Rope fence

Abstract

To provide a rope fence that prevents breakage of rope members. [Solution] The rope fence (100) comprises a rope member (10), a support post (20) that supports the end (11a) of the rope member (10), and a fixing member (30) that fixes the rope member (10) to the support post (20). The fixing member (30) has a release member (50) that is reversible and comes off the support post (20) together with the rope member (10) when a force greater than the load capacity is applied.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a rope fence for sealing off a predetermined area. [Background technology]

[0002] A wire rope fixing structure has been disclosed that reduces the load on the wire rope and the support by sliding the wire rope together with the rope end fitting from the support (Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] The techniques of Patent Documents 1 and 2 buffer shocks by deforming or damaging parts, but they are based on the premise that internal parts will be damaged, which poses the problem of requiring replacement work. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-20493 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-58574 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to provide a rope fence that prevents breakage of rope members.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the rope fence of the present invention comprises a rope member, a support post that supports the end of the rope member, and a fixing member that fixes the rope member to the support post, and the fixing member has a release member that is reversible and comes off the support post together with the rope member when a force greater than the load capacity is applied.

[0007] With the above-mentioned rope fence, the rope members detach when excessive load is applied, so that the posts and rope members are not subjected to a force exceeding the load capacity. This prevents deformation or damage to the posts and breakage of the rope members. Furthermore, because the fixed members have detachable members, they detach without damage even when a force exceeding the load capacity is applied, allowing the parts to be reused. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a rope fence according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 10(A) to 10(C) are diagrams illustrating examples of rope fence installation. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the rope fence in an open state. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the inner side of a rope fence post. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the rope fence shown in FIG. 4 along the line A-A. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the rope fence shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a lifting device. [Figure 8] 10(A) and 10(B) are diagrams illustrating a fixing member. [Figure 9] 10(A) to 10(C) are diagrams illustrating the transition of the state around the fixing member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, a rope fence according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a rope fence 100. FIGS. 2(A) to 2(C) are diagrams illustrating an example of the installation of the rope fence 100. FIG. 2(A) is a front view of the installation example, FIG. 2(B) is a plan view of the installation example, and FIG. 2(C) is a side view of the installation example. As shown in FIG. 2(B) and other figures, the rope fence 100 of this embodiment is installed in a factory or the like to block off a predetermined area PR. The rope fence 100 blocks off, for example, a first area AR1 and a second area AR2 within the predetermined area PR. The first area AR1 is, for example, a work area VR inside the rope fence 100, such as a warehouse where forklifts FL and the like travel. The second area AR2 is, for example, a transportation area DR outside the rope fence 100, such as an aisle where trucks TR and the like travel. In the illustrated example, there is a step ST between the first area AR1 and the second area AR2, and the floor of the loading platform of the truck TR parked in the second area AR2 is at approximately the same height as the ground GD or floor of the warehouse in the first area AR1. In this case, the rope fence 100 prevents falls from a high position. Note that the position at which the truck TR parks relative to the rope fence 100 can be changed as needed. There does not need to be a step ST between the first area AR1 and the second area AR2.

[0011] The rope fence 100 includes rope members 10, posts 20, and fixed members 30. The rope fence 100 is a gate fence 101 provided at a gate entrance 100a, in which the rope members 10 move up and down. Figures 1 and 2(A), etc., show the rope fence 100 or gate fence 101 in a closed state. Figure 3 shows the rope members 10 raised and the rope fence 100 in an open state. The length of one rope fence 100 is, for example, a length corresponding to a truck TR, specifically, approximately 10 to 12 meters. As shown in Figure 2(A), etc., the rope fence 100 may also include a fixed fence 102 in which the rope members 10 are fixed to posts 20 and do not move up and down. In this case, by arranging the fixed fence 102 adjacent to the gate fence 101, multiple rope fences 100 can be arranged in a row along the boundary between the work area VR and the transport area DR. A line of multiple rope fences 100 may have multiple gate fences 101. Adjacent rope fences 100 may share the same posts 20. When the rope fence 100 is installed at the entrance or exit of a building, the rope fence 100 as the gate fence 101 may be surrounded by the wall of the building.

[0012] The rope member 10 is stretched between two support posts 20. Both ends of the rope member 10 are fixed by fixing members 30. In this embodiment, the fixing members 30 have different configurations at one end 11a and the other end 11b of the rope member 10. Specifically, the first fixing member 30a that fixes one end 11a of the rope member 10 is configured so that the rope member 10 will come off the support post 20 when a load equal to or greater than a predetermined load is applied. The second fixing member 30b that fixes the other end 11b of the rope member 10 is configured so that the rope member 10 will not come off the support post 20 even when a load equal to or greater than a predetermined load is applied, and the rope member 10 will be completely fixed to the support post 20.

[0013] The rope member 10 is subjected to tension TE (see FIG. 1) in a direction perpendicular to the support 20, i.e., in the horizontal direction, and is supported without slack along the axis Ax of the rope member 10. Note that the rope member 10 may have slight offsets in the fixed positions at both ends, and does not need to be supported perfectly horizontally. The rope member 10 is, for example, a metal wire rope. A plurality of rope members 10 are provided at predetermined intervals in the up-down or vertical Z-axis direction. Note that the rope member 10 is not limited to a wire rope, and may be any member that blocks a predetermined area PR. For example, the rope member 10 may be a chain, or a net with ropes attached to the four corners. The rope member 10 may also be a reed-like structure in which a rope is stretched between two ropes.

[0014] Although details will be described later, bolt members 32 (see FIG. 8(A) and the like) of the fixing member 30 are attached to the ends 11a and 11b of the rope member 10.

[0015] The posts 20 support the ends 11a, 11b of the rope member 10. The posts 20 are a pair of housings 21 arranged at a predetermined distance in the rope fence 100, and are fixed to the ground GD or floor, for example, with anchor bolts. The posts 20 have a predetermined space inside to accommodate the lifting device 40 and fixing members 30, which will be described later. The posts 20 are made of metal, concrete, a combination of these, or the like. The posts 20 are, for example, four aluminum posts 20p (see Figure 6) with stainless steel or aluminum sheet metal covers attached.

[0016] Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating the inner side surface 20a of the support post 20. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the rope fence 100 shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of the rope fence 100 shown in Fig. 4. As shown in Figs. 4 to 6, the support post 20 has an opening 20b on the side surface 20a where the rope member 10 is arranged, through which the fixing plate 31 of the fixing member 30 is exposed. The opening 20b extends vertically of the support post 20 so that the fixing plate 31 can be raised and lowered.

[0017] The support 20 has therein an elevating device 40. The elevating device 40 is a drive mechanism that raises and lowers the rope member 10 in the vertical direction, that is, moves it up and down.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the lifting device 40. Also, FIGS. 4 to 6 show the lifting device 40 in its entirety. The lifting device 40 includes a linear guide LG for guiding linear motion, a transmission mechanism TD, and a motor MT, as shown in FIG. 7 and other figures. The linear guide LG includes a rail G1 provided on the support column 20 and a block G2 supporting the fixed plate 31. The rail G1 is fixed to, for example, the inner wall of the inner side surface 20a of the support column 20. As shown in FIG. 6, the block G2 has a groove 4 that allows it to slide relative to the rail G1. The block G2 moves relatively along the rail G1, allowing the fixed plate 31 to move up and down or vertically. The transmission mechanism TD includes a timing belt BT to which the fixed plate 31 of the fixed member 30 is fixed and a pair of pulleys PL around which the timing belt BT is wound. The pulleys PL are provided on the upper and lower sides of the support column 20. One of the pair of pulleys PL is connected to a motor MT provided on the underside of the support column 20, and transmits the driving force of the motor MT to the fixed plate 31. The driving force of the motor MT is transmitted to the fixed plate 31 via the pulley PL and the timing belt BT, and the fixed plate 31 can be displaced to a desired position in the vertical direction, i.e., the ±Z direction. The lifting device 40 may be a combination of a linear guide LG and a ball screw, or a combination of a linear guide LG and a cylinder. The lifting device 40 may also be operated by another driving mechanism. The lifting device 40 may be operated by an operation panel provided on the support column 20, or by a remote control, etc.

[0019] The fixing members 30 secure the rope members 10 to the posts 20. In reality, the fixing members 30 are attached to the lifting device 40, but they can be said to indirectly secure the rope members 10 to the posts 20. One rope member 10 is attached to one fixing member 30. In other words, the rope fence 100 is provided with multiple fixing members 30. Note that multiple rope members 10 may be attached to one fixing member 30.

[0020] 8(A) and 8(B) are diagrams illustrating the first fixing member 30a of the gate fence 101 shown in FIG. 1 and other figures, which are part of the fixing member 30. FIG. 8(A) is a cross-section of the first fixing member 30a as seen from above the rope fence 100, and FIG. 8(B) is a side view of the first fixing member 30a as seen from the front of the rope fence 100. For ease of explanation, FIG. 8(B) shows the fixing plate 31 in cross section. As shown in FIG. 8(A) and other figures, the first fixing member 30a has the fixing plate 31, a bolt member 32, a nut member 33, and a release member 50.

[0021] 4 and other figures, the fixed plate 31 is a rectangular flat plate in a side view, and covers a part of the opening 20b of the support 20. The fixed plate 31 has a U-shape in a plan view, like a flat plate with both ends bent. The shape of the fixed plate 31 can be changed as appropriate depending on the structure of the support 20 and the lifting device 40.

[0022] 6, the linear guide LG of the lifting device 40 is attached to the surface 3a of the fixed plate 31 on the opening 20b side. Also, the timing belt BT of the lifting device 40 is attached to the surface 3b of the fixed plate 31 opposite the opening 20b.

[0023] As shown in Figure 4 and other figures, the fixing plate 31 has an insertion hole 31a at a position corresponding to the opening 20b of the support 20. The rope member 10 is inserted through the insertion hole 31a. The insertion hole 31a is for engaging or fixing the release member 50 shown in Figure 8(A) and other figures. The insertion hole 31a corresponds to the shape of the release member 50 and has, for example, a circular shape.

[0024] Returning to FIG. 8(A) and other figures, the bolt member 32 is a male screw for fixing the rope member 10 to the fixed plate 31. The bolt member 32 has a hole 32a formed at one end, specifically, the end 5 on the opening 20b side of the support 20, for passing the rope member 10 therethrough, and a portion of the bolt member 32 is hollow. The bolt member 32 is fixed to the rope member 10 by passing the end 11a of the rope member 10 through the hole 32a and crimping. The nut member 33 fixes the rope member 10 to the fixed plate 31 in combination with the bolt member 32. Two nut members 33 are provided, sandwiching the fixed plate 31 and the release member 50 between them. The pair of nut members 33 positions and fixes the release member 50 from the outside and inside of the support 20. Specifically, the nut members 33 are tightened to the bolt members 32 at a position where the release member 50 is engaged with the fixed plate 31. This allows the release member 50 to be stably fixed to the support 20 together with the rope member 10. The method of fixing the rope member 10 and the release member 50 can be changed as appropriate.

[0025] As described above, the rope member 10 is fixed to the support 20 by sandwiching the fixing plate 31 between the support 20 and the release member 50. By sandwiching the fixing plate 31, the rope member 10 can be fixed more stably.

[0026] The release member 50 is reversible and will come off the fixed plate 31, and ultimately the support 20, together with the rope member 10 when a force greater than the withstand load is applied. The load at which the release member 50 comes off the support 20 is the limit load, calculated by adding the release load to the withstand load set for the rope fence 100. The release load is the marginal load that allows the release member 50 to deform without breaking.

[0027] The release member 50 has a tapered member 51 supported by a spring 52 as a latch structure 50a. The outer shape of the release member 50, a cross section (longitudinal cross section) of the rope member 10, increases as it moves away from the fixed plate 31. Before a critical load is applied, the release member 50 is fixed in a state in which the outer surface 51a of the tapered member 51 is engaged with the insertion hole 31a of the fixed plate 31. The position of the outer surface 51a engaged with the insertion hole 31a is determined by, for example, the critical load, the size and shape of the release member 50, and the elastic force of the spring 52. The release member 50 can change its outer size by deforming in the contraction direction of the spring 52. The tapered member 51 allows the release member 50 to smoothly release from the fixed plate 31 and also functions as a stopper. The tapered member 51 has a shape resembling, for example, a truncated pyramid or a truncated cone divided into two. In this embodiment, a spring 52 is provided between the two tapered members 51. Two springs 52 are provided, one on each side of the rope member 10. The release member 50 also has support members 53 that support the tapered member 51 from both ends of the rope member 10 on the axis Ax. The support members 53 are formed with grooves 53a into which protrusions 51b formed on the ends of the tapered member 51 are fitted. The grooves 53a are formed larger in the contraction direction of the springs 52 than the protrusions 51b, allowing the tapered member 51 to move in the contraction direction. The outer diameter of the support members 53 is smaller than the diameters of the insertion holes 31a of the fixed plate 31 and the openings 20b of the support posts 20. Furthermore, when a force greater than the load capacity is applied, the size of the release member 50 is smaller than the diameters of the insertion holes 31a of the fixed plate 31 and the openings 20b of the support posts 20. When a force is applied to the tapered member 51, the springs 52 contract and the overall outer diameter becomes a minimum, allowing the release member 50 to pass through the insertion holes 31a under the action of tension. When the force applied to the tapered member 51 is removed, the release member 50 returns to its original size and shape by the force of the spring 52. Note that steps or the like may be provided on the surface of the tapered member 51 so that the tapered member 51 passes through the insertion hole 31a in stages.

[0028] The following describes how to attach the rope member 10. The rope member 10 is passed through the insertion hole 31a of the fixed plate 31 set on the support 20, and with the release member 50 locked in the insertion hole 31a, it is fastened with nut members 33 from both sides of the release member 50. Before passing the rope member 10 through the insertion hole 31a, it is advisable to previously screw the inner nut member 33 onto the bolt member 32 at a position corresponding to the insertion hole 31a.

[0029] Although not shown in the drawings, the second fixing member 30b provided on the other end 11b of the rope member 10 has a fixing plate 31, a bolt member 32, and a nut member 33, but does not have a release member 50. In this case, the nut member 33 used has an outer diameter larger than the insertion hole 31a of the fixing plate 31, or is equipped with a flange.

[0030] 9(A) to 9(C) are diagrams illustrating the transition of the state around the fixed member 30 when the rope member 10 comes off the support post 20. As shown in FIG. 9(A), the rope fence 100 has the rope member 10 stretched around the support post 20. One end 11a of the rope member 10 is fixed to the support post 20 via a release member 50 of the fixed member 30. When the rope member 10 is in the lowered position and closed, the rope fence 100 uses the rope member 10 to capture a fallen object or the forks of a forklift truck FL shown in FIG. 2(C). At this time, the impact force of the fallen object or the forks of the forklift truck FL is transmitted to the support post 20 via the rope member 10 and is applied to the release member 50. A tension TE or tensile load due to the impact acts on the release member 50. As shown in Figure 9(B), when the tension TE or tensile load acting on the release member 50 is equal to or greater than the withstand load, the release member 50 deforms and passes through the insertion hole 31a of the fixed member 30, and comes off the fixed plate 31 of the fixed member 30. As a result, one end 11a of the rope member 10 comes off the support 20. As shown in Figure 9(C), after coming off the support 20, the release member 50 returns to its original shape because the action of the tension TE is no longer applied to it.

[0031] With the rope fence 100, the rope members 10 come off when an excessive load is applied, so the posts 20 and rope members 10 are not subjected to a force greater than the load capacity. This prevents deformation or damage to the posts 20 and breakage of the rope members 10. Furthermore, because the fixed members 30 have detachable members 50, they come off without damage even when a force greater than the load capacity is applied, allowing the parts to be reused.

[0032] Rope fences installed at stations and other locations are designed to hold the rope members in place and not come off even when a heavy load is applied to them, for the safety of users. When installing rope fences outside of stations, it is expected that a force greater than the load capacity will be applied to the rope members by forklifts (FL) and other vehicles. When a load greater than expected is applied to the rope members, excessive load is placed on the rope fence's posts, which may damage the rope members, posts, etc. The rope fence 100 of this embodiment is configured so that the rope members 10 come off when an excessive load is applied, thereby reducing the burden on the rope members 10, posts 20, etc.

[0033] 〔others〕 The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0034] The release member 50 does not have to be completely removed from the fixed plate 31 as long as no strain is placed on the rope member 10, the support 20, etc.

[0035] The release member 50 is provided at one end 11a of the rope member 10, but may also be provided at both ends, i.e., at the other end 11b.

[0036] The release member 50 may omit the support member 53. In this case, the nut member 33 uses a flanged nut to directly fasten and fix the tapered member 51 from both sides.

[0037] The rope fence 100 serving as the fixed fence 102 does not have a lifting device 40. In this case, the fixing plate 31 of the fixing member 30 is attached in contact with the inner wall surface of the support post 20. The rope member 10 is fixed with a pair of nut members 33 sandwiching the fixing plate 31. Furthermore, instead of the opening 20b, an insertion hole similar to the insertion hole 31a of the fixing plate 31 may be provided. If an insertion hole is provided in the support post 20, the fixing plate 31 may be omitted.

[0038] The rope fence 100 is not limited to being used to separate a predetermined area PR of a factory or the like, but may also be used to separate a predetermined area of ​​other facilities or areas such as an event venue.

[0039] The shapes, sizes, arrangements, structures, etc. of the rope fence 100 and the rope members 10 described above are merely examples and can be modified as appropriate to suit the intended use. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 10...rope member, 11a, 11b...end, 20...support, 20a...side, 20b...opening, 21...casing, 30...fixing member, 31...fixing plate, 31a...insertion hole, 32...bolt member, 33...nut member, 40...lifting device, 50...release member, 50a...latch structure, 51...tapered member, 51a...outer surface, 53...support member, 100...rope fence, 100a...gate entrance, 101...gate fence, 102...fixed fence, 103...boundary fence, AR1...first area, AR2...second area, BT...timing belt, DR...transportation area, FL...forklift, G1...rail, G2...block, GD...ground, LG...linear guide, MT...motor, PL...pulley, PR...predetermined area, TD...transmission mechanism, TE...tension, TR...track, VR...working area

Claims

1. A rope member; a support post supporting an end of the rope member; a fixing member for fixing the rope member to the support; Equipped with The fixing member has a release member that is reversible and comes off from the support together with the rope member when a force exceeding the load capacity is applied. Rope fence.

2. The support includes a lifting device that lifts and lowers the rope member. The rope fence according to claim 1.

3. the fixing member has a fixing plate, The rope member is fixed to the support pole with the fixing plate sandwiched between the support pole and the release member. The rope fence according to claim 1.

4. The fixing member has a bolt member through which the end of the rope member is passed, and a pair of nut members that fix the release member from the outside and inside of the support. The rope fence according to claim 1.

5. The release member includes a tapered member supported by a spring. The rope fence according to claim 1.

6. the size of the release member when a force equal to or greater than the withstand load acts on the release member is smaller than the insertion hole provided in the fixed plate and the opening provided in the support column; The rope fence according to claim 3.

Images