EP4023585B1 - Double hoisting lifting device with rotary locking mechanism - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a double reeving lifting device for a lifting machine, as well as an associated lifting machine and a lifting method.

The invention finds a preferred, and non-limiting, application for a lifting machine such as a crane, and in particular a tower crane.

In known manner, a double reeving lifting device is reversibly configurable between two reeving configurations including a single reeving configuration with two lifting strands and a double reeving configuration with four lifting strands, where the double reeving lifting device comprises a system reeving change allowing you to make a reeving change between the single reeving configuration and the double reeving configuration.

• une configuration connectée dans laquelle la moufle supérieure est connectée à la moufle inférieure pour pouvoir l'accompagner dans des mouvements de montée/descente, et
• une configuration déconnectée dans laquelle la moufle supérieure est déconnectée de la moufle inférieure pour pouvoir rester suspendue au-dessus de la moufle inférieure qui peut effectuer des mouvements de descente/montée sans la moufle supérieure.

Conventionally, such a double-reeving lifting device comprises two blocks, namely a lower block secured to a lifting hook and an upper block, and these two blocks include reversible connection means to be reversibly configurable between:

• a connected configuration in which the upper muffle is connected to the lower muffle to be able to accompany it in up/down movements, and
• a disconnected configuration in which the upper block is disconnected from the lower block so that it can remain suspended above the lower block which can perform lowering/upward movements without the upper block.

The lower block is suspended on the lifting gear by a lifting cable connected to a lifting winch to raise/lower the lower block, and this lifting cable passes through the upper block, so that the connected configuration and the disconnected configuration correspond respectively to a double reeving configuration and to a single reeving configuration, or vice versa, of the double reeving lifting device, depending on the passage of the lifting cable at the level of the upper block.

For example, documents FR 1 520 612 , FR 2 137 333 , FR 2 368 431 , FR 2 131 924 , FR 2 228 024 describe double-reeving lifting devices in which the connected configuration corresponds to the double reeving configuration, and the disconnected configuration corresponds to the single reeving configuration; the lifting cable passing below a pulley carried by the upper block. In addition, the document FR 2 368 431 A1 discloses a double reeving lifting device according to the preamble of claim 1.

And conversely, the documents UK 2,176,456 , FR 2 333 743 , DE 3149 690 , FROM 35 43 214 describe double-reeving lifting devices in which the connected configuration corresponds to the single-reeving configuration, and the disconnected configuration corresponds to the double-reeving configuration; the lifting cable passing above a pulley carried by the upper block.

However, the reversible connection means known in these prior arts for connecting/disconnecting the two muffles are unsatisfactory. Indeed, some use numerous parts which take up play, reduce the reliability of the mechanism and require a lot of maintenance, not to mention the high manufacturing costs, others require accessories to activate actuators generally located at the bottom of the boom, which limits the possibilities of changing the reeving at the base of the jib, posing an accessibility problem if it is in an inaccessible area of the site, still others require manual operations on the ground to connect/disconnect the blocks which can be dangerous when poorly executed, and which take time.

The present invention aims to resolve at least in part the aforementioned drawbacks, by proposing a double-reeving lifting device equipped with reversible connection means that are robust and reliable over time, and which does not need a fixed part. on the boom to be able to carry out a change of reeving, so that it is possible to make such a change of reeving whatever the range or location of the lower block along the boom.

Another aim of the invention is to propose reversible connection means equipped with a locking mechanism with moving parts mounted only on one of the two muffles, the other muffle not comprising moving parts for connection/disconnection of the two muffles, which is advantageous in terms of maintenance and reliability
Another aim of the invention is to reduce the bulk of the lifting device, in particular in a double hauling configuration, in order to increase the movement capacity along the boom.

Another aim of the invention is to propose a double-reeving lifting device making it possible to switch automatically, without manual intervention, from the double-reeving configuration to the single-reeving configuration, and vice versa, in a reliable, rapid and repeated manner over time. .

• une configuration connectée dans laquelle la moufle supérieure est connectée à la moufle inférieure pour pouvoir l'accompagner dans des mouvements de montée/descente, et
• une configuration déconnectée dans laquelle la moufle supérieure est déconnectée de la moufle inférieure pour pouvoir rester suspendue au-dessus de la moufle inférieure qui peut effectuer des mouvements de descente/montée sans la moufle supérieure,
  • dans lequel la configuration connectée et la configuration déconnectée correspondent respectivement à une configuration double mouflage et à une configuration simple mouflage, ou inversement, du dispositif de levage à double mouflage,
  • ledit dispositif de levage à double mouflage étant remarquable en ce que les moyens de connexion réversible comprennent un mécanisme de verrouillage monté sur l'une des deux moufles, et une structure complémentaire de verrouillage montée sur l'autre des deux moufles et propre à coopérer avec le mécanisme de verrouillage ;
  • dans lequel la structure complémentaire de verrouillage comprend un ensemble formant gâche présentant au moins un orifice de gâche, et le mécanisme de verrouillage comprend un pêne monté mobile en coulissement le long d'une broche selon un axe principal et comprenant au moins un doigt de verrouillage, où le pêne est également mobile en pivotement autour de la broche et de l'axe principal entre :
    • un état de verrouillage, appliqué en configuration connectée, avec le doigt de verrouillage à l'intérieur de l'orifice de gâche concerné, et
    • un état de déverrouillage, appliqué en configuration déconnectée, avec le doigt de verrouillage hors de l'orifice de gâche concerné pour autoriser un rapprochement relatif et un éloignement relatif entre les deux moufles,
  • et dans lequel le mécanisme de verrouillage et la structure complémentaire de verrouillage comprennent des éléments de guidage respectifs coopérant ensemble pour convertir un rapprochement relatif et un éloignement relatif entre les deux moufles en des coulissements et rotations concomitantes du pêne.

Thus, the invention proposes a double-reeving lifting device for a lifting machine, such as for example a crane, comprising two blocks, namely a lower block secured to a lifting hook and an upper block, in which the two blocks muffles include reversible connection means to be reversibly configurable between:

• a connected configuration in which the upper muffle is connected to the lower muffle to be able to accompany it in up/down movements, and
• a disconnected configuration in which the upper muffle is disconnected from the lower muffle to be able to remain suspended above the lower muffle which can perform lowering/rising movements without the upper muffle,
  • in which the connected configuration and the disconnected configuration correspond respectively to a double reeving configuration and to a single reeving configuration, or vice versa, of the double reeving lifting device,
  • said double-reeving lifting device being remarkable in that the reversible connection means comprise a locking mechanism mounted on one of the two blocks, and a complementary locking structure mounted on the other of the two blocks and capable of cooperating with the locking mechanism;
  • in which the complementary locking structure comprises a striker assembly having at least one striker orifice, and the locking mechanism comprises a bolt mounted movable to slide along a pin along a main axis and comprising at least one locking finger , where the bolt is also movable in pivoting around the pin and the main axis between:
    • a locking state, applied in connected configuration, with the locking finger inside the relevant striker hole, and
    • an unlocking state, applied in disconnected configuration, with the locking finger outside the relevant striker orifice to allow relative rapprochement and relative distancing between the two muffles,
  • and in which the locking mechanism and the complementary locking structure comprise respective guide elements cooperating together to convert a relative rapprochement and a relative distance between the two blocks into concomitant sliding and rotation of the bolt.

Thus, the invention proposes reversible connection means which are designed to convert rising/lowering movements of the lower muffle (vertical translation movements) into rotational movements of the bolt, which will allow the two blocks to be connected/disconnected easily, and in a secure and reliable manner because few moving parts are necessary, only the bolt being mobile, and also which allows a kinematic of changing the block to be carried out only thanks to the lifting movement allowing the raising/lowering of the lower muffle.

It should therefore be noted that the bolt goes from a locking state to an unlocking state by performing a locking rotation, and goes from an unlocking state to a locking state by performing an unlocking rotation, where it is the raising/lowering of the lower muffle which will allow the bolt to rotate.

Furthermore, the connection/disconnection phases can be easily automated, because it is enough to control the raising/lowering movements of the lower block (by simply controlling the lifting movement, such as for example by controlling the motorized system of the lifting winch ) to switch from a disconnected configuration to a connected configuration, and vice versa.

It should also be noted that the invention makes it possible to carry out a change of reeving without the need for a part fixed on the boom, because the reversible connection means are integrated into the two blocks, thus making it possible to carry out a change of reeving on the full range of the arrow.

In a particular embodiment, the complementary locking structure comprises a stop against which the bolt can abut during relative approximation between the two blocks for sliding of the bolt in a first sliding direction, and the locking mechanism comprises a elastic constraint element, such as for example a spring, urging the bolt to slide in a second sliding direction, opposite to the first sliding direction.

Thus, it is enough to raise/lower the lower block to abut or not the bolt against this retainer, with the elastic constraint element which acts against a thrust exerted by the retainer on the bolt, which makes movements more reliable and allows simple maneuvers during the connection/disconnection phases.

According to one characteristic, the guide elements comprise complementary guide elements provided on the locking mechanism to cooperate in sliding support in order to convert sliding of the bolt in the first sliding direction into a first concomitant rotation of the bolt, and a sliding of the bolt in the second sliding direction in a second concomitant rotation of the bolt.

Thus, when the bolt slides (under the action of the retainer or the elastic constraint element), the latter pivots concomitantly to engage with the element forming a striker or to disengage from the element forming a striker. In this embodiment, it should be noted that the locking rotation is broken down into a combination of the first rotation and the second rotation, and likewise the unlocking rotation is also broken down into a combination of the first rotation and the second rotation.

According to a variant, the locking rotation is carried out in a single rotation, and likewise the unlocking rotation is also carried out in a single rotation.

According to one possibility, the first rotation and the second rotation take place in the same direction of rotation.

Thus, it is enough to chain the first rotation then the second rotation, therefore to chain the sliding of the bolt according to the first sliding direction then the second sliding direction, to move the bolt from a locking state to a state unlocking, and vice versa.

According to a variant, the first rotation and the second rotation take place in opposite directions of rotation.

According to another possibility, a succession of the first rotation and the second rotation leads to an overall rotation of the bolt according to an overall angular amplitude which is equivalent to 90 degrees or to 90 degrees plus N times 180 degrees, N being a non-zero integer .

Thus, a sequence of the first rotation then the second rotation leads to a 90 degree pivoting of the bolt, or 270 degrees, etc., so that the bolt is orthogonal.

Advantageously, the first rotation takes place according to a first angular amplitude and the second rotation takes place according to a second angular amplitude, where the first angular amplitude and the second angular amplitude are each equivalent to 45 degrees.

Generally speaking, the combination of the first angular amplitude and the second angular amplitude leads to an overall angular amplitude which is equivalent to 90 degrees or 90 degrees plus N times 180 degrees, N being a non-zero integer.

• la broche s'étendant selon l'axe principal et munie d'une extrémité libre présentant une butée d'arrêt pour le pêne ;
• le pêne monté mobile en rotation et en coulissement autour de la broche selon l'axe principal, ledit pêne comprenant l'au moins un doigt de verrouillage s'étendant transversalement par rapport à l'axe principal, où le pêne présente une extrémité distale en regard de la butée d'arrêt, et une extrémité proximale opposée à l'extrémité distale ; et
• l'élément de contrainte élastique monté sur la broche et venant en appui sur l'extrémité proximale du pêne pour le solliciter en coulissement en direction de la butée d'arrêt selon le second sens de coulissement ;

dans lequel la structure complémentaire de verrouillage comprend un logement de verrouillage dans lequel sont prévus :

• l'arrêtoir contre lequel l'extrémité distale du pêne peut venir en butée lors d'un rapprochement relatif entre les deux moufles, contraignant le pêne a coulisser en direction de l'élément complémentaire de guidage proximal selon le premier sens de coulissement, à l'encontre de l'élément de contrainte élastique ; et
• l'ensemble formant gâche présentant l'au moins un orifice de gâche ;

et dans lequel les éléments de guidage complémentaire comprennent :

• au moins un élément de guidage proximal prévu sur l'extrémité proximale du pêne et au moins un élément complémentaire de guidage proximal prévu sur la broche pour coopérer en appui glissant avec l'élément de guidage proximal afin de convertir un coulissement du pêne en direction de l'élément complémentaire de guidage proximal selon le premier sens de coulissement en la première rotation concomitante du pêne, lors d'un rapprochement relatif entre les deux moufles ;
• au moins un élément de guidage distal prévu sur l'extrémité distale du pêne et au moins un élément complémentaire de guidage distal prévu sur la broche pour coopérer en appui glissant avec l'élément de guidage distal afin de convertir un déplacement du pêne en direction de la butée d'arrêt et de l'élément complémentaire de guidage distal selon le second sens de coulissement en la seconde rotation concomitante du pêne, sous l'effet de l'élément de contrainte élastique lors d'un éloignement relatif entre les deux moufles.

In a particular embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises:

• the pin extending along the main axis and provided with a free end having a stop for the bolt;
• the bolt mounted movable in rotation and sliding around the pin along the main axis, said bolt comprising the at least one locking finger extending transversely with respect to the main axis, where the bolt has a distal end in view of the stopper, and a proximal end opposite the distal end; And
• the elastic constraint element mounted on the pin and bearing on the proximal end of the bolt to urge it to slide in the direction of the stop in the second sliding direction;

in which the complementary locking structure comprises a locking housing in which are provided:

• the stopper against which the distal end of the bolt can abut during a relative rapprochement between the two blocks, forcing the bolt to slide in the direction of the complementary proximal guide element in the first sliding direction, at l against the elastic constraint element; And
• the striker assembly having the at least one striker orifice;

and in which the complementary guide elements include:

• at least one proximal guide element provided on the proximal end of the bolt and at least one complementary proximal guide element provided on the pin to cooperate in sliding support with the proximal guide element in order to convert sliding of the bolt in the direction of the complementary proximal guiding element according to the first direction of sliding in the first concomitant rotation of the bolt, during a relative rapprochement between the two blocks;
• at least one distal guide element provided on the distal end of the bolt and at least one complementary distal guide element provided on the pin to cooperate in sliding support with the distal guide element in order to convert a movement of the bolt in the direction of the stop stop and the complementary distal guide element in the second direction of sliding in the second concomitant rotation of the bolt, under the effect of the elastic constraint element during a relative distance between the two blocks.

According to one characteristic, the locking housing has a bottom wall in which an opening is provided for the passage of the free end of the spindle and its stopper, this opening being delimited by a perimeter forming the stopper.

According to another characteristic, the assembly forming a striker comprises at least one side flange delimiting the locking housing and in which the striker orifice is provided.

According to a variant, the side flange extends parallel to the main axis.

According to one possibility, the bolt comprises two locking fingers, diametrically opposed along the main axis, and the striker assembly comprises two lateral flanges facing each other, arranged on either side of the stop, and in which two respective striker holes are provided facing each other.

• une pièce interne montée autour de la broche et sur laquelle sont prévus l'au moins un élément de guidage distal et l'au moins un élément de guidage proximal ; et
• un manchon externe qui entoure la pièce interne et duquel saille l'au moins un doigt de verrouillage, où l'élément de contrainte élastique prend appui sur ledit manchon externe.

According to another possibility, the bolt comprises:

• an internal part mounted around the pin and on which the at least one distal guide element and the at least one proximal guide element are provided; And
• an external sleeve which surrounds the internal part and from which the at least one locking finger projects, where the elastic constraint element bears on said external sleeve.

Thus, the external sleeve protects the internal part and including the distal and proximal guide elements.

Advantageously, the at least one locking finger is fixed to the internal part and passes through the external sleeve.

In other words, the locking finger(s) is/are fixed to the internal part and passes through the external sleeve.

In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one proximal guide element comprises several proximal ramps distributed successively around the main axis on the proximal end of the bolt, and the at least one complementary proximal guide element comprises one or more pins proximal ones projecting radially on the spindle in order to come into sliding support on one of the proximal ramps.

Likewise, the at least one distal guide element comprises several distal ramps distributed successively around the main axis on the proximal end of the bolt, and the at least one complementary distal guide element comprises one or more distal pins in radial projection on the pin in order to come into sliding support on one of the distal ramps.

According to one possibility, the proximal ramps and the distal ramps are inclined in opposite directions around the main axis, so that the first rotation and the second rotation of the bolt take place in the same direction of rotation, during conversions of the sliding of the bolt according to the first sliding direction and the second sliding direction respectively.

According to another possibility, the at least one locking finger extends orthogonally to the main axis, and the at least one striker orifice comprises a first oblong section in a direction perpendicular to the main axis and perpendicular to the finger lock in lock state.

Such a first oblong section promotes the angular movement of the locking finger(s).

According to another possibility, the at least one striker orifice comprises a second oblong section in a direction parallel to the main axis, arranged in the middle of the first oblong section.

Such a second oblong section makes it possible to follow the bolt, and therefore the locking finger(s), when the bolt slides.

• partant de la configuration déconnectée avec la moufle supérieure suspendue au-dessus de la moufle inférieure et avec le pêne en état de déverrouillage, ladite moufle inférieure peut être déplacée de sorte que les éléments de guidage respectifs coopèrent ensemble pour faire coulisser et pivoter concomitamment le pêne afin de l'amener en état de verrouillage pour atteindre la configuration connectée ; et
• partant de la configuration connectée avec le pêne en état de verrouillage, ladite moufle inférieure peut être déplacée de sorte que les éléments de guidage respectifs coopèrent ensemble pour faire coulisser et pivoter concomitamment le pêne afin de l'amener en état de déverrouillage pour atteindre la configuration déconnectée.

The invention also relates to a lifting machine, such as for example a crane, comprising a boom and a double-reeving lifting device designed to raise/lower a load along the boom, said double-reeving lifting device being according to the invention, in which the lower block is suspended on the boom by a lifting cable connected to a lifting winch to raise/lower the lower block, this lifting cable passing through the upper block, and in which:

• starting from the disconnected configuration with the upper block suspended above the lower block and with the bolt in the unlocked state, said lower block can be moved so that the respective guide elements cooperate together to concomitantly slide and pivot the bolt in order to bring it into a locking state to reach the connected configuration; And
• starting from the configuration connected with the bolt in the locked state, said lower muffle can be moved so that the respective guide elements cooperate together to concomitantly slide and pivot the bolt in order to bring it into the unlocked state to achieve the configuration disconnected.

To the extent that the lifting winch makes it possible to raise/lower the lower block, then configuration changes between the connected configuration and the connected configuration (therefore between the double block configuration and the single block configuration) are carried out only by commanding the lifting winch, providing advantageous simplicity to the invention.

• partant de la configuration déconnectée, la moufle inférieure peut être montée pour un rapprochement relatif entre les deux moufles jusqu'à ce que la moufle supérieure soit en butée haute sur la flèche et que le pêne soit en butée contre l'arrêtoir afin de faire coulisser le pêne dans le premier sens de coulissement et de le faire pivoter concomitamment selon la première rotation du pêne, puis ladite moufle inférieure peut être descendue de sorte que ledit pêne coulisse dans le second sens de coulissement sous la sollicitation de l'élément de contrainte élastique et pivote concomitamment selon la seconde rotation du pêne, amenant ainsi le pêne en état de verrouillage ; et
• partant de la configuration connectée, ladite moufle inférieure peut être montée jusqu'à ce que la moufle supérieure soit en butée haute sur la flèche et que le pêne soit en butée contre l'arrêtoir afin de faire coulisser le pêne dans le premier sens de coulissement et de le faire pivoter concomitamment selon la première rotation du pêne, puis ladite moufle inférieure peut être descendue de sorte que ledit pêne coulisse dans le second sens de coulissement sous la sollicitation de l'élément de contrainte élastique et pivote concomitamment selon la seconde rotation du pêne, amenant ainsi le pêne en état de déverrouillage.

In a particular realization:

• starting from the disconnected configuration, the lower block can be mounted for a relative approximation between the two blocks until the upper block is at the upper stop on the arrow and the bolt is abutting against the stopper in order to slide the bolt in the first direction of sliding and to rotate it concomitantly according to the first rotation of the bolt, then said lower block can be lowered so that said bolt slides in the second direction of sliding under the stress of the elastic constraint element and pivots concomitantly according to the second rotation of the bolt, thus bringing the bolt into a locked state; And
• starting from the connected configuration, said lower block can be mounted until the upper block is in high abutment on the arrow and the bolt is in abutment against the retainer in order to slide the bolt in the first sliding direction and to rotate it concomitantly according to the first rotation of the bolt, then said lower muffle can be lowered so that said bolt slides in the second sliding direction under the stress of the elastic constraint element and pivots concomitantly according to the second rotation of the bolt, thus bringing the bolt into the unlocked state.

Advantageously, the lifting machine comprises a distributor carriage mounted movably on the boom and connected to a distribution system capable of moving the distributor carriage along the boom in an opposite front direction and a rear direction, and in which the lower muffle is suspended on said distributor cart by the lifting cable.

• une phase de connexion pour un passage de la configuration déconnectée vers la configuration connectée, au cours de laquelle la moufle inférieure est déplacée de sorte que les éléments de guidage respectifs coopèrent ensemble pour faire coulisser et pivoter concomitamment le pêne afin de l'amener en état de verrouillage pour atteindre la configuration connectée ; et
• une phase de déconnexion pour un passage de la configuration connectée vers la configuration déconnectée, au cours de laquelle la moufle inférieure est déplacée de sorte que les éléments de guidage respectifs coopèrent ensemble pour faire coulisser et pivoter concomitamment le pêne afin de l'amener en état de déverrouillage pour atteindre la configuration déconnectée.

The invention also relates to a method of lifting a load in a lifting machine according to the invention, comprising:

• a connection phase for a transition from the disconnected configuration to the connected configuration, during which the lower muffle is moved so that the respective guide elements cooperate together to slide and pivot concomitantly the bolt in order to bring it into state lock to reach connected configuration; And
• a disconnection phase for a transition from the connected configuration to the disconnected configuration, during which the lower muffle is moved so that the respective guide elements cooperate together to slide and pivot concomitantly the bolt in order to bring it into position to reach the disconnected configuration.

• partant de la configuration déconnectée, ladite moufle inférieure peut être montée pour un rapprochement relatif entre les deux moufles jusqu'à ce que la moufle supérieure soit en butée haute sur la flèche et que le pêne soit en butée contre l'arrêtoir afin de faire coulisser le pêne dans le premier sens de coulissement et de le faire pivoter concomitamment selon la première rotation du pêne, puis ladite moufle inférieure peut être descendue de sorte que ledit pêne coulisse dans le second sens de coulissement sous la sollicitation de l'élément de contrainte élastique et pivote concomitamment selon la seconde rotation du pêne, amenant ainsi le pêne en état de verrouillage ; et
• partant de la configuration connectée, ladite moufle inférieure peut être montée jusqu'à ce que la moufle supérieure soit en butée haute sur la flèche et que le pêne soit en butée contre l'arrêtoir afin de faire coulisser le pêne dans le premier sens de coulissement et de le faire pivoter concomitamment selon la première rotation du pêne, puis ladite moufle inférieure peut être descendue de sorte que ledit pêne coulisse dans le second sens de coulissement sous la sollicitation de l'élément de contrainte élastique et pivote concomitamment selon la seconde rotation du pêne, amenant ainsi le pêne en état de déverrouillage.

In a particular realization:

• starting from the disconnected configuration, said lower block can be mounted for a relative rapprochement between the two blocks until the upper block is at the upper stop on the arrow and the bolt is abutting against the stopper in order to slide the bolt in the first direction of sliding and to rotate it concomitantly according to the first rotation of the bolt, then said lower block can be lowered so that said bolt slides in the second direction of sliding under the stress of the elastic constraint element and pivots concomitantly according to the second rotation of the bolt, thus bringing the bolt into a locked state; And
• starting from the connected configuration, said lower block can be mounted until the upper block is in high abutment on the arrow and the bolt is in abutment against the retainer in order to slide the bolt in the first sliding direction and to rotate it concomitantly according to the first rotation of the bolt, then said lower muffle can be lowered so that said bolt slides in the second sliding direction under the stress of the elastic constraint element and pivots concomitantly according to the second rotation of the bolt, thus bringing the bolt into the unlocked state.

Advantageously, the movements of the lower muffle, in the connection phase and in the disconnection phase, are automated.

According to a variant, in the connection phase and in the disconnection phase, the movements of the lower muffle are controlled at reduced speed, below a predefined speed threshold.

• [Fig 1] est une vue schématique en perspective d'un dispositif de levage à double mouflage selon l'invention, en situation suspendue sur un chariot de distribution, dans une configuration connectée (à gauche) et dans une configuration déconnectée (à droite) ;
• [Fig 2] est une vue schématique en perspective d'une moufle supérieure du dispositif de levage à double mouflage de la Figure 1, dans une version non éclatée (à gauche) et dans une version éclatée (à droite) avec un zoom en bas sur le pêne ;
• [Fig 3] est une vue schématique partielle et en perspective de la moufle supérieure, avec des éléments en transparence et avec le pêne en état de verrouillage ;
• [Fig 4] est une vue schématique partielle et en perspective de la moufle supérieure, avec des éléments en transparence et avec le pêne en état de verrouillage, selon un autre point de vue que la Figure 3 ;
• [Fig 5] est une vue schématique partielle et en perspective de la moufle supérieure, avec des éléments ôtés ou en transparence et avec le pêne en état de verrouillage, selon un autre point de vue que les Figures 3 et 4 ;
• [Fig 6] est une vue schématique partielle et en perspective de la moufle supérieure, avec des éléments ôtés ou en transparence et avec le pêne en état de déverrouillage ;
• [Fig 7] est une vue schématique partielle et en perspective de la moufle supérieure, avec des éléments ôtés ou en transparence et avec le pêne en état de déverrouillage, selon un autre point de vue que la Figure 6 ;
• [Fig 8] est une vue schématique partielle et en perspective de la moufle inférieure, avec un flasque ôté pour des raisons de clarté ;
• [Fig 9] est une vue schématique partielle et en perspective du dispositif de levage à double mouflage de la Figure 1, dans une configuration déconnectée, avec à gauche une vue quasiment complète et à droite une vue zoomée sur les moyens de connexion réversible ;
• [Fig 10] est une vue schématique équivalente à celle de la Figure 9, au début d'une première étape d'une phase de déconnexion qui fait suite à la configuration déconnectée de la Figure 9, au cours de laquelle la moufle inférieure est montée jusqu'à ce que le pêne soit en butée contre l'arrêtoir ;
• [Fig 11] est une vue schématique équivalente à celle des Figures 9 et 10, au milieu de la première étape de la phase de déconnexion, au cours la moufle inférieure continue de monter de sorte que le pêne commence sa première rotation ; et
• [Fig 12] est une vue schématique équivalente à celle des Figures 9 à 11, à la fin de la première étape de la phase de déconnexion, au cours la moufle inférieure finit sa montée de sorte que le pêne termine sa première rotation ;
• [Fig 13] est une vue schématique équivalente à celle des Figures 9 à 12, pendant une deuxième étape de la phase de déconnexion qui fait suite à la première étape des Figures 10 à 12, au cours de laquelle la moufle inférieure commence à descendre ;
• [Fig 14] est une vue schématique équivalente à celle des Figures 9 à 13, au milieu de la deuxième étape de la phase de déconnexion, au cours la moufle inférieure continue de descendre de sorte que le pêne effectue sa seconde rotation et atteint ainsi son état de verrouillage dans les premières sections oblongues des orifices de gâche ;
• [Fig 15] est une vue schématique équivalente à celle des Figures 9 à 14, à la fin de la deuxième étape de la phase de déconnexion, au cours la moufle inférieure finit sa descente de sorte que le pêne remonte dans les secondes sections oblongues des orifices de gâche, finalisant la connexion entre les moufles.

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

• [ Figure 1 ] is a schematic perspective view of a double-reeving lifting device according to the invention, in a suspended situation on a distribution cart, in a connected configuration (left) and in a disconnected configuration (right);
• [ Figure 2 ] is a schematic perspective view of an upper block of the double block lifting device of the Figure 1 , in an unexploded version (left) and in an exploded version (right) with a zoom down on the bolt;
• [ Figure 3 ] is a partial schematic perspective view of the upper muffle, with transparent elements and with the bolt in a locked state;
• [ Figure 4 ] is a partial schematic perspective view of the upper muffle, with transparent elements and with the bolt in a locked state, from a point of view other than the Figure 3 ;
• [ Figure 5 ] is a partial schematic perspective view of the upper muffle, with elements removed or in transparency and with the bolt in a locked state, from a point of view other than the Figures 3 and 4 ;
• [ Figure 6 ] is a partial schematic perspective view of the upper muffle, with elements removed or in transparency and with the bolt in the unlocked state;
• [ Figure 7 ] is a partial schematic perspective view of the upper muffle, with elements removed or in transparency and with the bolt in the unlocked state, from a point of view other than the Figure 6 ;
• [ Figure 8 ] is a partial schematic perspective view of the lower muffle, with one flange removed for clarity;
• [ Figure 9 ] is a partial schematic and perspective view of the double reeving lifting device of the Figure 1 , in a disconnected configuration, with an almost complete view on the left and a zoomed view on the reversible connection means on the right;
• [ Figure 10 ] is a schematic view equivalent to that of the Figure 9 , at the start of a first step of a disconnection phase which follows the disconnected configuration of the Figure 9 , during which the lower block is raised until the bolt abuts against the retainer;
• [ Figure 11 ] is a schematic view equivalent to that of Figures 9 And 10 , in the middle of the first step of the disconnection phase, during which the lower muffle continues to rise so that the bolt begins its first rotation; And
• [ Figure 12 ] is a schematic view equivalent to that of Figures 9 to 11 , at the end of the first step of the disconnection phase, during the lower muffle finishes its rise so that the bolt completes its first rotation;
• [ Figure 13 ] is a schematic view equivalent to that of Figures 9 to 12 , during a second step of the disconnection phase which follows the first step of the Figures 10 to 12 , during which the lower muffle begins to descend;
• [ Figure 14 ] is a schematic view equivalent to that of Figures 9 to 13 , in the middle of the second step of the disconnection phase, during the lower muffle continues to descend so that the bolt makes its second rotation and thus reaches its locking state in the first oblong sections of the striker holes;
• [ Figure 15 ] is a schematic view equivalent to that of Figures 9 to 14 , at the end of the second step of the disconnection phase, during the lower muffle finishes its descent so that the bolt rises into the second oblong sections of the striker holes, finalizing the connection between the blocks.

In reference to the Figure 1 , a double reeving lifting device 1 according to the invention is provided for a lifting machine, such as for example a crane, which has a boom (not shown) and a distributor trolley 9 mounted movably on the boom and connected to a system distribution capable of moving the distributor carriage 9 along the arrow in an opposite front direction and a rear direction; this distribution system being for example a distribution winch which cooperates with a distribution cable for the movement of the distributor trolley 9.

• une moufle inférieure 3 solidaire d'un crochet de levage 30 prévu pour accrocher une charge, où la moufle inférieure 3 est suspendue au chariot distributeur 9 (et donc est suspendue sur la flèche) par un câble de levage (non illustré) relié à un treuil de levage pour faire monter/descendre la moufle inférieure 3 ; et
• une moufle supérieure 4 par laquelle passe le câble de levage, la moufle supérieure 4 étant aussi suspendue au chariot distributeur 9.

This double-reeving lifting device 1 comprises two blocks 3, 4, namely:

• a lower block 3 secured to a lifting hook 30 designed to hang a load, where the lower block 3 is suspended from the distributor carriage 9 (and therefore is suspended on the boom) by a lifting cable (not illustrated) connected to a lifting winch to raise/lower the lower block 3; And
• an upper block 4 through which the lifting cable passes, the upper block 4 also being suspended from the distributor carriage 9.

Also, the lower block 3 supports lower cable return means, such as for example two pulleys 31, for the passage of the lifting cable, and the upper block 4 supports upper cable return means, such as by a pulley 41, for the passage of the lifting cable. Thus, the double reeving lifting device 1 is designed to lift/lower a load along the boom of the lifting machine.

• une configuration connectée (illustrée sur la Figure 1 à gauche) dans laquelle la moufle supérieure 4 est connectée à la moufle inférieure 3 pour pouvoir l'accompagner dans des mouvements de montée/descente selon un axe principal d'extension verticale, et
• une configuration déconnectée (illustrée sur la Figure 1 à droite) dans laquelle la moufle supérieure 4 est déconnectée de la moufle inférieure 3 pour pouvoir rester suspendue au-dessus de la moufle inférieure 3 qui peut effectuer des mouvements de descente/montée seule sans la moufle supérieure 4.

The two muffles 3, 4 are equipped with reversible connection means to be reversibly configurable between:

• a connected configuration (shown on the Figure 1 on the left) in which the upper muffle 4 is connected to the lower muffle 3 to be able to accompany it in up/down movements along a main axis of vertical extension, and
• a disconnected configuration (shown in the Figure 1 on the right) in which the upper muffle 4 is disconnected from the lower muffle 3 to be able to remain suspended above the lower muffle 3 which can perform lowering/rising movements alone without the upper muffle 4.

Depending on the passage of the lifting cable in the lower cable return means provided on the lower block 3 and in the upper cable return means provided on the upper block 4, the connected configuration and the configuration disconnected correspond respectively to a double reeving configuration and a single reeving configuration, or vice versa, of the double reeving lifting device 1; the single reeving configuration being associated with support of the hook 30 (and therefore the load) by two lifting strands of the lifting cable, and the double reeving configuration being associated with support of the hook 30 (and therefore the load) by four lifting strands of the lifting cable.

The upper muffle 4 supports, in the upper part, an upper stop 43 adapted to abut against the distributor carriage 9, when the upper muffle 4 is at the upper stop on the boom, alone without the lower muffle 3. To do this, and as visible in Figure 1 , a slot 90 is provided, on the underside of the distributor carriage 9, in which the upper stop 43 engages and abuts.

The reversible connection means comprise a locking mechanism 5 mounted on the lower muffle 3, and a complementary locking structure 6 mounted on the upper muffle 4 and capable of cooperating with the locking mechanism 5.

In reference to the Figure 8 , the complementary locking structure 6 is part of the lower block 3 and it is provided above the lower cable return means, therefore above the two pulleys 31 in the example illustrated. This complementary locking structure 6 comprises a frame 60 having two walls 61 facing each other (only one wall 61 is visible in Figure 8 ) and in which a locking housing 62 is provided open on the top of the lower muffle 3, facing the upper muffle 4. It should be noted that the two pulleys 31 are mounted between the walls 61.

The locking housing 62 is in the form of a groove of elongated shape along the main axis (therefore in a vertical direction), opening onto an upper edge 63 of the frame 60.

This frame 60 comprises a striker assembly provided with two side flanges 64 facing each other, extending parallel to the main axis (therefore in a vertical direction) and orthogonal to the walls 61, where these two side flanges 64 delimit laterally the locking housing 62. Striker orifices 65 are provided opposite each other in the respective side flanges 64, so that this striker assembly has two striker orifices 65 facing each other.

This frame 60 also comprises a bottom wall 66 in which an opening 67 is formed delimited by a periphery forming a stopper 68. This bottom wall 66 extends between the two side flanges 64, orthogonal to the axis main. Thus, the two side flanges 64 are arranged on either side of this stopper 68.

Each striker orifice 65 has a general upside-down “T” shape, and comprises a first oblong section 651 in a direction perpendicular to the main axis, and a second oblong section 652 in a direction parallel to the main axis , arranged in the middle of the first oblong section 651; where this second oblong section 652 extends upwards (towards the upper muffle 4) from the middle of the first oblong section 651.

• une broche 50 montée fixement sur la moufle supérieure 4, s'étendant selon l'axe principal et munie d'une extrémité libre présentant une butée d'arrêt 51 de section élargie ;
• un pêne 52 monté mobile en coulissement autour de la broche 50 selon l'axe principal et également mobile en pivotement autour de la broche 50 et de l'axe principal, où ce pêne 52 est disposé au-dessus de la butée d'arrêt 51 qui forme ainsi une butée pour le pêne 52 ;
• un élément de contrainte élastique 53 monté sur la broche 50 et sollicitant le pêne 62 en coulissement en direction de la butée d'arrêt 51.

With reference to Figures 2 to 7 , the locking mechanism 5 is part of the upper block 4 and it is provided below the upper cable return means, therefore below the pulley 41 in the example illustrated. This locking mechanism 5 includes:

• a pin 50 fixedly mounted on the upper muffle 4, extending along the main axis and provided with a free end having a stop 51 of enlarged section;
• a bolt 52 mounted movable in sliding around the pin 50 along the main axis and also movable in pivoting around the pin 50 and the main axis, where this bolt 52 is arranged above the stop 51 which thus forms a stop for the bolt 52;
• an elastic constraint element 53 mounted on the pin 50 and urging the bolt 62 to slide in the direction of the stop 51.

The bolt 52 has a distal end 521 facing the stop 51, and a proximal end 522 opposite the distal end 521. The elastic constraint element 53 is in the form of a spring mounted around the pin 50 and coming to rest on this proximal end 522 of the bolt 52 to urge it to slide in the direction of the stop 51 in a sliding direction subsequently called second sliding direction (sliding downwards in the example shown).

In reference to the Figure 2 , the bolt 52 comprises an internal part 54 of cylindrical shape, mounted around the pin 50 and capable of sliding along the pin 50 and of rotating around the pin 50. This internal part 54 supports two locking fingers 55 extending transversely to the main axis, and more precisely orthogonal to the main axis. The two locking fingers 55 are diametrically opposed along the main axis. The bolt 52 also includes an outer sleeve 56 which surrounds the inner part 54, where the two locking fingers 55 pass through the outer sleeve 56 to project externally from this external sleeve 56. It should be noted that the elastic constraint element 53 bears on this external sleeve 56, via a cap 560. Each of the two locking fingers 55 can be formed of a rod passing through both the external sleeve 56 and the internal part 54, without engaging in the pin 50 so as not to hinder the sliding and rotation of the bolt 52 around the pin 50.

It should be noted that the assembly comprising the pin 50 and the bolt 52 is adapted to engage inside the locking housing 62 of the complementary locking structure 6 during a relative rapprochement between the two blocks 3, 4, until the stopper 51 engages inside the opening 67 provided in the bottom wall 66 and then the distal end 521 of the bolt 52 abuts against the periphery of the opening forming the stopper 68 and thus the bolt 52 slides in a first sliding direction (sliding upwards in the example illustrated) under the effect of the thrust exerted by the stopper 68. Also, It should be noted that the opening 67 is dimensioned for the passage of the free end of the spindle 50 and its stop 51.

Conversely, in the absence of such a thrust exerted by the retainer 68 on the bolt 52, and therefore during a relative distance between the two blocks 3, 4, the elastic constraint element 53 requests the bolt 52 sliding in the second sliding direction (recall sliding downwards in the example illustrated), opposite to the first sliding direction.

• convertir un coulissement du pêne 52 dans le premier sens de coulissement en une première rotation concomitante du pêne 52, et
• convertir un coulissement du pêne 52 dans le second sens de coulissement, opposé au premier sens de coulissement, en une seconde rotation concomitante du pêne 52.

Furthermore, the locking mechanism 5 comprises complementary guide elements designed to cooperate in sliding support in order to:

• convert a sliding of the bolt 52 in the first sliding direction into a first concomitant rotation of the bolt 52, and
• convert a sliding of the bolt 52 in the second sliding direction, opposite to the first sliding direction, into a second concomitant rotation of the bolt 52.

• plusieurs rampes proximales 57 ménagées sur la pièce interne 54, au niveau de l'extrémité proximale 522 du pêne 52, et plus précisément sur un bord périphérique proximal (tourné vers le haut dans l'exemple illustré) de la pièce interne 54, où ces rampes proximales 57 sont réparties successivement autour de l'axe principal et forment des éléments de guidage proximal ; et
• deux goupilles proximales 570 en saillie radiale sur la broche 50, disposées en regard de l'extrémité proximale 522 du pêne 52 (donc disposées au-dessus du pêne 52 dans l'exemple illustré), où ces goupilles proximales 570 forment des éléments complémentaires de guidage proximal conformés pour venir en appui glissant sur les rampes proximales 57 lorsque le pêne 52 coulisse selon le premier sens de coulissement, de sorte que les rampes proximales 570 vont glisser le long des goupilles proximales 570 et vont ainsi faire tourner le pêne 52 selon la première rotation.

These complementary guide elements include the following means designed to convert sliding of the bolt 52 in the first sliding direction into a first concomitant rotation of the bolt 52:

• several proximal ramps 57 provided on the internal part 54, at the level of the proximal end 522 of the bolt 52, and more precisely on a proximal peripheral edge (turned upwards in the example illustrated) of the internal part 54, where these proximal ramps 57 are distributed successively around the main axis and form proximal guide elements; And
• two proximal pins 570 projecting radially from the pin 50, arranged facing the proximal end 522 of the bolt 52 (therefore arranged above the bolt 52 in the example illustrated), where these proximal pins 570 form complementary proximal guide elements shaped to come into sliding support on the proximal ramps 57 when the bolt 52 slides in the first sliding direction, so that the proximal ramps 570 will slide along the proximal pins 570 and will thus rotate the bolt 52 according to the first rotation.

• plusieurs rampes distales 58 ménagées sur la pièce interne 54, au niveau de l'extrémité distale 521 du pêne 52, et plus précisément sur un bord périphérique distal (tourné vers le bas dans l'exemple illustré) de la pièce interne 54, où ces rampes distales 58 sont réparties successivement autour de l'axe principal et forment des éléments de guidage distal ; et
• deux goupilles distales 580 en saillie radiale sur la broche 50, disposées en regard de l'extrémité distale 521 du pêne 52 (donc disposées en-dessous du pêne 52 dans l'exemple illustré), où ces goupilles distales 580 forment des éléments complémentaires de guidage distal conformés pour venir en appui glissant sur les rampes distales 58 lorsque le pêne 52 coulisse selon le second sens de coulissement, de sorte que les rampes distales 58 vont glisser le long des goupilles distales 580 et vont ainsi faire tourner le pêne 52 selon la seconde rotation.

These complementary guide elements include the following means designed to convert sliding of the bolt 52 in the second sliding direction into a second concomitant rotation of the bolt 52:

• several distal ramps 58 provided on the internal part 54, at the level of the distal end 521 of the bolt 52, and more precisely on a distal peripheral edge (turned downwards in the example illustrated) of the internal part 54, where these distal ramps 58 are distributed successively around the main axis and form distal guide elements; And
• two distal pins 580 projecting radially from the pin 50, arranged opposite the distal end 521 of the bolt 52 (therefore arranged below the bolt 52 in the example illustrated), where these distal pins 580 form complementary elements of distal guidance shaped to come into sliding support on the distal ramps 58 when the bolt 52 slides in the second sliding direction, so that the distal ramps 58 will slide along the distal pins 580 and will thus rotate the bolt 52 according to the second rotation.

It should be noted that the shapes, dimensions and positioning of the proximal ramps 57, the distal ramps 58, the proximal pins 570 and the distal pins 580 are such that the first rotation and the second rotation take place in the same direction of rotation. , and that the first rotation takes place according to a first angular amplitude of 45 degrees and the second rotation takes place according to a second angular amplitude of 45 degrees. Also, a succession of the first rotation and the second rotation leads to an overall rotation of the bolt 52 according to an overall angular amplitude which is equivalent to 90 degrees.

It is thus provided that the proximal ramps 57 and the distal ramps 58 are inclined in opposite directions around the main axis, so that the first rotation and the second rotation of the bolt 52 take place in the same direction of rotation. Furthermore, the proximal ramps 57 and the distal ramps 58 each define sawtooth profiles on the respective proximal and distal peripheral edges of the internal part 54, with peaks (point-shaped) and bottoms.

• un état de verrouillage (visible sur les Figures 2 à 5), appliqué en configuration connectée, dans lequel les doigts de verrouillage 55 sont adaptés pour s'étendre à l'intérieur des orifices de gâche 65 concernés, et
• un état de déverrouillage (visible sur les Figures 6 et 7), appliqué en configuration déconnectée, dans lequel les doigts de verrouillage 55 sont adaptés pour s'étendre hors des orifices de gâche 65 concernés pour autoriser un rapprochement relatif et un éloignement relatif entre les deux moufles 3, 4.

As described later, the bolt 52 is movable in pivoting around the pin 50 and the main axis between:

• a locking state (visible on the Figures 2 to 5 ), applied in a connected configuration, in which the locking fingers 55 are adapted to extend inside the striker orifices 65 concerned, and
• an unlocking state (visible on the Figures 6 And 7 ), applied in a disconnected configuration, in which the locking fingers 55 are adapted to extend outside the striker orifices 65 concerned to allow a relative rapprochement and a relative distance between the two muffles 3, 4.

In the unlocked state, the locking fingers 55 extend parallel to the side flanges 64, so that the assembly comprising the pin 50 and the bolt 52 can engage inside the locking housing 62 (when of a relative rapprochement between the two muffles 3, 4), and vice versa can be released from the locking housing 62 (during a relative distance between the two muffles 3, 4), without the locking fingers 55 coming into contact against the side flanges 64.

In the locking state, the locking fingers 55 have rotated 90 degrees about the main axis, compared to the unlocking state, so that the locking fingers 55 can engage through the striker holes 65 concerned which are provided in the side flanges 64.

Thus, the complementary guide elements (proximal ramps 57, distal ramps 58, proximal pins 570 and distal pins 580), as well as the stopper 68 and the elastic constraint element 53 form respective guide elements together to convert a rapprochement relative and a relative distance between the two blocks 3, 4, in concomitant sliding and rotation of the bolt 52, to move this bolt 52 from a locking state to an unlocking state, and vice versa, and therefore to move from a connected configuration to a disconnected configuration, and vice versa.

The locking mechanism 5 also comprises two slotted walls 59, arranged on either side of the pin 50, which each have an open slot on the underside (facing the lower muffle 3), with a flared mouth 590 adapted for that the frame 60 engages inside the slots of these split walls 59 during a relative rapprochement between the two muffles 3, 4 (as visible in Figure 10 ), thus promoting centering of the pin 50 and the bolt 52 with the locking housing 62 of the complementary locking structure 6.

The remainder of the description relates to a connection phase for the transition from the disconnected configuration to the connected configuration, with reference to the Figures 9 to 15 .

In reference to the Figure 9 , in the disconnected configuration, the upper block 4 is suspended above the lower block 3, with the lower block 4 at the upper stop on the boom. In this disconnected configuration, the bolt 52 is in its unlocked state, under the action of the elastic constraint element 53, with the distal pins 580 which are at the bottom of the distal ramps 58, and with the proximal pins 570 which are at a distance and face from the tops of the proximal ramps 57 (as visible on the Figures 6 And 7 ).

To move from the disconnected configuration to the connected configuration, the lower muffle 3 begins by being raised, as shown schematically by the arrow MO, for a relative rapprochement between the two muffles 3, 4, until the stop 51 engages inside the opening 67 provided in the bottom wall 66 (as visible on the Figure 10 ) and then the distal end 521 of the bolt 52 abuts against the periphery of the opening 67 forming the stopper 68 and thus the bolt 52 slides in the first sliding direction (sliding upwards in the 'example illustrated) under the effect of the thrust exerted by the stopper 68.

Due to this sliding of the bolt 52 in the first sliding direction, the distal ramps 58 leave contact with the distal pins 580, and on the other hand the proximal ramps 57 come into contact with the proximal pins 570, thus pivoting the bolt 52 according to the first rotation of 45 degrees, as well as visible on the Figures 11 And 12 . At the end of this first rotation, the proximal pins 570 are at the bottom of the proximal ramps 57 and the distal pins 580 are at a distance and opposite the tops of the distal ramps 58.

In reference to the Figure 13 , the lower muffle 3 is then moved downwards, as shown schematically by the arrow DE, so that the stopper 68 descends with the lower muffle 68, which allows the elastic constraint element 53 to slide the bolt 52 in the second direction of sliding (sliding downwards in the example illustrated).

Due to this sliding of the bolt 52 in the second sliding direction, the proximal ramps 57 leave contact with the proximal pins 570, and on the other hand the distal ramps 58 come into contact with the distal pins 580, thus pivoting the bolt 52 according to the second rotation of 45 degrees, as well as visible on the Figures 13 And 14 . At the end of this second rotation, the distal pins 580 are at the bottom of the distal ramps 58 and the proximal pins 570 are at a distance from and opposite the tops of the proximal ramps 57 (as illustrated in Figure 5 ), and also the locking fingers 55 are engaged inside the first oblong sections 651 of the respective striker orifices 65; the bolt 52 then being in its locked state.

In reference to the Figure 15 , the lower muffle 3 continues to be moved downward, as shown schematically by the arrow DE, until also the locking fingers 55 are engaged inside the second oblong sections 652 of the respective striker orifices 65, and thus the lower muffle 3 and the upper muffle 4 are connected, and then the lower muffle 3 can continue to descend with the upper muffle 4 in connected configuration.

The remainder of the description concerns a connection phase for the transition from the connected configuration to the disconnected configuration.

To move from the connected configuration to the disconnected configuration, the lower block 3 is first mounted (with the upper block 4), until the upper block 4 is at the upper stop on the boom, and more specifically until that the upper stop 43 of the upper muffle 4 abuts against the distributor carriage 9, with its upper stop 43 engaged in the slot 90 provided on the underside of the distributor carriage 9. It should be noted that the bolt 52 is in its locked state, with the locking fingers 55 which are engaged inside the second oblong sections 652 of the respective striker holes 65.

Once the upper muffle 4 is at the upper stop, the lower muffle 3 continues to rise, while the upper muffle 4 is blocked, so that the locking fingers 55 reach the first oblong sections 651 of the respective striker orifices 65, which then the stopper 51 engages inside the opening 67 provided in the bottom wall 66 and then the distal end 521 of the bolt 52 abuts against the periphery of the opening forming the stopper 68 and thus the bolt 52 slides in the first sliding direction (sliding upwards in the example illustrated) under the effect of the thrust exerted by the stopper 68.

This sliding of the bolt 52 in the first sliding direction leads to the first rotation of the bolt 52 by 45 degrees, as already described by the sliding contact between the proximal ramps 57 and the proximal pins 570.

In a second step, the lower block 3 is moved downward, so that the stopper 68 descends with the lower block 68, which allows the elastic constraint element 53 to slide the bolt 52 in the second direction of sliding.

This sliding of the bolt 52 in the second sliding direction leads to the second rotation of the bolt 52 by 45 degrees, as already described by the sliding contact between the distal ramps 58 and the distal pins 580.

At the end of these two 45 degree rotations, the locking fingers 55 have rotated 90 degrees and are completely clear of the respective striker holes 65; the bolt 52 then being in its unlocked state. Thus, the lower muffle 3 and the upper muffle 4 are disconnected, and then the lower muffle 3 can continue to descend alone in the disconnected configuration, without the upper muffle 4 which remains at the level of the distributor carriage 9.

It should therefore be noted that, in the connection phase and in the disconnection phase, only the control of the raising/lowering movements of the lower muffle 3 makes it possible to move from a connected configuration to the disconnected configuration, and vice versa. The raising/lowering movements of the lower block 3 are controlled by controlling the lifting winch.

Also, it is advantageous to automate the movements of the lower block 3, in the connection phase and in the disconnection phase, by means of a control/command unit which controls the lifting winch. In this context of automation of the connection and disconnection phases, it is advantageous to provide one or more sensors making it possible to detect relative positions between the lower muffle 3 and the upper muffle 4, such as for example a sensor making it possible to detect when the upper block 4 is at the upper stop on the boom, and more specifically when the upper stop 43 of the upper block 4 is in abutment against the distributor carriage 9. In fact, this position constitutes a starting point for the movements which will follow in the connection and disconnection phases.

Furthermore, it is possible to invert the positions of the locking mechanism 5 and the complementary locking structure 6 of the reversible connection means, by providing the locking mechanism 5 on the lower muffle 3 and by providing the complementary structure of locking 6 on the upper muffle 4. It is also possible to operate with a single rotation of the bolt 52 for the locking mechanism 5. Alternatively, it is possible to operate with other amplitudes or directions of rotation of the bolt 52. It It is also possible to provide an elastic constraint element 53 other than a spring, such as for example an elastic blade, a return mechanism, or other equivalent means.

Claims (17)

1. A double-reeved lifting device (1) for a lifting machinery, such as for example a crane, comprising two reeve blocks (3, 4), namely a lower reeve block (3) secured to a lifting hook (30) and an upper reeve block (4), wherein the two reeve blocks (3, 4) comprise reversible connection means adapted to be reversibly configured between:

   - a connected configuration in which the upper reeve block (4) is connected to the lower reeve block (3) so as to be able to accompany it in ascending/descending movements, and

   - a disconnected configuration in which the upper reeve block (4) is disconnected from the lower reeve block (3) so as to be able to remain hanging above the lower reeve block (3) which could perform descending/ascending movements without the upper reeve block (4),

   wherein the connected configuration and the disconnected configuration respectively correspond to a double-reeved configuration and to a simple-reeved configuration, or vice versa, of the double-reeved lifting device (1),

   wherein the reversible connection means comprise a locking mechanism (5) mounted on one of the two reeve blocks (3, 4), and a complementary locking structure (6) mounted on the other one of the two reeve blocks (3, 4) and adapted to cooperate with the locking mechanism (5);

   said double-reeved lifting device (1) being characterized in that the complementary locking structure (6) comprises a set forming a striker having at least one striker orifice (65), and the locking mechanism (5) comprises a bolt (52) mounted slidably movable along a spindle (50) along a main axis and comprising at least one locking finger (55), wherein the bolt (52) is also pivotally movable around the spindle (50) and the main axis between:

   - a locking state, applied in the connected configuration, with the locking finger (55) inside the considered striker orifice (65), and

   - an unlocking state, applied in the disconnected configuration, with the locking finger (55) out of the considered striker orifice (65) so as to enable a relative approach and a relative distancing between the two reeve blocks (3, 4),

   and wherein the locking mechanism (5) and the complementary locking structure (6) comprise respective guide elements (57, 58, 570, 580, 68) cooperating together so as to convert a relative approach and a relative distancing between the two reeve blocks (3, 4) into concomitant slidings and rotations of the bolt (52).
2. The double-reeved lifting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the complementary locking structure (6) comprises a catch (68) against which the bolt (52) could abut during a relative approach between the two reeve blocks (3, 4) for a sliding of the bolt (52) in a first sliding direction, and the locking mechanism (5) comprises an elastic biasing element (53), such as for example a spring, urging the bolt (52) to slide in a second sliding direction, opposite to the first sliding direction.
3. The double-reeved lifting device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the guide elements comprise complementary guide elements (57, 58, 570, 580) provided on the locking mechanism (5) so as to cooperate in sliding bearing in order to convert a sliding the bolt (52) in the first sliding direction into a concomitant first rotation of the bolt (52), and a sliding of the bolt (52) in the second sliding direction into a concomitant second rotation of the bolt (52).
4. The double-reeved lifting device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the first rotation and the second rotation are performed in the same rotational direction.
5. The double-reeved lifting device (1) according to any one of claims 3 and 4, wherein a sequence of the first rotation and of the second rotation leads to an overall rotation of the bolt (52) at an overall angular amplitude that is equivalent to 90 degrees or to 90 degrees plus N times 180 degrees, N being an integer other than zero.
6. The double-reeved lifting device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the first rotation is performed at a first angular amplitude and the second rotation is performed at a second angular amplitude, wherein each of the first angular amplitude and the second angular amplitude are equivalent to 45 degrees.
7. The double-reeved lifting device (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the locking mechanism (5) comprises:

   - the spindle (50) extending along the main axis and provided with a free end having a stop (51) for the bolt (52);

   - the bolt (52) mounted rotatably and slidably movable around the spindle (50) along the main axis, said bolt (52) comprising the at least one locking finger (55) extending transversely with respect to the main axis, wherein the bolt (52) has a distal end (521) facing the stop (51), and a proximal end (522) opposite to the distal end (521); and

   - the elastic biasing element (53) mounted on the inert (50) and bearing on the proximal end (522) of the bolt (52) to slidably urge it in the direction of the stop (51) in the second sliding direction;

   wherein the complementary locking structure (6) comprises a locking housing (62) in which are provided:

   - the catch (68) against which the distal end (521) of the bolt (52) could abut upon a relative approach between the two reeve blocks (3, 4), urging the bolt (52) to slide in the direction of a complementary proximal guide element (570) in the first sliding direction, against the elastic biasing element (53); and

   - the set forming the striker having the at least one striker orifice (65);

   and wherein the complementary guide elements comprise:

   - at least one proximal guide element (57) provided on the proximal end (522) of the bolt (52) and at least one complementary proximal guide element (570) provided on the spindle (50) so as to cooperate in sliding bearing with the proximal guide element (57) in order to convert a sliding of the bolt (52) in the direction of the complementary proximal guide element (570) in the first sliding direction into the concomitant first rotation of the bolt (52), upon a relative approach between the two reeve blocks (3, 4);

   - at least one distal guide element (58) provided on the distal end (521) of the bolt (52) and at least one complementary distal guide element (580) provided on the spindle (50) so as to cooperate in sliding bearing with the distal guide element (58) in order to convert a displacement of the bolt (52) in the direction of the stop (51) and of the complementary distal guide element (580) in the second sliding direction into the concomitant second rotation of the bolt (52), by the effect of the elastic biasing element (53) upon a relative distancing between the two reeve blocks (3, 4).
8. The double-reeved lifting device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the locking housing (62) has a bottom wall (66) in which an opening (67) is formed for the passage of the free end of the spindle (50) and of its stop (51), said opening (67) being delimited by a periphery forming the catch (68).
9. The double-reeved lifting device (1) according to claims 7 or 8, wherein the set forming the striker comprises at least one lateral flange (64) delimiting the locking housing (62) and in which the striker orifice (65) is provided.
10. The double-reeved lifting device (1) according to claim 9, wherein the bolt (52) comprises two locking fingers (55), diametrically opposite one another with respect to the main axis, and the set forming the striker comprises two lateral flanges (64) facing each other, disposed on either side of the catch (68), and in which two respective striker orifices (65) are provided facing each other.
11. The double-reeved lifting device (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the bolt (52) comprises:

    - an inner part (4) mounted around the spindle (50) and on which the at least one distal guide element (58) and the at least one proximal guide element (57) are provided; and

    - an outer sleeve (56) which surrounds the inner part (54) and from which the at least one locking finger (55) projects, wherein the elastic biasing element (53) bears on said outer sleeve (56).
12. The double-reeved lifting device (1) according to claim 11, wherein the at least one locking finger (55) is fastened to the inner part (54) and crosses the outer sleeve (56).
13. The double-reeved lifting device (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the at least one proximal guide element (57) comprises several proximal ramps successively distributed around the main axis on the proximal end (522) of the bolt (52), and
    the at least one complementary proximal guide element (570) comprises one or several proximal dowel pin(s) projecting radially on the spindle (50) in order to slidably bear on one of the proximal ramps.
14. The double-reeved lifting device (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the at least one distal guide element (58) comprises several distal ramps successively distributed around the main axis on the proximal end (522) of the bolt (52), and
    the at least one complementary distal guide element (580) comprises one or several distal dowel pin(s) projecting radially on the spindle (50) in order to slidably bear on one of the distal ramps.
15. The double-reeved lifting device (1) according to claims 13 and 14, wherein the proximal ramps and the distal ramps are inclined in opposite directions around the main axis, so that the first rotation and the second rotation of the bolt (52) is performed in the same rotational direction, during the conversions of the slidings of the bolt (52) in the first sliding direction and the second sliding direction respectively.
16. A lifting machinery, such as for example a crane, comprising a jib and a double-reeved lifting device (1) formed so as to lift/lower a load along the jib, said double-reeved lifting device (1) being in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower reeve block (3) hangs from the jib by a lifting rope connected to a lifting winch to make the lower reeve block (3) ascend/descend, said lifting rope passing through the upper reeve block (4), and wherein:

    - starting from the disconnected configuration with the upper reeve block (4) hanging above the lower reeve block (3) and with the bolt (52) in the unlocking state, said lower reeve block (3) could be displace so that the respective guide elements cooperate together so as to make the bolt (52) slide and pivot concomitantly in order to set it into the locking state to reach the connected configuration; and

    - starting from the connected configuration with the bolt (52) in the locking position, said lower reeve block (3) could be displaced so that the respective guide elements (57, 58, 570, 580, 68) cooperate together so as to make the bolt (52) slide and pivot concomitantly in order to set it into the unlocking state to reach the disconnected configuration.
17. A method for lifting a load in a lifting machinery according to claim 16, comprising:

    - a connection phase for a switch from the disconnected configuration into the connected configuration, during which the lower reeve block (3) is displaced so that the respective guide elements cooperate together to make the bolt (52) slide and pivot concomitantly in order to set it in the locking state to reach the connected configuration; and

    - a disconnection phase for a switch from the connected configuration into the disconnected configuration, during which the lower reeve block (3) is displaced so that the respective guide elements (57, 58, 570, 580, 68) cooperate together so as to make the bolt (52) slide and pivot concomitantly in order to set it in the unlocking state to reach the disconnected configuration.

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