MULTIFUNCTIONAL POLE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-188013 filed on Nov. 1, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a multifunctional pole to which equipment can be attached.

BACKGROUND ART

Patent Literature 1 discloses an outdoor lighting device built by assembling some modules. Equipment such as a light is mounted on one pillar called a main pole. The main pole is provided with a mounting groove, and each equipment is mounted through the mounting groove.

List of Related Art

Patent Literature 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2021-022555

SUMMARY

A multifunctional pole to which equipment can be attached via a groove part is considered. If the groove part of the pole is exposed to the peripheral part, fingers, baggage, etc. are easily caught when a passerby touches or leans on the pole. Therefore, this configuration is not preferable in terms of safety.

As a solution, it is conceivable to cover the groove part exposed to the outer peripheral part of the pole with a board. However, this is not reasonable from a viewpoint of a cost for additional members and labor force of mounting work. In addition, the connectors that attach the board are likely to protrude from a board surface, which does not solve the safety concerns.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique for securing safety while ensuring economic feasibility in a multifunctional pole to which equipment can be attached via a groove part.

A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a multifunctional pole to which equipment can be attached.

The multifunctional pole includes a plurality of pillars.

The plurality of pillars forms facing surfaces that face each other.

At least a facing surface of a first pillar of the plurality of pillars includes a groove part extending in a longitudinal direction of the first pillar.

A second aspect of the present disclosure further includes the following feature in addition to the first aspect.

The first pillar includes a through hole extending in the longitudinal direction of the first pillar.

The multifunctional pole includes a node member that connects the plurality of pillars to each other.

The node member includes an outer shell part, a nodal cavity part surrounded by the outer shell part, and an outer shell hole provided on the outer shell part.

A junction hole that spatially connects the nodal cavity part and the through hole of the first pillar is provided on the node member and the first pillar.

According to a first aspect, a multifunctional pole includes a plurality of pillars forming facing surfaces. The facing surfaces are different from an outer peripheral surface of the entire multifunctional pole. The facing surfaces are not exposed on the outside of the multifunctional pole. Since the groove part is provided on the facing surface, the groove part and a connector do not appear on the outer peripheral part of the multifunctional pole. Therefore, even if there is no member such as a board covering the groove part, the above-described situation is unlikely to occur. That is, it can be said that both high safety and economic feasibility can be realized.

Further, since a gap exists between the plurality of pillars which are included in the multifunctional pole, a passerby can see through the gap to the opposite side of the multifunctional pole. That is, the blind area is reduced compared with the case where one thick pole is installed. This is preferable from a viewpoint of safety. In addition, the effect of reducing an oppressive feeling and conversely increasing spaciousness can also be expected.

According to a second aspect, when equipment attached to the multifunctional pole has a cable, the cable can be placed inside of the multifunctional pole. According to the second aspect, the multifunctional pole includes a node member. The pillar has a through hole. The node member includes an outer shell part, a nodal cavity part and an outer shell hole. The nodal cavity part is connected to the external space through the outer shell hole. A junction hole is provided so that the through hole on the pillar side and the nodal cavity part on the node member side are connected. That is, a junction path is formed to connect the external space, the outer shell hole, the nodal cavity part, the junction hole, and the through hole. The cable of the equipment can pass through the junction path. Thus, the most part of the cable is not visible from the outside, and the appearance of the multifunctional pole is improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a multifunctional pole;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along an XY plane of a multifunctional pole with four pillars;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along the XY plane of another example of a multifunctional pole with four pillars;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of four pillars;

FIG. 4 shows a positional relation among a pillar, a fixing member, a bracket, and a connector;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a node member;

FIG. 5B is a XY plane view showing a settlement structure of the node member and the pillar;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which the node member is joined to a pillar;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an example of a base unit;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along an XY plane of a plurality of pillar;

FIG. 9 is a plane view showing another configuration example of a groove part;

FIG. 10A is a plane view showing a relation between the groove part and the fixing member;

FIG. 10B is a plane view showing a relation between the groove part and the fixing member;

FIG. 11 is two plane views showing an example of a bracket mounting composition;

FIG. 12 is a plane view showing an example of the bracket mounting composition; and

FIG. 13 is a plane view showing an example of the bracket mounting composition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

1. Main Configuration of Multifunctional Pole

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a multifunctional pole 1. The multifunctional pole 1 is set in a direction perpendicular to the ground mainly outdoors in an urban area. Variety of equipment 50 can be attached to the multifunctional pole 1, such as lighting equipment, a camera, a communication antenna, a speaker, an electronic signboard, a sign etc. Some specific examples of the attachment of the equipment 50 will be described later. Here, for the sake of description, an XYZ coordinate system, which is a global coordinate system, is defined. The Z-axis is parallel to a longitudinal direction of the multifunctional pole 1. A plane orthogonal to the Z-axis direction is defined as an XY plane. The XY plane is defined by an X axis and a Y axis, and in the drawings, the X axis and the Y axis are drawn so as to be orthogonal to each other.

Among the equipment 50 attached to the multifunctional pole 1 which is electrically controlled may be controlled by a device included in the multifunctional pole 1. When a plurality of multifunctional poles 1 are set in a predetermined area, the control may be performed through communication. For example, a plurality of multifunctional pole 1 set within the entire area may be intensively managed at a base such as a management center.

The multifunctional pole 1 includes a plurality of pillars 10. Typically, the pillar 10 made of steel formed by a thermal extrusion method etc. The surface may be subjected to a high durability treatment by zinc plating etc. For example, the plurality of pillars 10 are arranged in parallel to each other. The longitudinal direction of each pillar 10 is, for example, the vertical direction.

The multifunctional pole 1 further includes a base unit 40. The pillar 10 is connected to the base unit 40. Typically, the base unit 40 is made of metal such as steel. The pillar 10 and the base unit 40 are welded in the example shown in FIG. 1.

The multifunctional pole 1 further includes a node member 30. In FIG. 1, the node member 30 is illustrated as being fitted between the pillars 10 and connects the plurality of pillars 10 to each other. The detailed configuration and effect of the node member 30 will be described later. The node member 30 is also typically made of steel and is welded to the pillar 10, similarly to the base unit 40.

1-1. Cross Section of Multifunctional Pole

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the multifunctional pole 1 with four of the pillars 10, taken along the XY plane. The four pillars 10 form facing surfaces 11 that face each other. Here, it is preferable that the facing surfaces 11 facing each other are separated with some space between each other. Each pillar 10 has two facing surfaces 11. The two facing surfaces 11 are substantially orthogonal to each other. For example, in each of the pillars 10, the facing surface 11 is formed in a planar shape, and the outer peripheral surface other than the facing surface 11 is formed in a curved shape.

On the facing surface 11 of each pillar 10, a groove part 12 is provided. In other words, each of the pillars 10 has the groove part 12 on the facing surface 11. The groove part 12 of each pillar 10 extends along the longitudinal direction of each pillar 10. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the groove part 12 includes a narrow part 12a and a wide part 12b. The narrow part 12a is arranged on the surface of the pillar 10 (on the facing surface 11). The wide part 12b is located closer to the inside of the pillar 10 than the narrow part 12a is. The narrow part 12a is narrower than the wide part 12b. Typically, the groove part 12 appears as a T-shape when the pillar 10 is cut along the XY plane.

In FIG. 3A, in addition to the groove part 12 with the same shape as shown in FIG. 2, the pillar 10 has a through hole 13 and a notch 14. The through hole 13 is provided inside the pillar 10. On the other hand, the notch 14 is provided on the surface of the pillar 10. The groove part 12, the through hole 13, and the notch 14 of each pillar 10 all extend along the longitudinal direction of each pillar 10. FIG. 3B is a perspective view of four of the pillar 10 with the cross-section shown in FIG. 3A. The through hole 13 and the notch 14 contribute to weight reduction of the multifunctional pole 1, and when the equipment 50 has a cable, the through hole 13 and the notch 14 are effective in arranging the cable (details will be described later). The cable mentioned here is, for example, a power cable, a communication cable, etc.

1-2. Fixing Member

A bracket 60 to mount the equipment 50 may be mounted on the pillar 10. The bracket 60 is fixed to the pillar 10 by a fixing member 20 and a connector 70. The mechanism will be described below.

FIG. 4 shows a positional relation between the pillar 10, the fixing member 20, the bracket 60, and the connector 70. The shape of the fixing member 20 corresponds to the shape of the groove part 12. Specifically, the fixing member 20 includes a first part 20a and a second part 20b. The first part 20a is narrower than the narrow part 12a of the groove part 12. The second part 20b is wider than the narrow part 12a of the groove part 12 and narrower than the wide part 12b of the groove part 12. That is, the fixing member 20 has a shape a bit smaller than the shape of the groove part 12, so as to fit the groove part 12. For example, the fixing member 20 is placed in the groove part 12 by sliding it from an end of the groove part 12. As a material of the fixing member 20 and the bracket 60, steel can be exemplified.

Here, a new coordinate system called an STU coordinate system is defined against the fixing member 20. The XYZ coordinate system defined above is a global coordinate system, whereas the STU coordinate system is an element-fixed coordinate system relative to the fixing member 20. The ST plane is a plane parallel to the XY plane when the fixing member 20 is placed inside the groove part 12. The U-axis direction is a direction orthogonal to the ST plane. The ST plane is defined by an S axis and a T axis, and the S axis and the Taxis are drawn so as to be orthogonal to each other in the drawings. The “width” defining the first part 20a and the second part 20b described above indicate the dimensions of the fixing member 20 in the T direction.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the connector 70 is represented by a bolt 70A, the fixing member 20 has a tapped hole corresponding to the bolt 70A, and the bracket 60 has a hole corresponding to the bolt 70A. When the bolt 70A and the fixing member 20 are fitted to each other and the screw is tightened, the flange 12c (on the pillar 10 side) adjacent to the narrow part 12a and the second part 20b (on the fixing member 20 side) interfere with each other, and thus the bracket 60 is fixed. The equipment 50 is connected to the bracket 60 by a method such as mechanical joint by bolts and nuts, welding, etc. The equipment 50 may be directly fixed to the pillar 10 without the bracket 60. For example, when the equipment 50 is a plate-shaped sign with a hole corresponding to the radius of the bolt 70A, the equipment 50 can be directly fixed to the pillar 10 instead of the bracket 60 in the figure.

2. Problem to be Solved and Effect

In the related art (for example, Patent Literature 1), a main structure of a pole is formed of one pillar called a main pole, and a mounting groove corresponding to the groove part 12 of the present disclosure appears on an outer periphery of the main pole. For example, when the pole described in Patent Literature 1 is set in an urban area, a case where pedestrians touch or lean against the pole would be assumed. In this case, if the mounting groove and bolts are exposed outside, fingers, clothes, and belongings are easily caught, and thus safety is secured. However, Patent Literature 1 also describes a module board to cover the mounting groove. However, covering the entire surface of the pole with such a board is not reasonable from the viewpoint of a cost of the additional members and labor force consumed for mounting work. In addition, it is concerned that the head of the bolt attaching the board may protrude from the board surface.

On the other hand, the multifunctional pole 1 of the present disclosure includes the plurality of pillars 10, and the plurality of pillars 10 form the facing surfaces 11. The facing surface 11 is different from the outer peripheral surface of the entire structure of multifunctional pole 1 and is not exposed to the outermost surface of the multifunctional pole 1. Since the groove part 12 is provided in the facing surface 11, the groove part 12 and the connector 70 do not appear on the outer peripheral part of the multifunctional pole 1. Therefore, even if there is no equivalent to the board covering the groove part 12, the above-described problem is unlikely to occur. That is, the multifunctional pole 1 of the present disclosure has both high safety and economic feasibility.

Further, since a gap exists between the plurality of pillars 10 included in the multifunctional pole 1, a passerby can see through the gap to the opposite side of the multifunctional pole 1. That is, the blind spot is reduced as compared with the case where one thick pole is set. This is preferable from a safety point of view. In addition, the effect of reducing an oppressive feeling and conversely increasing spaciousness can also be expected.

As described above, each of the pillar 10 may include the through hole 13. If the equipment 50 has a power cable or a communication cable, the cable can be passed through the through hole 13. Thus, the most part of the cable is not visible from the outside, and the appearance of the multifunctional pole 1 is improved.

Further, if the pillar 10, the node member 30, and the base unit 40 are configured to have a specific composition, the cable of the equipment 50 can be more appropriately arranged. The details are described below.

As described above, a variety of equipment can be attached to the multifunctional pole 1, such as lighting equipment, a camera, a communication antenna, a speaker, an electronic signboard, a sign, etc. If a cable 51 of the equipment 50 attached to the upper part of the pillar 10 is exposed, the appearance becomes complicated and not preferable. However, in the case of a configuration described later, the cable 51 can pass through the inside of the multifunctional pole 1, which is preferable in terms of appearance.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the node member 30. The node member 30 is formed by welding some steel plates, and has a substantially rectangular-solid outer shape. The configuration can be divided into an outer shell part 31 and an nodal cavity part 32. An outer shell hole 33 is provided on the surface of the outer shell part 31 so that the nodal cavity part 32 is connected to the external space through the outer shell hole 33. FIG. 5B shows a positional relation when the node member 30 is connected to the pillar 10. The node member 30 connects the plurality of pillars 10.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which the node member 30 is connected to the pillar 10. In this case, the pillar 10 has the above-described through hole 13 and the notch 14. For convenience of explanation, the pillar 10 and the node member 30 are partially omitted in the drawing. A junction hole 81 is provided in the part indicated by the dashed line in the drawing so that the through hole 13 (on the pillar 10 side) and the nodal cavity part 32 (on the node member 30 side) are connected to each other. As described above, the nodal cavity part 32 is connected to the external space through the outer shell hole 33. Therefore, a junction path 80 is formed from the external space to the through hole 13 via the outer shell hole 33, the nodal cavity part 32, and the junction hole 81.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the base unit 40. Here, the base unit 40 has a box-shaped structure formed by welding some steel plates, and includes a door 41. The internal space of the base unit 40 can be accessed through the door 41. The base unit 40 is connected (for example, by welding) to the pillar 10 in such a way that an end of the pillar 10 penetrates the upper surface of the base unit 40 and appears on the inner side. Therefore, the through hole 13 and the space inside the base unit 40 are connected to each other. This means that the internal space of the base unit 40 is connected to the junction path 80.

With the above-described configuration, the cable 51 extending from the equipment 50 attached to the upper part of the pillar 10 can pass through the inside of the multifunctional pole 1 to reach the internal space of the base unit 40 via the junction path 80. Therefore, the most part of the cable 51 is not visible from the outside, which is preferable in terms of appearance. Further, if the internal space of the base unit 40 stores a device (e.g., a power supply device, a communication device, etc.), a variety of work can be done through the door 41, resulting in easier maintenance.

In this configuration, the cable 51 is exposed to the outside from the equipment 50 to the outer shell hole 33 of the node member 30. However, as shown in FIG. 6, when the cable 51 is arranged along the notch 14, the cable 51 is hidden by the notch 14 and cannot be seen from the outside. This further improves the aesthetic appearance.

In the embodiments described and illustrated above, the groove part 12 is provided in the facing surface 11 of each pillar 10. However, the same effect can be obtained as long as the groove part 12 is provided in the facing surface 11 of at least one of the plurality of pillar 10.

4. Other Configuration Examples
4-1. Number of Pillars Constituting Multifunctional Pole

In the configuration of the multifunctional pole 1 shown so far, the pillar 10 has the groove parts 12 on two surfaces, and the number of the pillars is four. However, the number of the pillars 10 is not limited to a specific number as long as it is plural. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a configuration with four of pillar 10 and two of pillars 10A can be adopted. The pillar 10A includes the groove part 12 on three surfaces.

4-2. Shapes of Groove Part and Fixing Member

FIG. 9 shows another configuration example of the groove part 12. Here, the groove part 12 locally has an opening part 12A where the narrow part 12a does not exist. In this case, the fixing member 20 can be inserted into the groove part 12 from the opening part 12A, instead of sliding in from an end of the groove part 12. Providing the opening part 12A improves efficiency of attaching, detaching, or replacing of the bracket 60.

The fixing member 20 can be placed in the groove part 12 by being rotated with a certain dimensional condition. In the example of FIG. 10A, a height 20c of the fixing member 20 (in the U-axis direction) is smaller than the narrow part 12a of the groove part 12. If the second part 20b of the fixing member 20 is narrower than the wide part 12b of the groove part 12 by a certain amount or more, the fixing member 20 can rotate on the UT plane in the groove part 12. Therefore, the fixing member 20 is inserted into the groove part 12 so that the T-axis direction is parallel to the Z-axis direction and is rotated in the groove part 12, whereby the fixing member 20 can be placed in the groove part 12. In this case, the fixing member 20 can be inserted into the groove part 12 without sliding in from the end of the groove part 12, and thus the efficiency of the attaching and replacing work of the bracket 60 is improved.

Further, even when the fixing member 20 is too large to rotate in the groove part 12, the fixing member 20 can be rotated by cutting off a part of the fixing member 20 in an arc shape or an obtuse angle shape. For example, when the fixing member 20 is rotated in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 10B, the corners 20d and 20e are likely to interfere with the outer edge of the groove part 12. In the figure, the corners 20d and 20e are cut off to form arc shapes so as to avoid the interference between the fixing member 20 and the outer edge of the groove part 12. Thus, the height 20c of the fixing member 20 can be increased as compared with the case described in the previous paragraph. This increases the contact area between the fixing member 20 and the pillar 10, and thus the fixing member 20 can withstand a larger load.

4-3. Example of Configuration for Attaching a Bracket

The bracket 60 may be attached to only one groove part 12 or may be attached over the groove part 12 of a plurality of pillars 10. Further, one bracket 60 may be connected to the same groove part 12 at a plurality of positions.

FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 show some examples of mounting arrangements for the bracket 60. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the bracket 60 ranges over two of the pillar 10 and is connected at two positions per one groove part 12. In the example shown in FIG. 12, two of the bracket 60 are attached to one pillar 10 and bolted together. The bracket 60 depicted in FIG. 13 is connected to a pair of the groove part 12. With these configurations, multifunctional pole 1 can support the equipment 50 even though it is too heavy to support with the limited number of connections.

MULTIFUNCTIONAL POLE

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Priority Claims (1)