Collar comprising two movable arms for handling large parts

Abstract

A clamp comprising two movable arms for handling a large workpiece. A workpiece handling clamp (12) 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 about a first axis of rotation (R1) and a second axis of rotation (R2) substantially parallel to the central axis. The clamp (12) is movable between: - a closed configuration, in which a distal end (38) of the first arm is fixed to a distal end (40) of the second arm (32), and in which the clamp is intended to encircle the workpiece, and - an open configuration, in which the first and second arms are separated from each other relative to the closed configuration. Figure for the 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 handling collar for 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 collar displacement device, 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 two-part semicircular collar, or half-collars, adapted to be fixed one on top of the other so as to encircle the object. Such an object has large dimensions, for example a diameter greater than 1.5 meters and a height greater than 1.0 meter. The object generally has a mass of several tons. Such an object is, for example, a boiler tank intended for a naval platform, such as a ship or a submersible.

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

[0005] To install or remove the clamp around the part to be moved, according to a known method, each half-clamp is held using supports and beams until it is attached to the other half-clamp, or as soon as it is no longer attached to the other half-clamp. During these phases, there are significant risks of accidents for the operators and of damage to the part if one of the half-clamps falls.

[0006] Furthermore, when the collar is placed on the workpiece handling grooves, the precise positioning of the half-collars can prove difficult. The placement can therefore take some time, further increasing the risks already mentioned.

[0007] One object of the invention is therefore to overcome all or part of these disadvantages, 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 one-piece handling collar, the piece 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 mobile 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 in relation to the main part is fixed to 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 piece around the central axis.

[0014] According to particular embodiments, the collar comprises one or more of the following features, 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 be docked on the part;

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

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

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

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

[0020] - the collar includes at least one movable locking member between a position of a locking position, wherein the locking member is fixed relative to the main part, and one of the first and second arms, the locking member preventing rotation of the first or second arm relative to the main part to allow the collar to remain in its open configuration, particularly when the central axis is substantially horizontal, and a rest position, in which the locking member allows said rotation to allow the collar to move from the open 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 and second arms, the locking members preventing rotation of the first arm and rotation of the second arm relative to the main part to lock the collar in its open configuration, particularly 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 such a way 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 with respect to the central axis, the portion comprising an end situated radially on the side of the central axis with respect to the collar.

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

[0023] - a collar as described above, and

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

[0025] the displacement device comprising:

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

[0027] - at least one rear suspension system, comprising a lower end adapted to be fixed to a middle portion of the main part, and an upper end intended to be fixed to 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 below above, the collar is suspended from a moving device,

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

[0031] - movement of the collar from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the a collar encircling the piece around the central axis, and

[0032] - movement of the part, the movement including an action on the collar carried out by the displacement device or another displacement device.

[0033] The invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is a schematic, perspective view of a first set according to the invention, allowing a first collar according to the invention to be placed around a part using a first displacement device, the first collar being in the open configuration and positioned at a lower end of the part in a vertical position,

[0035] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic, top view of a second assembly according to the invention, allowing a second collar according to the invention to be placed around the part shown in [Fig. 1], using a second displacement device, the second collar being in the open configuration and positioned at an upper end of the part,

[0036] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of the first necklace shown on the [Fig.1], the first collar being in the closed configuration,

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

[0038] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] is a schematic, perspective view illustrating a step in a method according to the invention, wherein 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.1], a first set 10 according to the invention is described.

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

[0041] Part 16, for example, is generally cylindrical in shape and defines a central axis XI substantially vertical on the [Fig.1].

[0042] Part 16 is large in size. Part 16 has a maximum diameter DI (its largest diameter) greater than 1500 mm, and for example less than 2500 mm. Part 16 has, for example, a height H between 1.0 meter and 4.0 meter. 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 a submarine.

[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 set 20 according to the invention is also described.

[0046] The second set 20 is analogous to the first set 10 shown in [Fig.1].

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

[0048] The second set 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 Figures 1 and 3.

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

[0051] The first collar 12 comprises a main part 28 extending over a beach 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.1]) 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 encircle the part 16 around the central axis X2. The central axis X2 is advantageously then 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 separated from each other compared 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) for locking 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, especially 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 move from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

[0059] According to an alternative 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, particularly when the first collar 12 is substantially vertical, that is, 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, the attachment points 50 of the displacement devices on the first collar 12 are removable. The first collar 12 has, for example, a radially external cylindrical face 52 in the closed configuration, and advantageously without asperities when the attachment points 50 are removed.

[0061] Advantageously, the main part 28 has an arc-shaped form. 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 form two stops 54, 56 respectively, the first arm 30 and the second arm 32 being adapted to abut against the two stops respectively 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 locks this arm in the open configuration due to gravity.

[0064] The first arm 30 and the second arm 32 advantageously have arc-shaped forms. 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 on the main part 28, and 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 the first collar 12 to be docked 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 band 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 displacement 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 displacement 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 includes a three-armed rocker arm 88, advantageously adjustable, defining the high points 74, 76, 86.

[0071] The first displacement 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 allows the position of the first collar 12 to be adjusted.

[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 bear the same numerical references 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 marked “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 from 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, removably fixed 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 with respect to the central axis X3, the portion 96 comprising an end 98 located radially on the side of the central axis X3 with respect 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.1]).

[0083] The second displacement device 24 is relatively analogous to the first displacement device 14. Similar elements bear the same numerical references and will not be described again.

[0084] The second displacement 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 displacement 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 displacement 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 suspension systems.

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

[0088] According to an unrepresented variant, the upper end 108, 110 is fixed on the upper point 102.

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

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

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

[0092] In the open configuration, G2 is below the high point 102 ([Fig.2]). In the closed configuration, it is G1 that is below the high point 102. Thus, when the second collar 22 moves 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 moves 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, part 16 is for example in a vertical position (its central axis XI is substantially vertical) as in [Fig.1].

[0095] Thanks to the first moving device 14, the first collar 12 is brought close 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 locked by the locking members 46, 48 which are in their locked position (visible in [Fig. 2], even though 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 ring 60 of the part 16. This fixes the first collar 12 relative to the part 16.

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

[0099] The procedure is similarly carried out 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 the second collar 22 is placed on the second end 26 of the part.

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

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

[0102] Once the part 16 is fitted 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, with the first collar 12 and the second collar 22 resting on a support (not shown).

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

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

[0105] According to an unrepresented variant, a single collar is used to move 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 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 the one on the first arm 30 or the second arm 32 located above the other in the open configuration.

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

Claims

1. Demands Assembly (10; 20) comprising a 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 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; 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 to a distal end (40) of the second arm (32), and in which the collar (12; 22) is intended to encircle 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 separated from each other compared 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), the assembly comprising a displacement 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 displacement 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 to one of the two ends (34, 36) of the main part (28), and an upper end (70, 72) intended to be fixed to a high point (74, 76; 102), and - at least one rear suspension system (78), comprising a lower end (80) adapted to be fixed to a middle portion (82) of the main part (28), and an upper end (84) intended to be fixed to a high point (84; 102).

2. Assembly (10; 20) according to claim 1, wherein the collar (12; 22) comprises 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 the collar (12; 22) to dock on the part (16).

3. Assembly (10; 20) according to claim 2, wherein each of the pads (42) is fixed to the radially inner face (44) in a removable manner by screws of the collar (12; 22).

4. Assembly (10; 20) 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 band (60) of the part (16).

5. Assembly (10; 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the angular range (a) is between 180° and 215°.

6. Assembly (10; 20) 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 against the two stops (54, 56) respectively in the open configuration, the open configuration being a maximum opening configuration of the collar (12; 22).

7. Assembly (10; 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the collar (12; 22) comprises: - 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, particularly when the central axis (X2; X3) is substantially horizontal, and a rest position, in which the locking member (46) permits said rotation to allow the collar (12; 22) to pass 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) permit 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. Assembly (10; 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the collar (12; 22) comprises 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 (92) being distributed angularly around the central axis (X3) when the collar (22) is in its closed configuration, each positioning member (92) comprising a portion (96) extending radially with respect to the central axis (X3), the portion (96) comprising an end (98) situated radially on the side of the central axis (X3) with respect to the collar (22).

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

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