FR3061164A1 - LIFTING CRANE COMPRISING A DOUBLE MOLDING LIFTING DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

Lifting crane comprising an arrow (1) provided with a raceway (11) and a lifting device (2) with double-haulage shaped to distribute a load along the boom (1), and comprising a trolley ( 3) supporting a lower block (5) and a remaining carriage (4) supporting an upper block (7), wherein the remaining carriage comprises at least one arm (48) having a guide rail (49) extending therefrom not parallel to the raceway (11) in the double-haul configuration, and the lower block (5) supports at least one guide member (66) adapted to cooperate with the guide rail and mounted on a ballast element (6) removably supported by the lower muffle (5) in the dual-haul configuration.

Description

Holder (s): MANITOWOC CRANE GROUP FRANCE Simplified joint-stock company.

O Extension request (s):

® Agent (s): CABINET GERMAIN & MAUREAU.

(54) LIFTING CRANE COMPRISING A DOUBLE MOUFLING LIFTING DEVICE.

(57) Lifting crane comprising a boom (1) provided with a raceway (11) and a lifting device (2) with double reeving shaped to distribute a load along the boom (1), and comprising a distributor carriage (3) supporting a lower block (5) and a remaining carriage (4) supporting an upper block (7), where the remaining carriage comprises at least one arm (48) provided with a guide rail (49) which extends not parallel to the raceway (11) in the double haul configuration, and the lower block (5) supports at least one guide member (66) suitable for cooperating with the guide rail and mounted on a ballast element (6) removably supported by the lower block (5) in the double reeving configuration.

FR 3 061 164 - A1

The present invention relates to a lifting crane comprising a jib provided with a raceway and a double hauling lifting device shaped to distribute a load along the jib.

It relates more particularly to a lifting crane in which the lifting device is reversibly configurable between two configurations:

- a double hauling configuration in which a lifting cable cooperates with an upper muffle and a lower muffle for working in double hauling, that is to say with four lifting strands; and

- a simple hauling configuration in which the lifting cable cooperates with the single lower block for work in single hauling, that is to say with two lifting strands.

Such a crane is known from document FR 2 137 333 where the lifting device comprises:

- a distribution trolley comprising a structure movable along the crane boom and a lower block suspended from the structure by a lifting cable;

- a remaining carriage comprising a frame suspended on the raceway and supporting an upper block and a set of pulleys cooperating with the lifting cable.

The lifting device disclosed in this document FR 2 137 333 has several drawbacks, the first being that it requires a locking hook projecting up from the bottom block and projecting down from the top block, thereby limiting the maximum travel. vertical in a simple hauling configuration or in a double hauling configuration, the second being that it uses a locking mechanism for the two carriages implementing a mobile bolt and mobile spindle system which is complex and unreliable over time, a third being that it uses a remaining carriage fitted with a spur carrying a set of pulleys and capable of cooperating with a bore in the structure of the distributor carriage, to the detriment of wear and therefore of the lifespan of the lifting cable which cooperates both with the set of pulleys carried by this spur and with the set of pulleys of the distributor carriage, whether in a simple hauling configuration c as in double haul configuration.

A final drawback of this lifting device is that, in the double muffle configuration, the weight of the lower muffle is only supplemented by the weight of the upper muffle when lowering the lower muffle in four-strand work (double mouflage configuration ), unlike the configuration in working with two strands (simple hauling configuration). Thus, in the double reeving configuration, it is sometimes necessary to manually add a ballast to the lower block to limit the slack in the lifting cable, requiring complex handling (even dangerous) to add the ballast when working with four strands , and then to remove the ballast when working with two strands.

It is also known from document FR 2 368 431 to use a lifting device provided with a single distributor carriage supporting both a lower block and an upper block, these two blocks being connectable by means of a piston system and hinged side plates.

The lifting device disclosed in this document FR 2 368 431 has a first drawback, namely the use of a single distributor carriage, which penalizes the load curve in the simple hauling configuration. In addition, a second drawback is that, in the same way as for the lifting device of document FR 2 137 333, it is sometimes necessary to manually add a ballast to the lower block to limit the slack in the lifting cable when we are working on four strands.

It is also known, in particular from document FR 2 147 005, to use a lifting device comprising:

a distributor trolley comprising a structure which can be moved along the crane jib and which supports a first block suspended from the structure by a lifting cable cooperating with a set of pulleys, and

- a remaining carriage comprising a movable frame on the raceway and supporting a second block suspended from the frame by the lifting cable cooperating with a set of pulleys.

In the single haul configuration, the distributor carriage is detached from the remaining carriage and travels along the crane boom and, in the double haul configuration, the two carriages are manually attached side by side and the two mittens are also manually attached side by side.

With a lifting device like that disclosed in this document FR 2 147 005, when a ballast is added to the first muffle, it is necessary to rebalance all of the mittens by adding another ballast to the second muffle. As this operation of adding weights is delicate, it is conventional to leave the weights on the mittens when we pass in simple hauling configuration, which has the disadvantage of penalizing the load curve admissible by the crane because ballast is left on the first mitt which works in simple hauling.

The present invention aims to at least partially overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, by proposing a crane incorporating a double reeving lifting device provided with a distributor carriage and with a remaining carriage, where this lifting device is shaped to allow to automatically place a ballast on the lower block when in double reeving configuration, and to suspend this ballast when working with two strands (work in single reeving) so that the lower block works on two strands by no longer wearing the ballast, and conversely allow the ballast to be automatically replaced on the lower block when we pass, automatically, from the single hauling configuration to the double hauling configuration.

Another object of the invention is to improve safety by eliminating manual maneuvers for adding ballast.

Another object of the invention is to allow the automatic storage of the ballast on the boom of the crane when it is not in use, by keeping the ballast suspended safely in the air, which avoids losing it and deteriorate.

Another object of the invention is to propose a lifting device with double haulage making it possible to dispense with fastening elements such as screws and tools for securing the ballast with the lower block, with the advantage of eliminating the risks for operators and the responsibilities of improper attachment of the ballast to the bottom block.

To this end, it offers a lifting crane comprising a jib provided with a raceway and a double hauling lifting device shaped to distribute a load along the jib, said lifting device comprising:

a distributor trolley comprising a structure suspended on the raceway by primary rolling members and connected to an actuation system capable of moving the distributor trolley along the raceway in an opposite front direction and an opposite rear direction, and a lower block suspended from said structure by a lifting cable;

- A remaining carriage comprising a frame suspended on the raceway by secondary rolling members and supporting an upper block;

where the lifting device is reversibly configurable between two configurations:

- A double reeving configuration in which the distributor trolley and the remaining trolley are assembled and movable in association along the boom, and in which the lifting cable cooperates with the upper block and the lower block for double reeving work; and

- A simple hauling configuration in which the distributor carriage and the remaining carriage are disassembled and the distributor carriage is movable alone, and in which the lifting cable cooperates with the lower block for work in simple hauling;

said crane being remarkable in that:

- the frame of the remaining carriage comprises at least one arm provided with a guide rail which extends not parallel to the raceway in the double haul configuration, said arm having an entry zone provided at a rear end of the arm and an end plate provided at a front end of the arm; and

- The lower block supports at least one guide member capable of cooperating with said guide rail, where the guide member or bodies are mounted on a ballast member, said ballast member being removably supported by the lower block in the double haul configuration; and (i) the distributor trolley, the remaining trolley and the lower block are automatically movable from the double hauling configuration to the single hauling configuration, by acting on the actuation system and on the lifting cable, between:

- the double reeving configuration where the ballasting element is removably supported by the lower block;

- A first intermediate configuration where, starting from the double haul configuration, the lower block is raised until the guide member (s) come into abutment on the entry area of the guide rail concerned and impart a force which raise the arm, in the direction of an ascent of the end plate, until the guide rail extends parallel to the raceway; then

- A second intermediate configuration where, starting from the first intermediate configuration, the distributor carriage is moved in translation in the front direction, driving the guide member or bodies which enter the guide rail concerned by the entry zone and which are guided by said guide rail, until the guide member or members reach the end plate of the guide rail provided at the front end of the arm, where said remaining carriage is not moved in translation along said raceway, remaining at a predefined storage location on the crane jib and being shaped to allow free passage to the lifting cable which follows the distributor carriage; and

- the simple hauling configuration where, starting from the second intermediate configuration, the lower muffle is lowered, leaving the ballast element which unhooks from the lower muffle, said ballast element then being in a storage position in which said element ballasting is suspended on the arm with its guide member or members bearing on said end plate of the guide rail; and (ii) the distributor trolley, the remaining trolley and the lower block are automatically movable from the single haul configuration to the double haul configuration, by acting on the actuation system and on the lifting cable, between:

- the simple hauling configuration in which the ballasting element is suspended on the end plate of the guide rail of the arm concerned;

- the second intermediate configuration where, starting from the simple hauling configuration, the lower block is raised until the ballast element hangs on to the lower block and the guide member (s) take off from the end plate of the rail guide, said guide rail extending parallel to the raceway;

- The first intermediate configuration where, starting from the second intermediate configuration, the distributor carriage is moved in translation in the rear direction, with the ballast element attached to the lower block and with the guide member or bodies which are guided by the guide rail concerned until the guide member (s) reach the entry area of the guide rail concerned;

- the double haul configuration where, starting from the first intermediate configuration, the lower block is lowered with the ballast element attached to the lower block.

Thus, the invention makes it possible to transfer the ballast element quickly and automatically between the lower block and the frame of the remaining carriage when passing from the double reeving configuration (where the ballast element is carried by the lower block which operates with four strands) in the simple hauling configuration (where the ballast element is carried by the arm of the frame, in the storage position, while the lower block, released from this ballast element, works with two strands). In the opposite direction, the invention also makes it possible to transfer the ballasting element quickly and automatically between the frame of the remaining carriage and the lower block when changing from the single hauling configuration to the double hauling configuration.

These automatic transfer operations do not require any manual intervention, and are carried out by routing the lower block in a guide rail of one arm (or two arms) of the frame of the remaining carriage, this lower block taking or depositing the ballast element safely.

An advantage of taking the ballasting element automatically when switching from the double hauling configuration to the single hauling configuration, is to ensure that the distribution function of the crane works correctly in double hauling work. The advantage of leaving the ballast element suspended automatically in the transition from the single haul configuration to the double haul configuration, is to ensure that you have the best load curve in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions for single haul work.

The ballasting element constitutes with the invention an element of the hauling change circuit, and it is therefore ensured to be set up automatically and therefore not to be forgotten for the proper functioning of the crane in double hauling and ensuring safe storage for the use of the crane in single haul.

With the invention, the ballast element can be transferred from its storage position to its working position on the lower block without the addition of mechanical parts requiring tools and the intervention of an outside operator. Such a ballasting element could be in a single part or in several parts without changing the transfer phases mentioned above, with transfer movements which could all be automated with an appropriate program.

According to one possibility, the ballasting element has a general "U" shape and comprises two flanges joined by a rear wall, said flanges being supported by the lower block, on either side thereof, in the configuration double hauling, this general "U" shape allowing the free passage of the lifting cable when moving the distributor carriage forward while working in single hauling.

Advantageously, the flanges of the ballast element have open notches on the bottom, and the lower block has support fingers on which the notches are engaged in the double reeving configuration.

Still advantageously, the ballasting element comprises, in the front part, at least one movable lock between a position for locking a support finger in a notch and a position for unlocking said support finger in said notch, where the lock cooperates with an elastic return element urging said lock in the direction of the locking position, and where, starting from the first intermediate configuration and when the distributor carriage is moved in translation in the front direction, the lock comes to bear on the end front of the arm to bring said lock into the unlocked position, against the stress of the elastic return element.

The lock can also be pivotally mounted on the front part of the ballast element.

According to one characteristic, the notches are flared at the inlet and then narrow to allow centering of the support fingers inside the corresponding notches.

According to another characteristic, the flanges of the ballast element each have a front notch and a rear notch, and the ballast element has a center of gravity centered on the front and rear notches.

According to another possibility, the frame of the remaining carriage comprises two parallel arms connected by a rear beam and where, in the second intermediate configuration, the lower block and the ballast element are arranged between the two arms.

In a particular embodiment, the frame of the remaining carriage is open at the front (in particular by having a general "U" shape) to allow, during the passage from the first intermediate configuration to the simple hauling configuration and vice versa, free translation both of the distributor carriage which carries the lower block and the upper block, and of the lifting cable which follows the distributor carriage.

In a particular embodiment, starting from the second intermediate configuration, when the lower block is lowered, leaving the ballasting element on the arm of the frame of the remaining carriage, said ballasting element prints, by its own weight, a force which lowers the arm, in the direction of a descent of the end plate, until the guide rail extends not parallel to the raceway, preventing the ballast element from moving backwards .

Advantageously, starting from the simple hauling configuration, when the lower muffle is raised until the ballasting element hangs on to the lower muffle, said ballasting element prints an effort which raises the arm, in the direction of a rise of the end plate, until the guide rail extends parallel to the raceway.

According to one possibility, the guide rail has:

an upper wall which extends not parallel to the raceway in the double haulage configuration and which extends parallel to the raceway in the first intermediate configuration, said upper wall extending from the rear end of the arm to form the entrance area; and

- a lower wall joined to the upper wall by a central core, where the lower wall is distant from the rear end of the arm;

so that :

- when switching from the double reeving configuration to the first intermediate configuration, the lower block is raised until the guide member (s) abuts on the upper wall, while coming to the level of the lower wall; and

- once in the first intermediate configuration, the distributor trolley is able to be moved in translation towards the front end of the arm with the guide member or bodies which are guided and trapped between the bottom wall and the top wall.

In a particular embodiment, the bottom wall ends, at the front end of the arm, with a step followed by the end plate which is below and is suitable for receiving the guide member (s), so that:

- once in the intermediate configuration, the distributor carriage is able to be moved in translation until the guide member or members reach the end plate; then

- The lower block is able to be lowered, leaving the ballast element in the storage position on said end plate of the guide rail, the step keeping the ballast element in place on the end plate.

According to another possibility, the structure of the distributor carriage comprises at least one rear stop and at least one front stop, and the frame of the remaining carriage comprises at least one rear stop and at least one front stop and where, in the double haul configuration, the distributor carriage and the remaining carriage are assembled and movable in association, on the one hand, in the front direction with the front stop which abuts against the front stopper and, on the other hand, in a rear direction with the stop rear which abuts against the rear retainer.

According to another possibility, the secondary rolling members of the remaining carriage comprise at least one secondary rear rolling member and at least one secondary front rolling member, and said secondary rolling members of the remaining carriage and the primary rolling members of the distributor carriage run on the same raceway, and, in the double haulage configuration, at least one of the primary rolling members of the distributor carriage is wedged between the secondary rear rolling member and the secondary front rolling member of the remaining carriage .

Advantageously, the frame of the remaining carriage is shaped to lift in the direction of detachment of the secondary rolling member before vis-à-vis the raceway under the effect of a thrust force exerted by the lower block and / or by the guide member (s) when said lower block, starting from the double reeving configuration, is raised to the first intermediate configuration, so that in said first intermediate configuration the distributor carriage is able to be moved in translation in the forward direction towards the second intermediate configuration, the front stop of the structure of the distributor carriage no longer being blocked by the front retainer of the raised frame.

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Alternatively, the frame of the remaining carriage is shaped to lift in the direction of detachment of the secondary rolling element before vis-à-vis the raceway under the effect of an adequate motorized system.

Still advantageously, the frame of the remaining carriage is shaped to lift in the direction of detachment of the secondary front rolling member, in a pivoting around the secondary rear rolling member which remains in contact with the raceway .

According to one characteristic, the frame of the remaining carriage is shaped to lower in the direction of a bonding of the secondary front rolling member on the raceway under the effect of the weight of the ballasting element when said lower block, starting from the second intermediate configuration, is lowered, leaving the ballasting element on the arm of this frame.

According to another characteristic, the frame of the remaining carriage comprises at least one front secondary member supporting at an upper end at least one secondary front rolling member and the front retainer, and at least one rear secondary member supporting at an upper end at at least one secondary rear rolling member and the rear retainer, and the structure of the distributor carriage comprises at least at least one front main member supporting at an upper end at least one primary front rolling member and the front stop, and at least one rear main member supporting at an upper end at least one primary rear rolling member and the rear stop.

Advantageously, the ballasting element has a flared lower part to facilitate entry of the lower block when the lower block, starting from the simple hauling configuration, is raised to the second intermediate configuration.

In an advantageous embodiment, the storage location of the remaining carriage corresponds to a location at the foot of the crane boom, in particular within sight of a cockpit.

The invention also relates to a method of hauling a lifting crane according to the invention, comprising the following steps, carried out automatically and sequentially, to pass from a double hauling configuration to a single hauling configuration:

- starting from the double haul configuration, raise the lower block until the guide member (s) come into abutment on the entry area of the guide rail concerned and give an effort which lifts the arm, in the direction a rise in the end plate, until the guide rail extends parallel to the raceway, to reach the first intermediate configuration; and

- once in the first intermediate configuration, move the distributor carriage in translation in the front direction, driving the guide member or members which enter the guide rail concerned by the entry zone and which are guided by said guide rail concerned, until the guide member or members reach the end plate of the guide rail provided at the front end of the arm, to reach the second intermediate configuration, said remaining carriage not being moved in translation along said raceway and remaining at a predefined storage location on the crane jib;

- from the second intermediate configuration, lower the lower block to disassemble the lower block and the frame of the remaining carriage, leaving the ballast element which comes off the lower block, said ballast element then being in a position storage in which said ballasting element is suspended on the arm with its guide member (s) bearing on said end plate of the guide rail,

- move the distributor carriage in translation forward to move it away from the remaining carriage, the distributor carriage and the lifting cable being free to come completely out of the frame of the remaining carriage, and allow work by simple hauling, leaving the ballasting element in the storage position.

Advantageously, starting from the second intermediate configuration, when the lower block is lowered, leaving the ballasting element on the arm of the frame of the remaining carriage, said ballasting element prints, by its own weight, a force which lowers the arm, in the direction of descent of the end plate, until the guide rail extends not parallel to the raceway, preventing the ballast element from moving backwards.

The invention also relates to a method of hauling a crane according to the invention, comprising the following steps, carried out automatically and sequentially, to pass from a single hauling configuration to a double hauling configuration:

- starting from the simple hauling configuration, move the distributor carriage in translation along the raceway in the rear direction towards the carriage remaining stationary in its storage location, until reaching a predefined position, then reassemble the lower block until the ballast element hooks onto the lower block and the guide member or members take off from the end plate of the guide rail, said guide rail extending parallel to the raceway, to reach the second configuration intermediate;

- move the distributor carriage in translation in the rearward direction towards the inside of the carriage remaining along the raceway to a new predefined position, with the ballasting element attached to the lower block and with the member (s) guides which are guided by the guide rail concerned until the guide member or members reach the entry area of the guide rail concerned, to reach the first intermediate configuration;

- from this first intermediate configuration, lower the lower block for double reeving work, with the ballast element attached to the lower block.

Advantageously, starting from the simple hauling configuration, when the lower muffle is raised until the ballasting element hangs on to the lower muffle, said ballasting element prints an effort which raises the arm, in the direction of a rise of the end plate, until the guide rail extends parallel to the raceway.

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

- Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a lifting device according to the invention;

- Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the lifting device of Figure 1 mounted on a crane jib, in a positioning position which is also a transport and slinging position;

- Figures 3 and 4 are schematic side views (Figure 3) and perspective view (Figure 4) respectively of a part of the crane of Figure 2 and illustrating the lifting device in a double reeving configuration (or assembled configuration ), during work in double hauling with the lower block partially lowered;

- Figure 5 is a schematic side view (equivalent to that of Figure 3) of a part of the crane of Figure 2 and illustrating the lifting device in a double reeving configuration, it being noted that the lifting device Figure 5 shows a design slightly different from that of Figure 3, especially in the shape of the lower block;

- Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view from above of the crane part and the lifting device of Figure 5, in a configuration where the lower block has been raised compared to Figure 5;

- Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view from above of the crane part and the lifting device of Figures 5 and 6, in a configuration where the lower block has been raised compared to Figure 6 and is now placed in part the interior of the frame of the remaining carriage, and where the lower block has unhooked the upper block which is now partly housed in the block housing of the lower block;

- Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view from below of the crane part and the lifting device of Figures 5 to 7, in the same configuration as Figure 7;

- Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view from above of the crane part and the lifting device of Figures 5 to 8, in the same configuration as Figure 7 but from another angle of view compared to Figure 7;

- Figure 10 is a schematic side view of the crane part and the lifting device of Figures 5 to 9, in the same configuration as Figures 7 to 9, where the visible arm of the frame of the remaining carriage is shown partially transparent in order to view the guide rail and the relative positioning of the guide members carried by the lower block;

- Figure 11 is a schematic side view of the crane part and the lifting device of Figures 5 to 10, which is equivalent to that of Figure 10 but in a configuration where the lower block is still raised compared to the figure 10 so that the guide members begin to lift the front of the frame of the remaining carriage, causing the upward lifting of the arms and the detachment of the secondary front rolling members vis-à-vis the raceway;

- Figure 12 is a schematic side view of the crane part and the lifting device of Figures 5 to 11, which is equivalent to that of Figure 11 but in a first intermediate configuration where the lower block is still raised compared to Figure 11 so that the lower block is completely in abutment against the frame of the remaining carriage, the guide members have finished lifting the front of the frame bringing the arms to the horizontal (parallel to the raceway) and sufficient detachment of the secondary front rolling members to enable the distributor carriage to exit;

- Figures 13 and 14 are schematic side views (Figure 13) and perspective view (Figure 14) respectively of a part of the crane of Figure 1 and illustrating the lifting device in the first intermediate configuration of Figure 12 , where FIG. 13 includes a zoom on the secondary front rolling members visible and detached from the remaining carriage;

- Figures 15 and 16 are schematic side views (Figure 15) and perspective view (Figure 16) respectively of a part of the crane of Figure 2 and illustrating the lifting device where, compared to the first intermediate configuration of the Figures 13 and 14, the distributor carriage has moved forward and begins to exit from the remaining carriage;

- Figures 17 and 18 are schematic side views (Figure 17) and perspective view (Figure 18) respectively of part of the crane of Figure 2 and illustrating the lifting device in a second intermediate configuration where, compared to the configuration of FIGS. 15 and 16, the distributor carriage has stopped translating and the lower block begins to descend, which begins to lower the arms of the armature of the remaining carriage and to bring the guide members to the end plates of the guide rails;

- Figures 19 and 20 are schematic side views (Figure 19) and perspective view (Figure 20) respectively of a part of the crane of Figure 2 and illustrating the lifting device in a new configuration where, compared to the second intermediate configuration in FIGS. 17 and 18, the distributor carriage has stopped translating and the lower block begins to descend, which begins to lower the arms of the armature of the remaining carriage and to bring the guide members to the end plates guide rails;

- Figure 21 is a schematic perspective view of the ballast element used on the lifting device of the previous figures;

- Figure 22 is a zoomed view on Figure 17, where the visible arm of the frame of the remaining carriage is shown partially transparent in order to visualize the guide members which begin to be positioned on the end plate of the arm guide rail visible;

- Figure 23 is a view equivalent to that of Figure 17, in a new configuration where, compared to the configuration of Figure 17 and also to the configuration of Figures 19 and 20, the lower block continues to descend so that the guide members rest on the end plates of the guide rails and the ballast element is unhooked from the lower block which descends alone, this ballast element now being suspended on these end plates;

- Figures 24 and 25 are schematic side views (Figure 24) and perspective view (Figure 25) respectively of a part of the crane of Figure 2 and illustrating the lifting device in a new configuration where, compared to the configuration of FIG. 23 and also in the configuration of FIGS. 19 and 20, the lower block continues to descend in order to be in a simple hauling configuration in which the ballasting element is unhooked from the lower block which descends alone, the the ballast being suspended on these end plates and the distributor trolley is free to move forward for simple hauling work.

The invention relates to a lifting crane, and in particular a tower crane, comprising a distributor boom 1 mounted on a tower (not shown).

The arrow 1 is provided with two parallel and horizontal lower beams 10, respectively to the right and to the left, extending longitudinally, in other words along the length of the arrow 1. These lower 10s respectively have upper planar and horizontal faces 11 which form together a raceway, as well as external and vertical lateral faces 12.

The crane further comprises a lifting device 2 with double haulage shaped to distribute a load (not shown) along the boom 1, this lifting device 2 circulating on the raceway formed by the two upper faces 11 of the lower beams 10 .

This lifting device 2 comprises a distributor carriage 3 and a remaining carriage 4 which are both movable on the raceway 11.

The distributor trolley 3 comprises a structure 30 suspended on the raceway 11 by primary front rolling members 31a and rear 31b formed by rollers or wheels rolling on said upper faces 11 of the lower beams 10.

The structure 30 comprises two main front members 32a, respectively on the right and on the left, each supporting at an upper end:

a primary front rolling member 31a, and

- a front stop 39a facing forward.

The structure 30 also comprises two main rear members 32b, respectively on the right and on the left, each supporting at an upper end:

- a primary rear rolling member 31b; and

- a rear stop 39b turned towards the rear.

The primary rolling front members 31a and rear 31b on the right roll on the upper face 11 of the lower beam 10 on the right, while the primary rolling rolling members 31a and rear 31b on the left roll on the upper face 11 of the lower beam 10 from left. These main front 32a and rear 32b members form arms which extend vertically.

Structure 30 includes:

- A longitudinal beam 33 upper right which connects the front main member 32a on the right to the rear main member 32b on the right in the upper part; and

- A longitudinal beam 33 upper left which connects the front main member 32a on the left to the rear main member 32b on the left in the upper part.

These longitudinal beams 33 internally support rollers 34 which roll on the respective lateral faces 12 of the lower beams 10.

The structure 30 comprises a front beam 35a which connects the front main members 32a together, as well as a rear beam 35b which connects the rear main members 32b together.

The structure 30 supports:

- A front main pulley 36a mounted on the front beam 35, this front main pulley 37 being located at the front and on the outside of the structure 30; and

- a rear main pulley 36b mounted on the rear beam 36, this rear main pulley 38 being located at the rear and on the outside of the structure 30.

These front main pulleys 36a and rear 36b guide a lifting cable 9, the path of which will be described later.

The structure 30 is connected to an actuation system capable of moving the distributor carriage 3 along the raceway 11 in an opposite front direction (to the right in the figures) and a rear direction (to the left in the figures) opposite .

This actuation system comprises a central pulley 8 mounted on a central beam 37 of the structure 30; this central beam 37 connecting the front beam 35a to the rear beam 35b. The actuation system further comprises an actuation cable (not illustrated) which cooperates, on the one hand, with the central hen 8 and, on the other hand, with a motorized actuator (not illustrated) to ensure the movement of the distributor carriage 3 in both directions.

The distributor trolley 3 further comprises a lower block 5 suspended from the structure 30 by the lifting cable 9.

The lower block 5 comprises a block body 50 composed of two vertical flanges 51 secured to each other and spaced from one another.

The lower block 5 includes a lower front pulley 52a and a lower rear pulley 52b which are mounted on the block body 50, between the two flanges 51, in the upper part of the lower block. These lower front pulleys 52a and rear 52b provide the guide of the lifting cable 9, the path of which will be described later.

The lower block 5 comprises a block housing 55 arranged between the two flanges 51 and between the front lower pulleys 52a and rear 52b, in the upper and central part of the lower block 5.

The lower block 5 comprises a lifting member 53 mounted on the block body 50 in the lower part of the lower block 5. This lifting member 53 may be in the form of a hook articulated on the block body 50.

The lower block 5 has support fingers 54 which project from the flanges 51 externally with, on each flange 51, a support finger 54 at the front and a support finger 54 at the rear. These support fingers 54 are arranged above the lifting member 53 and below the front lower pulleys 51a and rear 51b.

The lifting device 2 also comprises a ballasting element 6 removably mounted on the muffle body 50 of the lower muffle 5 in the double reeving configuration visible in FIGS. 3 to 6.

The ballasting element 6 comprises a ballast body 60 which has a general "U" shape and which comprises two vertical flanges 61 (parallel to the flanges 51 of the muffle body 50) and joined at the rear by a rear wall 62 Thus, the ballast body 60 has a front opening 63 at the front of the ballasting element 6.

The ballast body 60 has four notches 64 open at the bottom formed in the flanges 61 with, on each flange 61, a notch 64 at the front and a notch 64 at the rear. These support fingers 54 are arranged above the lifting member 53 and below the front lower pulleys 51a and rear 51b.

When the ballasting element 6 is mounted on the block body 50 of the lower block 5, the support fingers 54 are engaged inside the notches 64 concerned, so that the support fingers 54 are supported on the bottoms of the notches 64, and the flanges 61 are arranged on either side of the muffle body 50 along the respective flanges 51.

The ballast body 60 has a flared lower part to facilitate entry of the lower block 5 when the lower block 5 is raised under the ball body 60 until the support fingers 54 are engaged inside the notches 64 concerned. In other words, the spacing between the flanges 61 decreases from the bottom to the top.

The notches 64 are flared at the inlet and then narrow to allow centering of the support fingers 54 inside the corresponding notches 64.

It should be noted that the ballasting element 6 has a center of gravity which is centered between the notches 64 located at the front and the notches 64 located at the rear.

The ballasting element 6 also comprises, on each flange 61, two branches 65 projecting upwards, arranged between the notches 64 concerned and supporting, at their free ends, guide members 66. These guide members 66 are constituted rolling elements such as rollers.

The ballasting element 6 comprises, at the front, two locks 67 articulated on the respective flanges 61 at the level of the notches 64 located at the front.

Each lock 67 is movable between:

- A locking position of the support finger 54 in the notch 64 concerned; and

- an unlocking position of the support finger 54 in the notch 64 concerned.

The lock 67 has a lower end 671 pivotally mounted on the flange 61 concerned, a hook part 672 suitable for hooking the support finger 54 to block it inside the notch 64, and an upper end provided with a stop 673.

Each lock 67 cooperates with an elastic return element 68 urging the lock 67 in the direction of the locking position. A force exerted on the stop 673 can, conversely, urge the lock 67 in the direction of the unlocking position against the return force exerted by the elastic return element 68. This elastic return element 68 can be a helical spring.

The ballasting element 6 also comprises, on the outside of the flanges 61, supports 69 suitable for supporting additional weights 690. These supports 69 may be formed of plates which will support the additional ballast (s) 690, and it may also be provided with a threaded rod

691 which will pass through the additional ballast (s) 690 and which will cooperate with a nut for permanent fixing of the additional ballast (s) 690.

The remaining carriage 4 comprises a frame 40 suspended on the raceway 11 by secondary front rolling members 41a and rear 41b formed of rollers or wheels rolling on the upper faces 11 of the lower beams 10.

The frame 40 comprises two front secondary members 42a, respectively on the right and on the left, each supporting at an upper end:

a secondary front rolling member 41a, and

- a front stop 49a turned towards the rear.

The frame 40 also includes two rear secondary members 42b, respectively on the right and on the left, each supporting at an upper end:

- a secondary rear rolling member 41b; and

- a rear stopper 49b facing forwards.

The secondary front rolling members 41a and rear 41b on the right roll on the upper face 11 of the lower beam 10 on the right, while the secondary rolling secondary members 41a and rear 41b on the left roll on the upper face 11 of the lower beam 10 from left. The rear secondary members 42b form arms which extend vertically, while the front secondary members 42a form arms which extend with an inclination relative to the vertical at an angle of inclination between 20 and 45 degrees.

Thus, the secondary rolling members 41a, 41b of the remaining carriage 4 and the primary rolling members 31a, 31b of the distributor carriage 3 roll on the same raceway 11.

Frame 40 includes:

- A longitudinal upper beam 43 on the right which connects the front secondary member 42a on the right to the rear secondary member 42b on the right in the upper part; and

- A longitudinal upper beam 43 on the left which connects the front secondary member 42a on the left to the rear secondary member 42b on the left in the upper part.

The frame 40 comprises a lower frame 44 in the general shape of a "U", on which its fixed the lower ends of the front secondary members 42a and rear 42b. This lower frame 44 includes:

- A longitudinal lower beam 46 on the right which connects the front secondary member 42a on the right to the rear secondary member 42b on the right in the lower part; and

- A longitudinal lower beam 46 on the left which connects the front secondary member 42a on the left to the rear secondary member 42b on the left in the lower part; and

a rear beam 45 which connects the rear ends of the two longitudinal lower beams 46.

Thus, this lower frame 44, and the frame 40 in general, is open on the front, allowing an entry / exit of the distributor carriage 3 as explained later.

The frame 40 further comprises two support members 47 fixed to the respective longitudinal lower beams 46 and arranged opposite. These support members 47 comprise plates respectively provided with open slots on the top. The slots are flared at the inlet and then narrow to allow centering of rods 77 inside the corresponding slots, as described later.

The frame 40 further comprises two parallel arms 48 fixed at the front of the respective longitudinal lower beams 46, with an arm 48 on the right fixed on the longitudinal lower beam 46 on the right and an arm 48 on the left fixed on the longitudinal lower beam 46 on the left.

These arms 48 are spaced from each other and have free front ends 481 which are not connected to each other, so that the armature 40 is open at the front, between the front ends 481 of these arms 48. These front ends 481 support downwardly projecting stop walls 483.

These arms 48 also have respective rear ends 482 which are arranged between the longitudinal lower beams 46, on the inside of the lower frame 44.

In the double haul configuration or, in general when the secondary rolling members 41a, 41b of the remaining carriage 4 are in contact with the raceway, the arms 48 have an inclination IN relative to a horizontal longitudinal direction which is not zero and which is between 10 and 30 degrees (see Figure 3), so that these arms 48 extend not parallel to the raceway 11 (which is horizontal).

Each arm 48 is provided with a guide rail 49 which also extends not parallel to the raceway 11 in the double haul configuration.

Each guide rail 49 has:

- An upper wall 490 which also extends not parallel to the raceway 11 in the double haul configuration, this upper wall 490 extending from the rear end 482 of the arm 48 to form an entry area 491; and

- A lower wall 492 joined to the upper wall 490 by a vertical central core 493, where the lower wall 492 is distant from the rear end 482 of the arm 48 by a predefined distance D.

Thus, between the rear end 482 of the arm 48 and the start of the bottom wall 492, the guide rail 49 is open on the underside and thus has an entry area 491 of length D.

Going from the rear end 482 of the arm 48 towards the front end 481 of the arm 48, the lower wall 492 ends, at the level of the front end 481 of the arm 48, by a descending step 494 followed by a platform terminal 495 which is below and which is therefore provided at the front end 481 of the arm 48.

The lifting device 2 further comprises an upper block 7 supported by the frame 40 of the carriage remaining in double reeving configuration.

This upper block 7 comprises a block frame 70 composed of two vertical flanges 71 secured to one another and spaced from one another.

The upper block 7 includes an upper pulley 72 mounted on the block frame 70, between the two flanges 71. This upper pulley 72 ensures in double reeving configuration the guide of the lifting cable 9, the path of which will be described later.

The upper muffle 7 is sized to be able to engage at least partially inside the muffle housing 55 arranged on the lower muffle 5, in the simple hauling configuration.

The upper block 7 has two rods 77 in the upper part which project from the flanges 61 externally with, on each flange 61, a projecting rod 77. These rods 77 are intended to be engaged in the slots of the respective support members 47 of the frame 40 of the remaining carriage 4, in double double reeving configuration, so that the upper block 7 is suspended on these support members 47 of the reinforcement 40 in the double haul configuration, while being able to be detached as explained later.

It should be noted that no guide pulley for the lifting cable 9 is fixed to the frame 40 of the remaining carriage 4; the upper pulley 72 of the upper block 7 being only suspended on the frame 40 detachably, without fixing.

The lifting device 2 is reversibly configurable between two configurations:

- The double hauling configuration (visible in FIGS. 3 to 5) in which the distributor carriage 3 and the remaining carriage 4 are assembled and movable in association along the arrow 1, and in which the lifting cable 9 cooperates with the block upper 7 and the lower block 5 for double reeving work, that is to say with four lifting strands; and

- A simple hauling configuration (visible in FIGS. 24 and 25) in which the distributor carriage 3 and the remaining carriage 4 are disassembled and the distributor carriage 3 can be moved alone, and in which the lifting cable 9 cooperates with the lower block 5 for simple hauling work, i.e. with two lifting strands.

In the double haul configuration, the distributor carriage 3 and the remaining carriage 4 are assembled, with:

- on the right and on the left, the primary rolling members 31a, 31b of the distributor carriage 3 wedged between the secondary rear rolling member 41b and the secondary front rolling member 41a of the remaining carriage 4;

- on the right and on the left, the front stop 39a of the distributor carriage 3 opposite the front stop 49a of the remaining carriage 4 and the rear stop 39b of the distributor carriage 3 opposite the rear stop 49b of the remaining carriage 4.

In the double haul configuration, all the primary rolling members 31a, 31b and the secondary rolling members 41a, 41b are in rolling contact on the rolling path 11, in other words on the upper faces 11 of the lower beams 10 of the arrow 1.

Thus, in a double haul configuration, under the effect of the actuation system, the distributor trolley 3 is:

- is moved forward, and it then drives the remaining carriage 4 by pushing it, with the front stops 39a which abut against the corresponding front stops 49a;

- either moved backwards, and it then drives the remaining carriage 4 by pushing it, with the rear stops 39b which come into abutment against the corresponding rear stops 49b.

In addition, in a double haul configuration:

- The upper block 7 is suspended on the support members 47 of the frame 40 of the remaining carriage 4;

- The lower block 5 can be actuated up and down by means of the lifting cable 9 which circulates, from rear to front, passing through the rear main pulley 36b, then through the rear rear pulley 51b, then through the upper pulley 72 suspended on the remaining carriage 4, then by the lower front pulley 51a and finally by the main front pulley 36a.

In the double haul configuration, the distributor carriage 3 extends between the front secondary members 42a and rear 42b of the remaining carriage 4. Thus, the structure 30 of the distributor carriage 3 is disposed at least partially inside the frame 40 of the remaining carriage 4.

In the double haul configuration, the arms 48, and also the upper walls 490 of the guide rails 49, extend not parallel to the raceway 11.

In the double haul configuration, the ballasting element 6 is removably supported by the lower block 5, with the support fingers 54 engaged inside the notches 64 concerned.

In the simple hauling configuration, the distributor carriage 3 and the remaining carriage 4 are disassembled, with the remaining carriage 4 which is static at a predefined storage location on the arrow 1, in this case a location at the foot of the arrow 1, in particular within sight of a cockpit.

The distributor carriage 3 can be moved alone forwards and backwards under the effect of the actuation system, with its primary rolling members 31a, 31b which are no longer wedged between the secondary rolling members 41a, 41 b of the remaining carriage 4.

In addition, in a simple hauling configuration:

the upper muffle 7 is housed at least partially inside the muffle housing 55 of the lower muffle 5, so that the upper muffle 7 is moved with the lower muffle 5 and therefore with the distributor carriage 3, the lower muffle 7 is then no longer suspended on the remaining carriage 4;

- The lower block 5 can be actuated up and down by means of the lifting cable 9 which circulates, from rear to front, passing through the rear main pulley 36b, then above the rear lower pulley 51b, then by the upper pulley 72 disposed in the block housing 55, then by the lower front pulley 51a and finally by the front main pulley 36a, the lifting cable 9 passing over the upper pulley 72 so that the upper block 7 is blocked in the muffle housing 55.

In the simple hauling configuration, the ballasting element 6 is in a storage position in which this ballasting element 6 is suspended on the arms 48 with its guide members 66 bearing on the end plates 495 of the guide rails 49.

In the simple hauling configuration, the arms 48, and also the upper walls 490 of the guide rails 49, extend not parallel to the raceway 11.

The remainder of the description relates to the operation of the crane, and in particular to the operation of the lifting device 2 for automatically changing (without manual intervention) from the double hauling configuration to the single hauling configuration, by acting on the actuation and on the lifting cable 9 according to a predefined movement sequence.

Beforehand, the distributor carriage 3 and the remaining carriage 4 are brought together to the predefined storage location on arrow 1.

Starting from the double reeving configuration, the lower muffle 5 is raised, as illustrated by the arrows D1 in FIGS. 3 to 6, until the upper muffle 7 enters inside the muffle housing 55 of the muffle lower 5 and reaches the bottom of this muffle housing 55, so that, by maintaining this rise D1 of the lower muffle 5, this lower muffle 5 pushes upward the upper muffle 7 which then becomes detached from the support members 47 of the remaining carriage 4 (as shown in Figures 7 to 10).

Concomitantly and as can be seen in FIGS. 10 to 14, by continuing this ascent D1 of the lower block 5, the guide members 66 of the ballasting element 6 come into abutment on the upper walls 490 of the guide rails 49, at the level of the entry zones 491 of the guide rails 49 concerned, it being recalled that these entry zones 491 are open on the underside to precisely allow these guide members 66 to reach the guide rails 49.

As a result, the guide members 66 impart a force which lifts the arms 48, as shown diagrammatically by the arrows D2 in FIGS. 11 to 13, in the direction of a rise of their front ends 481 and therefore of a rise of the terminal plate 495, until the upper walls 490 of the guide rails 49 extend horizontally, that is to say parallel to the raceway 11. Thus, the guide members 66 are located at the entry of the rails guide 49 which are now horizontal, while coming to the level of the lower walls 492.

The force imparted by the guide members 66 on the arms 48 also results in the armature 40 of the remaining carriage being lifted in the direction of detachment of the secondary front rolling members 41a opposite the raceway 11 , as shown schematically by the arrows D3 in FIGS. 11 to 13, according to a pivoting around the secondary rear bearing members 41b which remain in contact with the raceway 11.

Thus, under the effect of a thrust force exerted by the lower block 5 during its ascent D1, the distributor carriage 3 is able to be moved in translation in the front direction because the front stops 39a of the structure 30 of the carriage distributor 3 are no longer blocked by the front retainers 49a of the frame 40 thus raised. It is recalled that the frame 40 of the remaining carriage 4 is open in the front part to allow such a forward movement of the distributor carriage 3.

At the end of this ascent D1 which induced the release of the upper block 7 as well as the lifting D2 of the arms 48 and the lifting D3 of the secondary front rolling members 41a (and more generally the lifting of the frame 40 of the carriage remaining 4), the lifting device 2 is in a first intermediate configuration visible in FIGS. 13 and 14.

Once this first intermediate configuration has been reached, the distributor carriage 3 is moved in forward translation, as shown diagrammatically by the arrows D4 in FIGS. 12, 13 and 15, out of the remaining carriage 4 with the guide members 66 which are guided between the lower 492 and upper 490 walls of the guide rails 49. The remaining carriage 4 is not moved and remains at the predefined storage location on arrow 1, it being recalled that this remaining carriage 4 is shaped ( general "U" shape) to allow free passage to the lifting cable 9 which follows the distributor carriage 3.

During this movement D4 of the distributor carriage 3, the guide members 66 are guided by the guide rails 49, until the guide members 66 pass the steps 494 and reach the end plates 495 of the guide rails 49 provided at the front ends 481 of the arms 48, as can be seen in FIGS. 22 and 23.

As visible in FIG. 22, the stops 673 of the latches 6 then come to bear on the stop walls 483 provided at the front ends 481 of the arms 48, so that the latches 6, initially in the locked position, are moved to their positions unlocking against the elastic return elements 68, thereby releasing the support fingers 54 concerned from the corresponding slots 64.

At this stage, the movement D4 of the distributor carriage 3 is interrupted, and the distributor carriage 3 is partially pulled out of the remaining carriage

4. More specifically, the primary rolling members 31a, 31b are no longer wedged between the secondary rolling members 41a, 41b of the remaining carriage 4.

At the end of this movement D4, the lifting device 2 is in a second intermediate configuration visible in FIGS. 17 and 18, as well as in FIG. 22. In this second intermediate configuration, the lower block 5 is disposed between the two arms 48, at their front ends 481.

Once this second intermediate configuration has been reached, the lower block 5 is lowered, as shown diagrammatically by the arrows D5 in FIGS. 19, 23 and 24.

Going down the lower block 5, the ballasting element 6 is released from the lower block 5, the latches 6 being recalled to the unlocked position. Thus, the ballasting element 6 is found in its storage position (mentioned above) in which this ballasting element 6 is suspended on the arm 48 with its guide members 66 bearing on the end plates 495 of the guide rails 49 , as shown in figure 23.

When the lower block 5 is lowered, leaving the ballasting element 6 on the arms 48 of the frame 40 of the remaining carriage 4, this ballasting element 6 prints, by its own weight, an effort which lowers the arms 48, as shown schematically by the arrows D6 in FIG. 19, in the direction of a descent of their front ends 481 and therefore of their end plates 495.

At the end of this lowering D6 of the arms 48, the guide rails 49 extend not parallel to the raceway 11, thus preventing the ballast element 6 from moving backwards, so that the element ballast 6 is blocked in its storage position, suspended on the arms 48.

At the end of this descent D5, which induced a lowering D6 of the arms 48, the lifting device 2 is in the simple hauling configuration, the distributor carriage 3 being free to move forward, as shown by the arrow D7 in FIG. 24, the lifting cable 9 being free to pass through the ballasting element 6 due to the “U” shape of the ballast body 60 and to the fact that the lifting cable 9 passes in front of the rear wall 62 of the ballast body 60.

The remainder of the description relates to the operation of the crane, and in particular to the operation of the lifting device 2 for automatically changing (without manual intervention) from the single hauling configuration to the double hauling configuration, by acting on the actuation and on the lifting cable 9 according to a predefined movement sequence.

Beforehand, the distributor carriage 3 is moved rearward and brought into contact with the remaining carriage 4 which has remained in its storage location.

Starting from the simple hauling configuration, the lower block 5 is raised, as illustrated by the arrows S1 in FIGS. 24 and 25, until the support fingers 54 of the lower block engage in the corresponding notches 64 of the ballasting element 6. This ascent S1 is maintained until the ballasting element 6 hangs on to the lower block 5 and the guide members 66 come off from the end plates 495 from the guide rails 49.

As shown in FIG. 22, the guide members 66 impart a force to the upper walls 490 of the guide rails 490, above the end plates 495.

As a result, the guide members 66 impart a force which lifts the arms 48, as shown diagrammatically by the arrows S2 in FIGS. 15, 17, 19 and 22, in the direction of a rise in their front ends 481 and therefore d a rise in the end plates 495, until the upper walls 490 of the guide rails 49 extend horizontally, that is to say parallel to the raceway 11.

The force imparted by the guide members 66 on the arms 48 also results in the armature 40 of the remaining carriage being lifted in the direction of detachment of the secondary front rolling members 41a opposite the raceway 11 , as shown schematically by the arrows S3 in FIGS. 15 and 17, according to a pivoting around the secondary rear bearing members 41b which remain in contact with the raceway 11.

Thus, under the effect of a pushing force exerted by the lower block 5 during its ascent S1, the distributor carriage 3 is able to be moved in translation in the rear direction because the secondary front rolling members 41a are raised. It is recalled that the frame 40 of the remaining carriage 4 is open in the front part to allow such displacement towards the rear of the distributor carriage 3.

The lifting device 2 then passes through the second intermediate configuration previously mentioned, the latches 6 having returned to the locking position to lock the ballast element 6 on the lower block 5.

Then, the distributor carriage 3 is moved in translation in the rear direction, as shown diagrammatically by the arrows S4 in FIGS. 13 and 15.

During this displacement S4 towards the rear of the distributor carriage 3, the guide members 66 are guided by the guide rails 49, until the guide members 66 reach the entry zones 491 of the guide rails 49 provided at the rear ends 482 of the arms 48, as can be seen in FIG. 12.

The lifting device 2 then reached the first intermediate configuration previously mentioned.

Then, the lower block 5 is lowered, as shown diagrammatically by the arrows S5 in FIGS. 10 and 12, until the upper block 7 hooks onto the support members 47.

During this descent S5 of the lower block 5, the guide members 66 of the ballast member 6 lose contact with the upper walls 490 of the guide rails 49, so that, under the own weight of the frame 40 of the remaining carriage 4, the arms 48 are lowered, as shown by the arrow S6 in FIG. 10, in the direction of a descent of their front ends 481 and therefore of their end plates 495. At the end of this lowering S6 of the arms 48, the arms 48 and the guide rails 49 extend not parallel to the raceway 11.

This lowering S6 of the frame 40 leads to the primary rolling members 31a, 31b of the distributor carriage 3 being wedged between the secondary rear rolling members 41b and front 41a.

The upper block 7 being suspended on the frame 40 of the remaining carriage 4, the lower block 5 is free to descend without the upper block 7 being housed inside the block housing 55, and with the ballasting element 6 hung on the lower block 5.

At the end of this descent S5, which induces a lowering S6 of the arms 48, the lifting device 2 is in the double hauling configuration.

Claims (25)

1. Lifting crane comprising a boom (1) provided with a raceway (11) and a lifting device (2) with double reeving shaped to distribute a load along the boom (1), said lifting device (2) including: - a distributor trolley (3) comprising a structure (30) suspended on the raceway (11) by primary rolling members (31a, 31b) and connected to an actuation system capable of moving the distributor trolley (3) along the raceway (11) in an opposite front direction and a rear direction, and a lower block (5) suspended from said structure (30) by a lifting cable (9); - a remaining carriage (4) comprising a frame (40) suspended on the raceway (11) by secondary rolling members (41a, 41b) and supporting an upper block (7); where the lifting device (2) is reversibly configurable between two configurations: - A double reeving configuration in which the distributor carriage (3) and the remaining carriage (4) are assembled and movable in association along the boom (1), and in which the lifting cable (9) cooperates with the upper block (7) and the lower block (5) for double reeving work; and - A simple haulage configuration in which the distributor carriage (3) and the remaining carriage (4) are disassembled and the distributor carriage (3) can be moved alone, and in which the lifting cable (9) cooperates with the lower block (5 ) for simple hauling work; said crane being characterized in that: - the frame (40) of the remaining carriage (4) comprises at least one arm (48) provided with a guide rail (49) which extends not parallel to the raceway (11) in the double haul configuration, said guide rail (49) having an entry area (491) provided at a rear end (482) of the arm (48) and an end plate (495) provided at a front end (481) of the arm; and the lower block (5) supports at least one guide member (66) capable of cooperating with said guide rail (49), where the guide member or members (66) are mounted on a ballasting element (6), said ballast member (6) being removably supported by the lower block (5) in the double reeving configuration; in that the distributor trolley (3), the remaining trolley (4) and the lower block (5) are automatically movable from the double haulage configuration to the single haulage configuration, by acting on the actuation system and on the cable lifting (9), between: - the double reeving configuration where the ballasting element (6) is removably supported by the lower block (5); - A first intermediate configuration where, starting from the double haul configuration, the lower block (5) is raised until the guide member (s) (66) abuts on the entry zone (491) of the guide rail (49) concerned and impart a force which lifts the arm (48), in the direction of a rise of the end plate (495), until the guide rail (49) extends parallel to the raceway (11); then - A second intermediate configuration where, starting from the first intermediate configuration, the distributor carriage (3) is moved in translation in the front direction, driving the guide member or members (66) which enter the guide rail (49) concerned by the entry zone (491) and which are guided by said guide rail (49), until the guide member or members (66) reach the end plate (495) of the guide rail (49 ) provided at the front end (481) of the arm (48), where said remaining carriage (4) is not moved in translation along said raceway (11), remaining at a predefined storage location on the boom (1) of crane and being shaped to allow free passage to the lifting cable (9) which follows the distributor carriage (3); and - the simple hauling configuration where, starting from the second intermediate configuration, the lower block (5) is lowered leaving the ballast element (6) which is released from the lower block (5), said ballast element (6 ) then being in a storage position in which said ballasting element (6) is suspended on the arm (48) with its guide member (s) (66) bearing on said end plate (495) of the guide rail (49 ); and in that the distributor carriage (3), the remaining carriage (4) and the lower block (5) are automatically movable from the single haul configuration to the double haul configuration, by acting on the actuation system and on the cable lifting (9), between: - the simple hauling configuration in which the ballasting element (6) is suspended on the end plate (495) of the guide rail (49) of the arm (48) concerned; - the second intermediate configuration where, starting from the simple hauling configuration, the lower block (5) is raised until the ballast element (6) clings to the lower block (5) and the member (s) guide (66) take off from the end plate (495) of the guide rail (49), said guide rail (49) extending parallel to the raceway (11); - The first intermediate configuration where, starting from the second intermediate configuration, the distributor carriage (3) is moved in translation in the rear direction, with the ballasting element (6) attached to the lower block (5) and with the or the guide members (66) which are guided by the guide rail (49) concerned until the guide member (s) (66) reach the entry region (491) of the guide rail (49) concerned; - the double hauling configuration where, starting from the first intermediate configuration, the lower block (5) is lowered with the ballast element (6) attached to the lower block (5). 2. Lifting crane according to claim 1, in which the ballast element (6) has a general "U" shape and comprises two flanges (61) joined by a rear wall, said flanges (61) being supported by the lower block (5), on either side thereof, in the double reeving configuration, this general "U" shape allowing the free passage of the lifting cable (9) when moving the carriage forward distributor (3) in simple hauling work. 3. Lifting crane according to claim 2, in which the flanges (61) of the ballast element (6) have notches (64) open at the bottom, and the lower block (5) has support fingers ( 54) on which the notches (64) engage in the double haul configuration. 4. Lifting crane according to claim 3, in which the ballast element (6) comprises, in the front part, at least one latch (67) movable between a locking position of a support finger (54) in a notch (64) and an unlocking position of said support finger (54) in said notch (64), where the latch (67) cooperates with an elastic return element (68) urging said latch (67) towards the position where, starting from the first intermediate configuration and when the distributor carriage (3) is moved in translation in the front direction, the lock (67) comes to bear on the front end (481) of the arm (48 ) to bring said lock (67) in the unlocked position, against the stress of the elastic return element (68). 5. Lifting crane according to claim 4, wherein the latch (67) is pivotally mounted on the front part of the ballast element (6). 6. Lifting crane according to any one of claims 3 to 5, in which the notches (64) are flared at the inlet and then narrow to allow centering of the support fingers (54) inside the notches (64) corresponding. 7. A lifting crane according to any one of claims 3 to 6, in which the flanges (61) of the ballast element (6) each have a notch (64) at the front and a notch (64) at the rear, and l he ballast element (6) has a center of gravity centered on the notches (64) front and rear. 8. Lifting crane according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the frame (40) of the remaining carriage (4) comprises two parallel arms (48) connected by a rear beam and where, in the second intermediate configuration, the lower block (5) and the ballasting element (6) are arranged between the two arms (48). 9. Lifting crane according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the frame (40) of the remaining carriage (4) is open in the front part to allow, during the passage from the first intermediate configuration to the simple hauling configuration and conversely, a free translation of both the distributor carriage (3) which carries the lower block (5) and the upper block (7), and of the lifting cable (9) which follows the distributor block (3). 10. Lifting crane according to any one of the preceding claims, in which, starting from the second intermediate configuration, when the lower block (5) is lowered, leaving the ballast element (6) on the arm (48) of the frame (40) of the remaining carriage (4), said ballasting element (6) prints, by its own weight, a force which lowers the arm (48), in the direction of a descent of the end plate (495 ), until the guide rail (49) extends not parallel to the raceway (11), preventing the ballast element (6) from moving backwards. 11. Lifting crane according to claim 10, in which, starting from the simple hauling configuration, when the lower block (5) is raised until the ballast element (6) hooks to the lower block (5 ), said ballasting element (6) prints a force which raises the arm (48), in the direction of a rise of the end plate (495), until the guide rail (49) extends parallel to the raceway (11). 12. Lifting crane according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the guide rail (49) of an arm (48) has: - an upper wall (490) which extends not parallel to the raceway (11) in the double haul configuration and which extends parallel to the raceway (11) in the first intermediate configuration, said upper wall (490) extending from the rear end (482) of the arm (48) to form the entry region (491); and - A lower wall (492) joined to the upper wall (490) by a central core (493), where the lower wall (492) is remote from the rear end (482) of the arm (48); so that : - When passing from the double reeving configuration to the first intermediate configuration, the lower block (5) is raised until the guide member (s) (66) abuts on the upper wall (490), while coming at the level of the lower wall (492); and - once in the first intermediate configuration, the distributor carriage (3) is able to be moved in translation towards the front end (481) of the arm (48) with the guide member or members (66) which are guided and trapped between the bottom wall (492) and the top wall (490). 13. Lifting crane according to claim 12, in which the lower wall (492) ends, at the level of the front end (481) of the arm (48), by a step (494) followed by the end plate (495) which is below and is suitable for receiving the guide member (s) (66), so that: - once in the intermediate configuration, the distributor carriage (3) is able to be moved in translation until the guide member or members (66) reach the end plate (495); then - The lower block (5) is capable of being lowered, leaving the ballasting element (6) in the storage position on said end plate (495) of the guide rail (49), the step (494) maintaining the ballast element (6) in place on the end plate (495). 14. Lifting crane according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the structure (30) of the distributor carriage (3) comprises at least one rear stop (39b) and at least one front stop (39a), and the frame (40) of the remaining carriage (4) comprises at least one rear retainer (49b) and at least one front retainer (49a) and where, in the double haul configuration, the distributor carriage (3) and the remaining carriage (4) are assembled and movable in association, on the one hand, in the front direction with the front stop (39a) which abuts against the front stop (49a) and, on the other hand, in a rear direction with the rear stop (39b ) which comes into abutment against the rear stopper (49b). 15. Lifting crane according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the secondary rolling members (41a, 41b) of the remaining carriage (4) comprise at least one secondary rear rolling member (41b) and at least one secondary member of front bearing (41a), and said secondary rolling members (41a, 41b) of the remaining carriage (4) and the primary rolling members (31a, 31b) of the distributor carriage (3) run on the same raceway (11 ), and, in the double haul configuration, at least one of the primary rolling members (31a, 31b) of the distributor carriage (3) is wedged between the secondary rear rolling member (41b) and the secondary front bearing (41a) of the remaining carriage (4). 16. Lifting crane according to claims 14 and 15, wherein the frame (40) of the remaining carriage (4) is shaped to lift in the direction of detachment of the secondary front rolling member (41a) visà -vis the raceway (11) under the effect of a thrust force exerted by the lower block (5) and / or by the guide member (s) (66) when said lower block (5), starting from the double reeving configuration is raised to the first intermediate configuration, so that in said first intermediate configuration the distributor carriage (3) is able to be moved in translation in the front direction towards the second intermediate configuration, the front stop ( 39a) of the structure (30) of the distributor carriage (3) no longer blocked by the front retainer (49a) of the frame (40) raised. 17. A lifting crane according to claim 16, in which the frame (40) of the remaining carriage (4) is shaped to lift in the direction of detachment of the secondary front rolling member (41a), according to a pivoting around the rear secondary bearing member (41b) which remains in contact with the raceway (11). 18. Lifting crane according to claims 16 or 17, wherein the frame (40) of the remaining carriage (4) is shaped to lower in the direction of gluing of the secondary front rolling member (41a) on the raceway (11) under the effect of the weight of the ballast element (6) when said lower block (5), starting from the second intermediate configuration, is lowered leaving the ballast element (6) on the arm (48) of this frame (40). 19. A lifting crane according to claims 14 and 15, in which the frame (40) of the remaining carriage (4) comprises at least one front secondary member (42a) supporting at an upper end at least one secondary front rolling member ( 41a) and the front retainer (49a), and at least one rear secondary member (42b) supporting at an upper end at least one secondary rear rolling member (41b) and the rear retainer (49b), and the structure ( 30) of the distributor carriage (3) comprises at least at least one front main member (32a) supporting at an upper end at least one primary front rolling member (31a) and the front stop (39a), and at least one main member rear (32b) supporting at an upper end at least one primary rear rolling member (31b) and the rear stop (39b). 20. Lifting crane according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the ballasting element (6) has a flared lower part to facilitate entry of the lower block (5) when the lower block (5), starting from the simple hauling configuration is raised to the second intermediate configuration. 21. Crane according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the storage location of the remaining carriage (4) corresponds to a location at the bottom of the boom (1) of the crane, in particular within sight of a cockpit. 22. Method for hauling a lifting crane according to any one of claims 1 to 21, comprising the following steps, carried out automatically and sequentially, to pass from a double hauling configuration to a single hauling configuration: - starting from the double haul configuration, reassemble the lower block (5) until the guide member (s) (66) abuts on the entry zone (491) of the guide rail (49) concerned and impart a force which lifts the arm (48), in the direction of an ascent of the end plate (495), until the guide rail (49) extends parallel to the raceway (11), to reach the first intermediate configuration; and - once in the first intermediate configuration, move the distributor carriage (3) in translation in the forward direction, driving the guide member (s) (66) which enter the guide rail (49) concerned by the entry area (491) and which are guided by said guide rail (49) concerned, until the guide member (s) (66) reach the end plate (495) of the guide rail (49) provided at the end front of the arm (48), to reach the second intermediate configuration, said remaining carriage (4) not being moved in translation along said raceway (11) and remaining at a predefined storage location on the arrow (1) crane; - from the second intermediate configuration, lower the lower block (5) to disassemble the lower block (5) and the frame (40) of the remaining carriage (4) leaving the ballast element (6) which comes off of the lower block (5), said ballasting element (6) then being in a storage position in which said ballasting element (6) is suspended on the arm (48) with its guide member (s) (66) support on said end plate (495) of the guide rail (49), - move the distributor carriage (3) forwards in translation away from the remaining carriage (4), the distributor carriage (3) and the lifting cable (9) being free to come completely out of the frame ( 40) of the remaining carriage (4), and allow work by simple hauling, leaving the ballasting element (6) in the storage position. 23. reeving method according to claim 22, in which, starting from the second intermediate configuration, when the lower block (5) is lowered, leaving the ballasting element (6) on the arm (48) of the frame ( 40) of the remaining carriage (4), said ballasting element (6) prints, by its own weight, a force which lowers the arm (48), in the direction of a descent of the end plate (495), up to that the guide rail (49) extends not parallel to the raceway (11), preventing the ballast element (6) from moving backwards. 24. Method of hauling a lifting crane according to any one of claims 1 to 21, comprising the following steps, carried out automatically and sequentially, to pass from a single hauling configuration to a double hauling configuration: - starting from the simple hauling configuration, move the distributor carriage (3) in translation along the raceway (11) in the rear direction towards the remaining carriage (4) which remains stationary in its storage location, until it reaches a predefined position, then reassemble the lower block (5) until the ballast element (6) hooks to the lower block (5) and the guide member (s) (66) take off from the end plate (495 ) of the guide rail (49), said guide rail (49) extending parallel to the raceway (11), to reach the second intermediate configuration; - move the distributor carriage (3) in translation in the rear direction towards the inside of the remaining carriage (4) along the raceway (11) to a new predefined position, with the ballasting element (6) attached to the lower block (5) and with the guide member (s) (66) which are guided by the guide rail (49) concerned until the guide member (s) (66) reach the inlet (491) of the guide rail (49) concerned, to reach the first intermediate configuration; - from this first intermediate configuration, lower the lower block (5) for work in double hauling, with the ballast element (6) attached to the lower block (5). 25. The hauling method according to claim 24, in which, starting from the simple hauling configuration, when the lower block (5) is raised until the ballast element (6) is hooked to the lower block (5). ), said ballasting element (6) prints a force which raises the arm (48), in the direction of a rise of the end plate (495), until the guide rail (49) extends parallel to the raceway (11). 1/13 30611θ ⁴ 4/73