Protective fence device

Abstract

This protective fence device is installed so as to surround a manufacturing facility comprising: a first device movable along a first movement path between a first position and a second position; and a second device movable along a second movement path between a third position and a fourth position. The protective fence device is provided with a movable fence part which is configured to surround, when the first device is in motion, the first device and a first region including the first movement path. The protective fence device is configured to surround, when the second device is in motion, the second device and a second region including the second movement path.

Description

Protective fence device

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-110520, filed on July 5, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a protective fence for a melting furnace that is installed around the furnace. The protective fence includes a front protective fence that can be opened and closed freely and installed in front of the furnace, movable protective fences that can be moved freely and installed on both sides of the front of the furnace, a foldable protective fence that can be folded freely and installed on one side of the furnace, and a double-structure protective fence that includes a fixed protective fence that is installed on the outside of the other side of the furnace and a protective fence that has a pivot at one end and can be opened and closed controlled and installed on the inside of the other side.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-140628

[0004] The present disclosure describes a protective fence device that can ensure the safety and workability of workers in a manufacturing facility equipped with multiple movable devices, even when the restricted entry area for workers changes as the multiple devices move.

[0005] An example of a protective fence device is a protective fence device installed to surround a manufacturing facility including a first device movable along a first movement path between a first position and a second position and a second device movable along a second movement path between a third position and a fourth position. The example of the protective fence device includes a movable fence unit configured to surround a first area including the first movement path together with the first device when the first device is moving, and to surround a second area including the second movement path together with the second device when the second device is moving.

[0006] With the protective fence device disclosed herein, in a manufacturing facility equipped with multiple movable devices, it is possible to ensure the safety and workability of workers even if the restricted entry area for workers changes as the multiple devices move.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing an example (first example) of continuous casting equipment. FIG. 2 is a top view schematically showing an example (first example) of continuous casting equipment. FIG. 3 is a top view schematically showing an example (first example) of continuous casting equipment. FIG. 4 is a side view schematically showing another example (second example) of continuous casting equipment. FIG. 5 is a top view schematically showing another example (second example) of continuous casting equipment. FIG. 6 is a top view schematically showing another example (second example) of continuous casting equipment. FIG. 7 is a top view schematically showing another example (third example) of continuous casting equipment. FIG. 8 is a top view schematically showing another example (third example) of continuous casting equipment. FIG. 9 is a top view schematically showing another example (third example) of continuous casting equipment. FIG. 10 is a top view schematically showing another example (fourth example) of continuous casting equipment. FIG. 11 is a top view schematically showing another example (fourth example) of continuous casting equipment. Fig. 12 is a top view schematically showing another example (fourth example) of continuous casting equipment. Fig. 13 is a side view schematically showing an example (fifth example) of blast furnace equipment. Fig. 14 is a top view schematically showing an example (fifth example) of blast furnace equipment. Fig. 15 is a top view schematically showing an example (fifth example) of blast furnace equipment.

[0008] In the following description, the same elements or elements having the same functions will be designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted. Note that in this specification, when referring to the top, bottom, right, and left of a figure, the directions of the reference numerals in the figure will be used as the reference.

[0009] [Continuous Casting Equipment] First, the configuration of a continuous casting equipment 100 (manufacturing equipment) will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. The continuous casting equipment 100 includes a ladle 101, two tundishes 102A and 102B, a mold 103, a slab support roll 104, and two tundish cars 105A and 105B.

[0010] The ladle 101 is a container for storing molten steel (molten metal). The two tundishes 102A and 102B are positioned below the ladle 101 and configured to store the molten steel flowing out from a nozzle 101 a provided on the bottom wall of the ladle 101.

[0011] The mold 103 is disposed on a floor surface FL. The mold 103 is configured to cool and form the molten metal flowing out from nozzles 102a provided on the bottom walls of the tundishes 102A and 102B into a predetermined shape while the tundishes 102A and 102B are positioned above the mold 103. The strand support rolls 104 are configured to transport the strand S drawn from the mold 103 while cooling it. Note that the continuous casting equipment 100 may be a multi-strand continuous casting equipment 100 in which a plurality of nozzles 102a are provided on the bottom walls of the tundishes 102A and 102B. In this case, each nozzle 102a is disposed in a corresponding opening 103a of the mold 103.

[0012] The tundish cars 105A and 105B are configured to hold the tundishes 102A and 102B, respectively. Each of the tundish cars 105A and 105B includes a plurality of wheels 105a configured to be able to run on rails RW1 and RW2 provided on a floor surface FL. As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, each of the rails RW1 and RW2 may extend linearly in a predetermined direction (the left-right direction in Figures 2 and 3) so that one end is located near the mold 103 and the other end is located away from the mold 103.

[0013] 2, the tundish car 105A (first device, first traveling carriage) is capable of moving between a casting position P1 (first position) directly above the mold 103 and a maintenance position P2 (second position) away from the mold 103, while holding the tundish 102A (first device, first tundish). That is, the tundish car 105A is configured to be movable along a rail RW1 extending between the casting position P1 and the maintenance position P2, which serves as a movement path MP1 (first movement path).

[0014] 3, the tundish car 105B (second device, second traveling carriage) is capable of moving between a casting position P1 (third position) directly above the mold 103 and a maintenance position P3 (fourth position) away from the mold 103, while holding the tundish 102B (second device, second tundish). That is, the tundish car 105B is configured to be movable along a rail RW2 extending between the casting position P1 and the maintenance position P3, which serves as a movement path MP2 (second movement path).

[0015] In the continuous casting equipment 100 illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the casting position P1 of the tundish car 105A and the casting position P1 of the tundish car 105B are both directly above the mold 103 and are therefore substantially in the same position. On the other hand, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the maintenance position P2 of the tundish car 105A is located to the left of the mold 103, and the maintenance position P3 of the tundish car 105B is located to the right of the mold 103. In other words, in the continuous casting equipment 100 illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the maintenance position P2 of the tundish car 105A and the maintenance position P3 of the tundish car 105B are in different positions.

[0016] 1 to 3, the continuous casting equipment 100 is substantially entirely surrounded by a protective fence device 10. This prevents the worker OP from approaching the continuous casting equipment 100 while the continuous casting equipment 100 is casting, thereby ensuring the safety of the worker OP.

[0017] 2 and 3 , the protective fence device 10 includes a fixed fence 11, movable fences 12A and 12B, and detection units 13Aa, 13Ab, 13Ba, and 13Bb. The fixed fence 11 entirely surrounds the continuous casting equipment 100 except for areas in front of the maintenance positions P2 and P3, and is fixed to the floor surface FL. In other words, the fixed fence 11 includes an entrance / exit E1 (first entrance / exit) at a position in front of the maintenance position P2. The fixed fence 11 also includes an entrance / exit E2 (second entrance / exit) at a position in front of the maintenance position P3.

[0018] The movable fences 12A, 12B (movable fence sections) are configured to change the restricted access area and the permitted access area within the fixed fence 11 as they move. Specifically, as illustrated in Fig. 3, the movable fence 12A (first movable fence) is configured to be movable between a position where it closes an entrance / exit E1 that allows access to the tundish 102A and the tundish car 105A and a position where it closes the travel path MP1. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the movable fence 12B (second movable fence) is configured to be movable between a position where it closes an entrance / exit E2 that allows access to the tundish 102B and the tundish car 105B and a position where it closes the travel path MP2.

[0019] The movable fence 12A may be attached to the fixed fence 11 near the entrance E1 so as to be able to pivot. The movable fence 12B may be attached to the fixed fence 11 near the entrance E2 so as to be able to pivot. The movable fences 12A, 12B may be configured to be extendable and contractable in their longitudinal directions. In this case, the movable fences 12A, 12B can be extended and contracted as needed, thereby improving the mobility of the movable fences 12A, 12B when they move (pivot).

[0020] The detection units 13Aa and 13Ab are configured to detect the locked state (open / closed state) of the movable fence 12A. For example, the detection units 13Aa and 13Ab may be configured to be able to electromagnetically lock and unlock the movable fence 12A. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the detection unit 13Aa may be arranged on the fixed fence 11 so as to face the tip of the movable fence 12A when it closes the space between the casting position P1 and the maintenance position P2. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the detection unit 13Ab may be arranged on the fixed fence 11 so as to face the tip of the movable fence 12A when it closes the entrance E1.

[0021] The detectors 13Ba and 13Bb are configured to detect the locked state (open / closed state) of the movable fence 12B. For example, the detectors 13Ba and 13Bb may be configured to electromagnetically lock and unlock the movable fence 12B. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the detector 13Ba may be disposed on the fixed fence 11 so as to face the tip of the movable fence 12B when it closes the gap between the casting position P1 and the maintenance position P3. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the detector 13Bb may be disposed on the fixed fence 11 so as to face the tip of the movable fence 12B when it closes the entrance E2.

[0022] When the detection units 13Aa, 13Ab, 13Ba, and 13Bb detect that the movable fences 12A and 12B are in a predetermined position (for example, the open / closed state of the entrances / exits E1 and E2 or the open / closed state of the travel routes MP1 and MP2), a control unit (controller) not shown may, based on the detection signal, display the warning content on a display or the like, sound a warning from a speaker or the like, or automatically lock and unlock the movable fences 12A and 12B.

[0023] [Operation of the Movable Fences] When the tundish car 105B is stopped at the maintenance position P3 and the tundish car 105A moves between the maintenance position P2 and the casting position P1, as illustrated in Fig. 2, the movable fence 12A closes the entrance / exit E1, and the movable fence 12B closes the movement path MP2 between the casting position P1 and the maintenance position P3. As a result, the fixed fence 11 and the movable fences 12A and 12B, together with the movement path MP1, surround the tundish car 105A. In other words, when the tundish car 105A moves, the fixed fence 11 and the movable fences 12A and 12B surround the region R1 (first region) including the movement path MP1, together with the tundish car 105A. Therefore, the region R1 is set as a restricted area into which the worker OP cannot enter. Meanwhile, the movable fence 12B rotates approximately 90° from the entrance E2 and extends across the rail RW2, leaving the entrance E2 open. Therefore, the area around the tundish car 105B is set as an accessible range where the worker OP can enter. At this time, maintenance of the tundish 102B and the tundish car 105B may be performed.

[0024] When the tundish car 105A is stopped at the maintenance position P2 and the tundish car 105B moves between the maintenance position P3 and the casting position P1, as illustrated in FIG. 3 , the movable fence 12B closes the entrance E2, and the movable fence 12A closes the movement path MP1 between the casting position P1 and the maintenance position P2. As a result, the fixed fence 11 and the movable fences 12A and 12B, along with the movement path MP2, surround the tundish car 105B. In other words, when the tundish car 105B moves, the fixed fence 11 and the movable fences 12A and 12B surround the area R2 (second area) including the movement path MP2, along with the tundish car 105B. Therefore, the area R2 is designated as a restricted area where the worker OP cannot enter. Meanwhile, the movable fence 12A rotates approximately 90° from the entrance E1 and extends across the rail RW1, leaving the entrance E1 open. Therefore, the area around the tundish car 105A is set as an accessible range that the worker OP can enter. At this time, maintenance of the tundish 102A and the tundish car 105A may be performed.

[0025] [Operation] According to the above example, when the tundish car 105A moves, the area R1 becomes a restricted area, and the movable fence 12B, together with the tundish car 105A, surrounds the area R1 including the movement path MP1. This prevents the worker OP from approaching the vicinity of the tundish car 105A. On the other hand, when the tundish car 105B moves, the area R2 becomes a restricted area, and the movable fence 12A, together with the tundish car 105B, surrounds the area R2 including the movement path MP2. This prevents the worker OP from approaching the vicinity of the tundish car 105B. In this way, the movable fences 12A, 12B move in accordance with changes in the restricted area for the worker OP that occur as the tundish cars 105A, 105B move, so that the restriction of entry into the restricted area and the opening of the accessible area can be flexibly set. Therefore, in a continuous casting equipment 100 equipped with movable tundish cars 105A, 105B, it is possible to ensure the safety and workability of the worker OP even if the restricted entry area for the worker OP changes due to the movement of multiple devices.

[0026] According to the above example, the movable fences 12A, 12B can be opened and closed at different positions by pivoting, so that opening and closing at multiple positions can be achieved with a small number of movable fences 12A, 12B.

[0027] According to the above example, the surrounding status of the areas R1 and R2 by the movable fences 12A and 12B is determined based on the locking status of the movable fences 12A and 12B detected by the detectors 13Aa, 13Ab, 13Ba, and 13Bb. In other words, when the detector 13Ab detects that the entrance / exit E1 is closed by the movable fence 12A and the detector 13Ba detects that the travel path MP2 is closed by the movable fence 12B, it is possible to determine that the area R1 is a restricted area. When the detector 13Aa detects that the travel path MP1 is closed by the movable fence 12A and the detector 13Bb detects that the entrance / exit E2 is closed by the movable fence 12B, it is possible to determine that the area R2 is a restricted area. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the tundish cars 105A and 105B can move through the areas R1 and R2.

[0028] [Modifications] The disclosure in this specification should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. Various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. may be made to the above examples without departing from the scope and spirit of the claims.

[0029] (1) The protective fence device 10 according to the present disclosure may also be applied to the continuous casting equipment 100 illustrated in Figures 4 to 6. The continuous casting equipment 100 according to the example of Figures 4 to 6 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "second example") differs from the continuous casting equipment 100 according to the example of Figures 1 to 3 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "first example") in that it does not include a tundish 102B or a tundish car 105B, but does include a dummy bar insertion device 200. Below, the continuous casting equipment 100 according to the second example will be described, focusing mainly on the differences from the first example.

[0030] The dummy bar insertion device 200 includes a dummy bar car 201 (second device, second traveling carriage) and at least one dummy bar 202 .

[0031] The dummy bar car 201 is configured to hold at least one dummy bar 202. In a second example, the dummy bar car 201 holds two dummy bars 202, corresponding to the number of openings 103a of the mold 103. The dummy bar car 201 includes a plurality of wheels 201a configured to be able to run on a rail RW3 provided on the floor surface FL. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the rail RW3 may extend linearly in a predetermined direction (the up-down direction in FIGS. 5 and 6 ) so that one end is located near the mold 103 and the other end is located away from the mold 103. The rail RW3 may extend so as to intersect with the rail RW1.

[0032] 5 and 6, the dummy bar car 201, while holding the dummy bar 202, can travel between an insertion position P1 (third position) of the dummy bar 202, which is near the mold 103, and a mounting position P4 (fourth position) of the dummy bar 202, which is away from the mold 103. In other words, the dummy bar car 201 is configured to be movable along a rail RW3 extending between the insertion position P1 and the mounting position P4, which serves as a movement path MP3 (second movement path).

[0033] 5 and 6 , the casting position P1 of the tundish car 105A and the insertion position P1 of the dummy bar 202 are substantially the same position. On the other hand, the maintenance position P2 of the tundish car 105A is located to the left of the mold 103, and the mounting position P4 of the dummy bar 202 is located at a different location from the mold 103. That is, in the continuous casting equipment 100 according to the second example, the maintenance position P2 of the tundish car 105A and the mounting position P4 of the dummy bar 202 are located at different positions.

[0034] The dummy bar 202 held by the dummy bar car 201 is inserted from above into the mold 103 from the dummy bar car 201 before the start of casting in the continuous casting equipment 100. This prevents molten steel from flowing out of the mold 103 when the molten steel is poured into the mold 103. After the start of casting in the continuous casting equipment 100, the dummy bar 202 is pulled downward from the mold 103 by a pulling device (not shown) and moves downstream together with the strand S formed in the mold 103 by the strand support rolls 104. When the dummy bar 202 reaches a predetermined position downstream, it is transported by a transport device (not shown) to the dummy bar car 201 located at the loading position P4.

[0035] In this way, during casting in the continuous casting equipment 100, the dummy bar 202 moves in one direction to circulate the dummy bar car 201, mold 103, slab support rolls 104, etc. During this movement, the dummy bar 202 needs to curve or bend along the movement path. For this reason, the dummy bar 202 is composed of a plurality of segments connected in a row. Adjacent segments are connected to each other so as to be rotatable.

[0036] Similar to the first example, the continuous casting equipment 100 according to the second example is also substantially entirely surrounded by the protective fence device 10. In the second example, the protective fence device 10 includes a fixed fence 11, movable fences 12A and 12C, and detection units 13Aa, 13Ca, and 13Cb. The following mainly describes the differences between the protective fence device 10 according to the second example and the first example.

[0037] The fixed fence 11 entirely surrounds the continuous casting equipment 100 except for the area in front of the maintenance position P2 and the area in front of the mold 103, and is fixed to the floor FL. In other words, the fixed fence 11 includes an entrance / exit E1 (entrance / exit) at a position in front of the maintenance position P2. The fixed fence 11 also includes an opening E3 at a position in front of the mold 103.

[0038] The movable fence 12A (movable fence section, first movable fence) is configured to be movable between a position where the entrance E1 is closed (see FIG. 5) and a position where the entrance E1 is opened (see FIG. 6). In the second example, the movable fence 12A is configured to slide in its longitudinal direction (the left-right direction in FIGS. 5 and 6), but may also be configured to be extendable and retractable in the longitudinal direction.

[0039] The movable fence 12C (movable fence section, second movable fence) is configured to be movable between a position where it closes the travel path MP1 (see FIG. 6) and a position where it closes the travel path MP3 and also closes the opening E3 (see FIG. 5). The movable fence 12C may be attached to the fixed fence 11 near the opening E3 so as to be able to pivot. The movable fence 12C may be configured to be extendable and contractible in its longitudinal direction.

[0040] As illustrated in Figure 5, the detection unit 13Aa may be arranged on the fixed fence 11 so as to face the tip (right end in Figure 5) of the movable fence 12A when the entrance / exit E1 is closed.

[0041] The detectors 13Ca and 13Cb are configured to detect the locked state of the movable fence 12C. For example, the detectors 13Ca and 13Cb may be configured to electromagnetically lock and unlock the movable fence 12C. As illustrated in FIG. 5 , the detector 13Ca may be disposed on the fixed fence 11 so as to face the tip of the movable fence 12C when the space between the casting position P1 and the installation position P4 is closed. As illustrated in FIG. 6 , the detector 13Cb may be disposed on the fixed fence 11 so as to face the tip of the movable fence 12C when the space between the casting position P1 and the maintenance position P2 is closed.

[0042] 5, when the dummy bar car 201 is stopped at the loading position P4 and the tundish car 105A moves between the maintenance position P2 and the casting position P1, the movable fence 12A closes the entrance / exit E1, and the movable fence 12C closes the movement path MP3 between the casting position P1 and the loading position P4. As a result, the fixed fences 11 and the movable fences 12A and 12C, together with the movement path MP1, surround the tundish car 105A, and the fixed fences 11 and the movable fences 12C surround the dummy bar car 201. In other words, when the tundish car 105A moves, a region R1 (first region) including the movement path MP1 is surrounded by the fixed fences 11 and the movable fences 12A and 12C together with the tundish car 105A. Furthermore, when the dummy barcar 201 is stopped, an area R3 extending from the middle between the casting position P1 and the loading position P4 to the loading position P4 side is surrounded by the fixed fence 11 and the movable fence 12C together with the dummy barcar 201. Therefore, the areas R1 and R3 are set as restricted areas where the worker OP cannot enter.

[0043] When the tundish car 105A is stopped at the maintenance position P2 and the dummy bar car 201 moves between the loading position P4 and the casting position P1, as illustrated in FIG. 6 , the movable fence 12A opens the entrance / exit E1, and the movable fence 12C closes the movement path MP1 between the casting position P1 and the maintenance position P2. As a result, the fixed fence 11 and the movable fences 12A and 12C, along with the movement path MP3, surround the dummy bar car 201. In other words, when the dummy bar car 201 moves, the fixed fence 11 and the movable fences 12A and 12C surround the region R4 (second region) including the movement path MP3, along with the dummy bar car 201. Therefore, the region R4 is set as a restricted area where the worker OP cannot enter. On the other hand, because the entrance / exit E1 is open, the area around the tundish car 105A is set as an accessible area where the worker OP can enter. At this time, as illustrated in Fig. 6, the ladle 101 may be moved to a position away from the mold 103, and a dummy bar 202 may be inserted from the dummy bar car 201 into the opening 103a of the mold 103. Furthermore, maintenance of the tundish 102A and the tundish car 105A may be performed.

[0044] As described above, in the continuous casting equipment 100 equipped with the movable tundish car 105A and the dummy bar car 201, even if the restricted entry area for the worker OP changes due to the movement of multiple devices, it is possible to ensure the safety and workability of the worker OP.

[0045] (2) The protective fence device 10 according to the present disclosure may also be applied to the continuous casting equipment 100 illustrated in Figures 7 to 9. The continuous casting equipment 100 according to the example of Figures 7 to 9 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "third example") differs from the continuous casting equipment 100 according to the first example in that it further includes a dummy bar insertion device 200. The configuration of the dummy bar insertion device 200 is similar to that of the continuous casting equipment 100 according to the second example, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0046] Similar to the first example, the continuous casting equipment 100 according to the third example is also substantially entirely surrounded by the protective fence device 10. In the third example, the protective fence device 10 includes a fixed fence 11, movable fences 12A to 12D, and detection units 13Aa, 13Ba, 13Ca, 13Cb, 13Da, and 13Db. The following mainly describes the differences between the protective fence device 10 according to the third example and the first example.

[0047] The fixed fence 11 entirely surrounds the continuous casting equipment 100 except for the areas in front of the maintenance positions P2 and P3 and the mold 103, and is fixed to the floor FL. In other words, the fixed fence 11 includes an entrance / exit E1 (entrance / exit) in a position in front of the maintenance position P2. The fixed fence 11 includes an entrance / exit E2 (second entrance / exit) in a position in front of the maintenance position P3. The fixed fence 11 includes an opening E3 in a position in front of the mold 103.

[0048] The movable fence 12A (movable fence section) is configured to be movable between a position that closes the entrance E1 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) and a position that opens the entrance E1 (see FIG. 9). In the third example, the movable fence 12A is configured to slide in its longitudinal direction (the left-right direction in FIGS. 7 to 9), but may also be configured to be extendable and retractable in the longitudinal direction.

[0049] The movable fence 12B (movable fence portion) is configured to be movable between a position that closes the entrance E2 (see FIGS. 7 and 9) and a position that opens the entrance E2 (see FIG. 8). In the third example, the movable fence 12B is configured to slide in its longitudinal direction (the left-right direction in FIGS. 7 to 9), but may also be configured to be extendable and retractable in the longitudinal direction.

[0050] The movable fence 12C (movable fence section) is configured to be movable between a position where it closes the travel path MP1 (see FIG. 9) and a position where it closes the travel path MP3 together with the movable fence 12D and also closes the opening E3 (see FIGS. 7 and 8). The movable fence 12C may be attached to the fixed fence 11 near the opening E3 so as to be able to pivot. The movable fence 12C may be configured to be extendable and retractable in its longitudinal direction.

[0051] The movable fence 12D (movable fence section) is configured to be movable between a position where it closes the travel path MP2 (see FIG. 9) and a position where it closes the travel path MP3 together with the movable fence 12C and also closes the opening E3 (see FIGS. 7 and 8). The movable fence 12D may be attached to the fixed fence 11 near the opening E3 so as to be able to pivot. The movable fence 12D may be configured to be extendable and retractable in its longitudinal direction.

[0052] As illustrated in Fig. 7, the detection unit 13Aa may be disposed on the fixed fence 11 so as to face the tip of the movable fence 12A (the right end in Fig. 7) when the entrance E1 is closed. As illustrated in Fig. 7, the detection unit 13Ba may be disposed on the fixed fence 11 so as to face the tip of the movable fence 12B (the left end in Fig. 7) when the entrance E2 is closed.

[0053] The detectors 13Ca and 13Cb are configured to detect the locked state of the movable fence 12C. For example, the detectors 13Ca and 13Cb may be configured to electromagnetically lock and unlock the movable fence 12C. The detector 13Ca may be disposed at the tip of the movable fence 12C, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9 . The detector 13Ca may be configured to cooperate with the detector 13Da to lock the movable fences 12C and 12D when the tips of the movable fences 12C and 12D face each other when the space between the casting position P1 and the installation position P4 is closed, as illustrated in FIG. 9 . The detector 13Cb may be disposed on the fixed fence 11 so as to face the tip of the movable fence 12C when the space between the casting position P1 and the maintenance position P2 is closed.

[0054] The detectors 13Da and 13Db are configured to detect the locked state of the movable fence 12D. For example, the detectors 13Da and 13Db may be configured to electromagnetically lock and unlock the movable fence 12D. The detector 13Da may be disposed at the tip of the movable fence 12D, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9 . The detector 13Da may be configured to cooperate with the detector 13Ca to lock the movable fences 12C and 12D when the tips of the movable fences 12C and 12D face each other while closing the gap between the casting position P1 and the installation position P4, as illustrated in FIG. 9 . The detector 13Db may be disposed on the fixed fence 11 so as to face the tip of the movable fence 12D while closing the gap between the casting position P1 and the maintenance position P3.

[0055] When the tundish car 105B is stopped at the maintenance position P3 and the dummy bar car 201 is stopped at the loading position P4, and the tundish car 105A moves between the maintenance position P2 and the casting position P1, as shown in FIG. 7, the movable fences 12A and 12B close the entrances E1 and E2, respectively, and the movable fences 12C and 12D close the movement path MP3 between the casting position P1 and the loading position P4. As a result, the fixed fences 11 and the movable fences 12A to 12D, together with the movement path MP1, surround the tundish car 105A. In other words, when the tundish car 105A moves, the region R1 including the movement path MP1 is surrounded by the fixed fences 11 and the movable fences 12A to 12D together with the tundish car 105A. Furthermore, when the dummy barcar 201 is stopped, an area R3 extending from the middle between the casting position P1 and the loading position P4 to the loading position P4 side is surrounded by the fixed fence 11 and the movable fences 12C and 12D together with the dummy barcar 201. Therefore, the areas R1 and R3 are set as restricted areas where the worker OP cannot enter.

[0056] When the tundish car 105A is stopped at the maintenance position P2, the dummy bar car 201 is stopped at the loading position P4, and the tundish car 105B moves between the maintenance position P3 and the casting position P1, the movable fences 12A and 12B may close the entrances E1 and E2, respectively, and the movable fences 12C and 12D may close the movement path MP3 between the casting position P1 and the loading position P4, as described above. As a result, the fixed fences 11 and the movable fences 12A to 12D, together with the movement path MP2, surround the tundish car 105B. In other words, when the tundish car 105B moves, the region R1 including the movement path MP2 is surrounded by the fixed fences 11 and the movable fences 12A to 12D together with the tundish car 105B.

[0057] When the tundish cars 105A and 105B are stopped, the movable fences 12A and 12B may open the entrances E1 and E2, respectively, as illustrated in FIG. 8 . Therefore, the area around the tundish cars 105A and 105B is set as an accessible area where the worker OP can enter. Furthermore, when the dummy bar car 201 is stopped, the area R3 is surrounded by the fixed fence 11 and the movable fences 12C and 12D along with the dummy bar car 201. Therefore, the area R3 is set as a restricted area where the worker OP cannot enter. Note that, at this time, maintenance may be performed on the tundish 102A and the tundish car 105A, or on the tundish 102B and the tundish car 105B. Although not shown, at least one of the movable fences 12A and 12B may close the entrances E1 and E2.

[0058] When the tundish cars 105A and 105B are stopped at the maintenance positions P2 and P3, respectively, and the dummy bar car 201 moves between the loading position P4 and the casting position P1, as illustrated in FIG. 9 , the movable fences 12A and 12B open the entrances E1 and E2, respectively, the movable fence 12C closes the movement path MP1 between the casting position P1 and the maintenance position P2, and the movable fence 12D closes the movement path MP2 between the casting position P1 and the maintenance position P3. As a result, the fixed fences 11 and the movable fences 12C and 12D, together with the movement path MP3, surround the dummy bar car 201. In other words, when the dummy bar car 201 moves, the fixed fences 11 and the movable fences 12C and 12D surround the dummy bar car 201, including the movement path MP3. Therefore, the area R4 is set as a restricted area where the worker OP cannot enter. On the other hand, since the entrances E1 and E2 are open, the areas around the tundish cars 105A and 105B are set as an accessible range that the worker OP can enter. At this time, as illustrated in Figure 9, the ladle 101 may be moved to a position away from the mold 103, and a dummy bar 202 may be inserted from the dummy bar car 201 into the opening 103a of the mold 103. At this time, maintenance may be performed on the tundish 102A and the tundish car 105A, or on the tundish 102B and the tundish car 105B. Although not shown, at least one of the movable fences 12A and 12B may close the entrances E1 and E2.

[0059] As described above, in the continuous casting equipment 100 equipped with the movable tundish cars 105A, 105B and the dummy bar car 201, it is possible to ensure the safety and workability of the worker OP even if the restricted entry area for the worker OP changes due to the movement of multiple devices.

[0060] (3) The protective fence device 10 according to the present disclosure may also be applied to the continuous casting equipment 100 illustrated in Figures 10 to 12. The continuous casting equipment 100 according to the example illustrated in Figures 10 to 12 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "fourth example") is similar to the continuous casting equipment 100 according to the third example, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0061] As in the third example, the continuous casting equipment 100 according to the fourth example is substantially entirely surrounded by the protective fence device 10. In the fourth example, the protective fence device 10 differs from the third example in that the configuration of the movable fences 12A, 12B is the same as that of the first example. That is, the movable fence 12A is configured to be movable between a position where it closes an entrance / exit E1 (see FIG. 10 ) that allows access to the tundish 102A and the tundish car 105A and a position where it closes the movement path MP1 (see FIG. 11 ). The movable fence 12B is configured to be movable between a position where it closes an entrance / exit E2 (see FIG. 11 ) that allows access to the tundish 102B and the tundish car 105B and a position where it closes the movement path MP2 (see FIG. 10 ).

[0062] In the fourth example, the safety fence device 10 includes detection units 13Aa, 13Ab, 13Ba, 13Bb, 13Ca, 13Cb, 13Da, and 13Db. The configurations of the detection units 13Aa, 13Ab, 13Ba, and 13Bb are the same as those in the first example, and therefore their explanations are omitted. The configurations of the detection units 13Ca, 13Cb, 13Da, and 13Db are the same as those in the third example, and therefore their explanations are omitted.

[0063] 10 , when the dummy bar car 201 is stopped at the loading position P4 and the tundish car 105A moves between the maintenance position P2 and the casting position P1, the movable fence 12A closes the entrance / exit E1, the movable fence 12B closes the movement path MP2 between the casting position P1 and the maintenance position P3, and the movable fences 12C and 12D close the movement path MP3 between the casting position P1 and the loading position P4. As a result, the fixed fences 11 and the movable fences 12A to 12D, together with the movement path MP1, surround the tundish car 105A, and the fixed fences 11 and the movable fences 12C and 12D surround the dummy bar car 201. In other words, when the tundish car 105A moves, the region R1 including the movement path MP1 is surrounded by the fixed fences 11 and the movable fences 12A to 12D together with the tundish car 105A. Furthermore, when the dummy bar car 201 is stopped, the area R3 between the casting position P1 and the loading position P4 and toward the loading position P4 is surrounded by the fixed fence 11 and the movable fences 12C and 12D, along with the dummy bar car 201. Therefore, the areas R1 and R3 are designated as restricted areas where the worker OP cannot enter. Meanwhile, the movable fence 12B extends from the entrance E2, rotating approximately 90° across the rail RW2, leaving the entrance E2 open. Therefore, the area around the tundish car 105B is designated as an accessible area where the worker OP can enter. At this time, maintenance of the tundish 102B and the tundish car 105B may be performed.

[0064] 11 , when the dummy bar car 201 is stopped at the loading position P4 and the tundish car 105B moves between the maintenance position P2 and the casting position P1, the movable fence 12B closes the entrance / exit E2, the movable fence 12A closes the movement path MP1 between the casting position P1 and the maintenance position P2, and the movable fences 12C and 12D close the movement path MP3 between the casting position P1 and the loading position P4. As a result, the fixed fences 11 and the movable fences 12A to 12D, together with the movement path MP2, surround the tundish car 105b, and the fixed fences 11 and the movable fences 12C and 12D surround the dummy bar car 201. In other words, when the tundish car 105B moves, the region R2 including the movement path MP2 is surrounded by the fixed fences 11 and the movable fences 12A to 12D together with the tundish car 105B. Furthermore, when the dummy bar car 201 is stopped, the area R3 between the casting position P1 and the loading position P4 and toward the loading position P4 is surrounded by the fixed fence 11 and the movable fences 12C and 12D, along with the dummy bar car 201. Therefore, the areas R2 and R3 are designated as restricted areas where the worker OP cannot enter. Meanwhile, the movable fence 12A extends from the entrance E1, rotating approximately 90° across the rail RW2, leaving the entrance E1 open. Therefore, the area around the tundish car 105A is designated as an accessible area where the worker OP can enter. Note that maintenance of the tundish 102A and the tundish car 105A may be performed at this time.

[0065] When the tundish cars 105A and 105B are stopped at the maintenance positions P2 and P3, respectively, and the dummy bar car 201 moves between the loading position P4 and the casting position P1, as illustrated in FIG. 12 , the movable fences 12A and 12B open the entrances E1 and E2, respectively, the movable fence 12C closes the movement path MP1 between the casting position P1 and the maintenance position P2, and the movable fence 12D closes the movement path MP2 between the casting position P1 and the maintenance position P3. As a result, the fixed fences 11 and the movable fences 12C and 12D, together with the movement path MP3, surround the dummy bar car 201. In other words, when the dummy bar car 201 moves, the fixed fences 11 and the movable fences 12C and 12D surround the dummy bar car 201, including the movement path MP3. Therefore, the area R4 is set as a restricted area where the worker OP cannot enter. On the other hand, since the entrances E1 and E2 are open, the areas around the tundish cars 105A and 105B are set as an accessible range that the worker OP can enter. At this time, as illustrated in Figure 12, the ladle 101 may be moved to a position away from the mold 103, and a dummy bar 202 may be inserted from the dummy bar car 201 into the opening 103a of the mold 103. At this time, maintenance may be performed on the tundish 102A and the tundish car 105A, or on the tundish 102B and the tundish car 105B. Although not shown, at least one of the movable fences 12A and 12B may close the entrances E1 and E2.

[0066] As described above, in the continuous casting equipment 100 equipped with the movable tundish car 105A and the dummy bar car 201, even if the restricted entry area for the worker OP changes due to the movement of multiple devices, it is possible to ensure the safety and workability of the worker OP.

[0067] (4) The protective fence device 10 according to the present disclosure may also be applied to the blast furnace facility 300 illustrated in Figures 13 to 15. The blast furnace facility 300 according to the example illustrated in Figures 13 to 15 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "fifth example") includes a blast furnace 301, four tapping runners 302A to 302D, four work device units U1 to U4, and two cover moving devices 310A and 310B (first devices).

[0068] The blast furnace 301 is an apparatus that reduces iron ore to produce molten pig iron (molten pig iron). In the fifth example, four tap holes (not shown) are provided at the bottom of the blast furnace 301, corresponding to the number of tapping runners 302 and working device units U.

[0069] The tap runners 302A to 302D are configured to allow the molten iron to flow downstream while separating the mixture of molten iron and slag discharged from the tap hole of the blast furnace 301. Therefore, the upstream portions of the tap runners 302A to 302D are located near the respective tap holes of the blast furnace 301, and the downstream portions of the tap runners 302A to 302D are located away from the blast furnace 301. In the fifth example, as illustrated in Figures 14 and 15, four tap runners 302A to 302D extend substantially radially from the blast furnace 301.

[0070] The upstream portions of the tapping runners 302A to 302D include openings 302a (see FIGS. 13 and 15) that are open at their tops, and are exposed outward from the floor surface FL at the openings 202a. The downstream portions of the tapping runners 302A to 302D extend below the floor surface FL.

[0071] The work device units U1 to U4 are arranged around the blast furnace 301 so as to form a generally circular shape as a whole. In the example of FIGS. 14 and 15 , the work device units U1 to U4 are lined up in this order clockwise when viewed from above. Specifically, the work device units U1 and U2 are lined up adjacent to each other on the right side of the blast furnace 301. The work device units U3 and U4 are lined up adjacent to each other on the left side of the blast furnace 301. That is, in the example of FIGS. 14 and 15 , the work device unit U1 is located at the upper right of the blast furnace 301 in the drawing, the work device unit U2 is located at the lower right of the blast furnace 301 in the drawing, the work device unit U3 is located at the lower left of the blast furnace 301 in the drawing, and the work device unit U1 is located at the upper left of the blast furnace 301 in the drawing.

[0072] The working device units U1 to U4 are disposed near the corresponding tapholes 302A to 302D, respectively. Each of the working device units U1 to U4 includes a taphole opening device 320 (second device) and a taphole closing device 330 (second device).

[0073] The taphole opening device 320 is configured to drill a refractory material blocking the taphole of the blast furnace 301 to open the taphole when tapping from the blast furnace 301 begins. The taphole opening device 320 includes a base portion 321 and a boring portion 322. The base portion 321 is configured to hold the boring portion 322 and to swivel the boring portion 322 between a position retracted from the taphole of the blast furnace 301 (see FIG. 14 ) and a position facing the taphole of the blast furnace 301 (see working device unit U3 in FIG. 15 ). The boring portion 322 is configured to drill a refractory material of the taphole by driving a rod into the refractory material while facing the taphole of the blast furnace 301.

[0074] The taphole closing device 330 is configured to close the taphole of the blast furnace 301 with mud material when tapping from the blast furnace 301 is completed. The taphole closing device 330 includes a base 331 and a mud gun 332. The base 331 is configured to hold the mud gun 332 and to swivel the mud gun 332 between a position where it is retracted from the taphole of the blast furnace 301 (see FIG. 14 ) and a position where it faces the taphole of the blast furnace 301 (see working device unit U1 in FIG. 15 ). The mud gun 332 is configured to discharge mud material from a discharge port into the taphole while facing the taphole of the blast furnace 301, thereby closing the taphole.

[0075] The cover moving devices 310A, 310B are each configured to cover from above the openings 202a of the tapping runners 302A to 302D through which molten iron flows during tapping from the blast furnace 301. As illustrated in Figures 14 and 15, the cover moving device 310A is disposed between the working device unit U1 and the working device unit U2 (between the tapping runner 302A and the tapping runner 302B). As illustrated in Figures 14 and 15, the cover moving device 310B is disposed between the working device unit U3 and the working device unit U4 (between the tapping runner 302C and the tapping runner 302D).

[0076] Each of the cover moving devices 310A, 310B includes a base 311 and a tapping lane cover 312. The base 311 is configured to hold the tapping lane cover 312 and pivotally move the tapping lane cover 312 between a position where it is retracted from the tapping lane 302A to 302D (see FIG. 15 ) and a position above the openings 202 a of the tapping lane 302A to 302D (see working device units U1, U3 in FIG. 14 ). The tapping lane cover 312 is configured to prevent molten iron from splashing outward from the openings 202 a during tapping from the blast furnace 301.

[0077] As in the first example, the blast furnace facility 300 according to the fifth example is also substantially entirely surrounded by the protective fence device 10. In the fifth example, the protective fence device 10 includes a fixed fence 11, movable fences 12A to 12F, and detection units 13A to 13F.

[0078] The fixed fence 11 includes a central fence 11A and side fences 11B and 11C. As illustrated in Figures 14 and 15, the central fence 11A extends between the work device units U1 and U2 and the work device units U3 and U4, separating them. The side fence 11B is connected to the outer end of the central fence 11A and covers the sides of the work device units U1 and U2, extending to the right of the blast furnace 301 in the drawing so as to widen as it moves away from the blast furnace 301. The side fence 11C is connected to the outer end of the central fence 11A and covers the sides of the work device units U3 and U4, extending to the left of the blast furnace 301 in the drawing so as to widen as it moves away from the blast furnace 301.

[0079] The movable fence 12A is configured to be movable between a position where it closes the gap between the work device unit U1 and the work device unit U2 (see FIG. 15) and a position where it opens this gap (see FIG. 14). In the fifth example, the movable fence 12A is configured to be extendable and retractable in its longitudinal direction (the left-right direction in FIGS. 14 and 15) between the work device units U1 and U2.

[0080] The movable fence 12B is configured to be movable between a position (see FIG. 15 ) in which it closes the gap between the tip of the side fence 11B located to the side of the working device unit U1 and the outer end of the movable fence 12A, and a position (not shown) in which it opens this gap. In the fifth example, the movable fence 12B is configured to be extendable and retractable within this gap in its longitudinal direction (a direction intersecting with the tapping lane 302A).

[0081] The movable fence 12C is configured to be movable between a position (see FIG. 14) where it closes the gap between the tip of the side fence 11B located to the side of the working device unit U2 and the outer end of the movable fence 12A, and a position (see FIG. 15) where it opens this gap. In the fifth example, the movable fence 12C is configured to be extendable and retractable within this gap in its longitudinal direction (a direction intersecting with the tapping lane 302B).

[0082] The movable fence 12D is configured to be movable between a position where it closes the gap between the work device unit U3 and the work device unit U4 (see FIG. 15) and a position where it opens this gap (see FIG. 14). In the fifth example, the movable fence 12D is configured to be extendable and retractable in its longitudinal direction (the left-right direction in FIGS. 14 and 15) between these gaps.

[0083] The movable fence 12E is configured to be movable between a position (see FIG. 15 ) in which it closes the gap between the tip of the side fence 11B located to the side of the working device unit U3 and the outer end of the movable fence 12D, and a position (not shown) in which it opens this gap. In the fifth example, the movable fence 12E is configured to be extendable and retractable within this gap in its longitudinal direction (the direction intersecting the tapping lane 302C).

[0084] The movable fence 12F is configured to be movable between a position (see FIG. 14) where it closes the gap between the tip of the side fence 11B located to the side of the working device unit U4 and the outer end of the movable fence 12D, and a position (see FIG. 15) where it opens this gap. In the fifth example, the movable fence 12F is configured to be extendable and retractable within this gap in its longitudinal direction (a direction intersecting with the tapping trough 302D).

[0085] The detectors 13A to 13F are configured to detect the locked state (open / closed state) of the movable fences 12A to 12F, respectively. For example, the detectors 13A to 13F may be configured to electromagnetically lock and unlock the movable fences 12A to 12F, respectively. As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the detectors 13A to 13F may be disposed at the tip of the movable fences 12A to 12F, respectively.

[0086] When the taphole opening device 320 and the taphole closing device 330 of the working device units U1 and U2 are retracted from the taphole of the blast furnace 301 and the tapping lane cover 312 of the cover moving device 310A moves between the tapping lane 302A and the tapping lane 302B, the movable fence 12A is opened and the movable fences 12B and 12C are closed, as illustrated in Figure 14. As a result, the fixed fence 11 and the movable fences 12A to 12C surround the cover moving device 310A together with the movement path of the tapping lane cover 312 of the cover moving device 310A. In other words, when the tapping lane cover 312 of the cover moving device 310A moves, a region R5 including the movement path is surrounded by the fixed fence 11 and the movable fences 12A to 12C together with the cover moving device 310A. Therefore, the area R5 is set as a restricted area that the worker OP cannot enter. As illustrated in Figure 14, when the tap hole opening device 320 and the tap hole closing device 330 of the working device units U3 and U4 are retracted from the tap hole of the blast furnace 301 and the tap lane cover 312 of the cover moving device 310B moves between the tap lane 302C and the tap lane 302D, the fixed fence 11 and the movable fences 12D to 12F may surround the cover moving device 310B together with the movement path of the tap lane cover 312 of the cover moving device 310B, in the same manner as described above.

[0087] When the taphole opening device 320 of the working device unit U1 is retracted from the taphole of the blast furnace 301, the taphole cover 312 of the cover moving device 310A is retracted from the taphole 302A, and the mud gun 332 of the taphole closing device 330 of the working device unit U1 moves between the retracted position and the facing position of the taphole of the blast furnace 301, the movable fences 12A and 12B are closed, as illustrated in Fig. 15. As a result, the fixed fence 11 and the movable fences 12A and 12B surround the taphole closing device 330 together with the movement path of the mud gun 332 of the taphole closing device 330 of the working device unit U1. In other words, when the mud gun 332 moves, a region R6 including the movement path is surrounded by the fixed fence 11 and the movable fences 12A and 12B along with the tap hole closing device 330. Therefore, the region R6 is set as a restricted area where the worker OP cannot enter. At this time, the movable fence 12C may be set in an open state, and the area around the working device unit U2 and the tapping lane 302B may be set as an accessible area where the worker OP can enter. Note that, when the mud gun 332 of the tap hole closing device 330 of the working device units U2 to U4 moves between the retracted position and the facing position of the tap hole of the blast furnace 301, the region including the movement path of the mud gun 332 may also be surrounded by the fixed fence 11 and the movable fences 12A, 12C to 12F, as described above.

[0088] When the taphole closing device 330 of the working device unit U3 is retracted from the taphole of the blast furnace 301, the taphole cover 312 of the cover moving device 310B is retracted from the taphole 302C, and the drilling section 322 of the taphole opening device 320 of the working device unit U3 moves between the retracted position and the facing position of the taphole of the blast furnace 301, the movable fences 12D, 12E are closed, as illustrated in Fig. 15. As a result, the fixed fence 11 and the movable fences 12D, 12E surround the taphole opening device 320 together with the movement path of the drilling section 322 of the taphole opening device 320 of the working device unit U3. In other words, when the drilling section 322 moves, a region R7 including the movement path is surrounded by the fixed fence 11 and the movable fences 12D and 12E together with the taphole opening device 320. Therefore, the region R7 is set as a restricted area where the worker OP cannot enter. At this time, the movable fence 12F may be set in an open state, and the area around the working device unit U4 and the tapping lane 302D may be set as an accessible area where the worker OP can enter. Note that, when the drilling section 322 of the taphole opening device 320 of the working device units U1, U2, and U4 moves between the retracted position and the facing position of the taphole of the blast furnace 301, the region including the movement path of the drilling section 322 may also be surrounded by the fixed fence 11 and the movable fences 12A to 12D and 12F, as described above.

[0089] As described above, in the blast furnace facility 300 equipped with movable work device units U1 to U4 and cover moving devices 310A, 310B, it is possible to ensure the safety and workability of the worker OP even if the restricted entry area for the worker OP changes due to the movement of multiple devices.

[0090] (5) Although the above describes an example in which the protective fence device 10 according to the present disclosure is applied to a continuous casting facility 100 and a blast furnace facility 300, the protective fence device 10 according to the present disclosure may also be applied to manufacturing facilities in which multiple pieces of equipment are movable. In this case, too, when each piece of equipment moves, the area including the movement path of each piece of equipment is surrounded by the protective fence device 10 by moving the movable fence according to each area. Therefore, even if the restricted access area for workers changes as multiple pieces of equipment move, it is possible to ensure the safety and workability of workers. In particular, because the protective fence device 10 according to the present disclosure pre-sets the restricted access area corresponding to the moving equipment, it is possible to more effectively prevent contact between the worker OP and the equipment when multiple pieces of movable equipment are heavy objects that are difficult to stop instantly.

[0091] [Other Examples] Example 1. An example of a protective fence device is a protective fence device installed to surround a manufacturing facility including a first device that is movable along a first movement path between a first position and a second position, and a second device that is movable along a second movement path between a third position and a fourth position. This example of the protective fence device includes a movable fence unit that is configured to surround a first area including the first movement path together with the first device when the first device is moving, and to surround a second area including the second movement path together with the second device when the second device is moving. In this case, since the first area becomes a restricted area when the first device is moving, the movable fence unit surrounds the first area including the first movement path together with the first device. This prevents workers from approaching the vicinity of the first device. On the other hand, when the second device is moving, the second area becomes a restricted area, and the movable fence unit surrounds the second area including the second movement path together with the second device. This prevents workers from approaching the vicinity of the second device. In this way, the movable fence unit moves in response to changes in the restricted area for workers that accompany the movement of multiple devices, allowing for flexible settings for restricting access to the restricted area and opening up the accessible area. Therefore, in a manufacturing facility equipped with multiple movable devices, it is possible to ensure the safety and operability of workers even when the restricted area for workers changes as the multiple devices move.

[0092] Example 2. In the apparatus of Example 1, the manufacturing facility may be a continuous casting facility including first and second tundishes configured to store molten metal and molds configured to cool and mold the molten metal supplied from each of the first and second tundishes into a predetermined shape, the first device being a first traveling carriage configured to hold the first tundish and travel along a first movement path between a first position (P1) above the mold and a second position (P2) remote from the mold, and the second device being a second traveling carriage configured to hold the second tundish and travel along a second movement path between a third position (P3) above the mold and a fourth position (P4) remote from the mold. In this case, even if the restricted access area for workers changes due to the movement of the multiple traveling carriages in the continuous casting facility, it is possible to ensure the safety and operability of workers.

[0093] Example 3. In the device of Example 2, the movable fence unit may include a first movable fence configured to be pivotable between a position that closes the first travel path and a position that closes a first entrance / exit that allows access to the first device, and a second movable fence configured to be pivotable between a position that closes the second travel path and a position that closes a second entrance / exit that allows access to the second device. In this case, the first and second movable fences pivot, allowing the first and second movable fence units to be opened and closed at different positions. Therefore, opening and closing at multiple positions can be achieved with a small number of movable fence units.

[0094] Example 4. In the apparatus of Example 1, the manufacturing facility may be a continuous casting facility, including a tundish configured to store molten metal and a mold configured to cool and mold the molten metal supplied from the tundish into a predetermined shape, the first device may be a first traveling carriage configured to hold the tundish and travel along a first movement path between a first position (P1) above the mold and a second position (P2) away from the mold, and the second device may be a second traveling carriage configured to hold a dummy bar configured to close the mold opening and travel along a second movement path between a third position (P3) above the mold and a fourth position (P4) away from the mold. In this case, even if the restricted area for workers changes due to the movement of multiple traveling carriages in the continuous casting facility, it is possible to ensure the safety and operability of workers.

[0095] Example 5. In the device of Example 4, the movable fence unit may include a first movable fence configured to be able to open and close an entrance that allows access to the first device, and a second movable fence configured to be able to pivot between a position that closes the first travel path and a position that closes the second travel path. In this case, the pivoting movement of the second movable fence allows the movement path to be opened and closed at different positions with a single movable fence. Therefore, opening and closing at multiple positions can be achieved with a small number of movable fences.

[0096] Example 6. In the apparatus of Example 1, the manufacturing facility may be a blast furnace facility including a blast furnace and first and second tapping runners extending horizontally from the blast furnace, the first device being a cover moving device including a tapping runner cover that is movable along a first movement path between a first position above the first tapping runner and a second position above the second tapping runner, and the second device being a tapping runner closing device or a tapping runner opening device that is movable along a second movement path between a third position near the tapping runner of the blast furnace and a fourth position away from the tapping runner of the blast furnace. In this case, it is possible to ensure the safety and operability of workers in the blast furnace facility even when the restricted access area for workers changes as multiple traveling carriages travel.

[0097] Example 7 In the device of Example 6, the movable fence unit may include a first movable fence configured to be able to open and close an entrance that allows access to the first device, and a second movable fence configured to be able to open and close the first travel path.

[0098] Example 8. The device of any of Examples 1 to 7 may further include a detector configured to detect the locked state of the movable fence unit. In this case, the state of surrounding the first area or the second area by the movable fence unit is determined depending on the locked state detected by the detector. Therefore, it becomes possible to determine whether the first device or the second device can be moved.

[0099] Example 9 In any of the devices of Examples 1 to 8, the movable fence section may be configured to be extendable and retractable. In this case, the movable fence section can be extended and retracted as needed, thereby improving the mobility of the movable fence section during movement.

[0100] With the protective fence device disclosed herein, in a manufacturing facility equipped with multiple movable devices, it is possible to ensure the safety and workability of workers even if the restricted entry area for workers changes as the multiple devices move.

[0101] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Guard fence device, 12A... Movable fence (movable fence section, first movable fence), 12B... Movable fence (movable fence section, second movable fence), 12C... Movable fence (movable fence section, second movable fence), 13A to 13F, 13Aa, 13Ab, 13Ba, 13Bb, 13Ca, 13Cb, 13Da, 13Db... Detection unit, 100... Continuous casting equipment (manufacturing equipment), 102A... Tundish (first equipment, first tundish), 102B... Tundish (second equipment, second tundish), 103... Mold, 103a... Opening, 105A... Tundish car (first equipment, first traveling carriage), 105B... Tundish car (second equipment, second traveling carriage), 200... Dummy bar insertion device, 201... Dummy bar car (second device, second traveling carriage), 202... dummy bar, 300... blast furnace equipment, 301... blast furnace, 302A... tapping lane (first tapping lane), 302B... tapping lane (second tapping lane), 310A, 310B... cover moving device (first device), 312... tapping lane cover, 320... tap hole opening device (second device), 330... tap hole closing device (second device), E1... entrance / exit (exit E...entrance, first entrance / exit), E2...entrance / exit (second entrance / exit), MP1...movement path (first movement path), MP2...movement path (second movement path), OP...worker, P1...casting position (first position, third position), P2...maintenance position (second position), P3...maintenance position (fourth position), R1...area (first area), R2...area (second area).

Claims

1. A protective fence device installed to surround a manufacturing facility including a first device capable of moving along a first movement path between a first position and a second position, and a second device capable of moving along a second movement path between a third position and a fourth position, the protective fence device comprising a movable fence section configured to surround a first area including the first movement path together with the first device when the first device moves, and configured to surround a second area including the second movement path together with the second device when the second device moves.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the manufacturing equipment is a continuous casting equipment and includes first and second tundishes configured to store molten metal, and a mold configured to cool and mold the molten metal supplied from each of the first and second tundishes into a predetermined shape, the first device being a first traveling cart configured to hold the first tundish and be capable of traveling along the first movement path between the first position, which is above the mold, and the second position, which is a position away from the mold, and the second device being a second traveling cart configured to hold the second tundish and be capable of traveling along the second movement path between the third position, which is above the mold, and the fourth position, which is a position away from the mold.

3. The device described in claim 2, wherein the movable fence section includes: a first movable fence configured to be pivotable between a position that closes the first travel path and a position that closes a first entrance / exit that allows access to the first device; and a second movable fence configured to be pivotable between a position that closes the second travel path and a position that closes a second entrance / exit that allows access to the second device.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the manufacturing equipment is a continuous casting equipment and includes a tundish configured to store molten metal and a mold configured to shape the molten metal supplied from the tundish into a predetermined shape while cooling it, the first device is a first traveling cart configured to hold the tundish and be capable of traveling along the first movement path between the first position, which is above the mold, and the second position, which is a position away from the mold, and the second device is a second traveling cart configured to hold a dummy bar configured to be able to close an opening of the mold and be capable of traveling along the second movement path between the third position, which is above the mold, and the fourth position, which is a position away from the mold.

5. The device described in claim 4, wherein the movable fence section includes: a first movable fence configured to be capable of opening and closing an entrance allowing access to the first device; and a second movable fence configured to be rotatable between a position closing the first travel path and a position closing the second travel path.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the manufacturing facility is a blast furnace facility and includes a blast furnace and first and second tapping runners extending horizontally from the blast furnace, the first device is a cover moving device including a tapping runner cover that is movable along the first movement path between the first position, which is above the first tapping runner, and the second position, which is above the second tapping runner, and the second device is a tapping runner closing device or a tapping runner opening device that is movable along the second movement path between the third position, which is near the tapping runner of the blast furnace, and the fourth position, which is away from the tapping runner of the blast furnace.

7. The device described in claim 6, wherein the movable fence section includes a first movable fence configured to be capable of opening and closing an entrance / exit allowing access to the first device, and a second movable fence configured to be capable of opening and closing the first travel path.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a detection unit configured to detect a locked state of the movable fence unit.

9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the movable fence portion is configured to be extendable and retractable.

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