Integrated gondola composed of raising and lowering cage and support frame

Abstract

The present invention relates to a gondola integrated with a manhole and storage tank lifting / lowering work platform. The present invention comprises a support frame body (100) and a lifting / lowering work platform (400) formed as a single unit, and has a double support structure in which the work platform is simultaneously connected to a main wire rope (212) and an auxiliary wire rope (232). Additionally, a safety block stop (250) automatically locks the auxiliary rope when the main rope breaks, a tension adjustment unit (500) maintains the horizontal level of the work platform, and an upper limit switch (490) prevents over-lifting. Furthermore, it includes an automatic emergency rescue system that automatically detects an abnormal condition of a worker through a bio-sensor (610) and a motion sensor (620) and automatically raises the work platform in an emergency, as well as a mechanical backup means that enables manual rescue even in the event of a power outage. Through this, the risk of falling and dropping of a worker in a confined space is prevented, and immediate rescue is possible without external intervention in an emergency, thereby having the effect of dramatically improving safety and work efficiency.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gondola with an integrated lifting and lowering platform for manholes and storage tanks, and more specifically, to a gondola with an integrated lifting and lowering platform for manholes and storage tanks in which a lifting and lowering platform is integrally combined inside a support so that it contributes significantly to protecting the lives of workers and preventing safety accidents in dangerous confined spaces such as manholes, underground pipelines, and storage tanks, and allows workers to easily enter the manhole work area. Background Technology

[0003] Generally, safety equipment for working at heights is equipment designed to enable exterior wall work in high-rise buildings or specific structures without relying on machinery such as cranes, by stably securing or resting the body on a belt or seat fixed by a single line or a pair of safety ropes.

[0004] The safety belt or safety seat must be able to support the buttocks so that the worker can work comfortably at a high altitude for a certain period of time, allow the arms and legs to move freely, and maintain a stable posture even in strong winds at high altitudes.

[0005] Conventional safety belts have a problem in that they strongly compress the worker's shoulders, legs, or groin, which can cause numbness in the body during long periods of work, and safety seats cannot be firmly attached to the body, making it difficult to maintain balance due to strong winds at high altitudes, which frequently leads to safety accidents.

[0006] Among the relevant prior art for resolving the above-mentioned problems, Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-0471729 (Registration Date: March 5, 2014) discloses technology regarding an "industrial swing-type safety belt." Specifically, the prior art described in Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-0471729 comprises a shoulder belt positioned on the shoulders at the front of the upper body of the user (worker) and a backrest belt that rests on the worker's back. It also comprises a chest belt horizontally fastened at the front of the chest and a safety hook installed on the backrest belt. In this case, the backrest belt is composed of a pair of horizontal support members that horizontally connect the shoulder belts and are mounted spaced apart from each other in parallel, and a single vertical support member that vertically connects the pair of horizontal support members. The safety hook is coupled to the vertical support member, and the lower part of the safety belt is provided with a pair of thigh fastening belts in the shape of a loop that wrap around and fasten the user's thighs. The prior art described above has the advantage of increasing safety and providing a comfortable fit by connecting straps of a simple configuration horizontally and vertically to improve the support force of the safety hook mounted on the backrest belt.

[0007] When performing work in narrow and enclosed spaces such as manholes, storage tanks, and underground areas, workers may be exposed to various risks, including gas poisoning, oxygen deprivation, and falls. Traditionally, workers have entered directly via ladders or used simple gondolas. Entering via ladders carries a constant risk of falling, and it is difficult to quickly rescue workers from the outside in the event of an accident. Furthermore, standard gondolas suffer from unstable positioning, limited workspace, and inadequate safety equipment, which can lead to serious casualties. Therefore, there has been a growing need for equipment that guarantees worker safety and enables rapid response and rescue. Prior art literature

[0009] Patent No. 10-1950650 (February 14, 2019) Patent No. 101058604 (August 16, 2011) The problem to be solved

[0010] The present invention was devised to solve the problems of the prior art, and its purpose is to provide a system that prevents fall accidents that may occur during a worker's entry into a manhole and during work, and enables the immediate rescue of the worker from the outside in the event of an emergency such as gas poisoning, and to provide safety equipment that simultaneously improves the convenience and safety of the worker by having a lifting platform integrally combined inside a support so that it can be stably fixed and installed at manhole entrances of various sizes and shapes. means of solving the problem

[0011] The solution means of the present invention is,

[0012] In a gondola installed on the upper part of a manhole or storage tank,

[0013] A support frame body composed of an upper frame, a lower frame, and a vertical frame, with a wheel at the bottom; a front crossbar and a center crossbar installed respectively at the front and center of the support frame body, with pulleys connected to both sides;

[0014] Left and right main wire rope drums, each installed on the front left and right sides of the above support frame body and rotated by a lifting motor to wind or unwind the main wire rope;

[0015] It comprises: left and right auxiliary wire rope automatic reels installed respectively on the upper left and right sides of the main wire rope drum and winding the auxiliary wire rope; left and right overload prevention devices coupled to the main wire rope to stop operation in case of overload; left and right safety block stops coupled to the upper side of the overload prevention device and clamping the auxiliary wire rope to prevent falling when the main wire rope breaks; a lifting work platform connected to the wire ropes on both lower sides of the center crossbar, having a door hinged to one side and cable fixing brackets formed at both ends; and an upper limit switch installed on the lower surface of the upper frame to detect the lifting limit of the lifting work platform; wherein the lifting work platform is simultaneously connected to the main wire rope and the auxiliary wire rope through the cable fixing brackets to be double-supported. Effects of the invention

[0017] The present invention has the following remarkable effects.

[0018] First, since the worker ascends and descends while seated on a securely fixed work platform without using a ladder, the risk of falling accidents is completely eliminated.

[0019] Second, an external operator can perform emergency lifting through the control unit or mechanically rescue via an auxiliary wire rope, thereby securing the golden time.

[0020] Third, dual safety system: Even if the main wire rope is severed, the safety block stop immediately secures the auxiliary wire rope to prevent the work platform from falling rapidly.

[0021] Fourth, it can easily adapt to various site conditions through the moving wheels and tension adjustment unit, and provides a stable working environment by securing space inside the workbench. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0023] FIG. 1 is an assembled perspective view of the gondola of the present invention viewed from the front. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the gondola of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged exploded perspective view showing the gondola of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an assembled perspective view of the gondola of the present invention viewed from the rear. FIG. 5 is an assembled perspective view of the gondola of the present invention viewed from the rear. FIG. 6 is an operational state diagram showing a lifting work platform in the gondola of the present invention. FIG. 7a is a control block diagram of the automatic emergency rescue system of the present invention. FIG. 7b is a block diagram of the mechanical passive structure system in case of power outage according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is an operational state diagram showing a lifting work platform in the gondola of the present invention. FIG. 9 is an operational state diagram showing the tension control unit of the lifting work platform in the gondola of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0024] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and may have various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. Similar reference numerals have been used for similar components in the description of each drawing.

[0025] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. The term "and / or" includes a combination of a plurality of related described items or any of a plurality of related described items.

[0026] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0027] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless clearly otherwise indicated in the context. Terms such as “comprising” or “having” in this application are intended to specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, movements, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, movements, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, the present invention relates to a gondola in which a lifting work platform (400) can enter a manhole (10) work area, and the lifting work platform and the support are formed as a single unit.

[0029] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings (Figs. 1 to 9). The present invention is subject to various modifications and is not limited to specific embodiments.

[0030] The present invention is configured as follows to achieve the purpose thereof.

[0031] The manhole and storage tank lifting / lowering work platform integrated gondola of the present invention is,

[0032] A support frame body (100) installed across the upper part of a manhole (10);

[0033] A plurality of pulleys (50) installed on the above support frame body (100) and guiding the lifting and lowering of the work table;

[0034] A main wire rope (212) and a lifting motor (220) installed on one side of the support frame body (100) to raise and lower the work platform;

[0035] An auxiliary wire rope (232) and a safety block stop (250) that operate to prevent the work platform from falling when the main wire rope (212) breaks;

[0036] A lifting platform (400) that is supported by the main wire rope (212) and auxiliary wire rope (232) and enters the manhole (10);

[0037] An upper limit switch (490) for detecting the upward limit of the lifting work platform (400); and

[0038] The system includes an automatic emergency rescue system that detects the worker's biometric information in real time and automatically raises the work platform in case of an emergency; wherein the lifting work platform (400) is equipped with a door (410) for the worker to board and disembark, and is simultaneously connected to the main wire rope (212) and auxiliary wire rope (232) via cable fixing brackets (420, 420') installed at each end of the work platform, thereby being raised and lowered in a double wire rope structure.

[0039] The configuration and installation of the support frame body (100) of the present invention are,

[0040] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the manhole and storage tank lifting / lowering work platform integrated gondola of the present invention includes a support frame body (100) installed on the upper part of a manhole (10) or a storage tank.

[0041] The above support frame body (100) is a square frame structure and consists of an upper frame (110), a lower frame (120), and a plurality of vertical frames (130) connecting the upper frame (110) and the lower frame (120). A wheel (122) is installed on the lower part of the lower frame (120), so that the support frame body (100) can be easily moved and positioned above the entrance of the manhole (10).

[0042] The user uses the above-mentioned moving wheel (122) to accurately position the support frame body (100) at the center of the manhole (10), and then firmly fixes it to the ground using a separate fixing means (e.g., outrigger, not shown), thereby establishing a stable working environment without shaking during work.

[0043] The configuration of the crossbar and pulley (50) of the present invention is,

[0044] On the upper part of the upper frame (110), a front crossbar (310) and a center crossbar (320) are installed vertically across the upper frame (110). Pulleys (50) for supporting and changing the direction of wire ropes are attached to each end of the front crossbar (310) and the center crossbar (320). These pulleys (50) serve to guide the main wire rope (212) and the auxiliary wire rope (232) to move smoothly without friction.

[0045] The present invention comprises a lifting drive device configuration,

[0046] A lifting drive device is installed on the front left and right sides of the support frame body (100).

[0047] The left main wire rope drum (210) and the right main wire rope drum (210') are each controlled by a control unit (260) electrically connected to a lifting motor (220) and wind or unwind the main wire rope (212).

[0048] On the upper left and right sides of the main wire rope drum (210, 210'), a left auxiliary wire rope automatic reel (230) and a right auxiliary wire rope automatic reel (230') are respectively installed and wind an auxiliary wire rope (232).

[0049] As shown in FIG. 5, the path of the main wire rope (212) is as follows.

[0050] The main wire rope (212) is unwound from the drum (210), moves horizontally, passes through the pulley (50) of the front crossbar (310), and then changes direction upward.

[0051] Afterwards, it passes through the overload protection device (240) and the safety block stop (250) in sequence, and then passes through the upper pulley (50) again to switch to the horizontal direction.

[0052] Next, it passes through the pulley (50) of the center crossbar (320) and is turned downward, and is finally fixed to the cable fixing bracket (420) of the lifting work platform (400).

[0053] On the other hand, the path of the above auxiliary wire rope (232) is as follows.

[0054] The auxiliary wire rope (232) is released from the automatic reel (230), passes directly through the safety block stop (250), and is guided directly to the pulley (50) of the center crossbar (320) without passing through the upper pulley (50).

[0055] Afterwards, it is switched downwards in the same way as the main wire rope (212) and fixed to the cable fixing bracket (420') of the lifting work platform (400).

[0056] The safety device configuration of the present invention is,

[0057] The present invention is equipped with a double safety device.

[0058] The left overload protection device (240) and the right overload protection device (240') are directly connected to the main wire rope (212). If an overload exceeding the set allowable load (e.g., 300 kg) is applied to the lifting work platform (400), the overload protection device (240) detects this and sends a signal to the control unit (260) to immediately stop the operation of the lifting motor (220).

[0059] The left safety block stop (250) and the right safety block stop (250') are each connected to the upper part of the overload prevention device (240, 240'). Normally, the auxiliary wire rope (232) passes freely through the inside of the safety block stop (250), but at the moment the main wire rope (212) is damaged or cut, an internal cam operates to forcibly clamp the auxiliary wire rope (232) to prevent the work platform from falling rapidly.

[0060] The configuration of the lifting work platform (400) of the present invention is,

[0061] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the lifting work platform (400) is a cage-shaped structure on which a worker rides. A door (410) is connected to one side of the work platform by a hinge (412) and can be opened and closed.

[0062] Cable fixing brackets (420, 420') are formed protrudingly at the upper ends of both sides of the above lifting work platform (400). The left main wire rope (212) and the left auxiliary wire rope (232) are simultaneously fixed to the left cable fixing bracket (420), and the right main wire rope (212) and the right auxiliary wire rope (232) are simultaneously fixed to the right cable fixing bracket (420').

[0063] The upper limit switch (490) configuration of the present invention is,

[0064] An upper limit switch (490) is installed on the lower surface of the upper frame (110). When the lifting work platform (400) rises after the work is completed, the upper limit switch (490) operates just before the upper surface of the work platform collides with the upper frame (110) to automatically cut off the operation of the lifting motor (220).

[0065] The configuration of the tension control unit (500) of the present invention is,

[0066] As illustrated in FIG. 9, a tension adjustment unit (500) is installed at the bottom of the cable fixing bracket (420, 420'). The tension adjustment unit (500) includes a rope fixing bar (530), a rope transfer bolt (520), a main wire rope length adjuster (510), and an auxiliary wire rope length adjuster (510'). By rotating the rope transfer bolt (520) to independently adjust the effective length of each wire rope, the user can precisely maintain the left and right horizontal alignment of the lifting work platform (400).

[0067] An automatic emergency rescue system of another embodiment of the present invention is,

[0068] As illustrated in FIG. 7a, the present invention includes an automatic emergency rescue system that goes beyond conventional passive safety devices.

[0069] Before starting work, the worker wears a bio-sensor (610) on their wrist or chest. This sensor measures the heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature in real time and transmits them to the control unit (260). At the same time, an infrared motion sensor (620) installed inside the lifting platform (400) detects even the slightest movements of the worker.

[0070] If a worker is poisoned by hazardous gas and their heart rate drops rapidly (e.g., less than 40 BPM), or if breathing is not detected for more than 30 seconds, or if there is no movement for more than 10 seconds, the control unit (260) determines this as an emergency situation.

[0071] The control unit (260) immediately sends a signal to the emergency drive circuit (630). The emergency drive circuit (630) reverses the lifting motor (220) to maximum torque regardless of the normal lifting mode. At this time, since the left and right main drums (210, 210') and the auxiliary automatic reel (230, 230') are driven simultaneously, the work platform (400) rises quickly to the top of the manhole (10) while maintaining a horizontal position without tilting.

[0072] When the lifting is completed and the work platform (400) activates the upper limit switch (490), the control unit (260) automatically unlocks the electronic door lock (632) so that the door (410) can be opened. At the same time, the control unit (260) sends a notification to the site manager's terminal (640) via wireless communication (Wi-Fi or LTE) stating, "[Urgent] Automatic start of worker emergency rescue completed. Please check the manhole entrance immediately."

[0073] The mechanical passive structural system for power outages according to the present invention is,

[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 7b, if an emergency occurs when the lifting motor (220) is not operating due to a power outage, an external rescuer rotates the emergency manual handle (634) provided on the support frame body (100). At the same time, the control unit (260) uses the remaining battery charge to operate the electronic brake release unit (636) to release the brake of the auxiliary wire rope automatic reel (230, 230'). Accordingly, the rescuer can freely perform rescue operations, such as winding the main wire rope (212) to raise the work platform (400) or unwinding the auxiliary wire rope (232) to lower the work platform, with minimal force. Explanation of the symbols

[0076] 10: Manhole 50: Pulley 100: Support frame main body 110: Upper frame 120: Lower frame 122: Wheels 130: Vertical frame 210, 210': Left and right main wire rope drums 212: Main wire rope 220: Lifting motor 230, 230': Left and right auxiliary wire rope automatic reels 232: Auxiliary wire rope 240, 240': Left and right overload protection devices 250, 250': Left and right safety block stops 260: Control unit 310: Front crossbar 320: Center crossbar 400: Lifting platform 410: Door 412: Hinge 420, 420': Cable fixing bracket 490: Upper limit switch 500: Tension control unit 510, 510': Wire rope length adjuster 520: Rope transfer bolt 530: Rope fixing bar 630: Emergency drive circuit 632: Electronic door lock 634: Emergency manual handle 636: Electronic brake release part 640: External administrator terminal

Claims

Claim 1 A gondola installed on the upper part of a manhole (10) or a storage tank comprises: a support frame body (100) composed of an upper frame (110), a lower frame (120), and a vertical frame (130), with a moving wheel (122) provided on the lower part; a front crossbar (310) and a center crossbar (320) respectively installed at the front and center of the support frame body (100), with pulleys (50) attached to both sides; left and right main wire rope drums (210, 210') respectively installed on the front left and right sides of the support frame body (100), which rotate by a lifting motor (220) to wind or unwind a main wire rope (212); and left and right auxiliary wire rope automatic reels (230, 230') respectively installed on the upper left and right sides of the main wire rope drums (210, 210'), which wind an auxiliary wire rope (232). Left and right overload prevention devices (240, 240') coupled to the main wire rope (212) to stop operation in case of overload; left and right safety block stops (250, 250') coupled to the upper part of the overload prevention devices (240, 240') and clamping the auxiliary wire rope (232) to prevent falling when the main wire rope (212) breaks; a lifting work platform (400) connected to the wire ropes on both lower sides of the center crossbar (320), having a door (410) coupled to one side by a hinge (412) and cable fixing brackets (420, 420') formed at both ends; The manhole and storage tank lifting / lowering work platform integrated gondola includes an upper limit switch (490) installed on the lower surface of the upper frame (110) to detect the lifting limit of the lifting / lowering work platform (400); wherein the lifting / lowering work platform (400) is simultaneously connected to the main wire rope (212) and the auxiliary wire rope (232) through the cable fixing bracket (420, 420') and is double-supported. Claim 2 In claim 1, the main wire rope (212) is unwound from the main wire rope drum (210, 210'), passes through the pulley (50) of the front crossbar (310), passes through the overload prevention device (240, 240') and the safety block stop (250, 250'), passes through the pulley (50) again, is guided to the pulley (50) of the center crossbar (320), and is fixed to the cable fixing bracket (420) of the lifting work platform (400); and the auxiliary wire rope (232) is unwound from the auxiliary wire rope automatic reel (230, 230'), passes through the safety block stop (250, 250'), passes through the pulley (50) of the center crossbar (320), and is of the lifting work platform (400). A manhole and storage tank lifting / lowering work platform integrated gondola characterized by being fixed to a cable fixing bracket (420'). Claim 3 In claim 1, a tension adjustment unit (500) for adjusting the tension of a wire rope is further installed at the lower part of the cable fixing bracket (420, 420') of the lifting work platform (400), wherein the tension adjustment unit (500) comprises: a rope fixing bar (530); a rope transfer bolt (520) that is screw-coupled to the rope fixing bar (530) and moves up and down by rotation; and a main wire rope length adjuster (510) and an auxiliary wire rope length adjuster (510') that are respectively coupled to the rope transfer bolt (520) and independently adjust the lengths of the main wire rope (212) and the auxiliary wire rope (232); characterized in that it is a manhole and storage tank lifting and lowering work platform integrated gondola. Claim 4 In claim 3, the tension adjustment unit (500) is characterized by adjusting the distance between the main wire rope length adjuster (510) and the auxiliary wire rope length adjuster (510') by the rotation of the rope transfer bolt (520) to maintain the left and right horizontal alignment of the lifting work platform (400), thereby forming a manhole and storage tank lifting work platform integrated gondola. Claim 5 A manhole and storage tank lifting / lowering work platform integrated gondola according to claim 1, wherein the support frame body (100) is movable above the manhole (10) via the moving wheel (122), and the lifting work platform (400) enters the manhole (10) to form a work space by driving the lifting motor (220) while supported by the main wire rope (212) and the auxiliary wire rope (232). Claim 6 In any one of claims 1 to 5, the gondola further includes an automatic emergency rescue system that detects the worker's biometric information in real time and automatically raises the work platform without separate operation by the worker in an emergency situation, wherein the automatic emergency rescue system comprises: a biometric sensor (610) worn on the worker's wrist or chest to measure at least one biometric signal among heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature; an infrared motion sensor (620) installed on one side inside the lifting work platform (400) to detect the worker's movement; and a control unit (260) wirelessly or wiredly connected to the biometric sensor (610) and the infrared motion sensor (620) and outputs an emergency signal when the measured biometric signal exceeds a preset threshold or the signal is lost. The manhole and storage tank lifting / lowering work platform integrated gondola includes an emergency driving circuit (630) that, upon receiving an emergency signal from the control unit (260), reverses the lifting motor (220) to urgently raise the lifting work platform (400) to the top, while simultaneously driving the main wire rope drum (210, 210') and the auxiliary wire rope automatic reel (230, 230') to raise the lifting work platform (400) while maintaining its horizontal position; wherein the control unit (260), when the emergency driving circuit (630) is operated, transmits an "emergency rescue start" notification via wireless communication to an external manager terminal (640), and after the lifting work platform (400) reaches the upper limit switch (490) and stops, automatically opens an electronic door lock (632) that unlocks the door (410). Claim 7 In claim 6, the emergency drive circuit (630) further comprises an emergency manual handle (634) independently connected to the main wire rope drum (210, 210') in preparation for a power outage or failure of the lifting motor (220); and an electronic brake release unit (636) mounted on the auxiliary wire rope automatic reel (230, 230') to release the rotational resistance of the auxiliary wire rope automatic reel (230, 230') upon receiving an emergency signal from the control unit (260); wherein an external rescuer can rotate the emergency manual handle (634) or allow the automatic release of the auxiliary wire rope (232) through the electronic brake release unit (636), thereby enabling the lifting work platform (400) to be mechanically raised even in a power outage state, characterized in that the manhole and storage tank lifting work platform integrated gondola.

Images