WO2015022368A1

WO2015022368A1 - Rotating hoist ring with locking tool

Info

Publication number: WO2015022368A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/067340
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christophe LOSANGE
Original assignee: Intelprop S.A.
Priority date: 2013-08-13
Filing date: 2014-08-13
Publication date: 2015-02-19
Also published as: EP3033291B1; LU92266B1; EP3033291A1

Abstract

Rotating hoist ring (10) comprising a body (12) carrying an attachment loop (14) that defines a passage (15) for receiving a hoisting member, and a screw-fastening member (18) passing through a bore (16) in said body (12) so as to allow the body to rotate on the screw-fastening member about a relative rotation axis (A); and a temporary locking tool (34, 34', 34") for, in a locked position, rotationally connecting the body (12) and the fastening member (18) and, in an unlocked position, allowing the body (12) to rotate with respect to the fastening member (18), the locking tool (34, 34', 34") remaining connected to the hoist ring. In the locked position, the temporary locking tool (34) closes off the passage (15) defined in the attachment loop (14).

Description

ROTATING LIFTING RING WITH LOCKING TOOL

Technical area

The present invention relates to a connecting member for lifting loads, commonly called rotating ring. Such rotating rings are used in all cases where it may be useful or necessary to allow an orientation of the ring relative to the load handled by a pivoting thereof according to a fixed axis determined by the fixing of the ring. on the charge.

State of the art Such rotating rings, as described in particular in EP1069067 or EP2361870, typically comprise a rotating element of generally annular shape, called a ring or attachment loop, mounted on a body in which a bore is made, and an element screw fastener, passing through the bore, having a head serving as a stop for the body, and a threaded or threaded portion to allow its attachment by screwing into a threaded hole or a threaded rod secured to the load to be lifted. The lifting slings or chains can be connected to the rotating loop by inserting a hook, shackle, carabiner, etc. into the loop.

The hooking loop can be rigidly secured to the body, and in this case, generally, the axis of the bore extends in the general plane of said loop which is consequently perpendicular to the surface of the load at the from the point of attachment. The loop may also be pivotally connected to the body along an axis orthogonal to the axis of the bore and the fastener. To allow the orientation of the ring, the body can rotate freely on the fastener, which must for its part remain fixed on the load, to avoid any risk of unscrewing which could affect the safety of the connection of the pivoting ring on the load.

Since the body is mounted free to rotate on the fastener, it is necessary to use a tool to screw and tighten the fastener on the load, and also to loosen and unscrew it when removing the fastener. 'ring lifting lift. The head of the clamping member is thus shaped to allow it to be rotated by means of a wrench, for example with a hexagon or a hexagon socket.

This therefore requires the appropriate tooling both for the establishment and removal of the lifting rings. However, it would be advantageous to be able to use the annular portion of the lifting ring to ensure this clamping and loosening manually, without tools, which then requires to rotate said annular portion and the base. But this connection must not be permanent, to allow free rotation of the ring during lifting operations.

It has therefore already been proposed various systems for temporarily linking in rotation the loop and the fastener. EP065461 1 describes such a system, comprising an integrated screwing tool, non-rigidly connected to the loop by a stirrup-shaped part, and having a part adapted to cooperate with the shape intended for clamping the fastener member. , so as to be coupled in rotation with the head of the fastener, to be able to transmit a screwing or unscrewing movement to the clamping member by the loop of the lifting ring. In a screwing or unscrewing position, the tool links in rotation the loop (or the body) and the fastener. In a position of use of the lifting ring, the tool is separated from the head of the fastener, but remains connected to the loop.

Another system is marketed by the company PEWAG ®. In this system, the head of the fastener has a hexagonal shape and the temporary and releasable connection between the buckle and the fastener is provided by locks pivotally mounted on the body, so as to cooperate, in a position active, with the flats of the hexagonal head to link it in rotation with the body, and leave a free rotation between them in an inactive position of said locks.

A disadvantage of these systems (besides the mechanical complexity of the PEWAG® ring) is that the connection in rotation between the rotating latching loop and the fastener is retained if we do not pay attention to disengage the aforementioned tool or locks, to give the ring its freedom of rotation required during lifting operations. As a result, there is a risk of handling the loads while the fastening loop is immobilized / locked in rotation with respect to the fastener, and thus to cause an untimely unscrewing of the lifting ring, with the consequences for the safety of the office and staff.

Object of the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a lifting ring with associated locking tool, which does not include these disadvantages. General description of the invention

According to the invention, this objective is achieved by a rotating lifting ring having a generally annular rotating hooking loop defining a passage for receiving a lifting accessory, such as hook or the like, the rotating loop being carried by a body in which a bore is made, and a screw fastener passing through the bore to allow rotation of the body on the screw fastener along a relative axis of rotation. The ring further comprises a temporary locking tool for locking the body and the fastener in a locked position and, in an unlocked position, allowing the body to rotate relative to the fastener member. locking tool remaining attached to the lifting ring.

According to the invention, the rotating lifting ring is characterized in that, in the locked position, the temporary locking tool closes the passage defined in the fastening loop. By the expression "closes the passage defined in the annular rotating part" it will be understood that it is not necessary for the locking tool to completely close the said passage, but that it must seal it sufficiently (or substantially). to not allow to insert any suitable lifting accessory, ie any lifting accessory, such as hook, shackle, or the like, dimensioned in correspondence with the lifting capabilities of the lifting ring. As will be understood, the invention therefore prevents the use of the lifting ring by connecting a hook or other lifting device, as long as the locking tool is in the locked position. When the locking tool is unlocked, it allows the rotation of the loop on the fastener, and it is also possible to hang on the ring a hook, a shackle or other similar lifting accessory.

Only when the lifting ring is released from any lifting member passing in its pivoting annular portion, it is again possible to set up the locking tool, linking in rotation the annular loop and the fixing member, which allows then screw or unscrew the fastener by turning the loop of the lifting ring. This avoids any risk of using the lifting ring for lifting a load on which it is attached, while it would not be free to turn.

The screw fixing member may be a screw or a nut depending on whether the lifting ring is male or female, ie adapted to be fixed in a threaded hole of the load to be handled, or on a threaded stud integral with said load.

In general, the locking tool may comprise a connecting part for linking in rotation the catching loop with the fixing member; and a second portion shaped to extend in front of and / or in the passage of the loop, in the locking position.

Preferably, the connecting portion comprises a fixing element on the screw head, and at least one extension element which cooperates with the loop or the body, to form a rotational link. The head of the fastener may have a raised or recessed shape; and the fastening element of the locking tool then has a hollow shape, respectively in relief, corresponding, adaptable to the screw head so as to bind in rotation.

According to a variant, the extension element is designed so as to bear on the loop or the body, and thus be driven by the rotation of the loop. In this case, the extension element may even extend into the hooking loop and partially close it, cooperating with the second part of the tool.

In a preferred embodiment, the tool comprises a fastening element (eg a hexagonal shape) surmounted by a plate formed in the manner of a cocked hat (or Gaussian) whose central portion extends into the inner volume of the loop so as to close it, and the ends of the cocked hat form radially extending extension elements, which will bear against the loop to form a rotational link.

Alternatively, the extension of the connecting portion may take the form of a lug; and a recess, a groove or a bore is then formed in the body, and adapted to receive the lug when the locking means are placed on the head of the fastener.

According to another variant, the connecting portion of the locking tool comprises at least one pin sized to fit simultaneously into axial housings associated respectively with the fixing member and the body, when these housings are aligned, blocking them. thus in rotation. The second part may have any suitable shape to close the passage of the snap buckle.

The head of the fastener preferably comprises a hexagonal shape, recessed or raised; and the attachment member of the locking tool has a complementary hexagonal shape. However, all other forms suitable for screwing can be envisaged.

In some cases, for increased safety, at least a portion of the locking tool, in particular the connecting portion, is made and dimensioned so as to break from a predetermined torque exerted between the locking tool and the loop. This allows to break the link in rotation between the loop and the body from a certain torque. In particular, in variants using a pin, it can be made and dimensioned so as to break in shear from a predetermined torque exerted between the fastener and the fastening loop. Conventionally, the body and the attachment loop are formed in one piece, preferably forged.

The temporary locking tool can be made in one or different materials. Materials with suitable mechanical properties will be chosen in view of the torques to be transmitted, in particular from plastic (eg PVC or polyamide) or metal (eg aluminum, brass, or steel) materials.

The temporary lock tool may be provided with a mark or authenticity device, preferably an RFID device. To facilitate the reading of such an RFID device, it is preferable to apply it to a plastic part of the locking tool.

Whatever the embodiment of the locking tool, it comprises connecting means such as chain, flexible link, tab, etc.. to connect the locking tool with the lifting ring, its loop or its body.

The invention also relates to a lifting system for lifting loads, comprising a rotating lifting ring, as defined above, and a lifting accessory adapted to cooperate with the lifting ring by insertion into the passage defined by the annular rotating part of said rotating lifting ring.

Brief description of the drawings

Other features and characteristics of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description of some advantageous embodiments presented below, by way of illustration, with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show:

Fig. 1: a front view of a rotating lifting ring according to a first embodiment, in locked configuration;

Fig. 2: an exploded view of the ring of FIG. 1;

Fig. 3: a sectional view of the ring of Fig.1 mounted on a load to be lifted; Fig. 4: a view of the integral fastening loop and body, from below the body;

Fig. 5: a view of the fastener assembled to the base;

Fig. 6: a top view of the assembly of Fig.5; Fig. 7: a perspective view of a rotating lifting ring according to a second embodiment;

Fig. 8: a view of the fastener assembled to the base, with the locking cap of Fig.7;

Fig. 9: a perspective view of a rotating lifting ring according to a third embodiment;

Fig. 10: a perspective view of the locking tool in the variant of FIG.

Description of One or More Preferred Embodiments A first embodiment of the present hoist ring 10 is shown in Fig. 1. It comprises a body 12 and a hooking loop 14 (of generally annular shape) rigidly secured to the body 12, preferably formed integrally with the body 12, preferably by forging. The body 12 comprises a central passage, generally designated bore 16, which receives a screw fastener 18 which allows the fixing of the ring 10 on the load to be lifted and defines a relative axis of rotation (A) for the body 12 and so the loop 14.

The fastener 18 allows an assembly of the ring 10 by screwing on a load to be lifted. In the present variant, the fastener 18 is a screw comprising a threaded cylindrical rod 20 and a shouldered screw head 22, as can be seen in FIG. For its screwing, the screw head 22 here comprises a hexagonal blind hole 24, but it could of course have a raised hexagonal shape, or any other form suitable for screwing. At assembly, the screw 18 is passed through the bore 16 of the body 12. The reference sign 26 designates a base 26 consisting of a sleeve 28 carrying at its lower end a flange 30. The base 26 is threaded onto the rod of the screw 18 and locked thereon so that in the service position the flange 30 integral with the sleeve 28 is remote from the screw head 22. The screw head 22 and the flange 30 therefore form wings which can maintain axially the body 12 of the ring, while permitting its rotation around the screw 18. As can be seen in Fig.3, the wings thus formed cooperate with a radial annular projection 32 in the central bore 16 of the body. Of course, the dimensions of the annular projection 32 and the base 26 are such that a functional axial and radial play (not shown) exists allowing the body 12 (and thus the loop 14) to rotate freely on the base 26 fixed on the screw 18, even when the screw 18 is fully tightened on the load to be lifted. In this variant, the base 26 is pressed and / or fretted on a cylindrical portion of the screw rod 12, above the thread. In other variants, the base may have internal threading and be locked by screwing on the screw, the threading would then rise to the underside of the screw head. Furthermore, the shoulder of the screw head which holds the body axially could be formed by an intermediate piece. Also, if an intermediate part is used, the base does not necessarily have to reach under the screw head. As will be understood, the skilled person can find all kinds of configurations for the assembly of the body and the fixing screw.

In order to be able to set up (screw or unscrew) the ring 10 more easily on a load to be lifted, a temporary locking tool 34 is associated with the ring 10 and allows, once put in place in a so-called "locked" position. To rotate the rotating body 12 / loop 14 assembly to its pivot (the fastener 18) while closing the passage in the latching ring 14. The temporary locking tool 34 can also be removed, so "in an unlocked position", so as to allow the rotation of the body on the fastener member. In general, the temporary locking tool 34 (or more simply the "tool") comprises a connecting part for linking in rotation the catching loop with the fixing member and a second portion shaped to extend in front and / or in the passage of the loop, in the locked position.

In the first variant, the tool 34 takes the form of a stud 36 surmounted by a plate 38. The stud 36 forms the connecting part for rotating the loop 14 to the fastening member 18. For this purpose , the body 12 comprises in its annular projecting portion at least one axial groove 40 (preferably a plurality, see FIG. 3) and the screw 18 comprises at least one hole 42, here two, in the screw head 22, positioned on a virtual circle 44 at the interface between the sleeve 28 and the annular projection 32 (that is to say that the diameter of the circle 44 corresponds substantially to that of the outer diameter of the sleeve 28, respectively of the inner diameter of the seam annular 32), so that each of the holes 42 can be aligned with one of the grooves 40 by rotating the body 12. The hole 42 is continued axially by an axial groove 46 in the outer radial face of the sleeve 28. The dimensions of the hole 42 and grooves 46, 40 are adapted to diameter of the stud 36, and by pushing the latter when the hole 42 is aligned with a groove 40 of the body 12, the stud 36 is installed in the two grooves 46 and 40 opposite, thus immobilizing the body 12, and thus the loop 14, relative to the fixing member 18. This is the locked position which is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3.

The plate 38 is fixed firmly to the stud 36 so that in the locked position, it extends into and / or in front of the internal space 15, respectively the passage, defined by the hooking loop 14, so as to substantially close off this passage.

This locked position makes it possible to transmit a torque between the loop 14 and the fastener 18 in order to screw or unscrew the ring 10 by hand. Of course, this is the "easy" part of the screwing, because during the establishment of the ring must complete the screwing with a clamping tool (eg hex key, if necessary with dynamometer). A user wishing to attach a hook to the ring 10 (in the locked position) will realize that the locking tool 34 is in place and will be required to remove it before connecting the lifting hook, thus avoiding lifting by a ring still locked in rotation and / or whose fixation is not completed. For comparison, in the solution proposed in EP065461 1 the locking tool is flat and located in the bottom of the loop, and therefore does not obstruct the passage, so that the user might not notice. On the contrary, in the present invention the presence of the plate 38 in front of or in the loop is an obviously visible warning means, and forms an obstacle to the connection of a hook, sling, link or other lifting accessory.

So that the temporary locking tool can not be separated from the ring, it is united by a link, preferably flexible, for example of the metal chain type, plastic or textile cord, etc. Such a link is represented symbolically in FIG. 1 and designated by the reference sign 48.

A second variant is illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, and differs from the previous variant in the form of the locking tool 34 ', the rest of the ring 10 being of the same design. The locking tool 34 'takes the form of a cap which is positioned on the screw head and is shaped to extend into the passage 15 of the snap buckle. The connecting portion of the cap 34 'comprises two parallel and diametrically opposite studs 50 intended to be housed in the holes 42 of the screw head 22, and hence to be inserted in the recesses formed by the cooperation of the grooves 46 of the base and grooves 40 of the body 12.

In FIG. 8 it is clearly seen how studs 50 penetrate axially into holes 42 and grooves 46, thus serving to fix cap 34 'on screw head 22 and also to join the fastening member 18 in rotation. the body 12, respectively the attachment loop 14. A third variant of the present lifting ring is illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. The constituent elements of the body / catching loop and the fastener, and their assembly, can be made as discussed above. However, the holes 42 and grooves 40 and 46 are not necessary, even if it does not interfere.

In this variant, the temporary locking tool 34 "comprises a hexagonal fastener 52 which cooperates with the form of hexagon socket 24 in the screw head, forming a form-locking connection for fixing and connecting The tool 34 "comprises a plate 38" which extends in the passage 15 of the loop 14. The plate 38 "is formed in the manner of a cocked hat (generally Gaussian shape) whose part central extends into the inner passage 15 of the loop 14 so as to close it. The ends of the policeman's cap form extension elements 54 extending radially (transversely to the axis of rotation of the loop), which are able to bear on the loop 14. Thus, when the Loop 14, the extensions 54 come into contact with the branches of the loop 14, and thus turn with the loop 14. As the tool 34 "is blocked in the screw head 22 by conjugating the hexagonal shapes, the rotation is transmitted to the fastener 18 which rotates with the loop 14. Note that the Gaussian form of the wafer 38 "is designed to be placed in position without deformation. In addition, the plate 38 "passes through the loop 14, so that the extension elements 54 are on either side of the plane of the loop 14.

In this third variant, the locking tool 34 "is preferably a plastic injected piece (but could also be made of metal), which comprises a link 48" which, in the Figures, is not attached to the loop 14. As will be understood, the link 48 "has a fastening loop in two parts 49a and 49b which are intended to pass on either side of a loop leg 14, and to be united by passing the branch 49a with the end arrow in branch 49b carrying an end ring. Advantageously, for the locking tool 34, a plastic having suitable mechanical properties will be chosen: a good rigidity for transmitting the torque, and the ability to retain its shape. The tool 34 may for example be made of PVC or polyamide. It should be noted that in the various variants described above, the connecting portion of the locking tool can be made and dimensioned so as to break from a predetermined torque exerted on them. For example, the stud 36 may be sized to break if excessive torque is exerted on the ball 14 relative to the screw 18, causing the stud 36 to shear.

In order to guarantee the authenticity or origin of a lifting ring, it may be associated with a marking or a safety device. In the variant of FIG. 10, the reference sign 56 designates a housing for an RFID device.

It is indeed preferable to fix such an RFID device on the plastic locking tool because it is difficult to read an RFID device applied to a metal part.

Claims

claims

1. Rotating lifting ring comprising a body (12) carrying a hooking loop (14) defining a passage (15) for receiving a lifting member, and a screw fixing member (18) passing through a bore (16) of said body ( 12) to allow rotation of the body on the screw fastener along a relative rotational axis (A); and a temporary locking tool (34, 34 ', 34 ") for, in a locked position, to rotate the body (12) and the fastener (18) in rotation and, in an unlocked position, to allow rotation of the body (12) relative to the fastening member (18), the locking tool (34, 34 ', 24 ") remaining attached to the lifting ring; characterized in that, in the locked position, the temporary locking tool (34, 34 ', 34 ") closes the passage (15) defined in the hooking loop (14).

The rotating lifting ring according to claim 1, wherein the locking tool comprises a connecting portion for rotatably coupling the catching loop (14) with the fastener (18); and a second portion shaped to extend in front and / or in the passage (15) of the loop (14), in the locking position.

The rotary lifting ring according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting portion comprises a fastening element on the screw head, and at least one extension member which cooperates with the buckle (14) or the body ( 12), to form a rotating link.

The rotating lifting ring according to claim 3, wherein the head of the fastener has a raised or recessed shape; and the fastening element of the locking tool has a recessed shape, resp. in relief, corresponding, adaptable on the screw head so as to bind in rotation.

The rotary lifting ring according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the extension member is adapted to bear on the buckle or body and thereby be driven by the rotation of the buckle.

The rotating lifting ring according to claim 5, wherein the locking tool comprises a fastening element (52) on the screw head surmounted by a wafer (38 ") formed in the manner of a cocked hat. whose central portion extends into the inner passage (15) of the loop so as to close it, and the ends of the gendarme cap form extension elements (54) which will bear on the loop (14). ) to form a rotating link.

The rotating lifting ring according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the extension of the connecting portion is a lug; and a recess, a groove or a bore is formed in the body, and adapted to receive the lug when the locking means are placed on the head of the fastener.

The rotary lifting ring according to claim 2, wherein the connecting portion of the locking tool (34) comprises at least one pin (36) dimensioned to fit simultaneously into axial housings (42, 40, 46). ) respectively associated with the fastener (18) and the body (12), when these housings are aligned, thus blocking them in rotation.

9. rotating lifting ring according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the head of the fastener comprises a hexagonal shape, recessed or raised; and the attachment member of the locking tool has a complementary hexagonal shape.

The rotary lifting ring according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the locking tool, preferably the connecting portion, is made and sized to break from a predetermined torque. exerted between the locking tool and the loop (14).

1 1. The rotary lifting ring according to claim 8, wherein the pin (36) is made and dimensioned to break in shear from a predetermined torque exerted between the fastener and the snap buckle.

The rotary lifting ring according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (12) and the hooking loop (14) are integrally formed, preferably forged.

The rotary lifting ring according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the temporary locking tool carries a mark or an authenticity device, preferably an RFID device.

The rotary lifting ring according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking tool is made of the same or different materials.

15. rotating lifting ring according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking means comprise connecting means such as chain, flexible link, tongue, etc.. to connect the locking means with the lifting ring, on its annular portion or on the base.

A lifting system for lifting loads, comprising a rotating lifting ring as defined in any one of the preceding claims, and a lifting accessory adapted to cooperate with the lifting ring by insertion into the passage defined by the annular rotating part of said rotating lifting ring.