Double-through lifting device with latch locking mechanism

Abstract

A double-through-hook lifting device includes a lower through-hook block (3) and an upper through-hook block (4) fixed to a lifting hook, wherein the two through-hook blocks include a reversible connecting device adapted to be reversibly configured between a connecting configuration and a disconnecting configuration, the reversible connecting device including a locking mechanism and a complementary locking structure, the complementary locking structure including a frame (60) that firmly supports a bolt (62), and the locking mechanism including: a chassis (50) having a locking channel (53) provided with an interface (54) through which the bolt can enter and exit when the two through-hook blocks are relatively close or far apart, and can slide in the locking channel respectively; and at least one latch (52) pivotally mounted on the chassis for pivoting within the locking channel and provided with a free end (56) adapted to engage with the bolt.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a double-through lifting device for lifting machinery, and the associated lifting machinery and lifting method.

[0002] This invention has discovered a preferred application, but is not limited to, lifting machinery, such as cranes, especially tower cranes. Background Technology

[0003] In a known manner, a double-loop lifting device is adapted to be reversibly constructed between two loop structures, the loop structures including a simple loop structure with two lifting rope strands and a double-loop structure with four lifting rope strands, wherein the double-loop lifting device includes a loop changing system to perform a loop change between the simple loop structure and the double-loop structure.

[0004] Traditionally, this double-through-hook lifting device includes two through-hook blocks, namely a lower through-hook block and an upper through-hook block fixed to the lifting hook, and these two through-hook blocks include a reversible connecting device adapted to be reversibly configured between the following configurations:

[0005] - A connection structure in which the upper winding block is connected to the lower winding block so as to accompany the lower winding block in rising / falling motion, and

[0006] - Disconnection structure, in which the upper winding block is disconnected from the lower winding block, thereby enabling it to remain suspended above the lower winding block, which can perform descending / ascending movements without the upper winding block.

[0007] The lower winding block is suspended from the lifting machinery by a lifting rope connected to the lifting winch, so that the lower winding block rises / falls, and the lifting rope passes through the upper winding block, such that the connection configuration and the disconnection configuration correspond to the double winding configuration and the simple winding configuration of the double winding lifting device, respectively, or vice versa, depending on the passage of the lifting rope at the level of the upper winding block.

[0008] For example, documents FR1520612, FR2137333, FR2368431, FR2131924, and FR2228024 describe a double-loop lifting device, wherein the connecting structure corresponds to the double-loop structure, and the disconnecting structure corresponds to the simple loop structure; the lifting rope passes under the pulley carried by the upper loop block.

[0009] Conversely, documents GB2176456, FR2333743, DE3149690, and DE3543214 describe a double-through-and-lift device, wherein the connecting structure corresponds to the simple through-and-lift structure, and the disconnecting structure corresponds to the double through-and-lift structure; the lifting rope passes over the pulley carried by the upper through-and-lift block.

[0010] However, the reversible connection devices for connecting / disconnecting two winding blocks known in the prior art are far from satisfactory. In fact, some involve numerous parts that become loose, reducing the reliability of the mechanism and requiring extensive maintenance, not to mention high manufacturing costs. Others require attachments to activate the actuator, typically located at the cantilever root, limiting the possibility of replacing the rope at the cantilever root and creating accessibility issues if the cantilever root is located in an inaccessible area of ​​the work site. Still others still require manual operation on the ground to connect / disconnect the winding blocks, which can be dangerous and time-consuming if not performed correctly. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The present invention aims to address at least some of the aforementioned disadvantages by providing a double-wrap lifting device equipped with a robust reversible connection device, since these devices consist of very few parts.

[0012] The present invention also aims to provide a reversible connection device equipped with a locking mechanism having a movable part mounted only on one of the two through blocks, the other through block not including a movable part for connecting / disconnecting the two through blocks, which is advantageous in terms of maintenance and reliability.

[0013] The present invention also aims to reduce the volume of the lifting device, particularly in the double-through-the-arm construction, in order to enhance the ability to move along the cantilever.

[0014] The present invention also aims to provide a double-wrap lifting device that allows for a reliable, rapid, and repeatable automatic switch over time from a double-wrap configuration to a simple wrap configuration, and vice versa, without any human intervention.

[0015] Therefore, the present invention provides a double-through-hook lifting device for lifting machinery (such as, for example, a crane), the lifting device comprising two through-hook blocks, namely a lower through-hook block and an upper through-hook block fixed to a lifting hook, wherein the two through-hook blocks include a reversible connecting device adapted to be reversibly configured between the following configurations:

[0016] - A connection structure in which the upper winding block is connected to the lower winding block so as to accompany the lower winding block in rising / falling motion along the main axis, and

[0017] - A disconnection structure, wherein the upper winding block is disconnected from the lower winding block, thereby allowing it to remain suspended above the lower winding block, which can perform descending / ascending movements without the upper winding block.

[0018] The connecting structure and the disconnecting structure correspond to the double-winding structure and the simple winding structure of the double-winding lifting device, respectively, or vice versa.

[0019] The double-through-the-loop lifting device is characterized in that the reversible connecting device includes a locking mechanism mounted on one of the two through-the-loop blocks, and a complementary locking structure mounted on the other of the two through-the-loop blocks and adapted to cooperate with the locking mechanism.

[0020] The complementary locking structure includes a frame that firmly supports a bolt, which is at least partially formed by a shaft extending transversely to the main axis.

[0021] And the locking mechanism includes:

[0022] - A chassis comprising a locking channel having an elongated shape along a main axis and provided with an interface member through which a bolt can enter and exit the locking channel when two through blocks are relatively close or far apart, and can slide in the locking channel in an entering direction and an exiting direction opposite to the entering direction, respectively.

[0023] - At least one latch, which is pivotally mounted on the chassis about a pivot axis for pivoting within a locking channel, the latch having a concave free end adapted to engage with a bolt, and connected to a resilient biasing element that pushes the latch to a neutral position.

[0024] Therefore, the present invention provides a reversible connecting device configured to convert the upward / downward movement (vertical translational movement) of the under-wound block into a sliding movement of the bolt in the locking channel, such that it engages with or releases from the free end of the latch or each of these latches. This allows for easy connection / disconnection of the two under-wound blocks in a safe and reliable manner, as very few moving parts are required, with only the latches being movable. Furthermore, the connection / disconnection phase can be easily automated, as it requires only control of the upward / downward movement of the under-wound block (by simply controlling the motor drive system of the lifting winch) to switch from a disconnected configuration to a connected configuration, and vice versa.

[0025] Advantageously, the latch can pivot between the following positions:

[0026] - Neutral position;

[0027] - The distal position, in which the latch provides a passage for the bolt by the thrust exerted by the bolt sliding in the entry direction, the distal position being associated with the pivoting of the latch from the neutral position in the distal rotation direction;

[0028] - Proximal position, in which the latch provides a channel for the bolt by the thrust exerted by the bolt sliding in the withdrawal direction, the proximal position being associated with the pivoting of the latch from the neutral position in a proximal rotation direction opposite to the distal rotation direction; and

[0029] - Locking position, which is between the neutral position and the distal position, wherein the free end of the latch prevents the bolt from sliding in the locking channel in the withdrawal direction, wherein the bolt is locked within the free end.

[0030] In a particular embodiment, the free end of the latch has a recess with a shape complementary to that of the bolt.

[0031] According to one feature, the bolt has a cylindrical section of a predetermined diameter, and the recess at the free end of the latch has an arc-shaped bearing area.

[0032] One possibility is that the arc-shaped bearing area of ​​the latch recess has a diameter equal to that of the bolt.

[0033] According to another possibility, the locking channel has a width that is substantially equal to the diameter of the bolt.

[0034] In one particular embodiment, the recess at the free end of the latch is defined by two opposing hooks, namely a proximal hook and a distal hook, on which a bolt can apply a thrust. The proximal hook faces the interface of the locking channel in the neutral position.

[0035] The proximal hook and the distal hook have proximal and distal lengths measured radially from the pivot axis, respectively, with the proximal length being less than the distal length.

[0036] According to one feature, the locking channel has a bottom adapted to stop the bolt from sliding in the insertion direction, wherein a latch is provided between the interface member and the bottom of the locking channel.

[0037] According to another feature, the pivot axis of the latch is orthogonal to the main axis.

[0038] According to one variation, the locking mechanism includes two latches facing each other, which are pivotally mounted on the chassis on both sides of a locking channel. The two latches are pivotable symmetrically relative to a main plane, which includes the main axis and is parallel to the pivot axis of each of the two latches.

[0039] Of course, more than two latches can be considered, such as latches arranged side by side.

[0040] One possibility is that the two latches are identical and symmetrical with respect to the principal plane.

[0041] According to another possibility, the frame of the complementary locking structure includes two flanges facing each other, with bolts fastened between the two flanges.

[0042] In an advantageous embodiment, the chassis of the locking mechanism includes two plates, with the latch pivotally mounted between the two plates.

[0043] According to another possibility, at least one firing pin hole includes a second elliptical segment along a direction parallel to the main axis, which is disposed in the middle of the first elliptical segment.

[0044] The present invention also relates to a lifting mechanism, such as, for example, a crane, comprising a cantilever and a double-through lifting device configured to lift / lower a load along the cantilever, the double-through lifting device being as described in the present invention, wherein a lower through block is suspended from the cantilever by a lifting rope connected to a lifting winch to raise / lower the lower through block, the lifting rope passing through an upper through block, and wherein:

[0045] -Starting from the disconnected configuration where the upper through-hole block is suspended above the lower through-hole block and the latch is in a neutral position, the lower through-hole block can be raised to allow relative proximity between the two through-hole blocks until the upper through-hole block reaches the high stop on the cantilever, and the bolt passes through the interface into the locking channel, slides in the locking channel in the entry direction, and applies a thrust to the latch to place it in the distal position until it is fitted into the free end of the latch. Then the lower through-hole block can be lowered, causing the bolt to slide in the locking channel in the withdrawal direction and placing the latch in the locked position, such that the bolt is locked in the free end and its sliding in the withdrawal direction in the locking channel is prevented, allowing the lower through-hole block to descend together with the upper through-hole block in the connecting configuration; and

[0046] -Starting from the connection configuration where the latch is in the locked position and the bolt is engaged within the free end of the latch, the under-hook block can be raised until the upper-hook block reaches the high stop on the cantilever. Then, the bolt slides in the locking channel along the entry direction and positions the latch in the middle distal position, causing the bolt to leave the interior of the free end of the latch. The latch then returns to the neutral position by the action of the elastic biasing element. The under-hook block can then be lowered, causing the bolt to slide in the locking channel along the exit direction and push the latch toward the proximal position until it leaves the locking channel and is released from the latch, allowing the under-hook block to continue lowering in the disconnect configuration.

[0047] Regarding the lifting winch allowing the lower winding block to rise / fall, structural changes between connection configurations (and therefore between double winding configurations and simple winding configurations) only occur when the lifting winch is controlled, thus giving the invention an advantageous simplicity.

[0048] Advantageously, the lifting mechanism includes a distribution trolley movably mounted on a cantilever and connected to a distribution system adapted to move the distribution trolley along the cantilever in opposite forward and backward directions, wherein the underpass block is suspended from the distribution trolley by a lifting rope.

[0049] The present invention also relates to a method for lifting a load in a lifting machine according to the present invention, comprising:

[0050] - For the connection phase transitioning from a disconnected configuration to a connected configuration, during the connection phase, the lower through-hook block is installed to facilitate relative approach between the two through-hook blocks until the upper through-hook block reaches the high stop on the cantilever, and the bolt passes through the interface piece into the locking channel, slides in the locking channel in the entry direction, and applies a thrust to the latch to bring it to the distal position until it is fitted within the free end of the latch. Then the lower through-hook block moves downward, causing the bolt to slide in the locking channel in the withdrawal direction and bring the latch to the locked position, and thus the bolt is locked within the free end, and its sliding in the withdrawal direction within the locking channel is prevented, allowing the lower through-hook block to descend together with the upper through-hook block in the connected configuration; and

[0051] - For the disconnection phase used to transition from the connected configuration to the disconnected configuration, during the disconnection phase, the underpass block is raised until the upper passpass block reaches the high stop on the cantilever. Then the bolt slides in the locking channel in the entry direction and brings the latch to the distal position, causing the bolt to leave the interior of the free end of the latch. Afterward, the latch returns to the neutral position by the action of the elastic biasing element. Then the underpass block moves downward, causing the bolt to slide in the locking channel in the exit direction and push the latch toward the distal position until it leaves the locking channel, so that the underpass block can continue to descend in the disconnected configuration.

[0052] Advantageously, the movement of the underpass block is automatic during both the connection and disconnection phases.

[0053] According to one variation, during the connection and disconnection phases, the movement of the underpass block is driven at a reduced speed below a predetermined speed threshold. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting examples of embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0055] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of the double-through lifting device according to the present invention in the connected configuration (left) and disconnected configuration (right) when suspended from the distribution trolley;

[0056] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The lower winding block of the double winding lifting device is shown in an overview version (bottom), an enlarged and partially transparent version (top), and a schematic perspective view with only one latch enlarged.

[0057] Figure 3These are schematic diagrams of the solid version (left) and the partially transparent version (right) of the top-wrapped block;

[0058] Figure 4 It is a schematic partial front view of the upper and lower through-hole blocks in the connection structure, where the bolts are engaged with two latches;

[0059] Figure 5 It is equivalent to Figure 4 The diagram is located in Figure 4 When the first step of the disconnection phase begins after the connection construction, during this period the lower through-wrap block is raised until the upper through-wrap block reaches the high stop, and the bolt begins to slide in the infeed direction and begins to release from the latch that has reached the middle far side position;

[0060] Figure 6 It is equivalent to Figure 4 and 5 The diagram shows that at the end of the first step of the disconnection phase, the upward movement is completed when the bolt, passing under the block, reaches the bottom of the locking channel, and the latch returns to the neutral position; and

[0061] Figure 7 It is equivalent to Figures 4 to 6 The diagram shows that at the start of the second step in the disconnection phase, the underpass block begins to descend, causing the bolts to begin sliding in the withdrawal direction and contacting the latches, thereby pushing the latches toward their proximal positions.

[0062] Figure 8 It is equivalent to Figures 4 to 7 The diagram shows the second step, which is almost at the end of the disconnection phase, during which the underpass continues to descend, causing the bolts to bring the latches to their proximal positions, and the bolts are ready to completely disengage from the underpass and its latches.

[0063] Figure 9 It is equivalent to Figures 4 to 8 The diagram shows that at the end of the second step of the disconnection phase, the lower winding block continues to descend, causing the bolt to be completely released from the lower winding block, and the latch has returned to the neutral position, thus completing the disconnection between the winding blocks;

[0064] Figure 10 It is equivalent to Figures 4 to 9 The diagram shows that at the beginning of the first step of the connection phase, the lower winding block begins to rise, while the upper and lower winding blocks are in a disconnected configuration.

[0065] Figure 11 It is equivalent to Figure 4 and 10The schematic diagram shows that during the first step of the connection phase, the underpass continues to rise until the bolts begin to slide in the entry direction and contact the latches, thereby pushing the latches toward their distal positions; and

[0066] Figure 12 It is equivalent to Figures 4 to 11 The diagram shows the first step of the connection phase at the end, where the underpass block has completed its ascent, allowing the bolt to be fitted into the free end of the latch.

[0067] Figure 13 It is equivalent to Figures 4 to 12 The diagram shows the second step of the connection phase, during which the lower through-hole block has descended, causing the bolt to bring the latch to the locked position, and thus the bolt is locked within the free end of the latch, allowing the lower through-hole block to descend together with the upper through-hole block in the connection configuration. Detailed Implementation

[0068] refer to Figure 1 The double-through lifting device 1 according to the invention is provided for lifting machinery, such as, for example, a crane, having a cantilever (not shown) and a distribution trolley 9 movably mounted on the cantilever and connected to a distribution system adapted to move the distribution trolley 9 along the cantilever in opposite forward and backward directions; the distribution system is, for example, constituted by a distribution winch that cooperates with a distribution rope to move the distribution trolley 9.

[0069] The double-winding lifting device 1 includes two winding blocks 3 and 4, namely:

[0070] - The lower pass-through block 3, which is fixed to a lifting hook 30 designed to hook a load, wherein the lower pass-through block 3 is suspended from the distribution trolley 9 (and thus from the cantilever) by a lifting rope (not shown) connected to a lifting winch, thereby causing the lower pass-through block 3 to rise / fall; and

[0071] - The upper winding block 4 is through which the lifting rope passes, and the upper winding block 4 is also suspended from the distribution pulley 9.

[0072] Furthermore, the lower winding block 3 supports the lower rope deflector, and the upper winding block 4 supports the upper rope deflector, for example, the pulley 41 through which the lifting rope passes. Therefore, the double-winding lifting device 1 is configured to lift / lower the load along the cantilever of the lifting machinery.

[0073] The two through-blocks 3 and 4 are equipped with reversible connecting devices, which are suitable for reversibly constructing between the following configurations:

[0074] -Connection construction (such as) Figure 1(As shown on the left), where the upper winding block 4 is connected to the lower winding block 3 so that it can move up / down along the vertically extending main axis.

[0075] - Disconnect the construction (e.g.) Figure 1 (As shown on the right), where the upper winding block 4 is disconnected from the lower winding block 3, so that it can remain suspended above the lower winding block 3. The lower winding block can perform descending / ascending movements independently without the upper winding block 4.

[0076] Depending on the passage of the lifting rope through the lower rope deflector on the lower winding block 3 and the upper rope deflector on the upper winding block 4, the connection structure and disconnection structure correspond to the double winding structure and simple winding structure of the double winding lifting device 1, respectively, or vice versa; the simple winding structure is associated with the two lifting rope strand retaining hooks 30 passing through the lifting rope (and thus retaining the load), and the double winding structure is associated with the four lifting rope strand retaining hooks 30 passing through the lifting rope (and thus retaining the load).

[0077] The reversible connection device includes a locking mechanism 5 mounted on the lower winding block 3 and a complementary locking structure 6 mounted on the upper winding block 4 and adapted to cooperate with the locking mechanism 5.

[0078] refer to Figure 3 The complementary locking structure 6 is part of the upper winding block 4, and it is located below the upper rope deflector, and therefore below the pulley 41 in the illustrated example. The complementary locking structure 6 includes:

[0079] - Frame 60, which includes two flanges 61 facing each other, and the two flanges defining an open groove between them on the underside of the overlying block 4, thereby defining an entrance 63; and

[0080] - Bolt 62, which is firmly supported by the frame, wherein the bolt 62 forms a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis orthogonal to the main axis, and wherein the bolt 62 extends between the two flanges 61 at a predetermined distance from the inlet 63 of the groove.

[0081] The upper pass-through block 4 supports the upper stop 43, which is opposite to the interface 63 of the complementary locking structure 6. In addition, the flanges 61 are spaced apart from each other at the level of the inlet 63, causing the inlet 63 to open outward.

[0082] refer to Figure 2 The locking mechanism 5 is integrated into the lower winding block 3, and it is positioned above the lower rope deflector, and thus above the two pulleys 31 in the illustrated example. The locking mechanism 5 includes:

[0083] - Chassis 50, comprising two plates 51 facing each other, with the two plates defining a gap between them; and

[0084] - Two latches 52, pivotally mounted on a chassis 50 between two plates 51, wherein each latch 52 is coupled to a resilient biasing element 59, such as a spring, for example.

[0085] The chassis 50 has a locking channel 53, which has an elongated shape along the main axis (and thus along the vertical direction). This locking channel 53 is formed by two recesses facing each other, which are formed in two plates 51 and open onto upper hooks 510 of the plates 51. This allows the locking channel 53 to be provided with an interface member 54 through which the bolt 62 of the complementary locking structure 9 can enter and exit the locking channel 53. The interface member 54 flares outward to facilitate and center the insertion of the bolt 62 into the locking channel 53.

[0086] Bolt 62 has a cross-section sized to allow sliding in locking channel 53. The internal distance between the two flanges 61 of frame 60 is greater than the thickness of chassis 50, allowing chassis 50 to enter the groove of frame 60 (therefore between the two flanges 61) via inlet 63, which is advantageously flared outward to facilitate such passage.

[0087] Therefore, bolt 62 can slide in the locking channel 53 in the entering direction (downward) and the exit direction (upward) opposite to the entering direction, respectively, during the relative approach and distance between the two through blocks 3 and 4. Advantageously, bolt 62 slides tightly within the locking channel 53 (with reduced clearance). Advantageously, bolt 62 has a cylindrical section of a predetermined diameter. Therefore, the locking channel 53 has a width substantially equal to the diameter of bolt 62.

[0088] The locking channel 53 has a bottom 55 located between the two pulleys 31, wherein the bottom 55 is adapted to stop the bolt from sliding in the insertion direction. It should be noted that the two pulleys 31 can also be rotatably mounted between the two plates 51.

[0089] Two latches 52 are positioned facing each other on each side of the locking channel 53 and are pivotally mounted on the chassis 50 between two plates 51 about parallel pivot axes; these pivot axes are also orthogonal to the main axis and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bolt 62. The two latches 52 can pivot symmetrically with respect to the main plane that includes the main axis and is parallel to the pivot axis of each of the two latches 52. Advantageously, the two latches 52 are identical and symmetrical with respect to the main plane.

[0090] Each latch 52 is provided with a concave free end 56 adapted to engage with a bolt 62, wherein the free end 56 has a recess 57 whose shape is complementary to that of the bolt 62. Therefore, the recess 57 of the free end 56 of the latch 52 has an arcuate bearing area with a diameter equal to that of the bolt 62. Each latch 52 is disposed between the interface member 54 and the bottom 55 of the locking channel 53.

[0091] For each latch 52, the recess 57 of the free end 56 is defined by two opposing hooks 571, 572 (on which the bolt 62 can apply a thrust): a proximal hook 571 facing the interface 54 of the locking channel 53 and a distal hook 572 facing the bottom 55 of the locking channel 53. Furthermore, the proximal hook 571 and the distal hook 572 have proximal and distal lengths respectively, measured radially from the pivot axis, with the proximal length being less than the distal length.

[0092] For each latch 52, a corresponding resilient biasing element 59 extends between the two plates 51 and has one end fastened to the latch 52 and the other end fastened to the chassis 50. It should be noted that... Figures 4 to 13 In this context, for simplicity, all the springs forming the elastic bias element 59 are shown as being at rest, and their ends are not fastened to the latch 52 and the chassis 50.

[0093] Each latch 52 can pivot between the following positions:

[0094] - Neutral position (in) Figure 6 , 9 (as shown in 10), in this neutral position, the free end 56 of the latch is located in the locking channel 53, wherein the corresponding resilient biasing element 59 pushes the latch 52 toward this neutral position;

[0095] - distal position (in) Figure 11 (as shown in the figure), in this distal position, the latch 52 provides a passage for the bolt 62 by the thrust applied by the bolt 62 sliding from the interface member 54 in the direction of entry (downward) toward the bottom 55. This distal position is associated with the pressure of the bolt 62 on the proximal hook 571, which causes the latch 52 to pivot from the neutral position in the distal rotation direction (latch 52 pivots downward).

[0096] - Proximal position (in) Figure 8 (as shown in the figure), in this proximal position, the latch 52 leaves a channel for the bolt 62 by the thrust applied by the bolt 62 sliding in the withdrawal direction (upward), this proximal position is associated with the pivoting of the latch 52 from the neutral position in the proximal rotation direction opposite to the distal rotation direction (latch 52 pivots upward);

[0097] - Lock position (in) Figure 4 and 13 (as shown in the figure), between the neutral position and the distal position, in the locked position, the free end 56 of the latch 52 prevents the bolt 62 from sliding in the release direction in the locking channel 53, and the bolt 62 is locked in the free end 56;

[0098] -Middle distal position (in Figure 5 (as shown in the figure), after it is in the locked position, and in this intermediate distal position, the latch 52 leaves a channel for the bolt 62 by the thrust applied by the bolt 62 sliding in the direction of entry (downward) from the recess 57 in the direction of bottom 55. This intermediate distal position is associated with the pressure of the bolt 62 on the distal hook 572, which causes the latch 52 to pivot from the locked position in the distal rotation direction (the latch 52 pivots downward).

[0099] like Figure 6 , 9 As shown in Figure 10, in the neutral position, the free end 56 of the latch overlaps within the locking channel 53.

[0100] refer to Figures 4 to 9 The following description covers the disconnect phase used to transition from a connected construction to a disconnected construction.

[0101] refer to Figure 4 In this connection configuration, the latch 52 is in the locked position, and the bolt 62 is engaged within the corresponding free ends 56 of the latch 52; more specifically, the bolt 62 is engaged within the recesses 57 of these free ends 56. In this connection configuration, the lower through-hook block 3 can descend together with the upper through-hook block 4. In fact, as the lower through-hook block 3 descends with its latches 52, these latches 52 are blocked by the bolt 62 and cannot pivot (upward pivot) in the proximal rotation direction toward the proximal position. Therefore, the latches 52 are held in the locked position by the bolt 62, which is fixed to the upper through-hook block 4 as described above. Thus, the upper through-hook block 4 is connected to the lower through-hook block 3 and therefore descends together with the lower through-hook block.

[0102] refer to Figure 4 and 5 To switch from the connected configuration to the disconnected configuration, first raise the lower through-hook block 3 (together with the upper through-hook block 4), as indicated by arrow MO, until the upper through-hook block 4 reaches the high stop on the cantilever, more specifically, until the upper stop 43 of the upper through-hook block 4 abuts against the distribution trolley 9 (see...). Figure 1 (on the right side). For this purpose, and as Figure 1 As shown, a slot 90 is provided on the lower side of the distribution trolley 9, and the upper stop 43 is assembled and abuts in the slot.

[0103] refer to Figure 5Once the upper through-hole block 4 is at the high stop, the lower through-hole block 3 continues to rise, as indicated by arrow MO, while the upper through-hole block 4 is blocked. Therefore, as the locking channel 53 rises, the bolt 62 slides within the locking channel 53 in the entry direction (downwards). Note that the latch 52 does not resist this sliding, and the latch 2 will thus pivot in the distal rotation direction (downwards) by the thrust exerted by the bolt 62 on the distal hook 572 of the latch 52. Furthermore, the latch 52 pivots downwards, while the bolt 62 slides towards the bottom 55 until the bolt 62 leaves the interior of the free end 56 of the latch 52 (even leaving contact with the latch 52), and then, as... Figure 6 As shown, latches 52 return to the neutral position by the action of their associated resilient biasing elements 59, and bolts 62 are located below latches 62 (even in the bottom 55 of locking channels 53).

[0104] refer to Figure 7 The lower pass block 3 moves downward as indicated by arrow DE, causing bolt 62 to slide in the withdrawal direction (upward) within locking channel 53 until it abuts against the distal latch 572 of latch 52, thereby pushing latch 52. The latch then pivots in the proximal rotation direction (upward) until it reaches its proximal position, as shown... Figure 8 As shown, this allows the bolt 62 to exit from the locking channel 53 and be released from the latch 52.

[0105] Therefore, as Figure 9 As shown, bolt 62 is fully released from locking mechanism 5, and the latches return to the neutral position by the action of their associated elastic biasing element 59, and thus the lower through block 3 can continue to descend independently in the disconnected configuration without the upper through block 4 held at the level of the distribution trolley 9.

[0106] refer to Figures 10 to 13 The following description covers the connection phase used to transition from a disconnected construction to a connected construction.

[0107] refer to Figure 10 In the disconnected configuration, the upper through-hole block 4 is suspended above the lower through-hole block 3, and the latch 52 is in the neutral position. To switch from the disconnected configuration to the connected configuration, the lower through-hole block 3 is initially raised, as indicated by arrow MO, so that the two through-hole blocks 3 and 4 are relatively close until the reference... Figure 11 Bolt 62 enters the locking channel 3 through interface 54 and contacts the proximal hook 571 of latch 52, thereby causing the upper through block 4 to reach the high stop on the cantilever, more specifically, until the upper stop 43 of the upper through block 4 abuts against the distribution trolley 9.

[0108] refer to Figure 11As the lower pass block 3 continues to rise, bolt 62 applies a thrust to the proximal hook 571 of latch 52 while simultaneously sliding in the locking channel 53 along the entry direction (downward), thereby bringing latch 52 to the distal position until bolt 62 disengages from contact with the proximal hook 571 of latch 52, and then latch 52 pivots in the proximal rotation direction (upward) until the distal hook 572 of latch 52 then contacts bolt 62, as... Figure 12 As shown. Therefore, as Figure 12 As shown, bolt 62 engages within the free end 56 of latch 52.

[0109] refer to Figure 13 The lower through-hole block 3 then moves downward as indicated by arrow DE, causing the bolt 62 to slide in the exit direction (upward) within the locking channel 53 and bringing the latch 52 to the locked position until the bolt 62 is caught in the free end 56 of the latch 52, and thus its sliding in the exit direction within the locking channel 53 is prevented, and thus the lower through-hole block 3 and the upper through-hole block 4 are connected, and then the lower through-hole block 3 can continue to descend together with the upper through-hole block 4 in the connected configuration.

[0110] Therefore, it should be noted that during the connection and disconnection phases, only the control of the rising / falling motion of the lower winding block 3 allows for the transition from the connection configuration to the disconnection configuration, and vice versa. The control of the rising / falling motion of the lower winding block 3 is performed by controlling the lifting winch.

[0111] Furthermore, it is advantageous to automate the movement of the lower winding block 3 during the connection and disconnection phases using a monitoring / control unit that drives the lifting winch. In automating the connection and disconnection phases, it is advantageous to provide one or more sensors that allow detection of the relative position between the lower winding block 3 and the upper winding block 4. For example, a sensor that allows detection of when the upper winding block 4 is at the high stop on the cantilever, and more specifically, when the upper stop 43 of the upper winding block 4 abuts against the distribution trolley 9. In fact, this position represents the starting point of the movement that will be followed during the connection and disconnection phases.

[0112] Furthermore, it is possible to invert the positions of the locking mechanism and the complementary locking structure 6 of the reversible connecting device by arranging the locking mechanism 5 on the upper through-hole block 4 and the complementary locking structure 6 on the lower through-hole block 3. The locking mechanism 5 can also be operated by a single latch 52 by adjusting the shape of the latch 52 to engage the bolt 62 in the locking channel 53. Alternatively, the locking mechanism 5 can be operated by more than two latches 52. It is also possible to provide an elastic biasing element 59 other than a spring, such as, for example, an elastic leaf, a return mechanism, or other equivalent device.

Claims

1. Double-passing hoisting device (1) for a hoisting machine, comprising two passing blocks (3, 4), namely an upper passing block (4) and a lower passing block (3) fixed to a hoisting hook (30), wherein the two passing blocks (3, 4) comprise reversible connection means adapted to be reversibly configured between: - a connected configuration, in which the upper passing block (4) is connected to the lower passing block (3) so as to be able to perform ascending / descending movements along a main axis in company with the lower passing block, and - a disconnected configuration, in which the upper passing block (4) is disconnected from the lower passing block (3) so as to be able to remain suspended above the lower passing block (3), which is able to perform descending / ascending movements without the upper passing block (4), wherein the connected configuration and the disconnected configuration respectively correspond to a double-passing configuration and a simple-passing configuration of the double-passing hoisting device (1), or vice versa, the double-passing hoisting device (1) being characterized in that the reversible connection means comprise a locking mechanism (5) mounted on one of the two passing blocks (3, 4), and a complementary locking structure (6) mounted on the other of the two passing blocks (3, 4) and adapted to cooperate with the locking mechanism (5); wherein the complementary locking structure (6) comprises a frame (60) firmly supporting a bolt (62), the bolt being formed at least in part by a shaft extending transversely to the main axis, and wherein the locking mechanism (5) comprises: - a chassis (50) comprising a locking channel (53) having an elongated shape along the main axis and provided with an interface (54) through which the bolt (62) can enter and exit the locking channel (53) when the two passing blocks (3, 4) are relatively close or far apart, and can slide in the locking channel (53) in an entering direction and in an exiting direction opposite to the entering direction, respectively, and - at least one latch (52) pivotally mounted on the chassis (50) so as to be able to pivot within the locking channel (53), the latch (52) being provided with a concave free end (56) adapted to engage the bolt (62) and being coupled to an elastic biasing element (59) which pushes the latch (52) towards a neutral position.

2. The dual wraparound lifting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the latch (52) being able to pivotally move between: - a neutral position; - a distal position in which the latch (52) leaves a passage for the bolt (62) by action of a thrust force exerted by the bolt (62) sliding in the entering direction, the distal position being associated with a pivoting of the latch (52) in a distal rotation direction from the neutral position. - a proximal position, in which the latch (52) clears the bolt (62) of the passage by the effect of the thrust exerted by the bolt (62) sliding in the exit direction, the proximal position being associated with the pivoting of the latch (52) from the neutral position in a proximal rotation direction opposite to the distal rotation direction; and - a locked position, which is between the neutral position and the distal position, in which the free end (56) of the latch (52) prevents the sliding of the bolt (62) in the exit direction in the locking passage (53) and the bolt (62) is trapped inside the free end (56).

3. Double-pass hoisting arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The free end (56) of the latch (52) has a recess (57) having a shape complementary to that of the bolt (62).

4. The dual wraparound lifting device (1) according to claim 3, wherein The bolt (62) has a cylindrical section of a predetermined diameter and the recess (57) of the free end (56) of the latch (52) has a circular-arc bearing area.

5. The dual wraparound hoisting arrangement (1) according to claim 4, wherein The circular-arc bearing area of the recess (57) of the latch (52) has a diameter equal to that of the bolt (62).

6. The dual wraparound hoisting arrangement (1) according to claim 4, wherein The locking passage (53) has a width equal to the diameter of the bolt (62).

7. The dual wraparound hoisting arrangement (1) according to claim 3, wherein The recess (57) of the free end (56) of the latch (52) is delimited by two opposite hooks, a proximal hook (571) and a distal hook (572), on which the bolt (62) can exert a thrust, the proximal hook facing the interface (54) of the locking passage (53) in the neutral position, wherein the proximal hook (571) and the distal hook (572) have a proximal length and a distal length measured radially from the pivot axis, respectively, and the proximal length is less than the distal length.

8. The dual wrap-lift device (1) according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein, The locking passage (53) has a bottom (55) adapted to stop the sliding of the bolt (62) in the entry direction, with the latch (52) being arranged between the interface (54) and the bottom (55) of the locking passage (53).

9. The dual wrap-lift device (1) according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein, The pivot axis of the latch (52) is orthogonal to the main axis.

10. The dual wrap-lift device (1) according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein, The locking mechanism (5) comprises two latches (52) facing each other, pivotally mounted on the chassis (50) on either side of the locking passage (53), the two latches (52) being able to pivot symmetrically with respect to a main plane comprising the main axis and parallel to the pivot axis of each of the two latches (52).

11. The dual wraparound hoisting arrangement (1) according to claim 10, wherein The two latches (52) are identical and symmetric with respect to the main plane.

12. The dual wraparound lifting device (1) according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein The frame (60) of the complementary locking structure (6) comprises two flanges (61) facing each other, between which the bolt (62) is fastened.

13. The dual wraparound lifting device (1) according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein The chassis (50) of the locking mechanism (5) comprises two plates (51) between which the latches (52) are pivotally mounted.

14. A lifting machine comprising a jib and a double-passing lifting device (1) formed to lift / lower a load along said jib, said double-passing lifting device (1) being as claimed in any one of claims 1-13, wherein said lower-passing block (3) is suspended to said jib by a lifting rope connected to a lifting winch to raise / lower said lower-passing block (3), said lifting rope passing through said upper-passing block (4), and wherein: - starting from a disconnected configuration in which said upper-passing block (4) is suspended above said lower-passing block (3) and said latch (52) is in a neutral position, said lower-passing block (3) can be raised so as to bring said two passing blocks (3, 4) in relative proximity, until said upper-passing block (4) reaches a high stop on said jib, and said bolt (62) enters said locking channel (53) through said interface (54), slides within said locking channel (53) in said entry direction and exerts a thrust on said latch (52) to bring it in a distal position, until it fits within said free end (56) of said latch, then said lower-passing block (3) can be moved downwards so that said bolt (62) slides within said locking channel (53) in said exit direction and brings said latch (52) in a locked position, so that said bolt (62) is trapped within said free end (56) and its sliding in said exit direction in said locking channel (53) is blocked, so that said lower-passing block (3) can be lowered together with upper-passing block (4) in said connected configuration; and - starting from a connected configuration in which said latch (52) is in said locked position and said bolt (62) is trapped within said free end (56) of said latch, said lower-passing block (3) can be raised until said upper-passing block (4) reaches a high stop on said jib, then said bolt (62) slides within said locking channel (53) in said entry direction and brings said latch (52) in an intermediate distal position, so that said bolt (62) exits the inside of said free end (56) of said latch (52), then said latch (52) returns to said neutral position by action of said elastic biasing element (59), then said lower-passing block (3) can be moved downwards so that said bolt (62) slides within said locking channel (53) in said exit direction, pushing said latch (52) towards a proximal position, until it exits from said locking channel (53) and is released from said latch, so that said lower-passing block (3) can continue to be lowered in said disconnected configuration.

15. The lifting machine according to claim 14, comprising a distribution trolley (9) movably mounted on said jib and connected to a distribution system adapted to move said distribution trolley (9) along said jib in opposite forward and backward directions, and wherein said lower-passing block (3) is suspended to said distribution trolley (9) by said lifting rope.

16. A method for lifting a load, for lifting a load in a lifting machine according to claim 14 or 15, comprising: - a connection phase for passing from the disconnected configuration to the connected configuration, during which the lower through-block (3) is mounted so as to facilitate the relative approach between the two through-blocks (3, 4) until the upper through-block (4) reaches the high stop on the jib and the bolt (62) passes through the interface piece (54) into the locking channel (53), slides within the locking channel (53) in the entry direction and exerts a thrust on the latch (52) to bring it to the distal position, until fitting inside the free end (56) of the latch, then the lower through-block (3) moves downwardly so that the bolt (62) slides within the locking channel (53) in the exit direction and brings the latch (52) to the locked position, and therefore the bolt (62) is trapped inside the free end (56) and its sliding in the exit direction in the locking channel (53) is blocked, so that the lower through-block (3) can descend together with the upper through-block (4) in the connected configuration; and - a disconnection phase for passing from the connected configuration to the disconnected configuration, during which the lower through-block (3) is raised until the upper through-block (4) reaches the high stop on the jib, then the bolt (62) slides within the locking channel (53) in the entry direction and brings the latch (52) to an intermediate distal position, so that the bolt (62) exits the inside of the free end (56) of the latch (52), then the latch (52) returns to the neutral position by action of the elastic biasing element (59), then the lower through-block (3) moves downwardly so that the bolt (62) slides within the locking channel (53) in the exit direction, pushing the latch (52) towards the proximal position until exiting from the locking channel (53) and being released from the latch, so that the lower through-block (3) can continue to descend in the disconnected configuration.

17. The method for lifting a load of claim 16, wherein, During the connection phase and the disconnection phase, the movement of the lower through-block (3) is automatic.

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