Barrel lifting device and barrel conveying device

Abstract

The present invention provides a barrel lifting device that enables the efficient, error-free, and reliable transport of barrels in a short amount of time, regardless of variations in size and shape. [Solution] The barrel lifting device 1 consists of a contact plate 2 fitted with an elastic annular body 3 for contacting a ring-shaped projection on the upper surface of a barrel in an upright position, a suction means 4 for sucking the inside of the contact portion between the ring-shaped projection on the upper surface of the barrel and the annular body 3 to attract the barrel to the contact plate 2, and a lifting means (including a lifting motor 21) for moving the contact plate 2, which has the barrel attracted by the suction means 4, in the vertical direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lift device for barrels used when transporting barrels such as whiskey barrels and wine barrels, and a barrel transport device using such a lift device for barrels.

Background Art

[0002] As storage containers for alcoholic beverages such as whiskey, wine, and beer, barrels (cylindrical containers with the middle part bulging outward in the height direction) made of wood are widely used. When transporting such barrels for storing alcoholic beverages, a method of laying them horizontally (with the longitudinal direction horizontal) and rolling them in that state was adopted. However, during storage and the like, it is unstable to remain in the laid state, so it is often placed in a standing state (with the longitudinal direction vertical). Therefore, if the barrels can be transported while in a standing state, operations such as storage, manufacturing, and shipping of the alcoholic beverages stored in the barrels will be facilitated.

[0003] As a device for transporting barrels in such a standing state, as in Patent Document 1, a transport device (barrel-shaped container transporter) is known in which a pair of left and right arc-shaped support members (arms) for gripping the side surface of the barrel are provided on the left and right edges of a U-shaped frame body in a plan view so as to be openable and closable.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the conveying device described in Patent Document 1 has the drawback that, because a pair of left and right support members must approach the sides of the barrel from the outside, it takes a long time for the support members to grip the barrel, and when multiple barrels to be conveyed are placed on a pallet or the like, they must be placed with gaps between them, resulting in poor conveying efficiency. In addition, barrels used to store alcoholic beverages are not always uniform in size and shape, and there are barrels of various sizes and shapes, so depending on the shape of the barrel, it may not be possible to grip the barrel with sufficient strength, and there is a risk of dropping or tipping it over when lifting it.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to solve the problems of barrel transport devices such as the one described in Patent Document 1 above, and to provide a barrel lift device and a barrel transport device that enable the efficient, error-free, and reliable transport of barrels in a short time, regardless of variations in size and shape. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The invention described in claim 1 of the present invention is a lifting device for lifting a barrel (including all barrel-shaped objects such as whiskey barrels, wine barrels, and beer barrels), characterized in that it comprises a contact plate fitted with an elastic annular body for contacting the outer peripheral edge (ring-shaped projection) of the upper surface of an upright barrel, a suction means for drawing suction from the inside of the contact portion between the outer peripheral edge of the upper surface of the barrel and the annular body to attract the barrel to the contact plate, and a lifting mechanism for moving the contact plate, to which the barrel has been attracted by the suction means, in the vertical direction. In this invention, the barrel is not limited to those in which the outer peripheral edge of the upper surface rises higher than other parts to form a ring-shaped projection, but also includes those with a flat upper surface.

[0008] The invention described in claim 2 is characterized in that, in the invention described in claim 1, the annular body is formed of neoprene rubber.

[0009] The invention described in claim 3 is characterized in that, in the invention described in claim 1, the suction means is equipped with a blower.

[0010] The invention described in claim 4 is a device for transporting barrels, which is equipped with a barrel lifting device described in any of claims 1 to 3, and is characterized by comprising a moving means for moving the contact plate, which is in a state of suction to a barrel raised by the lifting means, in a horizontal plane. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The barrel lifting device described in claim 1 includes a contact plate fitted with an annular body for contacting the outer peripheral edge of the upper surface of a barrel, a suction means for adsorbing the barrel to the contact plate, and a lifting mechanism for moving the contact plate with the barrel attached vertically. By pressing the annular body of the contact plate against the outer peripheral edge of the upper surface of the barrel and drawing suction from the inside of the annular body, the barrel can be firmly adsorbed to the contact plate using suction force, and in that state, the barrel can be raised and lowered together with the contact plate. Therefore, with the barrel lifting device described in claim 1, it is possible to efficiently transport barrels in an upright position in a short time, regardless of the size of the barrel.

[0012] The barrel lifting device described in claim 2 has an annular body made of neoprene rubber, which allows the barrel to be more firmly attached to the contact plate, making it possible to transport the barrel in an upright position with high precision and without causing problems such as dropping. In addition, because the annular body exhibits appropriate elasticity, the allowable height range when the contact plate is brought into contact with (pressed against) the outer edge of the top surface of the barrel (the allowable height range that does not damage the barrel due to excessive pressure) is large, making it easy to construct an automated barrel transport system.

[0013] The barrel lifting device described in claim 3 uses a blower as the suction means, which allows the barrel to be firmly attached to the contact plate in a shorter amount of time. This makes it possible to transport the barrel in an upright position with high precision and without causing problems such as dropping.

[0014] The barrel lifting device described in claim 4 is equipped with a means for moving the contact plate, which is in a state where it is sucking on a barrel, within a horizontal plane, so that barrels can be transported efficiently in an upright position in a short time, regardless of the size or shape of the barrel. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram (front view) showing a barrel conveying device. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram (right side view) showing a barrel conveying device. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram (plan view) showing a barrel conveying device. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram (perspective view from above) showing a barrel conveying device. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram (perspective view from below) showing a barrel conveying device. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram showing the contact plate of a barrel lifting device (a is a perspective view of the surface side). [Figure 7] This is a block diagram showing the control mechanism of a barrel conveying device. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram (plan view) showing the operation of the barrel conveying device. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram (front view) showing the operation of the barrel conveying device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] <Configuration of barrel lifting and conveying equipment> Hereinafter, an embodiment of the lift device and the conveying device for barrels of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. FIGS. 1 to 5 show a barrel conveying device equipped with a lift device for barrels. The barrel conveying device M includes a lift device 1 for barrels that sucks and lifts a barrel (whiskey barrel) in the vertical direction, a moving means 30 for moving the barrel lifted by the lift device 1 for barrels in the horizontal plane, a position sensor (camera) 70 for detecting the position of a barrel placed in a standing state on the floor or on a pallet, a control device (control means) 50 for operating the lift device 1 for barrels and the moving means 30 based on the detection result of the position sensor 70, and the like.

[0017] The lift device 1 for barrels is composed of a contact plate 2 equipped with an annular body 3 having elasticity for contacting the outer peripheral edge (ring-shaped protrusion) of the upper surface of the standing barrel B, a suction means for sucking the inside of the contact portion between the ring-shaped protrusion on the upper surface of the barrel B and the annular body 3 to adsorb the barrel to the contact plate 2, a lifting means 5 for moving the contact plate 2 to which the barrel is adsorbed by the suction means 4 in the vertical direction, and the like.

[0018] FIG. 6 shows the contact plate 2. The contact plate 2 is an attachment 6 which is a donut-shaped metal plate having a predetermined inner and outer diameter (outer diameter = 900 mm, inner diameter = 400 mm), and is detachably screwed concentrically to a mounting plate 7 which is a donut-shaped metal plate with a smaller diameter than the attachment 6 using a plurality of bolts (in FIG. 6, the contact plate 2 equipped with the attachment 6 used for the lifting and lowering of a barrel of normal size (the outer diameter of the upper surface is approximately 600 to 810 mm and the height is approximately 1,000 to 1,450 mm) is shown).

[0019] Two roughly conical positioning protrusions 8, 8 are drilled symmetrically on the inner periphery of the surface of the attachment 6 for positioning when screwing it onto the mounting plate 7. In addition, a donut-shaped (flat, thick cylindrical) annular body 3 is fixed to the outer periphery of the back surface of the attachment 6. The annular body 3 is made of neoprene rubber with a density of approximately 0.15 (0.15 ± 0.03), a hardness (Type C) of approximately 15 (15 ± 5), and a 25% compressive load of approximately 50 kPa (50 ± 15). It has a predetermined inner and outer diameter (outer diameter = approximately 890 mm, inner diameter = approximately 550 mm) and a predetermined thickness (approximately 20 mm). This annular body 3 made of neoprene rubber is fixed (adhesive) to the back surface of the attachment 6 with double-sided tape, with its outer periphery aligned with the outer periphery of the attachment 6.

[0020] Furthermore, in addition to the attachment 6 used to raise and lower barrels of normal size, the barrel lifting device 1 is equipped with a small attachment (not shown) used to raise and lower small barrels (with an outer diameter of approximately 520-670 mm at the top and a height of approximately 750-990 mm), and the attachment 6 can be replaced depending on the barrel to be raised or lowered. The small attachment is formed in the shape of a donut plate (outer diameter = approximately 700 mm, inner diameter = approximately 400 mm), which is slightly smaller than the attachment 6, and a donut-shaped (flat and thick cylindrical) annular body, which is slightly smaller than the annular body 3 of the attachment 6, is fixed to it.

[0021] On the other hand, six screw holes 9,9... for screwing in the attachment 6 are drilled at equal angular intervals (60° intervals) with respect to the center along the outer edge of the mounting plate 7, and two positioning holes 10,10 for positioning the attachment 6 when screwing it in are drilled symmetrically on the left and right sides. In addition, two pressure sensors 11,11 are installed along the outer edge of the surface of the mounting plate 7 to detect the internal pressure (vacuum level) of the closed space when the outer edge (ring-shaped projection) of the upper surface of the barrel is pressed against the annular body 3 and suction is performed. Furthermore, a flat annular mounting wall 12 is erected concentrically with respect to the center inside these screw holes 9,9..., positioning holes 10,10, and pressure sensors 11,11 for alignment when screwing in the support plate 13 of the suction means 4. When a standard attachment 6 is attached to the mounting plate 7, the internal pressure is detected by two pressure sensors 11, 11. When a small attachment is attached to the mounting plate 7, the internal pressure is detected by only one pressure sensor 11.

[0022] On the other hand, the suction means 4 consists of a suction path forming body 14, a suction pipe 15, a suction device called a blower 16, etc. The suction path forming body 14 is formed in the shape of a long, hollow cylinder (the upper part is a hollow rectangular prism and the lower part is cylindrical) and is arranged vertically. A circular support plate 13 is provided at the lower end of the suction path forming body 14 so as to be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the suction path forming body 14. Four reinforcing pieces 17, 17... are attached vertically at equal angular intervals (90° intervals) with respect to the center of the suction path forming body 14, straddling the suction path forming body 14 and the support plate 13. A roughly U-shaped suction pipe 15 is connected to the upper end of the suction path forming body 14, and the tip of the suction pipe 15 is connected to the blower 16 via a connecting member 18. On the other hand, the blower 16 is a so-called side channel blower (having a two-stage structure with one cylinder), and is equipped with an intake pipe 19 connected to the suction pipe 15 via a connecting member 18, and an exhaust pipe 20.

[0023] Furthermore, the lifting mechanism 5 is composed of a lifting motor (stepping motor) 21, a pinion gear 22 mounted on the rotating shaft of the lifting motor 21, a rack 23 fixed to the outer surface of the suction passage forming body 14, etc. By supplying an external power source to the lifting motor 21, the rack and pinion mechanism makes it possible to move the suction passage forming body 14 to which the contact plate 2 is fixed vertically up and down.

[0024] In the barrel transport device M, the barrel lift device 1 configured as described above is assembled to the base frame 24, and the contact plate 2, which is in a state where it is lifted by suction of the barrel, can be moved in a horizontal plane by the moving means 30.

[0025] The base frame 24 has a structure in which a flat rectangular upper frame 25 is supported by multiple vertical pillars 26, 26... The upper frame 25 is equipped with a moving mechanism 30 for moving the contact plate 2, which holds the barrel in suction, in a horizontal plane. The moving mechanism 30 consists of a forward / backward moving mechanism 31 for moving the barrel lifting device 1 in the forward / backward direction (Y-axis direction) and a left / right moving mechanism 32 for moving the barrel lifting device 1 in the left / right direction (X-axis direction).

[0026] The forward / backward movement mechanism 31 consists of a long, forward / backward moving frame 33, a pair of sprockets 34, 34 rotatably pivoted to the front and rear of the moving frame 33, a first drive motor (stepping motor) 35 that provides Y-axis drive for rotating one side (rear side) of the sprocket 34, a chain 36 suspended from the pair of sprockets 34, 34, and a fixed base 37 mounted on the moving frame 33 so as to be movable in the forward / backward direction. The barrel lifting device 1 is fixed to the fixed base 37.

[0027] When an external power supply is provided to the first drive motor 35, the chain 36 moves, causing the fixed base 37, which is attached to the chain 36, to move back and forth. Guide rails 38, 38, utilizing a bearing mechanism, are mounted on the pair of long frames on the left and right that make up the movable frame 33, and the fixed base 37 slides back and forth on these guide rails 38, 38, so it can move (back and forth) very smoothly at a constant speed.

[0028] Furthermore, the left-right movement mechanism 32 consists of a long fixed frame 39, a pair of sprockets 40, 40 pivotally mounted to the left and right sides of the fixed frame 39, a second drive motor (stepping motor) 41 that drives the X-axis direction to rotate one side (left side) of the sprocket 40, a chain 42 suspended from the pair of sprockets 40, 40, and a movable frame 33 mounted on the fixed frame 39 so as to be movable in the left-right direction.

[0029] When an external power supply is provided to the second drive motor 41, the chain 42 moves, causing the movable frame 33, which is fixed to the chain 42, to move from side to side. Guide rails 43, 43, utilizing a bearing mechanism, are mounted on the pair of long frames at the front and rear that make up the fixed frame 39, and the movable frame 33 slides from side to side on these guide rails 43, 43, so it can move (move from side to side) very smoothly at a constant speed.

[0030] Furthermore, slightly to the left of the center of the pair of long frames at the front and rear that constitute the upper frame 25 of the base frame 24, support columns 44, 44 are erected, and a horizontal frame 45 is suspended so as to straddle the upper ends of these support columns 44, 44. A position sensor 70 for detecting the position of a barrel placed upright on the floor or pallet is attached approximately in the center of the horizontal frame 45.

[0031] On the other hand, Figure 7 shows the control device 50 of the barrel transport device M. The control device 50 has a CPU 51, an interface 52, storage means (memory such as RAM and ROM) 53, an input means 54, a clock (timer) 55, etc., and is connected via the interface 52 to the blower (suction device) 16 of the suction means 4 and the lifting motor 21 of the lifting means 5 of the barrel lift device 1, the first drive motor 35 and the second drive motor 41 of the moving means 30, a position sensor 70, an image analysis device 57, an external power supply 58, a monitor 56, etc. The storage means 53 of the control device 50 stores data such as the transport order of various barrels placed on the pallet and the placement position on the belt conveyor that is transported to the outside.

[0032] <Operation details of barrel lifting and conveying equipment> The operation of the barrel lift device 1 and barrel transport device M described above will be explained below. Figures 8 and 9 show how multiple barrels (of various sizes and shapes) B, B... placed on pallets P brought into the inside of the barrel transport device M are transported onto the discharge conveyor C. In the barrel transport device M, the barrels B, B... are transported according to the transport program stored in the storage means 53 by the control device 50.

[0033] When transporting barrels B using the barrel transport device M, first, the position sensor 70 (camera) is activated to detect the barrel B to be transported. In the barrel transport device M, the transport order of various barrels B, B... placed on the pallet P can be specified using the input means 54 of the control device 50. When the position sensor 70 detects (images) the barrel to be transported, the image is analyzed by the image analysis device 57 to determine the position of the center of the upper surface of the barrel B to be transported on the pallet P within the internal space of the base frame 24 (x1 (left / right position), y1 (front / back position), z1 (height position)).

[0034] As described above, once the position (x1, y1, z1) of the center of the top surface of barrel B to be transported is determined, external power is supplied to the first drive motor 35 of the forward / backward movement mechanism 31 and the second drive motor 41 of the left / right movement mechanism 32 of the moving means 30, to move the contact plate 2 of the barrel lift device 1 to the determined position (x1, y1) in the forward / backward and left / right directions (moving the contact plate 2 so that its center aligns with the position (x1, y1)). In addition, along with the forward / backward and left / right movement of the contact plate 2, external power is supplied to the lifting motor 21 of the lifting means 5 of the barrel lift device 1, to lower the contact plate 2 to a predetermined length (approximately 30 mm) above the height position (z1).

[0035] Then, when the contact plate 2 moves up a predetermined distance (approximately 30 mm) above the height position (z1) of the center of the top surface of the barrel B to be transported, an external power supply is supplied to the blower (suction device) 16 of the suction means 4 of the barrel lift device 1 to suck the top surface of barrel B. Even after suction by the blower 16 has started, the contact plate 2 continues to descend until it reaches the specified height position (z1), bringing the annular body 3 into contact with the outer edge (ring-shaped projection) of the top surface of the barrel.

[0036] As described above, when the contact plate 2 descends to near the top surface of barrel B and the blower 16 of the barrel lifting device 1 begins suction, the pressure sensors 11, 11 begin detecting the pressure inside the space enclosed by the lower surface of the contact plate 2, the annular body 3, and the top surface of barrel B (hereinafter referred to as the suction space). When it is determined that the detected pressure has reached a predetermined negative pressure, it is determined that the contact plate 2 has attracted the top surface of barrel B with high suction force, and external power is supplied to the lifting motor 21 of the barrel lifting device 1 to raise (lift) barrel B to a predetermined height. In addition, depending on the condition of the barrel B being transported, the annular body 3 of the contact plate 2 and the outer edge (ring-shaped projection) of the upper surface of barrel B may not be in close contact, and the pressure in the suction space may not reach the predetermined negative pressure. However, even in such cases, the clock (timer) 55 will, after a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed since the start of suction, supply external power to the lifting motor 21 of the barrel lifting device 1 to raise barrel B to a predetermined height.

[0037] Furthermore, when the contact plate 2, which is holding the barrel B, rises to a predetermined height, external power is supplied to the first drive motor 35 of the forward / backward movement mechanism 31 and the second drive motor 41 of the left / right movement mechanism 32 of the moving means 30, moving the contact plate 2 of the barrel lift device 1 in the forward / backward and left / right directions to a predetermined destination position (a predetermined position on the conveyor belt C for transport = x2, y2) that is set in advance (stored in the storage means 53) (moving the contact plate 2 so that its center aligns with the position (x2, y2)).

[0038] As described above, when the contact plate 2, which is integrated with the barrel B, moves to a preset destination position (x2, y2) in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, an external power supply is supplied to the lifting motor 21 of the barrel lift device 1, causing the contact plate 2, which is holding the barrel B, to be lowered to a preset destination height position (i.e., a predetermined height position on the unloading conveyor C = z2) (stored in the storage means 53). At that time, when the contact plate 2 moves up by a predetermined length (approximately 30 mm) above the center position (x2, y2, z2) of the top surface of the barrel B to be transported, the suction from the top surface of the barrel B by the blower 16 of the barrel lift device 1 is stopped, the suction space is opened, and the internal pressure is increased.

[0039] When the suction space is opened in this manner, the suction between the top surface of barrel B and the contact plate 2 is released, and barrel B is placed at a predetermined position (x2, y2) on the transport conveyor C. Furthermore, after barrel B is placed at the predetermined position on the transport conveyor C, external power is supplied to the lifting motor 21 of the barrel lift device 1 to raise the contact plate 2 to a predetermined height, and external power is supplied to the first drive motor 35 and the second drive motor 41 of the moving means 30 to move the contact plate 2 of the barrel lift device 1 in the front-rear and left-right directions to the position (x3, y3) of the center of the top surface of barrel B on the pallet P which is set as the next item to be transported (the contact plate 2 is moved so that its center aligns with the position (x3, y3)). Then, barrel B, the next item to be transported, is transported using the same operation as described above.

[0040] <Effects of barrel lifting and conveying devices> As described above, the barrel lifting device 1 includes a contact plate 2 fitted with an elastic annular body 3 for contacting the outer peripheral edge (ring-shaped projection) of the upper surface of the barrel B in an upright state, a suction means 4 (blower 16) for sucking the inside of the contact area between the ring-shaped projection on the upper surface of the barrel B and the annular body 3 to attract the barrel B to the contact plate 2, and a lifting means 5 for moving the contact plate 2, to which the barrel B has been attracted by the suction means 4, in the vertical direction. Therefore, with the barrel lifting device 1, by pressing the annular body 3 of the contact plate 2 against the outer peripheral edge of the upper surface of the barrel B and sucking the inside (suction space) of the annular body 3, the barrel B can be firmly attracted to the contact plate 2 using suction force, and in that state, the barrel B can be raised and lowered together with the contact plate 2. Therefore, with the barrel lifting device 1, it is possible to efficiently transport the barrel B in an upright state in a short time, regardless of the size of the barrel B.

[0041] Furthermore, since the barrel lifting device 1 has an annular body 3 made of neoprene rubber, it can more firmly adhere barrel B to the contact plate 2, making it possible to transport barrel B in an upright position with high precision and without causing problems such as dropping. In addition, because the annular body 3 exhibits appropriate elasticity, the allowable height range when the contact plate 2 is brought into contact with (pressed against) the outer edge of the upper surface of barrel B is large (the allowable height range that does not damage the barrel due to excessive pressure), so a system for automatically transporting barrels B, B, etc. can be easily constructed.

[0042] Furthermore, since the barrel lifting device 1 is equipped with a blower 16 as a suction device in the suction means 4, barrel B can be firmly attached to the contact plate 2 in a shorter time. This makes it possible to transport barrel B in an upright position with high precision and without causing problems such as dropping.

[0043] On the other hand, the barrel transport device M is equipped with a barrel lift device 1 and has a moving means 30 for moving the contact plate 2, which is raised while holding the barrel B in place, within a horizontal plane. Therefore, regardless of the size or shape of the barrel B, the barrel B can be transported upright in a short time and efficiently.

[0044] <Examples of modifications to barrel lifting and conveying equipment> The barrel lifting device according to the present invention is not limited in any way to the embodiments described above, and the shape, structure, size, material, and other configurations of the contact plate, annular body, suction means, lifting device, etc. can be appropriately changed as necessary without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0045] For example, the annular body of the barrel lifting device is not limited to being made of neoprene rubber as in the above embodiment, but may also be made of other elastic synthetic resins such as silicone rubber or foamed polyurethane. Furthermore, using an annular body with a hardness (C type) of 10-20 and a 25% compressive load of 40-60 kPa has the advantage of allowing for a wider range of acceptable height positions that prevent damage to the barrel due to excessive pressure when the contact plate is brought into contact with the outer edge of the barrel's upper surface. In addition, the thickness of the annular body is not limited to 20 mm as in the above embodiment, but can be changed as needed. In particular, when using an annular body with a hardness (C type) of 10-20 and a 25% compressive load of 40-60 kPa, adjusting its thickness to 10-35 mm is especially preferable because it greatly increases the acceptable range of height positions that prevent damage to the barrel due to excessive pressure when the contact plate is brought into contact with the outer edge of the barrel's upper surface. Furthermore, the contact plate for the barrel lifting device is not limited to the one attached to the back surface of the attachment using double-sided tape, as in the above embodiment. It may also be attached using adhesive, or screwed in with bolts and nuts so as to penetrate the outer or inner edges of the annular body.

[0046] Furthermore, the suction means of the barrel lifting device is not limited to using a blower as the suction device as in the above embodiment, but may also use a rotary pump or the like. Note that when a blower is used as the suction device as in the above embodiment, a high negative pressure can be created in the suction space in a very short time, thus improving the barrel transport efficiency.

[0047] On the other hand, the barrel conveying device according to the present invention is not limited in any way to the embodiments described above, and the shape, structure, and other configurations of the frame, moving means, position sensor, control means, etc. can be appropriately changed as necessary without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0048] For example, the means of moving the barrel conveying device is not limited to using a sprocket-chain mechanism as in the above embodiment, but may also be a sprocket-chain mechanism or the like. Furthermore, the barrel conveying device is not limited to detecting the position of the barrels being transported using a position sensor (camera) and an image analysis device as in the above embodiment, but can also be changed to one that detects the position of the barrels being transported using an optical sensor, or one that detects the position of the barrels being transported using a position sensor that combines a camera and an optical sensor.

[0049] Furthermore, the barrel conveying device is not limited to conveying barrels on a pallet onto a belt conveyor, as in the above embodiment, but may also convey barrels on one belt conveyor onto another belt conveyor, or convey barrels on one belt conveyor onto a pallet, etc. In addition, the barrel conveying device is not limited to one whose conveying operation is controlled by a control device, as in the above embodiment, but may also be manually operated by an operator. [Industrial applicability]

[0050] As described above, the barrel lifting device according to the present invention exhibits excellent effects and can therefore be suitably used as a device for raising and lowering barrels for transport. Furthermore, the barrel lifting device according to the present invention can be suitably used as a device for efficiently and automatically transporting barrels in an upright position. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 1. Barrel lifting device 2...Abutting plate 3. Ring-shaped body 4.Suction means 5. Lifting and lowering means 16. Blower (suction device) 21. Lifting motor M-type barrel conveying device 30. Means of Transportation 35. First drive motor 41. Second drive motor

Claims

1. A lifting device used to lift barrels, A contact plate fitted with an elastic annular body for contacting the outer edge of the top surface of a barrel in an upright position, A suction means for sucking the inside of the contact portion between the outer peripheral edge of the top surface of the barrel and the annular body to cause the barrel to adhere to the contact plate, A barrel lifting device characterized by comprising a lifting mechanism for moving the contact plate, which has been sucked onto the barrel by the suction mechanism, in the vertical direction.

2. The barrel lifting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the annular body is made of neoprene rubber.

3. The barrel lifting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the suction means is equipped with a blower.

4. A device used for transporting barrels, The barrel lifting device described in any one of claims 1 to 3 is installed, A barrel conveying device characterized by comprising a means for moving the contact plate, which is in a state of suction to a barrel, within a horizontal plane.

Images