WO2005021354A1

WO2005021354A1 - Handling device for transporting loads

Info

Publication number: WO2005021354A1
Application number: PCT/IB2003/003893
Authority: WO
Inventors: Luis Coelho; Michel Ballanger
Original assignee: Otis Elevator Co
Current assignee: Otis Elevator Co
Priority date: 2003-08-28
Filing date: 2003-08-28
Publication date: 2005-03-10
Anticipated expiration: 2006-02-28
Also published as: AU2003259459A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a load transport handling device, especially on a site, of simple design and able to transport loads of extremely diverse sizes and shapes. To this effect, it comprises two independent trolleys (2a, 2b), each trolley including a load support element (5) and a traction element(7), and at least one element for retaining (8) the load on the load support elements, said traction element being able to allow lifting up of the load support elements from a position in which the latter are placed under two extremities of the load, said at least one retaining element also joining the trolleys, up to a transport position in which each load support element supporting the load is placed approximately horizontally and at least partially at the top of its respective axle.

Description

HANDLING DEVICE FOR TRANSPORTING LOADS The invention concerns a handling device for transporting loads, especially on a site. Known handling devices, such as pallet trucks or sack trolleys, have the drawback of possessing a limited capacity. In addition, these devices can be difficult to use for transporting large loads or those with an extremely irregular shape. These devices are moreover designed to run on hard surfaces and cannot be used on highly irregular or loose surfaces, such as sites. The invention aims to mitigate these drawbacks by offering a simple handling device able to transport loads of various sizes and shapes. To this effect, the object of the invention concerns a handling device for transporting loads and is characterised in that it comprises : - two independent trolleys, each trolley including at least one axle supporting two wheels and a load support element, and a traction element connected to the axle and directed in a specific direction of the load support element . - at least one retaining element for keeping the load on the load support elements, said traction element being able to allow the lifting up of the load support elements from a position in which the latter are placed under two extremities of the load, said at least one retaining element joining the trolleys, to a transport position in which each load support element supporting the load is placed approximately horizontally and at least partially above its respective axle. The independence of the trolleys thus makes it possible to easily transport large loads. In one embodiment, the load support element of each trolley is mounted at the extremity of arms integral with the axle and extending approximately perpendicular to the axle. This arrangement makes it possible to increase the lever effect exerted by the traction element. In another embodiment, at least one of the trolleys includes an axle provided with a directional system joining said load support element to the axle so as to allow rotation of the load support element around an axis approximately perpendicular to the axle. The transport device obtained thus possesses great manoeuvrability. More particularly, the trolley can then be provided with means for locking the directional system in rotation. In one variant, at least one of the trolleys includes a load support element mounted pivoting around an axis approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the load support element. This pivoting facilitates loading of the load. More particularly, said trolley can be provided with means for locking the load support element in rotation. Here, the locking means include stops able to cooperate with the axle, especially with its portion supporting the load support element, so as to prevent rotation of the latter towards the ground in a transport position. In one variant, at least one trolley includes as a load support element a plate having the shape of a square forming support and rear surfaces, the opening of the square being directed in a direction distinct from the traction element. In one variant, at least one of the trolleys includes a traction element joined to the axle around an axis parallel to the latter, said trolley being able to be provided with means for locking the traction element in rotation. In one variant, at least one of the trolleys has a movable traction element, a support for the traction element integral with the axle and means of fastening for fixing the traction element on its support. Various traction means can then be used to manually pull the loaded device or have this done by a vehicle. Advantageously, at least one of the trolleys has a braking system of at least one wheel. Advantageously, at least one trolley is provided with pneumatic tired wheels. These wheels make it possible to easily move the device on uneven terrains for example, a site. Advantageously, at least one trolley comprises means for fixing at least one retaining element so as to avoid the latter sliding during movement of the device. The invention is described hereafter with reference to the accompanying non-restrictive drawings on which : - figure 1 is a perspective view of a device supporting a load according to the invention, - figure 2a is a perspective view of a trolley forming part of the device of figure 1, - figure 2b is a partial longitudinal cutaway view of the trolley of figure 2a, - figure 3a is a top view of the axle of a trolley of the device according to the invention, - figure 3b is a side view of the axle of figure 3a, - figure 4 is a perspective view of an axle of a trolley fitted with a braking device, - figure 5 is a cutaway view of an axle provided with a braking device, - figure 6 is a perspective view of a directional system of a trolley according to the invention, - figure 7 is a cutaway view of the rear face of the plate of a trolley, - figure 8 is a cutaway view of the plate of figure 7 along the line B-B, - figures 9a to 9e represent the stages for placing a load on a device according to the invention. Figure 1 represents a device 1 according to the invention and supporting a load C. The device 1 includes two trolleys 2a, 2b each supporting one extremity of the load. Each trolley 2a, 2b includes an axle 3 supporting two wheels 4, a load support plate 5, a lever support 6 directed from the side opposite the plate, and a lever 7 forming a traction element able to lift up the plate. Retaining means 8 are able to join the load to the plates and the trolleys between them. A trolley 2a is described in detail with reference to figures 2 to 8. The axle 3 has a spindle 10 fixed to hubs 11 at its at the extremities, said hubs 11 supporting the wheels 4 (figures 3a and 5) . The spindle 10 with a square section (figure 3b) has on one of its faces and approximately at its middle a lever support 6. This lever support can form one element with the axle or even be fixed to the latter. The support 6 is formed of a fork having two arms 12 each extending into a plane perpendicular to the axle. The arms 12 of the fork extend in a direction D slanted by an angle α with respect to normal at the face supporting them. Level with the support 6, the adjacent face of the spindle 10 is provided with a bore 13 whose axis X extends approximately perpendicularly with respect to the axle and said face. This bore is preferably situated at the centre of the spindle 10. The arms 12 of the fork are embodied slanted in the direction of this axis X. Of course, the spindle 10 can have a cross-section with a different shape . The axle 3 shown on figures 2, 4 and 5 includes a braking system 15. This system includes a bar 16 supported by the lever support 6 and by two arms 17 integral with the extremities of the spindle 10 of the axle. The arms 17 can form one element with the spindle 10 or even be fixed to the latter. The bar 16 is mounted in rotation in the arms 17 and in the arms 12 of the support 6 so as to extend parallel to the axle at a distance from the latter slightly greater than the radius of a wheel 4 (figure 5) . Brake blocks 18 integral with the extremities of the bar 16 are situated approximately above the wheels 4 (figures 2a and 5) . At the level of the lever support 6, the bar 16 has the shape of an arch 19 passing round the latter and cooperating with the lever 7 so that a predetermined rotation of the lever provokes the rotation of the bar around its axis and the contact of the blocks with the wheels . In the example, a sheath 20 able to receive the extremity of the lever 7 is mounted rotating between the arms 12 of the support 6 around a spindle 21 extending parallel to the spindle 10 of the axle (figures 4, 5). The spindle 21 is mounted in corresponding bores 22 traversing the arms 12 of the support β (figures 3a, 3b) . On its upper face, the sheath 20 includes a sleeve 23 with an axis parallel to the axis of the axle in which the arch 19 of the bar 16 is placed. Thus, the rotation of the lever 7 and thus of the sheath 20 provokes the movement of the arch 19 and the rotation of the bar 16. The blocks 18 are mounted so that when the sheath 20 is inside the alignment of the support 6, the blocks are situated at a distance from the wheels 4 or are level with them (figures 2 and 5) . Thus, during rotation of the bar 16 brought about by the rotation of the sheath 20, the blocks 18 enter into contact with the wheels 4. A locking pin 24 can be provided so as to lock rotation of the sheath 20. This pin 24 with an axis parallel to the axle traverses for example corresponding orifices 25 provided in the arms 12 of the support (figure 3a) and the sheath 20 (figure 5) . The sheath can then be locked in a position in which the pin 24 traverses the sheath and the support 6 corresponding, for example, to a no braking position. This pin 24 makes it possible to tilt the plate and lift up the load by means of the lever 7. The structure of the braking system and in particular the presence of the arch 19 has the effect of limiting rotation of the lever upwards or towards the ground. In the absence of this braking system, it is possible to provide other means for locking rotation of the lever or to provide it fixed, for example by designing the support 6 as a sheath. The trolley 2a shown on figures 2a and 2b has an axle provided with a directional system 26 permitting rotation of the plate 5 around the axis X described earlier. This system is shown on figure 6. It possesses a frame 26 having the approximate shape of a ϋ . The arms 27 of the U support the plate 5 at their free extremity. The base of the U 28 comprises at its middle on the side opposite the arms 27 a swivel pin 29. This swivel pin 29 is intended to be mounted pivoting in the bore 13 of the axis X of the axle. A spindle 30 sliding in a sleeve 31 integral with the base 28 is provided so as to be able to lock the directional system 26 in rotation. To this effect, this spindle extends in a direction parallel to the axis X of the swivel pin 29, and a sleeve 32 extending in the same direction is provided on the spindle 10 of the axle opposite the sleeve 31 (figure 3a) . When the spindle 30 traverses the two sleeves 31, 32, the directional system is locked, the base 28 and the spindle 10 extending in the same direction (figure 2a). The plate 5 having the shape of a square possesses a support surface 33 and a rear surface 34. The rear surface 34 includes on the side opposite the surface 33 but close to the latter, brackets 35 extending perpendicularly to the surface 34 (figures 7, 8). Orifices 36 and 37, respectively traversing the brackets 35 and the upper extremities of the arms 27 of the directional system, make it possible to mount in rotation the brackets 35 on the arms 27 by using screw/nut systems (figures 2a, 2b) . One of these nuts can be a brake nut. So as to provide increased stability of the loaded device, the arms 27 of the directional system are preferably secured to the side of the base 28 directed towards the lever 7 (figure 2b) . Thus, with the base 28 being placed above the spindle 10 of the axle, from here the mounting of the swivel pin 29 (figures 2a, 2b) the offset position of the arms 27 makes it possible to place the rear surface 34 of the plate approximately above the spindle 10 and preferably standing back between the spindle 10 and the lever 7. An element for locking the plate can be provided on one of the brackets 35. In the example, a bracket 35 includes below the orifice 36 an orifice 39 (figure 8) able to receive a sliding spindle 40 (figures 2a, 2b) and the arm 27 has a corresponding bore 41 (figure 6) intended to receive the spindle 40 when the rear surface 34 extends approximately in the same direction as the arms 27 or nearby (figures 2a, 2b) . Square reinforcements 42 can be provided to strengthen the plate 5 (figures 7 and 8). These reinforcements are preferably placed at the height of the brackets 35 and the arms 27 so that they are able to stop against the arms 27 (figure 2b) when the support surface 33 of the plate is approximately perpendicular to the arms 27. This arrangement makes it possible to limit rotation of the plate in the direction of the ground. An anti-skid device on the top of the support surface 33 avoids sliding of the load placed on the plate 5 (figures 2 and 8) . The rear surface 34 of the plate has attachment means 44 for attaching the retaining means 8. In the example, the retaining means used are straps 8 which are slid into loops or rods 44 (figures 2 and 7) and which can be rendered taut by tension devices (not shown) . A stop 45 projecting vertically can be secured to the side of the spindle 10 close to the bore 13. This makes it possible to limit rotation of the base 28 of the directional system 26 with respect to the axle 3 so as to avoid an excessive rotation of the axle 3 with respect to the load C which would cause the latter to become unstable. The use of the device of the invention is described with reference to the diagrammatic figures 9a to 9e . To provide more clarity, the references have not been shown on all the figures. The two trolleys 2a and 2b are placed on each side of the load C to be transported placed on the ground, the support surface 33 of the plate being slid under the load until the latter comes into contact with the rear surfaces 34 of the plate (figure 9a) . So as to facilitate this operation, the directional systems of the plates are locked, but the rotation of the plates with respect to the arms 27 is unlocked. In addition, so as to be able to slant the plates 5 sufficiently towards the ground so as to slide them under the load, the levers 7 are raised, their rotation being limited by the pin 24 traversing the holes 25 and the sheath 20, and the arch 19 of the braking system simultaneously provokes braking of the wheels. With the plates 5 slid under the load C, the straps 8 are then tightened around the load C and fixed to the trolleys. Then, via exerting pressure on the levers 7 in the direction of the ground, the plates 5 are lifted up (figure 9b) until their support surface is approximately horizontal and partly situated above the axle, the support arms 27 of the plate being brought approximately above the axle (figure 9c) . The length of the arms 27 supporting the plate and the angle (90°-α) they form with the lever 7 make it possible to obtain a significant lever effect and relatively easily lift up extremely heavy loads. In the lifted up position, the weight of the load C and the position of the plate partly above the axle, stabilise the device, each extremity of the load being in fact placed on the other side of the corresponding axle. Once the load is lifted up, the straps are tightened so as to avoid any movement of the load C and the directional system(s) is/are unlocked, whereas each plate is locked in rotation with the aid of the spindle 40

(figure 9d) . One of the two levers 7 can be removed from its support (the sheath is then locked in a no braking position by the pin 24) and the device can be pushed or pulled in the desired direction by using the other lever 7 joined to the sheath 20 by the pin 24 placed in a hole 46 situated on the top of the sheath and traversing the sheath and the lever (figure 9e) . The unlocking of one or the two directional systems makes it possible to easily direct the load. By equipping the trolleys with pneumatic wheels 4, the device and its load can be moved over irregular terrain, for example on a site. As the trolleys 2a, 2b forming the device are independent, loads of extremely variable dimensions and especially long loads can be easily transported. Moreover, the width of each trolley (length of the axle 3, wheels 4 included) can be selected smaller than the width of a door (such as about 70 cm) so as to be able to pass through a door. The device of the invention can then be advantageously used for elevator installation sites in which extremely diverse loads, such as rails, the booth and the motorisation system, can be moved and introduced into buildings. The device of the invention can be used with two identical trolleys or even with two trolleys where only one of said trolleys is provided with a directional system and/or a braking system. In the absence of any directional system, the arms 27 supporting the plate 5 are fixed directly on the spindle 10 of the axle of the trolley and preferably on the side of the axle directed towards the lever to improve stability. The braking systems and the locking means have the advantage of being simple and being able to be easily and quickly manoeuvred. Of course, the invention is not limited to the braking systems or locking means described. In the example described, the traction element is a lever 7 and can sometimes be replaced by a trailer fastener, possibly sufficiently long enough to act as a lever, making it possible after loading to attach the device to a motorised vehicle so as to pull it. In the example described, the load support element is a plate 33 but can be replaced by another system able to be adapted to the load (fork, spindle, etc) and be interchangeable .

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Handling device for transporting loads, characterised in that it comprises: - two independent trolleys (2a, 2b) , each trolley including at least one axle (3) supporting two wheels (4) and a load support element (5), and a traction element (7) connected to the axle and directed in a separate direction from the load support element, - at least one retaining element (8) for keeping the load on the load support elements, said traction element being able to allow the lifting up of the load support elements from a position in which the latter are placed under two extremities of the load with said at least one retaining element also joining the trolleys, up to a transport position in which each load support element supporting the load is placed approximately horizontally and at least partially above its respective axle.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the load support element of each trolley is mounted at the extremity of arms (27) integral with the axle and extending approximately perpendicular to the axle.

3. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that at least one of the trolleys includes an axle provided with a directional system (26) joining said load support element (5) to the axle so as to allow rotation of the load support element around an axis (X) approximately perpendicular to the axle.

4. Device according to claim 3, characterised in that the directional system includes a frame with the approximate shape of a U, the arms (27) of the U supporting said load support element at their extremity, the base (28) of the U comprising at its middle opposite the arms (27) a swivel pin (29) mounted pivoting on the axle approximately at the middle of the latter.

5. Device according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that said trolley is provided with means (45, 30, 31, 32) for locking the directional system (27) in rotation.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one of the trolleys includes a load support element mounted pivoting around an axis approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the load support element.

7. Device according to claim 6, characterised in that said trolley is provided with means (39, 40, 41) for locking the load support element in rotation.

8. Device according to claim 7, characterised in that said locking means include stops (42) able to cooperate with the axle so as to prevent rotation of the load support element towards the ground in the transport position.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one trolley includes a load support element having a support surface (33) covered with an anti-skid device.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one trolley includes as a load support element a plate having the shape of a square forming support (33) and rear (34) surfaces, the opening of the square being directed in a direction separate from the traction element (7).

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one of the trolleys includes a traction element (7) joined to the axle around a spindle parallel to the latter.

12. Device according to claim 11, characterised in that said trolley is provided with means (24, 25) for locking rotation the traction element with respect to the axle .

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one of the trolleys has a movable traction element, a traction element support (6) integral with the axle and an element for fixing the traction element (21, 22) to its support (6).

14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one of the trolleys has a system (15) for braking at least one wheel.

15. Device according to claim 14 when it is dependent' on claims 11 or 12, characterised in that the braking system includes: - a bar (16) mounted in rotation on and supported by the axle and two arms (17) integral with the extremities of the axle, said bar being mounted parallel to the axle and at a distance from the latter slightly larger than the radius of a wheel (4), and - brake blocks (18) integral with the extremities of the bar and situated above the wheels, the bar comprising at the level of its link with the axle an arch form (19) surrounding said axle and cooperating with the traction element (7) so that a predetermined rotation of the traction element with respect to the axle provokes the rotation of the bar and the contact of the blocks on the wheels.

16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one trolley is provided with wheels with pneumatic tires.

17. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it includes means for fixing at least one said retaining element on at least one trolley and/or at least one retaining element constituted by a strap.

18. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the width of the trolleys is less than the width of a door.