EP2280901B1 - Equipment for handling packs of tyres - Google Patents

Equipment for handling packs of tyres Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2280901B1
EP2280901B1 EP20090734541 EP09734541A EP2280901B1 EP 2280901 B1 EP2280901 B1 EP 2280901B1 EP 20090734541 EP20090734541 EP 20090734541 EP 09734541 A EP09734541 A EP 09734541A EP 2280901 B1 EP2280901 B1 EP 2280901B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pack
carriage
handling device
inclinable
feet
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP20090734541
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2280901A1 (en
Inventor
Etienne Rolland
Philippe Petrault
Bernard Defudes
Serge Lapierre
Sylvain Soboul
Damien Loussouarn
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Michelin Recherche et Technique SA Switzerland
Michelin Recherche et Technique SA France
Societe de Technologie Michelin SAS
Original Assignee
Michelin Recherche et Technique SA Switzerland
Michelin Recherche et Technique SA France
Societe de Technologie Michelin SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Michelin Recherche et Technique SA Switzerland, Michelin Recherche et Technique SA France, Societe de Technologie Michelin SAS filed Critical Michelin Recherche et Technique SA Switzerland
Publication of EP2280901A1 publication Critical patent/EP2280901A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2280901B1 publication Critical patent/EP2280901B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66F—HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD
    • B66F9/00—Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes
    • B66F9/06—Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
    • B66F9/075—Constructional features or details
    • B66F9/12—Platforms; Forks; Other load supporting or gripping members
    • B66F9/16—Platforms; Forks; Other load supporting or gripping members inclinable relative to mast
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66F—HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD
    • B66F9/00—Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes
    • B66F9/06—Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
    • B66F9/075—Constructional features or details
    • B66F9/12—Platforms; Forks; Other load supporting or gripping members
    • B66F9/18—Load gripping or retaining means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66F—HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD
    • B66F9/00—Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes
    • B66F9/06—Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
    • B66F9/075—Constructional features or details
    • B66F9/12—Platforms; Forks; Other load supporting or gripping members
    • B66F9/18—Load gripping or retaining means
    • B66F9/181—Load gripping or retaining means by suction means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66F—HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD
    • B66F9/00—Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes
    • B66F9/06—Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
    • B66F9/075—Constructional features or details
    • B66F9/12—Platforms; Forks; Other load supporting or gripping members
    • B66F9/19—Additional means for facilitating unloading
    • B66F9/195—Additional means for facilitating unloading for pushing the load

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the field of handling, and more particularly to the field of tire handling for the equipment of tourist vehicles.
  • a widely used solution is to use pallets specially sized to receive envelopes of various sizes and diameters.
  • a palette commonly used in storage magazines is described in the application US 5,259,325 in which the envelopes are stored in stack or roll.
  • Pallets of this type have the advantage of constituting homogeneous batches of envelopes, of being able to be arranged on top of one another over great heights, of being able to be handled by mechanical means of the forklift type, and of offer good protection of the envelopes against external aggression. On the other hand, they are less suitable for transport, particularly on long journeys, because of the small number of tires they contain, and the management of the return of empty pallets.
  • a first method is, for example, to make piles of tires, then to pack them in a plastic film to make them integral, so as to constitute homogeneous lots easier to handle.
  • the pack pack has a structural rigidity such that it does not deform when it is grasped by its lower part by the two forks of a conventional forklift.
  • the invention aims to provide a specific handling device, adaptable to any type of lifting and transport means such as a forklift conventional.
  • This handling device is particularly designed for the handling of tire packs formed by a stack of tires held in compression by a continuous band, substantially airtight, covering the entire surface of the pack, and wound under tension around said pack so as to form a vertical face generally free of asperities, and constitute an assembly adapted to be gripped by said handling device.
  • This handling device includes a tilting deck.
  • This apron is extended by at least two feet, oriented towards the front of the deck, integral with the deck, and at the end of which is disposed a hinge permitting the inclination of said deck around a horizontal axis, from a substantially vertical position to an inclined position forming a given angle ⁇ with the vertical direction.
  • Such a device is disclosed by the document JP 10,310,393 .
  • This handling device is characterized in that said apron comprises a plurality of suction cups for applying the vertical face of the tire pack against the front face of the apron.
  • front and rear is meant the position directed towards the front or rear of the vehicle equipped with the handling device according to the invention.
  • This particular arrangement makes it possible to press the load formed by the tire pack against the front face of the tilting apron.
  • the load By tilting the apron by an angle ⁇ , the load is forced to tilt around the end of the feet, so that the pack, by the leverage generated by the feet, takes off slightly from the ground.
  • the pack then rests on the suction cups and on the front surfaces of the feet, which surfaces are inclined at an angle ⁇ + ⁇ relative to the vertical direction.
  • the frictional forces between the pack surface and the front surfaces of the feet, as well as the plating force exerted by said application means on which shear force is exerted, are sufficient to hold the tire pack in its seat. position.
  • the angle ⁇ of inclination of the deck plus the angle ⁇ of the feet relative to the vertical is greater than 90 ° so as to prevent any movement of the load towards the front of the device. handling.
  • the Figures 1 and 2 represent a tire pack k intended to be handled using a device according to the invention.
  • the general characteristics of the pack are described in the table below and vary between minimum and maximum values depending on the size of the tires that are to be conditioned.
  • the strips used to hold the tire batch in compression are made from a weldable material, such as a stretch film of high or low density polyethylene, abbreviated as LDPE or HDPE.
  • LDPE high or low density polyethylene
  • the thickness of the strip can vary from 20 to 80 ⁇ m, and its width can vary from 150 to 600 mm.
  • the web is important for the web to be tensile resistant to support the forces imposed by the compression tires.
  • the compressive force is adjusted so that the batch thus conditioned can constitute a set sufficiently rigid to be handled using handling means such as the subject of the present invention.
  • handling means such as the subject of the present invention.
  • one will choose a slightly thicker strip, so as to avoid deterioration of the strips by the suction cups, during handling of the pack with the aid of said handling device.
  • the pack has vertical surfaces generally free of roughness, and substantially airtight, so that the action of the suction cups can be exercised properly.
  • the handling device illustrated by the Figures 3 and 4 comprises a tilting deck 2, extending by at least two feet 21 and 22 integral with the deck 2.
  • the feet are oriented towards the front of the tilting deck 2, and form with the latter an angle ⁇ .
  • the number of feet is not limiting, and must be determined according to the congestion rules to be respected at the time of the design of the device. However, for reasons of balance of the load it is necessary to provide at least two feet.
  • Each of the feet 21, 22 is mounted on a rigid support frame 11 by means of a connecting rod 3.
  • the two ends of each of the links 3 are connected to the frame 11 by an articulation of horizontal axis AA 'on the one hand, and at the end of a foot (21, 22) via the hinge BB' of horizontal axis on the other hand , so that the tilting apron 2 can swing backwards, about the axis BB 'or the axis AA', under the action of jacks 20, from an angular position, relative to the vertical direction , a zero angle as illustrated in figure 3 , or slightly negative, to a position inclined towards the rear by an angle ⁇ relative to the vertical direction, as illustrated in FIG. figure 7 or at figure 8 .
  • the jack 20 is connected to the frame 11 by means of an articulation of horizontal axis EE 'and to the deck 2 by means of an articulation of horizontal axis DD'.
  • the device as illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of the invention comprises two jacks 20, arranged laterally on either side of the frame 11.
  • the value of the angle ⁇ may usefully be between 30 ° and 60 °, and must be determined according to the maximum inclination ⁇ of the deck, so that the sum of the angles ⁇ and ⁇ is greater than 90 °.
  • a value that is too small decreases the value of the threshold at which the pack starts to slide, but a value that is too high increases the punching effect of the foot in the tires forming the pack when the foot exerts its lever function.
  • a value of the angle ⁇ between 20 ° and 45 ° seems to be a satisfactory compromise, taking into account the average sliding coefficients observed between the surface of the pack (formed by the holding strips) and the front surface of the feet (21, 22). As a refinement, it is possible to coat the front of the feet with a non-slip material.
  • the maximum value of the angle ⁇ is determined experimentally, and can usefully be between 45 ° and 70 °. A higher value, however, better stabilizes the load on the frame 11 when the carriage moves.
  • the support frame 11 of the handling device illustrated in FIGS. Figures 3 and 4 slides vertically on the mast of a forklift FL under the action of a raising and lowering means (not shown).
  • the simplified embodiment, but not limiting, said chassis 11 is that of a triangle of which one of the sides is secured to the mat 11.
  • the inclination of the upper side of the chassis relative to the vertical direction substantially determines the maximum angle of inclination ⁇ of the deck on the undercarriage 11 .
  • a retractable bead 4 of concave shape is disposed on the frame 11. Under the action of a jack 40, said retractable bead 4 extends in a substantially curvilinear path, from a retracted position, as illustrated in FIG. figure 3 to an advanced position in which said retractable bead 4 extends under all or part of the width p of the tire pack, so as to increase the securing of the load, as illustrated in FIG. figure 9 .
  • the jack 40 is connected to the frame 11 by means of an articulated connection of horizontal axis EE ', and to the retractable heel 4 by another articulated connection of horizontal axis (not shown).
  • the retractable heel 4 is equipped with lateral guides 41, 42, sliding in slides 43, 44, arranged on the lateral faces of the frame 11.
  • the tilting apron 2 pivots by an angle ⁇ 1 about the axis BB 'until it comes to bear against a stop 31 disposed on the link 3.
  • the assembly constituted by the apron and the rod 3 pivots in a second time about the axis AA 'until it comes to the limit of travel by making an angle ⁇ 2 with the vertical direction, as this is illustrated by the figures 7 and 8 .
  • the advantage of this additional angular movement is to clear the space between the floor and the lower part of the foot by a height e, so that the retractable heel 4 can unfold freely without the risk of hitting the lower part of the pack k.
  • the height e is of the order of ten centimeters.
  • the suction cups 20 are arranged on the front face of the tilting apron 2. These suction cups are connected to a vacuum source (not shown).
  • the suction cups are mounted on a frame 25.
  • the frame 25 is mounted on a set of bearings 27 so as to be vertically movable relative to the tilting deck 2 under the action of a jack 26.
  • This particular arrangement is of interest to allow an adjustment in height of the suction cups 28 according to the height h of the pack to be handled.
  • by regulating the pressure in the jack 26, for example by using a gas cylinder it is possible to impart a degree of flexibility in the vertical direction to the mobile frame supporting the suction cups. to dampen the shear forces exerted by the load on the suction cups in order to avoid the release of the tire pack in case of sudden maneuver.
  • the number of suction cups must be adapted to the surface and weight of the load to be handled. In practice, when the surface to be gripped has some irregularities, it is advisable to provide a large number of suction cups so as to overcome the case in which one or more suction cups have an unhealthy vacuum intake on the surface of the pack.
  • suction cups deformable in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the tilting deck 2, so that the application of said suction pads on the rear face of the tire pack does not suffer light irregularities in the surface of said face, related to the shape and the particular arrangement of the tires that make up the pack.
  • the joints of axis BB ' are located in the same plane ⁇ as the front faces of the suction cups 20 so as to facilitate docking of the deck 2 relative to the load k to enter.
  • FIGS. 5 to 10 illustrate the different stages of installation of the tire pack on a forklift FL equipped with a handling device according to the invention.
  • a first step illustrated in figure 5 , The tilting apron 2 is lowered until the feet 21, 22 are in contact with the ground and then the tilting deck 2 is placed in the vertical position.
  • the forklift is approached pack k until the suction cups 20 come into contact with the rear face of said pack.
  • the feet 21, 22 also come into contact with the lower edge of the pack. So as to promote the placement of the feet against said lower edge, it is possible to tilt the deck around the BB axis joint 'of a slightly negative angle ⁇ 3 , by actuating the cylinder 20 as shown to the figure 6 . In practice, good results are obtained for a ⁇ 3 angle having a value of about -10 ° relative to the vertical direction.
  • the next step is to empty the inside of the suction cups, in order to press the rear face of the tire pack k against the tilting apron 2.
  • the figure 7 illustrates the step during which, under the action of the jack 20, the apron 2 is inclined around the axis joint BB '.
  • the pack k pivots around the end of the feet 21 and 22, which act as a lever to take off the load from the ground.
  • the pack k is then held by the suction cups and rests on the front face of the feet 21 and 22. It can be appreciated, at this stage, the need to choose a material forming the band holding the pack in compression that is strong enough to withstand the Shear forces imposed by the weight of the pack on the suction cups adhering to said band.
  • the figures 7 illustrates the tilting movement of the deck 2 under the action of the cylinder 20, until the load is inclined relative to the vertical direction of an angle ⁇ 1 .
  • the figure 8 illustrates the additional tilting up to the angle ⁇ 2 , during which it frees the space between the ground and the feet 21 and 22. The release of this space allows the exit of the retractable heel 4 under the action of the cylinder 40 , as illustrated in figure 9 .
  • the pack is then firmly held by the feet 21 and 22 which are at an angle greater than 90 ° with the vertical direction and the retractable heel 4. In this configuration, it would be possible, to save energy, to release the vacuum to the inside of the suction cups 20.
  • the frame 11 Before moving, the frame 11 is moved up along the telescopic mast 1, as shown in FIG. figure 10 .
  • the number of tires making up the pack is relatively variable, but it is generally arranged so that its dimensions are adapted to the load a truck or container in which the transport takes place. For this purpose, it is possible to place two packs one on the other, and to have as many rows thus formed along the length of a trailer or a standard container to occupy the best interior space. It will be observed that the device according to the invention is particularly well suited to perform these loading or unloading operations in a small space. Indeed, it is not necessary to provide specific clearance spaces on each side of the side or upper sides of the load and it is therefore possible to introduce the pack in a means of transport or packaging whose width and height are approximately multiples of the width and height of the pack.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Forklifts And Lifting Vehicles (AREA)
  • Warehouses Or Storage Devices (AREA)
  • Handcart (AREA)
  • Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)
  • Container Filling Or Packaging Operations (AREA)
  • Packaging Of Special Articles (AREA)
  • Tyre Moulding (AREA)
  • Loading Or Unloading Of Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

A handling device intended to grasp and to carry a pack (k) formed by a stack of tires maintained in compression by a continuous, substantially airtight band covering the entire surface of the pack (k) and wound under tension around the pack (k) so as to constitute a unit of which the vertical faces are generally devoid of roughness and which can be grasped by the handling device, comprising an inclinable carriage (2) extended by at least two feet (21, 22) oriented toward the front of the inclinable carriage (2) and secured to the carriage (2), at the end of which feet is arranged an articulation of horizontal axis (BB′) allowing the inclination of the carriage (2) from a substantially vertical position to an inclination forming a given angle (β) with the vertical direction, wherein the carriage (2) comprises a plurality of suction cups (20) intended to apply a vertical face of the pack of tires (k) against the front face of the inclinable carriage (2).

Description

L'invention concerne le domaine de la manutention, et plus particulièrement le domaine de la manutention des pneumatiques destinés à l'équipement des véhicules de tourismes.The invention relates to the field of handling, and more particularly to the field of tire handling for the equipment of tourist vehicles.

La recherche incessante de gains de productivité, doublée d'un souci constant d'améliorer les conditions de travail des opérateurs du domaine de la manutention, a conduit les différents acteurs du secteur industriel concerné, à optimiser la chaîne logistique en agissant sur les conditions de stockage en magasins industriels, sur le transport, sur les opérations de chargement et de déchargement, ainsi que sur la réalisation de lots facilement identifiables et déplaçables au gré des besoins de livraison ou d'optimisation des surfaces de stockage, tout en préservant l'intégrité des enveloppes.The constant search for productivity gains, coupled with a constant concern to improve the working conditions of the operators in the field of handling, led the various actors of the industrial sector concerned, to optimize the supply chain by acting on the conditions of storage in industrial warehouses, on transport, on loading and unloading operations, as well as on the production of lots that are easily identifiable and movable according to the needs of delivery or optimization of storage areas, while preserving the integrity envelopes.

Une solution largement employée, consiste à utiliser des palettes spécialement dimensionnées pour pouvoir recevoir des enveloppes de dimensions et de diamètres variés. A titre d'exemple, une palette couramment utilisée dans les magasins de stockage est décrite dans l'application US 5 259 325 , dans laquelle les enveloppes sont stockées en pile ou en rouleau.A widely used solution is to use pallets specially sized to receive envelopes of various sizes and diameters. As an example, a palette commonly used in storage magazines is described in the application US 5,259,325 in which the envelopes are stored in stack or roll.

Des palettes de ce type présentent l'avantage de constituer des lots homogènes d'enveloppes, de pouvoir être disposées les unes sur les autres sur de grandes hauteurs, de pouvoir être manipulées par des moyens mécaniques du type chariot élévateur à fourche, et d'offrir une bonne protection des enveloppes contre les agressions externes. Elles sont en revanche moins adaptées au transport, en particulier sur des longs parcours, en raison du faible nombre de pneumatiques qu'elles contiennent, et de la gestion du retour des palettes vides.Pallets of this type have the advantage of constituting homogeneous batches of envelopes, of being able to be arranged on top of one another over great heights, of being able to be handled by mechanical means of the forklift type, and of offer good protection of the envelopes against external aggression. On the other hand, they are less suitable for transport, particularly on long journeys, because of the small number of tires they contain, and the management of the return of empty pallets.

Pour le transport sur de longues distances, on cherchera à réunir le plus grand nombre d'enveloppes dans un volume donné, qui peut être indifféremment une remorque de camion, un container maritime ou encore un wagon de chemin de fer. Une solution couramment utilisée consiste à disposer les enveloppes les unes sur les autres avec un arrangement particulier dit en «arête de poisson» ou encore en «chaîne», et de mettre le volume ainsi constitué en compression, de manière à optimiser le chargement. Cette méthode est décrite, à titre d'exemple, dans le brevet US 5 092 106 .For transport over long distances, we will seek to gather the largest number of envelopes in a given volume, which can be indifferently a truck trailer, a shipping container or a rail car. A solution commonly used is to arrange the envelopes on each other with a particular arrangement said "fishbone" or "chain", and put the volume thus formed in compression, so as to optimize loading. This method is described by way of example in the patent US 5,092,106 .

Très efficace pour optimiser le volume à charger, cette dernière méthode présente néanmoins l'inconvénient de devoir être mise en oeuvre en partie manuellement, ce qui est un facteur limitatif en terme de coûts, d'ergonomie, d'intégrité des lots ou encore de magasinage.Very effective in optimizing the volume to be loaded, the latter method nevertheless has the disadvantage of having to be implemented partly manually, which is a limiting factor in terms of costs, ergonomics, batch integrity or even shopping.

Aussi, il a été proposé des méthodes de conditionnement des pneumatiques qui, tout en réduisant l'encombrement, permettent de manipuler des lots compacts.Also, it has been proposed tire conditioning methods which, while reducing the size, allow handling compact lots.

Une première méthode consiste, par exemple, à réaliser des piles de pneumatiques, puis à les emballer dans un film plastique afin de les rendre solidaires, de manière à constituer des lots homogènes plus facile à manutentionner.A first method is, for example, to make piles of tires, then to pack them in a plastic film to make them integral, so as to constitute homogeneous lots easier to handle.

Une autre solution, décrite dans la publication FR 2 243 115 ou encore dans la publication EP 1 671 883 de la demanderesse, consiste à empiler les pneumatiques selon un arrangement dit en « arête de poisson », puis à comprimer le lot, et à l'immobiliser à l'aide d'un moyen de contention tel que des bandes, des liens, des filets, des toiles d'emballage ou encore des feuilles résistant à la traction, dans le but de maintenir le pack ainsi constitué dans son état comprimé en s'opposant à une détente élastique des pneumatiques.Another solution, described in the publication FR 2 243 115 or in the publication EP 1 671 883 of the applicant is to stack the tires in an arrangement called "fishbone", then to compress the lot, and to immobilize it with the aid of a means of contention such as bands, links, threads, packaging webs or sheets resistant to traction, in order to maintain the pack thus formed in its compressed state by opposing an elastic expansion of the tires.

Ce procédé permet d'obtenir des unités de conditionnement autonomes, suffisamment rigides et pouvant être manipulées directement à l'aide d'un chariot élévateur à fourche conventionnel sans qu'il soit nécessaire de disposer préalablement le lot sur une palette. Le pack conditionné est doté d'une rigidité structurelle telle, qu'il ne se déforme pas lorsqu'il est saisi par sa partie inférieure par les deux fourches d'un chariot élévateur conventionnel.This method makes it possible to obtain autonomous packaging units which are sufficiently rigid and can be handled directly using a conventional forklift truck without the need to first arrange the batch on a pallet. The pack pack has a structural rigidity such that it does not deform when it is grasped by its lower part by the two forks of a conventional forklift.

La publication EP 1 671 883 propose en outre des arrangements particuliers dans le but de permettre l'introduction des fourches d'un chariot élévateur directement sous la charge, en ménageant des espaces libres entre les pneumatiques formant la première couche de la pile.The publication EP 1 671 883 In addition, special arrangements are proposed for allowing the forklift forks to be inserted directly under the load, leaving free spaces between the tires forming the first layer of the stack.

Il s'avère toutefois, à la pratique, que ces arrangements ne sont pas totalement satisfaisants, en ce qu'ils nuissent à la rigidité du pack d'une part et qu'ils fragilisent les enveloppes disposées sur la zone de portage des fourches d'autre part.However, it turns out, in practice, that these arrangements are not completely satisfactory, in that they affect the rigidity of the pack on the one hand and they weaken the envelopes arranged on the carrying area of the forks d 'somewhere else.

L'invention a pour objet de proposer un dispositif de manutention spécifique, adaptable sur n'importe quel type de moyen de levage et de transport tel qu'un chariot élévateur à fourche conventionnel. Ce dispositif de manutention est particulièrement conçu pour la manutention des packs de pneumatiques formés par un empilement de pneumatiques maintenus en compression par une bande continue, sensiblement étanche à l'air, couvrant l'ensemble de la surface du pack, et enroulée sous tension autour dudit pack de manière à former une face verticale généralement dépourvue d'aspérités, et constituer un ensemble apte à être saisi par ledit dispositif de manutention.The invention aims to provide a specific handling device, adaptable to any type of lifting and transport means such as a forklift conventional. This handling device is particularly designed for the handling of tire packs formed by a stack of tires held in compression by a continuous band, substantially airtight, covering the entire surface of the pack, and wound under tension around said pack so as to form a vertical face generally free of asperities, and constitute an assembly adapted to be gripped by said handling device.

Ce dispositif de manutention comprend un tablier inclinable. Ce tablier se prolonge par au moins deux pieds, orientés vers l'avant du tablier, solidaires du tablier, et à l'extrémité desquels est disposée une articulation autorisant l'inclinaison dudit tablier autour d'un axe horizontal, depuis une position sensiblement verticale jusqu'à une position inclinée formant un angle β donné avec la direction verticale. Un tel dispositif est divulgué par le document JP 10 310 393 .This handling device includes a tilting deck. This apron is extended by at least two feet, oriented towards the front of the deck, integral with the deck, and at the end of which is disposed a hinge permitting the inclination of said deck around a horizontal axis, from a substantially vertical position to an inclined position forming a given angle β with the vertical direction. Such a device is disclosed by the document JP 10,310,393 .

Ce dispositif de manutention se caractérise en ce que ledit tablier comporte une pluralité de ventouses destinées à appliquer la face verticale du pack de pneumatiques contre la face avant du tablierThis handling device is characterized in that said apron comprises a plurality of suction cups for applying the vertical face of the tire pack against the front face of the apron.

On entend par avant et arrière la position dirigée vers l'avant ou l'arrière du véhicule équipé du dispositif de manutention selon l'invention.By front and rear is meant the position directed towards the front or rear of the vehicle equipped with the handling device according to the invention.

Cet arrangement particulier permet de plaquer la charge formée par le pack de pneumatiques contre la face avant du tablier inclinable. En inclinant le tablier d'un angle β, on force la charge à basculer autour de l'extrémité des pieds, de sorte que le pack, par l'effet de levier engendré par les pieds, décolle légèrement du sol. Le pack repose alors sur les ventouses et sur les surfaces avant des pieds, lesquelles surfaces sont inclinées d'un angle α+β par rapport à la direction verticale. Les forces de frottement entre la surface du pack et les surfaces avant des pieds, ainsi que la force de placage exercée par les dits moyens d'application sur lesquels s'exerce un effort de cisaillement, sont suffisantes pour retenir le pack de pneumatiques dans sa position.This particular arrangement makes it possible to press the load formed by the tire pack against the front face of the tilting apron. By tilting the apron by an angle β, the load is forced to tilt around the end of the feet, so that the pack, by the leverage generated by the feet, takes off slightly from the ground. The pack then rests on the suction cups and on the front surfaces of the feet, which surfaces are inclined at an angle α + β relative to the vertical direction. The frictional forces between the pack surface and the front surfaces of the feet, as well as the plating force exerted by said application means on which shear force is exerted, are sufficient to hold the tire pack in its seat. position.

L'invention comprend également le procédé qui consiste à mettre en oeuvre le dispositif de manutention selon l'invention et qui comprend les étapes dans lesquelles :

  • on dispose le tablier inclinable en position verticale, et on abaisse ledit tablier jusqu'à ce que les pieds soient en contact avec le sol,
  • on avance le tablier jusqu'à ce qu'il soit en contact avec la face verticale du pack,
  • on fait le vide à l'intérieur des ventouses afin de plaquer la face arrière du pack contre le tablier inclinable,
  • on incline le tablier d'un angle β donné, de manière à décoller légèrement le pack du sol et à faire reposer le pack sur le tablier.
The invention also comprises the method which consists in implementing the handling device according to the invention and which comprises the steps in which:
  • the tilting apron is placed in a vertical position, and the apron is lowered until the feet are in contact with the ground,
  • the apron is advanced until it is in contact with the vertical face of the pack,
  • a vacuum is created inside the suction cups in order to press the rear face of the pack against the tilting apron,
  • the deck is tilted at a given angle β, so as to slightly take off the pack from the ground and to rest the pack on the apron.

On s'arrange alors pour que l'angle β d'inclinaison du tablier additionné de l'angle α des pieds par rapport à la verticale soit supérieur à 90° de manière à empêcher tout mouvement de la charge vers l'avant du dispositif de manutention.It is then arranged that the angle β of inclination of the deck plus the angle α of the feet relative to the vertical is greater than 90 ° so as to prevent any movement of the load towards the front of the device. handling.

La description qui suit s'appuie sur un mode préférentiel de réalisation de l'invention, et sur les figures 1 à 10 dans lesquelles :

  • la figure 1 représente une vue en perspective d'un pack de pneumatiques destiné à être manipulé par un dispositif selon l'invention,
  • la figure 2, est une vue schématique de face et de profil dudit pack de pneumatique,
  • la figure 3 représente une vue schématique de coté d'un chariot élévateur équipé d'un dispositif de manutention selon l'invention,
  • la figure 4 représente une vue de face d'un dispositif de manutention selon l'invention,
  • les figures 5 à 10 représentent, de manière schématique, les différentes étapes de manutention d'un pack de pneumatiques à l'aide d'un dispositif conforme à l'invention monté sur un chariot élévateur conventionnel.
The following description is based on a preferred embodiment of the invention, and on the Figures 1 to 10 in which :
  • the figure 1 represents a perspective view of a tire pack intended to be handled by a device according to the invention,
  • the figure 2 , is a schematic front view and profile of said tire pack,
  • the figure 3 represents a schematic side view of a forklift equipped with a handling device according to the invention,
  • the figure 4 represents a front view of a handling device according to the invention,
  • the Figures 5 to 10 show, schematically, the different steps of handling a tire pack with a device according to the invention mounted on a conventional forklift.

Les figures 1 et 2 représentent un pack k de pneumatique destiné à être manutentionné à l'aide d'un dispositif selon l'invention. Les caractéristiques générales du pack sont décrites dans le tableau ci-après et varient entre des valeurs mini et maxi en fonction des la taille des pneumatiques que l'on cherche à conditionner. Mini Maxi Nombre d'enveloppes 20 80 Masse en Kg 200 500 Longueur (l) en mm 2250 2380 Largeur (p) en mm 400 800 Hauteur (h) en mm 740 1450 The Figures 1 and 2 represent a tire pack k intended to be handled using a device according to the invention. The general characteristics of the pack are described in the table below and vary between minimum and maximum values depending on the size of the tires that are to be conditioned. mini Maxi Number of envelopes 20 80 Mass in kg 200 500 Length (l) in mm 2250 2380 Width (p) in mm 400 800 Height (h) in mm 740 1450

Les bandes servant à maintenir le lot de pneumatiques en compression sont constituées à partir d'un matériau soudable, tel qu'un film étirable en polyéthylène haute ou basse densité, abrégés sous l'appellation PEBD ou PEHD. L'épaisseur de la bande peut varier de 20 à 80 µm, et sa largeur peut varier de 150 à 600 mm.The strips used to hold the tire batch in compression are made from a weldable material, such as a stretch film of high or low density polyethylene, abbreviated as LDPE or HDPE. The thickness of the strip can vary from 20 to 80 μm, and its width can vary from 150 to 600 mm.

Il importe que la bande soit résistante à la traction pour soutenir les efforts imposés par les pneumatiques en compression. De même, l'effort de compression est ajusté de manière à ce que le lot ainsi conditionné puisse constituer un ensemble suffisamment rigide pour pouvoir être manipulé à l'aide de moyens de manutention tels que celui faisant l'objet de la présente invention. De préférence, on choisira une bande d'épaisseur un peu plus élevée, de manière à éviter la détérioration des bandes par les ventouses, lors de la manutention du pack à l'aide dudit dispositif de manutention.It is important for the web to be tensile resistant to support the forces imposed by the compression tires. Similarly, the compressive force is adjusted so that the batch thus conditioned can constitute a set sufficiently rigid to be handled using handling means such as the subject of the present invention. Preferably, one will choose a slightly thicker strip, so as to avoid deterioration of the strips by the suction cups, during handling of the pack with the aid of said handling device.

Il importe aussi que le pack présente des surfaces verticales généralement dépourvues d'aspérité, et sensiblement étanche à l'air, de manière à ce que l'action des ventouses puisse s'exercer correctement.It is also important that the pack has vertical surfaces generally free of roughness, and substantially airtight, so that the action of the suction cups can be exercised properly.

Le dispositif de manutention illustré par les figures 3 et 4 comprend un tablier inclinable 2, se prolongeant par au moins deux pieds 21 et 22 solidaires du tablier 2. Les pieds sont orientés vers l'avant du tablier inclinable 2, et forment avec ce dernier un angle α.The handling device illustrated by the Figures 3 and 4 comprises a tilting deck 2, extending by at least two feet 21 and 22 integral with the deck 2. The feet are oriented towards the front of the tilting deck 2, and form with the latter an angle α.

Le nombre de pieds n'est pas limitatif, et doit être déterminé en fonction des règles d'encombrement à respecter au moment de la conception du dispositif. Toutefois, pour des raisons d'équilibre de la charge il est nécessaire de prévoir au moins deux pieds.The number of feet is not limiting, and must be determined according to the congestion rules to be respected at the time of the design of the device. However, for reasons of balance of the load it is necessary to provide at least two feet.

Chacun des pieds 21, 22, est monté sur un châssis porteur rigide 11 par l'intermédiaire d'une biellette 3. Les deux extrémités de chacune des biellettes 3 sont reliées au châssis 11 par une articulation d'axe horizontal AA' d'une part, et à l'extrémité d'un pied (21, 22) par l'intermédiaire de l'articulation BB' d'axe horizontal d'autre part, de sorte que le tablier inclinable 2 puisse basculer vers l'arrière, autour de l'axe BB' ou de l'axe AA', sous l'action de vérins 20, depuis une position angulaire faisant, par rapport à la direction verticale, un angle nul tel qu'illustrée à la figure 3, voire légèrement négatif, jusqu'à une position inclinée vers l'arrière d'un angle β par rapport à la direction verticale, comme cela est illustré à la figure 7 ou à la figure 8.Each of the feet 21, 22 is mounted on a rigid support frame 11 by means of a connecting rod 3. The two ends of each of the links 3 are connected to the frame 11 by an articulation of horizontal axis AA 'on the one hand, and at the end of a foot (21, 22) via the hinge BB' of horizontal axis on the other hand , so that the tilting apron 2 can swing backwards, about the axis BB 'or the axis AA', under the action of jacks 20, from an angular position, relative to the vertical direction , a zero angle as illustrated in figure 3 , or slightly negative, to a position inclined towards the rear by an angle β relative to the vertical direction, as illustrated in FIG. figure 7 or at figure 8 .

Le vérin 20 est relié au châssis 11 par l'intermédiaire d'une articulation d'axe horizontal EE' et au tablier 2 par l'intermédiaire d'une articulation d'axe horizontal DD'. Pour des raisons de symétrie des efforts appliqués, le dispositif tel qu'illustré dans l'exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention comprend deux vérins 20, disposés latéralement de part et d'autre du châssis 11.The jack 20 is connected to the frame 11 by means of an articulation of horizontal axis EE 'and to the deck 2 by means of an articulation of horizontal axis DD'. For reasons of symmetry of the forces applied, the device as illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of the invention comprises two jacks 20, arranged laterally on either side of the frame 11.

La valeur de l'angle α peut utilement être comprise entre 30° et 60°, et doit être déterminée en fonction de l'inclinaison maximum β du tablier, de sorte que la somme des angles α et β soit supérieure à 90°. On choisira l'angle α de manière à optimiser l'effet de levier du pied (21, 22) sur le bord inférieur du pack, lors du basculement de celui-ci, mais également de manière à éviter le glissement du pack lorsque ce dernier repose sur les surfaces avant des pieds. Une valeur trop faible diminue la valeur du seuil à partir duquel le pack se met à glisser, mais une valeur trop élevée augmente l'effet de poinçonnement du pied dans les pneumatiques formant le pack lorsque le pied exerce sa fonction de levier. Une valeur de l'angle α comprise entre 20° et 45° semble être un compromis satisfaisant, tenant compte des coefficients de glissement moyens observés entre la surface du pack (formée par les bandes de maintien) et la surface avant des pieds (21, 22). A titre de perfectionnement, il est possible de revêtir la face avant des pieds d'un matériau antidérapant.The value of the angle α may usefully be between 30 ° and 60 °, and must be determined according to the maximum inclination β of the deck, so that the sum of the angles α and β is greater than 90 °. We choose the angle α so as to optimize the leverage of the foot (21, 22) on the lower edge of the pack, when the latter tilts, but also to prevent slippage of the pack when the pack rests on the front surfaces of the feet. A value that is too small decreases the value of the threshold at which the pack starts to slide, but a value that is too high increases the punching effect of the foot in the tires forming the pack when the foot exerts its lever function. A value of the angle α between 20 ° and 45 ° seems to be a satisfactory compromise, taking into account the average sliding coefficients observed between the surface of the pack (formed by the holding strips) and the front surface of the feet (21, 22). As a refinement, it is possible to coat the front of the feet with a non-slip material.

La valeur maximale de l'angle β est déterminée de façon expérimentale, et peut utilement être comprise entre 45° et 70°. Une valeur plus élevée permet toutefois de mieux stabiliser la charge sur le châssis 11 lorsque le chariot se déplace.The maximum value of the angle β is determined experimentally, and can usefully be between 45 ° and 70 °. A higher value, however, better stabilizes the load on the frame 11 when the carriage moves.

Le châssis porteur 11 du dispositif de manutention illustré aux figures 3 et 4 coulisse verticalement sur le mat d'un chariot élévateur FL sous l'action d'un moyen de monte et baisse (non représenté). La forme de réalisation simplifiée, mais non limitative, dudit châssis 11 est celle d'un triangle dont un des cotés est solidaire du mat 11. L'inclinaison du coté supérieur du châssis par rapport à la direction verticale détermine sensiblement l'angle d'inclinaison maximal β du tablier sur le châssis porteur 11.The support frame 11 of the handling device illustrated in FIGS. Figures 3 and 4 slides vertically on the mast of a forklift FL under the action of a raising and lowering means (not shown). The simplified embodiment, but not limiting, said chassis 11 is that of a triangle of which one of the sides is secured to the mat 11. The inclination of the upper side of the chassis relative to the vertical direction substantially determines the maximum angle of inclination β of the deck on the undercarriage 11 .

Un talon escamotable 4 de forme concave est disposé sur le châssis 11. Sous l'action d'un vérin 40, ledit talon escamotable 4 se déploie selon une trajectoire sensiblement curviligne, depuis une position rétractée, comme cela est illustré à la figure 3 jusqu'à une position avancée dans laquelle ledit talon escamotable 4 s'étend sous toute ou partie de la largeur p du pack de pneumatique, de manière à augmenter la sécurisation de la charge, comme cela est illustré à la figure 9. Le vérin 40 est relié au châssis 11 par l'intermédiaire d'une liaison articulée d'axe horizontal EE', et au talon escamotable 4 par une autre liaison articulée d'axe horizontal (non représentée).A retractable bead 4 of concave shape is disposed on the frame 11. Under the action of a jack 40, said retractable bead 4 extends in a substantially curvilinear path, from a retracted position, as illustrated in FIG. figure 3 to an advanced position in which said retractable bead 4 extends under all or part of the width p of the tire pack, so as to increase the securing of the load, as illustrated in FIG. figure 9 . The jack 40 is connected to the frame 11 by means of an articulated connection of horizontal axis EE ', and to the retractable heel 4 by another articulated connection of horizontal axis (not shown).

De manière à en faciliter le déploiement, le talon escamotable 4 est équipé de guides latéraux 41, 42, coulissant dans des glissières 43, 44, disposées sur les faces latérales du châssis 11.In order to facilitate its deployment, the retractable heel 4 is equipped with lateral guides 41, 42, sliding in slides 43, 44, arranged on the lateral faces of the frame 11.

Dans un premier temps, sous l'action du vérin 20, le tablier inclinable 2 pivote d'un angle β1 autour de l'axe BB' jusqu'à venir s'appuyer sur une butée 31 disposée sur la biellette 3. En prolongeant l'action du vérin 20, l'ensemble constitué par le tablier et la biellette 3 pivote dans un deuxième temps autour de l'axe AA' jusqu'à venir en limite de course en faisant un angle β2 avec la direction verticale, comme cela est illustré par les figures 7 et 8. L'intérêt de ce mouvement angulaire supplémentaire est de dégager l'espace compris entre le sol et la partie inférieure du pied d'une hauteur e, de sorte que le talon escamotable 4 puisse se déployer librement sans risquer de heurter la partie inférieure du pack k. La hauteur e est de l'ordre d'une dizaine de centimètres.At first, under the action of the jack 20, the tilting apron 2 pivots by an angle β 1 about the axis BB 'until it comes to bear against a stop 31 disposed on the link 3. By extending the action of the jack 20, the assembly constituted by the apron and the rod 3 pivots in a second time about the axis AA 'until it comes to the limit of travel by making an angle β 2 with the vertical direction, as this is illustrated by the figures 7 and 8 . The advantage of this additional angular movement is to clear the space between the floor and the lower part of the foot by a height e, so that the retractable heel 4 can unfold freely without the risk of hitting the lower part of the pack k. The height e is of the order of ten centimeters.

Les ventouses 20, sont disposées sur la face avant du tablier inclinable 2. Ces ventouses sont reliées à une source de vide (non figurée). Les ventouses sont montées sur un cadre 25. Le cadre 25 est monté sur un jeu de roulements 27 de manière à être mobile verticalement par rapport au tablier inclinable 2 sous l'action d'un vérin 26. Cet arrangement particulier présente l'intérêt de permettre un ajustage en hauteur des ventouses 28 en fonction de la hauteur h du pack à manutentionner. De plus, en régulant la pression dans le vérin 26, en utilisant par exemple un vérin à gaz, on peut conférer une certaine souplesse dans la direction verticale au cadre mobile supportant les ventouses, de manière à amortir les efforts de cisaillement exercés par la charge sur les ventouses dans le but d'éviter le lâchage du pack de pneumatiques en cas de manoeuvre brusque.The suction cups 20 are arranged on the front face of the tilting apron 2. These suction cups are connected to a vacuum source (not shown). The suction cups are mounted on a frame 25. The frame 25 is mounted on a set of bearings 27 so as to be vertically movable relative to the tilting deck 2 under the action of a jack 26. This particular arrangement is of interest to allow an adjustment in height of the suction cups 28 according to the height h of the pack to be handled. In addition, by regulating the pressure in the jack 26, for example by using a gas cylinder, it is possible to impart a degree of flexibility in the vertical direction to the mobile frame supporting the suction cups. to dampen the shear forces exerted by the load on the suction cups in order to avoid the release of the tire pack in case of sudden maneuver.

Le nombre de ventouses doit être adapté à la surface et au poids de la charge à manipuler. En pratique, lorsque la surface à saisir présente quelques irrégularités, il est judicieux de prévoir un nombre important de ventouses de manière à s'affranchir du cas dans lequel une ou plusieurs ventouses auraient une prise de vide mal assurée sur la surface du pack.The number of suction cups must be adapted to the surface and weight of the load to be handled. In practice, when the surface to be gripped has some irregularities, it is advisable to provide a large number of suction cups so as to overcome the case in which one or more suction cups have an unhealthy vacuum intake on the surface of the pack.

Pour les mêmes raisons que précédemment il peut s'avérer utile de rendre les ventouses déformables dans une direction perpendiculaire au plan du tablier inclinable 2, de sorte que l'application des dites ventouses sur la face arrière du pack de pneumatiques ne souffre pas des légères irrégularités de surface de ladite face, liées à la forme et à la disposition particulière des pneumatiques qui composent le pack.For the same reasons as above it may be useful to make the suction cups deformable in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the tilting deck 2, so that the application of said suction pads on the rear face of the tire pack does not suffer light irregularities in the surface of said face, related to the shape and the particular arrangement of the tires that make up the pack.

De préférence, on s'arrange pour que les articulations d'axe BB' soient situées dans le même plan π que les faces avant des ventouses 20 de manière à faciliter l'accostage du tablier 2 par rapport à la charge k à saisir.Preferably, it is arranged that the joints of axis BB 'are located in the same plane π as the front faces of the suction cups 20 so as to facilitate docking of the deck 2 relative to the load k to enter.

Les figures 5 à 10 illustrent les différentes étapes d'installation du pack de pneumatique sur un chariot élévateur à fourche FL équipé d'un dispositif de manutention selon l'invention.The Figures 5 to 10 illustrate the different stages of installation of the tire pack on a forklift FL equipped with a handling device according to the invention.

Dans une première étape, illustrée à la figure 5, Le tablier inclinable 2 est abaissé jusqu'à ce que les pieds 21, 22 soient en contact avec le sol puis, le tablier inclinable 2 est placé en position verticale. Le chariot élévateur est approché du pack k jusqu'à ce que les ventouses 20 viennent en contact avec la face arrière dudit pack.In a first step, illustrated in figure 5 , The tilting apron 2 is lowered until the feet 21, 22 are in contact with the ground and then the tilting deck 2 is placed in the vertical position. The forklift is approached pack k until the suction cups 20 come into contact with the rear face of said pack.

Les pieds 21, 22 viennent également en contact avec le bord inférieur du pack. De manière à favoriser le placement des pieds contre ledit bord inférieur, il est possible de faire basculer le tablier autour de l'articulation d'axe BB' d'un angle β3, légèrement négatif, en actionnant le vérin 20 comme cela est illustré à la figure 6. En pratique, de bons résultats sont obtenus pour un angle β3 ayant une valeur d'environ -10° par rapport à la direction verticale.The feet 21, 22 also come into contact with the lower edge of the pack. So as to promote the placement of the feet against said lower edge, it is possible to tilt the deck around the BB axis joint 'of a slightly negative angle β 3 , by actuating the cylinder 20 as shown to the figure 6 . In practice, good results are obtained for a β 3 angle having a value of about -10 ° relative to the vertical direction.

L'opération suivante consiste à faire le vide à l'intérieur des ventouses, de manière à plaquer la face arrière du pack de pneumatiques k contre le tablier inclinable 2.The next step is to empty the inside of the suction cups, in order to press the rear face of the tire pack k against the tilting apron 2.

La figure 7 illustre l'étape au cours de laquelle, sous l'action du vérin 20, on incline le tablier 2 autour de l'articulation d'axe BB'. Le pack k pivote autour de l'extrémité des pieds 21 et 22, qui font office de levier pour décoller la charge du sol.The figure 7 illustrates the step during which, under the action of the jack 20, the apron 2 is inclined around the axis joint BB '. The pack k pivots around the end of the feet 21 and 22, which act as a lever to take off the load from the ground.

Le pack k est alors maintenu par les ventouses et repose sur la face avant des pieds 21 et 22. On peut apprécier, à ce stade, la nécessité de choisir un matériau formant la bande maintenant le pack en compression qui soit suffisamment résistant pour supporter les efforts de cisaillement imposés par le poids du pack sur les ventouses qui adhèrent à ladite bande.The pack k is then held by the suction cups and rests on the front face of the feet 21 and 22. It can be appreciated, at this stage, the need to choose a material forming the band holding the pack in compression that is strong enough to withstand the Shear forces imposed by the weight of the pack on the suction cups adhering to said band.

Les figures 7 illustre le mouvement de basculement du tablier 2 sous l'action du vérin 20, jusqu'à ce que la charge soit inclinée par rapport à la direction verticale d'un angle β1. La figure 8 illustre le basculement supplémentaire jusqu'à l'angle β2, au cours duquel on libère l'espace entre le sol et les pieds 21 et 22. La libération de cet espace autorise la sortie du talon escamotable 4 sous l'action du vérin 40, comme cela est illustré à la figure 9. Le pack est alors fermement maintenu par les pieds 21 et 22 qui font un angle supérieur à 90° avec la direction verticale et par le talon escamotable 4. Dans cette configuration, il serait envisageable, pour économiser l'énergie, de relâcher le vide à l'intérieur des ventouses 20.The figures 7 illustrates the tilting movement of the deck 2 under the action of the cylinder 20, until the load is inclined relative to the vertical direction of an angle β 1 . The figure 8 illustrates the additional tilting up to the angle β 2 , during which it frees the space between the ground and the feet 21 and 22. The release of this space allows the exit of the retractable heel 4 under the action of the cylinder 40 , as illustrated in figure 9 . The pack is then firmly held by the feet 21 and 22 which are at an angle greater than 90 ° with the vertical direction and the retractable heel 4. In this configuration, it would be possible, to save energy, to release the vacuum to the inside of the suction cups 20.

Avant de faire mouvement, on remonte le châssis 11 le long du mat télescopique 1, comme cela est illustré à la figure 10.Before moving, the frame 11 is moved up along the telescopic mast 1, as shown in FIG. figure 10 .

L'opération de déchargement consiste à effectuer les opérations décrites ci-dessus dans l'ordre inverse, à savoir :

  • descendre le tablier mobile du mat télescopique 1 de manière à mettre la partie inférieure des pied 21, 22 en contact avec le sol,
  • actionner le vérin 40 pour rétracter le talon escamotable 4,
  • actionner le vérin 20 pour mettre le tablier inclinable 2 en position verticale,
  • relâcher le vide dans les ventouses 20 de manière à libérer la charge k.
The unloading operation consists in carrying out the operations described above in the reverse order, namely:
  • lowering the movable apron of the telescopic mast 1 so as to put the lower part of the foot 21, 22 in contact with the ground,
  • actuate the jack 40 to retract the retractable heel 4,
  • actuate the jack 20 to put the tilting deck 2 in a vertical position,
  • releasing the vacuum in the suction cups 20 so as to release the load k.

Le nombre de pneumatiques composant le pack est relativement variable, mais on s'arrange en règle générale pour que ses dimensions soient adaptées au chargement d'un camion ou du conteneur dans lequel s'effectue le transport. A cet effet, on peut prévoir de placer deux packs l'un sur l'autre, et de disposer autant de rangées ainsi constituées sur toute la longueur d'une remorque ou d'un conteneur standard pour occuper au mieux l'espace intérieur. On observera alors que le dispositif selon l'invention est particulièrement bien adapté pour effectuer ces opérations de chargement ou de déchargement dans un espace réduit. En effet, il n'est pas nécessaire de prévoir des espaces de dégagement particuliers de chaque cotés des faces latérales ou supérieures de la charge et il est donc possible d'introduire le pack dans un moyen de transport ou de conditionnement dont la largeur et la hauteur sont approximativement des multiples de la largeur et de la hauteur du pack.The number of tires making up the pack is relatively variable, but it is generally arranged so that its dimensions are adapted to the load a truck or container in which the transport takes place. For this purpose, it is possible to place two packs one on the other, and to have as many rows thus formed along the length of a trailer or a standard container to occupy the best interior space. It will be observed that the device according to the invention is particularly well suited to perform these loading or unloading operations in a small space. Indeed, it is not necessary to provide specific clearance spaces on each side of the side or upper sides of the load and it is therefore possible to introduce the pack in a means of transport or packaging whose width and height are approximately multiples of the width and height of the pack.

Le dispositif de manutention tel que décrit dans les paragraphes précédents permet de déplacer les packs de pneumatiques maintenus en compression par une bande. Il est évident que ce mode préférentiel de réalisation de l'invention ne préjuge en rien des formes de réalisation alternatives, reprenant les dispositions particulières exposées dans les paragraphes qui précèdent. En particulier, des principes équivalents peuvent être retenus pour manutentionner des charges présentant une face suffisamment lisse pour pouvoir être maintenue par un système de ventouses. La taille et le nombre de ventouses, la forme du pied, et les angles d'inclinaison peuvent être adaptés aux dimensions et à la forme générale des objets à manipuler.The handling device as described in the preceding paragraphs makes it possible to move the tire packs held in compression by a band. It is obvious that this preferred embodiment of the invention in no way prejudges alternative embodiments, incorporating the particular provisions set forth in the foregoing paragraphs. In particular, equivalent principles can be retained for handling charges having a sufficiently smooth face to be maintained by a system of suction cups. The size and number of suction cups, the shape of the foot, and the angles of inclination can be adapted to the dimensions and the general shape of the objects to be handled.

Claims (12)

  1. Handling device intended to grasp and to carry a pack (k) formed by a stack of tyres maintained in compression by a continuous, substantially airtight band covering the entire surface of the pack (k) and wound under tension around the said pack (k) so as to constitute a unit of which the vertical faces are generally devoid of roughness and which can be grasped by the said handling device, comprising an inclinable carriage (2), characterized in that the said carriage (2) is extended by feet (21, 22) oriented towards the front of the carriage and secured to the carriage (2), at the end of which feet is arranged an articulation of horizontal axis BB' allowing the inclination of the said carriage (2) from a substantially vertical position to an inclination forming a given angle β with the vertical direction, and
    comprises a plurality of suction cups (20) intended to apply a vertical face of the pack of tyres (k) against the front face of the inclinable carriage (2).
  2. Handling device according to Claim 1, wherein the feet (21, 22) form an angle (α) with the vertical direction of between 20 and 45°.
  3. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the inclinable carriage (2) is mounted on a rigid support chassis (11) by means of connecting rods (3) which are connected to the said support chassis (11) by an articulation of horizontal axis AA' on the one hand, and to the end of the feet (21, 22) by the articulation of horizontal axis BB' on the other hand.
  4. Handling device according to Claim 1, comprising a retractable claw (4) able to move between the feet (21, 22) along a substantially curvilinear path, from a retracted position to a position in which the said retractable claw (4) extends below all or part of the width (p) of the pack (k).
  5. Handling device according to Claim 4, wherein the said retractable claw (4) has a concave shape.
  6. Handling device according to one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the said suction cups (20) are mounted on a movable frame (25) which is able to move vertically in the plane formed by the inclinable carriage (2).
  7. Handling device according to one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the said suction cups (20) are deformable in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the inclinable carriage (2) such that they adapt to the irregularities of the surface of the pack with which they are intended to be brought into contact when the device is in operation.
  8. Handling device according to one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the articulation of horizontal axis BB' is placed substantially in a plane (n) containing the front surfaces of the suction cups (20).
  9. Handling device according to one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the maximum angle (□2) of inclination of the inclinable carriage (2) is between 45° and 70°.
  10. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the front face of the feet (21, 22) is coated with an anti-skid material.
  11. Fork-lift truck of which the telescopic mast is equipped with a handling device according to one of Claims 1 to 10.
  12. Method of handling a pack (k) formed by a stack of tyres maintained in compression by a continuous, substantially airtight band covering the entire surface of the pack (k) and wound under tension around the said pack (k) so as to constitute a unit of which the vertical faces are generally devoid of roughness, using a handling device according to one of Claims 1 to 10, comprising the steps in which:
    - the inclinable carriage (2) is arranged in a vertical position, and the carriage (2) is lowered until the feet (21, 22) are in contact with the ground (g),
    - the carriage (2) is advanced until the suction cups (20) are in contact with the rear face of the pack (k),
    - a vacuum is applied inside the suction cups (20) in order to press the rear face of the pack against the inclinable carriage (2),
    - the inclinable carriage (2) is tilted towards the rear by a given angle □ so as to lift the pack (k) off the ground.
EP20090734541 2008-04-25 2009-04-24 Equipment for handling packs of tyres Not-in-force EP2280901B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0852782A FR2930491B1 (en) 2008-04-25 2008-04-25 HANDLING EQUIPMENT FOR PNEUMATIC PACKS
PCT/EP2009/054932 WO2009130295A1 (en) 2008-04-25 2009-04-24 Equipment for handling packs of tyres

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2280901A1 EP2280901A1 (en) 2011-02-09
EP2280901B1 true EP2280901B1 (en) 2012-04-18

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20090734541 Not-in-force EP2280901B1 (en) 2008-04-25 2009-04-24 Equipment for handling packs of tyres

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US (1) US9139406B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2280901B1 (en)
JP (1) JP5539319B2 (en)
CN (1) CN102015514B (en)
AT (1) ATE554046T1 (en)
BR (1) BRPI0910568A2 (en)
FR (1) FR2930491B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2009130295A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2011518737A (en) 2011-06-30
FR2930491B1 (en) 2012-04-20
US9139406B2 (en) 2015-09-22
JP5539319B2 (en) 2014-07-02
BRPI0910568A2 (en) 2015-09-22
CN102015514B (en) 2013-04-10
US20110182707A1 (en) 2011-07-28
FR2930491A1 (en) 2009-10-30
CN102015514A (en) 2011-04-13
ATE554046T1 (en) 2012-05-15
WO2009130295A1 (en) 2009-10-29
EP2280901A1 (en) 2011-02-09

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