manual rotary table including a rotation assistance system
The manual rotating table with a dual elastic return system facilitates easy rotation of heavy loads by alternating energy states to initiate opposite rotations, addressing the complexity and cost issues of existing systems.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023008635
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-08-10
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-04
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-08-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing rotating tables for heavy loads are difficult to rotate manually and are often complex and expensive when motorized solutions are employed.
A manual rotating table with a rotation assistance system comprising two elastic return elements and actuating means that alternately switch between compressed and uncompressed states to facilitate rotation, using energy stored in one element to initiate rotation in one direction and the other element to initiate rotation in the opposite direction.
Enables easy manual rotation of heavy loads without the need for motorization, reducing complexity and cost while maintaining efficient operation.
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: manual rotating table comprising a rotation assistance system TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a manual rotating table for transferring loads, comprising a fixed chassis surmounted by a plate rotating relative to the chassis around a vertical axis between two positions and means for locking the plate relative to the chassis in one or other of the positions.
[0002] The rotating table according to the invention is intended in particular, but not exclusively, for loading / unloading pallets, containers, etc. STATE OF THE ART
[0003] As is known, it is common to use rotating tables in the context of loading / unloading particularly heavy products in order to save time. Such tables are used in particular in factories where operators are required to handle a large quantity of products (such as in stamping lines). The operators work with several containers containing the products to be handled. In order to avoid having to go back and forth from one side of the tables to access the containers, the latter are loaded onto a rotating table. When the container(s) placed on one side of the table are unloaded, the operator turns the table to access the container(s) placed on the other side of the table and unload them.
[0004] However, rotating such tables can prove difficult in the case of particularly heavy loads.
[0005] In order to overcome this drawback, rotating tables have been proposed comprising motorized platters. However, such tables prove to be relatively complex and expensive.
[0006] The invention aims to remedy the drawbacks of prior art rotating tables by proposing a rotating table whose rotation remains manual while offering easy rotation regardless of the mass of the load placed on the table. SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0007] To this end, and according to a first aspect, the invention proposes a manual rotating table for transferring loads comprising a fixed chassis surmounted by a plate rotating relative to the chassis around a vertical axis between a first and a second position, and means for locking the plate relative to the chassis in one or other of the positions. The rotating table is remarkable in that it comprises a system for assisting rotation of the plate from one of the positions to the other of the positions. positions, and vice versa, the rotation assistance system comprising a first energy storage and restitution device comprising at least one elastic return element and a second energy storage and restitution device comprising at least one elastic return element, and actuating means acting alternately on each elastic return element of the first and second energy storage and restitution devices to make them pass from a compressed state to an uncompressed state or vice versa depending on the position of the plate,the first energy storage and restitution device being arranged so that the elastic element of the first storage device is in a compressed state when the tray is locked in the first position and in a non-compressed state when the tray is locked in the second position so as to exert a restoring force initiating the rotation of the tray relative to the chassis in a first direction of rotation, from the first position to the second position, the second energy storage and restitution device being arranged so that the elastic element of the second storage device is in a non-compressed state when the tray is locked in the first position and in a compressed state when the tray is locked in the second position so as to exert a restoring force initiating the rotation of the tray relative to the chassis in a second direction of rotation, opposite to the first direction of rotation,from the second position to the first position. ,
[0008] Thus, thanks to the presence of the rotation assistance system, the tray will benefit from the energy of the movement stored by the elastic return element of one of the energy storage and restitution devices during the rotation movement of the tray previously carried out, energy which will be released when the tray is unlocked, impelling a rotation movement of the tray in the opposite direction to the previous movement.
[0009] Advantageously, the actuating means comprise a support axis driven by the rotating plate and intended to come into contact alternately against each elastic return element of the first or second storage device depending on the direction of rotation of the plate and to compress the latter.
[0010] Advantageously, the support axis compresses the elastic return elements by means of a compression plate associated with the energy storage and restitution device concerned and mounted to slide relative to the chassis.
[0011] Advantageously, the first and second energy storage and restitution devices are identical and symmetrical with respect to the vertical axis.
[0012] Advantageously, the rotation assistance system is removably attached to the chassis.
[0013] Advantageously, the means for locking the tray relative to the chassis com take an arrangement of two articulated locking pawls secured to the plate, located under it diametrically opposite one another, capable of engaging respectively and alternately on a complementary stop axis secured to the chassis.
[0014] Advantageously, the rotating table comprises means for unlocking the tray relative to the chassis, said unlocking means comprising a pedal carrying the stop axis.
[0015] Advantageously, the rotating table comprises an arrangement of two dampers, one being arranged to stop the rotating plate in one of its positions, the other damper being arranged to stop the rotating plate in the other of its positions.
[0016] Advantageously, the second position defines, with the first position, an angular spacing of 180 degrees.
[0017] Advantageously, the elastic return element is a compression spring. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0018] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description of the invention which follows, given by way of example and with reference to the appended figures in which:
[0019] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] represents a perspective view of a rotating table according to the invention supporting two containers;
[0020] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents a view of the turntable of [Fig.l] without the containers;
[0021] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents a top view of the turntable of [Fig.2];
[0022] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] represents a perspective view of the rotating table of the [Fig.2] in which the tray has been partially represented in order to show the tray rotation assistance system;
[0023] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] shows a detailed view of the release pedal of the turntable of [Fig.2]. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] In connection with Figures 1 to 5, a manual rotating table 1 for supporting loads is described. In the illustrated example, the rotating table 1 is shown supporting two boxes 100 ([Fig.l]).
[0025] The rotating table 1 comprises a fixed chassis 2 surmounted by a load-receiving plate 3 rotating relative to the chassis 2, means 4 for locking the plate 3 relative to the chassis 2 in one or other of the positions, and means 5 for unlocking the plate 3 relative to the chassis 2 (figures 2 and 3). In the example illustrated, the unlocking means 5 take the form of a pedal, hereinafter referred to as the unlocking pedal 5.
[0026] The receiving tray 3, of rectangular shape, is advantageously mounted in rotation on the chassis 2 by means of a ball crown 6. Any other known means allowing a rotational movement of the tray relative to the chassis can of course be implemented without departing from the framework of the invention. Similarly, the shape of the tray 3 is not limited to the rectangular shape.
[0027] The tray 3 is rotatable between a first and a second position. In the embodiment described, the tray 3 is rotatable in one direction following a rotation of 180 degrees and in the opposite direction following a rotation of -180 degrees. In the following, the first position will be defined as being the reference position of the table (or tray), i.e. 0 degrees, the second position defining the position of the table (or tray) at 180 degrees.
[0028] According to the invention, the rotating table 1 comprises a system for assisting the rotation of the plate 3 from one position to the other.
[0029] The rotation assistance system comprises a first and a second energy storage and restitution device 7, 8 respectively comprising at least one elastic return element 70, 80 on the one hand and actuating means acting alternately on the first and second energy storage and restitution devices 7, 8 to change the associated elastic return elements 70, 80 from an uncompressed state to a compressed state or vice versa depending on the position of the plate 3.
[0030] The first and second energy storage and restitution devices 7, 8 are fixed to the chassis 2, symmetrically with respect to the vertical axis, advantageously in the vicinity of the center of gravity of the rotating table 1. In the example illustrated, the energy storage and restitution devices are located in the interior space delimited by the ball crown 6.
[0031] Each energy storage and restitution device 7, 8 comprises two elastic return elements 70, 80, in the example compression springs, arranged parallel to each other and connected to a side member of the chassis 2 by one of their ends, a compression plate 71, 81 facing the opposite free ends of the elastic return elements. As shown in [Fig. 3], the compression plates are securely connected to guide rods 72, 82 slidably mounted through the side member. In the example illustrated, the compression plates 71, 81 are connected to the chassis 2 by means of three guide rods, two of the rods passing axially through the compression springs.
[0032] The elastic return elements 70, 80 of the energy storage and restitution devices 7, 8 are arranged to alternately present a compressed state for one of the devices and an uncompressed state for the other device when the plate 3 is blocked in one of the positions and an inverse state when the plate 3 is blocked in the other position.
[0033] More particularly, the first energy storage and restitution device 7 is arranged so that the associated elastic return element 70 is in a compressed state when the plate 3 is locked in the first position and in a non-compressed state when the plate 3 is locked in the second position while the second energy storage and restitution device 8 is arranged so that the associated elastic return element 80 is in a non-compressed state when the plate 3 is locked in the first position and in a compressed state when the plate 3 is locked in the second position.Thus arranged, the elastic element 70 of the first energy storage and restitution device 7 will exert a restoring force initiating the rotation of the plate 3 relative to the chassis 2 in one direction of rotation, from the first position to the second position (rotation of 180 degrees), while the elastic element of the second energy storage and restitution device 8 will exert a restoring force initiating the rotation of the plate 3 relative to the chassis 2 in a second direction of rotation, opposite to the first direction of rotation, from the second position to the first position (rotation of -180 degrees).
[0034] The actuating means comprise a support axis 9 driven by the plate 3 in its rotational movement. The support axis 9 is intended to come into contact with and compress alternately, by means of the associated compression plate 71, 81, the elastic return elements 70, 80 of the first or second storage device according to the direction of rotation of the plate 3 ([Fig.4]). In this embodiment, the support axis 9, integral with the plate 3, extends from the lower face of the plate 3 towards the interior space delimited by the ball crown 6.
[0035] The locking means 4 of the plate 3 relative to the chassis 2 comprise, in the example illustrated, an arrangement of two locking pawls 40 fixed articulated with spring on the plate 3 and arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical axis. The locking pawls are arranged to cooperate respectively and alternately with a stop pin 41 integral with the unlocking pedal 5 (stop pin 41 shown in [Fig.5]). The plate 3 is automatically locked by snap-fastening the locking pawl 40 concerned with the stop pin 41 of the unlocking pedal 5 when the compression springs 70, 80 of the energy storage and restitution device concerned have reached the required compressed state.
[0036] The unlocking of the plate 3 is obtained by pressing the unlocking pedal 5 which will pivot, thus disengaging the stop axis 41 from the locking pawl 40. Once the locking pawl is released, the compression springs 70, 80 maintained in their compressed state will expand, releasing the stored energy, and setting the plate 3 in motion in the opposite direction to the previous movement. Once the rotation of the plate 3 initiated, the rotational movement of the plate 3 will be continued manually by the operator until the opposite locking pawl 40 engages on the stop axis 41 of the unlocking pedal 5.
[0037] As understood, the system for assisting in rotating the tray makes it possible to impart a rotational movement to the tray when the unlocking of the tray is actuated and this, for each position in which the tray is locked, one of the energy storage and restitution devices imparting a rotational movement to the tray in one direction while the other energy storage and restitution device imparts a rotational movement of the tray in the opposite direction.
[0038] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the rotation assistance system is designed to be mounted on the chassis 2 in a removable manner. To do this, each energy storage and restitution device 7, 8 is mounted on a frame or any other support intended to be fixed to the chassis 2 using, for example, screws ([Fig.3]).
[0039] The rotating table 1 further advantageously comprises a first and a second dampers 10, 11 arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical axis. The dampers 10, 11 are arranged on the frame 2 to ensure a rotation stop for the plate 3 for each of the positions. The dampers 10, 11 have the advantage of ensuring the stopping of the rotational movement of the plate 3 in particular in the event of removal of the assistance system, in place of the energy storage and restitution devices 7, 8. The rotating table 1 thus always remains functional, regardless of the presence or absence of the rotation assistance system for the plate 3.
[0040] In the example illustrated, the energy storage and restitution devices 7, 8 comprise two elastic return elements. It is of course obvious that the invention is not limited to such a configuration and that energy storage and restitution devices may be provided comprising a single return element or more than two return elements without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0041] The invention is described in the above by way of example. It is understood that a person skilled in the art is able to carry out different variant embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.
Claims
1. Claims Manual rotating table (1) for transferring loads comprising - a fixed chassis (2) surmounted by a plate (3) rotating relative to the chassis (2) around a vertical axis between a first and a second position, and - means (4) for locking the plate (3) relative to the chassis (2) in one or other of the positions, characterized in that the rotating table (1) comprises a system for assisting the rotation of the plate (3) from one position to the other, comprising: - a first energy storage and restitution device (7) comprising at least one elastic return element (70) capable of passing from a compressed state to an uncompressed state, and vice versa - a second energy storage and restitution device (8) comprising at least one elastic return element (80) capable of passing from a compressed state to an uncompressed state, and - actuating means acting alternately on each elastic return element (70, 80) of the first and second energy storage and restitution devices (7, 8) to cause them to pass from a compressed state to an uncompressed state or vice versa depending on the position of the plate (3), - the first energy storage and restitution device (7) being arranged so that the elastic element of the first storage device is in a compressed state when the plate (3) is locked in the first position and in an uncompressed state when the plate (3) is locked in the second position so as to exert a restoring force initiating the rotation of the plate (3) relative to the chassis (2) in a first direction of rotation, from the first position to the second position, - the second energy storage and restitution device (8) being arranged so that the elastic element of the second storage device is in an uncompressed state when the plate (3) is locked in the first position and in a compressed state when the plate (3) is locked in the second position so as to exert a restoring force initiating the rotation of the plate (3) relative to the chassis (2) in a second direction of rotation, opposite to the first direction of rotation, from the second position to the first position.
2. Manual rotating table (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuating means comprise a support axis (9) driven by the rotating plate (3) and intended to come into contact alternately against each elastic return element (70, 80) of the first or second storage device according to the direction of rotation of the plate (3) and to compress the latter.
3. Manual rotating table (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the support axis (9) compresses the elastic return elements by means of a compression plate associated with the energy storage and restitution device concerned and mounted to slide relative to the chassis.
4. Manual rotating table (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second energy storage and restitution devices (7, 8) are identical and symmetrical with respect to the vertical axis.
5. Manual rotating table (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotation assistance system is removably attached to the chassis (2).
6. Manual rotating table (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking means (4) of the plate (3) relative to the chassis (2) comprise an arrangement of two articulated locking pawls (40) integral with the plate (3), located under the latter diametrically opposite one another, capable of engaging respectively and alternately on a stop pin (41) integral with the chassis (2).
7. Manual rotating table (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises means (5) for unlocking the plate (3) relative to the chassis (2), said unlocking means (5) comprising an unlocking pedal carrying the stop axis (41).
8. Manual rotary table (1) according to any one of the claims previous, characterized in that it comprises an arrangement of two dampers (10, 11), one being arranged to stop the rotating plate (3) in one of its positions, the other damper being arranged to stop the rotating plate (3) in the other of its positions.
9. Manual rotary table (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second position defines, with the first position, an angular separation of 180 degrees.
10. Manual rotary table (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic return element (70, 80) of the first and second energy storage and restitution devices (7, 8) is a compression spring.