EP4049960B1 - Double hoisting lifting device with latch 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.

The document IT MI20 101 302 A1 discloses a lifting device according to the preamble of claim 1.

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.

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 robust reversible connection means because it is composed of a minimum of parts.

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. .

Thus, the invention proposes a double-reeving lifting device as described in claim 1.

Thus, the invention proposes reversible connection means which are designed to convert raising/lowering movements of the lower muffle (vertical translation movements) into sliding movements of the bolt in the locking channel so that it comes into position. taken with the free ending of the or each latch or that it emerges from this free ending or each of these free terminations, which will allow the two muffles to be connected/disconnected easily, and in a secure and reliable manner because few moving parts are necessary, only the latch(s) being mobile(s). 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 motorized system of the lifting winch) to go from a disconnected configuration to a connected configuration, and vice versa.

• la position neutre ;
• une position distale, dans laquelle le loquet libère le passage pour le pêne sous l'effet d'une poussée exercée par ledit pêne coulissant selon le sens d'entrée, ladite position distale étant associée à un pivotement du loquet dans un sens de rotation distal depuis la position neutre ;
• une position proximale, dans laquelle le loquet libère le passage pour le pêne sous l'effet d'une poussée exercée par ledit pêne coulissant selon le sens de sortie, ladite position proximale étant associée à un pivotement du loquet dans un sens de rotation proximal, opposé au sens de rotation distal, depuis la position neutre ; et
• une position de verrouillage, intermédiaire entre la position neutre et la position distale, dans laquelle la terminaison libre du loquet bloque le pêne en coulissement dans le canal de verrouillage selon le sens de sortie, avec le pêne coincé à l'intérieur de ladite terminaison libre.

Advantageously, the latch is movable in pivoting between:

• the neutral position;
• a distal position, in which the latch releases the passage for the bolt under the effect of a thrust exerted by said sliding bolt in the direction of entry, said distal position being associated with a pivoting of the latch in a distal direction of rotation from the neutral position;
• a proximal position, in which the latch releases the passage for the bolt under the effect of a thrust exerted by said sliding bolt in the exit direction, said proximal position being associated with a pivoting of the latch in a proximal direction of rotation, opposite the direction of distal rotation, from the neutral position; And
• a locking position, intermediate between the neutral position and the distal position, in which the free end of the latch blocks the bolt from sliding in the locking channel in the exit direction, with the bolt stuck inside said free end .

In a particular embodiment, the free end of the latch has a notch of complementary shape to the bolt.

According to one characteristic, the bolt has a cylindrical section with a given diameter, and the notch in the free end of the latch has a bearing area in the form of an arc of a circle.

According to one possibility, the arc-shaped bearing area of the notch of the latch has a diameter equivalent to the diameter of the bolt.

According to another possibility, the locking channel has a width substantially equivalent to the diameter of the bolt.

In a particular embodiment, the notch in the free end of the latch is delimited by two opposite edges on which the bolt can exert a thrust, namely a proximal edge, facing the mouth of the locking channel in the neutral position , and a distal rim,
where the proximal rim and the distal rim respectively have a length proximal and a distal length measured radially from the pivot axis, and the proximal length is less than the distal length.

According to one characteristic, the locking channel has a bottom, suitable for stopping sliding of the bolt in the direction of entry, where the latch is arranged between the mouth and the bottom of the locking channel.

According to another characteristic, the pivot axis of the latch is orthogonal to the main axis.

According to a variant, the locking mechanism comprises two latches facing each other, pivotally mounted on the frame on either side of the locking channel, said two latches being pivotable symmetrically relative to a main plane including the main axis and parallel to the pivot axis of each of the two latches.

It is of course possible to provide more than two latches, for example with side-by-side latches.

According to one possibility, the two latches are identical and symmetrical with respect to the main plane.

According to another possibility, the frame of the complementary locking structure comprises two facing flanges, between which the bolt is fixed.

In an advantageous embodiment, the frame of the locking mechanism comprises two plates between which the latch is pivotally mounted.

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.

• partant de la configuration déconnectée avec la moufle supérieure suspendue au-dessus de la moufle inférieure et avec le loquet en position neutre, 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 entre dans le canal de verrouillage par l'embouchure, coulisse à l'intérieur du canal de verrouillage selon le sens d'entrée et vient exercer une poussée sur le loquet pour l'amener dans une position distale jusqu'à s'engager à l'intérieur de la terminaison libre du loquet, puis la moufle inférieure peut être déplacée en descente de sorte que le pêne coulisse à l'intérieur du canal de verrouillage selon le sens de sortie et amène le loquet dans une position de verrouillage, de sorte que le pêne est coincé à l'intérieur de ladite terminaison libre et est bloqué en coulissement dans le canal de verrouillage selon le sens de sortie, de sorte que la moufle inférieure peut descendre avec la moufle supérieure en configuration connectée ; et
• partant de la configuration connectée avec le loquet en position de verrouillage et le pêne coincé à l'intérieur de la terminaison libre du loquet, ladite moufle inférieure peut être montée jusqu'à ce que la moufle supérieure soit en butée haute sur la flèche, puis que le pêne coulisse à l'intérieur du canal de verrouillage selon le sens d'entrée et amène le loquet dans une position distale intermédiaire, de sorte que le pêne quitte l'intérieur de la terminaison libre du loquet et ensuite le loquet revient en position neutre sous l'effet de l'élément de contrainte élastique, puis la moufle inférieure peut être déplacée en descente de sorte que le pêne coulisse à l'intérieur du canal de verrouillage selon le sens de sortie, pousse le loquet vers une position proximale jusqu'à sortir du canal de verrouillage et à se dégager du loquet, de sorte que la moufle inférieure peut continuer de descendre dans 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, said lifting cable passing through the upper block, and in which:

• starting from the disconnected configuration with the upper muffle suspended above the lower muffle and with the latch in the neutral position, said lower muffle can be mounted for relative approximation between the two muffles until the upper muffle is in abutment high on the arrow and the bolt enters the locking channel through the mouth, slides inside the locking channel in the direction of entry and exerts a push on the latch to bring it into a distal position until it engages inside the free end of the latch, then the lower muffle can be moved downward so that the bolt slides inside the locking channel in the direction exit and brings the latch into a locking position, so that the bolt is stuck inside said free end and is blocked from sliding in the locking channel in the exit direction, so that the lower muffle can descend with the upper muffle in connected configuration; And
• starting from the connected configuration with the latch in the locking position and the bolt stuck inside the free end of the latch, said lower block can be mounted until the upper block is at the upper stop on the arrow, then that the bolt slides inside the locking channel in the direction of entry and brings the latch into an intermediate distal position, so that the bolt leaves the interior of the free end of the latch and then the latch returns to position neutral under the effect of the elastic constraint element, then the lower muffle can be moved downhill so that the bolt slides inside the locking channel in the exit direction, pushes the latch towards a proximal position until 'to exit the locking channel and disengage from the latch, so that the lower muffle can continue to descend in the disconnected configuration.

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.

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 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 entre dans le canal de verrouillage par l'embouchure, coulisse à l'intérieur du canal de verrouillage selon le sens d'entrée et vient exercer une poussée sur le loquet pour l'amener en position distale jusqu'à s'engager à l'intérieur de la terminaison libre du loquet, puis la moufle inférieure est déplacée en descente de sorte que le pêne coulisse à l'intérieur du canal de verrouillage selon le sens de sortie et amène le loquet en position de verrouillage, et ainsi le pêne est coincé à l'intérieur de ladite terminaison libre et bloqué en coulissement dans le canal de verrouillage selon le sens de sortie, de sorte que la moufle inférieure peut descendre avec la moufle supérieure en 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 montée jusqu'à ce que la moufle supérieure soit en butée haute sur la flèche, puis que le pêne coulisse à l'intérieur du canal de verrouillage selon le sens d'entrée et amène le loquet en position distale, de sorte que le pêne quitte l'intérieur de la terminaison libre du loquet et le loquet revient en position neutre sous l'effet de l'élément de contrainte élastique, puis la moufle inférieure est déplacée en descente de sorte que le pêne coulisse à l'intérieur du canal de verrouillage selon le sens de sortie, pousse le loquet vers la position distale jusqu'à sortir du canal de verrouillage, de sorte que la moufle inférieure peut continuer de descendre dans 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 mounted for a relative approximation between the two muffles until the upper muffle is at the upper stop on the arrow and that the bolt enters the locking channel through the mouth, slides inside the locking channel in the direction of entry and comes to exert a push on the latch to bring it into the distal position until it engages inside the free end of the latch, then the lower muffle is moved downwards so that the bolt slides inside the locking channel according to the exit direction and brings the latch into the locking position, and thus the bolt is stuck inside said free end and blocked from sliding in the locking channel according to the exit direction, so that the lower muffle can descend with the upper muffle in connected configuration; And
• a disconnection phase for a transition from the connected configuration to the disconnected configuration, during which the lower block is mounted until the upper block is at the upper stop on the arrow, then the bolt slides inside of the locking channel in the direction of entry and brings the latch into the distal position, so that the bolt leaves the inside of the free end of the latch and the latch returns to the neutral position under the effect of the constraint element elastic, then the lower muffle is moved downwards so that the bolt slides inside the locking channel in the exit direction, pushes the latch towards the distal position until it exits the locking channel, so that the lower block may continue to descend in the disconnected configuration.

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 inférieure du dispositif de levage à double mouflage de la Figure 1, dans une version intégrale (en bas) et dans une version zoomée et partiellement transparente (en haut), et avec un zoom sur un loquet seul ;
• [Fig 3] est une vue schématique de la moufle supérieure, en version pleine (à gauche) et en version partiellement transparente (à droite) ;
• [Fig 4] est une vue schématique partielle et de face de la moufle supérieure et de la moufle inférieure en configuration connectée, avec le pêne en prise avec deux loquets ;
• [Fig 5] est une vue schématique équivalente à celle de la Figure 4, au début d'une première étape d'une phase de déconnexion qui fait suite à la configuration connectée de la Figure 4, au cours de laquelle la moufle inférieure est montée jusqu'à ce que la moufle supérieure soit en butée haute et que le pêne commence à coulisser dans le sens d'entrée et commence à se dégager des loquets qui ont atteint une positon distale intermédiaire ;
• [Fig 6] est une vue schématique équivalente à celles des Figures 4 et 5, à la fin de la première étape de la phase de déconnexion, où la moufle inférieure a fini de monter jusqu'à ce que le pêne soit dans le fond du canal de verrouillage et que les loquets soient revenus en position neutre ; et
• [Fig 7] est une vue schématique équivalente à celles des Figures 4 à 6, au début d'une deuxième étape de la phase de déconnexion, au cours de laquelle la moufle inférieure commence à descendre de sorte que le pêne commence à coulisser dans le sens de sortie et vient au contact des loquets pour les pousser vers leur position proximale ;
• [Fig 8] est une vue schématique équivalente à celles des Figures 4 à 7, quasiment à la fin de la deuxième étape de la phase de déconnexion, au cours de laquelle la moufle inférieure continue de descendre de sorte que le pêne a amené les loquets dans leur position proximale et que le pêne est prêt à s'échapper complètement de la moufle inférieure et de ses loquets ;
• [Fig 9] est une vue schématique équivalente à celles des Figures 4 à 8, à la fin de la deuxième étape de la phase de déconnexion, au cours de laquelle la moufle inférieure continue de descendre de sorte que le pêne est complètement dégagé de la moufle inférieure et que les loquets sont revenus en position neutre, finalisant la déconnexion entre les moufles ;
• [Fig 10] est une vue schématique équivalente à celles des Figures 4 à 9, avec la moufle supérieure et la moufle inférieure en configuration déconnectée, au début d'une première étape d'une phase de connexion au cours de laquelle la moufle inférieure commence à monter ;
• [Fig 11] est une vue schématique équivalente à celles des Figures 4 et 10, pendant la première étape de la phase de connexion, où la moufle inférieure continue de monter jusqu'à ce que le pêne commence à coulisser dans le sens d'entrée et vient au contact des loquets pour les pousser vers leur position distale ; et
• [Fig 12] est une vue schématique équivalente à celles des Figures 4 à 11, à la fin de la première étape de la phase de connexion, où la moufle inférieure a fini de monter de sorte que le pêne s'est engagé à l'intérieur de la terminaison libre du loquet ;
• [Fig 13] est une vue schématique équivalente à celles des Figures 4 à 12, pendant une deuxième étape de la phase de connexion, au cours de laquelle la moufle inférieure est descendu de sorte que le pêne a amené les loquets en position de verrouillage, et ainsi le pêne est coincé à l'intérieur des terminaisons libres des loquets, de sorte que la moufle inférieure peut descendre avec la moufle supérieure en configuration connectée.

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 a lower block of the double block lifting device of the Figure 1 , in a full version (bottom) and in a zoomed and partially transparent version (top), and with a zoom on a single latch;
• [ Figure 3 ] is a schematic view of the upper muffle, in solid version (left) and partially transparent version (right);
• [ Figure 4 ] is a partial schematic front view of the upper muffle and the lower muffle in connected configuration, with the bolt engaged with two latches;
• [ Figure 5 ] is a schematic view equivalent to that of the Figure 4 , at the start of a first step of a disconnection phase which follows the connected configuration of the Figure 4 , during which the lower muffle is raised until the upper muffle is at the upper stop and the bolt begins to slide in the direction of entry and begins to disengage from the latches which have reached an intermediate distal position;
• [ Figure 6 ] is a schematic view equivalent to those of Figures 4 And 5 , at the end of the first step of the disconnection phase, where the lower muffle has finished rising until the bolt is at the bottom of the locking channel and the latches have returned to the neutral position; And
• [ Figure 7 ] is a schematic view equivalent to those of Figures 4 to 6 , at the start of a second stage of the disconnection phase, during which the lower muffle begins to descend so that the bolt begins to slide in the exit direction and comes into contact with the latches to push them towards their proximal position ;
• [ Figure 8 ] is a schematic view equivalent to those of Figures 4 to 7 , almost at the end of the second stage of the disconnection phase, during which the lower block continues to descend so that the bolt has brought the latches to their proximal position and the bolt is ready to escape completely from the lower muffle and its latches;
• [ Figure 9 ] is a schematic view equivalent to those of Figures 4 to 8 , at the end of the second step of the disconnection phase, during which the lower block continues to descend so that the bolt is completely clear of the lower block and the latches have returned to the neutral position, finalizing the disconnection between mittens;
• [ Figure 10 ] is a schematic view equivalent to those of Figures 4 to 9 , with the upper muffle and the lower muffle in disconnected configuration, at the start of a first step of a connection phase during which the lower muffle begins to rise;
• [ Figure 11 ] is a schematic view equivalent to those of Figures 4 And 10 , during the first step of the connection phase, where the lower muffle continues to rise until the bolt begins to slide in the entry direction and comes into contact with the latches to push them towards their distal position; And
• [ Figure 12 ] is a schematic view equivalent to those of Figures 4 to 11 , at the end of the first step of the connection phase, where the lower block has finished rising so that the bolt is engaged inside the free end of the latch;
• [ Figure 13 ] is a schematic view equivalent to those of Figures 4 to 12 , during a second step of the connection phase, during which the lower muffle is lowered so that the bolt has brought the latches into the locking position, and thus the bolt is stuck inside the free ends of the latches, so that the lower muffle can descend with the upper muffle in connected configuration.

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 disconnected configuration correspond respectively to a double configuration reeving 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 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.

• un bâti 60 comprenant deux flasques 61 en vis-à-vis et qui délimitent entre eux une gorge ouverte sur le dessous de la moufle supérieure 4 pour définir une entrée 63 ; et
• un pêne 62 supporté solidairement par le bâti, où ce pêne 62 forme un arbre s'étendant selon un axe longitudinal orthogonal à l'axe principal, et où ce pêne 62 s'étend entre les deux flasques 61 à une distance donnée de l'entrée 63 de la gorge.

In reference to the Figure 3 , the complementary locking structure 6 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 complementary locking structure 6 includes:

• a frame 60 comprising two flanges 61 facing each other and which define between them a groove open on the underside of the upper muffle 4 to define an inlet 63; And
• a bolt 62 supported integrally by the frame, where this bolt 62 forms a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis orthogonal to the main axis, and where this bolt 62 extends between the two flanges 61 at a given distance from the entrance 63 of the gorge.

The upper muffle 4 supports in the upper part, opposite the mouth 63 of the complementary locking structure 6, an upper stop 43. Furthermore, the flanges 61 move away from each other at the level of the entrance 63, so that this entrance 63 is flared.

• un châssis 50 comprenant deux platines 51 en vis-à-vis et qui délimitent entre elles un espace interstitiel ; et
• deux loquets 52 montés pivotant sur le châssis 50, entre les deux platines 51, où chaque loquet 52 est accouplé à un élément de contrainte élastique 59, comme par exemple un ressort.

In reference to the Figure 2 , the locking mechanism 5 is integrated into 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 locking mechanism 5 includes:

• a frame 50 comprising two plates 51 facing each other and which delimit an interstitial space between them; And
• two latches 52 pivotally mounted on the frame 50, between the two plates 51, where each latch 52 is coupled to an elastic constraint element 59, such as for example a spring.

The frame 50 has a locking channel 53 of elongated shape along the main axis (therefore in a vertical direction), where this locking channel 53 is formed by two notches made opposite in the two plates 51 and opening out on upper edges 510 of the plates 51, so that this locking channel 53 is provided with a mouth 54 through which the bolt 62 of the complementary locking structure 6 can enter and exit the locking channel 53. The mouth 54 is flared to facilitate and center the insertion of the bolt 62 inside the locking channel 53.

The bolt 62 has a cross section dimensioned to be able to slide in the locking channel 53. The internal distance between the two flanges 61 of the frame 60 is greater than the thickness of the frame 50, so that the frame 50 can enter into the interior of the groove of the frame 60 (therefore between the two flanges 61) via the inlet 63, which is advantageously flared to facilitate this passage.

Thus, the bolt 62 can slide in the locking channel 53 in an entry direction (downwards) and in an exit direction (upwards), opposite to the entry direction, during respectively a rapprochement and of a relative distance between the two blocks 3, 4. It is advantageous for the bolt 62 to slide in an adjusted manner (with reduced play) inside the locking channel 53. This bolt 62 is advantageously of cylindrical section according to a given diameter. Thus, the locking channel 53 has a width substantially equivalent to the diameter of the bolt 62.

The locking channel 53 has a bottom 55, which is located between the two pulleys 31, where this bottom 55 is capable of stopping sliding of the bolt in the direction of entry. It should be noted that the two pulleys 31 are also rotatably mounted between the two plates 51.

The two latches 52 are arranged opposite each other on either side of the locking channel 53, and are pivotally mounted on the frame 50, between the two plates 51, along parallel pivot axes; these pivot axes also being orthogonal to the main axis and also parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bolt 62. The two latches 52 pivot symmetrically with respect to a main plane including the main axis and parallel to the axis pivoting of each of the two latches 52. Advantageously, the two latches 52 are identical and symmetrical with respect to the main plane.

Each latch 52 is provided with a free end 56 of concave shape suitable for engaging with the bolt 62, where the free end 56 has a notch 57 of complementary shape to the bolt 62. Thus, the notch 57 of the free end 56 of the latch 52 has a bearing area in the form of an arc of a circle with a diameter equivalent to the diameter of the bolt 62. Each latch 52 is disposed between the mouth 54 and the bottom 55 of the locking channel 53.

For each latch 52, the notch 57 of the free end 56 is delimited by two opposite edges 571, 572 on which the bolt 62 can exert a thrust, namely a proximal edge 571, facing the mouth 54 of the channel. locking 53, and a distal rim 572 facing the bottom 55 of the locking channel 53. Furthermore, the proximal rim 571 and the distal rim 572 respectively have a proximal length and a distal length measured radially from the pivot axis , and the proximal length is less than the distal length.

For each latch 52, the corresponding elastic constraint element 59 extends between the two plates 51 and has one end fixed to the latch 52, and another end fixed to the chassis 50. It should be noted that, on the Figures 4 to 13 , the springs forming the elastic constraint elements 59 are all illustrated at rest, with their ends not fixed to the latches 52 and to the frame 50, for reasons of simplification.

• une position neutre (visible sur les Figures 6, 9 et 10), dans laquelle sa terminaison libre 56 se situe dans le canal de verrouillage 53, où l'élément de contrainte élastique 59 correspondant sollicite le loquet 52 vers cette position neutre ;
• une position distale (visible sur la Figure 11), dans laquelle le loquet 52 libère le passage pour le pêne 62 sous l'effet d'une poussée exercée par le pêne 62 coulissant depuis l'embouchure 54 selon le sens d'entrée (vers le bas) en direction du fond 55, cette position distale étant associée à un appui du pêne 62 sur le rebord proximal 571 qui provoque un pivotement du loquet 52 dans un sens de rotation distal depuis la position neutre (pivotement du loquet 52 vers le bas) ;
• une position proximale (visible sur la Figure 8), dans laquelle le loquet 52 libère le passage pour le pêne 62 sous l'effet d'une poussée exercée par le pêne 62 coulissant selon le sens de sortie (vers le haut), cette position proximale étant associée à un pivotement du loquet 52 dans un sens de rotation proximal, opposé au sens de rotation distal, depuis la position neutre (pivotement du loquet 52 vers le haut) ;
• une position de verrouillage (visible sur les Figures 4 et 13), intermédiaire entre la position neutre et la position distale, dans laquelle la terminaison libre 56 du loquet 52 bloque le pêne 62 en coulissement dans le canal de verrouillage 53 selon le sens de sortie, avec le pêne 62 coincé à l'intérieur de cette terminaison libre 56 ; - une position distale intermédiaire (visible sur la Figure 5), qui fait suite à la position de verrouillage et dans laquelle le loquet 52 libère le passage pour le pêne 62 sous l'effet d'une poussée exercée par le pêne 62 coulissant depuis l'échancrure 57 selon le sens d'entrée (vers le bas) en direction du fond 55, cette position distale intermédiaire étant associée à un appui du pêne 62 sur le rebord distal 572 qui provoque un pivotement du loquet 52 dans le sens de rotation distal depuis la position de verrouillage (pivotement du loquet 52 vers le bas).

Each latch 52 is movable in pivoting between:

• a neutral position (visible on the Figures 6 , 9 and 10 ), in which its free end 56 is located in the locking channel 53, where the corresponding elastic constraint element 59 biases the latch 52 towards this neutral position;
• a distal position (visible on the Figure 11 ), in which the latch 52 releases the passage for the bolt 62 under the effect of a thrust exerted by the bolt 62 sliding from the mouth 54 in the direction of entry (downwards) towards the bottom 55, this distal position being associated with a support of the bolt 62 on the proximal rim 571 which causes a pivoting of the latch 52 in a direction of distal rotation from the neutral position (pivoting of the latch 52 downwards);
• a proximal position (visible on the Figure 8 ), in which the latch 52 releases the passage for the bolt 62 under the effect of a thrust exerted by the bolt 62 sliding in the direction of exit (upwards), this proximal position being associated with a pivoting of the latch 52 in a proximal direction of rotation, opposite to the distal direction of rotation, from the neutral position (pivoting of the latch 52 upwards);
• a locking position (visible on the Figures 4 And 13 ), intermediate between the neutral position and the distal position, in which the free end 56 of the latch 52 blocks the bolt 62 from sliding in the locking channel 53 in the exit direction, with the bolt 62 stuck inside this free end 56; - an intermediate distal position (visible on the Figure 5 ), which follows the locking position and in which the latch 52 releases the passage for the bolt 62 under the effect of a thrust exerted by the bolt 62 sliding from the notch 57 in the direction of entry (towards the bottom) towards the bottom 55, this intermediate distal position being associated with a support of the bolt 62 on the distal rim 572 which causes a pivoting of the latch 52 in the direction of distal rotation from the locking position (pivoting of the latch 52 towards the bottom).

As visible on the Figures 6 , 9 and 10 , in the neutral position, the free ends 56 of the latches overlap inside the locking channel 53.

The remainder of the description relates to a disconnection phase for the transition from the connected configuration to the disconnected configuration, with reference to the Figures 4 to 9 .

In reference to the Figure 4 , in the connected configuration, the latches 52 are in the locking position and the bolt 62 is stuck inside the respective free endings 56 of the latches 52, more precisely with the bolt 62 stuck inside the notches 57 of these endings free 56. In this connected configuration, the lower block 3 can be lowered together with the upper block 4. Indeed, when the lower block 3 descends with its latches 52, these latches 52 are blocked by the bolt 62 and cannot pivot towards the proximal position according to the direction of proximal rotation (pivoting upwards). Thus, the latches 52 remain blocked in the locking position with the bolt 62 which, as a reminder, is integral with the upper muffle 4. The upper muffle 4 is therefore connected to the lower muffle 3 and therefore descends with it.

With reference to Figures 4 And 5 , to move from the connected configuration to the disconnected configuration, the lower muffle 3 is first mounted (with the upper muffle 4), as shown schematically by the arrow MO, until the upper muffle 4 is at the top stop on the arrow, and more specifically until the upper stop 43 of the upper muffle 4 abuts against the distributor carriage 9 (see Figure 1 to the right). 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.

In reference to the Figure 5 , once the upper muffle 4 is at the upper stop, the lower muffle 3 continues to rise, as shown schematically by the arrow MO, while the upper muffle 4 is blocked. Thus, as the locking channel 53 rises, the bolt 62 slides inside this locking channel 53 in the direction of entry (downwards), it being noted that the latches 52 will not oppose this sliding and that the latches 52 will thus pivot in the direction of distal rotation (downwards) under the effect of a thrust exerted by the bolt 62 on the distal edges 572 of the latches 52. Also, the latches 52 pivot towards the bottom, while the bolt 62 slides towards the bottom 55, until the bolt 62 leaves the interior of the free ends 56 of the latches 52 (and even leaves contact with the latches 52), and then, as illustrated in Figure 6 , the latches 52 return to the neutral position under the effect of their associated elastic constraint elements 59, and the bolt 62 is under the latches 52 (or even is arranged in the bottom 55 of the locking channel 53).

In reference to the Figure 7 , the lower muffle 3 is moved downwards, as shown schematically by the arrow DE, so that the bolt 62 slides inside the locking channel 53 in the direction of exit (upwards), until it comes to rest against the distal edges 572 of the latches 52, thereby pushing the latches 52 which then pivot in the direction of proximal rotation (upwards) until reaching their proximal positions, as illustrated in Figure 8 , thus allowing the bolt 62 to exit the locking channel 53 and to disengage from the latches 52.

Thus, and as illustrated in Figure 9 , the bolt 62 is completely released from the locking mechanism 5 and the latches have returned to the neutral position under the effect of their associated elastic constraint elements 59, and 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.

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 10 to 13 .

In reference to the Figure 10 , in the disconnected configuration, the upper muffle 4 is suspended above the lower muffle 3 and the latches 52 are in the neutral position. 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, with reference to the Figure 11 , the bolt 62 enters the locking channel 53 through the mouth 54 and comes into contact with the proximal edges 571 of the latches 52, thus bringing the upper block 4 to a high stop on the arrow, and more specifically until the upper stop 43 of the upper block 4 is in abutment against the distributor cart 9.

In reference to the Figure 11 , continuing the rise of the lower muffle 3, the bolt 62 exerts a thrust on the proximal edges 571 of the latches 52, while sliding inside the locking channel 53 in the direction of entry (downwards), to bring the latches 52 into the distal position, until the bolt 62 leaves contact with the proximal edges 571 of the latches 52, and then the latches 52 pivot in the direction of proximal rotation (upwards) until that the distal edges 572 of the latches 52 in turn come into contact with the bolt 62, as shown schematically in Figure 12 . Thus, and as visible in Figure 12 , the bolt 62 is engaged inside the free ends 56 of the latches 52.

In reference to the Figure 13 , the lower muffle 3 is then moved downwards, as shown schematically by the arrow DE, so that the bolt 62 slides inside the locking channel 53 in the exit direction (upwards), and brings the latches 52 in the locking position, until the bolt 62 is stuck inside the free ends 56 of the latches 52 and is therefore blocked from sliding in the locking channel 53 in the exit direction, 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 the connected configuration.

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 that will follow in the connection and disconnection phases.

Furthermore, it is possible to invert the positions of the locking mechanism and the complementary locking structure 6 of the reversible connection means, by providing the locking mechanism 5 on the upper muffle 4 and by providing the complementary locking structure. 6 on the lower muffle 3. It is also possible to operate with a single latch 52 for the locking mechanism 5, by adapting the shape of the latch 52 to wedge the bolt 62 in the locking channel 53. Alternatively, it is possible to operate with more than two latches 52 for the locking mechanism 5. It is also possible to provide elastic constraint elements 59 other than springs, such as for example elastic blades, return mechanisms, or other equivalent means.

Claims (16)

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 along a main axis, 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);

   wherein the complementary locking structure (6) comprises a frame (60) securely supporting a bolt (62) formed at least partially by a shaft extending transversely to the main axis,

   and wherein the locking mechanism (5) comprises:

   - a chassis (50) comprising a locking channel (53) having an elongated shape along the main axis and provided with a mouthpiece (54) through which the bolt (62) could come in and come out of the locking channel (53) and could slide in the locking channel (53) in an entry direction and in an exit direction, opposite to the entry direction, respectively upon a relative approach or distancing between the two reeve blocks (3, 4), and

   said double-reeved lifting device (1) being characterized in that

   - at least one latch (52) pivotally mounted on the chassis (50) about a pivot axis so as to pivot inside the locking channel (53), said latch (52) being provided with a concave-shaped free end (56) adapted to engage with the bolt (62), and being coupled to an elastic biasing element (59) urging said latch (52) towards a neutral position.
2. The double-reeved lifting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the latch (52) is pivotally movable between:

   - the neutral position;

   - a distal position, in which the latch (52) clears the passage for the bolt (62) by the effect of a push exerted by said bolt (62) sliding in the entry direction, said distal position being associated to a pivoting of the latch (52) in a distal rotational direction from the neutral position;

   - a proximal position, in which the latch (52) clears the passage for the bolt (62) by the effect of a push exerted by said bolt (62) sliding in the exit direction, said proximal position being associated to a pivoting of the latch (52) in a proximal rotational direction, opposite to the distal rotational direction, from the neutral position; and

   - a locking position, intermediate between the neutral position and the distal position, in which the free end (56) of the latch (52) blocks sliding of the bolt (62) in the locking channel (53) in the exit direction, with the bolt (62) stuck inside said free end (56).
3. The double-reeved lifting device (1) according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the free end (56) of the latch (52) has an indentation (57) with a shape complementary to the bolt (62).
4. The double-reeved lifting device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the bolt (62) has a cylindrical section at a determined diameter, and the indentation (57) of the free end (56) of the latch (52) has a circle-arc shaped load-bearing area.
5. The double-reeved lifting device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the circle-arc shaped load-bearing area of the indentation (57) of the latch (52) has a diameter equivalent to the diameter of the bolt (62).
6. The double-reeved lifting device (1) according to claims 4 or 5, wherein the locking channel (53) has a width substantially equivalent to the diameter of the bolt (62).
7. The double-reeved lifting device (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the indentation (57) of the free end (56) of the latch (52) is delimited by two opposite sears on which the bolt (62) could exert a push, namely a proximal sear (571), facing the mouthpiece (54) of the locking channel (53) in the neutral position, and a distal sear (572),
   wherein the proximal sear (571) and the distal sear (572) respectively have a proximal length and a distal length measured radially from the pivot axis, and the proximal length is smaller than the distal length.
8. The double-reeved lifting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking channel (53) has a bottom (55), adapted to stop a sliding of the bolt (62) in the entry direction, wherein the latch (52) is disposed between the mouthpiece (54) and the bottom (55) of the locking channel (53).
9. The double-reeved lifting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivot axis of the latch (52) is orthogonal to the main axis.
10. The double-reeved lifting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking mechanism (5) comprises two latches (52) facing each other, pivotally mounted on the chassis (50) on either side of the locking channel (53), said two latches (52) being pivotable symmetrically with respect to a main plane including the main axis and parallel to the pivot axis of each of the two latches (52).
11. The double-reeved lifting device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the two latches (52) are identical and symmetrical with respect to the main plane.
12. The double-reeved lifting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (60) of the complementary locking structure (6) comprises two flanges (61) facing each other, between which the bolt (62) is fastened.
13. The double-reeved lifting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chassis (50) of the locking mechanism (5) comprises two plates (51) between which the latch (52) is pivotally mounted.
14. 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 latch (52) in the neutral position, said lower reeve block (3) could be raised for a relative approach between the two reeve blocks (3, 4) until the upper reeve block (4) reaches the high stop on the jib and the bolt (62) comes into the locking channel (53) through the mouthpiece (54), slides inside the locking channel (53) in the entry direction and exerts a push on the latch (52) to bring it in a distal position until fitting inside the free end (56) of the latch, and then the lower reeve block (3) could be displaced in descent so that the bolt (62) slides inside the locking channel (53) in the exit direction and brings the latch (52) in a locking position, so that the bolt (62) is stuck inside said free end (56) and its sliding in the locking channel (53) in the exit direction is blocked, so that the lower reeve block (3) could descend with the upper reeve block (4) in the connected configuration; and

    - starting from the connected configuration with the latch (52) in the locking position and the bolt (62) stuck inside the free end (56) of the latch, said lower reeve block (3) could be raised until the upper reeve block (4) reaches the high stop on the jib, and then the bolt (62) slides inside the locking channel (53) in the entry direction and brings the latch (52) in an intermediate distal position, so that the bolt (62) leaves the inside of the free end (56) of the latch (52) and afterwards the latch (52) returns back into the neutral position by the effect of the elastic biasing element (59), and then the lower reeve block (3) could be displaced in descent so that the bolt (62) slides inside the locking channel (53) in the exit direction, pushes the latch (52) towards a proximal position until coming out of the locking channel (53) and being released from the latch, so that the lower reeve block (3) could continue descending in the disconnected configuration.
15. The lifting machinery according to claim 14, comprising a distribution trolley (9) movably mounted on the jib and linked to a distribution system adapted to displace the distribution trolley (9) along the jib in opposite forward direction and backward direction, and wherein the lower reeve block (3) hangs from said distribution trolley (9) by the lifting rope.
16. A method for lifting a load in a lifting machinery in accordance with claims 14 or 15, comprising:

    - a connection phase for a switch from the disconnected configuration into the connected configuration, during which the lower reeve block (3) is mounted for a relative approach between the two reeve blocks (3, 4) until the upper reeve block (4) reaches the high stop on the jib and the bolt (62) comes into the locking channel (53) through the mouthpiece (54), slides inside the locking channel (53) in the entry direction and exerts a push on the latch (52) to bring it into the distal position until fitting inside the free end (56) of the latch, and then the lower reeve block (3) is displaced in descent so that the bolt (62) slides inside the locking channel (53) in the exit direction and brings the latch (52) into the locking position, and thus the bolt (62) is stuck inside said free end (6) and its sliding in the locking channel (53) in the exit direction is blocked, so that the lower reeve block (3) could descend with the upper reeve block (4) in 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 raised until the upper reeve block (4) reaches the high stop on the jib, and then the bolt (62) slides inside the locking channel (53) in the entry direction and brings the latch (52) into an intermediate distal position, so that the bolt (62) leaves the inside of the free end (56) of the latch (52) and afterwards the latch (52) returns back into the neutral position by the effect of the elastic biasing element (59), and then the lower reeve block (3) is displaced in descent so that the bolt (62) slides inside the locking channel (53) in the exit direction, pushes the latch (52) towards the proximal position until coming out of the locking channel (53) and being released from the latch, so that the lower reeve block (3) could continue descending in the disconnected configuration.

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