Fender material

Abstract

Durability of fenders SOLUTION: The fender 10 includes a core rod 11 having mooring metal fittings 23,24 at both ends, a foam 12 provided around the core rod 11, and a coating layer 13 covering the foam 12. Here, the core rod 11 is divided into a plurality of divided pieces (11c1, 11c2, 11c3) along the axial direction. The foam 12 has a shape reduced in diameter toward both sides in the axial direction at both end parts in the axial direction. In the core rod 11, divided pieces 11c2, 11c3 positioned on both sides in the axial direction are provided with housing parts 2122, for housing end parts in the axial direction of the foam 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fender. [Background technology]

[0002] Floating-type fenders can be broadly divided into two types: pneumatic fenders filled with air, and foam fenders made of foam. They are used for berthing ships and mooring ships together. Pneumatic fenders utilize the compressible elasticity of air and are therefore resistant to performance changes caused by repeated compression. Foam fenders do not require maintenance such as maintaining air pressure and are easy to manage. Foam fenders are disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 57-074419. This publication discloses a fender in which a core made of elastic foam is covered with a rubber outer skin. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 57-074419 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, pneumatic fenders require tedious maintenance such as controlling the internal pressure, and there is a risk of them bursting if the surface layer deteriorates due to repeated compression. When conventional foam fenders are compressed, the internal foam deforms, placing stress on the coating layer, particularly near the mooring fittings. Repeated compression can damage the coating layer, posing durability issues. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The fender disclosed here comprises a mandrel with mooring fittings at both ends, a foam body provided around the mandrel, and a coating layer covering the foam body. Here, the mandrel is divided into a plurality of segments along the axial direction, the foam has a shape at both axial ends that tapers toward both sides in the axial direction, and the segments located on both axial sides of the mandrel have accommodation portions that accommodate the axial ends of the foam.

[0006] With this fender, the axial ends of the foam are accommodated in the accommodation sections fixed to the segments located on both axial sides of the mandrel during compressive deformation, which makes the coating layer less susceptible to damage from repeated compression and provides good durability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a fender 10. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the fender 10, with an axial end portion enlarged. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the fender 10. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded view showing an example of the structure of the end portion of the mandrel 11. As shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The fender disclosed herein will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Each drawing is a schematic representation and does not necessarily reflect the actual product. Furthermore, each drawing shows only an example and does not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, members and parts that perform the same function are appropriately designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted.

[0009] <Fender 10> 1 is a cross-sectional view of a fender 10. The fender 10 comprises a mandrel 11, a foam 12, and a coating layer 13.

[0010] <Mandrel 11> The mandrel 11 is a rod provided with mooring fittings 23, 24 at both ends. The mandrel 11 is divided into a plurality of segments along its axial direction. As shown in FIG. 1, the mandrel 11 is disposed at the center of the fender 10, and FIG. 1 shows a cross section of the fender 10 along the axial direction of the mandrel 11. In this embodiment, the mandrel 11 includes a circular tube 11c and a chain 11d, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0011] <Circular tube 11c> The circular pipe 11c is a hollow cylindrical pipe material. FIG. 1 illustrates a cross section of the circular pipe 11c along its axial direction. In this embodiment, the circular pipe 11c is a pipe divided into multiple sections in the axial direction. More specifically, the circular pipe 11c is composed of a central pipe 11c1 constituting an intermediate section in the axial direction and end pipes 11c2 and 11c3 constituting both ends in the axial direction. In this embodiment, both ends of the central pipe 11c1 and the ends of the end pipes 11c2 and 11c3 are intersected along straight lines perpendicular to the axial direction. At boundary portions 16 and 17 at both ends of the central pipe 11c1, the end of the central pipe 11c1 and the end of the end pipes 11c2 and 11c3 are configured so that their surfaces meet. Note that in this embodiment, the circular pipe 11c is divided into multiple sections, but is not limited to this. The circular pipe 11c may also be composed of a pipe with a two-layer structure. One tube may guide the other tube, and the entire tube may have a double-tube structure that is expandable and contractible in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the circular tube 11c is divided into three tubes. The axial positions of the boundary portions 16 and 17 may correspond to the reduced diameter portion 12a of the foam 12, as shown in FIG. 1, or may correspond to the middle portion of the foam 12. In either case, the axial positions of the boundary portions 16 and 17 are preferably symmetrical with respect to the center position in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the circular tube 11c is divided into three tubes. The structure of the circular tube 11c is not limited to this, and the circular tube 11c may be divided into two tubes at the center position in the axial direction.

[0012] Cup-shaped container members 21, 22 recessed toward the center in the axial direction are fixedly disposed at both ends of the circular pipe 11c. Furthermore, mooring fittings 23, 24 are fixed to both ends of the circular pipe 11c. The mooring fittings 23, 24 have flange portions 23a, 24a that expand in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and mooring pieces 23b, 24b that extend outward along the axial direction. Holes 23c, 24c are formed in the mooring pieces 23b, 24b to allow a rope or the like to pass through. The container members 21, 22 may be welded to both ends of the circular pipe 11c, for example.

[0013] <Chain 11d> The chain 11d is made of a metal chain with a series of circular rings. The chain 11d preferably has the required mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. In this embodiment, the chain 11d is made of a stainless steel chain. The chain 11d is threaded through the circular pipe 11c. Both ends 11d1 and 11d2 of the chain 11d are attached to both ends of the circular pipe 11c to which the mooring fittings 23 and 24 are fixed, respectively. For example, the chain 11d may be passed through the inside of the circular pipe 11c and directly connected to the connecting portions of the mooring fittings 23 and 24 attached to both ends of the circular pipe 11c via submerged shackles. The chain 11d may also pass through the center pipe 11c1 to connect the end pipes 11c2 and 11c3, and the retraction position relative to the circular pipe 11c is not limited to the form shown in FIG. 1. In the view shown in FIG. 1, although not shown, the connecting portions where both ends 11d1, 11d2 of the chain 11d are connected are provided inside bowl-shaped (cup-shaped) containing members 21, 22 attached to both ends of the circular pipe 11c.

[0014] When the fender 10 is compressed radially, it deforms and stretches in the axial direction. When the fender 10 deforms axially, the circular tube 11c stretches in the axial direction. The chain 11d has a required length to limit the length of the circular tube 11c. In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the length of the chain 11d is preferably longer than the length of the circular tube 11c when the circular tube 11c is short and the ends of the central tube 11c1 and the end tubes 11c2 and 11c3 are in contact with each other. For convenience of illustration, the chain 11d is shown in a straight, linear state. In reality, the chain 11d is in a slack state. The chain 11d is not limited to a stainless steel chain; it may be made of a wire or other material with a required tensile strength, so as to limit the length of the circular tube 11c. In this way, the end tubes 11c2 and 11c3 are connected by an extension restriction member, such as a chain 11d or a wire, that restricts the extension of the core 11 (circular tube 11c), thereby limiting the overall extension length of the circular tube 11c.

[0015] Thus, in this embodiment, the circular tube 11c is composed of multiple segments along the axial direction. Both ends of the circular tube 11c are connected by the chain 11d. This allows the mandrel 11 to extend to the length of the chain 11d accordingly, making it extensible. Furthermore, the circular tube 11c is exemplified as the mandrel 11. Unless otherwise specified, the outer shape of the mandrel 11 is not limited. In other words, the cross section of the mandrel 11 does not have to be circular, and may have a rectangular or angular cross section. Furthermore, the mandrel 11 is preferably a tubular body, but may also be a partially solid shaft material.

[0016] <Foam 12> The foam 12 is provided around the mandrel 11. In the axial direction of the mandrel 11, the middle portion of the foam 12 is cylindrical. The foam 12 has a shape that tapers toward both ends in the axial direction. In other words, the middle portion of the foam 12 is cylindrical, but the both ends of the foam 12 gradually taper toward both ends. Both ends of the foam 12 are housed in cup-shaped recesses 21a, 22a recessed toward the center in the axial direction of the housing members 21, 22 fixed to both ends of the mandrel 11.

[0017] Here, a general thermoplastic foam elastic material can be used for the foam 12. Examples of such thermoplastic resins include thermoplastic elastomers. Thermoplastic elastomers are materials that combine the properties of both thermoplastics and elastomers. They exhibit the processability of plastics while also exhibiting the excellent performance characteristics of rubber. Examples of thermoplastic elastomers include styrene block copolymers, thermoplastic polyolefins, thermoplastic polyurethanes, polyester-based thermoplastic elastomers, polyamide elastomers, dynamically crosslinked thermoplastic elastomers, polyvinyl chloride, acrylic elastomers, and bio-based thermoplastic elastomers. The fender 10 is floated on the sea. The foam 12 is preferably compressively deformed when a load is applied to the fender 10 and then recovers its shape when the load is removed. Therefore, it is desirable for the foam 12 to be able to tolerate compressive deformation and have corrosion resistance. The foam 12 preferably has a rebound resilience of 40% or more, more preferably 50% or more, and even more preferably 55% or more, as measured in accordance with JIS K6255.

[0018] The foam 12 may be prepared, for example, in a predetermined cylindrical shape with both ends tapered, with a cavity formed in the center of the foam 12 through which the mandrel 11 is inserted. In addition, in a large fender 10, the foam 12 may be divided into multiple members that are combined and integrated with an adhesive or the like to be molded into a predetermined shape. In addition, in this embodiment, the cross section of the foam 12 is circular, but the cross section of the foam 12 is not necessarily limited to a circular shape. Although not shown, for example, the foam 12 may have multiple projections and recesses in the circumferential direction, or may be a polyhedron.

[0019] <Coating layer 13> The coating layer 13 is a layer that covers the foam 12. The coating layer 13 is formed by applying a flexible paint resin to the foam 12. Examples of resins that can be used for the coating layer 13 include polyurea, polyurethane, and epoxy resin. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the coating layer 13 entirely covers the area between the flanges 23a, 24a provided on the mooring fittings 23, 24 at both axial ends of the mandrel 11.

[0020] The coating layer 13 is a layer that protects the outer surface of the foam 12, and from this perspective, it should have a required thickness. The diameter of both ends of the foam 12 gradually decreases toward both sides, and deformation is greater when the fender 10 is compressed and deformed. In this embodiment, the thickness of the coating layer 13 is greater at both ends of the foam 12 than at the middle part of the foam 12. The larger the fender 10, the greater the deformation of the foam 12. For this reason, the thickness of the coating layer 13 can also increase depending on the size of the fender 10, etc. The specific thickness of the coating layer 13 should be determined appropriately according to the size of the fender 10, the material used for the coating layer 13, etc.

[0021] The coating layer 13 is preferably a layer that is resistant to deterioration over time and cracks and damage in the fender 10, and from this perspective, it is preferable that it has the required weather resistance, flexibility, and abrasion resistance. Furthermore, if the coating layer 13 deteriorates over time, it may be peeled off from the foam 12 and repainted on the outer surface of the foam 12. This allows the fender 10 to be used for a long period of time. The coating layer 13 is preferably formed by painting (spraying) paint that will become the coating layer 13 on the outside of the foam 12 with the foam 12 attached in the axial direction of the mandrel 11.

[0022] <Reinforced fiber sheet 14> In this embodiment, a reinforcing fiber sheet 14 is disposed on the coating layer 13. The reinforcing fiber sheet 14 is made of fibers woven into a net shape. Fibers having a required strength can be used for the reinforcing fiber sheet 14. Examples of fibers used for the reinforcing fiber sheet 14 include aramid fibers and carbon fibers.

[0023] 1, the reinforcing fiber sheet 14 may be arranged, for example, at both axial ends of the foam 12 so as to partially cover the reduced diameter portion 12a of the foam 12. For example, the reinforcing fiber sheet 14 may be arranged on the coating layer 13 from the end (mooring fitting) of the coating layer 13 to a predetermined position in the axial direction where the diameter of the reduced diameter portion 12a of the foam 12 is 10 to 50% of the maximum outer diameter of the foam 12.

[0024] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the fender 10, with the axial end portion enlarged. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, a thick-walled disk-shaped member 11e is provided at the axial end portion of the mandrel 11 as a portion corresponding to the flange portion 23a of the mooring fitting 23 in the embodiment shown in Figure 1. The portion corresponding to the mooring pieces 23b, 24b is made up of locking fittings attached to the axial end portion of the mandrel 11. In this way, the structure of the axial end portion of the mandrel 11 is not limited to the above, and there are various other modified examples.

[0025] 2, the reinforcing fiber sheet 14 is arranged not only in the coating layer 13 of the reduced diameter portions 10b and 10c of the fender 10, but also in the intermediate portion 13a of the coating layer 13 in the axial direction of the mandrel 11. In this way, the reinforcing fiber sheet 14a arranged in the intermediate portion 13a of the coating layer 13 in the axial direction of the mandrel 11 may also be arranged in the intermediate portion 13a of the coating layer 13 in the axial direction of the mandrel 11. The reinforcing fiber sheet 14a arranged in the intermediate portion 13a of the coating layer 13 may be arranged in about 90% of the intermediate portion 13a of the coating layer 13, for example.

[0026] The reinforcing fiber sheets 14, 14a may cover the foam 12 continuously in the circumferential direction, or may be discontinuous in the circumferential direction. For example, the reinforcing fiber sheets 14, 14a may have gaps in the circumferential direction where they do not cover the coating layer 13, or they may cover the foam 12 intermittently. Furthermore, the reinforcing fiber sheets 14, 14a may have gaps in the axial direction where they do not cover the coating layer 13. Furthermore, the reinforcing fiber sheets 14, 14a are not necessary in cases where sufficient strength can be ensured with the coating layer 13 alone. Unless otherwise specified, the reinforcing fiber sheets 14, 14a may be omitted.

[0027] <Shape of fender> The fender 10 has a cylindrical middle portion 10a in the axial direction, and tapered portions 10b, 10c, each of which has a gradually tapered diameter. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the tapered portions 10b, 10c have a concave curved surface that tapers radially inward. The tapered portions 10b, 10c are not limited to this shape. For example, the tapered portions 10b, 10c may have a convex curved surface that bulges radially outward. The middle portion 10a may have a crown shape along the axial direction. Here, a crown shape is a shape with a curved surface in which the outer diameter is greatest at the center in the axial direction and decreases with increasing distance from the center. The fender 10 may also have an oval spherical shape overall. The entire fender 10 may be covered with a bag or mesh cover to prevent color transfer, etc.

[0028] <Deformation of fender 10> FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the fender 10. FIG. 3(a) shows the shape of the fender 10 before deformation. FIG. 3(b) shows the fender 10 in a compressed and deformed state. FIG. 3 schematically illustrates the axial extension of the fender 10 as it is compressed radially, based on the position of the end of the central tube 11c1 of the circular tube 11c of the mandrel 11. For convenience of illustration, the chain 11d is shown in a state stretched in a straight, linear fashion. In reality, the chain 11d is slack before the fender 10 is deformed (FIG. 3(a)). This allows the fender 10 to be compressed radially and extend axially. When the fender 10 extends axially (FIG. 3(b)), the chain 11d is stretched in a straight, linear fashion.

[0029] FIG. 4 is an exploded view showing an example of the structure of the end of the mandrel 11. Here, one end of the mandrel 11 is shown, but the other end has a similar structure. As shown in FIG. 4, a through-hole 21b through which a circular pipe 11c is inserted is formed at the bottom of a recess 21a of a cup-shaped container 21 that is recessed toward the center in the axial direction. The end of the circular pipe 11c is welded to the edge of the through-hole 21b of the container 21, slightly penetrating the bottom of the container 21. This secures the container 21 to the end of the circular pipe 11c. The flange 23a of the mooring fitting 23 includes a base 23a1, a lid 23a2 that fits over the base 23a1, and a bolt 23a3 that fastens the base 23a1 and the lid 23a2 together.

[0030] The base 23a1 is a plate-shaped member and has a recess 41 on one side thereof into which the end of the circular tube 11c fits. The recess 23a1 has a through-hole through which the chain 11d is inserted. A rotating shaft 11d3 is attached to the end 11d1 of the chain 11d via a sinking shackle 11d2. The rotating shaft 11d3 has a first end 31, a wide retaining plate portion 32, and a second end 33. The first end 31 has a connecting end 31a extending in the axial direction. The connecting end 31a has an attachment hole 31a1 to which the sinking shackle 11d1 attached to the end of the chain 11d is connected. The retaining plate portion 32 is a portion having a wide plate shape that is wider in the radial direction than the first end 31 and the second end 33. The second end 33 is provided on the opposite side to the side where the first end 31 is provided, and has a connecting end 33a extending in the axial direction. The opposite side surface of the base 23a1 is provided with a recess 42 that accommodates a rotating shaft 11d3 attached to the end of the chain 11d.

[0031] Then, with the rotating shaft 11d3 accommodated in the recess 42, the lid 23a2 is placed over the base 23a1 and attached to the base 23a1 with bolts 23a3. The lid 23a2 has a hole 45 through which the connecting end 33a of the second end 33 can be inserted, while preventing the retaining plate portion 32 of the rotating shaft 11d3 from falling out. The connecting end 33a of the second end 33 is provided with a connecting portion hole 33b to which a shackle 34 serving as an external connecting end is attached. In this manner, the shackle 34 is connected to the mandrel 11. Here, the other end of the mandrel 11 also has a structure similar to that shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, it is preferable that the shackles 34 serving as external connecting ends are provided as mooring fittings 23, 24 (see FIG. 1) at both ends of the fender 10.

[0032] The fender 10 is installed as a fender 10 so that it floats on the sea surface along the wall of the seawall from which the ship departs and arrives, for example, when the ship docks, so that the side of the ship does not directly hit the wall of the seawall. In this case, the fender 10 is placed along the wall of the seawall so that the axial direction of the mandrel 11 is parallel to the wall of the seawall. When the side of the ship hits the wall, the fender 10 is sandwiched between the wall of the seawall and the side of the ship, and is compressed and deformed. Figure 3(b) shows the state in which the fender 10 has been compressed. The middle portion 10a of the fender 10 is compressed in the radial direction, while the other portion stretches as if it is pushed out in the axial direction.

[0033] In the fender 10 proposed here, the segments (in this embodiment, end tubes 11c2, 11c3) located on both axial sides of the core rod 11 are provided with storage portions (in the form shown in Figure 2, storage members 21, 22) in which the axial ends of the foam 12 are accommodated (see Figure 1).

[0034] For this reason, when the middle portion 10a of the fender 10 is compressed in the radial direction and, on the other hand, stretches as if being pushed out in the axial direction, the axial ends of the foam 12 inside the fender 10 enter the recesses in the housing members 21, 22. This reduces the force acting on the coating layer 13 in the axial direction due to the deformation of the foam 12. This makes it difficult for local deformation to occur in the coating layer 13, significantly improving the durability of the fender 10. In tests conducted by the inventors, it was confirmed that even when the fender 10 was compressed in the radial direction to about 40% of its original shape and the compression load was released, this cycle was repeated about 3,000 times, preventing major damage associated with local deformation of the fender 10.

[0035] Regarding such repeated compressive deformation, it was confirmed that when the housing members 21, 22 that house the axial ends of the foam 12 are fixed to the end tubes 11c2, 11c3 located on both axial sides of the core 11 (see Figure 1), it is possible to suppress major damage accompanied by local deformation of the fender 10 even without the reinforcing fiber sheet 14. Note that, in a similar configuration, when the housing members 21, 22 are not provided on the end tubes 11c2, 11c3, it was confirmed that such repeated compressive deformation causes damage accompanied by local deformation of the fender 10.

[0036] Furthermore, according to the findings of the present inventors, it is preferable to dispose the reinforcing fiber sheet 14 of the coating layer 13 at both axial ends so as to partially cover the reduced diameter portion 12a of the foam 12. This improves the strength of the coating layer 13 at both axial ends, making the coating layer 13 less likely to be damaged by the pressure received from the foam 12 and further improving the durability of the fender 10.

[0037] 2, in addition to the reinforcing fiber sheet 14 disposed in the diameter-reducing portion 12a of the foam 12, a reinforcing fiber sheet 14a may be further disposed in the axially intermediate portion of the coating layer 13. In this case, the strength of the coating layer 13 is improved in the axially intermediate portion where the side of the ship comes into contact, further preventing damage to the fender 10.

[0038] In addition, it is preferable that at least some of the segments of the mandrel 11 (in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, central tube 11c1 and end tubes 11c2 and 11c3) are tubular, and that extension restriction members (in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, chains 11d) connected to the segments (end tubes 11c2 and 11c3 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1) located on both axial sides of the segments 11c1, 11c2 and 11c3 of the mandrel 11 are disposed inside the mandrel 11. In this way, the extension of the mandrel 11 during compressive deformation is restricted by the extension restriction member 11d, thereby suppressing deformation of the fender 10. This further prevents damage to the fender 10.

[0039] 1 to 3, a chain 11d is arranged on the circular tube 11c as an extension restriction member to restrict the extension of the mandrel 11 during compressive deformation. Depending on the application, the fender 10 may not deform so greatly, or the fender 10 may not deform so greatly if the foam 12 is highly rigid and the reaction force against compressive deformation is large. In such cases, an extension restriction member such as the chain 11d is not necessarily required for the fender 10. However, the provision of an extension restriction member such as the chain 11d is effective from the viewpoint of suppressing deformation of the foam 12 and preventing damage to the fender 10.

[0040] Although various explanations have been given above regarding the disclosure herein, the disclosure herein is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the respective configurations of the various described embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as they do not interfere with each other.

[0041] As described above, this specification includes the disclosures set forth in the following sections.

[0042] Section 1: a mandrel having mooring fittings at both ends; a foam disposed around the mandrel; a coating layer that covers the foam; Equipped with The mandrel is divided into a plurality of segments along the axial direction, the foam has a shape at both ends in the axial direction that decreases in diameter toward both sides in the axial direction, The split pieces located on both sides in the axial direction of the mandrel have accommodation portions into which the ends of the foam in the axial direction are accommodated. fender.

[0043] Section 2: a reinforcing fiber sheet of the coating layer is disposed at both ends in the axial direction so as to partially cover the reduced diameter portion of the foam; Item 1. A fender as described in item 1.

[0044] Section 3: Item 3. The fender according to Item 2, wherein a reinforcing fiber sheet is further disposed in the axially intermediate portion of the coating layer in addition to the reinforcing fiber sheet disposed in the diameter-reduced portion of the foam.

[0045] Section 4: A fender according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least some of the segments of the mandrel are tubular, and extension-restricting members connected to the segments of the mandrel located on both sides of the axial direction are arranged inside the mandrel. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 10 Fender 10a Middle 10b,10c Reduced diameter part 11 Mandrel 11c circular tube 11c1 Central tube (segment of mandrel 11) 11c2, 11c3 End tube (segment of mandrel 11) 11d Chain (tension control member) 11d1, 11d2 Both ends of chain 11d 11e Thick-walled disc-shaped member 12 Foam 12a Reduced diameter part 13 Coating layer 13a middle part 14 Reinforced fiber sheet 14a Reinforced fiber sheet 16, 17 Boundary portion of circular pipe 11c 21, 22 Storage member (storage section) 21a, 22a Recesses of the housing members 21, 22 23,24 Mooring fittings 23a, 24a Flange part 23b,24b Mooring piece 23c,24c hole

Claims

1. a mandrel having mooring fittings at both ends; a foam disposed around the mandrel; a coating layer that covers the foam; Equipped with The mandrel is divided into a plurality of segments along the axial direction, the foam has a shape at both ends in the axial direction that decreases in diameter toward both sides in the axial direction, The split pieces located on both sides in the axial direction of the mandrel have accommodation portions into which the ends of the foam in the axial direction are accommodated. fender.

2. a reinforcing fiber sheet of the coating layer is disposed at both ends in the axial direction so as to partially cover the reduced diameter portion of the foam; The fender according to claim 1.

3. 3. The fender according to claim 2, wherein a reinforcing fiber sheet is further disposed in the axially intermediate portion of the coating layer in addition to the reinforcing fiber sheet disposed in the diameter-reduced portion of the foam.

4. 2. A fender as described in claim 1, wherein at least some of the segments of the mandrel are tubular, and extension-limiting members connected to the segments of the mandrel located on both sides in the axial direction are arranged inside the mandrel.

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