Inspection hatches, methods for installing inspection hatches, maintenance and inspection methods, and methods for repairing inspection hatches.

Abstract

To provide an inspection port that can be effectively opened and closed for various buildings, structures, etc. while functioning as an inspection port.SOLUTION: In a ceiling inspection port 10 in which an inner frame 30 is axially rotatable relative to an outer frame 20, a partition 40 equipped with a door 50 is provided in an in-frame area A of the inner frame 30. The door 50 which has two plate-like members 52, 54, is able to slide to open and close relative to a closing portion 60 which defines an opening 60A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection opening provided on a ceiling or the like, and particularly to an opening / closing mechanism of the inspection opening.

Background Art

[0002] In buildings such as buildings and station buildings, wirings, pipes, etc. are arranged in the ceiling space, under the floor, in the wall space, etc., and fire-fighting equipment, etc. is also installed. In order to maintain and inspect these wirings, pipes, fire-fighting equipment, etc., for example, an inspection opening is provided in the ceiling board.

[0003] For example, in a ceiling inspection opening having a rectangular inner frame and outer frame, a panel (lid portion) made of the same material as the ceiling surface is housed in the inner frame. And it is configured such that the inner frame rotates axially with respect to the outer frame by means of a hinge or the like (see Patent Document 1). When an operator inspects the ceiling space, the inner frame of the inspection opening is lowered to open, and entry from the ceiling inspection opening to the ceiling space or peeking into the ceiling space can be achieved.

[0004] In the opening / closing mechanism that rotates the inner frame axially, as an alternative to the opening / closing mechanism by the axial rotation of the inner frame, an opening / closing mechanism that slides the ceiling inspection opening to the ceiling space side is known (see Patent Documents 2 and 3). In that case, a pair of guide rails are arranged on the outer frame of the inspection opening, and the entire inspection opening or the inner frame portion is made slidable along the guide rails and temporarily retracted into a storage space provided in the ceiling space.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In buildings such as office buildings and train stations, numerous power lines and pipes are installed in the ceiling space, along with electrical and communication equipment. Furthermore, fire safety equipment and leak prevention devices may also be present. Therefore, it is difficult to create enough space to slide the ceiling access hatch outside the access hatch frame in the ceiling space. This is also true for access hatches located outside the ceiling.

[0007] On the other hand, ceiling access hatches are installed to allow for the visual inspection of fire-fighting equipment and other maintenance targets, or to verify the integrity of the equipment by conducting operational tests with inspection tools, and also to allow for equipment work to be carried out in the space above the ceiling. Therefore, they must have an opening size that allows people to enter and exit, or to observe and inspect the area behind the ceiling, at least large enough for a person's head to pass through.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need to provide inspection hatches that can be effectively opened and closed for various buildings and structures while also functioning as inspection hatches. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The current technological trend in this invention is to create an inspection hatch that has the function of opening and closing like a conventional hatch, as well as the function of being able to be opened and closed within the area of ​​the inner frame.

[0010] An inspection hatch according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an outer frame attached to a ceiling, floor, or wall; an inner frame rotatable on an axis relative to the outer frame; and a partition provided within the inner frame that closes off the area within the inner frame. For example, it can be configured as a ceiling inspection hatch.

[0011] Furthermore, the partition of the present invention is configured such that a portion of the area within the inner frame can be opened along the ceiling, floor, or wall. Here, "along the wall" does not require that it be strictly parallel to the wall, and it may only be along the wall in a portion of the opening. For example, the partition can be configured to include a door that opens and closes by sliding within the area within the inner frame.

[0012] The configuration of the door can take various forms. For example, a closure section with a partial opening can be attached to the inner frame, and the door can open and close the opening. The size of the opening and the distance from the inner frame can be determined as desired. For example, it can be set to a size that allows an imaging device such as a camera to fit behind it.

[0013] The door may be opened and closed with a single plate-like member, or with two or more plate-like members. For example, the door may comprise two plate-like members arranged along the ceiling surface, and the two plate-like members may be configured to be relatively movable relative to the closing portion along the opening and closing directions of the opening, and also to be integrally relatively movable relative to the closing portion while engaged with each other.

[0014] When a door is constructed using two plate-like members, for example, a door can be constructed comprising a rear plate-like member whose ends extend along the vertical direction of the inspection opening, and a front plate-like member whose at least one end extends along the vertical direction of the inspection opening. The ends of the plate-like members may be bent to form the rear plate-like member and the front plate-like member, or other plate-like members may be attached to the ends of a flat plate-like member so as to protrude, thereby forming the rear plate-like member and the front plate-like member. The front plate-like member can be slidably positioned relative to the closing section, and both ends of the rear plate-like member can be in contact with the closing section and the front plate-like member, thereby expanding the opening area of ​​the closing section.

[0015] To ensure that the opening within the closed section is securely closed, for example, regulating members can be provided on the two plate-shaped members to restrict the range of movement of the inner frame within the frame.

[0016] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for installing the above-described inspection opening in the ceiling. Furthermore, when the inspection opening is installed in the ceiling, a maintenance inspection method can be provided in which a portion of the inner frame area of ​​the inspection opening is opened along the ceiling surface, an inspection device is inserted into the opening, and an object to be inspected located in the space above the ceiling is inspected using the inspection device. Here, the configuration and function of the "inspection device" are determined according to the object to be inspected. For example, inspection devices include inspection equipment for checking the sensing function of a fire-fighting equipment detector, and imaging units such as cameras capable of photographing and recording the conditions in the space above the ceiling. An inspection tool can be constructed by attaching these inspection devices to the tip of a rod-shaped member.

[0017] Furthermore, in another aspect of the present invention, a method for modifying an inspection opening is provided, in which the inner frame is axially rotatable with respect to the outer frame, and the inspection opening is attached to the ceiling, floor, or wall, wherein a panel provided on the inner frame of the inspection opening is removed from the inner frame, thereby closing off the area within the inner frame, and a partition is attached to the inner frame that allows a portion of the area within the inner frame to be opened along the ceiling, floor, or wall surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an inspection hatch that can be effectively opened and closed for various buildings, structures, etc., while also functioning as an inspection hatch. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the locations of the ceiling access hatches. [Figure 2] This is a schematic front view of the ceiling access hatch as seen from the outside of the ceiling. [Figure 3] This is a schematic rear view of the ceiling access hatch, seen from the inside of the ceiling. [Figure 4] It is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a view showing a closed state of a door composed of two plate-like members. [Figure 6] It is a view showing a state in which the door is opening. [Figure 7] It is a view showing a modification example of the door of the ceiling inspection opening according to the present embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, the ceiling inspection opening according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a view showing the location where the ceiling inspection opening is arranged.

[0022] The ceiling inspection opening 10 is installed in the ceiling C in accordance with the position of the fire protection equipment 110 on the back side of the ceiling C. Here, the ceiling inspection opening 10 is installed in the ceiling C provided above the platform G of the station building. In the space on the back side of the ceiling C, a large number of wirings 120 such as power lines and communication lines are arranged together with the fire protection equipment 110, and pipes 130 for water supply, sewage, or air conditioning are also arranged. Further, power and communication related equipment (not shown) is also installed.

[0023] The ceiling inspection opening 10 has a so-called hatch structure and can be opened and closed by axial rotation toward the front side of the ceiling. When inspecting the fire protection equipment 110 or checking the wirings 120 and pipes 130, the operator opens the ceiling inspection opening 10 to check the back side of the ceiling C. Here, the height H from the platform G of the ceiling C is 2 m or more and is in a position that cannot be reached by the operator's hand. Therefore, the operator uses a ladder, a step ladder, etc. to open and close the ceiling inspection opening 10.

[0024] On the other hand, workers can inspect the underside of the ceiling C without installing ladders or other equipment by using the inspection tool 140. The inspection tool 140 here is configured as a tool with a fire inspection unit 160 attached to the tip of an extendable rod-shaped member 150. The fire inspection unit 160 has the function of testing the detection performance of the detectors of the fire-fighting equipment 110 against heat, smoke, etc. The inspection tool 140 can also be configured with a camera 160' attached to its tip. In this case, the camera 160' can be configured to record captured images and also have wireless communication capabilities.

[0025] As will be described later, the ceiling access hatch 10 is configured as an access hatch equipped with a hatch opening and closing mechanism, as well as a mechanism that allows a portion of its area to be opened and closed. The work involves opening a portion of the ceiling access hatch 10 along the ceiling surface and inserting the inspection tool 140 into the opening. This allows for the inspection of the fire-fighting equipment 110. When using the inspection tool 140 equipped with a camera 160' at its tip, the back side of the ceiling C can be photographed with the camera 160', allowing for the investigation and inspection of wiring 120, piping 130, etc.

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic front view of the ceiling access hatch 10 as seen from the ceiling surface. Figure 3 is a schematic rear view of the ceiling access hatch 10 as seen from the ceiling surface. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view along line IV-IV in Figure 3. The opening and closing structure of the ceiling access hatch 10 will be explained below using Figures 2 to 4.

[0027] The ceiling access panel 10 comprises a rectangular outer frame 20 and an inner frame 30, the outer frame 20 being fixed along the periphery of the rectangular opening formed in the ceiling C. One frame portion of the inner frame 30 along its longitudinal direction is fixed to the outer frame 20 by a hinge (not shown here) and is rotatable on an axis relative to the outer frame 20. A locking mechanism 35 is provided on the front side of the ceiling access panel 10 to prevent the inner frame 30 from descending from the outer frame 20. The configuration of the hinge-based axial rotation mechanism and the locking mechanism 35 is well known, and a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0028] An internal area A of the inner frame 30 (hereinafter referred to as the inner frame area) is provided with a partition 40 that closes off the inner frame area A. The partition 40 separates the space on the front and back sides of the ceiling C, while also having an opening and closing function that forms a partial opening in the inner frame area A along the ceiling surface CS. The partition 40 can be made of a material such as aluminum alloy, or it may be made of other metals or any other material. It may also be made by attaching the same cloth as the ceiling surface to its surface.

[0029] The partition 40 is equipped with a closing section 60 that is attached to and fixed to the inner frame 30 along the ceiling surface CS. A rectangular opening 60A is formed in this closing section 60, located at a predetermined distance from each frame portion of the inner frame 30 (see Figure 2). Here, the width L' of the opening 60A is determined to be at least half the length L0 of the longitudinal direction of the inner frame 30.

[0030] Furthermore, the partition 40 is equipped with a door 50 that opens and closes an opening 60A formed in a part of the area A within the frame. The door 50 here is composed of two plate-like members 52 and 54. When the opening 60A is closed, the plate-like member 52 is positioned closer to the inner frame 30 than the plate-like member 54, and the plate-like member 54 is positioned in the center. The longitudinal widths of the plate-like members 52 and 54 in the inner frame 30 are approximately equal. The surface 52S of the plate-like member 52 is provided with a grip portion 70 that protrudes from the plate-like member 52 along the short direction (up and down direction in the drawing) and is U-shaped when viewed from the side.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the lengths K of the plate-shaped members 52 and 54 are determined to correspond to the length T of the inner frame 30 in the shorter direction, and are longer than the length K0 (see Figure 2) of the opening 60A formed in the closing portion 60. The plate-shaped members 52 and 54 are movable along the longitudinal direction of the inner frame 30 on the back surface 60S of the closing portion 60, straddling the opening 60A.

[0032] The plate-shaped member 54 is formed so that its cross-section along the longitudinal direction of the inner frame 30 is U-shaped, with both ends 54T1 and 54T2 bent and extending towards the ceiling surface in the vertical direction (up and down direction of the inspection opening). Similarly, the plate-shaped member 52 has both ends 52T1 and 52T2 that extend vertically, and these extend towards the ceiling surface.

[0033] The ends 52T1 and 52T2 of the plate-shaped member 52 and the ends 54T1 and 54T2 of the plate-shaped member 54 extend in opposite directions, and the plate-shaped members 52 and 54 are arranged to face each other and partially overlap. Specifically, the end 52T2 of the plate-shaped member 52 is located beyond the end 54T2 of the plate-shaped member 54 along its longitudinal direction, and the inner surface of the end 54T2 of the plate-shaped member 54 faces the inner surface of the end 52T2 of the plate-shaped member 52.

[0034] The length of the end portion 54T1 of the plate-shaped member 54 is longer in the vertical direction than the other end portion 54T2, and the length of the end portion 54T1 is determined so that it contacts the back surface 60S of the closing portion 60. Therefore, the plate-shaped member 54 is slidably in contact with the back surface 60S of the closing portion 60 at the tip of end portion 54T1, and is slidably in contact with the inner surface 52S of the plate-shaped member 52 at the tip of end portion 54T2.

[0035] The plate-shaped member (front plate-shaped member) 52, which is closer to the ceiling surface, moves longitudinally relative to the back surface 60S of the closing section 60 in response to opening and closing operations on the gripping section 70 by a worker or the like. In addition, the plate-shaped member 54, which is located at the rear of the plate-shaped member, can move integrally with the plate-shaped member 52 relative to the back surface 60S of the closing section 60 when engaged with the plate-shaped member 52.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, strip-shaped plates 82 and 83 are attached to both edges along the longitudinal direction of the inner frame 30. Stoppers 87 and 88 are attached to the strip-shaped plates 82 and 83 at predetermined positions, and are formed in an L-shape. On the other hand, members 85 and 86 that come into contact with the stoppers 87 and 88 (referred to here as contact members) are provided on the back surface 54S of the plate-shaped member 54, next to the strip-shaped plates 82 and 83.

[0037] As will be described later, while the plate-shaped members 52 and 54 move integrally relative to the closing portion 60, the contact members 85 and 86 and the stoppers 87 and 88 come into contact, thereby restricting the movement of the plate-shaped member 54 in the closing direction.

[0038] Figure 5 shows the closed state of the door 50, which is composed of plate-like members 52 and 54. Figure 6 shows the state in which the door 50 is opening. However, these are simplified diagrams for explaining the opening and closing operation of the door 50, and the relative size, length, and positional relationship of each component differ from those in Figures 2 to 4. Also, Figures 5 and 6 show the state of the door 50 as viewed from the opposite direction to that in Figure 4.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5, when the door 50 is closed, the plate-shaped members 52 and 54 are positioned to completely close the partial opening 60A of the closing section 60. The plate-shaped member 54 is positioned by the contact positions of the aforementioned regulating members, namely the contact members 85 and 86 and the stoppers 87 and 88.

[0040] When an operator holds the gripping portion 70 with a rod-shaped opening / closing tool (not shown) and opens the door 50, the plate-shaped member 52 moves relative to the closing portion 60 in the opening direction. On the other hand, one end 54T1 of the plate-shaped member 54 is in contact with the back surface 60S of the closing portion 60, and the other end 54T2 slides against the inner surface 52S of the plate-shaped member 52, so its position does not move substantially.

[0041] As the operator continues to move the gripping portion 70 in the opening direction, the plate-shaped member 52 reaches a position where its end portion 52T2 contacts the end portion 54T1 of the plate-shaped member 54 (see Figure 6(A)). Then, as the plate-shaped member 52 moves further in the opening direction, the plate-shaped member 54 and the plate-shaped member 52 move together in the opening direction relative to the closing portion 60.

[0042] The plate-shaped members 52 and 54 can be moved integrally until the gripping portion 70 comes into contact with the edge 60AE of the opening 60A of the closing portion 60. This contact state of the gripping portion 70 represents the state in which the opening 60A is opened to its maximum extent.

[0043] After completing inspections, when the worker uses the gripping part 70 to move the door 50 in the closing direction, the plate-shaped member 52 moves in the closing direction, while one end 54T1 of the plate-shaped member 54 comes into contact with the back surface 60S of the closing part 60, and the other end 54T2 slides against the inner surface 52S of the plate-shaped member 52, so that the plate-shaped member 54 does not move substantially.

[0044] As the plate-shaped member 52 continues to move in the closing direction, when its end 52T2 reaches a position where it contacts the plate-shaped member 54T2, the plate-shaped member 54 moves together with the plate-shaped member 52 in the closing direction. Then, the plate-shaped member 54 stops due to contact between the regulating members, the contact members 85, 86 and the stoppers 87, 88. Furthermore, when only the plate-shaped member 52 moves in the closing direction and the gripping portion 70 contacts the closing portion 60, the door 50 is closed.

[0045] As described above, in this embodiment, in a ceiling inspection hatch 10 in which the inner frame 30 is axially rotatable relative to the outer frame 20, a partition 40 equipped with a door 50 is provided in the inner frame area A of the inner frame 30. The door 50, which is equipped with two plate-like members 52 and 54, is configured to be able to open and close by sliding relative to the closing section 60 that forms the opening 60A.

[0046] As in conventional designs, the ceiling inspection hatch 10 is equipped with a hatch-type opening and closing mechanism that rotates the inner frame 30 on an axis to open the inspection hatch, and also with a door-type opening and closing mechanism that opens and closes a portion of the area A inside the inner frame 30 along the ceiling surface CS, thereby allowing the ceiling inspection hatch 10 to be selectively opened and closed according to the purpose.

[0047] For example, in the case of periodic inspections of fire extinguishers, there is no need for workers to go into the ceiling space to perform the work. In this case, the inspection can be performed by opening the door 50 of the ceiling inspection hatch 10, using the maintenance inspection equipment 140 shown in Figure 1, and inserting the fire inspection unit 160 into the ceiling space to activate the fire detector. Such inspections can be performed simply by opening and closing the door 50, and since it can be opened and closed using the inspection equipment 140, there is no need to prepare scaffolding for opening and closing. Furthermore, even if performed frequently, it will not impair the durability of the ceiling inspection hatch 10. The same applies even if the inspection equipment 140 is equipped with a camera 160'.

[0048] On the other hand, if there is a wiring problem in the ceiling space 120, a water leak from the piping 130, or any other abnormal situation, the worker can lower the inner frame 30, enter the ceiling space, or look into the ceiling space to check the condition of the equipment there. In an emergency, the ceiling inspection hatch 10 can be used as a hatch.

[0049] In this embodiment, the door 50 is an opening and closing mechanism that slides within the area A inside the inner frame 30, and the opening and closing operation of the door 50 is performed with the inner frame 30 fixed to the ceiling C. Since the door 50 is not configured to slide away from the installation area of ​​the ceiling inspection hatch 10, even if a large number of wires 120, pipes 130, etc. are installed near the ceiling inspection hatch 10, it does not interfere with the opening and closing operation of the door 50.

[0050] Furthermore, by forming a closed section 60 with an opening 60A within the frame area A of the inner frame 30, an opening and closing area of ​​a predetermined size can be defined at a desired location, and a door 50 can be provided accordingly. In addition, by employing an opening and closing mechanism that slides two plate-like members 52 and 54 with approximately equal widths, it is possible to form an opening 60A with the largest possible area. In particular, when the widths of the plate-like members 52 and 54 are approximately the same size, it is possible to form an opening 60A that is more than half and about two-thirds the size of the frame area A.

[0051] On the other hand, the pair of stoppers 87, 88 and contact members 85, 86 restrict further movement of the door 50 in the closing direction, allowing the plate-shaped member 54 to be stopped at a desired position. This prevents the plate-shaped members 52 and 54 from moving too far and failing to close the opening 60A, ensuring that the entire opening 60A is reliably closed. Alternatively, instead of providing the pair of stoppers 87, 88 and contact members 85, 86, a member with a stopper function may be provided near the end of the closing section 60, closer to the rear plate-shaped member 54.

[0052] The door 50 is opened and closed by moving plate-like members 52 and 54 in one direction within the inner frame 30, but it is also possible to configure it as an opening and closing mechanism that separates the two plate-like members 52 and 54 from the center toward both ends. Any opening and closing mechanism that slides the plate-like members 52 and 54 within the area inside the inner frame 30 is acceptable. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the door 50 is composed of two plate-like members 52 and 54, but it is not limited to this.

[0053] Figure 7 shows a modified example of the ceiling inspection hatch door according to this embodiment. The partition 240 has a closing section 260 that forms a rectangular opening 260A, which is attached to the inner frame 200. The size of the opening 260A corresponds to approximately half the size of the inner frame area of ​​the inner frame 30. A plate-shaped member 252 having a size that covers the opening 260A is slidably disposed on the back surface 260S of the closing section 260.

[0054] In this embodiment, it is configured as a ceiling inspection hatch 10, but it can also be applied as an inspection hatch to other locations, such as walls extending vertically or inspection hatches installed in the floor. In this case, for example, a guide rail can be provided along the longitudinal direction (direction of door movement) of the inner frame 30, and an opening and closing mechanism can be created in which plate-like members 52 and 54 are supported and held by the guide rail while sliding.

[0055] Furthermore, the partition 40 described above may be attached to the inner frame of the existing inspection hatch. In this case, the existing panel can be removed and a partition with a door and a closing section can be installed. There is no need to replace the entire inspection hatch, including the outer and inner frames, and a partition with a sliding door, as in this embodiment, can be provided to the inspection hatch. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0056] 10. Ceiling access hatch (access hatch) 20 Outer frame 30 Inner frame 40 partitions 50 doors 60 Occlusion

Claims

1. An outer frame that is attached to the ceiling, floor, or wall, An inner frame that is rotatable on an axis relative to the outer frame, The inner frame is provided with a partition that closes off the area within the inner frame, The aforementioned partition allows a portion of the area within the frame of the inner frame to be opened along the ceiling, floor, or wall surface. An inspection opening characterized in that the partition is attached to the inner frame and comprises a closing section that closes off the area within the inner frame and provides a single opening that opens off a part of the area within the frame, and a door that opens and closes the opening by sliding within the area within the inner frame.

2. An outer frame that is attached to the ceiling, floor, or wall, An inner frame that is rotatable on an axis relative to the outer frame, The inner frame is provided with a partition that closes off the area within the inner frame, The aforementioned partition allows a portion of the area within the frame of the inner frame to be opened along the ceiling, floor, or wall surface. The partition comprises a closed section attached to the inner frame and having a partial opening, and a door that slides to open and close the opening within the area inside the inner frame. The aforementioned door comprises two plate-like members arranged along the ceiling, floor, or wall surface, An inspection opening characterized in that the two plate-like members are movable relative to the closing portion along the opening and closing directions of the opening, and are integrally movable relative to the closing portion while engaged with each other.

3. The door is A rear plate-like member having a U-shaped cross-section and arranged so that its inner surface faces the opening, It comprises a front plate-like member having a U-shaped cross-section, with its inner surface facing in the opposite direction to the opening, The front plate-like member is slidably positioned against the back surface of the closing portion. The inspection opening according to claim 2, characterized in that both ends of the rear plate-like member are in contact with the back surface of the closing portion and the inner surface of the front plate-like member.

4. The inspection opening according to claim 2, characterized in that a restricting member is provided for the two plate-shaped members to restrict the range of movement of the inner frame within the frame.

5. The inspection hatch according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a ceiling inspection hatch.

6. A method for installing an inspection hatch, characterized by installing the inspection hatch described in any one of Claims 1 to 5 in the ceiling.

7. An inspection opening according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a part of the area inside the inner frame of the inspection opening is opened along the ceiling surface, with respect to the inspection opening installed in the ceiling, The inspection device is inserted through the inspection opening into the space above the ceiling. The aforementioned inspection device is used to inspect objects located in the ceiling space. A maintenance and inspection method characterized by the following features.

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