FR3124178A1 - Handling device, assembly, support, handling system and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

Handling device, assembly, support, system and corresponding handling method The invention relates to a handling device, comprising: holding means, capable of cooperating with a support to hold the device in a working position; retaining means , capable of retaining equipment in a first position located close to the support; means for controlling the holding means, capable of actuating and/or releasing the holding means. The invention also relates to a corresponding handling assembly, support, system and method. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 2

Description

Handling device, assembly, support, handling system and method thereof

1. Technical area

The present disclosure relates to the general field of equipment handling, and relates in particular to a device for handling at least one item of equipment, as well as the assembly formed by at least one such device and at least one such item of equipment, a support to which this device and/or this assembly can be coupled at least temporarily, and a system comprising at least one support to which such a device is coupled, at least temporarily.

2. State of the art

Mechanical and/or electromechanical systems whose environment and/or the weight, position and/or size of the equipment they include are likely to make handling difficult are present in many technical fields, in particular industry. Thus, such systems are found in industrial production sites, in objects of substantial size, such as ships such as warships or freighters for example, or in telephone and/or electronic networks.

For example, in the context of the telephone and/or electronic network, interventions on equipment such as cables (also called "lines"), crosspieces (used for example to hold cables), clamps, and/ or cable anchor clamps, sometimes have to be done by operators. Thus, equipment can be damaged over time, for example following bad weather conditions, such as storms, accidents (traffic accidents, falling trees or avalanches for example), or even aging equipment. . As a result, maintenance operations, such as replacements and/or repairs for example, may be necessary on this equipment. In addition, creations and/or modifications of the system (involving the removal and/or installation of equipment) may be carried out. These creations and/or these modifications will be included in the rest of the request in the operations of handling the equipment of a system.

However, as highlighted below, handling operations can be made difficult due to the location of the part of the network concerned, and/or the position (often in height), the weight, and/or the size of the network equipment concerned. In the case of a telephone and/or electrical network pole, for example, implementation, regulatory and/or safety constraints may also impose a positioning in height of the cables intended to equip such a pole and may sometimes prohibit (for wooden poles for example) the climbing of the poles by operators and/or their access via a ladder. In addition, some cables are sometimes very heavy. Interventions are therefore carried out on the equipment via nacelles, which allow operators to get closer to this equipment. However, the use of the basket is sometimes not suitable for certain intervention sites. For example, locating a pole in a mountainous or tree-lined area can make it very difficult, if not impossible, to approach heavy or bulky equipment such as a nacelle. As a result, certain maintenance operations may prove to be long, costly, even impossible to carry out on certain sites.

The purpose of this application is to propose improvements to at least some of the drawbacks of the state of the art.

3. Disclosure of Invention

The present application aims to improve the situation using a handling device comprising:

- holding means 120, capable of cooperating with a support to hold said device in a working position;

- retaining means 110, capable of retaining equipment in a first position located close to said support;

- control means 130 of said holding means 120, capable of actuating and/or releasing said holding means 120.

According to at least one embodiment, said retaining means are capable of moving said equipment from and/or to said first position.

According to at least one embodiment, said first position is a position of said equipment in which the force of gravity exerted on said equipment has a common direction with a vertical component of a motion vector corresponding to a movement of said equipment from said element of retained towards a positioning element of said equipment on said support. For example, in the case of a vertical structure, the first position can be located above a crosspiece where the equipment (a cable for example) must then be installed.

According to at least one embodiment, said device comprises means for coupling with means for positioning said device.

According to at least one embodiment, at least some of said positioning, retaining and/or holding means are removable.

According to at least one embodiment, said control and/or positioning means can be operated manually.

According to at least one embodiment, said device comprises means for locking the holding means in said working position.

According to at least one embodiment, said device comprises means for limiting the movements of the holding means.

According to at least one embodiment, said holding means comprise at least one attachment element and/or at least one compressible element.

According to at least one embodiment, said device comprises means for rotating said holding means.

According to at least one embodiment, said device is at least partially removable and/or foldable in a transport position.

The characteristics, presented separately in the present application in connection with certain embodiments of the handling device of the present application can be combined with each other according to other embodiments of the present handling device.

According to another aspect, the present application also relates to a portable assembly comprising at least one device which is the subject of the present application according to any one of its embodiments and a storage element capable of at least partially containing said at least one device.

According to another aspect, the present application also relates to a support equipped with at least one device which is the subject of the present application according to any one of its embodiments.

According to another aspect, the present application also relates to a system comprising at least one support equipped with at least one device which is the subject of the present application according to any one of its embodiments.

According to another aspect, the present application also relates to a handling method comprising:

- positioning of a handling device which is the subject of this application according to any one of its embodiments, in said working position;

- actuation of said means for holding said device, via said means for controlling said device;

- an intervention on said support/and/or said equipment, said equipment being retained in said first position via the retaining means of said device during at least part of said intervention;

- a release of the holding means, via said control means;

- A withdrawal of said device from said working position.

The characteristics presented in connection with the device of the present application in its different embodiments can be transposed in a similar way to the assembly, to the equipped support and to the system and to the method in their different embodiments:

4. Brief description of drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the present application will appear more clearly on reading the following description of particular embodiments, given by way of simple illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the appended drawings, among which:

The illustrates, in a very simplified manner, certain principles of a device according to the present application, in at least certain of its embodiments, cited by way of example and not limiting;

The presents a simplified view of a device according to at least some of the embodiments of the present application, cited by way of example and not limitation, during a first implementation, where the holding means are released

The presents a simplified view of a device according to at least some of the embodiments of the present application, cited by way of example and not limitation, during a second implementation, where the holding means are actuated

The , presents a more detailed view of a device according to at least some of the embodiments of the present application, cited by way of example and not limiting

The presents another view of the device of the ;

The presents a simplified view of a method suitable for implementing the device of the present application, in at least some of its embodiments;

The presents two other detailed views of the device of Figures 4 and 5.

5. Description of embodiments

Certain embodiments of the device that is the subject of the present application are presented in more detail, by way of non-limiting examples, using the figures introduced above.

Unless otherwise indicated, the elements common or similar to several figures bear the same reference signs and have identical or similar characteristics, so that these common elements are generally not described again for the sake of simplicity.

The terms "first(s)" (or first(s)), "second(s)", etc. are used in this document by arbitrary convention to identify and distinguish different elements (such as coupling means) implemented in the embodiments described below.

This disclosure proposes to provide assistance in handling (for example removal, replacement and/or installation) of at least one item of equipment in a system comprising at least one physical support, for example a rigid structure. In particular, it aims to provide a solution making it possible to maintain, via a device which is the subject of the present application, permanently and/or temporarily, equipment close to this support and/or to move equipment to and/or from a position located close to this support (for example a few centimeters or a few tens of centimeters from this support), with a view to a maintenance or installation operation in connection with this equipment and/or its support, for example.

The weight of the device is suitable for positioning (a hook for example), in a working position, on this support (or on an element coupled to this support) without physical deformation of this support (or a minimal and/or local deformation of the carrier). For example, in certain embodiments, where the support is a wooden post, the device can have a weight of the order of 5 to 10 kilograms (kg) for example 7 kg). And, in certain embodiments where the support is a light metal structure (steel or aluminum for example), be a little lighter, for example of the order of 3 kg to 7 kg, (for example 5 kg).

If certain embodiments are sometimes detailed in this application in connection with equipment and / or media of a telephone, electrical or communication network, it is clear however that this disclosure can find applications outside of such networks. Thus, the device can be adapted in certain embodiments to use in connection with an isolated support, independent of a network, for example a mast or the bow of a boat, or a flag carrier, or a support for a industrial production or assembly site.

This disclosure relates in particular to a device 100 for handling 100, certain principles of which are illustrated in a very simplified manner by the . As illustrated in , the present application relates to a device 100, for example an electromechanical device, comprising retaining means 110, at least temporarily, of an item of equipment 140. In certain embodiments, this may be in particular an electronic item of equipment (such as antenna or sensor) or mechanical (like a network cable). These retaining means can for example make it possible to secure (support) equipment (such as a cable) during an intervention. The retaining means may comprise at least one offset element, such as the arm 112 as illustrated in . They will be described at greater length later in connection with Figures 2 and 3.

The device 100 is adapted to be positioned, at least temporarily, in a so-called working position, thanks to holding means 120, for example holding elements 122, 124, possibly coupled together via coupling means 126. working position of device 100 is such that, in this position, equipment 140 can be retained, via said retaining means 110, close to a support 150, and/or brought close to and/or moved away from this support .

The working position is located close to a part of the support, called by simplification in the present application "working part" of the support.

The holding elements 122, 124 are able to come into contact with a support 150 (or a third element coupled to the support) and to cooperate with the latter (due to their shape and/or their respective material for example) to hold the device in this working position. The holding means may for example comprise holding elements 122, 124 able to hold the device once pressed against the support. It may be for example elements having a certain elasticity (for example made at least partially of rubber), such as spherical, cylindrical or conical elements of rubber or elements, made of at least one rigid for example, comprising means of attachment to the support (for example notched soles in the case of a wooden post).

The device can, in certain embodiments, be equipped with positioning means 160, capable of moving (for example over several meters) the device from an initial position (such as a rest position), towards its working position and/or vice versa. -poured. These positioning means can for example be used manually.

We now detail some embodiments of the device of the present disclosure, in connection with Figures 2 and 3, which illustrate (by way of example) the device during use.

Thus, the illustrates a device, according to certain embodiments of the present application, the holding means of which are released (for example during its movement towards or from a working position), while the illustrates a device whose holding means are actuated (in its working position). In the embodiments illustrated by way of example in Figures 2 and 3, the device is adapted to be moved along and/or installed on a support (for example on a part forming an arm of a support). It may for example be a pole, such as a pole of a telephone and/or electrical network, of a communication network and/or of an industrial mechanical or electromechanical system. This pole is equipped or coupled, or is likely to be equipped or coupled, with one or more equipment (not illustrated by visibility).

In the illustrated embodiment, the device comprises a structure 200 coupled to holding means 120, means 130 for controlling these holding means, and retaining means 110 of at least one piece of equipment (not illustrated in the figure by visibility).

The working position of the device and the corresponding working part on the support can sometimes be located at a distance from the operator, when the latter is in an intervention position, for example beyond his reach with bare hands such as a distance at least 150 or 200 cm from the operator. Thus, in the case of a vertical support, or substantially vertical, the working part can sometimes be located at a distance from the ground, in an upper region of a support rising above the position of intervention of an operator, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, or a lower region of a support installed below the intervention position of an operator (in a well or a drilling zone for example).

The device, in its working position, can therefore sometimes be difficult for the operator to access without the assistance of a tool (e.g. ladder, stepladder). In some embodiments, the positioning means may comprise handling means, for example gripping means, so as to allow for example their gripping by an operator or, in some embodiments, means for coupling to a device light positioning (such as a lifting device, for example a second device as described in the present application previously installed in its own working position).

In some embodiments, these positioning means may comprise a pole, for example a telescopic pole with a total length ranging from the order of one meter up to at least ten meters, depending on the embodiments.

Such an embodiment of the device that is the subject of the present application can therefore help an operator to position the device remotely in its working position in compliance, for example, with safety constraints prohibiting climbing of the support.

In the example illustrated, more precisely, the structure 200 comprises a base 210 and two arms 220, 230 delimiting a surface in the shape of a triangle, at least one of the arms being able however to extend beyond the triangular shape.

By way of non-limiting example, the sides of the triangle formed by the base 210 and the arms 220, 230 can have fairly similar dimensions, for example of the order of 400 to 500 millimeters (mm) each.

The arm 220 acting as an offset means may for example have a total length similar to that of the base, but including an offset portion (and therefore a “side” portion of the triangle that is shorter than that of the base). Finally, the arm 230 acting as a support for the offset means may have a length of the order of a little greater. Such an embodiment can indeed also help to raise the retaining means (and therefore possibly the equipment) relative to the device. It can also help to increase the stroke of the displacement means associated with the retaining means such as a rope or a strap.

The structure is adapted to pivot around an axis of rotation 212 (for example a tubular element) located on the base 210 (for example an axis passing through the middle of the base or through another point of the base) and perpendicular to the base plan.

The axis 212 can in particular be mounted on a spring, so as for example to maintain the structure 200 in a position (called "open") in which the holding means are released.

The holding means 120 can comprise one or more soles 122, 124, such as self-locking soles for example. These soles may in particular be one-piece. The holding elements 122 and 124 can in particular be similar in certain embodiments (for example when the support is substantially symmetrical along a longitudinal axis).

In the examples illustrated by FIGS. 2 and 3, where the working part of the support is made of a relatively penetrable material such as wood, the holding means 120 can comprise suitable penetration means (due to their shape and their material by example) to penetrate, superficially or more deeply, in such a material. The penetration means can comprise for example at least one claw or one lug. In the example illustrated in figures 2 and 3, and in , it may be at least one notched sole and/or at least one sole provided with at least one grip grip (such as claws), this sole being for example at least partially metallic.

The holding means 120 can in certain embodiments be removable, to allow for example their cleaning or their replacement in the event of wear or defect. Such an embodiment can also allow, in the example of the , to change the holding elements 122, 124, to install in their place different holding elements, by their shape, their rigidity and/or their material for example, for an adaptation of the same device for use on substrates of different characteristics (such as wood and steel).

In the illustrated embodiment, the holding means 122 are fixed to the device with a loose coupling, allowing their rotation in at least one direction of rotation so as to adapt their orientation to the shape of the support. The holding elements 122, 124 can for example each be coupled to the structure via an axis of rotation perpendicular to the plane of the structure and passing through a point on the base, close to one end of the base. In a simplified way, the holding elements form with the structure, according to a top view perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support, a "C" vis-à-vis a portion of the circumference of the support. The coupling of the holding elements can for example allow rotation of the holding elements around their respective axis of rotation.

In certain embodiments, the holding means may also comprise limiting elements, able to limit the rotation of the holding elements, so that the penetration means can keep an orientation adapted to their cooperation with the support or that it is easy to bring the penetrating means back into such an orientation. For example, in the example of the , the means of limitations may be capable of keeping the gripper of the soles in an orientation where it faces the support. These limiting elements can for example take the form of abutments. By way of indication, and not limiting, the limiting elements can thus limit the rotation of the holding means by approximately ten degrees and/or several tens of degrees in certain embodiments (for example 5, 10, 15 or 20 degrees).

In certain embodiments, the means 120 for holding the device can comprise optional reinforcement elements for holding the device in its working position. For example, the holding elements can be coupled via their respective axis of rotation to a reinforcing element (not shown), for example a reinforcing element parallel to the base of the structure, so as to secure the device, for example by helping to avoid tilting of the device away from the support (likely to cause tearing of the holding means in certain situations and therefore the fall of the device)

The holding elements can therefore be coupled simultaneously, via their respective axis of rotation, to the base and to the reinforcing element. The device can for example completely surround the support, in its working position.

In certain embodiments, the device may also comprise means 130 for controlling the holding means 120, capable for example of releasing or actuating at least some of the holding means, by modifying their position and/or their orientation with respect to to the support, for example (by moving them apart or bringing them closer to the support, or by rotating them, for example). The control means can thus, at least in certain embodiments, help to anchor the device to the support (or to a third element coupled to the support), in its working position, by actuating the holding means, and on releasing the device from its working position (to bring it back to a rest position for example) by releasing the holding means.

The control means can for example comprise one or more actuating elements, for example rigid or flexible rotation and/or pulling means (spring, bar, rod, steering wheel, cord, strap, etc.) adapted to bring the holding means towards a so-called attachment position suitable for actuation of the holding means (for example by bringing them closer to the support or by modifying their orientation). Similarly, the control means may for example comprise one or more release elements, for example rigid or flexible rotation and/or pulling means (spring, bar, rod, steering wheel, cord, strap, etc.) adapted to cooperate with the holding means to prevent their positioning in their hooking position or to remove them from this hooking position (for example by moving them apart or by keeping them apart from the support, or by modifying their orientation). The control means may for example comprise one or more actuation and/or release elements adapted to cooperate with the holding means in order to tend to make them pivot in at least one direction (or axis) of orientation.

In the example of Figures 2 and 3, the control means can for example allow a rotation (in particular a bidirectional rotation) of the structure 200 around the axis of rotation 212.

At least some of the control means can for example be fixed to the holding means 120 (for example to the holding elements 122, 124 illustrated), so as to be able to act directly on these, and/or on the structure (for example the base 210), so as to be able to cause its movement, and/or on a part of the fixed device during the rotation of the structure, for example a fixed part (during the rotation of the structure) close to the point of the structure through which the axis of rotation 212 passes.

In the illustrated embodiment, the control means 130 may comprise at least one pulling strap, manually operable, fixed to the base and/or to one of the arms of the structure, or fixed to the holding means, and/or to the at least one spring (not shown), for example a tension spring, one end of which is fixed close to the point of the structure through which the axis of rotation 212 passes and the other end is connected to one of the ends of the base or to one of the holding elements 122, 124 (for example to the same holding element and/or to an end to which the same holding element is fixed). Such a spring can help for example to maintain "open" (or released) the holding means, while the pulling of the strap helps to actuate them (or vice versa).

In some embodiments, some of the control means may tend to cause the structure to pivot in a first direction of rotation, while some of the control means may tend to cause the structure to pivot in a second direction of rotation, opposite to the first: For example, in some embodiments, a first strap can be attached to a first end of the base, a second strap being attachable to a second end of the base, opposite the first end.

Similarly, a first spring can be fixed on the one hand to a first fixed (non-pivoting) part close to the axis of rotation of the base, and on the other hand to a first end of the base (or to the associated holding element), a second spring which can be fixed on the one hand to a second fixed part (non-pivoting) close to the axis of rotation of the base, and on the other hand to a second end of the base, opposite at the first end (or at the associated holding element).

In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining means 110 may comprise winding means such as a pulley 114, and at least one flexible element 116 suitable for wrapping around this pulley (strap, rope, rope, etc.). The retaining means may also comprise other means for applying and/or modifying a pulling force, such as a ring and/or a carabiner, and attachment means, such as a hook (for example in the shape of a S or J) for attaching and detaching (particularly remotely) equipment such as a cable.

Thus, the device of the present application, in at least some of its embodiments, can allow handling of equipment (such as copper cables for example) whose heaviness makes it impossible (or at least very difficult) to hoist it up. using light means of the prior art, such as a pole for example. , In at least some of its embodiments, the device of the present application can also help to secure an intervention, by supporting an element located close to a support (in height for example) so as to help limit the risk of equipment falling during the intervention.

In the example of Figures 2 and 3, the device comprises several soles, each arranged at a different end of the base 210. At least some of the retaining means can be carried by at least one arm 220 of the structure, this arm 220 acting for example as a means of offsetting the retaining elements (such as the arm 112 of the ), at least during the positioning of the device in/from its working position (so as, for example, to avoid untimely entanglement of the rope of the pulley around the pole). In particular, the arm 220 can extend outside the triangular structure, at least one retaining element being positioned close to one end of the arm 220, distal from that carrying the retaining means. Such an extension can for example, due to the weight of the retaining means and/or optionally of the equipment that they retain, help to exert a force favoring a tilting of the structure and therefore a bearing against the support of the means holding 120 of the device.

In the illustrated embodiment, another arm 230 of the structure 200 can act as a support means for the arm (and offset means) 220.

Of course, the shape of the structure of the device may differ according to the embodiments (for example be triangular, square, rectangular, round, oval or other). Similarly, the number and position on and/or relative to the structure of the holding, control, retaining, offset and/or reinforcing means may vary according to the embodiments.

For example, the shape and material used for the base and at least one arm of the structure may be different.

According to the embodiments, the device can be adapted to supports of various shapes. For example, in some embodiments where the support is a vertical, or substantially vertical support, the working portion of the support may be slightly tapered in shape, with the highest area of the working portion of the support having a diameter less than important than the lowest part of the support (for example in the case of a support rising vertically from the ground), or vice versa, so that the shape of the working part of the support participates in the effort maintaining the device in its working position, or on the contrary facilitates its return to a rest position. The device can be adapted, in at least certain embodiments, to be installed on supports of different sections, of shapes (rounded, triangular, square or rectangular or other) and/or of different sizes for example. Thus, in certain embodiments adapted to the field of telecommunications, the device can be adapted to installation on a support with a diameter of the order of about fifty millimeters (mm), or of several hundred millimeters, for example a diameter between 76 mm and 220 mm.

The working position of the device and the corresponding working part on the support can sometimes be located at a distance from the operator. In certain embodiments, the positioning and/or control means can be actuated remotely. For example, they may be able to be manipulated by an operator, manually, from a position where the operator intervenes, for example a position located a few meters or a few tens of meters from the working position of the device.

Thus, in certain embodiments, the actuating and/or releasing elements of the control means may comprise at least one manually operable element, such as a pulling element (such as a bar and/or a strap) or rotation (like a wheel). For example, in the example of Figures 2 and 3, a strap can extend from the structure or the holding means to a position close to the intervention position of an operator, so as to be manually operable .

In certain embodiments, the elements for actuating and/or releasing the control means may comprise, for example, at least one element that can be operated without requiring an action from an operator (such as an element, such as a spring, whose action is automatic due to its physical characteristics and/or its implementation in the device). These actuation and/or release means can be, at least in certain embodiments, used separately or in combination, for example for finer maneuvering of the control means, in particular as a function of a force to be applied to the means maintenance. For example, certain actuating and/or releasing means can be used in combination at times when the force required for the movement of the holding means is greater, for example to initiate their movement from their attachment position.

The device 100 can also be coupled at least temporarily to positioning means 160, such as a pole as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. This can in particular be a telescopic pole, suitable for remote positioning of the device in his working position.

The device may also include means 162 for fixing positioning means 160 to the device. It may be, for example, means of fixing by screwing, or clipping or via means of attachment such as a hook, and/or a ring). These fastening means may for example comprise means for locking and unlocking the positioning means, in particular in embodiments where these positioning means are removable. The locking means of the positioning means can for example, in certain embodiments, help to secure the positioning means to the device, in particular by limiting the risks of the positioning means and/or the device being separated and/or falling. -even when positioning it in a working or resting position.

Embodiments of the device of the present application where the positioning means are removable can for example help to transport the device more easily, or even allow use of the same positioning means for several devices, for example in the context of an intervention, on a single or on several supports, requiring the installation of several devices which are the subject of this application in their working position.

As detailed above, the device of the present application, in at least some of its embodiments, can be adapted for device positioning and/or remote actuation and/or release by an operator and can therefore help to intervene on a piece of equipment and/or its support without requiring the use of an additional approach structure (by an operator) to the working position, such as a ladder, scaffolding or even a nacelle. The device of the present application can therefore, in at least some of its embodiments, help to reduce the complexity of the intervention, and therefore potentially reduce the cost of intervention in terms of equipment required, duration of intervention , and/or delay before intervention. It can also, in at least some of its embodiments, make possible interventions not possible with the solutions of the prior art (for example in areas inaccessible to a cumbersome approach structure).

Thus, the device of the present application, in at least some of its embodiments, can help an operator to intervene in safety, from the ground for example, on at least one piece of equipment and/or a support. For example, the device can help hook and/or unhook cables from a telephone pole such as a wooden pole from the ground, thus making it possible, for example, to avoid replacing a wooden pole with a another type (metal or composite) simply because of safety constraints prohibiting the climbing of a wooden post. At least some of the embodiments of the device of the present application may be particularly suitable for use in the context of maintenance and/or production operations in an environment inaccessible to heavy tools of the prior art, such as a mountainous or wooded area

Some of the above means are optional and may therefore be absent from device 100 in some embodiments. In particular, as explained above, the holding and/or positioning means can be removable.

Other embodiments can be considered. For example, in certain embodiments, at least some of the means for retaining, controlling and/or holding the device can be of adjustable size and/or orientation. For example, a means for offsetting the retaining means can be adjustable in length and/or in orientation.

Figures 4, 5 and 7 illustrate another embodiment of the device of the present application, in which the holding means comprise two notched soles 3, similar, V-shaped (as illustrated in ) each mounted on one end of the base 6 of the structure of the device. These soles may in particular be one-piece. The device can in particular pivot around an axis 2 perpendicular to the base and passing through the middle of the base. The means for controlling the holding means comprise a strap 4, fixed to one of the soles (via through holes in the sole) and provided with locking means such as a pawl 5 to lock the strap (in a tie around the support by example) in tension on the sole. The strap is terminated by a hook 9 (to be able for example to be coupled with a handling tool such as a pull bar).

The means for controlling the holding means can also comprise a tension spring, one end of which is fixed close to the point of the structure through which the axis of rotation 2 passes and the other end of which is connected to the end of the base to which the sole connected to the strap is attached. In the example shown, the spring can help to keep the holding means “open” (or released), while the pull of the strap helps to activate them (or vice versa).

The retaining means comprise a carabiner 8 located at the end (not carrying any retaining means) of an arm (other than the base) of the structure, extending outside the structure. (Similar to the offset arm 220 of Figures 2 and 3).

By way of non-limiting example, the base to have a length "b" of the order of 435 mm, the arm acting as an offset means can have a similar length "a", including an offset of length "d » 100mm. Finally, the arm acting as a support for the offset means can have a length of the order of 490 mm.

In the examples illustrated by FIGS. 2 to 7, the device has a triangle-shaped structure, pivoting around an axis, perpendicular to the base of the triangle and passing through the base, this base being provided at each end with means of maintenance. Such embodiments help to ensure an offset of the retaining elements on the post (relative to its longitudinal axis) and therefore to promote better grip of the retaining elements.

The term "module" or the term "component" or "element" of the device here means a material element, in particular mechanical or electromechanical. The method according to the invention can therefore be implemented in various ways, in particular in the form mechanical and/or in electromechanical form.

The illustrates some embodiments of a method 600 for handling at least one item of equipment, implementing at least one handling device 100 of the present application in at least some of its embodiments. The method 600 can for example be implemented by an operator intervening on the support close to which the device is installed, on the equipment retained by the device, and/or on third-party equipment close to this equipment and/or this support. In the example illustrated, the method is used, by at least one operator intervening from an intervention position (on the ground for example), to install a cable on a positioning element, such as a crosspiece, of a wooden post (playing support role as described in this application). The working part of the support can be located for example on an upper part of the support remote from the operator.

In some embodiments, the method may include preparing 610 the device prior to its use. It may be for example unfolding 612 and/or assembly of the device (if the latter was previously folded and/or disassembled in a transport position for example) and/or installation (for fixing) 614 of removable elements (for example holding means adapted to the support and/or a positioning tool such as a pole via, for example, means for coupling the device and/or the pole), or even the installation of a flexible element 116 (rope, strap, rope, etc.) in a pulley 114 of the retaining means. When the holding means comprise reinforcing elements, these can for example be mounted on the device when the latter is installed close to the support (in its initial position for example). This preparation may be optional in some embodiments

In some embodiments, the method may include positioning 620 of the device in its working position.

Thus, in the example illustrated, the method may comprise a movement 622 of the device from an initial position (for example a position close to the ground) to its working position. The device can for example be mounted along the post by an operator up to the working position with positioning means such as the pole 6 (telescopic for example) coupled to the device. Moving the device along the post can in fact limit the balancing effort of the device which can in practice "lean" on the post, or whose movements, unwanted by the operator (for example oscillations) may be limited by the post.

In the illustrated embodiment, at least some of the control means 130 may for example be capable of ensuring a release (or inactivation) of the holding means 120, so as to allow and/or facilitate the movement of the device 100. By For example, a spring can exert a restoring force adapted to orient the device so as to hold the soles away from the support during its movement.

As illustrated in , the method may further comprise, once the device is in its working position for example, an actuation 624 of the holding means, via at least some of the device control means (by pulling on a strap or a rope for example) . The method may further comprise in certain embodiments locking 626 (manual or automatic) of at least part of the holding and/or control means. In the example illustrated, once the device is in its working position, at least part of the control means can be locked (blocked) in a position favoring the actuation of the holding means, via operable locking means manually. For example, a strap used as one of the control means and accessible from the operator's intervention position can itself be maintained (or locked) in a tensioned position where it tends to actuate (or keep actuated) the means of maintenance. These locking means may in this example comprise a pawl mounted on the strap for example or another means for maintaining the tension position of the strap. The strap can for example be blocked via the ratchet around and/or along the post. As a variant, a rope can be blocked by an additional locking means such as a sling.

Once the device is anchored in its working position, in certain embodiments, the method can comprise an intervention 630 (or handling) via the device retaining means. For example, it can be a cable to be installed on a crosspiece of a telephone pole. The method may comprise, according to the embodiments, a displacement 632 (for example a lifting) of an item of equipment so as to bring it close to the working part of the support, its retention close to the working part of the support and/or a movement 636 (for example a descent) of equipment so as to move it away from the working part of the support. Some steps may be optional depending on the intervention performed.

For example, the cable can be hoisted 632 up to near a crossbeam, then held 634 near the crossbeam until it is installed on the crossbeam. In this case, the move step from the working part cannot be performed or be performed for another cable (if it is a replacement for example).

In the example illustrated, where the retaining means comprise a pulley (and/or a carabiner) fixed to one of the arms of the structure and a rope passing through this pulley, the cable to be hoisted can be hooked via a hook in J at the end of the rope passing through the pulley. The cable can in particular be hoisted a little above the crosspiece in order to then deposit the cable on the latter.

In some embodiments, the method may include removing 640 the device to its working position. If necessary, the device can include an unlocking 646 of the control and/or holding means, then a release 644 (or an inactivation) of the holding means 120, so as to allow and/or facilitate the movement of the device 100 (as described previously). For example, the control means may comprise at least one spring which makes it possible to loosen (unblock) the flanges of the post. For example, it may be a tension spring that remains under tension when moving the device to keep the soles away from the support.

In certain embodiments, the method can also comprise a movement 642 of the device from the working position, for example to its initial position (for example a position close to the ground). This movement can be carried out in a similar way to what has already been described for its movement 612 during its positioning 610.

In some embodiments, the method may include manipulation 650 of the device after use or between uses. This may involve, for example, both removing 654 and/or replacing removable elements (for example holding means and/or positioning means such as a pole) and/or folding 652 and/or dismantling the device in a transport position for example. The device can also be stored in a transport element, for example a box or a bag. This manipulation may be optional in certain embodiments.

Claims (10)

Handling device comprising:

• holding means 120, capable of cooperating with a support to hold said device in a working position;
• retaining means 110, capable of retaining equipment in a first position located close to said support;
• control means 130 of said holding means 120, able to actuate and/or release said holding means 120.

Handling device according to Claim 1, in which the said retaining means are adapted to move the said equipment from and/or to the said first position. Handling device according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the said first position is a position of the said equipment in which the force of gravity exerted on the said equipment has a common direction with a vertical component of a vector of movement of the said equipment from the said retaining element towards an element for positioning said equipment on said support; Handling device according to one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the said device comprises means for coupling with means for positioning the said device. Handling device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, in which at least some of the said positioning, retaining and/or holding means are removable. Handling device according to one of Claims 1 to 5, in which the said control and/or positioning means can be operated manually. Handling device according to one of Claims 1 to 6, in which the said device comprises means for locking the means for maintaining in the said working position. Handling device according to one of Claims 1 to 7, in which the said device comprises means for limiting the movements of the holding means. Handling device according to one of Claims 1 to 8, in which the said device comprises means for rotating the said holding means. Handling device according to one of Claims 1 to 9, in which the said device is at least partially removable and/or foldable in a transport position.