WO2022269189A1

WO2022269189A1 - Holding device and corresponding handling assembly, support, system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2022269189A1
Application number: PCT/FR2022/051208
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stéphane GRUNENWALD
Original assignee: Orange
Priority date: 2021-06-24
Filing date: 2022-06-21
Publication date: 2022-12-29
Also published as: FR3124177A1; FR3124177B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device comprising: means for holding a piece of equipment intended to be provided in a physical support; means for activating first holding means capable, when activated, of co-operating with the support in order to hold the device in a position referred to as the working position, wherein the piece of equipment is positioned close to the support in a position referred to as the installation position, the activating means being suitable for exerting a pressure on the first holding means so as to activate them, the device being suitable, in the working position, for occupying a first peripheral portion of a first section of the support, the first section being opposite the device, and for ensuring a second peripheral portion of the first section is freely accessible. The invention also relates to a corresponding handling assembly, support, system and method.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Title of the invention: Holding device, assembly, support, system and corresponding handling method

1. Technical area

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

2. State of the art

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

For example, in the context of telephone and/or electrical networks, interventions on equipment supports such as telephone and/or electrical poles must sometimes be carried out. For obvious safety reasons, the equipment (cables, crosspieces, etc.) mounted on these poles is often installed in an upper part of the poles, at heights that are difficult for an individual to reach (for example at almost 10 meters from the ground) . If these installations at height preserve the safety of the people in their vicinity, they make on the other hand more difficult the manipulations of installation, maintenance and/or production to be carried out on these poles.

There is therefore a need for a solution making it possible to facilitate production, installation and/or maintenance operations on such systems.

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

3. Disclosure of Invention

The present application aims to improve the situation with the aid of a device comprising: means for retaining at least one item of equipment intended to equip a physical medium; means for activating first holding means able, when activated, to cooperate with said support to hold said device in a so-called working position where said equipment is positioned close to said support in a so-called installation position, said means for activation being capable of exerting pressure on said first holding means so as to activate them, said device being adapted, in said working position, to occupy a first peripheral portion of a first section of said support, the first section being in -vis-à-vis said device, and to leave free access to a second peripheral portion of said first section. For example, the retaining means may comprise first coupling means suitable for at least temporary coupling with equipment.

According to at least one embodiment, said device is capable of actuating said activation means, via means for controlling said activation means, when said device is in said working position, from an intervention position located at a distance greater than 150 cm from said working position.

According to at least one embodiment, said device comprises: means for retaining at least one item of equipment; means for activating first holding means able, when activated, to cooperate with said physical support to hold said device on said support in a so-called working position where said equipment is positioned close to said support in a so-called installation position , said working position not being accessible without the assistance of a tool to an operator from an intervention position on the ground of said operator; said activation means being capable of exerting pressure on said first holding means so as to activate them, said device being adapted, in said working position, to occupy a first peripheral portion of a first section of said support, the first section being opposite said device, and leaving free access to a second peripheral portion of said first section. According to at least one embodiment, said handling device comprises: means for retaining at least one piece of equipment 140; means 170 for activating first holding means 120 capable, when activated, of cooperating with said physical support 50 to hold said device 100 on said support in a so-called working position where said equipment 140 is positioned close to said support 150 in a so-called installation position, said working position being out of reach with bare hands of an operator from an intervention position on the ground of said operator; said activation means 170 being able to exert pressure on said first holding means 120 so as to activate them, said device 100 being adapted, in said working position, to occupy a first peripheral portion 312 of a first section 300 of said support 150, the first section 300 being facing said device 100, and to allow free access to a second peripheral portion 314 of said first section 300; and said activation means being operable via means for controlling said activation means, from said intervention position, when said device is in said work position.

According to at least one embodiment, said working position is opposite an upper region of the support located above said operating position.

According to at least one embodiment, said working position is opposite a lower region of the support located below said operating position.

According to at least one embodiment, said device comprises means for coupling with means for positioning said device capable of moving said device between the ground and said working position. In certain embodiments, said means for activating said first holding means comprise at least one clamping element, able to tighten an activating element on said first holding means so as to exert pressure on said holding means to activate them.

In certain embodiments, in said working position, said first holding means are positioned at least partially between the first peripheral portion of said support and at least one portion of said activation element.

In certain embodiments, said activation element comprises at least one flexible element able to be rolled up and said tightening element is able to roll up said at least one flexible element so as to activate said first holding means.

In certain embodiments, said device is suitable for coupling with means for controlling said clamping element.

For example, the device may comprise second means for coupling with said control means.

In certain embodiments, said device is suitable for coupling with means for positioning said device suitable for moving said device from/to said working position.

For example, the device may comprise third coupling means with said positioning means.

In certain embodiments, said device is suitable for coupling with mechanical and/or electromechanical positioning means 160 of said device suitable for moving said device from/to said working position.

In some embodiments, the positioning means comprises a pole (such as a telescopic pole).

In certain embodiments, said retaining means comprise means for offsetting said equipment.

In certain embodiments, said retaining means comprises:

- an offset arm;

- a first retaining element of said equipment located at a distal end of the offset arm, relative to said activation means;

- a second retaining element located at a proximal end of the arm 192 with respect to said activation means, said second retaining element being coupled to said activation means. In some embodiments, said offset arm is adapted to be positioned between said support and a crosspiece already positioned on said support.

In certain embodiments, said offset means of said equipment comprise second holding means.

In some embodiments, said retaining means, said first and/or second holding means, said control means and/or said positioning means are removable For example, the first, second and/or third coupling means can be suitable for temporary coupling with said retaining means, said control means and/or said corresponding positioning means.

In certain embodiments, said control and/or positioning means are manually operable when they are coupled to said device in its working position.

In certain embodiments, said device comprises means for locking said first and/or second holding means.

In certain embodiments, said first and/or second holding means are able to limit a movement of said device in at least one direction of movement. In certain embodiments, said first and/or second holding means comprise at least one attachment element and/or one compressible element.

In certain embodiments, said first and/or second holding means comprise at least one notched sole.

In certain embodiments, said equipment is a crosspiece or/and a support capable of being equipped with at least one crosspiece.

In certain embodiments, said device is at least partially removable and/or foldable in a transport position.

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

According to another aspect, the present application relates to a portable assembly comprising at least one device according to the present application in any one of its embodiments and a storage element capable of at least partially containing said device. According to another aspect, the present application relates to a support equipped with at least one device according to the present application in any one of its embodiments.

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

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

- positioning of at least one device according to the present application in any one of its embodiments, in said working position;

- actuation of said activation means, so as to activate the first holding means.

According to at least one embodiment, said handling method comprises:

- actuation of said clamping means, so as to activate the first holding means via said activation element of said device. The characteristics presented in connection with the device of the present application in its different embodiments can be transposed in a similar way to the assembly, to the equipped support, to the system and to the method in their different embodiments.

4. Brief description of drawings

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

[Fig 1] presents a simplified, so-called "front" view of a device according to the present application, in at least some of its embodiments, in a working position (where it equips a so-called front face of 'a support)

[Fig 2] shows a so-called "profile" view of a device according to the present application, in at least some of its embodiments, in a working position (where it equips a so-called front face of a support), it may be for example the device and the support of Figure 1 [Fig 3] illustrates a section of the support, opposite which is positioned the device according to the present application in its working position , and the first and second peripheral portions mentioned in the present application, in association with at least certain embodiments of the device;

[Fig 4] shows a so-called "front" view of a device according to the present application, in a working position (where it equips a so-called front face of a support), in at least some of its modes embodiment where it is equipped with offset means, it may be for example the device of Figure 1, Figure 2, or another device.

[Fig 5] shows a so-called "profile" view of a device according to the present application, in a working position (where it equips a so-called front face of a support), in at least some of its modes embodiment where it is equipped with offset means, it may be for example the device of Figure 4.

[Fig 6] presents certain steps of a method suitable for implementing the device of the present application, in at least certain of its embodiments.

[Fig 7] shows a simplified view, in perspective, of an offset element adapted to be mounted on the device of the present application, in at least some of its embodiments.

[Fig 8] presents a simplified view, called "side view", of an offset element adapted to be mounted on the device of the present application, in at least some of its embodiments.

5. Description of embodiments

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

Unless otherwise indicated, the elements common or similar to several figures bear the same reference signs and have identical or similar characteristics, so that these common elements are generally not described again for the sake of simplicity. The terms "first(s)" (or first(s)), "second(s)", etc. are used in this document by arbitrary convention to make it possible to identify and distinguish different elements (such as coupling means) implemented in the embodiments described below.

The present disclosure aims to provide aid for the production, installation and/or maintenance of at least one system comprising at least one physical support, for example a rigid structure such as a pole (metal or wood) or a industrial jib. In particular, it proposes a solution allowing, via a device that is the subject of this application, installation and/or replacement, permanently and/or temporarily, of equipment near such a support. It may be, for example, in the case where the support is a telephone or electric pole, equipment such as a crosspiece and/or a support element to be fitted with a crosspiece, the crosspiece being intended to support ( buttress) network elements such as telephone or power cables. The device is for example an electromechanical device.

As explained in more detail below, the device can be adapted, in certain embodiments, to occupy only one face and/or portion of the support when it is installed on this support.

According to the embodiments, the device can be adapted to hold equipment of different weights. For example, in some embodiments, it may be suitable for holding equipment weighing approximately 100, 200 or 300 kilograms on a support.

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

Figure 1 shows a simplified, so-called "front" view of a device 100 according to the present application, in at least some of its embodiments, in a working position, where it equips a so-called front face with a support. The left part of figure 1 illustrates the device in its working position on the post, the right part of figure 1 showing in an enlarged way the details of an area 1 of the left part of figure 1. In the illustrated example, the support is a pole such as a telephone and/or electric pole, for example a wooden pole. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the device 100 can comprise retaining means 110 of at least one piece of equipment 140 via first means of coupling, at least temporarily, with this piece of equipment 140. It can be in particular an electronic piece of equipment (such as an antenna or sensor) or mechanical (such as a cross member to support a network cable as shown). The first coupling means can for example comprise fixing means (by screwing, winding, through-holes and/or clipping for example) and/or support (lug etc.) of this equipment to the device and/or be adapted to cooperate with additional coupling means (comprising for example at least one hook, rope, screw-nut assembly, lug(s) and/or hole(s) passing through the equipment, etc.) for retaining the equipment.

The device 100 is adapted to be positioned, at least temporarily, in a so-called working position where the equipment 140 can be retained, via said retaining means 110 and/or said first associated coupling means, close to a support. 150, and / or brought close to and / or away from this support. The working position is located close to a part of the support, called by simplification in the present application "working part" of the support.

The working part of the support can sometimes be located at a distance from the operator, when the latter is in his intervention position, and in particular out of his reach with bare hands, that is to say not accessible without the assistance of a tool (e.g. ladder, stepladder) by the operator.

Implementation, regulatory and/or safety constraints may, for example, impose a positioning in height of the cables intended to equip a telephone and/or electric pole, and therefore of the other equipment to be installed in association with these cables, such as crosspieces and / or support elements of such sleepers.

For example, in some embodiments, the working part of the support can be located at a distance of at least 150 or 200 centimeters from the operator, for example 3, 5 or 10 meters. The working part can therefore be difficult to access for the operator with bare hands. Thus, in the case of a vertical support, or substantially vertical, the working part can sometimes be located at a distance from the ground, in an upper region of a support rising above the position of intervention of an operator, as illustrated in FIG. 1, or a lower region of a support installed below the intervention position of an operator (in a well or a drilling zone for example).

The device can, in certain embodiments, be equipped with positioning means 160, able to move (for example over several meters, like about ten meters) the device from an initial position (like a rest position), to its position working position and/or vice versa, for example a working position located at a distance from the operator. These positioning means can for example be used manually. In certain embodiments, the positioning means may comprise handling means, for example gripping means, so as to allow them for example to be gripped by an operator and/or, in certain embodiments, coupling means to a lightweight positioning device (such as a lifting device already positioned above the working position of device 100).

As illustrated, in certain embodiments, these positioning means 160 can comprise a pole, for example a telescopic pole with a total length ranging from the order of several meters up to several tens of meters, depending on the embodiments .

Such an embodiment of the device that is the subject of the present application can therefore help an operator to position the device remotely in its working position in compliance with security constraint prohibiting for example the climbing of the support, or the installation of a ladder against the support.

The device may also include, optionally, means for coupling these positioning means to the device. These may be, for example, fastening means (by screwing, clipping, rolling or through holes for example) or attachment means (hook, ring, etc.). These coupling means may for example comprise means for locking and unlocking the positioning means, in particular in embodiments where these positioning means are removable. The locking means of the positioning means can for example, in certain embodiments, help to secure the positioning means to the device, in particular by limiting the risks of the positioning means and/or the device being separated and/or falling. -even when positioning it in a working or resting position.

In certain embodiments, the coupling means can be activated remotely (so that, for example, the means for positioning the device can be detached from the ground once the latter is anchored in its working position).

As explained above, in certain embodiments of the device of the present application, the positioning means can be removable, so as for example to help transport the device more easily, or even allow use of the same means of positioning for several devices, for example in the context of an intervention, on a single support or on several supports, requiring the installation of several devices which are the subject of the present application in their working position.

The device may comprise first means 120 for holding the device in its working position (as detailed below with FIG. 2) and means 170 for activating these first means for holding, cooperating with an activation element 180. In the example illustrated, the activation means 170 comprise at least one clamping winch 172, on which can be mounted at least one activation element 180 (made of a flexible material such as a strip (stainless steel for example) in example shown). In the example of figure 1, it can be a winch with a reducer (comprising at least a first pinion and at least a second pinion, the second pinion being smaller than the first pinion for example).

Other embodiments may implement an endless screw.

The device may further comprise means for controlling the activation means 170 (for example a crank 130 controlling the winch 172 as illustrated).

In certain embodiments, the control means 130 of the activation means 170 can be capable of releasing or actuating at least some of the activation means. The control means 130 can thus, at least in certain embodiments, help to anchor the device to the support (or to a third element coupled to the support), in its working position, by actuating the first means of maintenance, and the release of the device from its working position (to bring it back to a rest position for example) by releasing the first holding means. Figure 2 shows a so-called "side" view of a device 100 according to the present application, in at least some of its embodiments, in a working position, such as the working position detailed above, where it equips a so-called front face with a support, for example a telephone and/or electric pole. It may for example be the device and the support of FIG. 1 . The left part of FIG. 2 illustrates the device in its working position on the post, the right part of FIG. 2 showing in an enlarged way the details of a zone 2 of the left part of FIG. As illustrated in Figure 2, the device 100 is adapted to be positioned, at least temporarily, in a working position, thanks to first holding means 120, able to come into contact with the support (or a third element coupled to the support ) and to cooperate with it (due to its shape and/or its material, for example) to maintain the device in this working position. In the example illustrated, the first holding means may for example comprise holding elements having a certain elasticity (for example made at least partially of rubber), capable of retaining the device once pressed against the support. They may be, for example, spherical, cylindrical or conical rubber elements, in certain embodiments. It can also be at least one holding element, rigid for example, comprising hooking (or penetrating) means, also called “sole” in the present application, as detailed below. These soles can for example comprise through holes (suitable for the passage of a flexible element as described in the present application for their fixing for example). They can be in certain one-piece embodiments.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the device is equipped with activation means (such as the winch 172) which are capable of acting on an activation element (for example the flexible element 180), in the working position of the device, to exert pressure on the first holding means (a single sole provided with claws (or notches) in the example shown) so as to press them against the support.

In the example illustrated, the winch 172 comprises a rotating element 174 (for example a rod or reel comprising at one of its ends by a ring) operable via a crank 130 coupled to the device 100. For example, the crank can be provided with its end with a hook adapted to be inserted in the ring of the rotary rod 174. The rotary element is also coupled to the flexible element 180, so that the rotation of the rotary element via the crank causes the flexible element that wraps around the rotating element. The winch 172 can also include a slot 176, suitable for at least partial insertion of the flexible element.

Such a flexible element can be obtained by cutting a strip. It may be, for example, a strip with a width of a few tens of millimeters in certain embodiments (such as a width of the interval [5 millimeters; 35 millimeters], such as 10, 20 or 30 millimeters (mm )) and a thickness of the order of 0.5 to 1.5 mm (for example 0.7 mm or 1 mm). In the example illustrated, the flexible element 180 is wound around the post and mounted on the winch, so as to form a collar encircling the device, the first holding means and the support. As a result, the tension applied to the flexible element 180, during its winding via the activation means, just adjust (ie tighten) the collar and therefore press the first holding means 120 against the support. As the flexible element is adjusted, via the winch, the pressure exerted on the first holding means increases, and ends up causing the activation of the first holding means. For example, in the case of a device mounted on a wooden post and whose first holding means comprise notched soles, these penetrate into the support to cling to the support. Moreover, the adjustment of the flexible element against the first holding means helps to hold the first holding means in their anchoring position (or in other words locks them in their anchoring position).

As explained above, in certain embodiments the device can be adapted to occupy, in its working position, only a portion of the circumference of the post. FIG. 3 thus illustrates the device (in a non-representative form), in its working position, on the support 150. The position of the device on the support defines, opposite, a section 300 (imaginary) of the support of height equal to the height occupied by the device on the support; of the same longitudinal axis 330 as the support, and of section 320 perpendicular to this axis. In its working position, the device occupies only a first portion 312 (peripheral) of the periphery 310 (for example of the circumference) of this section 300, a second portion 314 of the periphery 310 (for example of the circumference) remaining free from access, the two portions extending over the height of the section). For example, the device can leave free at least one face of a support whose section forms a polygon (square, rectangular, or octagonal support for example), or the entire device can be located on a single and unique face. , called the front face, of such a support. In some embodiments (as illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5 for example), the entire device can be located on a part of a post of cylindrical or conical shape entirely visible to an observer facing the post. (also called “front face” for simplicity in the present application).

Such embodiments can for example help to comply with regulatory and/or contractual constraints, limiting the occupation of the posts by devices (in particular when these are likely to be equipped with several devices).

In certain embodiments (as illustrated in FIG. 2), the first holding means can for example be mounted on the device so as to be placed, in the working position, “sandwiched”, between the activation means ( the winch 172 for example) and the support.

In some embodiments, the control means 130 (such as the crank) can also allow the flexible element to unwind and therefore release the pressure it exerts on the first holding means.

The control means 130 can also comprise, optionally, in certain embodiments a return element (such as a pulling element or a spring) coupled to the first holding means to promote their separation from the device, and thus help when the device is removed from its working position (via, for example, the positioning means already mentioned) In certain embodiments, the means for controlling the activation means and/or the first holding means can be actuated remotely. For example, they may be able to be manipulated manually, from a position where the operator intervenes, for example a position located a few meters or a few tens of meters from the working position of the device.

As detailed above, the device of the present application, in at least some of its embodiments, can be adapted to a positioning of the device and/or to a remote actuation and/or release of the first holding means ( via the means of activation and/or control) by an operator and can therefore help to intervene on equipment and/or its support without requiring the use of an auxiliary approach structure (by an operator) of the position work, such as a ladder, scaffolding or a basket. The device of the present application can therefore, in at least some of its embodiments, help to reduce the complexity of an intervention, and therefore potentially help to reduce the cost of intervention in terms of material required and/or duration. of intervention, and/or a delay before intervention. It can also, in at least some of its embodiments, make possible (or at least facilitate) interventions which would be difficult (long, costly, or even impossible to perform on certain sites) with the solutions of the prior art. , such as interventions in areas inaccessible to a heavy and/or bulky approach structure, such as a nacelle, such as mountainous or wooded areas. In certain embodiments of the device of the present application, the control means (the crank illustrated for example) can be removable, so as for example to help transport the device more easily or even to allow use of the same control means. for several devices, for example in the context of an intervention, on a single or on several supports, requiring the installation of several devices which are the subject of the present application in their working position. These such embodiments can also help to secure the device, the removal of the control means from the device being able in fact on the one hand, in certain embodiments, to block the activation means, so as to retain the adjustment of the flexible element and therefore the pressure exerted on the first holding means, and on the other hand to avoid involuntary or unauthorized operation of the activation means.

In the example of Figure 2, the first means for holding the device comprise a single sole 120, arranged behind the winch 172, for example centered around the winch, so as to help for example in balancing the device.

Of course, the number, shape and/or position of the holding means, the first means for coupling to equipment and the activation means can vary according to the embodiments.

Figure 4 shows a so-called "front" view of a device according to the present application, in a working position (where it equips a so-called front face of a support), in at least some of its embodiments where it is equipped with offset means, it may be for example the device of Figure 1, Figure 2 or another device. The left part of figure 4 illustrates the device in its working position on the post, the right part of figure 2 showing in an enlarged way the details of an area 4 of the left part of figure 4.

Figure 5 shows a so-called "profile" view of a device according to the present application, in a working position (where it equips a so-called front face of a support), in at least some of its embodiments where it is equipped with means of offset. It can be for example the device of figure 4. The left part of figure 5 illustrates the device in its working position on the post, the right part of figure 5 showing in an enlarged way the details of a zone 5 of the left part of figure 5.

As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, in some embodiments, the retaining means 110 of the device may include offset means 190 of the coupling with at least one piece of equipment. Such embodiments can for example help to position equipment in a remote installation position, located at a distance from the first holding means and the activation means 170. They can therefore be adapted, for example, to situations where the Equipment 140 to be installed must be positioned above equipment 142 (such as a crosspiece) already present on the support and preventing the ascent of the device above this equipment 142 already present. Such embodiments can therefore find applications in the context of adding an additional crosspiece (for optical fiber for example), on a telephone or electric pole already equipped with a crosspiece.

The equipment 142, installed prior to the device is illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 mounted on holding means 122 fixed to the support and secured by a link 182.

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate more precisely, in perspective in Figure 7 and in profile view in Figure 8, the offset means 190 of the device. In the example illustrated, the offset means comprise an offset element 190, rigid for example, comprising an arm 192 terminated at both ends by retaining elements 194, 196. The retaining element 194 "C" of the proximal end of arm 192 may be coupled (attached) to the device (e.g., winch) and retainer 196 of the opposite, distal end of arm 192 may be adapted for coupling with equipment 140. The retaining element 196 “A” can for example be adapted to support a crossbeam and/or comprise at least one crossbeam support element. Each end can be provided with coupling means such as fastening means (screwing, winding, clipping, etc.) or support elements such as lugs, or cooperation with such means (such as through holes).

The offset means may for example comprise retaining elements perpendicular to the arm. In the working position, the arm can for example be positioned vertically, the retaining elements "A" 196, and "C" 194 being positioned horizontally, giving the offset means 190 an inverted U shape.

In some embodiments, as in the examples illustrated by Figures 4.5, 7 and 8, where the device can be positioned, in its working position, just below equipment 142 already positioned near the support (like a cross member already installed via a cross member support element on the support), the offset element 190 can be adapted (due to its dimensions in particular) to be positioned between the equipment already positioned 142 and the support 150 (for example, in a space left free between the crosspiece 142 already installed and the post). Thus, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, if a force is exerted in the direction X on the offset element 190, it will bear against the existing equipment 142 via the arm B 192 and additionally maintained by the collar formed by the tightening winch 172 and the flexible element 180.

In some embodiments, the distal end 196 may further comprise second holding means "D" 198 (for example one or more soles). These second "D" holding means 198 can for example be activated when the first holding means are activated by the activation means, which, due to the rigidity of the offset element, can also activate the second means for holding the element against the post. These second holding means can, for example, help to stabilize the retaining means, in particular when they effectively retain a piece of equipment 140, to prevent them from tipping over, for example. Thus, in FIGS. 4 and 5, if a force is exerted in the Y direction on the offset element 190, the latter will rest on the post 150 through the holding means D 198 (a single flange in the figures 7 and 8), and will also be held by the collar formed by the tightening winch 172 and the flexible element 180.

In certain embodiments, the first holding means 120 located between the collar 180 and the support 150 and the second holding means D 198 can be identical (or similar), or have at least certain dimensions (such as the thickness for example ) identical (or similar). In particular, they can be chosen so as to be all identical or similar, particularly in terms of thickness, to third holding means 182 fitted to the already existing equipment 142. Indeed, a similarity between the first holding means 180 , the second holding means 198 and the third holding means 182 can help to align the device parallel to the post, so as to help balance the anchoring to the post of the various holding means (ie making the anchoring of the various means of homogeneous maintenance).

In certain embodiments, said offset means (in particular the arm, the retaining elements and the support element) can be of orientation and/or of adjustable dimensions (in height and/or width, etc.)

In certain embodiments, the activation means can cooperate with several activation elements (for example several flexible elements as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5) or with an activation element wound several times around the support, so as to example to exert pressure on a larger surface of the holding means (or to modulate this pressure according to the shape of the holding means).

According to the embodiments, the device can be coupled to different first and/or second holding means, by their shape, their rigidity and/or their material for example, for an adaptation of the same device for use on substrates of different characteristics (such as wood and steel). In the examples illustrated, where the section 300 of the support on which the device is positioned is made of a relatively penetrable material such as wood, the holding means may comprise suitable attachment means (by their shape and their material for example) to penetrate, superficially or deeply, in such a material, so as to limit (or even prevent) the movements of the device in its working position. The attachment means may for example comprise at least one claw or one lug. In the example illustrated, it may be at least one notched sole and/or provided with at least one grip "grip" (such as claws), at least partially metallic, for example a flat sole or V. Such soles can indeed, at least in certain embodiments, be manufactured in a simple way and therefore at low cost and, at least for V soles, are likely to be suitable for installation on supports of multiple shapes and/or dimensions. At least certain embodiments of the device of the present application can therefore be made simply and at low cost, which can help large-scale use of the device.

According to the embodiments, the device can be adapted to supports of various shapes. In some embodiments, the section of the support, that is to say the working part vis-à-vis the working position, may be of slightly conical shape, the highest zone of the part of the support having a smaller diameter than the lowest part of the support (in the case for example of a support rising vertically from the ground), or vice versa, so that the shape of the section of the support participates in the effort to maintain the device in its working position, or on the contrary facilitates its return to a rest position. The device can be adapted, in at least some embodiments, to be installed on supports of different sections (rounded, triangular, square or rectangular or other) of different sizes. For example, in certain embodiments adapted to the field of telecommunications, the device can be adapted to installation on a support with a diameter of around fifty millimeters, or several hundred millimeters, for example a diameter comprised between 76 millimeters and 220 millimeters.

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

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

A support can be equipped with several devices according to the present application. For example, a pole can be equipped or coupled, or is capable of being equipped or coupled, with one or more devices 100, for example several devices 100 made according to different embodiments. For example, a post can be equipped with a first device 100 coupled to a first crossbeam and, subsequently, to a second device coupled to a second crossbeam, via offset means, so as to position the second crossbeam above the first cross.

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

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

The term “means” means one or more module(s), component(s) or element(s) as defined above.

FIG. 6 illustrates certain embodiments of a handling method 600, implementing at least one device 100 which is the subject of the present application in at least certain of its embodiments. The method 600 can for example be implemented by an operator working on a support on which the device will be installed. In the example illustrated, the process is used, by at least one operator intervening from an intervention position (on the ground for example), to install equipment, such as a crosspiece, on a wooden post (playing the role of support such as described in this application). The working part of the support can be located for example on an upper part of the support remote from the operator(s). In some embodiments, the method may include preparing 610 the device prior to its use. It may be for example unfolding 612 and/or assembly of the device (if the latter was previously folded and/or disassembled in a transport position for example) and/or installation (for example fixing) 614 of removable elements. This may be, for example, an installation, via means for coupling the device and/or means for coupling the removable elements, holding means adapted to the support, retaining means adapted to equipment to be installed, positioning means, means for controlling the activation means and/or means for controlling the holding means, and/or at least one activation element. For example, one or more flexible (activation) elements can be wound around the post, (on one or more towers) as a collar and mounted on one or more winches fitted to the device. In the example shown, a flexible element can be obtained from a strip cut from a coil.

The cutting length takes into account the dimension of the section of the post at the level of the working position (for example the diameter of the post) and a number of layers of strip to be used to obtain the flexible element. In the example illustrated, the cutting length is chosen so as to cut a strip of length at least twice the diameter of the support. The strip is then partially inserted into a slot 176 of the winch, as illustrated in FIG. 1, and folded back on itself, its two ends being placed end to end, so as to obtain a flexible element of length equal to half that strip (i.e. at least equal to the diameter of the support). The part of the flexible element close to the ends is retained in the slot, while the opposite part of the flexible element is passed around the support and then housed in the drive system of the winch. Then, the crank (130) is actuated so as to block the strip in the winch (for example by making a first turn of the crank in the direction of clockwise).

In some embodiments, the method may include positioning 620 of the device in its working position. Thus, in the example illustrated, the method may comprise a movement 622 of the device from an initial position (for example a position close to the ground) to its working position. The device can for example be mounted along the post by an operator up to the working position with positioning means such as a pole 160 (telescopic for example) coupled to the device. Moving the device along the post can in fact limit the balancing effort of the device which can in practice "lean" on the post, or whose movements, unwanted by the operator (for example oscillations) may be limited by the post. The flexible element can for example be mounted in a flexible, loose manner around the support, so as to allow movement of the device during its positioning. The presence of the flexible element around the support during positioning can also secure the device during its movement (by restricting its movements and therefore helping to limit the risk of falling, for example).

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the method may further comprise, once the device is in its working position for example, an activation 624 of the holding means, via at least some of the device control means. In the example shown, activation can be done via the crank coupled to the winch (for example by making second turns of the crank clockwise).

The method may further comprise in certain embodiments a locking 626 of the activation means (in particular in the case of a spring winch and/or comprising a non-return means that can be activated when the crank is removed for example). In the example illustrated, once the device is in its working position, the method may include an (optional) withdrawal of the positioning means and the control means.

Once the device is anchored in its working position, in some embodiments, the method may include an intervention 630 (or handling) on the equipment coupled to the device. For example, it may be the installation of a cable on a crosspiece coupled to the device.

Some steps may be optional depending on the use made of the device. For example, the device may be intended to remain in its working position for a very long period (or even permanently) or, on the contrary, very short (for example the time of a maintenance operation). The removal, or not, as soon as the device is installed, of the positioning means and the control means (which can be useful for removing it from the support) may depend, for example, on the duration of installation of the device envisaged.

In some embodiments, the method may include removing 640 the device from its working position. If necessary, the device can comprise an unlocking 646 of the activation means; then a release 644 (optional) of the holding means 120, so as to allow and/or facilitate movement of the device 100 (as described previously) in the event of withdrawal or change of position of the device.

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

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

Claims

1 . Holding device 100 intended to equip a physical medium 150, comprising: means for retaining at least one item of equipment 140; means 170 for activating first holding means 120 capable, when activated, of cooperating with said physical support 50 to hold said device 100 on said support in a so-called working position where said equipment 140 is positioned close to said support 150 in a so-called installation position, said working position being out of reach with bare hands of an operator from an intervention position on the ground of said operator; said activation means 170 being able to exert pressure on said first holding means 120 so as to activate them, said device 100 being adapted, in said working position, to occupy a first peripheral portion 312 of a first section 300 of said support 150, the first section 300 being facing said device 100, and to allow free access to a second peripheral portion 314 of said first section 300; and said activation means being operable via means for controlling said activation means, from said intervention position, when said device is in said working position,

2. Device according to claim 1 wherein said working position is vis-à-vis an upper region of the support located above said operating position.

3. Device according to claim 1 wherein said working position is vis-à-vis a lower region of the support located below said operating position.

4. Device according to at least one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said activation means 170 of said first holding means 120 comprise at least one clamping element 172, capable of tightening an activation element 180 on said first means holding means so as to exert pressure on said holding means to activate them.

5. Device according to claim 4 wherein, in said working position, said first holding means 120 are positioned at least partially between the first peripheral portion of said support and at least a portion of said activation element 180.

6. Device according to one of claims 4 and 5 wherein said activation element 180 comprises at least one flexible element suitable for winding and said clamping element

172 is able to roll up said at least one flexible element so as to activate said first holding means 120.

7. Device according to at least one of claims 4 to 6, said device is suitable for coupling with control means of said clamping element 172.

8. Device according to at least one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said retaining means comprise means for offsetting said equipment

9. Device according to claim 8 wherein said retaining means comprises:

- an offset arm 192; - A first retaining element of said equipment located at a distal end of the offset arm 192, relative to said activation means;

- a second retaining element located at a proximal end of the arm 192 with respect to said activation means, said second retaining element being coupled to said activation means,

10. Device according to claim 9 wherein said offset arm is adapted to be positioned between said support 150 and a crosspiece already positioned on said support Device according to at least one of claims 8 to 10 wherein said offset means of said equipment comprise second holding means.

11 . Device according to at least one of Claims 1 to 10, in which the said first and/or second holding means comprise at least one notched sole.

12. Device according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said device is suitable for coupling with mechanical and/or electromechanical positioning means 160 of said device suitable for moving said device from/to said working position. .

13. Device according to claim 12 wherein the positioning means comprise a pole.

14. Device according to at least one of claims 1 to 13 wherein said retaining means, said first and / or second holding means, said control means and / or said positioning means are removable

15. Device according to at least one of claims 1 to 14 wherein said control and / or positioning means are manually operable when coupled to said device in its working position.

16. Device according to at least one of claims 1 to 15 wherein said equipment is a crosspiece and/or a support adapted to be fitted with at least one crosspiece.

17. Portable assembly comprising at least one handling device according to claim 15 and at least one storage element capable of at least partially containing said device in said transport position.

18. Support equipped with at least one device according to at least one of claims 1 to 16.

19. System comprising at least one support equipped with at least one device according to at least one of claims 1 to 16.

20. Handling process comprising:

- positioning of at least one device according to at least one of claims 1 to 16, in said working position, from said operating position;

- an actuation of said activation means, so as to activate the first holding means from said intervention position.