System to assist in transferring props to an inspection and maintenance station

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (1) for assisting the transfer of props to an inspection station, comprising: - a frame (2) having first and second substantially parallel stringers (21, 22), a base (23) projecting under the first and second stringers so as to provide a space (24) under the first and second stringers, at least two crossbeams (25, 26) connecting the first and second stringers, at least one opening (20) extending between the first and second stringers being provided between the two crossbeams; - a lifting device (3) embedded in the ground and comprising at least one actuator (31, 32) capable of rising to pass through said opening (20). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: System for assisting the transfer of props to an inspection and maintenance station

[0001] The invention relates to the maintenance of construction equipment, and in particular the maintenance of props after their use.

[0002] Props are mechanical elements generally used to temporarily support a structure before it is permanently secured, for example, by pouring concrete. To ensure the functionality of props on new construction sites, it is important to carry out a visual inspection and maintenance before reuse. Since construction sites may require a large number of props, specialized maintenance centers are established to perform routine prop maintenance.

[0003] The usual handling method is to manually retrieve props from baskets for inspection and maintenance on an inspection table. The inspected props are then placed in baskets by category. The props vary in length and weight but can exceed 3 meters in length and weigh several tens of kilograms.

[0004] Such a handling method poses ergonomic problems and makes the process arduous and likely to generate work interruptions.

[0005] There is therefore a need for a system to resolve one or more of these drawbacks.

[0006] The invention aims to resolve one or more of these drawbacks. The invention thus relates to a system for assisting the transfer of props to an inspection station, comprising: -a framework comprising first and second longitudinal members substantially parallel, a base extending in projection under the first and second longitudinal members, so as to provide a space under the first and second longitudinal members, at least two crossbeams joining the first and second longitudinal members, at least one opening extending between the first and second longitudinal members being provided between the two crossbeams; -a lifting device installed in the ground and comprising at least one actuator capable of rising to pass through said opening.

[0007] The invention also relates to the following variants. Those skilled in the art will understand that each of the features of the following variants can be combined independently with the above features, without thereby constituting an intermediate generalization.

[0008] According to one variant, the frame comprises first and second railings extending respectively vertically from the first and second stringers.

[0009] According to another variant, the lifting device includes a control element configured to sequentially raise the actuator to different predefined heights.

[0010] According to yet another variant, the lifting device includes stops interfacing with the reinforcement to guarantee a predefined positioning of the reinforcement relative to the lifting device.

[0011] According to yet another variant, the lifting device includes a locking element for the frame in position.

[0012] According to one variant, the system further comprises a conveyor positioned above the level of the first and second stringers when the base rests on the ground, the conveyor being configured to convey objects in a direction perpendicular to the orientation of the first and second stringers when the actuator passes through said opening.

[0013] According to another variant, the system further comprises an inspection station equipped with a rotating support around a vertical direction, the rotating support comprising at least one clamp for immobilizing a prop relative to the support.

[0014] According to yet another variant, the system further comprises a system for assisting the removal of inspected props, positioned opposite the transfer assistance system relative to the inspection station and including: -another framework comprising third and fourth stringers substantially parallel, a base extending in projection under the third and fourth stringers, so as to provide a space under the third and fourth stringers, at least two crossbeams joining the third and fourth stringers, at least one opening extending between the third and fourth stringers being provided between these two crossbeams; -a lifting device installed in the ground and comprising at least one actuator capable of rising to pass through said opening of the other frame.

[0015] According to another variant, the system includes at least one actuator movable in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the third and fourth stringers between a position projecting from the third stringer and a position set back from the third stringer, this actuator being configured to support at least one strut.

[0016] According to yet another variant, the system further comprises a non-return device capable of retracting when an object moving in the direction of the inspection station passes towards the other armature and configured to oppose the passage of an object moving in the direction of the other armature towards the inspection station.

[0017] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following description, which is by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a prop maintenance installation including a assistance system according to the invention;

[0019] [Fig.2] is a top view of the installation of [Fig.1];

[0020] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of part of an assistance system according to a method of implementing the invention;

[0021] [Fig.4] is a top view of the assistance system of the [Fig.3];

[0022] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of a support system loaded with props;

[0023] [Fig.6] is a front view of an example of the frame of an assistance system;

[0024] [Fig.7] is a top view of the armature of [Fig.6];

[0025] [Fig.8] is a cross-sectional view of the system of [Fig.3] in a position of handling of a frame;

[0026] [Fig.9] is a top view of an inspection station;

[0027] [Fig. 10] is a perspective view of the inspection station;

[0028] [Fig. 11] is a perspective view of an evacuation assistance system was;

[0029] [Fig. 12] is a detail view of [Fig. 11].

[0030] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an example of a prop inspection and maintenance installation, respectively in perspective and top view. The installation includes a prop transfer assistance system 1 to an inspection station 5.

[0031] The illustrated support system 1 is an example of an embodiment. This system is illustrated more precisely in Figures 3 and 4, without props for greater clarity. The support system 1 comprises a frame 2 and a lifting device 3. The frame 2 is designed to allow its movement and to support props 101, which are illustrated subsequently. The lifting device 3 is designed to raise the props 101 high enough to facilitate their transfer, without interfering with the frame 2.

[0032] The frame 2 comprises first and second longitudinal members 21 and 22 substantially parallel to a horizontal y-direction. This direction corresponds to the axis of the props 101 intended to be received by the frame 2. An example of the frame 2 is illustrated more precisely in front view and top view, respectively in Figures 6 and 7. The frame 2 also comprises a base 23 extending in projection under the first and second longitudinal members 21 and 22, so as to provide a space 24 under the first and second longitudinal members 21 and 22. This space 24 allows the passage of the forks of a forklift 100, an example of which is illustrated. The first and second longitudinal members 21 and 22 are typically spaced approximately 1000 mm apart. The frame 2 It also includes at least two cross members 25 and 26 connecting the first and second stringers 21 and 22. The cross members 25 and 26 are designed to support the props 101 and to provide the mechanical connection between the first and second stringers 21 and 22. The cross members 25 and 26 extend here in the horizontal x direction, perpendicular to the y direction. The frame 2 includes multiple cross members connecting the first and second stringers 21 and 22, in order to accommodate props of different sizes and to reinforce the frame 2. At least one opening 20 is provided between the two cross members and extends between the first and second stringers 21 and 22. Due to the tubular design illustrated here, the frame 2 shown has multiple openings 20.

[0033] The system also includes a lifting device 3 embedded in the ground and comprising at least one actuator capable of being raised to pass through one of the openings 20 in the reinforcement 2. In the example, the lifting device 3 comprises two actuators 31 and 32 capable of sliding in the vertical direction z. The presence of two actuators 31 and 32 ensures good stability of the props, while maintaining a certain compactness of the lifting device 3 during its deployment. The lifting device 3 is typically embedded in the ground to allow the movement of the reinforcement 2 without interfering when this device 3 is retracted. The device 3 is illustrated in its retracted position, in particular in Figures 1 to 4.

[0034] The base 23 here comprises a number of feet distributed under the first and second longitudinal members 21 and 22. The opening 24 is provided under the first and second longitudinal members 21 and 22 when the base 23 rests on a flat surface. The forks of the forklift 100 can pass under the longitudinal members 21 and 22 through the opening 24, before lifting the frame 2 by these longitudinal members. The frame 2 can thus be moved when it supports a set of props 101 to be brought closer to a loading station 4 or an inspection station 5. The actuators 31 and 32 can pass through the openings 20 in the frame to lift the props 101, without lifting the frame 2. The props 101 can therefore be stored low in the frame 2 to reduce the risk of accidents due to falling props.

[0035] Such a system 1 allows the frame 2 to be transported by means of a standard forklift 100, provides stable temporary storage of a set of props 101 on the frame 2, and raises an upper layer of props to an operator's hip height to facilitate handling with less risk. A large number of props 101 of different sizes can thus be moved by a forklift 100, and props 101 can be easily transferred from the frame 2 to an inspection station 5 without operators having to bend excessively to remove them from the frame 2.

[0036] The installation is illustrated in perspective in [Fig.3] at the level of system 1, in the absence of the frame 2. The actuators 31 and 32 of the lifting device 3 are implemented here in the form of hydraulic cylinders 33 and 34. The hydraulic cylinders 33 and 34 here act upon platforms 35 and 36 intended to lift the props 101. The platforms 35 and 36 may have ends along the X axis slightly curved upwards to ensure a certain stability of the supported props 101.

[0037] As illustrated, the frame 2 advantageously comprises first and second railings 27 and 28 extending respectively vertically from the first and second stringers 21 and 22. The railings 27 and 28 ensure that the props 101 are held in the x direction during their storage on the frame 2. The railings 27 and 28 typically extend to a height of 730 mm from the ground.

[0038] Advantageously, the lifting device 3 includes a control element (not shown). This control element is typically configured to sequentially raise the actuators 31 and 32 to different predefined heights. With well-defined height increments, an operator can raise each stack of props to a working height and restart a cycle after emptying a stack of props.

[0039] Advantageously, as illustrated in [Fig.3], the lifting device 3 includes stops 38 interfacing with the reinforcement 2 to guarantee a predefined positioning of the reinforcement 2 relative to the lifting device 3. The stops 38 make it possible in particular to fix the position along the x and y axes of the reinforcement 2 relative to the lifting device 3. The stops 38 advantageously have a flared shape to ensure guidance of the reinforcement 2 along the y direction, if the initial displacement is not perfectly precise. The stops 38 are here designed to interface with tubular uprights of the railings 27 and 28. Once the frame 2 is positioned relative to the stops 38, the actuators can be deployed to pass through the openings 20. In [Fig.5], the actuators 31 and 32 are deployed to lift the props 101 present in the frame 2.

[0040] Advantageously, the frame 2 includes extenders 29, designed to be selectively positioned to project vertically from the railing 27. When the extenders are lowered below the level of the railing 27, loading into the frame 2 is facilitated. When the extenders 29 are deployed to project above the railing 27, protection against the props 101 falling is ensured when they are raised by the lifting device 3.

[0041] To ensure the stability of the reinforcement 2 during the unloading process at the loading station 4, the lifting device 3 includes a locking member 37 for the reinforcement 2 in position. The locking member 37 here includes retractable hooks in the ground, capable of engaging with the crossbeams 25 and 26, as illustrated in the cross-sectional view of [Fig. 8].

[0042] The loading station 4 illustrated here also serves to convey the props 101 to the inspection station 5. The loading station 4, the design of which is known per se, is thus positioned above the level of the first and second stringers 21 and 22 when the base 23 rests on the ground. The loading station 4 is configured to convey the props in the x direction, perpendicular to the orientation of the correctly positioned first and second stringers 21 and 22. The props 101 can be placed on the loading station 4, oriented perpendicularly to motorized conveyors to move them in the x direction.

[0043] The inspection station 5 is positioned at the other end of the motorized conveyors. The inspection station is shown in a top view in [Fig. 9]. The inspection station 5 is equipped with a rotating support 51 about the vertical direction z, and a pivoting locking device. The inspection station 5 is also equipped with a lifting device to allow pivoting. Thus, a manipulator can easily access all parts of the strut 101 for inspection and maintenance. The rotating support 51 includes at least one clamp 52 for securing a strut relative to the support 51. The clamp 52 includes a jack 53. The strut 101 can be placed between the spread jaws of the clamp 52, and then the jaws of the clamp 52 can be tightened to secure the strut 101.

[0044] On the opposite side of the loading station 4 from the inspection station 5, the installation further includes a system 6 to assist in the removal of the inspected props. This assistance system 6 is illustrated more precisely in Figures 10 and 11.

[0045] The assistance system 6 here comprises at least one movable actuator 7, sliding along the x-direction. Two actuators, spaced apart along the y-axis, are provided, taking the form of movable arms designed to support struts. Once inspected, a strut is placed on the arms of the assistance system 6.

[0046] Furthermore, the assistance system 6 includes another frame 8, identical to the frame 2 detailed previously. Thus, the same frame can be used for loading and unloading the installation. The frame 8 therefore comprises longitudinal members 81 and 82 parallel to the y-axis, a base 83 projecting under the longitudinal members 81 and 82 so as to provide a space 84, and cross members 85 and 86 connecting the longitudinal members 81 and 82. Openings 80 are provided between the cross members 85 and 86 and extend between the longitudinal members 81 and 82.

[0047] Another lifting device 9, substantially identical to the lifting device 3, is installed in the ground. The device 9 also includes actuators 91 and 92 capable of being raised to pass through the openings 80.

[0048] The movable arms 7 are movable between a protruding position along the x-axis relative to the spar 81 (to place a prop on the frame 8) and a recessed position relative to the spar 81 (illustrated in [Fig. 11]).

[0049] To allow the arms 7 to lower props 101 onto the actuators 91 and 92 and prevent them from returning towards the inspection station 5, check valves 70 are positioned just before the frame 8. A close-up view of a check valve 70 is shown in [Fig. 12]. The check valves 70 are designed to retract as a prop 101, moved towards the frame 8 by the arms 7, passes over them. The check valves may, for example, have cantilevered arms that are pivotally mounted and supported by springs. The springs are compressed when a prop passes over them to lower the arms. The springs return the arms to their raised position once the prop has passed. The check valves 70 then prevent the props 101 from returning towards the inspection station.

Claims

Demands

1. A system for assisting the transfer of props to an inspection station (1), characterized in that it comprises: - a frame (2) having first and second stringers (21, 22) substantially parallel, a base (23) extending in projection under the first and second stringers, so as to provide a space (24) under the first and second stringers, at least two cross members (25, 26) connecting the first and second stringers, at least one opening (20) extending between the first and second stringers being provided between the two cross members; - a lifting device (3) implanted in the ground and comprising at least one actuator (31, 32) capable of rising to pass through said opening (20).

2. Assistance system according to claim 1, wherein the frame (2) comprises first and second handrails (27, 28) extending respectively vertically from the first and second stringers (21, 22).

3. Assistance system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lifting device comprises a control member configured to sequentially raise the actuator (31, 32) to different predefined heights.

4. Assistance system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lifting device (3) has stops (38) interfacing with the frame (2) to ensure a predefined positioning of the frame (2) relative to the lifting device (3).

5. Assistance system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lifting device (3) includes a locking member (37) of the frame (2) in position.

6. An assistance system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a conveyor (4) positioned above the level of the first and second stringers (21, 22) when the base (23) rests on the ground, the conveyor (4) being configured to convey objects in a direction perpendicular to the orientation of the first and second stringers (21, 22) when the actuator (3) passes through said opening (20).

7. A prop maintenance installation including an assistance system according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising an inspection station (5) equipped with a rotating support (51) about a vertical direction, the rotating support (51) comprising at least one immobilizing flange (52) of a prop relative to the support.

8. Prop maintenance installation according to claim 7, further comprising an assistance system (6) for the evacuation of inspected props, positioned opposite the transfer assistance system (1) with respect to the inspection station (5) and including: -another frame (8) comprising substantially parallel third and fourth stringers (81, 82), a base (83) extending in projection under the third and fourth stringers, so as to provide a space (84) under the third and fourth stringers, at least two cross members (85, 86) securing the third and fourth stringers, at least one opening (80) extending between the third and fourth stringers being provided between these two cross members; -a lifting device (9) implanted in the ground and comprising at least one actuator (91, 92) capable of rising to pass through said opening (80) of the other frame (8).

9. Prop maintenance installation according to claim 8, comprising at least one actuator (7) movable in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the third and fourth stringers (81, 82) between a position projecting from the third stringer and a position set back from the third stringer, this actuator (7) being configured to support at least one prop.

10. A prop maintenance installation according to claim 9, further comprising a non-return device (70) capable of retracting upon the passage of an object moving in the direction of the inspection station towards the other frame (8) and configured to oppose the passage of an object moving in the direction of the other frame (8) towards the inspection station.