JP7566364B2 - Grapple, cargo handling machine, and method for transferring flexible container - Google Patents

Description

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act On December 7, 2018, Sanars Co., Ltd. sold a grapple for use in the construction machinery of this invention to Seiwa Renewal Works Co., Ltd.

The present invention relates to a grapple for use in construction machinery, a loading and unloading machine, and a method for transferring flexible containers.

At construction sites, a machine called a backhoe is mainly used as a construction machine to dig the ground. A backhoe has an arm that bends and extends and a swinging shovel attached to the end of the arm, and is used to dig the ground, sort things, and level the ground. Backhoes are not only used as machines to dig the ground, but also as loading and unloading machines, using the lifting hook attached to the end of the arm. Backhoes are sometimes used to lift and load flexible container bags (hereafter referred to simply as "flexible container bags").

A FIBC bag is a cylindrical or rectangular prism-shaped bag made from fibers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, cotton, or hemp, measuring 1.0 to 2.0 m in length and 1.0 to 1.5 m in width. FIBC bags have an opening at the top and are used to transport irregularly shaped objects of various sizes or soil and sand. There are two or four slings in the middle of the FIBC bag. When a backhoe is used as a loading and unloading machine, the sling of the filled FIBC bag is hung on the backhoe's hoisting hook, and the backhoe's arm is raised to hoist the FIBC bag and move it. Personnel are assigned to attach and detach the slings.

Some backhoes have a shovel at the end of the arm that can be replaced with a grapple. A grapple is the end device of a construction or loading machine that has a pair of claws (some have four or five) that rotate like crab claws. Grapples have the ability to grab objects, and are used to transport wood at forestry sites, demolish houses, and separate waste.

Grapples are also used when transferring FIBC bags. When transferring FIBC bags with a grapple, no sling is used; the grapple grabs the FIBC bag directly and carries it sideways to the desired location. In this case, since the grapple grabs the FIBC bag directly, it is possible to eliminate the need for personnel to attach and detach the sling.

Patent Document 1 describes a grapple that has a pair of gripping members that perform a clamping action, and the tip of each gripping member has a claw portion that can rotate relative to the gripping member, allowing it to individually grip objects of various shapes.

JP 2017-165566 A

Materials that are packed into FIBC bags include, for example, combustible materials, non-combustible materials, building waste, wood waste, rubble, concrete blocks, metals, soil, waste soil, and tsunami deposits. When a conventional grapple is used to directly grab a FIBC bag, the claws of the grapple dig into the bag, exerting force on part of the FIBC bag and causing it to tear, because the contents of the FIBC bag are irregular, of various sizes, and are fluid. In addition, because the gripping members of conventional grapples have a sharp outer shape like claws, parts of the members can get caught in the fibers of the FIBC bag, damaging it.

When transferring FIBC bags, they are usually placed close together and temporarily stacked. FIBC bags are often stacked in a similar manner at the destination. When placing multiple FIBC bags in this way, the spacing between them is often around 5 cm to 10 cm. In order to grab a specific FIBC bag with a grapple in this position, the claws of the grapple must be inserted into both sides of the target grapple.

Sometimes the FIBC bags are stuck together. In this case, you need to shake the FIBC bags to create a gap before inserting the grapple's claws.

However, conventional grapples have thick claws and uneven surfaces, making it difficult to insert them into gaps between FIBC bags. Forcing the claws into gaps between FIBC bags can damage the FIBC bags.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a grapple or the like that can be inserted into narrow gaps in FIBC bags and can securely hold FIBC bags that are prone to deformation.

The present invention solves at least one of the above problems, and one aspect of the grapple includes:
A grapple having a pair of gripping members rotatably supported at a base end and configured to grip an object at a tip end,
Each tip of the gripping member has a pair of opposing plate-shaped first members and second members,
The first member is provided with the second member having an elastic plate shape on at least a part of the grip surface side,
The second member has a shape extending outward from at least a portion of the outer periphery of the first member.

The second member may have a shape that extends outward beyond the outer periphery of the first member.

The second member may be provided at the tip of the first member on the gripping surface side.

The second member may have a shape that extends outward on both sides of the outer periphery in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction from the base end to the tip end of the first member.

The leading edge of the first member may be connected to the cylindrical rod along its generatrix.

The second member may extend 3 cm to 5 cm beyond the outer periphery of the first member.

The first member may have, at its base end, both ends in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction bent toward the gripping surface to form an inward folded portion, and at its tip end, the periphery bent toward the opposite side to the gripping surface to form an outward folded portion.

The inner folding portion is folded toward the gripping surface at a folding angle of 5 degrees to 25 degrees with respect to the surface of the first member,
The outer fold may be folded on the opposite side to the gripping surface at a fold angle of 10 degrees to 45 degrees relative to the surface of the first member.

The first member may have, at its base end, both ends in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, bent to the opposite side of the gripping surface to form an outer fold.

The outer fold may be folded toward the opposite side to the gripping surface at a fold angle of 10 degrees to 30 degrees relative to the surface of the first member.

The tip of each of the gripping members may include a portion at its upper and lower parts that extends in a generally triangular shape in the width direction from the center of the first member, and that is gourd-shaped in a plan view.

The central portion of the gripping surface of the second member may further include an elastic plate-shaped third member.

The device may have an imaging device including an imaging unit that images the tip of the gripping member and a transmission unit that transmits the captured image.

The device may be provided with a pressure sensor that detects the gripping pressure of the tip of the gripping member and an output device that outputs the pressure detected by the pressure sensor.

A loading and unloading machine according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized by being equipped with the grapple.

A method for transferring a flexible container bag according to one aspect of the present invention includes the steps of:
a step of inserting the first and second members at the tip of the grapple into both sides of the flexible container bag by using a grapple having a pair of gripping members, the first and second members being opposed to each other and having an elastic plate-like second member provided on the gripping surface side of the first members and extending outward from at least a portion of the outer periphery of the first members;
A step of rotating a gripping member of the grapple to pinch and grip a flexible container bag;
moving the flexible container bag gripped by the grapple to a predetermined position;
spreading the gripping members of the grapple to place the gripped flexible container bag in a predetermined position;
The present invention is characterized in that it has the following features.

The present invention provides a grapple or the like that can insert a flexible container bag into a narrow gap without damaging the flexible container bag and can securely hold a flexible container bag that is easily deformed.

FIG. 1 is an overall view of a backhoe equipped with a grapple according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a grapple according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a grapple according to an embodiment of the present invention with the second member and the third member removed. 1A is a front view, FIG. 1B is a plan view, FIG. 1C is a side view, FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view in the direction of arrows A-A, and FIG. 1E is a cross-sectional view in the direction of arrows B-B of a first member of a grapple according to one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a second member and a third member of a grapple according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a front view of a grapple according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a rear view of a grapple according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a right side view of a grapple according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a left side view of a grapple according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a grapple according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a grapple according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a flexible container bag being gripped by the grapple of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the grapple of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a grapple according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a front view of a grapple according to another embodiment of the present invention. 16 is a front view of a second member according to another embodiment of the present invention, as viewed in the direction of arrows AA in FIG. 15. FIG. 13 is a rear view of a grapple according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a side view of a grapple according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a side view of a grapple according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a plan view of a grapple according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a bottom view of a grapple according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a modified example of a grapple according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Below, a grapple according to one embodiment of the present invention is explained with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, the backhoe 1 has a vehicle body 2 having a vehicle, a hydraulic drive unit, and outriggers, and a cabin 3 having a driver's seat. The vehicle may be a caterpillar vehicle. A first arm 4 and a second arm 5 are connected to the vehicle body 2. The first arm 4 is capable of controlling the lift angle of the entire arm by a first hydraulic cylinder 6. The second arm 5 is capable of bending and extending relative to the first arm 4 by a second hydraulic cylinder 7. A grapple 9 is rotatably attached to the tip of the second arm 5 via a pin 8. The grapple 9 is capable of changing the angle of the wrist in the plane of the first arm 4 and the second arm 5 by a third hydraulic cylinder 10 and a link mechanism 11. The grapple 9 is composed of a base 12 and a gripping part 13, and the base 12 and the gripping part 13 are connected by a disk-shaped connecting part 14. The connecting part 14 is rotatable, which allows the gripping part 13 to rotate relative to the base 12. The gripping section 13 has a bracket member 15, and a pair of gripping members 16a, 16b are rotatably connected to the bracket member 15 at their base ends by pins 17. A pair of opening/closing hydraulic cylinders 18a, 18b are spanned between the bracket member 15 and the gripping members 16a, 16b, and the opening/closing hydraulic cylinders 18a, 18b are extended and retracted to drive the gripping members 16a, 16b to open and close.

Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of the grapple 9. As shown in Figure 2, the base 12 has a pedestal 19 and a connection flange 20, and the grapple 9 can be attached as an attachment using bolts and nuts. The disk-shaped connection part 14 rotatably supports the grip part 13 of the grapple 9.

The base ends of the gripping members 16a and 16b are pivoted by pins 17, and can be rotated to change the angle between them. First members 21a and 21b, which are generally rigid and plate-like, are fixed to the tips of the gripping members 16a and 16b, respectively (note that the first member 21a is hidden and not shown in FIG. 2). The opposing surfaces of the first members 21a and 21b form the gripping surfaces. Elastic plate-like second members 22a and 22b are fixed to the gripping surface sides of the first members 21a and 21b. Elastic plate-like third members 23a and 23b are further fixed to the central portions of the gripping surface sides of the second members 22a and 22b (the third member 23b is hidden and not shown in FIG. 2).

To explain the first members 21a, 21b, the second members 22a, 22b, and the third members 23a, 23b in more detail, the first members 21a, 21b, the second members 22a, 22b, and the third members 23a, 23b are shown separately in Figures 3, 4, and 5. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the grapple 9 with the second members 22a, 22b and the third members 23a, 23b removed.

Figure 4 shows a front view (a), a plan view (b), a side view (c), a cross-sectional view (d) as seen in the direction of arrows A-A, and a cross-sectional view (e) as seen in the direction of arrows B-B of the first members 21a and 21b. Figure 5 shows the second member 22a and the third member 23a, or the second member 22b and the third member 23b.

The first members 21a, 21b are rigid plate-like members and can be formed from steel plate. When the first members 21a, 21b are made of steel plate, the first members 21a, 21b can be welded directly to the gripping members 16a, 16b. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the central parts of the first members 21a, 21b are made of upper plate materials 40a, 40b and lower plate materials 41a, 41b, and are roughly rectangular. The upper plate materials 40a, 40b are integrally formed with the tips of the gripping members 16a, 16b. The lower plate materials 41a, 41b are bent and connected to the upper plate materials 40a, 40b at an angle of 0 degrees to 10 degrees (5 degrees in this embodiment) toward the opposite side (outside) of the gripping surface side.

Both widthwise ends of the upper plate members 40a, 40b include portions extending in a generally triangular shape and are bent toward the gripping surface (inside) to form the inner folds 24a, 24b. The inner folds 24a, 24b are bent toward the gripping surface (inside) at a bending angle of preferably 5 degrees to 25 degrees, more preferably 10 degrees to 20 degrees (15 degrees in this embodiment) relative to the upper plate members 40a, 40b of the first members 21a, 21b.

The peripheral portion of the tip end of the gripping member 16a, 16b of the first member 21a, 21b includes a portion extending in a substantially triangular shape, and is folded in the opposite direction (outward) from the gripping surface side to form the outer fold portion 25a, 25b.

The outer folds 25a and 25b have a three-dimensional curved shape, but can be formed by joining multiple triangular or other shaped steel plates as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

More specifically, the outer folded portions 25a, 25b have side plates 42a, 42b, first corner plates 43a, 43b, second corner plates 44a, 44b, and end plates 45a, 45b. The side plates 42a, 42b are connected to both ends of the lower plate members 41a, 41b of the first members 21a, 21b in the width direction, and are bent outward at an angle of preferably 5 degrees to 25 degrees (15 degrees in this embodiment) relative to the lower plate members 41a, 41b. The first corner plates 43a, 43b are connected to the side plates 42a, 42b, and are further bent outward at an angle of preferably 5 degrees to 25 degrees (15 degrees in this embodiment) relative to the side plates 42a, 42b. The tip plates 45a, 45b are connected to the tips of the lower plate members 41a, 41b of the first members 21a, 21b, and are bent outward at an angle of preferably 5 degrees to 25 degrees (15 degrees in this embodiment) relative to the lower plate members 41a, 41b. The second corner plates 44a, 44b are connected to the first corner plates 43a, 43b and the tip plates 45a, 45b so as to fill the gap between the first corner plates 43a, 43b and the tip plates 45a, 45b.

That is, the outer folded portions 25a, 25b include portions that extend in a generally triangular shape (side plates 42a, 42b, first corner plates 43a, 43b, and second corner plates 44a, 44b), and these portions (the first corner plates 43a, 43b, which are the main parts of these portions) are connected to the lower plate members 41a, 41b at a bending angle of preferably 10 degrees to 45 degrees, and more preferably 25 degrees to 35 degrees (30 degrees in this embodiment).

When the first members 21a and 21b are viewed in plan, the inner folded portions 24a and 24b extend in a generally triangular shape in the width direction from the generally rectangular central portion of the first members 21a and 21b. The outer folded portions 25a and 25b extend to the peripheral portion on the tip side of the first members 21a and 21b, and extend in a generally triangular shape in the width direction from the central portion of the first members 21a and 21b when viewed in the width direction. The corners of the inner folded portions 24a and 24b and the outer folded portions 25a and 25b are rounded like parts of a circular arc. Therefore, the first members 21a and 21b are gourd-shaped in plan. In other words, it can be said that the gripping members 16a and 16b each include a portion at the tip that is gourd-shaped in plan.

The portion extending in a generally triangular shape is not limited to being bent like the outer folds 25a, 25b and the inner folds 24a, 24b. In other words, regardless of bending, the base end of the first members 21a, 21b includes a portion extending in a generally triangular shape in the width direction, and the tip end includes a portion extending in a generally triangular shape in the width direction, and by having these extending portions, the first members 21a, 21b can be made to have a gourd-like shape in a plan view.

Bolt holes 26 are formed in the first members 21a and 21b where necessary to secure the second members 22a and 22b to the third members 23a and 23b.

Figure 5 shows the second members 22a, 22b and the third members 23a, 23b. The second members 22a, 22b and the third members 23a, 23b are both elastic plate-like members and can be made of, for example, rubber (such as natural rubber). The second members 22a, 22b have a gourd-like shape in a plan view and extend preferably 3 cm to 5 cm beyond the outer periphery of the first members 21a, 21b. The periphery of the second members 22a, 22b is provided with a through hole 27 reinforced with a brim-shaped reinforcing member. The central portion of the reinforcing member of the through hole 27 is formed into a recess that accommodates the end of the bolt so that the head of the bolt does not protrude from the surface of the second members 22a, 22b.

The third members 23a and 23b are provided at the center of the second members 22a and 22b where the greatest force is applied when gripping a FIBC bag. The third members 23a and 23b may be of any shape, but may be trapezoidal with a wider bottom as shown in FIG. 5. The inventors have found that when the third members 23a and 23b are trapezoidal with a wider bottom, it is possible to prevent the gripped object from slipping off and to distribute the force to grip the object softly. The periphery of the third members 23a and 23b is also provided with through holes 28 reinforced with a brim-shaped reinforcing member. The central portion of the reinforcing member of the through holes 28 is formed into a recess that accommodates the end of the bolt so that the head of the bolt does not protrude from the surface of the third members 23a and 23b.

6 and 7 show side views of the front and back of the grapple 9. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the second members 22a and 22b are fixed to the gripping surface side (inner side) of the first members 21a and 21b, and the third members 23a and 23b are fixed to the gripping surface side (inner side) of the second members 22a and 22b. The inner folded parts 24a and 24b of the first members 21a and 21b are bent toward the gripping surface side (inner side) and are therefore visible from the front and back. On the other hand, the outer folded parts 25a and 25b are bent to the opposite side of the gripping surface and are therefore not visible from the front and back, but the second members 22a and 22b and parts of the third members 23a and 23b are visible. It can be seen from Figs. 6 and 7 that the gripping members 16a and 16b rotate around the pin 17 as a fulcrum to open and close as the opening and closing hydraulic cylinders 18a and 18b expand and contract.

Figures 8 and 9 show right and left side views of the grapple 9. As can be seen from the left and right side views of the grapple 9, the connection flange 20 is inclined so that when the arms 4 and 5 are at a standard angle, the grapple 9 naturally faces downward. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the first members 21a, 21b and the second members 22a, 22b are both gourd-shaped and have a narrow central portion in the height direction. This narrow portion functions to prevent deformation of the FIBC bag when it is gripped. In addition, the bulging portion of the FIBC bag due to pressure is supported by the narrow portion.

Figures 10 and 11 show the grapple 9 as seen from above and below, respectively. As can be clearly seen from Figures 10 and 11, the gripping surfaces of the gripping members 16a and 16b are covered with second members 22a and 22b and third members 23a and 23b, and have cushioning properties that prevent damage to FIBC bags and the like and prevent the gripped FIBC bags and the like from slipping off.

In particular, the third members 23a, 23b have steps that protrude from the second members 22a, 22b, and the protruding steps engage with the FIBC bag or the like, helping to prevent it from slipping off. When the third members 23a, 23b are trapezoidal in shape with a large bottom side, both sides of the trapezoid also engage with the FIBC bag, helping to prevent it from slipping off.

The inner folded portions 24a, 24b of the first members 21a, 21b are bent toward the gripping surface, so that the corresponding portions of the second members 22a, 22b are also bent toward the gripping surface. In addition, the outer folded portions 25a, 25b of the first members 21a, 21b are bent toward the opposite side of the gripping surface, so that the corresponding portions of the second members 22a, 22b are also bent toward the opposite side of the gripping surface.

The inner folded portions 24a, 24b of the first members 21a, 21b and the corresponding portions of the second members 22a, 22b are folded toward the gripping surface, so that when a FIBC bag or the like is gripped, these folded portions support and encase the FIBC bag, thereby preventing the FIBC bag from rotating and falling off.

The outer folds 25a, 25b of the first members 21a, 21b and the corresponding parts of the second members 22a, 22b are bent to the opposite side of the gripping surface, which allows deformation of the FIBC bag to escape when the FIBC bag is gripped, preventing sudden deformation of the FIBC bag and preventing breakage.

As shown in Figures 10 and 11, second members 22a and 22b extend from the periphery of first members 21a and 21b. This allows the periphery of the hard first members 21a and 21b to be covered by the soft second members 22a and 22b, so that the tip of the grapple 9 does not damage the FIBC bags when it is inserted between closely spaced FIBC bags.

Figure 12 shows the FIBC bag being gripped using the grapple of this embodiment. Before gripping the FIBC bag 29, the backhoe 1 opens both gripping members 16a, 16b of the grapple 9, and inserts the first members 21a, 21b (including the second members 22a, 22b and the third members 23a, 23b) (the tip portions of the gripping members 16a, 16b) into both sides of the FIBC bag 29. Although not shown, the FIBC bags are usually stacked in several layers (about 2 to 5 layers) with close spacing. As mentioned above, the spacing between the FIBC bags is usually about 5 cm to 10 cm. According to this embodiment, the first members 21a, 21b (including the second members 22a, 22b and the third members 23a, 23b) at the tips of the gripping members 16a, 16b are thin, so that they can be easily inserted into both sides of a given FIBC bag 29. In addition, the peripheral portions of the first members 21a, 21b have the extending second members 22a, 22b, and the portions that come into contact with the FIBC bag are soft, so the FIBC bag will not be damaged. Even if the FIBC bags are in close contact with each other, the peripheral portions can be used to swing the upper portion of the side of the FIBC bag from an oblique upward motion while either one or both of the first members 21a, 21b are in close contact with each other, creating a gap, and the tips of the gripping members 16a, 16b can be inserted into the gap.

As already explained, when the FIBC bag 29 is gripped, the first members 21a, 21b have a gourd shape in plan view, and the narrowed portions prevent the FIBC bag from deforming while holding the FIBC bag in place, and the second members 22a, 22b and the third members 23a, 23b have cushioning properties, and the third members 23a, 23b have steps that protrude, preventing the FIBC bag from slipping off.

The inner folded portions 24a, 24b of the second members 22a, 22b bend toward the gripping surface to encase and hold the FIBC bag, preventing the FIBC bag from falling off due to rotation. The outer folded portions 25a, 25b of the second members 22a, 22b gently release deformation of the FIBC bag under pressure, preventing damage to the FIBC bag due to sudden deformation.

In addition, in this embodiment, a sensor can be provided to detect the gripping pressure of the grapple. The gripping pressure of the grapple can be detected by the pressure of the hydraulic system of the opening and closing hydraulic cylinders 18a, 18b. Information on the gripping pressure of the grapple can be output to a monitor 30 inside the cabin 3 as shown in FIG. 12, or a pressure gauge connected to the hydraulic system of the opening and closing hydraulic cylinders 18a, 18b can be provided in the cabin 3.

This pressure sensor (not shown) allows the gripping pressure of the grapple to be detected, preventing excessive pressure from being applied to the FIBC bag 29 and preventing the FIBC bag 29 from slipping off.

Figure 13 shows a modified grapple. In Figure 13, the same parts as in Figure 2 are given the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted. The modified example in Figure 13 differs from the grapple in Figure 2 in that it has an imaging device 31.

The imaging device 31 includes an imaging section that images the tip of the grapple 9, and a transmission section that transmits the captured image by wireless means such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or by wired means. The imaging section is preferably attached at a position and angle that allows it to capture an image of the gripping state of the grapple 9. The captured image is transmitted by the transmission section and can be output to the monitor 30 in the cabin 3. For this reason, the monitor 30 includes a receiving device that receives wireless signals.

By having the imaging device 31, it is possible to see the gripping state of the grapple 9, which is not visible even when the cabin 3 is raised or lowered, allowing for accurate and efficient work.

In FIG. 13, the imaging device 31 is shown installed on only one of the gripping members, but it may be installed on both gripping members 16a and 16b.

Next, another embodiment of the grapple 50 will be described below. Note that the description of the configuration similar to the above embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and the different configuration will be mainly described.

Figure 14 shows a perspective view of a grapple 50 of another embodiment. Figure 15 shows a front view of the grapple 50. Figure 16 shows a front view of the second member 60a of the grapple 50 as viewed in the direction of arrows A-A in Figure 15. Figure 17 shows a rear view of the grapple 50. The following description will be given with reference to Figures 14-17.

As shown in FIG. 14, the grapple 50 has a connection flange 51 for attachment to the end of the arm of a backhoe (not shown). A base part 52 is connected to the bottom of the connection flange 51. The grapple 50 can be replaced using the bolts and nuts of the connection flange 51. The connection part 53 supports the grip part 54 of the grapple 50 so that it can rotate 360 degrees.

The gripping section 54 has gripping members 55a and 55b. The base ends of the gripping members 55a and 55b are pivoted by a pin 56. The gripping members 55a and 55b are rotated around the pin 56 by opening and closing hydraulic cylinders 57a and 57b, changing the angle between them.

First members 58a, 58b are fixed to the tips of the gripping members 55a, 55b. In this embodiment, the first members 58a, 58b are made of multiple members that are welded together to form a single plate-like member as a whole.

The opposing surfaces of the first members 58a and 58b are gripping surfaces (gripping surface sides). Elastic plate-like second members 60a and 60b are fixed to the gripping surface sides of the first members 58a and 58b with bolts 59. As an example, the second members 60a and 60b are manufactured by inserting a (thin) iron plate (steel plate) for bolting to the first members 58a and 58b during injection molding using a mold. That is, the second members 60a and 60b have an iron plate with a bolt 59 welded thereto. The first member 58a and the second member 60a, the first member 58b and the second member 60b are fixed to each other by passing the bolt 59 through the hole in the first member 58a and 58b and fixing it with a nut from the outside (opposite the gripping surface) of the first member 58a and 58b. This fixing method is preferable in terms of durability and unity with the frame (first members 58a and 58b). When this fixing method is used, the second members 60a, 60b can be easily separated from the first members 58a, 58b by removing the nuts, making it easy to replace the second members 60a, 60b.

The first members 58a, 58b and the second members 60a, 60b may be fixed together with an adhesive.
The method for molding the second members 60a and 60b is not limited to injection molding, and they may be molded by cutting out (machining) a plate-shaped material.
The first members 58a, 58b and the second members 60a, 60b are gourd-shaped in plan view. That is, each of the gripping members 55a, 55b includes a portion at a tip end thereof that is gourd-shaped in plan view.

The leading edges of the first members 58a and 58b are connected to the cylindrical rods 61a and 61b along their generatrix (the generatrix of the cylinder). Both ends of the cylindrical rods 61a and 61b are preferably hemispherical.

When the first members 58a, 58b are made of steel plate, the first members 58a, 58b can be directly welded to the gripping members 55a, 55b.

The first members 58a and 58b have a shape that extends in the longitudinal direction from the base end to the tip end. The base ends of the first members 58a and 58b have portions that extend in a roughly triangular shape on both sides in the width direction.

Both widthwise ends of the base end of the first members 58a, 58b are folded to the opposite side of the gripping surface of the first members 58a, 58b to form outer folds 62a, 62b.

The outer folds 62a, 62b are folded at a bending angle of 10 degrees to 30 degrees with respect to the surface (main surface) of the first members 58a, 58b on the opposite side to the gripping surface.

The tip of the first member 58a, 58b is bent toward the opposite side of the gripping surface, preferably at a bending angle of 5 degrees to 35 degrees with respect to the surface (main surface) of the first member 58a, 58b.

The second members 60a and 60b are provided at the tip of the gripping surface side of the first members 58a and 58b. The second members 60a and 60b are elastic plate-shaped members and can be made of, for example, rubber (such as natural rubber).

As can be seen from both Figures 14 and 16, the planar shape of the second members 60a and 60b has a shape that extends outward on both sides of the outer periphery in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction from the base end to the tip end of the first members 58a and 58b.

When the tip of the first members 58a, 58b is a three-dimensional curved surface, the second members 60a, 60b are a three-dimensional curved surface that matches it.

The gripping surface of the second members 60a and 60b has multiple widthwise ridges 64a and 64b formed as shown in FIG. 16. The ridges 64a and 64b act as anti-slip devices when gripping a FIBC bag.

As can be seen from Figure 14, the connection flange 51 is slightly inclined from the horizontal plane. This allows the grapple 50 to face vertically downward when it is attached to the arm of a backhoe or the like and the arm is held at a standard angle. In other words, the side where the connection flange 51 is higher is the front of the grapple 50. In the following explanation, when vertical or horizontal, top or bottom, front or rear are mentioned, they refer to the vertical or horizontal, top or bottom, front or rear when the grapple 50 is attached.

The pin 56, which pivots the gripping members 55a and 55b, has both ends supported by a pair of vertical bracket members 65 and 66. The bracket members 65 and 66 are connected to each other at their upper ends and support both ends of the pin 56 at their lower ends. A pair of hanging rings 67 are attached to the bracket member 65 on the front side.

The sling 67 is for hoisting the grapple 50a. When the grapple 50a is removed from a backhoe or the like, or when it is attached to a backhoe or the like, it is necessary to maintain the posture of the grapple 50a in a suspended state. The sling 67 is provided at a position where the grapple 50a can be kept balanced when it is hoisted by a crane or the like.
This sling 67 can also be used to change the orientation of the FIBC bag. For example, a wire rope or the like can be passed through the sling 67 and fastened to the sling of a FIBC bag lying on its side, and the FIBC bag can be made to stand upright by pulling the grapple 50a upward and moving it. This makes it easier to grab and move the FIBC bag afterwards.

Figure 18 is a side view of the grapple 50 attached to the arm of a backhoe or the like (not shown), with the arm of the backhoe or the like placed to the right. Figure 19 is a side view of the grapple 50 attached to the arm of a backhoe or the like (not shown), with the arm of the backhoe or the like placed to the left. Figure 20 is a plan view of the grapple 50. Figure 21 is a bottom view of the grapple 50.

As shown in Figures 18 and 19, a light 68 is provided on the side wall on the rear side of the base 52. The light 68 projects light downward from above the rear of the grapple 50. This allows it to illuminate the area that grips the FIBC bag, etc., making it easily visible to the operator.

18 and 19, the second members 60a, 60b extend from the peripheral edge of the first members 58a, 58b in the width direction at the tip of the first members 58a, 58b. The tip edges of the first members 58a, 58b are connected to the cylindrical rods 61a, 61b. This prevents the FIBC bags from being damaged when the tip of the grapple 50 is inserted between the FIBC bags that are spaced closely together.
In addition, the cylindrical rods 61a, 61b at the leading edge also have a cushioning and protective function for the main frame (first members 58a, 58b) and the gripping surfaces (second members 60a, 60b) when they come into contact with the ground.

Figure 22 shows a modified grapple 50a. In Figure 22, the same parts as in Figure 14 are given the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted.

The grapple 50a of this modified example has an imaging device 69.

The imaging device 69 includes an imaging section that captures an image of the tip of the grapple 50a, and a transmission section that transmits the captured image by wireless means such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or by wired means. The imaging section is preferably attached at a position and angle that allows it to capture an image of the gripping state of the grapple 50a. The captured image can be output by the transmission section to a monitor 30 inside the cabin 3 as shown in FIG. 12.

The imaging device 69 allows the operator to see the gripping state of the grapple 50a, enabling accurate and efficient work.

In FIG. 22, the imaging device 69 is shown to be provided on only one of the gripping members 55a, 55b, but it may be provided on both gripping members 55a, 55b.

The grapple 50a of this embodiment can also be provided with a pressure sensor that detects the gripping pressure. The gripping pressure of the grapple 50a can also be detected by the pressure of the hydraulic system of the opening and closing hydraulic cylinders 57a, 57b. Information on the gripping pressure of the grapple can be output, for example, to a monitor 30 installed inside the cabin 3 shown in FIG. 12 or to a pressure gauge of the hydraulic system of the opening and closing hydraulic cylinders 57a, 57b. The pressure sensor makes it possible to know the gripping pressure of the grapple, avoiding excessive pressure being applied to the FIBC bag and preventing the FIBC bag from slipping off in advance.

Based on the above description, a person skilled in the art may be able to conceive of additional effects and various modifications of the present invention, but the aspects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. Various additions, modifications, and partial deletions are possible within the scope of the conceptual idea and intent of the present invention derived from the contents defined in the claims and their equivalents.

1: Backhoe 2: Vehicle body 3: Cabin 4: First arm 5: Second arm 6: First hydraulic cylinder 7: Second hydraulic cylinder 8, 17, 56: Pin 9, 50: Grapple 10: Third hydraulic cylinder 11: Link mechanism 12, 52: Base 13, 54: Grip 14, 53: Connection 15, 65, 66: Bracket member 19: Base 20, 51: Connection flange 26: Bolt hole 27, 28: Through hole 29: Flexi-con bag 30: Monitor 31, 69: Imaging device 59: Bolt 67: Suspension ring 68: Light 16a, 16b, 55a, 55b: gripping member 18a, 18b, 57a, 57b: opening and closing hydraulic cylinder 21a, 21b, 58, 58b: first member 22a, 22b, 60a, 60b: second member 23a, 23b: third member 24a, 24b: inner folding portion 25a, 25b: outer folding portion 40a, 40b: upper plate material 41a, 41b: lower plate material 42a, 42b: side plate 43a, 43b: first corner plate 44a, 44b: second corner plate 45a, 45b: tip plate 61a, 61b: cylindrical rod 62a, 62b: first outer folding portion 63a, 63b: second outer folding portion 64a, 64b: convex strip

Claims (5)

A grapple having a pair of gripping members rotatably supported at a base end,
The gripping members each have a plate-like member at a tip thereof,
A grapple, characterized in that the plate -shaped member has a gripping surface that contacts an object to be gripped and a portion of the plate- shaped member is bent toward the gripping surface or toward the opposite side to the gripping surface. A grapple having a pair of gripping members rotatably supported at a base end,
The gripping members each have a plate-like member at a tip thereof,
The plate-like member is partially bent toward the gripping surface side or toward the opposite side to the gripping surface side,
A grapple, wherein the plate-like member is roughly gourd-shaped with upper and lower portions protruding in the width direction. 3. A grapple according to claim 1 or 2,
A connection flange is provided for mounting on the arm of the loading and unloading machine,
A grapple, characterized in that the connection flange is inclined with respect to the lower edge of the plate-shaped member when viewed from the side. A grapple having a pair of gripping members rotatably supported at a base end,
The gripping members each have a plate-like member at a tip thereof,
A grapple, characterized in that a portion of the plate-like member is bent toward the gripping surface and another portion is bent toward the opposite side to the gripping surface. a step of inserting the pair of gripping members into the periphery of a flexible container bag by a grapple having a base end portion rotatably supporting the pair of gripping members, the gripping members having a plate-shaped member at a tip end portion, the plate-shaped member being partially bent toward the gripping surface side or toward the opposite side to the gripping surface side;
A step of rotating a gripping member of the grapple to pinch and grip a flexible container bag;
moving the flexible container bag gripped by the grapple to a predetermined position;
spreading the gripping members of the grapple to place the gripped flexible container bag in a predetermined position;
A method for transferring a flexible container bag, comprising:

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