Hanging tool

Abstract

To automate the process of removing sling ropes from suspended loads with a simple structure.SOLUTION: A connecting part 51 is attached to a hoisting balance 23. A moving part 60 is arranged below the hoisting balance 23 on a Z2 side, and is connected to the hoisting balance 23 by the connecting part 51. The connecting part 51 is configured to convert movement of the hoisting balance 23 toward the lower Z2 side into movement of the moving part 60 toward a hoisting balance release side (X1) when the moving part 60 is in contact with an upper surface (11a) of a load 11. The moving part 60 is configured to push a sling rope 25 toward the hoisting balance release side (X1) when it moves to the hoisting balance release side (X1) while in contact with the upper surface (11a) of the load 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sling for suspending a load. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a conventional hoisting device. In the hoisting device described in this document, a hoisting hook is suspended from a hoisting beam (hoisting balance) via a sling, and a sling wire (sling rope) is suspended from the hoisting hook, and the sling wire is hooked onto a long material (suspended load). In the hoisting device described in this document, the sling wire automatically detaches from the hoisting hook. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-300689 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] On the other hand, it is desirable to automate the sling removal work of removing the sling rope from the suspended load with a simple configuration.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a lifting device that can automate the ball removal work with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The hoisting device comprises a lifting beam, a sling rope, a connecting part, and a moving part. The lifting beam is for stabilizing the posture of the suspended load. The sling rope is suspended from the lifting beam and can be draped over the load. The connecting part is attached to the lifting beam. The moving part is disposed below the lifting beam and connected to the lifting beam by the connecting part. The direction intersecting the vertical direction and in which the sling rope is released from the load is defined as the sling release side. The connecting part is configured to convert downward movement of the lifting beam into movement of the moving part toward the sling release side when the moving part is in contact with the top surface of the load. The moving part is configured to push the sling rope toward the sling release side when it moves toward the sling release side while in contact with the top surface of the load. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The above-mentioned lifting tool can automate the ball removal process with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a view of a hoisting device 1 including a hoisting tool 20 as seen from the lateral direction Y. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 in a state where the moving part 60 shown in FIG. 1 is in contact with the suspended load 11, as viewed from the lateral direction Y. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a view of the moving part 60 shown in FIG. 1 as seen from the upper side Z1. [Figure 4] 2, showing a state in which the moving part 60 shown in FIG. 2 has moved to the front side X1 from the state shown in FIG. [Figure 5] 4, showing a state in which the hanging balance 23 shown in FIG. 4 has moved to an upper side Z1 from the state shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 5, showing a state in which the hanging balance 23 shown in FIG. 5 has moved to an upper side Z1 from the state shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A hoisting device 1 equipped with a hoisting tool 20 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0010] As shown in Fig. 1, the lifting device 1 is a device for lifting and moving a load 11. For example, the lifting device 1 may be used to move the load 11 on a quay or within a ship's hold, or may be used to move the load 11 within a building, or may be used to move the load 11 at a construction site or the like. The lifting device 1 includes the load 11, a main rope 13, a main hook 15, and a lifting tool 20.

[0011] The load 11 is suspended by the hoisting tool 20. The load 11 has a shape that allows a sling rope 25 to be hung on the lower Z2 portion of the load 11. The load 11 is, for example, an object having a longitudinal direction (a long object, such as long cargo). For example, the load 11 is rod-shaped or column-shaped (for example, a rectangular prism). The load 11 does not have to be an object having a longitudinal direction, and does not have to be rod-shaped. For example, the load 11 may be flat or block-shaped. The load 11 may be made of any material, such as metal, wood, or resin. The number of loads 11 suspended by the hoisting tool 20 in a single lifting operation may be one or more (multiple loads 11 may be suspended together by the hoisting tool 20).

[0012] Specific examples of the load 11 are as follows: The load 11 may be a rod-shaped metal ingot (billet) used to manufacture metal products (e.g., metal wire rod). The number of loads 11 suspended by the hoist 20 in one hoisting operation may be five in the horizontal direction Y (details of the direction will be described later) and two rows in the vertical direction Z, for a total of ten loads 11. The length of the loads 11 in the longitudinal direction may be approximately 11.5 m. The cross section of the load 11 as viewed in the longitudinal direction may be approximately rectangular (one load 11 may be an approximately rectangular prism). The length of each of the four sides of this approximately rectangular shape may be approximately 75 mm. The mass of one load 11 may be approximately 2.2 tons. The mass of the ten loads 11 suspended by the hoist 20 in one hoisting operation may be approximately 22 tons. The dimensions, shape, material, and number of loads 11 lifted in one lifting operation can be set in various ways. For example, the load 11 does not have to be a billet. Hereinafter, when multiple loads 11 are lifted by the lifting tool 20 in one lifting operation, the multiple loads 11 will be simply referred to as "loads 11." The load 11 has a load upper surface 11a.

[0013] The suspended load upper surface 11a is the upper surface (surface on the upper side Z1) of the suspended load 11. The suspended load upper surface 11a has a shape that allows the moving unit 60, which will be described later, to move on the suspended load upper surface 11a. The suspended load upper surface 11a has, for example, a flat shape (planar or approximately planar). The suspended load upper surface 11a is arranged so as to extend in the horizontal direction or approximately horizontal direction. Note that the suspended load upper surface 11a does not have to have a flat shape as long as the moving unit 60 can move on the suspended load upper surface 11a. For example, the suspended load upper surface 11a may include a curved surface, a step, or unevenness.

[0014] The main rope 13 is a wire rope that suspends the main hook 15. The main rope 13 is a component of the crane.

[0015] The main hook 15 is suspended from the main rope 13. The main hook 15 is a component of the crane. A lifting device 20 is attached to the main hook 15. The crane's winch winds and unwinds the main rope 13, causing the main hook 15 to be hoisted up (moved to the upper side Z1) and lowered (moved to the lower side Z2).

[0016] The hoisting device 20 is a device for hoisting a load 11. The hoisting device 20 is suspended by a main rope 13 and a main hook 15. The hoisting device 20 includes a sling 21, a hoisting balance 23, a sling rope 25, and an automatic sling release machine 30.

[0017] The directions related to this sling device 20 include a front-to-rear direction X, a lateral direction Y, and an up-down direction Z. The up-down direction Z is the vertical direction. In the up-down direction Z, the upper side in the vertical direction (the direction in which the main hook 15 is reeled in) is referred to as the upper side Z1, and the side opposite the upper side Z1 is referred to as the lower side Z2. The front-to-rear direction X is the direction in which the sling rope 25 is attached to and detached from the load 11. The front-to-rear direction X intersects (e.g., is perpendicular to) the up-to-down direction Z. As shown in FIG. 2, in the front-to-rear direction X, the direction in which the sling rope 25 is detached from the load 11 is referred to as the front side X1 (the sling release side). More specifically, the front side X1 is the direction in which the sling rope 25 (more specifically, the sling rope lower portion 25e) moves when the sling rope 25 is detached from the load 11. The side opposite the front side X1 in the front-to-rear direction X is referred to as the rear side X2 (the anti-sling release side, the sling side). For example, if the load 11 and the hoist 23 have a longitudinal direction, the front-to-rear direction X may be the longitudinal direction of the load 11 or the longitudinal direction of the hoist 23. In this case, the front side X1 may be the outer side in the longitudinal direction of the load 11 or the outer side in the longitudinal direction of the hoist 23. As shown in FIG. 1 , the lateral direction Y is a direction (left-right direction) that intersects (for example, is perpendicular to) both the up-down direction Z and the front-to-rear direction X.

[0018] The sling 21 connects the main hook 15 and the hoist 23. A plurality of slings 21 are provided, two in the example shown in Fig. 1, but three or more slings may also be provided. The sling 21 may include a wire rope, a chain, or a belt (a rope having a rectangular cross section).

[0019] The hoist 23 (e.g., a hoisting beam) is used to stabilize the posture of the load 11. The hoist 23 is used to suspend the load 11 horizontally or approximately horizontally. More specifically, the hoist 23 is used to suspend the load 11 with the load upper surface 11a extending horizontally or approximately horizontally. The hoist 23 serves as a power source for the moving unit 60 (described later). The hoist 23 is suspended from the main hook 15 via a sling 21. The hoist 23 is a hoisting beam equipped with a beam. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the hoist 23 is equipped with only one beam. The hoist 23 may also be equipped with multiple beams. In this case, the hoist 23 may be, for example, approximately X-shaped (approximately cross-shaped), approximately rectangular, or approximately H-shaped when viewed from the up-down direction Z. The beam of the hoist balance 23 is disposed so as to extend horizontally or approximately horizontally (the beam is a horizontal beam). As shown in Fig. 2, the hoist balance 23 includes, for example, a hoist balance bottom plate 23a.

[0020] The hanging balance bottom plate 23a is a plate provided on the lower side Z2 portion of the hanging balance 23. The hanging balance bottom plate 23a is disposed so as to extend in the horizontal direction or approximately horizontal direction.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the sling rope 25 is suspended (hanging, drooping) from the hoist beam 23. The sling rope 25 can be hooked around the load 11. The sling rope 25 can be in a state where it is hooked around the load 11 and in a state where it is released from the load (see FIGS. 4 to 6). The "sling state" is a state where the sling rope 25 is hooked around the lower Z2 portion of the load 11. The "released state" is a state where the sling rope 25 is released from the load 11 (see FIGS. 4 to 6). The sling rope 25 is arranged so as to extend in the vertical direction Z when the sling rope 25 is in a state where it is lifting the load 11 (referred to as the "load lifting state").

[0022] This sling rope 25 is a rope, for example, a wire rope (sling wire, sling wire rope). A plurality of sling ropes 25 are provided. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the sling ropes 25 are provided in two locations. For example, the sling ropes 25 are hung from both ends of the hoist 23 in the front-to-rear direction X. For example, the sling ropes 25 are arranged so that they can be hung on both ends of the load 11 in the front-to-rear direction X. The sling ropes 25 may be provided in three or more locations. Below, a description will be given of one of the plurality of sling ropes 25.

[0023] This sling rope 25 may be a single rope-like member (single piece), or may be made up of multiple connected members as in the example shown in Figure 2. In terms of the structure of sling rope 25, sling rope 25 comprises sling rope first portion 25a, sling rope second portion 25b, and sling rope third portion 25c. In terms of the function of sling rope 25, sling rope 25 comprises sling rope lower portion 25e and upper middle portion 25f.

[0024] The sling rope first portion 25a is connected to the hoist balance 23 and suspended from the hoist balance 23. The sling rope first portion 25a is provided on each side (left and right) in the horizontal direction Y (two in total). The length of the sling rope first portion 25a is, for example, about 1 m (this "about 1 m" is just one example).

[0025] The second sling rope portion 25b is connected to the tip end (lower Z2 end) of the first sling rope portion 25a. The second sling rope portion 25b is connected to the tip end of each of the first sling rope portions 25a on both sides (left and right) in the lateral direction Y (two in total are provided). The second sling rope portion 25b may be, for example, a hook, or may be capable of detachably connecting the third sling rope portion 25c. The second sling rope portion 25b may also be a ring-shaped member for connecting ropes.

[0026] The third sling rope portion 25c is connected to the second sling rope portion 25b. The third sling rope portion 25c is a rope that connects the second sling rope portions 25b on both sides (left and right) in the lateral direction Y. The third sling rope portion 25c is substantially U-shaped when viewed from the front-to-rear direction X (see Figure 3). Note that the sling rope 25 does not have to be composed of three portions: the first sling rope portion 25a, the second sling rope portion 25b, and the third sling rope portion 25c. For example, the sling rope 25 may be composed of two portions, or four or more portions.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the lower sling rope 25e is the portion that comes into contact with the lower Z2 portion of the load 11 when the sling rope 25 is in the load-lifting state. Unless otherwise specified, the following description will be given for the case where the sling rope 25 is in the load-lifting state. The lower sling rope 25e is the portion that supports the load 11 from the lower Z2. The lower sling rope 25e is the portion that forms the lower Z2 end of the sling rope 25. The lower sling rope 25e may be belt-shaped (rope-shaped with a rectangular cross section) or may have a shape with a substantially circular cross section. Specifically, the lower sling rope 25e is the lower Z2 portion of the sling rope third portion 25c (see FIG. 2).

[0028] The upper middle sling rope 25f is the portion of the sling rope 25 that is above the lower sling rope 25e in the Z1 direction. The upper middle sling rope 25f extends from the lower sling rope 25e toward the upper side Z1. There are two upper middle sling ropes 25f, one on each side (left and right) in the lateral direction Y. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the upper middle sling rope 25f is made up of the portion of the third sling rope 25c that is above the lower sling rope 25e in the Z1 direction, the second sling rope 25b, and the first sling rope 25a.

[0029] The automatic slinging machine 30 is a device (slinging aid) that automatically removes the sling rope 25. The automatic slinging machine 30 automatically removes the sling rope 25, which is attached to the load 11, from the load 11. The automatic slinging machine 30 converts (utilizes) the movement of the hoist hoist 23 toward the lower side Z2 (specifically, the lowering) into movement toward the front side X1 of the moving unit 60, thereby removing the sling rope 25 (details will be described later). For example, if the load 11 is a billet, the automatic slinging machine 30 is an automatic slinging machine for handling billets. As shown in FIG. 1, multiple automatic slinging machines 30 are provided. In the example shown in FIG. 1, they are provided in two locations, but they may also be provided in only one location or in three or more locations. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the automatic slinging machines 30 are hung from both sides of the hoist hoist hoist 23 in the forward / backward direction X. The following describes one automatic sling removal machine 30. The automatic sling removal machine 30 includes a bracket 40, a connecting portion 51, a moving portion suspending portion 55, a moving portion 60, a holding portion 71, and a sling rope retracting portion 73.

[0030] The bracket 40 is a member (mounting member, for example, a metal fitting) for attaching the automatic ball remover 30 to the hanging balance 23. The bracket 40 includes a connecting portion bracket 41, a holding portion bracket 43, and a moving portion hanging portion bracket 45.

[0031] The connecting portion bracket 41 is a member for attaching the connecting portion 51 to the hanging balance 23. The connecting portion bracket 41 is a member for attaching the connecting portion 51 to the hanging balance 23 so that the connecting portion 51 is rotatable relative to the hanging balance 23 (see the description of the connecting portion 51 for details of the rotation). In the example shown in FIG. 2, the connecting portion bracket 41 includes a fixed bracket 41a, a rotating bracket 41b, and a swinging bracket 41c.

[0032] The fixed bracket 41a is fixed to the hanging balance 23. For example, the fixed bracket 41a is arranged so as to sandwich the hanging balance bottom plate 23a, and is fixed to the hanging balance bottom plate 23a. The fixed position (mounting position) of the fixed bracket 41a relative to the hanging balance 23 may be adjustable (the same applies to the holding unit bracket 43 and the moving unit hanging unit bracket 45).

[0033] The rotating bracket 41b is attached to the fixed bracket 41a so as to be rotatable relative to the fixed bracket 41a in the front-to-rear direction X and the up-down direction Z. The rotating bracket 41b is rotatable relative to the hanging balance 23 (for example, relative to the fixed bracket 41a) about a rotation axis (a connecting portion rotation axis 51a described later) extending in the lateral direction Y.

[0034] The swinging bracket 41c is attached to the swinging bracket 41b so as to be rotatable (swingable) in the lateral direction Y relative to the swinging bracket 41b. The swinging bracket 41c is rotatable about a rotation axis (a connecting portion swing axis 51b, described later) extending in the front-rear direction X relative to the hanging balance 23 (for example, relative to the swinging bracket 41b).

[0035] The holding unit bracket 43 is a member for attaching the holding unit 71 to the hoisting balance 23. The holding unit bracket 43 is a member for attaching the holding unit 71 to the hoisting balance 23 so that the holding unit 71 is rotatable relative to the hoisting balance 23 (see the description of the holding unit 71 for details of the rotation). In the example shown in Fig. 2, the holding unit bracket 43 includes a diagonal member bracket 43a and a vertical member bracket 43b.

[0036] The diagonal bracket 43a is arranged to extend in a direction inclined with respect to the fore-and-aft direction X. The diagonal bracket 43a is arranged to extend in a direction inclined with respect to the fore-and-aft direction X so that it is positioned lower Z2 as it moves further rearward X2. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the diagonal bracket 43a is fixed to the hoist 23 by being fixed to the fixed bracket 41a. In this example, the fixed bracket 41a serves as both the connecting portion bracket 41 and the holding portion bracket 43. The diagonal bracket 43a may also be fixed directly (without via the fixed bracket 41a) to the hoist 23. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the diagonal bracket 43a has a truss structure including multiple rod-shaped members. The diagonal bracket 43a may be a single rod-shaped member or may include a plate-shaped member.

[0037] The vertical member bracket 43b is disposed so as to extend in the up-down direction Z. The vertical member bracket 43b is fixed to the diagonal member bracket 43a. The vertical member bracket 43b is disposed so as to extend downward Z2 from the rear side X2 end of the diagonal member bracket 43a.

[0038] The moving section hanging section bracket 45 is a member for attaching the moving section hanging section 55 to the hoist 23. The moving section hanging section bracket 45 is fixed to the hoist 23. The moving section hanging section bracket 45 is attached and fixed to the hoist 23 in the same way as, for example, the fixed bracket 41a is attached and fixed to the hoist 23.

[0039] The connecting unit 51 (for example, an arm) connects the hoisting balance 23 and the moving unit 60. The connecting unit 51 is configured to convert the movement of the hoisting balance 23 toward the lower side Z2 into the movement of the moving unit 60 toward the front side X1 (to convert the force) when the moving unit 60 is in contact with the upper surface 11a of the suspended load (details will be described later).

[0040] The connecting portion 51 is attached to the hanging balance 23. For example, the connecting portion 51 is attached to the lower Z2 portion of the hanging balance 23. The connecting portion 51 is attached to the connecting portion bracket 41 and is attached to the hanging balance 23 via the connecting portion bracket 41. For example, the connecting portion 51 is attached to the swing bracket 41c. The connecting portion 51 is arm-shaped (pillar-shaped). When viewed from the lateral direction Y, the connecting portion 51 may have a shape that extends linearly (rod-shaped) or a shape that extends curvedly. The connecting portion 51 may have a structure in which multiple rod-shaped members are combined. For example, the connecting portion 51 may include two rod-shaped members (main pillars) aligned in the lateral direction Y and a member (connecting member) that connects the two rod-shaped members to each other in the lateral direction Y. Alternatively, for example, the connecting portion 51 may be a single rod-shaped member. The connecting portion 51 is rotatably attached to the hanging balance 23 (described later). The connecting portion 51 has a connecting portion rotation axis 51a, a connecting portion swing axis 51b, and a connecting portion moving portion mounting position 51c.

[0041] The connecting part rotation axis 51a is the axis of rotation of the connecting part 51 relative to the hanging balance 23 in the front-to-rear direction X and the up-to-down direction Z (details of rotation will be described later). The connecting part rotation axis 51a extends in the lateral direction Y. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the connecting part rotation axis 51a is the axis of rotation of the rotating bracket 41b relative to the fixed bracket 41a.

[0042] The connecting part swing shaft 51b is a rotation axis for rotation (swing) of the connecting part 51 relative to the hanging balance 23 in the lateral direction Y. The connecting part swing shaft 51b extends in the front-rear direction X. The extending direction of the connecting part swing shaft 51b may be inclined with respect to the front-rear direction X, for example, it may be inclined upward Z1 toward the front side X1. Note that the connecting part 51 may be rotatable about an axis different from the connecting part rotation shaft 51a and the connecting part swing shaft 51b. Specifically, for example, a large gap (play) may be provided between the shaft (e.g., a pin) for attaching the connecting part 51 to the hanging balance 23 and the hole (e.g., a pin hole) through which this shaft is passed.

[0043] The connecting portion moving portion attachment position 51c is a position where the connecting portion 51 is attached to the moving portion 60 (the attachment position of the connecting portion 51 to the moving portion 60) (details will be described later).

[0044] As shown in FIG. 1, the moving unit suspending unit 55 (e.g., a suspension rope) supports the moving unit 60 relative to the hoist 23. The moving unit suspending unit 55 suspends the moving unit 60 from the hoist 23. The moving unit suspending unit 55 supports the moving unit 60 in a state floating above the suspended load 11 so that the moving unit 60 in a state floating above the suspended load 11 (positioned above Z1 above the suspended load 11) assumes a posture similar to that of the moving unit 60 in contact with the suspended load 11 (see FIGS. 2, 4, etc.). For example, the moving unit suspending unit 55 supports the moving unit 60 so that the moving unit main body 61 (described below) is positioned to extend horizontally or approximately horizontally.

[0045] This moving part hanging part 55 is provided separately from the connecting part 51 (the moving part hanging part 55 is not the connecting part 51). The moving part hanging part 55 does not have the function of converting the movement of the hoist 23 to the downward side Z2 into movement to the front side X1 of the moving part 60. As shown in FIG. 2, the moving part hanging part 55 is attached to the moving part 60 at a moving part hanging part attaching part 61d (described later), which is a different position from the connecting part attaching part 61c (described later).

[0046] This moving unit suspender 55 is attached to the hoist 23. For example, the moving unit suspender 55 is attached to the moving unit suspender bracket 45, and is attached to the hoist 23 via the moving unit suspender bracket 45. The moving unit suspender 55 is, for example, rope-shaped (e.g., a wire rope). The moving unit suspender 55 is arranged to extend in the vertical direction Z when the moving unit suspender 55 is in a state where it supports the moving unit 60. Specifically, the moving unit suspender 55 is a suspending rope that is arranged to hang down (arranged in a suspended state) from the hoist 23. The length of the moving unit suspender 55 is constant (strictly speaking, approximately constant).

[0047] The moving unit 60 moves to the front side X1 (sling-removing side) while in contact with the upper surface 11a of the suspended load, thereby releasing the sling rope 25 from the suspended load 11 (see FIG. 4). The movement of the moving unit 60 to the front side X1 while in contact with the upper surface 11a of the suspended load is referred to as "sling-removing movement." The moving unit 60 is disposed below the hoisting balance 23 in the Z2 direction. For example, a part (or the entirety) of the moving unit 60 is disposed below the hoisting balance 23 in the Z2 direction and in a position opposite the hoisting balance 23 in the vertical direction Z (a position directly below the hoisting balance 23). The moving unit 60 is connected to the hoisting balance 23 by a connecting unit 51. The moving unit 60 includes a moving unit main body 61, a moving unit weight 63, a sling rope handling unit 65, and a sling rope movement restricting unit 67.

[0048] The moving unit main body 61 (e.g., a carriage) is the main body of the moving unit 60. The moving unit main body 61 is the part that comes into contact with the suspended load upper surface 11a when the moving unit 60 moves to remove the load. The moving unit main body 61 may be, for example, a carriage that runs on the suspended load upper surface 11a, or may be something that slides (slides) on the suspended load upper surface 11a. The moving unit main body 61 comprises a moving unit main body frame 61a, a moving member 61b, a connecting unit mounting part 61c, and a moving unit hanging unit mounting part 61d.

[0049] The moving unit main body frame 61a is a structure (frame) that constitutes the majority of the moving unit main body 61. As shown in FIG. 3, the moving unit main body frame 61a may include rod-shaped members, plate-shaped members, or a combination of rod-shaped members and plate-shaped members. The moving unit main body frame 61a may have a frame-like portion formed by combining multiple rod-shaped members. The rod-shaped members that constitute the moving unit main body frame 61a may be rectangular prism-shaped members (e.g., flat steel) or cylindrical members (e.g., steel bars).

[0050] As shown in FIG. 2, the moving member 61b contacts the upper surface 11a of the suspended load. The moving member 61b is a part that enables the moving unit 60 to move smoothly relative to the upper surface 11a of the suspended load. The moving member 61b is attached to the moving unit main frame 61a. As shown in FIG. 3, the moving member 61b may be disposed outward in the lateral direction Y from the outer end of the moving unit main frame 61a, or may be disposed inward in the lateral direction Y from the outer end of the moving unit main frame 61a. The moving member 61b may be disposed at the center of the moving unit main frame 61a in the lateral direction Y. As shown in FIG. 2, when the moving unit main body 61 is a cart, the moving member 61b is a wheel that can rotate relative to the moving unit main frame 61a. A plurality of moving members 61b that are wheels may be provided. When the moving unit main body 61 slides (slides) on the upper surface 11a of the suspended load, the moving member 61b is a member that slides relative to the upper surface 11a of the suspended load. In this case, the moving member 61b may be, for example, a sliding plate (sliding pad). The material of the moving member 61b is preferably a material that is unlikely to scratch the upper surface 11a of the suspended load. For example, the material of the moving member 61b may be resin or rubber, such as urethane rubber. Note that the moving member 61b does not necessarily have to be provided, and the surface of the lower side Z2 of the moving unit main frame 61a may directly contact the upper surface 11a of the suspended load.

[0051] The connecting portion attachment portion 61c is a portion attached to the connecting portion 51. The connecting portion attachment portion 61c is attached to the connecting portion 51 so that the connecting portion 51 is rotatable relative to the moving portion 60. The connecting portion attachment portion 61c is attached to the connecting portion 51 so that the connecting portion 51 is rotatable relative to the moving portion 60 around a rotation axis extending in the horizontal direction Y. Note that the moving portion 60 does not have to be rotatable relative to the connecting portion 51. More specifically, as long as the moving portion 60 (the sling rope pushing portion 65a (see FIG. 3), described in detail later) can push the sling rope 25 when the moving portion 60 performs a sling release movement, the connecting portion 51 does not have to be rotatable relative to the moving portion 60. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the connecting portion attachment portion 61c is disposed in the rear X2 portion of the moving portion main body 61 (for example, near the rear X2 end). For example, the connecting portion attachment portion 61c protrudes upward Z1 from the moving portion main body frame 61a. Specifically, the connecting portion attachment portion 61c has a pin hole for connecting to the connecting portion 51 with a pin.

[0052] The moving section hanging section mounting portion 61d is a portion to which the moving section hanging section 55 is mounted. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the moving section hanging section mounting portion 61d is disposed on the front side X1 of the connecting section mounting portion 61c. For example, the moving section hanging section mounting portion 61d protrudes upward Z1 from the moving section main body frame 61a. Specifically, the moving section hanging section mounting portion 61d is a member (for example, a plate-shaped member) having a hole for connecting the moving section hanging section 55.

[0053] The moving unit weight 63 is a weight (weight) for suppressing changes in the posture of the moving unit 60 (maintaining balance). As shown in FIG. 1, the moving unit weight 63 suppresses changes in the posture of the moving unit 60 when the moving unit 60 is floating above the suspended load 11. As shown in FIG. 4, the moving unit weight 63 suppresses changes in the posture of the moving unit 60 when the moving unit 60 moves to remove the load, making it easier for the moving unit 60 to come into contact with the upper surface 11a of the suspended load (details will be described later). The moving unit weight 63 is attached to the moving unit main body 61. For example, the moving unit weight 63 is attached (mounted) to the upper Z1 surface of the moving unit main body frame 61a.

[0054] In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the moving unit weight 63 is attached to the end of the moving unit main body 61 on the rear side X2. In this example, the moving unit weight 63 is arranged rearward X2 from the moving unit hanging unit mounting portion 61d and rearward X2 from the connecting unit mounting portion 61c. The moving unit weight 63 may be arranged forward X1 from the connecting unit mounting portion 61c, for example, between the connecting unit mounting portion 61c and the moving unit hanging unit mounting portion 61d in the front-to-rear direction X. The moving unit weight 63 may be arranged forward X1 from the connecting unit mounting portion 61c. The moving unit weight 63 is, for example, plate-shaped, and more specifically, a rectangular parallelepiped plate-shaped. Only one moving unit weight 63 may be provided, or multiple moving unit weights 63 may be provided. Some or all of the moving unit weight 63 may be detachable from the moving unit main body 61. The mass of the moving unit weight 63 may be adjustable by attaching and detaching the moving unit weight 63 to and from the moving unit main body 61.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 3, the sling rope handling unit 65 (e.g., a sling) is a part that handles the sling rope 25. The sling rope handling unit 65 pushes the sling rope 25. The sling rope handling unit 65 supports the sling rope 25. The sling rope handling unit 65 is disposed at the end (tip) of the front side X1 of the moving unit 60. The sling rope handling unit 65 is attached and fixed to the end of the front side X1 of the moving unit main body 61 (more specifically, the moving unit main body frame 61a). The sling rope handling unit 65 may include a rod-shaped member, a plate-shaped member, or a combination of a rod-shaped member and a plate-shaped member. The sling rope handling unit 65 may be attached to the moving unit main body frame 61a in an angle adjustable manner (for example, angle adjustable in the vertical direction Z). The sling rope handling unit 65 may be fixed to the moving unit main body frame 61a with the attachment angle of the sling rope handling unit 65 relative to the moving unit main body frame 61a adjusted. For example, the sling rope handling section 65 includes a sling rope pushing section 65a and a sling rope supporting section 65b.

[0056] The sling rope pusher 65a is a section that pushes the sling rope 25 toward the front side X1 when the moving section 60 performs a sling release movement. The sling rope pusher 65a is arranged at a position corresponding to the sling rope 25 so that it can push the sling rope 25. Specifically, there are two sling rope middle sections 25f, one on each side (left and right) in the lateral direction Y. In this case, the sling rope pusher 65a is arranged so that it can push the sling rope middle sections 25f on both sides in the lateral direction Y. Specifically, the sling rope pusher 65a is provided on both sides (two locations, left and right) of the sling rope handling section 65 in the lateral direction Y. It is preferable that the sling rope pusher 65a has a shape that limits the movement of the sling rope 25 in the lateral direction Y relative to the sling rope pusher 65a. It is preferable that the sling rope pusher 65a has a shape that allows the sling rope 25 to be caught on it. Specifically, the sling rope pushing portion 65a preferably has a shape (concave, U-shaped) that is recessed toward the rear side X2. The sling rope pushing portion 65a is, for example, in a forked shape.

[0057] The sling rope support parts 65b support the sling rope 25 from the lower side Z2 after the sling rope 25 has been released from the load 11 (see Figures 4 to 6) (the details of support will be described later). The sling rope support parts 65b are arranged in positions corresponding to the sling rope 25 so that they can support the released sling rope 25 from the lower side Z2. Specifically, the sling rope support parts 65b are arranged so that they can support the upper middle parts 25f of the sling ropes 25f on both sides in the lateral direction Y (two parts, left and right) from the lower side Z2. Specifically, the sling rope support parts 65b are provided on both sides in the lateral direction Y of the sling rope handling part 65 (two locations, left and right). Similar to the sling rope pushing part 65a, the sling rope support parts 65b preferably have a shape that limits movement of the sling rope 25 in the lateral direction Y relative to the sling rope support parts 65b. The sling rope support portion 65b may be used in combination with part or all of the sling rope pushing portion 65a, or may be provided separately (independently) from the sling rope pushing portion 65a.

[0058] The sling rope movement limiting section 67 (e.g., a ring) limits the position of the sling rope 25 relative to the sling rope handling section 65 within a predetermined range. The sling rope movement limiting section 67 limits the position of the sling rope 25 relative to the sling rope pushing section 65a within a predetermined range. Therefore, for example, even if the moving section 60 moves in the lateral direction Y relative to the hoist beam 23, the sling rope pushing section 65a can reliably push the sling rope 25 when the moving section 60 moves to release the sling (preventing the sling rope 25 from slipping away). Furthermore, after the sling rope 25 has been released from the load 11 (see Figures 4 to 6), the sling rope support section 65b can reliably support the sling rope 25 from the lower side Z2.

[0059] Specifically, this sling rope movement limiting section 67 is configured so that the sling rope handling section 65 and the sling rope movement limiting section 67 surround the periphery of the sling rope 25. The sling rope movement limiting section 67 is configured so that the sling rope handling section 65 and the sling rope movement limiting section 67 form a ring shape. The sling rope movement limiting section 67 is approximately ring-shaped. The sling rope movement limiting section 67 is attached and fixed to the sling rope handling section 65. The sling rope movement limiting section 67 may be fixed to the sling rope handling section 65 by, for example, welding, or by a fastening member (such as a bolt). Specifically, the sling rope movement limiting section 67 is a linear member (such as a wire) formed into a substantially ring shape.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 6, the holding unit 71 (e.g., an air cylinder) holds the position of the moving unit 60 relative to the lifting beam 23. During the "hoisting of the sling 20 after release of the sling" process described below, the holding unit 71 holds the moving unit 60 at a position X1 forward of the position (60I) of the moving unit 60 when the sling rope 25 is in the load lifting state (details will be described later). The holding unit 71 restricts the movement of the moving unit 60 toward the rear X2. The holding unit 71 does not have to restrict the movement of the moving unit 60 toward the front X1. For example, the holding unit 71 does not restrict, or only restricts very little, the movement of the moving unit 60 toward the front X1.

[0061] Specifically, the holding unit 71 is an extendable and retractable cylinder (telescopic cylinder). For example, the holding unit 71 is a fluid pressure cylinder that limits the extension and retraction of the holding unit 71 by fluid pressure. The fluid that limits the extension and retraction of the holding unit 71 is, for example, a gas, such as air (the holding unit 71 is, for example, an air cylinder). If the fluid is a liquid, there is a risk of the liquid leaking from the holding unit 71, so the fluid is preferably a gas. The holding unit 71 may be an electric cylinder or the like, or it does not have to be a telescopic cylinder. For example, the holding unit 71 may be a device provided at the end (base end) of the connecting unit 51 on the hanging balance 23 side, or may be a clutch, brake, or the like. The following mainly describes the case where the holding unit 71 is a telescopic cylinder.

[0062] The holding unit 71 is attached directly or indirectly to each of the hanging balance 23 and the moving unit 60. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the holding unit 71 is attached to the holding unit bracket 43 and attached to the hanging balance 23 via the holding unit bracket 43. The holding unit 71 is attached to the connecting unit 51 and attached to the moving unit 60 via the connecting unit 51. The attachment position of the holding unit 71 to the connecting unit 51 may or may not be adjustable (the same applies to the attachment position to the holding unit bracket 43). For example, the attachment position of the holding unit 71 to the connecting unit 51 in the longitudinal direction of the connecting unit 51 may be adjustable. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the holding unit 71 is arranged on the rear side X2 of the connecting unit 51. In this example, the holding unit 71 is attached to the rear side X2 of the connecting unit 51. The holding unit 71 is attached to the holding unit bracket 43 which is arranged on the rear side X2 of the connecting unit 51. Note that the holding unit 71 may also be arranged on the front side X1 of the connecting unit 51.

[0063] The holding unit 71 is rotatably attached to the hanging balance 23. For example, the holding unit 71 is rotatably attached to the vertical member bracket 43b of the holding unit bracket 43. The holding unit 71 is attached to the hanging balance 23 so as to be rotatable in the front-to-rear direction X and the up-to-down direction Z relative to the hanging balance 23 (so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis extending in the horizontal direction Y). The holding unit 71 is rotatably attached to the connecting unit 51. The holding unit 71 is attached to the connecting unit 51 so as to be rotatable in the front-to-rear direction X and the up-to-down direction Z relative to the connecting unit 51 (so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis extending in the horizontal direction Y).

[0064] The holder 71 is preferably attached to one or both of the hanging balance 23 and the connecting part 51 so as to be rotatable (for example, rotatable within a predetermined range) around a rotation axis extending in a direction different from the lateral direction Y (described later). Specifically, for example, a large gap (play) may be provided between an axis (for example, a pin) for attaching the holder 71 to one or both of the hanging balance 23 and the connecting part 51 and a hole (for example, a pin hole) through which this axis passes.

[0065] As described above, the holding unit 71 is, for example, an extendable cylinder. For example, the holding unit 71 is configured so that the force required to extend the holding unit 71 and the force required to retract the holding unit 71 can each be (individually) adjusted. Specifically, the holding unit 71 is configured so that the amount of fluid (e.g., air) entering and leaving the cylinder tube can each be adjusted. More specifically, the holding unit 71 is equipped with an adjustment valve. The holding unit 71 is equipped with an adjustment valve that adjusts the amount of fluid entering the cylinder tube, and an adjustment valve that adjusts the amount of fluid leaving the cylinder tube.

[0066] A specific example of the extension and contraction operation of the holding portion 71 when the holding portion 71 is disposed on the rear side X2 of the connecting portion 51 is as follows. As described above, the holding portion 71 may restrict the movement of the moving portion 60 toward the rear side X2, but not restrict the movement of the moving portion 60 toward the front side X1. When the moving portion 60 moves toward the front side X1, the holding portion 71 extends (see FIGS. 2 and 4). This extension operation of the holding portion 71 is not restricted (or is almost not restricted). Specifically, when the holding portion 71 extends, a valve that adjusts the flow of fluid into and out of the cylinder tube (for example, a valve that adjusts the amount of fluid that flows out) is set to fully open (or almost fully open). Furthermore, when the moving portion 60 moves toward the rear side X2, the holding portion 71 retracts (see FIGS. 4 to 6). This retraction operation of the holding portion 71 is restricted. Specifically, when the holding portion 71 contracts, a valve that adjusts the flow of fluid into and out of the cylinder tube (for example, a valve that adjusts the amount of fluid entering) is adjusted to a closed state rather than a fully open state. Note that if the holding portion 71 is disposed on the front side X1 of the connecting portion 51, the extension and contraction in the above description will be reversed.

[0067] The holding portion 71 expands and contracts (is driven) in accordance with the rotation of the connecting portion 51 about the connecting portion rotation axis 51a relative to the lifting beam 23. The holding portion 71 does not need to expand and contract using power. The holding portion 71 may hold the moving portion 60 at X1 forward of the position (60I) of the moving portion 60 in the load-lifting state without using power (described later). Note that the holding portion 71 may use power to hold the moving portion 60 at X1 forward of the position (60I) of the moving portion 60 in the load-lifting state. When the holding portion 71 is a fluid pressure cylinder, the "power" is a source of fluid pressure, etc. When the holding portion 71 is an air cylinder, the "power" is a compressor that pressurizes air, etc.

[0068] The sling rope retraction section 73 (e.g., a spring) prevents the sling rope 25 from interfering with the load 11 when "hoisting up the sling device 20 after release," which will be described later. The sling rope retraction section 73 pulls the sling rope 25 toward the rear side X2 (details will be described later). The sling rope retraction section 73 is connected to the sling rope 25. For example, two sling rope retractions 73 are provided, and are connected to each of the upper middle parts 25f of the sling rope on both sides (left and right) in the lateral direction Y. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the sling rope retraction section 73 is connected to the sling rope second section 25b (e.g., a hook, ring, etc.). The sling rope retraction section 73 is connected to an object on the rear side X2 of the sling rope 25. For example, the sling rope retraction section 73 is connected to the lifting beam 23 at a position on the rear side X2 of the sling rope 25. The sling rope retraction section 73 may be directly connected to the hoisting balance 23, or may be indirectly connected to the hoisting balance 23 (for example, via the bracket 40, etc.). The sling rope retraction section 73 may be, for example, substantially string-shaped or rod-shaped.

[0069] This sling rope retraction section 73 may be one that constantly pulls the sling rope 25 toward the rear side X2. For example, the sling rope retraction section 73 may be one that has a retraction spring 73a. Note that the sling rope retraction section 73 may pull the sling rope 25 toward the rear side X2 only after the moving section 60 has released the sling rope 25. The sling rope retraction section 73 may be one that uses an actuator such as a motor, for example, and more specifically, may be one that has a winch that winds up the retraction rope 73b. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the sling rope retraction section 73 is equipped with a retraction spring 73a and a retraction rope 73b.

[0070] The retraction spring 73a is a spring for pulling the sling rope 25. The retraction spring 73a is, for example, a (long) coil spring in the shape of a substantially string. In this case, the retraction spring 73a is set to a tension and length (the same applies to the length of the retraction rope 73b) that will prevent the sling rope 25 from interfering with the load 11 when "winding up the sling 20 after the sling is released," as will be described later. The retraction spring 73a may be a power spring that winds up the retraction rope 73b, or may be another spring.

[0071] The retraction rope 73b is a string-like member. In the example shown in Fig. 6, two retraction ropes 73b are provided in one sling rope retraction section 73. The retraction ropes 73b are connected to both ends of the retraction spring 73a in the longitudinal direction. The retraction rope 73b is connected to the end of the front side X1 (sling rope 25 side) of the retraction spring 73a and to the sling rope 25. The retraction rope 73b is connected to the end of the rear side X2 of the retraction spring 73a and to the hoist 23.

[0072] (Activated) The lifting device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is configured to operate as follows.

[0073] (Lowering of suspended loads such as 11) The main rope 13 and main hook 15 suspend the hoisting device 20 and the load 11. At this time, the load 11 has not yet landed (described below), and the sling rope 25 is slinging the load 11. In this state, the main rope 13 is let out from the winch of the crane. Then, the main hook 15, the hoisting device 20, and the load 11 are wound down (moved to the lower side Z2).

[0074] (Landing of Suspended Load 11) When the load 11 is lowered, the load 11 lands. Then, the tension in the sling rope 25 due to the mass of the load 11 is released. The "landing" of the load 11 may mean that the load 11 is placed on the ground via bedding (e.g., wood), or that the load 11 is placed on the floor, or that the load 11 is placed on a load placed on the ground or a floor. Specifically, for example, the load 11, which is a billet, may land on the floor inside a ship's hold via bedding, or may land on a load placed inside the ship's hold via bedding.

[0075] (Automatic ball removal) As the sling 20 is wound down, the sling rope 25 is automatically released from the load 11 (automatic sling release). Specifically, when the main hook 15 and the hoist beam 23 are further wound down with the load 11 on the ground, the moving unit 60 performs a sling release movement, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, and pushes the sling rope 25 to the front side X1, releasing it from the load 11. Details of automatic sling release will be explained below.

[0076] (Ball removal movement of moving part 60) 1, the main hook 15 and the hoist 23 are further lowered. Then, as shown in FIG. 2, the moving part 60 (more specifically, the moving member 61b) comes into contact with the upper surface 11a of the suspended load (this will be referred to as "the moving part 60 landing on the suspended load 11").

[0077] With the moving member 61b in contact with the upper surface 11a of the suspended load, the main hook 15 and the hoisting balance 23 shown in Fig. 1 are further lowered. At this time, with the moving unit 60 in contact with the upper surface 11a of the suspended load, the connecting unit 51 shown in Fig. 2 converts the movement (lowering) of the hoisting balance 23 toward the lower side Z2 into movement of the moving unit 60 toward the front side X1. At this time, the connecting unit 51 converts the force (gravity) due to the weight (mass) of the hoisting balance 23 into a force pushing the moving unit 60 toward the front side X1 (further details of this force conversion will be described later).

[0078] The moving unit 60 moves to remove the ball when pushed by the connecting unit 51. More specifically, when pushed by the connecting unit 51, the moving unit 60 moves to the front side X1 while in contact with the upper surface 11a of the suspended load. For example, if the moving unit main body 61 is a cart and the moving members 61b are wheels, the moving unit main body 61 runs on the upper surface 11a of the suspended load, and the moving members 61b roll on the upper surface 11a of the suspended load.

[0079] The moving unit 60 pushes the sling rope 25 toward the front side X1 by performing a sling release movement. More specifically, the sling rope push unit 65a (see FIG. 3) pushes the sling rope 25 (for example, the upper middle sling rope 25f) toward the front side X1. At this time, the connecting unit 51 converts the force due to the weight of the hoist 23 into a force (sling release force) with which the moving unit 60 pushes the sling rope 25 toward the front side X1. At this time, the load 11 has landed and the tension in the sling rope 25 due to the mass of the load 11 is no longer present, so the sling rope push unit 65a can move the sling rope 25 toward the front side X1. When the sling rope 25 moves to the front side X1, the sling rope 25 is released from the load 11, as shown in FIG. 4. Specifically, the lower sling rope 25e moves toward the front side X1 of the load 11 (detaches from the load 11). The weight of the lifting balance 23 must be large enough to enable the moving part 60 to move the sling rope 25 to the front side X1.

[0080] As described above, the moving unit 60 uses the weight of the hoisting balance 23 to release the sling rope 25. Therefore, a drive source for moving the moving unit 60 to the front side X1 is not required. Specifically, for example, the moving unit 60 does not need to be self-propelled by a motor or the like. Furthermore, the holding unit 71 does not need to be driven to extend and retract using power (for example, fluid pressure). Therefore, the configuration of the hoisting device 20 can be simplified compared to when a drive source for moving the moving unit 60 to the front side X1 is required. Note that the above "drive source" does not include the power for lowering the hoisting balance 23 (specifically, the weight of the hoisting balance 23 and the power of the crane that hoists down the hoisting balance 23).

[0081] (Details of force conversion) As described above, the connecting part 51 converts the movement of the hanging balance 23 to the lower side Z2 into a movement of the moving part 60 to the front side X1 (performs force conversion). A specific example of the configuration of the connecting part 51 and the like for performing this force conversion will be described below.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 2, the connecting part 51 connects the hoist 23 and the moving part 60 as described above. The connecting part 51 is arm-shaped. The connecting part 51 is not, for example, a bendable link, but is an arm-shaped rigid body. The connecting part 51 has a connecting part moving part attachment position 51c. The connecting part moving part attachment position 51c is the position where the connecting part 51 is attached to the moving part 60 (the attachment position of the connecting part 51 to the moving part 60). The connecting part moving part attachment position 51c is the position (push position) where the connecting part 51 pushes the moving part 60 forward X1 when the hoist 23 moves downward Z2 with the moving part 60 in contact with the upper surface 11a of the suspended load. This connecting part moving part attachment position 51c is located further forward X1 than the connecting part rotation axis 51a. Specifically, just before the moving part 60 makes the movement to remove the load (when the moving part 60 lands on the load 11), the connecting part moving part attachment position 51c is located on the front side X1 of the connecting part rotation axis 51a. Also, even while the moving part 60 is making the movement to remove the load, the connecting part moving part attachment position 51c is located on the front side X1 of the connecting part rotation axis 51a (see FIG. 4).

[0083] Here, when viewed from the lateral direction Y, the line segment connecting the connecting portion rotation axis 51a and the connecting portion moving portion attachment position 51c is defined as the connecting portion line segment L. The connecting portion line segment L extends in the direction of the force acting from the connecting portion 51 to the moving portion 60 when the moving portion 60 moves to remove the load. For example, the connecting portion line segment L extends in the longitudinal direction or approximately the longitudinal direction of the connecting portion 51. The angle of the connecting portion line segment L with respect to the front-to-rear direction X is defined as the inclination angle θ. When the moving portion 60 lands on the load 11 and while the moving portion 60 is moving to remove the load, the connecting portion line segment L is inclined with respect to the up-down direction Z so that it is positioned on the front side X1 as far as the lower side Z2. When the moving portion 60 lands on the load 11 and while the moving portion 60 is moving to remove the load, the inclination angle θ is less than 90°.

[0084] When the hoist 23 moves downward Z2 with the moving part 60 in contact with the upper surface 11a of the suspended load, the connecting part rotation shaft 51a moves downward Z2. As a result, the connecting part 51 rotates toward the front side X1 about the connecting part rotation shaft 51a, and the connecting part moving part mounting position 51c moves toward the front side X1 about the connecting part rotation shaft 51a. As a result, the moving part 60 moves toward the front side X1. As the connecting part 51 rotates toward the front side X1 about the connecting part rotation shaft 51a, the holding part 71 rotates relative to the hoist 23 (more specifically, relative to the holding part bracket 43). In the example shown in FIG. 2, as the connecting part 51 rotates toward the front side X1, the holding part 71 extends and rotates toward the front side X1 relative to the hoist 23.

[0085] (Function of moving weight 63) The moving unit weight 63 suppresses the change in posture of the moving unit 60 when the moving unit 60 moves to release the sling. Specifically, the moving unit 60 pushes the sling rope 25 toward the front side X1, thereby receiving a reaction force (reaction) from the sling rope 25. If the moving unit 60 is too light, the reaction force from the sling rope 25 will change the posture of the moving unit 60 (more specifically, the moving unit main body 61 (e.g., a cart)), causing the moving unit 60 to become unstable. For example, the moving unit 60 may float up from the upper surface 11a of the suspended load. If the moving unit 60 becomes unstable, the moving unit 60 may not be able to move the sling rope 25 toward the front side X1 (to release the sling). For this reason, the moving unit 60 is provided with the moving unit weight 63. Therefore, the moving unit weight 63 suppresses the change in posture of the moving unit 60 when the moving unit 60 moves to release the sling. For example, the moving section weight 63 makes it easier for the moving section 60 to come into contact with the upper surface 11a of the suspended load, preventing the moving section 60 from floating up from the upper surface 11a of the suspended load. Since the change in the posture of the moving section 60 is prevented, the moving section 60 can move the sling rope 25 to the front side X1 in a stable posture. Note that, in cases where the mass of the moving section 60 is large enough that the change in the posture of the moving section 60 is not a problem, the moving section 60 does not need to be equipped with the moving section weight 63.

[0086] (Winding up sling 20 after removing the rope) As shown in FIG. 4, after the moving unit 60 releases the sling rope 25 from the load 11, the main rope 13 shown in FIG. 1 is wound onto the crane's winch, and the main hook 15 and the hoisting device 20 are wound up (moved to the upper side Z1). Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the moving unit 60 moves to the rear side X2 while remaining in contact with the upper surface 11a of the load. Specifically, when the hoisting balance 23 moves to the upper side Z1, the connecting unit rotation shaft 51a moves to the upper side Z1. Then, the connecting unit 51 rotates to the rear side X2 about the connecting unit rotation shaft 51a, and the connecting unit moving unit mounting position 51c moves to the rear side X2 about the connecting unit rotation shaft 51a. At this time, the holding unit 71 rotates relative to the hoisting balance 23. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the holding unit 71 rotates to the rear side X2 relative to the hoisting balance 23 (more specifically, relative to the holding unit bracket 43) while contracting. At this time, the holding portion 71 restrains the movement of the moving portion 60 toward the rear side X2.

[0087] With the moving section 60 in contact with the upper surface 11a of the suspended load, the main hook 15 and the hoisting device 20 shown in Fig. 1 are further hoisted up. Then, as shown in Fig. 6, the moving section 60 (more specifically, the moving section main body 61 (e.g., a cart)) moves away from the upper surface 11a of the suspended load to the upper side Z1 (floats up). At this time, the moving section 60 is hoisted up by the hoisting balance 23 via the connecting section 51 and the moving section hoisting section 55.

[0088] (Suppression of interference with sling rope 25) The hoisting device 20 is configured to prevent the sling rope 25 from interfering with the load 11 when the hoisting device 20 is being hoisted up after release. Details are as follows. For example, the sling rope 25 may interfere with the load 11 as follows. When the hoisting device 20 is hoisted up after release, the moving unit 60 moves to the rear side X2 relative to when the moving unit 60 releases the sling rope 25 (see FIG. 4), and the sling rope handling unit 65 also moves to the rear side X2. As a result, the sling rope 25 moves to the rear side X2, and there is a risk that it may interfere with (be caught on, e.g., be slinged by) the load 11. Specifically, for example, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 6, the sling rope 25 is arranged at an angle with respect to the up-down direction Z between the hoisting beam 23 and the sling rope handling unit 65 so that it is positioned further forward X1 as it approaches the lower side Z2. The sling rope 25 is then arranged (hangs down) so as to extend downward Z2 from the sling rope handling section 65. This could result in the sling rope 25 (for example, the sling rope lower section 25e and its surrounding area) interfering with the load 11. The arrangement of the sling rope 25 shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 6 is one example. Therefore, the sling device 20 is configured to prevent the sling rope 25 from interfering with the load 11 when the sling device 20 is reeled in after being released. Specifically, one or more (preferably all) of the sling rope retraction section 73, the sling rope support section 65b, and the holding section 71 prevent the sling rope 25 from interfering with the load 11.

[0089] (Function of the sling rope retraction section 73) The sling rope retraction section 73 retracts the sling rope 25 toward the rear side X2, thereby preventing the sling rope 25 from interfering with the load 11. Specifically, the sling rope retraction section 73 retracts the connection between the sling rope retraction section 73 and the sling rope 25 (e.g., the second sling rope section 25b) toward the rear side X2. This connection (e.g., the second sling rope section 25b) is therefore positioned closer to the rear side X2 than when the sling rope retraction section 73 does not retract the sling rope 25 toward the rear side X2 (see the sling rope 25 indicated by the two-dot chain line). This prevents the sling rope 25 (e.g., the lower sling rope section 25e and its surrounding area) from sagging from the sling rope handling section 65. For example, the sling rope retraction section 73 may cause the amount of slinging of the sling rope 25 from the sling rope handling section 65 (the sling amount of the sling rope 25) to be zero or approximately zero. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the lower sling rope portion 25e and its surrounding area are disposed in the vicinity of the sling rope handling portion 65, and the amount of sagging of the sling rope 25 is substantially zero.

[0090] (Function of the sling rope support portion 65b) The sling rope support part 65b supports the sling rope 25 from the lower side Z2, thereby preventing the sling rope 25 from interfering with the load 11. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the sling rope lower part 25e and its surrounding part are supported by the sling rope support part 65b from the lower side Z2 (rest on the sling rope support part 65b) while being positioned in the vicinity of the sling rope handling part 65. Therefore, the sling rope lower part 25e and its surrounding part are prevented from sagging from the sling rope handling part 65.

[0091] (Function of holding unit 71) When the hoisting device 20 is reeled in after the sling is released, the holding unit 71 holds the moving unit 60 at a position X1 forward of the position (60I) of the moving unit 60 in the load-lifting state, thereby preventing the sling rope 25 from interfering with the load 11. In FIG. 6, the position (60I) of the rear end X2 of the moving unit 60 and the position of the connecting unit 51 in the load-lifting state are indicated by two-dot chain lines. The holding unit 71 only needs to hold the moving unit 60 at a position X1 forward of the position (60I) of the moving unit 60 in the load-lifting state; it is not necessary to completely restrict the movement of the moving unit 60 to the rear X2. The holding unit 71 does not need to hold the moving unit 60 in the same position as when the moving unit 60 has completed its sling-release movement (when the moving unit 60 is positioned furthest forward X1), as shown in FIG. 4. The holding part 71 shown in FIG. 6 may hold the moving part 60 at a position X2 behind the position of the moving part 60 when the moving part 60 has finished moving to remove the hoist (see FIG. 4), and at a position X1 ahead of the position (60I) of the moving part 60 in the load-lifting state. For example, an example in which the holding part 71 is a telescopic cylinder and is disposed at a position X2 behind the connecting part 51 is as follows. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, the length of the holding part 71 when the hoisting device 20 is hoisted after the hoist is removed is longer than the length of the holding part 71 in the load-lifting state (see FIG. 1) (the holding part 71 is in an extended state).

[0092] As described above, the holding section 71 holds the movable section 60 at a position X1 further forward than the position (60I) of the movable section 60 in the load-lifting state. Therefore, the sling rope handling section 65 can handle the sling rope 25 at a position X1 further forward than the position of the sling rope handling section 65 in the load-lifting state. Specifically, the sling rope support section 65b may be able to support the sling rope 25 at a position X1 further forward than the position of the sling rope support section 65b in the load-lifting state. In addition, the sling rope pushing section 65a (see FIG. 3) may be able to push the sling rope 25 at a position X1 further forward than the position of the sling rope pushing section 65a in the load-lifting state.

[0093] The holding unit 71 may hold the moving unit 60 temporarily, or may not continue to hold the moving unit 60. The holding unit 71 holds the moving unit 60 at least when the hoisting device 20 is wound up after the sling has been released. For example, when the sling rope 25 is slung around a new load 11 different from the load 11 from which the sling rope 25 was released, and the new load 11 is lifted, the moving unit 60 returns to the position (60I) for the load lifting state. Specifically, the moving unit 60 returns to the rearmost position X2 (or approximately the rearmost position X2) within the range of movement of the moving unit 60 in the fore-and-aft direction X relative to the hoist beam 23.

[0094] (Horizontal movement of the hanging balance 23) The hoist 23 may move (rotate or move parallel) in the horizontal direction relative to the suspended load 11. For example, the hoist 23 may rotate in the horizontal direction relative to the suspended load 11. For example, if the suspended load 11 and the hoist 23 are each members having a longitudinal direction, the hoist 23 will not always be parallel to the suspended load 11. When viewed from above Z1, the longitudinal direction of the hoist 23 may tilt (twist, be displaced) relative to the longitudinal direction of the suspended load 11. Furthermore, for example, the hoist 23 may move in the front-to-rear direction X or in the lateral direction Y relative to the suspended load 11. For example, horizontal movement of the hoist 23 relative to the suspended load 11 may occur when the hoist 23 is lowered after the suspended load 11 has landed (see FIGS. 2 and 4) (before and after the moving unit 60 lands on the suspended load 11). Furthermore, horizontal movement of the hoist balance 23 relative to the suspended load 11 can occur when the hoisting tool 20 is hoisted up after the hoisting device is released (before and after the moving part 60 is lifted off the suspended load 11).

[0095] It is preferable that the members connected to the hoisting balance 23 be configured so that deformation (e.g., bending) and breakage of the members connected to the hoisting balance 23 can be suppressed when the hoisting balance 23 moves horizontally relative to the suspended load 11. Specifically, it is preferable that the hoisting balance 23 and the members connected to the hoisting balance 23 be rotatable relative to each other in various directions. The "members connected to the hoisting balance 23" are, for example, one or more of the connecting unit 51, the holding unit 71, and the moving unit 60.

[0096] For example, the connecting portion 51 may be rotatable relative to the hanging balance 23 not only about a rotation axis (connecting portion rotation axis 51a) extending in the lateral direction Y but also about a rotation axis extending in a direction different from the lateral direction Y. Specifically, the connecting portion 51 may be rotatable (swingable) about a rotation axis (connecting portion swing axis 51b) extending in the front-rear direction X relative to the hanging balance 23. Furthermore, the connecting portion 51 may be rotatable relative to the hanging balance 23 about an axis other than either the connecting portion rotation axis 51a or the connecting portion swing axis 51b. For example, the connecting portion 51 may be rotatable relative to the hanging balance 23 about the longitudinal direction of the connecting portion 51 as a rotation axis (rotating in a manner that twists the connecting portion 51). Furthermore, just as the connecting portion 51 may be rotatable relative to the hanging balance 23 in various directions, the holding portion 71 may be rotatable relative to the hanging balance 23 in various directions. Furthermore, the moving portion 60 may be rotatable in various directions relative to the connecting portion 51. Furthermore, the moving part 60 may be rotatable in various directions relative to the connecting part 51.

[0097] (repetitive work) The operation of moving a load 11 using the hoisting device 20 shown in FIG. 1 is performed repeatedly. Specifically, a certain load 11 is lifted by the hoisting device 20 and landed at a predetermined position. Then, the moving unit 60 automatically releases the sling rope 25 (see FIG. 4), and then the hoisting device 20 is reeled in after the sling is released (see FIG. 6). After that, a new load 11 is lifted by the hoisting device 20 and landed at a predetermined position. In this manner, the operation of moving the load 11 is performed repeatedly. It is preferable that the loads 11 moved in each operation have similar (standard) shapes and dimensions. It is preferable that the environment around the sling rope 25 that is released from the load 11 in each operation (the sling release environment) is approximately constant. In this case, once the settings of the hoisting device 20 are set, the operation can be performed repeatedly without changing (or almost without changing) the settings of the hoisting device 20. When the shape and dimensions of the load 11 (the environment for removing the load) are changed, the settings of the hoisting tool 20 can be appropriately reset.

[0098] (Example of setting sling 20) For example, the sling 20 is set so that when the moving section 60 performs a sling removal movement, the amount of the sling rope 25 that can be pushed out by the moving section 60 (hereinafter referred to as the "rope push-out amount") is an amount that will allow the sling rope 25 to be released from the load 11.

[0099] For example, the settings of the hoisting device 20 may be adjusted as follows. For example, the attachment position of the connecting portion 51 to the hoist beam 23 (e.g., the position of the connecting portion bracket 41) may be adjusted. The attachment position of the holding portion 71 to the hoist beam 23 (e.g., the position of the holding portion bracket 43) may be adjusted. The attachment position of the holding portion 71 to the connecting portion 51 may be adjusted. The length of the moving portion 60 in the front-to-rear direction X may be adjusted. The length of the connecting portion line segment L of the connecting portion 51 shown in FIG. 2 may be adjusted, or the inclination angle θ of the moving portion 60 when it lands on the suspended load 11 may be adjusted. Note that the longer the connecting portion line segment L, the greater the rope extensibility amount. Furthermore, even if the length of the connecting portion line segment L is the same, the greater the inclination angle θ of the moving portion 60 when it lands on the suspended load 11 (but less than 90°), the greater the rope extensibility amount, and the smaller the inclination angle θ of the moving portion 60 when it lands on the suspended load 11, the smaller the rope extensibility amount.

[0100] (About automation) As shown in FIG. 4, when the hoisting tool 20 is moved (wound down) to the lower side Z2, the sling rope 25 can be automatically released from the load 11. Therefore, with the hoisting tool 20, an operator does not need to perform the task of releasing the sling rope 25 from the load 11 (sling removal task), and the sling removal task can be automated. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, with the hoisting tool 20, when the hoisting tool 20 is wound up after the sling is removed, interference of the sling rope 25 with the load 11 is automatically suppressed. Therefore, with the hoisting tool 20, an operator does not need to perform the task of separating the sling rope 25 from the load 11 (rope holding task), and the rope holding task can be automated. Here, when an operator performs one or both of the sling removal task and the rope holding task, the operator may be working at a high altitude. For example, when an operator stands on top of stacked loads 11, the operator may be working at a height of 2 meters or more (e.g., 2.6 meters). With the lifting tool 20, the work of removing the rope and holding the rope can be automated, eliminating the need for workers to work at heights.

[0101] (Winding and lowering operations) With the hoisting device 20 shown in Figure 1, the lifting and rope holding operations can be performed automatically by simply moving the hoisting device 20 in the same way (or approximately the same way) as the lifting and lowering of existing hoisting devices 20. Therefore, no special operations (operations different from existing operations) are required to perform the lifting and rope holding operations.

[0102] (About the driving source) With the hoisting device 20, the sling rope 25 can be released from the load 11 simply by winding down the hoisting device 20. With the hoisting device 20, no power (drive source) other than the power to lower the hoisting balance 23 is required to release the sling rope 25 from the load 11. Therefore, with the hoisting device 20, no large-scale device is required to release the sling rope 25 from the load 11. Therefore, capital investment for a large-scale device is not required.

[0103] (Effects of the first invention) The effects of the hoisting device 20 shown in FIG. 1 are as follows. The hoisting device 20 comprises a hoisting beam 23, a sling rope 25, a connecting unit 51, and a moving unit 60. The hoisting beam 23 is used to stabilize the posture of the load 11. The sling rope 25 is suspended from the hoisting beam 23 and can be draped over the load 11. The connecting unit 51 is attached to the hoisting beam 23. The moving unit 60 is disposed below the hoisting beam 23 on the Z2 side and is connected to the hoisting beam 23 by the connecting unit 51. As shown in FIG. 2, the direction that intersects with the vertical direction Z and in which the sling rope 25 is released from the load 11 is defined as the front side X1 (sling release side).

[0104] [Configuration 1] The connecting part 51 is configured to convert the movement of the lifting balance 23 to the lower side Z2 into movement of the moving part 60 to the front side X1 while the moving part 60 is in contact with the upper surface 11a of the suspended load (upper surface of the suspended load 11). The moving part 60 is configured to push the sling rope 25 to the front side X1 when it moves to the front side X1 while in contact with the upper surface 11a of the suspended load (when a sling release movement is performed).

[0105] In the above [Configuration 1], by moving the hoisting balance 23 to the lower side Z2, the moving section 60 pushes the sling rope 25 to the front side X1 (the sling removal side), and the sling rope 25 can be removed from the load 11. Therefore, there is no need for an operator to perform the task of removing the sling rope 25 from the load 11 (the sling removal task) (the sling removal task can be automated). Furthermore, in the above [Configuration 1], no power (drive source) other than the power to lower the hoisting balance 23 is required for the sling removal task. This allows the hoisting device 20 to have a simple configuration. Therefore, with the hoisting device 20, the sling removal task can be automated with a simple configuration.

[0106] (Effects of the second invention) [Configuration 2] The connecting part 51 is arm-shaped. The connecting part 51 is rotatably attached to the hanging balance 23. The position where the connecting part 51 is attached to the moving part 60 (connecting part moving part attachment position 51c) is located on the front side X1 of the rotation axis (connecting part rotation axis 51a) of the connecting part 51 relative to the hanging balance 23.

[0107] In the above [Configuration 2], when the connection part rotation shaft 51a moves to the lower side Z2 by moving the hoisting balance 23 to the lower side Z2, the connection part moving part mounting position 51c automatically moves to the front side X1. Therefore, when the moving part 60 is in contact with the upper surface 11a of the suspended load, the movement of the hoisting balance 23 to the lower side Z2 is converted into movement of the moving part 60 to the front side X1, and this force conversion can be reliably achieved with a simple configuration.

[0108] (Effect of the third invention) [Configuration 3] As shown in Fig. 6, the hoisting device 20 includes a holding portion 71. The holding portion 71 holds the position of the moving portion 60 relative to the hoisting beam 23 so that the moving portion 60 is positioned further forward X1 than the position (60I) of the moving portion 60 relative to the hoisting beam 23 when the sling rope 25 is lifting the load 11.

[0109] With the above [Configuration 3], when the hoisting device 20 is being hoisted after the sling has been released, the moving part 60 is held at a position X1 further forward than the position (60I) of the moving part 60 when the sling rope 25 is in a state where it is hoisting the load 11 (in a load-hoisting state). Therefore, when the hoisting device 20 is being hoisted after the sling has been released, the moving part 60 can handle (for example, push or support) the sling rope 25 at a position X1 further forward than the position (60I) of the moving part 60 in a load-hoisting state. Therefore, when the hoisting device 20 is being hoisted after the sling has been released, interference of the sling rope 25 with the load 11 can be suppressed.

[0110] (Effect of the fourth invention) [Configuration 4] The sling device 20 is equipped with a sling rope retraction section 73. The sling rope retraction section 73 pulls the sling rope 25 to the rear side X2 (the side opposite to the sling release side).

[0111] By virtue of the above [Configuration 4], the sling rope 25 is positioned further to the rear side X2 when the sling device 20 is being wound up after being released. As a result, the moving unit 60 can handle (e.g., push or support) the sling rope 25 in a state where it is being pulled to the rear side X2 by the sling rope retraction unit 73 when the sling device 20 is being wound up after being released. This prevents the sling rope 25 from sagging to the side Z2 below the moving unit 60. This prevents the sling rope 25 from interfering with the load 11.

[0112] (Effect of the fifth invention) [Configuration 5] As shown in Figure 3, the moving section 60 includes a sling rope pushing section 65a and a sling rope movement limiting section 67. The sling rope pushing section 65a pushes the sling rope 25 toward the front side X1. The sling rope movement limiting section 67 limits the position of the sling rope 25 relative to the sling rope pushing section 65a to within a predetermined range.

[0113] The above [Configuration 5] prevents the sling rope 25 from coming off the sling rope pushing portion 65a. Therefore, the moving portion 60 can more reliably push the sling rope 25 to the front side X1 when performing a sling release movement (see above [Configuration 1]).

[0114] (Variation) The above-described embodiments (including modified examples within the embodiments (the same applies hereinafter)) may be modified in various ways. For example, the number of components in the above-described embodiments may be changed, or some of the components may not be provided. For example, the arrangement of the components may be changed. For example, components may be fixed or connected to each other directly or indirectly. For example, the inclusion relationship between the components may be modified in various ways. For example, a component described as a lower-level component included in a higher-level component may not be included in this higher-level component, but may be included in another component. For example, what is described as multiple different elements may be combined into a single element. For example, what is described as a single element may be provided as multiple different elements. For example, each component may have only some of its characteristics (function, arrangement, shape, operation, etc.). For example, the operation of the above-described embodiment may be considered a "step" in a method of using the lifting device 1 (e.g., a method of using the lifting tool 20). Specifically, the operation of lifting the load 11 may be considered a "lifting step," etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 11 Hanging load 20 Hanging equipment 23 Hanging balance 25 Sling rope 51 Connecting part 60 Moving Part 61 Moving unit main body 63 Moving weight 65a Sling rope pusher 67 Sling rope movement limiter 71 Holding part 73 Sling rope retraction section X1 Front side (ball removal side) X2 Rear side (opposite side from ball removal side) Z vertical direction

Claims

1. A lifting balance to stabilize the posture of the suspended load, a sling rope that is suspended from the hoist and can be hung on the load; a connecting portion attached to the hanging balance; a moving unit that is disposed below the hanging balance and is connected to the hanging balance by the connecting unit; Equipped with When the direction in which the sling rope is released from the load in the direction that intersects the vertical direction is defined as the sling release side, The connecting portion is configured to convert the downward movement of the lifting balance into movement of the moving portion toward the lifting load removal side when the moving portion is in contact with the upper surface of the lifting load, The moving unit is configured to push the sling rope toward the sling release side when it moves to the sling release side while in contact with the upper surface of the suspended load. Hanging equipment.

2. The sling according to claim 1, the connecting portion is arm-shaped and rotatably attached to the hanging balance, The position where the connecting part is attached to the moving part is disposed on the ball removal side of the rotation axis of the connecting part relative to the hanging balance. Hanging equipment.

3. The sling according to claim 1, a holding section that holds the position of the moving section relative to the hoisting beam so that the moving section is positioned closer to the hoisting beam than the position of the moving section relative to the hoisting beam when the sling rope is in a state where the load is hoisted up by the sling rope, Hanging equipment.

4. The sling according to claim 1, A sling rope retraction section is provided on the side opposite to the sling release side to pull the sling rope. Hanging equipment.

5. The sling according to claim 1, The moving unit is A sling rope pushing portion which pushes the sling rope toward the sling release side; A sling rope movement limiting unit that limits the position of the sling rope relative to the sling rope pushing unit within a predetermined range; Equipped with Hanging equipment.

Images