Secure device for handling modules, particularly in a vehicle

Abstract

Secure device for handling modules, particularly in a vehicle. The device (10) comprises a trolley (12) with a tool including two opposing arms and a first shape. An upright (46) has a first housing with first edges defining a first elongated opening, and houses a locking rod having at its upper end a second shape complementary to the first shape (44) and at its lower end a second tool identical to the first. A support structure (16) has a second housing (66) identical to the first, intended to receive the second locking tool, having second edges defining a second elongated opening. The openings are elongated parallel to the same direction. Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Secure device for handling modules, particularly in a vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for handling modules, in particular in a vehicle or a marine or underwater installation.

[0002] More particularly, the invention relates to a handling device comprising a gripping trolley, and capable of grasping a module from above in order to move it.

[0003] The handling of modules generally involves stackable modules.

[0004] When handling takes place in a mobile vehicle, it is necessary, for safety reasons, that no module should ever be left unobstructed, in order to avoid any uncontrolled movement during sudden movement of the vehicle.

[0005] Each module must therefore be permanently locked to another element connected to a structure of the vehicle, for example to the ground, or to another module itself locked to the ground, or to the gripping trolley.

[0006] Thus, when a module needs to be lifted by the trolley, it is necessary to ensure that at no time does this module become locked to any other element. For example, it may be possible to unlock the module from the ground or from another module only when it is confirmed that the module is locked to the trolley.

[0007] The invention aims in particular to address this problem by proposing a secure handling device.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates in particular to a module handling device, comprising at least one gripping trolley, at least one module upright, and at least one support structure, characterized in that:

[0009] - the gripping trolley includes at least one movable locking member rotating around a vertical axis between a locking angular position and an unlocking angular position, the locking member having at its lower end a locking tool comprising two first opposing radial arms and a first engagement form;

[0010] - the amount includes a first dwelling intended to house the first tool of locking, comprising first rims delimiting a first elongated upper opening allowing the passage of the first locking tool only when the first radial arms are oriented in alignment with a length of the first upper opening, the first radial arms being opposite the first rims in the locking position, and in alignment with the length of the first upper opening in the angular unlocking position;

[0011] - the upright houses a locking rod, having at its upper end a second form of engagement complementary to the first form of engagement and cooperating with the first form of engagement when the first locking tool is housed in the first housing, and at its lower end a second locking tool similar, preferably identical, to the first locking tool, comprising two second radial arms,

[0012] - the support structure includes a second similar housing, preferably identical, to the first locking housing, intended to receive the second locking tool, having second rims delimiting a second elongated upper opening allowing the passage of the second locking tool only when the second radial arms are oriented in alignment with a length of the second upper opening, the second locking tool being rotationally mobile between an angular locking position, in which the second radial arms are opposite the second rims, and an angular unlocking position, in which the second radial arms are in alignment with the length of the second upper opening;

[0013] - the first and second upper openings are elongated parallel in the same direction, so that the second locking tool is in its locking position when the first locking tool in its unlocking position is inserted into the first housing, so that the first and second forms of engagement are engaged when the first radial arms extend perpendicularly to the second radial arms.

[0014] Due to the 90° offset of the first and second locking tools, it is ensured that the second locking tool is only unlocked when the first locking tool is locked. This ensures that the module is constantly locked to another element.

[0015] A handling device according to the invention may further comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in any technically feasible combinations.

[0016] - The handling device comprises a gantry including at least one spar carrying at least one gripping trolley, the gantry including means for moving the spar in at least two directions, vertical and lateral.

[0017] - Each support structure is formed by a soil structure or by another module.

[0018] - The locking member is carried by an upper flange and a lower flange of the carriage, and extends vertically between its upper end, above the upper flange, and its lower end, below the lower flange, the locking member having, at its upper end, a locking disc non-circular having an angular stop, and the upper flange having a locking housing shaped to receive the locking disc only when the locking member is in the angular locking position, the locking housing having a wall forming a stop for the angular stop, in two directions of rotation, when the locking disc is received in this locking housing.

[0019] - A longitudinally acting elastic element is inserted between the locking disc t a bearing surface of the upper flange so as to apply an elastic force away from the locking disc of the upper flange.

[0020] - The locking member also includes an end disc at its end upper, above the locking disc intended to form a stop limiting the downward movement of the locking member.

[0021] - The locking mechanism is connected to at least one rod, so that a Activation of at least one rod causes the locking mechanism to rotate around the vertical axis.

[0022] - The first form of commitment is a commitment housing extending to the inside of the first locking tool the engagement housing having a non-circular cross-section, for example square, preferably with rounded corners, and the second form of engagement is a complementary engagement pin.

[0023] - The second locking tool comprises another form of engagement identical to the first form of commitment.

[0024] - Each upright comprises an elastic element with angular effect, cooperating with the locking rod to return the second locking tool to its angular locking position.

[0025] - The locking rod has an angular groove, extending angularly on a quarter turn, and the upright has a pin screw, the head of which is arranged in the angular groove, forming a stop to limit the pivoting of the locking rod on this quarter turn.

[0026] Various aspects and advantages of the invention will be highlighted in the following description, given solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying figures, among which:

[0027] [Fig-1] The [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a module handling device, according to one example of an embodiment of the invention;

[0028] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is a perspective view of a gripping trolley equipping the handling device of the [Fig.1], carrying a module;

[0029] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a perspective view of the gripping trolley of the [Fig.2];

[0030] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a top view of a detail of the gripping carriage of the [Fig.3], showing a locking mechanism seen from above;

[0031] [Fig.5] The [Fig.5] is a sectional view of the gripping carriage of the [Fig.3], in a cutting plane passing through the locking member.

[0032] [Fig.6] The [Fig.6] is a profile view of a module upright connected to a support structure;

[0033] [Fig.7] The [Fig.7] is a longitudinal sectional view of the module upright of the [Fig.6];

[0034] [Fig.8] The [Fig.8] is a perspective view of a connecting rod equipping the module upright of figures 6 and 7.

[0035] Figure 1 shows a module handling device 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. The handling device 10 is, for example, intended to be fitted to a vehicle, in particular a marine or underwater vehicle. Alternatively, the handling device 10 is intended to be fitted to a marine or underwater installation.

[0036] The handling device 10 comprises a longitudinal member 11 including at least one gripping trolley 12, and preferably a plurality of gripping trolleys 12 aligned along this longitudinal member 11.

[0037] The handling device 10 also preferably includes a gantry (not shown), movable in height, to allow movement of the longitudinal member 11, and therefore of the gripping trolleys 12. The gantry is also preferably movable laterally, to allow lateral movement of the longitudinal member 11, and therefore of the gripping trolleys 12.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the gantry further comprises a rail (not shown) on which the longitudinal member 11 is mounted to move along its length. In this case, the longitudinal member 11, and therefore the gripping carriages 12, are movable longitudinally along the rail.

[0039] The handling device 10 also includes at least one module 14 and at least one support structure 16, shown partially in [Fig.2].

[0040] The gripping trolleys 12 are for example intended to carry together the same module 14. The gripping trolley(s) 12 allow the module 14 to be transported from one point to another.

[0041] The support structure 16 is intended to receive the module 14, for example before it is retrieved by the gripping trolley 12, or after it has been transported by the gripping trolley 12. In other words, the module 14 is connected to a first support structure, then retrieved by the gripping trolley 12, then transported to a second support structure, and then connected to this second support structure.

[0042] Each support structure 16 can be formed by a floor structure, or by another module 14 in the case where the modules 14 are stacked on top of each other.

[0043] The gripping carriage 12, shown in more detail in [Fig. 3], comprises an inverted U-shaped arch 18, having a substantially horizontal upper portion 18a and two substantially vertical lateral portions 18b. The arch 18 overhangs the longitudinal member 11, which is thus housed between the lateral portions 18b.

[0044] Each lateral part 18b extends vertically between an upper end fixed to the upper part 18a, and a lower end carrying a respective locking device 20. The two locking devices 20 are identical, so only one will be described below.

[0045] The locking device 20 comprises a substantially vertical locking member 22, for example, supported by two flanges (upper 24a and lower 24b) extending horizontally from the corresponding lateral portion 18b. Thus, the locking member 22 is connected to each flange 24a, 24b by a pivot joint with a vertical axis. The locking member 22 is therefore free to rotate about this vertical axis.

[0046] The locking member 22 extends vertically between an upper end, above the upper flange 24a, and a lower end, below the lower flange 24b.

[0047] The locking member 22 preferably comprises an end disc 25 at its upper end. As will be described later, the locking member 22 is free to move along its vertical axis. The end disc 25 acts as a stop, limiting the downward movement of the locking member 22 by bearing against a surface of the upper flange 24a.

[0048] The locking member 22 also preferably includes a locking disc 26, for example below the end disc 25. The end discs 25 and locking discs 26 are shown, in top view, on [Fig.4], and in side view on [Fig.5].

[0049] The locking disc 26 is not circular, but has an angular stop 27. For example, the locking disc 26 has a part with non-constant radial dimensions, the edge of which forms the angular stop 27 when the locking disc 26 undergoes rotation.

[0050] In the example described, the locking disc 26 is substantially circular over substantially three-quarters of its angular span, and substantially square with rounded corners over the last quarter of its angular span. The edge of the square portion thus forms said angular stop 27.

[0051] The upper flange 24a has a locking housing 29 shaped to receive the locking disc 26 in a locking configuration.

[0052] The locking housing 29 is shaped to receive the locking disc 26 only in a predefined angular position of this locking disc 26. For this purpose, the housing 29 has a wall 30 forming a stop for the angular stop 27, in two directions of rotation, when the locking disc 26 is received in this locking housing 29.

[0053] The locking member 22 is vertically movable between two configurations.

[0054] For this purpose, a longitudinally acting elastic element 28 is inserted between the locking disc 26 and a bearing surface of the upper flange 24a, so as to apply an elastic force moving the locking disc 26 away from the upper flange 24a. Thus, the locking element 22 is pulled upwards by this elastic element 28.

[0055] The elastic member 28 is configured to apply an elastic restoring force greater than the weight of the locking member 22 alone, but less than the weight of the locking member 22 carrying the module 14. Thus, the elastic member 28 restores the locking member 22 upwards when it is free, but it is compressed when the locking member 22 carries the module 14.

[0056] Thus, in a first free configuration, the locking member 22 is disposed upwards, so that the locking disc 26 is above the locking housing 29, as shown in [Fig. 5]. In this case, the locking member 22 can pivot about its vertical axis without the locking disc 26 hindering its pivoting.

[0057] In a second locking configuration, the locking member 22 is downwards, so that the locking disc 26 is housed in the locking housing 29. In this case, the locking member 22 can no longer pivot, because the angular stop 27 of the locking disc 26 comes into contact with the wall 30 of the locking housing 29 in the event of an attempt to pivot.

[0058] It should be noted that the locking disc 26 can only enter the locking housing 29 when it is aligned with it, that is, when the locking member 22 has the same angular position as in its second locking configuration. In any other position, the angular stop 27 would be above and opposite the wall 30, which would prevent the vertical movement of the locking member 22.

[0059] The locking member 22 also includes a body 31, extending between the flanges 24a, 24b. The body 31 is integral with the locking disc 26.

[0060] The body 31 is connected to at least one rod 32, so that an actuation of at least one rod 32 causes a rotation of the locking member 22 around the vertical axis of its pivot links.

[0061] The locking member 22 also includes a first locking tool 34 at its lower end, below the lower flange 24b. The first locking tool 34 is integral with the body 31.

[0062] The first locking tool 34 has two radial arms 36 extending radially from the first locking tool 34, radially opposite each other. Each radial arm 36 has an upper shoulder 38, intended to form a bearing surface for the module 14, as will be described later.

[0063] The radial arms 36 extend in a first direction of expansion, perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the locking member 22. The first locking tool 34, due to these radial arms 36, has a dimension, in this first direction of expansion, greater than a dimension in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction of expansion and to the axis of rotation.

[0064] The first locking tool 34 also includes an end tip 40, extending in the direction of the axis of rotation of the locking member 22, beyond the radial arms 36.

[0065] The end piece 40 preferably has a chamfered end 42.

[0066] The first locking tool 34 finally includes a first engagement form 44. For example, the first engagement form is an engagement recess 44 extending inside the first locking tool 34, from a mouth at the end 42, in the direction of the axis of rotation. The engagement recess 44 has a non-circular cross-section, for example square, preferably with rounded corners. This non-circular cross-section is intended to engage angularly with a pin that will be described later.

[0067] Module 14 is shown, partially, in more detail in [Fig.6]. More specifically, [Fig.6] shows an upright 46 of module 14, seen in profile.

[0068] As shown in [Fig. 2], the module 14 comprises at least two uprights 46, arranged opposite each other, and intended to be grasped by the same gripping carriage, each by one of the respective locking devices 20. These two uprights 46 are symmetrical, so only one will be described below. The module 14 also preferably comprises other uprights not shown, which will be grasped by other gripping carriages 12 shown in [Fig. 1].

[0069] Each upright 46 extends vertically between an upper end and a lower end.

[0070] The amount 46 has, at its upper end, a first housing 48 intended to receive the first locking tool 34.

[0071] The first housing 48 has rims 49 defining an elongated upper opening 50, preferably with edges inclined converging towards the opening, to facilitate the reception of the first locking tool 34. The upper opening 50 has a width less than the extent of the radial arms 36 in the first direction, and slightly greater than the width of the first locking tool 34. in its second direction. Thus, the opening 50 only allows the passage of the first locking tool 34 when the radial arms 36 are oriented in alignment with the length of the upper opening 50.

[0072] The rims 49 also have, on the inside side of the first housing 48, upper shoulders 52, intended to cooperate with the bearing surfaces 38 of the radial arms 36 of the first locking tool 34.

[0073] Thus, the first locking tool 34 is inserted into the housing by aligning the radial arms 36 with the length of the opening 50, then it is pivoted a quarter turn to bring the bearing surfaces 38 of the radial arms opposite the upper shoulders 52, thus preventing the vertical withdrawal of the first locking tool 34. The angular position in which the radial arms 36 are opposite the edges 49 will be called the "locked position", and the angular position in which the radial arms 36 are aligned with the length of the opening 50 will be called the "unlocked position".

[0074] It should be noted that the contours of the locking disc 26 are aligned with the edges 30 of the housing 29 in the locking position, so that the locking disc 26 can be inserted vertically into the housing 29 when the first locking tool 34 is in the locking position.

[0075] The upright 46 houses a locking rod 54, extending vertically between the upper and lower ends of this upright 46. The locking rod 54 is shown in more detail in Figures 7 and 8.

[0076] The locking rod 54 is movable in rotation along a vertical longitudinal axis.

[0077] The locking rod 54 has, at its upper end, a second engagement form 56 complementary to the first engagement form 44, such that the locking member 22 and the locking rod 54 are rotationally locked together about the vertical axis when the first 44 and second 56 engagement forms are engaged with each other. For example, the second engagement form 56 is an engagement pin 56 with a non-circular cross-section, complementary to the engagement recess 44 of the first locking tool 34. For example, the engagement pin 56 has a square cross-section with rounded corners. The end of the engagement pin 56 is preferably substantially frustoconical to facilitate its insertion into the engagement recess 44.

[0078] The first housing 48 has a central cavity 57 sized to receive the tip 40 when the first locking tool 34 is inserted into this first housing 48. The engagement pin 56 extends coaxially in the central cavity 57. Thus, when the first locking tool 34 is inserted into the first housing 48, the engagement pin 56 is inserted into the engagement housing 44.

[0079] Due to the non-circular sections of the engagement housing 44 and the engagement pin 56, the first locking tool 34 is rotationally connected with the locking rod 54 when the engagement pin 56 is inserted into the engagement housing 44.

[0080] Thus, when the first locking tool 34 is rotated a quarter turn to lock into the first housing 48, then the locking rod 54 is also rotated a quarter turn.

[0081] The locking rod 54 has, at its lower end, a second locking tool 58. This second locking tool 58 is similar, preferably identical, to the first locking tool 34, and has the same dimensions.

[0082] Thus, the second locking tool 58 also includes second radial arms 60, a second tip 62, and another form of engagement, in particular a second engagement housing 64. All these elements are identical to those of the first locking tool 34.

[0083] Advantageously, the upright 46 includes an elastic element 72 with angular effect, cooperating with the locking rod 54 to return it to an angular locking position.

[0084] Furthermore, advantageously, the locking rod 54 has an angular groove 74, extending angularly over a quarter turn, and the upright 46 has a stud screw 76, the head of which is disposed in the angular groove 74, forming a stop to limit the pivoting of the locking rod 54 over this quarter turn.

[0085] As shown in Figures 2 and 6, the support structure 16 includes a second housing 66 similar, preferably identical, to the first housing 48, intended to receive the second locking tool 58 in the same way that the first housing 48 receives the first locking tool 34. The second housing 66 also includes, in particular, a central cavity 68 for receiving the second tip 62, and second rims 70 defining an elongated passage opening and adapted to cooperate with the second radial arms 60.

[0086] The angular position in which the second radial arms 60 are opposite the second rims 70 will be called the "locked position", and the angular position in which the second radial arms 60 are aligned with the length of the opening of the second housing 66 will be called the "unlocked position".

[0087] In the example described, the second support structure 16 is a floor. Alternatively, the second support structure 16 could be another module, in which case the second housing would be formed by the first housing of that other module. This other module would then be connected to the floor, or to another module in the case of several stacked modules.

[0088] It should be noted that the openings of the first 48 and second 66 dwellings are elongated in parallel directions to each other.

[0089] The operation of the handling device 10 will now be described.

[0090] We will first consider the module 14 locked onto the support structure 16, as shown in [Fig.6].

[0091] The second locking tool 58 is housed in the second housing 66, in the locked position, i.e. oriented so that the second lateral arms 60 are arranged opposite the second edges 70. The locking rod 54 is held angularly in this locked position by the angular elastic member 72. In this position, the module 14 is locked onto the support structure 16.

[0092] In order to move the module 14, each gripping trolley 12 is brought above the corresponding upright 46, by means of the appropriate gantry, which allows the movement of each gripping trolley 12 in at least two directions, vertical and lateral.

[0093] The gripping carriage 12 is arranged so that each first locking tool 34 is above the opening 50 of the first housing 48, in alignment with the length of this opening 50.

[0094] Thanks to the elastic element 28, the locking disc 26 is held above the locking housing 29, so that the locking element 22, and therefore the first locking tool 34, can pivot freely. By actuating the rods 32, the first locking tool 34 is pivoted to position the first lateral arms 36 in alignment with the length of the opening 50.

[0095] Thus, by lowering the gripping carriage 12, each first locking tool 34 is inserted into the corresponding first slot 48 through the corresponding opening 50. In doing so, the first locking tool 34 engages with the locking rod 54, the engagement pin 56 being inserted into the engagement slot 44.

[0096] At this stage, the second locking tool 58 is in the locked position (since the module 14 is locked onto the support structure 16), and the first locking tool 34 is in the unlocked position (since it has just been inserted through the opening 50).

[0097] It follows that, when the first locking tool 34 is engaged with the locking rod 54, then the first 34 and second 58 locking tools are angularly offset by a quarter turn relative to each other. In other words, the first 44 and second 56 engagement forms are engaged when the first 34 locking tool has its first radial arms 36 extending perpendicularly to the second radial arms 60 of the second locking tool 58.

[0098] Subsequently, the first locking tool 34 is pivoted by a quarter circle, by the actuation of the rods 32. This pivoting is permitted because the locking disc 26 is above the housing 29, and this pivoting is limited by the groove 74 of the locking rod 54.

[0099] This pivoting has the effect of placing the lateral arms 36 opposite the edges 49, thus locking the carriage 12 with the module 14. In addition, due to the connection between the first locking tool 34 and the locking rod 54, the second locking tool 58 is also pivoted, bringing it into its unlocking position.

[0100] It is clear that, due to the quarter-circle offset between the first 34 and second 58 locking tools, when one of them is in the locked position, the other is in the unlocked position, and vice versa. As a result, the module 14 is constantly locked to another element, either to the support structure 16 or to the carriage 12.

[0101] With the second locking tool 58 in its unlocked position, the module 14 can be lifted in the vertical direction, which has the effect of extracting the second locking tool 58 from the second housing 66.

[0102] The weight of the module 14 applies a downward force on the first locking tool 34, which has the effect of compressing the elastic member 28. The locking disc 28 is then inserted vertically into the locking housing 29. This is possible because the locking disc 28 is opposite the locking housing 29 when the locking member 22 is in the locking position.

[0103] Due to the angular stop 27 and the walls 30 of the locking housing 29, the pivoting of the locking member 22 is no longer possible as long as the module 14 is supported by the gripping carriage 12.

[0104] Module 14 can thus be safely transported to its next location.

[0105] There, the second locking tool 58 is positioned above the opening of the second housing 66 of the support structure intended to accommodate the module 14.

[0106] Module 14 is then lowered in the vertical direction until it comes to rest on the corresponding support structure.

[0107] Since the weight of the module 14 is no longer supported by the carriage 12, the elastic element 28 is no longer compressed, so that the locking disc 26 is driven upwards, out of the housing 29, allowing the pivoting of the first locking tool 34 again.

[0108] The first locking tool 34 is then pivoted, by actuating the rods 32, to move into its unlocked position. In the same movement, the second tool 58 moves into its locking position, due to their connection being offset by a quarter circle.

[0109] Module 14 is therefore locked to support structure 16 when it is unlocked from carriage 12.

[0110] The carriage 12 is then raised vertically, which has the effect of extracting the first locking tool 34 from the first housing 48, and of disengaging this first locking tool 34 from the locking rod 54.

[0111] The carriage 12 can then be moved to another module to repeat the operation.

[0112] It should be noted that the carriages 12 are preferably controlled simultaneously, the first locking tools 34 of all the carriages 12 of the same longitudinal member 11 being actuated by the same rods 32, as shown in [Fig.1].

[0113] It should be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and could include various variants.

[0114] For example, the engagement housing could be carried by the locking rod 56, in which case the engagement pin would be carried by the first locking tool 34.

Claims

1. Demands Device (10) for handling modules (14), comprising at least one gripping trolley (12), at least one module upright (46), and at least one support structure (16), characterized in that: - the gripping carriage (12) includes at least one locking member (22) movable in rotation about a vertical axis between an angular locking position and an angular unlocking position, the locking member (22) having at its lower end a locking tool (34) comprising two first opposing radial arms (36) and a first engagement form (44); - the upright (46) has a first housing (48) intended to receive the first locking tool (34), having first rims (49) delimiting a first elongated upper opening (50) allowing the passage of the first locking tool (34) only when the first radial arms (36) are oriented in alignment with a length of the first upper opening (50), the first radial arms (36) being opposite the first rims (49) in the locking position, and in alignment with the length of the first upper opening (50) in the angular unlocking position; - the upright (46) houses a locking rod (54), having at its upper end a second engagement form (56) complementary to the first engagement form (44) and cooperating with the first engagement form (44) when the first locking tool (34) is housed in the first housing (48), and at its lower end a second locking tool (58) similar, preferably identical, to the first locking tool (34), comprising two second radial arms (60), - the support structure (16) has a second housing (66) similar, preferably identical, to the first locking housing (48), intended to receive the second locking tool (58), having second edges (70) defining a second elongated upper opening allowing the passage of the second locking tool (58) only when the second radial arms (60) are oriented in line with a length of the second upper opening, the second locking tool (58) being rotationally movable between an angular locking position, in which the second radial arms (60) are opposite the second rims (70), and an angular unlocking position, in which the second radial arms (60) are in alignment with the length of the second upper opening; - the first (50) and second upper openings are extended parallel in the same direction, so that the second locking tool (58) is in its locking position when the first locking tool (34) in its unlocking position is inserted into the first housing (48), so that the first (44) and second (56) forms of engagement are engaged when the first radial arms (36) extend perpendicularly to the second radial arms (60).

2. Handling device according to claim 1, comprising a gantry including at least one longitudinal member (11) carrying at least one gripping trolley (12), the gantry including means for moving the longitudinal member (11) in at least two directions, vertical and lateral.

3. Handling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each support structure (16) is formed by a floor structure or by another module.

4. A handling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking member (22) is carried by an upper flange (24a) and a lower flange (24b) of the trolley, and extends vertically between its upper end, above the upper flange (24a), and its lower end, below the lower flange (24b), the locking member (22) having, at its upper end, a non-circular locking disc (26) having an angular stop (27), and the upper flange (24a) having a locking housing (29) shaped to receive the locking disc (26) only when the locking member (22) is in the angular locking position, the locking housing (29) having a wall (30) forming a stop for the angular stop (27), in two directions of rotation, when the locking disc (26) is received in this locking housing (29).

5. Handling device (10) according to claim 4, in which an elastic element (28) with a longitudinal effect is inserted between the locking disc (26) and a bearing surface of the upper flange (24a), so as to apply an elastic force away from the locking disc (26) and the upper flange (24a).

6. Handling device (10) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the locking member (22) also includes an end disc (25) at its upper end, above the locking disc (26), intended to form a stop limiting the downward movement of the locking member (22).

7. Handling device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking member (22) is connected to at least one rod (32), such that an actuation of at least one rod (32) causes the locking member (22) to rotate about the vertical axis.

8. A handling device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first form of engagement is an engagement housing (44) extending inside the first locking tool (34), the engagement housing (44) having a non-circular cross-section, for example square, preferably with rounded corners, and the second form of engagement (56) is a complementary engagement pin.

9. Handling device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second locking tool (58) has another form of engagement (64) identical to the first form of engagement (44).

10. Handling device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each upright (46) has an angular effect elastic element (72), cooperating with the locking rod (54) to return the second locking tool (58) to its angular locking position.

11. Handling device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking rod (54) has an angular groove (74), extending angularly over a quarter turn, and the upright (46) has a stud screw (76), the head of which is disposed in the angular groove (74), forming a stop to limit the pivoting of the locking rod (54) over this quarter turn.