Assembly for detecting risk of collision when moving a load and corresponding method of moving

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method comprising the following steps: - attaching a plurality of proximity sensors (11) around the side surface of a load (3); - lifting and moving the load (3) using a lifting and moving device (7); - sending and displaying signals generated by the proximity sensors (11) on at least one display unit (15).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to the use of lifting and mobile devices to move loads. Background Technology

[0002] When using lifting and moving equipment such as overhead cranes to move heavy loads, there is a risk of collision between the load and its surroundings. In the event of a collision, the load itself may be damaged. This is especially problematic when the load consists of high-value parts (often high-value parts manufactured for customers).

[0003] During a collision, equipment or structures placed around the load may also be damaged.

[0004] To minimize the risk of collision between the load and its environment, operators can be positioned at different locations around the load as it is being moved to monitor for any potential contact.

[0005] This method poses significant risks to operators near the load. Furthermore, in some cases, this method requires exceptions to safety rules prohibiting operators from entering the lifting cone. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In this context, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for moving loads that allows for improved operator safety while reducing the risk of collisions.

[0007] Therefore, according to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for moving a load having a closed profile on a side surface, the method comprising the following steps:

[0008] - Attach multiple proximity sensors to the load, with these proximity sensors distributed around the side surface;

[0009] - Attach the load to load boosting and mobile devices;

[0010] - Use lifting and moving equipment to lift the load, and with the load suspended on the lifting and moving equipment, use the lifting and moving equipment to move the load from the initial position to the final position. Each proximity sensor scans for obstacles near the proximity sensor during the load movement and generates a signal indicating whether an obstacle is near the proximity sensor during the load movement.

[0011] - Transmitting the signal generated by the proximity sensor to at least one display unit; and

[0012] - The signal is displayed on at least one display unit.

[0013] Proximity sensors distributed around the side surface of the load detect obstacles found near the load during load movement. The proximity sensors continuously send signals indicating the presence of nearby obstacles. The operator can visualize these signals using a display unit such as a tablet computer.

[0014] It can monitor the load and its environment while maintaining a certain distance from the load to ensure there is no risk of collision between them.

[0015] Because the proximity sensors are distributed around the side surface of the load, 360° monitoring is possible.

[0016] Therefore, the operator no longer needs to approach the load or enter the lifting cone.

[0017] Multiple display units can be used, enabling multiple people to simultaneously monitor load movement and assess collision risks. For example, one display unit can be delegated to the operator controlling the lifting and moving equipment, another to the foreman, and one or more other display units can be delegated to operators involved in the load movement operation.

[0018] The method may also have one or more of the following features, either individually or in any technically possible combination:

[0019] - The proximity sensor is a miniature MEMS type sensor;

[0020] - The proximity sensor is attached to a flexible support; the flexible support is arranged around the side surface of the load.

[0021] - The flexible support component is made of fabric or mesh;

[0022] - The signal is displayed on at least one display unit by displaying a symbol representing the side surface of the load and a graphic element indicating whether an obstacle is approaching each proximity sensor on the electronic screen of at least one display unit, the graphic element being generated using the signal generated by the proximity sensor;

[0023] - The graphic element associated with each proximity sensor is positioned relative to the symbol representing the side surface of the load at the location representing the position of that proximity sensor around the side surface;

[0024] - The flexible support includes sections of different colors, and the graphic elements associated with the proximity sensor located in the section of a given color have that color;

[0025] - During the load lifting and moving steps, when an obstacle approaches a proximity sensor, the proximity sensor assesses the distance between the proximity sensor and the obstacle, and the signal generated by the proximity sensor contains an indication characterizing the distance;

[0026] - The graphical elements associated with the proximity sensor represent the indication characterizing the distance between the proximity sensor and the obstacle.

[0027] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a component for detecting collision risk during movement of a load on a side surface having a closed profile, the component comprising:

[0028] - Flexible support components;

[0029] - Multiple proximity sensors are attached to the flexible support, each proximity sensor being configured to scan for obstacles approaching the proximity sensor and generate a signal indicating whether an obstacle is approaching the proximity sensor;

[0030] - Secure the flexible support to the load at a position that allows the proximity sensor to be distributed around the side surface;

[0031] - At least one display unit configured to display a signal generated by a proximity sensor;

[0032] - A transmitter configured to send a signal generated by a proximity sensor to at least one display unit. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Further features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following detailed description, given by way of indication rather than limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] - Figure 1 This is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating the improvement and shifting steps of the method of the present invention;

[0035] - Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible support component that carries the proximity sensor;

[0036] - Figure 3 It revolves around Figure 1 Load installation Figure 2 A simplified diagram of the flexible support components and various obstacles placed around the load;

[0037] - Figure 4 This is a simplified schematic diagram of a display unit used in the method of the present invention, the screen of which shows... Figure 3 Graphical elements generated from signals transmitted by proximity sensors in the context of [the situation].

[0038] - Figure 5 The diagram shows the arrangement of loads around different shapes. Figure 2 Flexible support components;

[0039] - Figure 6 yes Figure 5The load of the shape shown is similar to Figure 4 The view; and

[0040] - Figure 7 This is a simplified schematic diagram of another flexible support component on which a proximity sensor is mounted. Detailed Implementation

[0041] supply Figures 1 to 4 The component 1 shown is used to detect the risk of collision during the movement of a load 3 on a side surface 5 with a closed profile.

[0042] Load 3 can be of any type: equipment under construction or part of equipment, finished equipment, equipment being maintained, or any other part to be transported by a lifting device.

[0043] The side surface 5 corresponds to the surface that defines the load 3 in the horizontal plane (i.e., perpendicular to the vertical direction).

[0044] Load 3 is set to be moved by boost and mobile device 7.

[0045] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the lifting and moving equipment 7 is an overhead crane. Alternatively, the lifting and moving equipment 7 can be a cantilever crane, a crane, or any other suitable equipment.

[0046] The lifting and moving device 7 includes a component 8 for attaching the load 3 to the lifting and moving device 7.

[0047] The component 8 is, for example, a hook.

[0048] The lifting and moving device 7 is configured to enable the load 3 to be lifted, in other words, to lift the load 3 above the ground and hold it at a certain distance above the ground.

[0049] The lifting device 7 is also configured to lift the load 3 from its initial position while keeping the load 3 suspended on the lifting and moving device 7. Figure 1 (shown in solid line) Move to the final position (in) Figure 1 (shown as dashed lines in the middle).

[0050] Such devices are well known and will not be described in detail here.

[0051] Component 1 includes a flexible support 9 and a plurality of proximity sensors 11 attached to the flexible support 9.

[0052] The flexible support element 9 is typically made of fabric. Fabric is any material composed of interlocking fibers.

[0053] The fabric is, for example, a woven fabric, in other words, a fabric made of threads arranged in a predetermined regular pattern. For example, the threads are knitted or woven together.

[0054] Yarn can be any suitable type: yarn made of natural materials, plastic, or any other material.

[0055] Alternatively, the fabric may be nonwoven or a web or mesh.

[0056] Typically, the flexible support 9 moves along the horizontal direction when laid flat. Figure 2 The vertical direction L shown in the image has an elongated shape.

[0057] In other words, the flexible support 9 has the shape of a longitudinal strip.

[0058] Sensor 11 is distributed longitudinally along the flexible support 9.

[0059] They are typically spaced evenly along the longitudinal direction of the flexible support 9. For example, they are arranged in a single longitudinal line.

[0060] Sensor 11 is distributed along the entire longitudinal length of flexible support 9.

[0061] The longitudinal length of the flexible support 9 corresponds substantially to the perimeter of the side surface 5 obtained at the height where the support 9 must be arranged.

[0062] Component 1 also includes a fastener system 13 for attaching the flexible support 9 to the load 3.

[0063] Therefore, the fastener system 13 allows the flexible support 9 to be attached to the load 3 in a stable position.

[0064] At this location, proximity sensors 11 are distributed around the side surface 5, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown.

[0065] The longitudinal spacing between the proximity sensors 11 along the support member 9 is chosen such that the detection areas covered by the sensors 11 slightly overlap.

[0066] In other words, the proximity sensors 11 are distributed in 360° around the vertical central axis of the load 3. Arranged in this way, the detection field of the proximity sensors 11 together covers the entire perimeter of the load.

[0067] Once in place, the proximity sensor 11 forms a line with a closed profile that follows the shape of the side surface 5 of the load 3.

[0068] More precisely, they are arranged on a line that has essentially the shape of a horizontal cross-section of the load 3 taken at the height at which the sensor 11 is arranged.

[0069] When load 3 has a circular cross-section, such as in Figure 3 and Figure 4In the example shown, the lines of proximity sensor line 11 form a circle.

[0070] Typically, the flexible support 9 is formed as a strip with a closed profile that follows the shape of the side surface 5 of the load 3; in other words, it essentially has the shape of a horizontal cross-section of the load 3 taken at the height at which the flexible support 9 is arranged.

[0071] Fastener system 13 can be any suitable type.

[0072] For example, when the side surface 5 of the load 3 is made of a magnetic material, the fastener system 13 includes a plurality of magnetized elements that are rigidly attached to the support 9 and longitudinally distributed along the entire length of the support 9.

[0073] If the support member 9 has a certain degree of elasticity, the fastener system 13 can be configured to reversibly attach one longitudinal end of the support member 9 to the opposite longitudinal end. In this way, the support member 9 elastically clamps the load 3.

[0074] Any other fastener system is possible.

[0075] The proximity sensor 11 is advantageously a miniature MEMS (microelectromechanical system) type sensor. Such sensors are small in size and weight, so they can be easily integrated into flexible tissue supports or presented in the form of a mesh.

[0076] The sensor is, for example, an infrared sensor or a TOF (Time-of-Flight) sensor.

[0077] These sensors include the VL53L series sensors sold by ST Micro Electronics (e.g., VL53L3CX, VL53L1CX).

[0078] Each proximity sensor 11 is configured to scan for obstacles approaching the sensor 11.

[0079] Depending on the type of sensor and the desired accuracy, each proximity sensor 11 has a detection area covering a given angular sector.

[0080] As described above, the longitudinal spacing between the proximity sensors 11 along the support member 9 is selected such that the detection areas of the sensors slightly overlap.

[0081] The maximum detection distance of each proximity sensor 11 is typically between 1 meter and 5 meters, for example, 2 meters.

[0082] Each proximity sensor 11 is configured to generate a signal indicating whether an obstacle is approaching the proximity sensor and to indicate the distance between the sensor and the obstacle.

[0083] "Approaching the proximity sensor" is understood to mean that the obstacle is within the sensor's detection area.

[0084] Component 1 also includes at least one display unit 15, which is configured to display the signal generated by the proximity sensor 11.

[0085] Display unit 15 is typically a portable electronic device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

[0086] Alternatively, display unit 15 is a fixed computer.

[0087] In addition, component 1 includes a transmission device 17 configured to transmit a signal generated by proximity sensor 11 to at least one display unit 15.

[0088] The transmission device 17 typically includes a transmitter 19 supported by a flexible support member 9.

[0089] For each of the display units 15, the transmission device 17 also includes a receiver 21 configured to communicate with the transmitter 19.

[0090] The transmitter 19 communicates wirelessly with each of the receivers 21. Transmission uses Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or the LoRawan protocol.

[0091] Advantageously, each proximity sensor 11 is connected to the transmitter 19 via a wired connection.

[0092] The line that transmits the signal emitted by each proximity sensor 11 to the transmitter 19 is carried by the flexible support 9.

[0093] Each of the aforementioned display units 15 includes an electronic screen 23.

[0094] Each display unit 15 is configured to display a symbol 25 representing the side surface 5 of the load 3 and a graphic element 27 indicating whether an obstacle is approaching each proximity sensor 11 on the electronic screen 23. Figure 4 ( ) to display the signal generated by proximity sensor 11.

[0095] Graphical element 27 is created using signals generated by the proximity sensor 11.

[0096] Advantageously, the proximity sensor 11 is configured to assess the distance between the proximity sensor 11 and the obstacle when the obstacle approaches the sensor.

[0097] In this case, the signal generated by proximity sensor 11 contains an indication characterizing the distance.

[0098] Then, the graphic element 27 associated with the proximity sensor represents the indication characterizing the distance between the proximity sensor 11 and the obstacle.

[0099] Typically, the symbol 25 representing the side surface 5 of the load 3 is a geometry that corresponds substantially to the cross-section of the load 3 taken from a horizontal plane at the level where the flexible support 9 is substantially arranged.

[0100] The symbol 25 usually corresponds exactly to the horizontal section of the load, especially when the shape is simple.

[0101] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the example shown, load 3 has a circular horizontal cross section at the level of flexible support 9, and symbol 25 is a circle.

[0102] exist Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the example shown, load 3 has a rectangular horizontal cross-section at the level of flexible support 9. Symbol 25 shown on display unit 15 is also rectangular.

[0103] For example, graphic element 27 includes one or more bars.

[0104] For example, graphic element 27:

[0105] - If the proximity sensor 11 does not detect an obstacle, then there is no bar;

[0106] - When proximity sensor 11 detects an obstacle, it includes one or more bars, the number of bars being inversely proportional to the distance between proximity sensor 11 and the obstacle.

[0107] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the bars are parallel to each other and are stacked starting from the symbol representing the side surface of the load.

[0108] For example, the sensor range (in other words, the maximum distance at which the sensor can detect obstacles) is divided into multiple ranges, each associated with a different number of bars. The range furthest from the sensor is associated with a single bar. The range immediately adjacent to the sensor is associated with the maximum number of bars, such as five bars in the example shown.

[0109] The middle range is associated with two, three, or four bars.

[0110] Graphic element 27 can be independent of Figure 4 and Figure 6 The type of bar shown in the figure is not constituting a single type, but can be any other suitable type.

[0111] The signal generated by each proximity sensor 11 includes, for example, a value representing the distance between the sensor 11 and the obstacle as measured by that proximity sensor 11. In this case, each display unit 15 is configured to determine the number of bars corresponding to each measured distance value. This determination is performed using a correspondence table or formula.

[0112] Alternatively, the signal includes a code capable of taking multiple discrete values, each corresponding to a distance range between the sensor and the obstacle. In this latter case, each display unit 15 is configured to directly associate the number of bars with each code value.

[0113] Advantageously, the graphic element 27 associated with each proximity sensor 11 is positioned relative to the symbol 25 representing the side surface 5 of the load 3 at a location indicating the position of the proximity sensor 11 around the side surface 5.

[0114] For example, a proximity sensor 11 is considered an angular position reference. A graphic element 27 associated with this proximity sensor is considered an angular position reference on the electronic screen of the display unit 15.

[0115] A graphic element 27 associated with another proximity sensor 11 is positioned at a specific angular location around the symbol 25 relative to a reference graphic element. This determined angular location substantially corresponds to the angular location of the other proximity sensor 11 around the side surface 5 relative to the reference proximity sensor 11.

[0116] As shown in the figure, the flexible support 9 advantageously includes portions 29 of different colors.

[0117] For example, the flexible support 9 is divided into multiple longitudinally juxtaposed sections 29, each section having a different color.

[0118] The graphic element 27 associated with the proximity sensor 11 located in the portion 29 of a given color has that color on the display unit 15.

[0119] Therefore, it makes it easy to know which part of the load 3 is closest to the obstacle by observing the electronic display 23 on the display unit 15.

[0120] In the example shown, each section 29 includes two proximity sensors 11.

[0121] For example, each graphic element 27 is created using only the signal generated by a proximity sensor 11. In this case, it only represents the signal generated by said sensor.

[0122] Alternatively, each graphic element 27 can be created using signals generated by multiple proximity sensors 11 arranged longitudinally along the support 9. For example, each graphic element 27 can be created using signals generated by two proximity sensors 11.

[0123] In the example shown, each graphic element 27 is created using a signal generated by a proximity sensor 11 located in the same portion 29 of the flexible support 9.

[0124] In this case, for example, graphic element 27 is created in the following way:

[0125] -If neither of the two proximity sensors 11 detects an obstacle, the graphic symbol 27 corresponds to a signal indicating that there is no obstacle nearby;

[0126] If at least one of the two proximity sensors 11 detects an obstacle, the graphic element 27 corresponds to a signal indicating that an obstacle is nearby.

[0127] If the signal generated by each proximity sensor contains an indication of the distance between that sensor and the obstacle, then a graphical element is created by considering the minimum distance among the distances evaluated by the two proximity sensors.

[0128] If one or two proximity sensors do not detect an obstacle, the distance is disregarded.

[0129] The present invention also relates to a method for moving loads, which will now be described.

[0130] The load 3 is as described above, and has a side surface 5 with a closed profile.

[0131] The method includes the step of attaching a plurality of proximity sensors 11 to a load 3, the proximity sensors 11 being distributed around a side surface 5.

[0132] The proximity sensor 11 is of the type described above.

[0133] As described above, they are advantageously attached to the flexible support 9, which is arranged around the side surface 5 of the load 3.

[0134] Flexible support 9 is of the type described above.

[0135] As described above, the proximity sensor 11 is arranged to form at least one closed profile around the side surface, the closed profile being located at a given height from the load 3.

[0136] The method also includes the step of attaching the load 3 to the load booster and the mobile device 7.

[0137] As described above, the device 7 is, for example, an overhead crane, a cantilever crane, a crane, or any other suitable device.

[0138] The method also includes using boost and mobile devices 7 (by Figure 1 The upward vertical arrow on the left indicates the steps of lifting load 3 and moving load 3 using lifting and mobile devices 7.

[0139] The movement was caused by Figure 1 The horizontal arrow in the image indicates this.

[0140] With load 3 suspended on the lifting and moving equipment 7, the load is moved from its initial position ( Figure 1 The solid line on the left moves to the final position. Figure 1 (The dotted line on the right).

[0141] During the movement of the load 3, each proximity sensor 11 scans for any obstacles 31 detected in its vicinity. This scanning is either continuous or performed at very short intervals relative to the time required to lift and move the load 3.

[0142] The proximity sensor 11 generates a signal indicating whether an obstacle 31 is approaching the sensor 11 as the load 3 is moved. Similarly, this signal is generated continuously, or with very low periodicity relative to the time required to lift and move the load 3.

[0143] The method also includes the step of transmitting a signal generated by the proximity sensor 11 to at least one display unit 15.

[0144] The signal is transmitted as described above.

[0145] Each proximity sensor 11 typically transmits a signal via a wire to a transmitter 19, which then wirelessly transmits it to a receiver 21 on either the sensor or each display unit 15.

[0146] Each display unit 15 is of the type described above. For example, it is a tablet computer.

[0147] The method also includes the step of displaying the signal on at least one display unit 15.

[0148] The display is performed as described above.

[0149] The displacement method and detection component of the present invention can have various variations.

[0150] according to Figure 7 In one alternative shown, the flexible support 9 is not fabric, but a mesh or wire mesh structure. In this case, the proximity sensor 11 is attached to a node of the mesh or wire mesh.

[0151] According to an alternative not shown, the proximity sensors 11 are not attached to the flexible support, but are instead attached directly to the side surface 5 of the load 3. For example, they are attached individually by means of a magnetic device.

[0152] According to another alternative, the proximity sensors 11 are not all attached to a single flexible support. They are distributed across multiple flexible supports; each flexible support is attached to a load.

[0153] according to Figure 7 As an alternative shown, the proximity sensor 11 is arranged on the flexible support 9 as multiple longitudinal lines parallel to each other.

[0154] In this configuration, the flexible support 9 is very tall, and all proximity sensors 11 are attached to the same flexible support 9.

[0155] The proximity sensor 11 forms multiple closed contour lines around the side surface 5 at different heights of the load 3.

[0156] Each closed contour line follows the shape of the side surface 5 of the load 3 at the height where the line is laid.

[0157] This arrangement is particularly advantageous if the load is very high or if its cross-section varies with height.

[0158] In this case, the proximity sensor should be positioned around the most prominent part of the load.

[0159] According to another alternative, the proximity sensors are arranged along a closed profile, but at different heights from the load. For example, one part of the proximity sensor is positioned relatively low, while another part is positioned relatively high. This is suitable for loads with irregular horizontal cross-sections that have portions protruding in different directions and located at different heights.

[0160] According to an alternative implementation, the signal generated by each proximity sensor only indicates whether an obstacle is near the proximity sensor 11, and does not contain any indication of the distance between the obstacle and the proximity sensor.

[0161] Therefore, graphic element 27 is related to Figure 4 and Figure 6 The graphic elements shown are of different types. For example, when there is an obstacle near the proximity sensor 11, the graphic element contains symbols such as bars, and when no obstacle is detected near the proximity sensor, the graphic element does not display anything at all, i.e., zero bars.

[0162] In this case, the signal generated by the proximity sensor is typically a binary signal that can take two values: one value when an obstacle is detected, and another value when no obstacle is detected near the sensor.

[0163] The method for moving and detecting components of the present invention has several advantages.

[0164] Because proximity sensors are miniature MEMS-type sensors, they are small in weight and size, and they can be easily attached to flexible supports.

[0165] Because the proximity sensors are attached to a flexible support, they can be easily arranged around the side surface of the load. The flexible support conforms to the shape of the side surface, allowing the sensors to be positioned as close to the side surface as possible.

[0166] When the flexible support is made of fabric or mesh, the sensor can be easily attached to it. Furthermore, the support can be easily attached to the load without adding weight or bulk.

[0167] By displaying symbols representing the side surfaces of the load on an electronic screen, as well as graphic elements indicating whether an obstacle is approaching each proximity sensor, the operator can quickly and easily identify the risk of collision by displaying the signals generated by the proximity sensor on at least one display unit.

[0168] When the graphic element associated with each proximity sensor is positioned relative to the symbol representing the load on the side surface at the location indicating the proximity sensor's position around the side surface, the operator can easily understand which area(s) of the side surface is close to the obstacle.

[0169] The fact that the flexible support includes sections of different colors and that the graphic element associated with the proximity sensor located in a section of a given color is that color allows the operator to more easily understand which area of ​​the side surface is close to the obstacle.

[0170] Each proximity sensor assesses the distance between itself and the obstacle, and the signal generated by the proximity sensor contains an indication characterizing that distance; this fact further enhances safety during load movement. It provides operators with information indicating whether an obstacle is approaching or moving away and allows them to identify which area of ​​the side surface is closest to the obstacle.

Claims

1. A method for moving a load (3), the load (3) having a side surface (5) with a closed profile, the method comprising the steps of: - A plurality of proximity sensors (11) are attached to the load (3), the proximity sensors (11) being distributed around the side surface (5); - Hook the load (3) onto the device (7) for lifting and moving the load (3); - The load (3) is lifted using a lifting and moving device (7), and the load (3) is moved from an initial position to a final position using the lifting and moving device (7) while the load (3) is suspended on the lifting and moving device (7), and each proximity sensor (11) scans during the movement of the load (3) to check if there is an obstacle (31) near the proximity sensor (11), and generates a signal indicating whether there is an obstacle (31) near the proximity sensor (11) during the movement of the load (3); - Transmit the signal generated by the proximity sensor (11) to at least one display unit (15); and - The signal is displayed on at least one display unit (15). The signal is displayed on the at least one display unit (15) by displaying a symbol (25) representing the side surface (5) of the load (3) and a graphic element (27) indicating whether an obstacle (31) is near each proximity sensor (11) on the electronic screen (23) of the at least one display unit (15). The graphic element (27) is generated using the signal generated by the proximity sensor (11). The proximity sensor (11) is attached to a flexible support (9) arranged around the side surface (5) of the load (3), and the flexible support (9) includes portions (29) of different colors, and a graphic element (27) associated with the proximity sensor (11) located in a portion (29) of a given color has that color.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The proximity sensor (11) is a MEMS type micro sensor.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The proximity sensor (11) is attached to a flexible support (9) arranged around the side surface (5) of the load (3).

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The flexible support (9) is made of fabric or mesh.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The graphic element (27) associated with each proximity sensor (11) is positioned relative to the symbol (25) representing the side surface (5) of the load (3) at a location representing the position of the proximity sensor (11) around the side surface (5).

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, In the step of lifting and moving the load (3), when the obstacle (31) approaches a proximity sensor (11), the proximity sensor (11) assesses the distance between the proximity sensor (11) and the obstacle (31), and the signal generated by the proximity sensor (11) contains an indication characterizing the distance.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The signal is displayed on the at least one display unit (15) by displaying a symbol (25) representing the side surface (5) of the load (3) and a graphic element (27) indicating whether an obstacle (31) is near each proximity sensor (11) on the electronic screen (23) of the at least one display unit (15). The graphic element (27) is generated using the signal generated by the proximity sensor (11), and the graphic element (27) associated with the proximity sensor (11) represents the indication characterizing the distance between the proximity sensor (11) and the obstacle (31).

8. A component for detecting collision risk when moving a load (3), the load (3) having a side surface (5) with a closed profile, the component (1) comprising: - Flexible support component (9); - A plurality of proximity sensors (11) are attached to the flexible support (9), each proximity sensor (11) being configured to scan for an obstacle (31) approaching the proximity sensor (11) and generate a signal indicating whether an obstacle (31) is approaching the proximity sensor (11); - Fastener system (13) which attaches the flexible support (9) to the load (3) at a position such that the proximity sensor (11) is distributed around the side surface (5); - At least one display unit (15) configured to display the signal generated by the proximity sensor (11); - A transmission device (17) configured to transmit a signal generated by the proximity sensor (11) to the at least one display unit (15). The display unit (15) is arranged such that the signal is displayed on the at least one display unit (15) by displaying a symbol (25) representing the side surface (5) of the load (3) and a graphic element (27) indicating whether an obstacle (31) is near the proximity sensor (11) on the electronic screen (23) of the at least one display unit (15), the graphic element (27) being generated using the signal generated by the proximity sensor (11). The proximity sensor (11) is attached to a flexible support (9) arranged around the side surface (5) of the load (3), and the flexible support (9) includes portions (29) of different colors, and a graphic element (27) associated with the proximity sensor (11) located in a portion (29) of a given color has that color.

Images