Collar comprising two mobile arms for handling a large part

Abstract

Collar comprising two movable arms for handling a large part Collar (12) for handling a part, comprising: - a main part (28) extending over an angular range (α) around a central axis (X2), - a first arm (30) and a second arm (32) mounted on two ends (34, 36) of the main part, and movable in rotation around a first axis of rotation (R1) and a second axis of rotation (R2) substantially parallel to the central axis. The collar (12) is movable between: - a closed configuration, in which a distal end (38) of the first arm is fixed on a distal end (40) of the second arm (32), and in which the collar is intended to surround the part, and - an open configuration, in which the first arm and the second arm are spaced apart from each other relative to the closed configuration. Figure for abstract: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Collar comprising two movable arms for handling a large part

[0001] The present invention relates to a collar for handling a part, the collar being adapted, in a closed configuration, to encircle the part around a central axis.

[0002] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising such a collar and a device for moving the collar, as well as a method for handling the part using the collar.

[0003] For handling, and for example turning over, large and valuable cylindrical objects, it is known to use at least one collar in two semi-circular parts, or half-collars, adapted to be fixed one on the other so as to encircle the part. Such a part has large dimensions, for example a diameter greater than 1.5 meters and a height greater than 1.0 meters. The part generally has a mass of several tons. Such a part is for example a boiler tank intended for a naval platform, such as a ship or an underwater vehicle.

[0004] The collar itself therefore has a large diameter and has a high mass.

[0005] To install or uninstall the collar around the part to be moved, according to a known method, each half-collar is held using candles and beams, as long as the half-collar is not fixed on the other half-collar, or as soon as the half-collar is no longer fixed on the other half-collar. During these phases, there are significant risks of accident for the operators, and of damage to the part if one of the half-collars falls.

[0006] Furthermore, when the collar is placed on part handling grooves, the precise placement of the half-collars can be difficult to achieve. The placement can therefore take some time, which further increases the risks already mentioned.

[0007] An aim of the invention is therefore to overcome all or part of these drawbacks, by providing a device allowing the handling of the part with reduced risks, both for people and for the part itself.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a collar for handling a part, the part having a maximum diameter greater than 1500 mm, the collar comprising:

[0009] - a main part extending over an angular range around a central axis of the necklace, and

[0010] - a first arm and a second arm mounted respectively on two ends of the main part, the two ends being opposite each other around the axis central, the first arm and the second arm being movable in rotation relative to the main part respectively around a first axis of rotation and a second axis of rotation substantially parallel to the central axis,

[0011] the collar being movable between:

[0012] - a closed configuration, in which a distal end of the first arm by relative to the main part is fixed on a distal end of the second arm, and in which the collar is intended to encircle the part around the central axis, and

[0013] - an open configuration, in which the first arm and the second arm are spaced apart from each other relative to the closed configuration, and in which the collar is intended to be placed so as to partially surround the part around the central axis.

[0014] According to particular embodiments, the collar comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in all technically possible combinations:

[0015] - the collar comprises a plurality of pads fixed on a radially internal face of the collar considered in its closed configuration, the pads being distributed angularly around the central axis, at least one of the pads being fixed on the main part, at least two of the pads being fixed respectively on the first arm and the second arm, the pads being intended to allow the collar to dock on the part;

[0016] - each of the pads is fixed on the radially internal face in a removable manner by collar screws;

[0017] - each of the pads defines a groove extending in a plane perpendicular to the central axis, the groove being intended to receive a strapping of the part;

[0018] - the angular range is between 180° and 215°;

[0019] - the two ends of the main part respectively form two stops, the first arm and the second arm being adapted to abut respectively against the two stops in the open configuration, the open configuration being a maximum opening configuration of the collar;

[0020] - the collar comprises at least one locking member movable between a position of locking, in which the locking member is fixed relative to the main part, and one of the first arm and the second arm, the locking member preventing rotation of the first arm or the second arm relative to the main part to allow the collar to remain in its open configuration in particular when the central axis is substantially horizontal, and a rest position, in which the locking member allows said rotation to allow the collar to pass from the open configuration to the closed configuration; or the collar comprises at least two locking members movable between a locking position, in which the two locking members are fixed relative to the main part, and respectively the first arm and the second arm, the locking members preventing rotation of the first arm and rotation of the second arm relative to the main part for locking the collar in its open configuration, in particular when the central axis is substantially vertical, and a rest position, in which the two locking members allow said rotation of the first arm and said rotation of the second arm to allow the collar to move from the open configuration to the closed configuration; and

[0021] - the collar comprises a plurality of positioning members, fixed in a manner removable on an upper face of the collar when the central axis is substantially vertical, the positioning members being distributed angularly around the central axis when the collar is in its closed configuration, each positioning member comprising a portion extending radially relative to the central axis, the portion comprising an end located radially on the side of the central axis relative to the collar.

[0022] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising:

[0023] - a collar as described above, and

[0024] - a moving device intended at least to move the collar towards the part, the collar being in the open configuration, the central axis deviating by less than 10° from a vertical direction,

[0025] the moving device comprising:

[0026] - at least two lateral suspension systems, each of the suspension systems lateral comprising a lower end adapted to be fixed respectively on one of the two ends of the main part, and an upper end intended to be fixed on a high point, and

[0027] - at least one rear suspension system, comprising a lower end adapted to be fixed on a middle portion of the main part, and an upper end intended to be fixed on a high point.

[0028] The invention also relates to a method for handling a part having a diameter greater than 1500 mm, comprising at least the following steps:

[0029] - obtaining a collar as described above, or an assembly as described above above, the collar being suspended from a moving device,

[0030] - moving the collar towards the part by the moving device, the collar partially surrounding the part around the central axis,

[0031] - moving the collar from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the collar surrounding the part around the central axis, and

[0032] - movement of the part, the movement comprising an action on the collar performed by the moving device or another moving device.

[0033] The invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings, on which:

[0034] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a schematic perspective view of a first assembly according to the invention, making it possible to bring a first collar according to the invention around a part using a first moving device, the first collar being in the open configuration and being placed at a lower end of the part in a vertical position,

[0035] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic view, from above, of a second assembly according to the invention, making it possible to bring a second collar according to the invention around the part shown in [Fig.l], using a second moving device, the second collar being in the open configuration and being placed at an upper end of the part,

[0036] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of the first collar shown in [Fig.l], the first collar being in the closed configuration,

[0037] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of the second collar shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second collar being a variation of the first collar and being shown in the closed configuration, and

[0038] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic perspective view illustrating a step of a method according to the invention, in which the part shown in Figures 1 and 2, equipped with the first collar shown in Figures 1 and 3, and the second collar shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4, is being moved using two other moving devices.

[0039] With reference to [Fig.l], a first assembly 10 according to the invention is described.

[0040] The first assembly 10 comprises a first collar 12 according to the invention, and a first moving device 14 adapted to move the first collar towards a part 16, the first collar being in an open configuration.

[0041] The part 16 is for example of generally cylindrical shape and defines a central axis XI which is substantially vertical in [Fig.l].

[0042] The part 16 has large dimensions. The part 16 has a maximum diameter DI (its largest diameter) greater than 1500 mm, and for example less than 2500 mm. The part 16 has for example a height H of between 1.0 meter and 4.0 meter. The part 16 typically has a mass of several tons.

[0043] Part 16 is for example a boiler tank intended for a naval platform (not shown), such as a ship or an underwater vehicle.

[0044] The first assembly 10 is adapted for example to place the first collar 12 around a lower end 18 of the part 16.

[0045] With reference to [Fig.2], a second assembly 20 according to the invention is also described.

[0046] The second set 20 is analogous to the first set 10 shown in the [Fig.l].

[0047] The second assembly 20 comprises a second collar 22 according to the invention, and a second moving device 24 adapted to move the second collar towards the part 16, the second collar being in an open configuration.

[0048] The second assembly 20 is for example adapted to place the second collar 22 around an upper end 26 of the part 16.

[0049] The first collar 12 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3.

[0050] The first collar 12 is suitable for handling the part 16.

[0051] The first collar 12 comprises a main portion 28 extending over a range angular a around a central axis X2 of the first collar. The first collar 12 comprises a first arm 30 and a second arm 32 mounted respectively on two ends 34, 36 of the main part, opposite each other around the central axis X2, the first arm 30 and the second arm 32 being movable in rotation relative to the main part 28 respectively around a first axis of rotation RI and a second axis of rotation R2 substantially parallel to the central axis X2.

[0052] The first collar 12 is movable between the open configuration ([Fig.l]) and a closed configuration ([Fig.3]).

[0053] In the closed configuration, a distal end 38 of the first arm 30 relative to the main part 28 is fixed to a distal end 40 of the second arm 32, and the first collar 12 is intended to surround the part 16 around the central axis X2. The central axis X2 is then advantageously coincident with the central axis XI of the part 16.

[0054] In the open configuration, the first arm 30 and the second arm 32 are spaced apart from each other relative to the closed configuration, and the first collar 12 is intended to be placed so as to partially surround the part 16 around the central axis X2 (or the central axis XI).

[0055] Advantageously, the first collar 12 comprises a plurality of pads 42 fixed on a radially internal face 44 of the first collar 12 considered in its closed configuration.

[0056] Advantageously, the first collar 12 comprises at least two locking members 46, 48 movable between a locking position (represented in [Fig. 2] by the second collar 22) to lock the first collar 12 in its open configuration, and a rest position ([Fig. 3]) to allow the first collar 12 to move from the open configuration to the closed configuration. The two locking members 46, 48 are intended to be used to lock the first arm 30 and the second arm 32 in the open configuration, in particular when the first collar 12 is substantially horizontal, that is to say when its central axis X2 is substantially vertical.

[0057] In the locking position, the two locking members 46, 48 are fixed relative to the main part 28, and respectively the first arm 30 and the second arm 32. The locking members 46, 48 prevent rotation of the first arm 30 and rotation of the second arm 32 relative to the main part 28.

[0058] In the rest position, the two locking members 46, 48 allow said rotation of the first arm 30 and said rotation of the second arm 32 to allow the first collar 12 to pass from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

[0059] According to a variant not shown, the first collar 12 comprises only one of the two locking members 46, 48. The remaining locking member 46 is intended to be used to lock only one of the first arm 30 and the second arm 32 in the open configuration, in particular when the first collar 12 is substantially vertical, that is to say when its central axis X2 is substantially horizontal. The single locking member 46 is then adapted to lock the uppermost of the first arm 30 and the second arm 32, the other being locked naturally as will be explained below.

[0060] Advantageously, fixing points 50 of the movement devices on the first collar 12 are removable. The first collar 12 has for example a radially external face 52 which is cylindrical in the closed configuration, and advantageously without roughness when the fixing points 50 are removed.

[0061] Advantageously, the main part 28 has an arcuate shape. For example, the angular range a is between 180° and 215°. This provides stability to the first collar 12 when it is moved into a horizontal position by the first movement system 14.

[0062] Advantageously, the two ends 34, 36 of the main part 28 respectively form two stops 54, 56, the first arm 30 and the second arm 32 being adapted to abut respectively against the two stops in the open configuration. The open configuration is then a maximum opening configuration of the first collar 12.

[0063] If the first collar 12 is used in a vertical position, the stop 54, 56 of the lowest arm 30, 32 naturally blocks this arm in the open configuration due to gravity.

[0064] The first arm 30 and the second arm 32 advantageously have arc-shaped shapes. The first arm 30 and the second arm 32 extend, for example, over an angular range B complementary to the angular range a.

[0065] The first arm 30 and the second arm 32 are advantageously adapted to act as jaws.

[0066] The pads 42 are advantageously distributed angularly around the central axis X2. For example, at least one of the pads 42 is fixed to the main part 28, and at at least two of the pads 42 are fixed respectively on the first arm 30 and the second arm 32, the pads being intended to allow docking of the first collar 12 on the part 16.

[0067] Each of the pads 42 is for example fixed on the radially internal face 44 in a removable manner by screws (not shown) of the first collar 12.

[0068] Each of the pads 42 defines in the example a groove 58 extending in a plane P perpendicular to the central axis X2, the groove being intended to receive a strapping 60 of the part 16, the edge being circular or, according to a variant not shown, forming an arc of a circle.

[0069] The first movement device 14 comprises two lateral suspension systems 62, 64, each of the lateral suspension systems comprising a lower end 66, 68 fixed respectively on one of the two ends 34, 36 of the main part 28, and an upper end 70, 72 fixed on a high point 74, 76. The first movement device 14 comprises a rear suspension system 78, comprising a lower end 80 fixed on a middle portion 82 of the main part 28, and an upper end 84 fixed on a high point 86.

[0070] In the example, the first displacement device 14 comprises a three-armed, advantageously adjustable, lever 88 defining the high points 74, 76, 86.

[0071] The first movement device 14 is for example adapted to transport the first collar 12 in a substantially horizontal position.

[0072] Advantageously, the rear suspension system 78 has an adjustable length between the upper end 84 and the lower end 80, which makes it possible to adjust the position of the first collar 12.

[0073] The second collar 22 will now be described with reference to Figures 1, 2 and 4.

[0074] The second collar 22 is structurally analogous to the first collar 12 shown. in Figures 1 and 3. Similar elements have the same reference numerals and will not be described again. Only the differences will be described in detail below.

[0075] For the sake of clarity, the central axis of the second collar 22 is denoted “X3”, so as not to confuse it with that of the first collar 12.

[0076] When the second collar 22 is in the closed configuration, it has a center of gravity G1 ([Fig.2]) for example located on the central axis X3.

[0077] When the second collar 22 is in the open configuration, it has a center of gravity G2 ([Fig.2]) offset relative to G1 by a distance D2 perpendicular to the central axis X3 on the side of the first arm 30 and the second arm 32.

[0078] In the second collar 22, the pads 42 do not define a groove. The pads 42 have a radially internal surface 90, for example cylindrical.

[0079] The second collar 22 comprises a plurality of positioning members 92, fixed removably on an upper face 94 of the second collar 22 when the central axis X3 is substantially vertical.

[0080] The positioning members 92 are distributed angularly around the central axis X3 when the second collar 22 is in its closed configuration.

[0081] Each of the positioning members 92 comprises a portion 96 extending radially relative to the central axis X3, the portion 96 comprising an end 98 situated radially on the side of the central axis X3 relative to the second collar 22.

[0082] The positioning members 92 are adapted to rest on an upper edge 100 of the part when the part 16 is in a vertical position ([Fig.l]).

[0083] The second displacement device 24 is relatively similar to the first displacement device 14. Similar elements have the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0084] The second movement device 24 is for example adapted to transport the second collar 22 in a substantially horizontal position towards the upper end of the part 16.

[0085] The second movement device 24 comprises the two lateral suspension systems 62, 64, each of the lateral suspension systems comprising the lower end 66, 68 fixed respectively on one of the two ends 34, 36 of the main part 28, and the upper end 70, 72 fixed to a high point 102. The second movement device 24 comprises the rear suspension system 78, comprising the lower end 80 fixed on the middle portion 82 of the main part 28, and the upper end 84 fixed on the high point 102.

[0086] In the example, the high point 102 is common to all the suspension systems.

[0087] The second movement device 24 further comprises two additional suspension systems 104, 106, comprising a lower end 108, 109 fixed respectively to the first arm 30 and the second arm 32, and an upper end 110, 111 fixed respectively to the two lateral suspension systems 62, 64.

[0088] According to a variant not shown, the upper end 108, 110 is fixed to the high point 102.

[0089] In the example, the high point 102 is for example defined by a rudder (not shown).

[0090] Each of the rear suspension system 78 and its two additional suspension systems 104, 106 advantageously comprises a central hoist 112 and two slings 114, 116.

[0091] Each of the two lateral suspension systems 62, 64 comprises for example a sling 118.

[0092] In the open configuration, G2 is below the high point 102 ([Fig.2]). In the confi closed configuration, it is G1 which is below the high point 102. Thus, when the second collar 22 passes from the open configuration to the closed configuration, due to the offset D2, the main part 28 of the second collar 22 approaches the part 16 as the center of gravity passes from point G2 to point Gl.

[0093] The operation of the first assembly 10 and the second assembly 20 follows from their structure and will now be described. This operation illustrates a method according to the invention.

[0094] Initially, the part 16 is for example in a vertical position (its central axis XI is substantially vertical) as in [Fig.l].

[0095] Thanks to the first displacement device 14, the first collar 12 is brought closer to the lower end 18 of the part 16, the first collar 12 being in its open configuration. The first arm 30 and the second arm 32 are advantageously blocked by the blocking members 46, 48 which are in their blocking position (visible in [Fig.2], even if it is the second collar). The first collar 12 then partially surrounds the part 16.

[0096] Then, in the example, the locking members 46, 48 are removed or placed in their rest position ([Fig.3]). The first collar 12 is then moved from its open configuration to its closed configuration.

[0097] The groove 48 of each of the pads 42 advantageously receives the strapping 60 of the part 16. This fixes the first collar 12 relative to the part 16.

[0098] The first arm 30 is fixed to the second arm 32. The first collar 12 surrounds the part 16 around the central axis X2, which merges for example with the central axis XI of the part.

[0099] The procedure is similar with the second collar 22, except that the second collar is moved in the example by the second moving device 24 shown in [Fig.2], and that the second collar 22 is placed on the second end 26 of the part.

[0100] When the second collar 22 moves from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the main part 28 gradually approaches the part 16 due to the offset D2 and the fact that the suspension systems of the second movement device 24 are fixed to the same high point 102.

[0101] The positioning members 92 make it possible to easily position the second collar 22 relative to the edge 100 of the part 16.

[0102] Once the part 16 is provided with the first collar 12 and, in the example, the second collar 22, the part is moved by an action on the first collar 12 and / or the second collar 22, for example carried out using other moving devices 120, 122 as shown in [Fig. 5]. This makes it possible to lift the part 16, to tilt it, or even to turn it over, and for example to place it in a horizontal position. rhizontal, the first collar 12 and the second collar 22 resting on a support (not shown).

[0103] Thanks to the cylindrical character of the radially external face 52 of the first collar 12 and of the second collar 22, it is possible to pivot the part 16 around the central axis XI relative to the support.

[0104] According to variants (not shown), the first movement device 14 and / or the second movement device 24 are used to move the part 16.

[0105] According to a variant not shown, a single collar is used to move the part 16.

[0106] The first collar 12 and the second collar 22 are removed by carrying out the same operations as for their installation, but in reverse order.

[0107] According to variants not shown, the first collar 12 and the second collar 22 can be removed or placed while they are in a vertical position (the central axes X2, X3 being substantially horizontal). Only one of the locking members 46, 48 is then sufficient to lock that of the first arm 30 or of the second arm 32 located above the other in the open configuration.

[0108] Thanks to the characteristics described above, the handling of the part 16 is carried out with reduced risks, both for people and for the part itself. Indeed, each of the first collar 12 and the second collar 22 can be placed, then removed, without risk of a half-collar falling. The first collar 12 and the second collar 22, by their configuration, are very stable and relatively easy to handle despite their dimensions.

Claims

Claims

1. Collar (12; 22) for handling a part (16), the part having a maximum diameter (Dl) greater than 1500 mm, the collar (12; 22) comprising: - a main part (28) extending over an angular range (a) around a central axis (X2; X3) of the collar, and - a first arm (30) and a second arm (32) mounted respectively on two ends (34, 36) of the main part (28), the two ends (34, 36) being opposite each other around the central axis (X2; X3), the first arm (30) and the second arm (32) being rotatable relative to the main part (28) respectively around a first axis of rotation (RI) and a second axis of rotation (R2) substantially parallel to the central axis (X2; X3), the collar (12;22) being movable between: - a closed configuration, in which a distal end (38) of the first arm (30) relative to the main part (28) is fixed on a distal end (40) of the second arm (32), and in which the collar (12; 22) is intended to surround the part (16) around the central axis (X2; X3), and - an open configuration, in which the first arm (30) and the second arm (32) are spaced from each other relative to the closed configuration, and in which the collar (12; 22) is intended to be placed so as to partially surround the part (16) around the central axis (X2; X3).;

2. Collar (12; 22) according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of pads (42) fixed on a radially internal face (44) of the collar (12; 22) considered in its closed configuration, the pads (42) being distributed angularly around the central axis (X), at least one of the pads (42) being fixed on the main part (28), at least two of the pads (42) being fixed respectively on the first arm (30) and the second arm (32), the pads (42) being intended to allow docking of the collar (12; 22) on the part (16).

3. Collar (12; 22) according to claim 2, in which each of the pads (42) is fixed on the radially internal face (44) in a removably manner by screws of the collar (12; 22).

4. A collar (12) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein each of the pads (42) defines a groove (58) extending in a plane perpendicular to the central axis (X2), the groove (58) being intended to receive a strapping (60) of the part (16).

5. Collar (12; 22) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the angular range (a) is between 180° and 215°.

6. Collar (12; 22) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the two ends (34, 36) of the main part (28) respectively form two stops (54, 56), the first arm (30) and the second arm (32) being adapted to abut respectively against the two stops (54, 56) in the open configuration, the open configuration being a maximum opening configuration of the collar (12; 22).

7. A collar (12; 22) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising - at least one locking member (46) movable between a locking position, in which the locking member (46) is fixed relative to the main part (28), and one of the first arm (30) and the second arm (32), the locking member (46) preventing rotation of the first arm (30) or the second arm (32) relative to the main part (28) to allow the collar (12; 22) to remain in its open configuration, in particular when the central axis (X2; X3) is substantially horizontal, and a rest position, in which the locking member (46) allows said rotation to allow the collar (12;22) to move from the open configuration to the closed configuration, or - at least two locking members (46, 48) movable between a locking position, in which the two locking members (46, 48) are fixed relative to the main part (28), and respectively the first arm (30) and the second arm (32), the locking members (46, 48) preventing a rotation of the first arm (30) and a rotation of the second arm (32) relative to the main part (28) to lock the collar (12; 22) in its open configuration, in particular when the central axis (X2; X3) is substantially vertical, and a rest position, in which the two locking members (46, 48) allow said rotation of the first arm (30) and said rotation of the second arm (32) to allow the collar (12; 22) to move from the open configuration to the closed configuration.;

8. Collar (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a plurality of positioning members (92), removably fixed on an upper face (94) of the collar (22) when the central axis (X3) is substantially vertical, the positioning members positioning (92) being angularly distributed around the central axis (X3) when the collar (22) is in its closed configuration, each positioning member (92) comprising a portion (96) extending radially relative to the central axis (X3), the portion (96) comprising an end (98) located radially on the side of the central axis (X3) relative to the collar (22).

9. Assembly (10; 20) comprising: - a collar (12; 22) as described by any one of claims 1 to 8, and - a moving device (14; 24) intended at least to move the collar (12; 22) towards the part (16), the collar (12; 22) being in the open configuration, the central axis (X2; X3) deviating by less than 10° from a vertical direction (V), the moving device (14; 24) comprising: - at least two lateral suspension systems (62, 64), each of the lateral suspension systems (62, 64) comprising a lower end (66, 68) adapted to be fixed respectively on one of the two ends (34, 36) of the main part (28), and an upper end (70, 72) intended to be fixed on a high point (74, 76; 102), and - at least one rear suspension system (78), comprising a lower end (80) adapted to be fixed on a middle portion (82) of the main part (28), and an upper end (84) intended to be fixed on a high point (84; 102).

10. A method of handling a part (16) having a diameter greater than 1500 mm, comprising at least the following steps: - obtaining a collar (12; 22) as described by any one of claims 1 to 8 or an assembly (10; 20) as described by claim 9, the collar (12; 22) being suspended from a moving device (14; 24), - moving the collar (12; 22) towards the part by the moving device (14; 24), the collar (12; 22) partially surrounding the part (16) around the central axis (X2; X3), - moving the collar (12; 22) from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the collar (12; 22) surrounding the part (16) around the central axis (X2; X3), and - moving the part (16), the moving comprising an action on the collar (12; 22) performed by the moving device (14; 24) or another moving device (120, 122).

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