Gate device

Abstract

To provide a gate device that hardly allows any restriction to occur in installed position due to opening closing action.SOLUTION: A gate 1 is a device for opening and closing a passage and includes a bar 2 and a support part 3. The support part 3 supports a base end part of the bar 2. The support part 3 derrickably and turnably supports the bar 2. The bar 2 is in a fixed position which is substantially horizontal at a prescribed height when the passage is closed. The support part 3 restricts a range where the bar 2 is derrickable to be above the fixed position, and restricts a range where the bar 2 is turnable to be on one side of the fixed position. When the bar 2 is raised, the support part 3 generates energizing force for the bar 2 to return to the fixed position as well as suppresses speed for the bar 2 to return to the fixed position. When the bar 2 is turned, the support part 3 generates energizing force for the bar 2 to return to the fixed position as well as suppresses speed for the bar 2 to return the fixed position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gate device for opening and closing a passageway. [Background technology]

[0002] Level crossings (railroad crossing roads) are classified into types 1 to 4 depending on the level crossing safety devices they are equipped with. Type 1 crossings are equipped with automatic barriers (level crossing barriers that open and close automatically). Type 3 crossings are equipped with level crossing warning devices. Type 4 crossings are equipped with neither automatic barriers nor level crossing warning devices. There are currently no type 2 crossings. Type 4 crossings account for a high proportion of accidents at level crossings. However, it is not easy to gain local consent for fundamental measures such as abolishing or upgrading type 4 crossings.

[0003] As a safety measure for Class 4 railroad crossings, a gate device that urges pedestrians to stop temporarily is known (see Patent Document 1). This conventional gate device has a mechanism that allows pedestrians to pass by pushing open a movable arm horizontally. When the movable arm is pushed to enter the railroad crossing, it approaches the track side. For this reason, the movable arm needs to be spaced at least 5 m away from the center of the track so as not to interfere with the construction clearance of the railway, and there are some places where a gate device cannot be installed due to local conditions, such as obstructing the road. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-114506 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention is devised to solve the above problems, and has an object to provide a gate device in which the installation position is less likely to be restricted by opening and closing operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The gate device of the present invention is a device for opening and closing an passage, and comprises a long bar for opening and closing the passage, and a support part for supporting the base end of the bar, the support part supports the bar so that it can be raised and lowered and swiveled, and when the passage is closed, the bar is in a fixed position that is approximately horizontal at a predetermined height, the support part limits the range in which the bar can be raised and lowered to above the fixed position and limits the range in which the bar can swivel to one side of the fixed position, when the bar is raised, the support part generates a biasing force to return the bar to the fixed position and suppresses the speed at which the bar returns to the fixed position, and when the bar is swiveled, the support part generates a biasing force to return the bar to the fixed position and suppresses the speed at which the bar returns to the fixed position.

[0007] The gate device preferably has a support for fixing the support portion at a predetermined height.

[0008] In this gate device, it is preferable that the support portion has a fixed portion fixed at a predetermined height, a swiveling portion supported by the fixed portion, and a raising and lowering portion supported by the swiveling portion, the swiveling portion being swivellable relative to the fixed portion, the undulating portion being raiseable and lowerable relative to the swiveling portion, and the base end of the bar being attached to the undulating portion.

[0009] In this gate device, it is preferable that the support portion has two self-closing function devices, one of which is connected between the raising and lowering portion and the rotating portion, generating a biasing force to return the raised bar to its original position and suppressing the speed at which the bar returns to its original position, and the other self-closing function device is connected between the rotating portion and the fixed portion, generating a biasing force to return the rotated bar to its original position and suppressing the speed at which the bar returns to its original position.

[0010] In this gate apparatus, each of the automatic closing function devices is preferably a door closer.

[0011] In this gate device, it is preferable that the gate device is provided at a railroad crossing, and the passage can be opened by either lifting the bar or pushing it in the direction of exiting the railroad crossing. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the gate device of the present invention, the bar closes the passageway at a fixed position, so the gate device closes the passageway in a steady state. The speed at which the bar returns to the fixed position is suppressed, so when the passageway is opened, time is ensured for pedestrians to pass through. The range in which the bar can rotate is limited to one side of the fixed position, so it does not rotate to the other side, and the gate device is less likely to have restrictions on its installation position due to opening and closing operations. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a gate apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the range within which the bar in the gate device can rotate. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of a support portion in the gate device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] A gate device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3. As shown in Fig. 1, the gate device 1 is a device for opening and closing a passage. The gate device 1 includes a bar 2 and a support portion 3. The bar 2 is a long member for opening and closing the passage. The support portion 3 supports a base end portion of the bar 2.

[0015] In this embodiment, the gate device 1 has a support pillar 4. The support pillar 4 is a pillar erected on the ground, and fixes the support part 3 at a predetermined height. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the support pillar 4 has a bent shape due to the convenience of the site, buried objects, etc. The support pillar 4 may be straight. The shape of the support pillar 4 may be a cylinder or a rectangular pillar. The lower end of the support pillar 4 is underground and has a base part 41 larger than the diameter of the support pillar 4. Note that if there is something near the gate device 1 to which the support part 3 can be fixed, the support pillar 4 may be omitted.

[0016] The gate device 1 has a display board 5 on the upper part of the support post 4. The display board 5 displays warnings and instructions on how to pass through to pedestrians using text or pictograms.

[0017] In this embodiment, the diameter of the bar 2 is approximately the same as that of the barrier of a railroad crossing gate, and is less affected by wind. The material of the bar 2 is the same FRP as the barrier, and has a proven track record of durability. The color of the bar 2 is a color that provides good visibility, such as orange. To improve visibility at night, a reflective material or phosphorescent tape may be attached to the bar 2.

[0018] The support portion 3 supports the bar 2 so that it can rise and fall and turn. When the passage is closed, the bar 2 is in a fixed position that is approximately horizontal and at a predetermined height (bar 2 shown by a solid line).

[0019] The movement of bar 2 rising and falling is rotation in an up and down direction around its base end. When bar 2 is raised, it rotates upwards, with the tip end becoming higher (bar 2 shown by the two-dot chain line). The movement of bar 2 turning is rotation in a horizontal direction around its base end. When bar 2 turns, the tip end moves on a horizontal plane perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 1.

[0020] The support part 3 limits the range in which the bar 2 can rise and fall to the upper side with respect to a fixed position (approximately horizontal). As shown in Figure 2, the support part 3 limits the range in which the bar 2 can turn to one side with respect to the fixed position (the range indicated by the circular arrow).

[0021] The support part 3 has stoppers that limit the range in which the bar 2 can rise and fall and turn. The range in which the bar 2 can turn is, for example, the range toward the back in Fig. 1 and the upper side in Fig. 2 with respect to the fixed position. The bar 2 cannot move in the opposite range, that is, the range toward the front in Fig. 1 and the lower side in Fig. 2.

[0022] When the bar 2 is raised, the support portion 3 generates a biasing force to return the bar 2 to its home position and suppresses the speed at which the bar 2 returns to its home position (see FIG. 1). When the bar 2 is rotated, the support portion 3 generates a biasing force to return the bar 2 to its home position and suppresses the speed at which the bar 2 returns to its home position.

[0023] The configuration of the support part 3 will be described in detail. As shown in Fig. 3, the support part 3 has a fixed part 31, a swiveling part 32, and an undulating part 33. The fixed part 31 is fixed at a predetermined height. The swiveling part 32 is supported by the fixed part 31 and can swivel relative to the fixed part 31. The undulating part 33 is supported by the swiveling part 32 and can rise and fall relative to the swiveling part 32. The base end of the bar 2 is attached to the undulating part 33.

[0024] With this configuration, the support portion 3 supports the bar 2 so that it can rise and fall and swing.

[0025] The support section 3 has two automatic closing function devices 34, 35. The automatic closing function devices 34, 35 are devices that automatically close the bar 2. One automatic closing function device 34 is connected between the elevation section 33 and the swivel section 32, and generates a biasing force to return the raised bar 2 to its fixed position, while suppressing the speed at which the bar 2 returns to its fixed position. The other automatic closing function device 35 is connected between the swivel section 32 and the fixed section 31, and generates a biasing force to return the swiveled bar 2 to its fixed position, while suppressing the speed at which the bar 2 returns to its fixed position.

[0026] In this embodiment, the self-closing function devices 34, 35 are door closers. Door closers are specified in the Japanese Industrial Standards. The door closer is a self-closing function device used for swing doors (see JIS A4702). The door closer is a device that automatically closes a door by the combined action of a metal spring and buffer oil, among the metal fittings used for the doors of the openings of buildings (JIS A15010-3). The door closer has a speed adjustment valve and can adjust the closing speed (the speed at which the door closes) (JIS A15010-3).

[0027] The bar 2 rotates around its base end, similar to a swing door. The automatic closing function devices 34, 35 generate a biasing force that returns the bar 2 to its home position using the metal spring of the door closer. The automatic closing function devices 34, 35 suppress the speed at which the bar 2 returns to its home position using the action of buffer oil in the door closer. The speed at which the bar 2 returns to its home position (closing speed) is adjustable. The automatic closing function devices 34, 35 do not require a power source for operation, so the gate device 1 is free from electrical failures.

[0028] Door closers are a technology that has become highly reliable through widespread use. By using door closers as the self-closing function devices 34 and 35, the gate device 1 can shorten the development period, reduce costs, and improve reliability.

[0029] As described above, according to the gate device 1 of this embodiment, the bar 2 closes the passage at a fixed position, so the gate device 1 closes the passage in a steady state (see FIG. 1). Because the speed at which the bar 2 returns to the fixed position is suppressed, time is ensured for pedestrians to pass when the passage is opened. Because the range in which the bar 2 can rotate is limited to one side of the fixed position, it does not rotate to the other side, and the gate device 1 is less likely to have restrictions on its installation position due to opening and closing operations.

[0030] The main applications of the gate device 1 will now be described. In this embodiment, the gate device 1 is installed at a railroad crossing (class 4 railroad crossing). For this reason, the gate device 1 is also called a railroad crossing gate. Passengers at the railroad crossing where the gate device 1 is installed are pedestrians, cyclists, or motorcycle riders. The gate device 1 opens the passage by either lifting the bar 2 or pushing the bar 2 in the direction of exiting the railroad crossing.

[0031] Since bar 2 of gate device 1 closes the passage in a fixed position, pedestrians stop briefly in front of bar 2. In other words, bar 2 prompts them to stop. After checking that no trains are approaching, pedestrians lift bar 2 of gate device 1 and enter the crossing. At crossings with crossing gates (class 1 crossings), the barrier moves up and down, so there is no sense of incongruity in the direction in which bar 2 is lifted at the crossing. When the pedestrian releases his or her hands from bar 2, bar 2 slowly descends to close the passage again.

[0032] Even if a pedestrian pushes the bar 2 to enter the railroad crossing, the bar 2 does not rotate and does not approach the track side. Therefore, the gate device 1 can be set close to the track without interfering with the construction gauge.

[0033] To exit the crossing, the pedestrian similarly lifts bar 2. When the pedestrian releases bar 2, bar 2 slowly descends to close the passage again.

[0034] Pedestrians can also exit the crossing by pushing bar 2. When bar 2 is pushed in the direction of exiting the crossing, it swings horizontally to open the passage. At a crossing with a crossing gate, if a pedestrian becomes trapped inside the crossing, he or she can escape by pushing the barrier, which will rise diagonally upwards. Since gate device 1 allows pedestrians to exit by pushing bar 2, it is possible to exit the crossing in the same way as a crossing with a crossing gate. When the pedestrian stops pushing bar 2, bar 2 swings slowly to close the passage again. EXAMPLES

[0035] As an example of this embodiment, a test was conducted to confirm the effectiveness of a gate device 1 (railroad crossing gate) that was installed at a railroad crossing. The test location was Higashihirahara No. 4 railroad crossing (Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture) between Ino Station and Iwanami Station on the Ube Line. This railroad crossing is a Class 4 railroad crossing, and only pedestrians, bicycles, and motorcycles (mopeds) are allowed to use it, and a traffic volume survey showed a traffic volume of 17 passengers / vehicle. The gate device 1 was installed at this railroad crossing for the purpose of the test. It was found that construction, including the installation of the support pillars 4, could be completed in a short time of about two hours by a small team of two to three workers.

[0036] A sensor camera was installed at this crossing. For comparison, the sensor camera captured images of pedestrians' behavior before the installation of Gate Device 1. Then, for about one month from October 27, 2022, the sensor camera captured images of pedestrians' behavior after the installation of Gate Device 1.

[0037] The captured images were analyzed. Before the installation of gate device 1, the rate at which pedestrians stopped temporarily at railroad crossings was 40%. After the installation of gate device 1, the rate of stopping temporarily increased to 95%. The effect of gate device 1 in improving the rate of stopping temporarily at railroad crossings was confirmed. This effect was equal to or greater than that of the gate device described in Patent Document 1.

[0038] After gate device 1 was installed, the breakdown of pedestrians was 146 pedestrians, 44 bicycles, and 3 motorcycles (mopeds). Regarding the behavior of pedestrians when entering the crossing, 93% (136 people) of pedestrians stopped briefly and lifted bar 2. Only one pedestrian stopped briefly and pulled open bar 2. 6% (9 people) of pedestrians passed by bar 2 without stopping. 100% (44 bicycles) of bicycles stopped briefly and the pedestrians lifted bar 2. 100% (3 motorcycles) of motorcycles stopped briefly and the pedestrians lifted bar 2. In other words, gate device 1 was able to reliably bring bicycles and motorcycles to a temporary halt.

[0039] The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the gate device 1 may be provided at a place other than a railroad crossing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 1 Gate device 2 Bar 3 Support part 31 Fixed part 32 Swivel section 33 Relief 34, 35 Self-closing function device 4 pillars

Claims

1. A gate device for opening and closing a passage, A long bar for opening and closing the passageway; a support portion for supporting a base end portion of the bar, The support portion supports the bar so that the bar can rise and fall and turn, When the bar closes the passage, the bar is in a fixed position at a predetermined height and substantially horizontal, A gate device characterized in that the support portion limits the range in which the bar can be raised and lowered upward relative to the fixed position, and limits the range in which the bar can be rotated to one side relative to the fixed position.

2. Installed at railroad crossings, 2. The gate device according to claim 1, wherein the passage is opened by either lifting the bar or pushing it in the direction of exiting the railroad crossing.

3. 2. The gate device according to claim 1, wherein when the bar is rotated, the support generates a biasing force that returns the bar to the home position.

4. A gate device as described in Claim 3, characterized in that the support portion suppresses the speed at which the bar returns to the fixed position.

5. 2. The gate device according to claim 1, wherein the support portion generates a biasing force that returns the bar to the fixed position when the bar is raised.

6. A gate device as described in Claim 5, characterized in that the support portion suppresses the speed at which the bar returns to the fixed position.

7. 2. The gate device according to claim 1, further comprising a support for fixing the support portion at a predetermined height.

8. the support portion has a fixed portion fixed at a predetermined height, a swiveling portion supported by the fixed portion, and an undulating portion supported by the swiveling portion, the pivoting portion is pivotable relative to the fixed portion, the undulating portion is capable of rising and falling relative to the swiveling portion, 2. The gate device according to claim 1, wherein the base end of the bar is attached to the undulating portion.

9. The support portion has two self-closing function devices, One of the self-closing function devices is connected between the elevation section and the swivel section, generates a biasing force to return the raised bar to the fixed position, and suppresses the speed at which the bar returns to the fixed position, The gate device described in claim 8, characterized in that the other self-closing function device is connected between the rotating part and the fixed part, generates a biasing force to return the rotated bar to its original position, and suppresses the speed at which the bar returns to its original position.

10. 10. The gate apparatus according to claim 9, wherein each of the self-closing function devices is a door closer.

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