PANEL LIFTING DEVICE
The panel lifting device with remote-controlled screwing means and safety features addresses the inefficiencies and safety concerns of existing methods, facilitating rapid and secure handling of large concrete panels.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PBM CONCEPT
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods for lifting large concrete panels are time-consuming and pose safety risks due to manual intervention required for attaching and detaching lifting rings or clamps, and existing clamps are cumbersome and unsuitable for large panels.
A panel lifting device with a beam and electrically actuable screwing means that allows remote attachment and detachment, featuring wireless control, position sensors, and safety mechanisms for secure handling.
Enables quick and safe attachment and detachment of lifting devices to panels without manual access, enhancing operational efficiency and safety during panel handling.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: PANEL LIFTING DEVICE technical field
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of handling. More particularly, it relates to a lifting device for a panel, for example a concrete panel, allowing the automatic attachment and detachment of this panel from a lifting device such as a crane, and consequently its facilitated positioning. Previous technique
[0002] A concrete panel is usually lifted on site using pins anchored in the panel body during its manufacture. Lifting rings are attached to these pins, for example, by screwing them in. These lifting rings can then be used with hooks positioned at the end of a lifting crane or equivalent to lift the panel. This type of lifting requires manual intervention to position the lifting rings on the panel and to remove them after use, which is time-consuming. Furthermore, due to the relatively large dimensions that such panels can reach, typically several meters in height, manually removing the panels once they are in place is a source of accidents.
[0003] Alternatively, there are lifting clamps for lifting concrete panels. This type of clamp is not suitable for large panels, and their installation is cumbersome, as their placement must be precise to ensure the safety of the lifting operation. Description of the invention
[0004] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a panel lifting device, implemented within the more general framework of a lifting device.
[0005] This lifting device comprises a beam or spreader bar including a lower face configured to be able to be disposed on one of the edges, and in particular on the upper edge of said panel, and at least one lifting means attached to the beam.
[0006] According to the invention, this lifting device comprises at least two means for fixing the beam by screwing it onto the considered edge of the panel, each of said screwing means being provided with a threaded rod configured to cooperate with a socket integrated in the vicinity of the edge of said panel, each of said fixing means being electrically actuable in order to allow the beam to be fixed / unfixed with the considered edge of the panel.
[0007] Thanks to these provisions, it is possible for an operator to control, in particular remotely, the attachment and detachment of the lifting device to a panel without having need to access the top of the panel, which allows this operation to be carried out quickly and securely.
[0008] Said lifting device may further comprise: - a controller capable of controlling the fastening means, - a communication means, in particular wireless, capable of transmitting commands to the controller, and - a battery capable of powering the fastening means, the controller and the communication means, with the fixing means, controller, battery and communication device fixed to the beam,
[0009] The lifting device then includes a control means, capable of communicating with the communication means, and configured to allow an operator to send a screwing or unscrewing order to the fastening means.
[0010] Thanks to these arrangements, it is possible for an operator to remotely control the attachment and detachment of the beam to a panel, which further facilitates this operation.
[0011] The lifting device may include two fastening means, located at an equal distance the ends of the beam, which allows for a reliable and stable attachment of the component to a panel.
[0012] The lifting member may include a position sensor for at least one fastening means.
[0013] This position sensor is configured to determine: - if the fastening means is in the screwed position, a position in which part of said fastening means extends at least partially under the underside of the beam and is secured to the panel located under the beam, or - if the fastening means is in the unscrewed position, a position in which said fastening means is detached from the panel located under the beam, This information could prove crucial before initiating, for example, the lifting of the panel.
[0014] For at least one lifting means, the lifting member may include a slider fixed to the lifting means. This slider is movable in translation relative to the beam along a predetermined stroke and a position sensor for said slider, said lifting member being configured such that: - when the lifting member is raised by means of the lifting device, the cursor is at the upper end of said stroke, and - otherwise, the cursor is located at the lower end of said stroke, which allows this information to be available, for example for the purposes of managing and / or monitoring a construction site.
[0015] This stroke can be defined by a light within which said cursor is likely to move.
[0016] The lifting device may include at each end of the beam a lateral profile, perpendicular to the main dimension of the beam, the lifting device being equipped for each lateral profile with a means of mechanical or magnetic fastening of the profile to the beam, allowing the lateral profile to be positioned: - in a lower position, in which the side profile extends along the panel when the lower face of the beam is placed on a panel, or - in a higher position, opposite to the lower position, which allows operators to handle the beam without having to access the beam itself, particularly when said operators are higher, or lower, than the beam.
[0017] The lifting device may include, at each fastening means, a sensor enabling the detection of the presence of the lateral profile, which makes it possible to have this information, for example for the purposes of managing and / or monitoring a construction site.
[0018] The lifting device may include two movable lateral stops parallel to the main dimension of the beam, said lateral stops being configured to come into contact with the ends of the considered edge of the panel when the lower face of the beam is in contact with said edge, in order to block the movements of the panel according to the main dimension of the beam, each of the lateral stops being provided with a clamping means allowing the position of the lateral stop to be fixed relative to the beam, which increases safety when using the lifting device.
[0019] The lifting device may include at least two transverse stops located symmetrically with respect to the center of the beam, and locally forming angles with the underside of the beam. These transverse stops are configured to prevent panel movement in a direction perpendicular to the main dimension of the beam, thereby increasing safety when using the lifting device.
[0020] The present invention also relates to a lifting device comprising a lifting member according to the invention and cables or slings cooperating with the lifting means of said lifting member.
[0021] The present invention further relates to a method of lifting a panel using a lifting device according to the invention, comprising the following steps: - placing the beam of the lifting device on the upper edge of a panel, so that the lower face of the beam rests on the upper side of the panel, - adjusting the position of the beam relative to the panel, so that the fixing means are aligned with the sockets integrated within the panel, - actuating the fixing means, in order to secure the beam to the panel, - connecting the cables or slings of the lifting device to a lifting machine, - lifting the lifting device and the panel by the lifting machine.
[0022] Thanks to these arrangements, it is possible for an operator to control the attachment and detachment of the lifting device to a panel without needing to access the top of the panel, which allows this operation to be carried out quickly and safely. Brief description of the drawings
[0023] The present invention and its advantages will become more apparent from the following description of several embodiments given by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0024] Figure [1] is a perspective view of a lifting device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention,
[0025] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a detail of the organ in Fig. 1.
[0026] Fig. 3 is a front view of the organ of Fig. 1.
[0027] Figure 4 is a detailed view of a means for fixing the organ of Figure 1 in unscrewed position.
[0028] Figure [5] is a detail view of a transverse stop of the component of Figure [1] in the retracted position,
[0029] Fig. 6 is a front view of the component of Fig. 1 arranged on a panel, with the side profiles in the lower position.
[0030] Fig. 7 is a front view of the organ of Fig. 1 arranged on a panel, with the side profiles in the upper position. Description of the implementation methods
[0031] In the embodiments illustrated below, identical elements or parts bear the same reference numbers. Furthermore, terms with a relative meaning, such as vertical, horizontal, right, left, front, back, above, below, etc., should be interpreted under normal conditions of use of the invention, and as shown in the figures. Moreover, the geometric positions indicated in the description and the claims, such as "perpendicular," "parallel," and "symmetrical," are not limited to the strict sense defined in geometry, but extend to geometric positions that are close, that is, that allow a certain tolerance within the technical field considered, without affecting the result obtained. This tolerance is notably introduced by the adverb "substantially," without this term necessarily being repeated before each adjective.
[0032] The lifting device 1 according to the invention allows a panel 2, for example a concrete panel, to be lifted. The panel 2 can be used for all types of civil engineering works, and more particularly for the construction of a structure, or as a sound barrier. The panel 2 can be made of any type of concrete, including concrete containing plant-based fillers such as wood-based concrete, and may or may not have metallic reinforcement. The present invention is not limited to lifting concrete panels, and can be used to lift panels made of other types of materials: wood, stone, plastics, etc.
[0033] With reference to the figures, the lifting member 1 comprises a beam or spreader bar 3, the function of which is to enable the connection on the one hand to the panel 2 and on the other hand to a lifting device such as a crane.
[0034] The beam 3 must therefore be able to support the load of the panel 2 when it is lifted.
[0035] In typical use, and as illustrated in the figures, panel 2 is positioned upright, meaning that its two longer faces are vertical or nearly vertical, and beam 3 is positioned horizontally on the upper side or edge of panel 2. These concepts, both of verticality of the faces and horizontality of the upper side, should not be interpreted strictly here. In both cases, a slight angle, for example less than 20°, is perfectly compatible with the use of the lifting device 1. Nevertheless, under these conditions, the lower face of beam 3 can still be considered the face of beam 3 intended to be in contact with panel 2.
[0036] The lifting member 1 comprises at least one lifting means 4 connected to the beam 3, and enabling the beam to be attached to a lifting device. The lifting means 4 is, for example, a lifting ring.
[0037] The lifting means 4 may be fixed to the beam 3, but is preferably fixed to the beam 3 in such a way as to allow certain rotational and / or translational movements relative to the beam 3. For example, if the lifting means 4 consists of a ring fixed to the beam 3 by means of an axle, it is preferable that it be free to rotate about this axle, which facilitates the insertion of a hook into the ring 4. In this latter case, the angle between the axle and the beam is preferably between 55 and 65°, for example 60°, which allows optimal lifting with a slinging angle of 60°.
[0038] The lifting member 1 comprises, for example, two lifting means 4, which allows for a more stable lifting of the panel, the lifting means 4 being arranged along the beam 3, and symmetrically to each other with respect to the center of the beam 3. The spacing between the lifting means can be between 1.50 and 1.70 m, for example 1.60 m.
[0039] The lifting member 1 also includes at least two fastening means 5 for attaching a panel 2 to the beam 3. The fastening means 5 are screw fastening means, and each is capable of cooperating with a thread integrated into the panel 2. More specifically, each fastening means 5 includes a threaded rod 7, configured to cooperate with a socket integrated into the panel 2 near its upper edge. Typically, such sockets are embedded in the concrete constituting the panel 2.
[0040] The lifting member 1 includes, for example, two fastening means 5, which allows for a more reliable fastening of the beam, and therefore consequently of the lifting member to the panel 2. The fastening means 5 are then preferably arranged along the beam 3, and symmetrically with respect to the center of the beam 3. The spacing between the fastening means 5 can be between 2.40 and 2.60 m, for example 2.50 m.
[0041] The fastening means 5 are electrically actuated to allow the beam to be attached to / detached from the panel. The fastening means can be controlled by various means: buttons integrated directly into the lifting device, a wired control connected to the lifting device, or a wireless control.
[0042] The lifting member 1 preferably includes elements for remotely controlling the fastening means 5. These elements are preferably grouped in a housing 18 fixed to the beam 3. These elements include at least: - a controller, capable of controlling the fastening means 5 by screwing, that is to say, of controlling the screwing or unscrewing of the lifting element 1 and the panel 2 between them, - a means of communication, in communication with the controller, and capable of transmitting remote screwing or unscrewing commands to the controller, and - a battery, capable of supplying energy to at least the fastening means, the controller and the means of communication.
[0043] Finally, the lifting member 1 includes a control means capable of communicating with the communication means. The control means allows an operator to send a tightening or loosening command to the screw-fastening means via the controller. The control means may be wired or wireless. If it is wireless, it may be a dedicated remote control, using, for example, a radio protocol. The control means may also be a smartphone or tablet equipped with a dedicated application, communicating with the wireless communication means via any relevant protocol, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G, etc.
[0044] Since the panel 2 extends under the underside of the beam 3, the fastening means 5 preferably each extend at least partially under this underside when they are in the screwed position, that is, when they form a fastening between the beam 3 and a panel 2 positioned under the beam 3. The lifting member 1 may then include a position sensor 6 for at least one fastening means, allowing it to determine whether it is in the position to be screwed to a panel 2 or not. This position sensor 6 is preferably configured to transmit data to the controller, data which can be relayed to an operator via the communication means. This data can also be used in a lifting procedure to ensure that the beam 3 is attached to, or detached from, the panel 2.
[0045] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated by way of example in Figures 1 to 3, the fastening means 5 each comprise a rod 7 provided with an external thread, movable relative to the beam in a translational movement in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis or principal dimension of the beam. This threaded rod is intended to cooperate with the threads of the socket integrated within the panel 2.
[0046] Figures 1 to 4 illustrate a particular embodiment of the fastening means 5, in which the rod 7 is supported by a carriage 19, movable in vertical translation along a rail 20 arranged perpendicular to the main dimension of the beam 3. The control of the screwing means 5 is therefore achieved via the position of the carriage 19: - when the trolley 19 is in the raised position, as illustrated in [Fig.4], the threaded rod 7 does not extend under the lower face of the beam 3, and the beam 3 and the panel 2 located below are therefore not joined together; - when the carriage 19 is in the lower position, as illustrated in figures 1 to 3, the threaded rod 7 extends under the lower face of the beam 3, and the beam 3 and the panel 2 located below are joined together.
[0047] The threaded rod 7 is driven in rotation by an electric motor mounted on the carriage 19.
[0048] The lifting member 1 may include stops 21, for example made of rubber, arranged to cushion the upper and lower end-of-travel movements of the carriage 19 along the rail 20.
[0049] As mentioned above, the lifting means 4 can be mounted freely in translation on the beam 3. In certain embodiments, such as that illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the lifting member 1 comprises, for at least one lifting means 4, a slider 8 fixed to the lifting means. The slider 8 and the lifting means 4 are movable in translation relative to the beam 3, along an axis perpendicular to the underside of the beam 3, or an axis having an angle of less than 45° with respect to the axis perpendicular to the lower face of beam 3. For example, the cursor 8 can be guided along a through light 17 in this translation.
[0050] Thus, when the weight of the panel 2 is supported by the lifting means, that is to say when the lifting member is lifted by means of the lifting means, the slider is at the upper end of the light 17, whereas otherwise, by gravity or by the effect of a spring, the slider is at the lower end of the light 17.
[0051] The lifting member 1 then includes a position sensor 9 for the slider 8, allowing it to determine whether the panel 2 is being lifted or not by the lifting member 1. This position sensor 9 is preferably configured to transmit data to the controller, data which can be relayed to an operator via the communication means. This data can also be used in a lifting process.
[0052] The lifting member 1 may include, at each end of the beam 3, a lateral profile 10 oriented perpendicularly to the main dimension of the beam 3. Each lateral profile preferably includes a handle 11. The lateral profiles 10 can be used by operators to facilitate, where necessary, the handling of the beam 3. Indeed, their perpendicular positions allow them to offset a handle 11 to a height different from the height of the beam 3 when the latter is placed on the panel 2.
[0053] Preferably, the lifting member 1 comprises, for each lateral profile 10, a means of securing said lateral profile to the beam 3, offering two fixing positions: - a lower position, as illustrated by way of example in [Fig. 5], in which the side profile 10 extends along the panel 2, and - a superior position, opposite to the inferior position, as illustrated by way of example in [Fig. 6], in which the side profile 10 extends above the panel 2
[0054] The locking means 12 are, for example, each consisting of at least one ball pin, for example, two ball pins. A ball pin has a rod, designed to fit into a locking hole, the rod being fitted with balls. In the locked position, the balls are partially extended outside the rod and abut against a conical surface of the locking hole, preventing the rod from being extracted from the locking hole. In the unlocked position, the balls can retract into the rod, allowing the rod to be extracted from the locking hole. A ball pin typically has a button. At rest, the ball pin is in the locked position, and pressing the button moves the ball closure to the unlocked position.
[0055] Thus, depending on the configuration of panel 2, the operator can choose to arrange the side profiles in one or the other position, and thus to place the lifting device 1 on panel 2, or to remove it, under the best conditions.
[0056] The side profiles 10 can, as illustrated by way of example in Figures 1 to 3, be fixed to the beam by means of an intermediate profile 13 extending from the end of the beam parallel to its main dimension. This allows the side profiles 10 to be offset from the center of the beam 3. Thus, when the beam 3 is shorter than the upper edge of the panel 2, which allows a single beam 3 to be used for several panel dimensions, the side profiles 10 can still extend downwards beyond the ends of the upper edge of the panel 2.
[0057] The lifting device 1 may include sensors enabling, for each lateral profile 10, the detection that it is properly fixed at the level of its means of attachment to the beam 3. These sensors are preferably configured to transmit data to the controller, data which can be sent back to an operator via the means of communication.
[0058] The lifting member 1 may further include two lateral stops 14, movable parallel to the beam 3. The lateral stops 14 may, for example, each slide along a section of the beam 3, or along a profile parallel to the beam 3, for example an intermediate profile 13 as described above. The lateral stops 14 may each be fixed in position relative to the beam 3 by means of a clamping means 15. The lateral stops 14 are configured so that when the lifting member 1 is placed on a panel 2, they are adjusted to come into contact with the lateral ends of the panel 2, in order to prevent any movement of the beam 3 relative to the panel 2 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the beam 3.
[0059] The clamping means 15 may for example include a threaded rod clamping the part forming a lateral stop 14 on the beam 3 or a part integral with said beam.
[0060] The lifting member 1 may also include at least two transverse stops 16, arranged for example symmetrically with respect to the center of the beam 3. The transverse stops 16 locally form angles with the lower face of the beam 3, in order to block the movements of the latter with respect to the panel on which it is placed, and this in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the beam 3.
[0061] The transverse stops 16 are preferably retractable. As illustrated by way of example in [Fig. 4], the transverse stops 16 can be retracted by raising them above the underside of the beam 3. To do this, the transverse stops 16 can be fixed to the beam 3 by means of a rod, capable of cooperating with two lights attached to beam 3. If, as in figures 1 to 3, the rod is inserted into the lower light, the transverse stop 16 is active, whereas if, as in [Fig.4], the rod is inserted into the upper light, the transverse stop 16 is retracted and inactive.
[0062] The lifting member 1 is intended to be associated with cables or slings to form a lifting device. These cables or slings are commonly used in the lifting field and are configured to cooperate on one side with the lifting means 4 of the lifting member 1, and on the other side with a lifting machine such as a crane.
[0063] The lifting device can be used in a method for lifting a panel 2 comprising the following steps: - placement of the beam 3 of the lifting device on the upper edge of the panel 2, so that the lower face of said beam rests on the upper edge of the panel, - adjustment of the position of the beam 3 relative to the panel 2, so that the fixing means 5 are aligned with the sockets integrated within said panel, this adjustment being possible using the handles 11, - where necessary, adjustment of the placement of the lateral stops 14 in contact with the lateral ends of the panel 2, then actuating the clamping means 15 in order to fix the position of the lateral stops 14, - actuation of the fastening means 5 in order to secure the beam 3 to the panel 2, where appropriate using the control means to send a screwing command to said fastening means via the communication means and the controller, - connection of the cables or slings of the lifting device to a lifting machine, - lifting of the lifting device and panel 2 by the lifting machine, via the lifting means 4.
[0064] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described but extends to any modification and variant obvious to a person skilled in the art, within the limits of the appended claims. Furthermore, the technical features of the various embodiments and variants mentioned above may be combined, in whole or in part.
Claims
Demands
1. Lifting member (1) of a panel (2), comprising a beam or spreader bar (3) having a lower face configured to be able to be disposed on one of the edges of said panel (2) and at least one lifting means (4) connected to said beam (3), characterized in that it comprises at least two means of fixing (5) by screwing the beam onto the relevant edge of the panel, each of said screwing means being provided with a threaded rod (7) configured to cooperate with a socket integrated in the vicinity of the edge of said panel (2), each of said fixing means (5) being electrically actuable in order to allow the beam (3) to be secured / disconnected from the relevant edge of the panel (2).
2. Lifting element (1) of a panel (2) according to claim 1, characterized: - in that it further comprises: . a controller capable of controlling the fastening means (5), . a communication means capable of transmitting commands to the controller, and . a battery capable of supplying energy to the fastening means (5), the controller and the communication means, the fastening means (5), the controller, the battery and the communication means being fixed on the beam (3), - and in that it comprises a control means, capable of communicating with the communication means, configured to allow an operator to send a command to screw or unscrew the fastening means (5).
3. Lifting device (1) of a panel (2) according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that it comprises two fastening means (5), located symmetrically with respect to the center of the beam (3).
4. A lifting member (1) for a panel (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a position sensor (6) for at least one fastening means (5) configured to determine whether the fastening means (5) is in the screwed position, in which part of said fastening means extends at least partially under the underside of the beam (3) and is secured to the panel (2) disposed under the beam (3), or in the unscrewed position, in which which said means of fixing is detached from the panel (2) placed under the beam (3).
5. Lifting member (1) of a panel (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that for at least one lifting means (4), it comprises a slider (8) integral with the lifting means (4), said slider (8) being movable in translation relative to the beam (3) along a stroke, and a position sensor (9) of said slider (8), said lifting member (1) being configured so that: - when the lifting member (1) is lifted by means of the lifting means (4), the slider (8) is at the upper end of said stroke, and - otherwise, the slider (8) is at the lower end of said stroke.
6. Lifting member (1) of a panel (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises at each end of the beam (3) a lateral profile (10), perpendicular to the main dimension of the beam (3), the lifting member (1) being provided for each lateral profile (10) with a means of securing (12) the lateral profile (10) to the beam (3), allowing the lateral profile (10) to be placed: - in a lower position, in which the lateral profile (10) extends along the panel (2) when the lower face of the beam (3) is placed on a panel (2), or - in a higher position, opposite to the lower position.
7. Lifting member (1) of a panel (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises, at the level of each fastening means (12), a sensor enabling the detection of the presence of the lateral profile (10).
8. Lifting member (1) of a panel (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises two lateral stops (14) movable parallel to the main dimension of the beam (3), said lateral stops (14) being configured to come into contact with the ends of the considered edge of the panel (2) when the lower face of the beam (3) is in contact with said edge in order to block the movements of the panel (2) along the main dimension of the beam (3), each of the lateral stops (14) being provided with a clamping means (15) for fixing the position of the lateral stop (14) relative to the beam (3).
9. Lifting device (1) of a panel (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises at least two transverse stops (16) locally forming angles with the lower face of the beam (3), said transverse stops (16) being configured to block the movements of the panel (2) in a direction perpendicular to the main dimension of the beam (3).
10. A panel lifting device (2) comprising a lifting member (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and cables or slings cooperating with the lifting means (4) of said lifting member (1).
11. A method for lifting a panel (2) using a lifting device according to claim 10, comprising the following steps: - placing the beam (3) of the lifting device on the upper edge of a panel (2), so that the lower face of the beam (3) rests on the upper edge of the panel (2), - adjusting the position of the beam (3) relative to the panel (2), so that the fastening means (5) are aligned with the sockets integrated within said panel (2), - actuating the fastening means (5) to secure the beam (3) to the panel (2), - connecting the cables or slings of the lifting device to a lifting machine, - lifting the lifting device and the panel (2) by the lifting machine.