the reeving changes is provided below; it being noted that the invention is not limited to this type of lifting device 4.

• dans la configuration double mouflage, la structure suspendue 50 du chariot distributeur 5 est disposée au moins partiellement à l'intérieur de l'armature suspendue 60 du chariot restant 6, et la moufle secondaire 61 est portée par les organes de support de l'armature suspendue 60 du chariot restant 6, de sorte que la moufle secondaire 61 est verrouillé sur le chariot distributeur 5 à un emplacement au-dessus de la moufle principale 51 ;
• la moufle principale 51 est remontée jusqu'à ce que la moufle secondaire 61 soit décrochée des organes de support après avoir été poussée vers le haut par la moufle principale 51, et jusqu'à ce que la moufle secondaire 61 soit logée au moins partiellement à l'intérieur du logement de moufle 55 de la moufle principale 51;
• le chariot distributeur 5 est déplacé en translation selon la direction avant, le chariot restant 6 n'étant pas déplacé en translation et restant à l'emplacement de stockage prédéfini sous la flèche 2, et ce chariot restant 6 ayant son armature suspendue 60 ouverte sur l'avant pour laisser un libre passage au câble de levage 40 qui suit le chariot distributeur 5 ; et
• la moufle principale 51 est descendue et le câble de levage 40 coopère avec la moufle principale 51 pour un travail en simple mouflage, la moufle secondaire 61 étant logée au moins partiellement à l'intérieur du logement de moufle 55 de la moufle principale 51.

The lifting device 4 changes from the double reeving configuration to the single reeving configuration as follows:

• in the double reeving configuration, the suspended structure 50 of the distributor trolley 5 is disposed at least partially inside the suspended frame 60 of the remaining trolley 6, and the secondary block 61 is carried by the support members of the frame suspended 60 from the remaining carriage 6, so that the secondary muffle 61 is locked to the dispensing carriage 5 at a location above the main muffle 51;
• the main block 51 is raised until the secondary block 61 is unhooked from the support members after having been pushed upwards by the main block 51, and until the secondary block 61 is housed at least partially at the interior of the muffle housing 55 of the main muffle 51;
• the distributor trolley 5 is moved in translation in the forward direction, the remaining trolley 6 not being moved in translation and remaining at the predefined storage location under the arrow 2, and this remaining trolley 6 having its suspended frame 60 open on the front to allow free passage for the lifting cable 40 which follows the distributor trolley 5; and
• the main block 51 is lowered and the lifting cable 40 cooperates with the main block 51 for simple hauling work, the secondary block 61 being housed at least partially inside the block housing 55 of the main block 51.

• dans la configuration simple mouflage, la moufle secondaire 61 est logée au moins partiellement à l'intérieur du logement de moufle 55 de la moufle principale 51;
• la moufle principale 51 est remontée jusqu'à établir un contact avec l'armature suspendue 60 du chariot restant 6 ;
• le chariot distributeur 5 est déplacé en translation selon la direction arrière ;
• la moufle principale 51 est descendue jusqu'à ce que la moufle secondaire 61 se raccroche aux organes de support, autorisant la moufle principale 51 à descendre sans que la moufle secondaire 61 ne soit logée à l'intérieur du logement de moufle 55 de la moufle principale 51.

The lifting device 4 changes from the single reeving configuration to the double reeving configuration as follows:

• in the simple reeving configuration, the secondary block 61 is housed at least partially inside the block housing 55 of the main block 51;
• the main block 51 is raised until it makes contact with the suspended frame 60 of the remaining carriage 6;
• the distributor carriage 5 is moved in translation in the rear direction;
• the main block 51 is lowered until the secondary block 61 hooks up to the support members, allowing the main block 51 to descend without the secondary block 61 being housed inside the muffle housing 55 of the block main 51.

With reference to Figures 5 and 6 , and according to the invention, the lifting crane 1 further comprises an automated system for determining the reeving 7 configured to automatically determine the reeving configuration between the single reeving configuration and the double reeving configuration.

• un système de détection de présence 8 de la moufle secondaire 61 propre à détecter une présence/absence de la moufle secondaire 61 à un emplacement de référence prédéterminé occupé par la moufle secondaire 61 dans l'une ou l'autre des configurations de mouflage, et
• une unité de contrôle/commande 9 raccordée au système de détection de présence 8 de la moufle secondaire 61 et conformée pour déterminer automatiquement la configuration de mouflage en fonction de la détection d'absence/présence de la moufle secondaire à l'emplacement de référence.

This automated system for determining the reeving 7 comprises at least:

• a presence detection system 8 of the secondary block 61 capable of detecting a presence / absence of the secondary block 61 at a predetermined reference location occupied by the secondary block 61 in one or other of the reeving configurations, and
• a control / command unit 9 connected to the presence detection system 8 of the secondary block 61 and configured to automatically determine the reeving configuration as a function of the detection of the absence / presence of the secondary block at the reference location.

This presence detection system 8 may include a first means for detecting the presence / absence of the secondary block 61 inside the block housing 55 occupied by the secondary block 61 in the simple reeving configuration. Thus, if the secondary block 61 is inside the block housing 55 then the lifting device 4 is in a simple reeving configuration, and conversely if the secondary block 61 is absent from the block housing 55 then the lifting device. lifting 4 is in double reeving configuration. This first means can for example comprise a contact sensor, a mechanical sensor, an electrical sensor, an optical sensor, ... arranged for example in front of or inside the muffle housing 55.

This presence detection system 8 can comprise a second means for detecting the presence / absence of the secondary block 61 at the location above the main block 51 occupied by the secondary block 61 in the double reeving configuration, and in particular the presence / absence of the secondary block 61 in suspension on the support members provided on the remaining carriage 6. Thus, if the secondary block 61 is present on the support members then the lifting device 4 is in double reeving configuration, and conversely, if the secondary block 61 is absent from the support members then the lifting device 4 is in a simple hauling configuration. This second means can for example comprise a contact sensor, a mechanical sensor, an electrical sensor, an optical sensor, ... arranged for example in front of or on the support members.

This presence detection system 8 may include a third means for detecting the presence / absence of the remaining trolley 6 at the storage location (under the foot 20 of the boom 2 in the illustrated embodiment), insofar as the presence / absence of the remaining carriage 6 at the storage location is correlated with the location of the secondary block 61 and with the reeving configuration. Thus, if the remaining trolley 6 is present at the storage location then the lifting device 4 is in the simple hauling configuration, and conversely if the remaining trolley 6 is absent from the storage location then the lifting device 4 is in double hauling configuration.

This presence detection system 8 can comprise all or part of the first means, of the second means and of the third means described above.

In the illustrated embodiment, the presence detection system 8 comprises the third means, visible on the Figure 3 , which comprises a proximity sensor 80 associated with a stop 81 mounted to slide in translation on a fixed structural element 22 of the lifting crane 1 placed at the level of the foot 20 of the jib 2, so that the stop 81 is located in face of the remaining carriage 6 when the latter is in the storage location, under the foot 20 of the boom 2.

This stop 81 comprises a rod 82 extended by an enlarged head 83. The rod 82 is slidably mounted on the structural element 22 and, as such, the rod 82 passes through this structural element 22 in an orifice or bearing.

The rod 82 has a free front end provided with an abutment surface 84 provided so that the remaining carriage 6 abuts against said abutment surface 84. As such, the remaining carriage 6 may have, on the rear, a rear stopper 63 suitable for resting on the stop surface 84.

This stop surface 84 is enlarged relative to the rod 82, and is in particular in the form of a disc with a diameter greater than the diameter of the rod 82 if the latter is cylindrical.

• une première extrémité présentant la surface de butée 84 et
• une seconde extrémité présentant la tête élargie 83.

The rod 82 has a rear end, opposite to the front end and therefore to the stop surface 84, on which the enlarged head 83 is fixed. Thus, the stop 81 has on either side of the structural element. 22:

• a first end having the stop surface 84 and
• a second end presenting the enlarged head 83.

The enlarged head 83 has a detection surface 85 which is planar and inclined relative to a sliding direction of the stop 81 on the structural element 22.

There is also provided an elastic return member 86 interposed between the structural element 22 and the abutment surface 84, where this return member 86 is in the form of a helical compression spring mounted around the rod 82.

The proximity sensor 80 is in turn fixedly mounted on the arrow 2 and is disposed opposite the detection surface 85 of the enlarged head 83 of the stop 81, where the proximity sensor 80 is configured to detect and measure the distance. between said proximity sensor 80 and said detection surface 85. This proximity sensor 80 can for example be an inductive sensor or a light sensor (infrared sensor, etc.).

• une position de repos en l'absence de poussée exercée par le chariot restant 6 sur la butée 81, autrement dit en l'absence d'effort de poussée exercé vers l'arrière (autrement dit en direction du pied de flèche) par le butoir arrière 63 du chariot restant 6 sur la surface de butée 84 de la butée 81, étant noté que l'organe de rappel 86 sollicite cette butée 81 vers sa position de repos ; et
• au moins une position de détection en présence d'un effort de poussée exercé par le chariot restant 6 sur la butée 81, autrement dit en présence d'un effort de poussée exercé vers l'arrière par le butoir arrière 63 du chariot restant 6 sur la surface de butée 84 de la butée 81, étant noté que l'organe de rappel 86 offre un effort résistant à cet effort de poussée exercé par le chariot restant 6 sur la butée 81.

The stop 81 is selectively movable between:

• a rest position in the absence of thrust exerted by the remaining carriage 6 on the stop 81, in other words in the absence of a thrust force exerted towards the rear (in other words in the direction of the boom foot) by the stopper rear 63 of the remaining carriage 6 on the stop surface 84 of the stop 81, it being noted that the return member 86 urges this stop 81 towards its rest position; and
• at least one detection position in the presence of a thrust force exerted by the remaining carriage 6 on the stop 81, in other words in the presence of a thrust force exerted towards the rear by the rear stopper 63 of the remaining carriage 6 on the stop surface 84 of the stop 81, it being noted that the return member 86 offers a force resistant to this pushing force exerted by the remaining carriage 6 on the stop 81.

In the detection position, the stopper 81 has slid (towards the rear), compared to the rest position, which contributes to a modification of the distance between the proximity sensor 80 and the detection surface 85, and also to compression of the return member 86 between the structural element 22 and the stop surface 84. It should be noted that the detection surface 85 is inclined in the direction of a reduction in the distance between the proximity sensor 80 and the detection surface 85 when the stop 81 has slid (towards the rear) from its rest position towards the detection position.

• la position de repos correspond à une configuration double mouflage, le chariot restant 6 étant en déplacement avec le chariot distributeur 5 et donc absent de l'emplacement de stockage au pied 20 de la flèche 2 ; et
• la position de détection correspond à une configuration simple mouflage, le chariot restant 6 étant présent à l'emplacement de stockage au pied 20 de la flèche 2.

As the proximity sensor 80 is configured to detect and measure the distance between the proximity sensor 80 and the detection surface 85, this proximity sensor 80 is then configured to detect the stop 81 in its rest position and in its back position. detection, where:

• the rest position corresponds to a double reeving configuration, the remaining trolley 6 being moving with the dispensing trolley 5 and therefore absent from the storage location at the foot 20 of the boom 2; and
• the detection position corresponds to a simple hauling configuration, the remaining carriage 6 being present at the storage location at the foot 20 of the boom 2.

Thus, the control / command unit 9 makes it possible to automatically determine the reeving configuration as a function of the detection carried out by the presence detection system 8.

Advantageously, the automated system for determining the reeving 7 comprises a storage module 90 (or memory) connected to the control / command unit 9 to store at least one last reeving configuration determined by the control / command unit. 9. In other words, the last reeving configuration is stored in this storage module 90, so that when a reeving change is made, the control / command unit 9 is configured to automatically determine the reeving configuration also in function of this last reeving configuration stored in the storage module.

Once the new reeving configuration has been determined, on the basis at least of the detection made by the presence detection system 8 and of the last reeving configuration stored, it is this new reeving configuration which is stored in the control module. storage 90 and which therefore becomes the last reeving configuration. In other words, the reeving configuration is updated in the storage module 90 on each reeving change.

• une première séquence automatisée faisant passer le dispositif de levage 4 de la configuration simple mouflage vers la configuration double mouflage ; et inversement
• une seconde séquence automatisée faisant passer le dispositif de levage 4 de la configuration double mouflage vers la configuration simple mouflage ;

en fonction de la configuration de mouflage déterminée automatiquement par cette unité de contrôle/commande 9.As shown schematically on Figures 5 and 6 , this control / command unit 9 can be connected to the distribution system 55 and also to the lifting system 45 to control the movement of the distributor trolley 5 and the movement of the lifting cable 40 (and therefore of the main block 51) according to:

• a first automated sequence passing the lifting device 4 from the single reeving configuration to the double reeving configuration; and vice versa
• a second automated sequence passing the lifting device 4 from the double reeving configuration to the single reeving configuration;

according to the reeving configuration automatically determined by this control / command unit 9.

• la première séquence automatisée au moins à la condition où l'unité de contrôle/commande 9 a déterminé que le dispositif de levage 4 est en configuration simple mouflage ;
• la seconde séquence automatisée au moins à la condition où l'unité de contrôle/commande 9 a déterminé que le dispositif de levage 4 est en configuration double mouflage.

Also, the control / command unit 9 can authorize:

• the first automated sequence at least on condition that the control / command unit 9 has determined that the lifting device 4 is in the simple hauling configuration;
• the second automated sequence at least on the condition where the control / command unit 9 has determined that the lifting device 4 is in double hauling configuration.

The control / command unit 9 can also be connected to an unwinding sensor provided on the lifting winch 47 and able to measure an unwound length of the lifting cable 40. Thus, the control / command unit 9 can compare the values. unwound lengths of the lifting cable 40 at the start of a first automated sequence and at the start of a second automated sequence which follows or precedes this first automated sequence, and the control / command unit 9 can thus automatically determine the reeving configuration also depending on this comparison between the unwound lengths of the lifting cable 40.

If these unwound lengths of the lifting cable 40 are not equivalent, then the control / command unit 9 establishes the presence of an error and automatically restarts the current sequence and / or emits an alarm.

• l'unité de contrôle/commande 9 vérifie, avant de lancer la première séquence, que le dispositif de levage 4 est en configuration simple mouflage (par exemple par la détection de présence du chariot restant 6 à l'emplacement de stockage) ;
• vérification que la longueur déroulée du câble de levage 40 est équivalente à la longueur déroulée du câble de levage 40 mémorisée lors du changement de mouflage précédent ;
• l'unité de contrôle/commande 9 lance la première séquence en pilotant le déplacement du chariot distributeur 5 et le déplacement du câble de levage 40;
• l'unité de contrôle/commande 9 vérifie que le dispositif de levage 4 est passé configuration double mouflage (par exemple par la détection d'absence du chariot restant 6 à l'emplacement de stockage).

Thus, during a first automated sequence, the control / command unit 9 monitors the correct progress as follows:

• the control / command unit 9 checks, before starting the first sequence, that the lifting device 4 is in a simple hauling configuration (for example by detecting the presence of the remaining trolley 6 at the storage location);
• checking that the unwound length of the lifting cable 40 is equivalent to the unwound length of the lifting cable 40 stored during the previous reeving change;
• the control / command unit 9 launches the first sequence by controlling the movement of the distributor carriage 5 and the movement of the lifting cable 40;
• the control / command unit 9 checks that the lifting device 4 has passed the double reeving configuration (for example by detecting the absence of the remaining trolley 6 at the storage location).

At the end of these steps, the control / command unit 9 confirms that the reeving configuration is the double reeving configuration if no error has been detected, and stores this double reeving configuration in the storage module 90.

• l'unité de contrôle/commande 9 vérifie, avant de lancer la seconde séquence, que le dispositif de levage 4 est en configuration double mouflage (par exemple par la détection d'absence du chariot restant 6 à l'emplacement de stockage) ;
• vérification que la longueur déroulée du câble de levage 40 est équivalente à la longueur déroulée du câble de levage 40 mémorisée lors du changement de mouflage précédent ;
• l'unité de contrôle/commande 9 lance la seconde séquence en pilotant le déplacement du chariot distributeur 5 et le déplacement du câble de levage 40;
• l'unité de contrôle/commande 9 vérifie que le dispositif de levage 4 est passé configuration simple mouflage (par exemple par la détection de présence du chariot restant 6 à l'emplacement de stockage).

Likewise, during a second automated sequence, the control / command unit 9 monitors the correct progress as follows:

• the control / command unit 9 checks, before launching the second sequence, that the lifting device 4 is in double reeving configuration (for example by detecting the absence of the remaining trolley 6 at the storage location);
• checking that the unwound length of the lifting cable 40 is equivalent to the unwound length of the lifting cable 40 stored during the previous reeving change;
• the control / command unit 9 starts the second sequence by controlling the displacement of the distributor trolley 5 and the displacement of the lifting cable 40;
• the control / command unit 9 checks that the lifting device 4 has passed the simple reeving configuration (for example by detecting the presence of the remaining trolley 6 at the storage location).

At the end of these steps, the control / command unit 9 confirms that the reeving configuration is the simple reeving configuration if no error has been detected, and stores this simple reeving configuration in the storage module 90.

With reference to Figures 5 and 6 , the lifting crane 1 can also include a load sensor 91 coupled to a lifting strand of the lifting cable 90 to measure a lifting tension on this lifting strand.

In this case, the control / command unit 9 is connected to this load sensor 91 and is configured to calculate a value of the load as a function of the lifting tension measured on this lifting strand and of the determined reeving configuration. automatically by the control / command unit 9, insofar as a single reeving configuration corresponds to a distribution of the load on two lifting legs, and a double reeving configuration corresponds to a distribution of the load on four lifting legs.

Thus, the control / command unit 9 can compare the value of the load with a maximum authorized load, and consequently the control / command unit 9 can act on the movement of the distributor trolley 5 and the movement of the lifting cable. 40 if the maximum authorized load is exceeded, and can in particular stop any movement of the load if the maximum authorized load is exceeded.

Claims (16)

Lifting crane (1) comprising a boom (2) and a lifting device (4) with double reeving shaped to distribute and lift a load along the boom (2), said lifting device (4) being reversibly configurable between two reeving configurations including a single reeving configuration with two lifting legs and a double reeving configuration with four lifting legs, and the lifting device (4) including a reeving change system allowing to change the reeving between the configuration single reeving and the double reeving configuration, and vice versa, said lifting crane (1) being characterized in that it comprises an automated system for determining the reeving (7) configured to automatically determine the reeving configuration between the single reeving configuration and the double reeving configuration. Lifting crane (1) according to claim 1, in which the lifting device (4) comprises a distribution trolley (5) comprising a structure suspended (50) on the boom (2) and connected to a distribution system (55) suitable for moving the distributor carriage (5) along the boom (2) in a forward direction and an opposite rear direction, and a main block (51) suspended from said suspended structure (50) by a lifting cable (40) ;
the reeving change system comprises a secondary block (61) and a locking / unlocking mechanism cooperating with the main block (51) and the secondary block (61) to switch from the single reeving configuration to the double reeving configuration or vice versa; and
the automated system for determining the reeving (7) comprises at least: - a presence detection system (8) of the secondary block (61) suitable for detecting a presence / absence of the secondary block (61) at a predetermined reference location occupied by said secondary block (61) in one or more the other of the reeving configurations, and - a control / command unit (9) connected to the presence detection system (8) of the secondary block (61) and configured to automatically determine the reeving configuration according to the absence / presence detection of the secondary block (61) at the reference location. Lifting crane (1) according to claim 2, wherein the automated reeving determination system (7) comprises a storage module (90) connected to the control / command unit (9) for storing at least one last configuration reeving determined by the control / command unit (9),
and the control / command unit (9) is configured to automatically determine the reeving configuration also as a function of said last reeving configuration stored in the storage module (90). A lifting crane (1) according to any one of claims 2 and 3, in which: - in the simple hauling configuration, the locking / unlocking mechanism unlocks the secondary block (61) which remains positioned inside a block housing (55) provided on the main block (51) so that the cable lifting (40) cooperates with the main block (51) for lifting with two lifting legs, and - in the double reeving configuration, the locking / unlocking mechanism locks the secondary block (61) on the distributor trolley (5) at a location above the main block (51) so that the lifting cable (40) cooperates with both the main block (51) and the secondary block (61) for a four-leg lift. A lifting crane (1) according to claim 4, wherein the presence detection system (8) of the secondary block (61) is configured to detect the presence / absence of the secondary block (61) inside the housing. block (55) occupied by the secondary block (61) in the single reeving configuration and / or at the location above the main block (51) occupied by the secondary block (61) in the double reeving configuration. A lifting crane (1) according to any one of claims 4 and 5, in which the reeving change system comprises a remaining carriage (6) comprising a frame (60) suspended on the boom (2) and supporting the secondary block. (61), where: - in the double reeving configuration, the locking / unlocking mechanism locks together the distributor trolley (5) and the remaining trolley (6) which are assembled and movable in association along the boom (2), and the secondary block (61 ) is suspended on the remaining carriage (6) at the location above the main block (51); and - in the simple hauling configuration, the locking / unlocking mechanism unlocks the remaining carriage (6), so that the distributor carriage (5) and the remaining carriage (6) are disassembled, the secondary block (61) is housed in the The interior of the muffle housing (55) provided on the main muffle (51) and the dispensing trolley (5) is movable on its own while the remaining trolley (6) is statically positioned with the secondary muffle (61) at a storage location ; and the presence detection system (8) of the secondary muffle (61) is configured to detect a presence / absence of the remaining cart (6) at the storage location. Lifting crane (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, in which the reeving change system changes the lifting device (4) from the single reeving configuration to the double reeving configuration, and vice versa, by displacement. of the distributor trolley (5) with its main block (51), and the control / command unit (9) is connected to the distribution system (55) to control the movement of the distributor trolley (5) according to: - a first automated sequence passing the lifting device (4) from the single reeving configuration to the double reeving configuration; and vice versa - a second automated sequence passing the lifting device (4) from the double reeving configuration to the single reeving configuration; according to the reeving configuration automatically determined by said control / command unit (9). Lifting crane (1) according to claim 7, comprising a lifting winch (47) provided with a lifting drum cooperating with the lifting cable (40) for moving the load up and down, said lifting winch ( 47) being equipped with an unwinding sensor suitable for measuring an unwound length of the lifting cable (40), where the control / command unit (9) is configured to compare the unwound lengths of the lifting cable (40) with the start of a first automated sequence and at the start of a second automated sequence which follows or precedes said first automated sequence. Lifting crane (1) according to claim 8, in which the control / command unit (9) is configured to automatically determine the reeving configuration also based on the comparison between the unwound lengths of the lifting cable (40) at the same time. start of a first automated sequence and at the start of a second automated sequence which follows or precedes said first automated sequence. A lifting crane (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a load sensor (91) coupled to a lifting strand of the lifting cable (40) for measuring a lifting tension on said lifting strand, where the control / command unit (9) is connected to the load sensor (91) and is configured to calculate a value of the load as a function of said lifting tension on said lifting strand and of the reeving configuration automatically determined by said control / command unit (9), and for example to compare the value of the load with a maximum authorized load. A method of controlling a lifting crane (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising the steps of: - change the reeving between the single reeving configuration and the double reeving configuration, or vice versa; - automatically determine the reeving configuration between the single reeving configuration and the double reeving configuration. A piloting method according to claim 11, wherein the lifting crane (1) is according to claim 2 and said piloting method comprising the steps of: - detecting a presence / absence of the secondary block (61) at a predetermined reference location occupied by said secondary block (61) in one or the other of the reeving configurations; - Automatically determine the reeving configuration based on the detection of the absence / presence of the secondary block (61) at the reference location. Control method according to claim 12, comprising a step of controlling the movement of the distributor carriage (5) according to: - a first automated sequence passing the lifting device (4) from the single reeving configuration to the double reeving configuration; and vice versa - a second automated sequence passing the lifting device (4) from the double reeving configuration to the single reeving configuration; according to the automatically determined reeving configuration. A control method according to claim 13, comprising the steps of: - measuring an unwound length of the lifting cable (40), said lifting cable (40) cooperating with a lifting drum of a lifting winch (47) to move the load up and down, - Compare the unwound lengths of the lifting cable (40) at the start of a first automated sequence and at the start of a second automated sequence which follows or precedes said first automated sequence. A control method according to claim 14, wherein the configuration of the lifting device (4) is determined automatically also based on the comparison between the unwound lengths of the lifting cable (40) at the start of a first automated sequence and at the start. a second automated sequence which follows or precedes said first automated sequence. A control method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, comprising the steps of: - measure a lifting tension on one end of the lifting cable (40); - Calculate a value of the load as a function of said lifting tension on said strand of the lifting cable (40) and of the automatically determined reeving configuration, and for example of comparing the value of the load with a maximum authorized load.

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