TRANSPORT DEVICE FOR TRANSPORTING OBSERVING ELEMENTS AND ASSOCIATED TRANSPORT METHOD

Description

DOMAINE TECHNIQUE

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of transporting elongated elements such as beams, joists, floors, rails, diagonals, posts, props and the like, in particular, in the field of construction.

[0002] It is well known that to form a horizontal slab for a building, a formwork platform must be assembled. This platform consists of formwork panels (plywood, etc.) supported by a structural framework made up of props, beams, and joists. Similarly, to carry out work at height, scaffolding composed of beams, diagonals, platforms, and columns is erected on construction sites. These elongated elements must be transported from the storage area to the point of use. In practice, these elongated elements are transported on a truck and moved by crane using a sling to be used on a high floor of a building.

[0003] In practice, the elongated elements are strapped together with several cables (bands or straps) to secure them so they can be transported together on a truck and lifted by crane. There is a risk that an elongated element could slip during transport and break free from the strapping, which could compromise operator safety.

[0004] To eliminate these drawbacks, it has been proposed to transport the elongated elements in a closed transport crate. Such a transport crate is, for example, described in patent application CA1039682A1. This type of transport crate is quite bulky, which is a disadvantage on a construction site. Furthermore, its manufacturing and operating costs are high because it occupies a significant amount of unused space when empty or not optimized for the length of the elongated elements it contains.

[0005] Prior art is also known, through patent application DE3910949A1, of a transport device comprising two end frames designed to hold elongated elements during transport. Such a transport device does not prevent the risk of an elongated element slipping during movement and is therefore unsuitable.

[0006] In addition, documents US7690522B2 and FR3134569A1 each describe a modular transport device comprising a first end module and a second end module connected by an intermediate module.

[0007] The invention thus aims to eliminate at least some of the aforementioned drawbacks. PRESENTATION DE L'INVENTION

[0008] The invention relates to a transport device configured to transport a plurality of elongated elements, the transport device being modular and comprising a first end module and a second end module connected by a first closing module and a second closing module, each end module comprising two main vertical posts connected by a horizontal support cross member so as to define a support plane and a frame connected to the main posts, the frame comprising at least one main closing wall defining a stop plane, parallel to the support plane and offset from the support plane, to prevent an elongated element from exiting the transport device during the movement of the transport device, each closing module having an elongated frame shape with two horizontal rails, each horizontal rail being terminated at its ends by connecting members,each main post comprising at least two connecting elements configured to cooperate with the connecting elements of one of the closure modules.

[0009] The transport system is ideal for transporting elongated elements of varying lengths thanks to its modular design, which allows for convenient length adjustments. A main closure panel at each end module prevents any falls during transport, enhancing operator safety. Furthermore, using a transport system eliminates the need for slings when lifting with a crane, reducing the risk of damage to the elongated elements. Handling is thus simpler, faster, and safer.

[0010] In one aspect, the frame comprises a first auxiliary post and a second auxiliary post. The use of two auxiliary posts ensures a stable end module. This facilitates the assembly of the transport device.

[0011] In one aspect, the main closing wall is positioned between the two auxiliary posts. This allows for a stable and robust assembly.

[0012] In one aspect, the two auxiliary posts are connected to each other and to the main posts by connecting rails. The end module thus has a robust structure.

[0013] In one aspect, the frame comprises a first fastening element and a second fastening element configured to cooperate with the first fastening element. This advantageously allows two end modules to be joined together, facilitating their handling and storage.

[0014] In one configuration, the first fixing element is mounted on the rear face of the first auxiliary post, and the second fixing element is mounted on the rear face of the second auxiliary post. This allows two end modules to be mounted back-to-back, thus reducing the overall footprint.

[0015] In one aspect, each end module includes at least one lifting device configured to cooperate with a crane, preferably a lifting ring. Preferably, each end module includes two lifting devices. In one aspect, each lifting device projects vertically. In another aspect, each lifting device is attached to a beam.

[0016] According to one aspect, each main post includes a lifting device configured to cooperate with a crane, preferably a lifting ring.

[0017] In one aspect, the main posts of the same end module have complementary connecting elements. This advantageously allows two end modules to be connected together, which facilitates their handling.

[0018] In one aspect, the end modules can be stacked vertically in a stable manner.

[0019] According to one aspect, the framework includes an auxiliary closing wall connecting each main post to the main closing wall.

[0020] In one design, each main post has a lower end intended to contact the ground, and the support crossbar is positioned between 5 cm and 15 cm from the lower end of the main post. This facilitates the movement of a transport device using a pallet jack or similar equipment.

[0021] In one aspect, the stop plane is offset from the support plane by a distance of between 50 cm and 100 cm. This advantageously ensures stable support in the transport device, even when the transport device is incompletely loaded.

[0022] In one design, each end module includes at least one support element configured to support a closure module in a horizontal position, preferably with the support element connected to the support cross member. This allows for the advantageous storage of a large number of empty transport units in a compact space. One transport unit is thus used to store the closure modules from other storage units. The end modules can be stored separately or together.

[0023] Also presented is an assembly comprising a transport device as previously described and a plurality of elongated elements supported by the crossbeams of the two end modules. The elongated elements are preferably beams, formwork walls, floors, purlins, diagonals, props, or the like.

[0024] Also presented is a method for transporting a plurality of elongated elements having a predetermined element length L9 by a transport device as described previously, the stop plane being offset from the support plane by a distance D, the method comprising a step consisting of: Connect the first end module to the second end module by means of a first closing module and a second closing module, each closing module having a closing length L6 which is defined according to the following formula L9-2*D =< L6 < L9.

[0025] Thus, the structure of a transport device is practically determined by choosing closing modules of appropriate length, while the end modules remain advantageously identical. Such a closing length is beneficial for ensuring stable support on the support beams while preventing any risk of losing an elongated element.

[0026] Also presented is a method for storing a transport device as described previously, the method comprising a step consisting of: Connect the first fixing element of the first end module to the second fixing element of the second end module. PRESENTATION DES FIGURES

[0027] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given by way of example, and referring to the following figures, given by way of non-limiting examples, in which identical references are given to similar objects. There figure 1 is a schematic representation of a transport device according to one embodiment of the invention. figure 2 is a schematic representation of the transport system according to the figure 1 from another perspective. The figure 3 is a schematic representation of a first view of an end module. figure 4 is a schematic representation of a second view of an end module. figure 5 is a schematic representation of a close-up view of a main post of an end module. The figure 6 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a closure module. figure 7 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a closure module. figure 8 is a schematic representation of a transport device with elongated elements. figure 9 is a schematic representation of a transport device with long, elongated elements. figure 10 is a schematic representation of two transport devices stored in a superimposed manner. figure 11 is a schematic representation of two end modules assembled together during storage. figure 12 is a schematic representation of a transport device for storing a closure module. figure 13 is a schematic representation of a transport device with several support elements for storing a closure module. figure 14 is a schematic representation of the transport system of the figure 13 with guide mechanisms to limit movement during the storage of closing modules. The figure 15 is a schematic representation of the storage of the end modules, which are stacked horizontally (lying down). figure 16 is a schematic representation of the storage of the end modules, which are stacked vertically. figure 17 is a schematic representation of a first variant of an end module. figure 18 is a schematic representation of the direct connection of two end modules according to the first variant. figure 19 is a schematic representation of a closure module adapted to an end module according to the first variant. The figure 20 is a schematic representation of a transport device comprising end modules according to the first variant. figure 21 is a schematic representation of a second variant of an end module. The figure 22 is a schematic representation of the direct connection of two end modules according to the second variant. figure 23 is a schematic representation of a closure module adapted to an end module according to the second variant. The figure 24 is a schematic representation of a transport device comprising end modules according to the second variant.

[0028] It should be noted that the figures explain the invention in detail for implementing the invention, and these figures can of course be used to better define the invention where appropriate. DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE DE L'INVENTION

[0029] With reference to the figure 1 A transport device 1 configured to transport a plurality of elongated elements will be presented. In this example, the invention will be presented for the transport of beams, but the invention applies to any elongated element, particularly one with a length greater than 50 cm. The invention thus applies particularly to the transport of flat walls and elongated beams of variable length and cross-section.

[0030] As illustrated in figures 1 et 2 The transport device 1 is modular and comprises a first end module 2A and a second end module 2B, which are connected by a first closing module 6A and a second closing module 6B. In this example, the end modules 2A and 2B are identical, and only the first end module 2A will be shown for the sake of brevity and clarity. Similarly, the closing modules 6A and 6B are identical, and only the first closing module 6A will be shown for the sake of brevity and clarity. The transport device 1 has an overall rectangular shape.

[0031] With reference to figures 3 et 4 Each end module 2A, 2B comprises two vertical main posts 20 connected by a horizontal support beam 21 to define a support plane P1. The vertical main posts 20 and the support beam 21 define a U-shape with its concavity facing upwards. Subsequently, an X, Y, and Z coordinate system is defined in which the Y-axis extends horizontally along the support beam 21, the X-axis extends horizontally from the rear to the front and orthogonally to the Y-axis, and the Z-axis extends vertically.

[0032] Each main post 20 extends vertically and comprises a lower end 20p, forming a foot, intended to come into contact with the ground, and an upper end 20t forming a head. Preferably, the foot is flared to improve the stability of the end modules 2A, 2B. Preferably, the end modules 2A, 2B are vertically stackable. To this end, the foot has a shape complementary to a main post head 20 to allow stable stacking as illustrated in the figure 10 .

[0033] Preferably, with reference to the figure 5 The support cross member 21 is located at a distance H1 of between 5 cm and 15 cm from the lower end 20p of the main post 20. This advantageously allows the elongated elements to be raised off the ground to facilitate transport using a pallet jack or forklift.

[0034] With reference to figures 3 et 4 Each end module 2A, 2B comprises a frame 3 connected to the main posts 20. The frame 3 includes a first auxiliary post 31 and a second auxiliary post 32, which are connected to the main posts 20 and to each other by connecting beams 33. Preferably, the main posts 20, the support beam 21, and the frame 3 are made of metal. In this example, the posts 20, 31, and 32 together define the corners of a rectangle. Each end module 2A, 2B is thus stable, which ensures its stability.

[0035] The framework 3 includes a main closing wall 35 positioned between the two auxiliary posts 31, 32. As illustrated in the figure 3 The main closing wall 35 defines a stop plane P2, parallel to the support plane P1 and offset backwards relative to the support plane P1, i.e., relative to the X axis. Preferably, the stop plane P2 is separated from the support plane P1 by a distance D between 50 cm and 100 cm.

[0036] As illustrated in the figure 3 , the framework 3 includes an auxiliary closing wall 36 connecting each main post 20 to the main closing wall 35. En In particular, an auxiliary closing wall 36 is mounted along the X axis between a main post 20 and an auxiliary post 31, 32.

[0037] A closing wall 35, 36 is preferably made of one or more bars, in wire mesh, solid sheet metal, or perforated sheet metal. The closing wall 35, 36 is mounted horizontally between two posts 31, 32, 20 and vertically between two rails 33. The presence of closing walls 35, 36 advantageously prevents an elongated element from exiting the transport device 1 during the movement of the transport device 1. The main closing wall 35 advantageously forms a stop opposing the sliding of an elongated element along the X axis, that is, along the axis along which the elongated elements extend.

[0038] In this example, each main post 20 includes a lifting member 22 configured to cooperate with a crane, preferably a lifting ring. In this example, the lifting member 22 is in the form of a loop. Preferably, the lifting member 22 is mounted on a front face of the main post 20 so as to be as close as possible to the center of gravity of the transport device 1. Furthermore, this facilitates the placement of the lifting hook on the lifting member 22 when the transport devices 1 are stacked. Preferably, with reference to the figure 5 The lifting device 22 is positioned at a distance H2 from the lower end 20P of the main post 20, which is between 30 cm and 80 cm. This allows it to be high enough to be above the center of gravity but low enough to allow connection with a stacked transport device. This advantageously improves stability during movement by crane.

[0039] Alternatively, with reference to the figure 16 , a lifting device 22' is mounted on a connecting rail 33, in particular, on an upper connecting rail linking a main post 20 to an auxiliary post 31.

[0040] Each end module 2A, 2B is preferably without a back wall to prevent an end module 2A, 2B from being used to transport short elements on the back wall. This advantageously prevents any misuse of the transport device 1.

[0041] As illustrated in the figure 3 Each main post 20 comprises at least two connecting members 23 configured to cooperate with one of the closure modules 6A, 6B. As illustrated in the figure 5 Each main post 20 has two connecting members 23 offset vertically from each other so as to mount one end of a closure module 6A, 6B. With reference to the figure 5 The connecting members 23 are offset by a connection distance H3, preferably between 40 cm and 100 cm. In this example, each connecting member 23 is in the form of a connecting ring. It goes without saying that it could be in a different form.

[0042] In this example, each end module 2A, 2B also includes at least two support members 24 configured to support a closure module 6A, 6B in a horizontal position. As illustrated in the figure 3 The support members 24 are connected to the support cross member 21. The support members 24 are horizontally spaced by the connection distance H3. This advantageously allows several closure modules 6A, 6B to be stored in the same transport device 1 during storage.

[0043] As illustrated in the figure 13 , a single continuous support member 25, for example, of the length of the support cross member 21 can be added or can replace the support members 24.

[0044] Furthermore, with reference to figures 13 et 14 The support member 26 can be in the form of a post connected to the support cross member 21 at an offset angle, and whose height is less than that of the support cross member 21 so as to provide stable support for elongated elements. Such a post supports a guide member 27, for example a tube, to form a guide structure on which the closure modules 6A, 6B can be stacked one on top of the other. This advantageously limits the movement of the closure modules 6A, 6B within the transport device 1 and thus reduces the risk of them falling or tipping over.

[0045] Preferably, in reference to the figure 4 The first auxiliary post 31 comprises two primary fastening members 31A and the second auxiliary post 32 comprises two secondary fastening members 32A configured to cooperate with the primary fastening members 31A of another end module 2A, 2B as illustrated in the figure 11 Preferably, the primary fixing members 31A are mounted on a rear face of the first auxiliary post 31 and the secondary fixing members 32A are mounted on a rear face of the second auxiliary post 32. It is understood that an end module 2A, 2B could comprise only 1 or more than two primary fixing members 31A or secondary fixing members 32A.

[0046] As illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, two embodiments of closure modules 6A, 6B of different lengths are shown. Such closure modules 6A, 6B provide bracing for the transport device 1. Each closure module 6A, 6B has an elongated frame shape with two horizontal rails 61 having a predetermined closure length L6, L6'. Each horizontal rail 61 terminates at its ends with connecting members 63, here wedges, to cooperate with connecting members 23 of the end modules 2A, 2B as illustrated in figures 8 And 9 Depending on one aspect, the upper rail 61 may differ in length and cross-section from the lower rail 61. Depending on one aspect, with reference to the figures 7 And 9, the closure modules 6A, 6B may include one or more fork sleeves 64 to allow the transport device 1 to be moved stably with a forklift.

[0047] An example of implementation will now be presented with reference to figures 8 And 9 to transport a plurality of elongated elements 9 having a predetermined element length L9 by a transport device 1.

[0048] The process includes a step of connecting the first end module 2A to the second end module 2B by means of a first closing module 6A and a second closing module 6B so as to form a transport device 1. To achieve the connection, it is advantageously sufficient to make the connecting members 23, 63 cooperate.

[0049] To transport a plurality of elongated elements 9, the closing length L6 of each closing module 6A, 6B is defined according to the following formula: L9-2*D < L6 < L9. This advantageously ensures that the elongated elements 9 are supported by the support crossbeams 21 while preventing the elongated elements 9 from protruding from the transport device 1. Thus, when the elongated elements 9 are short, a closing module 6A, 6B of short length L6 is used ( Figure 6 And figure 8 Conversely, when the elongated elements 9 are long, a large-length closure module 6A, 6B L6' is used ( Figure 7 And figure 9 ). The transport device 1 allows universal use for any length due to its modularity.

[0050] After assembly, the transport device 1 can be filled with elongated elements 9 which are positioned along the X-axis. Preferably, the transport devices 1 can be stacked stably as illustrated in the figure 10 .

[0051] The presence of the support crossbeams 21 creates a space under the elongated elements 9, allowing for transport using a pallet jack. Four lifting devices 22 enable the transport unit 1 to be moved with a crane with high stability and without the need for additional straps, thus saving time and improving safety. Any risk of losing an elongated element 9 is effectively eliminated by the presence of the closure panels 35, 36.

[0052] Once unloaded, the transport devices 1 can be disassembled in order to limit their size during storage and transport.

[0053] An example of the implementation of a storage process for a transport device 1 will now be presented. With reference to the figure 11 The method includes a step of connecting the first fastening member 31A of the first end module 2A to the second fastening member 31B of the second end module 2B. The method also includes a step of connecting the second fastening member 31B of the first end module 2A to the first fastening member 31A of the second end module 2B in such a way as to provide a two-point connection, which ensures stability.

[0054] Thus, as illustrated in the figure 11 The fastening elements 31A, 31B of the first end module 2A are connected to the fastening elements 31A, 31B of the second end module 2B. The end modules 2A, 2B thus connected in pairs have a reduced footprint on the construction site and they can be stacked and then lifted by crane or moved by forklift or pallet truck.

[0055] The locking modules 6A, 6B are stored in a transport device 1 which is assembled. In particular, it rests on the support members 24 as illustrated in the figure 12 .

[0056] He was presented at the figure 11 storage of the end modules 2A, 2B with fastening elements 31A, 31B in order to assemble them in pairs. It is nevertheless understood that the end modules 2A, 2B could be stored independently in a stacked horizontal position ( Figure 15 ) with the main closing wall 35 in a horizontal position or stored stacked in a vertical position ( Figure 16 ) with the main closing wall 35 in a vertical position.

[0057] With reference to the figure 15 , the auxiliary posts 31 of the end modules 2A, 2B each include support members 37 to allow them to bear on the main posts 20. This allows stable support in the stack.

[0058] With reference to the figure 16 , the end modules 2A, 2B are stacked vertically so as to make the main posts 20 and the auxiliary posts 31 cooperate.

[0059] Alternatively, in an embodiment not shown, the closing walls 35, 36 are foldable in order to reduce the space required for storage.

[0060] He was presented at the figure 11 fastening elements 31A / 32A allowing the end modules 2A, 2B to be connected together. According to one aspect of the invention, the connecting elements 23, used to connect closure modules 6A, 6B, can be used to connect two end modules 2A, 2B together and thus do without fastening elements 31A / 32A.

[0061] As illustrated in the figure 3 An end module 2A / 2B was presented, in which each main post 20 comprises two connecting elements 23 of the same type, in particular, of the female type. figure 6 Each horizontal rail 61 of a closure module 6A, 6B is terminated at its ends by a connecting member 63 of the same type, in particular, of the male type, in order to correspond with the connecting members 23 of the end modules 2A / 2B as illustrated in figures 8 And 9 .

[0062] To allow a direct connection between two end modules 2A / 2B, the main posts 20 of the same end module 2A, 2B include complementary connecting elements 23. Subsequently, for an end module 2A / 2B, male connecting elements 23a and female connecting elements 23b are distinguished.

[0063] According to a first variant, as illustrated in the figure 17 An end module 2A / 2B can comprise, on the one hand, a left-hand main post 20G with a male upper connecting member 23a and a female lower connecting member 23b, and, on the other hand, a right-hand main post 20D with a female upper connecting member 23b and a male lower connecting member 23a. This allows two end modules 2A / 2B to be directly connected together, as illustrated in the figure 18 .

[0064] As illustrated in figures 19 et 20 The 6A / 6B closure modules must be adapted to complement the 20G and 20D posts of the 2A / 2B end modules. Subsequently, for a 6A / 6B closure module, male 63a and female 63b connecting elements are distinguished. As illustrated in the figure 19 The upper horizontal rail 61p of a closure module 6A, 6B terminates at one end with a female-type connecting member 63b and at the other end with a male-type connecting member 63a. Similarly, the lower horizontal rail 61s of a closure module 6A, 6B terminates at one end with a male-type connecting member 63a and at the other end with a female-type connecting member 63b. As illustrated in the figure 20 , we can form a transport device 1 by combining the end modules 2A / 2B of the figure 17 with the 6A / 6B closure modules of the figure 19 The 6A / 6B closure modules are oriented differently in the transport device 1.

[0065] According to a second variant, as illustrated in the figure 21 An end module 2A / 2B can comprise, on the one hand, a left-hand main post 20G with a male upper connecting member 23a and a male lower connecting member 23a, and, on the other hand, a right-hand main post 20D with a female upper connecting member 23b and a female lower connecting member 23b. This allows two end modules 2A / 2B to be directly connected together as illustrated in the figure 22 .

[0066] As illustrated in figures 21 et 22 The 6A / 6B closure modules must be adapted to complement the 20G and 20D posts of the 2A / 2B end modules. Subsequently, for a 6A / 6B closure module, male 63a and female 63b connecting elements are distinguished. As illustrated in the figure 23 The upper horizontal rail 61p of a closure module 6A, 6B terminates at one end with a female-type connecting member 63b and at the other end with a male-type connecting member 63a. Similarly, the lower horizontal rail 61s of a closure module 6A, 6B terminates at one end with a female-type connecting member 63b and at the other end with a male-type connecting member 63a. As illustrated in the figure 24 , we can form a transport device 1 by combining the end modules 2A / 2B of the figure 21 with the 6A / 6B closure modules of the figure 23The 6A / 6B closure modules are oriented differently in the transport device 1. It goes without saying that other variants could be suitable.

Claims

1. A transport device (1) configured to transport a plurality of elongated elements (9), the transport device (1) being modular and comprising a first end module (2A) and a second end module (2B) connected by a first closure module (6A) and a second closure module (6B), each end module (2A, 2B) comprising two vertical main posts (20) connected by a horizontal support crossbar (21) so as to define a support plane (P1) and a structure (3) connected to the main posts (20), the structure (3) comprising at least one main closure wall (35) defining an abutment plane (P2), parallel to the support plane (P1) and offset relative to the support plane (P1), to prevent an elongated element (9) from exiting the transport device (1) during movement of the transport device (1), characterized in that each closure module (6A, 6B) has the shape of an elongated frame with two horizontal rails (61), each horizontal rail (61) terminating at its ends with connecting members (63), each main post (20) comprising at least two connecting members (23) configured to cooperate with the connecting members of one of the closure modules (6A, 6B).

2. The transport device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the structure (3) comprises a first auxiliary post (31) and a second auxiliary post (32).

3. The transport device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the main closure wall (35) is positioned between the two auxiliary posts (31, 32).

4. The transport device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the structure (3) comprises a first fastening member (31A) and a second fastening member (32A) configured to cooperate with the first fastening member (31A).

5. The transport device (1) according to claims 2 and 4, wherein the first fastening member (31A) is mounted on a rear face of the first auxiliary post (31) and the second fastening member (32A) is mounted on a rear face of the second auxiliary post (32).

6. The transport device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each end module (2A, 2B) comprises at least one lifting member (22) configured to cooperate with a crane, preferably a lifting ring.

7. The transport device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the main posts (20G, 20D) of the same end module (2A, 2B) comprise complementary connecting members (23a, 23b).

8. The transport device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the end modules (2A, 2B) are vertically stackable in a stable manner.

9. The transport device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each end module (2A, 2B) comprises at least one support member (24, 25, 26) configured to support a closure module (6A, 6B) in a horizontal position, preferably with the support member (24) connected to the support crossbar (21).

10. A method for transporting a plurality of elongated elements (9) having a predetermined element length (L9) by a transport device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the abutment plane (P2) is spaced apart from the support plane (P1) by a spacing distance (D), the method comprising a step of: - Connecting the first end module (2A) to the second end module (2B) via a first closure module (6A) and a second closure module (6B), each closure module (6A, 6B) having a closure length (L6) defined by the following formula: L9-2*D ≤ L6 < L9.