JP7630152B2 - High-altitude work components and high-altitude work method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a member for high-altitude work that is used by hanging, and a method for high-altitude work using the member for high-altitude work.

Traditionally, when working at height, such as pruning trees, a cage (sometimes called a "gondola") has been hung from the hook of a crane, and workers have been placed inside the gondola to perform work at height. According to the Crane Safety Regulations, in principle, workers cannot be transported or hung from a mobile crane to perform work, but Article 73 of the same regulations stipulates that, in certain cases only, a dedicated boarding device can be hung from the hook of a crane and workers can ride on this boarding device to perform work.

However, when working inside the cage, there was a risk that the worker would be thrown out if the cage were to tilt or tip over due to interference with an external object such as a tree branch.

In addition, because the hanging basket is bulky, it is difficult to fit it into small spaces, making it impossible to perform the intended task in such a small space, or requiring additional work such as cutting down extra branches to make space for the hanging basket to fit through.

Furthermore, the range of work is limited to the reach of the worker's arms while standing inside the hanging cage. Therefore, in order to work over a wide range, the hanging cage must be moved frequently, and the work of moving the entire hanging cage is cumbersome. In addition, when working while standing inside the hanging cage, the worker must stretch his arms higher than the handrail of the hanging cage. Raising his arms higher than the base of his arms is physically demanding for the worker, causing him to become very tired, and it is difficult to apply force when using heavy objects such as chainsaws, making it difficult to work. In addition, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare's "Guidelines for Safety in Felling and Other Work Using Chainsaws" states that the basic posture for working with a chainsaw is that the chainsaw should not be raised higher than the shoulders. However, when the worker stretches his arms beyond the handrail of the hanging cage, the chainsaw tends to be higher than the shoulders, which is dangerous. Also, when cutting branches at a high position, there is a risk that the severed branches will swing and hit the worker.

In view of the above, the present invention aims to provide a component for working at height that is suspended and used to make working at height safer and easier, and that allows work to be done in small spaces, and a method for working at height using the component for working at height.

In order to solve the above problems, the member for working at height according to the present invention comprises:
"A frame body having vertical members, horizontal members intersecting the vertical members, and an outer frame member to which at least one of the horizontal members and the vertical members is connected, and having a plurality of closed spaces formed therein,
The lower portion of the frame body is tapered,
A suspension support portion for supporting a suspension tool for suspending the frame body is formed at the center of the upper portion of the frame body,
The frame body includes a protruding member protruding from the cross member without closing the closed space ,
The protruding member protrudes upward when the frame body is suspended,
The base of the protruding member is a portion that serves as an anchor point by wrapping a rope that is passed through both the closed space from which the protruding member protrudes and the closed space adjacent to that closed space .

By configuring the member for high-altitude work in this manner, it becomes possible to attach a suspending tool for suspending the member for high-altitude work to the suspending support part and then perform work in high-altitude work by the following method.
"A method for working at height using the above-described member for working at height, a first rope and a second rope,
The first rope is U-shaped with both ends fastened to both sides of the worker's torso and is equipped with a first length adjuster,
The second rope is a rope that is looped by fastening both ends to the abdomen of the worker, or a rope that is fastened to the abdomen of the worker at one end and has a loop-shaped portion at the other end that can be opened and closed, and is equipped with a second length adjuster;
The first rope is passed through both of the two adjacent closed spaces in the member for working at height,
The second rope is passed through both of two adjacent closed spaces in a combination different from the closed space through which the first rope is passed, among the multiple closed spaces in the high-altitude work member,
This is a method for working at height, in which tension is applied to at least one of the first rope and the second rope by adjusting the length using the first length adjuster or the second length adjuster, thereby causing the body of the worker to be supported by the work member for working at height, and work is performed using a work positioning system.

Examples of hoisting equipment for suspending components for work at height include a crane hook and a cable such as a rope or chain attached to the crane hook.

The high-altitude work component of this configuration has a frame-shaped structure (frame body) as its main body, so it can enter and work in narrow spaces that cannot be accessed with conventional hanging cage-type boarding equipment, such as the fork of a tree branch. In particular, the lower part of the frame body is tapered, making it easy to lower the high-altitude work component into narrow spaces between branches, trunks, etc.

In the method for working at height using the above-mentioned component for working at height, a worker wears a first rope and a second rope that are passed through both of two adjacent closed spaces, and performs work using a work positioning system. The first rope and the second rope that are passed through both of two adjacent closed spaces will not come off the component for working at height unless they are intentionally removed. Therefore, unlike conventional hanging cage-type boarding equipment, even if the component for working at height, which is the boarding equipment, tilts or falls over, the worker will not be thrown off the component for working at height.

In addition, because work using the work positioning system is performed with tension applied to at least one of the first rope and the second rope, the worker can work with his or her body leaning outward from the work component for high-altitude work. This allows the worker to work over a wider range than in conventional work in which the worker stands upright in a hanging cage.

In addition, while conventional hanging cage-type boarding equipment requires the worker to raise his/her arms higher than the handrail of the hanging cage to perform work, the method of working at height using the high-altitude work component of this configuration allows a variety of postures to be taken as long as tension is applied to at least one of the first rope and the second rope. This makes it possible to work with the arms extended at a height lower than the base of the arms, allowing the worker to work in a posture that makes it easier to exert force and with less physical strain. Furthermore, because work can be done at a low position, there is a reduced risk of the worker colliding with a cut branch or the like even if it swings.

And because two ropes (a first rope and a second rope) whose lengths can be adjusted are used, even when the tension on one rope is loosened, the other rope remains under tension, allowing the worker to maintain a stable posture. And by applying tension to at least one of the two ropes fastened to the worker's torso or abdomen, the worker's body can be held stably on the work component at height, allowing the worker to use both hands for work and to easily perform work in a stable posture using both hands.

Furthermore, because the first and second ropes are both passed through adjacent closed spaces, they will not come off the high-altitude work component unless the worker intentionally removes them. Therefore, even if one rope is removed from the high-altitude work component in order to change the attachment position of the rope to the high-altitude work component so that the worker can take a position or posture that makes it easier for him or her to work, the other rope will still function as a fall prevention rope. This effectively prevents the worker from falling, allowing work to be done safely at high altitudes.

The member for working at height according to the present invention has the following structure instead of the above structure:
" A frame body having vertical members, horizontal members intersecting the vertical members, and an outer frame member to which at least one of the horizontal members and the vertical members is connected, and having a plurality of closed spaces formed therein,
The lower portion of the frame body is tapered,
A suspension support portion for supporting a suspension tool for suspending the frame body is formed at the center of the upper portion of the frame body,
A rotation arm that is rotatably supported on the frame body;
and an arm holder for holding the state in which a gap is formed between the rotated rotating arm and the frame body.

Suspended components for working at height may sway or rotate, making it difficult to maintain a stable posture. Therefore, when working using conventional hanging cage-type boarding equipment, it was difficult to work using both hands due to the need to prepare for unexpected swaying or rotation. In contrast, the components for working at height with this configuration can be maintained in a stable posture using both hands after rotating the rotating arm to create a gap between the rotating arm and the frame body. Therefore, by clamping a branch or the like in the gap between the rotating arm and the frame body, it is possible to prevent the components for working at height from swaying or rotating, and work can be performed using both hands in a stable posture.

In addition to the above configuration, the member for working at height according to the present invention has the following features:
"The frame body is provided with a second suspension support part for supporting a backup suspension device in addition to the suspension support part,
The second suspension support portion may be a hole portion formed through a second horizontal member that connects the outer frame members without intersecting with the vertical members .

When a member for working at height climbs up onto an external object such as a branch, the load on the hoisting device such as a hook decreases, and there is a risk that the hoisting device may come off the hanging support part. In response to this, the frame body of the member for working at height in this configuration is equipped with a second hanging support part in addition to the hanging support part. Therefore, in addition to the hoisting device supported by the hanging support part, a backup hoisting device can be supported by the second hanging support part. As a result, even if one hoisting device comes off the frame body, it can remain suspended by the other hoisting device, preventing the member for working at height from falling.

As described above, the present invention provides a component for working at height that is used by hanging, making working at height safer and easier and enabling work to be done in small spaces, and a method for working at height using the component for working at height.

1 is a perspective view of a member for working at height according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a front view of the high-altitude work member of FIG. 1 . 2 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between a first rope and a second rope worn by a worker and the member for high-altitude work in FIG. 1 , and high-altitude work using the member for high-altitude work in FIG. 1 . FIG. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating another aspect of high-altitude work using the high-altitude work member of FIG. 1 .

The following describes in detail, with reference to the drawings, an embodiment of the present invention, a member for working at height 1, and a method for working at height using the member for working at height 1. Since the member for working at height 1 is used while suspended, the terms "up and down" and "left and right" in the following description refer to the up and down and left and right of the member for working at height 1 in a suspended state.

First, the configuration of the member for working at height 1 will be described. The member for working at height 1 mainly comprises a frame body 10, a rotating arm 30, and an arm holder 35. The frame body 10 has a vertical member 11, a horizontal member 12 that intersects with the vertical member 11, and outer frame members 13a, 13b to which at least one of the horizontal member 12 and the vertical member 11 is connected, and multiple closed spaces are formed inside.

Specifically, the frame body 10 of this embodiment is a bilaterally symmetrical structure, and has four vertical members 11 extending in the up-down direction and five horizontal members 12 extending in the left-right direction. Of the vertical members 11, the two vertical members 11b, excluding the two vertical members 11a at both the left and right ends, extend vertically longer than the vertical members 11a. Here, when there is no need to distinguish between the vertical members 11a and 11b, they are collectively referred to as the vertical members 11.

The cross members 12 include cross member 12a, which crosses the vertical members 11b by connecting the upper ends of the two vertical members 11b; cross member 12b, which crosses the vertical members 11b by connecting the lower ends of the two vertical members 11b; cross member 12c, which crosses the two vertical members 11b at right angles and crosses the vertical members 11a by connecting the upper ends of the two vertical members 11a; cross member 12d, which crosses the two vertical members 11b at right angles and crosses the vertical members 11a by connecting the lower ends of the two vertical members 11a; and cross member 12e, which crosses the two vertical members 11b at right angles and crosses the vertical members 11a by connecting the middle parts of the two vertical members 12a. Here, when there is no need to distinguish between the cross members 12a to 12e, they are collectively referred to as cross member 12.

The frame body 10 of this embodiment is provided with an outer frame material 13a surrounding the upper part of the frame body 10 and an outer frame material 13b surrounding the lower part of the frame body 10. The outer frame material 13a connects the vicinity of the intersection of each of the two vertical members 11a and the horizontal member 12c to both ends of the horizontal member 12a, and has an outer shape that protrudes upward. The outer frame material 13b connects the intersection of each of the two vertical members 11a and the horizontal member 12d, and the intersection of the horizontal member 12b and the vertical member 11b, and has an outer shape that protrudes downward. By providing such outer frame materials 13a and 13b, the frame body 10 has an outer shape that tapers downward and also tapers upward. The size of the frame body 10 can be set to a vertical length of 140 cm to 180 cm, and a horizontal length of 40 cm to 100 cm.

As described above, the frame body 10 has vertical members 11, horizontal members 12 intersecting the vertical members 11, and outer frame members 13a, 13b to which at least one of the horizontal members 12 and the vertical members 11 is connected, and has multiple closed spaces formed inside. For example, the closed space S1 surrounded by the horizontal member 12a and the outer frame member 13a, the closed space S2 surrounded by the two vertical members 11b and the horizontal members 12a, 12c, the closed space S3 surrounded by two adjacent ones of the vertical members 11a, 11b and the horizontal members 12c, 12e, the closed space S4 surrounded by two adjacent ones of the vertical members 11a, 11b and the horizontal members 12e, 12d, and the closed space S5 surrounded by the two vertical members 11b and the horizontal members 12d, 12b (see FIG. 2).

In addition, because the upper outer frame material 13a of the frame body 10 is triangular and protrudes upward, the outer frame material 13a has a corner at the upper end, and this corner can support a hanging device for suspending the frame body 10. In other words, the corner at the upper end of the outer frame material 13a, which is a triangle that protrudes upward, constitutes the hanging support portion 21.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the frame body 10 includes, in addition to the horizontal members 12a to 12e that intersect with the vertical members 11a and 11b as described above, a horizontal member 17 that connects the outer frame member 13a near the upper end of the frame body 10 without intersecting with the vertical members. A circular hole is formed through the horizontal member 17 as a second suspension support portion 22 for supporting a suspension device 81 for backup. In this embodiment, the two second suspension support portions 22 are formed symmetrically.

In addition, the frame body 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a rod-shaped protruding member 14 that protrudes upward from the center of the cross member 12a, which is the highest of the cross members 12. The tip of the protruding member 14 is a free end. In other words, the protruding member 14 protrudes into the closed space S1 without further closing the closed space S1. The protruding height of the protruding member 14 can be 5 cm to 20 cm.

The pivoting arms 30 are provided on the left and right sides of the frame body 10. The pivoting arms 30 are elongated members with a U-shaped cross section perpendicular to the axial direction, and are pivotally supported by a support shaft 31 near the upper end of each arm to one of the left and right vertical members 11a for rotation. When the pivoting arms 30 are not pivoting, i.e., when hanging down due to gravity, they overlap with the vertical member 11a with the vertical member 11a inserted inside the U-shape (see the pivoting arm 30 on the right side of the paper in Figure 2).

The arm holder 35 is a chain, one end of which is fixed to the end of the rotating arm 30 opposite the end supported by the support shaft 31. Each of the left and right vertical members 11a of the frame body 10 is provided with a locking portion 15 for locking the arm holder 35 at a position higher than the support shaft 31. In this embodiment, the locking portion 15 is a U-shaped member with both ends fixed to the vertical members 11a. With the rotating arm 30 rotated around the support shaft 31, a part of the chain, which is the arm holder 35, is fastened to the locking portion 15 so that the chain is taut, thereby maintaining the rotating arm 30 in a rotated state.

Here, an example is shown in which a carabiner 37 passed through part of the chain is fastened to the locking part 15, thereby maintaining the pivoting arm 30 rotated at a certain angle. Depending on the position at which the carabiner 37 is passed through the chain, the length of the chain to the locking part 15 can be changed, and the rotation angle of the pivoting arm 30 can be changed. The state in which the pivoting arm 30 is rotated at the maximum angle is when the upper end edge of the pivoting arm 30 interferes with the outer surface of the vertical member 11a (see the pivoting arm 30 on the left side of the page in Figure 2), and the pivoting arm 30 can be rotated within a range up to that angle.

In this example, the arm holding part 35 is a chain, but the arm holding part 35 can be a string-like member such as a rope, and its length can be adjusted by fastening one end to the end of the pivot arm 30 and tying the other end to the locking part 15.

Although not shown in the drawings, the intersections of the various components (vertical members 11, horizontal members 12, outer frame members 13a, 13b, protruding members 14) in the high-altitude work component 1 are curved to avoid sharp corners. The outer surface of each component is also smooth with no protrusions that could catch the rope. This prevents damage to the rope when it is wrapped around the intersections of the components or when it is slid along the components, as described below.

Next, a method of working at height using the above-mentioned working member 1 will be described. The worker wears a harness, and as shown in FIG. 3, a first rope 41 is fastened to annular fasteners 51 located on both sides of a belt 50 that wraps around the torso to form a U-shape, and a second rope 42 is fastened to fasteners 52 located on the abdomen of the belt 50 to form a ring shape. Here, the fasteners 52 are illustrated as being annular members, but a rope or belt called a bridge can also be used. The first rope 41 is provided with a first length adjuster 41b for adjusting the length, and the second rope 42 is provided with a second length adjuster 42b for adjusting the length in the same manner. The first length adjuster 41b and the second length adjuster 42b adjust the length of the rope by friction, and friction can be generated by tying the rope or by pinching the rope between metal fittings. Note that FIG. 3 illustrates the relationship between the first rope 41 and second rope 42 worn by the worker and the member for working at height 1, and does not show the positional relationship between the worker and the member for working at height 1 when working at height.

The first rope 41 is passed through both adjacent closed spaces in the member for working at height 1, and both ends are fastened to the fasteners 51 on both sides of the worker. As a result, the folded portion of the first rope 41 is inside the closed spaces, so the first rope 41 does not come off the member for working at height 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the first rope 41 is passed through both of the two adjacent closed spaces S3, the first rope 41 can slide along the vertical member 11b between the boundary between these two closed spaces S3, that is, between the intersection with the horizontal member 12c and the intersection with the horizontal member 12e. If the position of the fastener 51 on the belt 50 of the worker is positioned lower than the intersection P1 between the vertical member 11b and the horizontal member 12e, this intersection P1 becomes the anchor point of the first rope 41. In this way, by positioning the fastener 51 lower than the intersection P1, the first rope 41 can be prevented from sliding along the vertical member 11b between the intersection with the horizontal member 12c and the intersection with the horizontal member 12e, so the worker's posture will not become unstable due to the rope sliding.

The second rope 42 can be fastened to the fastener 52 after passing through both the closed space S1 from which the protruding member 14 protrudes and the adjacent closed space S2, among the multiple closed spaces. As a result, like the first rope 41, the folded-back portion of the second rope 42 is also inside the closed space, so the second rope 42 will not come off the member for working at height 1. At this time, the second rope 42 can be wound around the base of the protruding member 14. As described above, the protruding member 14 protrudes from the center of the cross member 12a that is located at the highest position, so by winding the second rope 42 around the base of the protruding member 14, an anchor point for the second rope 42 can be provided in the center of the upper part of the frame body 10.

Here, the second rope 42 is exemplified as a rope that is looped by fastening both ends to the fasteners 52. However, the second rope may be a rope that has one end fastened to the fasteners 52 and has an openable loop at the other end. In this case, the second rope is passed through both adjacent closed spaces with the loop at the tip open, and then the loop is closed. Such a second rope is in the form of a single rope with one end fastened to the fasteners 52 and the other end attached to the member for high-altitude work 1. Even with such a second rope, the folded-back part of the loop is inside the closed space, so the second rope will not come off the member for high-altitude work 1. Examples of a mode in which the loop of the second rope can be opened and closed include a mode in which a metal fitting such as a carabiner that opens and closes in a ring shape is provided at the tip of a rope, and both ends of a short rope are fastened to this metal fitting, and a mode in which a loop is created by tying the tip of a single rope.

When performing work at height using the member for high-altitude work 1 configured as described above, a hoisting device for suspending the member for high-altitude work 1 is attached to the suspension support part 21. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a hook 62 fixed to the end of a rope 61 hanging down from the end of the arm of the crane is attached to the suspension support part 21 as a hoisting device. Then, the worker climbs onto the member for high-altitude work 1 with the attached first rope 41 and second rope 42 passing through adjacent closed spaces as described above. Then, with the worker's body supported by the member for high-altitude work 1, the member for high-altitude work 1 is moved to the location where the work at height will be performed by controlling the extension of the arm of the crane, the angle of elevation, and the extension of the rope suspending the hook.

While the worker is on the member for working at height 1, even when the crane is being moved or when working at height, at least one of the first rope 41 and the second rope 42 is always kept in tension by adjusting the length with the first length adjuster 41b or the second length adjuster 42b, so that the body of the worker is supported by the member for working at height 1. Even when the position or posture of the body is changed in association with the work, the length of the first rope 41 or the second rope 42 is always adjusted to keep at least one of the ropes in tension, so that the worker can take various postures with his/her body stably supported by the member for working at height 1. Furthermore, by keeping both the first rope 41 and the second rope 42 in tension, the worker can work with a more stable posture.

Work at heights is performed using the member for working at height 1 of this embodiment using a work positioning system, so the worker can work with his or her body leaning outward from the member for working at height 1. This allows the worker to work over a wider range than in conventional work, where the worker stands upright in a hanging cage.

The member 1 for working at height not only supports the body of the worker via the first rope 41 and the second rope 42, but also serves as a foothold for the worker. For example, the member 1 for working at height can be used as a non-slip foothold by placing the soles of the worker's feet on the intersection between the horizontal member 12d and one of the vertical members 11a and 11b that form the closed spaces S4 and S5 located below in the member 1 for working at height, and on the intersection between the vertical member 11b and the horizontal member 12b.

The protruding member 14 protruding inward in the closed space S1 through which the second rope 42 passes has a free end. Therefore, by removing the second rope 42 from the protruding member 14, the anchor point of the second rope 42 can be moved between the intersection of the right vertical member 11b and the horizontal member 12a, and the intersection of the left vertical member 11b and the horizontal member 12a.

Furthermore, in order to make it easier for the worker to work, it may be necessary to change the anchor point of the first rope 41. In that case, the first rope 41 is replaced while the worker's body is stably supported by the member for high-altitude work 1 by maintaining the tension on the second rope 42. The first rope 41 is once removed from the member for high-altitude work 1, but the second rope 42 is passed through the closed space and does not come off the member for high-altitude work 1. Therefore, by adjusting the length of the second rope so that it is as short as possible and applying tension to it, it is possible to effectively prevent the worker from falling. Similarly, when it is necessary to change the state in which the second rope 42 is passed through the adjacent closed spaces S1 and S2 to a state in which it is passed through a different combination of closed spaces, the second rope 42 is replaced while the worker's body is stably supported by the member for high-altitude work 1 by maintaining the tension on the first rope 41.

Here, because the work component 1 for high-altitude work is used in a suspended state, it may sway when exposed to the wind or when the worker shifts his/her weight, making it difficult to maintain a stable posture. In addition, the work component 1 for high-altitude work may suddenly rotate if it comes into contact with an external object. Furthermore, when a worker uses a chainsaw to cut down branches, the work component 1 for high-altitude work may be pulled to the branch or, conversely, move away, depending on the direction of the blade. If one tries to work while constantly being prepared for unexpected swaying or rotation, it is difficult to work using both hands.

To address these problems, the member for working at height 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a pivot arm 30 that can rotate relative to the frame body 10 and maintain a state in which a gap is formed between the frame body 10. Therefore, the pivot arm 30 can be rotated around the support shaft 31, and an external object such as a branch can be sandwiched between the frame body 10 and the pivot arm 30 while the pivot angle of the pivot arm 30 is maintained by the arm holder 35. This prevents the member for working at height 1 from swinging or rotating unintentionally, stabilizing the posture of the member for working at height 1 and allowing work to be done using both hands in a stable environment.

In addition, if the work component 1 for high-altitude work suspended from the hook 62 runs over an external object such as a branch and the load on the hook 62 is reduced, the suspension support part 21 in the frame body 10 may come off the hook 62, causing the work component 1 for high-altitude work to fall. In response to this, the work component 1 for high-altitude work in this embodiment is provided with a second suspension support part 22 for supporting a backup hoisting device 81 in addition to the suspension support part 21. Therefore, one end of a rope or chain as the backup hoisting device 81 can be attached to the second suspension support part 22. Generally, the hook 62 of a crane is connected to the rope 61 hanging from the tip of the crane's arm via a rope socket, and the connection part is protected by the cylindrical hook block body 60.

The other end of the backup sling 81 is then attached directly or indirectly to the hook block body 60. Here, a backup fixture 70 that is separate from the hook block body 60 is attached to the hook block body 60, and a hole 71 for attaching the sling 81 is formed in the backup fixture 70.

The backup hoist 81 has two ends, one attached to the second suspension support 22 of the work piece 1 via a connector 87 such as a shackle or carabiner, and the other attached to the hole 71 of the backup fixture 70. Here, the connector 87 is illustrated as a shackle, and a retaining material 88 such as a snap pin or split pin is inserted into the hole at the end of the bolt of the shackle. If the hook block body 60 itself has a portion to which one end of the hoist 81 can be attached, the backup fixture 70 is not necessary. In this way, by attaching one end of the backup hoist 81 to the frame body 10 and attaching the other end directly or indirectly to the hook block body 60, the work piece 1 remains supported by the rope 61 of the crane even if the hook 62 comes off the suspension support 21, preventing the work piece 1 from falling.

In the above, the hook 62 of the crane is directly attached to the hanging support 21 of the frame body 10. However, as shown in FIG. 4, an elastically expandable rope or other telescopic cable 82 can be attached to the hanging support 21 as a suspending device, and the member for high-altitude work 1 can be suspended by the hook 62 via the telescopic cable 82. In this case, when the member for high-altitude work 1 is suspended without interfering with anything, the telescopic cable 82 is in a stretched state. If the load applied to the hook 62 is reduced by the member for high-altitude work 1 climbing up against an external object such as a branch, the reduction in the load is absorbed by the contraction of the telescopic cable 82. Therefore, even if the load applied to the hook 62 is reduced, the telescopic cable 82 does not loosen, so that the telescopic cable 82 is effectively prevented from coming off the hook 62.

As described above, the high-altitude work member 1 of this embodiment has a flat frame-shaped structure (frame body 10) in its main body, so that the high-altitude work member 1 can enter and work in narrow spaces that cannot be entered with conventional hanging cage-type boarding equipment, such as the fork of a tree branch. In particular, the lower part of the frame body 10 has a triangular shape that protrudes downward, so that the high-altitude work member 1 can be easily lowered into narrow spaces between branches, trunks, etc. In addition, the upper part of the frame body 10 also has a triangular shape that protrudes upward, so that when the high-altitude work member 1 is raised, it has the advantage of being easily moved while avoiding interference with branches, trunks, etc.

When trees are damaged by a storm or other such event, trunks or branches may be about to break, or broken branches may be caught by other branches and avoid falling. If the worker approaches the trunk or branches from below to cut down such trees, the worker is exposed to a dangerous environment in which it is not known when the trunk or branch will fall. In contrast, the high-altitude work member 1 of this embodiment can be approached from above and lowered into the space between the branches and trunks, so that the worker can proceed with the cutting work after removing the trunk or branch that is about to fall in advance or taking measures to fix it to prevent it from falling, without worrying about the trunk or branch falling on the worker. The use of the high-altitude work member 1 increases the options for safe high-altitude work methods, improves safety, and makes it possible to efficiently carry out high-altitude work, which was previously highly dangerous and therefore had low work efficiency.

In addition, the worker performs work while wearing the first rope 41 and the second rope 42 that are passed through both of two adjacent closed spaces among the multiple closed spaces provided in the member for working at height 1. The first rope 41 and the second rope 42 will not come off the member for working at height 1 unless intentionally removed, so unlike conventional hanging cage-type boarding equipment, the worker will not be thrown from the member for working at height 1 even if the member for working at height 1, which is the boarding equipment, tilts or falls over.

Since the work at height using the member for working at height 1 is performed by a work positioning system with tension applied to at least one of the first rope 41 and the second rope 42 by adjusting the length of the rope, the worker can work by leaning his/her body out from the member for working at height 1. Therefore, while the working range of a conventional hanging cage-type boarding equipment was limited to the reach of the arms of a standing worker, the method for working at height of this embodiment allows the worker to work in a wide range, up to the reach of the arms when leaning out from the member for working at height 1. In addition, the tension of the rope attached to the worker's body allows the worker to maintain a stable posture, allowing both hands to be used freely when working.

In addition, while conventional hanging cage-type boarding equipment requires workers to raise their arms higher than the handrails of the hanging cage to work, when working at height using the member for working at height 1, various postures can be taken as long as tension is applied to at least one of the first rope 41 and the second rope 42, so that the worker can work with their arms extended at a height lower than the base of their arms. This allows the worker to work in a posture that makes it easier to exert force, reducing physical strain. Also, because the work can be done at a low position, there is a reduced risk of the worker colliding with a cut branch or the like, even if it swings.

Furthermore, the pivot arm 30 and the frame body 10 can be held in a state where a gap is created between them, allowing branches and other objects to be sandwiched between them, preventing the high-altitude work member 1 from shaking or rotating and allowing work to be performed in a stable position.

In addition, since it has a second suspension support part 22 that supports the backup hoisting device 81, the other end of the hoisting device 81 is attached to the second suspension support part 22, and is indirectly or directly attached to the hook block body 60. This prevents the high-altitude work member 1 from falling even if the suspension support part 21 comes off the hoisting device such as the hook 62.

The present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various improvements and design changes are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention, as described below.

For example, the positions and numbers of the vertical members 11 and horizontal members 12 shown in the above embodiment are merely examples and are not particularly limited as long as multiple closed spaces are formed.

In the above, we have described a case where a worker uses the member for working at height 1 as a foothold and supports his/her body on the member for working at height 1 to perform work at height. However, it is also possible for the worker to go outside the member for working at height 1 and climb onto a tree or other object to be worked on while adjusting the lengths of the first rope 41 and the second rope 42 so that tension is applied to both ropes.

Specifically, in the past, when pruning trees, a worker would climb a tree and fasten a rope or the like to the tree's branches or trunk to support the worker's body. Therefore, if the branch selected as the anchor point was dead or rotten and had low strength, there was a risk that the branch would break and the worker would fall. In contrast, when working using the member for high-altitude work 1 of this embodiment, even if the worker moves onto the tree, the anchor points of the first rope 41 and the second rope 42 are always inside the member for high-altitude work 1, so even if the branch the worker moved onto breaks, the first rope 41 and the second rope 42 can prevent the worker from falling. Furthermore, as a mode in which the worker moves onto the tree to work, it is also conceivable to change the first rope 41 and set its anchor point to a branch or trunk of the tree. Even in this case, the anchor point of the second rope 42 is inside the member for high-altitude work 1, so even if the branch the worker moved onto breaks, the second rope 42 can prevent the worker from falling.

In addition, when working on a conventional cage-type boarding equipment, if the extension and contraction of the crane's arms and the length of the rope suspending the hook are controlled via a remote control carried by the worker, if the remote control is dropped or the crane's engine stops for some reason, these controls become impossible and the worker may be unable to descend from the boarding equipment. Although workers working in the cage are equipped with a rope to prevent falling, this rope is a fall arrest system rope and they are therefore unable to use this rope to descend to the ground.

In contrast, the first rope 41 and second rope 42 worn by the worker using the member for working at height 1 are ropes for a work positioning system, and are equipped with a first length adjuster 41b and a second length adjuster 42b, respectively. Therefore, even if the worker falls into a situation where he or she cannot control the operation of the crane, such as dropping the remote control, the worker can safely descend from the member for working at height 1 to the ground by alternating between maintaining the length of one of the first rope 41 and the second rope 42 to maintain the position of the body while lengthening the other rope.

The member 1 for high-altitude work of this embodiment can be used for high-altitude work such as tree pruning, but can also be used for rescue work at high altitudes. If a person is rescued using a conventional hanging cage-type boarding equipment, it is extremely difficult for a single worker inside the hanging cage to pull the body of the rescuee into the hanging cage. In contrast, the member 1 for high-altitude work of this embodiment has a frame-shaped structure as its main body, so it is easy to transfer the body of the rescuee onto the member 1 for high-altitude work. Therefore, a worker whose body is supported by the member 1 for high-altitude work can easily lower the member 1 for high-altitude work to the ground by lowering the member 1 for high-altitude work while firmly holding the body of the rescuee who has been transferred onto the member 1 for high-altitude work.

In addition, the high-altitude work member 1 of this embodiment is a frame-shaped structure with many intersections between the members. Therefore, work tools and rescue equipment can be hung from these intersections. This allows the worker to be lighter and less physically burdened than if the worker had to carry the work tools and rescue equipment with him or her.

Although the above describes work using a work positioning system, the worker's body can be supported or suspended by the first rope while being moved by adjusting the length of the second rope. Therefore, work at height using the work-at-height component 1 can also be done using a rope access system.

1 Member for working at height 10 Frame body 11, 11a, 11b Vertical members 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e Horizontal members 13a, 13b Outer frame member 14 Protruding member 21 Suspension support part 22 Second suspension support part 30 Rotating arm 35 Arm holding part 41 First rope 41b First length adjuster 42 Second rope 42b Second length adjuster S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 Closed space

Claims (4)

The frame body includes a vertical member, a horizontal member intersecting the vertical member, and an outer frame member to which at least one of the horizontal member and the vertical member is connected, and has a plurality of closed spaces formed therein.
The lower portion of the frame body is tapered,
A suspension support portion for supporting a suspension tool for suspending the frame body is formed at the center of the upper portion of the frame body,
The frame body includes a protruding member protruding from the cross member without closing the closed space ,
The protruding member protrudes upward when the frame body is suspended,
The base of the protruding member is a portion that serves as an anchor point by winding a rope that is passed through both the closed space from which the protruding member protrudes and the closed space adjacent to the closed space.
A member for working at height. The frame body includes a vertical member, a horizontal member intersecting the vertical member, and an outer frame member to which at least one of the horizontal member and the vertical member is connected, and has a plurality of closed spaces formed therein.
The lower portion of the frame body is tapered,
A suspension support portion for supporting a suspension tool for suspending the frame body is formed at the center of the upper portion of the frame body,
A rotation arm that is rotatably supported on the frame body;
and an arm holder for holding the pivoted pivot arm in a state in which a gap is formed between the pivoted pivot arm and the frame body. The frame body includes a second suspension support portion for supporting a backup suspension device in addition to the suspension support portion,
A member for working at height as described in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the second suspension support portion is a hole portion formed through a second horizontal member which connects the outer frame member without intersecting with the vertical member . A method for working at height using the member for working at height according to claim 1 or 2, a first rope and a second rope,
The first rope is U-shaped with both ends fastened to both sides of the worker's torso and is equipped with a first length adjuster,
The second rope is a rope that is looped by fastening both ends to the abdomen of the worker, or a rope that is fastened to the abdomen of the worker at one end and has a loop-shaped portion at the other end that can be opened and closed, and is equipped with a second length adjuster;
The first rope is passed through both of the two adjacent closed spaces in the member for working at height,
The second rope is passed through both of two adjacent closed spaces in a combination different from the closed space through which the first rope is passed, among the multiple closed spaces in the high-altitude work member,
A method for working at height, characterized in that by adjusting the length using the first length adjuster or the second length adjuster, tension is applied to at least one of the first rope and the second rope, thereby supporting the body of a worker on the work member for working at height, and work is performed using a work positioning system.

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