Wave-dissipating block gripping device

Abstract

To provide a wave dissipating block gripping device that is compact, light and easily usable while ensuring safety of gripping and moving a wave dissipating block without manually performing dangerous wire hitching work.SOLUTION: A wave dissipating block gripping device 110 comprises: a holding mechanism 120 and an engagement member 126 that hold respective two legs LP in a radial direction; and a bracket 112 that is rotatably supported by a work machine 100 and that supports the holding mechanism 120 and the engagement member 126. The holding mechanism 120 is rotatably supported by the bracket 112, and provided with a pair of holding members 122 capable of gripping one of the two legs LP with tips 122A thereof approaching each other, and a linear motion mechanism 124 that is connected at an end through the bracket 112 to the upper ends 122B of the holding members 122 and that rotary-drives the holding members 122. The engagement member 126 is provided with a deformable annular member holding an inner diameter equal to or larger than the minimum outer diameters of the legs LP.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wave-dissipating block gripping device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a concrete wave-dissipating block provided with four legs extending from the center of gravity position of a regular tetrahedron toward each vertex, that is, extending in directions different from each other, can obtain a strong bonding force when a plurality of the blocks are stacked and arranged due to its unique shape. For this reason, wave-dissipating blocks can effectively attenuate and dissipate the energy of waves generated in rivers and seas, so they are also called wave-dissipating root-fixing blocks, wave-breaking blocks, etc., and are used for the purposes of bank protection and water conservancy.

[0003] However, due to the unique shape of this wave-dissipating block, it is basically unavoidable to use a plurality of wires when lifting and lowering the block by a working machine such as a crane. And most of the coupling and uncoupling of the plurality of wires wound around the lower part of the wave-dissipating block (wire slinging work (base attaching work)) is performed manually. Here, since the wave-dissipating block has a large weight, the wires used are also heavy, and a very large amount of labor is required just to manually connect and disconnect the wires. In addition, the site where this wave-dissipating block is used has poor scaffolding conditions, which involves many dangers for workers. In particular, when arranging a plurality of wave-dissipating blocks in a stacked manner, it is necessary for a worker to give instructions on a wave-dissipating block located near the underlying wave-dissipating block, but the surface of the wave-dissipating block is slippery, resulting in an unstable working environment. As a result, workers are prone to slipping and falling, and many accidents have occurred.

[0004] For this reason, various gripping devices have been proposed. For example, the gripping device described in Patent Document 1 has a configuration that grips the joint portion of the legs extending in three directions in a plan view by closing three holding members, in order to solve the dangerous wire lifting work that is done manually. In other words, in Patent Document 1, the wave-dissipating block is covered from top to bottom by three sides and the area near the center of gravity is supported by three holding members, so that the wave-dissipating block can be gripped and moved stably. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-85179 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, the gripping device shown in Patent Document 1 assumes both downward and upward orientations for one leg, requiring the gripping device to be large enough to embrace the entire leg (for example, for a wave-dissipating block weighing approximately 16 tons and approximately 3m high, the gripping device would weigh approximately 12 tons and be approximately 6m high). As a result, the gripping device in Patent Document 1 would be large and heavy compared to the wave-dissipating block, potentially making it difficult to use easily.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention was made to solve the aforementioned problems, and aims to provide a wave-dissipating block gripping device that can safely grip and move wave-dissipating blocks without the need for dangerous wire lifting work by hand, is easy to use, and is also compact and lightweight. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention provides a wave-dissipating block gripping device that is supported by a work machine and capable of gripping a wave-dissipating block having a plurality of legs extending in different directions from one another, comprising: a holding mechanism and engaging member that hold the radial direction of two of the plurality of legs; a bracket that is rotatably supported by the work machine and supports the holding mechanism and engaging member, wherein the holding mechanism comprises a pair of holding members that are rotatably supported by the bracket and capable of gripping one of the two legs by bringing their tips close together; and a linear motion mechanism that penetrates the bracket and has its ends connected to the upper ends of each of the pair of holding members and rotates each of the pair of holding members, wherein the engaging member comprises a deformable annular member that maintains an inner diameter greater than or equal to the minimum outer diameter of the leg, thereby solving the above problem.

[0009] The present invention provides a holding mechanism and engaging member that hold the radial direction of two of the multiple legs of a wave-dissipating block, which has multiple legs extending in different directions from each other. That is, since the holding mechanism and engaging member only need to hold the radial direction of the two legs, it is possible to avoid the need for a holding mechanism large enough to embrace an entire leg. Furthermore, since the engaging member includes a deformable annular member whose inner diameter is greater than or equal to the minimum outer diameter of the leg, it is possible to make the engaging member extremely lightweight.

[0010] At the same time, the device has a linear motion mechanism that penetrates the bracket and connects to the upper ends of each of the pair of retaining members, thereby rotating each of the pair of retaining members. As a result, the distance from the end of the bracket to the tip of the pair of retaining members, i.e., the vertical length of the wave-dissipating block gripping device, can be made extremely short, which in turn allows for further weight reduction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a small, lightweight wave-dissipating block gripping device that can be used easily and safely to grip and move wave-dissipating blocks without the need for dangerous manual wire lifting work. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing a work machine, a wave-dissipating block gripping device, and a wave-dissipating block according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows the wave-dissipating block gripping device (perspective view (A), bottom view (B), side view (C), front view (D)). [Figure 3] Flowchart illustrating the procedure for gripping and moving wave-dissipating blocks using the wave-dissipating block gripping device shown in Figures 2 and 8. [Figure 4] Figure 3 shows the procedure (A) showing the wave-dissipating block gripping device being lowered onto the wave-dissipating block, B) showing the wave-dissipating block being gripped by the wave-dissipating block gripping device, and C) showing the wave-dissipating block being suspended by the wave-dissipating block gripping device). [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating the procedure for positioning wave-dissipating blocks in a predetermined location using the wave-dissipating block gripping device shown in Figure 2. [Figure 6] Figure 5 shows the procedure (Figure A: Lowering the wave-dissipating block gripping device while gripping the wave-dissipating block; Figure B: Placing the wave-dissipating block on the ground using the wave-dissipating block gripping device; Figure C: Releasing the wave-dissipating block and raising the wave-dissipating block gripping device)). [Figure 7] Schematic diagram showing a work machine and wave-dissipating block gripping device according to a second embodiment of the present invention (Figure (A) before gripping the wave-dissipating block, Figure (B) after gripping the wave-dissipating block). [Figure 8] Figure 7 shows the procedure for gripping a wave-dissipating block using the wave-dissipating block gripping device (Figure A: lowering the wave-dissipating block gripping device onto the wave-dissipating block; Figure B: engaging the engaging member with the leg of the wave-dissipating block; Figure C: gripping the wave-dissipating block with the wave-dissipating block gripping device; Figure D: suspending the wave-dissipating block with the wave-dissipating block gripping device). [Figure 9] This figure shows the state after the wave-dissipating block has been gripped by engaging another engaging member of the wave-dissipating block gripping device with the leg of the work machine of this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Hereinafter, an example of a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 6.

[0014] First, we will briefly describe the work machine 100, the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110, and the wave-dissipating block CB based on Figure 1.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, the work machine 100 is, for example, a crane with outriggers (it could also be an excavator or a crane mechanism installed on a barge), and is equipped with a rotatable main body 101 and an arm body 102 whose inclination angle can be changed. The arm body 102 is, for example, an extendable telescopic boom (it could also be a lattice boom). A main wheel 104 is provided at the tip of the arm body 102, and a main wire Mw that suspends the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 is engaged with it (therefore, the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 is in a state where it can rotate accordingly around the main wire Mw). In addition, although not shown, a secondary wheel is provided at the tip of the arm body 102, and a secondary wire Sw for changing the posture of the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 is engaged with it. In other words, shortening the feed lengths of the main wire Mw and the sub-wire Sw causes the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 to rise, and lengthening the feed lengths of the main wire Mw and the sub-wire Sw causes the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 to descend. A relay wheel 106 for feeding out the hose Hs for driving the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 is rotatably supported on the arm body 102.

[0016] The wave-dissipating block CB is a concrete irregular block comprising four leg portions LP extending from the center of gravity of a regular tetrahedron toward each vertex, that is, extending in mutually different directions, as shown in FIG. 1. In general, from the viewpoint of preventing deterioration due to corrosion, reinforcing bars are often not used in the wave-dissipating block CB. For this reason, the wave-dissipating block CB may be significantly damaged when local stress is applied thereto, and in combination with its size, it is necessary to perform grasping, transportation and installation carefully and accurately without applying large stress. As the commonly used wave-dissipating block CB, there are a total of 18 types of sizes ranging from 0.5 tons (90 cm in height) to 80 tons (5 m in height), and the cross-section of the leg portions LP is substantially circular. In rivers, those with a weight of 10 tons or less are mainly used (for example, a weight of 6.3 tons and a height of about 2 m). It should be noted that the wave-dissipating blocks CB are basically manufactured with a required number and required sizes using a formwork near the construction site.

[0017] The wave-dissipating block grasping device 110 has symmetrical shapes with respect to each of symmetry planes PL and RL, as shown in FIGS. 2(B) to 2(D). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the wave-dissipating block grasping device 110 is supported by a work machine 100 and is capable of grasping the wave-dissipating block CB. As shown in FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B), the wave-dissipating block grasping device 110 includes a bracket 112, a holding mechanism 120, and an engaging member 126. The bracket 112 is rotatably supported by the work machine 100 and supports the holding mechanism 120 and the engaging member 126. The holding mechanism 120 and the engaging member 126 respectively hold two leg portions LP, in the radial direction, among the four (plurality of) leg portions LP of the wave-dissipating block CB. The holding mechanism 120 includes a pair of holding members 122 and a linear motion mechanism 124, and the engaging member 126 includes an annular member. The symmetry plane PL refers to a first plane on which the pair of holding members 122 are located. The symmetry plane RL refers to a second plane orthogonal to the first plane and located equidistant from the pair of holding members 122.

[0018] In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the wave-dissipating block CB can be mainly used for rivers. For example, the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 has a weight of less than 2 tons and a height of less than 2 m for a wave-dissipating block CB weighing 6.3 tons and having a height of about 2 m (therefore, for example, for a wave-dissipating block CB weighing 16 tons and having a height of about 3 m, the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 can be configured to have a weight of at most less than 5 tons and a height of less than 3 m). It is desirable to use different wave-dissipating block gripping devices 110 for different sizes of wave-dissipating blocks CB, but one size of wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 can grip three or more adjacent sizes of wave-dissipating blocks CB (for example, the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 designed for a 6.3-ton (2 m height) wave-dissipating block CB can move five wave-dissipating blocks CB of different sizes: 3.2-ton (1.6 m height), 4-ton (1.8 m height), 5-ton (1.9 m height), 6-ton (2 m height), and 8-ton (2.3 m height)).

[0019] Next, each component will be described in detail.

[0020] The bracket 112, as shown in Figures 2(A) and 2(B), comprises a pair of mounting plates 114, a cylindrical connecting portion 116 that connects the pair of mounting plates 114, and a rotation support portion 118 disposed below the connecting portion 116 and supported by the pair of mounting plates 114.

[0021] As shown in Figures 2(A) and (B), the pair of mounting plates 114 are identical in shape and symmetrical with respect to the plane of symmetry PL. First, each of the pair of mounting plates 114 is provided with a main mounting hole 114A supported by a main wire Mw extending from the arm body 102, and a secondary mounting hole 114B supported by a secondary wire Sw (that is, the bracket 112 is configured to include a pair of mounting plates 114 connected to the work machine 100. As for the method of support by the main wire Mw, for example, a metal rod may be passed between the main mounting hole 114A and the secondary mounting hole 114B, and the main wire Mw and the secondary wire Sw may be connected to the two metal rods). The main mounting hole 114A and the secondary mounting hole 114B are provided at equal distances with respect to the plane of symmetry PL. In this embodiment, when the main wire Mw supports the main mounting hole 114A without tension being applied to the sub-wire Sw, the angle of the plane of symmetry PL with respect to the vertical is set to an angle between 20 and 40 degrees. Therefore, by changing the feed length of the sub-wire Sw relative to the main wire Mw (in the direction of shortening), the angle of the plane of symmetry PL with respect to the vertical can be set to an angle between 20 and 40 degrees in the opposite direction, and the posture of the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 can be changed within that angular range (that is, the bracket 112 is provided with a changing member (i.e., the main mounting hole 114A and the sub-mounting hole 114B) that changes the positional relationship between the holding mechanism 120 and the engaging member 126 when it is rotatably supported by the work machine 100).

[0022] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2(A) and (C), through holes are provided below the main mounting holes 114A and sub-mounting holes 114B on the sides of the pair of mounting plates 114, and a cylindrical connecting part 116 connects the pair of mounting plates 114 so as to surround these through holes. This configuration creates a hollow section in the bracket 112, and the linear motion mechanism 124 is positioned in this hollow section without contacting the bracket 112, passing through it.

[0023] The rotating support portion 118 is a pair of plate-shaped members, which are integrated with the pair of mounting plates 114 in a manner that intersects with the pair of mounting plates 114, and are integrated with the connecting portion 116 below the connecting portion 116. The rotating support portion 118 rotatably supports a pair of holding members 122 at the ends that extend outward from the side surfaces of the mounting plates 114. In other words, each of the pair of holding members 122 is supported on the outside of the pair of mounting plates 114.

[0024] The holding mechanism 120, as shown in Figure 2(A), comprises a pair of holding members 122 and a linear motion mechanism 124. The pair of holding members 122 are rotatably supported by the bracket 112, and by bringing their respective tip ends 122A close together, they are able to grip one of the two leg portions LP. As shown in Figure 2(A), the portion of the holding member 122 that grips the leg portion LP is a plate-shaped member with a curved shape that conforms to the shape of the leg portion LP. The contact portion 122C that directly contacts the leg portion LP is chamfered (or a rod-shaped member with a substantially circular cross-section may be provided, or this rod-shaped member may be made of a cushioning material such as rubber and made replaceable). Therefore, even when the leg portion LP is gripped by the pair of holding members 122, there are no corners, so localized stress on the wave-dissipating block CB can be avoided, and damage to the leg portion LP can be prevented. The upper ends 122B of each pair of retaining members 122 are directly connected to the end of one linear motion mechanism 124.

[0025] As described above, the linear motion mechanism 124 shown in Figure 2(A) penetrates the bracket 112 and has its ends connected to the upper ends 122B of a pair of holding members 122, and is configured to rotate each of the pair of holding members 122. The linear motion mechanism 124 is, for example, a cylinder mechanism consisting of a cylinder chamber and a piston. The cylinder mechanism may be driven by hydraulic pressure from a pump unit (not shown) located on the ground GD, or by water pressure from a pump unit (not shown) located on the ground GD.

[0026] The two engaging members 126 are positioned symmetrically with respect to the plane of symmetry PL. In this embodiment, the angle α between the pair of holding members 122 and the engaging member 126 shown in Figure 2(C) is approximately 70 degrees. The engaging member 126 includes a deformable annular member whose inner diameter is greater than or equal to the minimum outer diameter of the leg portion LP of the wave-dissipating block CB. For example, the annular member is a wire rope 130 that is curved in a ring shape and has a thickness of 1 cm or more (depending on the weight of the wave-dissipating block CB) (however, it is not limited to this, and the annular member may be made of a narrow metal plate or the like). Both ends of the wire rope 130 are connected to the mounting plate 114 via a connecting portion 128 (that is, the ends of the engaging member 126 are connected to each of the pair of mounting plates 114). Since the connecting portion 128 is fixed to the mounting plate 114 with a bolt or the like, the bolt can be removed and another engaging member 126 can be attached. In other words, the bracket 112 is configured to allow the engagement member 126 to be attached and replaced (therefore, by using an engagement member 126 with a different wire rope length depending on the outer diameter of the leg LP of the wave-dissipating block CB to be gripped, a wider range of leg LPs of wave-dissipating blocks CB can be held). In addition, the connecting part 128 allows the direction in which the wire rope 130 extends to be changed. That is, the bracket 112 is also configured to allow the direction of the engagement member 126 relative to the holding member 122 to be changed. At least a portion of the outer circumference of the wire rope 130 may be covered with a cushioning material such as rubber. This cushioning material prevents the wire rope 130 from directly contacting the leg LP, thereby preventing damage to the wave-dissipating block CB and wear of the wire rope 130.

[0027] Next, the procedure for gripping and moving the wave-dissipating block CB using the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 in this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 3 and 4(A) to (C).

[0028] First, the main wire Mw and the secondary wire Sw are extended from the work machine 100 to lower the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 from above the wave-dissipating block CB (Figure 3 step S2, Figure 4(A)).

[0029] Next, the position of the arm body 102 and the length of the sub-wire Sw relative to the main wire Mw are adjusted as needed to adjust the position and angle of the engaging member 126 so that it engages with the upward-facing leg LP (Figure 3, step S4). This engaged state refers to the state in which the mounting plate 114 is attached and one leg LP is positioned inside the engaging member 126.

[0030] Then, with the engaging member 126 still engaged with one of the legs LP, the main wire Mw and sub-wire Sw are extended so that the remaining leg LP is positioned between the pair of holding members 122, thereby lowering the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 (Figure 3, step S6).

[0031] Next, the linear motion mechanism 124 is activated to grip the remaining leg LP with a pair of holding members 122 (Figure 3, step S8; Figure 4(B)). As a result, the holding mechanism 120 prevents the leg LP from slipping out from the inside of the wire rope 130, and the engaging member 126 holds the leg LP in place.

[0032] Then, the work machine 100 lifts the main wire Mw and the sub-wire Sw to raise the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 and move the wave-dissipating block CB (Figure 3 step S10, Figure 4(C)). Since the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 is lighter than the wave-dissipating block CB, when the wave-dissipating block CB is suspended in the air, the position of the center of gravity changes, causing the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 to rotate to some extent.

[0033] Next, the procedure for positioning the wave-dissipating block CB in a predetermined location using the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 in this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 5 and 6(A) to (C).

[0034] First, the work machine 100 positions the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110, which is gripping the wave-dissipating block CB, in the air above a predetermined location. Then, the main wire Mw and the sub-wire Sw are extended to lower the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 (Figure 5 step S20, Figure 6(A)).

[0035] Then, once a portion of the wave-dissipating block CB has reached its designated position, the speed at which the main wire Mw and the secondary wire Sw are extended is reduced to completely position the wave-dissipating block CB in its designated location (Figure 5, step S22; Figure 6(B)).

[0036] Next, the linear motion mechanism 124 is moved to increase the distance between the pair of holding members 122 (Figure 5, step S24), and one of the legs LP is released (Figure 5, step S26).

[0037] Then, the main wire Mw and the sub-wire Sw are raised to raise the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 and separate the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 from the wave-dissipating block CB (Figure 5, step S28; Figure 6(C)).

[0038] Thus, in this embodiment, the wave-dissipating block CB, which has four legs LP extending in different directions from each other, is equipped with a holding mechanism 120 and an engaging member 126 that hold the radial direction of two of the four legs LP. That is, since the holding mechanism 120 and the engaging member 126 only need to hold the radial direction of two of the legs LP, it does not require a holding mechanism large enough to embrace an entire leg LP. Furthermore, since the engaging member 126 is equipped with a deformable annular member whose inner diameter is held to be greater than or equal to the minimum outer diameter of the leg LP, it is possible to make the engaging member extremely lightweight.

[0039] For example, in conventional technology, a gripping device for a wave-dissipating block weighing approximately 16 tons and with a height of approximately 3m would weigh approximately 12 tons and have a height of approximately 6m. However, the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 of this embodiment can be constructed to weigh less than 5 tons and have a height of less than 3m at most.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bracket 112 is penetrated and its end is connected to each of the upper ends 122B of the pair of retaining members 122, and the device is equipped with a linear motion mechanism 124 that rotates each of the pair of retaining members 122. In other words, in this embodiment, the linear motion mechanism 124 is located in the hollow part of the mounting plate 114 of the bracket 112. As a result, in the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110, the distance from the end of the bracket 112 with the main mounting hole 114A to the tip 122A of the pair of retaining members 122, that is, the vertical length of the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110, can be made extremely short, and consequently, the weight can be reduced.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bracket 112 is designed to allow the direction of the engaging member 126 to be changed relative to the pair of holding members 122. Therefore, even if the size and type of wave-dissipating blocks CB differ slightly, the two legs LP can be held stably. However, the bracket is not limited to this configuration, and it is not necessary for the direction of the engaging member to be changed relative to the pair of holding members. When handling a large quantity of wave-dissipating blocks CB of a specific size, it is possible to move the wave-dissipating blocks CB more stably and efficiently if the direction of the engaging member to the pair of holding members is fixed.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bracket 112 has a detachable and replaceable engaging member 126. Therefore, if the size or type of wave-dissipating block CB differs, it is possible to accommodate a wider variety of wave-dissipating blocks CB by replacing the appropriate engaging member 126. Also, even if the engaging member 126 is damaged or worn out, only that engaging member 126 needs to be replaced, making it possible to achieve low cost and high maintainability. Moreover, the engaging member 126 may be removed and used to grip something other than wave-dissipating blocks CB. However, the bracket does not have to have a detachable and replaceable engaging member. For example, if it is to be used only in emergencies, a configuration in which the engaging member can be detached would require management of that aspect, which could impair responsiveness.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the engaging member 126 is provided at a symmetrical position with respect to the symmetry plane PL. For example, with respect to a wave-dissipating block CB as shown in Figure 4(A), it is possible to hold the wave-dissipating block CB using the engaging member 126 on the left side with respect to the symmetry plane PL. Also, with respect to a wave-dissipating block CB arranged in a plane-symmetrical inversion, as shown in Figure 4(A), it is possible to hold the wave-dissipating block CB using the engaging member 126 on the right side with respect to the symmetry plane PL. In other words, this configuration of the engaging member 126 makes it possible to grip the wave-dissipating block CB in response to various arrangements of wave-dissipating blocks CB. However, this is not limited to this, and the engaging members do not necessarily have to be provided at symmetrical positions with respect to the symmetry plane PL. That is, there may be only one engaging member instead of two. Or, even if there are two engaging members, they do not have to be provided at symmetrical positions.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the engaging member 126 is provided at a symmetrical position with respect to the plane of symmetry PL, the bracket 112 has a symmetrical shape with respect to the first plane which is the plane of symmetry PL and the second plane which is the plane of symmetry RL, and the pair of holding members 122 and engaging member 126 have a symmetrical shape with respect to the second plane which is the plane of symmetry RL. Therefore, there is no need to worry about the mounting direction of the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110, and it is less likely to cause mounting errors on the work machine 100. In addition, uneven wear and tear caused by a fixed mounting direction can be eliminated, and the frequency of maintenance of the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 can be reduced. However, this is not the only embodiment, and it is not necessarily required that the elements constituting the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 be symmetrical with respect to the planes of symmetry PL and RL. Of course, even partial symmetrical shapes provide design and manufacturing advantages, but it is not necessary for the shapes or configurations to be completely symmetrical.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bracket 112 is provided with a modification member (main mounting hole 114A and sub-mounting hole 114B) that changes the positional relationship between the holding mechanism 120 and the engaging member 126 when it is rotatably supported by the work machine 100. Therefore, the posture of the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 can be changed by changing the feed length of the sub-wire Sw relative to the main wire Mw. This makes it possible to change the posture of the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 according to the posture of the wave-dissipating block CB, and then grip and lift the wave-dissipating block CB. However, this is not the only option; the wave-dissipating block CB may also be moved using another work machine to make it easier to grip the two legs LP, and then the wave-dissipating block CB may be gripped and transported. Also, when transporting the wave-dissipating block CB and placing it in a predetermined position, it may be temporarily placed near the predetermined position and then changed to the desired posture using another work machine.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bracket 112 includes a pair of mounting plates 114 connected to the work machine 100. A pair of holding members 122 are each rotatably supported on the outside of the pair of mounting plates 114, and the ends of the engaging members 126 are connected to each of the pair of mounting plates 114. In other words, since the positions of the rotation axes to which each of the pair of holding members 122 is supported are far apart, the pair of holding members 122 can deeply grip the leg portion LP so that the leg portion LP contacts the rotation support portion 118. Similarly, since the positions of the ends of the engaging members 126 are far apart, the engaging members 126 can deeply grip the leg portion LP so that the surface of the leg portion LP fits between the mounting plates 114. For this reason, even if the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 is small and lightweight, it is possible to stably hold even wave-dissipating blocks CB with relatively large leg portions LP with the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110. However, this is not limited to this, and the bracket does not necessarily have to include a pair of mounting plates. Alternatively, even if the bracket has a pair of mounting plates, each of the pair of retaining members may be rotatably supported inside the pair of mounting plates. Furthermore, the ends of the engaging members may be connected to parts other than the pair of mounting plates.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the linear motion mechanism 124 is assumed to use oil or water. When using oil, the pump unit of the work machine 100 may be used, but it is more preferable to prepare a new work machine (not shown) and use its pump unit, so that the operation of the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 does not affect the operation of the work machine 100 (basically, pump units that generate hydraulic pressure are not common). When using water, a pump unit that draws up water can be used. In this case, the larger the pump unit, the higher the discharge capacity and the faster the operation of the holding mechanism 120 can be performed, but a small, general-purpose pump unit may also be used. This is because the object to be gripped is a heavy wave-dissipating block CB, and since the work must be carried out carefully, it may be preferable not to make the operation speed of the holding mechanism 120 too fast. Furthermore, if the pump unit uses an engine, there is no need to prepare a separate power supply, and there are fewer restrictions on where it can be used. For this reason, if water is used, the pump unit can be easily prepared. In addition, since the wave-dissipating block CB is used in a place with water, problems with water acquisition, leakage, and discharge are less likely to occur. However, it is not limited to these, and air or other fluids may be used. Of course, the linear motion mechanism may also use an electric motor.

[0048] Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to provide a small and lightweight wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 that can be used easily and safely to grip and move wave-dissipating blocks CB without the need for dangerous manual wire lifting work. In other words, the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 can be manufactured at a lower cost than conventional technology, and is easy to transport, install, and use. For example, it is possible to quickly and reliably move wave-dissipating blocks CB in emergency situations such as when there is a risk of dike collapse.

[0049] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the first embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the first embodiment. That is, it goes without saying that improvements and design changes are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0050] For example, in the first embodiment, the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 was connected to the arm body 102 via a main wire Mw and a sub-wire Sw, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it may be as shown in the second embodiment in Figures 7(A), (B), 8(A) to (D), and 9. In the second embodiment, the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 is configured to be directly connected to the tip of the arm body 202 so that its posture can be controlled. The second embodiment will be described below. Note that the main difference from the first embodiment is the work machine 200, and the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 is the same. For this reason, the last two digits of the reference numerals for other components are the same, and the description will be basically omitted.

[0051] In this embodiment, the work machine 200 is a backhoe with a bendable arm body 202, as shown in Figures 7(A) and (B). In other words, the work machine 200 is configured to include a main body 201 that is movable on an endless track, and an arm body 202 that is pivotably supported on the main body 201. The wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 is mounted and supported on a support shaft and a link shaft provided at the tip of the arm body 202, similar to a normal work attachment (for example, a cutter or a grapple) (the support shaft and the main mounting hole 114A, and the link shaft and the sub-mounting hole 114B are directly connected). In other words, the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 is mounted on the arm body 202, which enables control of the upward and downward movement and rotational swinging of the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110. In other words, the pair of mounting plates 114 are directly connected so as to sandwich the tip of the arm body 202, and are configured to be perpendicular to the axis of rotation when the arm body 202 swings and rotates.

[0052] Next, the procedure for gripping and moving the wave-dissipating block CB using the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 in this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 3 and 8(A) to (D).

[0053] First, the arm body 202 of the work machine 200 is controlled to lower the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 from above the wave-dissipating block CB (Figure 3, step S2; Figure 8(A)).

[0054] Next, the position of the arm body 202 and the posture of the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 are adjusted as needed to engage the engaging member 126 with one of the upward-facing legs LP (Figure 3, step S4; Figure 8(B)). This engaged state refers to the state in which the mounting plate 114 is attached and one of the legs LP is positioned inside the engaging member 126.

[0055] Then, with the engaging member 126 engaged with one of the legs LP, the posture of the arm body 202 and the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 is controlled so that the remaining leg LP is positioned between the pair of holding members 122, thereby lowering the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 (Figure 3, step S6).

[0056] Next, the linear motion mechanism 124 is activated to grip the remaining leg LP with a pair of holding members 122 (Figure 3, step S8; Figure 8(C)). As a result, the holding mechanism 120 prevents the leg LP from slipping out from the inside of the wire rope 130, and the engaging member 126 holds the leg LP in place.

[0057] Then, the arm body 202 of the work machine 200 raises the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 and moves the wave-dissipating block CB (Figure 3 step S10, Figure 8(D)). Since the posture of the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 can be controlled by the work machine 200, it is possible to keep the posture of the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 almost unchanged even when the wave-dissipating block CB is suspended in the air.

[0058] The procedure for positioning the wave-dissipating block CB in a predetermined location using the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 in this embodiment is almost the reverse of the steps shown in Figures 3 and 8(A) to (D), so a detailed explanation will be omitted. Incidentally, in this embodiment as well, the engaging member 126 is provided in a symmetrical position with respect to the plane of symmetry PL. Therefore, the method of gripping the wave-dissipating block CB with the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 may be the form shown in Figure 7(B) or the form shown in Figure 9.

[0059] Thus, in this embodiment, the work machine 200 comprises a main body 201 that is movable on an endless track, and an arm body 202 that is pivotably supported on the main body 201. A pair of mounting plates 114 are directly connected so as to sandwich the tip of the arm body 202, and are configured to be perpendicular to the axis of rotation when the arm body 202 pivots and rotates. That is, the distance between the pair of mounting plates 114 is determined by the shape of the tip of the arm body 202 and is correspondingly large, and the positions of the axes of rotation to which each of the pair of holding members 122 is supported are correspondingly far apart from each other, so that the pair of holding members 122 can deeply grip the leg LP so that the leg LP contacts the rotation support part 118. Similarly, since the positions of the ends of the engaging members 126 are correspondingly far apart from each other, the engaging members 126 can deeply grip the leg LP so that the surface of the leg LP fits between the mounting plates 114. Therefore, even if the wave-dissipating block gripping device 110 is small and lightweight, it is possible to reliably and stably hold wave-dissipating blocks CB with large leg portions LP. In other words, in this embodiment, the significance of the mounting plate 114 becomes clearer compared to the first embodiment, making it possible to realize a smaller and lighter wave-dissipating block gripping device 110.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the work machine 200 is a backhoe, it is possible to easily and quickly control the attitude of the wave-dissipating blocks CB when positioning them, and to perform a series of operations quickly.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the wave-dissipating block CB was assumed to have four legs LP, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the wave-dissipating block CB only needs to have two or more legs LP (in the case of two legs LP, this applies even if it is a single wave-dissipating block CB, as long as the orientation of the legs LP is different). [Industrial applicability]

[0062] This invention is suitable for moving, transporting, and installing wave-dissipating blocks that have multiple legs extending in different directions and are used in rivers and harbors. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 100, 200... Work machines 101, 201... Main unit 102, 202... Arm bodies 104... Main wheel 106… Relay Wheel 110... Wave-dissipating block gripping device 112...bracket 114…Mounting plate 114A…Main mounting hole 114B...Auxiliary mounting hole 116...Connection part 118... Rotating support part 120...holding mechanism 122...Retaining member 122A...Tip 122B…Top end 122C…Contact part 124... Linear motion mechanism 126...Engaging member 128...Joining part 130... Wire rope CB... wave-dissipating blocks GD…Ground Hs...Hose LP…legs Mw... Main wire PL, RL... planes of symmetry Sw... Sub-wire α…Angle

Claims

1. A wave-dissipating block gripping device that is supported by a work machine and capable of gripping wave-dissipating blocks having multiple legs extending in different directions from each other, A holding mechanism and engaging member that hold the radial direction of two of the aforementioned multiple legs, A bracket that is rotatably supported by the aforementioned work machine and supports the holding mechanism and the engaging member, Equipped with, The holding mechanism comprises a pair of holding members rotatably supported by the bracket and capable of gripping one of the two legs when their tips approach each other, and a linear motion mechanism that penetrates the bracket and has its ends connected to the upper ends of each of the pair of holding members, and rotates each of the pair of holding members. The wave-dissipating block gripping device is characterized in that the engaging member comprises a deformable annular member whose inner diameter is maintained at or above the minimum outer diameter of the leg portion.

2. In claim 1, The wave-dissipating block gripping device is characterized in that the bracket allows the direction of the engaging member with respect to the pair of holding members to be changed.

3. In claim 1, The wave-dissipating block gripping device is characterized in that the bracket allows the engaging member to be detachably replaced.

4. In claim 1, The wave-dissipating block gripping device is characterized in that the engaging member is provided at a position symmetrical with respect to the first plane on which the pair of holding members exist.

5. In claim 4, The bracket has a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the first plane and a second plane that is perpendicular to the first plane and equidistant from the pair of holding members, A wave-dissipating block gripping device characterized in that the pair of holding members and the engaging member have a symmetrical shape with respect to the second plane.

6. In claim 1, A wave-dissipating block gripping device characterized in that the bracket is provided with a modification member that changes the positional relationship between the holding mechanism and the engaging member when the bracket is rotatably supported by the work machine.

7. In any of claims 1 to 6, The bracket comprises a pair of mounting plates connected to the work machine, Each of the pair of retaining members is rotatably supported on the outside of the pair of mounting plates, and A wave-dissipating block gripping device characterized in that the end of the engaging member is connected to each of the pair of mounting plates.

8. In claim 7, The aforementioned work machine comprises a main body that is movable on an endless track, and an arm body that is pivotably supported on the main body. The wave-dissipating block gripping device is characterized in that the pair of mounting plates are directly connected so as to sandwich the tip of the arm body and are perpendicular to the axis of rotation when the arm body swings and rotates.

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