Double-reeved lifting device with an improved pawl-locking mechanism

A lifting machinery comprising:

• a jib;
• and
• a double-reeved lifting device configured to lift/lower a load along the jib, the double-reeved lifting device comprising two reeve blocks including a lower reeve block secured to a lifting hook and an upper reeve block, wherein the two reeve blocks comprise a mechanical reversible connection system to be reversibly configurable between:
• a connected configuration wherein the upper reeve block is connected to the lower reeve block to be able to accompany the lower reeve block in ascending/descending movements along a main axis;
• and
• a disconnected configuration wherein the upper reeve block is disconnected from the lower reeve block to be able to remain hanging above the lower reeve block such that the lower reeve block is configured to perform ascending/descending movements without the upper reeve block,
• wherein the mechanical reversible connection system comprises a locking mechanism mounted on one of the two reeve blocks, and a complementary locking structure mounted on the other of the two reeve blocks and comprising a locking member capable of cooperating with the locking mechanism,
• and wherein the locking mechanism comprises:
• a chassis having a locking channel of elongated shape along the main axis and provided with a mouthpiece through which the locking member is configured to enter and exit the locking channel and slide in the locking channel in an entry direction and in an exit direction, opposite to the entry direction, respectively upon a relative approach or a relative distancing between the two reeve blocks;
• and
• at least one pawl pivotally mounted on the chassis around a pivot axis so as to pivot inside the locking channel, the pawl being provided with a free end adapted to engage with the locking member,
• the locking mechanism further comprising:
• a thrust stop provided with a free front end adapted to abut against the pawl, the thrust stop being movably mounted on the chassis between a maximum advanced position in the absence of a thrust exerted by the pawl on the free front end, and retracted positions in the presence of a thrust force exerted by the pawl on the free front end;
• and
• an elastic return member urging the thrust stop towards the maximum advanced position and providing a force resisting the thrust force exerted by the pawl on the free front end,
• wherein the lower reeve block is hanging on the jib by a lifting rope connected to a lifting winch for raising/lowering the lower reeve block, the lifting rope passing through the upper reeve block.