Cargo handling equipment, detection system, and detection method

Abstract

To provide cargo handling equipment, a flammable gas detection system, and a flammable gas detection method that can improve safety during cargo handling on ships. [Solution] The cargo handling device 1 handles cargo 51, which includes bulk cargo. Therefore, when the cargo handling device 1 handles cargo 51, there is a possibility that flammable gas may be released from the cargo 51, which includes bulk cargo. In response to this, the cargo handling device 1 is equipped with a detection unit 40 that detects flammable gas released from the cargo. Therefore, the cargo handling device 1 can detect when flammable gas is released from cargo 51 using the detection unit 40. Thus, the cargo handling device 1 can take action to ensure safety. As a result, the safety during the handling of cargo 51 can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cargo handling device, a detection system, and a detection method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a cargo handling device, one that handles the cargo on a ship mounted on a ship is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This cargo handling device handles the cargo on the ship, including the loose cargo in the ship, from the ship that has stopped near the quay wall by the cargo handling section.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, the above-described cargo handling device may handle a cargo that emits a combustible gas. In such a case, it has been required to improve the safety during cargo handling.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a cargo handling device, a detection system, and a detection method that can improve the safety during cargo handling.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A cargo handling device according to one aspect of the present invention is a cargo handling device that handles a cargo including loose cargo, and includes a detection unit that detects a combustible gas emitted from the cargo.

[0007] A cargo handling device according to one aspect of the present invention handles cargo including bulk cargo. Therefore, when the cargo handling device handles cargo, there is a possibility that flammable gases may be released from the cargo including bulk cargo. In response to this, the cargo handling device is equipped with a detection unit that detects flammable gases released from the cargo. Therefore, the cargo handling device can detect when flammable gases are released from the cargo using the detection unit. Thus, the cargo handling device can perform actions to ensure safety. As a result, safety during cargo handling can be improved.

[0008] The cargo handling equipment comprises a hopper and a conveyor, and the detection unit may be provided in at least one of the hopper and the conveyor. Therefore, if flammable gas is released from cargo being recovered by the hopper and conveyor, which are structurally prone to accumulating flammable gas in the cargo handling equipment, the cargo handling equipment can detect this with the detection unit and take action to ensure safety.

[0009] The cargo handling equipment includes a ventilation device installed in at least one of the hopper and the conveyor, and the ventilation device may be operated based on the detection result of the detection unit. In this case, flammable gases released from the cargo being recovered in the hopper and conveyor can be released into the atmosphere by the ventilation device.

[0010] The detection unit may be provided so as to be movable toward and away from the cargo. In this case, by moving the detection unit, detection can be performed at a position where it is easier to detect flammable gases released from the cargo.

[0011] The cargo handling device may be equipped with a boom, and the detection unit may be mounted on the boom. In this case, the detection unit can detect flammable gases released from the cargo from the upper side of the vessel, where detection is easier.

[0012] The cargo handling device may be equipped with a boom, and the detection unit may be mounted to be movable along the boom. In this case, the detection unit can be moved along the boom to a location where it is easier to detect flammable gases released from the cargo.

[0013] The detection unit may be extended and retracted by a winding unit. In this case, the winding unit can be positioned in an appropriate location that makes it easy to detect flammable gases released from cargo in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the winding unit, while having a simple mechanism, can ensure sufficient vertical movement of the detection unit.

[0014] The detection unit is equipped with an introduction pipe for introducing flammable gas, and the inlet of the introduction pipe may be provided so as to be movable toward and away from the cargo. In this case, flammable gas near the cargo can be detected without bringing the detection unit that performs the detection directly close to the cargo, and the risk of failure of the detection unit due to contact with obstacles can be reduced.

[0015] The system may be equipped with a winding section that can extend and retract the inlet pipe. In this case, the winding section can be positioned in an appropriate location that makes it easy to detect flammable gases released from the cargo in the vertical direction of the inlet pipe. Furthermore, the winding section, while having a simple mechanism, can ensure sufficient vertical movement of the inlet opening of the inlet pipe.

[0016] The cargo handling device includes a driver's cab that can move along the boom, and the detection unit may be located in the driver's cab. In this case, the detection unit can move along the boom as the driver's cab moves, without the need for a separate mechanism.

[0017] The cargo handling device comprises a trolley that can move along the boom and a cargo handling unit suspended from the trolley, and the detection unit may be provided on the cargo handling unit. In this case, the detection unit can move along the boom in conjunction with the movement of the trolley without the need for a separate mechanism.

[0018] The cargo handling device includes a detection signal receiving unit capable of receiving detection signals from a detection unit, and the detection signal may be a wireless signal. In this case, since there is no need to consider the routing of signal cables, the degree of freedom in the location of the detection unit and the detection signal receiving unit can be increased.

[0019] The detection unit is a camera, and it may detect flammable gas by photographing it. In this case, the detection unit can perform detection from visual information without having to inhale the flammable gas. This suppresses contamination of the detection unit due to contact with flammable gas.

[0020] The cargo handling equipment includes an inert gas supply device that supplies inert gas to at least one of the hopper and the conveyor, and the inert gas supply device may supply inert gas based on the detection result of the detection unit. In this case, the oxygen concentration in the internal space of at least one of the hopper and the conveyor can be reduced, thereby suppressing the ignition of flammable gas.

[0021] A cargo handling device according to one aspect of the present invention is a cargo handling device for handling cargo including bulk cargo, comprising a hopper, a conveyor, an inert gas supply device for supplying inert gas to at least one of the hopper and the conveyor, and an oxygen detection unit provided on at least one of the hopper and the conveyor, wherein the inert gas supply device supplies inert gas based on the detection result of the oxygen detection unit.

[0022] In a cargo handling device according to one aspect of the present invention, cargo including bulk cargo is handled. Therefore, when the cargo handling device handles cargo, there is a possibility that flammable gases may be released from the cargo including bulk cargo. In response to this, the cargo handling device is equipped with an oxygen detection unit that detects the oxygen concentration in the internal space of the hopper and conveyor. Therefore, the cargo handling device can supply inert gas by an inert gas supply device and detect by the oxygen detection unit that the oxygen concentration in the internal space is below the ignition concentration of the flammable gas. This suppresses the ignition of the flammable gas. Furthermore, if the oxygen detection unit detects that the oxygen concentration is high, the cargo handling device can reduce the oxygen concentration by supplying inert gas to ensure safety. As a result, safety during cargo handling can be improved.

[0023] The detection system according to one aspect of the present invention is a detection system for flammable gas during the handling of a cargo load including unpacked goods, and includes a detection unit that detects flammable gas released from the cargo load, and a detection signal receiving unit that can be installed in the handling device and receives the detection signal transmitted from the detection unit.

[0024] The detection method according to one aspect of the present invention is a detection method for flammable gas during the handling of a cargo load including unpacked goods, and detects flammable gas released from the cargo load in a handling device that handles the cargo load.

[0025] In the detection system and the detection method according to one aspect of the present invention, the same effect as that of the above-described handling device can be obtained.

Effect of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a handling device, a detection system, and a detection method that can improve the safety during the handling of a cargo load.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] It is a schematic configuration diagram of a handling device and a detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a schematic configuration diagram of a handling device and a detection system according to a modification example. [Figure 3] It is a schematic configuration diagram of a handling device and a detection system according to a modification example. [Figure 4] It is a schematic configuration diagram of a handling device and a detection system according to a modification example. [Figure 5] It is a schematic configuration diagram of a handling device and a detection system according to a modification example. [Figure 6] It is a schematic configuration diagram of a handling device and a detection system according to a modification example. [Figure 7] It is a schematic configuration diagram of a handling device and a detection system according to a modification example. [Figure 8] It is a schematic configuration diagram of a handling device and a detection system according to a modification example. [Figure 9]This is a schematic diagram of the cargo handling equipment and detection system related to a modified example. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram of the cargo handling equipment and detection system related to a modified example. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram of the cargo handling equipment and detection system related to a modified example. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram of the cargo handling equipment and detection system related to a modified example. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram of the cargo handling equipment and detection system related to a modified example. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram of the cargo handling equipment and detection system related to a modified example. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram of the cargo handling equipment and detection system related to a modified example. [Figure 16] This is a schematic diagram of the cargo handling equipment and detection system related to a modified example. [Figure 17] This is a schematic diagram of the cargo handling equipment and detection system related to a modified example. [Figure 18] This is a schematic diagram of the cargo handling equipment and detection system related to a modified example. [Figure 19] This is a schematic diagram of the cargo handling equipment and detection system related to a modified example. [Figure 20] This is a schematic diagram of the cargo handling equipment and detection system related to a modified example. [Figure 21] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the hopper. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, the cargo handling device 1 is, for example, located on the quay QA and is used to handle cargo 51 from a ship 50. The cargo 51 includes bulk cargo. Bulk cargo is solid cargo and does not include liquid or gaseous cargo. Note that the cargo 51 is not limited to the cargo loaded on the ship 50, but also refers to the cargo before it is loaded onto the ship 50 and after it has been unloaded from the ship 50. The cargo 51 in this embodiment releases flammable gas. Examples of bulk cargo include reduced iron and coal. Examples of flammable gas released include hydrogen in the case of reduced iron and methane gas in the case of coal. In this embodiment, a bridge crane type unloader is exemplified as the cargo handling device 1. However, the cargo handling device may be any device that handles cargo including bulk cargo, and is not limited to a bridge crane type unloader; a retractable crane type unloader, a continuous type unloader, etc., may also be used. In the following description, the direction in which the cargo handling device 1 travels will be referred to as the "travel direction D1". The direction in which cargo is transported will be referred to as the "forward / rear direction D2", the side on which the vessel carrying the cargo to be recovered is located will be referred to as the "front side", and the destination of the cargo from the vessel will be referred to as the "rear side". The forward / rear direction D2 is horizontal and perpendicular to the travel direction D1. The vertical direction will be referred to as the "up / down direction D3". As shown in Figure 1, the cargo handling device 1 comprises a leg section 2, a boom section 3, a cargo handling section 4, and a recovery section 6.

[0030] Leg 2 is a structure that can travel in the travel direction D1 along rails arranged on the quay wall QA. Leg 2 comprises a front travel section 11A and a rear travel section 11B that are spaced apart from each other and facing each other in the front-rear direction D2, a frame section 12 that spans between the front travel section 11A and the rear travel section 11B, a pair of front column sections 13A that extend upward from the front travel section 11A, and a pair of rear column sections 13B that extend upward from the rear travel section 11B.

[0031] The boom 3 is a bridge-shaped member that extends in the longitudinal direction D2 and protrudes forward from the leg portion 2. In this embodiment shown in Figure 1, the boom 3 extends so as to perfectly coincide with the longitudinal direction D2. However, the boom 3 may be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction D2, as long as the extension direction of the boom 3 includes a component of the longitudinal direction D2. The boom 3 includes a beam 21 supported by a front column portion 13A and a rear column portion 13B. The beam 21 extends between the column portions 13A and 13B and protrudes forward from the front column portion 13A. A driver's cab 25 is provided on the boom 3. The driver's cab 25 can traverse along the boom 3.

[0032] The cargo handling unit 4 is a device that can traverse along the boom 3 and is equipped with a bucket 22 for retrieving cargo. The cargo handling unit 4 is suspended by a trolley 23 that can move along the boom 3. The trolley 23 suspends the bucket 22 via a wire rope. The trolley 23 can move the bucket 22 in the forward and backward directions by traversing along the boom 3 in the forward and backward directions. The trolley 23 can also move the bucket 22 in the vertical direction by changing the suspension length of the bucket 22. The operation of the cargo handling unit 4 is controlled by the winding and unwinding of the wire rope by a motor in the machine room 7.

[0033] The machine room 7 houses, for example, a drum capable of winding and unwinding wire ropes. The machine room 7 is located at the rear of the boom 3. The machine room 7 is equipped with a control unit 150 that controls the cargo handling device 1.

[0034] The recovery unit 6 is a device for recovering cargo 51 transported by the cargo handling unit 4. The recovery unit 6 is located at the position of the leg section 2, between the boom section 3 and the frame section 12. In this embodiment, the recovery unit 6 includes a hopper 31 and a conveyor 32. The hopper 31 is the part that receives the cargo 51 from the cargo handling unit 4. The hopper 31 is formed in the shape of a container, for example, an inverted square pyramid. The hopper 31 drops the received cargo 51 onto the front end of the conveyor 32. As shown in Figure 21, a hood 310 is provided on the upper edge of the hopper 31 to return dust that has been stirred up from the cargo 51 inside the hopper 31 back into the hopper 31. The conveyor 32 extends in the front-rear direction D2 at the leg section 2. The conveyor 32 transports the cargo 51 received near the front end to the rear. The conveyor 32 is covered by a conveyor cover, which forms an internal space.

[0035] During cargo handling, the vessel 50 is moored on the seaward side, close to the quay QA. The vessel 50 loads cargo 51 into its internal space SP. The upper end of the vessel 50 is open, and a hatch cover 52 is provided at the upper end to allow the opening to be opened and closed. In the state shown in Figure 1, with the hatch cover 52 open, the cargo handling unit 4 can handle the cargo 51 in the internal space SP of the vessel 50.

[0036] The cargo handling device 1 according to this embodiment includes a system 100 for detecting flammable gas GS during cargo handling of a ship's cargo 51, including bulk cargo. The detection system 100 includes a detection unit 40 and a detection signal receiving unit 41. The detection unit 40 detects flammable gas GS emitted from the ship's cargo 51. When the detection unit 40 detects flammable gas GS, it transmits a detection signal. The detection signal is a wireless signal. However, the detection unit 40 may transmit the detection signal to the detection signal receiving unit 41 via wired communication. The detection signal receiving unit 41 can be installed in the cargo handling device 1 and receives the detection signal transmitted from the detection unit 40. Thus, the cargo handling device 1 includes a detection unit 40 for detecting flammable gas GS emitted from the ship's cargo 51. The detection unit 40 has a sensor for detecting flammable gas. Various types of sensors can be used as the sensor, such as a suction type sensor that measures flammable gas by drawing it in, or a diffusion type sensor that measures the concentration of flammable gas in the atmosphere in which the sensor is placed.

[0037] In this embodiment, the detection signal receiving unit 41 is located in the machine room 7. However, the detection signal receiving unit 41 may be located anywhere within the cargo handling device 1. Note that "located within the cargo handling device 1" includes not only being attached to the cargo handling device 1 with fasteners, but also being placed in the driver's cab 25 or being carried by the driver, such as in a pocket; it is sufficient that it exists within the cargo handling device 1. When the detection signal receiving unit 41 receives a detection signal, the control unit 150 performs various controls based on the detection result. For example, the control unit 150 may issue an alarm within the cargo handling device 1, or an alarm to ground equipment. The control unit 150 may also stop the cargo handling operation of the cargo handling device 1.

[0038] The detection unit 40 is provided on at least one of the hopper 31 and the conveyor 32. In the example shown in Figure 1, the detection unit 40 is provided on the hopper 31. The cargo handling device 1 also includes a ventilation device 43 provided on at least one of the hopper 31 and the conveyor 32. The arrangement of the detection unit 40 and the ventilation device 43 on the hopper 31 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to provide the ventilation device 43 and the detection unit 40 on the top surface 310a of the hood 310, which is provided on the upper edge of the hopper 31, where flammable gases tend to accumulate, as shown in Figure 21. By adopting such a configuration, the detection unit 40 can more easily detect flammable gases, and the ventilation efficiency can also be increased. Furthermore, by tilting the top surface 310a, flammable gases may be collected at the top, and the ventilation device 43 and detection unit 40 provided at the top may detect the flammable gases and provide ventilation. In this embodiment, the ventilation device 43 is provided on the hopper 31. The ventilation device 43 is a device that releases flammable gas GS into the atmosphere when flammable gas GS has accumulated in the recovery unit 6. The ventilation device 43 includes an opening and closing mechanism for opening and closing the space inside the recovery unit 6, and a fan, etc. The control unit 150 operates the ventilation device 43 based on the detection result of the detection unit 40. This allows the flammable gas GS to be released into the atmosphere when it is detected inside the recovery unit 6. At this time, the control unit 150 may stop the cargo handling operation of the cargo handling device 1 and transport all the cargo 51 inside the cargo handling device 1 to the ground facilities to prevent the release of flammable gas GS inside the cargo handling device 1.

[0039] Next, the operation and effects of the cargo handling device 1 and the detection system 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0040] The cargo handling device 1 according to this embodiment handles cargo 51 including bulk cargo. Therefore, when the cargo handling device 1 handles the cargo 51, there is a possibility that flammable gas may be released from the cargo 51 including bulk cargo. In response to this, the cargo handling device 1 is equipped with a detection unit 40 that detects flammable gas released from the cargo. Therefore, the cargo handling device 1 can detect when flammable gas is released from the cargo 51 using the detection unit 40. Therefore, the cargo handling device 1 can take actions to ensure safety. As a result, the safety during cargo handling of the cargo 51 can be improved. Furthermore, since the cargo handling device 1 is equipped with a detection unit 40, flammable gas can be detected at the cargo handling stage, and measures to ensure safety can be taken earlier compared to when flammable gas is detected at the cargo 51 accumulation site. In addition, when detecting flammable gas in a ship 50, it is necessary to provide detection units 40 in multiple internal spaces SP, so this embodiment is advantageous in terms of cost and reliability.

[0041] The cargo handling device 1 comprises a hopper 31 and a conveyor 32, and the detection unit 40 may be provided in at least one of the hopper 31 and the conveyor 32. Therefore, in the cargo handling device 1, if flammable gas is released from the cargo 51 being recovered by the hopper 31 and conveyor 32, which are structurally prone to accumulating flammable gas, the cargo handling device 1 can detect this with the detection unit 40 and take action to ensure safety.

[0042] The cargo handling device 1 includes a ventilation device 43 provided in at least one of the hopper 31 and the conveyor 32, and the ventilation device 43 may be operated based on the detection result of the detection unit 40. In this case, flammable gases released from the cargo 51 being recovered by the hopper 31 and the conveyor 32 can be discharged into the atmosphere by the ventilation device 43.

[0043] The cargo handling device 1 includes a detection signal receiving unit 41 capable of receiving a detection signal from the detection unit 40, and the detection signal may be a wireless signal. In this case, since there is no need to consider the routing of signal cables, the degree of freedom in the location of the detection unit 40 and the detection signal receiving unit 41 can be improved.

[0044] The detection system 100 according to this embodiment is a flammable gas detection system 100 for handling cargo 51 including bulk cargo, and comprises a detection unit 40 for detecting flammable gas released from the cargo 51, and a detection signal receiving unit 41 which can be installed on the cargo handling device 1 and receives a detection signal transmitted from the detection unit 40.

[0045] The detection method according to this embodiment is a method for detecting flammable gases during the handling of cargo 51, which includes bulk cargo, and involves detecting flammable gases emitted from the cargo 51 in a cargo handling device 1 that handles the cargo 51.

[0046] The detection system 100 and detection method according to this embodiment can achieve the same effects as the cargo handling device 1 described above.

[0047] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0048] For example, the location of the detection unit 40 and the ventilation device 43 in the recovery unit 6 is not particularly limited, and for example, the configuration shown in Figure 2 may be adopted. In the example shown in Figure 2, the detection unit 40 and the ventilation device 43 are provided on the conveyor 32, which is different from the configuration in Figure 1. In the configuration of Figure 2, the same effect can be obtained in the parts that are common with the configuration of Figure 1. In the subsequent modifications, the same effect can be obtained in the parts that have a common configuration with the previously described configuration.

[0049] In the example shown in Figure 2, if flammable gas is released from the cargo 51 via the conveyor 32, it is detected by the detection unit 40, and the flammable gas can be discharged into the atmosphere by the ventilation device 43. Because the conveyor 32 is covered with a conveyor cover, flammable gas tends to accumulate there, thus improving safety against the accumulation of flammable gas. In Figure 2, the detection unit 40 is located upstream of the cargo 51 from the ventilation device 43, but the positional relationship is not particularly limited, and the ventilation device 43 may be located upstream of the detection unit 40.

[0050] Furthermore, the location where the detection unit 40 is installed is not limited to the recovery unit 6. For example, as shown in Figures 3 to 6, the detection unit 40 may be installed so as to be movable toward and away from the cargo 51. In this case, by moving the detection unit 40, detection can be performed at a position where it is easy to detect the flammable gas released from the cargo 51.

[0051] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, the cargo handling device 1 may be equipped with a winding unit 60 that can extend and retract the detection unit 40. In this case, the winding unit 60 can be positioned in an appropriate location that makes it easy to detect the flammable gas released from the cargo 51 in the vertical direction. In addition, the winding unit 60 has a simple mechanism while still ensuring sufficient vertical movement of the detection unit 40.

[0052] In the example shown in Figure 3, the detection unit 40 is mounted on the boom 3. In this case, the detection unit 40 can detect flammable gases released from the cargo 51 from above the ship 50, where detection is easier. The winding unit 60 is attached to the boom. Thus, the detection unit 40 is mounted on the boom 3 via the winding unit 60. The detection unit 40 is connected to the winding unit 60 via a wire. Therefore, as the winding unit 60 winds and unwinds the wire, the detection unit 40 moves closer to and further away from the cargo 51. The winding unit 60 is positioned above the ship 50 when it is at rest. Therefore, the winding unit 60 can detect flammable gases around the hatch cover 52 by lowering the detection unit 40 to the vicinity of the hatch cover 52. Although the hatch cover 52 is completely closed, it only needs to be slightly opened during detection.

[0053] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the detection unit 40 may be provided so as to be movable along the boom 3. In this case, the detection unit 40 can be moved along the boom 3 to a location where it is easy to detect flammable gases released from the cargo 51. By combining movement along the boom 3 with the movement of the legs 2, the detection unit 40 can be moved to any position in the horizontal direction.

[0054] In the example shown in Figure 4, the winding unit 60 has a moving mechanism 61 that can move along the boom 3. Therefore, the detection unit 40 can move along the boom 3 in conjunction with the movement of the winding unit 60. As shown in Figure 4, the hatch cover 52 may be open, in which case the detection unit 40 may detect flammable gas in the internal space SP of the vessel 50. By employing a moving mechanism 61 that is independent of the driver's cab 25 and the trolley 23, there is an advantage in that it does not obstruct the driver's view of the cargo handling device 1 and reduces the impact on cargo handling operations.

[0055] In the examples shown in Figures 5 and 6, the cargo handling device 1 is equipped with a driver's cab 25 that can move along the boom 3. The detection unit 40 is located in the driver's cab 25. In this case, the detection unit 40 can move along the boom 3 as the driver's cab 25 moves, without the need for a separate mechanism. Furthermore, by providing the detection unit 40 in the driver's cab 25, there is an advantage in that the impact generated by the bucket 22 is not transmitted to the detection unit 40, compared to when it is provided in the cargo handling unit 4. The driver's cab 25 is connected to the detection unit 40 via a winding unit 60. Note that, as shown in Figure 5, the detection unit 40 may detect when the hatch cover 52 is closed, or as shown in Figure 6, it may detect when the hatch cover 52 is open.

[0056] In the example shown in Figures 7 and 8, the cargo handling device 1 includes a trolley 23 that can move along the boom 3 and a cargo handling unit 4 suspended from the trolley 23. The detection unit 40 is provided on the cargo handling unit 4. In this case, the detection unit 40 can move along the boom in conjunction with the movement of the trolley 23 without the need for a separate mechanism. Furthermore, providing the detection unit 40 on the cargo handling unit 4 has the advantage that, compared to providing it on the driver's cab 25, the detection unit 40 can move vertically without the need for a separate winding unit 60. In the cargo handling unit 4, the detection unit 40 may be provided in a location on the bucket 22 that does not interfere with cargo handling operations. As the winding device of the trolley 23 winds and unwinds the wire, the detection unit 40 moves closer to and further away from the cargo 51. As shown in Figure 7, the detection unit 40 may detect when the hatch cover 52 is closed, or as shown in Figure 8, it may detect when the hatch cover 52 is open.

[0057] The detection unit 40 may perform detection at a distance from the cargo 51 without being in close proximity to it. For example, as shown in Figures 9 to 12, the cargo handling device 1 is equipped with an introduction pipe 62 for introducing flammable gas to the detection unit 40, and the inlet 62a of the introduction pipe 62 may be provided so as to be movable to approach and move away from the cargo 51. In this case, flammable gas near the cargo 51 can be detected without bringing the detection unit 40 that performs detection in direct proximity to the cargo, and the risk of failure of the detection unit 40 due to contact with an obstacle can be reduced.

[0058] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 9 to 12, the cargo handling device 1 may be equipped with a winding unit 63 capable of unwinding and winding the inlet pipe 62. In this case, the winding unit 63 can be positioned in an appropriate location close to the cargo releasing flammable gas in the vertical direction, with the inlet 62a of the inlet pipe 62 facing upwards. Moreover, the winding unit 63 has a simple mechanism while still ensuring sufficient vertical movement of the inlet 62a of the inlet pipe 62.

[0059] The configuration shown in Figure 9 includes a winding unit 63 and a detection unit 40 attached to the boom 3. The detection unit 40 is connected to the inlet 62a via the winding unit 63 and the inlet pipe 62. As the winding unit 63 winds up and unwinds the inlet pipe 62, the inlet 62a moves closer to and further away from the cargo 51. The winding unit 63 and the detection unit 40 are positioned above the stationary vessel 50. Therefore, by lowering the winding unit 63 to the vicinity of the inlet 62a, flammable gas around the hatch cover 52 can be guided to the detection unit 40. As a result, the detection unit 40 can detect flammable gas around the hatch cover 52. Note that when the hatch cover 52 is open, the inlet 62a may be located within the internal space SP of the vessel 50.

[0060] In the example shown in Figure 10, the winding unit 63 has a moving mechanism 64 that can move along the boom 3. The detection unit 40 is attached to the winding unit 63. Therefore, the detection unit 40 and the introduction pipe 62 can move along the boom 3 as the winding unit 60 moves. By combining the movement along the boom 3 with the movement of the leg unit 2, the detection unit 40 and the introduction pipe 62 can be moved to any position in the horizontal direction.

[0061] In the examples shown in Figures 11 and 12, the detection unit 40 and the winding unit 63 are located in the operator's cab 25. The operator's cab 25 is connected to the introduction pipe 62 via the winding unit 60. Therefore, as the operator's cab 25 moves along the boom 3, the introduction pipe 62 moves in addition to the detection unit 40 and the winding unit 63. As shown in Figure 11, the detection unit 40 may detect when the hatch cover 52 is closed, or as shown in Figure 12, it may detect when the hatch cover 52 is open.

[0062] The methods for improving the safety of the cargo handling device 1 are not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the cargo handling device 1 is a cargo handling device 1 for handling cargo 51 including bulk cargo, and comprises a hopper 31, a conveyor 32, an inert gas supply device 65 that supplies inert gas IG to at least one of the hopper 31 and the conveyor 32, and an oxygen detection unit 70 provided on at least one of the hopper 31 and the conveyor 32, wherein the inert gas supply device 65 supplies inert gas IG based on the detection result of the oxygen detection unit 70.

[0063] This cargo handling device 1 handles cargo 51, including bulk cargo. Therefore, when the cargo handling device 1 handles cargo 51, there is a possibility that flammable gas may be released from the cargo 51, which includes bulk cargo. To address this, the cargo handling device 1 is equipped with an oxygen detection unit 70 that detects the oxygen concentration in the internal space of the hopper 31 and conveyor 32. Therefore, when flammable gas is released from cargo 51, the cargo handling device 1 can detect, using the oxygen detection unit 70, that the oxygen concentration in the internal space is below the ignition concentration of the flammable gas GS. This suppresses ignition of the flammable gas GS. Furthermore, if the oxygen detection unit 70 detects that the oxygen concentration is high, the cargo handling device 1 can reduce the oxygen concentration by supplying inert gas IG to ensure safety. In other words, when the oxygen concentration in the internal space is low, ignition is suppressed even if flammable gas is present. As a result, safety during cargo handling of cargo 51 can be improved.

[0064] For example, in the configuration shown in Figure 13, the oxygen detection unit 70 and the inert gas supply device 65 are installed in the hopper 31. Therefore, during cargo handling by the cargo handling device 1, the inert gas supply device 65 supplies inert gas IG into the hopper 31. The oxygen detection unit 70 detects that the oxygen concentration is below the ignition concentration of the flammable gas and transmits a detection signal to the detection signal receiving unit 41. The control unit 150 transmits a supply stop signal to the inert gas supply device 65 and stops the supply. Also, if the oxygen detection unit 70 detects an increase in oxygen concentration during cargo handling, it transmits a detection signal to the detection signal receiving unit 41. The control unit 150 transmits a supply start signal to the inert gas supply device 65 and supplies inert gas IG. In this way, by monitoring and controlling the oxygen concentration in the hopper 31, ignition of the flammable gas can be suppressed.

[0065] In the configuration shown in Figure 14, the oxygen detection unit 70 and the inert gas supply device 65 are installed on the conveyor 32. As a result, the cargo handling device 1 can obtain the same effect as the configuration shown in Figure 13 with respect to the conveyor 32.

[0066] In addition, in Figures 13 and 14, a detection unit 40 for detecting flammable gas may be provided in the recovery unit 6. The inert gas supply device 65 may supply inert gas IG based on the detection result of the flammable gas detection unit 40. For example, if flammable gas is detected, the inert gas supply device 65 may supply inert gas IG to the recovery unit 6. In this case, the oxygen concentration in the internal space of at least one of the hopper 31 and the conveyor 32 can be reduced, thereby suppressing ignition of the flammable gas.

[0067] As shown in Figures 15 to 18, the detection unit 40 does not need to be a sensor that directly detects flammable gases, as long as it is capable of detecting flammable gases. For example, the detection unit 40 may be a camera 75, which can detect flammable gases by photographing them. In this case, the detection unit 40 can detect flammable gases from visual information such as the color of the gas, without having to inhale the gas. This helps to prevent the detection unit 40 from becoming contaminated due to contact with flammable gases.

[0068] In the example shown in Figure 15, the detection unit 40 is a camera 75 in the configuration shown in Figure 1. The camera 75 can detect the flammable gas GS in the hopper 31 by taking pictures. In the example shown in Figure 16, the detection unit 40 is a camera 75 in the configuration shown in Figure 2. The camera 75 can detect the flammable gas GS in the conveyor 32 by taking pictures.

[0069] In the example shown in Figure 17, the detection unit 40 is replaced by a camera 75 in the configuration shown in Figure 4. The camera 75 is movable along the boom 3 by a moving mechanism 76. Unlike the detection unit 40 shown in Figure 4, the camera 75 does not need to approach the cargo 51, and can detect the flammable gas GS in the internal space SP by photographing the cargo 51 of the ship 50 from the position of the boom 3.

[0070] In the example shown in Figure 18, the detection unit 40 is a camera 75, in the configuration shown in Figure 6. The camera 75 is installed in the operator's cab 25 and is movable along the boom 3 together with the operator's cab 25. The camera 75 can detect flammable gas GS in the interior space SP by photographing the cargo 51 of the vessel 50 from the position of the operator's cab 25.

[0071] In each of the above-described embodiments, the detection unit 40 was provided on the cargo handling device 1. However, the location of the detection unit 40 of the detection system 100 is not limited. For example, as shown in Figure 19, the detection unit 40 may be provided on the aircraft 80. The aircraft 80 is separated from the cargo handling device 1 and can fly independently of the cargo handling device 1. Therefore, by operating the aircraft 80, detection can be performed by the detection unit 40 from any position. Also, as shown in Figure 20, the detection unit 40 may be provided on the ship 50. In the example shown in Figure 20, the detection unit 40 is provided on the inner wall of the ship 50. This allows the detection unit 40 to detect the flammable gas GS in the internal space SP. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0072] 1...Cargo handling equipment, 3...Boom, 4...Cargo handling section, 23...Trolley, 25...Operator's cab, 31...Hopper, 32...Conveyor, 40...Detection unit, 41...Detection signal receiver, 43...Ventilation system, 51...Ship cargo, 60...Winding unit, 62...Inlet pipe, 62a...Inlet, 63...Winding unit, 65...Inert gas supply device, 70...Oxygen detection unit, 100...Detection system.

Claims

1. A cargo handling device for handling cargo, including bulk cargo, A cargo handling device comprising a detection unit for detecting flammable gases released from the aforementioned cargo.

2. The aforementioned cargo handling device comprises a hopper and a conveyor. The cargo handling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is provided in at least one of the hopper and the conveyor.

3. The cargo handling device includes a ventilation device provided in at least one of the hopper and the conveyor. The cargo handling device according to claim 2, wherein the ventilation device is operated based on the detection result of the detection unit.

4. The cargo handling device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is provided so as to be movable toward and away from the cargo.

5. The aforementioned cargo handling device is equipped with a boom, The cargo handling device according to claim 4, wherein the detection unit is provided with respect to the boom.

6. The aforementioned cargo handling equipment is Equipped with a boom, The cargo handling device according to claim 4, wherein the detection unit is provided so as to be movable along the boom.

7. The cargo handling device according to claim 4, further comprising a winding unit capable of unwinding and winding the detection unit.

8. The cargo handling device according to claim 1, further comprising an introduction pipe for introducing the flammable gas to the detection unit, wherein the introduction port of the introduction pipe is provided to be movable toward and away from the cargo.

9. The cargo handling device according to claim 8, further comprising a winding section capable of unwinding and winding the aforementioned introduction pipe.

10. The cargo handling device according to claim 6, wherein the cargo handling device comprises a driver's cab that is movable along the boom, and the detection unit is provided in the driver's cab.

11. The cargo handling device comprises a trolley movable along the boom and a cargo handling unit suspended from the trolley. The cargo handling device according to claim 6, wherein the detection unit is provided in the cargo handling unit.

12. The cargo handling device according to claim 1, further comprising a detection signal receiving unit capable of receiving a detection signal from the detection unit, wherein the detection signal is a wireless signal.

13. The cargo handling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is a camera, and the flammable gas is detected by photographing the flammable gas.

14. The cargo handling device includes an inert gas supply device that supplies inert gas to at least one of the hopper and the conveyor. The cargo handling apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the inert gas supply device supplies inert gas based on the detection result of the detection unit.

15. A cargo handling device for handling cargo, including bulk cargo, Hoppa and, Conveyor, An inert gas supply device that supplies inert gas to at least one of the hopper and the conveyor, The system comprises an oxygen detection unit provided in at least one of the hopper and the conveyor, The inert gas supply device is a cargo handling device that supplies inert gas based on the detection result of the oxygen detection unit.

16. A system for detecting flammable gases during cargo handling, including bulk cargo, A detection unit for detecting the flammable gas released from the cargo, A detection system comprising a detection signal receiving unit that can be installed on a cargo handling device and receives a detection signal transmitted from the detection unit.

17. A method for detecting flammable gases during cargo handling of ship cargo, including bulk cargo, A detection method for detecting the flammable gas released from the cargo in a cargo handling device that handles the cargo.

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