Alignment device and associated loading trolley

Abstract

Alignment Device and Associated Loading Trolley The present invention relates to an alignment device (38) for a movable element, comprising: a frame (30); a base (160), movable relative to the frame along a first vertical direction (Z); and a cradle (162) connected to the base; such that, in an assembled configuration, the external surface of the movable element is in contact with the cradle. The alignment device further comprises: a platform (164), interposed between the base and the cradle along the first vertical direction (Z); and a displacement member, capable of moving the platform relative to the base, in translation along the second direction (X) and / or along a third horizontal direction (Y), and / or in rotation about an axis of rotation. Figure for the abstract: Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Alignment device and associated loading trolley

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for aligning a movable element, said movable element comprising an external surface arranged along a first axis; the alignment device comprising: a chassis; a base, movable relative to the chassis along a first vertical direction; and a cradle connected to the base; so that, in an assembled configuration of the alignment device and the movable element, the external surface of said movable element is in contact with the cradle and the first axis is substantially arranged along a second horizontal direction.

[0002] The invention is particularly applicable to torpedo-type ammunition loading devices on a naval vessel.

[0003] Such loading devices must be adapted to large and heavy moving parts, as well as to sometimes difficult operating conditions in a marine environment. A known loading device comprises a trolley carrying the torpedo and positionable at a height facing the torpedo tube.

[0004] Such a loading device is nevertheless cumbersome to set up and operate, particularly in less than optimal navigation conditions. In particular, misalignment between the axis of the torpedo and the axis of the tube is difficult for the operator to correct.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide an improved alignment device, in particular with regard to ease of implementation by an operator.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to an alignment device of the aforementioned type, further comprising: a platform, interposed between the base and the cradle along the first vertical direction; and a displacement member, capable of moving the platform relative to the base, in translation along the second direction and / or along a third horizontal direction, and / or in rotation around an axis of rotation.

[0007] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the alignment device comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0008] - the displacement member is capable of rotating the plate relative to the base, around a first horizontal axis of rotation and around a second vertical axis of rotation;

[0009] - the cradle comprises a plurality of first bearing units, such that, In the assembled configuration of the alignment device and the moving element, the external surface of said moving element is in contact with said first units of bearing; the first bearing units being configured so that a displacement of the moving element relative to the cradle leads to a rotation of said first bearing units;

[0010] - the alignment device further comprises a movable extension member in translation relative to the cradle in the second horizontal direction, between a retracted position and a deployed position, the extension member being configured so that, in the assembled configuration of the alignment device and the moving element, the external surface of said moving element is in contact with the extension member;

[0011] - the extension element comprises a plurality of second units of bearing such that, in the assembled configuration of the alignment device and the moving element, the external surface of said moving element is in contact with said second bearing units; the second bearing units being configured such that a displacement of the moving element relative to the extension member in the second direction leads to a rotation of said second bearing units.

[0012] The invention further relates to a loading trolley, comprising: an alignment device as described above; and drive wheels, movable in rotation relative to the chassis.

[0013] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the loading trolley further includes a locking device, suitable for reversibly fixing the chassis to a floor, so as to prevent rotation of the travel wheels relative to said floor.

[0014] The invention further relates to a method of implementing the loading trolley described above, comprising the following steps: arranging a movable element on the cradle; positioning the trolley on a floor, opposite a receptacle extending along a second axis; and implementing the movement member, so as to align the first axis of the movable element with the second axis of the receptacle.

[0015] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the positioning of the trolley opposite the receptacle includes the fixing of the trolley on the floor includes the reversible fixing of the chassis to said floor, by means of the locking device.

[0016] According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the method includes moving the extension member relative to the cradle, from the retracted position to the deployed position.

[0017] The invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0018] [Fig.1] [Fig.1] represents a loading trolley according to an embodiment of the invention, in a first configuration;

[0019] [Fig.2] [Fig.3] [Fig.4] [Fig.5] Figures 2 to 5 are detailed views of the loading trolley of [Fig.1];

[0020] [Fig. 6] [Fig. 7] Figures 6 to 7 are exploded detail views of the loading trolley of Figures 1 to 5; and

[0021] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a detail view of the loading trolley of figures 1 to 7, in a second configuration.

[0022] Figures 1 to 8 show a loading trolley 10, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0023] The trolley 10 is intended for loading a movable element 12, in particular into a receptacle 14 visible in [Fig.8].

[0024] The movable element 12 extends along a first axis 16, between a front end 18 and a rear end 20. The movable element 12 comprises an external surface 22 arranged around the first axis 16. In the embodiment shown, the external surface 22 is substantially cylindrical of revolution.

[0025] The receptacle 14 extends along a second axis 24 from an inlet 26. The receptacle 14 has internal dimensions suitable for receiving the movable element 12 so that the first 16 and second 24 axes coincide.

[0026] In the embodiment shown, the mobile element 12 is a torpedo and the receptacle 14 is a torpedo launcher tube. Preferably, said receptacle 14 is integrated into a naval vessel (not shown).

[0027] The trolley 10 comprises: a chassis 30; wheels 32, 33 for movement; a tiller 34; a pushing device 36; and an alignment device 38.

[0028] In the embodiment shown, the trolley 10 further includes a locking device 40 and a protective grid 42.

[0029] In the following description, we consider an orthonormal basis (X, Y, Z) associated with the chassis 30.

[0030] The chassis 30 extends substantially along a plane (X, Y) and has an elongated shape along the X direction, referred to as the longitudinal direction. More precisely, along said X direction, the chassis 30 extends between a front end 44 and a rear end 46.

[0031] The wheels 32, 33 of movement are articulated to the chassis 30. Preferably, the wheels 32, 33 of movement comprise front wheels 32 and rear wheels 33, close respectively to the front end 44 and the rear end 46 of the chassis 30.

[0032] The wheels 32, 33 are articulated to the chassis 30 and are designed to rest on a floor 48, such that the plane (X, Y) of the chassis is substantially parallel to said floor. A rotation of the wheels 32, 33 allows the chassis 30 to move on the floor 48.

[0033] In the embodiment shown, the floor 48 is integrated into a naval building and located near the receptacle 14 described above.

[0034] The floor 48 is intended to be substantially horizontal. By "substantially," it is understood that navigation conditions of the naval vessel may result in variations in the orientation of the floor 48 relative to the horizontal.

[0035] In the following description, the longitudinal direction X and the direction Y, called transverse, are considered to be horizontal; and the direction Z represents the vertical.

[0036] The drawbar 34 comprises: a post 50; a joint 52; and a locking device 54.

[0037] The amount 50 extends in a substantially straight line, between an upper end 56 and a lower end.

[0038] The articulation member 52 connects the lower end of the upright 50 to the rear end 46 of the chassis. In particular, the articulation member 52 allows the upright 50 to pivot relative to the chassis 50 about an axis parallel to Z and / or about an axis included in the (X, Y) plane of the chassis 30.

[0039] The locking device 54 allows the upright 50 to be locked relative to the frame 30 in a locked position, particularly visible in figures 1, 2 and 3. In said locked position, the upright 50 extends substantially parallel to Z.

[0040] In the rest of the description, unless otherwise stated, the 50 is considered to be locked in the locked position relative to the chassis 30.

[0041] The push device 36 of the trolley 10 will now be described.

[0042] The push device 36 includes the upper end 56 of the upright 50 of the drawbar 34. In the embodiment shown, the upright 50 is substantially Y-shaped and the upper end 56 of said upright comprises two branches 60, substantially parallel to Z. The two branches 60 are aligned along the transverse direction Y and separated from each other by a non-zero distance.

[0043] Furthermore, the thrust device 36 comprises: a coupling member 62; a rack 64; and an actuating member 66. In the embodiment shown, the thrust device 36 further comprises: a non-return member 68; and a positioning device 70. Preferably, the thrust device 36 further comprises a coaxial reducer 71.

[0044] The coupling member 62 is adapted to be reversibly assembled to the rear end 20 of the movable element 12, as shown in [Fig. 1]. Preferably, the coupling member 62 is assembled to said rear end 20 by a fixed connection, without degree of freedom.

[0045] The rack 64 comprises: a pinion block 72; a rotating element (not shown); and a first toothed rod 74. In the embodiment shown, the rack 64 further comprises a second toothed rod 76.

[0046] The pinion block 72 has a through hole 78 extending straight between a front end and a rear end. The pinion block 72 is assembled to the arms 60 of the upright 50, such that the through hole 78 extends substantially along the longitudinal direction X and that the front end of said through hole opens substantially between the two arms 60 of the upright 50. The assembly between the pinion block 72 and the upright 50 will be described in more detail below.

[0047] The rotating element (not shown) of the rack 64 is housed inside the pinion block 72. Said rotating element is movable in rotation relative to the pinion block around an axis of rotation 80, extending substantially along the transverse direction Y. The rotating element of the rack 64 is in particular of the toothed wheel type.

[0048] In the embodiment shown, the first 74 and second 76 toothed rods are substantially identical and will be described simultaneously below.

[0049] Each notched rod 74, 76 extends in a straight line between a front end 82, 84 and a rear end 86, 88. Each notched rod 74, 76 comprises a notched surface 89, extending over the length of said rod.

[0050] Figures 2 and 3 show the first toothed rod 74 in a configuration assembled with the pinion block 72, said first toothed rod 74 being disposed in the through orifice 78 of said pinion block.

[0051] In such an assembled configuration of each toothed rod 74, 76, the toothed surface 89 of said rod is able to interact with the rotating element of the rack 64, so that a rotation of said rotating element around the axis of rotation 80 causes the rod 74, 76 to move by translation relative to the pinion block 72, along a thrust axis 90. Said thrust axis 90 forms a central axis of the through hole 78 of the pinion block 72.

[0052] The front end 82, 84 of each toothed rod 74, 76 is suitable for removably assembling to the coupling member 62 of the thrust device 36, as seen in [Fig.3].

[0053] Furthermore, the rear end 86 of the first toothed rod 74 is able to be removably assembled to the front end 84 of the second toothed rod 76; and / or the rear end 88 of the second toothed rod 76 is able to be removably assembled to the front end 82 of the first toothed rod 74.

[0054] By way of example, [Fig. 7] shows a detailed view of the rear end 86 of the first notched rod 74 and the front end 84 of the second notched rod 76, in a dissociated configuration. In the embodiment shown, the view of [Fig.7] is considered to correspond also to the rear end 88 of the second toothed rod 76 and to the front end 82 of the first toothed rod 74.

[0055] In particular, the rear end 86, 88 of each toothed rod 74, 76 comprises: a rear face 92, substantially flat; and a central bore 93, extending longitudinally in a recess from said rear face 92. Furthermore, the front end 82, 84 of each toothed rod 74, 76 comprises: a front face 94, substantially flat; and a central pin 95, extending longitudinally in projection from said front face 94.

[0056] Furthermore, the rear end 86, 88 of each toothed rod 74, 76 has a first lateral hole 96, substantially perpendicular to the central bore 93 and opening onto said central bore. Preferably, the first lateral hole 96 is located on a smooth lateral surface 97 of the toothed rod 74, 76, adjacent to the toothed surface 89.

[0057] Preferably, said rear end 86, 88 further comprises an enlarged imprint 98, formed in said smooth lateral surface 97 around the first lateral drilling 96.

[0058] In addition, the central pin 95 of the front end 82, 84 of each toothed rod 74, 76 has a second lateral hole 99.

[0059] In a first conformation of joining the first 74 and second 76 toothed rods, the rear end 86 of the first toothed rod 74 is assembled to the front end 84 of the second toothed rod 76; and in a second conformation of joining said toothed rods, the rear end 88 of the second toothed rod 76 is assembled to the front end 82 of the first toothed rod 74.

[0060] In each of the said first and second bonding conformations, the rear face 92 of the rear end 86, 88 is in contact with the front face 94 of the corresponding front end 84, 82; the central pin 95 of said front end 84, 82 is disposed in the central bore 93 of said rear end; the toothed surfaces 89 of the first 74 and second 76 toothed rods are disposed in the extension of each other; and the first 96 and second 99 lateral holes are aligned.

[0061] Preferably, the thrusting device 36 further comprises a connecting screw 100, visible in [Fig. 7], which allows the first 74 and second 76 toothed rods to be fixed together in either the first or second locking configuration. For this purpose, the connecting screw 100 is inserted into the first 96 and second 99 lateral holes.

[0062] Preferably, the connecting screw 100 has an enlarged head 102, suitable for fitting into the enlarged recess 98 of the rear end 86, 88. Thus, said enlarged head 102 does not protrude from the corresponding smooth lateral surface 97.

[0063] In the embodiment shown, a total length along X of the first 74 and second 76 toothed rods, in the first or second bonding conformation, is greater than or equal to a length along X between the front ends 44 and rear ends 46 of the chassis 30.

[0064] In an alternative not shown, the carriage 10 comprises more than two toothed rods, which can be assembled together.

[0065] The actuating member 66 of the thrust device 36 is assembled to the pinion block 72 of the rack 64 and connected to the rotating element of said rack. The actuating member 66 is capable of rotating said rotating element about the axis of rotation 80.

[0066] In the embodiment shown, the actuating member 66 is manual and includes a gripping element 104, such as a crank. In an alternative not shown, the actuating member 66 is motorized.

[0067] In the embodiment shown, the anti-return member 68 is disposed between the actuating member 66 and the rotating element of the rack 64. The anti-return member 68 permits the rotation of the rotating element in a first direction of rotation and prohibits said rotation of the rotating element in a second direction of rotation, opposite to the first direction.

[0068] More specifically, the permitted direction of rotation causes the toothed rod 74, 76 assembled to the pinion block 72 to move from the rear end 46 to the front end 44 of the chassis, along the thrust axis 90.

[0069] A suitable non-return device 68 is notably marketed by the company Ringspann.

[0070] In the embodiment shown, the coaxial reducer 71 is interposed between the actuating member 66 and the rotating element of the rack 64 along the axis of rotation 80. Preferably, the coaxial reducer 71 is interposed between the anti-return member 68 and the rotating element along said axis of rotation 80.

[0071] The coaxial reducer 71 allows in particular the adjustment of the torque required for the actuation of the crank 104 by an operator.

[0072] The positioning device 70 of the thrust device 36 will now be described.

[0073] The positioning device 70, partially shown in [Fig.6], comprises: a first support 106; a second support 108; a bearing 110; and an adjustment arrangement 112. In the embodiment shown, the positioning device 70 further comprises a pin 114.

[0074] The first support 106 is fixed to the branches 60 of the upright 50. Preferably, the first support 106 is fixed to said branches by fixing bolts 116 ([Fig.3]).

[0075] In the embodiment shown, the first support 106 is substantially in the form of a plate extending mainly perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction X.

[0076] In the embodiment shown, the first support 106 includes, in particular: a first 120 and a second 122 lateral orifices; and a first central orifice 124, disposed between said first 120 and second 122 lateral orifices in a plane (Y, Z). Each of the orifices 120, 122, 124 extends along X. The first central orifice 124 is substantially disposed on the thrust axis 90.

[0077] The second support 108 is integral with the pinion block 72 of the rack.

[0078] More specifically, the second support 108 comprises: a first 126 and a second 128 plates; and a first 130 and a second 132 arms.

[0079] The first 126 and second 128 plates comprise respectively a second 134 and a third 136 central orifices, arranged on the thrust axis 90.

[0080] The first 126 and second 128 plates are arranged on either side of the first support 106 along the longitudinal direction X. The first plate 126 is in contact with the pinion block 72 and fixed to said pinion block, the through orifice 78 of said pinion block opening onto the second central orifice 134 of the first plate 126.

[0081] Each of the first 130 and second 132 arms extends along X between a first and a second end, fixed respectively to the first 126 and the second 128 plates of the second support 108. The first 130 and second 132 arms pass respectively through the first lateral orifice 120 and the second lateral orifice 122 of the first support 106.

[0082] The first 106 and second 108 support are thus mobile relative to each other, as will be described below.

[0083] The bearing 110 is integral with the second support, as described below. The toothed rod 74, 76 of the rack 64 is able to slide in said bearing 110, forming the thrust axis 90.

[0084] The bearing 110 extends along X between a first 140 and a second 142 ends, fixed respectively to the second central orifice 134 of the first plate 126 and to the third central orifice 136 of the second plate 128.

[0085] The bearing 110 passes through the first central orifice 124 of the first support 106 and is thus mobile relative to said first support, as will be described below.

[0086] In the embodiment shown, the bearing 110 and the first support 106 are connected by a ball joint. More specifically, the bearing 110 comprises a ball joint 144, disposed between the first 140 and second 142 ends; and the device of Positioning 70 further includes a ball joint ring 146, inserted into the first central orifice 124 of the first support 106 and forming a ball joint connection with the ball joint 144.

[0087] In the embodiment shown, the positioning device 70 further includes a retaining plate 148, fixed to the first support 106 on the side of the second plate 128 and holding the ball joint ring 146 in the first central orifice 124.

[0088] The adjustment arrangement 112 allows the second support 108 to be positioned relative to the first support 106, so as to obtain an inclination of the thrust axis 90 relative to the longitudinal direction X. The amplitude of such an inclination is preferably less than ±10°, more preferably less than ±5°.

[0089] In the embodiment shown, the adjustment arrangement 112 comprises first and second adjustment screws 150, assembled to the first support 106. Said first and second adjustment screws 150 open respectively into the first lateral orifice 120 and the second lateral orifice 122. Said first and second adjustment screws 150 are arranged along vertical axes 152 and / or along horizontal axes 154 parallel to Y.

[0090] The positioning of the second support 108 relative to the first support 106 is modified by screwing or unscrewing the first and second adjusting screws 150, one of whose points may or may not be in contact with one of the first 130 and second 132 arms of the second support 108. The position of the thrust axis 90 relative to the longitudinal direction X can thus be adjusted, as will be described later.

[0091] We consider a neutral position of the positioning device 70, corresponding to the thrust axis 90 strictly parallel to the longitudinal direction X.

[0092] In the embodiment shown, the first support 106 further includes a first upper orifice 156 and the first plate 126 of the second support 108 further includes a second upper orifice 158. In the neutral position of the positioning device 70, the first 156 and second 158 upper orifices are aligned along X; and the pin 114 can then be inserted into said first 156 and second 158 upper orifices, as seen in Figures 2 and 3.

[0093] The pin 114 thus makes it possible to keep the positioning device 70 in neutral position when the push device 36 is not used.

[0094] A method for operating the thrust device 36 described above will be detailed later.

[0095] The alignment device 38 of the carriage 10 will now be described.

[0096] The alignment device 38 comprises: a base 160; a cradle 162; a platform 164; and a displacement member 166. In the embodiment shown, the alignment device 38 further comprises an extension member 168.

[0097] The base 160 comprises a first upper surface 170, horizontal and oriented upwards. The base 160 is movable relative to the frame 30 along the vertical axis. In the embodiment shown, the base 160 is connected to the frame 30 by movable cross-shaped feet.

[0098] The cradle 162 is connected to the base 160 as detailed below.

[0099] The cradle 162 is intended to receive the movable element 12 in a configuration assembly of said moving element 12 and of the carriage 10, as seen in [Fig. 1]. In said assembled configuration, the external surface 22 of said moving element is in contact with the cradle 162 and the first axis 16 of said moving element is substantially arranged along the longitudinal direction X.

[0100] More specifically, the cradle 162 includes a first frame 172 and first bearing units 174. In the embodiment shown, the cradle 162 further includes a means for fixing the movable element 12, such as straps 176.

[0101] The first frame 172 of the cradle is elongated along the longitudinal direction X, between a front end 177 and a rear end. The first frame 172 has a substantially U-shaped cross-section perpendicular to X and is delimited by two upper edges 178 opposite each other.

[0102] In the embodiment shown, the first frame 172 has a length along X that is substantially less than a length of the moving element 12 between its front end 18 and rear end 20. As a result, in the assembled configuration of the moving element 12 and the carriage 10, each of the front end 18 and rear end 20 of said moving element 12 protrudes along X relative to the cradle 162.

[0103] The first bearing units 174 are arranged on the upper edges 178 of the first frame 172. In the assembled configuration of the moving element 12 and the carriage 10, the external surface 22 of said moving element rests on the first bearing units 174.

[0104] The first bearing units 174 are configured such that a displacement of the movable element 12 relative to the cradle 162 leads to a rotation of said first bearing units 174. In particular, the first bearing units 174 are configured such that a displacement of the movable element 12 relative to the cradle 162 in the longitudinal direction X leads to a rotation of said first bearing units 174. In the embodiment shown, the first bearing units 174 are ball bearings.

[0105] Fig. 5 represents the plate 164 and the displacement member 166.

[0106] The plate 164 is interposed between the base 160 and the cradle 162 along the vertical Z. In particular, the 164 tray is arranged on the first upper surface 170 of the base.

[0107] The platform 164 has a second upper surface 180, substantially horizontal and oriented upwards. The first frame 172 of the cradle 162 is disposed on said second upper surface 180 and fixed to said second surface.

[0108] The displacement member 166 is capable of moving the plate 164 relative to the base 160, in translation along the longitudinal direction X and / or along the transverse direction Y, and / or in rotation around an axis of rotation.

[0109] In the embodiment shown, the displacement member 166 comprises a first 182, a second 184, a third 186 and a fourth 188 displacement modules.

[0110] The first displacement module 182 is capable of moving the platform 164 relative to the base 160 in translation along X. The second displacement module 184 is capable of moving the platform 164 relative to the base 160 in translation along Y. The displacement amplitudes of the first 182 and second 184 displacement modules are, for example, on the order of ±50 mm.

[0111] The third displacement module 186 is capable of moving the platform 164 relative to the base 160, rotating about a first axis of rotation 190 substantially parallel to Y. The fourth displacement module 188 is capable of moving the platform 164 relative to the base 160, rotating about a second axis of rotation 191 substantially parallel to Z. The displacement amplitudes of the third 186 and fourth 188 displacement modules are, for example, on the order of ±5° or ±7°.

[0112] The first 182, second 184, third 186 and fourth 188 displacement modules are operable independently of each other, in order to precisely adjust a position of the cradle 162 relative to the base 160.

[0113] In the embodiment shown, the first 182, second 184, third 186, and fourth 188 movement modules are manually operated. In particular, as seen in [Fig. 5], the fourth movement module 188 includes an adjustment crank 192. In an alternative not shown, one or more of the first 182, second 184, third 186, and fourth 188 movement modules are motorized.

[0114] The extension member 168 is movable in translation relative to the cradle 162 in the longitudinal direction X, between a retracted position, visible in [Fig. 4], and a deployed position. [Fig. 8] shows the extension member 168 in an intermediate position, between the retracted and deployed positions.

[0115] In the assembled configuration of the moving element 12 and the carriage 10, visible in [Fig.1], the extension member 168 is in the retracted position and the external surface 22 of said moving element is in contact with the extension member 168, as described below.

[0116] More specifically, the extension member 168 comprises a second frame 194 and second bearing units 196. In the embodiment shown, the extension member 168 further comprises an assembly finger 198.

[0117] The second frame 194 is extended along the longitudinal direction X, between a front end 200 and a rear end 202. In the retracted position, the front end 200 of the second frame 194 is substantially aligned with the front end 177 of the first frame 172. In the deployed position, the front end 200 of the second frame 194 protrudes along X relative to the front end 177 of the first frame 172. Preferably, in said deployed position, the rear end 202 of the second frame 194 is close to the front end 177 of the first frame 172.

[0118] Preferably, the first 172 and second 194 frames are connected by rails.

[0119] The second bearing units 196 are arranged on an upper surface of the extension member 168, so that, in the assembled configuration of the moving element 12 and the carriage 10, the external surface 22 of said moving element is in contact with the second bearing units 196.

[0120] The second bearing units 196 are configured such that, in the assembled configuration of the moving element 12 and the carriage 10, a displacement of the moving element 12 relative to the extension member 168 leads to a rotation of said second bearing units 196. In particular, the second bearing units 196 are configured such that a displacement of the moving element 12 relative to the extension member 168 in the longitudinal direction X leads to a rotation of said second bearing units 196. In the embodiment shown, the second bearing units 196 are balls.

[0121] In the embodiment shown, the second frame 194 of the extension member comprises first and second lateral surfaces 204, arranged on either side of a central channel 206 along Y. The lateral surfaces 204 are flat, oriented upwards, and inclined towards the central channel 206 relative to the horizontal. The second bearing units 196 are arranged on the first and second lateral surfaces 204. Thus, in the assembled configuration of the moving element 12 and the carriage 10, the inclination of the lateral surfaces 204 corresponds substantially to the curved shape of the external surface 22 of said moving element.

[0122] The assembly finger 198 is fixed to the second frame 194 and forms a projection along X relative to the front end 200 of said second frame 194.

[0123] In the embodiment shown, as will be described below, the receptacle 14 has an assembly cavity 212, suitable for coupling with the assembly finger 198 of the extension member 168 when the first 16 and second 24 axes are aligned.

[0124] A method for operating the alignment device 38 described above will be detailed later.

[0125] The locking device 40 of the trolley 10 is adapted to reversibly fix the chassis 30 of said trolley to the floor 48, so as to prevent rotation of the wheels 32, 33 of movement relative to said floor. For example, the locking device 40 comprises arms 208 articulated to the chassis 30, adapted to be deployed so as to extend around said chassis 30. Each arm 208 is equipped with a suction cup 210 adapted to fix said arm 208 to the floor 48.

[0126] The protective grille 42 is removably assembled to the front end 44 of the chassis 30. The protective grille 42 is intended in particular to protect the front end 18 of the moving element 12 from impacts during movement of the trolley 10.

[0127] A method of using the trolley 10 will now be described.

[0128] The carriage 10 is considered to be in the configuration assembled to the element mobile 12, as shown in [Fig.1]. The straps 176 of the cradle 162 are closed, securing the mobile element 12 to the cradle 162.

[0129] First, the trolley 10 is moved on the floor 48 by means of the wheels 32, 33, until it is opposite the receptacle 14 shown in [Fig.8] and previously described.

[0130] Once the carriage 10 has reached the desired location, the locking device 40 is deployed and activated, so as to immobilize the chassis 30 relative to the floor 48. The upright 50 is locked relative to the chassis 30 in the locked position, by means of the locking device 54. The protective grille 42 is removed.

[0131] In the embodiment shown, the extension member 168 is then deployed into the intermediate position of [Fig.8], so as to bring the front end 200 of the second frame 194 closer to the front end 18 of the moving element 12. During the deployment of the extension member 168, the second bearing units 196 roll against the external surface 22 of the moving element 12.

[0132] The alignment device 38 is then implemented according to a method described below.

[0133] First, if necessary, the base 160 is raised relative to the chassis 30, so as to bring the first axis of the moving element 12 closer along Z to the second axis 24 of the receptacle 14.

[0134] The carriage 10 is then in a position similar to that shown in [Fig.8], in which the first 16 and second 24 axes are close to alignment, within an uncertainty.

[0135] Next, an operator individually actuates one or more of the first 182, second 184, third 186 and fourth 188 displacement modules of the device displacement 166, so as to move the cradle 162 relative to the base 160. It is thus possible to perfectly align the first 16 and second 24 axes.

[0136] Alignment is achieved when the assembly finger 198 of the extension member 168 can couple to the assembly cavity 212 of the receptacle 14. For this purpose, the extension member 168 is moved along X relative to the cradle 162.

[0137] The straps 176 are then opened, freeing the movable element 12 from the cradle 162. The thrust device 36 is then implemented according to a method described below.

[0138] First, the pin 114 of the positioning device 70 is removed; and the adjusting screws 150 of the adjusting arrangement 112 are unscrewed, so as to move away from the first 130 and second 132 arms of the second support 108. The first toothed rod 74 is assembled to the pinion block 72. The front end 82 of said first toothed rod 74 is assembled to the coupling member 62, itself assembled to the rear end 20 of the moving element 12.

[0139] The rack 64 is then operated by an operator, by means of the crank 104. The first toothed rod 74 moves in translation along the thrust axis 90 relative to the pinion block 72 and the chassis 30.

[0140] The movement of the first toothed rod 74 applies a thrust on the rear end 20 of the moving element 12. Said moving element moves along X along the cradle 162 and the extension member 168, the first 174 and second 196 bearing units roll against the external surface 22 of the moving element 12.

[0141] The anti-return device 68 prevents the first toothed rod 74 from moving towards the rear of the carriage 10, even under the effect of the weight of the moving element 12 in the event of loss of horizontality of the floor 48. The safety of the operator is thus ensured.

[0142] The movement of the first toothed rod 74 therefore leads the front end 18 of the movable element 12 to enter the inlet 26 of the receptacle 14.

[0143] The continued movement of the first toothed rod 74 causes the movable element 12 to move in the receptacle 14 along the second axis 24. The adjusting screws 150 of the adjusting arrangement 112 can then be screwed in, so as to substantially fix the position of the thrust axis 90 with respect to the longitudinal direction X.

[0144] Before the rear end 86 of the first toothed rod 74 reaches the pinion block 72, the front end 84 of the second toothed rod 76 is assembled to said rear end 86. The thrust can thus be continued, the second toothed rod 76 extending the first toothed rod 74.

[0145] The length of the toothed rods 74, 76 is chosen so that the thrust of the thrusting device 36 allows the rear end 20 of the moving element 12 to reach the inlet 26 of the receptacle 14. The coupling member 62 is then detached from said rear end 20.

[0146] Since the first 74 and second 76 toothed rods are interchangeable, the second toothed rod 76 can be used at the beginning of the process described above in place of the first toothed rod 74.

[0147] The trolley 10 described above is easy to operate by a single operator, while offering satisfactory safety conditions.

[0148] According to an embodiment not shown, the push device 36 described above is independent of the trolley 10. For example, the upright 50 is not part of a trolley drawbar, but is connected to a foot (not shown) suitable for resting on the floor 44. The push device 36 described above can thus be used in combination with existing loading trolleys.

Claims

Demands

1. Alignment device (38) for a movable element (12), said movable element comprising an external surface (22) disposed along a first axis (16); the alignment device comprising: a frame (30); a base (160), movable relative to the frame along a first vertical direction (Z); and a cradle (162) connected to the base; such that, in an assembled configuration of the alignment device and the movable element, the external surface of said movable element is in contact with the cradle and the first axis is substantially disposed along a second horizontal direction (X); the alignment device being characterized in that it further comprises: a plate (164), interposed between the base and the cradle along the first vertical direction (Z);and a displacement member (166), capable (182, 184, 186, 188) of moving the plate relative to the base, in translation along the second direction (X) and / or along a third horizontal direction (Y), and / or in rotation around an axis of rotation.;

2. Alignment device according to claim 1, wherein the displacement member (166) is able (186, 188) to rotate the plate relative to the base, around a first horizontal axis of rotation (190) and around a second vertical axis of rotation (191).

3. Alignment device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cradle (162) comprises a plurality of first bearing units (174), such that, in the assembled configuration of the alignment device (38) and the moving element (12), the external surface (22) of said moving element is in contact with said first bearing units (174); the first bearing units being configured such that a displacement of the moving element relative to the cradle leads to a rotation of said first bearing units.

4. Alignment device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an extension member (168), movable in translation relative to the cradle (162) in the second horizontal direction (X), between a retracted position and a deployed position, the extension member being configured such that, in the assembled configuration of the alignment device (38) and the moving element, the external surface (22) of said moving element be in contact with the extension member.

5. Alignment device according to claim 4 taken in combination with claim 3, wherein: the extension member (168) comprises a plurality of second bearing units (196) such that, in the assembled configuration of the alignment device and the moving element, the external surface of said moving element is in contact with said second bearing units; the second bearing units being configured such that a displacement of the moving element relative to the extension member in the second direction (X) leads to a rotation of said second bearing units.

6. Loading trolley (10), comprising: an alignment device (38) according to any one of the preceding claims; and travel wheels (32, 33) movable in rotation relative to the chassis (30).

7. Loading trolley according to claim 6, further comprising a locking device (40), suitable for reversibly fixing the chassis (30) to a floor (48), so as to prevent rotation of the travel wheels relative to said floor.

8. Method of implementing the loading trolley (10) according to claim 6 or 7, comprising the following steps: arranging a movable element (12) on the cradle (162); positioning the trolley on a floor (48), opposite a receptacle (14) extending along a second axis (24); and implementing the displacement member (166), so as to align the first axis (16) of the movable element with the second axis (24) of the receptacle.

9. Method according to claim 8, of implementing the loading trolley (10) according to claim 7, wherein the positioning of the trolley (10) opposite the receptacle (14) includes fixing the trolley to the floor (48), said fixing of the trolley to the floor including the reversible fixing of the chassis (30) to said floor, by means of the locking device (40).

10. A method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: the carriage (10) comprises an alignment device according to claim 4; and the method comprises moving the extension member (168) relative to the cradle (162), from the retracted position to the deployed position.

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