EP4273085A1 - Double-reeved lifting device with an improved pawl-locking mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

Double-reeving lifting device comprising a lower block (3) secured to a lifting hook and an upper block (4), in which the two blocks comprise a reversible mechanical connection system to be reversibly configurable between a connected configuration and a disconnected configuration, with a locking mechanism and a complementary locking structure (6) supporting a locking member (62), and the locking mechanism comprises a frame having a locking channel provided with a mouth through which the locking member locking can enter and exit and can slide in the locking channel during respectively a rapprochement and a relative distance between the two blocks, a latch (52) pivotally mounted on the frame to move inside the locking channel , and provided with a free end suitable for engaging with the locking member, and a thrust stop assembly (70) and elastic return member which pushes on the latch.

Description

[Technical area]

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.

[State of the art]

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.

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 which makes the two connected and disconnected configurations more reliable, in order to avoid any risk of unwanted disconnection and therefore of the lower muffle falling.

[Summary of the invention]

• une configuration connectée dans laquelle la moufle supérieure est connectée à la moufle inférieure pour pouvoir l'accompagner dans des mouvements de montée/descente selon un axe principal, et
• une configuration déconnectée dans laquelle la moufle supérieure (4) 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.

To this end, 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 muffles include a reversible mechanical connection system 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 raising/lowering movements along a main axis, and
• a disconnected configuration in which the upper muffle (4) is disconnected from the lower muffle so that it can remain suspended above the lower muffle which can perform lowering/rising movements without the upper muffle.

• un châssis présentant un canal de verrouillage de forme allongée selon l'axe principal et muni d'une embouchure par laquelle l'organe de verrouillage peut entrer et sortir du canal de verrouillage et peut coulisser dans le canal de verrouillage selon un sens d'entrée et selon un sens de sortie, opposé au sens d'entrée, lors respectivement d'un rapprochement et d'un éloignement relatif entre les deux moufles, et
• un loquet monté pivotant sur le châssis selon un axe de pivotement pour débattre à l'intérieur du canal de verrouillage, ledit loquet étant muni d'une terminaison libre propre à être en prise avec l'organe de verrouillage,

ce mécanisme de verrouillage comprenant en outre :

• une butée de poussée munie d'une terminaison avant libre propre à venir en butée contre le loquet, ladite butée de poussée étant montée mobile sur le châssis entre une position maximale avancée en l'absence de poussée exercée par le loquet sur ladite terminaison avant libre, et des positions de recul en présence d'un effort de poussée exercée par le loquet sur ladite terminaison avant libre ; et
• un organe de rappel élastique sollicitant ladite butée de poussée vers sa position maximale avancée et offrant un effort résistant à un effort de poussée exercé par le loquet sur ladite terminaison avant libre.

This reversible connection system comprises a locking mechanism mounted on one of the two blocks, and a complementary locking structure mounted on the other of the two blocks and comprising a locking member capable of cooperating with the locking mechanism;
and in which the locking mechanism comprises:

• a frame having a locking channel of elongated shape along the main axis and provided with a mouth through which the locking member can enter and exit the locking channel and can slide in the locking channel in an entry direction and in an exit direction, opposite to the entry direction, during respectively a rapprochement and a relative distance between the two muffles, and
• a latch pivotally mounted on the frame along a pivot axis to move inside the locking channel, said latch being provided with a free end suitable for engaging with the locking member,

this locking mechanism further comprising:

• a thrust stop provided with a free front end capable of abutting against the latch, said thrust stop being movably mounted on the chassis between a maximum advanced position in the absence of thrust exerted by the latch on said free front end , and recoil positions in the presence of a thrust force exerted by the latch on said free front end; And
• an elastic return member urging said thrust stop towards its maximum advanced position and offering a force resistant to a thrust force exerted by the latch on said free front end.

Thus, the invention proposes a reversible connection system which is designed to convert raising/lowering movements of the lower muffle (vertical translation movements) into sliding movements of the locking member in the locking channel so that it engages with the free end of the latch (connected configuration) or it releases from this free end (disconnected configuration), which will allow the two muffles to be connected/disconnected easily, in a secure and reliable manner .

Furthermore, the thrust stop and the elastic return member form an elastic thrust device which is particularly advantageous, because it allows you to push on the latch (instead of pulling on it) so that it engages reliably. and stable with the locking member in the free end of the latch, to avoid an unstable grip likely to cause a disconnection between the two mittens.

Indeed, such a thrust exerted by this elastic thrust device contributes to the free front end of the thrust stop maintaining contact with the latch during connection (described in more detail later), thus making engagement or engagement more reliable. engaging the locking member in the free end of the latch. It is very clear that the free front end of the thrust stop is not attached to the latch, so that the latch can take off (or leave contact) with respect to this free front end.

For the purposes of the invention, the connected configuration and the disconnected configuration correspond respectively to a double reeving configuration and a single reeving configuration, or vice versa, of the double reeving lifting device.

According to one characteristic, the thrust stop is mounted sliding in translation on the chassis, to exert a linear thrust on the latch which pivots under the effect of such a thrust.

In a particular embodiment, the double reeving lifting device comprises a display means configured to visualize whether the thrust stop is in its maximum advanced position which is associated with the disconnected configuration or in one of its recoil positions, called connection back position, which is associated with the connected configuration.

In other words, it is planned, in this embodiment, to be able to visualize (in particular the driver of the lifting machine) the position of the thrust stop, which is intrinsically linked to the configuration of the two blocks, which will make it possible to confirm that the two blocks are in one of the two connected or disconnected configurations, and are not in an unstable configuration with unstable jamming of the locking member in the locking channel; such unstable jamming (or such an unstable configuration) corresponding to a situation in which the locking member is not in stable engagement with the free end of the latch (the stable engagement corresponding to the connected configuration), but finds itself stuck between an edge of the latch and a section of the locking channel.

Furthermore, by visualizing the positions of the stop, it is possible to follow the connection phase (transition from the disconnected configuration to the connected configuration) and the disconnection phase (transition from the connected configuration to the disconnected configuration), and therefore to ensure that the phases take place in accordance with the predefined successive stages.

Advantageously, the display means is configured to visualize whether the thrust stop is in another of the recoil positions, called unstable recoil position, which is associated with an unstable configuration in which the thrust stop has retreated beyond the connection recoil position.

Thus, the display means makes it possible to visualize whether the muffles are in the unstable configuration, thus making it possible to stop or resume the connection or disconnection phase, and thus avoid an error which could have dramatic consequences, such as an unexpected disconnection of the lower block could lead to a fall of the lower block and any load suspended from it.

In a first embodiment, the display means comprises a window provided in the chassis to display a mark provided on the thrust stop when in the maximum advanced position or in the connection retraction position.

In other words, the window allows you to see from the outside what position the thrust stop is in, thus making it possible to visually and directly appreciate what configuration the two muffles are in. Such a solution is particularly interesting because it is economical, and in particular suitable for a tower crane where the pilot, located in the cockpit at the top of the mast and at the base of the jib, is quite close to the two blocks when they are brought back. at the bottom of the arrow to carry out a connection or disconnection phase.

In an advantageous embodiment, the display means comprises, on the chassis, at least one visual reference which is in visual correspondence with the mark of the thrust stop when the thrust stop is in its maximum advanced position or in its backward position connection.

According to one possibility, the at least one visual reference comprises a visual connection reference which is in visual correspondence with the mark of the thrust stop when the thrust stop is in its maximum advanced position, and a visual disconnection reference which is in visual correspondence with the thrust stop mark when the thrust stop is in its connection recoil position.

According to another possibility, the at least one visual reference comprises a visual error reference which is in visual correspondence with the mark of the thrust stop when the thrust stop is in its unstable recoil position.

In a particular embodiment, the thrust stop has a free rear end, opposite the free front end, and the mark is provided on said free rear end which faces the window.

According to one characteristic, the thrust stop passes through a fixed support secured to the chassis so that the free front end and the free rear end are arranged on either side of the fixed support.

According to another characteristic, the elastic return member is inserted between the fixed support and the free front end.

In a second embodiment, the display means comprises at least one position sensor configured to detect the thrust stop at least in its maximum advanced position and in its connection retraction position, and a display means connected to the sensor to display the position of the thrust stop based on detection by the position sensor.

This solution with a position sensor is suitable if the operator who controls the connection or disconnection phase is far from the two muffles, and in this case he will be able to visualize the correct progress of the phase on the display means (as for example a screen or light panel).

The at least one position sensor can be a contact sensor (which therefore comes into contact with the thrust stop depending on its position in particular), or a contactless sensor such as for example an inductive sensor, a resistive sensor or a sensor light (such as a camera or an infrared sensor).

• une position neutre dans laquelle la butée de poussée est dans sa position maximale avancée avec sa terminaison avant libre au contact du loquet au repos ;
• une position distale, dans laquelle le loquet libère le passage pour l'organe de verrouillage sous l'effet d'une poussée exercée par ledit organe de verrouillage 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, ledit loquet exerçant ainsi un effort de poussée sur la terminaison avant libre de la butée de poussée qui est poussée jusqu'à l'une de ses positions de recul, dite position maximale de recul ;
• une position proximale, dans laquelle le loquet libère le passage pour l'organe de verrouillage sous l'effet d'une poussée exercée par ledit organe de verrouillage 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, le loquet n'étant plus au contact de la terminaison avant libre de la butée de poussée qui est alors dans sa position maximale avancée ; et
• une position de verrouillage, intermédiaire entre la position neutre et la position distale, dans laquelle la terminaison libre du loquet bloque l'organe de verrouillage en coulissement dans le canal de verrouillage selon le sens de sortie, avec l'organe de verrouillage coincé à l'intérieur de ladite terminaison libre, ledit loquet exerçant ainsi un effort de poussée sur la terminaison avant libre de la butée de poussée qui est bloquée dans l'une de ses positions de recul, dite position de recul de connexion, située entre la position maximale de recul et la position maximale avancée.

In a particular embodiment, the latch is movable in pivoting between:

• a neutral position in which the thrust stop is in its maximum advanced position with its front end free in contact with the latch at rest;
• a distal position, in which the latch releases the passage for the locking member under the effect of a thrust exerted by said locking member sliding in the direction of entry, said distal position being associated with a pivoting of the latch in a direction of distal rotation from the neutral position, said latch thus exerting a thrust force on the free front end of the thrust stop which is pushed to one of its recoil positions, called the maximum recoil position;
• a proximal position, in which the latch releases the passage for the locking member under the effect of a thrust exerted by said sliding locking member in the exit direction, said proximal position being associated with a pivoting of the latch in a proximal direction of rotation, opposite to the distal direction of rotation, from the neutral position, the latch no longer in contact with the free front end of the thrust stop which is then in its maximum advanced position; And
• a locking position, intermediate between the neutral position and the distal position, in which the free end of the latch blocks the locking member in sliding in the locking channel in the exit direction, with the locking member stuck inside said free end, said latch thus exerting a pushing force on the free front end of the thrust stop which is blocked in one of its recoil positions, called the connection recoil position, located between the maximum recoil position and the maximum forward position.

Advantageously, the at least one latch comprises a single latch.

In a variant embodiment, the double reeving lifting device comprises a removable stop which is movable on the frame in a blocking position in which said removable stop blocks the pivoting latch when it is engaged with the locking member in the connected configuration.

Such a removable stop thus makes it possible, when positioned in its locking position, to manually secure the locking of the connected configuration, for example during specific uses such as during transport on the road, or during use blind, for example for the assembly of an elevator shaft on the crane mast.

Advantageously, the removable stop is also movable on the chassis in a storage position in which said removable stop is distant from the latch so as not to interact with the latch.

Thus, the removable stop, when not used in the locking position, remains accessible because it is mounted on the frame, without obstructing the latch, and can be easily reached to be positioned when necessary in the locking position.

In an advantageous embodiment, the double reeving lifting device comprises a lower stop disposed in a bottom of the locking channel, opposite the mouth, and against which the locking member can come to bear, said lower stop being mounted movable on the chassis between a raised position in the absence of thrust exerted by the locking member on said lower stop, and lowered positions in the presence of a thrust force exerted by the locking member on said lower stop; and - a lower elastic return member urging said lower stop towards its raised position and offering a force resistant to a pushing force exerted by the locking member on said lower stop.

Such a lower stop/elastic return member assembly is particularly advantageous for reducing the influence of the dynamics of the lifting cable slack, and making the relative movements between the lower block and the upper block more reliable, in particular when the locking member is located at the bottom of the locking channel.

According to one possibility, the lower stop is mounted sliding in translation on the chassis along the main axis.

According to another possibility, the double reeving lifting device comprises a lower display means configured to visualize whether the lower stop is in its raised position which is associated with the connected configuration or in one of its lowered positions called unstable lowered position , which is associated with an unstable configuration in which the locking member is stuck under the latch.

Such a lower means of visualization thus makes it possible to detect a risk of poor connection between the latch and the locking member, where the locking member would be stuck under the latch, in particular stuck by a point of a distal edge of the latch .

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 lift/lower a load along the boom, this 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.

[Brief description of the figures]

• [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 déconnectée ;
• [Fig 2] est une vue schématique partielle et de face de la moufle supérieure et de la moufle inférieure en configuration déconnectée pour le dispositif de levage à double mouflage de la Figure 1, avec l'organe de verrouillage dégagé de la moufle inférieure et du loquet ;
• [Fig 3] est une vue schématique en perspective du dispositif de levage à double mouflage de la Figure 1, en situation suspendue sur le chariot de distribution, dans une configuration connectée ;
• [Fig 4] est une vue schématique partielle et de face de la moufle supérieure et de la moufle inférieure en configuration connectée pour le dispositif de levage à double mouflage des Figures 1 et 3, avec l'organe de verrouillage engagé dans la moufle inférieure et en prise avec le loquet ;
• [Fig 5] est une vue schématique équivalente à celles des Figures 2 et 4, 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, la butée de poussée étant alors dans sa position maximale avancée ;
• [Fig 6] est une vue schématique équivalente à celles de la Figure 5, pendant la première étape de la phase de connexion, où la moufle inférieure continue de monter jusqu'à ce que l'organe de verrouillage commence à coulisser dans le sens d'entrée et vient au contact du loquet ;
• [Fig 7] est une vue schématique équivalente à celles des Figures 5 et 6, pendant la première étape de la phase de connexion, où la moufle inférieure continue de monter et l'organe de verrouillage pousse le loquet vers sa position distale jusqu'à libérer le passage pour l'organe de verrouillage, la butée de poussée reculant jusqu'à atteindre sa position maximale de recul ;
• [Fig 8] est une vue schématique équivalente à celles des Figures 5 à 7, pendant la première étape de la phase de connexion, où l'organe de verrouillage a à peine passer le loquet qui reste au contact de l'organe de verrouillage, le loquet étant alors dans une position intermédiaire instable, la butée de poussée étant dans une position de recul instable ;
• [Fig 9] est une vue schématique équivalente à celles des Figures 5 à 8, à la fin de la première étape de la phase de connexion, où la moufle inférieure a fini de monter de sorte que l'organe de verrouillage s'est engagé à l'intérieur de la terminaison libre du loquet ;
• [Fig 10] est une vue schématique équivalente à celles des Figures 5 à 9, pendant une deuxième étape de la phase de connexion, au cours de laquelle la moufle inférieure est descendu de sorte que l'organe de verrouillage a amené le loquet en position de verrouillage, et ainsi l'organe de verrouillage est coincé à l'intérieur de la terminaison libre du loquet, de sorte que la moufle inférieure peut descendre avec la moufle supérieure en configuration connectée, la butée de poussée étant alors dans sa position de recul de connexion ;
• [Fig 11] est une vue schématique équivalente à celle des Figures 2 et 4, au début d'une première étape d'une phase de déconnexion, la moufle supérieure et la moufle inférieure étant en configuration connectée, avec l'organe de verrouillage en prise avec le loquet, et la moufle inférieure commence à monter ;
• [Fig 12] est une vue schématique équivalente à celle de la Figure 11, au début de la première étape de la phase de déconnexion, au cours de laquelle la moufle inférieure continue de monter jusqu'à ce que la moufle supérieure soit en butée haute et que l'organe de verrouillage commence à coulisser dans le sens d'entrée et commence à se dégager du loquet ;
• [Fig 13] est une vue schématique équivalente à celle des Figures 11 et 12, quasiment à la fin de la première étape de la phase de déconnexion, où la moufle inférieure a fini de monter jusqu'à ce que l'organe de verrouillage soit dans le fond du canal de verrouillage ;
• [Fig 14] est une vue schématique équivalente à celle des Figures 11 à 13, à la fin de la première étape de la phase de déconnexion, où la moufle inférieure a arrêté de monter et, l'organe de verrouillage ayant dépassé le loquet, le loquet est revenu en position neutre, sous l'effet d'une poussée exercée par la butée de poussée qui revient dans sa position maximale avancée ; et
• [Fig 15] est une vue schématique équivalente à celles des Figures 11 à 14, au début d'une deuxième étape de la phase de déconnexion, au cours de laquelle la moufle inférieure commence à descendre de sorte que l'organe de verrouillage commence à coulisser dans le sens de sortie et vient au contact du loquet pour le pousser vers sa position proximale ;
• [Fig 16] est une vue schématique équivalente à celles des Figures 11 à 15, 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 l'organe de verrouillage a amené le loquet dans sa position proximale et que l'organe de verrouillage est prêt à s'échapper complètement de la moufle inférieure et du loquet ;
• [Fig 17] est une vue schématique équivalente à celles des Figures 11 à 16, 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 l'organe de verrouillage est complètement dégagé de la moufle inférieure et que le loquet est revenu en position neutre, finalisant la déconnexion entre les moufles ;
• [Fig 18] est une vue schématique en perspective de la moufle inférieure dans laquelle est ménagée une fenêtre dans son châssis pour former un moyen de visualisation servant à visualiser les positions de la butée de poussée, avec trois zooms sur cette fenêtre illustrant respectivement, de haut en bas, la position maximale avancée (associée à la configuration déconnectée), la position de recul de connexion (associée à la configuration connectée) et la position maximale de recul (ou la position maximale de recul) ;
• [Fig 19] est une vue schématique en perspective d'un dispositif de levage à double mouflage selon une variante de réalisation de l'invention, dans une configuration connectée ;
• [Fig 20] est une vue schématique partielle et de face de la moufle supérieure et de la moufle inférieure en configuration déconnectée pour le dispositif de levage à double mouflage de la Figure 19 ;
• [Fig 21] est une vue schématique de face de la moufle supérieure et de la moufle inférieure en configuration connectée pour le dispositif de levage à double mouflage de la Figure 19.

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 trolley, in a disconnected configuration;
• [ Figure 2 ] is a partial schematic front view of the upper block and the lower block in disconnected configuration for the double block lifting device of the Figure 1 , with the locking member released from the lower muffle and the latch;
• [ Figure 3 ] is a schematic perspective view of the double reeving lifting device of the Figure 1 , in a suspended situation on the distribution cart, in a connected configuration;
• [ Figure 4 ] is a partial schematic front view of the upper block and the lower block in connected configuration for the lifting device double reeving of Figures 1 And 3 , with the locking member engaged in the lower muffle and engaged with the latch;
• [ Figure 5 ] is a schematic view equivalent to those of Figures 2 And 4 , 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, the thrust stop then being in its maximum advanced position;
• [ Figure 6 ] is a schematic view equivalent to those of the Figure 5 , during the first step of the connection phase, where the lower muffle continues to rise until the locking member begins to slide in the entry direction and comes into contact with the latch;
• [ Figure 7 ] is a schematic view equivalent to those of Figures 5 and 6 , during the first step of the connection phase, where the lower muffle continues to rise and the locking member pushes the latch towards its distal position until freeing the passage for the locking member, the thrust stop moving back until 'to reach its maximum recoil position;
• [ Figure 8 ] is a schematic view equivalent to those of Figures 5 to 7 , during the first step of the connection phase, where the locking member has barely passed the latch which remains in contact with the locking member, the latch then being in an unstable intermediate position, the thrust stop being in an unstable backward position;
• [ Figure 9 ] is a schematic view equivalent to those of Figures 5 to 8 , at the end of the first step of the connection phase, where the lower block has finished rising so that the locking member has engaged inside the free end of the latch;
• [ Figure 10 ] is a schematic view equivalent to those of Figures 5 to 9 , during a second step of the connection phase, during which the lower muffle is lowered so that the locking member has brought the latch into the locking position, and thus the locking member is stuck inside of the free end of the latch, so that the lower block can descend with the upper block in connected configuration, the thrust stop then being in its connection recoil position;
• [ Figure 11 ] is a schematic view equivalent to that of Figures 2 And 4 , at the start of a first step of a disconnection phase, the upper muffle and the lower muffle being in connected configuration, with the locking member engaged with the latch, and the lower muffle begins to rise;
• [ Figure 12 ] is a schematic view equivalent to that of the Figure 11 , at the start of the first step of the disconnection phase, during which the lower muffle continues to rise until the upper muffle is at the upper stop and the locking member begins to slide in the direction of entry and begins to free itself from the latch;
• [ Figure 13 ] is a schematic view equivalent to that of Figures 11 and 12 , almost at the end of the first step of the disconnection phase, where the lower muffle has finished rising until the locking member is at the bottom of the locking channel;
• [ Figure 14 ] is a schematic view equivalent to that of Figures 11 to 13 , at the end of the first step of the disconnection phase, where the lower muffle has stopped rising and, the locking member having passed the latch, the latch has returned to the neutral position, under the effect of a push exerted by the thrust stop which returns to its maximum advanced position; And
• [ Figure 15 ] is a schematic view equivalent to those of Figures 11 to 14 , at the start of a second step of the disconnection phase, during which the lower muffle begins to descend so that the locking member begins to slide in the exit direction and comes into contact with the latch to push it towards its proximal position;
• [ Figure 16 ] is a schematic view equivalent to those of Figures 11 to 15 , almost at the end of the second step of the disconnection phase, during which the lower muffle continues to descend so that the locking member has brought the latch into its proximal position and the locking member is ready to completely escape from the lower muffle and the latch;
• [ Figure 17 ] is a schematic view equivalent to those of Figures 11 to 16 , at the end of the second step of the disconnection phase, during which the lower muffle continues to descend so that the locking member is completely released from the lower muffle and the latch has returned to the neutral position, finalizing the disconnection between the mittens;
• [ Figure 18 ] is a schematic perspective view of the lower muffle in which a window is provided in its frame to form a display means used to visualize the positions of the thrust stop, with three zooms on this window illustrating respectively, from top to bottom , the maximum forward position (associated with the disconnected configuration), the connection recoil position (associated with the connected configuration) and the maximum recoil position (or the maximum recoil position);
• [ Figure 19 ] is a schematic perspective view of a double-reeving lifting device according to a variant embodiment of the invention, in a connected configuration;
• [ Figure 20 ] is a partial schematic front view of the upper block and the lower block in disconnected configuration for the double block lifting device of the Figure 19 ;
• [ Figure 21 ] is a schematic front view of the upper block and lower block in connected configuration for the double block lifting device of the Figure 19 .

[Detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention]

In reference to the Figure 1 and to the Figure 3 , 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 (partiellement illustré) 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 90 (visible sur la Figure 19) 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 90, 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 (partially illustrated) intended 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 90 (visible on the Figure 19 ) connected to a lifting winch to raise/lower the lower block 3; And
• an upper block 4 through which the lifting cable 90 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 90, and the upper block 4 supports upper cable return means, such as by a pulley 41 , for the passage of the lifting cable 90.

Thus, the double reeving lifting device 1 is designed to raise/lower a load along the boom of the lifting machine.

• une configuration connectée (illustrée sur les Figures 3 et 19) 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 qui est d'extension verticale, et
• une configuration déconnectée (illustrée sur la Figure 1) 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 a reversible mechanical connection system to be reversibly configurable between:

• a connected configuration (shown on the Figures 3 And 19 ) 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 which is of vertical extension, and
• a disconnected configuration (shown in the Figure 1 ) 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 31 provided on the lower block 3 and in the upper cable return means 41 provided on the upper block 4, the connected configuration and the disconnected configuration 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.

In the example illustrated, and as visible on the Figure 19 , the connected configuration corresponds to the double reeving configuration (with four strands), so that the disconnected configuration corresponds to the single reeving configuration (with two strands).

The reversible mechanical connection system comprises 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 organe de verrouillage 62 supporté solidairement par le bâti, où cet organe de verrouillage 62 forme un arbre s'étendant selon un axe longitudinal orthogonal à l'axe principal, et où cet organe de verrouillage 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 locking member 62 supported integrally by the frame, where this locking member 62 forms a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis orthogonal to the main axis, and where this locking member 62 extends between the two flanges 61 to a given distance from the entrance 63 of the throat.

As visible on the Figure 19 , the upper muffle 4 supports in the upper part, opposite the entrance 63 of the complementary locking structure 6, an upper stop 43 formed for example of two sides which meet in the shape of a wedge. This upper stop 43 makes it possible to avoid unlocking against an obstacle during an upward lifting movement.

Furthermore, the flanges 61 move away from each other at the level of the inlet 63, so that this inlet 63 is flared.

In reference to the Figure 2 and to the Figure 4 , 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.

• un châssis 50 comprenant deux platines 51 en vis-à-vis et qui délimitent entre elles un espace interstitiel ; et
• un loquet 52 monté pivotant sur le châssis 50, entre les deux platines 51, où le loquet 52 est associé à un dispositif de poussée 7 décrit ultérieurement.

This locking mechanism 5 includes:

• a frame 50 comprising two plates 51 facing each other and which delimit an interstitial space between them; And
• a latch 52 pivotally mounted on the chassis 50, between the two plates 51, where the latch 52 is associated with a pushing device 7 described later.

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 locking member 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 locking member 62 inside the locking channel 53.

The locking member 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 inside 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 locking member 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 a relative distance between the two blocks 3, 4. It is advantageous for the locking member 62 to slide in an adjusted manner (with reduced clearance) inside the locking channel 53. This locking member 62 is advantageously of section cylindrical according to a given diameter. Thus, the locking channel 53 has a width substantially equivalent to the diameter of the locking member 62.

The locking channel 53 has a bottom 55, which is located between the two pulleys 31, where this bottom 55 is opposite the mouth 54 and is capable of stopping sliding of the locking member 62 in the direction of entry . It should be noted that the two pulleys 31 are also rotatably mounted between the two plates 51.

The latch 52 is unique, it is arranged on one side of the locking channel 53, and it is pivotally mounted on the chassis 50, between the two plates 51, along a pivot axis orthogonal to the main axis and also parallel to the longitudinal axis of the locking member 62. The latch 52 thus pivots in a plane including the main axis, and which is orthogonal to the pivot axis.

The latch 52 is provided with a free end 56 of concave shape suitable for engaging with the locking member 62, where the free end 56 has a notch 57 of complementary shape to the locking member 62. Thus, the 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 locking member 62. The latch 52 is arranged between the mouth 54 and the bottom 55 of the channel locking 53.

The notch 57 of the free end 56 is delimited by two opposite edges 571, 572 on which the locking member 62 can exert a thrust, namely a proximal edge 571, facing the mouth 54 of the locking channel 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.

Furthermore, the proximal rim 571 ends with a proximal tip 573 forming a free end, and the distal rim 572 ends with a distal tip 574 forming a free end; these two points 573, 574 forming the ends of the notch 57.

The thrust device 7 extends between the two plates 51 and it comprises a thrust stop 70 provided with a free front end 71 capable of abutting against the latch 52, and more specifically against a support surface provided for proximity to the pivot axis. This thrust stop 70 also has a free rear end 72, opposite the free front end 71. The thrust stop 70 is in the form of an elongated part along an axis of extension orthogonal to the main axis.

• une position maximale avancée (visible sur les Figures 2, 5, 14 à 17) en l'absence de poussée exercée par le loquet 52 sur sa terminaison avant libre 71, et
• des positions de recul (visibles sur les Figures 4 et 6 à 13) en présence d'un effort de poussée exercée par le loquet 52 sur sa terminaison avant libre 71.

The thrust stop 70 is mounted movable in translation on the chassis 50, in a direction of translation orthogonal to the main axis. The thrust stop 70 slides between:

• a maximum advanced position (visible on the Figures 2 , 5 , 14 to 17 ) in the absence of thrust exerted by the latch 52 on its free front end 71, and
• recoil positions (visible on the Figures 4 And 6 to 13 ) in the presence of a thrust force exerted by the latch 52 on its free front end 71.

The thrust stop 70 passes through and slides in a fixed support 73 secured to the chassis 50, so that the free front end 71 and the free rear end 72 are arranged on either side of the fixed support 73.

The pushing device 7 further comprises an elastic return member 74, for example in the form of a helical spring, this elastic return member 74 urging the thrust stop 70 towards its maximum advanced position and offering a resistant force to a thrust force exerted by the latch 52 on its free front end 71. Thus, the elastic return member 74 is at rest in the maximum advanced position of the thrust stop 70.

In the example illustrated, this elastic return member 74 is interposed between the fixed support 73 and the free front end 71, and more precisely a stopping surface provided on the free front end 71. Thus, when the latch 52 exerts a thrust force on the free front end 71, causing the thrust stop 70 to recoil, then the elastic return member 74 is compressed and thus opposes this recoil.

• une position neutre (visible sur les Figures 2, 5, 14, 15 et 17), dans laquelle sa terminaison libre 56 se situe dans le canal de verrouillage 53, et la butée de poussée 70 est dans sa position maximale avancée avec sa terminaison avant libre 71 au contact du loquet 52.
• une position distale (visible sur la Figure 7) dans laquelle le loquet 52 libère le passage pour l'organe de verrouillage 62 sous l'effet d'une poussée exercée par l'organe de verrouillage 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 de l'organe de verrouillage 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), jusqu'à ce que l'organe de verrouillage 62 soit en appui sur la pointe proximale 573, le loquet 52 exerçant ainsi un effort de poussée sur la terminaison avant libre 71 de la butée de poussée 70 qui est poussée jusqu'à l'une de ses positions de recul, dite position maximale de recul, lorsque l'appui se fait sur la pointe proximale 573 du loquet 52. En effet, la butée de poussée 70 est à son maximum de recul lorsque l'organe de verrouillage 62 est en appui sur la pointe proximale 573.

• une position proximale (visible sur la Figure 16), dans laquelle le loquet 52 libère le passage pour l'organe de verrouillage 62 sous l'effet d'une poussée exercée par l'organe de verrouillage 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), le loquet 52 n'étant plus au contact de la terminaison avant libre 71 de la butée de poussée 70 qui est alors dans sa position maximale avancée.
• une position de verrouillage (visible sur les Figures 4, 10 et 11), intermédiaire entre la position neutre et la position distale, dans laquelle la terminaison libre 56 du loquet 52 bloque l'organe de verrouillage 62 en coulissement dans le canal de verrouillage 53 selon le sens de sortie, avec l'organe de verrouillage 62 coincé à l'intérieur de cette terminaison libre 56, ledit loquet 52 exerçant ainsi un effort de poussée sur la terminaison avant libre 71 de la butée de poussée 70 qui est bloquée dans l'une de ses positions de recul, dite position de recul de connexion, située entre la position maximale de recul et la position maximale avancée.
• une position distale intermédiaire (visible sur la Figure 12), qui fait suite à la position de verrouillage dans la phase de déconnexion, et dans laquelle le loquet 52 libère le passage pour l'organe de verrouillage 62 sous l'effet d'une poussée exercée par l'organe de verrouillage 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 de l'organe de verrouillage 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), ledit loquet 52 exerçant alors un effort de poussée sur la terminaison avant libre 71 de la butée de poussée 70 jusqu'à ce l'organe de verrouillage 62 soit en appui sur la pointe distale 574, de sorte que la butée de poussée 70 est amenée dans l'une de ses positions de recul, dite position de recul intermédiaire, située entre la position maximale de recul et la position de recul de connexion.
• une première position instable (visible sur la Figure 8), qui peut faire suite à la position distale de la Figure 7 lors d'une phase de connexion, dans laquelle l'organe de verrouillage 62 reste coincé dans le canal de verrouillage 53 en appui sur la pointe proximale 573. La butée de poussée 70 est alors bloquée dans l'une de ses positions de recul, dite première position de recul instable, située entre la position maximale de recul et la position de recul de connexion. Le dispositif de poussée 9 est avantageux en ce qu'il minimise, voire annule, le risque d'un tel coincement dans cette première position instable.
• une seconde position instable, qui est intermédiaire entre la position distale intermédiaire de la Figure 12 et la position de la Figure 13 dans une phase de déconnexion, dans laquelle l'organe de verrouillage 62 reste coincé dans le canal de verrouillage 53 en appui sur la pointe distale 574; autrement dit l'organe de verrouillage 62 est coincé sous le loquet 52. La butée de poussée 70 est alors bloquée dans l'une de ses positions de recul, dite seconde position de recul instable, située entre la première position de recul instable et la position de recul de connexion. Le dispositif de poussée 9 est à nouveau avantageux en ce qu'il minimise, voire annule, le risque d'un tel coincement dans cette seconde position instable.

The latch 52 is movable in pivoting between several positions defined below.

• a neutral position (visible on the Figures 2 , 5 , 14 , 15 And 17 ), in which its free end 56 is located in the locking channel 53, and the thrust stop 70 is in its maximum advanced position with its free front end 71 in contact with the latch 52.
• a distal position (visible on the Figure 7 ) in which the latch 52 releases the passage for the locking member 62 under the effect of a thrust exerted by the locking member 62 sliding from the mouth 54 in the direction of entry (downwards) in direction of the bottom 55, this distal position being associated with a support of the locking member 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 towards the bottom), until the locking member 62 rests on the proximal tip 573, the latch 52 thus exerting a pushing force on the free front end 71 of the thrust stop 70 which is pushed up to moon of its recoil positions, called the maximum recoil position, when the support is on the proximal tip 573 of the latch 52. In fact, the thrust stop 70 is at its maximum recoil when the locking member 62 is in position. support on the proximal tip 573.

• a proximal position (visible on the Figure 16 ), in which the latch 52 releases the passage for the locking member 62 under the effect of a thrust exerted by the locking member 62 sliding in the exit direction (upwards), this proximal position being associated to a pivoting of the latch 52 in a direction of proximal rotation, opposite to the direction of distal rotation, from the neutral position (pivoting of the latch 52 upwards), the latch 52 no longer being in contact with the free front end 71 of the thrust stop 70 which is then in its maximum advanced position.
• a locking position (visible on the Figures 4 , 10 And 11 ), intermediate between the neutral position and the distal position, in which the free end 56 of the latch 52 blocks the locking member 62 from sliding in the locking channel 53 in the exit direction, with the locking member 62 stuck inside this free end 56, said latch 52 thus exerting a pushing force on the free front end 71 of the thrust stop 70 which is blocked in one of its recoil positions, called connection recoil position , located between the maximum recoil position and the maximum forward position.
• an intermediate distal position (visible on the Figure 12 ), which follows the locking position in the disconnection phase, and in which the latch 52 frees the passage for the locking member 62 under the effect of a thrust exerted by the locking member 62 sliding from the notch 57 in the direction of entry (downwards) towards the bottom 55, this intermediate distal position being associated with a support of the locking member 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 downwards), said latch 52 then exerting a pushing force on the free front end 71 of the thrust stop 70 until the locking member 62 is supported on the distal tip 574, so that the thrust stop 70 is brought into one of its recoil positions, called intermediate recoil position, located between the maximum recoil position and the connection recoil position .
• a first unstable position (visible on the Figure 8 ), which may follow the distal position of the Figure 7 during a connection phase, in which the locking member 62 remains stuck in the locking channel 53 resting on the proximal tip 573. The thrust stop 70 is then blocked in one of its positions. recoil, called the first unstable recoil position, located between the maximum recoil position and the connection recoil position. The pushing device 9 is advantageous in that it minimizes, or even eliminates, the risk of such jamming in this first unstable position.
• a second unstable position, which is intermediate between the intermediate distal position of the Figure 12 and the position of the Figure 13 in a disconnection phase, in which the locking member 62 remains stuck in the locking channel 53 resting on the distal tip 574; in other words the locking member 62 is stuck under the latch 52. The thrust stop 70 is then blocked in one of its recoil positions, called the second unstable recoil position, located between the first unstable recoil position and the connection recoil position. The pushing device 9 is again advantageous in that it minimizes, or even eliminates, the risk of such jamming in this second unstable position.

The double-reeving lifting device 1 may also include a proximal stop 79, made of an elastomeric material (for example rubber, silicone or other elastic material), and fixedly mounted on the chassis 50, between the two plates 51, at the level of the upper edges 510 of the plates 51 and above the latch 52. This proximal stop 79 promotes the elastic return to the neutral position of the latch 52 when the latter is brought into the proximal position.

• dans sa position maximale avancée qui est associée à la configuration déconnectée ; ou
• dans sa position de recul de connexion qui est associée à la configuration connectée.

In reference to the Figure 18 , the double reeving lifting device 1 also comprises a display means 8 configured to visualize whether the thrust stop 70 is:

• in its maximum advanced position which is associated with the disconnected configuration; Or
• in its connection recoil position which is associated with the connected configuration.

This display means 8 comprises at least one window 80 provided in the frame 5, and more precisely in one of the two plates 51, or possibly two windows 80 which face each other and which are provided in the two respective plates 51. The or each window 80 is located opposite the thrust stop 70 in order to be able to view from the outside a portion of the thrust stop 70, and thus see its movement. More precisely, the or each window 80 is located opposite the free rear end 72, and has an oblong or elongated shape parallel to the axis of extension of the thrust stop 70. The or each window 80 has two opposite edges , namely a front edge 81 (closer to the latch 52) and a rear edge 82 (further from the latch 52).

• un repère 83 prévu sur la butée de poussée 70, et plus précisément au niveau de sa terminaison arrière libre 72, ce repère 83 étant donc mobile car il se déplace avec la butée de poussée 70 ; et
• au moins une référence visuelle qui est en correspondance visuelle avec le repère 83 lorsque la butée de poussée est dans sa position maximale avancée (associée à la configuration déconnectée) ou dans sa position de recul de connexion (associée à la configuration connectée).

The display means 8 also includes:

• a mark 83 provided on the thrust stop 70, and more precisely at its free rear end 72, this mark 83 therefore being mobile because it moves with the thrust stop 70; And
• at least one visual reference which is in visual correspondence with mark 83 when the thrust stop is in its maximum advanced position (associated with the disconnected configuration) or in its connection retreat position (associated with the connected configuration).

• une référence visuelle de connexion qui est en correspondance visuelle avec le repère 83 lorsque la butée de poussée 70 est dans sa position maximale avancée (associée à la configuration déconnectée), où cette référence visuelle de connexion se présente sous la forme d'un marquage de connexion 84 sur le châssis 50 (et plus spécifiquement sur l'une des deux platines 51), ce marquage de connexion 84 étant localisé sensiblement au milieu de la fenêtre 80 et se présente par exemple sous la forme d'un cadenas ; et
• une référence visuelle de déconnexion qui se présente sous la forme du bord avant 81 de la fenêtre 80, et qui est en correspondance visuelle avec le repère 83 lorsque la butée de poussée 70 est dans sa position de recul de connexion (associée à la configuration connectée), car dans cette position de recul de connexion le repère 83 se situe au niveau de ce bord avant 81.

In the example of the Figure 18 , it is planned to have:

• a visual connection reference which is in visual correspondence with the mark 83 when the thrust stop 70 is in its maximum advanced position (associated with the disconnected configuration), where this visual connection reference is in the form of a marking of connection 84 on the chassis 50 (and more specifically on one of the two plates 51), this connection marking 84 being located substantially in the middle of the window 80 and is for example in the form of a padlock; And
• a visual disconnection reference which is in the form of the front edge 81 of the window 80, and which is in visual correspondence with the mark 83 when the thrust stop 70 is in its connection recoil position (associated with the connected configuration ), because in this connection recoil position the mark 83 is located at this front edge 81.

In the example of the Figure 21 , the visual connection reference is also in the form of the connection marking 84 located substantially in the middle of the window 80, but this time in the form of a number "4" corresponding to the number of lifting strands in the double configuration reeving (four strands).

In the example of the Figure 21 , the visual disconnection reference is this time in the form of a disconnection marking 85 on the chassis 50 (and more specifically on one of the two plates 51), this disconnection marking 85 being located at the front edge 81 of window 80, in the form of a number “2” corresponding to the number of lifting strands in the single reeving configuration (with two strands).

It is interesting that the display means 8 is also configured to visualize whether the thrust stop 70 is in another of the recoil positions, namely the first unstable recoil position, which is associated with a first unstable configuration in which the latch 62 is in the first unstable position described previously and visible on the Figure 8 . This first backward position unstable of the thrust stop 70 is, as a reminder, positioned between its so-called connection recoil position and its maximum recoil position.

In this case, a visual error reference is provided which is in visual correspondence with the mark 83 when the thrust stop 70 is in its first unstable recoil position, which will make it possible to visually indicate to an operator the presence of a defect.

In the example of the Figure 18 , the visual error reference corresponds to the rear edge 82 of the window 80, and which is in visual correspondence with the mark 83 when the thrust stop 70 is in its unstable recoil position (associated with the unstable configuration), because in this first unstable recoil position, mark 83, is located at this rear edge 82.

In the example of the Figure 21 , the visual error reference is in the form of an error marking 86 located at the rear edge 82, for example in the form of a cross "X".

With reference to Figures 20 and 21 , it is advantageous to have a removable stop 20 which is in the form of a physical axis or a rod, which can be mounted in two places 21, 22 on the chassis 50, each place being formed of two holes opposite each other in the respective plates 51.

The first place 21 is located just below the latch 52 when the latter is in its locking position (visible on the Figure 21 ). Thus, when the removable stop 20 is engaged in the first location 21 on the chassis 50, the removable stop 20 is then in a blocking position in which this removable stop 20 blocks the latch 52 from pivoting in the direction of distal rotation (pivoting downward) when engaged with the locking member 62 in the connected configuration; the latch 52 also cannot pivot in the direction of proximal rotation (pivoting upwards) because of the locking member 62. Thus, this removable stop 20 makes it possible to lock the connected configuration.

The second location 22 is located at a distance from the latch 52, for example on the other side facing the locking channel 53, so as not to interfere with the latch 52. Thus, when the removable stop 20 is engaged in the second location 22 on the chassis 50, the removable stop 20 is then in a storage position in which the removable stop is distant from the latch 52 so as not to interact with the latch 52.

This removable stop 20 can also cooperate with a lock 23, such as for example a bolt, a circlip or a retaining pin, in order to prevent it from falling when in the first place 21 or in the second place 22.

• une position remontée (visible sur la Figure 12) en l'absence de poussée exercée par l'organe de verrouillage 62 sur la butée inférieure, et
• des positions descendues en présence d'un effort de poussée exercée par l'organe de verrouillage sur la butée inférieure 11, avec une positon maximale descendue dans laquelle l'organe de verrouillage 62 est en butée contre le fond 55 du canal de verrouillage 53 comme visible sur les Figures 13 et 14.

In reference to the Figure 20 , it is optionally possible to equip the double reeving lifting device 1 with a lower thrust device 10 which comprises a lower stop 11 disposed in the bottom 55 of the locking channel 53, and against which the locking member 62 can come in support. This lower stop 11 is movably mounted on the chassis 50, between the two plates 51, and it slides in translation along the main axis, between:

• a raised position (visible on the Figure 12 ) in the absence of thrust exerted by the locking member 62 on the lower stop, and
• lowered positions in the presence of a thrust force exerted by the locking member on the lower stop 11, with a maximum lowered position in which the locking member 62 abuts against the bottom 55 of the locking channel 53 as visible on the Figures 13 and 14 .

This lower thrust device 10 further comprises a lower elastic return member 12 urging the lower stop 11 towards its raised position and offering a force resistant to a thrust force exerted by the locking member 62 on the lower stop 11.

It should be noted that the locking member 62 will come into contact with the lower stop 11 only during the disconnection phase, during the steps of the Figures 12 to 14 , and this lower stop 11 is advantageous for reducing the influence of the dynamics of the lifting cable slack, and making the movements of the lower block 3 more reliable during this disconnection phase.

In association with this lower thrust device 10, it can be provided a lower display means configured to visualize whether the lower stop 11 is in its raised position which is associated with the connected configuration or in one of its lowered positions called position unstable descent, which is associated with a second unstable configuration in which the latch 62 is in the second unstable position described above, in which as a reminder the locking member 62 is stuck under the latch 52 resting on the distal tip 574.

• un repère (non illustré) prévu sur la butée inférieure 11, ce repère étant donc mobile car il se déplace avec la butée inférieure 11 ; et
• une référence visuelle d'instabilité 12 qui est en correspondance visuelle avec le repère lorsque la butée inférieure 11 est dans sa position descendue instable.

In the example of the Figure 21 , the lower display means comprises:

• a mark (not illustrated) provided on the lower stop 11, this mark therefore being mobile because it moves with the lower stop 11; And
• a visual instability reference 12 which is in visual correspondence with the mark when the lower stop 11 is in its unstable lowered position.

In the example of the Figure 21 , this visual reference of instability 13 is in the form of a low orifice associated with a symbol in the shape of a cross “X”, the mark placed in front of this orifice when the lower stop 11 is in its unstable lowered position.

A visual rest reference 14 can also be provided, which is in the form of a high orifice (above the low orifice) associated with a “V” shaped symbol, the mark being placed in front of this top orifice when the lower stop 11 is in its raised position.

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 5 to 10 .

In reference to the Figure 5 , in the disconnected configuration, the upper muffle 4 is suspended above the lower muffle 3 and the latch 52 is in the neutral position, with the thrust stop 70 in the maximum advanced 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 6 , the locking member 62 enters the locking channel 53 through the mouth 54 and comes into contact with the proximal rim 571 of the latch 52, thus bringing the upper block 4 into high abutment on the arrow, and more specifically up to that the upper stop 43 of the upper muffle 4 abuts against the distributor carriage 9.

With reference to Figures 7 to 9 , continuing the rise of the lower muffle 3, the locking member 62 exerts a thrust on the proximal edge 571 of the latch 52, while sliding inside the locking channel 53 in the direction of entry (towards the bottom), to bring the latch 52 into the distal position in which the locking member 62 rests on the proximal tip 573 (see Figure 7 ), then the locking member 62 exceeds the proximal tip 573 of the latch 52 (see Figure 8 ), and then the latch 52 leaves contact with the proximal tip 573 (see Figure 9 ) and pivots in the direction of proximal rotation (upwards) under the effect of a thrust exerted by the thrust device 7, until the distal rim 572 of the latch 52 in turn comes into contact with the locking member 62, as shown schematically in Figure 9 . Thus, and as visible in Figure 9 , the locking member 62 is engaged inside the free end 56 of the latch 52.

It should be noted that, if this sequence is stopped while the locking member 62 is stuck in the locking channel 53 resting on the proximal tip 573 (which corresponds to the first unstable configuration in which the latch 62 is in the first unstable position described previously and visible on the Figure 8 ), then the thrust stop 70 is in the first unstable recoil position and the mark 83 corresponds to the visual error reference.

In reference to the Figure 10 , the lower muffle 3 is then moved downwards, as shown schematically by the arrow DE, so that the locking member 62 slides inside the locking channel 53 in the exit direction (upwards), and brings the latch 52 in the locking position, until the locking member 62 is stuck inside the free end 56 of the latch 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. The thrust stop 70 is in the connection recoil position, and the mark 83 is in correspondence with the visual connection reference 84, which allows the operator to visualize the connection and thus continue the descent of the lower muffle 3 with the upper muffle 4 in connected configuration. It is also possible, if this option is present, to use the removable stop 20 to lock the connected configuration.

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 11 to 17 .

In reference to the Figure 11 , in the connected configuration, the latch 52 is in the locking position and the locking member 62 is stuck inside the free end 56 of the latch 52, more precisely with the locking member 62 stuck inside of the notch 57 of this free end 56. The thrust stop 70 is then in its connection recoil position, and the mark 83 is in correspondence with the visual connection reference 84.

In this connected configuration, the lower muffle 3 can be lowered together with the upper muffle 4. Indeed, when the lower muffle 3 descends with its latch 52, this latch 52 is blocked by the locking member 62 and cannot pivot towards the proximal position according to the direction of proximal rotation (pivoting upwards). Thus, the latch 52 remains blocked in the locking position with the locking member 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 11 and 12 , 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 that the upper stop 43 of the upper muffle 4 abuts against the distributor carriage 9.

With reference to Figures 12 And 13 , 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 locking member 62 slides inside this locking channel 53 in the entry direction (downwards), it being noted that the latch 52 will not move. oppose this sliding and that the latch 52 will thus pivot in the direction of distal rotation (downward) under the effect of a thrust exerted by the locking member 62 on the distal rim 572 of the latch 52. Also, the latch 52 pivots downwards, while the locking member 62 slides towards the bottom 55, until the locking member 62 leaves the interior of the free end 56 of the latch 52, exceeds the tip distal 574 and ends up leaving contact with the latch 52, and then, as illustrated in Figure 14 , the latch 52 returns to the neutral position under the effect of the thrust exerted by the thrust device 7, and the locking member 62 is under the latch 52 (or even is arranged in the bottom 55 of the locking channel 53) . During this step, the thrust stop 70 moves back under the effect of the pivoting of the latch 52 until reaching the intermediate distal position when the locking member 62 rests on the distal tip 574, then the thrust stop 70 advances to return the latch 52 to the neutral position.

It should be noted that, between the intermediate distal position of the Figure 12 and the position of the Figure 13 , the locking member 62 can remain stuck in the locking channel 53 resting on the distal tip 574, which corresponds to the second unstable configuration in which the latch 62 is in the second unstable position described above. In this case, the use of the lower pushing device 10 and the lower visualization means previously described are practical to allow an operator to visualize this jamming in order to remedy it.

In reference to the Figure 15 , the lower muffle 3 is moved downward, as shown schematically by the arrow DE, so that the locking member 62 slides inside the locking channel 53 in the exit direction (upwards), until come to rest against the distal rim 572 of the latch 52, thus pushing the latch 52 which then pivots in the direction of proximal rotation (upwards) until reaching the proximal position, as illustrated in Figure 16 , thus allowing the locking member 62 to exit the locking channel 53 and to disengage from the latches 52. During this step, the thrust stop 70 remains all the time in its maximum advanced position, the latch 52 leaving the contact with its free front end 71 by pivoting towards the proximal position. Furthermore, in the proximal position, the latch 52 presses against the proximal stop 79, which it crushes slightly under the stress exerted by the locking member 62.

Thus, and as illustrated in Figure 17 , the locking member 62 is completely released from the locking mechanism 5 and the latch 52 has returned to the neutral position under the effect of the proximal stop 79 and its own weight, and thus the lower muffle 3 and the upper muffle 4 are disconnected. The thrust stop 70 is in the disconnection recoil position, and the mark 83 is in correspondence with the visual disconnection reference 81 or 85, which allows the operator to visualize the disconnection and thus continue the descent of the muffle lower 3 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 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 locking member 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 other elastic constraint elements 59 as springs, such as elastic blades, return mechanisms, or other equivalent means.

Claims (15)

Double-reeving lifting device (1) for a lifting machine, such as for example a crane, comprising two blocks (3, 4), namely a lower block (3) secured to a lifting hook (30) and a upper muffle (4), in which the two muffles (3, 4) comprise a reversible mechanical connection system to be reversibly configurable between: - a connected configuration in which the upper muffle (4) is connected to the lower muffle (3) to be able to accompany it in raising/lowering movements along a main axis, and - a disconnected configuration 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 without the upper muffle (4) ), in which the reversible mechanical connection system comprises a locking mechanism (5) mounted on one of the two blocks (3, 4), and a complementary locking structure (6) mounted on the other of the two blocks (3, 4) and comprising a locking member (62) capable of cooperating with the locking mechanism (5); and in which the locking mechanism (5) comprises: - a frame (50) having a locking channel (53) of elongated shape along the main axis and provided with a mouth (54) through which the locking member (62) can enter and exit the locking channel ( 53) and can slide in the locking channel (53) in an entry direction and in an exit direction, opposite to the entry direction, during respectively a rapprochement and a relative distance between the two muffles ( 3, 4), and - at least one latch (52) pivotally mounted on the frame (50) along a pivot axis to move inside the locking channel (53), said latch (52) being provided with a free end (56) capable of being engaged with the locking member (62), said locking mechanism (5) further comprising: - a push stop (70) provided with a free front end (71) capable of abutting against the latch (52), said push stop (70) being movably mounted on the chassis (50) between a maximum position advanced in the absence of thrust exerted by the latch (52) on said free front end, and backward positions in the presence of a thrust force exerted by the latch (52) on said free front end; And - an elastic return member (74) urging said thrust stop (70) towards its maximum advanced position and offering a force resistant to a pushing force exerted by the latch (52) on said free front end. Double reeving lifting device (1) according to claim 1, in which the thrust stop (70) is slidably mounted in translation on the frame (50). Double reeving lifting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising display means (8) configured to visualize whether the thrust stop (70) is in its maximum advanced position which is associated with the disconnected configuration or in one of its retreat positions, called the connection retreat position, which is associated with the connected configuration. Double reeving lifting device (1) according to claim 3, in which the display means (8) is configured to visualize whether the thrust stop (70) is in another of the recoil positions, called unstable recoil position, which is associated with an unstable configuration in which the thrust stop (70) has retreated beyond the connection retreat position. Double reeving lifting device (1) according to claim 3 or 4, in which the viewing means (8) comprises a window (80) provided in the frame to view a mark (83) provided on the thrust stop (70). ) when in the maximum forward position or in the connection backward position. Double reeving lifting device (1) according to claim 5, in which the display means (8) comprises, on the frame (50), at least one visual reference (81; 84; 85) which is in visual correspondence with the mark (83) of the thrust stop (70) when the thrust stop (70) is in its maximum advanced position or in its connection recoil position. Double reeving lifting device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the at least one visual reference comprises a visual connection reference (84) which is in visual correspondence with the mark (83) of the thrust stop (70 ) when the thrust stop (70) is in its maximum advanced position, and a visual disconnection reference (81; 85) which is in visual correspondence with the mark (83) of the thrust stop (70) when the thrust stop thrust (70) is in its connection recoil position. Double reeving lifting device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the display means comprises at least one position sensor configured to detect the thrust stop (70) at least in its maximum advanced position and in its retracted position connection, and display means connected to the sensor for displaying the position of the thrust stop (70) based on detection by the position sensor. Double reeving lifting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which the latch (52) is movable in pivoting between: - a neutral position in which the thrust stop (70) is in its maximum advanced position with its free front end (71) in contact with the latch (52) at rest; - a distal position, in which the latch (52) frees the passage for the locking member (62) under the effect of a thrust exerted by said locking member (62) sliding in the direction of entry, said distal position being associated with a pivoting of the latch (52) in a direction of distal rotation from the neutral position, said latch (52) thus exerting a pushing force on the free front end (71) of the thrust stop (70) which is pushed to one of its recoil positions, called the maximum recoil position; - a proximal position, in which the latch (52) frees the passage for the locking member (62) under the effect of a thrust exerted by said locking member (62) sliding in the exit direction, said position proximal being associated with a pivoting of the latch (52) in a direction of proximal rotation, opposite to the direction of distal rotation, from the neutral position, the latch (52) no longer being in contact with the free front end (71) of the thrust stop (70) which is then in its maximum advanced 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 the locking member (62) from sliding in the locking channel (53) according to the exit direction, with the locking member (62) stuck inside said free end (56), said latch (52) thus exerting a pushing force on the free front end (71) of the thrust stop (70) which is blocked in one of its recoil positions, called the connection recoil position, located between the maximum recoil position and the maximum forward position. Double reeving lifting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a removable stop (20) which is movable on the frame (50) in a locking position in which said removable stop blocks the pivoting latch (52) when engaged with the locking member (62) in the connected configuration. Double reeving lifting device (1) according to claim 10, in which the removable stop (20) is also movable on the frame (50) in a storage position in which said removable stop is distant from the latch (52) in order to do not interact with the latch. Double reeving lifting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a lower stop (11) disposed in a bottom (55) of the locking channel (53), opposite the mouth (54) , and against which the locking member (62) can come to bear, said lower stop (11) being movably mounted on the chassis (50) between a raised position in the absence of thrust exerted by the locking member on said lower stop (11), and lowered positions in the presence of a thrust force exerted by the locking member on said lower stop (11); And - a lower elastic return member urging said lower stop (11) towards its raised position and offering a force resistant to a pushing force exerted by the locking member on said lower stop. Double reeving lifting device (1) according to claim 12, in which the lower stop (11) is mounted to slide in translation on the frame (50) along the main axis. Double reeving lifting device (1) according to claim 12 or 13, comprising lower display means (13; 14) configured to visualize whether the lower stop (11) is in its raised position which is associated with the connected configuration or in one of its lowered positions called unstable lowered position, which is associated with an unstable configuration in which the locking member is stuck under the latch. Lifting machine, such as for example a crane, comprising a boom and a double-reeving lifting device (1) shaped to raise/lower a load along the boom, said double-reeving lifting device (1) conforming to any one of the preceding claims, in which the lower block (3) is suspended on the boom by a lifting cable (90) connected to a winch lifting to raise/lower the lower block (3), said lifting cable (90) passing through the upper block (4).

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