Air beam and beam structure using the same

Abstract

To provide an air beam that can be adjusted to any desired length according to the site area of ​​the air beam tent installation location, the size of the structure to be covered, etc., and a beam structure using the same. [Solution] The air beams 20, 21-26 each have a cylindrical bag 41 that expands and unfolds when fluid is supplied, and adjustment means 55, 58 disposed inside the cylindrical bag 41 that can be continuously adjusted to any length along the longitudinal axis X. By using this to form a beam structure 10, the length can be adjusted to any desired length according to the site area of ​​the air beam tent's installation location, the size of the structure to be covered, etc.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , , , , , , , , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an air beam used for an air beam tent or the like, and an air beam structure using the same.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, air beam houses such as air tents used for temporary evacuation sites during disasters, positive / negative pressure type for infectious disease countermeasures, event venues, etc. are well-known. An air beam house has a configuration in which a sheet material is covered on a beam structure using a plurality of air beams as a framework.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 disclose a technology of an air beam house that can be formed into a desired size by adjusting the length of an air beam.

[0004] Conventionally, a large number of air beam elements are connected in a desired combination to adjust the length of columns, beams, etc., or a plurality of ring bodies are provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction on the outer peripheral surface of the air beam, and the plurality of ring bodies are brought close to each other and fixed to reduce the length of the air beam that becomes columns, beams, etc.

[0005] As described above, the conventional air beam structure forms an air beam house of a desired size by connecting a plurality of air beam elements to vary the length, or by reducing and fixing the separation distance between a plurality of ring bodies provided on the plurality of air beams to vary the length of columns, beams, etc.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0007] However, conventional air beams have the problem that adjustments can only be made within the extension range of multiple element beams connected together or within the extension range corresponding to the distance between multiple ring bodies. Therefore, conventional beam structures using air beams as a framework have the problem that, for example, it is not possible to fine-tune the air beams to any desired length according to the different site area and the size of the structure to be covered at each air beam house installation site.

[0008] Thus, conventional air beams cannot be adjusted to the desired length. As a result, the beam structure, which forms the framework of an air beam house, has standardized dimensions such as installation area and height, making it difficult to accommodate fine-tuned sizes.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its objective is to provide an air beam that can be adjusted to any desired length according to the site area of ​​the air beam tent or the like, the size of the structure to be covered, and a beam structure using the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] An air beam according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a cylindrical bag that unfolds and expands upon the supply of fluid, and an adjustment means disposed within the cylindrical bag that can be infinitely adjusted to any length along its longitudinal axis.

[0011] The air beam adjusts the length of the tubular bag by the adjusting means retracting or extending the end of the tubular bag inward.

[0012] The air beam is such that the length of the cylindrical bag can be adjusted steplessly by the adjustment means within a range of approximately double or half the length in the longitudinal direction.

[0013] The air beam is such that the volume of the internal space of the cylindrical bag is varied by the adjustment means, and a predetermined rigidity is maintained when expanded by a predetermined internal pressure due to the fluid.

[0014] The air beam has buckling prevention means that maintain the cylindrical shape of the tubular bag during the expansion and contraction process.

[0015] The air beam has the buckling prevention means provided around the circumference of the cylindrical bag along its longitudinal axis, extending substantially along its entire length.

[0016] The air beam has multiple buckling prevention means arranged at approximately equal intervals around the center of the cylindrical bag.

[0017] The air beam has connecting members provided at both ends of the cylindrical bag-shaped body, which are connected to joints when the structure is assembled.

[0018] The air beam has a substantially cylindrical outer body and inner body connected to each other at both ends of the cylindrical bag, and the adjustment means is inserted through a conduit in the inner body and connected to one end of the cylindrical bag, and is a cable member that adjusts the length of the cylindrical bag by tension and slack.

[0019] The air beam is an elastic body whose natural length is set to the shortest length of the cylindrical bag, with the adjustment means inserted inside the cylindrical bag and connected to one end of the cylindrical bag.

[0020] A beam structure according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of air beams, each having a cylindrical bag that unfolds and expands upon the supply of fluid, and an adjustment means disposed within the cylindrical bag that allows for stepless adjustment of the longitudinal axis length to any desired length, and a framework is formed by the plurality of air beams.

[0021] The beam structure has multiple diagonal members, and the air beams form a truss structure.

[0022] The beam structure is structured such that a plurality of the air beams constitute a beam member installed between a column member and two or more of the column members.

[0023] The beam structure further has a diagonal member provided across the column member and the beam member.

[0024] The beam structure is configured such that the diagonal member is constituted by the air beam.

Advantages of the Invention

[0025] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air beam that can be adjusted steplessly to a desired length and has sufficient strength, and a beam structure using the same. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air beam that can be adjusted to an arbitrary desired length according to the floor area of the installation location such as an air beam tent, the size of the structure to be covered, etc., and a beam structure using the same.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] Perspective view showing an example of the air beam tent of the present embodiment [Figure 2] Perspective view showing the configuration of the beam structure [Figure 3] Front view of the beam structure [Figure 4] Rear view of the beam structure [Figure 5] Side view of the beam structure [Figure 6] Top view of the beam structure [Figure 7] Perspective view showing the configuration of the air beam [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view showing the air beam in a state of being expanded and contracted from the shortest to the longest [Figure 9] Front view of the beam structure showing a state in which the horizontal direction is variable due to the expansion and contraction of the air beam [Figure 10] Rear view of the beam structure showing a state in which the horizontal direction is variable due to the expansion and contraction of the air beam [Figure 11]The same, a side view of the beam structure showing how the horizontal direction is variable due to the expansion and contraction of the air beam. [Figure 12] The same, a top view of the beam structure showing how the horizontal direction is variable due to the expansion and contraction of the air beam. [Figure 13] The same, a front view of the beam structure showing how the vertical direction is variable due to the expansion and contraction of the air beam. [Figure 14] The rear view of the beam structure, showing how the vertical direction is variable due to the expansion and contraction of the air beam. [Figure 15] The same, a side view of the beam structure showing how the vertical direction is variable due to the expansion and contraction of the air beam. [Figure 16] The same, a perspective view showing the beam structure in a state where the main body is covered. [Figure 17] Perspective view showing the configuration of the modified air beam. [Figure 18] Cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a modified air beam. [Figure 19] A cross-sectional view showing the air beam in its extended and retracted state from its shortest to longest position, relating to a modified form. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] The air beam of the present invention and the beam structure using the same will be described below with reference to the drawings. Please note that the drawings based on each embodiment in the following description are schematic, and the relationship between the thickness and width of each part and the ratio of the thickness of each part may differ from the actual dimensions, and there may be differences in dimensional relationships and ratios between drawings.

[0028] The air beam tent 1, as an inflatable tent, has a curtain material 2 and a beam structure 10 of frame units, as shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the air beam tent 1 of this embodiment.

[0029] The canopy material 2 includes a roof canopy 3, a front canopy 4, two side canopies 5 and 6, and a rear canopy 7. The front canopy 4 and rear canopy 7 here constitute the end canopy. The roof canopy 3, front canopy 4, each of the side canopies 5 and 6, and the rear canopy 7 may be integrally molded by bonding, sewing, high-frequency welding, hot air welding, etc., where adjacent edges are joined together, or each edge may be detachably separated and molded using fastening means such as line fasteners, hook fasteners, or point fasteners.

[0030] Each of the roof curtain 3, front curtain 4, the two side curtains 5 and 6, and rear curtain 7 can be formed by providing flame retardancy, heat resistance, self-extinguishing properties, etc., to a sheet made of synthetic fibers such as polyester coated with polyvinyl chloride (PVC), tetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), etc., or a fluororesin sheet such as ETEF, or a sheet material made by combining these.

[0031] Furthermore, the tent material 2 is preferably a lightweight fabric, and may be a waterproofed sheet material made of a three-lobe cross-section nylon material used in parachutes, a nylon material used in balloons, or a Tetron material. In addition, tent material 2 may be a plain-weave waterproof canvas woven from cotton, linen, synthetic fibers, etc.

[0032] The front curtain 4 here constitutes the front of the air beam tent 1. The front curtain 4 may be configured to have a roughly rectangular opening 8 that serves as an entrance. In this case, the front curtain 4 is provided with two roughly rectangular door curtains 9 that cover the opening 8.

[0033] Each door curtain 9 may be configured to maintain a closed state by having its upper and side edges joined to the front curtain 4 or the other door curtain 9 by fastening means such as line fasteners, hook fasteners, point fasteners, grommets and strings, or magnets, thereby closing the opening 8.

[0034] Furthermore, each door curtain 9 may be configured to open the opening 8 by being removed from the front curtain 4 or by the connecting means joining their edges together being detached.

[0035] The curtain material 2, configured in this way, is attached to cover the beam structure 10. The curtain material 2 is also configured to be fixable to the beam structure 10 by various other fastening means, such as strings, cable ties, wire fasteners, point fasteners, hook fasteners, magnets, etc. (not shown).

[0036] The beam structure 10 has a base structure 11 and a roof structure 12, as shown in Figures 2 to 6. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the beam structure, Figure 3 is a front view of the beam structure, Figure 4 is a rear view of the beam structure, Figure 5 is a side view of the beam structure, and Figure 6 is a top view of the beam structure.

[0037] The base structure 11 has multiple expandable first to fourth air beams 21 to 24, multiple base bodies 31, multiple four-way joints 32, and multiple tightening joints 33.

[0038] The base structure 11 has four first air beams 21 as columns, four second air beams 22 as beams, eight third air beams 23 as diagonal braces (cross braces) that serve as vertical braces, and four fourth air beams 24 as diagonal braces that serve as horizontal braces.

[0039] It is preferable that these first air beams 21, second air beams 22, eight third air beams 23, and fourth air beams 24 be reinforced or cured to prevent damage from external factors.

[0040] The first air beam 21 is detachably connected to a base body 31 whose lower end is an anchor plate member. Four base bodies 31 are provided, corresponding to the number of first air beams 21. The four base bodies are fixed in predetermined positions at the four corners of the site where the air beam tent 1 is to be erected.

[0041] The base body 31 is fixed to the site by anchoring it with anchor rods (not shown) driven into the ground to prevent movement. For this reason, the base body 31 is preferably made of a sturdy material, and is preferably formed from a hard resin such as polyvinyl chloride, acrylic, or polystyrene, or from a metal such as iron or stainless steel. Alternatively, the base body 31 may be fixed by joining it with bolts or the like via metal fittings such as plates.

[0042] The first air beam 21 is detachably connected at its upper end to a four-way joint 32, which is a beam connecting member. The four-way joint 32 is detachably connected at one end of two second air beams 22 in the horizontal direction. That is, one second air beam 22 is connected at both ends to two four-way joints 32. Four four-way joints 32 are provided, and the elbow joints 34 of the roof structure 12 are detachably connected to the upper end of each of them.

[0043] The first air beam 21 and the second air beam 22 are detachably attached to the third air beam 23 and the fourth air beam 24 via a tightening joint 33, which is a strip-shaped connecting means.

[0044] The third air beam 23 is mounted diagonally along the vertical direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first air beam 21 and the second air beam 22. The fourth air beam 24 is mounted diagonally along the horizontal direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the second air beam 22. The third air beam 23 and the fourth air beam 24 are configured to be detachably attached to the tightening joint 33.

[0045] The third air beam 23 is positioned in the base structure 11 within the vertical plane containing the first air beam 21 and the second air beam 22. One end of the third air beam 23 is connected to the approximate lower end of the first air beam 21 via a tightening joint 33, and the other end is connected to the approximate center of the second air beam 22 via a tightening joint 33. The base structure 11 has 24 tightening joints 33, which is twice the total number of third air beams 23 and fourth air beams 24.

[0046] Furthermore, on one side of the base structure 11 that forms the front of the air beam tent 1, two third air beams 23 are connected to the second air beam 22 via a tightening joint 33, maintaining a predetermined distance between them. In other words, the air beam tent 1 must be designed so that the two third air beams 23 of the vertical brace, which are positioned diagonally on the side that serves as the entrance, in this case the front, do not obstruct, for example, entry and exit, material delivery and equipment introduction at the construction site.

[0047] Therefore, the two tightening joints 33 to which the third air beam 23 is connected are mounted at positions that are separated from each other, with a predetermined distance between them on different sides of the four-way joint 32. Consequently, the two third air beams 23 are connected via the tightening joints 33 to the middle portion of the body of the second air beam 22, which is close to the four-way joint 32, with each being spaced apart on both ends of the second air beam 22.

[0048] The fourth air beam 24 is positioned within the horizontal plane that forms the upper surface of the base structure 11, which is formed by the four second air beams 22. The ends of the fourth air beam 24 are connected to the approximate center of the second air beams 22 via tightening joints 33.

[0049] Here, each tightening joint 33 is attached to the four-way joint 32 side, adjacent to the tightening joint 33 to which the upper end of the third air beam 23 is connected, and to which both ends of the fourth air beam 24 are connected. Note that the mounting positions of each tightening joint 33 connected to the third air beam 23 and the fourth air beam 24 on both sides and the back of the base structure 11 are not limited to the order in which they are installed, as long as they are at the center of the body of the second air beam 22.

[0050] The tightening joint 33 comprises a joint body and a strip body whose ends are rotatably connected to the joint body. The joint body is detachably connected to both ends of the third air beam 23 and the fourth air beam 24.

[0051] The belt can be constructed as a durable belt component woven from synthetic fibers such as nylon or polyester. The belt of the tightening joint 33 is provided with various fasteners, such as wire fasteners and hook-and-loop fasteners (not shown), and fasteners such as side-release or front-release buckles.

[0052] The strip is positioned to make surface contact with the outer circumference of the body of the first air beam 21 or the second air beam 22 and to be fastened with fasteners. The width of the strip is set to be approximately the same as the diameter of the first air beam 21 and the second air beam 22.

[0053] The base structure 11, configured as described above, has four first air beams 21 and four second air beams 22 forming a framework that creates a roughly rectangular space. The base structure 11 also has eight third air beams 23 and four fourth air beams 24 that form a so-called planar truss structure. In other words, the front, back, and both sides of the base structure 11 are planar truss structures.

[0054] As a result, the base structure 11 generates resistance to horizontal loads through the third air beam 23 and fourth air beam 24, which act as braces. Therefore, the base structure 11 becomes less susceptible to bending moments for the first air beam 21 and second air beam 22, and is less prone to deformation in the horizontal direction. The base structure 11 is not necessarily limited to a framework that forms a cube, rectangular prism, or other rectangular space, but may also be a framework that forms an internal space such as a polygonal prism, cylinder, triangular pyramid, square pyramid, truncated pyramid, or truncated cone.

[0055] The roof structure 12 has multiple expandable fifth and sixth air beams 25, 26, four elbow joints 34, and two three-way joints 35. The roof structure 12 has four fifth air beams 25 as so-called rafter members and one sixth air beam 26 as so-called purlin member.

[0056] The fifth air beam 25 is detachably connected to an elbow joint 34 at one end, which is on the lower side. The elbow joint 34 has a chevron shape. The chevron shape of the elbow joint 34 is set such that the angle between the longitudinal axes of the first air beam 21 and the fifth air beam 25, which are connected via a four-way joint 32, is a predetermined angle.

[0057] The fifth air beam 25 is detachably connected to a three-way joint 35 at its upper end. Two fifth air beams 25 are connected to one three-way joint 35. The three-way joint 35 has a chevron shape in three directions. The chevron shape of the three-way joint 35 is set so that the angle between the longitudinal axes of the two connected fifth air beams 25 is a predetermined angle. The sixth air beam 26 is detachably connected to the three-way joint 35 at both ends so that it is perpendicular to the two fifth air beams 25 at the top of the three-way joint 35.

[0058] As described above, the roof structure 12 has each of its elbow joints 34 connected to the upper end of the four-way joint 32 of the base structure 11 at the lower end. This allows the beam structure 10 to have the roof structure 12 mounted above the base structure 11. In other words, the beam structure 10 has a configuration where the base structure 11 and the roof structure 12 are separate components. However, the beam structure 10 may also have a configuration where the base structure 11 and the roof structure 12 are integrated into a single unit.

[0059] Furthermore, the roof structure 12 is set so that the sixth air beam 26 is shorter than the length of the second air beam 22, which acts as a beam. In other words, the roof structure 12 is a so-called four-sided structure with triangular front and rear sides and trapezoidal sides, forming a so-called hip roof frame with four roof surfaces.

[0060] Furthermore, the roof structure 12 is not limited to a framework that forms a so-called hip roof, but may be a framework of various roof shapes such as a gable roof, a single-slope roof, a square roof, a sloping roof, or a curved roof.

[0061] The configuration of the extendable first to sixth air beams 21 to 26 will be explained in detail below. Note that the first to sixth air beams 21 to 26 have the same configuration, differing only in their extended and shortened lengths. Therefore, the first to sixth air beams 21 to 26 will be explained using a single air beam 20 as an example, referring to Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the air beams, and Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the air beams extended from their shortest to longest lengths.

[0062] The air beam 20, a main component of the base structure 11 and the roof structure 12, has a beam body 41 and two cover bodies, connecting bodies 51 and 52, provided at both ends of the beam body 41, as shown in Figure 7. The air beam 20 has a tip and a base, with the first connecting body 51 provided at the tip and the second connecting body 52 provided at the base.

[0063] The air beam 20 of this embodiment can be shortened to a minimum length L1 along the longitudinal axis X. The air beam 20 can also be extended to a maximum length L3 along the longitudinal axis X. For example, the minimum shortened length L1 along the longitudinal axis X of the air beam 20 is 5m to 6m. The maximum extended length L3 along the longitudinal axis X of the air beam 20 is 10m to 12m.

[0064] In other words, the air beam 20 can be adjusted to a minimum length L1 along the longitudinal axis X and a maximum length L3, making it extendable and retractable to approximately half its length. That is, the length of the air beam 20 can be shortened to, for example, approximately 5m to 6m, and extended to, for example, approximately 10m to 12m.

[0065] Furthermore, the air beam 20 is configured to be infinitely extendable and retractable to any desired length within the range from the longest to the shortest length. The air beam 20 is configured so that the tip end, where the first connecting body 51 is provided, is the one that extends and retracts.

[0066] The beam body 41 is a cylindrical bag formed from a non-permeable sheet material with an outer shape that is approximately cylindrical. As shown in Figure 8, the beam body 41 has an outer tube 42 for the outer casing and an inner tube 43 for the inner casing.

[0067] The inner tube 43 is inserted into the outer tube 42 so as to open approximately in the center of both ends of the outer tube 42. The outer tube 42 and the inner tube 43 are then airtightly joined at both ends by adhesive bonding, sewing, high-frequency welding, hot air welding, or the like.

[0068] In other words, the beam body 41 has an outer tube 42 forming its outer surface and an inner tube 43 provided inside. The beam body 41 is a double cylindrical body in which a so-called donut-shaped internal space 45 is formed by the outer tube 42 and the inner tube 43.

[0069] The non-permeable sheet material forming the outer tube 42 and inner tube 43 is constructed by coating synthetic fiber fabrics, natural fiber fabrics, etc., with rubber, soft resin, etc. The non-permeable sheet material can be, for example, a tarpaulin sheet (rubberized fabric) made by coating a synthetic fiber base fabric such as polyester, nylon, Tetron, para-aramid, or meta-aramid with polyvinyl chloride (PVC), CSM (chlorosulfonated polyethylene), CR (chloroprene rubber), NBR (acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber), EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber), SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber), TPU (polyurethane thermoplastic elastomer), FKM (fluororubber), SI (silicone rubber), SEP (silicone-modified EPDM), or fluorinated Teflon (registered trademark), a ripstop sheet made from polyester, nylon, cotton, etc., or a fluororesin sheet such as ETEF.

[0070] A roughly cylindrical string anchor 44, which is a movable body, is provided at one of the joining ends of the outer tube 42 and the inner tube 43. The outer circumference of the string anchor 44 is fixed to the outer tube 42 and the inner tube 43 by welding, adhesive, or the like. One end of a long tension / relaxation member, a string 55, is connected and fixed to this string anchor 44.

[0071] The string 55 is a sturdy, non-stretchable cord such as paracord. The string 55 is inserted and positioned within the conduit 46 formed by the inner tube 43. This string 55 constitutes an adjustment means for steplessly adjusting the length of the air beam 20. Preferably, the string 55 has an indicator such as a scale that defines the length of the air beam 20. The indicator that defines the length of the air beam 20 may be provided on the outer surface of the outer tube 42.

[0072] The string 55 is positioned to lead out from the base end of the beam body 41. That is, the string 55 extends into the conduit 46 of the inner tube 43 and leads out from the base end opening of the inner tube 43.

[0073] An intake and exhaust valve 56 is attached to the outer tube 42. The beam body 41 is formed into a three-dimensional structure that is a roughly cylindrical air column when compressed air or other fluid (gas) is supplied to the internal space 45 via the intake and exhaust valve 56 by a fluid supply device (not shown) such as a compressor, automatic blower, or manual air pump.

[0074] Furthermore, the intake and exhaust valve 56 may be configured as a check valve to maintain a predetermined internal pressure when supplying air to the internal space 45 of the beam body 41 and when the beam body 41 has a three-dimensional structure, thereby preventing air from escaping.

[0075] The first connector 51 and the second connector 52 are formed from metal or hard resin and have a substantially cylindrical shape with a closed end. The first connector 51 and the second connector 52 each have a fitting projection 53 that protrudes from the center of their respective end faces. The first connector 51 and the second connector 52 are configured to be detachably attached to a four-way joint 32, a tightening joint 33, an elbow joint 34 and / or a three-way joint 35.

[0076] When the first connector 51 and the second connector 52 are connected to the four-way joint 32, the tightening joint 33, the elbow joint 34 and / or the three-way joint 35 (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as joints 32 to 35), their end faces make surface contact with each other. At this time, the fitting projection 53 is fitted into a fitting recess (not shown) formed in the center of the end face of each joint 32 to 35. As a result, the first connector 51 and the second connector 52 are connected to the four-way joint 32, the tightening joint 33, the elbow joint 34 and / or the three-way joint 35.

[0077] Furthermore, the first connecting body 51 and the second connecting body 52 may be equipped with a fixing mechanism such as a coupler or collet chuck for fitting into the fitting projection 53 and fitting recess, so that they can be attached to and detached from each joint 32-35 with a single touch. In addition, the first connecting body 51 and the second connecting body 52 may have fixing means such as magnetic attraction fixing or buckles for fitting into each joint 32-35, in addition to fitting into the fitting projection 53 and fitting recess.

[0078] When connecting the first connecting body 51 and the second connecting body 52 to each joint 32-35, it is preferable to provide positioning means for rotation around the axis, such as having a fitting projection 53 and a fitting recess that are prismatic in shape, or a cylindrical part that is flattened, or a projection.

[0079] The first connecting body 51 is detachably attached to the beam body 41 by fastening means such as hook-and-loop fasteners so as to cover the tip of the beam body 41. The second connecting body 52 is fixed to the beam body 41 by fastening means such as welding or adhesive so as to cover the base end of the beam body 41.

[0080] Inside the second connecting body 52, guide members 54 such as rollers and pulleys can be provided to change the angle of the extension direction of the string 55 leading out from the beam body 41 by approximately 90°. This allows the string 55 to extend outward from the side circumference of the second connecting body 52.

[0081] Furthermore, the second connecting body 52 has a stopper mechanism 57 that fixes and holds the string 55 in an adjusted position that has been pulled and relaxed to a desired length. The stopper mechanism 57 is provided on the side circumference of the second connecting body 52 through which the string 55 is inserted and extends.

[0082] As described above, the air beam 20 can vary in length steplessly from the end face of the first connecting body 51 to the end face of the second connecting body 52. ​​Furthermore, the air beam 20 can be adjusted steplessly along the longitudinal axis X, such as the desired length L2 in Figure 8(b), between the shortest length L1 in Figure 8(a) and the longest length L3 in Figure 8(c). In other words, the air beam 20 is configured to be steplessly expandable and contractible within the difference between length L3 and length L1 (L3-L1).

[0083] Specifically, the air beam 20 is first operated by extending the string 55 and adjusting it to the desired length. In this state, the extended string 55 is fixed and held in place by the stopper mechanism 57. At this time, the string anchor 44 connected to the string 55 is pulled.

[0084] As the string anchor 44 moves toward the base end, the outer tube 42 of the beam body 41 is folded inward and retracted at its tip. Also, the inner tube 43 of the beam body 41 is pulled toward the base end at the tip connected to the string anchor 44. As a result, the inner tube 43 retracts toward the base end as if it were folded.

[0085] Furthermore, in this case, the air beam 20 has an outer tube 42 of the beam body 41 that is folded back and retracted into the interior, so the extension / retraction length of the beam body 41 is halved (1 / 2) relative to the amount of tension slack (length) of the string 55.

[0086] After the air beam 20 is adjusted to the desired length by the string 55, the hose of the fluid supply device is connected to the intake and exhaust valve 56. Then, air is supplied into the internal space 45 of the beam body 41 of the air beam 20 until a predetermined internal pressure is reached, which is set to give the air beam 20 a predetermined rigidity.

[0087] As a result, the internal space 45 of the beam body 41 is filled with air at a predetermined internal pressure and expands as it unfolds. That is, the beam body 41 is configured so that the volume of the internal space 45 is varied according to the amount of tension and slack of the string 55, and a predetermined rigidity is maintained by the internal pressure of the supplied air. In addition, the air beam 20 is supplied with air as needed as the internal pressure decreases in order to maintain the predetermined rigidity.

[0088] Furthermore, when the string 55 is released from its shortened state by the stopper mechanism 57, air is supplied into the internal space 45 of the beam body 41, causing the internal pressure to rise and extending the outer tube 42 that was retracted inside.

[0089] Furthermore, when dismantling the air beam tent 1, a fluid discharge device such as a compressor or vacuum pump can be used to discharge the air from the internal space 45 of the beam body 41 of the air beam 20. The air beam 20 has a hose for the fluid discharge device connected to the intake / exhaust valve 56, and the air from the internal space 45 of the beam body 41 is discharged.

[0090] Incidentally, various methods can be applied to supplying air to the air beam 20 and / or discharging air from the air beam 20. The air beam 20 may be configured to switch between supplying and discharging air into the internal space 45 of the beam body 41 via a hose of a fluid supply and discharge device equipped with a blower, compressor, vacuum pump, etc., or it may be configured to supply and discharge air via separate routes using a fluid supply device and a fluid discharge device.

[0091] The first to sixth air beams 21 to 26, which have the same configuration as the air beam 20 described above, are configured to be infinitely adjustable to any desired length along the longitudinal axis X within a range of extension and retraction from the shortest contracted length L1 to the longest extended length L3.

[0092] As a result, the beam structure 10 can freely vary its installation area and height within the expandable range of the first to sixth air beams 21 to 26, as shown in Figures 9 to 15. Figure 9 is a front view of the beam structure showing the horizontal direction being varied by the expansion and contraction of the air beams, Figure 10 is a rear view of the beam structure showing the horizontal direction being varied by the expansion and contraction of the air beams, Figure 11 is a side view of the beam structure showing the horizontal direction being varied by the expansion and contraction of the air beams, Figure 12 is a top view of the beam structure showing the horizontal direction being varied by the expansion and contraction of the air beams, Figure 13 is a front view of the beam structure showing the vertical direction being varied by the expansion and contraction of the air beams, Figure 14 is a rear view of the beam structure showing the vertical direction being varied by the expansion and contraction of the air beams, and Figure 15 is a side view of the beam structure showing the vertical direction being varied by the expansion and contraction of the air beams.

[0093] Furthermore, the beam structure 10 can have a square or rectangular installation surface by adjusting the length of the second air beam 22, which is a beam.

[0094] The beam structure 10 can be assembled in various ways using the first to sixth air beams 21 to 26 and the respective joints 32 to 35. For example, the beam structure 10 may be assembled by first supplying air to the first to sixth air beams 21 to 26, which have been adjusted to a desired length, to unfold and inflate them, and then connecting them with the respective joints 32 to 35.

[0095] Alternatively, the beam structure 10 may be assembled by, for example, connecting the first to sixth air beams 21 to 26, which have been adjusted to a desired length, with the respective joints 32 to 35, and then supplying air to the first to sixth air beams 21 to 26 to inflate them. In this assembly method, it is preferable to inflate the fifth and sixth air beams 25, 25 that constitute the roof structure 12 first, and then inflate the first to fourth air beams 21 to 24 that constitute the base structure 11.

[0096] As described above, the first to sixth air beams 21 to 26 of this embodiment can be extended or retracted steplessly to a desired length. Therefore, the beam structure 10 of this embodiment can be set up with its installation area and height freely adjusted within a predetermined range by extending or retracting the first to sixth air beams 21 to 26 to a desired length according to the different site area and the size of the structure to be covered at each installation location.

[0097] As shown in Figure 16, the beam structure 10 configured in this way can, in particular, cover various building structures 100 with different building areas that can be built on a limited site by adjusting the expansion and contraction of the first to sixth air beams 21 to 26 at the construction site. Figure 16 is a perspective view showing the beam structure in a state where it is covering the main structure.

[0098] The air beam tent 1, which covers the beam structure 10 with a curtain material 2, can prevent a decrease in work efficiency due to dust, sand, etc. blown around by rain and wind when pouring the foundation 101 of the building structure 100 and when constructing the main body 102 including the foundation 101. Therefore, the air beam tent 1 including the beam structure 10 can prevent delays in the scheduled construction period of the building structure 100.

[0099] Therefore, the air beam 20, the first to sixth air beams 21 to 26, and the beam structure 10 using them are configured to be infinitely adjustable to a desired length within a predetermined expansion range, according to the site area of ​​the air beam tent 1 installation location, the size of the structure 100 to be covered, and so on. (modified version)

[0100] In this modified example, the length adjustment means for the first to sixth air beams 21 to 26 is in a different form. Here again, the first to sixth air beams 21 to 26 will be explained using one air beam 20 as an example, with reference to Figures 17 to 19. Figure 17 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the air beam, Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the air beam, and Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the air beam extended from its shortest to longest length.

[0101] As shown in Figures 17 to 19, the modified air beam 20 has a plurality of sub-beams 47, which are buckling prevention means, provided along the longitudinal axis X of the outer tube 42 of the beam body 41.

[0102] Eight sub-beams 47 are provided in this case at approximately equal intervals on the inner circumferential surface of the outer tube 42 around its center. Each sub-beam 47 is provided along approximately the entire length of the outer tube 42 and is a stick-shaped air tube body into which air is supplied within a space 48 with a roughly semicircular cross-section. Each sub-beam 47 may be configured to have air supplied to it in advance, or it may be configured to have an intake / exhaust valve or the like to supply / discharge air.

[0103] In this modified example, the air beam 20 has the outer circumference of the base end of the outer tube 42 fixed to the inner circumference of the second connecting body 52 in an airtight state by welding, bonding, or the like. The air beam 20 does not have an inner tube 43, a string 55, or a stopper mechanism 57, and an anchor 49 is provided at the center of the tip of the outer tube 42.

[0104] The anchor 49 is fixed to the outer tube 42 by welding, adhesive, or the like. One end of an elastic wire 58 made of an elastic material such as rubber and / or having elasticity is connected and fixed to the anchor 49. The other end of the elastic wire 58 is connected and fixed to a connecting piece 59 in the center of the inner end face of the second connecting body 52.

[0105] The elastic wire 58 is set to a natural length when the air beam 20 is at its shortest length L1, as shown in Figure 19(a). The elastic wire 58 then stretches while generating a predetermined tension when the air beam 20 is extended to a desired length L2, as shown in Figure 19(b), and to its longest predetermined length L1, as shown in Figure 19(c).

[0106] In this way, when the air beam 20 extends from its shortest length, a predetermined tension is generated in the elastic wire 58. At this time, the anchor 49 connected to the elastic wire 58 moves toward the tip while being subjected to tension toward the base end. Therefore, in the range from the shortest length L1 to the longest length L3, the internal pressure of the air beam 20 is set by the air supplied to the internal space 45 of the outer tube 42, resisting the tension corresponding to the length of extension of the elastic wire 58.

[0107] In other words, the air beam 20 has its internal pressure in the outer tube 42 appropriately set by pressurizing air in response to changes in the tension of the elastic lines 58 that extend according to the length along the longitudinal axis X. As a result, the air beam 20 is configured to be able to extend the outer tube 42 steplessly to the desired length along the longitudinal axis X within an expandable range from the shortest contracted length L1 to the longest extended length L3.

[0108] Furthermore, when the air inside the outer tube 42 is discharged from the extended state of the air beam 20, the pressure inside the outer tube 42 is reduced, and the tension of the elastic wire 58 causes the anchor 49 to move towards the base end. Consequently, the portion of the outer tube 42 connected to the anchor 49 is pulled towards the base end and retracted inward.

[0109] In this configuration, the air beam 20 maintains its column shape through multiple sub-beams 47, in this case eight. As a result, the outer tube 42 of the air beam 20 retracts smoothly, causing it to shrink naturally. This allows the air beam 20 to be easily removed simply by releasing the air inside, as it shrinks spontaneously.

[0110] Furthermore, the air beam 20 of the above embodiment can also be configured to naturally contract due to the tension of the elastic material without the string 55 being pulled, by forming the inner tube 43 from an elastic material such as a rubber tube. In addition, the air beam 20 of the above embodiment may also be provided with a plurality of sub-beams 47, which are buckling prevention means.

[0111] The beam structure 10, comprising the first to sixth air beams 21 to 26 of the above-described embodiments and modifications, is configured to obtain the various effects and advantages described below.

[0112] Because the beam structure 10, consisting of the first to sixth air beams 21 to 26, is lightweight, it can be installed and erected quickly by a small number of people. Furthermore, since the first to sixth air beams 21 to 26 can be extended and retracted steplessly to any length up to approximately half their original length, the beam structure 10 can flexibly adapt to the dimensions of each side of the floor area of ​​the structure to be covered, such as a building.

[0113] Furthermore, the beam structure 10 has a base structure 11 formed by the first to fourth air beams 21 to 24, which is equipped with columns, beams, vertical braces, and horizontal braces, creating a flexible and strong skeleton with sufficient strength to withstand strong winds and other elements.

[0114] Because the beam structure 10 allows for arbitrary changes in the connection position between the third air beam 23 of the vertical brace and the second air beam 22 which forms the beam, a large opening can be set on one side of the base structure 11, in this case the front. As a result, the beam structure 10 allows for easy insertion and removal of, for example, the arm of a concrete pump truck, and lateral movement through the large opening on the front of the base structure 11, making it easy to pour ready-mix concrete when constructing the foundation 101.

[0115] Furthermore, the first to fourth air beams 21 to 24 are preferably constructed from a tough sheet material such as aramid fiber, which has cut resistance, scratch resistance, heat resistance, and flame retardancy, in order to prevent damage during, for example, material transport at construction sites.

[0116] Furthermore, it is preferable that the roof covering 3 be made of a lightweight sheet material that is heat-resistant, flame-retardant, etc. In addition, the roof covering 3 may have a self-melting function that generates surface heat using electric heating wires or the like, so that snow does not accumulate on the roof even when it snows.

[0117] Furthermore, in the initial state, the air beam tent 1 may be constructed without installing the front curtain 4, side curtains 5 and 6, and rear curtain 7 on the base structure 11 of the beam structure 10, and only the roof curtain 3 on the roof structure 12, thereby minimizing wind load and gradually adding wall curtains.

[0118] Airbeam Tent 1 may be implemented as a minimum ecosystem by incorporating standalone components such as a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) antenna for detecting positional information, an acceleration sensor for detecting swaying during strong winds, and a temperature and humidity sensor for detecting the indoor air environment.

[0119] Furthermore, the system may be linked to the individual information of multiple air beam tents 1 equipped with GNSS antennas, acceleration sensors, temperature and humidity sensors, etc. In addition, the air beam tent 1 may statistically collect and analyze the information of each individual tent, calculate the correlation between wind speed and acceleration sensing information, and extract a threshold for the usable state.

[0120] Furthermore, location information may be mapped onto a map and added to individual management information. In addition, if unintended movement of the location information is detected, the system may be configured to determine whether it is due to wind damage or theft, depending on whether the movement path follows a road or includes areas that are not roads.

[0121] Furthermore, all individual information of multiple Air Beam Tents 1 may be integrated into a system and linked to an individual management system that includes schedule management.

[0122] An air conditioner may be installed in the air beam tent 1, and the temperature and humidity sensing information may be linked with the air conditioner to maintain a comfortable environment inside the air beam tent 1 in order to improve the work efficiency of the workers inside the tent.

[0123] The beam structure 10 may be configured to allow control of the lengths of the first to fourth air beams 21 to 24 by digital dimension setting or the like, thereby streamlining installation and dismantling operations.

[0124] Furthermore, the beam structure 10 may issue an alarm alert when it detects swaying during strong winds using acceleration sensing, and may also implement an automatic height reduction function. That is, when the beam structure 10 detects strong winds, it will send a notification, transmit a wireless signal, etc., and shorten the first air beam 21, which is a column, and the third air beam 23, which is a vertical diagonal member. By doing so, the beam structure 10 can avoid forced repositioning, damage, etc., due to strong winds by reducing its height above ground.

[0125] Furthermore, by mounting a GNSS antenna, the beam structure 10 can be used to identify the installation location, manage individual installations, link with a scheduling system, detect changes in location due to strong winds, and prevent theft, as well as identify the location of the stolen item if it is stolen.

[0126] The invention described in the above embodiments is not limited to those embodiments and their respective modifications, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the gist of the invention. Furthermore, the above embodiments and their respective modifications include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriate combinations of the multiple constituent elements disclosed.

[0127] For example, if the problem described can be solved and the effects described can be obtained even if some of the constituent elements shown in the embodiment are deleted, then the configuration with the deleted constituent elements can be extracted as an invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0128] 1…Airbeam Tent 2…Maku material 3…Roof curtain 4…Front curtain 5,6…Side curtain 7…Back curtain 8...Aperture 9…Opening Curtain 10... Beam structure 11…Base structure 12…Roof structure 20... Air Beam 21...First Air Beam 22... Second air beam 23...Third air beam 24...Fourth Air Beam 25...Fifth Air Beam 31…Base body 32... Four-way joint 33...Tightening joint 34... Elbow fitting 35... Three-way joint 41... Beam body 42...Outer tube 43... Inner tube 44... String anchor 45…Interior space 46…Pipe line 47... Subbeam 48…Space 49... Anka 51...first connector 52...Second connector 53...Matching protrusion 54… Guide member 55... String 56… Intake and exhaust valves 57... Stopper mechanism 58…Elasticity lines 59...Connecting piece 100…Architectural structure 101…Fundamentals 102...Structure X... Long axis

Claims

1. A cylindrical bag that expands and unfolds when fluid is supplied, An adjustment means is disposed inside the above-mentioned cylindrical bag and can be infinitely adjusted in the longitudinal axis direction to any length, An air beam characterized by having the following features.

2. The air beam according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjustment means adjusts the length of the tubular bag by retracting or unwinding the end of the tubular bag.

3. The air beam according to claim 1, characterized in that the length in the longitudinal direction of the tubular bag body can be adjusted steplessly by the adjustment means within a range of approximately double or half.

4. The air beam according to claim 1, characterized in that the volume of the internal space of the cylindrical bag is varied by the adjustment means and a predetermined rigidity is maintained when expanded by a predetermined internal pressure due to the fluid.

5. The air beam according to claim 1, characterized in that the tubular bag has a buckling prevention means that maintains its tubular shape during the expansion and contraction process.

6. The air beam according to claim 5, characterized in that the buckling prevention means is provided circumferentially along the longitudinal axis over substantially the entire length of the cylindrical bag.

7. The air beam according to claim 6, characterized in that a plurality of buckling prevention means are arranged at substantially equal intervals around the center of the cylindrical bag.

8. The air beam according to claim 1, characterized in that it has connecting members provided at both ends of the tubular bag body and connected to joints when assembling the structure.

9. The aforementioned cylindrical bag has a substantially cylindrical outer body and an inner body, both ends of which are connected to each other. The air beam according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjustment means is a cable member inserted through the conduit of the inner body and connected to one end of the cylindrical bag body, and adjusts the length of the cylindrical bag body by tension and slack.

10. The air beam according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjusting means is an elastic body inserted into the inside of the cylindrical bag and connected to one end of the cylindrical bag, and whose natural length is set to the shortest length of the cylindrical bag.

11. A plurality of air beams according to any one of claims 1 to 10, A beam structure characterized by having a framework formed by multiple air beams.

12. The beam structure according to claim 10, characterized in that a truss structure is formed by having the air beams that constitute a plurality of diagonal members.

13. The beam structure according to claim 10, characterized in that a plurality of the air beams constitute a beam member that is erected between a column member and two or more of the column members.

14. Furthermore, the beam structure according to claim 13 is characterized by having diagonal members provided across the column members and the beam members.

15. The beam structure according to claim 14, characterized in that the diagonal member is formed by the air beam.

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