Method for handling a load such as a sheet iron coil, handling device for carrying out said method and hoist provided with such a device

Abstract

The invention relates to a load handling device (40) for a load (1), fitted to a forklift (CE) and arranged to tilt the load (1) a quarter turn in one direction and in the opposite direction to move it between a vertical axis position and a horizontal axis position and vice versa, for loading and unloading a reel (D). It comprises two parallel U-shaped forks (44) for gripping and carrying the load (1) externally, while keeping its central bore clear. It includes a mechanism for rotating the forks, as well as an actuating mechanism for moving the forks in translation between an open position to release the load and a closed position to carry the load.

Description

Domain technique :

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for handling a load, in particular a coil of sheet metal, having the shape of a cylinder comprising a central through bore, a peripheral wall and two flat and parallel side walls corresponding to the thickness of said cylinder, method in which said load is tilted a quarter turn in one direction to move it between a first position, called vertical axis, in which the axis of said load is vertical, and a second position, called horizontal axis, in which the axis of said load is horizontal, making it possible to pick up this load from a flat support to load it onto a machine, such as a reel provided with a mandrel with a horizontal axis on which said load is positioned by its central bore, and conversely said load is tilted in an opposite direction to move it between its horizontal axis position and its vertical axis position,allowing the said load to be unloaded from the machine to be placed on a flat support.,

[0002] The invention also relates to a handling device for implementing the method mentioned above, comprising means for gripping said load coupled to a supporting structure by a pivot connection along an axis of rotation, a rotation drive mechanism coupled to said gripping means to pivot them a quarter turn in one direction and in an opposite direction, and a fixing system arranged to attach said handling device to a lifting machine, such as an overhead crane, a forklift. The invention finally relates to a lifting machine equipped with such a handling device. Previous technique:

[0003] In the field of metallurgy, strips, sheets and the like which are packaged in coils, called "coils", are used to supply the production lines for metal parts obtained by cutting, stamping, forming, etc. These production lines are supplied by unwinders arranged at the head of the line, on which the coils are carried by mandrels with a horizontal axis in most cases. The coils must therefore be presented vertically in front of the unwinder so that their central axis is horizontal in order to be positioned and placed on the mandrels by their central bore. For coil widths or thicknesses less than or equal to approximately 600 mm, the coils are stacked horizontally, separated by planks, and strapped onto pallets or the like, for storage and transport, the central axis of these coils being vertical.It is therefore necessary to lift, tilt or pivot each reel a quarter turn in one direction before it can be loaded onto a reel, so as to move its central axis from the vertical to the horizontal position. When the reel is not finished, it should be unloaded from the reel to lay it flat again. In this case, it is necessary to lay down, tilt or pivot the unfinished reel a quarter turn in the opposite direction before it can be placed on a pallet or similar, so as to move its central axis from the horizontal to the vertical position.

[0004] The operation of lifting the reel is relatively dangerous. To date, it is carried out in different ways: ▪ by suspending each reel from a hook at the end of a sling carried by an overhead crane, requiring the operator to be as close as possible to the suspended reel, which poses a major safety problem, ▪ by turning each reel with the fork of a forklift (a very dangerous operation), ▪ by tipping the entire pallet and the stack of reels onto a machine called a "tilter" or "turner" of the ferrule or rotating bracket type, which is a very bulky machine. The major disadvantages of this solution are that the entire stack of reels must be turned over when the production requirement may only be for a single reel, and that each reel must be picked up by means of an overhead crane to be loaded onto the reel. This break in load is detrimental in terms of time and the mobilization of human and material resources, as well as in terms of production costs.

[0005] There are other solutions that allow coils to be tilted without manual handling. Publication EP 2 108 613 B1 proposes a central and rigid gripping hook, mounted on a forklift, allowing a coil to be picked up by its central bore directly from the transport pallet by tilting it a quarter turn and loading it directly onto the reel mandrel, without a retrieval operation and in a secure manner. However, this solution does not allow unfinished coils to be taken from the reel to lay them flat. In addition, by gripping the coil by its central bore, the hook generates friction that can damage the coil during the tilting phase, causing significant material losses.Publication EP 2 167 251 B1 proposes a gripping device in the form of a central, axially movable L-shaped hook for picking up the reel via its central bore, mounted on a tilting support which allows a reel to be loaded and unloaded using a fixed forklift truck, dedicated to the production line on which it is installed. This solution, although secure, is not flexible, does not allow the reel to be picked up directly from the transport pallet, and requires the handling device and the trolley on which it is mounted to be immobilized. This publication EP 2 167 251 B1 also describes a mobile, therefore more flexible, gripping solution in the form of a central, L-shaped support for picking up the reel via its peripheral wall and one of its side faces, but which does not allow a reel to be picked up directly from a transport pallet.In both cases mentioned above, it is necessary to use a conventional forklift to remove the coil from the transport pallet in order to pre-arrange it on a tilting preparation table or similar. This load break is detrimental in terms of time and the mobilization of human and material resources, as well as in terms of production costs.

[0006] There are still other solutions that allow the tilting of coils without manual handling. Publications US 4,051,966 A, US 2015 / 151576 A1 and DE 10 2006 014 532 A1 propose a gripping member in the form of a clamp provided with two opposing jaws, equipped with studs, notches or undulations, for gripping a tire or a roll of paper by its peripheral wall. These grip holding solutions are therefore not suitable for handling coils of sheet metal which would be irreparably damaged.

[0007] Publications DE 20 2013 102480 U1, which discloses a load handling device according to the preamble of claim 5, and DE 20 2010 008 450 U1 propose a gripping member in the form of a magnetic plate provided with magnets for gripping the coil of sheet metal from above when it is in the vertical axis position, and indexing fingers for centering the coil. These solutions are technically complex, expensive and not sufficiently secure. In addition, these magnetic holding solutions have the disadvantage of not working with non-magnetic coils.

[0008] Publication KR 2008 0069497 A describes a standard type forklift truck, in which the fork center distance is adjustable. This truck therefore does not allow the coil to be tilted.

[0009] Current solutions are therefore incomplete and unsatisfactory both for operator safety and / or for the flexibility and profitability of the manufacturing process. This problem also exists in other technical fields, such as the paper industry, the plastics industry, the vehicle industry, etc. in which some materials can be packaged in reels or similar, or some components are in the form of reels or similar, which represent bulky and heavy products to handle. Description of the invention:

[0010] The present invention aims to provide a solution to the problem posed by means of a handling device implementing a new method for handling reels or any loads of equivalent shape, which is reliable, secure, versatile, flexible to use, making it possible to pick up a reel directly from a transport pallet or similar, and if the pallet contains several reels, to pick up only the upper reel, to tilt each reel individually in one direction or in the opposite direction, which is suitable for both loading operations and unloading operations from a reel or similar, without requiring the immobilization of handling equipment, without breaking the load, or manual intervention, thus making it possible to optimize production times and costs, and to improve the ergonomics of the workstation and the safety of the operator.

[0011] For this purpose, the invention relates to a handling method of the type indicated in the preamble, characterized in that, to tilt said load from a position with a vertical axis to a position with a horizontal axis and vice versa, a handling device is used as defined below, carried by a lifting machine also defined below, and arranged to grip said load by its outer casing defined by its lower side wall when said load is in the position with a vertical axis, and its peripheral wall, so as to pick up said load from below and to release the central bore of said load allowing it to be loaded onto said machine, without releasing said load.

[0012] According to the embodiment variants, said load can be gripped by means of two diametrically opposed jaws, the section of which forms an L comprising a lateral support surface arranged to carry said load by its lower lateral wall and a peripheral support surface arranged to grip said load by its peripheral wall, and, to grip and release said load, said jaws can be moved between an open position in which the jaws are spaced apart by a center distance greater than the external diameter of the load and a closed position in which the jaws are closed on said load, and vice versa.According to the embodiment variants, said load can also be gripped by means of two forks parallel to each other, in the shape of an L or a U comprising a lower branch arranged to carry said load by its lower side wall and a ramp arranged to grip said load by its peripheral wall, and, to grip and release said load, said forks can also be moved between an open position, in which said forks are spaced apart by a center distance greater than the outside diameter of the load and a closed position, in which said forks are brought together by a center distance between the inside diameter and the outside diameter of the load, and vice versa.

[0013] To tilt said load in one direction and in the opposite direction, said jaws or said forks are pivoted a quarter turn in the corresponding direction, synchronously and around the same axis of rotation, without releasing the hold of said load.

[0014] For this purpose also, the invention relates to a handling device according to claim 5.

[0015] According to a first embodiment variant, said gripping members may comprise two diametrically opposed jaws, having an L-shaped section, comprising a lateral support surface arranged to carry said load by its lower lateral wall and a peripheral bearing surface arranged to grip said load by its peripheral wall, and said gripping means may advantageously comprise a mechanism for actuating said jaws arranged to move them between said open position in which they are spaced apart by a center distance greater than the outside diameter of said load and said closed position in which they are closed on said load.

[0016] In this embodiment, said gripping means may comprise a clamp provided with two branches parallel to each other, at the ends of which said jaws are mounted, and said actuating mechanism may be mounted on said supporting structure and coupled to said branches to move them in rectilinear translation between said open and closed positions of said jaws.

[0017] Advantageously, said branches are mounted on said supporting structure by a sliding connection along a translation axis, said sliding connection being defined by rolling rollers belonging to one of the parts between the branches and the supporting structure, arranged to circulate on rectilinear guide rails belonging to the other part of the supporting structure and the branches, and said actuating mechanism comprises at least a first actuator coupled to said branches to move them in rectilinear translation relative to said supporting structure synchronously and in opposite directions.

[0018] Said jaws are preferably mounted at the end of the branches by a pivot connection along an axis of rotation parallel to said translation axis, and said rotation drive mechanism comprises at least one second actuator coupled to said jaws to move them in rotation synchronously and in the same direction of rotation.

[0019] According to a second embodiment, said gripping members may comprise two forks parallel to each other, in the shape of an L or a U comprising a lower branch arranged to carry said load by its lower side wall and a ramp arranged to grip said load by its peripheral wall, and said gripping means may comprise a mechanism for actuating said forks arranged to move them between said open position in which they are spaced apart by a center distance greater than the outside diameter of said load and said closed position in which they are brought together by a center distance between the inside diameter and the outside diameter of said load.

[0020] Said forks may comprise in their bottom said ramp which is inclined and arranged to create a V-shaped support surface, when they are in the closed position, intended to come into contact with the peripheral wall of said load.

[0021] Advantageously, said forks are mounted on frames and said actuating mechanism is mounted on said supporting structure and coupled to said frames to move them in rectilinear translation between said open and closed positions of said forks.

[0022] Said frames can be mounted on the supporting structure by a sliding connection along a translation axis, said sliding connection being defined by guide rails belonging to one of the parts between the frames and the supporting structure, arranged to receive by sliding complementary ribs belonging to the other part between the supporting structure and the frames, and said actuating mechanism comprises at least a first actuator coupled to said frames to move them in rectilinear translation relative to said supporting structure synchronously and in opposite directions.

[0023] Preferably, said forks are mounted on the chassis by a pivot connection along an axis of rotation parallel to said translation axis, and said rotation drive mechanism comprises at least one second actuator coupled to said forks to move them in rotation synchronously and in the same direction of rotation.

[0024] Said forks may respectively comprise a male interlocking zone and a female interlocking zone, arranged to interlock when they are in the closed position and allow synchronous pivoting of said forks.

[0025] Each fork advantageously comprises two parallel branches separated by a gap and said gripping means comprise means for adjusting said gap to adapt said gap to the thickness of said load.

[0026] According to the embodiment, the handling device may comprise means for detecting the closed position of said jaws or said forks arranged to control the operation of said rotational drive mechanisms.

[0027] Still depending on the embodiments, said fixing system may comprise slinging rings provided in the upper part of said supporting structure and arranged to attach said handling device to an overhead crane, or standardized rails provided on the back of said supporting structure and arranged to attach said handling device to a forklift carriage.

[0028] The aim of the invention is also achieved by a lifting machine, equipped with a handling device as defined above, and which can be chosen from the group comprising an overhead crane and a forklift. Summary description of the drawings:

[0029] The present invention and its advantages will appear better in the following description of several embodiments given as non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: there figure 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of a handling device according to the invention showing its gripping means in the horizontal axis position, the figure 2 is a view similar to the figure 1 showing its gripping means in the vertical axis position, the figure 3 is a side view of the device of the figure 2 , there figure 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a handling device according to the invention showing its gripping means in the vertical axis position, the Figure 5 is a side view of the device of the figure 4 , and the Figures 5A and 5B show the extreme adjustment positions of the spacing of the gripping means, the figure 6is a perspective view of the handling device of the figure 4 showing its gripping means in horizontal axis position, the figure 7 is a side view of the device of the figure 6 , and the Figures 7A and 7B show its gripping means respectively in the open position and in the closed position, and the figures 8 to 15 are perspective views of the second embodiment of the handling device according to the figures 4 to 7 showing the operating sequences for loading a reel onto a reel. Illustrations of the invention and different embodiments:

[0030] With reference to the figures, the handling method according to the invention makes it possible to pick up a load 1 from a flat support, in particular a horizontal one, to tilt said load 1 by a quarter turn and to additionally carry out the loading and / or unloading of this load 1 onto a machine, such as a reel D provided with a mandrel M capable of receiving the load 1, or onto any other support, and vice versa. This load 1 may be a coil of sheet metal, as shown in the figures, having the shape of a cylinder comprising a central through bore, or any other product of cylindrical or non-cylindrical shape, with or without a central bore, the outer envelope of which is defined by a peripheral wall and two lateral faces, preferably flat and parallel.The load 1 may be stored on a transport pallet P or any other flat support of a machine, a storage area or similar, picked up by a forklift CE, an overhead crane, or any other lifting or handling equipment. It may be intended to feed a reel D located at the head of a production line or any other machine, support or work area. This load 1 may also be an unfinished coil of sheet metal to be taken from the reel D to place it on a pallet or any other flat support. This load 1 is not limited to a coil of sheet metal and may consist of any other equivalent product, comprising a peripheral wall 3 and two flat and parallel side walls 4, 5 corresponding to the thickness E of the load 1, with or without a central bore 2 passing through, such as for example a coil of hooped material, a large wheel or gear, a cheese wheel, without these examples being limiting.

[0031] More specifically, the figures 8 to 15 illustrate, sequence by sequence, the handling method according to the invention in which the load 1 is tilted a quarter turn in one direction to move it between a first position, called vertical axis, in which the axis A of said load 1 is vertical, since it is stored flat on a transport pallet P, and a second position, called horizontal axis, in which the axis A of said load 1 is horizontal ( figures 8 to 11 ), to be able to be loaded onto a reel D provided with a mandrel M with a horizontal axis, on which said load 1 is positioned by its central bore 2 ( figures 12 to 15 ). These figures will be explained in more detail later.

[0032] To be able to implement said handling method, a specific handling device 10, 40 is used, designed to be able to be mounted on a lifting machine. Thus, this handling device constitutes a removable accessory, mounted on demand on a lifting machine, so as not to immobilize said machine. Examples of lifting machines include a rolling machine such as a CE forklift, a stacker or the like, on which the handling device 10, 40 is attached to the standardized deck T of said CE trolley by rails that are also standardized, or an overhead machine such as an overhead crane (not shown), to which the handling device 10, 40 is suspended by slings (not shown). These examples are of course not limiting.

[0033] The handling method and the corresponding device are distinguished from the state of the art by the fact that they are arranged to grip and carry the load 1 by its outer casing defined by its lower side wall 4 and its peripheral wall 3 so as to pick up the load 1 from below when it is stored flat, while freeing the central bore 2 of the load to allow it to be loaded onto the reel D, without having to release the load or change handling means. Of course, the invention also finds its advantage for a load without a central bore.

[0034] The handling device 10, 40 according to the invention comprises means 11, 41 for gripping the load 1 mounted on a supporting structure 12, 42, which is arranged to be fixed to a lifting machine by suitable fixing means 13, 43. It is illustrated with reference to two embodiments shown with reference to figures 1 to 3for the first embodiment, and with reference to the figures 4 to 7 for the second embodiment. The figures 8 to 15 are represented with the second embodiment only. Of course, these two exemplary embodiments are not limiting and illustrate two different technical solutions allowing the implementation of the handling method of the invention.

[0035] With particular reference to figures 1 to 3, the handling device 10 comprises gripping means 11 in the form of a clamp provided with two jaws 14 extended by two branches 15, which branches are mounted on the supporting structure 12. The jaws 14 have an L-shaped section defined by a peripheral support surface 14a extended by a lateral support surface 14b at right angles making it possible to grip and remove the load 1 externally, from below and more precisely by its lower lateral wall 4 when the load 1 is in the vertical axis position, stored on a transport pallet for example ( Figures 2 and 3). The jaws 14 face each other, are preferably diametrically opposed, and the peripheral bearing surface 14a is V-shaped to enter into linear contact with the peripheral wall 3 of the load 1, regardless of the diameter of the load 1 within the limits of the capacities of the device 10. For example, the diameter of the load 1 may be between 700 and 2500 mm, without these values ​​being limiting. The jaws 14 extend over an angular sector covering a portion of the peripheral wall 3 of the load 1 to at least partially enclose it and retain it between four linear bearing zones spaced two by two by an angle of approximately 60°, without this value being limiting. The jaws 14 are thus designed to support the entire weight of the load 1 since they carry the load 1 from below by enclosing it at least partially on either side, without crushing its peripheral wall.Thus, this handling device 10 makes it possible to effectively retain the load 1 to avoid any risk of accidental falling when it is tilted into a horizontal axis position (. figure 1 ).

[0036] The two branches 15 of the clamp are preferably parallel to each other, mounted on the supporting structure 12 by a sliding connection along a translation axis C and coupled to an actuating mechanism 16 to be movable in translation in both directions, represented by the arrow TR, between an open position (not shown) in which they are spaced apart by a center distance E2 allowing the load 1 to be released, and a closed position ( Fig. 1 to 3) in which they are brought together with a center distance E1 allowing the load 1 to be held by the jaws 14 with a minimum of support pressure. In this case, the slight tightening applied aims to eliminate the play existing between the load 1 and the jaws 14 in order to avoid any risk of slipping and impact during tilting. In the example illustrated, the sliding connection is obtained by a “guide rail / roller rollers” system, the guide rail 17 belonging to the supporting structure 12 and the rollers 18 belonging to the branches 15, or vice versa. Of course, this example embodiment is not limiting and any other sliding system allowing the same function to be fulfilled may be suitable.Each branch 15 has at its free end an open housing 19 for slidingly receiving said guide rail 17 and four rolling rollers 18 arranged in pairs on either side of the housing 19 and the guide rail 17 to allow only one translation T in both directions and along the translation axis C defined by the guide rail 17. In the example shown, the actuating mechanism 16 is common to the two branches 15 and comprises a first actuator 20, such as a hydraulic, pneumatic or electric motor, fixed to the supporting structure 12, and coupled to the two branches 15 by a chain transmission 21 arranged substantially in the median plane of the handling device 10 corresponding substantially to the center of the load 1 when it is handled.The chain transmission 21 comprises a motor pinion 22 on the motor axis and a driven pinion 23 secured to a worm screw 24 mounted on the supporting structure 12 with a degree of freedom in rotation. The worm screw 24 is a double screw, that is to say provided with two threaded sections with reverse pitch. It is meshed on either side with two nut-carriages 25 each secured to one of the branches 15. Thus, the rotation of the actuator 20 in one direction causes the synchronous and opposing translation TR of the two branches 15 to bring them together in the closed position, and the rotation of the actuator 20 in the opposite direction causes the synchronous and opposing translation TR of the branches 15 to separate them in the open position. Of course, this embodiment example is not limiting and any other actuating mechanism making it possible to fulfill the same function may be suitable.

[0037] The jaws 14 are mounted at the end of the two branches 15 by a pivot connection defined by an axis of rotation B. This axis of rotation B is parallel to the translation axis C, passes through the center of the two jaws 14 and through the center of the load 1 when it is held between the jaws 14. The jaws 14 are movable in rotation in both directions, according to the arrow RT, by a rotation drive mechanism 26 between a horizontal position corresponding to the position with a vertical axis of the load 1 ( Fig. 2 and 3 ) and a vertical position corresponding to the horizontal axis position of load 1 ( Fig. 1). In the example shown, the rotation drive mechanism 26 is common to both jaws 14 and comprises a second actuator 27, such as a hydraulic, pneumatic or electric motor, fixed to the supporting structure 12, and coupled to the jaws 14 by a first chain transmission 28 arranged substantially in the median plane of the handling device 10. This first chain transmission 28 comprises a motor pinion 29 on the motor axis and a driven pinion 30 rotationally connected to a splined shaft 31 mounted on the supporting structure 12 with a degree of rotational freedom. The rotation drive mechanism 26 comprises second chain transmissions 32 each provided with a motor pinion 33 rotationally connected to one end of the splined shaft 31 and a driven pinion 34 rotationally connected to the pivot axis of the corresponding jaw 14.Thus, the rotation of the actuator 27 in one direction causes the synchronous rotation RT and in the same direction of the jaws 14 to pivot them into a vertical position (. Fig. 1 ), and the rotation of the actuator 27 in the opposite direction causes the synchronous rotation RT and in the same direction of the jaws 14 to pivot them into a horizontal position ( fig. 2, 3 ). Of course, this embodiment is not limiting and any other drive mechanism capable of fulfilling the same function may be suitable. The actuators 20 and 27 are, for example, visually controlled by an operator via a manual control box, the same operator who controls the lifting device. They could be controlled via a remote-controlled control unit or semi-automatically or automatically if the handling device 10 and its environment are equipped with suitable sensors.

[0038] The supporting structure 12 of the handling device 10 further comprises, in its upper part, two slinging rings forming the fixing means 13 making it possible to attach the handling device 10 to an overhead crane (not shown) for example by means of slings or chains (not shown). Of course, the supporting structure 12 could also be designed to comprise standardized rails making it possible to attach the handling device 10 to the deck T of a CE forklift.

[0039] With particular reference to figures 4 to 7 , the handling device 40 comprises gripping means 41 in the form of two U-shaped forks 44, parallel to each other and each mounted on the supporting structure 42 by a chassis 45. The two forks 44 each comprise two branches 44a, 44b parallel to each other, spaced apart by an interval I,to define a receiving housing allowing the load 1 to be grasped and removed externally, from below and more precisely from its lower side wall 4 when the load 1 is in a vertical axis position, stored on a transport pallet for example, and from its peripheral wall 3. In the working position ( Fig. 7B ), the two forks 44 are separated from each other by a center distance E1 between the diameter of the central bore 2 and the diameter of the peripheral wall 3 of the load 1 so that the forks 44 are arranged on either side of the central bore 2 of the load 1 without ever obstructing it. The thickness E of the load 1 must be compatible with the interval I defined between the branches 44a, 44b of each fork 44. For this purpose, the forks 44 each comprise means 46 for adjusting the interval I,associated with the upper branch 44b which becomes mobile and adjustable in position relative to the lower branch 44a which remains fixed, in order to adapt the interval I to the thickness of said load 1, without tightening, while respecting an operating clearance. For example, the thickness E of the compatible load 1 can be between 30 and 250 mm, without these values ​​being limiting. Of course, the adjustment means 46 can also be associated with the lower branch which becomes mobile, the upper branch remaining fixed. Or again, the adjustment means 46 can be associated with the two branches which become mobile.

[0040] In the example shown, the adjustment means 46 comprise an adjustment bracket 47 mounted between the movable branch 44b of each fork 44 which is free and not fixed to the chassis 45, and a fixed arm 48 parallel to said branches 44a, 44b and secured to the chassis 45, via two pivot connections 49, 50. These means further comprise a lever 51 mounted between the movable branch 44b and the fixed arm 48 via two other pivot connections 52, 53. The four pivot connections 49, 50, 52, 53 define with the corresponding sections of the movable branch 44a, the adjustment bracket 47, the fixed arm 48 and the lever 51 a deformable parallelogram PD ( Fig. 5). The adjustment bracket 47 comprises a plurality of positioning holes 54 defining several adjustment positions and for example five preset positions, with a spring-loaded locking finger 55 provided on the fixed arm 48. The adjustment bracket 47 is rotatable relative to the fixed arm 48 via a handle 47a allowing the movable branch 44b to be moved to modify the interval I between the two branches 44a, 44b. The pivoting of the adjustment bracket 47 is only possible if the locking finger 55 is unlocked by pulling on its corresponding handle 55a. Figures 5, 5A and 5Billustrate three different adjustment positions, respectively a middle position, a minimum position and a maximum position. Of course, these adjustment means 46 are given as a non-limiting example and any other adjustment means making it possible to fulfill the same function may be suitable. These adjustment means which are manual could also be automated at least in part via spring, magnetic, hydraulic or similar servocontrols.

[0041] The two forks 44 are mounted on the supporting structure 42 by a sliding connection along a translation axis C and coupled to an actuating mechanism 56 to be movable in translation in both directions, represented by the arrow TR, between an open position ( Fig. 7A ) in which they are spaced apart by a center distance E2 greater than the outside diameter of load 1 and release load 1, and a closed position ( Fig. 7B) in which they are brought together with a center distance E1 between the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the load 1 to hold the load 1 by the two forks 44 arranged on either side of its central bore 2. In the example illustrated, the sliding connection is obtained by a “guide rails / complementary ribs” system, the guide rails 57 belonging to the supporting structure 42 and the complementary ribs 58 belonging to the frames 45 of the forks 44, or vice versa. Of course, this example embodiment is not limiting and any other sliding system allowing the same function to be fulfilled may be suitable. More precisely, with reference to Figures 7A and 7B, the supporting structure 42 comprises four guide rails 57 parallel to each other, two rails being located in the upper part and two other rails being located in the lower part. These guide rails 57 correspond respectively to four complementary ribs 58, of which a pair of upper and lower ribs belongs to the fork 44 on the right in the figures, and a pair of upper and lower ribs belongs to the fork 44 on the left. In the example shown, the actuating mechanism 56 comprises for each of the forks 44 a first actuator 59, such as a double-acting cylinder with hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical control, the sleeve 59a of which is fixed to the supporting structure 42 and the piston rod 59b of which is coupled to the corresponding chassis 45. The first two actuators 59 are parallel to each other and controlled by a common control device (not shown) allowing a synchronized and symmetrical movement of the two actuators 59.Thus, the extension of the piston rod 59b of the actuators 59 causes the two forks 44 to move apart in the open position, and the retraction of the piston rod 59b of the actuators 59 causes the two forks 44 to move together in the closed position, in a synchronous and opposing direction TR. Of course, this embodiment is not limiting and any other drive mechanism capable of fulfilling the same function may be suitable.

[0042] The closed position of the forks 44 corresponding to the working position of the handling device 40 ( Fig. 7B) is defined by a male interlocking zone 60a engaged with a female interlocking zone 60b, these interlocking zones being located between the two forks 44 and associated with a position sensor (not shown) making it possible to detect said closed position. The male 60a and female 60b interlocking zones can be provided at the rear of the ramps 61 described below. Of course, this exemplary embodiment is not limiting and any other detection system making it possible to fulfill the same function may be suitable.

[0043] In the example shown, the bottom of the forks 44 comprises an inclined and / or curved ramp 61 to come into contact with the peripheral wall 3 of the load 1 and serve as a radial support stop when the forks 44 are introduced on either side of the load 1. This ramp 61 makes it possible to create a V-shaped support surface when the two forks 44 are in the closed position, generating linear contact with the peripheral wall 3 of the load 1, regardless of the diameter of the load 1 within the limits of the capacities of the device 40. The load 1 is thus retained axially by the U-shaped forks 44 and radially by two linear support zones spaced apart by an angle of approximately 60°, without this value being limiting.Of course, these gripping means 41 are not limited to the illustrated embodiment and could be in the form of two L-shaped forks 44, the lower branch 44a of the forks 44 picking up the load 1 by its lower lateral face 4 and the bottom of the forks 44 retaining the load 1 by its peripheral wall 3 by means of the V-shaped ramp 61.

[0044] Each fork 44 is mounted on its frame 45 by means of a stirrup 62 connected to said frame 45 by a pivot connection defining an axis of rotation B. This axis of rotation B is parallel to the translation axis C and located outside the forks 44, preferably above the forks 44, and substantially in line with the center of the housing defined between the branches 44a, 44b. The forks 44 are movable in rotation in both directions, according to the arrow RT, by a rotation drive mechanism 66 between a horizontal position corresponding to the position with the vertical axis of the load 1 ( Fig. 4 and 5 ) and a vertical position corresponding to the horizontal axis position of load 1 ( Fig. 6 and 7). In the example shown, the rotation drive mechanism 66 comprises two second actuators 67, such as double-acting cylinders with hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical control, the sleeve 67a of which is fixed to the frame 45 via a pivot connection 68 and the piston rod 67b of which is fixed to the corresponding stirrup 62 via another pivot connection 69. The two second actuators 67 are parallel to each other, arranged symmetrically with respect to the median plane of the handling device 40 which corresponds substantially to the center of the load 1 when it is handled in order to balance the maneuvering forces. They are controlled simultaneously via a common control device (not shown) and only when the forks 44 are in the closed position.To ensure a perfectly synchronous rotation of the two forks 44, which conditions the smooth operation of the tilting of the load 1 and this in complete safety for the operators and the equipment, the forks 44 are also linked together when they are in the closed position by the mechanical interlocking of their corresponding male 60a and female 60b interlocking zones. This closed position is also detected via the position sensor (not shown) which only authorizes the hydraulic control of the two actuators 67 in this closed position. Thus, the extension of the piston rod 67a of the actuators 67 causes the synchronous rotation RT and in the same direction of the forks 44 to pivot them into the vertical position (. Fig. 6 and 7 ), and the retraction of the piston rod 67b of the actuators 67 causes the forks 44 to rotate RT synchronously and in the same direction to pivot them into a horizontal position ( Fig. 4 and 5). Of course, this embodiment is not limiting and any other drive mechanism capable of fulfilling the same function may be suitable. As in the previous example, the actuators 59, 67 are, for example, visually controlled by an operator via a manual control box, the same operator who controls the lifting machine. They could be controlled via a remote-controlled control unit or semi-automatically or automatically if the handling device 40 and its environment are equipped with suitable sensors.

[0045] The supporting structure 42 of the handling device 40 further comprises, on the back of its structure, two standardized rails forming the fixing means 43 making it possible to attach the handling device 40 to the deck T of a CE forklift. Of course, this supporting structure 42 could also be designed with slinging rings making it possible to attach the handling device 40 to an overhead crane (not shown), for example by means of slings (not shown).

[0046] The handling devices 10, 40 as just described can very easily be fitted as accessories to any type of lifting equipment by adapting their fixing means 13, 43. They can therefore be offered for sale as accessories sold independently or combined with lifting equipment. They can also be offered as after-sales products to equip any existing lifting equipment.

[0047] THE figures 8 to 15make it possible to illustrate very clearly, step by step, the method of handling a load 1 between a transport pallet P and a reel D, this method being implemented by a forklift CE equipped with the handling device 40 corresponding to the second embodiment described with reference to figures 4 to 7 , which is attached to the apron T of said trolley. ▪ Step 1 - figure 8- a load 1 is stored flat on a transport pallet P corresponding to its vertical axis position, the forklift CE is aligned on the transport pallet P so that its forks can penetrate between the planks of the pallet, its apron T is lowered, the forks 44 of the handling device 40 are in the closed horizontal position, spaced apart by a center distance E1 and positioned opposite the edge of the load 1. The pallet P can carry one or more loads 1 without this interfering with the handling process. If several loads 1 are stacked on the pallet P, then the handling device 40 can take one or more loads 1 at a time, depending on the thickness of said loads, and starting with the load 1 located above the stack. ▪ Step 2 - figure 9- the forklift CE moves forward to engage the forks 44 of the handling device 40 around the load 1 so that they are positioned on either side of the lateral faces 4 and 5 of the load 1, outside the central bore 2, and so that the peripheral wall 3 of the load 1 is in contact with the ramps 61 provided at the bottom of the forks 44. ▪ Step 3 - figure 10 - the handling device 40 rises via the apron T of the forklift CE to grip the load 1 from below via its lower lateral face 4 which rests on the lower branches 44a of the forks 44, and to remove it from the transport pallet P. ▪ Step 4 - figure 11- the forks 44 pivot a quarter turn upwards (arrow RT) via the rotation drive mechanism 66 to bring them into a vertical position, thus positioning the load 1 in a horizontal axis position, the latter being retained axially by the forks 44 and radially by the ramps 61 in a completely secure manner. ▪ Step 5 - figure 12 - the forklift CE moves to position itself opposite a reel D, positioning the axis A of the load 1 in alignment with the horizontal axis of the mandrel M, the central bore 2 being perfectly clear. ▪ Step 6 - figure 13 - the CE forklift moves towards the reel D to engage the central bore 2 of the load 1 on the mandrel M of the reel D. ▪ Step 7 - figure 14- the handling device 40 descends via the apron T of the forklift CE to lower the forks 44, release the load 1 from the ramps 61, and place the load 1 on the chuck M, then the forks 44 move away from a center distance E2 (arrow TR) via the actuating mechanism 56 to release the forks 44 from the load 1. ▪ Step 8 - figure 15 - the CE forklift reverses to completely release the reel D.

[0048] Of course, to unload load 1 from reel D, the operator can perform all these steps in reverse.

[0049] It is clear that the invention makes it possible to solve the problems posed by the handling devices of the prior art, in particular by offering a new design for handling the load by carrying, without clamping, adhesion or magnetization, which is simple, secure, without breaking the load, without human intervention and without immobilizing the handling machine. The present invention is of course not limited to the exemplary embodiments described but extends to any modification and variant obvious to a person skilled in the art while remaining within the scope of the protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Method for handling a load (1), in particular a sheet metal coil, in the form of a cylinder comprising a through central bore (2), a peripheral wall (3) and two flat and parallel side walls (4, 5) corresponding to the thickness (E) of said cylinder, method in which said load (1) is tilted by a quarter turn in one direction in order to move it between a first position, called a vertical axis position, in which the axis (A) of said load (1) is vertical, and a second position, called the horizontal axis position, in which the axis (A) of said load (1) is horizontal, making it possible to take this load (1) from a plane support in order to load it onto a machine, such as a reel (D) provided with a mandrel (M) with a horizontal axis on which said load (1) is positioned via its central bore (2), and conversely, said load (1) is tilted in an opposite direction in order to move it between its horizontal axis position and its vertical axis position, making it possible to unload said load (1) from the machine to deposit it on a flat support, characterised in that, in order to tilt said load from a vertical axis position to a horizontal axis position and vice versa, a handling device (10, 40) according to any one of claims 5 to 19 is used, carried by a lifting machine (C) according to claim 20, and arranged to grip said load (1) by its outer casing defined by its lower side wall (4) when said load (1) is in the vertical axis position, and its peripheral wall (3), in such a way as to carry said load (1) from below and to release the central bore (2) of said load (1) making it possible to load it onto said machine, without releasing said load (1).

2. Handling method according to claim 1, characterised in that said load (1) is gripped by means of two diametrically opposed jaws (14), the section of which forms an L comprising a lateral support surface (14b) arranged to carry said load (1) via its lower lateral wall (4) and a peripheral support surface (14a) arranged to sandwich said load (1) via its peripheral wall (3), and in that, in order to grip and release said load (1), said jaws (14) are moved between an open position in which the jaws (14) are spaced apart by a centre distance (E2) greater than the external diameter of the load (1) and a closed position in which the jaws (14) are closed on said load (1), and vice versa.

3. Handling method according to claim 1, characterized in that said load (1) is gripped by means of two forks (44) parallel to each other, in the form of an L or a U, comprising a lower branch (44a) designed to carry said load (1) via its lower side wall (4) and a ramp (61) designed to sandwich said load (1) via its peripheral wall (3), and in that, in order to grip and release said load (1), said forks (44) are moved between an open position, in which said forks (44) are spaced apart by a centre distance (E2) greater than the outside diameter of the load (1), and a closed position, in which said forks (44) are moved closer to a centre distance (E1) between the inside diameter and the outside diameter of the load (1), and vice versa.

4. Handling method according to any one of claims 2 and 3, characterised in that, in order to tilt said load (1) in one direction and in a reverse direction, said jaws (14) or said forks (44) are pivoted by a quarter turn in the corresponding direction, synchronously and about the same axis of rotation (B), without relaxing the holding of said load (1).

5. A device (10, 40) for handling a load (1) comprising (1) gripping means (11, 41) for said load (1) coupled to a bearing structure (12, 42) by a pivot connection about an axis of rotation (B), a rotational drive mechanism (26, 66) coupled to said gripping means (11, 41) to pivot them by a quarter turn in one direction and in the opposite direction, and a fixing system (13, 43) arranged to catch on said handling device (10, 40) to a lifting machine, such as an overhead travelling crane, a forklift (CE), said gripping means (11, 41) comprise gripping members (14, 44) coupled to an actuating mechanism (16, 56) arranged to move them between an open position in which they release said load and a closed position in which they carry said load, and in the closed position, said gripping members (14, 44) are separated from each other by a centre distance (E1) arranged to release the central bore (2) of said load (1) making it possible to load it on a machine without releasing said load (1) when said load (1) is carried by said handling device (10, 40), characterised in that said gripping members (14, 44) are arranged to grip said load (1) by its outer envelope defined by its lower side wall (4) and its peripheral wall (3), said handling device (10, 40) being capable of implementing a handling method according to any one of the preceding claims.

6. Handling device according to claim 5, characterised in that said gripping members comprise two diametrically opposed jaws (14), having an L-shaped cross-section, comprising a lateral support surface (14b) arranged to carry said load (1) via its lower lateral wall (4) and a peripheral support surface (14a) arranged to sandwich said load (1) via its peripheral wall (3), and in that said gripping means (11) comprise a mechanism (16) for actuating said jaws (14) arranged to move them between an open position in which they are spaced apart by a centre distance (E2) greater than the external diameter of said load (1) and a closed position in which they are closed on the peripheral wall (3) of the load (1).

7. Handling device according to claim 6, characterised in that said gripping means (11) comprise a clamp provided with two mutually parallel branches (15), at the ends of which said jaws (14) are mounted, and in that said actuating mechanism (16) is mounted on said bearing structure (12) and coupled to said branches (15) to move them in rectilinear translation (TR) between said open and closed positions of said jaws (14).

8. Handling device according to claim 7, characterised in that said branches (15) are mounted on said bearing structure (12) by a sliding connection along a translation axis (C), said sliding connection being defined by rolling rollers (18), belonging to one of the pieces between the branches and the bearing structure, arranged to travel on rectilinear guide rails (17), belonging to the other piece of the bearing structure, and branches, and in that said actuating mechanism (16) comprises at least one first actuator (20) coupled to said branches (15) to move them in rectilinear translation (TR) relative to said supporting structure (12) synchronously and in opposite directions.

9. Handling device according to claim 8, characterised in that said jaws (14) are mounted at the end of the branches (15) by a pivot connection about an axis of rotation (B) parallel to said axis of translation (C), and in that said rotational drive mechanism (26) comprises at least one second actuator (27) coupled to said jaws (14) to move them in rotation (RT) synchronously and in the same direction of rotation.

10. Handling device according to claim 5, characterised in that said gripping members comprise two mutually parallel, L-shaped or U-shaped forks (44) comprising a lower branch (44a) arranged to carry said load (1) via its lower side wall (4) and a ramp (61) arranged to sandwich said load (1) via its peripheral wall (3), and in that said gripping means (41) comprise a mechanism (56) for actuating said forks arranged to move them between an open position in which they are spaced apart by a centre distance (E2) greater than the outside diameter of said load (1) and a closed position in which they are moved closer to a centre distance (E1) comprised between the inside diameter and the outside diameter of said load (1).

11. Handling device according to claim 10, characterised in that said forks (44) comprise in their bottom said ramp (61) which is inclined and arranged to create a V-shaped support surface when said forks (44) are in the closed position, intended to come into contact with the peripheral wall (3) of said load (1).

12. Handling device according to claim 10, characterised in that said forks (44) are mounted on frames (45), and in that said actuating mechanism (56) is mounted on said bearing structure (42) and coupled to said frames (45) to move them in rectilinear translation (TR) between said open and closed positions of said forks (44).

13. Handling device according to claim 12, characterised in that said frames (45) are mounted on the bearing structure (42) by a sliding connection along a translation axis (C), said sliding connection being defined by guide rails (57) belonging to one of the parts between the frames and the bearing structure, arranged to receive by sliding complementary ribs (58) belonging to the other part between the bearing structure and the frames, and in that said actuating mechanism (56) comprises at least one first actuator (59) coupled to said frames (45) to move them in rectilinear translation (TR) relative to said bearing structure (42) synchronously and in opposite directions.

14. Handling device according to claim 13, characterised in that said forks (44) are mounted on the frames (45) by a pivot connection along an axis of rotation (B) parallel to said axis of translation (C), and in that said rotational drive mechanism (66) comprises at least one second actuator (67) coupled to said forks (44) to move them in rotation (RT) synchronously and in the same direction of rotation.

15. Handling device according to claim 14, characterised in that said forks (44) respectively comprise a male interlocking zone (60a) and a female interlocking zone (60b) arranged to interlock when said forks (44) are in the closed position and allow a synchronous pivoting of said forks (44).

16. Handling device according to claim 10, characterised in that each fork (44) comprises two branches (44a, 44b) parallel and separated by a gap (I) and in that said gripping means (41) comprise means (46) for adjusting said gap (I) in order to adapt said gap (I) to the thickness (E) of said load (1).

17. Handling device according to any one of claims 6 and 10, characterised in that it comprises means for detecting the closed position of said jaws (14) or said forks (44) arranged to servo-control the operation of said rotational drive mechanisms (26, 66).

18. Handling device according to claim 5, characterised in that said fixing system (13) comprises slinging rings provided at the top of said bearing structure (12, 42) and arranged to catch on said handling device (10, 40) to an overhead travelling crane.

19. Handling device according to claim 5, characterised in that said fixing system (43) comprises standard rails provided on the back of said bearing structure (12, 42) and arranged to catch on said handling device (10, 40) to a deck (T) of a forklift truck (CE).

20. Lifting machine equipped with a handling device (10, 40) according to any one of claims 5 to 19, characterised in that said lifting machine is selected from the group comprising an overhead travelling crane, a forklift (CE).

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