Rain-guard device for shipping

A rain-guard device for shipping is provided that can restrain water from seeping from an end part of the lid member. A rain-guard device for shipping 20 includes a rail 19, which is placed on a sliding hatch cover 11, an on-board chute 22, which is provided in the rail 19 in a travelable manner, which covers part of a hatch opening 13, and which, furthermore, supplies cargo from a shiploader 1 into the hold 7, and a lid member 23 to cover the rest of the hatch opening 13. The lid member 23 is formed in an arch shape in cross section. A waterproof seal 92 for restraining water from seeping into the lid member 23 is provided at an end part of the lid member 23 opposite to the ship chute 22 among end parts of the lid member 23.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Stage application of International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2020/032702, filed on Aug. 28, 2020, which claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-173067 filed on Sep. 24, 2019, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a rain-guard device for shipping, which, when loading cargo such as grains or the like on a ship with a shiploader, prevents the cargo from getting wet from rainfall, and prevents the cargo being loaded from scattering by the wind.

Background Art

As devices for preventing cargo being loaded from getting wet from rainfall, those described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 3179239 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,818,586 Specification are known.

With the device described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 3179239, a building is constructed on the quay, and an overhanging roof is provided for this building.

Also, the device described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,818,586 Specification covers a hatch with a film that hangs from a shiploader.

However, the device described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 3179239 is problematic in that it is difficult to cope with large vessels, and, furthermore, the cost of installation is high.

Also, the device described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,818,586 Specification is comprised of many pieces of equipment, and therefore is problematic in that its control is complex and expensive, and in that, furthermore, the shiploader also has to be modified in many ways, which entails high costs of modifications.

SUMMARY

So, the following rain-guard device for shipping may be a possible solution to these problems. This rain-guard device for shipping has a pair of rails, which are placed on sliding hatch covers on both sides of a hatch opening, an on-board chute, which is placed across these rails, and an expandable and contractable lid member, which closes the part of the hatch opening that is not covered by the on-board chute.

Such a rain-guard device for shipping can be applied to large vessels, and can be provided at low cost.

However, the lid member is configured by stretching a water-stop sheet between archshaped arch frames straddling the rails, and an end part is open. Therefore, it is conceivable that rainwater may seep into a hatch opening from the open end part.

So, the present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a rain-guard device for shipping that can restrain water from seeping from an end part of the lid member.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a rain-guard device for shipping is provided, which includes a rail, which is placed on a sliding hatch cover that opens and closes an upper opening of a hold, an on-board chute, which is provided in the rail in a travelable manner, which covers part of a hatch opening that is formed when the sliding hatch cover opens, and which, furthermore, supplies cargo from a shiploader into the hold, and a lid member, which is placed in both front and rear in a traveling direction of the on-board chute, and which is configured to expand and contract as the on-board chute travels, in order to cover the rest of the hatch opening. The lid member is formed in an arch shape in cross section. A waterproof seal for restraining water from seeping into the lid member is provided at an end part of the lid member opposite to the ship chute among end parts of the lid member.

Preferably, the waterproof seal includes a waterproof plate that closes an upper part of an end face opening of the lid member, and a waterproof sheet that closes the end face opening below the waterproof plate.

Preferably, the waterproof sheet extends downward from the rail so as to cover a side opening between the sliding hatch covers.

Preferably, the waterproof seal is arranged at a position where the waterproof seal is covered from above by the water-stop sheet.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to restrain water from seeping from an end part of the lid member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Now, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.FIG.1is a schematic front view of a shiploader, a vessel, and a rain-guard device for shipping according to the present embodiment.FIG.2is a schematic perspective view of a rain-guard device for shipping as set on a vessel, seen from a high oblique angle.FIG.3is a front view of a lid member. Note that, for ease of description, with the present embodiment, the directions along which the sliding hatch covers open and close are left and right directions, and directions that are horizontal and at right angles to these left and right directions are front and rear directions.

First, the shiploader and the vessel will be described.

As shown inFIG.1, a shiploader1has a traveling part4, which travels on a rail3laid on the quay2, a rotating part5, which is provided on the traveling part4in a rotatable manner, a boom6, which is provided on the rotating part5so as to be raised and lowered freely, and a chute part8, which hangs from the tip of the boom6, and which supplies cargo such as grains or the like into a hold7. The boom6is provided with a conveyor (not shown) for transporting the cargo from the quay2to the chute part8. Note that the cargo is not limited to grains. The cargo may be other bulk materials that are preferred not to get wet in the rain.

Also, the shiploader1is provided with an unloading device18, which lifts the rail units30(seeFIG.13), the chute unit58(seeFIG.15) and so on, which will be described later, so as to move up and down freely. The unloading device18is comprised of a hoist, and provided in the boom6of the shiploader1.

The vessel9is a cargo ship. The vessel9has a hold7with an upper opening10, and sliding hatch covers11, which open and close the upper opening10. A pair of sliding hatch covers11are provided opposite each other on both the left and right sides of the vessel9, and, furthermore, provided so as to be slidable in left and right directions (directions along the vessel's width). That is, the sliding hatch covers11are designed to open left and right, and the upper opening10closes as the opposing ends12press against each other, and the upper opening10opens as the opposing ends12part from each other.

Also, the sliding hatch covers11are formed so as to open up the upper opening10at an arbitrary distance. In the following description, an opening will be formed between the sliding hatch covers11when the sliding hatch covers11open, and this opening, viewed from above, will be referred to as “hatch opening13”. Note that the sliding hatch covers11may be provided so as to be slidable in front and rear directions with respect to the vessel9.

Next, the rain-guard device for shipping according to the present embodiment will be described.

As shown inFIG.2,FIG.3andFIG.4, the rain-guard device for shipping20has rails19, which are placed on the sliding hatch covers11, an on-board chute22, which is provided on the rails19in a travelable manner, and which covers part of the hatch opening13, and lid members23, which cover the rest of the hatch opening13.

The rails19are placed on the left and right sliding hatch covers11in parallel, to extend in front and rear directions. Also, the rails19are made up by joining a plurality of rail pieces21, which are shorter than the front-to-rear dimension of the hatch opening13, along the longitudinal directions (front and rear directions). The length of the rails19are set to be substantially the same as the front-to-rear length of the hatch opening13when a predetermined number of (for example, five) rail pieces21are joined. Note that the rails19do not have to be a joint structure. In this case, a rail19may be comprised of one rail piece21, and the length of a rail piece21may be set to be substantially the same as the length of the hatch opening13.

Each rail piece21is formed in a rectangular frame shape in cross section, and, furthermore, has a slit21a, which extends in the longitudinal direction, in the upper surface. The slit21ais formed at the center in the widthwise direction of the rail piece21.

Also, in each rail piece21, a guard member24for preventing water from seeping into the hatch opening13is provided along the longitudinal direction of the rail piece21, over its entire length. The guard member24is formed in a plate shape, and is provided on the side surface of each rail piece21on the hatch opening13, so as to stick out upward.

Also, as shown inFIG.13andFIG.14, a male joining piece26for joining rail pieces21with one another is provided in one end part of each rail piece21, and a female joining pieces27to be joined with a male joining piece26in a disengageable manner is provided in the other end part. The male joining piece26is provided on both the left and right sides of one end part of each rail piece21, and has an extending part26a, which extends from one end of the rail piece21, and a joining pin26b, which is provided in the tip part of the extending part26aand extends downward. The female joining piece27has receiving parts27a, which are provided on both the left and right sides of the other end part of the rail piece21, and insertion holes27b, which are provided in the receiving parts27ato extend upward and downward, and in which joining pins26bare to be inserted. The receiving parts27aare formed in the shape of a flat plate, and, furthermore, formed in two, upper and lower steps. Note that, in addition to this method of connecting the rail pieces21using the connecting pins26b, a method of providing buckles or the like on each rail piece21and connecting the rail pieces21with one another may be used.

As shown inFIG.2andFIG.9, the on-board chute22has a traveling part31, which is provided on rail pieces21in a travelable manner, and a chute body part32for supplying cargo from the shiploader1into the hold7.

The traveling part31has a traveling base part33, which is formed in a plate shape, and a plurality of fixed casters34(seeFIG.4), which are provided in the traveling base part33. The traveling base part33is formed in a rectangular shape when seen from above. The fixed casters34are the same as those of the lid members23, which will be described later. A fixed caster34has a leg part35, which is fixed to the traveling base part33and extends downward, a shaft support part36, which is provided at the lower end of the leg part35, a wheel37, which is provided in the shaft support part36in a rotatable manner, and a retainer38, which is provided in the leg part35. The leg part35is formed in a rod-like shape, with a round cross section. Also, the leg part35is inserted in the slit21aof the rail piece21. The shaft support part36is placed in the rail piece21and is formed in a bifurcated shape. An axle39is provided in the shaft support part36. The wheel37is provided in the axle39in a rotatable manner. The retainer38is formed in a plate shape that is wider than the slit21a, and configured to interfere with the ceiling surface21bof the rail piece21when moved upward.

As shown inFIG.8andFIG.9, a chute body part32is placed at the center of the traveling base part33in front and rear, and left and right directions. The chute body part32is formed in a cylindrical shape, extending in the vertical direction. The chute body part32has a tapered pipe part32a, which is formed in an upper part of the chute body part32and increases in diameter as it goes upward, and a straight pipe part32b, which is connected to the lower end of the tapered pipe part32aand extends vertically.

Also, as shown inFIG.2, a cover member14to cover the tapered pipe part32afrom above is provided in the chute part8of the shiploader1. The cover member14is made of metal. The cover member14has a top plate part15, which extends radially outward from the outer periphery of the chute part8, an inclined plate part16, which increases in diameter as it extends downward from the outer peripheral end of the top plate part15, and a side plate part17of a cylindrical shape, which extends downward from the lower end of the inclined plate part16. The top plate part15is formed in an annular shape, the inner peripheral end of the top plate part15is connected with the outer periphery of the chute part8, over the entire circumference, in a liquid-tight manner, by means of welding or the like.

By this means, the top plate part15can block the rainwater that flows down along the chute part8, and the cargo that is discharged from the chute part8can be prevented or restrained from getting wet. The side plate part17is formed larger in diameter than the tapered pipe part32a, and covers the outer periphery of the tapered pipe part32a. By this means, the side plate part17can prevent or restrain the rainfall from catching the wind and finding its way into the tapered pipe part32afrom the side. Also, when the human body or the like hit from the side, the inclined plate part16and the side plate part17catch the human body or the like with their planes to protect the human body or the like.

Note that the cover member14may be made of relatively hard materials other than metal. The cover member14may be made of materials for structures such as glass fiber, reinforced plastic and so forth.

The lid members23are formed so as to expand and contract in front and rear directions, and placed in front and rear of the on-board chute22. To be more specific, one end of each lid member23in front and rear directions is fixed to the on-board chute22.

The other end of each lid member23with respect to front and rear directions is fixed to a rail19(seeFIG.3) near an end part of the hatch opening13, in a detachable manner. This allows the lid members23to expand and contract as the on-board chute22travels. For example, when the on-board chute22travels forward, the lid member23on the front side of the on-board chute22is retracted forward, and the lid member23on the rear side of the on-board chute22expands forward. Note that, when the rail19is not a joint structure, the other end of the lid member23may be fixed to the rail19in an unremovable manner.

As shown inFIG.2, each lid member23has a plurality of bellows parts69, which are expandable and contractable in front and rear directions, and bellows support parts70that support the bellows parts69.

As shown inFIG.3andFIG.4, each bellows part69has a frame structure40, which is formed to be expandable and contractable in front and rear directions, and a first water-stop sheet41, which is provided on the frame structure40.

The frame structure40has a plurality of first arch frames42, which are formed in an arch-shape across left and right rail pieces21, and telescopic links43, which join the first arch frames42with one another so that these arch frames42can be close to or distant from each other in front and rear directions.

Each first arch frame42is formed round in cross section. By this means, the water-stop sheet41in contact with the first arch frame42is prevented or restrained from being damaged.

Furthermore, each first arch frame42has a center frame part44, which is formed in the center in left and right directions, and which extends along left and right directions, rising frame parts45, which are formed in both the left and right end parts and extend in vertical directions, arc-shaped frame parts46, which are formed in an arc shape and connect between the center frame part44and the rising frame parts45, and link receiving frame parts47, which are coupled with the telescopic links43.

The back surface of the first water-stop sheet41is fixed to the center frame part44. A fixed caster34, which has been described earlier, is provided at the lower end of each rising frame part45. Furthermore, in each rising frame part45, a guide frame48, which guides the first water-stop sheet41that hangs down from the arc-shaped frame part46outwardly (in the direction to part from the hatch opening13), is provided. The guide frame48is formed to have a round cross section. The guide frame48has an inclined guide part48a, which extends outward and obliquely downward from an upper part of the rising frame part45, and a vertical guide part48b, which extends vertically downward from the lower end of the inclined guide part48a. The lowermost position of the vertical guide part48bis set to substantially the same height as the lowermost position of the rail piece21. The first water-stop sheet41is fastened to the lower end of the vertical guide part48b.

The link receiving frame parts47are provided symmetrically with respect to the center of the center frame part44in left and right directions. To be more specific, each link receiving frame part47has a slide guide part47a, which is inclined and extends obliquely downward from the center part in left and right directions, toward the outside in left and right directions, and a support frame part47b, which is provided in either the left or the right end part of the center frame part44, and which extends downward and connects with the tip of the slide guide part47a.

As shown inFIG.6andFIG.7, each telescopic link43is made up by joining a plurality of crossing members52, each formed by coupling a pair of stick-shaped frames50in the shape of the letter X, via a pin51. The crossing members52are joined by coupling the tips of stick-shaped frames50with one another via pins51. Also, the end parts of each crossing member52are classified into a fixed end part52a, which is provided in a slide guide part47aso as not to be able to move in left and right directions, and a movable end part52b, which is provided in a slide guide part47aso as to be slidable in left and right directions. The fixed end part52ais positioned on the support frame part47bside, and coupled with a slide guide part47a, via a pin51, in a rotatable manner. Also, the movable end part52bis positioned on the opposite side of the support frame part47b, and coupled with a slider53via a pin51, in a rotatable manner. The slider53is a cylindrical member, and provided in the slide guide part47ain an axially slidable manner.

The first water-stop sheet41is stretched between the first arch frames42located at both front and rear ends of the bellows part69and constitutes an outer skin for the bellows part69. The first water-stop sheet41is a flexible sheet, made of resin. As shown inFIG.4, the first water-stop sheet41is provided on the outside of each first arch frame42, and is fastened to each first arch frame42. Thereby, the first water-stop sheet41is deformed to expand and contract between the first arch frames42.

As shown inFIG.2, the bellows support parts70are provided between frame structures40and at the end parts of the frame structures40in front and rear directions. As shown inFIG.10,FIG.11andFIG.12, Each bellows support part70has a pair of front and rear second arch frames71, an intermediate frame72(seeFIG.12) connecting these second arch frames71, a reinforcing frame part73for reinforcing the bellows support part70, and a second water-stop sheet77stretched between the front and rear second arch frames71.

The second arch frames71are formed in an arch shape extending in left and right directions, and arranged apart from each other in front and rear directions. The second arch frame71is formed in substantially the same shape as the first arch frame42, and, furthermore, set in substantially the same outer dimensions in left and right directions and in front and rear directions. That is, the second arch frame71has a center frame part74, which is formed in the center in left and right directions, and which extends along left and right directions, rising frame parts75, which are formed in both the left and right end parts and extend in vertical directions, arc-shaped frame parts76, which are formed in an arc shape and connect between the center frame part74and the rising frame parts75.

Fixed casters34described above are provided at the lower end of the rising frame parts75. Further, a back surface of the second water-stop sheet77is fixed to the central frame part74. The second water-stop sheet77is made of water-impermeable material such as a water-repellent cloth or a resin. Further, the rising frame parts75is provided with a guide frame78that guides the second water-stop sheet77hanging downward from the arc-shaped frame part76outward (in a direction away from the hatch opening13).

The guide frame78is formed to have a round cross section. The guide frame78has an inclined guide part78a, which extends outward and obliquely downward from an upper part of the rising frame part75, and a vertical guide part78b, which extends vertically downward from the lower end of the inclined guide part78a. The lowermost position of the vertical guide part78bis set to substantially the same height as the lowermost position of the rail piece21. The second water-stop sheet77is fastened to the lower end of the vertical guide part78b. The second water-stop sheet77constitutes an outer skin for the bellows support part70. The second water-stop sheet77is a flexible sheet, made of resin or the like. The second water-stop sheet77is provided on the outside of each second arch frame71.

The intermediate frame72is formed in a shape of a round bar and extends in front and rear directions. A plurality of intermediate frames72are provided between the center frame parts74at intervals in left and right directions.

The reinforcing frame part73comprises a pair of side plate parts73aarranged on left and right sides of the second arch frame71, a reinforcing beam part73bprovided so as to span between the side plate parts73a, and a plurality of suspension frames73cprovided between the intermediate frame72and the reinforcing beam part73bto suspend the reinforcing beam part73b.

The side plate part73ais formed in a plate shape perpendicular to left and right directions, and is provided so as to span between the front and rear rising frame parts75.

The reinforcing beam part73bis formed in a rod shape extending in left and right directions and also in a rectangular cross section. A plurality of legs68extending downward are provided on the reinforcing beam part73bso as to be separated from each other in left and right directions. When the chute unit58is placed on the ship such as the sliding hatch cover11, the legs68are grounded on the ship. The suspension frame73cis formed in a vertically long plate shape. Further, the suspension frame73cis arranged so that plate surface faces left and right directions.

Furthermore, the bellows support part70is provided with a fastening bracket part56c, which is fastened, in a disengageable manner, to a fastener54, which will be described later.

Also, as shown inFIG.8,FIG.9andFIG.10, in the front end part and the rear end part of the on-board chute22, fasteners54for holding the lid members23in a contracted state are provided. The fasteners54are provided symmetrically, with respect to the on-board chute22, in front and rear directions. Consequently, the front fastener54alone will be described below, and the rear fastener54will be assigned the same reference numeral in the drawing, and the description thereof will be omitted. Also, the “front extending part55b” to constitute the front fastener54will be read as a “rear extending part55b” for the rear fastener54.

The front fastener54is comprised of a pair of support rods55, which are provided in the front end part of the traveling base part33, and extend forward. To be more specific, a pair of support rods55are provided in the upper surface of the traveling base part33, so as to be apart from each other left and right. Each support rod55has an upper extending part55a, which is provided in the upper surface of the traveling base part33and extends upward, a front extending part55b, which is bent from the upper end of the upper extending part55aand extends forward, and a lower extending part55c, which is provided in the front extending part55band extends downward. The upper extending part55aextends up to a position higher than the lid member23. The front extending part55bis positioned above the lid member23. The lower extending part55cis formed in a plate shape. A pin hole (not shown) for inserting a pin61is formed in the lower extending part55c. The pin hole is formed so as to extend in left and right directions. The lower extending part55cis fastened to the fastening bracket part56cwith a pin61and a retainer (not shown), in a disengageable manner.

When transporting the on-board chute22between the quay2and the vessel, as shown inFIG.8, the lid members23are retracted, and these retracted lid members23are fastened with fasteners54, so that all of these, together with the rails21, make up a unit (hereinafter referred to as the “chute unit58”).

As shown inFIG.3andFIG.13, rail pieces21that are not incorporated in the chute unit58are made a unit consisting of a pair of left and right ones. To be more specific, left and right rail pieces21are joined via guard members24and beam frames28. Each beam frame28has an upper step part28a, which extends from the rising part24bof the guard member24generally toward the center between the rail pieces21, a lower extending part28b, which extends downward from the tip of the upper step part28a, and a lower step part28c, which is formed between these lower extending parts28band extends in the horizontal direction. The proximal end of the upper step part28ais connected with the rising part24bof the guard member24. When the rail pieces21are placed on the sliding hatch covers11, the lower extending parts28band the lower step part28care positioned between the sliding hatch covers11. In particular, the distance between the left and right extending parts28bis set so that the left and right extending parts28bare brought close to the opposing ends12of the sliding hatch covers11when the hatch opening13opens up at a given distance X, which is determined in advance. By this means, the positions of the rail pieces21in left and right directions are restricted, and, for example, even when the rail pieces21receive a force in left and right directions due to the wind or the like, the rail pieces21are prevented or restrained from shifting in left and right directions.

Also, a plurality of beam frames28are provided in left and right rail pieces21, at intervals, in front and rear directions. A net29for preventing fall into the hold7is provided to stretch between beam frames28that are apart front and rear.

In this way, a ladder-shaped rail unit30is made up by joining left and right rail pieces21via beam frames28.

Further, as shown inFIGS.4and5, a water-blocking member88is provided between the first water-blocking sheet41and the rail19.

The water-blocking member88is comprised of a brush and is supported by the rail19. The water-blocking member88has a brush head89, and bristles90planted on the brush head89. The brush head89is formed to be long in front and rear directions, and is supported by the rail19via a bracket82, which will be described later. The bristles90are formed of resin or the like. The bristles90are planted on the brush head89by bundling a plurality of bristles90, and planted along the front and rear directions. Also, the bundle of bristles90is formed so as to spread from the brush head89toward the tip side. The tips of the bristles90are brought into contact with the inner surface of the first water-blocking sheet41. The water-blocking member88is comprised of a brush and therefore air-permeable. By this means, the pressure in the hold7can be released.

Note that the water-blocking member88is not limited to a brush. The water-blocking member88should just be able to stop the water through the gap between the water-blocking sheet41and the rail19. For example, the water-blocking member88may be comprised of a soft resin sheet, or a mesh-shaped soft resin sheet or the like.

Further, the rain-guard device for shipping20includes a first seal80and a second seal81for sealing between the rail19and the sliding hatch cover11.

The first seal80is formed of a soft resin such as rubber into a sheet-like shape.

One end part of the first seal80is supported by the rail19, and the other end part of the first seal80is brought into contact with the upper surface of the sliding hatch cover11. To be more specific, the first seal80is supported by the rail19via a bracket82. Even when the sliding hatch cover11is deformed, the blocking of water by the first seal80is ensured by appropriately selecting the ground contact length of the first seal80with respect to the sliding hatch cover11.

The bracket82is formed so as to extend continuously in the direction the rail19(in front and rear directions) extends, and, furthermore, extends in the direction opposite to the hatch opening13(that is, extends outward in the widthwise direction of the lid member23). Also, an inclined attachment surface82athat is inclined obliquely downward is formed at the tip part of the bracket82, and one end part of the first seal80is attached to the inclined attachment surface82a. To be more specific, one end part of the first seal80is placed on top of the inclined attachment surface82a, and bolted to the bracket82constituting the inclined attachment surface82a, with a bolt91. By this means, the first seal80is inclined obliquely downward from one end part toward the other end part, and the other end part of the first seal80is placed on top of and along the upper surface of the sliding hatch cover11. Then, the middle part between one end part and the other end part of the first seal80is curved so as to allow the angle gap produced between one end part and the other end part.

By this means, a force is produced, in the direction to restore the shape of the first seal80, in the middle part, and this force presses the other end part against the sliding hatch cover11. Furthermore, in the bracket82, the brush head89of the water-blocking member88is supported via one end part of the first seal80. To be more specific, the brush head89is placed on top of one end part of the first seal80, and bolted to the bracket82, with a common bolt91, together with one end part of the first seal80. By this means, the water-blocking member88and the first seal80are connected so as to be continuous, so that water can be blocked in the range from the sliding hatch cover11to the water-blocking sheet41.

Note that the other end part of the first seal80is placed on top of the upper surface of the sliding hatch cover11, but this is by no means limiting. The other end part of the first seal80may be brought into contact with the upper surface of the sliding hatch cover11. Also, although the inclined attachment surface82ahas been described to be formed in the bracket82, but the inclined attachment surface82amay be omitted. In this case, one end part of the first seal may be formed to bend with respect to the other end part.

Also, the lowermost position of the water-blocking member88and the uppermost position of the first seal80are set to substantially the same height as the lowermost position of the water-blocking sheet41. By this means, the rainwater that flows on the sliding hatch cover11and the rainwater that falls between the sliding hatch cover11and the water-blocking sheet41can be blocked by the sheet-shaped first seal80. Then, the rainwater that is blown up on the back side of the water-blocking sheet41by wind or the like can be blocked by the brush-shaped water-blocking member88while maintaining the air permeability.

Note that the lowermost position of the water-blocking member88and the uppermost position of the first seal80may be higher than the lowermost position of the water-blocking sheet41. In this case, the upper end height and the inclination of the first seal80may be set so as not to contact the guide frame48.

Also, a plurality of first seals80are placed side by side in front and rear directions so as to cover the entire length of the side surface of the seal holder83. Note that the first seals80may be comprised of one sheet. In this case, the length of the first seals80in front and rear directions may be set to be the same as the seal holder83or longer than the seal holder83.

The second seal81is comprised of a lip seal and is interposed between the rail piece21and the sliding hatch cover11. The second seal81has a base part81a, which is formed in a thick plate-like shape, and a lip part81b, which extends obliquely downward from one side of the base part81atoward the other side. The lip part81bis formed in a tongue-like shape that is thinner than the base part81a, and is set so that the dimension in the thickness direction becomes smaller from the base end toward the tip. The second seal81is placed so that the tip of the lip part81bfaces the direction opposite to the hatch opening13(the direction where rainwater is present).

Also, a seal holder83is provided at the bottom of the rail19, and the second seal81is held by the seal holder83. The seal holder83has an attaching base part84, which is integrally attached to the rail19, and a pair of leg parts85aand85b, which are provided on the bottom surface of the attaching base part84at intervals in left and right directions.

The attaching base part is formed in a plate-like shape that is long in front and rear directions. The leg parts85aand85bare placed on both the left and right sides of the second seal81in order to hold the second seal81from left and right. The leg parts85aand85bmay be fastened to the attaching base part84with fasteners, such as bolts, in a detachable manner. The length of the leg parts85aand85bin front and rear directions is set to be the same as the length of the attaching base part84in front and rear directions.

Also, the leg parts85aand85bare provided with claws86aand86bfor locking the second seal81. The claw86aformed in the leg part85aof the hatch opening13side is engaged with the lower surface on the base end side of the lip part81b. The claw86bformed in the leg part85bof the opposite side of the hatch opening13is engaged with the lower surface of the base part81a.

Also, third seals87aand87bare provided on the bottom surfaces of the leg parts85aand85b. The third seals87aand87bare formed in a sheet-like shape, and provided over the entire length of the leg parts85aand85b.

Note that, if sufficient sealability can be achieved with the first seals80alone, the second seal81and the third seals87aand87bmay be omitted.

By the way, the lid member23is formed in an arch-shaped cross section, and an end face opening is formed at an end part in front and rear directions. Therefore, it is conceivable that rainwater will enter the hatch opening13from the end face opening on the side opposite to the onboard chute22.

Therefore, the bellows support part70forming the end part on the side opposite to the onboard chute22among the end parts of the lid member23is provided with a waterproof seal92for restraining water from seeping into the lid member23.

The waterproof seal92is arranged at a position where it is covered from above by the second water-stop sheet77, and is supported by the reinforcing frame part73. The waterproof seal92includes a waterproof plate93that closes an upper part of the end face opening of the bellows support part70, and a waterproof sheet94that closes the end face opening of the bellows support part70below the waterproof plate93.

The waterproof plate93is made of a resin such as rubber having a self-supporting hardness, and is supported by the reinforcing frame part73. Specifically, the suspension frame73cconstituting the reinforcing frame part73is provided with a rod-shaped mounting seat95extending in left and right directions so as to project on the side opposite to the onboard chute22. A lower end of the waterproof plate93is attached to the mounting seat95at a position opposite to the onboard chute22. Further, an upper end of the waterproof plate93is formed in a shape along the second water-stop sheet77and the intermediate frame72, and is in contact with the second water-stop sheet77and the intermediate frame72. As a result, wind and rain are restrained from entering the lid member23from between the second water-stop sheet77and the waterproof plate93, and wind and rain are restrained from entering the lid member23from between the intermediate frame72and the waterproof plate93. Note that material of the waterproof plate93is not limited to resin. The material of the waterproof plate93may be any material as long as it can restrain water from seeping into the lid member23, and may be, for example, metal, wood, or the like.

The waterproof sheet94is made of a soft resin that can be wound, and is provided on the waterproof plate93. Further, the waterproof sheet94is formed so as to extend downward from the rail19. This is because, when the sliding hatch covers11are separated from each other to form the hatch opening13, an opening (hereinafter, side opening96) is formed also between the sliding hatch covers11below the rail19(between the front end faces of the sliding hatch covers11, and between the rear end faces of the sliding hatch covers11). By extending the waterproof sheet94below the rail19, the side opening96can be closed, and it is possible to restrain water from seeping into the hold7from the side opening96. Specifically, the waterproof sheet94includes a wide part94aformed at a position above the rail19, and a narrow part94bformed at a position below the wide part94a.

The wide part94ais formed so as to have both left and right sides in contact with the side plate part73a, and an upper end part is liquid-tightly attached to the waterproof plate93. As a result, it is possible to restrain water from entering the lid member23inside the upper end part and both the left and right sides of the wide part94a.

The width dimension b of the narrow part94bis set to be smaller than the distance c between the left and right rails19and larger than the distance d between the sliding hatch covers11. As a result, the narrow part94bcan cover the gap between the rails19without interfering with the rail19. Further, a length of the narrow part94bin the vertical direction is set so that the lower end of the narrow part94breaches lower position than the sliding hatch cover11when it is unfolded and hung down. As a result, the side opening96between the sliding hatch covers11is covered with the narrow part94bof the waterproof sheet94. Further, when the lid member23is retracted and unitized into the chute unit58, the waterproof sheet94is rolled up and fastened by a fastener (not shown) so as to maintain the rolled shape. Further, the waterproof sheet94is arranged so that a base end position is offset into the lid member23so that the waterproof sheet94is accommodated in the bellows support part70when it is rolled up.

The mounting structure of the waterproof sheet94is not limited to the above. For example, the waterproof sheet94may be attached to the mounting seat95. In this case, the waterproof sheet94and the waterproof plate93may be separated from each other in the vertical direction. In this case, it is preferable that the space between the waterproof sheet94and the waterproof plate93is liquid-tightly closed by the mounting seat95.

Further, the mounting seat95may be provided on either the second arch frame71or the intermediate frame72. Further, the mounting seat95may be omitted. In this case, for example, the waterproof plate93may be provided on any of the reinforcing frame part73, the second arch frame71, and the intermediate frame72.

Next, effects of the present embodiment will be described below.

When the rain-guard device20for shipping is installed in the vessel9, as shown inFIG.15, the unloading device18provided in the ship loader1is used to transport the chute unit58and the rail unit30from the quay2, onto the vessel, on the sliding hatch covers11, for example. At this time, the chute unit58contacts the grounds with legs68and stands by itself.

Then, the sliding hatch covers11are opened by a predetermined distance X, to form the hatch opening13between the sliding hatch covers11. Here, the predetermined distance X is a dimension that is determined by the length of the beam frame28, L1, and the length of the lower part28c, L2, and is set to a dimension that is smaller than the length L2of the beam frame28and larger than the length L1of the lower part28c. The predetermined distance X is 2 m, for example.

Then, as shown inFIG.16, the chute unit58is installed at the center of the hatch opening13in front and rear directions (longitudinal direction). At this time, the chute unit58is installed so that the left and right rail pieces21are both positioned on the sliding hatch covers11.

After this, as shown inFIG.17, the rail unit30is installed in the hatch opening13in front and rear of the chute unit58. At this time, the female joining piece27(seeFIG.14) and the male joining piece26of neighboring rail units30are coupled with each other.

To be more specific, by inserting the joining pin26bof the male joining piece26into the insertion hole27bof the female joining piece27, the female joining piece27and the male joining piece26are coupled. By this means, rail pieces21that neighbor each other in front and rear are fixed in a positioned state. Also, at this time, in each rail piece21, a first seal80is fixed to via the bracket82. Therefore, the chute unit58and the rail pieces21of the rail unit30are placed on the sliding hatch covers11, so that the tip parts of the first seals80are placed on top of and pressed against the upper surface11aof the sliding hatch cover11. Consequently, even if the upper surface11aof the sliding hatch cover11is deformed due to welding or the like and has bumps, it is possible to neutralize these bumps and block water. That is, even when the sliding hatch covers11are deformed due to welding or the like, it is possible to prevent or restrain the seeping of wind and water from outside the sliding hatch covers11, by appropriately selecting the ground contact length of the first seal80with respect to the sliding hatch covers11.

Following this, the pin61is removed from the lower extending part55cand the fastening bracket part56cshown inFIG.10, to release the fixing of the lid member23.

Then, as shown inFIG.18, each lid member23is expanded. When the lid members23are expanded to near the front and rear end parts of the hatch opening13, the end parts of the lid members23are fixed to the rail pieces21with bolts or the like. By this means, the hatch opening13is closed, over its entire length, with the on-board chute22and the lid members23. After that, the waterproof sheet94in a state of being rolled up and housed in the bellows support part70is unfolded and hung downward. As a result, the lid member23below the waterproof plate93is closed by the waterproof sheet94, and the side opening96between the sliding hatch covers11is closed by the waterproof sheet94. In this state, rain does not enter the hold7except for a part of the chute main body32. The chute main body32may be provided with a lid (not shown) for closing an upper end opening thereof, if necessary.

Following this, as shown inFIG.19, the chute part8of the shiploader1is inserted in the chute body part32. After the chute part8of the shiploader1is inserted in the chute body part32, the upper and side parts of the chute body part32are covered by the cover member14.

When cargo B is supplied in the hold7, as shown inFIG.20andFIG.21, cargo B is supplied from the chute part8of the ship loader1into the chute body part32, and, meanwhile, the ship loader1is allowed travel appropriately in front and rear directions. At this time, the lid members23expand and contract as the on-board chute22travels.

Therefore, even if the on-board chute22travels, the hatch opening13is not opened. Also, as the on-board chute22travels, the loading position of cargo B moves forward and backward, so that it is possible to disperse cargo B in front and rear directions in the hold7, and load cargo B with a high filling rate. Note that the one-dot chain lines in the drawing show the rearmost position when the on-board chute22travels backward. The range in which the on-board chute22can travel is determined by the longest length and the shortest length of the lid members23as expanded and contracted.

If the opening between the sliding hatch covers11is airtightly and fixedly closed, pressure inside the hold7rises by supplying the load B into the hold7, and an upward force acts on the rain-guard device20for shipping. In this case, it is conceivable that the rain-guard device20for shipping partially floats and moves unstably, and rainwater enter between the sliding hatch covers11.

However, in the present embodiment, the water-blocking member88is breathable, and the side opening96between the sliding hatch covers11is closed by the waterproof sheet94hanging from above. Therefore, even if the pressure inside the hold7rises above the outside air, the pressure can escape through the water-blocking member88and can escape by pushing away the waterproof sheet94. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in pressure in the hold7when the load B is supplied into the hold7, and it is possible to stably prevent or suppress water from seeping from between the sliding hatch covers11.

Also, when loading cargo in the wind and rain, the water-blocking member88, the first seal80, the second seal81, and the third seals87aand87bprevent or restrain water from seeping from left and right of the lid member23. To be more specific, the water-blocking member88and the first seal80stop the rainwater from seeping in, outside the left and right rails19. Also, when the first seal80receives wind from the outer side in the width direction of the lid member23, the first seal80is more strongly pressed against the sliding hatch cover11due to the force of the wind, and guides the wind upward. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent or restrain the rainwater on the wind from reaching the rails19. Furthermore, the wind passes between the bristles90of the water-blocking member88when flowing upward, and the rainwater contacting the bristles90is separated from the wind. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the rainwater from reaching the space on the hatch opening13side beyond the water-blocking member88. Also, the wind having passed through the water-blocking member88passes through the other water-blocking member88again, and flows out of the bellows part69.

Also, when rainwater passes the first seal80and seeps into the rail19side, the second seal81stops the rainwater right below the rail19. The second seal81is comprised of a lip seal, and receives the weight of the on-board chute22and the lid member23, and is pressed against the sliding hatch cover11. Therefore, the second seal81is pressed against the sliding hatch cover11with a relatively strong force, and can stop seeping of rainwater effectively. Also, if bumps exist right below the rail19, the third seals87aand87bare deformed to match these bumps. Therefore, it is possible to neutralize part or all of the height of the bumps, and improve the water blocking effect of the second seal81. Also, the third seals87aand87bblock water on both the left and right sides of the second seal81.

Consequently, three layers of seals are provided along the direction where rainwater might seep in, and the water-blocking effect can be improved.

Further, the waterproof seal92prevents or restrains water from seeping from the front and rear directions of the lid member23. Specifically, the waterproof plate93of the waterproof seal92restrains water from seeping from the upper end of the lid member23on the side opposite to the onboard chute22. The waterproof sheet94of the waterproof seal92restrains water from seeping from the lid member23below the waterproof plate93, and also restrains water from seeping from the side opening96between the sliding hatch covers11.

Although an embodiment of present disclosure has been described above in detail, the present disclosure is also capable of other embodiments such as the following:(1) The bellows support part70is arranged at the end of the lid member23on the side opposite to the onboard chute22, but is not limited to this. For example, the lid member23may consist of a single bellows part69. In this case, the waterproof seal92may be provided on the bellows part69. Further, in this case, the waterproof seal92may be arranged at a position where it is covered by the first waterproof sheet41from above.(2) The waterproof seal92includes the waterproof plate93and the waterproof sheet94, but is not limited to. For example, the waterproof seal92may be comprised of the waterproof sheet94only. In this case, the waterproof sheet94may be formed so as to also close an upper part of the lid member23.(3) The water-blocking member88may be provided directly on the rail piece21.(4) Further, if the sealing property between the sliding hatch cover11and the rail19can be sufficiently secured by the second seal81and the third seals87aand87b, the first seal80may be omitted.