Centralized control system for cargo lifting equipment

Abstract

To provide a user-friendly centralized control system. [Solution] The centralized control device 2 is a device that enables simultaneous operation of multiple cargo lifting devices 5, and comprises an operation terminal 3 and a plurality of receiving devices 4 which are configured separately from the operation terminal 3 and individually connected to the control devices 5C of each cargo lifting device 5 via a communication cable 25. The operation terminal 3 has a plurality of operation units 11 which instruct each receiving device 4 on the operation of the cargo lifting device 5, and a wireless transmission unit 15 which wirelessly transmits operation information from the operation units 11 to the receiving device 4. The receiving device 4 has a wireless receiving unit 21 which wirelessly receives operation information transmitted from the operation terminal 3, and an operation control unit 22 which transmits operation information to the control device 5C via a communication cable 25.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a centralized operation device capable of collectively operating a plurality of luggage lifting devices.

Background Art

[0002] In order to raise and lower luggage using a plurality of luggage lifting devices, a centralized operation device has been proposed that is connected to the control devices of each luggage lifting device and enables collective operation of these luggage lifting devices (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The centralized operation device (centralized control controller) of Patent Document 1 has a plurality of connector ports for connecting communication cables (control cables), a plurality of changeover switches, and operation buttons, and the control devices of a plurality of installed luggage lifting devices and each of the above connector ports are respectively connected and used with communication cables. Specifically, after the centralized operation device of Patent Document 1 is connected to the control device of each luggage lifting device via a plurality of communication cables as described above, the changeover switch is used to individually set the raising and lowering of each luggage lifting device, and the operation button is pressed. As a result, each luggage lifting device is driven simultaneously according to the setting of the changeover switch.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, since the above centralized operation device needs to individually connect the control device of each luggage lifting device and a plurality of connector ports with communication cables, there is a possibility that the correspondence between the luggage lifting device and the changeover switch may be mismatched due to incorrect connection of the communication cables, resulting in impaired operability. In addition, there is also a problem that the movement and operation location of the luggage lifting device are restricted by the communication cables.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a user-friendly centralized control device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the centralized control device of the present invention employs the following technical means.

[0008] A centralized control device according to one aspect of the present invention is a centralized control device that enables simultaneous operation of a plurality of cargo lifting devices, comprising: an operation terminal; and a plurality of receiving devices, each configured separately from the operation terminal and individually connected to a control device of each cargo lifting device via a communication cable, wherein the operation terminal has a plurality of operation units that instruct each of the receiving devices on the operation of the cargo lifting devices; and a wireless transmission unit that wirelessly transmits operation information from the operation units to the receiving devices; and the receiving devices have a wireless receiving unit that wirelessly receives the operation information transmitted from the operation terminal; and an operation control unit that transmits the operation information to the control device via the communication cable.

[0009] The operation unit may include a selection operation unit for selecting the cargo lifting device to be operated, and a lifting operation unit for raising or lowering the load receiving section of the cargo lifting device selected by the selection operation unit.

[0010] The receiving device is operated when the cargo lifting device to which the receiving device is connected is selected as the target of operation. It may have an indicator light to show that it is in that state.

[0011] The indicator lights are set to different illumination colors for each receiving device, and the selection operation unit may have an identification display unit of the same color as the illumination color of the indicator light of the receiving device corresponding to the selection operation unit.

[0012] The receiving device may be provided on a support column that supports the load receiving section of the load lifting device so that it can be raised and lowered.

[0013] The cargo lifting device includes a wired operation terminal and a connector for the operation terminal that is connected to the control device and to which the wired operation terminal is detachably connected, and the receiving device may include the communication cable that can be detachably connected to the connector. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the centralized control device of the present invention, by attaching a receiving device to each of multiple cargo lifting devices, these cargo lifting devices can be operated wirelessly all at once simultaneously. This reduces the likelihood of discrepancies in the correspondence between the cargo lifting devices being used and each control unit, resulting in excellent operability. Furthermore, the movement of the cargo lifting devices is not restricted by communication cables, and the operating location is not limited. Therefore, usability is improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the cargo lifting system. [Figure 2] This is a rear view of the cargo lifting device. [Figure 3] This is a side view of a cargo lifting device. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of the centralized control device of this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of the wireless control terminal of the centralized control device of this embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the wireless control terminal of the centralized control device of this embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the receiving device of the centralized control system according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention and do not limit the configuration of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 1 shows a load lifting system 1 configured by using a plurality of load lifting devices 5 and a centralized operation device 2 to lift and lower large loads P such as building materials and trusses in warehouses, construction sites, event venues, etc.

[0018] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first direction parallel to the mounting surface G of the load lifting device 5 (the directions indicated by the arrows X1 and X2 in FIGS. 2 and 3) is the front-rear direction, the second direction parallel to the mounting surface G and orthogonal to the first direction (the directions indicated by the arrows Y1 and Y2 in FIG. 3) is the left-right direction, and the third direction orthogonal to each of the first direction and the second direction (the directions indicated by the arrows Z1 and Z2 in FIGS. 2 and 3) is the up-down direction for explanation.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the load lifting device 5 used in the load lifting system 1 includes a base portion 31, a support column portion 32, a load receiving portion 33, a drive device 34, a control box 35, a power supply device 36, and a wired operation terminal 37. A control device 5C is housed inside the control box 35.

[0020] The base portion 31 supports the support column portion 32. The base portion 31 has a plurality of wheels 38. The load lifting device 5 is grounded on the mounting surface G by these plurality of wheels 38. The support column portion 32 is erected at the rear portion of the base portion 31.

[0021] The support column portion 32 has a foundation support column 41 and a movable support column 42. The load lifting device 5 of the present embodiment has three movable support columns 42. Both the foundation support column 41 and the movable support column 42 are flat rectangular plate-shaped frames that are long in the up-down direction.

[0022] The lower end of the foundation support column 41 is connected and fixed to the base portion 31 and extends above the base portion 31. The movable support column 42 is connected to the foundation support column 41 so as to be slidable in the up-down direction along the foundation support column 41. That is, the support column portion 32 is configured to be extendable in the up-down direction with the foundation support column 41 as a base.

[0023] A push handle 39 is provided at the rear of the support column 32. The push handle 39 has an auxiliary frame 43, a grip 44, and auxiliary wheels 45.

[0024] The auxiliary frame 43 is a long, flat rectangular plate-shaped frame extending in the front-to-back direction, and extends rearward from the rear of the foundation column 41. In this embodiment, the auxiliary frame 43 is connected to approximately the center between the top and bottom of the foundation column 41.

[0025] The grip 44 is located at the rear end of the auxiliary frame 43. By grasping the grip 44 and pushing or pulling the push handle 39, the operator can freely move the load lifting device 5.

[0026] The auxiliary wheels 45 are rotatably mounted at the rear end of the auxiliary frame 43. Therefore, the operator can move the load lifting device 5 in a tilted state by tilting the support column 32 backward and bringing the auxiliary wheels 45 into contact with the mounting surface G.

[0027] The load-receiving section 33 is connected to the front of the support column 32. The load-receiving section 33 is a rectangular U-shaped frame when viewed from above, and extends forward from the front of the movable support column 42. The load-receiving section 33 moves up and down by extending or shortening the support column 32.

[0028] The drive unit 34 is a device for raising and lowering the load receiving section 33. The drive unit 34 includes a wire 46, a winch drum 47, and a lifting motor 48. The wire 46 connects the movable support column 42 and the winch drum 47. The winch drum 47 is rotatably connected to the lifting motor 48. The lifting motor 48 rotates the winch drum 47.

[0029] In this manner, the drive unit 34 drives the lifting motor 48 to rotate the winch drum 47, thereby winding the wire 46 onto the winch drum 47 or pulling the wire 46 out from the winch drum 47. As a result, the movable support column 42 moves vertically, raising and lowering the load receiving section 33.

[0030] The winch drum 47 and the lifting motor 48 are located at the rear of the foundation support column 41. The winch drum 47 and the lifting motor 48 are located below the push handle 39 on the foundation support column 41.

[0031] The lifting motor 48 is connected to the power supply unit 36 ​​via electrical wiring and is driven by the power supplied from the power supply unit 36. The lifting motor 48 is also connected to the control device 5C in the control box 35 via communication wiring and is operated by the control device 5C.

[0032] The control box 35 is located on the upper part of the base 31. The control box 35 is connected It has a connector section 52 (see Figure 4). The connector section 52 is connected to the control device 5C and is a connector for an operating terminal to which a wired operating terminal 37 is detachably connected.

[0033] The power supply unit 36 ​​is located at the bottom of the base unit 31. That is, the power supply unit 36 ​​is located at the bottom of the control box 35. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 36 ​​is a battery that stores power supplied from an external power source via a charging adapter and supplies it to the lifting motor 48 and the like.

[0034] The wired operation terminal 37 is an existing remote controller that operates the raising and lowering of the load receiving section 33. The wired operation terminal 37 is connected to the load lifting device 5 via a communication cable 51. More specifically, the wired operation terminal 37 is connected via the communication cable 51 to a connector section 52 (see Figure 4) for operation terminals provided in the control box 35. The connector section 52 is connected to the control device 5C inside the control box 35 via communication wiring.

[0035] Therefore, when the wired operation terminal 37 is operated, the operation signal from the wired operation terminal 37 is transmitted to the control device 5C via the communication cable 51. The control device 5C controls the operation of the drive device 34 in accordance with the operation signal from the wired operation terminal 37.

[0036] As described above, the centralized control device 2 of this embodiment is an operating device that enables the simultaneous operation of multiple cargo lifting devices 5 for raising and lowering large cargo P. The centralized control device 2 comprises a wireless control terminal 3 and a receiving device 4. The receiving device 4 is configured separately from the wireless control terminal 3.

[0037] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the wireless operating terminal 3 includes an outer case 10, a plurality of operating units 11, a power lamp 12, a plurality of operation lamps 13, an emergency stop button 14, and a wireless transmission unit 15.

[0038] The outer casing 10 is a roughly rectangular box that is elongated in one direction. All of the operating units 11 are located on the same side of the outer casing 10. The power lamp 12 and the operation lamp 13 are both located on the operating surface of the corresponding operating unit 11. The emergency stop button 14 is located at the shorter end of the outer casing 10. The wireless transmitter 15 is housed inside the outer casing 10.

[0039] Each of the control units 11 is a push button, and pressing it instructs each receiving device 4 to operate the cargo lifting device 5. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the control unit 11 includes a start control unit 16, a selection control unit 17, and a lifting control unit 18.

[0040] The startup operation unit 16 is an operation button that switches between starting and stopping the wireless operation terminal 3. In this embodiment, the startup operation unit 16 includes an on button 16A and an off button 16B. The wireless operation terminal 3 is started when the on button 16A is pressed, and becomes capable of receiving operations from the selection operation unit 17 and the lifting operation unit 18. The wireless operation terminal 3 is stopped when the off button 16B is pressed, and becomes incapable of receiving operations from the selection operation unit 17 and the lifting operation unit 18.

[0041] In this embodiment, the wireless control terminal 3 is configured to be switched on and off using two activation operation units 16, an on button 16A and an off button 16B. However, it is also possible to configure the wireless control terminal 3 to be activated and deactivated using a single activation operation unit 16.

[0042] The selection operation unit 17 is an operation button that selects the cargo lifting device 5 to be operated from among multiple cargo lifting devices 5 connected to the receiving device 4. The wireless operation terminal 3 is a multiple selection operation unit By pressing the desired selection operation unit 17 among the 17 to turn it ON, the receiving device 4 corresponding to that selection operation unit 17 is made ready to be instructed to perform an upward or downward movement.

[0043] More specifically, the wireless control terminal 3 of this embodiment has eight selection operation units 17. Each selection operation unit 17 and receiving device 4 is assigned an identification number from 1 to 8. When a selection operation unit 17 is pressed and the wireless control terminal 3 is turned on, it sets the cargo lifting device 5 to which the receiving device 4 with the same identification number as the selection operation unit 17 is connected as the target for operation.

[0044] Therefore, for example, when the selection operation unit 17 with identification number 1 is pressed and turned ON (selected), the wireless operation terminal 3 becomes capable of instructing the receiving device 4 (see Figure 1), which shares the same identification number as the selection operation unit 17, to perform a lifting or lowering operation. Also, when each of the selection operation units 17 with identification numbers 1 to 4 is pressed and turned ON, the wireless operation terminal 3 becomes capable of instructing the receiving devices 4 (see Figure 1), which share the same identification numbers as the selection operation unit 17, to perform a lifting or lowering operation collectively.

[0045] Furthermore, the number of selection control units 17 provided on the wireless control terminal 3 is not limited to eight. For example, the wireless control terminal 3 may have two to seven selection control units 17, or even nine or more. The operator can arbitrarily set the number of receiving devices 4 installed, i.e., the number of load lifting devices 5 in use, within a range less than or equal to the number of selection control units 17.

[0046] In this embodiment, the selection operation section 17 is arranged on the operating surface of the outer case 10 in two rows in the short direction and four rows in the long direction of the outer case 10. The up button 18A and down button 18B, which will be described later, are arranged adjacent to the selection operation section 17 and aligned in the short direction of the outer case 10.

[0047] In this embodiment, when viewing the wireless operating terminal 3 from the direction normal to the operating surface (the orientation shown in Figure 5), identification numbers 1 to 8 are assigned to the front end of the wireless operating terminal 3 (upper side in Figure 5) in the order of 1st column left, 1st column right, 2nd column left, 2nd column right, 3rd column left, 3rd column right, 4th column left, and 4th column right.

[0048] Therefore, for example, if you want to operate four cargo lifting devices 5 using receivers 4 with identification numbers 1 to 4, select all four selection control units 17 (numbers 1 to 4) in the first and second rows of the wireless control terminal 3. Also, if you want to operate four cargo lifting devices 5 using receivers 4 with identification numbers 1, 3, 5, and 7, select all four selection control units 17 on the left side of the wireless control terminal 3 (numbers 1, 3, 5, and 7). Furthermore, if you want to operate only one cargo lifting device 5, select only the selection control unit 17 corresponding to the identification number of any one of the receivers 4 with identification numbers 1 to 8.

[0049] The selection operation unit 17 has an identification display unit 19. In this embodiment, the identification display unit 19 is a surface panel that constitutes the operating surface of the selection operation unit 17, and is set to a different color for each selection operation unit 17. That is, the identification display unit 19 is marked with a different color for each selection operation unit 17.

[0050] For example, the identification display section 19 of the selection operation section 17 for identification numbers 1 and 5 is set to red, the identification display section 19 of the selection operation section 17 for identification numbers 2 and 6 is set to yellow, the identification display section 19 of the selection operation section 17 for identification numbers 3 and 7 is set to green, and the identification display section 19 of the selection operation section 17 for identification numbers 4 and 8 is set to blue. In this way, the four selection operation sections 17 in the first and second rows (1 to 4) of the wireless operation terminal 3 each have an identification display section 19 of a different color. The four selection operation sections in the third and fourth rows (5 to 8) of the wireless operation terminal 3 Each of the selection operation units 17 also has an identification display unit 19 of a different color. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent accidental operation of the cargo lifting device 5.

[0051] Furthermore, the identification display unit 19 may have color markings only on a part of the operating surface of the selection operation unit 17 (e.g., the top, bottom, center, or outer edge of the operating surface). Also, the identification display unit 19 may be a light-emitting element that illuminates the operating surface of the selection operation unit 17, rather than a surface panel as described above. Specifically, for example, the identification display unit 19 is a light-emitting element built into the inside of the selection operation unit 17, and lights up when the ON button 16A is pressed and the wireless operation terminal 3 is activated. The operating surface of the selection operation unit 17 transmits the light from the identification display unit 19 to the outside, emitting a different color for each selection operation unit 17. Also, the operating surface of the selection operation unit 17 may be configured to emit the light from the entire surface of the identification display unit 19, or it may be configured to emit the light from only a part of the operating surface (e.g., the top, bottom, center, or outer edge).

[0052] In this embodiment, the identification display unit 19 is equipped with a character display corresponding to a pre-assigned identification number, in addition to the color display described above. Specifically, the selection operation unit 17 in this embodiment is numbered 1 to 8 in the order of the first column left, first column right, second column left, second column right, third column left, third column right, fourth column left, and fourth column right, according to the pre-assigned identification number. This allows the operator to operate the cargo lifting device 5 more intuitively in conjunction with the color display described above.

[0053] Furthermore, the identification display section 19 may be marked with letters or figures (such as alphabets or a number of dots corresponding to the identification number) that make it easier for the worker to identify the cargo lifting device 5, in addition to the numbers mentioned above.

[0054] The lifting / lowering operation unit 18 is an operation button that raises or lowers the load receiving section 33 of the load lifting device 5 selected by the selection operation unit 17. In this embodiment, the lifting / lowering operation unit 18 includes an up button 18A and a down button 18B.

[0055] While the up button 18A is pressed, the wireless control terminal 3 outputs a signal to the receiving device 4 selected by the selection operation unit 17 to raise the load receiving unit 33. Upon receiving this signal, the receiving device 4 instructs the control device 5C of the load lifting device 5 to which the receiving device 4 is connected to raise the load receiving unit 33. The control device 5C controls the drive unit 34 to raise the load receiving unit 33 in response to the above instruction from the receiving device 4.

[0056] While the down button 18B is pressed, the wireless control terminal 3 outputs a signal to the receiving device 4 selected by the selection operation unit 17 to lower the load receiving unit 33. Upon receiving this signal, the receiving device 4 instructs the control device 5C of the load lifting device 5 to which the receiving device 4 is connected to lower the load receiving unit 33. The control device 5C then controls the drive unit 34 to lower the load receiving unit 33 in response to the instruction from the receiving device 4.

[0057] The power lamp 12 is a lamp that lights up to indicate that the wireless control terminal 3 has been activated by pressing the ON button 16A. In this embodiment, the power lamp 12 is provided on the operating surface of the ON button 16A. However, the power lamp 12 may also be provided in a location other than the operating surface of the ON button 16A on the outer casing 10 (for example, on the outer frame of the ON button 16A).

[0058] The operation lamp 13 is a lamp that lights up to indicate that the corresponding selection operation unit 17 has been pressed and selected. In this embodiment, the operation lamp 13 is provided on the operating surface of the corresponding selection operation unit 17. The operation lamp 13 may also be provided in a location other than the operating surface of the selection operation unit 17 on the outer casing 10 (for example, on the outer frame portion of the corresponding selection operation unit 17).

[0059] The emergency stop button 14 is a push button, and pressing it instructs all receiving devices 4 (see Figure 1) to stop the operation of the cargo lifting device 5.

[0060] The wireless transmitter 15 wirelessly transmits operation information for each operation unit 11 to the receiving device 4. Specifically, the wireless transmitter 15 wirelessly outputs to the outside the ON information (selection operation signal) and OFF information (deselection operation signal) of each selection operation unit 17, the ON information (up operation signal) of the up button 18A, the ON information (down operation signal) of the down button 18B, the ON (forced stop operation signal) of the emergency stop button 14, etc.

[0061] The wireless transmitter 15 of this embodiment communicates wirelessly with the receiving device 4 using radio waves in a specific frequency band that allows communication over relatively short distances, such as in warehouses, construction sites, and event venues. Alternatively, the wireless transmitter 15 may communicate with the receiving device 4 using short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi® or Bluetooth®.

[0062] As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the receiving device 4 includes a communication box 20, a wireless receiving unit 21, an operation control unit 22, and an antenna 23. The receiving device 4 also has a connector unit 24, to which a communication cable 25 is connected. The receiving device 4 also has an indicator light 26.

[0063] As shown in Figure 4, the receiving device 4 of this embodiment is configured to be attachable to the upper part of the auxiliary frame 43 of the cargo lifting device 5. That is, the receiving device 4 is installed and used approximately in the center between the upper and lower parts of the foundation support column 41.

[0064] The receiving device 4 may be mounted on the upper part of the base 31 alongside the control box 35, or it may be mounted on top of the control box 35. Alternatively, the receiving device 4 may be mounted on the upper end of the foundation support column 41, or it may be incorporated inside the control box 35.

[0065] As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the communication box 20 is a flat, roughly rectangular box. The wireless receiver 21 and the operation control unit 22 are housed inside the communication box 20. The antenna 23, connector 24, and indicator light 26 are all provided on the side of the communication box 20. In this embodiment, the connector 24 and indicator light 26 are provided on the same side of the communication box 20. However, the connector 24 and indicator light 26 may be provided on different sides of the communication box 20.

[0066] The wireless receiver 21 wirelessly receives the operation information transmitted from the wireless operation terminal 3 (see Figure 4). In this embodiment, the wireless receiver 21 uses radio waves in the same frequency band as the wireless transmitter 15 to communicate wirelessly with the wireless operation terminal 3. The wireless receiver 21 is wired to the operation control unit 22 and transfers the operation information received from the wireless operation terminal 3 to the operation control unit 22.

[0067] The operation control unit 22, with the receiving device 4 connected to the control device 5C via the communication cable 25, transmits the operation information transferred from the wireless receiving unit 21 to the control device 5C of the cargo lifting device 5 via the communication cable 25 (see Figure 4). In other words, the operation control unit 22 transmits the operation information of the wireless operation terminal 3 via a wired connection to the control device 5C to which the receiving device 4 is connected. The control device 5C controls the operation of the lifting motor 48 according to the operation information transmitted from the operation control unit 22.

[0068] The operation control unit 22 in this embodiment has a notification control function that illuminates the indicator light 26 in accordance with the operation information of the wireless operation terminal 3 transmitted from the wireless receiver 21. Specifically, the operation control unit 22 illuminates the indicator light 26 when the wireless receiver 21 receives an ON signal from the selection operation unit 17 corresponding to the receiving device 4. In addition, the operation control unit 22 illuminates the indicator light 26 when the wireless receiver 21 receives an ON signal from the receiving device When the off signal from the selection operation unit 17 corresponding to position 4 is received, the indicator light 26 is turned off.

[0069] Antenna 23 receives radio waves output from the wireless transmitter 15 of the wireless operating terminal 3 and transmits them to the wireless receiver 21. Antenna 23 is connected to the wireless receiver 21 via communication wiring inside the communication box 20.

[0070] The connector section 24 is a connection port for connecting the communication cable 25 to the receiving device 4. The connector section 24 securely holds the communication cable 25 on the side of the communication box 20. The connector section 24 may also be a connector that detachably connects the communication cable 25 to the communication box 20.

[0071] The first end of the communication cable 25 is connected to the operation control unit 22 inside the communication box 20 through the connector 24. As shown in Figure 4, when attaching the receiving device 4 to the cargo lifting device 5, the second end of the communication cable 25 is connected to the connector 52 of the control box 35, after the communication cable 51 of the wired operation terminal 37 has been removed from the connector 52 of the control box 35.

[0072] Specifically, the receiving device 4 has a communication cable 25 that can be detachably connected to a connector 52 for an operating terminal provided on the control box 35. By connecting the communication cable 25 to the existing connector 52, the receiving device 4 is wired to the control device 5C of the cargo lifting device 5. As a result, when the wireless operating terminal 3 is operated, the operation signal from the wireless operating terminal 3 is transmitted from the receiving device 4 to the control device 5C via the communication cable 25. The control device 5C controls the operation of the drive device 34 in accordance with the operation signal from the wireless operating terminal 3.

[0073] As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the indicator light 26 is a rotating light and is mounted on the side of the communication box 20 via a lamp bracket 27. The lamp bracket 27 is a plate that is roughly L-shaped when viewed from the side and supports the indicator light 26 at a position above the top surface of the communication box 20.

[0074] As described above, the receiving device 4 of this embodiment is mounted on the upper part of the auxiliary frame 43. Therefore, the indicator light 26 is positioned at a height above the center between the upper and lower parts of the foundation support column 41. As a result, the indicator light 26 is easily visible to workers to the side or rear of the cargo lifting device 5, providing excellent visibility.

[0075] The indicator light 26 is connected to the operation control unit 22 via electrical wiring and lights up in response to instructions from the operation control unit 22. The indicator light 26 is set to light up in a different color for each receiving device 4. That is, the indicator light 26 is set to a different lighting color for each receiving device 4. The lighting color is set to the same color as the color display of the identification display unit 19 of the corresponding selection operation unit 17. In other words, the selection operation unit 17 has an identification display unit 19 that is the same color as the lighting color of the indicator light 26 of the receiving device 4 corresponding to the selection operation unit 17.

[0076] For example, the indicator lights 26 of the receiver 4 with identification numbers 1 and 5 are set to red, the indicator lights 26 of the receiver 4 with identification numbers 2 and 6 are set to yellow, the indicator lights 26 of the receiver 4 with identification numbers 3 and 7 are set to green, and the indicator lights 26 of the receiver 4 with identification numbers 4 and 8 are set to blue.

[0077] Therefore, the operator can visually identify the selected cargo lifting device 5 by comparing the color of the identification display unit 19 on the selection operation unit 17 of the wireless operation terminal 3 with the color of the indicator light 26 on the receiving device 4 installed on the cargo lifting device 5. This reliably prevents accidental operation of the cargo lifting device 5.

[0078] As shown in Figure 7, the receiving device 4 may have a sound output unit 28 that outputs a warning sound (announcement sound) in conjunction with the illumination of the indicator light 26. More specifically, the receiving device 4 has a sound output unit 28. The sound output unit 28 is built inside the indicator light 26.

[0079] When the wireless receiver 21 receives an ON signal from the selection operation unit 17 corresponding to the receiver 4, the operation control unit 22 lights up the indicator light 26 and outputs a warning sound from the sound output unit 28. Furthermore, when the wireless receiver 21 receives an OFF signal from the selection operation unit 17 corresponding to the receiver 4, the operation control unit 22 turns off the indicator light 26 and stops outputting the warning sound from the sound output unit 28.

[0080] As a result, workers around the cargo lifting device 5 can clearly recognize the operating cargo lifting device 5 by the illumination of the indicator light 26 provided on the cargo lifting device 5 and the warning sound emitted from the sound output unit 28. Therefore, a higher level of safety is achieved.

[0081] The sound output unit 28 may be provided separately from the indicator light 26. For example, the sound output unit 28 may be housed inside the communication box 20. Alternatively, the sound output unit 28 may be attached to the lamp bracket 27. Furthermore, the sound output unit 28 may not only emit a warning sound, but also announce by voice that the cargo lifting device 5 is in operation.

[0082] As described above, the centralized control device 2 of this embodiment is a device that enables simultaneous operation of multiple cargo lifting devices 5, and comprises an operation terminal 3, and a plurality of receiving devices 4 which are configured separately from the operation terminal 3 and individually connected to the control devices 5C of each cargo lifting device 5 via a communication cable 25, the operation terminal 3 having a plurality of operation units 11 that instruct the operation of each receiving device 4 of the cargo lifting device 5, and a wireless transmission unit 15 that wirelessly transmits operation information from the operation units 11 to the receiving device 4, the receiving device 4 having a wireless receiving unit 21 that wirelessly receives the operation information transmitted from the operation terminal 3, and an operation control unit 22 that transmits the operation information to the control device 5C via the communication cable 25.

[0083] With this centralized control device 2, by attaching a receiving device 4 to each of the multiple load lifting devices 5, all of these load lifting devices 5 can be wirelessly controlled simultaneously by the control terminal 3. This reduces the likelihood of discrepancies in the correspondence between the load lifting devices 5 being used and the control units 11 of the control terminal 3, resulting in excellent operability. Furthermore, when positioning or rearranging the load lifting devices 5, their movement is not restricted by communication cables 25, etc., nor is the location from which workers can operate the load lifting devices 5 restricted. Thus, usability is improved.

[0084] Furthermore, with this system, after arranging multiple cargo lifting devices 5 in predetermined positions according to the location of use and the size of the cargo P, a receiving device 4 can be arbitrarily installed on the control device 5C of the cargo lifting device 5. In other words, the worker can freely set the arrangement of each cargo lifting device 5 and the combination with the receiving device 4. This further improves ease of use.

[0085] The operation unit 11 includes a selection operation unit 17 for selecting the cargo lifting device 5 to be operated, and a lifting operation unit 18 for raising and lowering the cargo receiving section 33 of the cargo lifting device 5 selected by the selection operation unit 17.

[0086] According to the centralized control device 2 described above, it is possible to arbitrarily select a load lifting device 5 to be operated from among multiple load lifting devices 5 connected to the receiving device 4, and then simultaneously raise and lower the load receiving sections 33 of those load lifting devices 5 in the same direction. This allows for easy and accurate operation of the load lifting devices 5. Therefore, usability is further improved.

[0087] The receiving device 4 has an indicator light 26 that indicates that the cargo lifting device 5 to which the receiving device 4 is connected has been selected as the target of operation.

[0088] According to the centralized control device 2 described above, the operator can visually confirm the status of the indicator light 26 installed on the load lifting device 5, which was selected and operated on the control terminal 3. This allows for easier and more accurate operation of the load lifting device 5. Therefore, usability is further improved.

[0089] The indicator light 26 is set to a different color for each receiving device 4, and the selection operation unit 17 has an identification display unit 19 that is the same color as the indicator light 26 of the receiving device 4 corresponding to the selection operation unit 17.

[0090] According to the centralized control device 2 described above, the operator can visually verify the selection operation unit 17 selected on the operation terminal 3 with the actual load lifting device 5 selected on the operation terminal 3 by the color of the indicator light 26, thereby enabling more accurate operation of the load lifting device 5. This further improves ease of use.

[0091] The receiving device 4 is provided on the support column 32 that supports the load receiving section 33 of the load lifting device 5 so that it can be raised and lowered.

[0092] According to the centralized control device 2 described above, the illumination status of the indicator light 26 of the load lifting device 5 being operated is easily visible to workers around the load lifting device 5, thus enabling safer operation of the load lifting device 5.

[0093] The cargo lifting device 5 includes a wired operation terminal 37 and a connector portion 52 for an operation terminal that is connected to the control device 5C and to which the wired operation terminal 37 is detachably connected. The receiving device 4 includes the communication cable 25 that can be detachably connected to the connector portion 52.

[0094] According to the centralized control device 2 described above, the receiving device 4 can be connected to the control device 5C using the existing connector 52 of the cargo lifting device 5 equipped with a wired operation terminal 37, so there is no need to separately provide a connector for the receiving device 4 on the cargo lifting device 5. In other words, according to the centralized control device 2 described above, a cargo lifting system 1 that can operate multiple cargo lifting devices simultaneously can be constructed using the existing cargo lifting device 5. Thus, versatility is improved.

[0095] Furthermore, with this system, the operator can arbitrarily change the usage method according to the location of use and the size of the load P, such as operating one load lifting device 5 using a wired operation terminal 37, or operating multiple load lifting devices 5 at once using the operation terminal 3 of the centralized operation device 2, thus further improving usability. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0096] 1. Cargo lifting system 2 Central control device 3. Wireless control terminal (control terminal) 4. Receiving device 5. Cargo lifting device 5C Control Unit 11 Control section 15 Wireless Transmitter 17 Selection Operation Section 18 Lifting and lowering control unit 19 Identification display section 21 Wireless receiver 22 Operation Control Unit 25 Communication Cables 26 Indicator light 32 Pillar section 33 Receiving Section

Claims

1. A centralized control device that enables simultaneous operation of multiple cargo lifting devices, Operating terminal and The system comprises a plurality of receiving devices, each configured separately from the aforementioned operating terminal and individually connected to the control device of each of the aforementioned cargo lifting devices via a communication cable. The aforementioned operating terminal is Each of the aforementioned receiving devices is provided with a plurality of operating units for instructing the operation of the cargo lifting device, The receiving device has a wireless transmitting unit that wirelessly transmits operation information of the operating unit to the receiving device, The receiving device is, A wireless receiving unit that wirelessly receives the operation information transmitted from the aforementioned operating terminal, A centralized control device having an operation control unit that transmits the operation information to the control device via the communication cable.

2. The aforementioned operating unit is A selection operation unit for selecting the cargo lifting device to be operated, The centralized control device according to claim 1, further comprising a lifting operation unit for raising and lowering the load receiving section of the load lifting device selected by the selection operation unit.

3. The centralized control device according to claim 2, wherein the receiving device has an indicator light that indicates that the cargo lifting device to which the receiving device is connected has been selected as the target of operation.

4. The indicator lights are set to different colors for each receiving device. The centralized control device according to claim 3, wherein the selection operation unit has an identification display unit of the same color as the illumination color of the indicator light of the receiving device corresponding to the selection operation unit.

5. The centralized operating device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the receiving device is provided on a support column that supports the load receiving section of the load lifting device so that it can be raised and lowered.

6. The aforementioned cargo lifting device is Wired control terminal and It has a connector section for an operating terminal that is connected to the control device and to which the wired operating terminal is detachably connected, The centralized control device according to claim 1, wherein the receiving device has the communication cable which can be detachably connected to the connector portion.

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