WO2018115606A1

WO2018115606A1 - Lifting crane comprising a lifting device with double reeving system

Info

Publication number: WO2018115606A1
Application number: PCT/FR2017/052993
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michel Lissandre; Jean-Christophe Goiffon; Régis CARRE
Original assignee: Manitowoc Crane Group France
Priority date: 2016-12-23
Filing date: 2017-10-31
Publication date: 2018-06-28
Also published as: FR3061164B1; FR3061164A1

Abstract

Lifting crane comprising a jib (1) with a hoist track (11) and a lifting device (2) with double reeving system configured to distribute a load along the jib (1), and comprising a distributing trolley (3) supporting a lower pulley block (5) and a standing trolley (4) supporting an upper pulley block (7), wherein the standing trolley has at least one arm (48) with a guide rail (49) that is not parallel with the hoist track (11) in the double reeving configuration, and the lower pulley block (5) supports at least one guide member (66) suitable for cooperating with the guide rail and mounted on a weighting element (6) removably supported by the lower pulley block (5) in the double reeving configuration.

Description

Lifting crane comprising a double haul lifting device

The present invention relates to a hoisting crane comprising an arrow provided with a raceway and a double-haul lifting device shaped to distribute a load along the boom.

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

a dual-haul configuration in which a hoisting rope cooperates with an upper block and a lower block for double-haul work, that is to say with four lifting strands; and

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

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

- a distributor carriage comprising a structure movable along the crane boom and a lower muffle suspended from the structure by a hoisting rope;

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

The lifting device disclosed in this document FR 2 137 333 has several drawbacks, the first being that it requires a locking hook protruding upwards from the lower muffle projecting downwards from the upper muffle, thus limiting the maximum stroke vertical in single configuration haulage or dual halyard configuration, the second being that it uses a locking mechanism of the two trolleys implementing a moving bolt system and moving pin which is complex and unreliable over time, a third being that it uses a remaining carriage provided with a spur bearing a set of pulleys and clean to cooperate with a bore of the structure of the distributor carriage, to the detriment of the wear and therefore the lifespan of the hoisting cable which cooperates both with the set of pulleys carried by this spur and with the set of pulleys of the distributor trolley, whether in single halyard configuration or dual halyard configuration.

A final disadvantage of this lifting device is that, in the double-haul configuration, the weight of the lower muffle is only supplemented by the weight of the upper muffle when lowering the lower muffle in four-strand work (double haul configuration). ), unlike the two-wire work configuration (single-haul configuration). Thus, in the dual-haul configuration, it is sometimes necessary to manually add a ballast on the lower block to limit the slack of the lifting cable, imposing a complex (or even dangerous) manipulation to add the ballast when working with four strands. , and then to remove the ballast when working with two strands.

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

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

It is also known, particularly from FR 2 147 005, to employ a lifting device comprising:

- A distributor carriage comprising a structure movable along the crane boom and supporting a first muffle suspended from the structure by a lifting cable cooperating with a set of pulleys, and

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

In single halyard configuration, the distributor trolley is detached from the remaining trolley and runs along the crane boom and, in dual halyard configuration, the two trolleys are manually attached. side by side and the two mittens are also attached manually side by side.

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

The present invention aims to solve at least partly the aforementioned drawbacks, by proposing a crane incorporating a double-haul lifting device provided with a distributor carriage and a remaining carriage, where the lifting device is shaped to allow to automatically place a ballast on the lower block when it is in configuration double haulage, and to suspend this ballast when working with two strands (work in simple hauling) so that the mittle works two strands by not carrying more the ballast, and conversely allow to automatically replace the ballast on the lower block when automatically switching from the simple configuration hawk to the configuration dual haul.

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

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

Another object of the invention is to propose a double-haul lifting device making it possible to dispense with fastening elements such as screws and tools for securing the ballast with the lower muffle, with the advantage of eliminating risks for the operators and the responsibilities of bad fixation of the ballast on the muffle inferior.

For this purpose, it proposes a hoist crane comprising an arrow provided with a raceway and a double-haul lifting device shaped to distribute a load along the boom, said lifting device comprising: - A distributor carriage comprising a structure suspended on the raceway by primary rolling members and connected to an actuating system adapted to move the distributor carriage along the race in a forward direction and an opposite rear direction, and a lower muffle suspended from said structure by a hoisting rope;

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

where the lifting device is reversibly configurable between two configurations:

- A dual halyard configuration in which the dispenser carriage and the remaining carriage are assembled and movable in association along the boom, and wherein the hoist cable cooperates with the upper block and the lower block for work in double hauling; and

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

said crane being remarkable in that:

the reinforcement of the remaining carriage comprises at least one arm provided with a guide rail which extends non-parallel to the raceway in the dual-haul configuration, said arm having an entry zone provided at a rear end of the arm and a terminal plate provided at a front end of the arm; and

the lower muffle supports at least one own guide member to cooperate with said guide rail, where the one or more guide members are mounted on a weighting element, said weighting element being removably supported by the lower muffle in the double haul configuration; and

(i) the delivery trolley, the remaining trolley and the lower block are automatically movable from the double haul configuration to the single halyard configuration, acting on the actuating system and on the hoisting rope, between:

the double-haul configuration where the weighting element is removably supported by the lower block; a first intermediate configuration where, starting from the dual-haul configuration, the lower muffle is raised until the one or more guide members abut on the entry zone of the guide rail concerned and print a force which raises the arm, in the direction of a rise of the end plate, until the guide rail extends parallel to the raceway; then

a second intermediate configuration where, starting from the first intermediate configuration, the distributor carriage is moved in translation in the forward direction, driving the guide member (s) which enter the guide rail concerned by the entry zone and which are guided by said guide rail, until the one or more guide members reach the end plate of the guide rail provided at the front end of the arm, wherein said remaining carriage is not displaced in translation along said raceway, remaining at a predefined storage location on the crane boom and being shaped to allow a free passage to the hoisting rope which follows the distributor carriage; and

- The simple configuration hauling where, starting from the second intermediate configuration, the lower muffle is lowered by leaving the ballast element which is unhooked from the lower muffle, said ballast element then being in a storage position in which said element weighting is suspended on the arm with its or its guide members bearing on said end plate of the guide rail; and

(ii) the hopper carriage, the remaining carriage and the lower block are automatically movable from the single haul configuration to the double haul configuration, by acting on the actuating system and hoisting rope, between:

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

the second intermediate configuration where, starting from the simple configuration, the lower muffle is raised until the weighting element hangs up from the lower muffle and the one or more guide elements take off from the end plate of the rail. guiding, said guide rail extending parallel to the raceway;

- The first intermediate configuration where, starting from the second intermediate configuration, the distributor carriage is moved in translation in the rear direction, with the ballast element attached to the muffle lower and with the one or more guide members which are guided by the guide rail concerned until the one or more guide members reach the entrance zone of the guide rail concerned;

- The dual halyard configuration where, starting from the first intermediate configuration, the lower muffle is lowered with the ballast element attached to the lower muffle.

Thus, the invention makes it possible to transfer the ballast element rapidly and automatically between the lower muffle and the frame of the remaining carriage when passing from the dual-hauling configuration (where the weighting element is carried by the lower muffle which works four-stranded) to the simple configuration halyard (where the weighting element is carried by the arm of the armature, in the storage position, while the lower mitten, released from this ballast element, works with two strands). In the opposite way, the invention also makes it possible to transfer the ballast element quickly and automatically between the frame of the remaining carriage and the lower block when going from the simple configuration to the dual halyard configuration configuration.

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

An advantage of taking the weighting element automatically during the transition from the double haul configuration to the simple haul configuration, is to ensure proper operation of the distribution function of the crane in double haul work. The advantage of leaving the ballast element suspended automatically in the transition phase from the single-haul configuration to the dual-haul configuration is to ensure the best load curve in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements for simple hauling.

The weighting element constitutes with the invention an element of the change of hauling circuit, and it is therefore ensured to be set up automatically and therefore not to be forgotten for the proper operation of the double haul crane and ensure safe storage for the use of the crane in single hauling. With the invention, the ballast element can be transferred from its storage position to its working position on the lower muffle without adding mechanical parts requiring tools and the intervention of an outside operator. Such a weighting element could be in one part or in several parts without changing the transfer phases mentioned above, with transfer movements that could all be automated with a suitable program.

According to one possibility, the ballast element has a general "U" shape and comprises two flanges joined by a rear wall, said flanges being supported by the lower muffle, on either side of it, in the configuration. double haul, this general shape in "U" allowing the free passage of the lifting cable during the forward movement of the distributor carriage in work in single hauling.

Advantageously, the flanges of the ballast element have notches open on the bottom, and the lower muffle has support fingers on which are engaged the notches in the dual configuration hauling.

Advantageously, the ballast element comprises, in the front part, at least one movable lock between a locking position of a support finger in a notch and an unlocking position of said support finger in said notch, where the lock cooperates with an elastic return element biasing said latch towards the locking position, and where, starting from the first intermediate configuration and when the distributor carriage is moved in translation in the forward direction, the latch bears on the end front arm to bring said latch unlocked position, against the bias of the elastic return member.

The latch can further be pivoted to the front of the ballast element.

According to one feature, the notches are flared at the entrance and then tapering to allow centering of the support fingers within the corresponding notches.

According to another characteristic, the flanges of the ballast element each have a front notch and a rear notch, and the ballast element has a center of gravity centered on the front and rear notches. According to another possibility, the reinforcement of the remaining carriage comprises two parallel arms connected by a rear beam and where, in the second intermediate configuration, the lower muffle and the weighting element are arranged between the two arms.

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

In a particular embodiment, starting from the second intermediate configuration, when the lower muffle is lowered while leaving the weighting element on the arm of the remaining carriage frame, said weighting element prints, by its own weight, a force that lowers the arm, in the direction of a descent of the end plate, until the guide rail extends non-parallel to the raceway, preventing the weighting element from moving rearwardly .

Advantageously, starting from the simple configuration hauling, when the lower muffle is raised until the weighting element is attached to the lower muffle, said ballast element prints a force that raises the arm, in the direction of a mounting of the end plate, until the guide rail extends parallel to the raceway.

According to one possibility, the guide rail has:

an upper wall which extends non-parallel to the raceway in the dual-haul configuration and which extends parallel to the raceway in the first intermediate configuration, said upper wall extending from the rear end of the arm to form the entrance area; and

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

so that :

- During the passage of the dual halyard configuration to the first intermediate configuration, the lower muffle is raised until the or the guide members abut on the upper wall, while coming to the level of the lower wall; and - Once in the first intermediate configuration, the dispensing carriage is adapted to be moved in translation towards the front end of the arm with the or the guide members which are guided and trapped between the bottom wall and the upper wall.

In a particular embodiment, the lower wall terminates, at the front end of the arm, by a step followed by the end plate which is below and is adapted to receive the guide member or members, so that:

- Once in the intermediate configuration, the dispenser carriage is adapted to be moved in translation until the or guide members reach the end plate; then

- The lower muffle is adapted to be lowered, leaving the ballast element in the storage position on said end plate of the guide rail, walking now the ballast element in place on the end plate.

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

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

Advantageously, the armature of the remaining carriage is shaped to lift in the direction of a detachment of the secondary front rolling member vis-à-vis the raceway under the effect of a thrust force exerted by the lower muffle and / or by the one or more guide members when said lower muffle, starting from the double-haul configuration, is raised to the first intermediate configuration, so that in said first intermediate configuration the distributor carriage is able to be moved in translation in the forward direction to the second intermediate configuration, the forward stop of the structure of the dispenser carriage is no longer blocked by the front stop of the armature raised.

Alternatively, the armature of the remaining carriage is shaped to lift in the direction of a detachment of the secondary bearing member forward vis-à-vis the raceway under the effect of a suitable motorized system.

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

According to one characteristic, the reinforcement of the remaining carriage is shaped to lower in the direction of a gluing of the secondary front rolling member on the raceway under the effect of the weight of the ballast element when said lower muffle, starting from the second intermediate configuration, went down leaving the ballast element on the arm of this frame.

According to another feature, the frame of the remaining carriage comprises at least one front secondary member supporting at an upper end at least one front secondary bearing member and the front retainer, and at least one rear secondary member supporting at an upper end to minus a secondary rear rolling member and the rear stopper,

and the structure of the distributor carriage comprises at least at least one front main member supporting at an upper end at least one front primary member and the front stop, and at least one rear main member supporting at an upper end at least one primary member rear bearing and rear thrust.

Advantageously, the ballast element has a flared lower part to facilitate entry of the lower muffle when the lower muffle, starting from the single configuration hauling, is raised to the second intermediate configuration.

In an advantageous embodiment, the storage location of the remaining carriage corresponds to a location at the foot of the boom of the crane, in particular within sight of a cockpit. The invention also relates to a method of hauling a hoisting crane according to the invention, comprising the following steps, performed automatically and sequentially, to go from a dual haul configuration to a simple haul configuration:

- starting from the double halyard configuration, reassemble the lower block until the guiding member (s) abuts on the entry zone of the guide rail concerned and print a force which raises the arm, in the direction a rise of the end plate, until the guide rail extends parallel to the raceway, to reach the first intermediate configuration; and

- Once in the first intermediate configuration, move the distributor carriage in translation in the forward direction, driving the guide member (s) which enter the guide rail concerned by the entry zone and which are guided by said guide rail concerned, until the guide member (s) reaches the end plate of the guide rail provided at the front end of the arm, to reach the second intermediate configuration, said remaining carriage being not displaced in translation along said track and remaining at a predefined storage location on the crane boom;

- From the second intermediate configuration, lower the lower muffle to disassemble the lower muffle and the frame of the remaining carriage leaving the ballast element which is detached from the muffle lower, said ballast element then being in a position of storage in which said weighting element is suspended on the arm with its or its guide members bearing on said end plate of the guide rail,

- Move in translation the distributor carriage forward to move away from the remaining carriage, the distributor carriage and the hoist cable being free to exit completely out of the frame of the remaining carriage, and allow work in single haul, leaving the ballast element in the storage position.

Advantageously, starting from the second intermediate configuration, when the lower muffle is lowered leaving the weighting element on the arm of the remaining carriage frame, said weighting element prints, by its own weight, a force which lowers the arm, in the direction of a descent of the end plate, until the guide rail extends non-parallel to the raceway, preventing the ballast element from moving backwards. The invention also relates to a method of hauling a crane according to the invention, comprising the following steps, carried out automatically and sequentially, to go from a simple configuration haul to a dual haul configuration:

- starting from the simple configuration halyard, move in translation the distributor carriage along the raceway in the rear direction to the remaining carriage remained fixed at its storage location, to reach a predefined position, then reassemble the lower muffle until the ballast member hangs up from the lower block and the one or more guide members take off from the end plate of the guide rail, said guide rail extending parallel to the raceway, to reach the second configuration intermediate;

- translate the trolley in translation in the backward inwards direction of the remaining trolley along the raceway to a new predefined position, with the weighting element attached to the lower muffle and with the one or more guidance which are guided by the relevant guide rail until the guide member (s) reaches the input area of the guide rail concerned to reach the first intermediate configuration;

- From this first intermediate configuration, lower the lower muffle for work in double hauling, with the ballast element attached to the lower muffle.

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

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

- Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the lifting device of Figure 1 mounted on a crane boom, in a positioning position which is also a transport position and slinging; FIGS. 3 and 4 are diagrammatic views respectively of side (FIG. 3) and perspective (FIG. 4) of part of the crane of FIG. 2 and illustrating the lifting device in a dual-haul configuration (or assembled configuration) ) during double-haul work with the lower muffle partially lowered;

FIG. 5 is a schematic side view (equivalent to that of FIG. 3) of a portion of the crane of FIG. 2 and illustrating the lifting device in a dual-haul configuration, it being noted that the lifting device of FIG. Figure 5 shows a slightly different design than that of Figure 3, especially in the form of the lower muffle;

- Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view from above of the crane portion and the lifting device of Figure 5, in a configuration where the lower muffle was raised compared to Figure 5;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic perspective view from above of the crane portion and the lifting device of FIGS. 5 and 6, in a configuration in which the lower muffle has been raised compared to FIG. 6 and is now partly the inside of the frame of the remaining carriage, and where the lower muffle has unhooked the upper muffle which is now housed partly in the muffle housing of the lower muffle;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic perspective view from below of the crane portion and the lifting device of FIGS. 5 to 7, in the same configuration as FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic perspective view from above of the crane portion and the lifting device of FIGS. 5 to 8, in the same configuration as FIG. 7 but at another angle of view compared to FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic side view of the crane portion and the lifting device of FIGS. 5 to 9, in the same configuration as FIGS. 7 to 9, in which the visible arm of the frame of the remaining carriage is shown. partly transparent in order to visualize the guide rail and the relative positioning of the guide members carried by the lower muffle; - Figure 1 1 is a schematic side view of the crane portion and the lifting device of Figures 5 to 10, which is equivalent to that of Figure 10 but in a configuration where the lower muffle is still raised compared to the Figure 10 so that the guide members begin to lift the front of the frame of the remaining carriage, causing the upward lifting of the arms and the detachment of the secondary front rolling members vis-à-vis the raceway;

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic side view of the crane portion and the lifting device of FIGS. 5 to 11, which is equivalent to that of FIG. 1, but in a first intermediate configuration where the lower muffle is still raised. compared to Figure 1 1 so that the lower muffle is completely in abutment against the frame of the remaining carriage, the guide members have finished lifting the front of the armature bringing the arms to the horizontal (parallel to the path rolling) and the sufficient detachment of the front secondary bearing members to allow the exit of the distributor carriage;

FIGS. 13 and 14 are diagrammatic views respectively of side (FIG. 13) and perspective (FIG. 14) of a portion of the crane of FIG. 1 and illustrating the lifting device in the first intermediate configuration of FIG. , wherein Figure 13 includes a zoom on the visible and detached front bearing secondary bodies of the remaining carriage;

FIGS. 15 and 16 are diagrammatic views respectively of side (FIG. 15) and perspective (FIG. 16) of a portion of the crane of FIG. 2 and illustrating the lifting device where, compared to the first intermediate configuration of FIG. Figures 13 and 14, the dispenser carriage has moved forward and begins to exit out of the remaining carriage;

FIGS. 17 and 18 are diagrammatic views respectively of side (FIG. 17) and perspective (FIG. 18) of a portion of the crane of FIG. 2 and illustrating the lifting device in a second intermediate configuration where, compared to In the configuration of FIGS. 15 and 16, the dispenser carriage has stopped to translate and the lower block begins to descend, which begins to lower the arm of the armature of the remaining carriage and to bring the guide members on the end plates of the guide rails;

FIGS. 19 and 20 are diagrammatic views respectively of side (FIG. 19) and perspective (FIG. 20) of a portion of the crane of FIG. 2 and illustrating the lifting device in a new configuration where, compared to the second intermediate configuration of Figures 17 and 18, the dispenser truck has stopped translater and lower muffle begins to descend, which begins to lower the arm of the armature of the remaining carriage and to bring the guide members on the end plates guide rails;

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

FIG. 22 is a zoomed-in view of FIG. 17, in which the visible arm of the armature of the remaining carriage is shown partially transparent in order to visualize the guide members which begin to position themselves on the end plate of the arm guide rail. visible;

FIG. 23 is a view equivalent to that of FIG. 17, in a new configuration where, compared with the configuration of FIG. 17 and also with the configuration of FIGS. 19 and 20, the lower muffle continued to descend so that the guide members rest on the end plates of the guide rails and that the ballast element is unhooked from the lower muffle which goes down alone, this weighting element now being suspended on these end plates;

FIGS. 24 and 25 are diagrammatic views respectively of side (FIG. 24) and perspective (FIG. 25) of a portion of the crane of FIG. 2 and illustrating the lifting device in a new configuration where, compared to the FIG. 23 and the configuration of FIGS. 19 and 20, the lower muffle continues to descend to be in a single configuration, in which the weighting element is unhooked from the lower muffle which descends alone. ballasting is suspended on these end plates and the distributor carriage is free to translate forward for work in single hauling. The invention relates to a hoisting crane, and in particular a tower crane, comprising a distributor boom 1 mounted on a tower (not shown).

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

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

This lifting device 2 comprises a distributor carriage 3 and a remaining carriage 4 which are both movable on the raceway 1 January.

The distributor carriage 3 comprises a structure 30 suspended on the raceway 1 1 by primary rolling front members 31a and rear 31b formed of rollers or wheels rolling on said upper faces 1 1 of the lower beams 10.

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

a primary rolling member before 31 a, and

a stop before 39a turned towards the front.

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

a primary rear rolling member 31b; and

a rear stop 39b turned towards the rear.

The primary rolling front 31 a and rear 31 b right members roll on the upper face 1 1 of the lower beam 10 of the right, while the primary rolling members before 31 a and rear 31 b left roll on the upper face 1 1 of the lower beam 10 on the left. These main members before 32a and 32b rear form arms that extend vertically. The structure 30 comprises:

- A longitudinal beam 33 upper right connecting the front right main member 32a to the rear main member 32b of the upper right; and

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

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

The structure 30 comprises a front beam 35a which interconnects the main front members 32a, and a rear beam 35b which interconnects the rear main members 32b.

The structure 30 supports:

a front main pulley 36a mounted on the front beam 35, this main front pulley 37 being situated at the front and on the outside of the structure

30 ; and

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

These main pulleys before 36a and rear 36b guide a hoisting cable 9, whose path will be described later.

The structure 30 is connected to an actuating system adapted to move the distributor carriage 3 along the raceway 1 1 in a forward direction (to the right in the figures) and a rearward direction (to the left in the figures) opposed.

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

The distributor carriage 3 further comprises a lower block 5 suspended from the structure 30 by the lifting cable 9. The lower muffle 5 comprises a muffle body 50 composed of two vertical flanges 51 joined together and spaced apart from each other.

The lower muffle 5 comprises a lower front pulley 52a and a rear lower pulley 52b which are mounted on the muffle body 50, between the two flanges 51, in the upper part of the lower muffle 5. These lower front 52a and rear 52b pulleys ensure the guidance of the hoisting rope 9, the path of which will be described later.

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

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

The lower muffle 5 has support fingers 54 which protrude from the flanges 51 externally with, on each flange 51, a support finger 54 at the front and a support finger 54 at the rear. These support fingers

54 are arranged above the lifting member 53 and below the lower front 52a and 52b rear pulleys.

The lifting device 2 also comprises a weighting element 6 removably mounted on the muffle body 50 of the lower muffle 5 in the double-haulage configuration shown in FIGS. 3 to 6.

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

The ballast body 60 has four notches 64 open at the bottom formed in the flanges 61 with, on each flange 61, a notch 64 at the front and a notch 64 at the rear. These support fingers 54 are arranged above the lifting member 53 and below the lower 52a and 52b rear pulleys.

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

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

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

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

The ballast element 6 also comprises, on each flange 61, two upwardly projecting branches 65 arranged between the notches 64 concerned and carrying, at their free ends, guide members 66. These guide members 66 consist of rolling members such as rollers.

The weighting element 6 comprises, in the front part, two latches 67 articulated on the respective flanges 61 at the notches 64 located at the front.

Each lock 67 is movable between:

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

- An unlocking position of the support pin 54 in the notch 64 concerned.

The lock 67 has a lower end 671 pivotally mounted on the flange 61 concerned, a hook portion 672 capable of hooking the support pin 54 to lock it inside the notch 64, and an upper end provided with a stop 673.

Each latch 67 cooperates with an elastic return element 68 urging the latch 67 towards the locking position. A force exerted on the abutment 673 may, on the contrary, urge the latch 67 towards the unlocking position against the restoring force exerted by the elastic return element 68. This elastic return element 68 may be a coil spring. The weighting element 6 also comprises, on the outside of the flanges 61, supports 69 adapted to support additional weights 690. These supports 69 may be formed of trays that will support the additional weight or weights 690, and it may also be provided a threaded rod 691 which will pass through the one or more additional weights 690 and which will cooperate with a nut for a durable attachment of the additional ball or weights 690.

The remaining carriage 4 comprises a frame 40 suspended on the raceway 1 1 by secondary front rolling members 41a and rear 41b formed of rollers or wheels rolling on the upper faces 1 1 of the lower beams 10.

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

a secondary rolling member before 41 a, and

- a stop before 49a turned towards the back.

The armature 40 also comprises two rear secondary members 42b, respectively to the right and to the left, each supporting at an upper end:

a secondary rear rolling member 41b; and

- a rear stop 49b turned forward.

The secondary rolling members before 41 a and rear 41 b on the right roll on the upper face 1 1 of the lower beam 10 of the right, while the secondary bearing members before 41 a and rear 41 b on the left roll on the upper face 1 1 of the lower beam 10 on the left. The rear side members 42b form vertically extending arms, while the front side members 42a form arms which extend at an inclination to the vertical at an inclination angle of between 20 and 45 degrees.

Thus, the secondary bearing members 41a, 41b of the remaining carriage 4 and the primary rolling members 31a, 31b of the distributor carriage 3 roll on the same raceway January 1.

The frame 40 comprises:

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

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

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

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

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

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

The armature 40 further comprises two support members 47 fixed to the respective lower longitudinal beams 46 and arranged vis-a-vis. These support members 47 comprise plates provided respectively with slots open on the top. The slots are flared at the entrance and then tapering to allow centering of rods 77 within the corresponding slots, as described later.

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

These arms 48 are spaced from one another and have free front ends 481 not connected to each other, so that the armature 40 is open in the front part, between the front ends 481 of these arms 48. These front ends 481 support abutment walls 483 projecting downwards.

These arms 48 also have respective rear ends 482 which are arranged between the longitudinal lower beams 46, on the inside of the lower frame 44. In the dual halyard configuration or, generally, when the secondary bearing members 41a, 41b of the remaining carriage 4 are in contact with the raceway, the arms 48 have an inclination IN relative to a horizontal longitudinal direction which is not zero and which is between 10 and 30 degrees (see Figure 3), so that these arms 48 extend non-parallel to the raceway 1 1 (which is horizontal).

Each arm 48 is provided with a guide rail 49 which also extends non-parallel to the raceway 1 1 in the dual-haul configuration.

Each guide rail 49 has:

an upper wall 490 which also extends non-parallel to the raceway 1 1 in the double-haul configuration, this upper wall 490 extending from the rear end 482 of the arm 48 to form an entry zone 491 ; and

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

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

Going from the rear end 482 of the arm 48 to the front end 481 of the arm 48, the bottom wall 492 ends, at the front end 481 of the arm 48, by a downward step 494 followed by a plateau terminal 495 which is below and which is therefore provided at the front end 481 of the arm 48.

The lifting device 2 further comprises an upper muffle 7 supported by the frame 40 of the carriage remaining in dual hauling configuration.

This upper muffle 7 comprises a muffle frame 70 consisting of two vertical flanges 71 secured to each other and spaced apart from each other.

The upper muffle 7 comprises an upper pulley 72 mounted on the muffle frame 70, between the two flanges 71. This upper pulley 72 ensures in dual halyard configuration the guidance of the hoisting rope 9, whose path will be described later. The upper muffle 7 is dimensioned to be able to engage at least partially inside the muffle housing 55 arranged on the lower muffle 5, in the simple configuration hauling.

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

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

The lifting device 2 is reversibly configurable between two configurations:

- The dual halyard configuration (visible in Figures 3 to 5) in which the trolley 3 and the remaining carriage 4 are assembled and movable in association along the arrow 1, and wherein the hoisting rope 9 cooperates with the muffle upper 7 and lower muffle 5 for work in double haul, that is to say with four lifting strands; and

- A simple configuration halyarding (visible in Figures 24 and 25) in which the trolley 3 and the remaining carriage 4 are disassembled and the trolley 3 is movable alone, and wherein the hoisting rope 9 cooperates with the lower muffle 5 for work in single haul, that is to say with two lifting strands.

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

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

- To the right and left, the front stop 39a of the distributor carriage 3 opposite the front stopper 49a of the remaining carriage 4 and the rear stop 39b of the distributor carriage 3 opposite the rear stopper 49b of the remaining carriage 4. In double-haul configuration, all the primary rolling members 31a, 31b and the secondary rolling members 41a, 41b are in rolling contact on the running track 11, in other words on the upper faces 11 of the lower beams 10 of the arrow 1.

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

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

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

Moreover, in double haul configuration:

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

the lower muffle 5 is operable upwardly and downwardly by means of the lifting cable 9 which circulates, from rear to front, through the main rear pulley 36b (and more precisely over the main rear pulley 36b), then by the rear lower pulley 52b (and more precisely underneath the lower rear pulley 52b), then by the upper pulley 72 suspended on the remaining carriage 4 (and more precisely over the upper pulley 72), then by the pulley lower front 52a and finally by the main pulley before 36a (and more precisely over the main pulley before 36a).

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

In the double-haul configuration, the arms 48, and also the upper walls 490 of the guide rails 49, extend non-parallel to the raceway 1 January.

In the dual-haul configuration, the ballast element 6 is removably supported by the lower muffle 5, with the support fingers 54 engaged within the notches 64 concerned.

In the single halyard configuration, the trolley 3 and the remaining trolley 4 are disassembled, with the remaining trolley 4 being static at a predefined storage location on the arrow 1, in this case a location at the foot of the arrow 1, in particular within sight of a cockpit.

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

Moreover, in simple configuration hauling:

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

the lower muffle 5 is operable upwardly and downwardly by means of the lifting cable 9 which circulates, from rear to front, through the main rear pulley 36b (and more precisely over the main rear pulley 36b), then over the lower rear pulley 52b, then by the upper pulley 72 arranged in the muffle housing 55 (and more precisely over the upper pulley 72), then by the lower pulley 52a before (and more precisely from below) the lower front pulley 52a) and finally by the main front pulley 36a (and more precisely over the main front pulley 36a), the lifting cable 9 passing over the upper pulley 72 so that the upper block 7 is blocked in the muffle housing 55.

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

In the simple halyard configuration, the arms 48, and also the upper walls 490 of the guide rails 49, extend non-parallel to the raceway 1 January.

The remainder of the description relates to the operation of the crane, and in particular to the operation of the lifting device 2 to automatically switch (without manual intervention) from the dual-haul configuration to the simple haul configuration, by acting on the hoist system. actuation and on the lifting cable 9 according to a predefined movement sequence. In advance, the distributor carriage 3 and the remaining carriage 4 are brought together to the predefined storage location on the arrow 1.

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

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

Therefore, the guide members 66 print a force that lifts the arms 48, as shown schematically by the arrows D2 in Figures 1 1 to 13, in the sense of a rise of their front ends 481 and therefore a rise end plates 495, until the upper walls 490 of the guide rails 49 extend horizontally, that is to say parallel to the raceway 1 January. Thus, the guide members 66 are at the inlet of the guide rails 49 which are now horizontal, while coming at the level of the lower walls 492.

The force impressed by the guide members 66 on the arms 48 also leads to the armature 40 of the remaining carriage being lifted in the direction of a detachment of the secondary rolling members before 41 a vis-à-vis the road rolling 1 1, as shown schematically by the arrows D3 in Figures 1 1 to 13, according to a pivot about the secondary rear rolling members 41 b which remain in contact with the raceway 1 1.

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

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

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

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

As can be seen in FIG. 22, the stops 673 of the locks 6 then bear against the abutment walls 483 provided at the front ends 481 of the arms 48, so that the locks 6, initially in the locking position, are moved to their positions. unlatching against the elastic return elements 68, thus releasing the support fingers 54 concerned notches 64 corresponding.

At this stage, the displacement D4 of the distributor trolley 3 is interrupted, and the trolley trolley 3 is partially out of the remaining trolley

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

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

Once reached this second intermediate configuration, the lower muffle 5 is lowered, as shown schematically by the arrows D5 in Figures 19, 23 and 24.

By lowering the lower muffle 5, the ballast element 6 is detached from the lower muffle 5, the locks 6 being for recall past unlocked position. Thus, the weighting element 6 is found in its storage position (mentioned above) in which this weighting element 6 is suspended on the arm 48 with its guide members 66 resting on the end plates 495 of the guide rails 49 as shown in Figure 23.

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

At the end of this lowering D6 of the arms 48, the guide rails 49 extend non-parallel to the raceway 1 1, thus preventing the weighting element 6 from moving rearwardly, so that the weighting element 6 is stuck in its storage position, hanging on the arms 48.

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

The remainder of the description relates to the operation of the crane, and in particular to the operation of the hoisting device 2 to automatically switch (without manual intervention) from the simple configuration to the dual halyard configuration, by acting on the system. actuation and on the lifting cable 9 according to a predefined movement sequence. In advance, the distributor carriage 3 is moved rearwardly and brought into contact with the remaining carriage 4 which has remained in its storage location.

Starting from the simple haul configuration, the lower block 5 is raised, as illustrated by the arrows S1 in FIGS. 24 and 25, until the support fingers 54 of the lower block engage in the corresponding notches 64. of the ballast element 6. This lift S1 is maintained until the weighting element 6 is hooked up to the lower muffle 5 and the guide members 66 take off from the end plates 495 of the guide rails 49.

As can be seen in FIG. 22, the guide members 66 print a force on the upper walls 490 of the guide rails 490, above the end plates 495.

As a result, the guiding members 66 impart a force which lifts the arms 48, as shown schematically by the arrows S2 in Figures 1 5, 1 7, 1 9 and 22, in the direction of a rise of their front ends 481. and therefore a rise of the end plates 495, until the upper walls 490 of the guide rails 49 extend horizontally, that is to say parallel to the raceway 1 January.

The force impressed by the guide members 66 on the arms 48 also leads to the armature 40 of the remaining carriage being lifted in the direction of a detachment of the secondary rolling members before 41 a vis-à-vis the road 1 1, as shown schematically by the arrows S3 in Figures 15 and 17, according to a pivot about the secondary rear rolling members 41b which remain in contact with the raceway 1 January.

Thus, under the effect of a thrust force exerted by the lower muffle 5 during its ascent S1, the distributor carriage 3 is able to be displaced in translation in the rear direction because the secondary bearing members before 41a are raised. . It is recalled that the frame 40 of the remaining carriage 4 is open at the front to allow such rearward movement of the distributor carriage 3.

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

Then, the distributor carriage 3 is moved in translation in the rear direction, as shown schematically by the arrows S4 in FIGS. 13 and 15. During this movement S4 towards the rear of the distributor carriage 3, the guide members 66 are guided by the guide rails 49, until the guide members 66 reach the entry zones 491 of the guide rails 49. provided at the rear ends 482 of the arms 48, as can be seen in FIG. 12.

The lifting device 2 then reaches the first intermediate configuration mentioned above.

Then, the lower muffle 5 is lowered, as shown schematically by the arrows S5 in FIGS. 10 and 12, until the upper muffle 7 clings to the support members 47.

During this descent S5 of the lower muffle 5, the guide members 66 of the ballast element 6 lose contact with the upper walls 490 of the guide rails 49, so that, under the own weight of the frame 40 of the remaining carriage 4, the arms 48 are lowered, as shown schematically by the arrow S6 in FIG. 10, in the direction of a descent of their front ends 481 and therefore of their end plates 495. At the end of this lowering S6 of the arms 48, the arms 48 and the guide rails 49 extend non-parallel to the raceway 1 January.

This lowering S6 of the armature 40 causes the primary rolling members 31a, 31b of the distributor carriage 3 to be wedged between the secondary rear rolling members 41b and 41a before.

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

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

Claims

1. Lifting crane comprising an arrow (1) provided with a raceway (1 1) and a hoisting device (2) with a double haulage configured to distribute a load along the boom (1), said lifting device ( 2) comprising:

- A distributor carriage (3) comprising a structure (30) suspended on the raceway (1 1) by primary rolling members (31a, 31b) and connected to an actuating system adapted to move the carriage distributor (3) along the raceway (1 1) in opposite forward and reverse directions, and a lower muffle (5) suspended from said structure (30) by a hoisting rope (9);

- a remaining carriage (4) comprising a frame (40) suspended on the raceway (1 1) by secondary rolling members (41a, 41b) and supporting an upper block (7);

where the lifting device (2) is reversibly configurable between two configurations:

- A dual halyard configuration in which the distributor carriage (3) and the remaining carriage (4) are assembled and movable in association along the arrow (1), and wherein the hoisting rope (9) cooperates with the upper block (7) and the lower muffle (5) for work in double hauling; and

- A simple configuration hauling in which the distributor carriage (3) and the remaining carriage (4) are disassembled and the distributor carriage (3) is movable alone, and wherein the hoisting rope (9) cooperates with the lower block (5). ) for work in single hauling;

said crane being characterized in that:

- the armature (40) of the remaining carriage (4) comprises at least one arm (48) provided with a guide rail (49) which extends non-parallel to the raceway (1 1) in the dual-haul configuration said guide rail (49) having an entrance area (491) provided at a rear end (482) of the arm (48) and an end plate (495) provided at a front end (481) of the arm; and

the lower muffle (5) supports at least one guide member (66) capable of cooperating with said guide rail (49), where the one or more guide elements (66) are mounted on a weighting element (6), said element of ballast (6) being removably supported by the lower block (5) in the dual-haul configuration;

in that the delivery trolley (3), the remaining trolley (4) and the lower muffle (5) are automatically movable from the dual-haul configuration to the single-haul configuration, by acting on the actuating system and the trolley cable. lifting (9), between:

- The dual halyard configuration where the ballast element (6) is supported removably by the lower block (5);

a first intermediate configuration where, starting from the dual-haul configuration, the lower muffle (5) is raised until the guiding member (s) (66) abuts on the entry zone (491) of the guide rail (49) and print a force which raises the arm (48), in the direction of a rise of the end plate (495), until the guide rail (49) extends parallel to the raceway (1 1); then

a second intermediate configuration where, starting from the first intermediate configuration, the distributor carriage (3) is displaced in translation in the forward direction, driving the guide member (s) (66) which enter the guide rail (49) concerned by the input area (491) and which are guided by said guide rail (49), until the one or more guide members (66) reach the end plate (495) of the guide rail (49). ) provided at the front end (481) of the arm (48), wherein said remaining carriage (4) is not displaced in translation along said raceway (1 1), remaining at a predefined storage location on the boom (1) and being shaped to allow a free passage to the hoisting rope (9) following the trolley (3); and

- The simple configuration haulage where, starting from the second intermediate configuration, the lower muffle (5) is lowered by leaving the weighting element (6) which is detached from the lower muffle (5), said weighting element (6). ) being then in a storage position in which said weighting element (6) is suspended on the arm (48) with its guide member or members (66) resting on said end plate (495) of the guide rail (49). );

and in that the distributor carriage (3), the remaining carriage (4) and the lower block (5) are automatically movable from the simple configuration hauling to the double haul configuration, acting on the actuating system and on the hoisting rope (9), between:

- Simple configuration hauling in which the ballast element (6) is suspended on the end plate (495) of the guide rail (49) of the arm (48) concerned;

- The second intermediate configuration where, starting from the simple configuration hauling, the lower block (5) is raised until the weighting element (6) hangs on the lower block (5) and the body or bodies guide (66) lift off the end plate (495) of the guide rail (49), said guide rail (49) extending parallel to the raceway (1 1);

- the first intermediate configuration where, starting from the second intermediate configuration, the distributor carriage (3) is displaced in translation in the rear direction, with the weighting element (6) hooked to the lower muffle (5) and with the or the guide members (66) which are guided by the relevant guide rail (49) until the guide member (66) reaches the entrance area (491) of the guide rail (49) concerned;

the double-haul configuration where, starting from the first intermediate configuration, the lower muffle (5) is lowered with the weighting element (6) hooked to the lower muffle (5).

2. Lifting crane according to claim 1, wherein the ballast element (6) has a generally "U" shape and comprises two flanges (61) joined by a rear wall, said flanges (61) being supported by the lower muffle (5), on either side of it, in the double-haul configuration, this general "U" shape allowing the free passage of the hoisting rope (9) during the forward movement of the trolley distributor (3) working in single hauling.

3. Lifting crane according to claim 2, wherein the flanges (61) of the ballast element (6) have notches (64) open on the bottom, and the lower block (5) has support fingers ( 54) on which are engaged the notches (64) in the double haul configuration.

4. Lifting crane according to claim 3, wherein the ballast element (6) comprises, in the front part, at least one latch (67) movable between a locking position of a support finger (54) in a notch (64) and an unlocking position of said support finger (54) in said notch (64), wherein the latch (67) cooperates with a resilient biasing member (68) biasing said latch (67) towards the position and when, starting from the first intermediate configuration and when the distributor carriage (3) is moved in translation in the forward direction, the latch (67) bears on the front end (481) of the arm (48). ) to bring said latch (67) in the unlocking position against the biasing of the elastic return element (68).

Lifting crane according to claim 4, wherein the latch (67) is pivotally mounted on the front part of the ballast element (6).

Lifting crane according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the notches (64) are flared at the entrance and then tapering to allow centering of the support fingers (54) within the notches (64). corresponding.

Lifting crane according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the flanges (61) of the ballast element (6) each have a notch (64) before and a notch (64) rear, and the weighting element (6) has a center of gravity centered on the notches (64) front and rear.

Lifting crane according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the armature (40) of the remaining carriage (4) comprises two parallel arms (48) connected by a rear beam and wherein, in the second intermediate configuration, the lower muffle (5) and the weighting element (6) are arranged between the two arms (48).

9. Lifting crane according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the armature (40) of the remaining carriage (4) is open at the front to allow, during the transition from the first intermediate configuration to the simple configuration hauling and conversely, a free translation at a time of the distributor carriage (3) which carries the lower muffle (5) and the upper block (7), and the lifting cable (9) which follows the distributor carriage (3).

10. Lifting crane according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, starting from the second intermediate configuration, when the lower muffle (5) is lowered by leaving the weighting element (6) on the arm (48) of the frame (40) of the remaining carriage

(4), said weighting member (6) prints, by its own weight, a force which lowers the arm (48), in the direction of a descent of the end plate (495), until the rail guide (49) extends non-parallel to the raceway (1 1), preventing the weighting element (6) from moving rearwardly.

1 1. Lifting crane according to claim 10, in which, starting from the single halyard configuration, when the lower block (5) is raised until the weighting element (6) hangs up to the lower block.

(5), said weighting element (6) imparts a force which raises the arm (48), in the direction of a rise of the end plate (495), until the guide rail (49) is extends parallel to the raceway (1 1).

Lifting crane according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide rail (49) of an arm (48) has:

an upper wall (490) which extends non-parallel to the raceway (1 1) in the dual-haul configuration and which extends parallel to the raceway (1 1) in the first intermediate configuration, said upper wall ( 490) extending from the rear end (482) of the arm (48) to form the entrance area (491); and

- a bottom wall (492) joined to the top wall (490) by a central core (493), wherein the bottom wall (492) is remote from the rear end (482) of the arm (48);

so that :

when passing from the dual-haul configuration to the first intermediate configuration, the lower block (5) is raised until the guiding member or members (66) abut on the top wall (490), while coming from the lower wall (492); and - Once in the first intermediate configuration, the distributor carriage (3) is adapted to be moved in translation towards the front end (481) of the arm (48) with the or guiding members (66) which are guided and trapped between the bottom wall (492) and the top wall (490).

Lifting crane according to claim 12, wherein the lower wall (492) terminates at the front end (481) of the arm (48) by a step (494) followed by the end plate (495). which is below and is adapted to receive the guide member or members (66), so that:

- Once in the intermediate configuration, the distributor carriage (3) is adapted to be moved in translation until the or the guide members (66) reach the end plate (495); then

the lower muffle (5) is capable of being lowered, leaving the weighting element (6) in the storage position on the said end plate (495) of the guide rail (49), the step (494) maintaining the weighting element (6) in place on the end plate (495).

Lifting crane according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the structure (30) of the distributor carriage (3) comprises at least one rear stop (39b) and at least one front stop (39a), and the frame (40) of the remaining carriage (4) comprises at least one rear stop (49b) and at least one front stop (49a) and where, in double haul configuration, the distributor carriage (3) and the remaining carriage (4) are assembled and movable in association, on the one hand, in the forward direction with the front stop (39a) abutting against the front stop (49a) and, on the other hand, in a rear direction with the rear stop (39b). ) which abuts against the rear stop (49b).

Lifting crane according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary rolling members (41a, 41b) of the remaining carriage (4) comprise at least one secondary rear rolling member (41b) and at least one a secondary front rolling member (41 a), and said secondary rolling members (41 a, 41 b) of the remaining carriage (4) and the primary rolling members (31a, 31b) of the distributor carriage (3) roll on the same raceway (1 1), and in the dual-haul configuration, at least one of the primary bearing members (31a, 31b) of the distributor carriage (3) is wedged between the rear secondary bearing member (41b) and the front secondary bearing member (41a) of the remaining carriage (4).

16. Lifting crane according to claims 14 and 15, wherein the armature (40) of the remaining carriage (4) is shaped to lift in the direction of a detachment of the front secondary bearing member (41a). against the rolling path (1 1) under the effect of a thrust force exerted by the lower block (5) and / or by the or the guide members (66) when said lower block (5) ), starting from the double halyard configuration, is raised to the first intermediate configuration, so that in said first intermediate configuration the distributor carriage (3) is able to be displaced in translation in the forward direction towards the second intermediate configuration, the front stop (39a) of the structure (30) of the distributor carriage (3) is no longer blocked by the front stop (49a) of the armature (40) raised.

Lifting crane according to claim 16, wherein the armature (40) of the remaining carriage (4) is shaped to lift in the direction of a detachment of the front secondary bearing member (41 a), according to a pivoting around the secondary rear rolling member (41b) which remains in contact with the raceway (1 1).

18. Lifting crane according to claims 16 or 17, wherein the armature (40) of the remaining carriage (4) is shaped to lower in the direction of a gluing of the front secondary bearing member (41 a ) on the raceway (1 1) under the effect of the weight of the ballast element (6) when said lower block (5), starting from the second intermediate configuration, is lowered while leaving the ballast element ( 6) on the arm (48) of this frame (40).

Lifting crane according to claims 14 and 15, wherein the armature (40) of the remaining carriage (4) has at least one limb secondary front end (42a) supporting at an upper end at least one front secondary bearing member (41a) and the front retainer (49a), and at least one rear secondary member (42b) supporting at one upper end at least one member secondary rear bearing (41b) and the rear stopper (49b),

and the structure (30) of the distributor carriage (3) comprises at least at least one front main member (32a) supporting at an upper end at least one front rolling primary member (31a) and the forward stop (39a), and at least one rear main member (32b) supporting at an upper end at least one rear rolling primary member (31b) and the rear stop (39b).

Lifting crane according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ballast element (6) has a flared bottom part to facilitate entry of the lower block (5) when the lower block (5), starting from the simple configuration halyard, is raised to the second intermediate configuration.

21. Crane according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage location of the remaining carriage (4) corresponds to a location at the bottom of the crane boom (1), in particular within sight of a crane cabin. piloting.

A method of hauling a hoisting crane according to any one of claims 1 to 21, comprising the following steps, performed automatically and sequentially, to change from a dual haul configuration to a simple haul configuration:

- Starting from the double haul configuration, reassemble the lower block (5) until the guide member (s) (66) abuts the entry area (491) of the guide rail (49) concerned. and print a force which raises the arm (48), in the direction of a rise of the end plate (495), until the guide rail (49) extends parallel to the raceway (1 1) to reach the first intermediate configuration; and

- once in the first intermediate configuration, move the distributor carriage (3) in translation in the forward direction, driving the one or more guiding members (66) which enter the guide rail (49) concerned by the entrance area (491) and which are guided by said guide rail (49) concerned, until the one or more guide (66) reaches the end plate (495) of the guide rail (49) provided at the front end of the arm (48) to reach the second intermediate configuration, said remaining carriage (4) not being displaced in translation along said raceway (11) and remaining at a predefined storage location on the crane boom (1);

- from the second intermediate configuration, lower the lower muffle (5) to disassemble the lower muffle (5) and the frame (40) of the remaining carriage (4) leaving the weighting element (6) which is unhooked of the lower muffle (5), said ballast element (6) then being in a storage position in which said ballast element (6) is suspended on the arm (48) with its or its guide members (66) in pressing on said end plate (495) of the guide rail (49),

- moving the distributor carriage (3) in translation forwards away from the remaining carriage (4), the distributor carriage (3) and the lifting cable (9) being free to exit completely from the frame ( 40) of the remaining carriage (4), and allow work in single hauling, leaving the ballast element (6) in the storage position.

23. A method of hauling according to claim 22, wherein, starting from the second intermediate configuration, when the lower muffle (5) is lowered while leaving the weighting element (6) on the arm (48) of the armature ( 40) of the remaining carriage (4), said weighting element (6) impresses, by its own weight, a force which lowers the arm (48), in the direction of a descent of the end plate (495), until the guide rail (49) extends non-parallel to the raceway (1 1), preventing the weighting element (6) from moving rearwardly.

24. A method of hauling a hoisting crane according to any one of claims 1 to 21, comprising the following steps, performed automatically and sequentially, to go from a simple configuration haul to a dual haul configuration:

- starting from the single halyard configuration, translate the trolley (3) in translation along the raceway (1 1) according to the direction back to the remaining carriage (4) remains stationary at its storage location, until reaching a predefined position, then reassemble the lower muffle

(5) until the weighting member (6) hangs up from the bottom muffle (5) and the one or more guide members (66) take off from the end plate (495) of the guide rail (49), said guide rail (49) extending parallel to the raceway (1 1), to reach the second intermediate configuration;

- translate the distributor carriage (3) in translation in the backward inwards direction of the remaining carriage (4) along the raceway (1 1) to a new predefined position with the weighting element (6). ) hooked to the lower block (5) and with the one or more guide members (66) which are guided by the guide rail (49) concerned until the one or more guide members (66) reach the zone entry (491) of the guide rail (49) concerned, to reach the first intermediate configuration;

- from this first intermediate configuration, lower the lower muffle (5) for work in double hauling, with the weighting element

(6) hooked to the lower muffle (5).

25. A method of hauling according to claim 24, in which, starting from the simple halyard configuration, when the lower block (5) is raised until the weighting element (6) hangs up to the lower block (5). ), said weighting element (6) prints a force which raises the arm (48), in the direction of a rise of the end plate (495), until the guide rail (49) extends parallel to the raceway (1 1).