Method for connecting slope protection devices, connectors, and slope protection sheets.

Abstract

To provide a slope protection device that facilitates the connection and disconnection of adjacent slope protection sheets. [Solution] The slope protection device comprises a slope protection sheet and one or more connectors for connecting adjacent slope protection sheets that overlap each other. The connector comprises a head and a shaft. The head comprises an annular portion that defines a space on the inside in which a part of the overlapping portion can be placed, an insertion portion for inserting a part of the overlapping portion into the annular portion from the tip side, and a barb portion formed on the inside of the annular portion and protruding in the opposite direction of insertion to restrict the part of the overlapping portion placed inside the annular portion from coming out. The connection state of adjacent slope protection sheets is maintained by the connector because a part of the overlapping portion is placed inside the annular portion and the axial direction of the shaft is oriented substantially parallel to the slope protection sheet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a slope protection device installed on a slope such as a slope face to protect the slope, a connector for connecting adjacent slope protection sheets, and a method for connecting adjacent slope protection sheets using the connector.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, on slopes such as slope faces, in order to suppress soil erosion, slope collapse, small-scale rockfalls, etc., the slopes have been protected. For example, a vegetation mat that holds vegetation materials (or vegetation base materials) such as soil, seeds, fertilizers, and water retention materials is fixed to the soil using an anchor or the like, thereby protecting the slope along with greening.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a slope protection device that facilitates the connection of adjacent slope protection sheets. Hereafter, in this paragraph, reference numerals of Patent Document 1 are used in parentheses. The slope protection device (100) comprises two or more slope protection sheets (101) that extend vertically and horizontally to a predetermined size so as to cover the slope surface to be protected, and a plurality of connectors (110) for connecting adjacent slope protection sheets (101) that overlap each other. The connector (110) comprises a head (111), a shaft portion (112) that extends from the head (111) to a tip portion (113) for a predetermined length and can penetrate the overlapping portion (S) of the slope protection sheets (101), and one or more locking portions (115) that extend radially outward in a needle or rod shape from around the shaft portion (112). The locking portion (115) is an elongated projection that protrudes radially outward from around the shaft portion (112) and extends from the tip portion (113) towards the head portion (111). Each locking portion (115) is configured to allow movement of the shaft portion (112) in the insertion direction when the shaft portion (112) penetrates the overlapping portion (S), and to restrict movement of the shaft portion (112) in the opposite direction of insertion by engaging with the slope protection sheet (101). To connect adjacent slope protection sheets (101, 101), first, the adjacent slope protection sheets (101, 101) are arranged to overlap and form an overlapping portion (S). Next, the connector (110) is positioned so as to sew the connector (110) to the overlapping portion (S). As a result, the shaft portion (112) penetrates the overlapping portion (S) such that multiple locking portions (115) protrude through the overlapping portion (S) in the insertion direction, and the axial direction of the shaft portion (112) is oriented substantially parallel to the slope protection sheet (101). This causes the locking portions (115) to catch on the net threads (102) and function as a retainer, restricting the movement of the shaft portion (112) in the opposite direction of insertion. This creates and maintains the connection between adjacent slope protection sheets (101, 101) by the connector (110). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-66558 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The slope protection device and connector described in Patent Document 1 improves the connection work of adjacent slope protection sheets compared to the common method of connecting adjacent vegetation mats by crimping C-rings. The worker inserts the connector through the overlapping portion of the slope protection sheet and sews it in place, but sometimes the work needs to be redone due to an error after the shaft of the connector has been sewn into the overlapping portion. In such cases, the problem is that it is time-consuming to pull out the shaft of the connector to remove it in order to redo the work. In particular, when trying to pull out the shaft of the connector in the opposite direction of insertion, one or more locking parts formed on the tip side of the shaft of the connector get caught on multiple net threads multiple times, making it difficult to remove the connector from the overlapping portion. Therefore, the inventors aimed to further improve the workability of the conventional slope protection device and connector.

[0006] The present invention was made to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a slope protection device, a connector, and a method for connecting adjacent slope protection sheets that enable easy connection of adjacent slope protection sheets. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (Composition 1) The slope protection device described in Configuration 1 is a slope protection device installed on a slope to protect the slope, Two or more slope protection sheets extending in a planar manner in both vertical and horizontal directions and laid on the slope, It comprises one or more connectors for connecting the overlapping and adjacent slope protection sheets, The aforementioned connector is The head portion is located at the base end of the connector, The system comprises a shaft portion that extends for a predetermined length along the insertion direction from the head to the tip, and is inserted from the tip to the overlapping portion so as to penetrate the overlapping portion of the adjacent slope protection sheet, The aforementioned head is An annular portion that defines an inward space in which a part of the aforementioned overlapping portion can be placed, An insertion portion for inserting a part of the overlapping portion into the annular portion from the tip side, The annular portion is provided with a barb portion formed on the annular portion that protrudes in the opposite direction of insertion, so as to restrict the dislodgement of a part of the overlapping portion that is located inside the annular portion, The connection between adjacent slope protection sheets is maintained by the connector, as a portion of the overlapping portion is positioned inside the annular portion, and the axial direction of the shaft portion is oriented substantially parallel to the slope protection sheet.

[0008] (Configuration 2) The slope protection device described in configuration 2 is characterized in that, in the slope protection device described in configuration 1, the insertion portion is elastically closed and opens by elastic deformation.

[0009] (Composition 3) The slope protection device described in configuration 3 is characterized in that, in the slope protection device described in configuration 1, the shaft portion has a length that penetrates the overlapping portion at two or more locations.

[0010] (Composition 4) The slope protection device described in configuration 4 is characterized in that, in the slope protection device described in configuration 1, the return portion is made from the end of a wire.

[0011] (Composition 5) The slope protection device described in configuration 5 is the slope protection device described in configuration 1, wherein the annular portion comprises a first portion extending linearly along the extension of the shaft portion, a second portion extending by folding back from the base end of the first portion toward the tip end, and a third portion extending by folding back again from the tip end of the second portion toward the base end. The insertion portion is formed between the first portion and the third portion. The third portion is characterized by having the aforementioned lip portion at its end.

[0012] (Composition 6) The slope protection device described in configuration 6 is characterized in that, in the slope protection device described in configuration 5, the connector consists of a single spring steel wire.

[0013] (Composition 7) The slope protection device described in configuration 7 is a slope protection device described in any of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the slope protection sheet includes a mesh-like body formed by weaving mesh threads vertically and horizontally, and the mesh threads of each of the overlapping and adjacent slope protection sheets are arranged inside the annular portion as part of the overlapping portion.

[0014] (Composition 8) The connector described in configuration 8 is a connector for connecting adjacent slope protection sheets that overlap each other, The head is positioned at the base, The system comprises a shaft portion that extends for a predetermined length along the insertion direction from the head to the tip, and is inserted from the tip to the overlapping portion so as to penetrate the overlapping portion of the adjacent slope protection sheet, The aforementioned head is An annular portion that defines an inward space in which a part of the aforementioned overlapping portion can be placed, An insertion portion for inserting a part of the overlapping portion into the annular portion from the tip side, The annular portion is provided with a barb portion formed on the annular portion that protrudes in the opposite direction of insertion, so as to restrict the dislodgement of a part of the overlapping portion that is located inside the annular portion, The present invention is characterized in that a portion of the overlapping portion is positioned inside the annular portion, and the axial direction of the shaft portion is oriented substantially parallel to the slope protection sheet, thereby enabling the connection state of the adjacent slope protection sheets to be maintained.

[0015] (Composition 9) The method according to Configuration 9 is a method for connecting adjacent inclined surface protection sheets using the connector according to Claim 8, wherein a step of overlapping adjacent inclined surface protection sheets to form an overlapping portion; a step of arranging the connector so as to sew the connector to the overlapping portion; a step of arranging a part of the overlapping portion through an insertion portion into an annular portion of the head of the connector; and is characterized by including.

Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the inclined surface protection device described in Configuration 1, by passing the shaft portion of the connector through the overlapping portion of the adjacent inclined surface protection sheets that overlap each other and orienting the axial direction of the shaft portion substantially parallel to the plane direction of the inclined surface protection sheet, it is possible to easily form and maintain the connection state of the adjacent inclined surface protection sheets by the connector. In particular, a part of the overlapping portion (constrained portion) is arranged in the annular portion of the connector head through the insertion portion, and the engaging portion locks a part of the overlapping portion from the tip side, thereby suppressing the unintentional detachment of a part of the overlapping portion from the annular portion and preventing the connector from moving and coming off in the reverse insertion direction from the overlapping portion. On the other hand, after passing the shaft portion of the connection portion through the overlapping portion, when removing the shaft portion of the connector from the overlapping portion for rework, the shaft portion of the connector can be smoothly moved in the reverse insertion direction and easily removed from the overlapping portion. That is, since the engaging portion is formed in the annular portion provided in the head, the engaging portion does not prevent the movement of the connector in the reverse insertion direction. Therefore, the inclined surface protection device of the present invention improves the connection work of adjacent inclined surface protection sheets more efficiently.

[0017] According to the inclined surface protection device described in Configuration 2, in addition to the effect of the invention described in Configuration 1, since the insertion portion is elastically closed, it is possible to reliably restrain a part of the overlapping portion once arranged inside the annular portion within the annular portion. On the other hand, by elastically deforming and opening the insertion portion, it is possible to easily insert a part of the overlapping portion into the annular portion.

[0018] According to the slope protection device described in Configuration 3, in addition to the effects of the invention described in Configuration 1, the shaft portion has a length that penetrates the overlapping portion at two or more points, so that multiple connection points can be formed over the length range of the shaft portion with a single connector, thereby preventing the load from concentrating on one point of the slope protection sheet and causing it to tear.

[0019] According to the slope protection device described in Configuration 4, in addition to the effects of the invention described in Configuration 1, the barb portion is made from the end of a wire, so it can reliably catch on a part of the overlapping portion and effectively exhibit a non-detaching function.

[0020] According to the slope protection device described in Configuration 5, in addition to the effects of the invention described in Configuration 1, when an operator inserts a part of the overlapping portion (restrained portion) into the annular portion, the restrained portion can be guided to the insertion portion between the first portion and the third portion by sliding it along the shaft portion and the first portion, and can be easily positioned inside the annular portion.

[0021] According to the slope protection device described in Configuration 6, in addition to the effects of the invention described in Configuration 5, the connector is made of a single spring steel wire, and because spring steel has good elastic properties, its locking effect is high, and its bending strength is high, so the wire diameter can be reduced and the connector can be made lighter.

[0022] According to the slope protection device described in Configuration 7, in addition to the effects of the invention described in any of Configurations 1 to 6, the slope protection sheet is made of a mesh-like material formed by weaving mesh threads vertically and horizontally, making it easy to insert the connector through the mesh into the overlapping portion. Furthermore, by arranging at least two mesh threads as restrained parts on the inside of the annular portion, the barb portion can catch on the mesh threads, effectively creating a retaining (locking) state.

[0023] According to the connector described in Configuration 8, by passing the shaft of the connector through the overlapping portion of adjacent slope protection sheets that overlap each other and orienting the axial direction substantially parallel to the planar direction of the slope protection sheets, it is possible to easily form and maintain the connected state of adjacent slope protection sheets with the connector. In particular, by positioning a part of the overlapping portion (restrained portion) within the annular portion of the head of the connector via the insertion portion, and engaging the barb portion with the part of the overlapping portion from the tip side, it is possible to prevent the part of the overlapping portion from unintentionally coming out of the annular portion and to prevent the connector from moving away from the overlapping portion in the opposite direction of insertion. On the other hand, when removing the shaft of the connector from the overlapping portion for rework after the shaft of the connector has been passed through the overlapping portion, the shaft of the connector can be smoothly moved away from the overlapping portion and easily removed. In other words, because the barb portion is formed in the annular portion provided on the head, the barb portion does not hinder the movement of the connector in the opposite direction of insertion. Therefore, the connector of the present invention improves the efficiency of connecting adjacent slope protection sheets.

[0024] According to the method described in Configuration 9, the effects of the invention relating to the connector described in Configuration 8 can be demonstrated as a method for connecting adjacent slope protection sheets. Therefore, the method of the present invention improves the efficiency of connecting and disconnecting (or removing the connector) adjacent slope protection sheets. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0025] [Figure 1] A schematic exploded perspective view of a slope protection device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A schematic perspective view of the connector for the slope protection device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] (a) top view, (b) front view, (c) bottom view, (d) left side view, and (e) right side view of the head area of ​​the connector in Figure 2. [Figure 4] A schematic perspective view showing the connector in Figure 3 with the insertion part open. [Figure 5]A partially enlarged perspective view showing the connection status of adjacent slope protection sheets in the slope protection device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] A schematic plan view showing the slope protection device in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Schematic diagram of the AA cross-section of the slope protection device in Figure 6. [Figure 8] A schematic diagram showing the process of connecting adjacent slope protection sheets using a connector in the slope protection device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 9] A schematic diagram showing the installation structure of the slope protection device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 10] A schematic diagram showing an example of the application of the slope protection sheet of the slope protection device of the present invention. [Figure 11] A schematic diagram showing further application examples of the slope protection sheet of the slope protection device of the present invention. [Figure 12] A diagram showing a modified example of the connector for the slope protection device of the present invention. [Figure 13] A diagram showing a modified example of the connector for the slope protection device of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the shapes in the drawings referenced in the following description are conceptual or schematic diagrams for illustrating preferred shapes and dimensions, and the dimensional ratios, etc., do not necessarily correspond to actual dimensional ratios. In other words, the present invention is not limited to the dimensional ratios shown in the drawings.

[0027] One embodiment of the slope protection device 100 is installed on slopes such as embankments to protect them by preventing soil erosion and suppressing rockfalls. In this specification, the direction along the slope's inclination when the slope protection device 100 is laid on a slope is defined as the "vertical" direction, and the direction along the contour lines of the slope is defined as the "horizontal" direction. Furthermore, when the slope protection device 100 is laid on a slope, the side positioned on the slope's shoulder (upper or higher side) is defined as the "upper" position, and the side positioned on the slope's toe (lower or lower side) is defined as the "lower" position.

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the slope protection device 100 of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the slope protection device 100 comprises two or more slope protection sheets 101 that extend vertically and horizontally to a predetermined size so as to cover the slope surface to be protected, and (one or) a plurality of connectors 110 for connecting adjacent slope protection sheets 101 that overlap each other. The slope protection device 100 may also include one or more fixing devices 120 as components for fixing the slope protection sheets 101 to the slope (see Figure 9). In other words, the slope protection device 100 is configured to protect a predetermined area of ​​slope by using a plurality of slope protection sheets 101 that are smaller than the area of ​​the protected region of the slope.

[0029] The slope protection sheet 101 is laid on a slope and is designed to suppress soil erosion, slope collapse, and small-scale rockfalls from the slope. The slope protection sheet 101 can take various forms as long as it suppresses soil erosion, etc. Here, for the sake of explanation, or as one of the preferred forms, the slope protection sheet 101 is represented as a rectangular mesh (or net) formed by weaving mesh threads 102 vertically and horizontally. In this embodiment, the mesh is made of flexible, high-strength fibers. Furthermore, one side of the slope protection sheet 101 is defined as the first surface 101a, and the surface opposite the first surface 101a is defined as the second surface 101b.

[0030] Two or more slope protection sheets 101 are arranged adjacent to each other in the vertical or horizontal direction, and partially overlapping so as not to form any gaps (see Figure 9). A superposition S is formed by two adjacent slope protection sheets 101, 101. The connection between the two adjacent slope protection sheets 101, 101 can be formed and maintained by the connector 110 penetrating the superposition S along the planar direction of the slope protection sheets 101.

[0031] The configuration of the connector 110 will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 4. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the connector 110. Figures 3(a) to 3(e) are a plan view, front view, bottom view, left side view, and right side view of the head area of ​​the connector 110. Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the connector 110 with the insertion part open.

[0032] The connector 110 in this embodiment comprises a head 111 positioned at the base end 110a, and a shaft 112 extending for a predetermined length from the head 111 to the tip 110b, which can penetrate the overlapping portion S of the slope protection sheet 101. Here, the direction from the base end 110a toward the tip 110b is defined as the insertion direction of the connector 110, and the direction from the tip 110b toward the base end 110a (the opposite direction) is defined as the non-insertion direction (or withdrawal direction) of the connector 110. That is, the connector 110 is inserted into the overlapping portion S of the slope protection sheet 101 along the insertion direction from the tip 110b.

[0033] The head portion 111 is provided at the base end of the shaft portion 112 and is a portion that is bent radially from the base end of the shaft portion 112. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the head portion 111 includes an annular portion 115 that defines a space on the inside in which the restrained portion, which is a part of the overlapping portion S (net yarn 102), can be placed; an insertion portion 116 that faces the tip portion 110b side of the connector 110 and is for inserting the restrained portion of the overlapping portion S into the annular portion 115 from the tip portion 110b side; and a barb portion 117 that is formed on the annular portion 115 and protrudes toward the base end portion 110a side (in the opposite direction of insertion) to restrict the restrained portion placed inside the annular portion 115 from coming out.

[0034] The shaft portion 112 extends linearly to a predetermined length and diameter, and is configured to be inserted into the overlapping portion S of the adjacent slope protection sheet 101 from its tip portion 110b so as to penetrate the overlapping portion S. Since the tip of the shaft portion 112 (tip portion 110b) is pointed (to the extent that it can penetrate the slope protection sheet 101), the tip portion 110b can easily penetrate the slope protection sheet 101 or the overlapping portion S. The length of the shaft portion 112 is determined to be at least greater than the mesh size of the slope protection sheet 101. Furthermore, it is preferable that the shaft portion 112 has a length that penetrates the overlapping portion S at two or more locations. Moreover, it is more preferable that the shaft portion 112 has a length that penetrates the overlapping portion S at three to five locations.

[0035] The connector 110 in this embodiment is preferably formed by bending a single spring steel wire. Spring steel wire has good elastic properties, resulting in a high locking effect and high bending strength, which allows for a thinner wire diameter and thus a lighter connector 110. Specifically, to reduce resistance when penetrating the overlapping portion S of the slope protection sheet 101, the wire diameter is preferably 1.0 to 3.2 mm.

[0036] In other words, the connector 110 is formed by the shaft portion 112 and a part of the annular portion 115 extending linearly from the tip portion 110b to the base portion 110a, and the wire being folded back toward the tip portion 110b at the base portion 110a to form an annular shape. More specifically, the annular portion 115 constituting the head 111 of the connector 110 consists of a first portion 115a extending linearly on the extension of the shaft portion 112, a second portion 115b extending by being folded back toward the tip portion 110b from the base end of the first portion 115a, and a third portion 115c extending by being folded back again toward the base portion 110a from the tip of the second portion 115b.

[0037] The first portion 115a and the second portion 115b extend substantially parallel to each other, forming a space between them in which the constrained portion of the overlapping portion S can be positioned. In this embodiment, this width (size of the head portion 111) is large enough to pass through the mesh of the overlapping portion S. An insertion portion 116 is formed between the first portion 115a and the third portion 115c. In this embodiment, in the original shape (undeformed state) of the connector 110, a small gap is formed between the first portion 115a and the third portion 115c as the insertion portion 116. However, the first portion 115a and the third portion 115c may be in contact, and the insertion portion 116 may be completely closed. As shown in Figure 4, by elastically deforming the portion between the head portion 111 and the shaft portion 112, the first portion 115a and the third portion 115c can be separated, and the insertion portion 116 can be opened. The third portion 115c extends in a hook shape facing the base end 110a side (opposite insertion direction) and has a pointed end. In other words, a barb portion 117 is provided at the end of the third portion 115c. This barb portion 117 can function as a locking portion that catches and locks onto the restrained portion of the overlapping portion S located within the annular portion 115. Furthermore, the barb portion 117 is formed to fit inside the contour of the annular portion 115. In other words, the tip of the barb portion 117 does not protrude radially outward from the outer circumference of the oval annular head 111. In this embodiment, the barb portion 117 faces the base end 110a side parallel to the axial direction, but as will be described later, it may be inclined.

[0038] Next, we will describe a configuration in which slope protection sheets 101, 101, which are placed adjacent to each other and overlapping, are connected using multiple connectors 110. Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view showing the connection state of adjacent slope protection sheets 101, 101 in the slope protection device 100. Figure 6 is a schematic plan view thereof. Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view AA thereof.

[0039] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the periphery of adjacent slope protection sheets 101, 101 partially overlaps to form an overlapping portion S. In this case, it is preferable that the adjacent slope protection sheets 101, 101 are arranged parallel to each other so that the overlapping portion S has a uniform width. The connector 110 is sewn to the overlapping portion S so as to be approximately parallel to the planar direction of the slope protection sheet 101. Here, the first surface 101a of the slope protection sheet 101 is located on the upper side, and the second surface 101b is located on the lower side.

[0040] As shown in Figure 7, the connector 110 connects adjacent slope protection sheets 101, 101 by penetrating the overlapping portion S at two or more locations. Here, the head 111 of the connector 110 is located on the first surface 101a side, the shaft 112 penetrates the overlapping portion S at five locations, and the tip 110b extends outwards on the second surface 101b side. The shaft 112 is oriented substantially parallel to the plane of the slope protection sheet 101 and is alternately positioned on the first surface 101a side and the second surface 101b side of the overlapping portion S in the axial direction. In other words, the overlapping portion S is deformed in a meandering manner relative to the connector 110. A part of the overlapping portion S is locked by the head 111, and the axial direction of the shaft 112 is oriented substantially parallel to the slope protection sheet 101 (plane direction), thereby forming and maintaining the connection between adjacent slope protection sheets 101, 101 by the connector 110.

[0041] More specifically, the first penetration point at the base end of the connector 110 is indicated as P1, and the points are indicated sequentially from the base end as P1 to P5 (i.e., the nth penetration point is Pn). In this embodiment, the penetration points P1 to P5 are positions where the openings of the mesh of the two slope protection sheets 101 overlap in the overlapping portion S. In addition, one or more mesh threads 102 that form the mesh are arranged between adjacent penetration points Pn and Pn+1. Furthermore, the head 111 of the connector 110 is positioned on the axial base end side of the first penetration point P1, and the tip 110b is positioned to protrude through to the tip side of the fifth penetration point P5. Here, since the head 111 restrains the mesh threads 102 within the annular portion 115, the shaft portion 112 cannot pass through the first penetration point P1 in the insertion direction in a position oriented parallel to the plane of the slope protection sheet 101.

[0042] In other words, according to the slope protection device 100 of this embodiment, when adjacent slope protection sheets 101, 101 are connected, multiple connection points are formed for each connector 110 over the length range of the shaft portion 112 (which has a length that penetrates at two or more points in the overlapping portion S), thereby preventing the load from concentrating at one point on the slope protection sheet 101 and causing the slope protection sheet 101 (or netting 102) to tear.

[0043] Furthermore, the mesh threads 102 of the two slope protection sheets 101 are positioned inside the annular portion 115. Since the return portion 117 extends hook-shaped in the opposite direction of insertion inside the annular portion 115, the return portion 117 locks the mesh thread 102 from the tip portion 110b side, preventing the mesh thread 102 from unintentionally coming out of the annular portion 115. Moreover, since the insertion portion 116 is elastically closed, the mesh thread 102 is more reliably constrained inside the annular portion 115. If the return portion 117 were omitted, it is conceivable that if some force were applied to the connector 110 from the overlapping portion S and the connector 110 elastically deformed, the insertion portion 116 would open and the mesh thread 102 would come out to the outside of the annular portion 115. However, the connector 110 of this embodiment, by being provided with a return portion 117, reliably prevents the netting thread 102 from coming out of the annular portion 115 even if it undergoes unintended elastic deformation. In other words, in the slope protection device 100, the connector 110 is prevented from moving away from the overlapping portion S in the opposite direction of insertion, and a strong connection is made between the slope protection sheets 101, 101. Therefore, the slope protection device 100 of this embodiment, by using the connector 110, can stably maintain the connection state of adjacent slope protection sheets 101, 101.

[0044] Next, referring to Figure 8, we will explain how to connect adjacent slope protection sheets 101, 101.

[0045] First, adjacent slope protection sheets 101, 101 are arranged to overlap and form a superposition S. Next, the connector 110 is positioned so as to be sewn onto the superposition S. More specifically, as shown in Figure 8(a), the superposition S is folded, and the connector 110 is oriented approximately parallel to the planar direction of the slope protection sheet 101, with its tip 110b inserted into the opening in the mesh of the folded superposition S (first penetration point P1), and the shaft 112 is positioned to penetrate the superposition S. At this time, the head 111 of the connector 110 is located on the first surface 101a side of the superposition S via the first penetration point P1, and the tip 110b is located on the second surface 101b side.

[0046] Next, the overlapping portion S in the forward direction of insertion is bent again, and the connector 110 is moved in the insertion direction while oriented to be approximately parallel to the planar direction of the slope protection sheet 101. As shown in Figure 8(b), the tip portion 110b of the shaft portion 112 is inserted into a mesh (second penetration portion P2) different from the first penetration portion P1, and is positioned to penetrate the overlapping portion S from the second surface 101b side to the first surface 101a side. The connector 110 is moved in the insertion direction while repeating this penetration operation. Then, as shown in Figure 8(c), at least two mesh threads 102 are placed inside the annular portion 115 via the elastically opened insertion portion 116, and then the insertion portion 116 is elastically closed. This makes it possible to connect adjacent slope protection sheets 101, 101. Therefore, the slope protection device 100 of this embodiment can establish a stable connection between adjacent slope protection sheets 101, 101 by a simple operation such as inserting the connector 110 substantially parallel to the overlapping portion S and arranging the mesh yarn 102 within the annular portion 115.

[0047] In this invention, it is possible to fix the connector 110 by passing it through the slope protection sheet 101 once or twice, but the connection strength may not be sufficient. On the other hand, considering workability, it is preferable that the number of times the connector 110 is passed through the slope protection sheet 101 is 10 times or less. Therefore, considering both workability and connection strength, it is preferable that the number of times the connector 110 is passed through the slope protection sheet 101 is about 3 to 5 times.

[0048] On the other hand, when removing the shaft portion 112 of the connector 110 from the overlapping portion S after it has been inserted through the overlapping portion S, the barb portion 116 is formed on the annular portion 115 provided on the head 111, and its tip does not protrude radially outward from the outer circumference of the head 111. Therefore, the barb portion 116 does not get caught on the net thread 102 and hinder the movement of the connector 110 in the reverse insertion direction. As a result, the connector 110 can be moved smoothly in the reverse insertion direction and easily removed from the overlapping portion S.

[0049] Next, we will describe the installation structure 10 in which the slope protection device 100 of this embodiment is laid on the soil surface of a slope. Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of the installation structure 10.

[0050] In the installation structure 10 shown in Figure 9, multiple slope protection sheets 101 of the slope protection device 100 are fixed to the soil surface of the slope using multiple fasteners 120. The multiple slope protection sheets 101 are laid out in the direction of the slope's inclination and in the direction of contour lines perpendicular to it. In particular, adjacent slope protection sheets 101, 101 overlap each other, so that no gaps are formed on the slope. Here, the slope protection sheets 101 are adjacent in the vertical and horizontal directions, and overlapping portions S are formed in both the vertical and horizontal directions. Furthermore, the fasteners 120 are L-shaped anchors, and it is preferable that they be driven into the overlapping portions S with their heads facing the shoulder of the slope. In the overlapping portions S, multiple connectors 110 are attached so as to extend approximately parallel to the planar direction of the slope protection sheets 101, thereby firmly connecting adjacent slope protection sheets 101, 101. In other words, the installation structure 10 of this embodiment can stably maintain the connection state of adjacent slope protection sheets 101, 101 by means of the connector 110, thereby suppressing the subsequent occurrence of gaps. As a result, it is possible to effectively protect the slope by suppressing soil erosion and other damage caused by the subsequent occurrence of such gaps.

[0051] In this embodiment, although not limiting to the present invention, the length of the connector 110 is approximately 150 mm, and multiple connectors 110 are attached to the overlapping portion S at intervals of approximately 500 mm in the vertical or horizontal direction of the slope. Furthermore, while it is possible to connect adjacent slope protection sheets 101, 101 with at least one connector 110 per overlapping portion S, it is preferable to attach multiple connectors 110 at predetermined intervals to improve connection strength.

[0052] In the above embodiment, the slope protection sheet 101 was shown as a simple mesh structure, but slope protection sheets can take on various forms. Specific examples of slope protection sheets are described below.

[0053] Figure 10 shows a slope protection sheet 201, which is a vegetation mat, as an example of a slope protection device. The slope protection sheet 201 consists of a mesh-like structure formed by weaving mesh threads 202 vertically and horizontally in approximately perpendicular directions. The slope protection sheet 201 has several places where the mesh-like structure is doubled, and several storage sections 204 extending horizontally in a long cylindrical shape are provided at these places. The slope protection sheet 201 can also be used as a vegetation mat for greening the slope surface with vegetation plants by filling the storage sections 204 with bags 205 containing vegetation material. The vegetation material is a material used for vegetation and includes at least one of the following: seeds, fertilizer, soil conditioner, water retention material, water repellency inhibitor, soil and sand, growth substrate material, etc.

[0054] The containment section 204 is composed of a long, mesh-like cylindrical body extending in the longitudinal direction, and is configured to hold a bag-shaped or tubular bag 205 containing vegetation material. Each containment section 204 extends longitudinally across the slope protection sheet 201 in the transverse direction. More specifically, the mesh-like containment section 204 is composed of a plurality of warp threads located in the vertical direction and weft threads connecting the warp threads, and a tubular shape is formed by dividing the weft threads into front and back sides and alternately weaving each of the warp threads in the transverse direction into each of these weft threads. In other words, the containment section 204 is formed in the shape of a bag made by overlapping two mesh-like bodies. The containment section 204 extends from one end to the other so that its longitudinal direction is along the transverse direction of the slope protection sheet 201. One or both ends of the longitudinal end of the containment section 204 are open, and the tubular bag 205 is configured to be inserted through the opening.

[0055] Furthermore, the containment section 204 is made up of a coarse section 204a with a coarse mesh and a dense section 204b with a fine mesh. The coarse section 204a and the dense section 204b are defined as areas where the mesh size differs relatively in both the vertical and horizontal directions, or in either direction. In a plan view, the coarse section 204a is formed biased toward one end in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the containment section 204. In particular, the coarse section 204a occupies approximately the upper half in the vertical direction in the plan view, and the dense section 204b occupies approximately the remaining lower half. When the slope protection sheet 201 is installed on a slope, the coarse section 204a, which occupies part of the outer perimeter of the containment section 204, is located on the upper side of the slope, and the dense section 204b, which occupies the rest of the outer perimeter of the containment section 204, is located on the lower side of the slope. That is, since the mesh on the slope shoulder side of the containment section 204 is coarse, plant germination and growth are not hindered by the mesh. On the other hand, because the mesh on the toe side of the slope of the containment section 204 is fine, it is possible to stably hold the vegetation material. Furthermore, it is possible to capture the fine sediment that flows down in the dense section 204b of the containment section 204, thereby suppressing the amount of sediment runoff.

[0056] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, a vegetation sheet 206 made of nonwoven fabric, paper, or woven fabric may be attached to the slope protection sheet 201. The vegetation sheet 206 adds the function of a vegetation sheet to the slope protection sheet 201 by sandwiching seeds or fertilizer between a water-soluble (water-soluble, water-vulnerable) nonwoven fabric and paper and then adhering them together.

[0057] To connect adjacent slope protection sheets 201, 201, the bag body 205 is first placed in the storage section 204, and then the edges of the slope protection sheets 201, 201 are overlapped to form a superimposed portion S. Then, as described above, the connector 110 is attached to the superimposed portion S by sewing it on, thereby forming and maintaining the connected state.

[0058] In other words, by combining the connector 110 with the slope protection sheet 201 which has the function of a vegetation mat as shown in Figures 10 and 11, it is possible to protect the slope as a slope protection device while greening the slope with plants.

[0059] The following describes the operation and effects of the slope protection device 100 and connector 110 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] According to the slope protection device 100 and connector 110 of this embodiment, by passing the shaft portion 112 of the connector 110 through the overlapping portion S of adjacent slope protection sheets 101, 101 that overlap each other, and orienting the axial direction substantially parallel to the planar direction of the slope protection sheet 101, the connector 110 makes it possible to easily form and maintain the connected state of adjacent slope protection sheets 101, 101. In particular, the mesh threads 102 (restrained portion) of the overlapping portion S are positioned inside the annular portion 115 of the connector head 111 via the insertion portion 116, and the return portion 117 locks the mesh threads 102 of the overlapping portion S from the tip portion 110b side, thereby preventing the mesh threads 102 of the overlapping portion S from unintentionally coming out of the annular portion 115, and preventing the connector 110 from moving away from the overlapping portion S in the opposite direction of insertion. On the other hand, after the shaft portion 112 of the connector 110 has been inserted through the overlapping portion S, when removing the shaft portion 112 of the connector 110 from the overlapping portion S for rework, the connector 110 can be easily removed from the overlapping portion S by smoothly moving it in the opposite direction of insertion. This is because the barb portion 117 is formed on the annular portion 115 of the head 111 (in this embodiment, on the radially inner side of the contour of the outer circumference of the annular portion 115) rather than on the shaft portion 112, so the barb portion 117 does not obstruct the movement of the connector 110 in the opposite direction of insertion. Therefore, the slope protection device 100 and connector 110 of this embodiment improve the efficiency of connecting adjacent slope protection sheets 101, 101 (or removing the connector 110).

[0061] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. Modifications of the present invention will be described below.

[0062] (1) The connector of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can take various forms. Figure 12(a) illustrates a connector 210 as a modified example of the present invention. The connector 210 shown in Figure 12(a) comprises a head portion 211 and a shaft portion 212. The head portion 211 comprises an annular portion 215 that defines an inward space in which a net thread, which is part of the overlapping portion S, can be placed; an insertion portion 216 that faces the tip portion 210b side of the connector 210 and is for inserting a part of the overlapping portion S into the annular portion 215 from the tip portion 210b side; and a barb portion 217 that is formed on the inside of the annular portion 215 and protrudes in the opposite direction of insertion, so as to restrict the part of the overlapping portion S that is placed inside the annular portion 215 from coming out. In this connector 210, the insertion portion 216 is not closed and is open to a width through which the net thread can pass. In this configuration, the connector 210 does not need to be elastically deformable, and the netting yarn can be inserted into the annular portion 215 without expanding the insertion portion 216. Therefore, the connection work using the connector 210 is simpler compared to the connector 110 of the first embodiment. On the other hand, the reliability of the restraint of the netting yarn within the annular portion 215 is slightly inferior compared to the connector 110 of the first embodiment.

[0063] (2) The connector of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can take various forms. Figure 12(b) illustrates a connector 310 as a modified example of the present invention. The connector 310 shown in Figure 12(b) comprises a head 311 and a shaft 312. The head 311 comprises an annular portion 315 that defines a space on the inside in which a net thread, which is part of the overlapping portion S, can be placed; an insertion portion 316 that faces the tip portion 310b side of the connector 310 and for inserting a part of the overlapping portion S into the annular portion 315 from the tip portion 310b side; and a barb portion 317 that is formed on the inside of the annular portion 315 and protrudes in the opposite direction of insertion so as to restrict the part of the overlapping portion S that is placed inside the annular portion 315 from coming out. In this connector 310, the shape of the barb portion 317 differs from that of the above embodiments. The barb portion 317 only needs to be able to lock a part of the overlapping portion S and may extend inclined with respect to the axial direction as long as it faces the opposite direction of insertion. In this configuration, insertion of the netting into the annular portion 315 is easier, but the reliability of the restraint is slightly inferior.

[0064] (3) The connectors of the present invention are not limited to the above embodiments and can take various forms. Figures 13(a) to (c) illustrate connectors 410, 510, and 610 as modified examples of the present invention. That is, connectors can take various shapes under the technical concept of the present invention and are not limited to the above embodiments. In particular, as shown in connector 610 in Figure 13(c), connectors may be molded from synthetic resin and may be formed with a diameter thicker than that of wire.

[0065] (4) The slope protection device of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can take various forms. In the slope protection device of the above embodiments, the slope protection sheet is formed as a mesh, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the slope protection sheet may be made of a nonwoven fabric or a woven fabric sheet. In this case, by piercing the connector into the slope protection sheet, the tip penetrates the fibers to form a through hole, and while expanding the through hole, the shaft can be inserted through the overlapping portion. By arranging a part of the nonwoven fabric or woven fabric sheet around the through hole in the annular portion via the insertion portion, the return portion can penetrate the nonwoven fabric or woven fabric sheet and engage with the slope protection sheet in the opposite direction of insertion, thereby providing a similar anti-slip effect.

[0066] (5) The slope protection device of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can take various forms. In the slope protection device of the above embodiments, the slope protection sheet is formed of a flexible material made of a mesh, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the slope protection sheet may be made of wire mesh or synthetic resin net (Netron® sheet), which has higher strength and durability than a mesh made by weaving fibers or threads.

[0067] (6) The slope protection device of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can take various forms. In the slope protection device of the above embodiments, the slope protection sheet is formed as a rectangular sheet and an overlapping portion is formed by overlapping its edges, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in order to overlap adjacent slope protection sheets, a portion protruding from the edge of the rectangular sheet may be separately provided as a connecting portion.

[0068] (7) The slope protection device and connector of the present invention are not limited to the above embodiments and can take various forms. In the slope protection device and connector of the above embodiments, the barb portion is formed to fit radially inside the contour of the annular portion, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the barb portion may be formed on the annular portion of the head (not the shaft portion), and may be formed to protrude radially outward from the annular portion.

[0069] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms as long as they fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0070] 10 Installation structure 100 Slope protection device 101 Slope protection sheet 101a 1st surface 101b 2nd surface 102 Netting thread 110 Connectors 110a Proximal end 110b Tip 111 Head 112 Shaft 115 Ring section 115a Part 1 115b Part 2 115c Part 3 116 Insertion section 117 Return Section 120 Fixtures 201 Slope protection sheet 201a 1st surface 201b 2nd surface 202 Netting thread 204 Storage Unit 204a Rough part 204b Secret area 205 Bag body 206 Vegetation sheet Pn nth penetration point S polymerization part

Claims

1. A slope protection device installed on a slope to protect the said slope, Two or more slope protection sheets extending in a planar manner in both vertical and horizontal directions and laid on the slope, It comprises one or more connectors for connecting the overlapping and adjacent slope protection sheets, The aforementioned connector is The head portion is located at the base end of the connector, The system comprises a shaft portion that extends for a predetermined length along the insertion direction from the head to the tip, and is inserted from the tip to the overlapping portion so as to penetrate the overlapping portion of the adjacent slope protection sheet, The aforementioned head is An annular portion that defines an inward space in which a part of the aforementioned overlapping portion can be placed, An insertion portion for inserting a part of the overlapping portion into the annular portion from the tip side, The annular portion is provided with a barb portion formed on the annular portion that protrudes in the opposite direction of insertion, so as to restrict the dislodgement of a part of the overlapping portion that is located inside the annular portion, A slope protection device characterized in that a portion of the overlapping portion is positioned inside the annular portion, and the axial direction of the shaft portion is oriented substantially parallel to the slope protection sheet, thereby maintaining the connection state of the adjacent slope protection sheets by the connector.

2. The slope protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the insertion portion is elastically closed and opens by elastic deformation.

3. The slope protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the shaft portion has a length that penetrates the overlapping portion at two or more locations.

4. The slope protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned return portion is made of the end of a wire.

5. The annular portion comprises a first portion extending linearly along the extension of the shaft portion, a second portion extending by folding back from the base end of the first portion toward the tip end, and a third portion extending by folding back again from the tip end of the second portion toward the base end. The insertion portion is formed between the first portion and the third portion. The slope protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the end portion of the third portion is provided with the return portion.

6. The slope protection device according to claim 5, characterized in that the connector consists of a single spring steel wire.

7. The slope protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the slope protection sheet includes a mesh-like body formed by weaving mesh threads vertically and horizontally, and the mesh threads of each of the overlapping and adjacent slope protection sheets are arranged inside the annular portion as part of the overlapping portion.

8. A connector for connecting adjacent slope protection sheets that overlap each other, The head is positioned at the base, The system comprises a shaft portion that extends for a predetermined length along the insertion direction from the head to the tip, and is inserted from the tip to the overlapping portion so as to penetrate the overlapping portion of the adjacent slope protection sheet, The aforementioned head is An annular portion that defines an inward space in which a part of the aforementioned overlapping portion can be placed, An insertion portion for inserting a part of the overlapping portion into the annular portion from the tip side, The annular portion is provided with a barb portion formed on the annular portion that protrudes in the opposite direction of insertion, so as to restrict the dislodgement of a part of the overlapping portion that is located inside the annular portion, A connector characterized in that a portion of the overlapping portion is positioned inside the annular portion, and the axial direction of the shaft portion is oriented substantially parallel to the slope protection sheet, thereby enabling the connection state of adjacent slope protection sheets to be maintained.

9. A method for connecting adjacent slope protection sheets using the connector described in claim 8, A process of overlapping adjacent slope protection sheets to form a superimposed area, The steps include: positioning the connector so as to sew it to the overlapping portion; The steps include: positioning a part of the overlapping portion within the annular portion of the head of the connector via the insertion portion; A method characterized by including the following.

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