Abstract:
A device ( 30 ) for handling a load (C) such as a sheet iron coil comprises a holder ( 32 ) capable of carrying the load (C). The holder ( 32 ) is able to be rotated on a frame ( 31 ) between a first position, in which the axis of the load (C) is vertical, and a second position, in which the axis of the load (C) is horizontal. The frame ( 31 ) of the device ( 30 ) is coupled to a driving assembly ( 35 ) so as to be mobile in order to load and unload the load (C) on a reel (D). The holder ( 32 ) includes a mechanism for maintaining and positioning ( 36 ) the load (C), retaining the load (C) during a change of the position of the load, and depositing the load on and/or removing the load from the reel (D).

Description:
[0001]    This application is a national stage completion of PCT/FR2008/000724 filed on May 28, 2008 which claims priority from French Application No. 07/03779 filed on May 29, 2007. 
       TECHNICAL DOMAIN 
       [0002]    The present invention concerns a device for handling a load such as a sheet iron coil comprising a holder capable of supporting the load, the holder moving rotationally on a frame between at least a first position in which the axis of the load is vertical, called the vertical axis position, and a second position in which the axis of the load is horizontal, called the horizontal axis position. 
       PRIOR ART 
       [0003]    In the field of metallurgy, strip steel, sheet iron and so forth packaged on reels called “coils” are used to feed production lines for metal pieces obtained by cutting, stamping, shaping, etc. These production lines are supplied by reels located at the head of the line to which the coils are transported by chucks with horizontal axes in most cases. Reels less than 500 mm wide are stacked, separated by support beams, and arranged in circles on pallets or the like for storage and transportation with the coil axes vertical. Consequently, it is necessary to lift each coil and tilt or pivot it a quarter turn before it can be loaded onto a reel so as to change the position of its axis from vertical to horizontal. 
         [0004]    This is a relatively dangerous operation. At the present time it is accomplished in different ways: 
         [0005]    By suspending each coil from a hook at the end of a sling supported by a moving crane; 
         [0006]    By turning over each coil with the fork of a forklift (a very dangerous operation); 
         [0007]    By tilting the unit consisting of the pallet and the stack of coils on a machine equipped with a ferrule or turning bracket called a “tilting device,” which is a very large and expensive machine. The major disadvantage to this solution is that it requires turning over the entire stack of coils, whereas only one coil or a portion of it may be required for production. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,322,198 proposes an automated solution which uses a bent rotating arm to change the position of the axis of the coil of metal supported by the arm. U.S. Pat. No. 3,395,813 proposes another automated solution using the weight of the coil to tilt a holder from a vertical axis position to a horizontal axis position, and maintaining it in that position controlled by an actuator. 
         [0009]    Whatever the means used to turn the coil, the equipment or machines used are utilized uniquely for that operation. Once turning has taken place, it is necessary to load the reel. This complementary operation consists of taking up the coil so that its axis is horizontal, positioning it, and engaging it on the chuck of the reel at a point beyond the mid-point of the chuck jaws before depositing it. 
         [0010]    Therefore, current solutions are incomplete and unsatisfactory, particularly from the point of view of operator safety. This problem exists in other technical domains such as the paper industry, plastics industry, etc., where materials are packed on coils or similar devices and the products to be handled are heavy. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The present invention proposes a solution to the problem at hand with a handling device that is simple, economical, compact, reliable and secure, versatile, allows each coil to be turned individually, and combines the turning operation with the operations of loading and unloading any type of reel. 
         [0012]    For this purpose, the invention concerns a handling device of the type indicated and characterized in that the frame is connected to a drive means allowing it to move so it is able to load and/or unload the load on another machine, such as a reel, and in that the support comprises a means of maintaining and positioning the load that grips the load while it changes position and deposits or takes up the load onto or from another machine. 
         [0013]    According to variations of the invention, the rotational axis of the holder on the frame may be offset relative to the center of gravity of the holder including the load, the holder being designed to turn under the effects of gravity in a rotational direction that changes it from a vertical axis position to a horizontal axis position. In this case, turning the load in at least one direction of rotation is accomplished without using additional energy. 
         [0014]    According to other variations of the invention, the axis of rotation of the holder on the frame may generally coincide with the holder&#39;s center of gravity inclusive of the load. In this case, the device advantageously comprises an additional driving means connected to the frame to turn it from its vertical axis position to its horizontal axis position and conversely. 
         [0015]    In another variation, the frame may move translationally along guide rails and the drive means may comprise at least one actuator connected to the frame by a transmission. 
         [0016]    The drive means is advantageously connected with the holder in order to turn it in the reverse direction of rotation so it passes from its horizontal axis position to its vertical axis position; this means may comprise a prop extending from a stop integral with the guide rails and an articulation integral with the holder opposite the axis of rotation. 
         [0017]    In another embodiment, the actuation means may comprise a ramp with a fixed cam with a roller circulating on it that is integral with the holder opposite the rotational axis. 
         [0018]    The guide rails are advantageously disposed in the extension of a reel and the actuation means, in this case, displaces the frame along a supplemental course for loading and unloading the reel when the holder is in horizontal axis position. 
         [0019]    Preferably, the frame comprises a stop defining the holder&#39;s horizontal axis position. 
         [0020]    The cam ramp may comprise a first inclined portion corresponding to the path of the frame while the holder rotates and a second horizontal portion corresponding to the supplemental loading and/or unloading path of the reel. 
         [0021]    In another variation, the frame may be installed on a moving device that constitutes the drive means, and may comprise a lifting device for moving the frame upward. 
         [0022]    The means of holding and positioning the load on the holder preferably moves in radial and/or axial translation and it may comprise a hook that contacts the interior bore in the load or a bed that contacts the exterior of the load. 
         [0023]    The holder advantageously comprises a central opening to be traversed by the chuck of a reel during the operations of loading and unloading the load. 
     
    
     
       SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    The present invention and its advantages will be more readily apparent from the following description of several embodiments provided as non-limiting examples, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein: 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a handling device according to the invention; 
           [0026]      FIGS. 2A through 2C  are side views of the device of  FIG. 1  respectively in the horizontal axis position, in the intermediate position, and in the vertical axis position; 
           [0027]      FIGS. 3A-3D  are detailed views of four variations of the positioning means provided on the device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0028]      FIGS. 4A through 4D  are schemas of a variation of the device of  FIG. 1  showing the four operational sequences involved in loading a coil onto the reel; 
           [0029]      FIGS. 5A through 5D  are schemas of another variation of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  showing the same operational sequences as  FIGS. 4A through 4D ; 
           [0030]      FIGS. 6A through 6D  are schemas of a second form of embodiment of the device of  FIG. 1  showing the same operational sequences; and 
           [0031]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  are perspectives of an indexing station for two coils respectively in the waiting position and during the loading process. 
       
    
    
     ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE INVENTION AND VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS 
       [0032]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a first embodiment of a handling device  30  according to the invention designed to tilt a load C for a quarter turn and to also effect the loading and/or unloading of this load C onto another machine such as a reel D equipped with a chuck M for receiving load C. This load C may be a coil of sheet metal as shown in the drawings, deposited by a forklift or similar device, for the purpose of supplying a reel located at the head of a production line, or a partial coil of sheet metal to be removed from the reel. This load C may also consist of a stack of sheet iron coils as shown schematically in  FIG. 3D  for supplying a reel, the coils being deposited one after the other. 
         [0033]    The handling device  30  comprises a frame  31  moving in translation along guide rails  313  attached to the floor in the axis of reel D, the frame being connected to a drive means  35 . It comprises a pedestal  310  equipped with a roller device housed in guide rails  313 , surmounted by a bracket  311  supporting at its free end a platform  312  defining rotational axis A. Frame  31  holds a holder  32  for receiving a load C such as a coil of sheet iron or the like. This holder  32  comprises a frame or similar piece rotationally movable about axis of rotation A between at least a vertical axis position V and a horizontal axis position H, and vice versa. Axis of rotation A in this example is offset from the center of gravity G of holder  32  such that turning holder  32  in clockwise direction R so it passes from its vertical axis position V to its horizontal axis position H is generated by the weight of load C on holder  32  by the pull of gravity G. This mechanism is not reversible, as turning in the opposite or counterclockwise direction R′ is generated by a driving means  35  detailed below. 
         [0034]    Driving means  35  comprises an actuator  350  such as a reduction motor or similar means connected to frame  31  by a transmission such as a chain/pinion system  351  with the chain circulating in a closed loop within U-shaped guide rails  313 , although any other known system may also be used. It also comprises a prop  352  extending between a fixed stop  353  integral with guide rails  313  and an articulation  354  integral with holder  32  opposite the axis of rotation A. This prop  352  ensures that holder  32  is locked in position and it also drives the holder  32  to rotate in a counterclockwise direction R′ causing it to pass from its horizontal axis position H to its vertical axis position V as shown in  FIGS. 2A through 2C . 
         [0035]    The operation of handling device  30  is explained with reference to  FIGS. 2A through 2C  in which the device is shown empty. In the position shown in  FIG. 2C , handling device  30  is awaiting a load C; it is distanced from reel D and holder  32  is in the vertical axis position V. When a load C is deposited on holder  32 , the holder remains blocked in its vertical axis position V by virtue of prop  352  contacting fixed stop  353 . Engaging actuator  350  displaces frame  31  towards reel D and allows holder  32  to rotate due to the pull of gravity G. Articulation  354  on prop  352  describes an arc in counterclockwise direction R centered on fixed stop  353  until holder  32  attains the horizontal axis position H shown in  FIG. 7A  defined by a stop  314  located on frame  31  in which load C faces reel D. This first portion of the course taken by frame  31  is called the approach course L 1 . From this position, frame  31  continues its displacement toward reel D, driving with it prop  352 , the base of which circulates in guide rails  313  as far as a block  355  at the end of the course that stops actuator  350  and defines the loading and/or unloading position of reel D. This second portion of the course taken by frame  31  is called the loading course L 2 . Load C can be transferred from holder  32  to chuck M as explained below. 
         [0036]    Returning handling device  30  to its initial position illustrated in  FIG. 2C  is accomplished by reversing the rotational direction of actuator  350  to drive frame  31  in the opposite direction from reel D. Frame  31  retreats along course L 2  driving prop  352  to its fixed stop  353  (cf.  FIG. 2A ). At this stage frame  31  pursues displacement opposite reel D and prop  352  causes holder  32  to rotate on its rotational axis A in counterclockwise direction R′ (cf.  FIG. 2B ) to pass from its horizontal axis position H to its vertical axis position V (cf.  FIG. 2C ). 
         [0037]    Handling device  30  comprises a means  36  for maintaining and positioning load C on holder  32  to eliminate any risk of load C falling and to ensure its alignment with chuck M on reel D that will be loaded. For this purpose, holder  32  is preferably drilled to allow chuck M to pass through the holder  32 . In the examples shown holder  32  consists of a frame defining a central opening  33  large enough to receive chuck M; in the example in  FIG. 3A , the maintenance and positioning means  36  are shaped like a hook  360  that contacts the interior bore in load C. The hook  360  slides along holder  32  and its radial position can be adjusted using threaded rods  361  that allow the axis of load C to be aligned with the axis of chuck M on reel D. Consequently, this adjustment is performed at the time handling device  30  is put into service. In this case, reel D is equipped with an automatically expanding chuck M and the jaws of chuck M are disposed so as to form a passageway P (cf.  FIG. 1 ) for hook  360  while reel D is being loaded and unloaded. 
         [0038]    If reel D is equipped with a manual expansion chuck M, the hook  360  must move in radial translation on holder  32 , for example, through the action of cylinders  362 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3B . This radial translation allows load C to be vertically deposited on the jaws of chuck M. 
         [0039]    If chuck M on reel D does not permit hook  360  to pass through, then a positioning means  36  is designed to contact the exterior of load C, perhaps using a bed formed of contact rods  363 , a V-shaped contact, or similar device. In this case the positioning means  36  also moves in radial translation on holder  32 , for example, through the action of cylinders  364  in order to adapt to the exterior diameter of load C. 
         [0040]    Handling device  30 , according to the invention, can also be designed to turn a load C consisting of a stack of several coils of sheet iron C 1 , C 2 , C 3 , Cn, however they are packaged, as shown in  FIG. 3D . In this example, the positioning means  36  move radially on holder  32  through the action of cylinders  364  and support the exterior diameter of load C using axially movable contact arms  365 . Contact arms  365  move axially so as to permit one single coil C 1  at a time to be deposited on chuck M of reel D. In a variation, the positioning means  36  may also support load C through its interior bore as in the examples of  FIGS. 3A and 3B , and in this case, hook  360  also moves axially. 
         [0041]    Other mechanisms may also be used associated with the drive means  35  to ensure displacement of frame  31  in two steps L 1  and L 2 , the first step L 1  corresponding to the approach course in which holder  32  is turned for a quarter turn to place the axis of load C in horizontal position aligned with the axis of chuck M of reel D, and the second step L 2  corresponding to the loading course loading load C on reel D. An example is shown schematically in  FIGS. 4A through 4D , using a fixed cam ramp  356  along which a roller  357  or similar element circulates integral with holder  32  opposite rotational axis A. Cam ramp  356  comprises a first inclined portion corresponding to course L 1  during which frame  31  is displaced translationally toward reel D and holder  32  moves from its vertical axis position V to its horizontal axis position H (cf.  FIGS. 4A and 4B ), followed by second horizontal portion corresponding to course L 2  during which frame  32  pursues translational displacement to place load C at a right angle to chuck M. of reel D (cf.  FIGS. 4C and 4D ).  FIG. 4D  illustrates how handling device  30  of the invention allows reel D to be loaded without resorting to other handling equipment, thanks to holder  32  which allows chuck M to pass through its central opening  33  in order to deposit load C therein when chuck M is extended. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 5A through 5D  illustrate another variation of the handling device  30  of the invention in which rotational axis A of holder  32  generally coincides with the center of gravity G of the supplemental holder  32  for load C, and in which tipping the holder  32  between its vertical axis position V and its horizontal axis position H and vice versa is accomplished using an additional drive means  37 . This means comprises an actuator  370  such as a motor, a reduction motor, a cylinder connected either directly or through a rack and pinion or similar mechanical transmission to a drive shaft that coincides with rotational axis A. The vertical axis position V and horizontal axis position H are defined either by programming actuator  370  or by the course limits located on frame  31  and not shown. In this variation, frame  31  is attached to a moving device  38  and connected to reel D by rails or telescoping guides  380  which define the courses L 1  and L 2  followed by handling device  30  that are necessary for loading and unloading reel D. Naturally the displacement of frame  31  is controlled by actuator  350  and any type of mechanical transmission connected to the rails or telescoping guides  380 . Just as in the preceding embodiments, holder  32  comprises a central opening  33  for the passage of chuck M while reel D is being loaded, as well as a maintenance and positioning means  36  for load C, for example, in the shape of a radially adjustable hook  360 . 
         [0043]      FIGS. 6A and 6D  illustrate a second embodiment of a handling device  40  according to the invention in which frame  31  is on a mobile device  41  maneuvered by an operator, the mobile device  41  constituting the drive means for the frame  31  and offering the advantage of not being dedicated to one particular reel D, but capable of supplying different reels D with the same device. Frame  31  is similar to the preceding example and it also comprises a supplemental drive means  37  to turn holder  32  from a vertical axis position V to a horizontal axis position H and vice versa. Holder  32  is also like the preceding examples in that it comprises a central opening  33  for the passage of chuck M and a means  36  for maintaining and positioning load C. Mobile device  41  comprises vertical guide columns  410  or similar elements inside or upon which frame  31  and lifting means  411  slide, for example, in the form of cylinders, to displace frame  31  vertically and be able to position holder  32  relative to the axis of chuck M of a given reel D. This design allows handling device  40  to be versatile and adaptable to various types of reels D. 
         [0044]    In this second embodiment it is possible to have indexing stations  50  near reels D (cf.  FIGS. 7A and 7B ) to collect at least two coils C waiting alongside each other in vertical axis position to be lifted by handling device  40 : for example, one full coil waiting to be loaded onto reel D and one partial coil coming off reel D. This indexing station  50  comprises a receiving platform  51  supported by feet  52 . In the example shown receiving platform  51  comprises at right angles to each coil C a central opening  53  to allow holder  32  on handling device  40  to pass below coil C. Similarly, feet  52  define at right angles to each coil C an index housing  54  for receiving the feet of mobile device  41  in order to load a waiting coil. In this case, lifting means  411  of holding device  40  allows holder  32  to be lowered below the coil C that will be taken up. 
         [0045]    Obviously, the exemplary embodiments in  FIGS. 5 and 6  may comprise a holder  32  similar to the embodiments in  FIGS. 1 through 4  with its center of gravity offset relative to rotational axis A in order to eliminate any additional drive means  37 . 
         [0046]    It is clear from this description that the invention attains its stated objectives, that is, simple, economical, secure, and versatile handling devices that perform both the operations of loading and unloading one or more reels, as well as turning load C. 
         [0047]    The present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described, but extends to any modification and variation evident to a person skilled in the art while remaining within the scope of protection defined in the attached claims.