Telescopic Adjuster

Abstract

To provide an expansion adjuster with high safety.SOLUTION: An expansion adjuster comprises: a guide frame 34 through which a rope 8 is passed; and an anti-slip 24 including a first locking claw 38 rotationally turning to one side relative to the guide frame 34 and clamping the rope 8 between itself and the guide frame 34, and a second locking claw 40 rotationally turning to the other direction relative to the guide frame 34 to clamp the rope 8 between itself and the guide frame 34. Preferably, the expansion adjuster comprises an auxiliary pusher 26 that is pushed against the rope 8 and locates the first locking claw 38 and the second locking claw 40 away from the rope 8, and an elastic body 28 for energizing the auxiliary pusher 26 in a direction of pushing it against the rope 8.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present specification discloses an expansion-contraction adjuster for use in a work positioning device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in high-altitude work on a utility pole, a work positioning device, which was conventionally called an on-pole safety belt and is defined under current standards, is used. In a work positioning device, a rope is connected to a belt via the expansion-contraction adjuster. A hook is connected to the tip end of the rope. A D-ring is attached to the belt.

[0003] When using this work positioning device, a worker wears the belt. The rope is looped around the utility pole in a U-shape. The hook is locked to the D-ring. The worker is held by the rope, which is looped in a U-shape between the expansion-contraction adjuster and the hook. The worker performs work in a U-shaped sling state where the rope is looped around the utility pole in a U-shape. The worker then climbs up and down the utility pole in this U-shaped sling state. An example of an expansion-contraction adjuster used for such a work positioning device is described in Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the work positioning device using the telescopic adjuster described in Patent Document 1, if there are obstacles such as telephone lines or signs, the hook is temporarily detached from the D-ring. After avoiding the obstacle, the hook is reattached to the D-ring. At this time, to prevent falls, the worker attaches a separately prepared auxiliary hook to the structure. This prevents falls. However, if the worker fails to attach the auxiliary hook, there is a risk of falling.

[0006] The applicant's intention is to provide a telescopic adjuster that offers superior safety. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The telescopic adjusters disclosed herein are A guide frame through which the rope is passed, A non-slip device having a first locking claw that rotates to one side relative to the guide frame to clamp the rope between itself and the guide frame, and a second locking claw that rotates to the other side relative to the guide frame to clamp the rope between itself and the guide frame. It is equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] This tension adjuster can prevent the rope from slipping in either direction. Whether one end of the rope is draped over a pole such as a utility pole or the other end is draped over it, the rope can still hold the worker in place. The worker can drape the other end of the rope over the pole while one end is already draped over it. After draping the other end over the pole, the worker can release the other end. This tension adjuster allows the rope to be safely readjusted without the use of other auxiliary hooks. With this tension adjuster, the U-shaped suspension can be maintained even when changing the rope's position. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view showing a work positioning device equipped with an expandable / contractile adjuster according to one embodiment. [Figure 2A]Figure 2A is a front view of the telescopic adjuster shown in Figure 1. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B is a side view of the telescopic adjuster shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the telescopic adjuster shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the usage state of the telescopic adjuster shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing other uses of the telescopic adjuster shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a front view showing the full-body harness fall protection device along with the work positioning device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the usage of the work positioning device and full-body harness fall protection device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing another usage scenario of a full-body harness type fall protection device with the work positioning device shown in Figure 6 attached. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing yet another usage scenario of the telescopic adjuster shown in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Preferred embodiments will be described in detail below, with reference to drawings as appropriate.

[0011] Figure 1 shows a work positioning device 2. This work positioning device 2 comprises a belt 4, an elastic adjuster 6, a rope 8, a first hook 10, a second hook 12, a square ring 14, and a D-ring 16.

[0012] Belt 4 includes an auxiliary belt 18 and a waist belt 20. A square ring 14 and a D-ring 16 are attached to belt 4. A tension adjuster 6 is attached to the square ring 14. A rope 8 is passed through the tension adjuster 6. The rope 8 is attached to belt 4 via the tension adjuster 6 and the square ring 14. A first hook 10 is attached to one end of the rope 8. A second hook 12 is attached to the other end of the rope 8. Note that the square ring 14 is an example of a connecting ring for the tension adjuster 6, and is not limited to it.

[0013] Figures 2A, 2B, and 3 show the telescopic adjuster 6. As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the telescopic adjuster 6 includes a frame 22. Figure 3 shows the internal structure of the telescopic adjuster 6. As shown in Figure 3, the telescopic adjuster 6 includes an anti-slip device 24, an auxiliary pusher 26, a coil spring 28, a connector 30, and a hook 32.

[0014] As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the frame 22 includes a guide frame 34 and a head frame 36. The guide frame 34 has a pair of opposing side plates 34A and a base 34B located between the pair of side plates 34A. In this frame 22, the base 34B is bent in a U-shape. As shown in Figure 3, a plurality of protrusions 34C are formed on the surface of the base 34B facing the anti-slip surface 24. These protrusions 34C are illustrative and not limited to them. Instead of these protrusions 34C, recesses or protrusions of other shapes may be formed. Also, the shape of this base 34B is illustrative and not limited to it. As shown in Figure 2B, the head frame 36 straddles the pair of opposing side plates 34A. The head frame 36 is pivotally attached to the guide frame 34. In this frame 22, the head frame 36 is pivotally attached by an axis 22A. The head frame 36 is rotatable relative to the guide frame 34.

[0015] The anti-slip member 24 shown in Figure 3 is pivotally attached to the guide frame 34. The anti-slip member 24 is engaged with the head frame 36. In this frame 22, the anti-slip member 24 is pivotally attached by the shaft 22A. The anti-slip member 24 is rotatable together with the head frame 34 relative to the guide frame 34.

[0016] The anti-slip member 24 has one end portion 24A and the other end portion 24B. The one end portion 24A and the other end portion 24B are rotatable in a direction toward and away from the bottom 34B by the rotation of the anti-slip member 24. The anti-slip member 24 has a first locking claw 38 facing the bottom 34B on the one end portion 24A side. The anti-slip member 24 has a second locking claw 40 facing the bottom 34B on the other end portion 24B side. The anti-slip member 24 has an accommodation hole 24C. The accommodation hole 24C opens between the first locking claw 38 and the second locking claw 40.

[0017] The auxiliary pusher 26 has an auxiliary claw 26A. The auxiliary pusher 26 is accommodated in the accommodation hole 24C of the anti-slip member 24. The auxiliary pusher 26 is retained in the accommodation hole 24C to prevent slipping out. In Figure 3, the auxiliary pusher 26 causes the auxiliary claw 26A to protrude from the opening of the accommodation hole 24C. The auxiliary claw 26A faces the bottom 34B of the guide frame 34.

[0018] The coil spring 28 is accommodated in the accommodation hole 24C of the anti-slip member 24. The coil spring 28 biases the auxiliary pusher 26 in a direction approaching the bottom 34B of the guide frame 34. The coil spring 28 causes the auxiliary claw 26A to protrude further toward the bottom 34B side than the first locking claw 38 and the second locking claw 40. The auxiliary pusher 26 is movable in a direction away from the bottom 34B against the biasing force of the coil spring 28.

[0019] The connector 30 is attached to the head frame 36. The connector 30 has a head 30A and a shaft 30B. The connector 30 is axially attached to the head frame 36. The connector 30 is axially attached by the shaft 30B. The head 30A is rotatable relative to the head frame 36. The axis of rotation of the head 30A is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the head frame 36 and the anti-slip 24.

[0020] The hook 32 is attached to the connector 30. The hook 32 is pivotally attached to the head 30A of the connector 30. The hook 32 is pivotally attached by shaft 30C. The hook 32 is rotatable relative to the head 30A. The pivot axis of the hook 32 is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the head 30A.

[0021] Figure 4 shows the use of the tension adjuster 6. The tension adjuster 6 is attached to the square ring 14. In Figure 4, the belt 4 to which the square ring 14 is attached is omitted. In Figure 4, the rope 8 is located below the square ring 14 (belt 4). This tension adjuster 6 is used in a so-called downward position.

[0022] A rope 8 is passed through the guide frame 34. The auxiliary claw 26A of the auxiliary pusher 26 is pressed against the rope 8 by the coil spring 28. The rope 8 is sandwiched between the auxiliary claw 26A and the bottom 34B of the guide frame 34. The auxiliary claw 26A is pressed against the rope 8, and the rope 8 is separated from the first locking claw 38 and the second locking claw 40.

[0023] Figure 5 shows another usage state of the tension adjuster 6. In Figure 5, the rope 8 is being pulled in the direction of arrow F. The guide frame 34 is positioned in the direction of arrow F, moving from the usage state in Figure 4. The connector 30 is rotated relative to the hook 32. The anti-slip 24 and head frame 36 are rotated relative to the guide frame 34. The auxiliary pusher 26 is being pushed back by the rope 8 against the biasing force of the coil spring 28. The rope 8 is held between the second locking claw 40 and the guide frame 34 by the rotated anti-slip 24. The rope 8 is held between the second locking claw 40 and the bottom 34B. Furthermore, the rope 8 is anti-slip between the second locking claw 40 and the protrusion 34C. The tension adjuster 6 prevents the rope 8 from moving.

[0024] Figure 6 shows a full-body harness type fall protection system 42 with a work positioning device 2 attached. The full-body harness type fall protection system 42 comprises a full-body harness 44 and a lanyard 46. The full-body harness 44 has a pair of shoulder belts 48, a pair of thigh belts 50, a pelvic belt 52, a chest belt 54 and a D-ring 56. The lanyard 46 has a hook 57, a shock absorber 58, a rope 60 and a hook 62. The shock absorber 58 and the hook 62 are connected via the rope 60. The hook 57 is connected to the shock absorber 58, and this hook 57 is connected to the D-ring 56 of the full-body harness 44. In this way, the full-body harness 44 and the lanyard 46 are connected.

[0025] Figure 7 shows the use of the work positioning device 2 and the full-body harness fall protection device 42. The full-body harness fall protection device 42 is attached to worker M. The work positioning device 2 is attached to worker M. The belt 4 of the work positioning device 2 is attached around worker M's waist. This worker M is climbing the utility pole 64. Note that the full-body harness fall protection device 42 is an example, and the fall protection device used in conjunction with the work positioning device 2 is not limited to this.

[0026] Although not shown in Figure 7, the telescopic adjuster 6 is located to the left of worker M. The first hook 10 is secured to the D-ring 16. A rope 8 is stretched across the utility pole 64 between the first hook 10 and the telescopic adjuster 6. This rope 8 is stretched below the telephone line 66. Worker M is holding the second hook 12. A rope 8 is stretched across the utility pole 64 between the second hook 12 and the telescopic adjuster 6. This rope 8 is stretched above the telephone line 66. Note that the D-ring 16 is an example of a locking ring for the first hook 10 and the second hook 12, and is not limited to it. Also, in Figure 7, the hook 62 of the lanyard 46 is secured to another locking ring (not shown) attached to the full harness 44.

[0027] Figure 8 shows other usage configurations of the work positioning device 2 and the full-body fall protection harness 42. The full-body fall protection harness 42 and the work positioning device 2 are attached to worker M. A belt 4 is attached around worker M's waist. Worker M is working at a designated location on the utility pole 64.

[0028] In this configuration, the second hook 12 is secured to the D-ring 16. The rope 8 is stretched across the utility pole 64 between the second hook 12 and the tension adjuster 6. The work positioning device 2 holds the worker M in place. The hook 62 of the lanyard 46 is secured to a structure 68 fixed to the utility pole 64. The full-body harness fall protection device 42 prevents the worker M from falling.

[0029] Here, the usage of the work positioning device 2 and the full-body harness type fall protection device 42 will be explained. Here, a utility pole 64 will be used as an example of a pole.

[0030] As shown in Figure 7, worker M puts on a full-body harness fall protection device 42 and a work positioning device 2. The rope 8 is stretched across the utility pole 64 between the first hook 10 and the telescopic adjuster 6. The first hook 10 is secured to the D-ring 16. As a result, the rope 8 is stretched across the utility pole 64 in a U-shape between the D-ring 16 and the telescopic adjuster 6. Worker M slides the rope 8 against the telescopic adjuster 6. This allows worker M to adjust the length of the U-shaped rope 8. With the rope 8 stretched across the utility pole 64, worker M climbs the utility pole 64.

[0031] For example, if there is a telephone line 66, the portion of the rope 8 between the second hook 12 and the telescopic adjuster 6 will pass over the telephone line 66 and be stretched across the utility pole 64. In this way, the work positioning device 2 is brought into use as shown in Figure 7. Furthermore, the second hook 12 is secured to the D-ring 16. As a result, the rope 8 between the D-ring 16 and the telescopic adjuster 6 is stretched across the utility pole 64 in a U-shape above the telephone line 66.

[0032] The first hook 10 is detached from the D-ring 16. The head frame 36 and anti-slip device 24 are rotated 180 degrees relative to the connector 30 by the telescopic adjuster 6 shown in Figure 5. Although not shown, the relative positions of the rope 8 extending from the telescopic adjuster 6 to the first hook 10 and the rope 8 extending from the telescopic adjuster 6 to the second hook 12 are reversed in the front-to-back direction of the worker M. The worker M adjusts the length of the rope 8 between the telescopic adjuster 6 and the second hook 12 by sliding the rope 8 relative to the telescopic adjuster 6.

[0033] With the rope 8 stretched in a U-shape across the utility pole 64 between the second hook 12 and the telescopic adjuster 6, worker M climbs further up the utility pole 64. At a designated location, worker M secures the hook 62 of the lanyard 46 of the fall protection device to the structure 68 located above. The full-body harness fall protection device 42 and the work positioning device 2 are set to the state shown in Figure 8. This prevents worker M from falling. Subsequently, while being held by the rope 8 stretched across the utility pole 64, worker M performs work at height.

[0034] This work positioning device 2 is used to maintain the working position when performing work at height on a utility pole 64. The rope 8 of this work positioning device 2 can be used to prevent falls when reattaching it during movement. However, in Japan, guidelines stipulate that when performing work using the work positioning device 2, the worker M must also use fall protection equipment. Therefore, in this case, worker M is wearing a full-body harness type fall protection device 42.

[0035] Figure 9 shows other uses of the tension adjuster 6. In Figure 9, the belt 4 to which the corner ring 14 is attached is omitted. In Figure 9, the rope 8 is positioned above the corner ring 14 (belt 4). This tension adjuster 6 is used in what is called an upward position. Otherwise, it is used in the same way as in the uses shown in Figures 4 to 8.

[0036] Furthermore, in Figures 4 to 9, the telescopic adjuster 6 was positioned to the left of worker M, but it may also be positioned to the right of worker M. Additionally, the telescopic adjuster 6 may be positioned to the right of worker M and used facing downwards or upwards.

[0037] The telescopic adjuster 6 has a guide frame 34 through which the rope 8 passes, The anti-slip device 24 has a first locking claw 38 that rotates to one side relative to the guide frame 34 to grip the rope 8 between itself and the guide frame 34, and a second locking claw 40 that rotates to the other side relative to the guide frame 34 to grip the rope 8 between itself and the guide frame 34, It is equipped with.

[0038] As a result, the telescopic adjuster 6 can prevent the rope 8 from slipping, regardless of which end is being pulled. Whether one end of the rope 8 is draped over the utility pole 64 or the other end is draped over it, the draped rope 8 maintains the working position of worker M. With one end of the rope 8 draped over the utility pole 64, worker M can avoid the telephone line 66 and drape the other end of the rope 8 over the utility pole 64. This telescopic adjuster 6 allows the rope 8 to be safely draped over poles such as utility poles 64, avoiding obstacles such as the telephone line 66, without the need for other auxiliary hooks. The telescopic adjuster 6 can maintain a U-shaped suspension even when changing the rope 8's position.

[0039] This tension adjuster 6 includes an auxiliary pusher 26 that, when pressed against the rope 8, positions the first locking claw 38 and the second locking claw 40 away from the rope 8, and a coil spring 28 that biases the auxiliary pusher 26 in a direction that presses it against the rope 8.

[0040] When the auxiliary pusher 26 is pressed against the rope 8, the first locking claw 38 and the second locking claw 40 are positioned away from the rope 8. As a result, in this tension adjuster 6, the auxiliary pusher 26 provides appropriate resistance to the slippage of the rope 8. The length of the rope 8 can be easily adjusted. In addition, since the slippage of the rope 8 is suppressed, the length of the rope 8 is easily maintained. This prevents unintentional changes in the length of the rope 8 due to slippage.

[0041] Furthermore, when the rope 8 is pulled in one direction or the other, the auxiliary pusher 26 is pressed against the rope 8, causing the anti-slip device 24 to rotate together with the auxiliary pusher 26. This ensures that the rope 8 is more securely held between the anti-slip device 24 and the guide frame 34. As a result, the tension adjuster 6 can reliably prevent the rope 8 from slipping.

[0042] From these viewpoints, it is preferable that the tension adjuster 6 has an auxiliary pusher 26 and a coil spring 28. The coil spring 28 may be any elastic body capable of biasing the auxiliary pusher 26 toward the rope 8, but is not limited to this. In addition, although the auxiliary claw 26A of the auxiliary pusher 26 in the tension adjuster 6 is flat, it may also be provided with irregularities.

[0043] The connector 30 rotates the guide frame 34 around an axis perpendicular to the pivot axis of the anti-slip device 24. This allows the positional relationship between the portion of the rope 8 on the first hook 10 side and the portion of the rope 8 on the second hook 12 side to be easily swapped in the front-to-back direction of the worker M. As a result, the tension adjuster 6 can be positioned on either the left or right side of the worker M. From this viewpoint, it is preferable that the tension adjuster 6 has a connector 30.

[0044] The telescopic adjuster 6 has a hook 32 that is rotatably attached to the connector 30 around an axis perpendicular to the axis that rotates the head frame 36. This allows the telescopic adjuster 6 to be used in both upward and downward directions. From this perspective, it is preferable that the telescopic adjuster 6 has a rotatable hook 32.

[0045] [Disclosure items] Each of the following items discloses a preferred embodiment.

[0046] [Item 1] A guide frame through which the rope is passed, A non-slip device having a first locking claw that rotates to one side relative to the guide frame to clamp the rope between itself and the guide frame, and a second locking claw that rotates to the other side relative to the guide frame to clamp the rope between itself and the guide frame. A telescopic adjuster equipped with the following features.

[0047] [Item 2] An auxiliary pusher that, when pressed against the rope, positions the first locking claw and the second locking claw away from the rope, An elastic body that biases the auxiliary pusher in a direction that presses it against the rope, The telescopic adjuster described in item 1, which is equipped with the features described in item 1.

[0048] [Item 3] The telescopic adjuster according to item 1 or 2, comprising a connector for rotating the guide frame around an axis perpendicular to the anti-slip pivot axis.

[0049] [Item 4] The telescopic adjuster according to item 3, further comprising a hook attached to the connector so as to be rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the axis that rotates the frame. [Industrial applicability]

[0050] The telescopic adjusters described above can be widely applied to work positioning equipment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 2. Work positioning equipment 4. Belt 6...Telescopic adjuster 8. Rope 10. First hook 12...Second hook 14..Angular ring 16...D ring 22...frames 24. Anti-slip 26. Auxiliary pusher 26A...Auxiliary claw 28. Coil spring (elastic body) 30... Connectors 32 hooks 34... Guide frame 36... Head frame 38. First locking claw 40...Second locking claw

Claims

1. A guide frame through which the rope is passed, A non-slip device having a first locking claw that rotates to one side relative to the guide frame to clamp the rope between itself and the guide frame, and a second locking claw that rotates to the other side relative to the guide frame to clamp the rope between itself and the guide frame, An auxiliary pusher that is pressed against the rope and moves the first locking claw and the second locking claw away from the rope, An elastic body that biases the auxiliary pusher in a direction that presses it against the rope, A telescopic adjuster equipped with the following features.

2. The telescopic adjuster according to claim 1, further comprising a connector for rotating the guide frame around an axis perpendicular to the anti-slip pivot axis.

Images