FR3072589A1 - METHOD FOR HANDLING A LOAD, ESPECIALLY A ROOF SPOOL, HANDLING DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT SAID METHOD AND LIFTING EQUIPMENT EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (40) for handling a load (1) fitted to a forklift truck (CE) and arranged for tilting the load (1) by a quarter turn in one direction and in a reverse direction for move it between a vertical axis position and a horizontal axis position and vice versa, to load and unload a reel (D). It comprises two U-shaped forks (44), parallel to one another, making it possible to grip said load (1) externally by its lateral walls, while disengaging its central bore. It includes a mechanism for rotating the forks, and an actuating mechanism for moving the forks in translation between an open position to disengage the load and a closed position to carry the load.

Description

(57) The invention relates to a device (40) for handling a load (1), fitted to a forklift (CE) and arranged to tilt the load (1) a quarter turn in one direction and in one opposite direction to move it between a vertical axis position and a horizontal axis position and vice versa, to load and unload a reel (D). It comprises two U-shaped forks (44), which are mutually parallel, making it possible to grip said load (1) externally by its side walls, while releasing its central bore. It comprises a mechanism for driving the forks in rotation, as well as an actuation mechanism for moving the forks in translation between an open position to disengage from the load and a closed position to carry the load.

PROCESS FOR HANDLING A LOAD, PARTICULARLY A

SHEET COIL, HANDLING DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT SAID METHOD AND LIFTING EQUIPMENT EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A DEVICE

Technical area :

The present invention relates to a method for handling a load, in particular a sheet metal coil, having the shape of a cylinder comprising a central through bore, a peripheral wall and two plane and parallel side walls corresponding to the thickness of said cylinder, method in which said load is tilted a quarter turn in one direction to move it between a first position, called a vertical axis, in which the axis of said load is vertical, and a second position, called an axis horizontal, in which the axis of said load is horizontal, making it possible to take this load from a flat support for loading it on a machine, such as a reel provided with a mandrel with horizontal axis on which said load is positioned by its central bore, and conversely we tilt said load in an opposite direction to move it between its horizontal axis position and its vertical axis position, allowing d loading said machine load to deposit it on a flat support.

The invention also relates to a handling device for implementing the method mentioned above, comprising means for gripping said load coupled to a bearing structure by a pivot link along an axis of rotation, a drive mechanism in rotation coupled to said gripping means to pivot them a quarter turn in one direction and in an opposite direction, and a fixing system arranged to hook said handling device to a lifting machine, such as a traveling crane, a forklift. Finally, the invention relates to a lifting machine equipped with such a handling device.

Prior art:

In the field of metallurgy, the strips, sheets and the like which are packaged in coils, called "coils", are used to supply the production lines for metal parts obtained by cutting, stamping, forming, etc. These production lines are supplied by reels arranged at the head of the line, on which the coils are carried by mandrels with a horizontal axis in most cases. The coils must therefore be presented vertically in front of the reel so that their central axis is horizontal so that they can be positioned and deposited on the mandrels by their central bore. For widths or thicknesses of coils less than or equal to about 600 mm, the coils are stacked horizontally, separated by planks, and strapped on pallets or the like, to be stored and transported, the central axis of these coils being vertical. It is therefore necessary to raise, tilt or rotate a quarter of a turn in each direction before being able to load it on a reel, so as to pass its central axis from the vertical position to the horizontal position. When the reel is not finished, it should be unloaded from the reel to return it flat. In this case, it is necessary to lay, tilt or rotate a quarter turn in the opposite direction the unfinished coil before being able to place it on a pallet or the like, so as to pass its central axis from the horizontal position in the vertical position.

The reel lifting operation is relatively dangerous. To date, it is carried out in different ways:

by hanging each reel on a hook at the end of a sling carried by an overhead crane, requiring operator intervention as close as possible to the suspended reel, which poses a big safety problem, by turning each reel with the fork of a forklift (very dangerous operation), by tilting the whole of the pallet and the stack of reels on a machine called "rocker" or "tacker" of the ferrule or rotating angle type, which is a very bulky machine. The major drawbacks of this solution are that the entire stack of reels must be turned over when the production requirement may be only one reel, and each reel must be taken up by means of an overhead crane to be loaded on the reel. This break in load is detrimental in terms of time and mobilization of human resources and equipment, as well as in terms of production costs.

There are other solutions that make it possible to tilt the coils without manual handling and without taking up the coils. Publication EP 2 108 613 B1 proposes a central and rigid gripping hook, on board a forklift, making it possible to take a coil by its central bore directly from the transport pallet by tilting it a quarter of a turn and the load directly onto the reel mandrel, without recovery operation and in a secure manner. However, this solution does not allow the unfinished bobbins of the reel to be taken up and returned to flat. In addition, the fact that the reel is taken up by its central bore, the hook generates friction which can damage the reel during the tilting phase causing significant losses of material. Publication EP 2 167 251 B1 proposes a gripping member mounted on a tilting support which makes it possible to load and unload a coil by means of a fixed forklift dedicated to the production line on which it is installed. This solution, although secure, is not flexible and requires immobilizing the handling device and the cart on which it is mounted. This publication EP 2 167 251 B1 also describes a mobile gripping solution, therefore more flexible, but which does not allow a coil to be taken directly from a transport pallet. In this case, it is necessary to use a conventional forklift to take the spool from the transport pallet in order to predispose it on a preparation table.

Current solutions are therefore incomplete and unsatisfactory, whether for operator safety and / or for the flexibility and profitability of the manufacturing process. This problem also exists in other technical fields, such as the paper industry, the plastics industry, etc. in which certain materials can be packaged in reels or the like, which are heavy products to handle.

Statement of the invention:

The present invention aims to provide a solution to the problem posed by means of a handling device implementing a new method of handling the coils or any equivalent load, which is reliable, secure, versatile, flexible to use, making it possible to take a reel directly from a transport pallet or the like, and if the pallet has several reels, to take only the upper reel, to tilt each reel individually in one direction or in the opposite direction, which is suitable both for the operations of loading only in unloading operations from a reel or the like, without requiring the immobilization of handling equipment, without load break, or manual intervention, thus making it possible to optimize production times and costs.

To this end, the invention relates to a handling method of the kind indicated in the preamble, characterized in that, to switch said load from a vertical axis position to a horizontal axis position and vice versa, a device is used. handling carried by a lifting device, arranged to grip said load by its outer envelope defined by any of its walls between its peripheral wall and its side walls, so as to release the central bore of said load allowing it to be loaded onto said machine, without releasing said load.

According to the variant embodiments, said load can be grasped by its peripheral wall by means of two diametrically opposite jaws, and, to grasp and release said load, said jaws can be moved between an open position in which the jaws are spaced apart by a center distance greater than the external diameter of the load and a closed position in which the jaws are closed on the peripheral wall of the load, and vice versa. One can also grip said load by its peripheral wall and by one of its side walls by means of said jaws.

According to the variant embodiments, said load can also be grasped by its two lateral walls by means of two U-shaped forks, parallel to each other, and, in order to grasp and release said load, said forks can also be moved between an open position, in which said forks are spaced apart by a center distance greater than the outside diameter of the load and a closed position, in which said forks are brought closer to a center distance between the inside diameter and the outside diameter of the load, and vice versa.

To tilt said load in one direction and in an opposite direction, said jaws or said forks are pivoted a quarter turn in the corresponding direction, synchronously and around the same axis of rotation, without releasing the support of said charge.

For this purpose also, the invention relates to a handling device of the kind indicated in the preamble, characterized in that said gripping means comprise gripping members arranged to grip said load by its outer envelope defined by any of its walls between its peripheral wall and its side walls, and in that said gripping members are spaced from each other by a center distance arranged to release the central bore of said load allowing it to be loaded onto said machine without releasing said load when the load is carried by the handling device.

According to a first alternative embodiment, said gripping members may comprise two diametrically opposite jaws arranged to grip said load by its peripheral wall, and said gripping means may advantageously include an actuation mechanism of said jaws arranged to move them between an open position in which they are spaced apart by a center distance greater than the outside diameter of said load and a closed position in which they are closed on the peripheral wall of the load.

Said jaws may have an L-shaped section for gripping said load by its peripheral wall and by one of its side walls so that in the closed position, said jaws are closed on the peripheral wall and on the corresponding side wall of said load.

In this embodiment, said gripping means may comprise a clamp provided with two branches parallel to each other, at the ends of which are mounted said jaws, and said actuation mechanism can be mounted on said supporting structure and coupled to said branches to move them in rectilinear translation between said open and closed positions of said jaws.

Advantageously, said branches are mounted on said supporting structure by a sliding connection along an axis of translation, said sliding connection being defined by rollers belonging to one of the parts between the branches and the supporting structure, arranged to circulate on rectilinear guide rails belonging to the other part of the bearing structure and of the branches, and said actuation mechanism comprises at least one first actuator coupled to said branches to move them in rectilinear translation relative to said bearing structure synchronously and in opposite directions.

Said jaws are preferably mounted at the end of the branches by a pivot link along an axis of rotation parallel to said axis of translation, and said rotation drive mechanism comprises at least a second actuator coupled to said jaws to move them in rotation by synchronously and in the same direction of rotation.

According to a second alternative embodiment, said gripping members may comprise two U-shaped forks, parallel to each other, arranged to grip said load by its two side walls and said gripping means may comprise a mechanism for actuating said forks arranged for moving them between an open position in which they are spaced apart by a center distance greater than the outside diameter of said load and a closed position in which they are brought closer to a center distance between the inside diameter and the outside diameter of said load.

Said forks may have at their bottom an inclined ramp arranged to create a V-shaped bearing surface, when they are in the closed position, intended to come into contact with the peripheral wall of said load.

Advantageously, said forks are mounted on chassis and said actuation mechanism is mounted on said supporting structure and coupled to said chassis to move them in rectilinear translation between said open and closed positions of said forks.

Said chassis can be mounted on the supporting structure by a sliding connection along an axis of translation, said sliding connection being defined by guide rails belonging to one of the parts between the chassis and the supporting structure, arranged to receive by sliding complementary ribs belonging to the other part between the bearing structure and the chassis, and said actuation mechanism comprises at least a first actuator coupled to said chassis to move them in rectilinear translation relative to said bearing structure synchronously and in directions opposed.

Preferably, said forks are mounted on the chassis by a pivot link along an axis of rotation parallel to said axis of translation, and said rotary drive mechanism comprises at least one second actuator coupled to said forks to move them in rotation so synchronous and in the same direction of rotation.

Said forks can respectively comprise a male interlocking zone and a female interlocking zone, arranged to interlock when they are in the closed position and allow synchronous pivoting of said forks.

Each fork advantageously comprises two parallel branches separated by an interval and said gripping means comprise means for adjusting said interval to adapt said interval to the thickness of said load.

According to the embodiment, the handling device can include means for detecting the closed position of said jaws or said forks arranged to control the operation of said rotary drive mechanisms.

Still according to the embodiments, said fastening system may include sling rings provided in the upper part of said supporting structure and arranged to hang said handling device on an overhead crane, or standardized rails provided on the back of said structure. bearing and arranged to hook said handling device to an apron of a forklift.

The object of the invention is also achieved by a lifting machine, equipped with a handling device as defined above, and which can be chosen from the group comprising an overhead crane, a forklift.

Brief description of the drawings:

The present invention and its advantages will appear better in the following description of several embodiments given by way of nonlimiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of a handling device according to the invention showing its gripping means in the horizontal axis position, Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 showing its means gripping in the vertical axis position, Figure 3 is a side view of the device of Figure 2, Figure 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a handling device according to the invention showing its gripping means in the vertical axis position, FIG. 5 is a side view of the device of FIG. 4, and FIGS. 5A and 5B show the positions for extreme adjustment of the spacing of the gripping means, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the handling device of FIG. 4 showing its gripping means in the horizontal axis position, FIG. 7 is a side view of the device of FIG. 6, and FIGS. 7A and 7B show its gripping means nsion respectively in the open position and in the closed position, and Figures 8 to 15 are perspective views of the second embodiment of the handling device according to Figures 4 to 7 showing the operating sequences for loading a reel on a reel.

Illustrations of the invention and different embodiments:

With reference to the figures, the handling method according to the invention makes it possible to take a load 1 from a plane support, in particular horizontal, to tilt said load 1 by a quarter of a turn and in addition to load and / or unloading of this load 1 on a machine, such as a reel D provided with a mandrel M capable of receiving the load 1, or on any other support. This load 1 can be a sheet metal coil, as shown in the figures, stored on a transport pallet P or any other flat support of a machine, a storage area or the like, picked up by a CE forklift, a overhead crane, or any other lifting device, and intended to supply a reel D located at the head of a production line or any other machine, support or work area. This load 1 can also be a coil of unfinished sheet metal to be taken up from the reel D to deposit it on a pallet or any other flat support. This load 1 is not limited to a sheet metal coil and can be constituted by any other equivalent cylinder, comprising a peripheral wall 3 and two side walls 4, 5 planar and parallel corresponding to the thickness E of the load 1, with or without a central bore 2 passing through it, such as for example a coil of encircled material, a large wheel or gear, a cheese wheel, without these examples being limiting.

More particularly, FIGS. 8 to 15 illustrate, sequence by sequence, the handling method according to the invention in which the load 1 is tilted a quarter turn in one direction to move it between a first position, known as the vertical axis , in which the axis A of said load 1 is vertical, since it is stored flat on a transport pallet P, and a second position, called with horizontal axis, in which the axis A of said load 1 is horizontal (Figures 8 to 11), in order to be able to be loaded on a reel D provided with a mandrel M with horizontal axis, on which said load 1 is positioned by its central bore 2 (Figures 12 to 15). These figures will be explained in more detail later.

In order to be able to implement said handling method, a specific handling device 10, 40 is used, designed to be able to be mounted on a lifting machine. Thus, this handling device constitutes an accessory, removable, mounted on demand on a lifting device, so as not to immobilize said device. Mention may be made, as lifting machine, of a rolling machine such as a CE forklift, a stacker or the like, on which the handling device 10, 40 is hooked to the standard apron T of said CE cart by rails also standardized, or else an aerial machine such as an overhead crane (not shown), to which the handling device 10, 40 is suspended by slings (not shown). These examples are of course not limiting.

The handling method and the corresponding device are distinguished from the state of the art by the fact that the load 1 is grasped by its outer envelope defined by any of its walls between its peripheral wall 3 and its side walls. 4 and 5, so as to release the central bore 2 of the load allowing it to be loaded onto the reel D, without having to let go of the load or change handling means. Indeed, all known handling devices capture the load 1 by its central bore 2, which generates the drawbacks listed above.

The handling device 10, 40 according to the invention comprises means for gripping 11, 41 of the load 1 mounted on a carrying structure 12, 42, which is designed to be fixed to a lifting machine by fixing means 13, 43 adapted. It is illustrated with reference to two embodiments shown with reference to Figures 1 to 3 for the first embodiment, and with reference to Figures 4 to 7 for the second embodiment. Figures 8 to 15 are shown with the second embodiment only. Of course, these two exemplary embodiments are not limiting and illustrate two different technical solutions enabling the handling method of the invention to be implemented.

With particular reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the handling device 10 comprises gripping means 11 in the form of a clamp consisting of two jaws 14 extended by two branches 15, which branches are mounted on the supporting structure 12 The jaws 14 face each other, are preferably diametrically opposite, and have a peripheral bearing surface 14a in the form of a V to grip the load 1 externally by its peripheral wall 3, regardless of the diameter of the load 1 within the limits of the capacities of the device 10. For example, the diameter of the load 1 can be between 700 and 2500 mm, without these values being limiting. The jaws 14 extend over an angular sector covering a part of the peripheral wall 3 of the load 1 to hold it firmly by four distant bearing zones in pairs at an angle of about 60 °, without this value is not limiting. In the example shown, the jaws 14 have an L-shaped section defined by the peripheral bearing surface 14a extended by a lateral bearing surface 14b at right angles to grip the load 1 also by one of its side walls and in particular by the lower side wall 4 when the load 1 is in the vertical axis position. The jaws 14 are thus designed to support the weight of the load 1 in order to facilitate its lifting and its tilting in position with horizontal axis (see fig. 2 and 3).

The two arms 15 of the clamp are preferably mutually parallel, mounted on the bearing structure 12 by a sliding link along a translation axis C and coupled to an actuation mechanism 16 to be movable in translation in both directions, represented by the arrow TR, between an open position (not shown) in which they are separated by a center distance E2 allowing the load 1 to be released, and a closed position (fig. 1 to 3) in which they are brought closer to one spacing El allowing the load 1 to be maintained by the jaws 14 with a minimum of pressing pressure. In the example illustrated, the sliding connection is obtained by a “guide rail / rollers” system, the guide rail 17 belonging to the bearing structure 12 and the rollers 18 belonging to the branches 15, or vice versa. Of course, this exemplary embodiment is not limiting and any other sliding system making it possible to fulfill the same function may be suitable. Each branch 15 has at its free end a housing 19 open for slidingly receiving said guide rail 17 and four rollers 18 arranged in pairs on either side of the housing 19 and the guide rail 17 so as to allow only a translation T in both directions and along the axis of translation C defined by the guide rail 17. In the example shown, the actuation mechanism 16 is common to the two branches 15 and comprises a first actuator 20, such that '' a hydraulic, pneumatic or electric motor, fixed on the supporting structure 12, and coupled to the two branches 15 by a chain transmission 21 disposed substantially in the median plane of the handling device 10 corresponding substantially to the center of the load 1 when it is handled. The chain transmission 21 comprises a motor pinion 22 on the axis of the motor and a receiving pinion 23 secured to an endless screw 24 mounted on the bearing structure 12 with a degree of freedom in rotation. The endless screw 24 is a double screw, that is to say provided with two threaded sections with reverse pitch. It is meshed on either side with two carriage-nut 25 each secured to one of the branches 15. Thus, the rotation of Γ actuator 20 in one direction causes the synchronous translation TR and in opposition of the two branches 15 to bring them closer in the closed position, and the rotation of Γ actuator 20 in the opposite direction causes the synchronous translation TR and in opposition of the branches 15 to move them apart in the open position. Of course, this exemplary embodiment is not limiting and any other actuation mechanism making it possible to fulfill the same function may be suitable.

The jaws 14 are mounted at the end of the two branches 15 by a pivot link defined by an axis of rotation B. This axis of rotation B is parallel to the axis of translation C, passes through the center of the two jaws 14 and by the center of the load 1 when it is held between the jaws 14. The jaws 14 are movable in rotation in both directions, according to arrow RT, by a rotary drive mechanism 26 between a horizontal position corresponding to the position with vertical axis of load 1 (fig. 2 and 3) and a vertical position corresponding to the position with horizontal axis of load 1 (fig. 1). In the example shown, the rotary drive mechanism 26 is common to the two jaws 14 and comprises a second actuator 27, such as a hydraulic, pneumatic or electric motor, fixed on the supporting structure 12, and coupled to the jaws 14 by a first chain transmission 28 disposed substantially in the median plane of the handling device 10. This first chain transmission 28 comprises a driving pinion 29 on the axis of the motor and a receiving pinion 30 linked in rotation with a fluted shaft 31 mounted on the supporting structure 12 with a degree of freedom in rotation. The rotational drive mechanism 26 comprises second chain transmissions 32 each provided with a drive pinion 33 linked in rotation to one end of the splined shaft 31 and a receiving pinion 34 linked in rotation with the pivot axis of the corresponding jaw 14. Thus, the rotation of the actuator 27 in one direction causes the synchronous rotation RT and in the same direction of the jaws 14 to pivot them in the vertical position (fig. 1), and the rotation of the actuator 27 in the opposite direction causes the synchronous RT rotation in the same direction of the jaws 14 to pivot them in a horizontal position (fig. 2, 3). Of course, this exemplary embodiment is not limiting and any other drive mechanism making it possible to fulfill the same function may be suitable. The actuators 20 and 27 are for example controlled by sight by an operator via a manual control unit, the same operator who controls the lifting machine. They could be controlled via a remote controlled control unit or semi-automatically or automatically if the handling device 10 and its environment are fitted with suitable sensors.

The supporting structure 12 of the handling device 10 further comprises, in its upper part, two sling rings forming the fixing means 13 making it possible to hang the handling device 10 on an overhead crane (not shown) for example by means slings or chains (not shown). Of course, the supporting structure 12 could also be designed to include standardized rails allowing the handling device 10 to be hung on the apron T of a CE forklift.

With particular reference to FIGS. 4 to 7, the handling device 40 comprises gripping means 41 in the form of two U-shaped forks, mutually parallel and each mounted on the supporting structure 42 by a chassis 45. two forks 44 each have two branches 44a, 44b parallel to each other, spaced apart by an interval I, to define a receiving housing making it possible to receive the load 1 externally, by its side walls 4 and 5. In the working position (fig . 7B), the two forks 44 are separated from each other by a center distance El between the diameter of the central bore 2 and the diameter of the peripheral wall 3 of the load 1 so that the forks 44 are arranged on the side and on the other side of the central bore 2 of the load 1 without ever obstructing it. The thickness E of the load 1 must be compatible with the interval I defined between the branches 44a, 44b of each fork 44. For this purpose, the forks 44 each comprise means 46 for adjusting the interval I, associated with one of the branches 44b which becomes mobile and adjustable in position relative to the other branch 44a which remains fixed, in order to adapt the interval I to the thickness of said load 1. For example, the thickness E of the compatible load 1 can be between 30 and 250 mm, without these values being limiting.

In the example shown, the adjustment means 46 comprise an adjustment bracket 47 mounted between the movable branch 44b of each fork 44 which is free and not fixed to the chassis 45, and a fixed arm 48 parallel to said branches 44a, 44b and integral of the chassis 45, via two pivot connections 49, 50. These means further comprise a lever 51 mounted between the movable branch 44b and the fixed arm 48 via two other pivot connections 52, 53. The four pivot connections 49, 50, 52, 53 define with the corresponding sections of the movable branch 44a, the adjustment bracket 47, the fixed arm 48 and the lever 51 a deformable parallelogram PD (fig. 5). The adjustment bracket 47 has a plurality of positioning holes 54 defining several adjustment positions and for example five preset positions, with a locking finger 55 with spring provided on the fixed arm 48. The adjustment bracket 47 is movable in rotation relative to the fixed arm 48 via a handle 47a making it possible to move the movable branch 44b to modify the interval I between the two branches 44a, 44b. The pivoting of the adjustment bracket 47 is only possible if the locking finger 55 is unlocked by pulling on its corresponding handle 55a. Figures 5, 5A and 5B illustrate three different adjustment positions, respectively a middle position, a minimum position and a maximum position. Of course, these adjustment means 46 are given by way of nonlimiting example and any other adjustment means making it possible to fulfill the same function may be suitable. These adjustment means which are manual could also be automated at least in part via spring, magnetic, hydraulic or similar servos.

The two forks 44 are mounted on the supporting structure 42 by a sliding link along a translation axis C and coupled to an actuation mechanism 56 to be movable in translation in both directions, represented by the arrow TR, between an open position (fig. 7A) in which they are separated by a center distance E2 greater than the outside diameter of the load 1 and release the load 1, and a closed position (fig. 7B) in which they are brought closer to a center distance El comprised between the internal diameter and the external diameter of the load 1 to maintain the load 1 by the two forks 44 arranged on either side of its central bore 2. In the example illustrated, the sliding connection is obtained by a "rail" system guide / complementary ribs ", the guide rails 57 belonging to the supporting structure 42 and the complementary ribs 58 belonging to the chassis 45 of the forks 44, or vice versa. Of course, this exemplary embodiment is not limiting and any other sliding system making it possible to fulfill the same function may be suitable. More specifically, with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the supporting structure 42 comprises four guide rails 57 parallel to each other, two rails being situated in the upper part and two other rails being situated in the lower part. These guide rails 57 correspond respectively to four complementary ribs 58, a pair of upper and lower ribs belonging to the fork 44 on the right in the figures, and a pair of upper and lower ribs belonging to the fork 44 of the left. In the example shown, the actuation mechanism 56 comprises for each of the forks 44 a first actuator 59, such as a double-acting cylinder with hydraulic, pneumatic or electric control, the jacket 59a of which is fixed to the supporting structure 42 and the piston rod 59b is coupled to the corresponding chassis 45. The first two actuators 59 are mutually parallel and controlled by a common control device (not shown) allowing a synchronized and symmetrical movement of the two actuators 59. Thus, the extension of the piston rod 59b of the actuators 59 causes the translation TR synchronous and in opposition of the two forks 44 to move them apart in the open position, and the retraction of the piston rod 59b of the actuators 59 causes the translation TR synchronous and in opposition of the two forks 44 to bring them closer in the closed position. Of course, this exemplary embodiment is not limiting and any other drive mechanism making it possible to fulfill the same function may be suitable.

The closed position of the forks 44 corresponding to the working position of the handling device 40 (FIG. 7B) is defined by a male interlocking zone 60a engaged with a female interlocking zone 60b, these interlocking zones being located between the two forks 44 and associated with a position sensor (not shown) making it possible to detect said closed position. In the example shown, the bottom of the forks 44 includes a ramp 61 inclined and / or curved to come into contact with the peripheral wall 3 of the load 1 and serve as a radial abutment stop when the forks 44 are introduced. on either side of the load 1. This ramp 61 makes it possible to create a V-shaped bearing surface when the two forks 44 are in the closed position, compatible whatever the diameter of the load 1 within the limits of the capacities of the device 40. The male 60a and female 60b nesting zones can be provided at the rear of these ramps 61. Of course, this exemplary embodiment is not limiting and any other detection system making it possible to fulfill the same function may agree.

Each fork 44 is mounted on its chassis 45 by means of a stirrup 62 linked to said chassis 45 by a pivot link defining an axis of rotation B. This axis of rotation B is parallel to the axis of translation C and situated outside forks 44, preferably above the forks 44, and substantially in line with the center of the housing defined between the branches 44a, 44b. The forks 44 are movable in rotation in both directions, along the arrow RT, by a rotary drive mechanism 66 between a horizontal position corresponding to the position with vertical axis of the load 1 (fig. 4 and 5) and a vertical position corresponding to the horizontal axis position of the load 1 (fig. 6 and 7). In the example shown, the rotary drive mechanism 66 comprises two second actuators 67, such as double-acting cylinders with hydraulic, pneumatic or electric control, the jacket 67a of which is fixed to the chassis 45 via a pivot link 68 and the piston rod 67b is fixed to the corresponding stirrup 62 via another pivot link 69. The two second actuators 67 are parallel to each other, arranged symmetrically with respect to the median plane of the handling device 40 which corresponds substantially to the center of the load 1 when it is handled in order to balance the maneuvering forces. They are controlled simultaneously via a common control device (not shown) and only when the forks 44 are in the closed position. To guarantee a perfectly synchronous rotation of the two forks 44, which conditions the smooth progress of the tilting of the load 1 and this in complete safety for the operators and the equipment, the forks 44 are also linked together when they are in the closed position by mechanically fitting their corresponding male 60a and female 60b fitting zones. This closed position is also detected via the position sensor (not shown) which authorizes the hydraulic control of the two actuators 67 only in this closed position. Thus, the extension of the piston rod 67a of the actuators 67 causes the synchronous RT rotation and in the same direction of the forks 44 to pivot them in the vertical position (fig. 6 and 7), and the retraction of the piston rod 67b actuators 67 drive the synchronous RT rotation and in the same direction of the forks 44 to pivot them in a horizontal position (fig. 4 and 5). Of course, this exemplary embodiment is not limiting and any other drive mechanism making it possible to fulfill the same function may be suitable. As in the previous example, the actuators 59, 67 are for example controlled by sight by an operator via a manual control unit, the same operator who controls the lifting machine. They could be controlled via a remote controlled control unit or semi-automatically or automatically if the handling device 40 and its environment are fitted with suitable sensors.

The carrying structure 42 of the handling device 40 further comprises, on the back of its structure, two standardized rails forming the fixing means 43 making it possible to hang the handling device 40 on the deck T of a CE forklift. Of course, this supporting structure 42 could also be designed with sling rings making it possible to hang the handling device 40 on an overhead crane (not shown) for example by means of slings (not shown).

The handling devices 10, 40 as they have just been described can very easily be equipped as accessories for any type of lifting device by adapting their fixing means 13, 43. They can therefore be offered for sale as accessories sold independently or combined with lifting equipment. They can also be offered in after-sales to equip any existing lifting gear.

Figures 8 to 15 illustrate very clearly, step by step, the process for handling a load 1 between a transport pallet P and a reel D, this process being implemented by a CE forklift equipped with the device handling 40 corresponding to the second embodiment described with reference to Figures 4 to 7, which is attached to the deck T of said carriage.

Step 1 - Figure 8 - a load 1 is stored flat on a transport pallet P corresponding to its vertical axis position, the forklift CE is aligned on the transport pallet P so that its forks can penetrate between the beams of the pallet, its deck T is lowered, the forks 44 of the handling device 40 are in the closed horizontal position, spaced apart by a center distance El and positioned opposite the edge of the load L

The pallet P can carry one or more loads 1 without this interfering with the handling process. If several loads 1 are stacked on the pallet P, then the handling device 40 can take one or more loads 1 at a time, depending on the thickness of said loads, and starting with load 1 located above the battery.

Step 2 - Figure 9 - the forklift CE advances to engage the forks of the handling device 40 around the load 1 so that they are positioned on either side of the side faces 4 and 5 of the load 1, outside of the central bore 2, and that the peripheral wall 3 of the load 1 is in contact with the ramps 61 provided at the bottom of the forks 44.

Step 3 - Figure 10 - the handling device 40 is raised via the deck T of the forklift CE to grab the load 1 and take it from the transport pallet P.

Step 4 - Figure 11 - the forks 44 pivot a quarter turn upwards (arrow RT) via the rotational drive mechanism 66 to bring them into a vertical position thus positioning the load 1 in the horizontal axis position.

Step 5 - Figure 12 - the forklift truck CE moves to position itself opposite a reel D, positioning the axis A of the load 1 in alignment with the horizontal axis of the mandrel M, the central bore 2 being perfectly clear.

Step 6 - Figure 13 - the forklift CE advances towards the reel D to engage the central bore 2 of the load 1 on the mandrel M of the reel D.

Step 7 - Figure 14 - the handling device 40 descends via the deck T of the forklift CE to lower the forks 44 and deposit the load 1 on the mandrel M, then the forks 44 deviate from a center distance E2 (arrow TR ) via the actuating mechanism 56 to release the forks 44 from the load 1.

Step 8 - Figure 15 - the CE forklift moves back to completely release the reel D.

Of course, to discharge the load 1 from the reel D, the operator can perform all these steps in reverse.

It is clear that the invention makes it possible to solve the problems posed by the handling devices of the prior art, in particular by offering a new design for handling the load which is simple, secure, without breaking the load, without human intervention and without immobilization. handling equipment. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described but extends to any modification and variant obvious to a person skilled in the art while remaining within the scope of the protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims (22)

claims 1. A method of handling a load (1), in particular a sheet metal coil, having the shape of a cylinder comprising a central bore (2) passing through, a peripheral wall (3) and two side walls (4, 5) planes and parallels corresponding to the thickness (E) of said cylinder, process in which said load (1) is tilted a quarter of a turn in one direction to move it between a first position, called a vertical axis, in which the axis (A) of said load (1) is vertical, and a second position, said to have a horizontal axis, in which the axis (A) of said load (1) is horizontal, making it possible to take this load (1) a flat support for loading it on a machine, such as a reel (D) provided with a mandrel (M) with a horizontal axis on which said load (1) is positioned by its central bore (2), and vice versa said load (1) is tilted in an opposite direction to move it between its horizontal axis position and its positio n with vertical axis, making it possible to unload said load (1) from the machine to deposit it on a flat support, characterized in that, to tilt said load from a vertical axis position to a horizontal axis position and vice versa, l 'is used a handling device (10, 40) carried by a lifting device (C), arranged to grip said load (1) by its outer envelope defined by any of its walls between its peripheral wall (3) and its side walls (4, 5), so as to release the central bore (2) of said load (1) allowing it to be loaded onto said machine, without releasing said load (1). 2. A handling method according to claim 1, characterized in that said load (1) is grasped by its peripheral wall (3) by means of two jaws (14) diametrically opposite, and in that, for gripping and releasing said load (1), said jaws (14) are moved between an open position in which the jaws (14) are spaced apart by a center distance (E2) greater than the outside diameter of the load (1) and a closed position in which the jaws (14) are closed on the peripheral wall (3) of the load (1), and vice versa. 3. A handling method according to claim 2, characterized in that said load (1) is grasped by its peripheral wall (3) and by one of its side walls (4, 5) by means of said jaws (14). 4. Handling method according to claim 1, characterized in that said load (1) is grasped by its two side walls (4, 5) by means of two U-shaped forks (44), parallel to each other, and in that, to grip and release said load (1), said forks (44) are moved between an open position, in which said forks (44) are spaced apart by a center distance (E2) greater than the outside diameter of the load (1) and a closed position, in which said forks (44) are brought closer to a center distance (El) between the inside diameter and the outside diameter of the load (1), and vice versa. 5. A handling method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, to tilt said load (1) in one direction and in an opposite direction, said jaws (14) or said forks (44) are pivoted a quarter turn in the corresponding direction, synchronously and around the same axis of rotation (B), without releasing the maintenance of said load (1). 6. Device for handling (10, 40) a load (1) for implementing the handling method according to any one of the preceding claims, said device comprising means for gripping (11, 41) of said load (1) coupled to a supporting structure (12, 42) by a pivot link along an axis of rotation (B), a rotary drive mechanism (26, 66) coupled to said gripping means (11, 41) for the pivot by a quarter of a turn in one direction and in an opposite direction, and a fixing system (13, 43) arranged to hook said handling device (10, 40) to a lifting device, such as an overhead crane , a forklift (CE), characterized in that said gripping means (11, 41) comprise gripping members (14, 44) arranged to grip said load (1) by its outer envelope defined by any one of its walls between its peripheral wall (3) and its side walls (4, 5), and that said gripping members (14, 44) are spaced from each other by a center distance (El) arranged to release the central bore (2) of said load (1) allowing it to be loaded onto said machine without releasing said load (1) when said load (1) is carried by said handling device (10, 40). 7. Handling device according to claim 6, characterized in that said gripping members comprise two jaws (14) diametrically opposite arranged to grip said load (1) by its peripheral wall (3), and in that said gripping means (11) comprise an actuating mechanism (16) of said jaws (14) arranged to move them between an open position in which they are spaced from a center distance (E2) greater than the outside diameter of said load (1) and a position closed in which they are closed on the peripheral wall (3) of the load (1). 8. Handling device according to claim 7, characterized in that said jaws (14) have an L-shaped section and are arranged to grip said load (1) by its peripheral wall (3) and by one of its side walls (4 , 5) so that in the closed position, said jaws are closed on the peripheral wall (3) and on the corresponding side wall (4, 5) of said load (D · 9. Handling device according to any one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that said gripping means (11) comprise a clamp provided with two branches (15) parallel to each other, at the ends of which are mounted said jaws (14 ), and in that said actuating mechanism (16) is mounted on said supporting structure (12) and coupled to said branches (15) to move them in rectilinear translation (TR) between said open and closed positions of said jaws (14) . 10. Handling device according to claim 9, characterized in that said branches (15) are mounted on said supporting structure (12) by a sliding connection along a translation axis (C), said sliding connection being defined by rolling rollers (18), belonging to one of the parts between the branches and the supporting structure, arranged to run on straight guide rails (17), belonging to the other part of the supporting structure and the branches, and in that said actuation mechanism (16) comprises at least a first actuator (20) coupled to said branches (15) to move them in rectilinear translation (TR) relative to said bearing structure (12) synchronously and in opposite directions. 11. Handling device according to claim 10, characterized in that said jaws (14) are mounted at the end of the branches (15) by a pivot connection along an axis of rotation (B) parallel to said axis of translation (C) , and in that said rotary drive mechanism (26) comprises at least a second actuator (27) coupled to said jaws (14) to move them in rotation (RT) synchronously and in the same direction of rotation. 12. Handling device according to claim 6, characterized in that said gripping members comprise two forks (44) U-shaped, mutually parallel, arranged to grip said load (1) by its two side walls (4, 5 ), and in that said gripping means (41) comprise an actuation mechanism (56) of said forks arranged to move them between an open position in which they are spaced from a center distance (E2) greater than the outside diameter of said load (1) and a closed position in which they are brought closer to a center distance (El) between the inside diameter and the outside diameter of said load (D- 13. Handling device according to claim 12, characterized in that said forks (44) have in their bottom an inclined ramp (61) arranged to create a V-shaped bearing surface when said forks (44) are in position closed, intended to come into contact with the peripheral wall (3) of said load (1). 14. Handling device according to claim 12, characterized in that said forks (44) are mounted on frames (45), and in that said actuation mechanism (56) is mounted on said supporting structure (42) and coupled to said chassis (45) to move them in rectilinear translation (TR) between said open and closed positions of said forks (44). 15. Handling device according to claim 14, characterized in that said chassis (45) are mounted on the supporting structure (42) by a sliding connection along a translation axis (C), said sliding connection being defined by rails of guide (57) belonging to one of the parts between the chassis and the supporting structure, arranged to receive by sliding complementary ribs (58) belonging to the other part between the supporting structure and the chassis, and in that said mechanism actuator (56) comprises at least a first actuator (59) coupled to said chassis (45) to move them in rectilinear translation (TR) relative to said bearing structure (42) synchronously and in opposite directions. 16. Handling device according to claim 15, characterized in that said forks (44) are mounted on the chassis (45) by a pivot link along an axis of rotation (B) parallel to said axis of translation (C), and in that said rotary drive mechanism (66) comprises at least a second actuator (67) coupled to said forks (44) to move them in rotation (RT) synchronously and in the same direction of rotation. 17. Handling device according to claim 16, characterized in that said forks (44) respectively comprise a male interlocking zone (60a) and a female interlocking zone (60b) arranged to interlock when said forks (44 ) are in the closed position and allow synchronous pivoting of said forks (44). 18. Handling device according to claim 12, characterized in that each fork (44) comprises two branches (44a, 44b) parallel and separated by an interval (I) and in that said gripping means (41) comprise means for adjusting (46) said interval (I) to adapt said interval (I) to the thickness (E) of said load (1). 19. Handling device according to any one of claims 7 and 12, characterized in that it comprises means for detecting the closed position of said jaws (14) or said forks (44) arranged to control the operation of said mechanisms d 'rotation drive (26, 66). 20. Handling device according to claim 6, characterized in that said fixing system (13) comprises sling rings provided in the upper part of said bearing structure (12, 42) and arranged to hang said handling device (10 , 40) to an overhead crane. 21. Handling device according to claim 6, characterized in that said fixing system (43) comprises standardized rails provided on the back of said supporting structure (12, 42) and arranged to hang said handling device (10, 40) to an apron (T) of a forklift (CE). 22. Lifting device equipped with a handling device (10, 40) according to any one of claims 6 to 21, characterized in that said lifting device is chosen from the group comprising an overhead crane, a forklift ( THIS).