JP7680333B2 - Handrail structure - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a handrail structure that surrounds an opening formed in a structure.

Published Japanese Utility Model Application No. 5-57218 describes a prefabricated handrail. The prefabricated handrail comprises multiple posts and multiple cross bars that are placed between the posts. Each of the multiple posts is inserted into a fitting hole formed in the floor, and is detachably attached to the floor. The posts have cross bar support parts that support the ends of the cross bars.

The crossbar support has multiple screw members protruding from the side of the post. The crossbar support detachably supports the crossbar by screwing the screw members into the female threads formed on the end face of the crossbar. The crossbar has a first pipe with a large diameter and a second pipe with a small diameter. The second pipe slides freely in and out of the first pipe, allowing the crossbar to expand and contract.

JP 2000-291265 A describes a temporary material for covering an opening. This temporary material comprises four posts arranged to surround the opening, multiple handrails attached so as to be stretchable between two of the posts, and multiple stretchable middle rails located below the handrails. The temporary material comprises a screw handle that connects the two handrails to each other.

JP 8-60872 A describes a temporary handrail. The temporary handrail comprises two posts and two handrails spanning the two posts. The handrail comprises an outer tube and an inner tube that can move in and out of the outer tube, and can expand and contract by moving the inner tube in and out of the outer tube. The inner tube and the outer tube are joined to each other via a locking bolt. A fixing member is attached to the lower end of the post to hold the temporary handrail upright.

Patent Publication No. 2847368 describes a temporary handrail for preventing falls in a rectangular opening. The temporary handrail for preventing falls comprises four posts erected at each of the four corners of the opening, and an upper handrail member and a lower handrail member spanning the two posts. The pair of upper handrail members are joined to each other via pins at the posts. The lower handrail member is joined to the posts via a pin.

Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 5-57218 JP 2000-291265 A Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-60872 Patent No. 2847368

The prefabricated handrail described above has a screw member that protrudes from the side of the support post, and is assembled by screwing the screw member into the female thread of the crosspiece. The temporary material for covering an opening described above is equipped with a screw handle that connects two handrails to each other. As such, each of the handrail structures described above requires the crosspiece to be screwed into the support post, which can create the problem that assembly cannot be performed quickly and easily.

In the above-mentioned temporary handrail, the inner and outer tubes of the handrail must be joined with a locking bolt. Also, in the above-mentioned temporary handrail for preventing falls, the upper and lower handrail members are each joined to the support with a pin. In each of the above-mentioned handrail structures, the inner and outer tubes are joined with a locking bolt, and the upper and lower handrail members are each joined to the support with a pin, which can create a problem in that the handrail structure cannot be assembled and stored quickly and easily.

The present disclosure aims to provide a handrail structure that can be quickly and easily assembled and stored.

The handrail structure according to the present disclosure is a handrail structure surrounding an opening formed in a structure. The handrail structure includes a pair of vertical members, a plurality of horizontal members connecting the pair of vertical members to each other, and a plurality of handrail units having a vertical member connection structure fixed to each of the pair of vertical members. The plurality of handrail units are arranged to surround the opening, and each horizontal member is integrated with the vertical member. Each horizontal member has a sheath tube structure, which allows each handrail unit to expand and contract. The vertical member connection structure of one handrail unit is detachable from the vertical member connection structure of another handrail unit, the handrail unit has a vertical member fixing part that fixes the vertical member to the structure, and the vertical member connection structure has a U-shaped bolt arranged to surround the vertical member, a plate having a pair of through holes through which one end and the other end of the U-shaped bolt surrounding the vertical member are passed, and a wing nut fastened to each of the one end and the other end of the U-shaped bolt protruding from the through hole .

This handrail structure includes a plurality of handrail units. Each handrail unit includes a pair of vertical members, a plurality of horizontal members, and a vertical member connecting structure for connecting to other handrail units. The vertical member connecting structure can be connected to the vertical member connecting structures of other handrail units. Therefore, by connecting the vertical member connecting structures to each other, a plurality of handrail units can be arranged to surround an opening. Since the handrail unit has a vertical member fixing part that fixes the vertical member to a structure, the handrail structure surrounding the opening can be fixed to the structure via the vertical member fixing part. Each horizontal member has a sheath tube structure, and each handrail unit can be expanded and contracted by this sheath tube structure of the horizontal members. Therefore, the handrail structure with the handrail unit extended and the handrail structure with the handrail unit shortened can be efficiently installed. In this handrail structure, since each horizontal member is integrated with the vertical member, it is not necessary to join the horizontal members to the support pillars by bolts or pins. This eliminates the need to attach bolts or pins to the cross members, allowing the handrail structure to be assembled and stored quickly and efficiently.

The vertical member connection structure may include U-bolts arranged to surround the vertical members, a plate having a pair of through holes through which one end and the other end of the U-bolt surrounding the vertical members are passed, and wing nuts fastened to one end and the other end of the U-bolt protruding from the through holes. In this case, the vertical member connection structure can be quickly and easily attached by arranging U-bolts to surround the vertical members, passing one end and the other end of the U-bolt through the respective through holes of the plate, and fastening wing nuts to the one end and the other end. Furthermore, by using wing nuts, the wing nuts can be fastened without the use of tools, so that the vertical member connection structure can be attached even more quickly and easily.

The vertical member connection structure may have a plate fixed to the vertical member, and a plate-shaped protruding portion protruding from the plate on the opposite side to the vertical member. A hole is formed in the protruding portion, and the vertical member connection structure may further include a pin that is inserted into the hole in the protruding portion of one handrail unit and the hole in the protruding portion of the other handrail unit. In this case, the other handrail unit can be assembled to the one handrail unit by passing the pin through the hole formed in the protruding portion of the one handrail unit and the hole formed in the protruding portion of the other handrail unit. Therefore, the assembly of multiple handrail units can be performed more quickly and easily.

The pin may have an insertion hole formed through the side of the pin. The vertical member connecting structure may have a retaining member that has a rod-shaped portion that is inserted into the insertion hole and prevents the pin from coming out of the hole by inserting the rod-shaped portion into the insertion hole. In this case, it is possible to prevent the pin from coming out by inserting the rod-shaped portion of the retaining member into the insertion hole of the pin. Therefore, the handrail unit can be joined more firmly to other handrail units.

This disclosure allows for quick and easy assembly and storage.

1 is a side view showing an offshore wind turbine generator which is an example of an application of a handrail structure according to an embodiment. FIG. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the foundation and transition piece of the offshore wind power generation device of FIG. 1 . FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the transition piece of FIG. 2 . FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a dock facility of the transition piece of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the outer platform of the transition piece of FIG. 2 . FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing each platform of the transition piece of FIG. 2 . FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the outer platform of the transition piece of FIG. 2 . FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a handrail structure according to an embodiment. 9 is a perspective view of the handrail structure of FIG. 8, seen from a different direction than FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a sheath pipe structure of the handrail structure of FIG. 8 . FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the vertical member connection structure of the handrail structure of FIG. 8 . FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the lower part of the vertical member of the handrail structure of FIG. 8 . FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a vertical member fixing portion of the handrail structure of FIG. 8 . FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a pin in the vertical member connection structure of the handrail structure of FIG. 8 . 15A is a perspective view showing the pin of Fig. 14, and Fig. 15B is a perspective view showing a nut fastened to the pin of Fig. 14A. 1A is a perspective view showing a retaining member for preventing the pin from coming out, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing a lanyard connected to the retaining member of FIG. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the handrail structure of FIG. 8 in a stored state. 18 is a perspective view of the storage state of FIG. 17, seen from a different direction than FIG. 17.

Below, an embodiment of a handrail structure according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. In addition, the drawings may be partially simplified or exaggerated to facilitate understanding, and the dimensional ratios, etc. are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

The handrail structure according to this embodiment is a handrail structure in a cylindrical transition piece installed on the foundation of an offshore structure. The offshore structure is, for example, a wind power generator. Below, an example in which the handrail structure is applied to a wind power generator is described.

Figure 1 is a side view showing a wind power generator 1 as an example to which the handrail structure according to this embodiment is applied. Figure 2 is a side view showing a foundation 2 and a transition piece 3 of the wind power generator 1. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the wind power generator 1 is installed, for example, on the seabed B, and performs offshore wind power generation. However, the wind power generator 1 is not limited to being installed in the ocean, and may be installed in water other than the ocean, such as a lake or a river.

The wind turbine 1 comprises a foundation 2, a transition piece 3 installed on the foundation 2, a tower 4 fixed to the transition piece 3, a nacelle 5 attached to the top of the tower 4, and blades 6 attached to the nacelle 5. The tower 4 is made of, for example, concrete or steel. The nacelle 5 houses a generator, a speed increaser, and the like, and for example, the rotor shaft protrudes from the speed increaser to the outside of the nacelle 5.

The blades 6 are fixed to the rotor shaft of the nacelle 5. The wind power generator 1 has, for example, three blades 6. When the blades 6 rotate in response to the wind, this rotation is increased to a certain rotation speed by an amplifier inside the nacelle 5, and this rotational motion is converted into electricity by a generator inside the nacelle 5. For example, the nacelle 5 is equipped with a wind vane and anemometer, and efficient power generation is achieved by controlling the direction of the rotor and the angle of the blades 6 in response to the wind speed and direction.

The wind power generator 1 has, for example, a monopile foundation type, and a transition piece 3 is provided above the monopile foundation 2. The wind power generator 1 has the monopile foundation 2 cast into the water W, and the transition piece 3 extending upward from the foundation 2 and connected to the lower end of the tower 4. Note that instead of the monopile foundation type, the foundation 2 may have a tripile-type offshore wind foundation or a jacket-type offshore wind foundation, and the type of the foundation 2 is not particularly limited.

For example, around the foundation 2 on the seabed B, a scour prevention work 7 is provided, and the scour prevention work 7 prevents scouring of the ground around the foundation 2 on the seabed B. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the foundation 2 when cut on a horizontal plane is circular. As an example, the foundation 2 is cylindrical.

The foundation 2 has, for example, a hole 2b through which water flows in and out of the foundation 2. The diameter of the foundation 2 is, for example, 4 m or more (as an example, 6 m). The foundation 2 has, for example, a cylindrical lower part 2c that is driven into the water W, and an upper part 2d whose diameter gradually decreases from the upper end of the lower part 2c toward the top. A transition piece 3 is installed in the upper part 2d.

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the transition piece 3. The transition piece 3 is provided to ensure the verticality of the wind turbine 1. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the transition piece 3 has a cylindrical columnar portion 3b extending along the vertical direction D1 and an external platform 10 located at the upper end of the columnar portion 3b.

The columnar portion 3b has, for example, an upper portion 3d on which the external platform 10 is placed, and a lower portion 3f whose diameter gradually increases from the lower end of the upper portion 3d downward. The external platform 10 is installed on the columnar portion 3b so as to protrude horizontally from the upper end of the columnar portion 3b.

The lower part 3f of the transition piece 3 is the part through which the upper part 2d of the foundation 2 passes. For example, the transition piece 3 is joined (grout-joined) to the foundation 2 by filling the gap between the lower part 3f and the upper part 2d of the foundation 2. Note that the means for joining the transition piece to the foundation is not limited to the above-mentioned grout joint. The means for joining the transition piece to the foundation is not particularly limited and may be, for example, a bolt joint. Also, the transition piece may be joined to the foundation in advance (for example, before being driven into the seabed B).

For example, the transition piece 3 includes a ladder 3h for workers to get on and off the columnar portion 3b, and a rest platform 3j for workers to rest on. The ladder 3h extends, for example, from the lower portion 3f of the columnar portion 3b to the upper end of the columnar portion 3b. The transition piece 3 includes, for example, a plurality of rest platforms 3j, each of which is provided at a respective one of a plurality of intermediate portions of the ladder 3h.

Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the columnar portion 3b of the transition piece 3. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the transition piece 3 has an electric wire pipe 3k and a grout pipe 3m. The electric wire pipe 3k accommodates, for example, an electric wire for ICCP (Impressed Current Cathodic Protection).

The transition piece 3 has, for example, an electrode 3r arranged to protrude from the columnar portion 3b. The electrode 3r is an anode (external anode of the ICCP system) arranged underwater W. Electric current flows through the electrode 3r to suppress electrolytic corrosion caused by potential differences in each part of the transition piece 3. The grout pipe 3m is a pipe through which grout that fixes the transition piece 3 to the foundation 2 passes.

The transition piece 3 has a docking facility 3g on the columnar portion 3b. Ships carrying workers who climb onto the transition piece 3 and work on the transition piece 3 arrive at the docking facility 3g. The docking facility 3g includes, for example, two poles 3p extending along the vertical direction D1 and multiple connecting members 3q that connect the poles 3p to the columnar portion 3b.

The bow of the ship carrying workers fits between the two poles 3p. For example, the distance between the two poles 3p is set wide enough to allow workers to access the ship. A ladder 3h is provided between the two poles 3p. Therefore, workers who disembark from the ship can use the ladder 3h to climb up to the external platform 10 of the transition piece 3.

For example, a rest platform 3j is provided above the pole 3p. For example, multiple joint members 3q of the dock facility 3g are arranged in a line along the pole 3p. The joint members 3q are, for example, columnar and protrude from the columnar portion 3b, and connect each pole 3p to the columnar portion 3b. The pole 3p and the multiple joint members 3q are, for example, integrated.

Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the external platform 10 of the transition piece 3. The external platform 10 is also called the upper platform. The external platform 10 is a platform to which the lower end of the tower 4 is joined and on which cargo is placed. The external platform 10 includes, for example, a crane 10b, a power supply unit 10c, and a staircase 10d.

The external platform 10 is provided at the top end of the ladder 3h, and a worker can climb the ladder 3h to enter the external platform 10. For example, the crane 10b is a davit crane, and the power supply unit 10c is a crane power supply unit that supplies power to the crane 10b.

The tower 4 has an opening 4b that allows access from the external platform 10 to the transition piece 3 and the inside of the tower 4. Workers can move into the inside of the transition piece 3 through the opening 4b. The opening 4b of the tower 4 is provided, for example, at a position higher than the lower end of the tower 4, and workers can enter the opening 4b by climbing the stairs 10d in front of the opening 4b.

The transition piece 3 has, for example, a flange portion 3y (see FIG. 7) located at the upper end of the columnar portion 3b, and the tower 4 has a flange portion 4c located at the lower end thereof. For example, the flange portion 3y of the transition piece 3 is a portion that protrudes radially outward and radially inward from the upper end of the columnar portion 3b, and the flange portion 4c of the tower 4 is a portion that protrudes radially outward and radially inward from the lower end of the tower 4. However, for example, the flange portion of the transition piece 3 may be a portion that protrudes only radially inward from the upper end of the columnar portion 3b, and the flange portion 4c of the tower 4 may be a portion that protrudes only radially inward from the lower end of the tower 4. Inside the transition piece 3 and the tower 4, a computer or the like that operates each device of the transition piece 3 and the tower 4 is arranged.

The flange portion 3y of the transition piece 3 and the flange portion 4c of the tower 4 have a plurality of through holes (not shown) that are aligned along the circumferential direction D2 of the transition piece 3 and penetrate in the vertical direction D1. The tower 4 is joined to the transition piece 3 by inserting bolts into each through hole of the flange portion 3y of the transition piece 3 and each through hole of the flange portion 4c of the tower 4 and tightening the bolts with nuts.

Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal structure of the transition piece 3. As shown in Figure 6, the transition piece 3 includes a platform 3c having a portion extending horizontally. The platform 3c includes the external platform 10 described above, a cable termination platform 20 to which multiple cables are bundled, an airtight platform 30 that blocks air from flowing vertically upward, and a lower platform 40 located above the joint 40A to which the foundation 2 is joined. A ladder 3x is provided inside the transition piece 3, and it is possible to descend from the external platform 10 to the cable termination platform 20, the airtight platform 30, and the lower platform 40 using the ladder 3x.

The cable termination platform 20 is provided below the external platform 10 and above the airtight platform 30. The cable termination platform 20 is a platform where the cable from the underwater W is connected to the cable of the tower 4.

The airtight platform 30 is provided below the cable termination platform 20 and above the lower platform 40. The airtight platform 30 is a platform that blocks air flow between the upper and lower parts of the transition piece 3. The airtight platform 30 has the function of blocking air from seawater.

The airtight platform 30 is made of, for example, carbon steel and is painted to prevent rust. This airtight platform 30 blocks air from the seawater, making it possible to create an environment in the internal space of the transition piece 3 above the airtight platform 30 that is less susceptible to corrosion (less susceptible to rust, etc.).

The lower platform 40 is, for example, a platform on which work to install the transition piece 3 on the foundation 2 is carried out. As an example, on the lower platform 40, grout is filled between the upper part 2d of the foundation 2 and the lower part 3f of the transition piece 3 (joint 40A), and the grout hardens to grout-join the transition piece 3 to the foundation 2. For example, the portion of the transition piece 3 below the lower platform 40 corresponds to joint 40A where it is joined to the foundation 2.

Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the external platform 10 without the tower 4 installed. As shown in Figure 7, the external platform 10 has, for example, an arc-shaped portion 10A located directly above the columnar portion 3b of the transition piece 3, and a rectangular portion 10B extending from the arc-shaped portion 10A. For example, the crane 10b and the power supply unit 10c are provided in the rectangular portion 10B.

The external platform 10 is provided with handrails 10f provided along the outer edge of the external platform 10. For example, a plurality of pieces of luggage 10g are placed on the external platform 10. The handrail structure 50 according to this embodiment is arranged, for example, on each of the external platform 10 and the cable termination platform 20. FIG. 7 shows an example in which the handrail structure 50 is arranged on the inside of the flange portion 3y of the external platform 10.

Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the handrail structure 50. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the handrail structure 50 viewed from a different direction than that of Figure 8. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the handrail structure 50 surrounds an opening 3z formed in the external platform 10, which is a structure. The opening 3z, for example, penetrates the external platform 10 in the vertical direction D1.

The handrail structure 50 is a temporary handrail structure used in an emergency, for example, when a worker needs to be rescued. The handrail structure 50 may also be a handrail structure used when moving luggage 10g downward through the opening 3z. In this way, the handrail structure 50 can be used for various purposes.

The handrail structure 50 comprises multiple (four, for example) handrail units 60. Each handrail unit 60 comprises a pair of vertical members 61, multiple horizontal members 62 that connect the pair of vertical members 61 to each other, and vertical member connection structures 63 fixed to each of the pair of vertical members 61. For example, the vertical members 61 are rod-shaped members arranged along the vertical direction D1, and the horizontal members 62 are rod-shaped members arranged along the horizontal direction.

For example, the handrail unit 60 has two vertical members 61 and three horizontal members 62. As an example, of the three horizontal members 62, the top two horizontal members 62 are cylindrical, and the bottom horizontal member 62 is rectangular. Each horizontal member 62 is expandable and retractable by having a sheath tube structure 65. The configuration of the sheath tube structure 65 will be described in detail later.

The vertical member connection structures 63 are provided, for example, on each of a pair of vertical members 61. The vertical member connection structure 63 of one handrail unit 60 is detachable from the vertical member connection structure 63 of the other handrail unit 60. As an example, two vertical member connection structures 63 aligned along the vertical direction D1 are attached to the vertical member 61.

The handrail units 60 are arranged so as to surround the opening 3z. As an example, four handrail units 60 are arranged so as to form a rectangle in a plan view. The vertical member 61 is integrated with the horizontal member 62. In other words, the vertical member 61 and the horizontal member 62 are fixed together in advance.

Figure 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the sheath tube structure 65 of the horizontal member 62. As shown in Figure 10, the horizontal member 62 has a large diameter cylindrical portion 62b extending from one of the pair of vertical members 61 and a small diameter cylindrical portion 62c extending from the other of the pair of vertical members 61. The small diameter cylindrical portion 62c can freely enter and exit the large diameter cylindrical portion 62b, and the length of the horizontal member 62 can be changed by adjusting the degree to which the small diameter cylindrical portion 62c enters the large diameter cylindrical portion 62b.

The sheath pipe structure 65 is composed of a large diameter cylindrical portion 62b and a small diameter cylindrical portion 62c, and the handrail unit 60 has the same number of sheath pipe structures 65 as the number of cross members 62. The boundaries between the large diameter cylindrical portion 62b and the small diameter cylindrical portion 62c in the multiple sheath pipe structures 65 are aligned along the vertical direction D1. This allows each handrail unit 60 to expand and contract horizontally via the multiple sheath pipe structures 65.

Figure 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the vertical member connection structure 63. As shown in Figure 11, the vertical member connection structure 63 is fixed to the vertical member 61, and the vertical member connection structure 63 fixed to the vertical member 61 can be connected to other vertical member connection structures 63. The vertical member connection structure 63 has, for example, a cylindrical member 63b, a U-bolt 63c, a plate 63d, and a wing nut 63f.

The vertical member connecting structure 63 has, for example, one cylindrical member 63b, one plate 63d having four through holes 63d1, two U-bolts 63c that are passed through each of the four through holes 63d1, and four wing nuts 63f. The cylindrical member 63b is wrapped around the vertical member 61. As an example, the cylindrical member 63b is made of an elastic material such as rubber.

The U-bolt 63c is arranged to surround the vertical member 61 and the cylindrical member 63b. The plate 63d has four through holes 63d1 through which one end 63c1 and the other end 63c2 of the U-bolt 63c are passed. The plate 63d has, for example, a rectangular shape with long sides extending in the vertical direction D1 and short sides extending in the horizontal direction.

Of the four through holes 63d1 of the plate 63d, two are formed on one side of the plate 63d in the longitudinal direction, and the remaining two are formed on the other side of the plate 63d in the longitudinal direction. The plate 63d has a pair of through holes 63d1 aligned along the width direction of the plate 63d on each of the one and other longitudinal sides. One end 63c1 and the other end 63c2 of the U-bolt 63c are inserted into each of the pair of through holes 63d1.

The wing nuts 63f are fastened to one end 63c1 and the other end 63c2 of the U-bolt 63c protruding from the through hole 63d1 of the plate 63d. The wing nuts 63f can be rotated by hand, and by rotating the wing nuts 63f by hand, the wing nuts 63f can be easily attached to and detached from the U-bolt 63c.

The vertical member connecting structure 63 has a plate-shaped protruding portion 63g that protrudes from the plate 63d to the opposite side to the vertical member 61. A hole is formed in the protruding portion 63g, and a pin 63h is inserted into the hole of the protruding portion 63g of one handrail unit 60 and the hole of the protruding portion 63g of another handrail unit 60, thereby connecting the one handrail unit 60 to the other handrail unit 60. Details of the pin 63h will be described later.

Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the lower part of the vertical member 61. As shown in Figure 12, the end of each horizontal member 62 located at the bottom is provided with a tubular member 63b, a U-bolt 63c, a plate 63d and a wing nut, for example, similar to the vertical member connecting structure 63 described above. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing a vertical member fixing part 64 that fixes the vertical member 61 to a structure (for example, the external platform 10). As shown in Figures 12 and 13, a hole 10h is formed in the external platform 10 into which the vertical member 61 fits.

For example, some of the vertical members 61 are inserted into the hole 10h, and vertical member fixing parts 64 are provided at the lower ends of some of the vertical members 61. The vertical member fixing parts 64 include fixing hardware fixed to the vertical members 61 so that the vertical members 61 do not fall downward from the hole 10h. The vertical member fixing parts 64 include, for example, a cylindrical member 63b and a U-bolt 63c, similar to the vertical member connecting structure 63 described above, and also have a first plate part 64b having through holes through which one end 63c1 and the other end 63c2 of the U-bolt 63c are passed, and a second plate part 64c extending horizontally at the lower end of the first plate part 64b.

For example, the first plate portion 64b has a rectangular shape with long sides extending horizontally and short sides extending vertically D1. One end 63c1 and the other end 63c2 of the U-bolt 63c protrude from the first plate portion 64b, and each of the one end 63c1 and the other end 63c2 is fastened to the first plate portion 64b by a nut 64d. Each of the one end 63c1 and the other end 63c2 is fastened by, for example, two nuts 64d, and a washer 64f is interposed between the nut 64d and the first plate portion 64b.

The second plate portion 64c is integral with the first plate portion 64b. The second plate portion 64c fits into the hole portion 10h at the bottom of the vertical member 61. In this way, the first plate portion 64b is fixed to the vertical member 61, and the second plate portion 64c of the vertical member fixing portion 64 fits into the hole portion 10h, thereby reliably preventing the vertical member 61 from falling through the hole portion 10h.

Figure 14 is a perspective view showing an example of a vertical member connection structure 63. As shown in Figure 14, the vertical member connection structure 63 has, for example, a pin 63h that is inserted into a hole in a protruding portion 63g of one handrail unit 60 and a hole in a protruding portion 63g of another handrail unit 60, and a nut 63j that fastens the pin 63h to the protruding portion 63g.

Figure 15(a) is a side view showing pin 63h. Figure 15(b) is a perspective view showing nut 63j. As shown in Figures 14, 15(a) and 15(b), pin 63h has a head 63p and a rod-shaped portion 63q extending from head 63p, and a threaded portion 63r is formed on the portion of rod-shaped portion 63q on the head 63p side.

The nut 63j is fastened to, for example, the upper protrusion 63g of the pair of protrusions 63g. The head 63p of the pin 63h is placed on the upper surface of the upper protrusion 63g, and the nut 63j is fastened to the threaded portion 63r of the pin 63h protruding from the lower surface of the protrusion 63g. The pin 63h has an insertion hole 63k that penetrates the side surface of the rod-shaped portion 63q.

The vertical member connecting structure 63 may include a retaining member 63m for the pin 63h attached to the insertion hole 63k, and a lanyard 63t connected to the retaining member 63m. Figure 16(a) is a perspective view showing the retaining member 63m. Figure 16(b) is a perspective view showing the lanyard 63t.

As shown in Figures 14, 16(a) and 16(b), the retaining member 63m has a rod-shaped portion 63s inserted into the insertion hole 63k, an annular portion 63v and a swinging portion 63w that allows the annular portion 63v to swing relative to the rod-shaped portion 63s. The annular portion 63v has, for example, a circular ring shape. With the rod-shaped portion 63s inserted into the insertion hole 63k of the pin 63h, the annular portion 63v can be swung by hand via the swinging portion 63w.

The lanyard 63t is provided to prevent the loss of the retaining member 63m. The lanyard 63t has, for example, a string-like portion 63t1, a first hook portion 63t2 provided at one end of the string-like portion 63t1, and a second hook portion 63t3 provided at the other end of the string-like portion 63t1. For example, the first hook portion 63t2 is hooked onto a U-shaped bolt 63c fixed to the vertical member 61, and the second hook portion 63t3 is hooked onto a ring portion 63v of the retaining member 63m.

This allows the anti-slip member 63m to be connected to the vertical member 61 via the lanyard 63t, preventing the anti-slip member 63m from being lost. Note that the location where the first hook portion 63t2 is hooked is not limited to the U-bolt 63c, and may be another location. In this way, the locations where the first hook portion 63t2 and the second hook portion 63t3 are hooked can be changed as appropriate.

The handrail units 60 of the handrail structure 50 configured as described above can be assembled and stored. As shown in Figures 9, 17, and 18, the handrail structure 50 has, for example, a storage section 70 that stores multiple handrail units 60. The storage section 70 is provided, for example, adjacent to the opening 3z.

The storage section 70 is provided, for example, on the side of a fence-like member 75 that includes multiple vertical members 71 and multiple horizontal members 72. As an example, the storage section 70 includes a mounting section 70A on which multiple handrail units 60 are placed, and a leaning section 70B including multiple horizontal members 72. The storage section 70 includes, for example, four mounting sections 70A arranged on each of the top, bottom, left, and right. The mounting section 70A has, for example, a protruding section 70b that protrudes from the horizontal member 72, and a bending section 70c that bends upward at the end of the protruding section 70b opposite the horizontal member 72.

Next, a method for storing the handrail structure 50 will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 9, in each vertical member connection structure 63 of the multiple handrail units 60 of the handrail structure 50, the pins 63h are removed from the pair of protrusions 63g to separate the multiple handrail units 60 from each other (handrail unit separation process). Then, each handrail unit 60 is contracted by the sheath tube structure 65 (handrail unit contraction process).

As shown in Figures 17 and 18, each handrail unit 60 is tilted so that the vertical members 61 face horizontally (handrail unit tilting process), and the tilted vertical members 61 of each handrail unit 60 are placed on the placement portion 70A of the storage section 70, and each handrail unit 60 is leaned against the leaning portion 70B (handrail unit leaning process). This makes it easy to store each handrail unit 60 in the storage section 70.

Next, a method for assembling the handrail structure 50 will be described. First, each handrail unit 60 is removed from the storage section 70, and each handrail unit 60 is tilted so that the vertical members 61 are aligned with the vertical direction D1 (handrail unit tilting process). Then, as shown in FIG. 13, multiple handrail units 60 are transported to a predetermined position, and some of the vertical members 61 are inserted into the holes 10h and fixed by the vertical member fixing parts 64 (vertical member fixing process).

As shown in FIG. 9, each handrail unit 60 is extended using the sleeve pipe structure 65, and multiple handrail units 60 are arranged to surround the opening 3z (handrail unit extension process). After that, the vertical members 61 of the multiple handrail units 60 are connected to each other via the vertical member connection structures 63 (connecting the vertical members to each other process). Specifically, a pair of protrusions 63g are arranged so as to overlap one above the other, and pins 63h are inserted into the pair of protrusions 63g to connect the vertical member connection structures 63 to each other. Through the above processes, assembly of the handrail structure 50 is completed.

Next, the effects obtained from the handrail structure 50 according to this embodiment will be described. The handrail structure 50 comprises multiple handrail units 60. Each handrail unit 60 comprises a pair of vertical members 61, multiple horizontal members 62, and a vertical member connecting structure 63 for connecting to other handrail units 60. The vertical member connecting structure 63 can be connected to the vertical member connecting structures 63 of other handrail units 60. Therefore, by connecting the vertical member connecting structures 63 to each other, multiple handrail units 60 can be arranged to surround the opening 3z.

As shown in Figures 9 and 13, the handrail unit 60 has vertical member fixing parts 64 that fix the vertical members 61 to a structure (e.g., the external platform 10), so that the handrail structure 50 surrounding the opening 3z can be fixed to the structure via the vertical member fixing parts 64. Each horizontal member 62 has a sheath tube structure 65, and the sheath tube structure 65 of the horizontal members 62 makes each handrail unit 60 extendable and retractable. Therefore, the handrail structure 50 with the handrail unit 60 extended can be assembled, and the handrail structure 50 with the handrail unit 60 shortened can be stored efficiently.

In the handrail structure 50, each horizontal member 62 is integrated with the vertical members 61, so there is no need to join the horizontal members to the posts with bolts or pins, as in the past. This eliminates the need to join bolts or pins to the horizontal members 62, and allows the handrail structure 50 to be assembled and stored quickly and efficiently.

As shown in FIG. 11, in this embodiment, the vertical member connection structure 63 includes a U-bolt 63c arranged to surround the vertical member 61, a plate 63d having a pair of through holes 63d1 through which one end 63c1 and the other end 63c2 of the U-bolt 63c surrounding the vertical member 61 are passed, and wing nuts 63f fastened to each of the one end 63c1 and the other end 63c2 of the U-bolt 63c protruding from the through hole 63d1.

Therefore, by arranging the U-bolt 63c so as to surround the vertical member 61, passing one end 63c1 and the other end 63c2 of the U-bolt 63c through the through hole 63d1 of the plate 63d, and tightening the wing nut 63f on each of the one end 63c1 and the other end 63c2, the vertical member connecting structure 63 can be quickly and easily attached and removed. In addition, by using the wing nut 63f, the wing nut 63f can be fastened without using tools, so that the vertical member connecting structure 63 can be attached and removed even more quickly and easily.

In this embodiment, the vertical member connection structure 63 has a plate 63d fixed to the vertical member 61 and a plate-shaped protruding portion 63g protruding from the plate 63d to the opposite side of the vertical member 61. A hole is formed in the protruding portion 63g, and the vertical member connection structure 63 further includes a pin 63h that is inserted into the hole of the protruding portion 63g of one handrail unit 60 and the hole of the protruding portion 63g of the other handrail unit 60. Therefore, the other handrail unit 60 can be assembled to the one handrail unit 60 by passing the pin 63h through the hole formed in the protruding portion 63g of the one handrail unit 60 and the hole formed in the protruding portion 63g of the other handrail unit 60. Therefore, the assembly of multiple handrail units 60 can be performed more quickly and easily.

As shown in Figures 14, 15(a) and 15(b), the pin 63h may have an insertion hole 63k that penetrates the side of the pin 63h. The vertical member connecting structure 63 may have a retaining member 63m that has a rod-shaped portion 63s that is inserted into the insertion hole 63k and prevents the pin 63h from coming out of the hole by inserting the rod-shaped portion 63s into the insertion hole 63k. In this case, the rod-shaped portion 63s of the retaining member 63m is inserted into the insertion hole 63k of the pin 63h to prevent the pin 63h from coming out. Therefore, the handrail unit 60 can be joined more firmly to other handrail units 60.

The above describes an embodiment of the handrail structure according to the present disclosure. However, the handrail structure according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be modified as appropriate within the scope of the gist of the claims. In other words, the configuration, shape, size, number, material, and arrangement of each part of the handrail structure are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be modified as appropriate.

For example, in the above embodiment, the vertical member connecting structure 63 including the tubular member 63b, the U-bolt 63c, the plate 63d, the wing nut 63f, and the protruding portion 63g was described. However, the configuration of the vertical member connecting structure is not limited to the above vertical member connecting structure 63, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the vertical member connecting structure may not include the tubular member 63b. In the above embodiment, an example including the retaining member 63m and the lanyard 63t that function to prevent the pin 63h from coming out of the protruding portion 63g was described. However, the pin itself may have a retaining function by using a pin with an open tip instead of the pin 63h. In this case, the retaining member 63m can be omitted. Furthermore, the lanyard 63t can be omitted.

In the above embodiment, the handrail structure 50 provided on the external platform 10 of the transition piece 3 has been described. However, the handrail structure according to the present disclosure may be a handrail structure provided in another location, such as the cable termination platform 20. In addition, in the above embodiment, the transition piece 3 having the docking facility 3g, ladder 3h, electric wire piping 3k, and grout piping 3m has been described. However, the components of the transition piece are not limited to the above example of the transition piece 3 and can be modified as appropriate. The structure of the platform 3c of the transition piece 3 can also be modified as appropriate.

In the above-described embodiment, the transition piece 3 of the wind power generator 1 is described, which includes a foundation 2, a transition piece 3, a tower 4, a nacelle 5, and blades 6. However, the configurations of the foundation, transition piece, tower, nacelle, and blades are not limited to those of the above-described embodiment and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, the handrail structure according to the present disclosure can be applied to structures other than the transition piece 3 of the wind power generator 1. The handrail structure according to the present disclosure can be applied to other offshore structures such as oil platforms, or structures other than offshore structures, for example.

Reference Signs List 1...wind turbine generator, 2...foundation, 2b...hole, 3...transition piece, 3b...columnar portion, 3c...platform, 3g...landing equipment, 3h...ladder, 3j...rest platform, 3k...electrical wiring piping, 3m...grout piping, 3p...pole, 3q...joint member, 3r...electrode, 3x...ladder, 3y...flange portion, 3z...opening, 4...tower, 4b...opening, 4c...flange portion, 5...nacelle, 6...blade, 7...scouring Prevention work, 10... external platform (structure), 10A... arc-shaped portion, 10b... crane, 10B... rectangular portion, 10c... power supply unit, 10d... stairs, 10f... handrail, 10g... luggage, 10h... hole, 20... cable termination platform, 30... airtight platform, 40... lower platform, 40A... joint, 50... handrail structure, 60... handrail unit, 61... vertical member, 62... horizontal member , 62b...large diameter cylindrical portion, 62c...small diameter cylindrical portion, 63...vertical member connecting structure, 63b...cylindrical member, 63c...U-shaped bolt, 63c1...one end, 63c2...other end, 63d...plate, 63d1...through hole, 63f...wing nut, 63g...projection, 63h...pin, 63j...nut, 63k...insertion hole, 63m...anti-pullout member, 63p...head, 63q...rod-shaped portion, 63r...screw portion, 63s...rod-shaped portion, 63t...lanyard, 63t1...string -shaped portion, 63t2...first hook portion, 63t3...second hook portion, 63v...annular portion, 63w...oscillating portion, 64...vertical member fixing portion, 64b...first plate portion, 64c...second plate portion, 64d...nut, 64f...washer, 65...sheath tube structure, 70...storage portion, 70A...mounting portion, 70B...leaning portion, 70b...protruding portion, 70c...bent portion, 71...vertical member, 72...horizontal member, 75...fence-shaped member, B...seabed, D1...vertical direction, D2...circumferential direction, W...underwater.

Claims (3)

A handrail structure surrounding an opening formed in a structure,
A handrail unit includes a pair of vertical members, a plurality of horizontal members connecting the pair of vertical members to each other, and a vertical member connection structure fixed to each of the pair of vertical members,
The handrail units are arranged to surround the opening,
Each of the cross members is integral with a vertical member,
Each of the cross members has a sheath tube structure, so that each of the handrail units is extendable and retractable,
The vertical member connection structure of one handrail unit is detachable from the vertical member connection structure of another handrail unit,
The handrail unit has a vertical member fixing portion that fixes the vertical member to the structure,
The vertical member connection structure is
A U-bolt arranged to surround the vertical member;
a plate surrounding the vertical member and having a pair of through holes through which one end and the other end of the U-bolt are passed,
and a wing nut fastened to each of one end and the other end of the U-bolt protruding from the through hole.
Handrail structure. The vertical member connection structure includes a plate fixed to the vertical member and a plate-like protruding portion protruding from the plate to a side opposite to the vertical member,
A hole is formed in the protrusion,
The vertical member connection structure further includes a pin inserted into the hole of the protruding portion of one of the handrail units and the hole of the protruding portion of the other handrail unit,
The handrail structure according to claim 1 . The pin has an insertion hole formed therein that penetrates a side surface of the pin,
The vertical member connecting structure includes a rod-shaped portion that is inserted into the insertion hole, and a retaining member that prevents the pin from coming out of the hole portion by inserting the rod-shaped portion into the insertion hole.
The handrail structure according to claim 2 .

Images