Bar steel fence unit, composite produced therewith, system consisting of bar steel fence unit and detector, and method for producing a hardened bar steel fence unit

Abstract

Ensuring a high level of security, particularly with regard to burglary or damage, is currently quite complex for fences, especially those covering large areas. A barred steel fence unit (10) is provided, formed from steel wire (11) arranged to form at least one barred steel mesh (12), wherein the steel wire (11) runs in several spatial directions, and intersecting steel wire sections (12.1) are bonded together to form a semi-finished product (13). According to the invention, the barred steel mesh (12) is formed from thermally hardenable steel wire, and the barred steel fence unit (10) is a hardened barred steel fence unit with a predefined minimum Rockwell hardness. This hardness is achieved by hardening the semi-finished product (13) to at least 45 HRC, such that the barred steel mesh (12) is materially resistant to external influences by means of hardening processes below 45 HRC.The present invention also relates to a bar steel mesh fence assembly (40) and to a system comprising the assembly and at least one detector unit. The present invention also relates to corresponding methods and uses.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a bar mesh fence unit formed from steel wire laid in a bar mesh, wherein the steel wire runs in several spatial directions, and wherein intersecting steel wire sections are bonded together to form a semi-finished product, in particular welded to form a mat-like semi-finished product. The present invention further relates to a composite assembly made from several such bar mesh fence units. The present invention also relates to a method for producing such a hardened bar mesh fence unit for a bar mesh fence, wherein thermally hardenable steel wire laid in a bar mesh, with intersecting steel wire sections bonded together, is provided as a semi-finished product, in particular as a mat-like semi-finished product, and is subjected to heat treatment.The present invention also relates to a correspondingly manufactured bar-link fence unit. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of such hardened bar-link fence units for a bar-link fence, particularly in permanent installations for securing public or private areas or premises. In particular, the invention relates to devices and methods according to the preamble of the respective independent claim. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] For fences subject to high security requirements, it is essential to find a favorable compromise, particularly regarding material costs, resistance and material properties to external influences, as well as the need for continuous mechanical / automated and / or human-assisted monitoring. Conventional metal mesh fences, which are at least somewhat rigid, offer a favorable cost-benefit compromise, especially in large-scale site protection installations. However, they typically do not provide a particularly difficult-to-cross or destroy barrier, meaning the achievable security level unfortunately remains rather poor. Such fences usually have to be assembled on-site from numerous fence units and are therefore not available as rolled-up goods like, for example, flexible chain-link fences.In some areas, the primary concern is wildlife protection, so that only wire mesh fences are provided as flexible roll-up material, with correspondingly inadequate property protection.

[0003] Unfortunately, unauthorized individuals frequently break into protected areas and facilities, such as airports, event venues, or stadiums, often with the intention of causing damage, for example, for politically motivated reasons. In many situations, intrusion can be accomplished relatively easily, especially when security or barriers consist only of, for example, wire mesh, which can be broken without much difficulty. Experience has shown that visual inspections, particularly at night, are ineffective or only minimally effective in preventing such break-ins, especially since wire mesh (or similarly resistant barriers) can be destroyed or broken even without any cutting or material removal, i.e., without sparks or noise.

[0004] According to current technology, metal wire or barred fences with a rather poor security level are still frequently used in the construction of new airports, not least for cost reasons. These types of fences can also be relatively easily demolished, even with relatively simple tools such as standard bolt cutters or even just pliers. There is interest in improved property protection and / or area / surface protection using fencing.

[0005] For example, publication EP 3 533 931 B1 describes a grid structure optimized for resistance to rockfall and related energy absorption, which ensures a predefined degree of deflection as a deformation energy buffer against falling rocks. However, this grid structure is optimized for the described purpose of energy buffering based on a comparatively high tensile strength of 2200 MPa. Such impacts, e.g., attempts to destroy the fence with a vehicle, are rather uncommon in the field of object protection (e.g., airports) considered by the present invention and are probably not comparable in number to the conventional manual cutting / destruction tactics of intruders.

[0006] Based on current technological standards, there is a need for optimized security fences, particularly with regard to providing the greatest possible barrier against damage to property caused by manual cutting or slashing using hand tools. Furthermore, especially for large-scale perimeter security (e.g., airports), there is interest in security fences that are cost-effective and require minimal materials for production. These fences should also not require significantly higher additional investments in terms of installation, operation, and functional testing compared to conventional fences. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The task is to provide devices and methods for creating security fence systems that are advantageously installable and operable across large areas, thereby ensuring both a high level of security and a good cost-benefit ratio along as many stages of the value chain as possible. Furthermore, the task involves designing a security fence system in such a way that the achievable security level can be guaranteed through comparatively streamlined production measures, i.e., without significant additional equipment complexity. Finally, the task is to design a process for manufacturing security fence units in such a way that the units themselves already provide a high level of security.

[0008] This problem is solved by a bar steel mesh fence unit according to claim 1, and by a bar steel mesh fence assembly formed therefrom, and by a bar steel mesh fence system created therefrom, as well as by a method according to the dependent method claim and by uses according to the dependent use claim. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are explained in the respective dependent claims. The features of the exemplary embodiments described below can be combined with one another unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0009] A bar steel mesh fence unit is provided, formed from steel wire laid to form at least one bar steel mesh, wherein the steel wire runs in several spatial directions, with intersecting steel wire sections being bonded together to form a semi-finished product, in particular welded to form a mat-like semi-finished product; according to the invention, it is proposed that the bar steel mesh is formed by steel wire made of thermally hardenable steel, wherein the bar steel mesh fence unit is a hardened bar steel mesh fence unit with a predefined minimum Rockwell hardness, which is produced by hardening the semi-finished product to at least one hardness, namely to at least one Rockwell hardness of at least 45HRC, such that the bar steel mesh is materially resistant to external influences by means of (tool) hardening below 45HRC.This also makes it possible, based on a material-specific value creation process, to further develop semi-finished products into fence units with a very high level of security, thus achieving a correspondingly secure security fence without requiring complex additional equipment measures. In other words: The robustness of the fence unit can be significantly improved by hardening the steel used in the semi-finished product, while still retaining a high degree of flexibility for application-specific optimizations, starting from the appropriate semi-finished product and the selected steel material.

[0010] It is understood that the hardened fence unit must undergo a hardening process, which defines the material properties of the steel wire and therefore also of the entire fence unit. Advantageously, the hardening process includes at least one material-specific heat treatment (energy input) and one material-specific quenching (energy removal), whereby the energy input and removal are coordinated depending on the material selection, and optionally, individually and locally at different sections of the respective semi-finished product.

[0011] It should also be understood that the semi-finished products and the respective hardened fence units considered here are not (and cannot be) manufactured or processed as rollable strips, but rather as individual elements, specifically for use in combination to form a fence, for example, by means of screwed-on clips to, for example, concreted-in steel posts. The fasteners provided for this purpose, especially fastening screws, can be secured against intentional / unlawful loosening or removal, for example, by means of locking screws.

[0012] According to the present disclosure, a steel wire mesh is understood to be, in particular, a grid-like structure made of steel wire, e.g., with an orthogonal arrangement in the intended vertical and horizontal orientation. For example, unhardened, mat-like semi-finished products are / are intended as wire mesh panels for the construction of the fence units described herein. For reinforcement, at least in sections, double-wire arrangements or corrugated areas may be / be provided, e.g., in combination with closely spaced vertical and more widely spaced horizontal wire bars. Diagonal wire arrangements are also possible.

[0013] "Material-technically resistant" refers in particular to protection that can be ensured by the steel material itself, namely thanks to the high hardness and the design of the fence unit, which is based at least essentially on the grid structure made of hardened steel, i.e. without any other relatively softer or weaker weak points.

[0014] Where the present disclosure refers to steel wire, this does not necessarily mean continuous material, but also, synonymously, any corresponding processing of steel material in general, e.g., processing into wire-like rods. The term "steel wire" can therefore, for example, also encompass a multitude of steel wire rods.

[0015] Personalized terms, unless explicitly formulated in the neuter form, may refer to all genders within the context of this disclosure. Any foreign language expressions or abbreviations used here are standard industry terms and are familiar to those skilled in the art.

[0016] In other words, the present invention can provide a technical solution for the cost-effective / benefit-optimized deployment of fences with a high security level and minimized monitoring effort, particularly for applications on very large areas such as airport grounds. Existing mesh fences used for property protection typically cannot provide the necessary or desired barrier against intrusion or destruction, at least not in simple designs based solely on material-specific characteristics. The metal wire meshes commonly used to date are made of relatively soft material and are relatively easy to break, for example, with commercially available tools. Visual inspections in situ (i.e., at the installed fence), especially during darkness, are / remain relatively difficult.In this respect, too, the present invention overcomes the disadvantage that, until now, good protection could only be ensured with comparatively high monitoring efforts.

[0017] According to the invention, a hardened fence unit made of steel hardened at the semi-finished product level with a Rockwell hardness of approximately 50 to 65 HRC provides a noticeable improvement in security. Commercially available manual tools such as pliers or bolt cutters will no longer be effective at this level of hardness. A combination of different hardnesses or different types of steel, i.e., differently hardened areas of the steel mesh, can also be implemented for the bar fence, for example, in the context of locally / pointwise increased hardness of the mesh structure and / or with regard to (material) cost optimization measures, e.g., for very large areas to be protected. The bars of the mesh can, for example, be made of round or square wire; in this respect, the person skilled in the art can also carry out application-specific optimization. Optionally, the bars of a / the mesh or...Each mesh fence unit has different lengths at its free ends, especially at the top or bottom, which can make climbing over or crawling underneath more difficult.

[0018] It has been shown that cutting through or destroying such hardened steel mesh fence units with hand tools would require, for example, the use of material-removing (cutting) angle grinders. However, these produce bright sparks and a comparatively high noise level, which can be detected by cameras or similar devices, especially in darkness.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the hardened bar steel fence unit is produced by hardening the steel wire of the semi-finished product to at least a Rockwell hardness of 50 HRC, wherein at least one hardening step is a shape-giving or shape-preserving step. This results in an advantageous stiffness and hardness effect, particularly in combination with an advantageously rigid geometry of the unit, i.e., a synergistic effect of a particularly hard material on the one hand and an advantageously rigid geometry on the other.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the hardened bar steel fence unit is produced by area-specific hardening of the semi-finished product to at least two different Rockwell hardnesses of at least 45 HRC, e.g., a first (spatial) area of ​​the semi-finished product with a Rockwell hardness of at least 50 HRC and a second (spatial) area of ​​the semi-finished product with a Rockwell hardness of at least 55 HRC, wherein at least one of the Rockwell hardnesses is greater than 50 HRC, preferably greater than 55 HRC, and more preferably greater than 60 HRC, e.g., 65 HRC. This also opens up the possibility of designing the respective fence unit in an application-specific optimized manner and positioning it optimally in terms of material technology, both with regard to optimal hardness ranges and with regard to cost or cost-benefit ratio.The expert can decide whether and to what extent a local differentiation / gradation of hardness levels can be effectively implemented on the respective fence unit for the specific application. Optionally, this decision-making process can also include the material selection for the steel wire.

[0021] For example, surface-carbonized low-alloy steel is advantageously used as steel wire material or as material for semi-finished products, particularly with regard to cost and manufacturing advantages. This material selection can also ensure a particularly high level of safety, especially thanks to the tough core of the wires and the very hard surface layer after hardening, and offers advantages even at an upstream stage of the value chain, particularly with regard to the bonding of the semi-finished product (especially for welding intersecting steel wire sections).

[0022] It is understood that the semi-finished product can advantageously consist of one and the same steel wire material. Alternatively, the person skilled in the art can provide at least two different steel wire materials, particularly for the purpose of implementing locally varying hardness zones on the respective fence unit. If influencing the design of the semi-finished products is not desired, possible, or expedient, the area-specific hardness adjustment can also be implemented based on the same steel wire material, i.e., purely process-related, for example, by quenching certain edge areas of a respective fence unit faster or differently (e.g., using a different or additional quenching medium) than central areas or other edge areas, or by heating them differently.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the steel wire is laid in a mat-like pattern in at least two spatial directions, in particular with steel wire sections extending at least approximately orthogonally to each other in a principal plane of extension, especially vertically and horizontally (when the bar steel mesh fence unit is oriented as intended), wherein the hardened bar steel mesh fence unit has at least one stiffening area (analogous: reinforcement area) which extends obliquely to the laying pattern or obliquely to the principal plane of extension. This also provides an advantageous compromise between material usage and the achievable stiffness.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the hardened steel mesh fence unit has at least one stiffening area in which the steel wire runs or is laid in two- or three-dimensional space, in particular at least one stiffening rib which is formed for each steel wire by a protrusion projecting from the plane of the fence and extends substantially horizontally (or vertically) over substantially vertically (or horizontally) oriented adjacent steel wires of the steel mesh fence unit (when the steel mesh fence unit is oriented as intended), or vice versa. An advantageously three-dimensionally extending mesh structure can further increase the security level through particularly high robustness and stiffness, in addition to good resistance against cutting.

[0025] It is understandable that the stiffening / reinforcement areas described here can also offer advantages in terms of saving on additional costs due to material usage; for example, the need for a double-bar configuration of the semi-finished products can be eliminated. Last but not least, the single-layer design of the bar grid also promotes comparatively flexible / variable formability, especially since a double-bar configuration would make forming more difficult or even impossible.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the hardened steel mesh fence unit is formed from a single layer of steel mesh. This results in significant material and cost savings, particularly compared to double-wire mesh fences, and also facilitates application-specific shaping for reinforcing areas.

[0027] The aforementioned task is also accomplished by a bar mesh fence assembly consisting of multiple hardened bar mesh fence units as described above, wherein adjacent hardened bar mesh fence units are coupled or connected to one another by means of coupling / connecting elements, particularly in the area of ​​side edges across the height of the respective bar mesh fence unit. This results in the aforementioned advantages, especially with regard to advantageous installation in the field. Optionally, the coupling / connecting elements are embedded in the ground; for example, only the coupling / connecting elements are embedded in the ground, and the bar mesh fence units rest on the ground.

[0028] The aforementioned problem is also solved by a method according to the corresponding dependent method claim, namely by a method for producing a hardened bar steel mesh fence unit for a bar steel mesh fence, in particular a hardened bar steel mesh fence unit according to the present disclosure, wherein thermally hardenable steel wire laid to form a bar steel mesh with intersecting steel wire sections bonded together is provided as a semi-finished product, in particular as a mat-like semi-finished product;According to the inventive method, the semi-finished product is subjected to heat treatment and a corresponding thermal quenching process such that a hardened bar steel fence unit with at least a predefined minimum Rockwell hardness is formed, namely at least a Rockwell hardness of at least 45 HRC, preferably at least 50 HRC, at which the bar steel mesh is materially resistant to external influences by means of (tool) hardening below 45 HRC; in particular also during shaping during quenching (and / or immediately before) by the use of fixtures or similar holding devices, at least during quenching. This results in the aforementioned advantages, especially with regard to synergistic process aspects and variability concerning application-specific individualization of larger batches of fence units.

[0029] In other words, hardening prefabricated semi-finished products for bar mesh fences made of relatively low-alloy steel bars or wires, which are already joined, particularly welded, into mats of similar semi-finished products (dimensions e.g., 2 x 3 meters), offers the advantage of a comparatively simple implementation process without requiring significant modification of the semi-finished product or a complete redesign of the value chain before or after its provision. Hardening is advantageously achieved by heating to at least the austenitizing temperature and subsequent quenching. Suitable steels include, in particular, hardenable and weldable carbon-containing and / or low-alloy ferrous materials such as 22MNB5 (material no. 1.5528). Optionally, the surfaces can be protected by paint coating or passivation, e.g., zinc against corrosion.Heating can take place in stationary or continuous furnaces, into which the semi-finished products can be fed at least partially automatically. After heating, the heated semi-finished products are fed either individually or as a collection in stacks / packages into a quenching device, particularly at least partially automatically by means of a manipulator. After quenching, removal from the quenching device takes place at least partially automatically, particularly for post-treatment (if desired), packaging, and shipping. The furnace or heating technology can be, for example, fuel-based or electric, operated with process gas, ambient air, or a conditioned air atmosphere. Liquids, fluidized beds of minerals, gases, air, or cooled molds can serve as quenching media.

[0030] It has been shown that it is advantageous to predetermine or maintain the shape of the respective semi-finished product during quenching. Fixed and / or adjustable fixtures can be used for this purpose. For example, corner mats with adjustable angles or for stiffening beads are used.

[0031] It is understood that each fixture advantageously has the negative form of the geometry desired for the final fence unit. In this respect, the fixture is primarily intended for shaping from a functional point of view, and therefore not primarily relevant in the context of the measures described here for adjusting the material structure (especially the hard martensitic structure) that develops in the quenched or reshaped final fence unit.

[0032] Where the present disclosure refers to "creation," this refers in particular to the process engineering measures described herein for hardening the respective semi-finished product. Where the present disclosure refers to "manufacturing," this refers in particular to process engineering measures for providing a complete fence on site, based on the fence units hardened according to the invention.

[0033] According to one embodiment, at least one step of the hardening of the semi-finished product is carried out as a shape-giving or shape-preserving step, in particular by means of fixed and / or adjustable fixtures during quenching. This can, on the one hand, ensure that a certain dimensional tolerance is maintained, e.g., with regard to the alignment of the side edges of, for example, rectangular semi-finished products. On the other hand, the hardening process itself can be used to give the semi-finished products an individual, possibly application-specific, defined / definable geometry, in particular with regard to reinforcement areas, e.g., at a predetermined (installation) height, e.g., at 0.5 m and 1.5 m of the intended installation height of the respective fence unit. Furthermore, the quenching process can be used to apply a specific shape to the semi-finished product at an advantageous time.to impart an application-specific geometry in a suitable state (thermally relatively soft) that it could otherwise only be obtained through forming processes, if at all, and then only in a comparatively complex manner. This ensures further synergistic effects, particularly from a process perspective, with a direct technical effect (here: of a structural or strength-related nature) for the unit produced in this way.

[0034] For example, beads, bends, or similar reinforcement areas are created by forming before heating, or in a designated fixture during quenching or shortly before. A combined process involving several individual hardening steps can also be implemented, particularly forming both shortly before and during quenching. This also facilitates the use of steel materials that cannot be easily formed in their unheated state.

[0035] According to one embodiment, at least one step of the hardening process of the semi-finished product includes shaping for the geometric design of at least one stiffening area with a two- or three-dimensional spatial orientation of the steel wire. In other words, the shaping can not only achieve a desired geometry but also allow for geometric variation, particularly in a process-advantageous situation. This also enables application-specific optimizations, for example, in size scaling with the advantageously individual implementation of locally specific stiffeners, e.g., in a lower region of the lattice structure (e.g., 0 to 2 m height), where external influence by humans would be particularly easy to implement.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the semi-finished product is formed from low-alloy steel wire, which is heated to at least the austenitizing temperature and subsequently quenched. The respective semi-finished product is handled individually or as an accumulation in stacks / packages, at least partially automatically, between individual steps of the hardening process. This is achieved in particular by controlling at least one manipulator according to a time-controlled sequence based on the heating curve and the quenching time and curve. This enables particularly precise control of the heat treatment process, and also allows for the advantageous implementation of an area-specific, individualized hardness distribution, especially by specifying predefinable movement paths for the manipulator or the respective steel mesh unit being handled.

[0037] The aforementioned task is also solved by a hardened

[0038] A bar steel mesh fence unit, manufactured by heat-treating a semi-finished product formed from at least one bar steel mesh made of thermally hardenable steel wire with intersecting, metallurgically bonded steel wire sections by heating to at least the austenitizing temperature and thermally quenching the semi-finished product accordingly, such that a hardened bar steel mesh fence unit with at least a predefined minimum Rockwell hardness of at least 45 HRC is formed with a bar steel mesh that is materially resistant to external influences by means of hardening below 45 HRC, wherein the thermal quenching includes shaping the bar steel mesh to geometrically define at least one stiffening area with a two- or three-dimensional spatial orientation of the steel wire; in particular manufactured by a method according to the present disclosure.Based on the aforementioned advantages, this also allows for the implementation of a comparatively streamlined measure with a noticeable increase in security level, without requiring fundamental changes to the individual steps of the value chain or the method of installing the fence units. Advantageously, low-alloy, surface-carbonized steel wire is used.

[0039] The aforementioned problem is also solved by a hardened steel mesh fence comprising a plurality of hardened steel mesh fence units according to the present disclosure, manufactured by forming a steel mesh fence assembly from a plurality of the hardened steel mesh fence units, in particular pairs of steel mesh fence units, wherein adjacent hardened steel mesh fence units are coupled or connected to one another by means of coupling / connecting means, in particular in the area of ​​side edges over the height of the respective steel mesh fence unit. Based on the aforementioned advantages, this also enables efficient installation in the field, in particular with hardened steel mesh fence units already prepared for use.

[0040] The aforementioned problem is also solved by a system comprising a steel mesh fence constructed from at least one or a plurality of steel mesh fence units according to the present disclosure, and at least one detector unit that is in or can be brought into metrological communication with this steel mesh fence and is equipped for detection, in particular for acoustically, thermally, optically, and / or positionally / acceleration-based detection, of an external influence on the steel mesh fence or of the presence of an object or individual at the steel mesh fence or in the area of ​​the corresponding steel mesh fence unit, in particular with the system equipped for triggering an (alarm) signal based on detected occurrences.Based on the aforementioned advantages, this also enables an even more streamlined method of monitoring security systems and sensitive areas, particularly with minimal personnel requirements. For example, several detector units are arranged along the fence at a distance from each other in such a way that they can communicate with each other and redundantly monitor themselves and the surrounding area.

[0041] The detector unit can include at least one sensor, in particular from the following group: optical and / or thermal sensor (first sensor type, e.g. infrared sensor), acoustic sensor (second sensor type), position / acceleration sensor (third sensor type).

[0042] The aforementioned problem is also solved by using a plurality of hardened bar steel mesh fence units according to the present disclosure to form a bar steel mesh fence network for the temporary or permanent demarcation of a public area such as an airport, a (sports) stadium, an event venue, or logistical transport routes such as highways or railway lines. This allows the aforementioned advantages to be realized, particularly with regard to significant synergistic effects along the value chain in the provision of security fences, especially for large areas.

[0043] The aforementioned problem is also solved by using semi-finished products made of surface-carburized, low-alloy steel wire (material) to produce a plurality of hardened bar mesh fence units according to the present disclosure, in particular to provide the plurality of hardened bar mesh fence units for forming a bar mesh fence assembly or bar mesh fence. This also provides cost and manufacturing advantages, in particular with regard to both the material bond / welding (process relating to the semi-finished product) and the advantageously tough core of the steel wire (material) and very hard surface layer after hardening (advantageous material properties relating to the hardened fence unit), especially with regard to the aforementioned advantages.

[0044] Summary: Ensuring a high level of security, particularly with regard to burglary or damage, is currently quite complex for fences, especially for large areas. A steel mesh fence unit is provided, consisting of steel wire laid in at least one steel mesh, wherein the steel wire runs in several spatial directions, with intersecting steel wire sections being bonded together to form a semi-finished product. According to the invention, the steel mesh is formed by steel wire made of thermally hardenable steel, wherein the steel mesh fence unit is a hardened steel mesh fence unit with a predefined minimum Rockwell hardness, which is produced by hardening the semi-finished product to at least one hardness, namely at least a Rockwell hardness of at least 45 HRC, such that the steel mesh is materially resistant to external influences by means of hardening processes below 45 HRC.This allows a very effective result to be achieved through a process measure on the semi-finished product at an early stage of the value chain, thus eliminating the need for extensive additional equipment-related measures. The present invention also relates to a composite or barbed wire fence formed from such barbed wire fence units, as well as a system consisting of a composite or fence and at least one detector unit. The present invention also relates to corresponding methods and uses. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0045] The invention is described in more detail in the following drawings, whereby reference numerals not explicitly described in a particular drawing are made to the other drawings. They show: Figure 1 in perspective view a bar steel mesh fence unit according to an exemplary embodiment; Figure 2In side view, a mat-like semi-finished product prepared for hardening to create a bar steel mesh fence unit according to exemplary embodiments; Figure 3 Side view of process engineering components and steps of a method according to an embodiment for producing hardened bar steel mesh fence units according to embodiments; Figure 4 In a slightly distorted perspective view, a large area with hardened steel mesh fence units installed around it according to exemplary designs; Figure 5 Steps of a method according to exemplary embodiments for producing hardened bar steel mesh fence units according to exemplary embodiments; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0046] The invention is first described by general reference to all reference numerals and

[0047] Figures are explained. Special features or individual aspects, or aspects of the present invention that are clearly visible / representable in the respective figure, are addressed individually in connection with the respective figure.

[0048] A steel mesh fence unit 10 is provided, which is formed from steel wire 11 laid in at least one steel mesh 12, wherein the steel wire 11 runs in several spatial directions, with intersecting steel wire sections 12.1 being bonded together to form a semi-finished product 13; the steel mesh 12 is formed from steel wire made of thermally hardenable steel, wherein the steel mesh fence unit 10 is a hardened steel mesh fence unit with a predefined minimum Rockwell hardness, which is produced by hardening the semi-finished product 13 to at least one hardness, namely to at least one Rockwell hardness of at least 45HRC, such that the steel mesh 12 is materially resistant to external influences by means of hardening less than 45HRC.Such bar steel mesh fence units 10 can together form a bar steel mesh fence assembly 40, in which the individual bar steel mesh fence units 10 are connected to each other in particular in pairs by means of coupling / connecting means 41, in particular comprising a support or a post (e.g. steel post embedded in concrete), in order to e.g. enclose and secure a public area 1 such as airport premises.

[0049] Advantageously, the semi-finished products 13 are supplied in the form of steel mesh mats. For example, the steel wires 11 are laid such that the fence unit has free lateral ends 12.5 and / or free upper and / or lower ends 12.7. Crossing steel wire sections can be connected to each other, for example, at bonded connection points 12.3.

[0050] Advantageously, the entire fence unit 10 is hardened. The hardening process described here allows for the optional realization of first (spatial) areas 13a with specific first hardness and second (spatial) areas 13b with specific second hardness (at least one area in each case), e.g., edge areas of the respective mat. The hardening process can also be advantageously used to introduce stiffening areas 14, in particular stiffening ribs, e.g., by forming them during a single heat treatment phase.

[0051] The hardening process can be carried out, for example, in a hardening plant 20, comprising a furnace 21 (stationary furnace or continuous furnace), in particular for austenitizing, with a furnace heating unit 21.1 or furnace heating media and a furnace hearth 21.3 with rollers (alternatively: other conveying means such as chains or walking beams), and with at least one manipulator 22, one or more fixtures 23, fixed or adjustable (e.g., corner mats with adjustable angles or beads), a quenching device 24, advantageously equipped with at least one cooled (negative) mold 24.1, and optionally also further handling means such as robots for feeding and / or removing the semi-finished products or the finished product before / during / after the respective step.

[0052] A method for producing such a hardened bar steel fence unit 10 for a bar steel fence is also provided, wherein a thermally hardenable steel wire 11 with intersecting, metallurgically bonded steel wire sections 12.1 is provided as a semi-finished product 13, wherein the semi-finished product 13 is subjected to a heat treatment S1 and a thermal quenching S3, S4 adapted thereto in or by means of a quenching medium M, such that a hardened bar steel fence unit 10 with at least a predefined minimum Rockwell hardness is formed, namely at least a Rockwell hardness of at least 45HRC, preferably at least 50HRC, at which the bar steel mesh 12 is materially resistant to external influences by means of hardening below 45HRC.In particular, the hardening process can comprise the following steps, which can be at least partially automated: optional initial preparation step S0: providing the semi-finished product (mat); first step S1: heating; second step S2: handling; further step S3: fixing; step S4, which is particularly important for hardening: quenching; optional further step S5: post-treatment, packaging, shipping. The movement path and / or the dwell time of the respective fence unit or a stack of fence units can be specified for each step by means of a control unit 50, and the control unit 50 can also control the individual system components.

[0053] A steel mesh (security) fence 100 formed from the bar steel mesh fence units 10 or the corresponding assembly 40 can be equipped with a detector unit 30, in particular comprising at least one sensor from the following group: first sensor type 31, e.g. optical and / or thermal; second sensor type 32, e.g. acoustic; third sensor type 33, e.g. position / acceleration sensor.

[0054] The following section explains special features of the invention with reference to individual figures or embodiments.

[0055] In Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a fence unit 10 with stiffening areas 14 extending substantially orthogonally to the vertically extending steel wire sections 12.1. The stiffening areas are shown in Figure 10. Fig. 1The first and second areas 13a, 13b of specific hardness indicated are to be understood as exemplary illustrations, and may therefore also be provided in other areas of the respective fence unit 10.

[0056] In Fig. 2 A mat-like semi-finished product 13 is shown, in which steel wire sections running at least approximately orthogonally to each other are connected to one another in material-bonded connection areas. In this state, the Fig. 1 The indicated stiffening areas are advantageously not yet, or at least not yet completely, executed. In this way, the final shape can also be defined within the framework of the hardening process described here. Fig. 2 Geometric reference points are also indicated: main extension plane Exz of a respective bar steel mesh fence unit, spatial directions x, y, z

[0057] In Fig. 3The steps or system components of a process for creating at least one fence unit described here are illustrated. Fig. 3 The indicated device 23, 24.1 can represent both a fixative and a cooled (negative) mold. Alternatively or additionally, fixatives 23 can also be provided by means of the manipulator 22.

[0058] In Fig. 4 An installation in the field is illustrated. Several fence units 10 form a network 40, from which a security fence 100 comprising at least one detector unit 30 can be formed, e.g. to secure an area 1.

[0059] In Fig. 5The steps of a procedure for producing at least one fence unit described here are illustrated. With steps S1 (heating) and S4 (quenching), and optionally also step S3 (fixing), the material properties, especially the hardness, can be specified relatively precisely. From a procedural perspective, the hardness can also be influenced by at least one handling step, S2, for example, if different local hardness zones are to be created for each fence unit. The in Fig. 5The indicated diamond-shaped fields between the individual steps illustrate optional control / regulation measures, in particular specified by a control unit 50 (optional, therefore set in brackets (50)), e.g. regarding the movement path and the displacement time of a manipulator, whereby the person skilled in the art can provide an application-specific implementation depending on the material, quantity of units, quenching medium, use of fixtures, any desired area-specific hardness distribution and / or stiffenings and similar parameters. Reference symbol list

[0060] 1 Public area, e.g., airport grounds 10 Steel mesh fence unit 11 Steel wire made of hardened steel with a Rockwell hardness of at least 45 HRC 12 Steel mesh 12.1 Steel wire section 12.3 Bonded connection point / area 12.5 Free side end 12.7 Free top or bottom end 13 Mat (semi-finished product) 13a First (spatial) area of ​​the mat, with specific first hardness 13b Second (spatial) area of ​​the mat, with specific second hardness 14 Stiffening area, in particular stiffening bead 20 Hardening plant 21 Furnace, in particular for austenitizing 21.1 Furnace heating unit or furnace heating medium 21.3 Furnace hearth with rollers 22 Manipulator 23 Fixing, fixed or adjustable 24 Quenching device 24.1 Cooled (negative) mold 30 Detector unit 31. First sensor type, e.g., optical and / or thermal; 32. Second sensor type, e.g., acoustic; 33. Third sensor type, e.g.Position / acceleration sensor 40 Reinforced steel mesh fence assembly 41 Coupling / connecting means, in particular comprising a support or a post 50 Control unit 100 Reinforced steel mesh (security) fence Exz Main extension plane of a reinforced steel mesh fence unit 50 Initial preparation step: Providing the semi-finished product (mat) S1 First step: Heating S2 Second step: Handling S3 Further step: Fixing S4 Step particularly important for hardening: Quenching S5 Post-treatment, packaging and shipping M Quenching medium x, y, z Spatial directions.

Claims

1. Steel mesh fence unit (10) formed from steel wire (11) laid to form at least one steel mesh (12), wherein the steel wire (11) runs in several spatial directions, wherein intersecting steel wire sections (12.1) are joined together to form a semi-finished product (13), in particular welded together to form a mat-like semi-finished product; characterized by the fact that the steel mesh (12) is formed by steel wire made of thermally hardenable steel, wherein the steel mesh fence unit (10) is a hardened steel mesh fence unit with a predefined minimum Rockwell hardness, which is produced by hardening the semi-finished product (13) to at least one hardness, namely to at least one Rockwell hardness of at least 45HRC, such that the steel mesh (12) is materially resistant to external influences by means of hardening less than 45HRC.

2. Bar steel mesh fence unit (10) according to claim 1, wherein the hardened bar steel mesh fence unit (10) is produced by hardening the steel wire (11) of the semi-finished product (13) to at least a Rockwell hardness of at least 50HRC, wherein at least one hardening step is a shaping or shape-preserving step.

3. Bar steel mesh fence unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hardened bar steel mesh fence unit (10) is produced by area-specific hardening of the semi-finished product to at least two different Rockwell hardnesses of at least 45HRC, e.g. a first area (13a) of the semi-finished product (13) with a Rockwell hardness of at least 50HRC and a second area (13b) of the semi-finished product (13) with a Rockwell hardness of at least 55HRC, wherein at least one of the Rockwell hardnesses is greater than 50HRC, preferably greater than 55HRC, more preferably greater than 60HRC, e.g. 65HRC.

4. Steel mesh fence unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the steel wire (11) is laid in a mat-like manner in at least two spatial directions, in particular with steel wire sections (12.1) extending at least approximately orthogonally to each other in a principal extension plane (Exz), in particular vertically and horizontally, wherein the hardened steel mesh fence unit (10) has at least one stiffening area (14) which extends obliquely to the principal extension plane (Exz).

5. Steel mesh fence unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hardened steel mesh fence unit (10) has at least one stiffening area (14) in which the steel wire (11) extends two- or three-dimensionally, in particular at least one stiffening rib which is formed for each steel wire (11) by a protrusion projecting from the fence plane and extends substantially horizontally over substantially vertically oriented adjacent steel wires (11) of the steel mesh fence unit (10).

6. Bar steel mesh fence unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hardened bar steel mesh fence unit (10) is formed from a bar steel mesh in a configuration consisting of only a single layer.

7. A bar steel mesh fence assembly (40) made of a plurality of hardened bar steel mesh fence units (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein adjacent hardened bar steel mesh fence units (10) are coupled or connected to each other by means of coupling / connecting means (41), in particular in the area of ​​side edges over the height of the respective bar steel mesh fence unit.

8. Method for producing a hardened steel mesh fence unit (10) for a steel mesh fence, in particular a hardened steel mesh fence unit (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein thermally hardenable steel wire (11) laid to a steel mesh (12) with intersecting steel wire sections (12.1) being bonded together is provided as a semi-finished product (13), in particular as a mat-like semi-finished product; thereby characterizedt, that the semi-finished product (13) is subjected to a heat treatment (S1) and a thermal quenching (S3, S4) adapted to it, such that a hardened bar steel mesh fence unit (10) with at least a predefined minimum Rockwell hardness is formed, namely at least a Rockwell hardness of at least 45HRC, preferably at least 50HRC, in which the bar steel mesh (12) is materially resistant to external influences by means of hardening less than 45HRC.

9. Method according to the preceding method claim, wherein at least one step of hardening the semi-finished product (13) is carried out as a shaping or shape-preserving step, in particular by means of fixed and / or adjustable fixtures (23) during quenching; and / or wherein at least one step of hardening the semi-finished product (13) comprises a shaping for the geometric design of at least one stiffening area (14) with a two- or three-dimensional spatial orientation of the steel wire (11).

10. Method according to one of the preceding method claims, wherein the semi-finished product (13) is formed from low-alloy steel wire (11) which is heated to at least austenitizing temperature and subsequently quenched, wherein the respective semi-finished product (13) is handled individually or as an accumulation in stacks / packages at least partially automatically between individual steps (S1, S3, S4, S5) of the hardening process.

11. Hardened bar steel mesh fence unit (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, produced by heat treatment (S1) of a bar steel mesh (12) made of thermally hardenable steel wire (11) with intersecting steel wire sections (12) that are bonded together.1) formed semi-finished product (13) by heating to at least austenitizing temperature and thermally quenching (S3, S4) of the semi-finished product (13) such that a hardened bar steel mesh fence unit (10) with at least a predefined minimum Rockwell hardness of at least 45HRC is formed with a bar steel mesh (12) that is resistant to external influences by means of hardening below 45HRC, wherein the thermal quenching comprises shaping the bar steel mesh (12) for the geometric design of at least one stiffening area (14) with a two- or three-dimensional spatial orientation of the steel wire (11); in particular produced by a method according to one of the preceding method claims.

12. Hardened steel mesh fence comprising a plurality of hardened steel mesh fence units (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, manufactured by forming a steel mesh fence assembly (40) from a plurality of the hardened steel mesh fence units (10), in particular in pairs, wherein adjacent hardened steel mesh fence units (10) are coupled or connected to each other by means of coupling / connecting means (41), in particular in the area of ​​side edges over the height of the respective steel mesh fence unit.

13. System (50) comprising a steel mesh fence constructed from at least one or a plurality of steel mesh fence units (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6 and at least one detector unit (30) that is in or can be brought into metrological communication with this steel mesh fence and is equipped for detection, in particular for acoustically, thermally, optically, and / or positionally / accelerationally based detection, of an external influence on the steel mesh fence or of the presence of an object or individual at the steel mesh fence or in the area of ​​the corresponding steel mesh fence unit.

14. Use of a plurality of hardened bar steel mesh fence units (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 for forming a bar steel mesh fence assembly (40) for temporarily blocking off or permanently demarcating a public area (1) such as an airport, a (sports) stadium, an event venue, logistical transport routes such as motorways or railway tracks.

15. Use of semi-finished products made of surface-carburized low-alloy steel wire for producing a plurality of hardened bar steel mesh fence units (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in particular for providing the plurality of hardened bar steel mesh fence units for forming a bar steel mesh fence assembly (40) or bar steel mesh fence.

Images