Device for lifting and handling a drum and for unwinding a material wound onto the drum

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for handling a drum and for unwinding a material wound onto the drum, wherein the handling device (1) comprises a rigid frame (2) comprising two side members (3) held at a distance from each other, and in which: - each side member (3) supports a wheel (4); - each wheel (4) is mounted, independently of the other wheel (4), so as to be free to rotate relative to the frame (2) about an axis (11) of rotation common to both wheels (4) and orthogonal to the side members (3); - each side member (3) is provided with a suspension member (5) arranged so as to be able to be fitted into an axial opening of the drum, wherein the suspension members (5) are suitable for being able to hold the drum at a distance from the ground so as to allow the drum to rotate on itself according to the axis of symmetry of the drum and to unwind the material wound onto the drum.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Device for lifting and handling a reel and unwinding a material wound on this reel

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of lifting and handling a reel and unwinding a material, particularly a cable, wound on that reel. The invention therefore concerns a device for lifting and handling a reel and for unwinding the material wound on the reel, thereby facilitating these tasks for a user of the device. The invention thus relates to such a hybrid device capable of performing all of these tasks.

[0002] It is known that a cable reel can be moved on a construction site by rolling it on its flanges, pushing it manually and / or with the feet. To overcome obstacles inevitably present on the site, such as a curb or a slope, the reel must be carried by personnel working on the site. Carrying the reel and the cable wound on it is a task that can cause physical harm to these personnel. Furthermore, carrying the reel can force these personnel into postures that do not comply with occupational health guidelines. In addition, rolling the reel on the ground leads to accelerated deterioration of the flanges, which can hinder the subsequent unwinding of the cable. Finally, unwinding the cable wound on the reel requires the use of specific, dedicated equipment to position the reel for unwinding.These specific devices are heavy and bulky and require careful handling.

[0003] The invention aims to overcome all or part of these drawbacks.

[0004] We know of a trolley for handling a cable reel and unwinding a cable wound onto it. The trolley comprises a frame with two parallel uprights, each with a roller mounted at one longitudinal end. This trolley includes two rods with oblique notches forming racks for suspending a transverse shaft that supports the reel. Each upright is equipped with two feet supporting the trolley in the horizontal position for unwinding the cable. Loading the reel onto the trolley requires lifting the reel, equipped with its support axle, above the trolley and then synchronizing the entire assembly onto the corresponding notches of each rack. This operation is delicate due to the mass of the reel and the precision required to rest the reel on the two opposite racks.

[0005] The invention therefore aims to overcome at least this drawback.

[0006] A wire reel trolley is also known, comprising a frame with a user-gripping end. Mounted on this trolley, near the end of the frame opposite the gripping end, are two reel supports extending perpendicularly to the plane of the frame. Each support forms an open-ended bracket at its free end. A crossbar cooperates with the two brackets to support the reel. A roller support is fixed in line with each reel support so as to extend opposite the main face of the trolley, opposite the main face supporting the reel supports. Loading the reel onto the trolley requires lifting the reel, along with the crossbar, above the trolley and then simultaneously lowering the assembly onto the brackets of each support.This operation is delicate due to the mass of the coil and the precision required to rest the crossbar supporting the coil on the brackets.

[0007] The invention therefore aims to overcome at least this drawback.

[0008] The invention therefore aims to provide a device for handling a reel, in particular a reel with a total mass less than or equal to 200 Kg - the total mass of the reel including the mass of the material wound on the reel - and for unwinding this material wound on the reel.

[0009] The invention also aims to provide such a device for handling a reel and unwinding a cable wound on the reel, allowing for easy support of the reel by its axis of rotation.

[0010] The invention also aims to provide such a device for handling a reel and unwinding a material wound on the reel, allowing for easier lifting of the reel.

[0011] But the invention also aims to provide such a device for handling a reel and unwinding a material wound on the reel, allowing for easier handling and transport of the reel.

[0012] In particular, the device for handling a reel and unwinding a material wound on the reel allows the user of the device according to the invention to exert limited effort to handle the reel, this limited effort being on the order of 5% of the effort required to handle the reel without using the device according to the invention.

[0013] The invention also aims to provide such a device for handling a reel and unwinding a material wound on the reel, allowing the reel to be handled and the material unwound by a single user.

[0014] The invention also aims to provide such a device for handling a reel and unwinding material wound on the reel, which has a small footprint for transport when not attached to the reel. The invention therefore aims to provide such a device that is at least partially foldable.

[0015] To this end, the invention relates to a device for lifting and handling a reel and unwinding a material wound on the reel, the handling device comprising a rigid frame including two stretchers or uprights held apart from each other, and in which; - each stretcher supports one wheel, - Each wheel is mounted independently of the other wheel, free to rotate relative to the chassis along a common axis of rotation for both wheels and orthogonal to the shafts, - each stretcher is equipped with a reel suspension device, arranged to be able to be engaged in an axial slot of the reel, the suspension devices being adapted to be able to cooperate with each other and keep the reel away from the ground, so as to allow rotation of the reel on itself around the axis of symmetry of the reel and unwinding of the material wound on the reel or winding of the material on the reel.

[0016] Throughout this text, the term "reel" commonly refers to an axially symmetrical device for winding and unwinding cable. Such a reel consists of two parallel discoidal flanges—also called cheeks—connected by a cylindrical drum, typically a right-handed cylinder. The drum has an axial opening that passes through it and opens onto both faces of the reel via a central recess in each flange. Generally, the flanges are made of plywood. However, any other suitable material can be used. The material wound or windable onto the reel can be of any kind. It can be a cable, particularly an electrical and / or communication cable. It can also be a flexible tube or hose.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the material wound on the reel is a cable - in particular a power cable such as an electrical power cable - or a cable for carrying electrical and / or optical signals or a tubular material for transporting a fluid.

[0018] In some embodiments, the rigid chassis of the device according to the invention has a U-shape, with a section at each free end of the U carrying a wheel. In some embodiments, the rigid chassis of the device according to the invention has an H-shape, with a section at each free end of the H facing each other and carrying a wheel, the horizontal bar of the H providing at least part of the chassis's rigidity. Any other configuration is, however, possible.

[0019] In some embodiments, the stretchers are substantially parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the stretchers extend symmetrically with respect to a median plane of the handling device. According to the invention, the stretchers are spaced laterally from each other so as to allow the handling device to be used by an individual and to grasp each stretcher of the handling device with one of their two hands.

[0020] In some embodiments, at least one stretcher, in particular each stretcher, of the frame is tubular in shape. In some embodiments, at least one stretcher, in particular each stretcher, of the frame has a polygonal cross-section. In some preferred embodiments, the cross-section of the stretchers is rectangular or square. In these embodiments, the assembly of the stretchers with a cross member, in particular a platform, for maintaining a distance between parallel stretchers is facilitated by flat welding. However, nothing prevents the provision of stretchers with a circular or ovoid cross-section.

[0021] In certain advantageous embodiments, each wheel has a diameter between 350 mm and 400 mm. The diameter of each wheel is chosen to be greater than the height of a curb—in particular, a curb between 150 mm and 200 mm high—and to allow and / or facilitate crossing this curb by pulling the handling device. In certain embodiments, each wheel includes a bearing that guides the wheel's rotation about itself around a means fixed to the chassis. Any other means allowing free rotation of The wheel's position relative to the chassis is possible. According to certain advantageous embodiments, each wheel consists of a metal rim cooperating with a solid tire. According to these advantageous embodiments, the wheels of the device according to the invention are puncture-proof. In particular, the wheels are adapted to allow the handling device to be used on uneven terrain, especially on a construction site.

[0022] According to the invention, the handling device is free of any transverse axle supporting one of the wheels at each of its longitudinal ends. According to the invention, each wheel is mounted to rotate freely relative to the frame without the need for an axle connecting two wheels arranged laterally to the frame. The interposition (by moving the reel and / or by moving the handling device) of a reel resting on its two flanges between the handles of the handling device according to the invention, its loading, lifting, and handling are therefore neither hindered nor prevented by the absence of such an axle.

[0023] According to the invention, the handling device is free of any shaft or crossbar supporting and passing through the reel, as described in the prior art. The handling device according to the invention does not require lifting the reel to place it on the handling device. It is sufficient to place the handling device according to the invention overlapping the reel and to insert the suspension elements into the axial opening of the reel, each suspension element at one of the open ends of the axial opening of the reel. The reel loading operation is thus facilitated.

[0024] In some embodiments, each suspension member has axial symmetry about the longitudinal axis of the suspension member. In some embodiments, each suspension member is retractable between a position of the suspension member in which the reel and the handling device are assembled, in particular in which the reel is supported by the handling device, and a second position of the suspension member in which the reel and the handling device are not assembled.

[0025] According to the invention, each suspension member is arranged to allow the reel and the handling device to be assembled by engaging said suspension members in the axial slot of the reel. According to the invention, the position of at least one suspension member relative to the frame is adjustable so as to allow, in a first position of at least one suspension member in which the suspension members are spread apart, the reel to be interposed between the frames of the handling device and to allow in a second position of said at least one suspension member in which the suspension members are brought together, an assembly of the reel and the handling device.

[0026] The stretchers of the handling device have one end, called the distal end, longitudinal close to the wheel supported by the stretcher and one end, called the proximal end, longitudinal opposite to said distal end and intended to be grasped by a user of the handling device.

[0027] According to certain advantageous embodiments, each wheel is mounted on a bracket that offsets the wheel's axis of rotation from a plane passing through the longitudinal axis of each shaft, such that at least one wheel and one end, referred to as the distal end, longitudinally close to the wheel of at least one of the shafts, allow for balanced and stable support of the handling device on the ground. According to these advantageous embodiments, each wheel is offset from the plane, referred to as the chassis plane, passing through the longitudinal axis of each shaft, within the same rear half of the device, each wheel being oriented parallel to a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the suspension members at the level of the corresponding shaft. Due to this offset, the handling device according to the invention, supporting the reel, can be effortlessly tilted backward along the axis of rotation of the wheels to reach the handling position.Due to this tilting mechanism, the weight of the reel is distributed across the axes of rotation of the two wheels. The pushing or pulling force exerted on the handling device and required to move the reel is thus reduced. In these embodiments, the distal end of each frame is fitted with a non-slip pad. This improves the independent and stable support of the handling device on the ground.

[0028] In some embodiments, the handling device includes at least one foot pedal to assist in tilting the handling device around the axis of rotation common to the two wheels, the foot pedal being fixed to the rigid frame. Tilting the handling device assembled to the reel and lifting the reel are thus facilitated.

[0029] According to certain advantageous embodiments, the wheels can be folded between a first position allowing the handling device to roll, in which the wheels are oriented in two distinct parallel planes, and a second position in which the wheels are folded and extend substantially in the same plane. The overall dimensions of the handling device in The folded position of the wheels is reduced, for example, for storage or transport in a vehicle. More specifically, the overall dimensions of the handling device are reduced in width and thickness.

[0030] According to some of these advantageous embodiments, each distancing leg is in two parts pivoting relative to each other, along a pivot axis at least substantially parallel to the shafts, so as to allow the two parts to tilt relative to each other along this pivot axis and the wheels to move between said first rolling position and said second folded position of the wheels.

[0031] According to some of these advantageous embodiments, the two pivoting parts of each of said extension legs are held locked in said rolling position and / or in said folded position by a locking / unlocking mechanism elastically returned to a locked position in which the two pivoting parts are held locked and can be unlocked. However, nothing prevents the locking / unlocking mechanism from being manually returned to said locked position.

[0032] According to some of these advantageous embodiments, each stretcher comprises a longitudinal end section equipped with a gripping handle, the section with the gripping handle being retractable / extendable between a retracted position of the section with the gripping handle in which the stretcher has a minimum length and at least one extended position of the section with the gripping handle in which the stretcher length is not minimum. The handling device can be steered by means of the two gripping handles. According to some embodiments, each stretcher is a telescopic stretcher, at least a portion of the section with the gripping handle being mounted to slide within the stretcher.According to some of these embodiments, each stretcher is equipped with a locking / unlocking trigger for the section equipped with a gripping handle in one of the retracted or deployed positions of the section equipped with a handle, the trigger being elastically returned to the locking position of the section equipped with a handle, the trigger being unlockable.

[0033] According to some of these advantageous embodiments, at least one - in particular each - of said retracted position and of said deployed position is a locked position, held elastically in the locked position and unlockable.

[0034] According to some of these advantageous embodiments, each suspension member is mounted to move along a relative axis of movement of the suspension members, said axis of movement being parallel to the axis of rotation common to the two wheels, each suspension member being mounted to move between a first position separated from the two suspension members in which the reel can be engaged between the two suspension members - the two flanges of the reel resting on the ground - and a second position brought closer to the two suspension members in which the two suspension members are engaged in the axial slot of the reel and allow, the reel not being in contact with the ground, a rotation of the reel on itself and a winding / unwinding of the cable. According to some embodiments, each suspension member is elastically returned to said brought closer position.According to some of these embodiments, at least one - in particular each - of the close and distant positions of each suspension member is a lockable position.

[0035] In some embodiments, each suspension member comprises a free-end section with axial symmetry about the axis of movement of the suspension members and a diameter adapted to allow the free-end section to engage in the axial slot of the reel. The free end of the suspension member is the end of the suspension member capable of cooperating with the reel and extending into the reel's slot. In some embodiments, each suspension member comprises a disc opposite said free-end section, adapted to be applied to a flange of the reel and to guide the reel's rotation laterally.

[0036] According to some embodiments, each suspension member has a radial surface groove adapted to receive an edge of a central recess of a flange of the reel and cooperate with this edge to guide the reel in rotation.

[0037] According to certain embodiments, each suspension component is mounted on a bracket, called a suspension component lifting or lowering bracket, which is integral with the frame. Each of these suspension component lifting or lowering brackets is pivotal relative to the frame supporting the suspension component, in a plane orthogonal to the axis of rotation common to the two wheels, and in such a way as to allow the longitudinal axis of movement of the suspension component relative to the ground to be raised or lowered, and / or the distance between the two wheels to be moved apart or brought closer together. of the longitudinal axis of movement of the suspension member relative to the frame. According to these embodiments, the lifting or lowering bracket of the suspension members allows adjustment of the height of the suspension members according to the diameter of the reel and the position of the reel's axial opening relative to the ground. The assembly of the handling device and the reel is thus facilitated. After the assembly of the handling device and the reel, the reel assembled to the handling device can be tilted with moderate effort by rotating the handling device around the axis of rotation of the wheels to a handling position in which the reel is not in contact with the ground.Tilting with moderate effort is achieved by the leverage effect provided in particular by each lifting or lowering lug of the suspension components relative to the chassis plane and by each of said lugs distancing the axis of rotation of each wheel relative to the chassis plane, said lifting or lowering lugs of each suspension component on the one hand and said lugs distancing the axis of rotation of each wheel relative to the chassis on the other hand extending respectively into two complementary half-spaces, opposite relative to the chassis plane.

[0038] According to some of these embodiments, each of said lifting or lowering legs of the suspension members is pivotable between at least two raised or lowered positions of the suspension member and relative spacing or approach of the suspension member and the stretcher, the at least two raised or lowered positions being locked positions, held elastically in the locked position, and unlockable.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the handling device comprises a rigid tube, referred to as an adapter tube, dimensioned to extend transversely relative to the handling device, such that at least one longitudinal section of each suspension member can extend into an internal opening of said adapter tube at one of its longitudinal ends. This adapter tube allows the handling device according to the invention to be loaded with a reel having a width (orthogonal to the plane of the flanges) less than the distance separating the suspension members. The adapter tube also allows the handling device according to the invention to be loaded with a plurality of narrow reels.

[0040] In some embodiments, at least one wheel is equipped with a braking device. The braking device can be of any type known per se. The device The braking system may be an on-demand braking device that allows the speed of the handling device to be modulated during movement. The braking device may also be, alone or in combination with the on-demand braking device, a parking brake.

[0041] In some embodiments, the two frame members of the rigid chassis are held apart and parallel to each other by at least one rigid cross member. In these embodiments, the welding, particularly flat welding, of the frame members to said at least one cross member for holding the frame members apart and parallel to each other is facilitated. In some embodiments, said at least one cross member is a rigid platform of polygonal shape, particularly rectangular or square. In some advantageous embodiments, the rigid platform has raised edges forming a load-bearing basin adapted to hold a load, for example, a tool case.

[0042] In some embodiments, the handling device according to the invention is dimensioned to be able to cooperate with a reel having a flange diameter between 440 mm and 600 mm. In some embodiments, the handling device is dimensioned to be able to cooperate with a reel with a total mass of no more than approximately 200 kg.

[0043] In some embodiments, the handling device includes a retractable support leg that provides support for the handling device in a stationary position, particularly in a position that allows the reel to rotate and the cable to be unwound. In this position, the handling device rests solely on the wheel and the retractable support leg, the retractable support leg being in a deployed position. The retractable support leg in the deployed position ensures that the reel is kept clear of the ground. In some embodiments, the retractable support leg is a folding support leg in a retracted position in which the retractable support leg extends in a plane parallel to the plane of the stretchers. In some of these embodiments, the retractable support leg is equipped with a non-slip pad.Maintaining the stationary position of the handling device on the ground is improved.

[0044] According to some embodiments, the handling device includes a pull tab for deploying the retractable support leg, the retractable support leg being in a retracted position, the pull tab being elastically returned to the locking position of the retractable stand in said retracted position.

[0045] According to some embodiments, the handling device is not motorized.

[0046] That being said, nothing prevents the handling device from including autonomous drive means for at least one rotating wheel, these drive means including an electric motor and an electrical power source onboard the handling device.

[0047] According to some of these embodiments, each of said lifting or lowering brackets of the suspension components is equipped with an actuating cylinder for said lifting or lowering bracket of the suspension components.

[0048] In other embodiments, the handling device comprises two units, each unit comprising a unit tube onto which are welded two parallel plates accommodating the suspension element and the wheel rotation axis.

[0049] In some of these embodiments, each of the combined units also includes a stabilizing wheel.

[0050] In some of these embodiments, each of the handsets also includes a kickstand fixed to the handset tube.

[0051] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following description. This description is purely illustrative and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0052] [Fig 1] Figure 1 is a general perspective view of a handling device according to the invention in the unassembled state on a reel,

[0053] [Fig 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a detail of a handling device from Figure 1,

[0054] [Fig 3] Figure 3 is a general perspective view of a handling device according to the invention juxtaposed with reels of different dimensions,

[0055] [Fig 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a handling device according to the invention assembled to a reel and a detail of the suspension member of the handling device assembled to this reel,

[0056] [Fig 5a] Figure 5a is a perspective view of a detail of a suspension member of a handling device according to the invention, the suspension member being in a close-up position of assembly of the reel and the handling device,

[0057] [Fig 5b] Figure 5b is a perspective view of a detail of a suspension member of a handling device according to the invention, the suspension member being in a position away from the assembly of the reel and the handling device,

[0058] [Fig 6a] Figure 6a is a side view of a detail of a handling device according to the invention assembled to a small reel,

[0059] [Fig 6b] Figure 6b is a side view of a detail of a handling device according to the invention assembled to a larger reel,

[0060] [Fig 7a] Figure 7a is a general perspective view of a device according to the invention in a deployed rolling configuration,

[0061] [Fig 7b] Figure 7b is a general perspective view of a device according to the invention in a folded configuration,

[0062] [Fig 8a] Figure 8a is a representative side view of a first phase of use of a handling device according to the invention,

[0063] [Fig 8b] Figure 8b is a general perspective view representative of a second phase of use of a handling device according to the invention, and

[0064] [Fig 9] Figure 9 is a front view of a device according to the invention equipped with an adapter device for lifting, handling and unwinding a narrow-width reel.

[0065] [Fig. 10][Fig. 11][Fig. 12] Figures 10, 11 and 12 schematically represent a variant embodiment of the invention.

[0066] An embodiment of a handling device 1 according to the invention in a position 31 allowing its assembly with a reel is shown in Figure 1. The reel is not shown in Figure 1. The handling device 1 comprises a rigid frame 2 formed of two substantially parallel arms 3 held apart from each other by at least one cross member, in particular by a rigid platform 16. The two arms 3 define a plane 18 of the rigid frame 2 delimiting a first rear half-space 28 and a second front half-space 29 opposite the Rear half-space. In the position of the handling device 1 shown in Figure 1, the rear half-space 28 is a rear half-space intended to accommodate an individual 30 using the handling device 1. In the assembly position of the handling device 1 shown in Figure 1, the second half-space 29 is a front half-space of the handling device 1 approaching a reel 40 and in which extend an axis 22 of symmetry of the suspension members 5 and an axis 13 of translational movement of the suspension members 5 of the reel 40.

[0067] The handling device 1 comprises two wheels 4. Each wheel 4 is mounted independently of the other wheel 4 on one of the shafts 3 and is free to rotate relative to the rigid frame 2 along a common axis 11 of rotation shared by both wheels 4 and perpendicular to the two parallel shafts 3. The common axis 11 of rotation shared by the two wheels 4 extends into the rear half-space 28 of the handling device 1. The handling device 1 is free of any transverse axle connecting the two wheels 4 to each other. This absence of a transverse axle advantageously allows for the interposition of a reel between the two shafts 3 of the rigid frame 2 and facilitates the assembly of a reel 40 and the handling device 1.

[0068] In some embodiments, the stretchers 3 are metal stretchers. In the embodiment shown, the two parallel stretchers 3 are tubular stretchers 3 having a polygonal shape in any cross-section, for example, a rectangular or square shape. However, there is nothing preventing the use of tubular stretchers 3 having a circular or ellipsoidal shape in any cross-section. Tubular stretchers 3 having a rectangular or square cross-section allow for easy assembly of the stretchers 3 with at least one rigid cross member or platform 16 by welding. The required rigidity of the frame 2 is thus ensured.

[0069] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the rigid frame 2 of the handling device 1 has a general "H" shape in which each stretcher 3 has a longitudinal end, referred to as the distal end 25, intended to be in contact with the ground. This distal end 25 of each stretcher 3 is fitted with a non-slip pad 27 adapted to ensure the grip of the handling device 1 on the ground. Each stretcher 3 has another end, referred to as the proximal end 26, opposite the distal end 25 and fitted with a handle 9 suitable for being grasped by a user 30 of the handling device 1. According to some In the embodiment shown, the handle 9 of each stretcher 3 is an ergonomic handle 9. In the embodiment shown, each handle 9 is a handle having a protective guard on the back of the hand.

[0070] In the embodiment shown, the handle 9 is fixed to a sliding tube section 8 (shown in its retracted state in Figure 1 and in its extended state in Figures 8a and 8b) at the proximal end 26 of each stretcher 3. The length of the stretchers 3 and the height of the handles 9 of the handling device 1 can be adjusted. This adjustment allows for consideration of the height of the individual user 30.This adjustment is possible between the retracted state of the tube section 8, in which the stretcher 3 has a minimum length and in which the footprint of the handling device 1 is minimal, and at least one deployed state in which the length of the stretcher 3 is not minimal and in which the height of the handles 9 can be adapted to the size of the individual user 30. In some of these embodiments, at least one - in particular each - of said retracted state and of said deployed state of the tube section 8 is a locked position, held elastically in the locked and / or unlockable position.In some of these embodiments, each stretcher 3 has a plurality of perforations aligned longitudinally at said proximal end 26 and the tube section 8 has a pin adapted to be able to pass through one of the perforations of the plurality of perforations brought opposite the pin due to the sliding of the tube section 8, the pin being elastically returned in said locked position and being unlockable.

[0071] According to some embodiments, the chassis 2 includes a retractable support leg 23 mounted as a unit on each shaft 3 and pivoting about a pivot axis parallel to the axis 11 of rotation common to the two wheels 4. The support leg 23 includes two tubular uprights 36 and a cross member 55 for joining the uprights 36 together (shown in Figure 8b). In a first retracted state 34 of the support leg 23, illustrated in particular in Figures 1, 3, 4 and 8a, the uprights 36 of the support leg 23 extend substantially parallel to the frame shafts 3, allowing the handling device 1 to move for rolling on the wheels 4. In a second deployed state 35 of the support leg 23, the uprights 36 of the support leg 23 extend substantially in a plane orthogonal to the shafts 3 of the rigid frame 2, allowing the handling device 1 to rest on the uprights 36 of the support leg 23 and on the wheels 4 (as shown in Figure 8b). In some embodiments, the support leg 23 is held in its first retracted position 34 by means of a locking lever 24 cooperating with at least one stretcher 3 and at least one upright 36 of the support leg. Actuating the locking lever 24, when the stretchers are not in a vertical position, releases the uprights 36 of the support leg 23, allowing the support leg 23 to pivot by gravity and the handling device 1 to rest on the uprights 36 of the support leg 23. The free end of each upright 36 is fitted with a non-slip pad to ensure the handling device 1 grips the ground.

[0072] In some advantageous embodiments, the rigid platform 16 has at least one raised edge 56 to form a load-bearing recess suitable for holding a load, for example, a tool case. In some embodiments, the rigid platform 16 forming a load-bearing recess is equipped with a strap for securing the load to the rigid platform 16. This securing strap can be of any type and may include reversible fastening means, in particular complementary "hook and loop" type fastening means, or complementary reversible fastening means by elastic deformation or "clipping" or by any other known means.In some embodiments, the rigid plate 16 forming the load-bearing basin may include complementary assembly means for the load, such as, for example, "loop" type assembly means on the rigid plate and "hook" type assembly means on the load, or vice versa. In some embodiments, the rigid plate 16 forming the load-bearing basin and the load may include complementary assembly means for joining them by "clipping."

[0073] In the embodiment of a handling device 1 according to the invention shown in Figure 1, the handling device 1 is in a stable position 31 prior to its assembly, allowing its assembly with a reel 40. In this stable position, the handling device 1 is self-supporting and rests on the two wheels 4 and on the distal ends 25 of each stretcher 3. The bearing areas of the two wheels 4 and the distal ends 25 of each stretcher 3 extend substantially in a ground support plane 46. In this stable position, the stretchers 3 are substantially vertical.

[0074] Each stretcher 3 is equipped with a suspension member 5 for a reel 40, each suspension member 5 being shaped and arranged to be engaged in an axial slot of a reel interposed between the two stretchers 3. The suspension members 5 carried by each of the stretchers 3 are arranged opposite each other and at a distance from each other, symmetrically along a median plane of the handling device 1. In some embodiments, each suspension member 5 has an axis 22 of symmetry parallel to the plane 18 of the rigid frame 2 and parallel to the longitudinal axis of each stretcher 3. In some embodiments, each suspension member 5 is movable in translation along an axis 13 of relative displacement of the suspension members 5 with respect to each other.This translational mobility allows for a relative approach and distance of the suspension components 5 and respectively an assembly and disassembly of the handling device 1 and a reel 40.

[0075] According to certain advantageous embodiments, each suspension member 5 extends into the second half-space 29 extending forward of the plane 18 of the rigid chassis 2. Thus, the axis 22 of symmetry of the suspension members 5 and the axis 13 of translational movement of the suspension members 5 also extend into the forward half-space 29 of the handling device 1. According to these advantageous embodiments, the axis 11 of rotation common to the two wheels 4 extending into the rear half-space 28 of the handling device 1 and the axis 22 of symmetry of the suspension members 5 (and the axis 13 of translational displacement of the suspension members 5) extending into the front half-space 29 of the handling device 1, a lever effect allows for easier lifting of the reel when tilting the rigid chassis 2 of the handling device 1 along the axis 11 of rotation common to the two wheels 4.

[0076] Due to the absence of any transverse axle connecting the wheels 4 and of any transverse support connecting the suspension components 5, a reel 40 can be placed between the shafts 3 of the handling device 1, the flanges 41, 41', 41" of a reel 40, 40', 40" extending in planes parallel to each other and orthogonal to the plane passing through the shafts 3 of the chassis 2, as shown in Figure 3.

[0077] According to certain advantageous embodiments illustrated in Figures 4, 5a, 5b, 6a and 6b, each suspension member 5 is supported by a bracket, called the lifting or lowering bracket 10 of the suspension member 5, rigidly mounted as a unit on a stretcher 3 and pivoting relative to this stretcher 3 in a plane parallel to the median plane. of the handling device 1. Said lifting or lowering leg 10 is pivotally mounted in the plane orthogonal to the axis 22 of symmetry of each suspension member 5 and orthogonal to the axis 13 of relative movement of the suspension members 5 with respect to each other. Each of said lifting or lowering legs 10 of each suspension member 5 is pivotally mounted in a plane orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the wheels 4 in the rolling position. One of the longitudinal ends of said lifting or lowering leg 10 of the suspension member 5, called the pivoting end 50, carries the suspension member 5; the other longitudinal end of said leg 10, called the end 38 of the stretcher, opposite said pivoting end 50, is interposed between two parallel extensions 44 of the stretcher 3.Each expansion 44 has a bore, said leg 10 being pivotally fixed relative to the shaft 3 by a key 45 passing through the bores of the expansions 44 of the shaft 3 and a bore provided at said end 38 of the shaft of said leg 10 for raising or lowering the suspension member 5.

[0078] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, Figure 6a, and Figure 6b, pivoting the lifting or lowering bracket 10 of the suspension member 5 relative to the frame 3 allows the suspension member 5 to be raised or lowered relative to the ground and the position of the suspension members 5 to be adjusted according to the diameter of the reel. This possible raising or lowering allows the suspension members 5 to be brought into alignment with the opening 43, 43', 43" of the reel 40, 40', 40" and the assembly of the handling device 1 and the reel to be carried out without requiring manipulation—in particular, lifting—of the reel 40, 40', 40". The insertion of each suspension member 5 into the opening 43 of the reel 40 and the assembly of the handling device 1 and the reel are thus facilitated.

[0079] According to certain embodiments illustrated in Figures 4, 5a and 5b, said end 38 of the shaft of said leg 10 is adapted to cooperate with a punch having a punch actuating eyelet 37, mounted integrally with the shaft 3 and movable in translation relative to the shaft 3, so that a free end of the punch can cooperate with said leg 10 so as to lock said leg 10 of raising or lowering the suspension members 5 in a position, in particular at a height, allowing the movement of the suspension member 5 in the slot 43 of the reel 40. According to certain embodiments, the punch can be elastically returned to the locking position of at least one of the raised or lowered positions of said leg 10 of raising or lowering the suspension member 5.

[0080] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6b, the lifting or lowering bracket 10 for the suspension members 5 is raised to allow the suspension member 5 supported by this bracket 10 to cooperate with the opening 43 of a large-diameter reel 40. By comparison, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6a, the lifting or lowering bracket 10 for the suspension members 5 is lowered to allow the suspension member 5 supported by this bracket 10 to cooperate with the opening 43 of a smaller-diameter reel 40, without requiring manual lifting of the smaller-diameter reel. In these embodiments, the lifting or lowering bracket 10 for the suspension member 5 is arranged so that the axis of symmetry 22 of the suspension member 5 is separated from the ground by a distance substantially equal to the radius of the reel 40.

[0081] In an embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the suspension member 5 has a free-end section 12 adapted to cooperate with the reel, symmetrical about the axis 13 of movement of the suspension member 5, and with a diameter adapted to allow the free-end section 12 to engage in an axial slot 43 of the reel. In the embodiment shown, the free-end section 12 forms a groove 33 with a radial surface adapted to receive an edge of a recess formed in the center of the flange 41 of the reel and to cooperate with this edge to guide the reel in rotation. In this embodiment shown, the free-end section 12 also forms a disc 17 extending in a plane orthogonal to the axis 22 of symmetry of the suspension member 5, and dimensioned to be applied in contact with a portion of the flange 41 surrounding the slot 43.The disc 17 allows guidance of the reel 40 in rotation during the unwinding of a cable 52 wound on the reel 40. In Figures 4, 5a, 6a and 6b, the suspension member 5 shown is in a position 49 close to the other suspension member 5, so that the tilting of the handling device 1 along the axis 11 of rotation common to the two wheels 4 causes, by leverage effect, an easier lifting of the reel 40 relative to the ground 46.

[0082] An embodiment of a suspension member 5 in a position 48 set apart to allow assembly with a reel 40 is shown in Figure 5b, and an embodiment of a suspension member 5 in a position 49 closer to the suspension members 5 is shown in Figure 5a. According to these embodiments, the suspension member 5 is formed by a sliding metal shaft 53. longitudinally within a guide sleeve 54 for the metal shaft 53. The guide sleeve 54 has a longitudinal groove for guiding a pin integral with the metal shaft 53. The longitudinal groove has a radial extension forming a notch, adapted to receive the pin and lock the metal shaft 53 and the free-end section 12 and, where applicable, the radial surface groove 33, in said position 48 away from the suspension members 5. According to certain embodiments, the metal shaft 53 is elastically returned to said closer position 49 when the metal shaft 53 is released from the notch.

[0083] According to certain embodiments, each wheel 4 is mounted securely to a shaft 3 of the rigid chassis 2 by means of a tab 6 that offsets the axis 11 of rotation of each wheel 4 from the plane 18 of the chassis 2. Furthermore, each suspension member 5 is mounted securely to the chassis 2 by means of a tab 10 that raises or lowers the axis 22 of symmetry of the suspension members 5 and the axis 13 of translational movement of the suspension members 5, said raising or lowering tab 10 being a tab 10 that offsets each of the longitudinal axis 22 of the suspension members 5 and the axis 13 of translational movement of the suspension members 5 from the plane 18 of the chassis 2. The axis 11 of rotation of each wheel 4 is offset in the first half-space 28. The longitudinal axis 22 of the suspension members 5 is displaced in the second half-space 29 opposite the first half-space 28.The tilting of the chassis 2 relative to the axis 11 of rotation of the wheels 4 allows, by leverage effect, an easier lifting of the reel assembled to the handling device 1 by the suspension elements 5 of the handling device 1.

[0084] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1, 3, 4, 7a, 8a, and 9, the offset tabs 6 of the axis 11 of rotation of each wheel 4 relative to the rigid frame 2 are fixed to the shafts 3, in particular welded to the shafts 3, such that, in the assembly position 31, the distal end 25 of at least one of the shafts 3 and the wheels 4 of the handling device 1 resting on the ground, the shafts 3 of the frame 2 are oriented substantially vertically. In the assembly position 31, the lifting or lowering tabs 10 of the suspension members 5 are arranged so that the longitudinal axis 22 of the suspension members 5 is parallel to the ground and at a distance from the ground equal to the radius of the reel. The assembly of the handling device 1 and the reel 40 is thus facilitated.

[0085] According to certain embodiments illustrated in Figures 2, 7a, and 7b, each offset leg 6 from the axis 11 of rotation of each wheel 4 is foldable. Such folding of the offset legs 6 and the folding of the wheels 4 due to the folding of the legs 6 reduces the overall size of the handling device 1 for transport in a motor vehicle or for storage. According to these embodiments, the leg 6 comprises a first portion 21 of the leg 6 fixedly mounted on the frame 3 and a second portion 20 of the leg 6 pivotally mounted relative to the first fixed portion 21 so as to allow each wheel 4 to fold into a plane parallel to the plane 18 of the chassis. In the embodiment shown, the fixed portion 21 and the pivoting portion 20 form a pivot joint 19 with an axis substantially parallel to the extension axis of each frame 3.According to some embodiments, each distancing leg 6 includes a locking / unlocking element 7 for the pivot link 19 at least in a position of the wheels 4 in which the axis 11 of rotation of each wheel 4 extends orthogonally to the median plane of the handling device 1.

[0086] In the assembled state of the handling device 1 and the reel 40 as shown in Figure 8b, the reel 40 is lifted from the ground and supported by the suspension members 5. The suspension members 5 are shaped to support the reel 40 and keep it at a distance from the ground, allowing the reel to rotate and the material wound on it, particularly the cable, to be unwound. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8b, the retractable support leg 23 is in the deployed position 35. In an embodiment not shown, the retractable support leg 23 is in the retracted position 34, and the handling device 1 allows the user 30 to handle the reel 40, as they would with a wheelbarrow.

[0087] In a particular embodiment illustrated in Figure 9, the handling device 1 according to the invention comprises two suspension members 5 receiving a rigid tube, referred to as the adapter tube 14, interposed between the two suspension members 5 and cooperating with them. In this particular embodiment, each suspension member 5 extends within an internal opening of said adapter tube 14 at one of the longitudinal ends of said adapter tube 14. The handling device 1 equipped with said adapter tube 14 allows for the lifting, handling, and unwinding of a narrow reel, in particular a reel whose width is less than the distance separating the free ends of each suspension member 5.

[0088] In an embodiment not shown, the handling device 1 according to the invention includes means for autonomously driving at least one rotating wheel, these drive means comprising an electric motor and an electrical power source mounted on the handling device 1. The evolution of the handling device 1 is facilitated.

[0089] In an embodiment not shown, the handling device 1 according to the invention includes means for autonomously driving at least one rotating wheel and at least one additional wheel allowing autonomous evolution of the handling device.

[0090] In an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 10, the handling device 1 comprises two combinations 100 each carrying the suspension member 5 and the wheel 4, as well as, optionally, a stabilizing wheel 108 and / or the support leg 23.

[0091] Each combination 100 includes a tube 102 onto which are welded two parallel plates 104, 106 which accommodate the suspension element 5, the axis 11 of rotation of the wheel 4, as well as the axis of rotation of the optional stabilizer wheel 108, the latter being disposed between the two plates 104, 106.

[0092] Plates 104, 106 can be made as a folded sheet metal part, or as a machined part, or even as a part from a metal casting.

[0093] In this embodiment, the support 23 with its deployment lever 24 can also be fixed to the tube 102. The support 23 is used to position the handling device 1 in the unwinding position for the material wound on a reel installed on the device 1. In this embodiment, the support 23 is made in the form of a bent tube and comprises a single tubular upright 230 fixed perpendicularly to the tube 102, as well as a cross member 232 for securing it to the tube 102. The cross member 232 can be tubular and, for example, have one end fixed approximately halfway up the tubular upright 230 and a second end fixed approximately halfway up the tube 102.

[0094] Optionally, the piston formed by the shaft 53 of the suspension member 5 can be equipped with ball bearings, making it easier to unwind the material wound on a reel installed on the handling device 1.

[0095] In the embodiment described above, the handling device 1 comprises two combinations 100 and the tube 102 of each combination 100 is fitted onto one of the two stretchers 3 of the chassis 2, as illustrated in Figure 11.

[0096] As Figure 2 shows, each combination 100 is adapted to pivot a quarter turn around the axis of the stretcher 3 so as to take a folded, less bulky position, for example when the handling device 1 is not used to unwind the material wound on a reel installed on the device 1.

Claims

Demands

1. Device (1) for handling a reel and unwinding a material wound on the reel, the handling device (1) comprising a rigid frame (2) comprising two stretchers (3) held apart from each other, and in which; - each stretcher (3) supports a wheel (4), - each wheel (4) is mounted, independently of the other wheel (4), free to rotate relative to the chassis (2) along an axis (11) of rotation common to both wheels (4) and orthogonal to the shafts (3), - each stretcher (3) is equipped with a suspension member (5) arranged to be able to be engaged in an axial slot of the reel, the suspension members (5) being adapted to be able to keep the reel away from the ground so as to allow rotation of the reel on itself around the axis of symmetry of the reel and unwinding of the material wound on the reel.

2. A handling device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that each wheel (4) is mounted on a lug (6) for distancing the axis of rotation of the wheel (4) from a plane (18) passing through the longitudinal axis of each stretcher (3), so that at least one of the wheels (4) and an end, referred to as the distal end (25), longitudinally close to the wheel (4) of at least one of the stretchers (3) allow a balanced and stable support of the handling device (1) on the ground.

3. A handling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the wheels (4) are foldable between a first position of the wheels (4) allowing the handling device (1) to roll and in which the wheels (4) are oriented in two distinct planes parallel to each other and a second position in which the wheels (4) are folded down and extend substantially in the same plane.

4. A handling device (1) according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that each spreading leg (6) is in two parts (20, 21) pivoting relative to each other, about a pivot axis (19) at least substantially parallel to the handles (3), so as to allow the two parts (20, 21) pivoting relative to each other to tilt the other along this pivot axis (19) and a displacement of the wheels (4) between one and the other of said first rolling position and said second folded position of the wheels (4).

5. A handling device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the two pivoting parts (20,21) of each away leg (6) are held locked in said rolling position and / or in said folded position by a locking / unlocking member (7) elastically returned to a locking position in which the two pivoting parts (20,21) are held locked, and unlockable.

6. A handling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each stretcher (3) comprises a longitudinal end section (8) provided with a gripping handle (9), the section (8) provided with the gripping handle (9) being retractable / deployable between a retracted position of the section (8) provided with the gripping handle (9), in which the stretcher (3) has a minimum length and at least one deployed position of the section (8) provided with the gripping handle (9) in which the length of the stretcher (3) is not minimum.

7. A handling device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one of said retracted position and of said deployed position is a locked position, held elastically in the locked position and unlockable.

8. A handling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that each suspension member (5) is mounted movably in displacement about an axis (13) of relative displacement of the suspension members (5), said axis (13) of displacement being parallel to the axis (11) of rotation common to the two wheels (4), each suspension member (5) being mounted movably in displacement between a first position (48) away from the two suspension members (5) in which the reel can be engaged between the two suspension members (5) and a second position close (49) to the two suspension members (5) in which the two suspension members (5) are engaged in the axial slot of the reel.

9. A handling device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that each suspension member (5) comprises: - a free-end section (12) with axial symmetry about the axis (13) of movement of the suspension members (5) and of a diameter adapted to allow engagement of the free-end section (12) in the axial slot of the reel, and - a disc (17) opposite said section (12) with free end and adapted to be applied to a flange of the reel and to guide laterally the rotation of the reel.

10. A handling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that each suspension member (5) has a radial surface groove (33) adapted to receive an edge of a central recess of a reel flange and cooperate with this edge to guide the reel in rotation.

11. A handling device (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that each suspension member (5) is mounted on a leg, called a lifting or lowering leg (10) of the suspension member (5), which is integral with the frame (3), each of said lifting or lowering legs (10) of the suspension member (5) being pivotable relative to the frame (3) supporting the suspension member (5), in a plane orthogonal to the axis (11) of rotation common to the two wheels (4) and so as to allow a lifting or lowering of the axis (13) of longitudinal movement of the suspension member (5) relative to the ground.

12. A handling device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that each of said lifting or lowering legs (10) of the suspension member (5) is pivotable between at least two lifting or lowering positions of the suspension member (5) relative to the ground and relative spacing / combining of the suspension member (5) and the stretcher (3), the at least two lifting or lowering positions of the suspension member (5) relative to the ground being locked positions, held elastically in the locked position, and unlockable.

13. A handling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 characterized in that it comprises a rigid tube, said adapter tube (14), dimensioned to be able to extend transversely relative to the handling device (1), so that at least one longitudinal section of each suspension member (5) can extend into an internal light of said adapter tube (14) at one of the longitudinal ends of said adapter tube (14).

14. Handling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that at least one wheel (4) is equipped with a braking device.

15. A handling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it comprises at least one pedal (15) for tilting the handling device (1) about the axis of rotation common to the two wheels (4), the tilting pedal (15) being mounted integrally with the rigid chassis (2).

16. A handling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the two stretchers (3) of the rigid chassis (2) are kept apart from each other and parallel to each other by at least one rigid cross member, in particular by a rigid platform (16).

17. A handling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that it is dimensioned to be able to cooperate with a reel with a flange diameter between 440 mm and 600 mm.

18. A handling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that it is free from any transverse axle supporting one of the wheels (4) at each of its longitudinal ends.

19. A handling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that it comprises a retractable support leg (23) forming a support for the handling device (1) in a stationary position of the handling device (1) in which the handling device (1) in the stationary position rests solely on the wheel (4) and on the retractable support leg (23), the retractable support leg (23) being in a deployed position.

20. A handling device (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that it comprises a pull tab (24) for deploying the retractable support leg (23) into a retracted position, the pull tab (24) being elastically returned to the locking position of the retractable support leg (23) in said retracted position.

21. Handling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that each wheel (4) has a diameter of value between 350 mm and 400 mm.

22. A handling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that it comprises means for autonomously driving at least one rotating wheel (4), these drive means comprising an electric motor and an electrical power source mounted on the handling device (1).

23. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 22 in combination with claim 11 and claim 22, characterized in that each leg (10) attached to the stretcher (3) includes a cylinder for actuating said leg (10) for raising or lowering the suspension members (5).

24. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises two units (100), each unit (100) comprising a unit tube (102) on which are welded two parallel plates (104, 106) accommodating said suspension member (5) and said axle (11) of rotation of the wheel (4).

25. Device (1) according to claim 24, characterized in that each of said combinations (100) further comprises a stabilizing wheel (108).

26. Device (1) according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that each of said handsets (100) further comprises a kickstand (23) fixed on said handset tube (102a).

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