Guard fences and dividing elements of guard fences

Abstract

To provide a protective fence and a divided element of the protective fence capable of suppressing displacement between the divided element constituting the protective fence and a road surface.SOLUTION: A divided element is installed on a road surface, and a plurality of divided elements are connected in an extension direction to form a protective fence, and includes a protective member formed of a steel plate and having a plate surface extending along the extension direction, and a connection part fixed to both end parts in the extension direction and connected to other adjacent divided elements, the protective member is provided with two leg parts which are formed so as to extend in the width direction toward the road surface with a center line extending in the direction perpendicular to the road surface as the center in the cross section perpendicular to the extension direction when the direction along the road surface is the width direction, and the two leg parts are provided with a flat part having a surface along the road surface at the end of the road surface side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a safety fence that prevents vehicles from entering, and is formed by connecting a plurality of divided elements. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a protective fence formed by connecting each divided element with an adjacent element, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example. The divided element of the protective fence disclosed in Patent Document 1 is characterized in that "it is composed of a curved leg formed by combining two curved plates in a V-shaped cross section, and a horizontal cylinder installed on the curved leg, with a short post protruding from one end of the horizontal cylinder in the axial direction of the horizontal cylinder, and a receiving groove formed at the other end of the horizontal cylinder that opens in the axial direction of the horizontal cylinder and is a hollow portion shaped to allow the short post to be easily inserted, and the adjustment element is composed of a receiving element and a sliding element, with the sliding element having a shape and dimensions that allow it to be freely stored in the hollow portion of the receiving element."

[0003] Also, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, for example, a protective fence in which the cross section of the blocks is shaped like a "V" is known. The protective fence disclosed in Patent Document 2 is composed of a plurality of blocks, for example made of concrete, and each block is wide on the ground side and narrow on the upper side, allowing for stable installation. The plurality of blocks are connected by, for example, a connecting member that is not rigid, and impact energy is absorbed by the movement of the entire connected blocks. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-21420 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-77230 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The guardrail disclosed in Patent Document 1 is formed by connecting each divided element by sliding it in the extension direction of the guardrail. Each divided element has two curved plates with curved surfaces arranged along the extension direction of the guardrail, and is composed of a curved leg with a cross section that is joined in a V-shape and a horizontal tube installed on the curved leg. The curved leg is the part onto which the wheels of an impacting vehicle ride when it collides with the guardrail. The curved leg is formed with a curved surface all the way to its bottom end to smoothly guide the impacting vehicle along the guardrail. As a result, only the bottom end of the curved surface abuts the road surface, which means that the divided element is likely to move along the road surface when, for example, a vehicle collides or a load such as a strong wind is applied. This poses a problem in that divided elements other than the impacting divided element are likely to move during a vehicle collision.

[0006] The protective fence disclosed in Patent Document 2 is composed of relatively heavy blocks, making it difficult for the fence to move in strong winds or when a vehicle hits it. Furthermore, when a vehicle hits it, the blocks slide and the connecting members between adjacent blocks deform, absorbing the energy of the collision. However, because the weight of each block is heavier than that of the guardrail disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a problem in that the damage to the vehicle is greater when the vehicle hits it.

[0007] The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a protective fence and divided elements of the protective fence that reduce damage to a colliding vehicle and suppress misalignment between the divided elements that make up the protective fence and the road surface. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The divided element according to the present invention is a divided element that is installed on a road surface and is connected in a plurality in an extension direction to form a protective fence, and includes: a protective member formed of a steel plate and having a plate surface extending along the extension direction; and connecting portions fixed to both ends in the extension direction for connecting to other adjacent divided elements; and the protective member, in a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction, has two leg portions that are centered on a center line extending perpendicular to the road surface when the direction along the road surface is defined as the width direction, and are formed so as to widen in the width direction as they approach the road surface, and the two leg portions have flat portions at their ends on the road surface side, the flat portions having a surface that follows the road surface. The two legs are connected to the ends of the flat portion on the center line side in the width direction in the cross section and include guide portions extending obliquely upward, the guide portions include inclined portions having slopes that are represented as straight lines in the cross section, and the inclined portions include a plurality of inclined portions with different inclination angles. .

[0009] The safety fence according to the present invention is formed by connecting a plurality of the above-described divided elements. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] In the present invention, the divided elements that make up the safety fence have flat portions at their lower ends, which can prevent movement relative to the road surface. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view schematically showing a state in which a protective fence 100 according to a first embodiment is installed. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of a divided element 10 that constitutes a protective fence 100 according to embodiment 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of the dividing element 10 of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a side view of the dividing element 10 of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the divided element 10 of FIG. [Figure 6] 3A to 3C are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of the protective member 20 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 6 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the upper end portion of the protective member 20 in FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the divided elements 10 according to the first embodiment stacked in the z direction. [Figure 9] 3 is an explanatory diagram of a cross-sectional structure when the divided elements 10 according to the first embodiment are stacked in the z direction. FIG. [Figure 10] 5 is an explanatory diagram of a cross-sectional structure of a modified example of the divided element 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is an explanatory diagram of a cross-sectional structure of a modified example of the split element 10 according to the first embodiment, in which the split elements 10 are stacked in the z direction. FIG. [Figure 12] 2A to 2C are three-view diagrams of a connecting portion 30 of a divided element 10 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which two divided elements are connected by a connecting portion 30 in FIG. 12. FIG. [Figure 14] 5 is an explanatory diagram of the connecting operation of the split elements 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 15] 2 is a perspective view of two leg portions 21 of the split element 10 according to the first embodiment as viewed from the back side. FIG. [Figure 16] 2 is a perspective view of a flat portion 22 of the divided element 10 according to the first embodiment as viewed from the back side. FIG. [Figure 17] 10 is an explanatory diagram of the connecting operation of the divided elements 10 according to the second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 18] 10 shows an example of a modified example of the connecting portion 230 of the divided element 10 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 19] 19 is an explanatory diagram of the connecting work when forming a safety fence 100 using the divided elements 10 of FIG. 18. FIG. [Figure 20] 19 is an explanatory diagram of another example of the connecting work when forming a safety fence 100 using the divided elements 10 of FIG. 18. FIG. [Figure 21] 10 shows an example of a modified example of the connecting portion 230 of the divided element 10 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 22] 10 shows an example of a modified example of the connecting portion 230 of the divided element 10 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 23] 23 is a perspective view showing an example in which the shape of a slit 236a of a connecting portion 230 in FIG. 22 is changed. [Figure 24] 10 shows an example of a modified example of the connecting portion 230 of the divided element 10 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 25] 10 shows an example of a modified example of the connecting portion 230 of the divided element 10 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 26] 10 shows an example of a modified example of the connecting portion 230 of the divided element 10 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 27] 10 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of stacking a plurality of divided elements 10. [Figure 28] 10 is an explanatory diagram of a connecting portion 330 of a divided element 10 according to a third embodiment. FIG. [Figure 29] 10 is an explanatory diagram of a connecting portion 430 of a divided element 10 according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a divided element 10 of a safety fence 100 according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, identical or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified as appropriate. The shape, size, and arrangement of the configurations shown in each drawing may be changed as appropriate within the scope of the present invention. To facilitate understanding, terms indicating directions (e.g., up, down, left, right, etc.) are used as appropriate, but these notations are provided for the convenience of explanation and do not limit the arrangement, direction, or orientation of devices, instruments, or components, etc.

[0013] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating an installed state of a guardrail fence 100 according to the first embodiment. The guardrail fence 100 according to the first embodiment is placed on, for example, a road 91 or a road surface attached to the road 91, and is used to restrict traffic on some of the road's multiple lanes. The guardrail fence 100 is installed on the road surface to use a portion of the road as a work area 90 when a vehicle accident occurs on the road or when maintenance is being performed on equipment on the roadside. The guardrail fence 100 is installed to extend along the x direction shown in FIG. 1. This prevents a vehicle 95 from entering the work area 90. The x direction is the extension direction of the guardrail fence 100, which in FIG. 1 coincides with the traveling direction of a vehicle 95 traveling on the road and the extension direction of the road 91. Note that the guardrail fence 100 is not limited to being installed on the road surface of the road 91, and may be installed on other ground.

[0014] The protective fence 100 is formed by connecting a plurality of dividing elements 10. The dividing elements 10 are basically connected in a straight line, and are arranged, for example, along a traffic lane, forming the straight section a in FIG. 1. Furthermore, since the road 91 is not limited to extending in a straight line and may be curved, the dividing elements 10 can also be installed at an angle to adjacent dividing elements 10. The case where two dividing elements 10 are connected at an angle to each other will be described later.

[0015] Furthermore, the protective fence 100 is arranged so that the dividing elements 10 intersect with the lane at the end in the x direction, forming the end of the work area 90. The end of the work area 90 is blocked by the dividing elements 10 arranged intersecting with the lane. The dividing elements 10 arranged intersecting with the lane prevent vehicles 95 from entering the work area 90 from outside.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a divided element 10 constituting the protective fence 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a top view of the divided element 10 of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a side view of the divided element 10 of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the divided element 10 of FIG. 4. When installed on the road surface, the divided element 10 is installed with the x direction as the extension direction of the protective fence 100, the y direction as the width direction, and the z direction as the height direction, and is installed with the x direction facing the extension direction of the road 91. When installed on the road surface, the divided element 10 has a protective member 20 at its bottom and a structural part 40 at its top. Connecting parts 30 are provided at both ends of the divided element 10 in the extension direction.

[0017] For example, the dividing element 10 has an extension direction of 4 m, a height of 670 mm, and a distance of 500 mm between the tips of the legs 21 in the width direction, i.e., the y direction. These dimensions are just an example, and the dimensions of each part of the dividing element 10 are not limited to these.

[0018] (protective member 20) The protective member 20 is formed by bending a steel plate, and is arranged so that its plate surfaces face in the y direction and the opposite y direction, and so that its plate surfaces are aligned along the x direction. As shown in FIG. 5 , the protective member 20 has two legs 21 whose upper ends are connected to the structural member 40 and which extend in the y direction from the upper ends toward opposite z directions. A longitudinal rib 24 is provided on the inner side of the two legs 21 and joins the two legs 21. The longitudinal rib 24 is a plate-shaped member and is provided so as to connect the inner surfaces 25 of the two legs 21 that are arranged opposite each other in the y direction. The longitudinal rib 24 maintains the distance between the two legs 21 and maintains the shape of the protective member 20. The longitudinal rib 24 also has a notch 24a that opens toward the road surface. A plurality of longitudinal ribs 24 may be arranged on the divided element 10 at predetermined intervals in the x direction.

[0019] Each of the two legs 21 has a flat portion 22 at its lower end. The flat portion 22 is formed so that the lower surface 22a fits along the road surface 91a of the road 91 when the divided element 10 is installed on the road 91. In other words, the lower surface 22a is formed so as to be perpendicular or at an angle close to perpendicular to the z direction. The lower surface 22a may be partially protruding or may have irregularities. Modified examples of the structure of the lower surface 22a will be described later.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 5, the guide portion 23 is connected to the inner end of the flat portion 22. In the cross section shown in FIG. 5, the guide portion 23 is a portion that extends obliquely upward from the inner end of the flat portion 22 toward the center line. In the first embodiment, the guide portion 23 is configured by inclined portions 23a and 23b of two different angles, but it may include one inclined portion or three or more inclined portions. Furthermore, the guide portion 23 may be provided with a curved portion having a curved surface represented by a curve in the cross section shown in FIG. 5. Furthermore, the guide portion 23 may include both a curved surface and a flat surface.

[0021] In the first embodiment, the lower end of guide portion 23 is connected to flat portion 22, and has bent portion 23c in the middle. Sloped portion 23a located at the bottom of guide portion 23 and inclined portion 23b located at the top are connected at bent portion 23c. Sloped portion 23a located at the bottom has a gentler slope than inclined portion 23b located at the top.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the function of the protective member 20 according to the first embodiment. The function of the protective member 20 of the protective fence 100 will be described using FIG. 6. The protective fence 100 prevents, for example, a vehicle 95 traveling on the road 91 shown in FIG. 1 from entering the work area 90. Because the vehicle 95 travels along the x direction, when attempting to enter the work area 90, it approaches the protective fence 100 at a small angle θ (see FIG. 1) with respect to the extension direction (x direction) of the protective fence 100. When the vehicle 95 approaches the protective fence 100 at a shallow angle θ, the tire 96 of the vehicle 95 runs over the flat portion 22 of the protective member 20 and then runs over the inclined portion 23a.

[0023] The divided elements 10 constituting the protective fence 100 are relatively lightweight, allowing them to be moved and lifted individually. Therefore, if a large load is applied to the divided elements 10 in the y direction while they are installed on the road surface, the divided elements 10 may move in the y direction or fall over. However, when a vehicle 95 approaches the work area 90, the tires 96 of the vehicle 95 run over the flat portion 22 and the guide portion 23, causing a load f to be applied from the underside 22a of the flat portion 22 to the road surface 91a, thereby restricting movement along the road surface. The load f is due to the weight of the vehicle 95. The weight of the vehicle 95 running over the flat portion 22 and the guide portion 23 increases the resistance between the road surface 91a and the underside 22a of the flat portion 22, thereby restricting movement of the protective fence 100 in the y direction. Furthermore, the vehicle 95's direction of travel is changed when the tires 96 run over the inclined portion 23a. The vehicle 95 changes its direction of travel away from the protective fence 100, and is prevented from entering the work area 90 without breaking through the protective fence 100.

[0024] The divided element 10 of the protective fence 100 according to the first embodiment has a flat portion 22 at the lower end of the protective member 20, and an inclined portion 23a extending diagonally upward from the inner edge of the flat portion 22, thereby changing the direction of travel of a vehicle 95 attempting to enter the working area 90. The width of the flat portion 22 is 50 mm in the y direction. The inclined portion 23a has a maximum inclination angle φ of approximately 45°, and is provided at a height of approximately 100 mm from the road surface. The dimensions of the flat portion 22 and the inclined portion 23a are not limited to those described above and can be adjusted as appropriate.

[0025] The flat portion 22 and the inclined portion 23a are connected at the end 22b, so that the tires 96 of a vehicle 95 approaching the protective fence 100 can smoothly ride up onto the slope, changing the direction of travel and also mitigating the impact on the vehicle 95.

[0026] The inclined portion 23b at the upper part of the protective member 20 is set at an angle ψ that is larger than the angle φ of the inclined portion 23a at the lower part connected to the flat portion 22, so as to prevent the vehicle 95 from climbing over the protective fence 100. The inclined portion 23b may have a flat surface at an angle ψ that is perpendicular or close to perpendicular to the road surface, or may have a curved surface. The shape of the inclined portion 23b at the upper part can be changed as appropriate, as long as the height and inclination angle are such that the tire 96 cannot climb over it.

[0027] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the upper end of the protective member 20 in FIG. 5. In the first embodiment, the two legs 21 of the protective member 20 are each formed by bending a single steel plate. The upper end of each of the two legs 21 is bent into an L-shape to form a fixing portion 26. The fixing portion 26 is parallel to the road surface, sandwiched between a plate 27 and a substructure member 43, and fastened and fixed by a bolt 44 and a nut 45. The fixing portion 26 has, for example, a hole (not shown) or a notch (not shown) through which the bolt 44 is inserted. The two legs 21 are integrated by fixing the fixing portion 26 to the substructure member 43. Note that the fixing portion 26 may also be fixed to the substructure member 43 by other joining means such as welding. The substructure member 43 according to the first embodiment is part of the structural member 40 and is not limited to a square steel pipe with a rectangular cross section, but may also be a channel steel, angle steel, or H-shaped steel.

[0028] In the protective member 20 according to the first embodiment, the two legs 21 are formed from separate steel plates and are combined to form the protective member 20, but the two legs 21 may also be formed by bending a single steel plate. Also, the two legs 21 may be formed by joining the flat portion 22, the guide portion 23, and the fixed portion 26, respectively.

[0029] (Structure section 40) As shown in FIG. 4 , a structural unit 40 is fixed above the protective member 20. The structural unit 40 includes an upper structural member 41 extending in the x-direction at its upper end, a lower structural member 43 extending in the x-direction at its lower end, and a vertical structural member 42 connecting the upper structural member 41 and the lower structural member 43. In the first embodiment, the upper structural member 41 and the lower structural member 43 are both formed of square steel pipes having a rectangular cross section. The vertical structural member 42 is formed of a circular steel pipe extending perpendicular to the installed road surface and is joined to the upper structural member 41 and the lower structural member 43. The upper structural member 41 is part of the structural unit 40 and is not limited to a square steel pipe having a rectangular cross section; channel steel, angle steel, or H-shaped steel may also be used. Furthermore, the vertical structural member 42 is not limited to a circular steel pipe; it may also be a square steel pipe, channel steel, angle steel, or H-shaped steel.

[0030] In the first embodiment, the vertical structural member 42 protrudes downward, penetrating the lower structural member 43 and the fixing portions 26 at the upper ends of the two legs 21. That is, the lower end portion 42a of the vertical structural member 42 is located between the two legs 21. In addition, the lower end surface 42b of the vertical structural member 42 is located at the same height as the upper end 24b of the cutout portion 24a provided in the vertical rib 24.

[0031] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the split elements 10 according to the first embodiment stacked in the z direction. Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the split elements 10 according to the first embodiment stacked in the z direction. By stacking the split elements 10 in multiple layers during transportation, the number of split elements 10 that can be transported at one time can be increased, which is efficient. The state in which the split elements 10 are stacked in multiple layers will be described using Figs. 8 and 9.

[0032] The cutout portions 24a of the vertical ribs 24 are formed so that their width in the y direction is larger than the width of the upper structural member 41. Therefore, as shown in Figure 9, multiple divided elements 10 can be stacked in the z direction. The upper structural member 41 of the divided element 10 located on the lower side in Figure 8 enters the cutout portion 24a of the divided element 10 located on the upper side, and the lower end surface 42b of the vertical structural member 42 of the upper divided element 10 or the upper end 24b of the cutout portion 24a rests on the upper surface of the upper structural member 41 of the lower divided element 10. Note that because the vertical ribs 24 are made of thin steel plates, it is also possible to configure the divided elements 10 so that only the lower end surface 42b of the vertical structural member 42 rests on the upper surface of the upper structural member 41 of the lower divided element 10.

[0033] (Modification of the vertical structural member 42) FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the cross-sectional structure of a modified example of the split element 10 according to the first embodiment. The modified split element 10 shown in FIG. 10 is configured by adding a reduced diameter portion 42c to the lower end 42a of the vertical structural member 42, in comparison with the split element 10 shown in FIG. 5. The reduced diameter portion 42c is a steel pipe inserted from the lower end surface 42b of the vertical structural member 42. The outer diameter of the reduced diameter portion 42c is smaller than the opening of the lower end surface 42a of the vertical structural member 42, and is set to a dimension that allows insertion. The reduced diameter portion 42c is joined to the lower end surface 42a of the vertical structural member 42, protrudes from the lower end surface 42b, and protrudes downward beyond the upper end 24b of the notch 24a of the vertical rib 24. The portion of the vertical structural member 42 other than the reduced diameter portion 42c is a steel pipe of uniform diameter from the upper end surface 42f to the lower end surface 42b, and is configured so that the reduced diameter portion 42c can be inserted from the upper end surface 42f of the vertical structural member 42.

[0034] 11 is an explanatory diagram of the cross-sectional structure of a modified example of the split elements 10 according to the first embodiment, in which the split elements 10 are stacked in the z direction. In the modified example, the reduced diameter portion 42c of the upper split element 10 is inserted from the upper end surface 42f of the vertical structural member 42 of the lower split element 10. The upper end surface 42f of the vertical structural member 42 of the lower split element 10 or the upper surface of the upper structural member 41 abuts against the lower end surface 42b of the vertical structural member 42. This prevents the upper split element 10 of the two-tiered stack of split elements 10 from tilting or shifting relative to the lower split element 10.

[0035] The reduced diameter portion 42c has a further reduced diameter at its tip, and further includes a tapered portion 42d and a reduced diameter tip portion 42e. This makes it easy to insert the reduced diameter portion 42c into a hole provided in the upper surface of the upper structural member 41. When stacking the divided elements 10, the hole 47 provided in the upper structural member 41 of the lower divided element 10 cannot be seen from the outside, so the further reduced diameter at the tip of the reduced diameter portion 42c makes the insertion easier. In addition, the portion of the reduced diameter portion 42c above the tapered portion 42d has dimensions close to the dimensions of the inner circumferential surface of the lower end portion 42a of the vertical structural member 42. Therefore, when the reduced diameter portion 42c is inserted, the gap is small, and the upper divided element 10 is stabilized.

[0036] Furthermore, when the split elements 10 are stacked, the lowest split element 10 is simply placed on the floor of a truck bed, for example, and may shift in the y direction due to vibrations or other factors. For example, when stacked on a truck bed as shown in FIG. 9, vibrations may cause the lower split element 10 to move in the y direction. This movement could cause the upper split element 10 to tilt and even fall. However, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, by fixing a jig 80 to the floor and positioning the reduced diameter portion 42c at the lower end of the vertical structural member 42 of the split element 10 between two retaining walls 81 of the jig 80, and positioning the retaining walls 81 along the notches 24a of the vertical ribs 24, the shift of the lower split element 10 in the y direction is suppressed. This ensures that the split elements 10 are stable during transportation, suppressing collapse and improving transportation efficiency. The holding walls 81 of the jig 80 may be spaced apart more narrowly than shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 to hold the reduced diameter portion 42c.

[0037] (Connection part 30) FIG. 12 is a three-view diagram of the connecting portion 30 of the split element 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12(a) is a plan view showing the structure of the connecting portion 30 when the split element 10 shown in FIG. 3 is viewed from the side. FIG. 12(b) is a front view. FIG. 12(c) is a side view showing the structure of the connecting portion 30 when the split element 10 shown in FIG. 4 is viewed from the side. The connecting portions 30 are provided at both ends of the extension direction (x direction) of the split element 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the connecting portions 30 provided at both ends are arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the center C when the split element 10 is viewed from the side. The x-y-z coordinate axes shown in FIG. 12 represent the connecting portions 30 located at the ends in the x direction of FIG. 3.

[0038] The connecting portion 30 according to the first embodiment is configured by combining a plate-shaped fixing piece, an arm portion, a first locking piece, and a second locking piece, the plate surfaces of which are arranged along the z-direction. The connecting portion 30 includes a plate-shaped fixing piece 31 joined to the end face of the structural portion 40 in the x-direction, a plate-shaped arm portion 32 extending in the x-direction from one end of the fixing piece 31 in the y-direction, a plate-shaped first locking piece 33 extending in the x-direction from the tip of the arm portion 32 parallel to the fixing piece 31, and a plate-shaped second locking piece 34 extending from the tip of the first locking piece 33 toward the fixing piece 31 in the opposite direction in the x-direction. The second locking piece 34 extends parallel to the arm portion 32, with a gap q between the tip and the fixing piece 34b. The arm portion 32, the first locking piece 33, and the second locking piece 34 are formed in a U-shape, and a spacer 35 is joined to the inner region of the U-shape. The spacer 35 is arranged so as to partially fill the space inside the U-shape in plan view, and is arranged so as to overlap the inner surface of the arm portion 32 in the y direction. The inner surface of the arm portion 32 is the surface facing the second locking piece 34. The spacer 35 narrows the area inside the U-shape, and is configured so that the second locking piece 34 of the connecting portion 30, which is its mating partner, fits into the gap p between the flat surface 35b of the spacer 35 and the second locking piece 34.

[0039] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing two split elements connected by the connecting portion 30 of Figure 12. In Figure 13, split element 10b is hatched for easy identification. As shown in Figure 3, split elements 10a and 10b are arranged with connecting portions 30 at both ends so that they are point-symmetrical about center C, so there is no directionality involved in connecting them. In other words, the two split elements 10 can be connected even if the x-direction of one of split elements 10a and 10b is reversed.

[0040] 13, the two connecting portions 30 are engaged with each other so that their second locking pieces 34 fit into the gaps between the second locking pieces 34 and the spacers 35. The gaps between the second locking pieces 34 and the spacers 35 are larger than the thickness of the second locking pieces 34, and there is some play. The second locking pieces 34 and the spacers 35 limit the relative movement of the two connecting portions 30 in the y direction.

[0041] Additionally, the first locking piece 33 is passed between the tip of the second locking piece 34 and the fixed piece 31. The first locking piece 33, the tip of the second locking piece 34, and the fixed piece 31 limit the relative movement of the two connecting portions 30 in the x direction.

[0042] As described above, the connecting portion 30 of embodiment 1 restricts the relative movement of the two divided elements 10 in the x and y directions, so that the connected state can be maintained even if the vehicle 95 collides with the protective fence 100.

[0043] Furthermore, because the connecting portion 30 of the divided elements 10 according to the first embodiment has a gap when connected, it is possible to use this gap to connect two divided elements 10 at an angle. An angled connection can be applied, for example, to the connecting point c between the straight portion a and the angled portion b of the protective fence 100, as shown in FIG.

[0044] 14 is an explanatory diagram of the connection work of the split elements 10 according to embodiment 1. The split elements 10 according to embodiment 1 are engaged by dropping the connecting portion 30 of one split element 10 from above the connecting portion 30 of the other split element 10 and inserting one second locking piece 34 into the gap p between the other second locking piece 34 and the spacer 35.

[0045] As shown in Figure 12(b), the spacer 35 has inclined surfaces 35a on the upper and lower parts thereof, and is configured so that when the second locking piece 34 is inserted into the gap p, it can be inserted into the gap p along the inclined surfaces 35a even if the second locking piece 34 is misaligned in the y direction.

[0046] 12(c), chamfers 34a are formed on the upper and lower ends of the tip of the second locking piece 34. As a result, when the first locking piece 33 is passed through the gap q between the tip of the second locking piece 34 and the fixed piece 31, the first locking piece 33 will pass through the gap q along the chamfers 34a even if the first locking piece 33 is misaligned in the x direction.

[0047] Since the connecting portions 30 are symmetrical in shape from top to bottom, the workability remains the same regardless of which connecting portion 30 is positioned on top when performing the connecting work.

[0048] In the split element 10 of embodiment 1, the connecting portion 30 has been described as a type that connects the split element 10 by moving it in the vertical direction (z direction), but it can also be changed to a type that connects it without moving it in the vertical direction.

[0049] The connecting portion 30 is configured so as not to interfere with the dividing elements 10 when they are stacked vertically, such as during transportation. As shown in FIG. 4, the upper end surface 30a of the connecting portion 30 is at the same height as the upper surface of the upper structural member 41 of the structural portion 40. The lower end surface 30b of the connecting portion 30 is at the same height as the lower end surface 42b of the vertical structural member 42. As a result, even when dividing elements 10 are stacked as shown in FIG. 8, the connecting portion 30 does not interfere with the dividing elements 10, and the vertical structural member 42 and the upper structural member 41 abut against each other. The upper end surface 30a of the connecting portion 30 may be located lower than the upper surface of the upper structural member 41. The lower end surface 30b of the connecting portion 30 may be located higher than the lower end surface 42b of the vertical structural member 42.

[0050] In the first embodiment, the connecting portion 30 is formed by bending a steel plate, but this is not limiting, and the structure of each portion can be modified. For example, the spacer 35 may be a block formed of a resin material. Even in this case, the workability can be ensured as long as the inclined surface 35a and the flat surface 35b of the spacer 35 are formed in the same manner as shown in FIG. 12.

[0051] (Modification of the structure of the flat portion 22) Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the two leg portions 21 of the divided element 10 according to the first embodiment, viewed from the back side. The lower surface 22a of the flat portion 22 is not limited to a flat plate surface, and may be partially protruding. The lower surface 22a of the flat portion 22 shown in Fig. 15 has an expanded metal attached to the plate surface. In other words, the lower surface 22a has a mesh-like protrusion 22c formed thereon, and the mesh portions become recesses 22d, exposing the plate surface that constitutes the flat portion 22.

[0052] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the flat portion 22 of the divided element 10 according to the first embodiment, viewed from the back side. The flat portion 22 may have protrusions 22c formed by plastic processing. The shape of the protrusions and recesses is not limited to those shown in Figs. 15 and 16, and can be modified as appropriate.

[0053] Embodiment 2 Next, the divided element 10 of the protective fence 100 according to embodiment 2 will be described. The divided element 10 according to embodiment 2 is obtained by modifying the structure of the connecting portion 30 of the divided element 10 according to embodiment 1. In embodiment 2, the changes made to embodiment 1 will be mainly described. With regard to the various parts of the divided element 10 according to embodiment 2, parts having the same functions in each drawing will be denoted by the same reference numerals as in the drawings used to explain embodiment 1.

[0054] The protective fence 100 according to the second embodiment is configured so that the divided elements 10 on the road surface can be moved to a predetermined position and connected. That is, the divided elements 10 according to the second embodiment can be connected without having to raise the lower end surface 30b of the connecting portion 30 above the upper end surface 30a of the connecting portion 30 of the other divided element 10 to be connected.

[0055] FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of the connecting operation of the split elements 10 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 17 shows only the connecting portion 30 and its periphery between adjacent split elements 10a and 10b, and omits the illustration of other parts. The connecting portion 230 of the split elements 10 according to the second embodiment is connected via an engaging member 235. The connecting portion 230 includes a plate-shaped fixing piece 231 fixed to the x-direction end of the structural portion 40, and a plate-shaped arm portion 232 extending in the x-direction from the y-direction end of the fixing piece 231. The arm portion 232 has a slit 232a formed in it that extends from the upper end in the opposite direction to the z-direction. The slit 232a is a cutout having a width sufficient to allow the engaging member 235 to be inserted therethrough.

[0056] 17(a), one of the split elements 10a is moved in the opposite x-direction, and the connecting portion 230b at the end of the adjacent split element 10b is butted against the connecting portion 230a of the moved split element 10a. In one split element 10, the connecting portions 230 arranged at both ends are arranged so as to be point-symmetric about the center of the split element 10 in plan view, as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the connecting portions 230a and 230b of the two adjacent split elements 10a and 10b are also point-symmetric in plan view.

[0057] 17(b), the connecting portions 230a and 230b are arranged so that the tips of the arms 232 abut against the fixed pieces 231 of the other connecting portion. At this time, the slits 232a of the two connecting portions 230a and 230b are arranged opposite to each other in the y direction.

[0058] As shown in Figure 17(b), after the connecting portions 230a and 230b of the two divided elements 10a and 10b are butted together, an engaging member 235 is inserted from above. The engaging member 235 is a member with an H-shaped cross section, with flanges 235a provided on both ends of a web 235b. As shown in Figure 17(c), the web 235b is inserted into slits 232a provided in each of the connecting portions 230a and 230b. The flanges 235a are arranged so as to cover the arms 232 of the connecting portions 230a and 230b from the outside in the y direction.

[0059] The two connecting portions 230a and 230b restrict the relative movement of the two divided elements 10a and 10b in the x direction by inserting the engaging member 235 into the respective slits 232a. The two flanges 235a of the engaging member 235 restrict the relative movement of the two divided elements 10a and 10b in the y direction by covering the arm portions 232 and the end faces 231a of the fixing pieces 231 of the two connecting portions 230a and 230b from the outside.

[0060] As described above, according to the structure of the connecting portions 230a and 230b of the split elements 10 of embodiment 2, the split elements 10 have no directionality, as in embodiment 1, and there is no need to align the directions of the split elements 10 when connecting them.

[0061] Moreover, the divided elements 10a and 10b according to the second embodiment can be connected by moving one of them along the road surface.

[0062] 17(a), the moving dividing element 10a may have wheels 70 protruding from the bottom surface. In this case, after the dividing element 10a has been moved to a desired position, the wheels 70 may be retracted or removed so that the lower surface 22a of the flat portion 22 is in contact with the ground.

[0063] (Modification 1 of the connecting portion 230) 18 shows an example of a modified connecting portion 230 of the split element 10 according to the second embodiment. The connecting portion 230a of the split element 10a of the modified example includes a plate-shaped fixing piece 231 fixed to the x-direction end of the structural portion 40, a plate-shaped arm portion 232 extending in the x-direction from the y-direction end of the fixing piece 231, a plate-shaped first locking piece 233 extending in the y-direction from the tip of the arm portion 232, and a plate-shaped second locking piece 234 extending from the tip of the first locking piece 233 toward the fixing piece 231. A gap is provided between the tip of the second locking piece 234 and the fixing piece 231 to allow the second locking piece 234 to be connected to be inserted from the opposite side in the y-direction. The connecting portion 230b of the split element 10b, which is the connecting portion, is positioned point-symmetrically to the connecting portion 230a in a plan view.

[0064] 18(a), the divided element 10a is aligned in the x direction, and then moved in the y direction, and inserted into the gap between the fixed piece 231 and the tip of the mating second locking piece 234 to which the second locking piece 234 is connected. As shown in FIGS. 18(b) and 18(c), the first locking piece 233 and the second locking piece 234 of the connecting portions 230a and 230b, respectively, are positioned between the mating first locking piece 233 and second locking piece 234 and the fixed piece 231.

[0065] The engaging member 235 is inserted into a rectangular region formed by the first locking piece 233 and the second locking piece 234 of the two connecting portions 230a and 230b. The first locking pieces 233 of the two connecting portions 230a and 230b are arranged with their plate surfaces facing each other in the x direction, and the insertion of the engaging member 235 therebetween restricts the two divided elements 10a and 10b from moving apart from each other in the x direction.

[0066] Furthermore, the tips of the arms 232 of the two connecting portions 230a and 230b extend close to the fixed pieces 231 of the mating parts, restricting the movement of the two divided elements 10a and 10b so that they approach each other in the x direction.

[0067] The second locking pieces 234 of the two connecting portions 230a and 230b are positioned offset in the x direction and sandwich the engaging member 235 in the y direction. This structure restricts the movement of the second locking pieces 234 of the two connecting portions 230a and 230b in the direction in which they approach each other, thereby restricting the movement of the two split elements 10a and 10b relative to each other in the y direction.

[0068] Furthermore, the tip of the first locking piece 233 and the second locking piece 234 of each of the two connecting portions 230a and 230b extend close to the engaging counterpart arm portion 232. This structure restricts the movement of the second locking pieces 234 of the two connecting portions 230a and 230b in directions away from each other, thereby restricting the movement of the two split elements 10a and 10b relative to each other in the y direction.

[0069] 17, the connecting portion 230 shown in FIG. 18 allows the divided elements 10 to be moved in the y direction and connected.

[0070] Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram of the connecting work when forming a protective fence 100 using the divided elements 10 of Figure 18. In Figure 19, the divided elements 10 are shown schematically. As shown in Figure 19(a), the divided element 10a of Figure 18 can be moved in the opposite direction in the y direction to be connected to an already installed divided element 10b from the work area 90 side. This allows the worker performing the connecting work to work away from the road 91 on which vehicles 95 travel.

[0071] FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of another example of the connecting process when forming a safety fence 100 using the divided elements 10 of FIG. 18. When the connecting portions 230a and 230c are arranged symmetrically about the center line CL of the divided element 10a, as in the divided element 10a of FIG. 20, the divided element 10a can be connected by inserting it between the already installed divided elements 10b and 10c from the working area 90 side. In this case, the safety fence 100 can be assembled separately for each section, and then the divided element 10a can be inserted last to connect the sections. However, the divided element 10a shown in FIG. 20 has a directional property, and therefore must be oriented correctly before connecting. The connecting process described in FIG. 19 and the connecting process described in FIG. 20 may be combined to construct the safety fence 100.

[0072] (Modification 2 of the connecting portion 230) 21 shows an example of a modified connecting portion 230 of the split element 10 according to embodiment 2. The connecting portion 230a of the modified split element 10a includes a plate-shaped fixing piece 231 fixed to the x-direction end of the structural portion 40, two plate-shaped arms 232 extending in the x-direction from both y-direction ends of the fixing piece 231, and plate-shaped first locking pieces 233 extending opposite each other in the y-direction from the respective tips of the two arms 232. A gap is provided between the tips of the first locking pieces 233 extending from the tips of the two arms 232, allowing an engaging member 235 to be inserted, as shown in FIG. 21(c).

[0073] As shown in Figure 21(a), the connecting portion 230 has a symmetrical shape in the width direction, so that the dividing element 10a can be aligned with the connecting dividing element 10b by moving it in either the x direction or the y direction.

[0074] As shown in Figures 21(b) and 21(c), the engagement member 235 is inserted between the tips of the two first locking pieces 233 provided on the two connecting portions 230a and 230b. The first locking pieces 233 of the two connecting portions 230a and 230b are positioned so as to overlap in the x direction and are held by U-shaped clamping portions 235f provided on the engagement member 235. The clamping portions 235f are provided on both sides of the engagement member 235 facing in the y direction and the opposite y direction. The first locking pieces 233 enter the inside of the open U-shaped portions, restricting movement of the first locking pieces 233 in the x and y directions. This restricts relative movement of the two divided elements 10a and 10b in the x and y directions.

[0075] The engaging member 235 is formed by connecting U-shaped members in a plan view with a web 235b.

[0076] (Modification 3 of the connecting portion 230) 22 shows an example of a modified connecting portion 230 of the split element 10 according to the second embodiment. The connecting portion 230a of the modified split element 10a includes a plate-shaped fixing piece 231 fixed to the x-direction end of the structural portion 40, two plate-shaped arms 232 extending in the x-direction from both ends of the fixing piece 231 in the y-direction, and a locking piece 236 between the two arms 232, with the plate surface facing in the z-direction. The locking piece 236 has a slit 236a extending from the x-direction end toward the fixing piece 231. The slit 236a is L-shaped in plan view.

[0077] As shown in Figures 22(b) and (c) , the engagement member 235 has engagement pieces 235c protruding from a web 235b of an H-shaped member in a plan view of the engagement member 235 shown in Figure 17 on both sides in the x direction. The tip 235d of the engagement piece 235c extends in the y direction, and the engagement piece 235c is L-shaped in a plan view. The engagement piece 235c fits into a slit 236a provided in each of the connecting portions 230a and 230b. The slits 236a of the two connecting portions 230a and 230b are L-shaped in a plan view, just like the engagement piece 235c. Therefore, when the two divided elements 10a and 10b move relative to each other in the x direction, the tip 235d of the engagement piece 235c is caught in the slit 236a. Furthermore, the engagement piece 235c fitting into the slit 236a restricts the relative movement of the two divided elements 10a and 10b in the y direction.

[0078] Figure 23 is a perspective view showing an example in which the shape of slit 236a of coupling portion 230 in Figure 22 has been changed. While engagement piece 235c in Figure 22 is L-shaped in plan view, engagement piece 235c in Figure 23 has tip portion 235d that is wider than the base. Even with this shape, tip portion 235d can be caught in slit 236a, and the same effect as engagement piece 235c in Figure 22 can be obtained.

[0079] 18, 21, and 22 each have a locking piece that is partially cut out of a ring shape in plan view. The two connecting portions 230a and 230b are connected by inserting an engaging member 235 through the area surrounded by the locking piece of connecting portion 230a of the split element 10a and the locking piece of connecting portion 230b of the mating split element 10b.

[0080] Here, the locking piece in connecting portions 230a and 230b in Fig. 18 is a structure constituted by an arm portion 232, a first locking piece 233, and a second locking piece 234. As shown in Fig. 18(c), an engaging member 235 is connected to a rectangular area in a plan view that is surrounded by the two locking pieces.

[0081] 21, the locking piece has a structure made up of two arm portions 232, two first locking pieces 233, and a fixed piece 231. As shown in Fig. 21(c), the locking member 235 is inserted into a rectangular area in a plan view surrounded by the locking piece. In Fig. 21(c), rectangular areas are formed in each of the connecting portions 230a and 230b, and the tip end of the clamping portion 235f of the locking member 235 is inserted into each rectangular area.

[0082] 22 and 23, a slit 236a is provided in the locking piece 236, and the area inside the slit 236a corresponds to the area surrounded by the locking piece. An engaging piece 235c of the engaging member 235 is inserted into this slit 236a.

[0083] (Fourth Modification of the Connecting Portion 230) 24 shows an example of a modified connecting portion 230 of the split element 10 according to the second embodiment. The connecting portion 230 of the modified split element 10a includes an annular locking piece 236 fixed to the x-direction end of the upper structural member 41. The connecting portion 230 of the connected counterpart split element 10b includes an annular locking piece 236 fixed to the x-direction end of the lower structural member 43. The locking piece 236 and the locking piece 236 are both rectangular steel pipes in a plan view. The locking piece 236 is positioned higher in the z-direction than the locking piece 236.

[0084] As shown in Figures 24(a) and (b), the split element 10a is moved so that the locking piece 236 is positioned above the locking piece 236. Because the connecting portion 230 is symmetrical in the width direction, the split element 10a can be aligned with the connected split element 10b regardless of whether it is moved in the x or y direction. However, if the connecting portion 230 of the split element 10a has one locking piece 236 and one locking piece 230b at each end, the split element 10a will have a certain directionality. Also, if the connecting portion 230 of the split element 10a has locking pieces 236 at both ends, there will be no directionality, but the structure of the connecting portion 230 of the connected split element will be limited.

[0085] 24(b) and 24(c), the engaging member 235 is inserted into two annular locking pieces 236 and 230b. The columnar engaging member 235 is inserted into the two locking pieces 236, restricting movement of the two locking pieces 236 in the x and y directions. This restricts relative movement of the two divided elements 10a and 10b in the x and y directions.

[0086] (Fifth Modification of Connecting Portion 230) Figure 25 shows an example of a modified connecting portion 230 of the split element 10 according to the second embodiment. The connecting portion 230 of the split element 10a of the modified example shown in Figure 25 has a modified annular locking piece 236 compared to the connecting portion 230 shown in Figure 25. The locking piece 236 is formed by joining a plate-like member with a hole in a fixing piece 231 fixed to the end face of the structural part 40 so that the plate surface faces in the z direction. The locking piece 236 provided on the split element 10a and the locking piece 236 provided on the split element 10b are positioned such that they are offset from each other in the vertical direction.

[0087] As shown in Figures 25(a) and (b), the split element 10a is moved so that the position of the hole formed in the locking piece 236 aligns with the position of the hole formed in the locking piece 236 in a plan view. Because the connecting portion 230 is symmetrical in the width direction, the split element 10a can be aligned with the connected split element 10b regardless of whether it is moved in the x or y direction. However, if the connecting portion 230 of the split element 10a has one locking piece 236 on each end, the split element 10a will have a certain directionality. Also, if the connecting portion 230 of the split element 10a has locking pieces 236 on both ends, there will be no directionality, but the structure of the connecting portion 230 of the connected split element will be limited.

[0088] As shown in Figures 25(b) and (c), the engaging member 235 is inserted into holes provided in the two locking pieces 236 and 230b. The insertion of the columnar engaging member 235 restricts the movement of the two locking pieces 236 and 230b in the x and y directions. This restricts the relative movement of the two split elements 10a and 10b in the x and y directions. Note that, in the split element 10a shown in Figure 25, directionality occurs, or the structure of the connecting portion 230 of the mating element to be connected is limited, as in the split element 10a shown in Figure 24.

[0089] 25(b) and 25(c), a cover member 235g covers the upper side in the z direction and both sides in the y direction of the columnar portion of the engaging member 235. By covering the locking piece 236 from above and from the sides, the cover member 235g makes the structure of the connecting portion 230 invisible from the outside and makes the surface that comes into contact with the vehicle 95 in a collision relatively smooth.

[0090] 24 and 25 each include a locking piece that is annular in plan view. The two connecting portions 230a and 230b are connected to each other by inserting an engaging member 235 through the inside of the locking piece 236 of the split element 10a and the locking piece 236 of the connected counterpart split element 10b.

[0091] (Modification 6 of the connecting portion 230) 26 shows an example of a modified connecting portion 230 of the split element 10 according to embodiment 2. The connecting portion 230a of the modified split element 10a includes a plate-shaped fixing piece 231 fixed to the x-direction end of the structural portion 40, a plate-shaped arm portion 232 extending in the x-direction from the y-direction end of the fixing piece 231, and a plate-shaped first locking piece 233 extending in the y-direction from the tip of the arm portion 232. The connecting portion 230b of the split element 10b, which is the counterpart to be connected, is positioned point-symmetrically to the connecting portion 230a in a plan view.

[0092] 26(a) and 26(b), the connecting portion 230 has a structure in which the second locking piece 234 is removed from the connecting portion 230 shown in Fig. 17. Since the connecting portion 230 has a symmetrical shape in the width direction, the divided element 10a can be aligned with the connected divided element 10b regardless of whether it is moved in the x direction or the y direction.

[0093] As shown in Figures 26(b) and (c), the engaging member 235 is covered by a cover member 235g on its upper side in the z direction and on both side surfaces in the y direction. The engaging member 235 is inserted into a region surrounded by the arm portions 232 and the first locking pieces 233 of the connecting portions 230a and 230b. At the same time, the cover member 235g covers the connecting portions 230a and 230b from the sides, thereby restricting the arm portions 232 from moving away from each other in the y direction. The engaging member 235 also restricts the arm portions 232 from moving toward each other in the y direction. Furthermore, the engaging member 235 restricts the first locking pieces 233 from moving toward each other in the x direction. As described above, the relative movement of the two divided elements 10a and 10b in the y direction is restricted.

[0094] 26(a) and 26(b), the dividing element 10 may have inclined surfaces 46 at the ends of the structural portion 40. The inclined surfaces 46 are formed by inclining the upper surface of the structural portion 40 downward in the reverse direction in the z direction toward the end. The inclined surfaces 46 are formed on both ends of the dividing element 10 in the x direction.

[0095] Figure 27 is a schematic diagram showing the work involved in stacking multiple split elements 10. As shown by the solid lines in Figures 27(a) and (b), normal split elements 10 require their ends to be lifted high when stacked. On the other hand, as shown by the dashed lines in Figures 27(a) and (b), by providing an inclined surface 46, the split elements 10 can be lifted to a relatively low height. This improves the workability when stacking the split elements 10.

[0096] Furthermore, in relation to the work of stacking multiple divided elements 10, a ball bearing or the like may be installed on the upper surface of the structural part 40. This makes it easier to move the upper divided element 10 when multiple divided elements 10 are stacked.

[0097] Embodiment 3 Next, the divided element 10 of the protective fence 100 according to embodiment 3 will be described. The divided element 10 according to embodiment 3 is obtained by modifying the structure of the connecting portion 30 of the divided element 10 according to embodiment 1. In embodiment 3, the changes made to embodiment 1 will be mainly described. With regard to the various parts of the divided element 10 according to embodiment 3, parts having the same functions in each drawing will be indicated by the same reference numerals as in the drawings used to explain embodiment 1.

[0098] FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram of a connecting portion 330 of a split element 10 according to the third embodiment. The split element 10 according to the third embodiment has a hole formed at the end of the structural portion 40, penetrating in the vertical direction. As shown in FIGS. 28(a) and 28(b), adjacent split elements 10a and 10b are arranged with their end faces facing each other in the x direction. A connecting member 337 is placed across the ends of the upper structural member 41 and the lower structural member 43 of each of the split elements 10a and 10b. Similar to the upper structural member 41 and the lower structural member 43, the connecting member 337 also has a hole. An engaging member 335 is inserted through holes formed in the connecting member 337, the upper structural member 41, and the lower structural member 43, thereby connecting the split elements 10a and 10b.

[0099] The connecting members 337 are installed to cover the top surfaces and y-direction side surfaces of the upper structural member 41 and the lower structural member 43, and limit the relative movement of the dividing elements 10a and 10b in the y direction. In addition, the connecting members 337 are fixed to the dividing elements 10a and 10b by the engaging members 335, and therefore limit the relative movement of the dividing elements 10a and 10b in the x direction.

[0100] Embodiment 4 Next, the divided element 10 of the protective fence 100 according to embodiment 4 will be described. The divided element 10 according to embodiment 4 is obtained by modifying the structure of the connecting portion 30 of the divided element 10 according to embodiment 1. In embodiment 4, the changes made to embodiment 1 will be mainly described. With regard to the various parts of the divided element 10 according to embodiment 4, parts having the same functions in each drawing will be denoted by the same reference numerals as in the drawings used to explain embodiment 1.

[0101] 29(a) and 29(b), adjacent divided elements 10a and 10b are arranged so that their arm portions 432 overlap in the y direction, and so that the through holes 433b and the notches 433c formed in the arm portions 432 also overlap.

[0102] As shown in Figures 29(b) and 29(c), the engaging member 435 has a hook-shaped protrusion 435a on its plate surface. This protrusion 435a is passed through and hooked into the through-hole 433b and notch 433c of the arm portions 432 provided on the split elements 10a and 10b, thereby fixing the two arm portions 432 so that they do not separate. The protrusion 435a extends in the y direction, with its tip extending in the opposite direction in the z direction, forming an L-shape. This allows the engaging member 435 to be hooked into the through-hole 433b and notch 433c and not easily come off.

[0103] In embodiments 2 and 3, the engaging members 235, 335 are inserted along the z direction, whereas in embodiment 4, the engaging member 435 is moved along the y direction and inserted into the through hole 433b and the notch 433c.

[0104] In the divided element 10 according to the fourth embodiment, the inclined surface 46 is formed at the end of the structural portion 40, but the inclined surface 46 does not have to be formed.

[0105] Embodiment 5. Next, the divided element 10 of the protective fence 100 according to embodiment 5 will be described. The divided element 10 according to embodiment 5 is obtained by adding a structure for moving using a cart to the divided element 10 according to embodiments 1 to 4. In embodiment 5, the explanation will focus on the changes made to embodiment 1. Regarding the various parts of the divided element 10 according to embodiment 5, parts having the same functions in each drawing will be indicated by the same reference numerals as in the drawings used to explain embodiment 1.

[0106] 30 is a perspective view of a divided element 10 of a protective fence 100 according to embodiment 5. The divided element 10 is provided with a carriage insertion section 28 in the center, where the lower end of the protective member 20 is cut out, and is configured so that the fork portion 86 of a carriage 85 can be inserted. The carriage insertion section 28 is formed by cutting out parts of the flat section 22 and the guide section 23, and a vertical rib 24 is installed adjacent to the carriage insertion section 28. In addition, plate pieces are arranged along the x and y directions at the upper end 29 of the carriage insertion section 28, reinforcing the portion that comes into contact with the carriage 85.

[0107] Because the divided element 10 is long in the x direction, it is difficult for a single worker to move it, but by providing a structure for moving it using a carriage 85 as in embodiment 5, it becomes easy for even a single worker to move it. After the divided element 10 has been moved and installed in the predetermined position, the carriage insertion portion 28 may be blocked with a steel plate or the like.

[0108] Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiments. In particular, the combination of components is not limited to the combinations in the embodiments, but can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, it should be noted that the gist (technical scope) of the present invention also includes various modifications, applications, and uses that may be made by those skilled in the art as needed.

[0109] The divided element 10 and the safety fence 100 described above may also include combinations of the features shown in the following Supplementary Notes 1 to 18. Such combinations are described below.

[0110] [Appendix 1] A divided element that is installed on a road surface and is connected in a plurality in the extension direction to form a protective fence, a protective member formed of a steel plate and having a plate surface extending along the extension direction; and connecting portions fixed to both end portions in the extension direction for connecting the divided elements to adjacent divided elements, The protective member is In a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction, when the direction along the road surface is defined as the width direction, the vehicle has two legs that are centered on a center line extending perpendicular to the road surface and that are formed so as to widen in the width direction as they approach the road surface, The two legs are: A dividing element having a flat portion at an end on the road surface side, the flat portion having a surface along the road surface. [Appendix 2] The two legs are: A dividing element as described in Appendix 1, comprising, in the cross section, a guide portion connected to the widthwise end of the flat portion and extending obliquely upward. [Appendix 3] The induction section is 3. The dividing element of claim 2, comprising an inclined portion having a slope that is represented as a straight line in the cross section. [Appendix 4] The inclined portion is including a plurality of inclined portions with different inclination angles; The induction section is 4. The dividing element according to claim 3, having a bent portion in the middle in the vertical direction and being constituted by the plurality of inclined portions. [Appendix 5] The induction section is 5. The dividing element according to any one of claims 2 to 4, comprising a curved portion having a curved surface that is expressed as a curved line in the cross section. [Appendix 6] The protective member is A plate-shaped longitudinal rib is provided which is joined to the inner surface of each of the two legs, The longitudinal rib is 6. The dividing element according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the inner surfaces of the two legs are connected to each other. [Appendix 7] a structure fixed to the upper ends of the two legs; The structural part is a lower structural member extending in the extension direction and abutting and fixed to upper ends of the two legs; a vertical structural member extending in the vertical direction; 7. The dividing element according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: an upper structural member joined to the upper end of the vertical structural member. [Appendix 8] The vertical structural member is a tip end portion that protrudes toward the road surface further than the lower structural member in the vertical direction, The protective member is A plate-shaped longitudinal rib is provided which is joined to the inner surface of each of the two legs, The longitudinal rib is a cutout portion that connects the inner surfaces of the two legs and has a shape that is open toward the road surface, The tip portion is A dividing element as described in Appendix 7, which is positioned so as to protrude toward the road surface side beyond the end of the cutout portion on the structural portion side. [Appendix 9] The tip portion is a reduced diameter portion at the road surface side end, The upper structural member is 9. The dividing element of claim 8, further comprising a hole on its upper surface into which the reduced diameter portion is inserted. [Appendix 10] The connecting portion is 10. The divided element according to any one of appendices 1 to 9, wherein the divided element is arranged so as to be point symmetrical with respect to the center of the divided element when viewed in a plane. [Appendix 11] The connecting portion is The fixing piece has a plate-like surface arranged along the vertical direction, an arm portion, a first locking piece, and a second locking piece. The fixing piece is fixed to the structural part, The arm portion extends from the fixed piece in the extension direction, The first locking piece extends in the width direction from the other end of the arm portion, The second locking piece extends from the tip of the first locking piece toward the fixed piece, A divided element described in any one of Appendices 7 to 9, wherein the first locking piece is inserted into the gap between the tip of the second locking piece of the connecting part to be connected and the fixed piece, and the second locking piece is inserted between the second locking piece of the connecting part to be connected and the arm part, thereby engaging with the connecting part to be connected. [Appendix 12] The connecting portion is The plate-shaped fixing piece and arm portion are arranged along the vertical direction, The fixing piece is fixed to the structure, The arm portion is The fixing piece is formed to extend in the extension direction, a slit extending in the vertical direction from the upper end; The slit is A divided element described in any one of Appendices 7 to 9, wherein the web of an engaging member having an H-shaped cross section is inserted into the slit of the connecting portion to be connected, thereby engaging with the connecting portion to be connected. [Appendix 13] The connecting portion is The locking piece has a ring shape or a ring shape with a part cut out in a plan view, A divided element described in any one of Appendices 7 to 9, which is engaged with the mating connecting portion by inserting an engaging member into the area surrounded by the engaging piece and the engaging piece of the connecting portion to be connected. [Appendix 14] The connecting portion is The fixing piece has a plate-like surface arranged along the vertical direction, an arm portion, a first locking piece, and a second locking piece. The fixing piece is fixed to the structural part, The arm portion extends from the fixed piece in the extension direction, The first locking piece extends in the width direction from the other end of the arm portion, The second locking piece extends from the tip of the first locking piece toward the fixed piece, The dimension of the gap between the tip of the second locking piece and the fixing piece in the extension direction is is larger than the dimension of the second locking piece in the extension direction, The first locking piece is inserted into a gap between the tip of the second locking piece of the connecting portion to be connected and the fixed piece, A divided element described in any one of Appendices 7 to 9, in which, in a plan view, an engaging member is inserted into a rectangular area surrounded by the first locking piece, the second locking piece, and the first locking piece and second locking piece of the connecting portion that will be the counterpart to be connected, to engage with the connecting portion that will be the counterpart. [Appendix 15] The connecting portion is The structure is formed by providing a hole penetrating in the vertical direction at an end portion in the extension direction of the structure, A dividing element according to any one of appendices 7 to 9, in which a connecting member configured to cover the end of the structural part in the extension direction from above and from both sides in the width direction and having a hole formed therethrough in the vertical direction is placed on top of the end of the structural part, and a columnar engaging member is inserted into the hole of the connecting member and the hole provided at the end of the structural part to engage with the mating connecting part. [Appendix 16] The connecting portion is The plate surface includes a plate-shaped fixing piece and an arm portion arranged along the vertical direction, The arm portion is a hole penetrating in the width direction, The arm portion is arranged to overlap the arm portion of the mating connecting portion in the width direction, A divided element described in any one of Appendices 7 to 9, which is engaged with the mating connecting part by passing a key-shaped protrusion of an engaging member through and hooking it into a hole that penetrates the width direction and is provided on the arm part of the mating connecting part. [Appendix 17] The protective member is 17. The divided element according to any one of claims 1 to 16, having a carriage insertion portion formed by cutting out the lower end of the central portion in the extension direction. [Appendix 18] A protective fence formed by connecting a plurality of divided elements according to any one of appendices 1 to 17. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 10 divided element, 10a divided element, 10b divided element, 10c divided element, 20 protective member, 21 leg portion, 22 flat portion, 22a lower surface, 22b end, 22c convex portion, 22d concave portion, 23 guiding portion, 23a inclined portion, 23b inclined portion, 23c bent portion, 24 vertical rib, 24a cutout portion, 24b upper end, 25 inner surface, 26 fixing portion, 27 plate, 28 bogie insertion portion, 29 upper end portion, 30 connecting portion, 30a upper end surface, 30b lower end surface, 31 fixing piece, 32 arm portion, 33 first locking piece, 34 second locking piece, 34a chamfer, 34b fixing piece, 35 spacer, 35a inclined surface, 35b flat surface, 40 structural portion, 41 Upper structural member, 42 Vertical structural member, 42a Lower end portion, 42b Lower end surface, 42c Reduced diameter portion, 42d Tapered portion, 42e Tip reduced diameter portion, 42f Upper end surface, 43 Lower structural member, 44 Bolt, 45 Nut, 46 Inclined surface, 47 Hole, 70 Wheel, 80 Jig, 81 Retaining wall, 85 Dolly, 86 Fork portion, 90 Working area, 91 Road, 91a Surface, 95 Vehicle, 96 Tire, 100 Guard fence, 210 Dividing element, 230 Connecting portion, 230a Connecting portion, 230b Connecting portion, 230c Connecting portion, 231 Fixing piece, 231a End surface, 232 Arm portion, 232a Slit, 233 First locking piece, 234 Second locking piece, 235 Engagement member, 235a flange, 235b web, 235c engagement piece, 235d tip portion, 235f clamping portion, 235g cover member, 236 locking piece, 236a slit, 330 connecting portion, 335 engagement member, 337 connecting member, 430 connecting portion, 431 fixing piece, 432 arm portion, 433b through hole, 433c notch, 435 engagement member, 435a protrusion, C center, CL center line, a straight portion, b inclined portion, c connecting point, p gap, q gap.

Claims

1. A divided element that is installed on a road surface and is connected in a plurality in the extension direction to form a protective fence, a protective member formed of a steel plate and having a plate surface extending along the extension direction; and connecting portions fixed to both end portions in the extension direction for connecting the divided elements to adjacent divided elements, The protective member is In a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction, when the direction along the road surface is defined as the width direction, the vehicle has two legs that are centered on a center line extending perpendicular to the road surface and that are formed so as to widen in the width direction toward the road surface, The two legs are a flat portion having a surface along the road surface at the end on the road surface side; The two legs are a guide portion connected to an end of the flat portion on the center line side in the width direction in the cross section and extending obliquely upward; The induction section is a sloped portion having a slope that is represented as a straight line in the cross section; The inclined portion is A dividing element including a plurality of inclined portions with different inclination angles.

2. The induction section is The dividing element according to claim 1 , wherein the dividing element has a bent portion in the vertically intermediate portion and is constituted by the plurality of inclined portions.

3. The induction section is The dividing element according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a curved portion having a curved surface that is represented as a curve in the cross section.

4. The protective member is a plate-shaped longitudinal rib joined to the inner surface of each of the two legs; The longitudinal rib is 3. The dividing element according to claim 1, wherein the inner surfaces of the two legs are connected to each other.

5. a structure fixed to the upper ends of the two legs; The structural part is a lower structural member extending in the extension direction and abutting and fixed to upper ends of the two legs; a vertical structural member extending in the vertical direction; The dividing element according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: an upper structural member joined to the upper end of the vertical structural member.

6. A divided element that is installed on a road surface and is connected in a plurality of directions in an extension direction to form a protective fence, a protective member formed of a steel plate and having a plate surface extending along the extension direction; and connecting portions fixed to both end portions in the extension direction for connecting the divided elements to adjacent divided elements, The protective member is In a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction, when the direction along the road surface is defined as the width direction, the vehicle has two legs that are centered on a center line extending perpendicular to the road surface and that are formed so as to widen in the width direction toward the road surface, The two legs are a flat portion having a surface along the road surface at the end on the road surface side; a structure fixed to the upper ends of the two legs; The structural part is a lower structural member extending in the extension direction and abutting and fixed to upper ends of the two legs; a vertical structural member extending in the vertical direction; an upper structural member joined to the upper end of the vertical structural member, The vertical structural member is a lower end portion that protrudes toward the road surface further than the lower structure member in the vertical direction, The protective member is a plate-shaped longitudinal rib joined to the inner surface of each of the two legs; The longitudinal rib is a notch portion that connects the inner surfaces of the two legs and has a shape that is open toward the road surface, The lower end portion is A dividing element positioned so as to protrude toward the road surface beyond the end of the cutout portion on the structural portion side.

7. The lower end portion is a reduced diameter portion at the road surface side end, The upper structural member is The dividing element according to claim 6 , further comprising a hole in an upper surface into which the reduced diameter portion is inserted.

8. The connecting portion is The dividing elements according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the dividing elements are arranged point-symmetrically with respect to a center of the dividing element when viewed in plan.

9. A divided element that is installed on a road surface and is connected in a plurality in the extension direction to form a protective fence, a protective member formed of a steel plate and having a plate surface extending along the extension direction; and connecting portions fixed to both end portions in the extension direction for connecting the divided elements to adjacent divided elements, The protective member is In a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction, when the direction along the road surface is defined as the width direction, the vehicle has two legs that are centered on a center line extending perpendicular to the road surface and that are formed so as to widen in the width direction toward the road surface, The two legs are a flat portion having a surface along the road surface at the end on the road surface side; a structure fixed to the upper ends of the two legs; The structural part is a lower structural member extending in the extension direction and abutting and fixed to upper ends of the two legs; a vertical structural member extending in the vertical direction; an upper structural member joined to the upper end of the vertical structural member, The connecting portion is The fixing piece has a plate-like surface arranged along the vertical direction, an arm portion, a first locking piece, and a second locking piece, The fixing piece is fixed to the structural part, The arm portion extends from the fixed piece in the extension direction, The first locking piece extends in the width direction from a tip of the arm portion, The second locking piece extends from a tip of the first locking piece toward the fixed piece, A split element in which the first locking piece is inserted into the gap between the tip of the second locking piece of the connecting part to be connected and the fixed piece, and the second locking piece is inserted between the second locking piece of the connecting part to be connected and the arm part, thereby engaging with the connecting part to be connected.

10. A divided element that is installed on a road surface and is connected in a plurality of directions in order to form a protective fence, a protective member formed of a steel plate and having a plate surface extending along the extension direction; and connecting portions fixed to both end portions in the extension direction for connecting the divided elements to adjacent divided elements, The protective member is In a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction, when the direction along the road surface is defined as the width direction, the vehicle has two legs that are centered on a center line extending perpendicular to the road surface and that are formed so as to widen in the width direction toward the road surface, The two legs are: a flat portion having a surface along the road surface at the end on the road surface side; a structure fixed to the upper ends of the two legs; The structural part is a lower structural member extending in the extension direction and abutting and fixed to upper ends of the two legs; a vertical structural member extending in the vertical direction; an upper structural member joined to the upper end of the vertical structural member, The connecting portion is The plate-shaped fixing piece and arm portion are arranged along the vertical direction, The fixing piece is fixed to the structure, The arm portion is The fixing piece is formed to extend in the extension direction, a slit extending in the vertical direction from the upper end; The slit is A divided element that is engaged with a mating connecting portion by inserting a web of an engaging member having an H-shaped cross section into the slit of the mating connecting portion.

11. The connecting portion is The locking piece has a ring shape or a ring shape with a part cut out in a plan view, The divided element according to claim 5 , wherein an engaging member is inserted into a region surrounded by the engaging piece and the mating connecting portion, and is engaged with the mating connecting portion.

12. A divided element that is installed on a road surface and is connected in a plurality in the extension direction to form a protective fence, a protective member formed of a steel plate and having a plate surface extending along the extension direction; and connecting portions fixed to both end portions in the extension direction for connecting the divided elements to adjacent divided elements, The protective member is In a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction, when the direction along the road surface is defined as the width direction, the vehicle has two legs that are centered on a center line extending perpendicular to the road surface and that are formed so as to widen in the width direction toward the road surface, The two legs are a flat portion having a surface along the road surface at the end on the road surface side; a structure fixed to the upper ends of the two legs; The structural part is a lower structural member extending in the extension direction and abutting and fixed to upper ends of the two legs; a vertical structural member extending in the vertical direction; an upper structural member joined to the upper end of the vertical structural member, The connecting portion is The fixing piece has a plate-like surface arranged along the vertical direction, an arm portion, a first locking piece, and a second locking piece, The fixing piece is fixed to the structural part, The arm portion extends from the fixed piece in the extension direction, The first locking piece extends in the width direction from a tip of the arm portion, The second locking piece extends from a tip of the first locking piece toward the fixed piece, The dimension of the gap between the tip of the second locking piece and the fixing piece in the extension direction is is larger than the dimension of the second locking piece in the extension direction, The first locking piece is inserted into a gap between the tip of the second locking piece of the connecting portion to be connected and the fixed piece, A divided element in which, when viewed in a plane, an engaging member is inserted into a rectangular area surrounded by the first engaging piece, the second engaging piece, and the first engaging piece and second engaging piece of the connecting portion that will be the counterpart to be connected, thereby engaging with the connecting portion that will be the counterpart.

13. A divided element that is installed on a road surface and is connected in a plurality of directions in order to form a protective fence, a protective member formed of a steel plate and having a plate surface extending along the extension direction; and connecting portions fixed to both end portions in the extension direction for connecting the divided elements to adjacent divided elements, The protective member is In a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction, when the direction along the road surface is defined as the width direction, the vehicle has two legs that are centered on a center line extending perpendicular to the road surface and that are formed so as to widen in the width direction toward the road surface, The two legs are a flat portion having a surface along the road surface at the end on the road surface side; a structure fixed to the upper ends of the two legs; The structural part is a lower structural member extending in the extension direction and abutting and fixed to upper ends of the two legs; a vertical structural member extending in the vertical direction; an upper structural member joined to the upper end of the vertical structural member, The connecting portion is The structure is formed by providing a hole penetrating in the vertical direction at an end portion in the extension direction of the structure, A dividing element in which a connecting member configured to cover the end of the structural part in the extension direction from the top and both sides in the width direction and having a hole formed therethrough in the vertical direction is placed on top of the end of the structural part, and a columnar engaging member is inserted into the hole of the connecting member and the hole provided at the end of the structural part to engage with the mating connecting part.

14. A divided element that is installed on a road surface and is connected in a plurality of directions in order to form a protective fence, a protective member formed of a steel plate and having a plate surface extending along the extension direction; and connecting portions fixed to both end portions in the extension direction for connecting the divided elements to adjacent divided elements, The protective member is In a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction, when the direction along the road surface is defined as the width direction, the vehicle has two legs that are centered on a center line extending perpendicular to the road surface and that are formed so as to widen in the width direction toward the road surface, The two legs are: a flat portion having a surface along the road surface at the end on the road surface side; a structure fixed to the upper ends of the two legs; The structural part is a lower structural member extending in the extension direction and abutting and fixed to upper ends of the two legs; a vertical structural member extending in the vertical direction; an upper structural member joined to the upper end of the vertical structural member, The connecting portion is The plate surface includes a plate-shaped fixing piece and an arm portion arranged along the vertical direction, The arm portion is a hole penetrating in the width direction, The arm portion is arranged to overlap the arm portion of the mating connecting portion in the width direction, A split element that engages with the mating connecting part by passing the key-shaped protrusion of the engaging member through and hooking it into a hole that penetrates the width direction and is provided on the arm part of the arm part and the mating connecting part.

15. The protective member is The dividing element according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a carriage insertion portion formed by cutting out a lower end of a central portion in the extension direction.

16. A protective fence formed by connecting a plurality of the divided elements according to any one of claims 1, 2, 6, 9, 10, and 12 to 14.

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