LIFTING BEAM AND REMOVAL METHOD

Abstract

TITLE: LIFTING BEAM AND REMOVAL METHOD The lifting beam (100) comprises: - a first beam (105), oriented in a first direction, - an upright (110), mechanically fixed to the first beam, oriented in a second direction not collinear with the first direction, - a second beam (115), mechanically fixed to the upright, oriented in a third direction not collinear with the second direction, - a movable weight mechanism (120), mechanically fixed to the upright and the first beam, and - a modular fastening means (125), mechanically fixed to the second beam. Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: LIFTING BEAM AND REMOVAL METHOD Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a lifting beam and a method for removing, by suspension, a mechanical part positioned in a recess having an oblique opening. It applies, in particular, to the field of replacing silencers in nuclear power plants. State of the art

[0002] The approaches described in this section are approaches that could be pursued, but not necessarily approaches that have been conceived or pursued previously. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches described in this section constitute prior art solely because of its inclusion in this section.

[0003] Certain heavy equipment may be located in buildings that do not allow the extraction of this equipment through the roof, due to the obstruction of this roof, the risk of structural damage likely to be caused by the opening of the roof or for regulatory reasons.

[0004] These heavy materials can be damaged to the point of not being able to slide on the ground without risking damage to the building or these materials.

[0005] Finally, this heavy equipment is located in buildings that do not allow work to be carried out on this heavy equipment, due to the dimensions of the buildings in which it is located.

[0006] Thus, it is impossible today for these landlocked heavy materials to carry out a certain number of jobs. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0008] To this end, according to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a lifting beam, which comprises: - a first beam, oriented in a first direction, - an amount, mechanically secured to the first beam, oriented in a second direction non-collinear with the first direction, - a second beam, mechanically secured to the upright, oriented in a third non-collinear direction - with the second direction, - a mobile weight mechanism, mechanically secured to the upright and the first beam and - a modular fixing means, mechanically secured to the second beam.

[0009] Thanks to these arrangements, a mechanical part enclosed in a recess, not allowing strictly vertical and / or strictly horizontal access, can be lifted by positioning the modular fixing means above the mechanical part, by suspending the mechanical part and then by carrying out a movement of the spreader bar allowing the mechanical part to be removed. In addition, thanks to these arrangements, the lifted mechanical part can be offset relative to a lifting axis of the spreader bar.

[0010] Thus, thanks to these provisions, the implementation of the present invention has the following advantages: - lifting equipment stored inside a building, using a crane positioned outside the building, since only part of the lifting beam enters the building, - the part that enters the building may be closest to the ceiling of the building, - the implementation of the present invention does not require any structural modification or specific opening of the building, - the implementation of the present invention does not require any additional implementation cost or structural modification for these lifting operations and - the implementation of the present invention does not require a temporary or permanent fixed installation of a handling and / or lifting system.

[0011] Each specific use case, in terms of recesses and position of the mechanical part, results in the implementation of a specific spatial arrangement of the beams and the upright.

[0012] In certain use cases, the mechanical part is located under a fixed roof and is accessible via a side opening opening onto a confined space that does not allow the insertion of a handling machine such as a crane for example. In these use cases, the second beam is inserted into the confined space and the side opening, the upright remaining partially in the confined space and the first beam being in the open air. This allows the mechanical part to be fixed to the modular fixing, allowing the mechanical part to be suspended and moved out of the building and then out of the confined space.

[0013] In particular embodiments, the lifting beam which is the subject of the present invention comprises a lifting fork, comprising: - a first removable fixing means by means of modular fixing, - a jaw and - a second removable attachment means, configured to allow the attachment of a object in the jaw.

[0014] These embodiments make it possible in particular to surround pipes or other tubular mechanical parts to allow the extraction of these parts.

[0015] In particular embodiments, the rudder bar which is the subject of the present invention comprises a secondary suspension rudder bar, comprising: - a first removable fixing means by means of modular fixing and - a second removable attachment means, configured to allow the suspension of an object.

[0016] These embodiments make it possible to suspend and manipulate complex objects whose shape does not allow manipulation based on a limited number of suspension cables for example.

[0017] In particular embodiments, the projection of the second beam on an axis defined by the first beam forms a projection relative to the first beam.

[0018] These embodiments allow the spreader to have an extension in a desired direction, this extension being formed of a part outside a recess housing a mechanical part and a part located in the recess.

[0019] In particular embodiments: - the first direction is generally horizontal, - the second direction is generally vertical, - the third direction is generally horizontal and - at least two of the first, second and / or third directions are coplanar.

[0020] These embodiments make it possible to carry out simple movements in directions common to several components of the rudder.

[0021] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method of depositing, by suspension, a mechanical part positioned in a recess having an oblique opening, which comprises: - a step of positioning the lifting beam, object of the present invention, by generally vertical translation then by generally horizontal translation, to position a means of fixing the beam to the mechanical part in the recess and the first beam outside the recess, - a step of fixing the lifting beam to the mechanical part, - a step of calibrating the mobile weight mechanism, - a step of suspending the mechanical part and - a step of retraction of the lifting beam by generally horizontal translation then by generally vertical translation to remove the suspended mechanical part from the recess.

[0022] The method which is the subject of the present invention has the same advantages as the device which is the subject of the present invention.

[0023] In particular embodiments, the fixing step comprises a step of fixing at least one cable to the modular fixing means, on the one hand, and to the mechanical part on the other hand.

[0024] In particular embodiments, the lifting beam comprises a lifting fork, comprising: - a first removable fixing means using modular fixing, - a jaw and - a second removable fixing means, configured to allow the fixing of an object in the jaw, the method comprising a step of fixing the lifting fork to the second beam, and wherein the fixing step comprises: - a step of inserting at least part of the mechanical part into the jaw of the lifting fork and - a step of fixing the mechanical part to the jaw.

[0025] In particular embodiments, the lifting beam comprises a secondary suspension beam, comprising: - a first removable fixing means by means of modular fixing and - a second removable fixing means, configured to allow the suspension of an object, the method comprising a step of fixing the secondary suspension beam to the second beam, and in which the fixing step comprises a step of fixing at least one cable to the secondary suspension beam, on the one hand, and to the mechanical part on the other hand. Brief description of the figures

[0026] Other advantages, aims and particular characteristics of the invention will emerge from the following non-limiting description of at least one particular embodiment of the lifting beam and the method which are the subject of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0027] [Fig. 1] schematically represents a first particular embodiment of the spreader bar which is the subject of the present invention,

[0028] [Fig.2] schematically represents a second particular embodiment of the spreader bar which is the subject of the present invention,

[0029] [Fig.3] schematically represents a particular configuration of recess adapted to the use of the spreader bar which is the subject of the present invention,

[0030] [Fig.4], [Fig.5], [Fig.6] and [Fig.7] represent, schematically, a succession of states of the rudder which is the subject of the present invention and

[0031] [Fig.8] represents, schematically and in the form of a flowchart, a succession of particular steps of the method which is the subject of the present invention. Description of the embodiments

[0032] The present description is given without limitation, each characteristic of an embodiment being able to be combined with any other characteristic of any other embodiment in an advantageous manner.

[0033] It should be noted from now on that the figures are not to scale.

[0034] As understood from reading this description, various concepts inventive methods may be implemented by one or more methods or devices described below, several examples of which are provided herein. The actions or steps performed in carrying out the method or device may be ordered in any suitable manner. Accordingly, it is possible to construct embodiments in which the actions or steps are performed in a different order than that illustrated, which may include performing certain acts simultaneously, even if they are shown as sequential acts in the illustrated embodiments.

[0035] The expression "and / or", as used herein and in the claims, is to be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements which are present conjunctively in some cases and disjunctively in other cases. Multiple elements listed with "and / or" are to be interpreted in the same way, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present, other than the elements specifically identified by the "and / or" clause, whether or not they are related to these specifically identified elements.Thus, by way of non-limiting example, a reference to "A and / or B", when used in conjunction with open language such as "comprising" may refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[0036] As used herein in the description and claims, "or" is to be understood inclusively.

[0037] As used in this specification and in the claims, the expression "at least one", with reference to a list of one or more elements, is to be understood to mean at least one element selected from one or more elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each element specifically listed in the list of elements and not excluding any combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows the optional presence of elements other than the elements specifically identified in the list of elements to which the expression "at least one" refers, whether or not related to those specifically identified elements. Thus, by way of non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently, "at least one of A or B", or, equivalently, "at least one of A and / or B") may refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, without B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, without A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

[0038] In the claims, as well as in the description below, all transitional expressions such as "comprising", "including", "carrying", "having", "containing", "involving", "holding", "composed of", and the like, are to be understood as being open, i.e., as meaning including but not limited to. Only the transitional expressions "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" are to be understood as closed or semi-closed transitional expressions, respectively.

[0039] In the present description, the term "recess" refers to any space configured to house a mechanical part requiring suspended movement in order to be placed / deposited and which comprises an upper wall which does not allow the mechanical part to be placed / deposited through an opening positioned in the upper wall located directly above the place where the mechanical part is placed / deposited. This makes it impossible, in the space delimited by the recess, to place / deposit the mechanical part strictly by a vertical movement.

[0040] [Fig. 2], which is not to scale, shows a schematic view of such a recess 300 and of a mechanical part 400, composed of elements 401 to 407 for example, to be extracted from the recess.

[0041] The recess 300 comprises a space 310 surrounded by an upper wall 305, a lower wall 306 and a series of side walls 307 of which at least one such side wall 307 is provided with an opening 308 which can be at least partially obstructed by any device, such as a sealed opening or a series of louvers for example.

[0042] Optionally, as seen in [Fig. 2], the recess 300 may comprise, opposite the opening 308, a vertical wall 309 located outside the space delimited by the opening 308, the side walls 307, the upper wall 305 and the lower wall 306, this vertical wall 309 contributing to forming a sort of recess secondary recess 311. This secondary recess 311 can be considered as part of the recess 300. Such a vertical wall 309 corresponds, for example, to an anti-missile slab protecting the mechanical part 400, composed of the elements 401 to 407 for example.

[0043] This secondary recess 311 comprises an upper opening 312. This upper opening 312 may be horizontal or oblique, for example. By oblique, it is meant that a straight line normal to the general plane formed by the upper opening 312 is not parallel to the direction of Earth's gravity.

[0044] In particular, in variants, the lateral opening 308 comprises an upper end having a height greater than the upper end of the vertical wall 309, so that it is possible to insert, by generally horizontal translation, an object from the outside of the recess 300 into this recess 300.

[0045] The mechanical part 400 to be extracted is not limiting in structure or functionality. In [Fig.3], the mechanical part 400 is a silencer adapted to receive a pressurized fluid in the lower part.

[0046] This 400 silencer includes: - a lower expansion compensator 401, - a lower 402 cuff, - a plurality of tie rods 403, - a 404 silencer running on diesel, for example, - a plurality of lateral tensioners 405, - a 406 upper expansion compensator and - a 407 upper oriented cuff.

[0047] [Fig.l], which is not to scale, shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the lifting beam 100 which is the subject of the present invention. This lifting beam 100 comprises: - a first beam 105, oriented in a first direction, - an amount 110, mechanically secured to the first beam, oriented in a second direction non-collinear with the first direction, - a second beam 115, mechanically secured to the upright, oriented in a third direction non-collinear with the second direction, - a 120 mobile weight mechanism, mechanically secured to the upright and the first beam and - a modular fixing means 125, mechanically secured to the second beam.

[0048] The lifting beam 100 which is the subject of the present invention can be attached to a crane 101, allowing handling. The objective of this lifting beam 100 is to allow objects to be placed, or laid, by suspension in an environment where a placement or laying only vertical is impossible. In other words, this lifting beam 100 allows a mechanical part to be moved to be placed or laid along at least two axes and therefore in at least two times corresponding to these axes.

[0049] The spreader 100 may comprise a set of counterweights 102, configured to define a nominal operating base of the spreader 100 in terms of mechanical parts that can be lifted. Such a set of counterweights 102 is for example mechanically secured to the first beam 105. Such a set of counterweights 102 is for example fixed to an upper face of the first beam 105, as seen in [Fig.l]. By "upper face", we mean a face which is generally located upwards when the spreader 100 is in the operating configuration. Such an upper face is therefore generally far away, or the furthest away, from the ground.

[0050] The spreader bar 100 may comprise a set of straps, 103 and 104, making it possible to stabilize the spreader bar 100 in a nominal position depending on the position of the mobile weight mechanism 120 and the weight of the mechanical part lifted by the spreader bar 100.

[0051] The first beam 105 is made, for example, of steel. This first beam 105 has a length determined and adapted to the particular use case, that is to say to the nature and the weight of the mechanical parts to be lifted by the lifting beam 100. Indeed, the length of the first beam 105 makes it possible to increase the leverage effect induced by the weight of this beam 105, of the mobile weight mechanism 120 and optionally of the counterweight assembly 102.

[0052] This first beam 105 can be fixed to a suspension means, such as a strap, 103 and / or 104, for example, adapted to be suspended from a crane hook 101.

[0053] However, in variants, this first beam 105 can be fixed to an elevating means pushing the first beam 105 from below.

[0054] This first beam 105 is oriented in a first direction, that is to say along a particular axis, conceptually similar to what is called a generator in the context of a cylinder of revolution. This first direction is preferably generally horizontal when the spreader 100 is in operating condition. By generally horizontal, it is meant that this direction is inscribed in a plane generally perpendicular to the direction of Earth's gravity. By generally perpendicular, it is meant that the angle between the direction of the first beam 105 and an axis defined according to the direction of Earth's gravity is between 80 and 100 degrees, preferably between 85 and 95 degrees and preferably between 88 and 92 degrees.

[0055] The amount 110 is made, for example, of steel. This amount 110 has a height determined and adapted to the particular use case, that is to say to the height available and necessary to lift a mechanical part with the lifting beam 100. In In effect, the height of the upright 110 defines to what extent the second beam 115 can be inserted into a recess. The height of the upright 110 also impacts the overall equilibrium position of the spreader 100.

[0056] This upright 110 is oriented in a second direction, that is to say in a particular axis, conceptually similar to what is called a generator in the context of a cylinder of revolution. This second direction is preferably generally perpendicular to the first direction when the spreader 100 is in operating condition. By generally perpendicular, it is meant that the angle between the direction of the first beam 105 and the direction of the upright 100 is between 80 and 100 degrees, preferably between 85 and 95 degrees and preferably between 88 and 92 degrees.

[0057] Thus, as understood, the amount 110 is generally configured to extend vertically, that is to say along the axis defined by Earth's gravity.

[0058] The second beam 115 is made, for example, of steel. This second beam 115 has a length determined and adapted to the particular use case, that is to say to the nature and the weight of the mechanical parts to be lifted by the spreader 100. Indeed, the length of the second beam 115 defines the extension of the spreader 100 and therefore the capacity of this spreader 100 to reach mechanical parts to be lifted in a recess.

[0059] This second beam 115 is oriented in a third direction, that is to say along a particular axis, conceptually similar to what is called a generator in the context of a cylinder of revolution. This third direction is preferably generally perpendicular to the second direction when the spreader 100 is in operating condition. By generally perpendicular, it is meant that the angle between the direction of the second beam 115 and the direction of the upright 100 is between 80 and 100 degrees, preferably between 85 and 95 degrees and preferably between 88 and 92 degrees.

[0060] Thus, as understood, the second beam 115 is generally configured to extend horizontally, that is to say perpendicular to the axis defined by Earth's gravity.

[0061] In particular embodiments, the projection of the second beam 115 on an axis defined by the first beam forms a projection relative to the first beam 105.

[0062] By protruding, it is meant that the second beam 115 extends further than the first beam 105 in the general direction of the first beam 105.

[0063] The modular fixing means 125, associated with the second beam 115, comprises for example a rigid fixing ear.

[0064] As understood, the first beam 105, the upright 110, the second beam 115 and the fixing means 125 may be formed from a single piece or from an assembly of pieces fixed together by means of special bolts.

[0065] In particular embodiments: - the first direction is generally horizontal, - the second direction is generally vertical, - the third direction is generally horizontal and - at least two of the first, second and / or third directions are coplanar.

[0066] In preferred embodiments, the first, second and third directions are all coplanar.

[0067] The purpose of the movable weight mechanism 120 is to allow the adjustment of the general balance of the spreader bar 100 when lifting the mechanical part fixed to this spreader bar 100.

[0068] The movable weight mechanisms 120 are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0069] By way of example, the mobile weight mechanism 120 shown in [Fig.l] comprises a worm screw 121 and weights 122 fixed to a carriage 123 movable in translation along the axis defined by the worm screw 121. Preferably, as shown in [Fig.l], the axis of the worm screw 121 and the general axis of the first beam 105 are parallel.

[0070] The movable weight mechanism 120 may be automatic, semi-automatic or manual.

[0071] In automatic embodiments, the movable weight mechanism 120 is associated with a digital inclinometer (not shown) and a control system (not shown) of the movable weight mechanism 120 configured to trigger the movement of the movable weight in one direction or the other depending on the inclination value sensed by the inclinometer and a predetermined setpoint value.

[0072] In semi-automatic embodiments, the mobile weight mechanism 120 is associated with a digital or optical inclinometer (not shown) and a control system (not shown) of the mobile weight mechanism 120 configured to trigger the movement of the mobile weight in one direction or the other depending on the reception of a command issued by a user, via a remote control for example.

[0073] In manual embodiments, the movable weight mechanism 120 is associated with a digital or optical inclinometer (not shown) and a mechanical system configured to trigger the movement of the movable weight in one direction or the other depending on a mechanical activation. For example, this mechanical activation can implement a screwdriver to actuate a worm screw for moving the movable weight mechanism 120.

[0074] In particular embodiments, such as that shown in [Fig.2], the lifting beam 100 comprises a lifting fork 130, comprising: - a first means 135 of removable fixing by means of modular fixing, - a 140 jaw and - a second removable fixing means 145, configured to allow the fixing of an object in the jaw 140.

[0075] The first fixing means 135 is, for example, a fixing ear associated with a fixing pin compatible with the modular fixing 125.

[0076] The jaw 140 may have fixed or variable dimensions, like a clamp.

[0077] The second removable attachment means 145 may correspond to a strap configured to close the jaw around a mechanical part to be lifted by the lifting beam 100.

[0078] In variants, the lifting fork 130 comprises at least one clamp configured to reinforce the clamping of the mechanical part located in the jaw 140.

[0079] In particular embodiments, such as that shown in [Fig.2], the spreader 100 comprises a secondary suspension spreader 150, comprising: - a first means 155 for removable attachment to the modular attachment means and - a second means 160 for removable attachment, configured to allow the suspension of an object.

[0080] The first fixing means 155 is, for example, a fixing ear associated with a fixing pin compatible with the modular fixing 125.

[0081] The second fixing means 160 is, for example, at least one fixing ear allowing the fixing of a suspension cable.

[0082] [Fig. 4] shows schematically a set of states, A, B and C, of ​​a particular operating configuration of the spreader 100 which is the subject of the present invention. This configuration corresponds to the removal of a sleeve 407 oriented as shown in [Fig. 3].

[0083] In the first state A, the lifting beam 100 comprises a lifting fork 130 and is positioned so that the jaw of the fork 130 surrounds a portion of the oriented sleeve 407. In this first state A, the jaw of the fork 130 acts as a means of fixing the lifting beam 100 to the mechanical part.

[0084] To reach this first state A, the fork 130 is inserted through a lateral opening 308 of the recess 300 so as to be positioned opposite the oriented sleeve 407. This insertion is carried out by carrying out a generally horizontal translational movement of the lever 100. This generally horizontal translational movement can follow a generally horizontal translational movement vertical, descending, allowing in particular the fork 130 to be inserted into a secondary recess 311.

[0085] Optionally, when the lateral opening 308 is closed by a device, such as an assembly of louvers for example, this assembly or a part of this assembly can be removed during a step not shown.

[0086] In the second state B, the lever 100 keeps the cuff 407 in suspension, oriented once the cuff 407 is detached from the rest of the mechanical part 400 and / or any other attachment.

[0087] To achieve this second state B, the mobile weight mechanism 120 has been implemented to counterbalance the weight induced by the oriented cuff 407, the attachments of the mobile cuff 407 to the rest of the mechanical part 400 and / or to a structural element of the recess 300 have been removed and the second fixing means 145 (here, a tightening strap) is implemented.

[0088] In the third state C, the oriented cuff 407 is extracted from the recess 300.

[0089] To reach this third state C, the rudder 100 is moved in general translation generally horizontal.

[0090] In a subsequent state (not shown), the oriented sleeve 407 is removed, by any three-dimensional movement of the spreader bar 100. In particular, in the use case shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the spreader bar 100 is moved in generally vertical, upward translation, upstream of the removal movement of the sleeve 407.

[0091] As understood, the installation of an oriented cuff 407 is carried out by reversing the order of states A, B and C and by carrying out the reverse steps allowing the transition from one state to the other.

[0092] In Figures 5 and 6, we observe schematically a set of states, A, B, C and D, of a particular operating configuration of the spreader 100 which is the subject of the present invention. This configuration corresponds to the removal of a silencer 404 as shown in [Fig.3].

[0093] In the first state A, the spreader 100 comprises a secondary lifting spreader 150 and is positioned so that the secondary lifting spreader 150 is positioned above the silencer 404. In this first state A, the secondary spreader 150 acts as a means for fixing the spreader 100 to the mechanical part. In this first state A, a second removable fixing means 160 for fixing the secondary spreader 150 is implemented to fix the secondary spreader 150 to the silencer 404. This second fixing means 160 corresponds, for example, to a set of hooks attached to ears or zenithal openings of the silencer 404.

[0094] To achieve this first state A, the secondary lever 150 is inserted through a lateral opening 308 of the recess 300 so as to be positioned above the si lencieux 404. This insertion is carried out by carrying out a generally horizontal translational movement of the rudder 100. This generally horizontal translational movement can follow a generally vertical, downward translational movement, making it possible in particular to insert the secondary rudder 150 into a secondary recess 311.

[0095] In the second state B, the silencer 404 is raised into the recess 300.

[0096] To reach this second state B, the mobile weight mechanism 120 is put into works to counterbalance the weight of the silencer 404 when this silencer is no longer attached to a fixed structural element. Then, the lifting beam 100 undergoes a generally vertical and upward translation, so as to lift the silencer 404.

[0097] In the third state C the silencer 404 is positioned outside the recess 300 and, optionally, in a secondary recess 311.

[0098] To reach this third state C, the lever 100 undergoes a generally horizontal translation, so as to move the silencer 404 opposite an upper opening 312 of the secondary recess 311 or simply out of the recess 300, upstream of any three-dimensional movement making it possible to place the silencer 404 in a determined location.

[0099] In the fourth, optional state D, the silencer 404 is lifted out of the secondary recess 311.

[0100] To reach this fourth state D, the lever 100 undergoes a generally vertical and upward translation, so as to lift the silencer 404 through the upper opening 312.

[0101] As understood, the installation of a silencer 404 is carried out by reversing the order of states A, B, C and D and by carrying out the reverse steps allowing the transition from one state to the other.

[0102] [Fig. 6] shows schematically a set of states, A and B, of a particular operating configuration of the spreader 100 which is the subject of the present invention. This configuration corresponds to the removal of a lower sleeve 402 as shown in [Fig. 3].

[0103] In the first state A, the spreader 100 comprises a lifting cable 126 fixed to the modular fixing means 125 and is positioned so that the lifting cable 126 is positioned above the lower cuff 402. In variants, the spreader 100 comprises a hoist 127 fixed, on the one hand, to the modular fixing means 125 and, on the other hand, to the lower cuff 402. In variants, the spreader 100 comprises slings for fixing an upper cable to several points of the lower cuff 402. In this first state A, the modular fixing means 125 acts as a means for fixing the spreader 100 to the mechanical part.

[0104] To achieve this first state A, the modular fixing means 125 is inserted through a lateral opening 308 of the recess 300 so as to be positioned above the lower sleeve 402. This insertion is carried out by performing a generally horizontal translational movement of the lever 100. This generally horizontal translational movement may follow a generally vertical, downward translational movement, making it possible in particular to insert the fixing means 125 into a secondary recess 311.

[0105] In the second state B, the lower cuff 402 is raised into the recess 300.

[0106] To achieve this second state B, the movable weight mechanism 120 is implemented to counterbalance the weight of the lower cuff 402 when this lower cuff 402 is no longer attached to a fixed structural element. Then, the spreader 100 undergoes a generally vertical and upward translation, so as to lift the lower cuff 402 or, when a hoist 127 is implemented, the hoist 127 is actuated so as to lift the lower cuff 402.

[0107] From the second state B, states similar to states C and D as described with reference to figures 5 and 6 can be implemented. They are not repeated here.

[0108] As understood, the installation of a lower cuff 402 is carried out by reversing the order of states A and B and by carrying out the reverse steps allowing the transition from one state to the other.

[0109] As understood, states A and B can also be obtained for other mechanical parts, such as a lower expansion compensator 401 for example.

[0110] In [Fig.7], in the form of a flowchart, we observe a succession of particular steps of the method 200 which is the subject of the present invention. This method 200 for depositing, by suspension, a mechanical part positioned in a recess having an oblique opening comprises: - a step 205 of positioning the lifting beam 100, as shown in figures 1 to 6, by generally vertical translation then by generally horizontal translation, to position a means of fixing the beam to the mechanical part in the recess and the first beam outside the recess, - a step 210 of fixing the lifting beam to the mechanical part, - a step 215 of calibrating the mobile weight mechanism, - a step 220 of suspending the mechanical part and - a step 225 of retracting the lifting beam by generally horizontal translation then by generally vertical translation to remove the suspended mechanical part from the recess.

[0111] In particular embodiments, the fixing step 210 comprises a step 230 of fixing at least one cable by means of modular fixing, on the one hand, and to the mechanical part on the other hand.

[0112] In particular embodiments, the lifting beam comprises a lifting fork, comprising: - a first removable fixing means using modular fixing, - a jaw and - a second removable fixing means, configured to allow the fixing of an object in the jaw, the method comprising a step 235 of fixing the lifting fork to the second beam, and in which the fixing step 210 comprises: - a step 240 of inserting at least part of the mechanical part into the jaw of the lifting fork and - a step 245 of fixing the mechanical part to the jaw.

[0113] In particular embodiments, the lifting beam comprises a suspension hoist, comprising:

[0114] - a first removable fixing means by means of modular fixing and - a second removable fixing means, configured to allow the suspension of an object, the method comprising a step 250 of fixing the suspension hoist to the second beam, and in which the fixing step 210 comprises a step 255 of fixing at least one cable to the suspension hoist, on the one hand, and to the mechanical part on the other hand.

Claims

Claims

1. Lifting beam (100), characterized in that it comprises: - a first beam (105), oriented in a first direction, - an upright (110), mechanically integral with the first beam, oriented in a second direction non-collinear with the first direction, - a second beam (115), mechanically integral with the upright, oriented in a third direction non-collinear with the second direction, - a mobile weight mechanism (120), mechanically integral with the upright and the first beam and - a modular fixing means (125), mechanically integral with the second beam.

2. A lifting beam (100) according to claim 1, which comprises a lifting fork (130), comprising: - a first means (135) for removable attachment to the modular attachment means, - a jaw (140) and - a second means (145) for removable attachment, configured to allow the attachment of an object in the jaw.

3. A lifting beam (100) according to one of claims 1 or 2, which comprises a secondary suspension lifting beam (150), comprising: - a first means (155) for removable attachment to the modular attachment means and - a second means (160) for removable attachment, configured to allow the suspension of an object.

4. A lifting beam (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the projection of the second beam on an axis defined by the first beam projects relative to the first beam.

5. A lifting beam (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: - the first direction is generally horizontal, - the second direction is generally vertical, - the third direction is generally horizontal and - at least two of the first, second and / or third directions are coplanar.

6. Method (200) for depositing, by suspension, a mechanical part positioned in a recess having a generally opening vertical, characterized in that it comprises: - a step (205) of positioning the lifting beam, according to one of claims 1 to 5, by generally vertical translation then by generally horizontal translation, to position a means of fixing the lifting beam to the mechanical part in the recess and the first beam outside the recess, - a step (210) of fixing the lifting beam to the mechanical part, - a step (215) of calibrating the mobile weight mechanism, - a step (220) of suspending the mechanical part and - a step (225) of retracting the lifting beam by generally horizontal translation then by generally vertical translation to remove the suspended mechanical part from the recess.

7. Method (200) of removal according to claim 6, in which the fixing step (210) comprises a step (230) of fixing at least one cable to the modular fixing means, on the one hand, and to the mechanical part on the other hand.

8. A method (200) of removal according to claim 6, wherein the lifting beam comprises a lifting fork, comprising: - a first removable attachment means to the modular attachment means, - a jaw and - a second removable attachment means, configured to allow the attachment of an object in the jaw, the method comprising a step (235) of attaching the lifting fork to the second beam, and wherein the attachment step (210) comprises: - a step (240) of inserting at least a portion of the mechanical part into the jaw of the lifting fork and - a step (245) of attaching the mechanical part to the jaw.

9. Method (200) of removal according to claim 6, in which the lifting beam comprises a secondary suspension beam, comprising: - a first removable attachment means to the modular attachment means and - a second removable attachment means, configured to allow the suspension of an object, the method comprising a step (250) of attaching the secondary suspension beam secondary suspension beam to the second beam, and in which the fixing step (210) comprises a step (255) of fixing at least one cable to the secondary suspension beam, on the one hand, and to the mechanical part on the other hand.