Panel lifting device

Abstract

The invention relates to a lifting element (1) for a panel (2), comprising a beam or spreader bar (3) having a lower face configured to be positioned on one of the edges of said panel (2) and at least one lifting means (4) connected to said beam (3), characterized in that it comprises at least two fastening means (5) for screwing the beam onto the relevant edge of the panel, each of said screwing means being provided with a threaded rod (7) configured to cooperate with a socket integrated near the edge of said panel (2), each of said fastening means (5) being electrically actuable to allow the beam (3) to be attached / detached from the relevant edge of the panel (2). The invention also relates to a lifting device incorporating the lifting element (1) according to the invention, and a lifting method using said lifting device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of handling. More particularly, it relates to a panel lifting device, for example a concrete panel, allowing the automatic attachment and detachment of this panel to a lifting device such as a crane, and consequently facilitating its positioning. PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE

[0002] A concrete panel is typically lifted on-site using pins anchored to the panel during manufacturing. Lifting rings are then attached to these pins, for example, by screwing them in. These lifting rings can then be used with hooks positioned at the end of a lifting crane or similar device to raise the panel. This type of lifting requires manual intervention to position the lifting rings on the panel and remove them after use, which is time-consuming. Furthermore, due to the relatively large dimensions such panels can reach, typically several meters in height, manually removing them once in place poses a risk of accidents.

[0003] Alternatively, there are lifting clamps for lifting concrete panels. This type of clamp is not suitable for large panels, and their installation is cumbersome, as precise placement is required to ensure the safety of the lifting operation. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a panel lifting device, implemented within the more general framework of a lifting device.

[0005] This lifting device comprises a beam or spreader bar including a lower face configured to be able to be positioned on one of the edges, and in particular on the upper edge of said panel, and at least one lifting means attached to the beam.

[0006] According to the invention, this lifting device comprises at least two means of fixing by screwing the beam onto the considered edge of the panel, each of said screwing means being provided with a threaded rod configured to cooperate with a socket integrated in the vicinity of the edge of said panel, each of said fixing means being electrically actuable in order to allow the beam to be secured / unsecured from the considered edge of the panel.

[0007] Thanks to these provisions, it is possible for an operator to control, in particular remotely, the attachment and detachment of the lifting device to a panel without needing to access the top of the panel, which allows this operation to be carried out quickly and safely.

[0008] The said lifting device may further include: a controller capable of controlling the fastening means, a means of communication, in particular wireless, capable of transmitting commands to the controller, and a battery capable of supplying power to the fastening means, the controller and the means of communication, with the fixing means, controller, battery and communication device fixed to the beam,

[0009] The lifting device then includes a control means, capable of communicating with the means of communication, and configured to allow an operator to send a screwing or unscrewing order to the fastening means.

[0010] Thanks to these provisions, it is possible for an operator to remotely control the attachment and detachment of the beam to a panel, which further facilitates this operation.

[0011] The lifting device may include two means of attachment, located equidistant from the ends of the beam, which allows for a reliable and stable attachment of the device to a panel.

[0012] The lifting device may include a position sensor for at least one fastening means.

[0013] This position sensor is configured to determine: if the fastening means is in the screwed position, a position in which part of said fastening means extends at least partially under the underside of the beam and is secured to the panel located under the beam, or if the fastening means is in the unscrewed position, a position in which said fastening means is detached from the panel located under the beam, This information could prove crucial before initiating, for example, the lifting of the panel.

[0014] For at least one lifting means, the lifting element may include a slider fixed to the lifting means. This slider is movable in translation relative to the beam along a predetermined stroke, and a position sensor for said slider, said lifting element being configured such that: When the lifting member is raised by means of the lifting device, the cursor is at the upper end of said stroke, and otherwise, the cursor is at the lower end of said stroke. This allows us to have this information available, for example for the purposes of managing and / or monitoring a construction site.

[0015] This stroke can be defined by a light within which the cursor is likely to move.

[0016] The lifting device may include at each end of the beam a lateral profile, perpendicular to the main dimension of the beam, the lifting device being equipped for each lateral profile with a means of mechanical or magnetic fastening of the profile to the beam, allowing the lateral profile to be positioned: in a lower position, in which the side profile extends along the panel when the lower face of the beam is placed on a panel, or in a higher position, opposite to the lower position, This allows operators to handle the beam without having to access the beam itself, particularly when said operators are higher, or lower, than the beam.

[0017] The lifting device may include, at each fastening means, a sensor to detect the presence of the lateral profile, which makes it possible to have this information, for example for the purposes of managing and / or monitoring a construction site.

[0018] The lifting device may include two movable lateral stops parallel to the main dimension of the beam, said lateral stops being configured to come into contact with the ends of the considered edge of the panel when the lower face of the beam is in contact with said edge, in order to block the movements of the panel according to the main dimension of the beam, each of the lateral stops being provided with a clamping means allowing the position of the lateral stop to be fixed relative to the beam, which increases safety when using the lifting device.

[0019] The lifting device may include at least two transverse stops located symmetrically with respect to the center of the beam, and locally forming angles with the underside of the beam. These transverse stops are configured to prevent panel movement in a direction perpendicular to the main dimension of the beam, thereby increasing safety when using the lifting device.

[0020] The present invention also relates to a lifting device comprising a lifting member according to the invention and cables or slings cooperating with the lifting means of said lifting member.

[0021] The present invention further relates to a method of lifting a panel using a lifting device according to the invention, comprising the following steps: placement of the lifting device beam on the upper edge of a panel, so that the lower face of the beam rests on the upper side of the panel, adjustment of the position of the beam relative to the panel, so that the fastening means are in line with the sockets integrated within the panel, actuation of the fastening means, in order to secure the beam to the panel, connection of the cables or slings of the lifting device to a lifting machine, lifting of the lifting device and the panel by the lifting machine.

[0022] Thanks to these provisions, it is possible for an operator to control the attachment and detachment of the lifting device to a panel without needing to access the top of the panel, which allows this operation to be carried out quickly and safely. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The present invention and its advantages will become more apparent from the following description of several embodiments given by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: There figure 1 is a perspective view of a lifting device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, The figure 2 is a perspective view of a detail of the organ of the figure 1 , There figure 3 is a front view of the organ of the figure 1 , There figure 4 is a detailed view of a means of fixing the organ of the figure 1 in the unscrewed position. The figure 5 is a detailed view of a transverse stop of the organ of the figure 1 in retracted position, The figure 6 is a front view of the organ of the figure 1 arranged on a panel, with the side profiles in the lowered position, The figure 7 is a front view of the organ of the figure 1arranged on a panel, with the side profiles in the upper position. DESCRIPTION OF IMPLEMENTATION METHODS

[0024] In the embodiments illustrated below, identical elements or parts bear the same reference numbers. Furthermore, terms with a relative meaning, such as vertical, horizontal, right, left, front, back, above, below, etc., should be interpreted under normal conditions of use of the invention, as shown in the figures. Moreover, the geometric positions indicated in the description and claims, such as "perpendicular," "parallel," and "symmetrical," are not limited to the strict geometric definition but extend to geometric positions that are close, that is, that allow a certain tolerance within the technical field considered, without affecting the result obtained. This tolerance is notably introduced by the adverb "substantially," without this term necessarily being repeated before each adjective.

[0025] The lifting device 1 according to the invention allows a panel 2, for example a concrete panel, to be lifted. The panel 2 can be used for all types of civil engineering works, and more particularly for the construction of a structure, or as a sound barrier. The panel 2 can be made of any type of concrete, including concrete containing plant-based fillers such as wood-based concrete, and may or may not have metallic reinforcement. The present invention is not limited to lifting concrete panels and can be used to lift panels made of other types of materials: wood, stone, plastics, etc.

[0026] With reference to the figures, the lifting device 1 includes a beam or spreader bar 3, the function of which is to enable the connection on one side to the panel 2 and on the other side to a lifting device such as a crane.

[0027] Beam 3 must therefore be able to support the load of panel 2 when it is lifted.

[0028] In typical use, as illustrated in the figures, panel 2 is positioned upright, meaning its two longer faces are vertical or nearly vertical, and beam 3 is positioned horizontally on the upper side or edge of panel 2. These concepts, both of verticality of the faces and horizontality of the upper edge, should not be interpreted strictly here. In both cases, a slight angle, for example less than 20°, is perfectly compatible with the use of the lifting device 1. Nevertheless, under these conditions, the lower face of beam 3 can still be considered the face of beam 3 intended to be in contact with panel 2.

[0029] The lifting device 1 includes at least one lifting means 4 connected to the beam 3, and allowing the beam to be attached to a lifting device. The lifting means 4 is, for example, a lifting ring.

[0030] The lifting means 4 may be fixed to the beam 3, but is preferably attached to the beam 3 in such a way as to allow certain rotational and / or translational movements relative to the beam 3. For example, if the lifting means 4 consists of a ring fixed to the beam 3 via an axis; it is preferable that it be free to rotate around this axis, which facilitates the insertion of a hook into the ring. 4. In the latter case, the angle between the axis and the beam is preferably between 55 and 65°, for example 60°, which allows optimal lifting with a slinging angle of 60°.

[0031] The lifting device 1 includes, for example, two lifting devices 4, which allows for a more stable lifting of the panel, the lifting equipment 4 being arranged along the beam 3,and symmetrically to each other with respect to the center of beam 3. The spacing between the lifting means can be between 1.50 and 1.70 m, for example 1.60 m.

[0032] The lifting device 1 also includes at least two means of attachment 5 allowing a panel to be attached 2 to the beam 3. The means of attachment 5 are screw-fixing methods, and each is suitable for use with a thread integrated into the panel. 2. More specifically, the means of attachment 5 Each includes a threaded rod 7, configured to cooperate with a socket integrated into the panel 2 near its upper edge. Typically, such sockets are embedded in the concrete that makes up the panel. 2.

[0033] The lifting device 1 includes, for example, two means of attachment 5,This allows for a more reliable attachment of the beam, and therefore, consequently, of the lifting device to the panel. 2. The means of attachment 5 are then preferably arranged along the beam 3, and symmetrically with respect to the center of the beam 3. The spacing between the fastening means 5 can be between 2.40 and 2.60 m, for example 2.50 m.

[0034] The means of attachment 5 These mechanisms are electrically operated to allow the beam to be attached to / detached from the panel. The fastening devices can be controlled in various ways: buttons integrated directly into the lifting mechanism, a wired control connected to the lifting mechanism, or a wireless control.

[0035] The lifting device 1 preferably includes elements for controlling the fastening means 5remotely. These elements are preferably grouped together in a box 18 fixed to the beam 3. These elements include at least: a controller, capable of ordering the fastening means 5 by screwing, that is to say, to control the screwing or unscrewing of the lifting device 1 and panel 2 between them, a means of communication, in communication with the controller, and capable of transmitting remote screwing or unscrewing commands to the controller, and a battery, capable of supplying energy to at least the fastening means, the controller and the means of communication.

[0036] Finally, the lifting mechanism 1It includes a control means capable of communicating with the communication means. This control means allows an operator to send a tightening or loosening command to the screw-fastening devices via the controller. The control means can be wired or wireless. If wireless, it may be a dedicated remote control, using, for example, a radio protocol. The control means may also be a smartphone or tablet equipped with a dedicated application, communicating with the wireless communication means via any relevant protocol, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G, etc.

[0037] The panel 2 extending under the underside of the beam 3, the means of fastening 5 preferably each extend at least partially under this lower face when they are in the screwed position, that is to say when they form a fixing between the beam 3and a sign 2 arranged under the beam 3. The lifting device 1 can then include a position sensor 6 of at least one means of fixing, allowing it to be determined whether it is in a position to be screwed to a panel 2 or not. This position sensor 6 is preferably configured to transmit data to the controller, data which can then be relayed to an operator via the communication system. This data can also be used in a lifting procedure to ensure that beam 3 is properly attached to, or detached from, the panel. 2.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated by way of example in figures 1 to 3 the means of fastening 5 each have a stem 7Equipped with an external thread, this rod is movable relative to the beam in a translational movement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis or principal dimension of the beam. This threaded rod is designed to cooperate with the threaded hole in the socket integrated within the panel. 2.

[0039] THE figures 1 to 4 illustrate a particular embodiment of the fastening means 5, in which the stem 7 is supported by a trolley 19, mobile moving vertically along a rail 20 arranged perpendicular to the main dimension of the beam 3. The control of the screwing means 5 is therefore achieved through the position of the carriage 19 : when the cart 19 is in the high position, as illustrated in figure 4 the threaded rod 7 does not extend under the underside of the beam 3, and the beam3 and the panel 2 located below are therefore not connected to each other; when the trolley 19 is in the lowered position, as illustrated in figures 1 to 3 the threaded rod 7 extends under the underside of the beam 3, and the beam 3 and the panel 2 those located below are joined together.

[0040] The threaded rod 7 is driven in rotation by an electric motor mounted on the trolley 19.

[0041] The lifting device 1 may include stops 21, for example, made of rubber, arranged to cushion the end-of-travel movements, respectively upward and downward, of the carriage 19 along the rail 20.

[0042] As mentioned above, the lifting device 4 can be mounted freely in translation on the beam 3. In certain embodiments, such as that illustrated in figures 1 to 3 the lifting device 1 includes, for at least one lifting means 4, a cursor 8 attached to the lifting device. The slider 8 and the lifting means 4 are mobile in translation relative to the beam 3, along an axis perpendicular to the underside of the beam 3, or an axis having an angle of less than 45° with respect to the axis perpendicular to the underside of the beam 3. For example, the cursor 8 can be guided along a light beam 17 in this translation.

[0043] Thus, when the weight of the panel 2 is supported by the lifting means, that is to say, when the lifting member is raised by means of the lifting means, the cursor is at the upper end of the light 17,whereas otherwise, due to gravity or the effect of a spring, the cursor is located at the lower end of the light 17.

[0044] The lifting mechanism 1 then includes a position sensor 9 for the cursor 8, allowing it to determine if the panel 2 is being lifted or not by the lifting device 1. This position sensor 9 is preferably configured to transmit data to the controller, data which can then be relayed to an operator via the communication method. This data can also be used in a lifting process.

[0045] The lifting device 1 may include, at each end of the beam 3, a side profile 10 oriented perpendicularly to the main dimension of the beam 3. Each side profile preferably includes a handle 11. The side profiles 10can be used by operators to facilitate, where appropriate, the handling of the beam 3. Indeed, their perpendicular positions allow them to offset a handle 11 at a different height than the beam height 3 when it is placed on the panel 2.

[0046] Preferably, the lifting device 1 includes for each side profile 10 a means of solidarity 12 said lateral profile to the beam 3, offering two fixing positions: a lower position, as illustrated as an example in figure 5 , in which the side profile 10 extends along the panel 2, and a superior position, opposite to the inferior position, as illustrated by way of example in figure 6 , in which the side profile 10 extends above the panel 2.

[0047] Means of solidarity 12 Each ball bearing, for example, consists of at least one ball pin, or two ball pins. A ball pin has a shaft designed to fit into a locking hole. The shaft is fitted with balls. In the locked position, the balls are partially extended outside the shaft and abut against a conical surface of the locking hole, preventing the shaft from being pulled out. In the unlocked position, the balls can retract into the shaft, allowing the shaft to be pulled out of the locking hole. A ball pin typically has a button. At rest, the ball pin is in the locked position, and pressing the button moves the ball bearing to the unlocked position.

[0048] Thus, depending on the panel configuration 2,The operator can choose to position the side profiles in either position, and thus position the lifting device. 1 on the panel 2, or to remove it, under the best conditions.

[0049] The side profiles 10 can, as illustrated as an example on the figures 1 to 3 to be fixed to the beam via an intermediate profile 13 extending from the end of the beam parallel to its main dimension. This allows the lateral profiles to be offset 10 at a distance from the center of the beam 3. Thus when the beam 3 is shorter than the top edge of the panel 2, which allows the use of a beam 3 unique for several panel dimensions, the side profiles 10 can still extend downwards beyond the ends of the top edge of the panel 2.

[0050] The lifting device 1 may include sensors allowing, for each side profile 10, to detect that it is properly fixed at the point where it is attached to the beam 3. These sensors are preferably configured to transmit data to the controller, data which can be relayed to an operator via the means of communication.

[0051] The lifting device 1 may also include two lateral stops 14, movable parallel to beam 3. Lateral stops 14 for example, each can slide along a section of the beam 3, or a profile parallel to the beam 3, for example an intermediate profile 13 as described above. The lateral stops 14 can each be fixed in position relative to the beam 3, by means of a clamping means 15. The lateral stops14 are configured so that when the lifting device 1 is arranged on a panel 2, these should be adjusted to come into contact with the lateral edges of the panel 2, to prevent any movement of the beam 3 in relation to the panel 2 along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the beam 3.

[0052] The clamping method 15 may, for example, include a threaded rod that clamps the lateral stop piece 14 onto the beam 3 or a piece attached to said beam.

[0053] The lifting device 1 may still include at least two transverse stops 16, arranged, for example, symmetrically with respect to the center of the beam 3. The transverse stops 16 locally form angles with the underside of the beam 3,in order to block the movement of the latter relative to the panel on which it is placed, in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the beam 3.

[0054] The transverse stops 16 are preferably retractable. As illustrated as an example in the figure 4 , the transverse stops 16 can be retracted by raising them above the underside of the beam 3. To achieve this, the transverse stops 16 can be attached to the beam 3 via a rod, capable of cooperating with two slots attached to the beam 3. If, as in the figures 1 to 3 the rod is inserted into the lower slot, the transverse stop 16 is active, whereas if, as in the figure 4 the rod is inserted into the upper slot, the transverse stop 16 is retracted and inactive.

[0055] The lifting device 1 It is designed to be used with cables or slings to form a lifting device. These cables or slings are commonly used in lifting applications and are configured to work in conjunction with the lifting equipment. 4 of the lifting device 1, and on the other side with a lifting device such as a crane.

[0056] The lifting device can be used in a panel lifting process 2 involving the following steps: beam installation 3 of the lifting device on the upper edge of the panel 2, so that the underside of said beam rests on the upper edge of the panel, adjusting the beam's position 3 in relation to the panel 2, so that the means of attachment 5are located directly above the sockets integrated into the panel, this adjustment being possible using the handles 11, If necessary, adjust the placement of the lateral stops. 14 in contact with the lateral ends of the panel 2, then activation of the clamping means 15 in order to fix the position of the lateral stops 14, actuating the fixing means 5 in order to secure the beam 3 at the panel 2, where applicable, using the control means to send a tightening command to said fastening means via the communication means and the controller, connecting the cables or slings of the lifting device to a lifting machine, lifting the lifting device and the panel 2 by the lifting equipment, by means of lifting equipment 4.

[0057] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described but extends to any modification and variant obvious to a person skilled in the art, within the limits of the appended claims. Furthermore, the technical features of the various embodiments and variants mentioned above may be combined, in whole or in part.

Claims

1. Lifting device (1) of a panel (2), comprising a beam or spreader bar (3) having a lower face configured to be able to be disposed on one of the edges of said panel (2) and at least one lifting means (4) connected to said beam (3), characterized in that it includes at least two means of fixing (5) by screwing the beam onto the considered edge of the panel, each of said screwing means being provided with a threaded rod (7) configured to cooperate with a socket integrated in the vicinity of the edge of said panel (2), each of said fixing means (5) being electrically actuable in order to allow the beam (3) to be joined / disjoined with the considered edge of the panel (2).

2. Lifting device (1) for a panel (2) according to claim 1, characterized: • in thatIt further comprises: - a controller capable of controlling the fastening means (5), - a communication means capable of transmitting commands to the controller, and - a battery capable of supplying power to the fastening means (5), the controller and the communication means, the fastening means (5), the controller, the battery and the communication means being fixed to the beam (3), • and in that It includes a control means, capable of communicating with the communication means, configured to allow an operator to send a screwing or unscrewing command to the fastening means (5).

3. Lifting device (1) for a panel (2) according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that it includes two means of fixing (5), located symmetrically with respect to the centre of the beam (3).

4. Lifting device (1) for a panel (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in thatIt includes a position sensor (6) of at least one fastening means (5) configured to determine whether the fastening means (5) is in the screwed position, in which part of said fastening means extends at least partially under the underside of the beam (3) and is attached to the panel (2) located under the beam (3), or in the unscrewed position, in which said fastening means is detached from the panel (2) located under the beam (3).

5. Lifting device (1) for a panel (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in thatfor at least one lifting means (4), it comprises a slider (8) fixed to the lifting means (4), said slider (8) being movable in translation relative to the beam (3) along a stroke, and a position sensor (9) of said slider (8), said lifting member (1) being configured so that: - when the lifting member (1) is lifted by means of the lifting means (4), the slider (8) is at the upper end of said stroke, and - otherwise, the slider (8) is at the lower end of said stroke.

6. Lifting device (1) for a panel (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in thatat each end of the beam (3) it comprises a lateral profile (10), perpendicular to the main dimension of the beam (3), the lifting member (1) being provided for each lateral profile (10) with a means of securing (12) the lateral profile (10) to the beam (3), allowing the lateral profile (10) to be positioned: - in a lower position, in which the lateral profile (10) extends along the panel (2) when the lower face of the beam (3) is positioned on a panel (2), or - in a higher position, opposite to the lower position.

7. Lifting device (1) for a panel (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that at each fastening means (12) it includes a sensor allowing the presence of the lateral profile (10) to be detected.

8. Lifting device (1) for a panel (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in thatIt comprises two movable lateral stops (14) parallel to the main dimension of the beam (3), said lateral stops (14) being configured to come into contact with the ends of the considered edge of the panel (2) when the lower face of the beam (3) is in contact with said edge in order to block the movements of the panel (2) according to the main dimension of the beam (3), each of the lateral stops (14) being provided with a clamping means (15) allowing the position of the lateral stop (14) to be fixed relative to the beam (3).

9. Lifting device (1) for a panel (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it includes at least two transverse stops (16) forming local angles with the lower face of the beam (3), said transverse stops (16) being configured to block the movements of the panel (2) in a direction perpendicular to the main dimension of the beam (3).

10. A panel lifting device (2) comprising a lifting member (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and cables or slings cooperating with the lifting means (4) of said lifting member (1).

11. Method of lifting a panel (2) by means of a lifting device according to claim 10, comprising the following steps: - placing the beam (3) of the lifting device on the upper edge of a panel (2), so that the lower face of the beam (3) rests on the upper edge of the panel (2), - adjusting the position of the beam (3) relative to the panel (2), so that the fastening means (5) are aligned with the sockets integrated within said panel (2), - actuating the fastening means (5) to secure the beam (3) to the panel (2), - connecting the cables or slings of the lifting device to a lifting machine, - lifting the lifting device and the panel (2) by the lifting machine.

Images