EP4222050B1 - Device for lifting or launching a load to or from a boat - Google Patents

Description

The subject of the present invention is a device for removing or launching a load such as a boat towards or from a boat, comprising a platform extending in a horizontal plane supported by two parallel arms having free ends mounted to rotate around a horizontal axis same plane and a low position of the platform in which they form an angle A with the plane, the device further comprising means designed capable of maintaining the platform in a horizontal plane during the rotational movement arms.

Models of devices of this type, already available on the market at present, have the common characteristic of requiring two cylinders to ensure the rotational movement of the arms and simultaneously preserve the horizontality of the platform. However, it has been observed that such a structure implies providing means for synchronizing the cylinders, to the extent that the load on the platform is not uniform. Several solutions have been proposed for this purpose, such as for example the implementation of a membrane flow divider, a gear flow divider, or even the use of a double pump hydraulic power plant. However, at this stage, none of the recommended solutions can guarantee 100% synchronization of the two cylinders.

In addition, existing devices cannot be dismantled, are heavy, very cumbersome to transport, and often require numerous manufacturing steps to cut, fold and assemble the metal sheets from which their constituent elements are designed, the latter often presenting complex geometry. In addition, it has also been noted that the design method of conventional devices involves adjustment means housed in areas difficult to access, in particular under or in the arms, which makes the corresponding operations tedious, and the use of A essential professional. Also, another disadvantage inherent to conventional devices is linked to the fact that the kinematics used to date require precise adaptation to each boat, requiring each device to be completely redesigned for each new boat on which it must be installed.

We know, in particular from the documents US2015/0044000 And FR 2,867,446 exit and launching devices for boats whose operation is ensured by means of a single cylinder avoiding the synchronization problems encountered with conventional devices. The platform is mounted to rotate on the end of the arms around an axis Y parallel to the pivot axis X of these arms. The extension rod cylinder is designed capable of acting simultaneously on means of controlling the rotational movement of the arms and means of controlling the rotational movement of the platform and of causing a rotational movement in the clockwise direction of the arm and simultaneously a counterclockwise rotational movement of the platform, or conversely a counterclockwise rotational movement of the arms and simultaneously a clockwise rotational movement of the platform.

The invention sought to provide a device whose manufacturing cost is reduced compared to conventional devices, and whose operating principle allows a design in simple, removable elements, made of lightweight materials, with a view to facilitating transport and to limit bulk.

Another objective of the invention is to propose a device whose structure is designed to allow easy access to the adjustment means and facilitate their handling, which is easy to assemble and mount on a boat hull, without requiring expertise. or prior training session, and which is moreover adaptable to different boat hulls, regardless of costs or additional studies.

• des moyens conçus aptes à maintenir la plate-forme dans un plan d'allure horizontale au cours du déplacement en rotation des bras, ladite plate-forme étant montée en rotation sur les bras autour d'un axe Y parallèle à l'axe X,
• et un unique vérin à tige d'extension conçu apte à agir simultanément sur des moyens de contrôle du déplacement en rotation des bras et des moyens de contrôle du déplacement en rotation de la plate-forme et à provoquer un déplacement en rotation dans le sens horaire des bras et simultanément un déplacement en rotation dans le sens antihoraire de la plate-forme, ou inversement un déplacement en rotation dans le sens antihoraire des bras et simultanément un déplacement en rotation dans le sens horaire de la plate-forme,

caractérisé en ce que ladite plate-forme est montée en rotation autour de l'axe Y parallèle à l'axe X sur des flasques prolongeant chacun desdits bras, le vérin étant monté sous ladite plate-forme, de manière telle que sa tige d'extension se déplace le long d'un axe Z parallèle à l'axe Y, entre les deux flasques portant respectivement un premier point de rotation P1 et un deuxième point de rotation P2 de la plate-forme autour de l'axe Y, tandis que les moyens de contrôle du déplacement en rotation de la plate-forme comportent une barre de rotation présentant une extrémité haute reliée à une face inférieure de la plate-forme et une extrémité basse fixée sur une biellette reliée à la face inférieure de la plate-forme au voisinage du flasque portant le deuxième point de rotation P2, ladite barre de rotation étant disposée sous la plate-forme de manière telle que son axe S et l'axe Z sont sécants, la tige d'extension du vérin étant placée en butée contre ladite barre de rotation tout au long de sa course, et se déplaçant entre un point P3 et un point P4 que comporte ladite barre de rotation, les points P3 et P4 étant choisis de manière telle qu'une droite passant par P2 et P3 forme l'angle A avec une droite passant par P2 et P4.To this end, the present invention relates to a device for removing or launching a load such as a boat towards or from a boat, comprising a platform extending in a horizontal plane. supported by two parallel arms having free ends mounted in rotation around a horizontal axis -shape in which they form an angle A with said plane, said device further comprising:

• means designed capable of maintaining the platform in a horizontal plane during the rotational movement of the arms, said platform being mounted in rotation on the arms around an axis Y parallel to the axis X,
• and a single extension rod cylinder designed capable of acting simultaneously on means for controlling the rotational movement of the arms and means for controlling the rotational movement of the platform and for causing rotational movement in the clockwise direction of the arms and simultaneously a counterclockwise rotational movement of the platform, or conversely a counterclockwise rotational movement of the arms and simultaneously a clockwise rotational movement of the platform,

characterized in that said platform is mounted in rotation around the axis Y parallel to the axis extension moves along an axis Z parallel to the axis Y, between the two flanges respectively carrying a first point of rotation P1 and a second point of rotation P2 of the platform around the axis Y, while the means for controlling the rotational movement of the platform comprise a rotation bar having a high end connected to a lower face of the platform and a lower end fixed on a link connected to the lower face of the platform in the vicinity of the flange carrying the second point of rotation P2, said rotation bar being arranged under the platform in such a way that its axis S and the axis Z are intersecting, the extension rod of the cylinder being placed in abutment against said rotation bar throughout its stroke, and moving between a point P3 and a point P4 that said rotation bar includes, the points P3 and P4 being chosen in such a way that a straight line passing through P2 and P3 forms the angle A with a line passing through P2 and P4.

It has also been imagined that the extension rod of the cylinder can be extended by a carriage mounted sliding along at least one rail extending between the flanges, parallel to the Z axis.

A characteristic of the invention is also defined by the fact that the means for controlling the rotational movement of the arms comprise a set formed of n pairs of cables, n being greater than or equal to 1, each cable of a pair having an end intended to be fixed to the hull of the boat and being integral with one of the two arms or the platform.

Advantageously, said cables are tensioned around a set of pulleys.

Preferably, the set of pulleys comprises at least one pair of grooved wheels, with an axis perpendicular to the axis X, carried by the carriage.

In addition, the set of pulleys may include a plurality of additional grooved wheels, secured to each of the flanges, distributed along each cable of a pair.

According to another characteristic, each cable of a pair can have one end fixed to a rod around which it is wound in forming x turns, said rod extending perpendicular to the axis flasks extending the arms.

Another characteristic of the present device is defined by the fact that its constituent elements can be connected together by reversible assembly means and can be defined, at least for some of them, by sections of standard shaped profiles made made of a material chosen from the group comprising aluminum, stainless steel, carbon, a composite material.

• [Fig.1] et [Fig.2] représentent des vues en perspective de face d'une variante de réalisation du dispositif selon l'invention, dans lesquelles la plate-forme est placée respectivement en position haute et en position basse,
• [Fig. 3] et [Fig. 4] sont des vues d'un même côté du dispositif de la figure 1, dans lesquelles la plate-forme est située respectivement en position haute et en position basse,
• [Fig. 5] et [Fig. 6] sont des vues de l'autre côté du dispositif de la figure 1, dans lesquelles la plate-forme est située respectivement en position haute et en position basse,
• [Fig. 7] est une vue de dessous d'une partie du dispositif de la figure 1, dans laquelle la plate-forme est située en position haute,
• [Fig. 8] est une vue de détail des moyens de contrôle du déplacement en rotation des bras et des moyens de contrôle du déplacement en rotation de la plate-forme que comporte le dispositif de la figure 1,
• [Fig. 9] et [Fig. 10] sont des vues respectivement de dessous et de côté de la plate-forme que comporte le dispositif de la figure 1.

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention:

• [ Fig.1] and [Fig.2 ] represent front perspective views of a variant embodiment of the device according to the invention, in which the platform is placed respectively in the high position and in the low position,
• [ Fig. 3] and [Fig. 4 ] are views of the same side of the device of the figure 1 , in which the platform is located respectively in the high position and in the low position,
• [ Fig. 5] and [Fig. 6 ] are views from the other side of the device of the figure 1 , in which the platform is located respectively in the high position and in the low position,
• [ Fig. 7 ] is a bottom view of part of the device of the figure 1 , in which the platform is located in the high position,
• [ Fig. 8 ] is a detailed view of the means for controlling the rotational movement of the arms and the means for controlling the rotational movement of the platform that the device of the figure 1 ,
• [ Fig. 9] and [Fig. 10 ] are views respectively from below and from the side of the platform that the device of the figure 1 .

With reference to these drawings, the present invention relates to a device 1 for removing or launching a load such as a boat to or from a boat.

Conventionally, the device 1 comprises a platform 2, extending in a horizontal plane, supported by two parallel arms 3 having free ends 30. The latter are mounted to rotate around a horizontal axis , on yokes 4 intended to allow the fixing of the device 1 on the boat, so that the arms 3 are movable between a high position of the platform 2 (cf. Figs. 1 , 3 , 5 ) in which, in the illustrated embodiment, they extend in a horizontal plane and a low position of the platform 2 (cf. Figs. 2 , 4 , 6 ) in which they extend in a plane forming an angle A with the horizontal. Furthermore, means designed capable of maintaining the platform 2 in a horizontal plane during the rotational movement of the arms 3 are also provided.

For this purpose, in accordance with the invention, the platform 2 is itself mounted in rotation on these arms 3 around an axis Y, parallel to the axis X. More particularly, this platform 2 is mounted in rotation around the Y axis on flanges 5 extending each of the arms 3.

The device 1 comprises a single jack 6, with an extension rod 7, designed capable of acting simultaneously on means for controlling the rotational movement of the arms 3 and means for controlling the rotational movement of the platform 2 to cause a clockwise rotational movement of the arms 3 and simultaneously a counterclockwise rotational movement of the platform 2, or conversely a counterclockwise rotational movement of the arms 3 and simultaneously a rotational movement in the direction platform 2 schedule.

With reference to the figures, in the illustrated alternative embodiment, the cylinder 6 is mounted under the platform 2, in such a way that its extension rod 7 moves between a position in which it is deployed outside the body of the cylinder 6 and a position in which it is housed in the body of the cylinder 6, along an axis Z, parallel to the axis Y, between the two flanges 5. The latter respectively carry a first point of rotation P1 and a second point rotation P2 of platform 2 around the axis Y (cf. fig. 7 ).

Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the means for controlling the rotational movement of the platform 2 comprise a rotation bar 8 having a high end 80 and a low end 81 respectively connected, for example by bolting or welding, to a lower face 200 of the platform 2 and to a link 9 itself connected to the lower face 200 of the platform 2 in the vicinity of the flange 5 carrying the second point of rotation P2. More precisely, the rotation bar 8 is arranged under the platform 2 in such a way that its axis S and the axis Z intersect, and also so as to allow movement of the extension rod 7 of the cylinder 6 in abuts against the rotation bar 8, throughout its travel. In accordance with the drawings, the extension rod 7 of the cylinder 6 is then able to move between a point P3 and a point P4 which the rotation bar 8 comprises, along the latter, by exerting a force which progressively causes a rotation of the platform 2 around the axis of rotation Y. In addition, it should be noted that in accordance with the invention, the points P3 and P4 are specifically chosen such that a straight line D0 passes through P2 and P3 forms angle A with a line D1 passing through P2 and P4 (cf. figures 9 and 10 ). Thus, the action of the jack 6 on the rotation bar 8 is such that the platform 2 moves through an angle A, in a counterclockwise direction or clockwise, when the extension rod 7 moves in one direction or in the opposite direction between its retracted and deployed positions.

On the other hand, with reference to figures 1 and 2 , it was imagined in the context of the invention, to extend the extension rod 7 of the cylinder 6 by a carriage 10 mounted sliding along two rails, defined here by two tubes 11, extending between the flanges 5 , parallel to the axis Z. Thus, the extension rod 7 of the cylinder 6 is placed in abutment against the rotation bar 8 through the carriage 10, which moves progressively between the points P3 and P4 progressively of the deployment of the extension rod 7. Thus, in the retracted position of the extension rod 7, the carriage 10 is in contact with the point P3 of the rotation bar 8, while in the deployed position of the rod d extension 7, it is in contact with point P4. In addition, the carriage 10 also cooperates, as will appear from the description below, with the means for controlling the rotational movement of the arms 3.

In fact, in accordance with the invention, in the illustrated alternative embodiment, the means for controlling the rotational movement of the arms 3 comprise two cables 12, each secured to one of the two arms 3 in the illustrated alternative embodiment. More precisely, each cable 12 has an end 13 intended, like the yokes 4, to be fixed to the hull of a boat, and an end 15 fixed to a rod 16 around which it is wound in forming x turns. With reference to the figures 5, 6 And 8 , it should be noted that the rod 16 is connected to one of the flanges 5 extending the arms 3 and extends perpendicular to the axis its length. It should also be noted that in accordance with a different alternative embodiment, the cables 12 can also be fixed, by their end 15, on either side of the platform 2.

As visible at figure 8 , the set of pulleys comprises a plurality of grooved wheels 17, integral with each of the flanges 5, which make it possible to guide the cables 12 along the trajectory defined between their two ends 13, 15. It further comprises a pair of grooved wheels 14, with an axis perpendicular to the axis X, carried by the carriage 10, and around which each time one of the two cables 12 is wound. In short, these two grooved wheels 14 are moved in translation along the Z axis, in one direction or another between the two flanges 5, under the action of the jack 6. During their movement, the grooved wheels 14, as the case may be, pull on a portion 19 of the cables 12 extending between their fixed ends 13, 15 or release the latter, causing respectively a shortening or an lengthening of the portion 20 of cable 12 extending between the end 13 intended to be connected to the hull of a boat and a flange 5 extending an arm 3. In other words, when the rod 7 of the cylinder 6 is in its retracted position, the portion 20 of cable 12 has a length L0 less than the length L1 which it presents when the rod 7 of the cylinder 6 is in its deployed position. The length of the portion 20 of the cables 12 can be modified by increasing or decreasing the number x of turns formed by their end 15 around the rod 16.

In practice, once fixed to a boat hull, the device 1 according to the invention makes it possible to launch or remove a load from the water quickly and using simple means, such as a jet-ski, an annex, any floating object, etc., capable of being transported by boat.

More precisely, launching such a load from a boat, through the device 1, is carried out by first placing the load in question on the platform 2 located in its high position. The extension rod 7 of the cylinder 6 is then retracted and housed in the body 18 of the cylinder 6 (cf. Figs. 1 , 3 , 5 And 7 ). In this position, the portion 20 of the cables 2 adopts its length L0 , making it possible to maintain the arms 3 in the same plane, for example horizontal as in the alternative embodiment illustrated. The actuation of the cylinder 6, leading to the deployment of the extension rod 7 along the Z axis, then has the effect of lengthening the portion 20 of the cables 2. A rotation of the arms 3 around the X axis , for example in a clockwise direction, is then possible throughout the stroke carried out by the extension rod 7. The distance traveled by the latter ultimately determines the angle A that the arms 3 form with the plane in which they are 'extended when platform 2 was in the high position, at the end of their rotational movement. Simultaneously, rotation in the opposite direction relative to the arms 3, and of an angle A of the platform 2 around the axis Y is obtained through the action of the carriage 10 connected to the extension rod 7 , and acting on the rotation bar 8 connected to the platform 2. Thus, the platform 2 remains in a horizontal plane throughout the movement in rotation of the arms 3 causing the platform 2 to move from its high position to its low position. Once the latter has been reached, the platform 2 is sufficiently submerged to allow the buoyancy of the load which has previously been placed there and therefore its launching into the water.

Conversely, a water outlet from a load can be achieved by installing the latter on the platform 2 placed in its low position, and then actuating the cylinder 6 in such a way that its extension rod 7 returns towards its retracted position inside the body 18. This has the effect of causing a shortening of the portion 20 of the cables 12 and a rotation in the opposite direction, for example counter-clockwise, of the arms 3, by an angle A around the the X axis. Platform 2 then returns to its high position. In parallel, the action of the carriage 10 on the rotation bar 8 causes a rotation, in the opposite direction relative to the arms 3, of an angle A around the axis Y of the platform 2. The latter remains thus in a horizontal plane throughout the rotational movement of the arms 3.

The device 1 according to the invention also has the advantage of comprising constituent elements defined, at least for some of them, by sections of standard shaped profiles made of a material chosen from the group comprising aluminum, stainless steel, carbon, and a composite material and connected together by reversible assembly means.

It appears from the above that the device according to the invention makes it possible to avoid the cylinder synchronization problems inherent in conventional devices requiring the use of two cylinders. Furthermore, manufacturing costs are reduced thanks to its simplified architecture allowing the use of standard commercial profiles made from lightweight materials such as carbon, aluminum or composite materials.

Its constituent elements being simple and removable, the device 1 has a small footprint and is easy to transport or store.

In addition, the device 1 is easy to assemble and mount on the boat, without requiring expertise in the trade, which is not the case for conventional devices.

Furthermore, any adjustment operations are facilitated by better accessibility of the corresponding adjustment means, offered by the possibility of pivoting the platform 2.]

Claims (8)

1. A device (1) for releasing or launching a load such as a watercraft to or from a boat, comprising a platform (2) extending in a horizontal plane supported by two parallel arms (3) having free ends (30) mounted to rotate about a horizontal axis X, on clevises (4) designed to enable said device (1) to be fixed to said boat, between a high position of the platform (2) in which said arms (3) extend in the same plane and a low position of the platform (2) in which they form an angle A with said plane, said device (1) further comprising:

   - means designed to maintain the platform (2) in a horizontal plane during the rotational movement of the arms (3), said platform (2) being mounted to rotate on the arms (3) about a Y axis parallel to the X axis,

   - and a single cylinder (6) with an extension rod (7) designed to act simultaneously on means for controlling the rotational movement of the arms (3) and means for controlling the rotational movement of the platform (2) and to cause a clockwise rotational movement of the arms (3) and simultaneously a counterclockwise rotational movement of the platform (2), or conversely a counterclockwise rotational movement of the arms (3) and simultaneously a clockwise rotational movement of the platform (2),

   characterized in that said platform (2) is mounted to rotate about an axis Y parallel to the axis X on flanges (5) extending each of said arms (3), the cylinder (6) being mounted under said platform (2) in such a way that its extension rod (7) moves along an axis Z parallel to the axis Y, between the two flanges (5) bearing respectively a first point of rotation P1 and a second point of rotation P2 of the platform (2) about the axis Y, while the means for controlling the rotational movement of the platform (2) comprise a rotation bar (8) having a top end (80) connected to a bottom face (200) of the platform (2) and a bottom end (81) fixed to a link (9) connected to the bottom face (200) of the platform (2) in the vicinity of the flange (5) carrying the second rotation point P2, said rotation bar (8) being arranged under the platform (2) in such a way that its axis S and the axis Z are secant, the extension rod (7) of the cylinder (6) being placed in abutment against said rotation bar (8) throughout its stroke, and moving between a point P3 and a point P4 which the said rotation bar (8) comprises, the points P3 and P4 being chosen in such a way that a straight line passing through P2 and P3 forms the angle A with a straight line passing through P2 and P4.
2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the extension rod (7) of the cylinder (6) is extended by a carriage (10) slidably mounted along at least one rail (11) extending between the flanges (5), parallel to the axis Z.
3. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for controlling the rotational movement of the arms (3) comprise an assembly formed by n pairs of cables (12), n being greater than or equal to 1, each cable (12) of a pair having an end (13) intended to be fixed to the hull of the boat and being integral with one of the two arms (3), or with the platform (2).
4. The device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that said cables (12) are tensioned around a set of pulleys (14, 17).
5. The device (1) according to claim 4 dependent on claim 3 itself dependent on claim 2, characterized in that the pulley assembly comprises at least one pair of grooved wheels (14), whose axis is perpendicular to the X axis, carried by said carriage (10).
6. The device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the pulley assembly comprises a plurality of additional grooved wheels (17), integral with each of the flanges (5), distributed along each cable (12) of a pair.
7. The device (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that each cable (12) of a pair has an end (15) attached to a rod (16) around which it is wound in x turns, said rod (16) extending perpendicularly to the axis X and being connected to one of the flanges (5) extending said arms (3).
8. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that its constituent elements are connected together by reversible assembly means and are defined, at least for some of them, by sections of standard shape made of a material chosen from the group comprising aluminum, stainless steel, carbon, a composite material.

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