Trough for branch, curved trough, connection structure for trough for branch, trough line, fixing structure for trough for branch, fixing structure for curved trough, and connection method for cable protective member to trough for branch

Abstract

To provide a trough for branch, a curved trough, etc., which is easily fixed to a foundation by an anchor bolt, etc., even in a case, e.g., where an installation target ground is a slope.SOLUTION: A trough 1 for branch mainly consists of side plates 7 forming both side faces and a bottom plate 5 forming a bottom face. Both the side plates 7 are erected so as to enclose the bottom plate 5, a cross section is substantially U-shaped and the trough has a substantially T-shaped planar view. In openings 15a of both ends of a main stem 9 in a length direction, female joint structures 23a for connecting cable protective members are formed. Similarly, in an opening 15b of a front end of a branch 11, a female joint structure 23b for connecting a cable protective member is formed. A longitudinal rib 21 of a bent part 17 of the side plate 7 is available also as an inside longitudinal rib of the female joint structure 23a. On rear faces of the main stem 9 and the branch 11, a hollow columnar protrusion 27 protruding downward from the bottom plate 5 is formed at a predetermined position in the space as mentioned above.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a branching trough and a bent trough having an approximately T-shape inside which a cable is laid, a connection structure for a branching trough in which these are used, a trough line, a fixing structure for a branching trough, a fixing structure for a bent trough, and a method for connecting a cable protection member to a branching trough. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, various structures have been proposed for laying cables used for transmitting electric power, etc. For example, a trough line has been proposed in which a resin trough is provided and a cable is laid inside the trough.

[0003] As an example of a trough used in such a trough line, a trough for laying a branch cable has been proposed, which includes a trough body having a notch on the side and a branch trough with one end joined to correspond to the notch (Patent Document 1). The trough of Patent Document 1 has a long groove on the cut surface of the notch, and the joint surface with the notch of the branch trough is closed by a gate plate removably attached to the long groove.

[0004] Also, a trough for laying a branch cable has been proposed, characterized in that it is formed integrally with a trough body having an opening on the side and a branch trough with one end facing and joined to the opening (Patent Document 2). Unlike the trough in Patent Document 1, the trough in Patent Document 2 is not structured with each part divided, but is formed integrally.

[0005] Also, a trough has been proposed that uses corner members to easily assemble the bottom plate and sides of a U-shaped gutter on-site, thereby reducing the volume during storage (Patent Document 3). The trough in Patent Document 3 uses plastic materials to achieve a lightweight structure, and by providing holes in the side walls in advance, it becomes easy to branch out. In addition, by using recycled materials for some or all of the plastic material, it is possible to suppress increases in cost.

[0006] Also, a cable trough has been proposed in which concave connection parts are formed at both ends of the body of a directional trough, and the concave connection parts of adjacent troughs are connected by a U-shaped connecting member (Patent Document 4). The trough of Patent Document 4 can be curved to either the left or right side or branched by using the base end and tip end of the body upside down. Therefore, there is no need to prepare two types of troughs, one for right bending (for right branching) and one for left bending (for left branching).

[0007] Also, a trough connection part has been proposed into which a substantially cylindrical cable protection material that houses and protects various cables can be inserted and connected (Patent Document 5). In Patent Document 5, the main body of the trough connection part, which is a cable protection material connection part that is placed at the connection part of the cable protection material, is formed into a hollow box shape by combining a synthetic resin body and an upper cover. In addition, inner and outer ribs that serve as cutting guidelines are provided on the side wall surface of the main body of the trough connection part, and an opening corresponding to the connected cable protection material is cut and formed along the inner and outer ribs. The cable protection material can be inserted into this opening for connection.

[0008] Also, a curved trough having male joint structures at both ends has been proposed (Patent Document 6). The curved trough of Patent Document 6 can be connected to each other by fitting the male joint structure at the end of the trough with a female joint structure provided at the end of another trough. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 61-98328 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 61-982329 [Patent Document 3] JP 2005-245186 A [Patent Document 4] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 6-5334 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 6-024321 [Patent Document 6] US2020 / 0277739 A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] However, Patent Documents 1 to 6 do not disclose that the upper part of the bent part has a horizontal rib connecting both sides of the bent part, and that the opposing bent parts also serve as vertical ribs, and that the upper part of the bent part is reinforced by providing a horizontal rib and that the horizontal rib is provided as a trough fixing metal attachment part. Furthermore, there is no disclosure that the bent part also serves as the inner vertical rib of the female joint structure. In addition, none of the troughs has a structure for fixing the trough to the installation ground.

[0011] Furthermore, in order to stably fix a conventional trough to, for example, a slope, it is necessary to directly drill holes in the bottom of the trough and fasten the bottom plate with bolts. However, drilling holes in the bottom plate of the trough and fastening it with bolts may cause cracks or deformation in the bottom of the trough. This has led to problems such as the difficulty of stably fixing the trough to a slope.

[0012] Usually, an external rib is provided on the outer surface of the trough side plate for reinforcement on the outside of the straight trough. This is to ensure strength while taking advantage of the thin and lightweight characteristics that are particularly characteristic of plastic troughs. However, when an external rib protruding outward is provided on the side plate of the protruding part of a branch trough or the curved part of a curved trough, the rib structure of the protruding external rib has a greater impact on the outside than in the case of a straight trough, and for example, the rib may be damaged during work or a worker may trip over the rib and fall. In addition, there is a higher risk of damaging the rib due to flying objects caused by natural disasters such as typhoons compared to the case of a straight trough, because flying objects are more likely to hit the rib and the energy of the collision is more likely to concentrate on the rib part. In this regard, there has been a demand for the development of a branch trough or curved trough that is thin and lightweight, has a simple structure without ribs protruding outward from the contour line connecting the curved parts of the side plate, has a structure that can be stably fixed to an unstable ground surface, and has excellent connectivity as a connecting member, but such a trough does not exist.

[0013] A first feature of the present invention is to provide a branched trough or a curved trough having a structure in which a side plate of a trough is provided with a folded portion having vertical ribs formed at a predetermined distance from each other, and a horizontal rib is provided at the top of the folded portion of the side plate so as to connect the vertical ribs of each of the folded portions formed at a predetermined distance from each other, thereby forming a reinforcing structure for the side plate of the trough and the horizontal rib also serves as a fixing metal fitting attachment portion for attaching a fixing metal fitting. As a result, the structural strength of the trough can be ensured without providing a vertical rib on the outside of the side plate of the curved portion of the branched trough or curved trough, and therefore there is no need to provide a vertical rib on the outside of the curved portion of the side plate. In addition, the vertical rib of the bent portion located near the opening of the trough is formed so as to also serve as the inner vertical rib of the female joint structure, which not only increases the structural strength of the trough side plate but also simplifies the structure of the branch trough and bent trough.

[0014] The present invention has a second feature in addition to the first feature. The second feature of the present invention aims to provide a branch trough, a curved trough, etc., which has a hollow columnar protrusion as a bolt fixing rib structure that can be easily fixed to the ground with an anchor bolt, etc., even when the ground to be installed is sloped, etc., and has excellent installability. With such a structure, even if the bottom plate is fixed with a bolt, the tightening load of the bolt is received by the hollow columnar protrusion formed on the back surface of the trough bottom plate, so that even if the bottom plate is thinned, it can be fixed without deformation or cracking. Furthermore, since a space can be secured on the back surface of the bottom plate, the trough can be fixed even if there are some obstacles or unevenness in the ground, or the ground is a slope. Furthermore, since the bottom plate can be thinned, it is possible to reduce the weight and it is easy to stably hold the cable on the trough including the trough connection part.

[0015] The present invention has a third feature in addition to the first and second features. The third feature is that by attaching a male-male conversion connection adapter or an end plate to the female part of the branch trough, it is possible to obtain a connection structure with a variety of troughs and electric conduits. Specifically, this makes it possible to obtain a variety of connection structures with linear troughs of the same structure, bent troughs, small diameter troughs, independent corrugated electric conduits with circular cross sections, square electric conduits with rectangular cross sections, spiral corrugated electric conduits with circular cross sections, etc.

[0016] Furthermore, by using the connection structure of the third feature, it is possible to obtain inventions such as a trough line in which a plurality of linear troughs of a predetermined length are connected to a branching trough, or a trough line in which a curved trough or a shielding plate is connected to the branching trough. Also, by fixing the hollow columnar protrusions of the branching trough or the curved trough with anchor bolts, it is possible to obtain a fixing structure of these troughs to asphalt or concrete ground. Finally, it is possible to obtain inventions of connection methods for obtaining various connection structures of cable protection members to the branching troughs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the first invention is A branching trough having a U-shaped cross section, the branching trough including side plates forming both side surfaces and a bottom plate forming a bottom surface, the side plates standing up to surround the bottom plate, The bottom plate is generally T-shaped in plan view, and is composed of a generally rectangular main trunk and a branch portion formed on one long side of the main trunk in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the main trunk, the branch portion gradually narrowing in diameter in a generally arc shape and extending therefrom, The side plate is formed by a straight portion formed on one long side of the trunk portion and a curved portion forming an outer edge of the branch portion that extends in a substantially arc-like shape with a reduced diameter, The opening at the tip of the branch portion and the opening at both longitudinal ends of the main trunk portion each have a female joint structure having a similar structure, The female joint structure is formed into a pair of substantially U-shaped structures facing each other in a plan view, each of which has substantially parallel vertical ribs spaced a predetermined distance from each other, A horizontal rib is formed on the upper portion of the bent portion of the side plate, the horizontal rib also serving as a fixing metal fitting attachment portion for attaching a fixing metal fitting for attaching a lid so as to connect the vertical ribs of each of the bent portions formed at a predetermined distance from each other, This branch trough is characterized in that no vertical rib is provided on the outer side of the side plate of the approximately arc-shaped bent portion.

[0018] In addition, in the branching trough of the present invention, the female joint structures formed at the openings at both ends of the main trunk are female joint structures formed so as to extend inward in a direction perpendicular to the straight portion of the side plate of the main trunk and the side plate of the curved portion, Furthermore, the female joint structure formed at the opening at the tip of the branch portion is a female joint structure formed to extend inward in a direction perpendicular to the bent portion, The bending portions formed in the main trunk and the branching portion may be branching troughs formed so as to also serve as inner vertical ribs of the respective female joint structures provided at the ends of the openings of the main trunk and the branching portion.

[0019] Here, in the branching trough of the present invention, the female joint structures formed at both longitudinal ends of the main trunk are such that one approximately U-shaped structure is provided at the end of the straight section, and the other approximately U-shaped structure is formed at the end of the curved section connected to the branch section. However, since both are formed in an approximately rectangular area of ​​the main trunk, the pair of approximately U-shaped structures formed at the ends of the straight section and the curved section, respectively, are taken as the female joint structures of the main trunk. In contrast, the female joint structure formed at the opening at the tip of the branch section is taken as the female joint structure on the branch section side. In the branch trough of the present invention, the bent portion is formed by bending both sides of the side plate at a predetermined position of the straight portion of the trunk portion or the curved portion connected to the branch portion so that the bent portion protrudes inward. In this case, the bent portion does not mean the entire inward protruding portion including the bent portions on both sides, but the bent portion on one side.

[0020] The bottom plate surface of the female joint structure is formed at a predetermined height lower than the bottom plate surface of a portion other than the female joint structure, The foot portion of the side plate of the female joint structure is formed to protrude from the back surface of the bottom plate at a predetermined height, and the bottom plate is supported by the foot portion at a predetermined height above the ground surface, thereby forming a space on the back surface of the bottom plate, A hollow columnar protrusion is formed at a predetermined position of the space formed on the rear surface of the trunk portion and the branch portion, the hollow columnar protrusion protruding downward from the bottom plate by a predetermined height, a top surface of the hollow columnar protrusion is either closed by the bottom plate or open; The hollow columnar protruding portion may be a branch trough formed as at least one anchor bolt fixing portion.

[0021] On the back surface of the bottom plate of the branching trough having an approximately T-shape, a plurality of bottom reinforcement ribs of a predetermined length may be formed parallel to each other, connecting the two from positions each shifted a predetermined distance from the longitudinal center of the straight side plate of the main trunk portion toward the opening of the branching portion extending opposite thereto.

[0022] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the shape of the female joint structure of the opening of the branching trough is such that ribs are formed on both sides of the side plate at the opening end of the side plate and at a location a predetermined distance from the opening end, and the vertical ribs on both sides of the side plate are formed to face each other. In this way, since the female joint structure formed at the opening is a rib structure, it is possible to obtain the effect of reinforcing the end of the branching part of the side plate.

[0023] In addition, the side plate is formed with a bent portion, and the bending and compressive strength of the side plate can be increased by the bent portion and the horizontal rib arranged there. Furthermore, since the bent portion also serves as a vertical rib, the reinforcing effect of the vertical rib formed at the end of each opening can be increased. Furthermore, the vertical rib forming the bent portion formed near each end of the main trunk portion and the branch portion also serves as the substantially parallel inner vertical rib of the female joint structure formed at each opening. Therefore, it is necessary to form only the outer vertical rib without forming other inner vertical ribs, and the structure of the branch trough can be simplified. At the same time, since the upper part of the vertical rib is supported by the horizontal rib, this vertical rib has the effect of reinforcing the female joint structure.

[0024] Furthermore, the vertical ribs on the inside of the side panels formed at and near both ends of the bent portion, and the horizontal ribs connecting the vertical ribs, both have the effect of reinforcing the side panels at the bent portion. In this way, the bent portion of the side panels, the horizontal ribs, and the vertical ribs are integrally formed with the horizontal ribs in between, resulting in a multiplicity of reinforcing effects. The horizontal ribs not only reinforce the vertical ribs, but can also be used as mounting points for fastening metal fittings to secure the trough lid.

[0025] Here, the fixing bracket mounting parts are formed between the bent parts formed near both ends of the main trunk side and spaced apart by a predetermined distance, and the outer ribs formed near the bent parts, and are formed to connect the bent parts extending in a substantially arc-like shape with a reduced diameter on both sides of the branch part and spaced apart by a predetermined distance. In this case, only two fixing brackets for fixing the trough lid may be attached at diagonal positions on the main trunk side and the branch part side, or a total of four fixing brackets may be attached around the entire circumference, two on the main trunk side and two on the branch part side. In addition, the fixing bracket mounting parts are provided with bolt mounting holes, so that the trough lid may be fixed with bolts.

[0026] In addition, a hollow columnar protrusion that protrudes downward from the bottom surface may be provided on the back surface of the bottom plate of the branch trough. The hollow columnar protrusion functions as a bolt fixing structure, so that the anchor bolt can be fixed to the bolt fixing structure on a road surface such as asphalt or concrete or an inclined surface in addition to a normal gravel surface or ground, and installation is possible regardless of the ground condition of the installation site.

[0027] In addition, forming a hollow columnar protrusion in the branching trough has the effect of reinforcing the thin bottom plate, and even if a hole is drilled in the thin bottom plate, the branching trough is supported by the hollow columnar protrusion, so that microcracks do not occur in the holed portion of the bottom plate. In addition, since the load caused by the bolt tightening when the anchor bolt is fixed is received by the hollow columnar protrusion, deformation of the bottom plate and the occurrence of microcracks can be prevented compared to the case where an anchor bolt fixing hole is provided directly in the bottom plate. In addition, since a thin bottom plate is present above the hollow columnar protrusion and the inside of the columnar protrusion is hollow, it is easy to drill holes in the bottom plate, and it is possible to make the height of the cable storage portion of the other trough connected to the branching trough approximately the same.

[0028] In this case, the bottom plate surface of the female joint structure formed in the branching trough may be formed a predetermined height lower than the bottom plate surface of the portion other than the female joint structure. In this way, when the male joint structure of another trough is overlapped and connected to the female joint structure of the branching trough, the level of the upper surface position of the cable storage section at the bottom of the branching trough can be matched to the height of the bottom and cable storage section of the male joint structure of the other trough that is connected. As a result, the cable is arranged approximately horizontally in the trough, and it is possible to prevent the cable from being arranged at an angle and excess tension being applied to the cable.

[0029] Also, the side plate may protrude from the back surface of the bottom plate at a predetermined height to form a foot portion, and the foot portion may support the bottom plate at a predetermined height above the ground surface. In this case, a space can be formed on the back surface of the bottom plate. For example, normally, when there is no need for ground adjustment, the bottom plate can be lowered, but when the ground is uneven, lowering the bottom plate interferes with the bottom surface of the branching trough, causing problems in installation. However, since the bottom plate is separated from the ground by a predetermined height, it is possible to suppress the influence of unevenness in the ground when installing the branching trough, and leveling and compaction of the ground are unnecessary or can be reduced, improving the ease of installation. Also, since the bottom plate is installed slightly higher than the ground, it is easy to install the cable when connecting it to another trough, etc.

[0030] Furthermore, by forming a bottom surface reinforcing rib on the rear surface of the bottom plate at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the hollow columnar protrusion, the bottom plate can be reinforced more efficiently.

[0031] The second invention is A curved trough having a U-shaped cross section, the trough being made up of side plates forming both side surfaces and a bottom plate forming a bottom surface, and the side plates standing upright so as to surround the bottom plate, The bottom plate has a curved portion at a predetermined angle in a predetermined direction in a plan view, and the side plate on both sides of the side plate forming the inner curved portion and the side plate forming the outer curved portion rise up to form a curved portion having a substantially arc shape toward the upper side so as to surround the curved portion of the bottom plate, A generally U-shaped opening is formed at each end of the side plate, At the ends of the openings at both ends of the side plates and in the vicinity of the ends of the openings at both ends, substantially parallel vertical ribs are formed at both sides of the curved portion of each of the side plates, the vertical ribs extending inward in a direction perpendicular to the curved portion and spaced apart by a predetermined distance from each other, thereby forming a pair of substantially U-shaped female joint structures facing each other in a plan view and having the vertical ribs, The side plates of the inner curved portion and the outer curved portion are formed with bent portions, each of which functions as a vertical rib protruding inward, at a predetermined position near the opening and at a predetermined position intermediate the bent portion, the bent portions being spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance; A horizontal rib is formed on the upper portion of the bent portion, which also serves as a vertical rib, at a predetermined distance from each other at a predetermined position near the opening of the side plate and at a predetermined position between the bent portion and the side plate, to which a fixing metal fitting for attaching a lid can be attached so as to connect the vertical ribs to each other; The bend trough may be such that the transverse ribs of the outer bend are longer than the transverse ribs of the inner bend, and no longitudinal ribs are provided on the outside of each of the side plates forming the inner and outer bends.

[0032] In addition, the bent trough of the present invention has another female joint structure similar to the openings at both ends of the side plate formed at a predetermined position in the middle of the bent portion that is a predetermined distance away from one end of the bent portion and in the vicinity of the predetermined position in the middle of the bent portion, The bent portion provided at a predetermined position near the opening may be a bent trough that also serves as an inner vertical rib of the female joint structure near the opening, and the bent portion formed at a predetermined position in the middle of the bent portion may be a bent trough that also serves as an inner vertical rib of the other female joint structure. Furthermore, the bent trough may be a bent trough in which a groove having a predetermined length in the width direction of the trough is formed at approximately the center of the surface of the bottom plate of the female joint structure that is approximately U-shaped and faces each other in a plan view.

[0033] In the present invention, the bent portion is formed by bending the curved inner portion and the curved outer portion at a predetermined position of each bent portion to protrude inward. In this case, the bent portion does not mean the entire inward protruding portion including the bent portions on both sides, but means the bent portion on one side of each bent portion.

[0034] The bottom plate surfaces of the female joint structures formed at least at both ends of the bent portion are formed to be lower by a predetermined height than the bottom plate surfaces of the portions other than the female joint structures, The foot portion of the side plate of the female joint structure is formed to protrude from the back surface of the bottom plate at a predetermined height, and the bottom plate is supported by the foot portion at a predetermined height above the ground surface, thereby forming a space on the back surface of the bottom plate, a hollow columnar protrusion protruding downward from the bottom plate by a predetermined height is formed at a predetermined position of the space created by the inner curved portion and the outer curved portion formed on the back surface of the bottom plate; The top surface of the hollow columnar protrusion is closed by the bottom plate or is open; The hollow columnar protrusion is formed as at least one anchor bolt fixing portion, The curved trough may be characterized in that a groove having a predetermined length in the width direction of the trough is formed at approximately the center of the surface of the bottom plate of the female joint structure which is approximately U-shaped and faces each other in a planar view.

[0035] The outer longitudinal ribs of the other female joint structure formed at a predetermined position between one end of the bent portion formed at both ends of the trough and the other end spaced a predetermined distance from the other end and at a predetermined position in the vicinity of the other female joint structure are formed substantially parallel to each other at a predetermined height in a direction perpendicular to the bottom plate so as to extend inward from the side plate, The inner curved portion and the outer curved portion may be cut along the longitudinal rib so as to connect the outer surface of the longitudinal rib and the inner curved portion, which are formed so as to be perpendicular to the curve that forms the curved portion, to each other, and the inner curved portion may have a curved trough structure having a smaller curve angle than the curve angle before cutting. Therefore, the curved trough structure can be cut out by cutting as necessary.

[0036] According to the second invention, as in the first invention, as the shape of the female joint structure of the opening of the curved trough, ribs that are approximately parallel to each other are formed on both sides of the side plate at the opening end of the side plate and at a site at a predetermined distance from the opening end toward the inside, and a pair of approximately U-shaped female joint structures are formed so that the vertical ribs on both sides of the side plate face each other. In this way, since the female joint structure formed at the opening is a rib structure, it is possible to obtain the effect of reinforcing the end of the side plate. In addition, since the same female joint structure is formed on both ends of the curved part, it can be used whether the curved part is bent to the left or to the right. On the other hand, if the joint structures on both ends are not the same, that is, one is a female joint structure and the other is a male joint structure, the joint structures to be connected differ depending on the bending direction, and therefore they cannot necessarily be used in the same way.

[0037] In addition, the side panels are formed with bent portions, and the bending and compressive strength of the side panels can be increased by the bent portions and the horizontal ribs arranged therein. Furthermore, the vertical ribs on the inside of the side panels, which are formed at both ends of the bent portion and at a predetermined position in the middle of the bent portion, and the horizontal ribs connecting the vertical ribs, both have the effect of reinforcing the side panels at the bent portions. In this way, the bent portions of the side panels, the horizontal ribs, and the vertical ribs are integrally formed with the horizontal ribs in between, so that the reinforcing effect is multiplied.

[0038] In addition, the vertical ribs formed in the bent portion also serve as the generally parallel inner vertical ribs of the female joint structure formed in each opening or at a predetermined position in the middle of the bent portion. Therefore, it is necessary to form only the generally parallel vertical ribs of the generally U-shaped female joint structure provided in the opening or bent portion, and the structure of the branch trough can be simplified. In addition, since the upper part of the vertical rib is supported by the horizontal rib, it has the effect of reinforcing the female joint structure. Furthermore, there is no need to provide reinforcing vertical ribs on the outside of the two side plates of the inner bent portion and the outer bent portion, and the horizontal ribs reinforce the vertical ribs and can also be used as mounting parts for fixing fittings to fix the trough cover.

[0039] Here, the fixing bracket mounting parts are provided at approximately the centers of the horizontal ribs provided at the mutually opposing bent parts of the two side plates of the inner bent part and the outer bent part, so as to face each other while sharing a center line as the center of curvature, and the fixing brackets can be attached. Also, the fixing bracket mounting parts are provided with bolt mounting holes, so that the trough lid may be fixed with bolts.

[0040] In addition, a hollow columnar protrusion that protrudes downward from the bottom surface may be provided on the back surface of the bottom plate of the curved trough. The hollow columnar protrusion functions as a bolt fixing structure, so that an anchor bolt can be fixed to the hollow columnar protrusion on a road surface such as asphalt or concrete or an inclined surface in addition to a normal gravel surface or ground, and installation is possible regardless of the ground condition of the installation site.

[0041] In this case, the bottom plate surface of the female joint structure formed at both ends of the bent portion and / or the bottom plate surface of the female joint structure formed at a predetermined position in the middle of the bent portion may be formed a predetermined height lower than the bottom plate surface of the male joint structure or the trough storage portion, which are parts other than the female joint structure.

[0042] By doing this, even in the case of a normal curved trough or a curved trough with a small cut bend, when the female joint structure of the curved trough is overlapped and connected to the male joint structure of another trough, the height can be adjusted to match the top surface position level of the bottom of the curved trough with the height of the male joint structure and cable storage section of the other trough that is connected to it, and as a result, the cable is positioned approximately horizontally within the trough, preventing the cable from being positioned at an angle and excess tension being applied to the cable.

[0043] In addition, forming the hollow columnar protrusion has the effect of reinforcing the thin bottom plate, and even if a hole is drilled in the thin bottom plate, microcracks do not occur in the hole processing part of the bottom plate. In addition, since the load caused by the bolt tightening when the anchor bolt is fixed is received by the hollow columnar protrusion, deformation of the bottom plate and the occurrence of microcracks can be prevented compared to the case where an anchor bolt fixing hole is directly provided in the bottom plate. In addition, since a thin bottom plate is present on the upper part of the hollow columnar protrusion and the inside of the columnar protrusion is hollow, it is easy to drill holes in the bottom plate, and it is possible to make the height of the cable storage part of the other trough connected to the branch trough approximately the same. Therefore, it is possible to prevent excess tension from acting on the cable arranged in the bent trough and the other trough.

[0044] In addition, the side plates protrude from the back surface of the bottom plate at a predetermined height to form a foot portion, and the bottom plate is supported by the foot portion at a predetermined height above the ground surface. This allows a space to be formed on the back surface of the bottom plate. For example, when there is no need for ground adjustment, the bottom plate can usually be lowered, but when the ground is uneven, lowering the bottom plate interferes with the bottom surface of the curved trough, causing problems in installation. However, since the bottom plate of the curved trough at a predetermined height is separated from the ground, it is possible to suppress the influence of unevenness in the ground when installing the curved trough, and since leveling and compaction of the ground are unnecessary or can be reduced, the laying ability is improved. In addition, since the bottom plate is installed slightly higher than the ground, it is easy to install the cable when connecting it to another trough, etc.

[0045] In addition, the female joint structures on both sides of the side plate can be used to sandwich male joint structures of other troughs, other connecting members, end plates, etc. to form a curved trough connection structure. In this case, a groove is provided at the bottom of the female joint structure, and the bottom tip of the end plate is inserted into this groove, so that the end plate can be fixed more stably and the end plate can be prevented from rotating in the width direction. In addition, when a half-split end plate is used, the same effect can be obtained by inserting the upper end plate into the recess of the lower end plate.

[0046] In addition to the openings at both ends, parallel ribs for forming a female joint structure are also formed at a predetermined position in the middle of the bend. In other words, a bent trough with a small bend angle may be built into the entire bend trough. Therefore, it can be cut along the outside of the parallel ribs of the female joint structure at a predetermined position in the middle of the bend and used. In other words, by cutting at the end of the built-in female joint structure, a female joint structure can be formed at the cut part, so it can be used as a bent trough with a bend angle smaller than the bend angle before cutting. In addition, at this time, the vertical rib at a predetermined position in the middle of the bend can be used as a mark for the cutting position when cutting. Here, it is preferable that the bottom plate of the female joint structure formed at a predetermined position in the middle of the bend of the trough with a small bend angle as described above is also formed lower than the cable storage part.

[0047] The third invention is a connection structure for a branching trough and a straight trough according to the first invention, characterized in that a male joint structure of a straight trough of a predetermined length and having approximately the same cross-sectional dimensions as the trough body is connected to the female joint structure of at least one of the openings of the branching trough having an approximately T-shape.

[0048] The first invention may also provide a connection structure for a branching trough and a straight trough, characterized in that the female joint structure of at least one of the openings of the branching trough having an approximately T-shape is connected to the female joint structure of a straight trough of a predetermined length and having approximately the same cross-sectional dimensions as the trough body via a male-male conversion connection adapter.

[0049] The present invention may also be a connection structure between a branch trough according to the first invention and a curved trough according to the second invention, characterized in that the female joint structure formed in an opening at one end of the curved trough is connected to the female joint structure of at least one opening of the branch trough having an approximately T-shape via a male-male conversion connection adapter.

[0050] The first aspect of the present invention also provides a connection structure for a branch trough and a small diameter trough, characterized in that a rectangular end plate wider than the distance between the opposing vertical ribs of the female joint structure is inserted into the female joint structure of at least one opening of the branch trough, which has an approximately T-shape, and the end plate is approximately U-shaped with an opening of a predetermined size formed either below or above, and a male joint structure of the small diameter trough is arranged in the opening of the end plate, and a flange portion of the male joint structure of the small diameter trough is fitted into the opening of the end plate as a slip-out prevention structure to connect the male joint structure of the small diameter trough to be fixed to the end plate.

[0051] The first invention may also provide a connection structure between a branching trough and a conduit, in which the conduit connected to the branching trough having a substantially T-shape has an independent wave structure, and the conduit is either an independent wave conduit having a small diameter portion with a circular cross section, or a rectangular conduit having a large diameter portion with a rectangular cross section and a small diameter portion with a circular cross section alternately formed, and an end plate having a half structure and capable of being divided into upper and lower parts is arranged in the female joint structure of the opening of either of the branching troughs having a substantially T-shape, and the end plate has openings at positions facing each other when divided, and the small diameter portion of the conduit is sandwiched between the openings of the end plate to fix the conduit to the end plate. In this case, even if a pulling force is applied to the connected conduit, the large diameter portion of the conduit abuts against the end plate, so that the conduit will not come off.

[0052] In addition, a connection structure between a branching trough and an electric conduit according to a first invention is provided, in which the electric conduit connected to the branching trough having a substantially T-shape is an electric conduit having a spiral wave structure with a circular cross section, and the connection structure includes an inner connection member having a cylindrical portion with a circular cross section having a spiral groove that can be fitted to the inner circumferential surface of the electric conduit and a flange portion formed at an end of the cylindrical portion, and an outer connection member having a cylindrical portion with a circular cross section having a spiral groove that can be fitted to the outer circumferential surface of the electric conduit and a flange portion formed at an end of the cylindrical portion, and the inner connection member the cylindrical portion of the outer connection member is screwed onto the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the conduit, respectively, and attached to the end of the conduit, the outer connection member is positioned further back from the end of the conduit than the inner connection member, an end plate having an opening through which the conduit can be inserted is positioned in the female joint structure of the opening, and the conduit is fixed by sandwiching the end plate between a flange portion of the inner connection member and a flange portion of the outer connection member.

[0053] In the third invention, a groove having a predetermined length in the width direction of the trough may be formed at approximately the center of the surface of the bottom plate, which is the bottom of the mutually opposing, approximately U-shaped female joint structures, and a protrusion that can fit into the groove may be provided at the bottom tip of the end plate.

[0054] According to the third invention, by positioning the male joint structure of the trough so as to drop from above into the approximately parallel space created by the ribs of the female joint structure of the branching trough, a straight trough can be directly connected to the opening of the branching trough.

[0055] In addition, by using a male-male conversion connection adapter, the female joint structure of the branching trough can be connected opposite the female joint structure of another straight trough or curved trough.

[0056] In addition, by using an end panel having an approximately U-shaped rectangular shape with an opening of a predetermined size formed below or above the center, it is possible to connect a small diameter linear trough and a branching trough.

[0057] In addition, by using an end plate that can be separated into upper and lower parts and has an opening of a specified size, both an independently corrugated, circular cross-sectional conduit and a rectangular conduit having a large diameter section and a small diameter section can be connected to the branch trough.

[0058] In addition, the branching trough and the helical wave conduit can be connected by attaching an inner connecting member having a flange portion and an outer connecting member having a flange portion to the end of the helical wave conduit and sandwiching an end plate fixed to the opening of the branching trough between both flange portions.

[0059] The fourth invention is a trough line using the connection structure of a branching trough related to the third invention, characterized in that a trough line in which multiple straight troughs of a predetermined length are connected is connected to another opening of the branching trough having an approximately T-shape, and a male joint structure arranged at one end of the connection structure of multiple connected straight troughs is connected to the female joint structure of the other opening, or a female joint structure arranged at the other end of the connection structure of multiple connected straight troughs is connected via a male-male conversion connection adapter, and inside the branching trough, a cable is arranged to have either a branch structure or a bent structure, and further a trough cover is placed over it.

[0060] A curved trough having female joint structures at both ends is arranged via a male-male conversion connection adapter in at least a part of a trough line of either a straight trough connecting structure having a male joint structure at one end or a straight trough connecting structure having a female joint structure at the other end, and inside the branching trough, a cable is arranged to have either a branch structure or a curved structure, and further a trough cover is placed on it.

[0061] The cable arranged in the trough forming the trough line may have only a bent structure within the branching trough, and further, the cable may be arranged on one side of the mutually opposing openings and a shielding plate may be arranged on the other side, and the cable may be inserted through the opening of the remaining branch section.

[0062] The cables arranged in the troughs forming the trough line may have only a bent structure within the branching trough, and further, cables may be arranged on one side of the openings of the branching troughs facing each other and at an opening of the branching section, and a shielding plate may be arranged on the other side of the openings of the branching troughs facing each other.

[0063] According to the fourth invention, it is possible to obtain a trough line connected to other troughs such as a straight trough, a curved trough, a small diameter trough, or various electric conduits as the branching trough. In this case, it is possible to obtain a trough line having a cable branching structure, or by providing a shielding plate, it is possible to obtain a trough line having only a curved structure without a cable branching structure.

[0064] The fifth invention is a fixing structure for a branch trough according to the first invention, characterized in that the hollow columnar protrusion protruding downward from the back surface of the bottom plate at a predetermined height is formed as an anchor bolt fixing portion at a predetermined position near approximately the center of the boundary between the main trunk portion and the branch portion, the hollow columnar protrusion has a hollow cylindrical structure, and the branch trough having an approximately T-shape is fixed to the asphalt or concrete ground by inserting and tightening an anchor bolt into the hollow portion of the hollow cylindrical structure.

[0065] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the branch trough can be reliably fixed to the ground, for example, on a slope, by fixing the hollow columnar protrusion to the ground with an anchor bolt. In this case, the thin bottom plate can be reinforced by the hollow columnar protrusion, so that the occurrence of cracks in the bottom plate can be suppressed.

[0066] The sixth invention is a fixing structure for a curved trough related to the second invention, characterized in that the hollow columnar protrusion that protrudes downward from the back surface of the bottom plate at a predetermined height is formed as an anchor bolt fixing portion, the hollow columnar protrusion has a hollow cylindrical structure, and the curved trough is fixed to asphalt or concrete ground by inserting an anchor bolt into the hollow portion of the hollow cylindrical structure and tightening it.

[0067] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, similarly to the branch trough fixing structure, the curved trough can be reliably fixed to the ground by using the hollow columnar protrusions and anchor bolts to fix the curved trough to the ground, even on a slope, for example. In this case, the hollow columnar protrusions can reinforce the thin bottom plate, so that the occurrence of cracks in the bottom plate can be suppressed.

[0068] A seventh aspect of the present invention is a method for connecting a cable protection member to a branching trough according to the first aspect of the present invention, In the female joint structure, the vertical ribs having a predetermined height are formed so as to extend inwardly and vertically from the side plate so as to face each other in a direction perpendicular to the inside at an end of at least one of the three openings of the branching trough and at a position in the vicinity of the end of the opening and spaced a predetermined distance from the end of the opening, This method of connecting a cable protection member to a branching trough comprises fixing a flange portion of the male joint structure of the trough directly to the space formed by the vertical ribs in which both end faces are approximately parallel, fixing a female joint structure of the trough via a male-male conversion connection adapter, fixing a flange portion of the male joint structure of a small diameter trough via an end plate, fixing by sandwiching a small diameter portion of an independent wave conduit having a circular or rectangular cross section between the end plate, or fixing by screwing an inner connecting member and an outer connecting member to the end of a helical wave conduit via an end plate and sandwiching the end plate between the flange portion of the inner connecting member and the flange portion of the outer connecting member.

[0069] According to the seventh invention, it becomes possible to connect various cable protection members to the female joint structure of the branching trough via the end plate. Here, the seventh invention can be applied to troughs of other structures as long as the female joint structure is the same as that of the seventh invention, so that a method for connecting a cable protection member to a curved trough or a straight trough can be obtained, although this application does not particularly specify it. Effect of the Invention

[0070] The present invention makes it possible to obtain a lightweight, thin-walled branching trough or curved trough which has the characteristic that, by providing a bent portion through an ingenious design of the trough side plate, the structural strength of the trough is improved without providing a vertical rib on the outside of the trough side plate, and which simultaneously serves as a reinforcing structure for the horizontal rib portion connecting the vertical rib of the bent portion of the side plate to the female joint structure and the bent portion, and also serves as a structure for fixing the trough lid.

[0071] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a branching trough, a bent trough, etc., which can be easily fixed to the ground with anchor bolts and into which cables can be easily laid, even when the ground to be installed is uneven or sloped, etc. Furthermore, by fixing the hollow columnar protrusions of the branching trough or the bent trough with anchor bolts, it is possible to obtain a fixing structure for these troughs to asphalt or concrete ground.

[0072] In addition, by attaching a male-male conversion connection adapter or end plate to the female joint structure of the branching trough, it is possible to obtain various connection structures between the branching trough and other troughs or electric conduits, and connection methods for realizing these connection structures. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a trough line in which a plurality of linear troughs of a predetermined length are connected using this connection structure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0073] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view showing the branch trough 1 and the trough cover 3. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Figure 3A]FIG. [Figure 3B] FIG. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a hollow columnar protrusion 27, showing the state before a hole is drilled. [Figure 4B] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the hollow columnar protrusion 27, showing the state after a guide hole has been drilled into the bottom plate. [Figure 4C] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a hollow columnar protrusion 27, showing the state after a through hole has been drilled in the hollow columnar protrusion. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a branch trough fixing structure 40. [Figure 6A] 13A and 13B are bottom views of other branching troughs 1. [Figure 6B] 13A and 13B are bottom views of other branching troughs 1. [Figure 7] 4 is a top perspective view showing the curved trough 41 and the trough lid 43. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9A] FIG. [Figure 9B] 4 is a bottom view of the curved trough 41. FIG. [Figure 10] 13 is a bottom perspective view of another curved trough 41. FIG. [Figure 11A] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a hollow columnar protrusion 67, showing the state before a hole is drilled. [Figure 11B] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the hollow columnar protrusion 67, showing the state after a guide hole has been drilled into the bottom plate. [Figure 11C] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a hollow columnar protrusion 67, showing the state after a through hole has been drilled in the hollow columnar protrusion. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 shows a curved trough fixing structure 40a. [Figure 13A] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the curved trough 41 before cutting. [Figure 13B] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the curved trough 41 after cutting. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the angle of the curved trough 41. [Figure 15A] 1 is a diagram showing a state before a branch trough 1 and a straight trough 81 are connected to a trough connection structure 90. FIG. [Figure 15B] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a trough connection structure 90 in which a branch trough 1 and a straight trough 81 are connected. [Figure 16] 4 is an enlarged view of the trough connection structure 90. FIG. [Figure 17A] 13 is a diagram showing a state before a branch trough 1 and a straight trough 81 are connected to a trough connection structure 90a. FIG. [Figure 17B] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing a process of constructing a trough connection structure 90a that connects a branch trough 1 and a straight trough 81. [Figure 18A] 1 is an enlarged view showing a state before a branch trough 1 and a straight trough 81 are connected to a trough connection structure 90a. FIG. [Figure 18B] 1 is an enlarged view showing a trough connection structure 90a that connects a branch trough 1 and a straight trough 81. FIG. [Figure 19A] 13 is a diagram showing a state before the branch trough 1 and the curved trough 41 are connected to the trough connection structure 90b. FIG. [Figure 19B] 13 is a diagram showing a trough connection structure 90b in which a branch trough 1 and a curved trough 41 are connected. FIG. [Figure 20A] 13 is a diagram showing a state before the branch trough 1 and the small diameter trough 87 are connected to the trough connection structure 90c. FIG. [Figure 20B] 13 is a diagram showing a trough connection structure 90c in which a branch trough 1 and a small diameter trough 87 are connected. FIG. [Figure 21A] FIG. [Figure 21B] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the male joint structure 83a of the small diameter trough 87. [Figure 22A] 13 is a diagram showing a state before a branch trough 1 and a rectangular electric conduit 101 are connected to a trough connection structure 90d. FIG. [Figure 22B] 13 is a diagram showing a trough connection structure 90d in which a branch trough 1 and a rectangular electric conduit 101 are connected. FIG. [Figure 23A] 9 is an enlarged view of an end plate 93a before a branch trough 1 and a rectangular electric conduit 101 are connected to a trough connection structure 90d. FIG. [Figure 23B] 13 is an enlarged view of an end plate 93a in a trough connection structure 90d in which a branch trough 1 and a rectangular electric conduit 101 are connected. FIG. [Figure 24A] 13 is a diagram showing a trough connection structure 90e in which a branch trough 1 and an independent wave conduit 101a are connected. FIG. [Figure 24B] 13 is an enlarged view of an end plate 93a of a trough connection structure 90e in which a branch trough 1 and an independent wave conduit 101a are connected. FIG. [Figure 25A] 13 is a diagram showing a state before an inner connection member 97a and an outer connection member 97b are fixed to a helical wave conduit 101b. FIG. [Figure 25B] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which only an outer connection member 97b is connected to a helical wave conduit 101b. [Figure 25C] 13 is a diagram showing a state in which both an inner connection member 97a and an outer connection member 97b are connected to a helical wave conduit 101b. FIG. [Figure 26] 13 is a diagram showing a trough connection structure 90f in which a branch trough 1 and a helical wave conduit 101b are connected. FIG. [Figure 27] FIG. [Figure 28A] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the trough line 100 with the trough cover removed. [Figure 28B] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the trough line 100 with a trough lid placed thereon. [Figure 29A] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the trough line 100a with the trough cover removed. [Figure 29B] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the trough line 100a with a trough lid placed thereon. [Figure 30A] FIG. [Figure 30B] A diagram showing the trough line 100c. [Diagram 31] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0074] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is an upper perspective view showing a branching trough 1 and a trough cover 3, Fig. 2 is a lower perspective view of the branching trough 1, Fig. 3A is a plan view of the branching trough 1, and Fig. 3B is a bottom view of the branching trough 1. The branching trough 1 is mainly composed of side plates 7 forming both side surfaces and a bottom plate 5 forming the bottom surface, both side plates 7 standing up to surround the bottom plate 5, and is a trough having a substantially U-shaped cross section and a substantially T-shaped plan view.

[0075] The branching trough 1 and the trough lid 3 are made of, for example, resin and are molded by press molding or injection molding. The branching trough 1 is covered with the trough lid 3 before use. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the trough lid 3 is not shown.

[0076] As shown in Figure 3A etc., the bottom plate 5 is formed as an integral plate member comprising a substantially rectangular main trunk 9 and a branch section 11 formed to extend from one long side of the main trunk 9 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the main trunk 9, facing the long side of the main trunk 9. That is, the bottom plate 5 is substantially T-shaped in a plan view, and the branching trough 1 has the main trunk 9 and the branch section 11. The branch section 11 is formed to extend from one long side of the main trunk 9 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the main trunk 9, gradually reducing in diameter in a substantially arc shape.

[0077] The side plate 7 is formed along the outer shape of the bottom plate 5. That is, the side plate 7 is formed with a straight portion formed on one long side of the main trunk portion 9, and a curved portion 13 that forms the outer edge of the branch portion 11 that extends in a substantially arc-like shape with a reduced diameter.

[0078] The branching trough 1, which is substantially T-shaped, opens in three directions. That is, two openings 15a of a predetermined width are formed symmetrically at both longitudinal ends of the main trunk 9, and further, an opening 15b separate from the two openings 15a of the main trunk 9 and substantially perpendicular to the two openings 15a of the main trunk 9 is formed at the tip of the branching section 11.

[0079] A female joint structure 23a for connecting a cable protection member described later is formed in each of the openings 15a at both longitudinal ends of the main trunk 9. The female joint structure 23a has parallel vertical ribs 21 spaced a predetermined distance apart. Similarly, a female joint structure 23b for connecting a cable protection member described later is formed in the opening 15b at the tip of the branch section 11. The female joint structure 23b has parallel vertical ribs 21 spaced a predetermined distance apart. In other words, the female joint structure 23b at the end of the branch section 11 has the same structure as the female joint structure 23a having parallel vertical ribs 21 in the openings 15a formed at both longitudinal ends of the main trunk 9.

[0080] More specifically, near openings 15a at both longitudinal ends of main trunk 9, a pair of generally U-shaped female joint structures 23a are formed, each having generally parallel vertical ribs 21 spaced a predetermined distance apart and extending inward in a direction perpendicular to side plate 7 of the straight section and side plate 7 of the curved section of main trunk 9. In addition, near openings 15b at the tip of branch section 11, generally parallel vertical ribs 21 spaced a predetermined distance apart and extending inward in a direction perpendicular to the curved section, forming a generally U-shaped configuration in plan view with the vertical ribs 21 facing each other, forming a pair of generally U-shaped female joint structures 23b separate from female joint structure 23a formed at opening 15a of main trunk 9.

[0081] That is, the female joint structure 23a has vertical ribs 21 of a predetermined height provided substantially parallel to each other at the end of each opening 15a and at a position near the end of the opening 15a spaced a predetermined distance from the end of the opening 15a. The vertical ribs 21 are formed to extend from the opposing side plates 7 inwardly to each other in a direction perpendicular to the side plates 7 so as to face each other, thereby forming a substantially U-shaped shape facing each other in a plan view. Similarly, the female joint structure 23b has vertical ribs 21 of a predetermined height provided substantially parallel to each other at the end of the opening 15b and at a position near the end of the opening 15b spaced a predetermined distance from the end of the opening 15b. The vertical ribs 21 are formed to extend from the opposing side plates 7 inwardly to each other in a direction perpendicular to the side plates 7 so as to face each other, thereby forming a pair of substantially U-shaped shapes facing each other in a plan view. In this way, the female joint structure 23b at the tip of the branch portion 11 has a structure similar to the female joint structures 23a formed at both ends of the main trunk portion 9 in the longitudinal direction.

[0082] The bottom plate surface of the female joint structures 23a, 23b is formed at a predetermined height lower than the bottom plate surface of the portion other than the female joint structures 23a, 23b. In this way, when the male joint structure of another trough is overlapped and connected to the female joint structures 23a, 23b, the level of the upper surface position of the bottom of the other trough and the branching trough 1 can be aligned. In addition, a groove 31 having a predetermined length in the width direction of the trough is formed at approximately the center of the surface of the bottom plate 5, which is the bottom of the mutually facing substantially U-shaped female joint structures 23a, 23b. The function of the groove 31 will be described later.

[0083] Near each end of the side plate 7 of the straight portion of the main trunk 9 and the bent portion 13 of the branch portion 11 (i.e., the portion where the diameter decreases from the main trunk 9 toward the branch portion 11), bent portions 17 that protrude inward are formed at a predetermined distance from each other. The bent portions 17 are provided so as to connect the inside of the opening 15a at one end of the main trunk 9 or the inside of the opening 15a at the other end of the main trunk 9 with the inside of the opening 15b at the end of the branch portion 11. In other words, the bent portions 17 formed in the main trunk 9 are formed so as to connect the vicinity of both ends of the long sides of the main trunk 9, and the bent portions 17 formed in the bent portions are formed so as to connect the vicinity of both ends of the bent portion.

[0084] A horizontal rib 19 is formed on the upper part of the side plate 7 at the upper part of the straight portion and at the upper part of the bent portion 17 of the bent portion, which are formed at a predetermined distance from each other, to connect both ends of each bent portion 17. The horizontal rib 19 is formed in a substantially horizontal direction so as to be perpendicular to the vertical rib 21 which is provided in a substantially vertical direction. The horizontal rib 19 also serves as a fixing bracket attachment portion for attaching a fixing bracket for attaching the trough lid. In other words, when the trough lid 3 is placed on the branching trough 1, the trough lid 3 can be fixed to the horizontal rib 19 of the branching trough 1 using a fixing bracket not shown.

[0085] Each end of the bent section 17 provided to connect the inside of the opening 15a at one end of the main trunk 9 or the inside of the opening 15a at the other end of the main trunk 9 with the inside of the opening 15b at the end of the branch section 11 also serves as the inner vertical rib 21 of the female joint structures 23a, 23b provided at the ends of the openings 15a, 15b of the main trunk 9 and the branch section 11. In other words, no reinforcing vertical rib is formed on the outside of the side plate 7 of the approximately arc-shaped bent section 13.

[0086] 2 and 3B, in the female joint structures 23a and 23b, the side plate 7 protrudes at a predetermined height from the rear surface of the bottom plate 5 to form the foot 25. That is, on the bottom surface side of the branching trough 1, the foot 25 protrudes downward, and most of the bottom surface of the bottom plate 5 other than the foot 25 is located higher than the foot 25. Therefore, when the branching trough 1 is installed on the ground, the bottom plate 5 is supported by the foot 25 at a predetermined height above the ground surface, and a space is formed on the rear surface of the bottom plate 5.

[0087] A hollow columnar protrusion 27 is formed at a predetermined position in the aforementioned space on the rear surface of the main trunk 9 and the branching section 11, protruding downward from the bottom plate 5 at a predetermined height. In addition, a bottom surface reinforcing rib 29 protruding downward is provided on the rear surface of the bottom plate 5 of the branching trough 1 having a substantially T-shape at a position different from the hollow columnar protrusion 27. A plurality of bottom surface reinforcing ribs 29 of a predetermined length are formed in parallel to each other so as to connect the two from positions each shifted a predetermined distance from the center in the longitudinal direction of the linear side plate 7 of the main trunk 9 toward the opening 15b of the branching section 11 extending opposite thereto.

[0088] 4A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the hollow columnar protrusion 27. As shown in the figure, the hollow columnar protrusion 27 is substantially circular (cylindrical) and hollow at the bottom. That is, the top of the hollow columnar protrusion 27 is closed by the bottom plate 5. Also, a minute recess is formed on the top surface of the bottom plate 5 above the hollow columnar protrusion 27. For example, it is desirable that the outer diameter of the hollow columnar protrusion 27 is about 33 mm, the inner diameter (hole) is 10 mm, and the height (protruding height from the bottom surface of the bottom plate 5) is at least 8 mm or more and 30 mm or less.

[0089] In order to utilize the hollow columnar protrusion 27, first, as shown in FIG. 4B, a guide hole of a predetermined size is provided in the bottom plate 5 above the hollow columnar protrusion 27, using the above-mentioned minute recess as a mark. At this time, the guide hole provided in the bottom plate 5 is larger than the inner diameter of the hollow of the hollow columnar protrusion 27. Next, as shown in FIG. 4C, a hole of approximately the same diameter as the hollow part of the hollow columnar protrusion 27 is provided from above or below, and the upper surface side of the bottom plate 5 and the lower part of the hollow columnar protrusion 27 are communicated by a through hole. In this way, a two-stage hole of approximately the same diameter as the hollow part of the hollow columnar protrusion 27, which is smaller than the guide hole, may be provided at the lower part of the guide hole, to provide a two-stage hole, or a one-stage through hole of approximately the same diameter as the hollow part of the hollow columnar protrusion 27 may be provided without providing a guide hole.

[0090] 5 is a diagram showing a branch trough fixing structure 40 having an approximately T-shape in which the branch trough 1 is fixed to the ground surface 33 after processing in this manner. At a predetermined position of the main trunk 9, which is a predetermined distance away from the boundary between the main trunk 9 and the branch section 11, a hollow columnar protrusion 27 protruding downward from the back surface of the bottom plate 5 at a predetermined height is formed as a fixing part for the anchor bolt 37. The hollow columnar protrusion 27 has a hollow cylindrical structure, and the anchor bolt 37 is inserted into the hollow part of the hollow cylindrical structure and tightened, thereby fixing the branch trough 1 having an approximately T-shape to the ground surface 33 such as an asphalt or concrete ground.

[0091] At this time, as described above, the foot 25 protruding downward is formed at the end of the branching trough 1. Therefore, when the branching trough 1 is fixed to the ground surface 33, a space 35 can be formed between the bottom plate 5 and the ground surface 33.

[0092] As shown in Fig. 4A, when the anchor bolt fixing holes are not machined and the fixing is not performed with the anchor bolts 37, the top surface of the hollow columnar protrusion 27 is blocked by the bottom plate 5, so that it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the inside of the branching trough 1 from below. On the other hand, when the fixing is performed with the anchor bolts 37, the top surface of the hollow columnar protrusion 27 may be opened in advance. That is, the top surface of the hollow columnar protrusion 27 may be blocked by the bottom plate 5, or the top surface of the hollow columnar protrusion 27 may be open.

[0093] The shape of the hollow columnar protrusion 27 may be a substantially cylindrical shape as shown in the figure, or may be any other shape that allows the formation of an anchor bolt fixing hole, such as a substantially square column shape or a substantially polygonal shape. Also, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the hollow columnar protrusion 27 may be disposed at multiple locations. That is, it is sufficient that at least one hollow columnar protrusion 27 is provided and formed as an anchor bolt fixing portion.

[0094] FIG. 6A shows a case where three hollow columnar protrusions 27 are provided at predetermined positions of the main trunk 9 at approximately equal intervals, and a bottom reinforcing rib 29 is provided between each hollow columnar protrusion 27 so as to connect the long side of the main trunk 9 to the opening side of the branching portion 11 facing it. FIG. 6B shows an example where three hollow columnar protrusions 27 are provided linearly at approximately equal intervals at predetermined positions of the main trunk 9. FIG. 3B shows a case where a hollow columnar protrusion 27 is placed approximately in the center, and two bottom reinforcing ribs 29 are provided to sandwich it, as in the case of FIG. 6A. As described above, by appropriately combining the two to reinforce the bottom plate, it is possible to reinforce the bottom plate and at the same time to easily secure a predetermined space on the back surface of the bottom plate 5 of the trough.

[0095] Also, as can be seen by comparing FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, if a plurality of hollow columnar protrusions 27 are provided, it is usually possible to obtain both the effect of fixing holes for anchor bolts and the effect of reinforcing the bottom surface. Although a bottom surface reinforcing rib 29 may be provided in addition to the hollow columnar protrusions 27, providing a plurality of hollow columnar protrusions 27 at a predetermined distance increases the selectability of anchor bolt fixing positions, and at the same time, by fixing the bolts at a plurality of positions, the branch trough 1 can be firmly fixed. Also, since a larger amount of space without obstacles can be secured on the back surface of the trough than if a bottom surface reinforcing rib 29 were also provided, it is preferable to provide a plurality of hollow columnar protrusions 27. In this case, a short rib having a bent structure may or may not be provided only near the end of the side plate 7 as shown in the figure. The hollow columnar protrusion occupies a smaller length and area than the bottom reinforcing rib, making it easier to install. It also increases the options for anchor bolt fixing positions, and by fixing with bolts in multiple places, the branch trough 1 can be firmly fixed.

[0096] Next, the curved trough will be described. Fig. 7 is an upper perspective view showing the curved trough 41 and the trough cover 43, Fig. 8 is a lower perspective view of the curved trough 41, Fig. 9A is a plan view of the curved trough 41, and Fig. 9B is a bottom view of the curved trough 41. The curved trough 41 mainly consists of side plates 47 forming both sides and a bottom plate 45 forming the bottom surface, and both side plates 47 stand up so as to surround the curved portion of the bottom plate 45, and the cross section is approximately U-shaped. Note that the curved trough 41 and the trough cover 43 are also made of, for example, resin, like the branching trough 1, and are molded by press molding or injection molding.

[0097] As shown in Fig. 9A etc., the bottom plate 45 has a curved portion at a predetermined angle in a predetermined direction in a plan view. The curved portion is composed of an inner curved portion 59 that forms the inside of the curve, and an outer curved portion 61 that forms the outside of the curve. The side plate 47 that forms the inner curved portion 59 so as to surround the curved portion of the bottom plate 45, and the side plate 47 on both sides of the side plate 47 that forms the outer curved portion 61 rise up from the curved portion of the bottom plate 45 to form a curved portion having a substantially arc shape. An approximately U-shaped opening 49 is formed at both ends of the side plate 47 that forms the inner curved portion 59 and the side plate 47 that forms the outer curved portion 61.

[0098] At the ends of the openings 49 at both ends of the side plates 47 and at predetermined positions near the ends of the openings 49 at both ends, substantially parallel vertical ribs 55 are formed on both sides of the curved portion of each side plate 47, extending inward in a direction perpendicular to the curved portion and spaced apart by a predetermined distance from each other. This forms a pair of substantially U-shaped female joint structures 57a facing each other in a plan view having the vertical ribs 55. In the female joint structures 57a, the vertical ribs 55 are formed facing inward from the opposing side plates 47 in a direction perpendicular to the curved portion. In other words, the female joint structures 57a form a pair of substantially U-shaped structures facing each other in a plan view.

[0099] A pair of mutually opposing substantially U-shaped female joint structures 57b are formed at a predetermined position in the middle of the bent portion spaced a predetermined distance from one end of the bent portion and in the vicinity of the predetermined position in the middle of the bent portion, similar to the openings 49 at both ends of the side plate 47. The female joint structures 57b formed at a predetermined position in the middle of the bent portion have substantially parallel vertical ribs 55 of a predetermined height formed inwardly from each of the opposing side plates 47 perpendicular to the bent portion so as to face each other at a predetermined position in the middle of the bent portion spaced a predetermined distance from one end of the bent portion and in the vicinity of the predetermined position in the middle of the bent portion.

[0100] As described above, the side plate 47 forms a substantially arc-shaped curved portion that forms the outer curved portion 61 and the inner curved portion 59. The side plate 47 of the inner curved portion 59 and the outer curved portion 61 has bent portions 51 that also serve as inwardly protruding vertical ribs 55 formed at a predetermined distance from each other at a predetermined position near the opening 49 and a predetermined position in the middle of the bent portion. The bent portions 51 are provided so as to connect the opening 49 at one end of the bend trough 41 to a predetermined position in the middle of the bent portion. That is, the bent portion 51 provided at a predetermined position near the opening 49 also serves as the inner vertical rib 55 of the female joint structure 57a near the opening 49, and the bent portion 51 formed at a predetermined position in the middle of the bent portion also serves as the inner vertical rib 55 of another female joint structure 57b.

[0101] Horizontal ribs 53 are provided at both ends of the upper part of the bent portion 51, which also serves as the vertical rib and is formed at a predetermined distance from a predetermined position near the opening 49 of the side plate 47 and a predetermined position in the middle of the bent portion. The horizontal rib 53 is formed to connect the inner vertical rib 55 of the female joint structure 57a and the inner vertical rib 55 of the female joint structure 57b formed at a predetermined position in the middle of the bent portion. That is, the horizontal rib 53 is formed to connect the vertical ribs 55 formed at both ends of the bent portion 51. A fixing metal fitting for attaching the trough lid 43 can be attached to the horizontal rib 53. In this way, the horizontal rib 53 also serves as a fixing metal fitting attachment portion for attaching the fixing metal fitting for attaching the trough lid, so that when the trough lid 43 is placed on the bent trough 41, the trough lid 43 can be fixed to the horizontal rib 53 of the bent trough 41 using a fixing metal fitting not shown.

[0102] The horizontal ribs 53 are formed in a substantially horizontal direction so as to be perpendicular to the vertical ribs 55 that are provided in a substantially vertical direction. Both ends of the horizontal ribs 53 of the inner curved portion 59 and both ends of the horizontal ribs 53 of the outer curved portion 61 are disposed on the same center line from the center of curvature of the curved portion. That is, the horizontal ribs 53 of the outer curved portion 61 are formed longer than the horizontal ribs 53 of the inner curved portion 59. Also, there is no need to provide a reinforcing vertical rib on the outside of each of the side plates 47 that form the inner curved portion 59 and the outer curved portion 61. In this case, since both the vertical ribs 55 of the inner curved portion and the vertical ribs 55 of the outer curved portion are formed on the same center line, the width between the vertical ribs 55 of the substantially U-shaped opening on the outer curved portion 61 side that forms a pair of substantially U-shaped female joint structures 57a is larger than the width between the vertical ribs 55 of the substantially U-shaped opening on the inner curved portion 59 side that faces it.

[0103] The bottom plate surface of the female joint structure 57a formed at least at both ends of the bent portion is formed at a predetermined height lower than the bottom plate surface of the portion other than the female joint structure 57a. In this way, when the male joint structure of another trough is overlapped and connected to the female joint structure 57a, the level of the upper surface position of the bottom of the other trough and the bent trough 41 can be aligned. In addition, a groove 63 having a predetermined length in the width direction of the trough is formed in the approximate center of the surface of the bottom plate 5, which is the bottom of a pair of approximately U-shaped female joint structures 57a facing each other in a plan view. The function of the groove 63 will be described later.

[0104] 8 and 9B, in the female joint structure 57a, the side plate 47 protrudes at a predetermined height from the rear surface of the bottom plate 45 to form the foot portion 65. That is, on the bottom surface side of the curved trough 41, the foot portion 65 protrudes downward, and most of the bottom surface of the bottom plate 45 other than the foot portion 65 is located higher than the foot portion 65. Therefore, when the branching trough 1 is installed on the ground, the bottom plate 45 is supported by the foot portion 65 at a predetermined height above the ground surface, and a space is formed on the rear surface of the bottom plate 45.

[0105] In FIG. 8, a hollow columnar protrusion 67 is formed at a predetermined position in the space created by the inner curved portion 59 and the outer curved portion 61 on the back surface of the bottom plate 45, protruding downward from the bottom plate 45 at a predetermined height. Also, only one or more hollow columnar protrusions 67 may be formed on the back surface of the bottom plate 45 as necessary, or in addition, a bottom reinforcing rib 69 connecting the inner curved portion 59 and the outer curved portion 61 may be formed on the back surface of the bottom plate 45. The bottom reinforcing rib 69 is formed along a direction toward the center of curvature of the inner curved portion 59 and the outer curved portion 61. In this case, the bottom reinforcing rib 69 may be formed so as to sandwich the hollow columnar protrusion 67 on the same straight line including the hollow columnar protrusion 67, or may be formed at a predetermined distance.

[0106] 10, a plurality of hollow columnar protrusions 67 may be disposed. In the illustrated example, the hollow columnar protrusions 67 are provided on the back surface of the bottom plate 45 at the center in the width direction between the bent portion 51 of the inner bent portion 59 of the side plate 47 and the bent portion 51 of the outer bent portion 61, and on the back surface of the bottom plate 45 at the center in the width direction between a female joint structure 57b provided in the middle of a bent portion a predetermined distance away from one end of the side plate 47 and a female joint structure 57a provided at the other end of the bent portion.

[0107] In this case, if multiple hollow columnar protrusions 67 are provided, it is usually possible to obtain both the effect of fixing holes for the anchor bolts and the effect of reinforcing the bottom surface. In addition to the hollow columnar protrusions 67, bottom surface reinforcing ribs 69 may also be provided, but providing multiple hollow columnar protrusions 67 at a specified distance increases the selectability of the anchor bolt fixing positions, and at the same time, by fixing with bolts at multiple points, the branch trough 1 can be firmly fixed. In addition, it is preferable to provide a plurality of hollow columnar protrusions 67, since this allows a larger amount of space free of obstacles to be secured on the rear surface of the trough than if the bottom surface reinforcing rib 69 were also provided. In this case, a short rib with a bent structure may or may not be provided on the end of the side plate only in the vicinity of the end of the side plate.

[0108] 11A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the hollow columnar protrusion 67. As shown in the figure, the hollow columnar protrusion 67 is substantially circular (cylindrical) and hollow at the bottom. That is, the top of the hollow columnar protrusion 67 is closed by the bottom plate 45. Also, a minute recess is formed on the top surface of the bottom plate 45 above the hollow columnar protrusion 67. For example, it is desirable that the outer diameter of the hollow columnar protrusion 67 is about 33 mm, the inner diameter (hole) is 10 mm, and the height (protruding height from the bottom surface of the bottom plate 45) is at least 8 mm or more and 30 mm or less.

[0109] In order to utilize the hollow columnar protrusion 27, as in the branching trough 1 described above, first, as shown in FIG. 11B, a guide hole of a predetermined size is provided in the bottom plate 45 above the hollow columnar protrusion 67, using the above-mentioned minute recess as a mark. At this time, the guide hole provided in the bottom plate 45 is larger than the inner diameter of the hollow of the hollow columnar protrusion 67. Next, as shown in FIG. 11C, a hole of approximately the same diameter as the hollow part of the hollow columnar protrusion 67 is provided from above or below, and the upper surface side of the bottom plate 45 and the lower part of the hollow columnar protrusion 67 are communicated by a through hole. The hollow columnar protrusion 67 can be provided as a two-stage hole, but it can also be a one-stage through hole of approximately the same diameter as the hollow part of the hollow columnar protrusion 67 without providing a guide hole.

[0110] 12 is a diagram showing a curved trough fixing structure 40a in which the curved trough 41 is fixed to a ground surface 71 after being processed in this manner. A hollow columnar protrusion 67 that protrudes downward from the back surface of the bottom plate 45 at a predetermined height is formed as a fixing portion for an anchor bolt 75. The hollow columnar protrusion 67 has a hollow cylindrical structure, and the curved trough 41 is fixed to a ground surface 71 such as an asphalt or concrete ground by inserting the anchor bolt 75 into the hollow portion of the hollow cylindrical structure and tightening it.

[0111] In this case, as mentioned above, a foot portion 65 that protrudes downward is formed at the end of the curved trough 41, so that when the curved trough 41 is fixed to the ground surface 71, a space 73 is formed between the bottom plate 45 and the ground surface 71.

[0112] 11A, when the fixing is not performed using the anchor bolts 75, the top surface of the hollow columnar protrusion 67 is blocked by the bottom plate 45, so that it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the inside from below the curved trough 41. On the other hand, when the fixing is performed using the anchor bolts 75, the top surface of the hollow columnar protrusion 67 may be opened in advance. That is, the top surface of the hollow columnar protrusion 67 may be closed by the bottom plate 45, or the top surface of the hollow columnar protrusion 67 may be open.

[0113] The shape of the hollow columnar protrusion 67 may be a substantially cylindrical shape as shown in the figure, or may be any other shape that allows the anchor bolt fixing hole to be formed, such as a substantially square column shape or a substantially polygonal shape. The hollow columnar protrusion 67 may be disposed in multiple locations. That is, it is sufficient that at least one hollow columnar protrusion 67 is provided and formed as an anchor bolt fixing portion.

[0114] Next, an example of a method of using the curved trough 41 will be described. Fig. 13A is a plan view of the curved trough 41. As described above, the curved trough 41 has a female joint structure 57b formed in the middle of the curved portion, in addition to the female joint structures 57a formed in the openings 49 at both ends. That is, vertical ribs 55 are formed at a predetermined height in a direction perpendicular to the bottom plate 45 so as to extend inward from the side plate 47 and are approximately parallel to each other at a predetermined position near the bent portion 51 at a predetermined position between one end of the curved portion of the curved trough 41 and the other end at a predetermined distance, thereby forming the female joint structure 57b.

[0115] The outer vertical rib 55 of the female joint structure 57b is formed to be substantially parallel to each other at a predetermined height in a direction perpendicular to the bottom plate 45 so as to extend inward from the side plate 47, and is cut along the vertical rib 55 so as to connect the outer side surfaces of the vertical rib 55 of the inner curved portion 59 and the outer curved portion 61 formed so as to be perpendicular to the curve forming the curved portion (line A in the figure). By cutting in this manner, as shown in Figure 13B, it can be used as a curved trough 41 having a bending angle smaller than the bending angle before cutting. In other words, the curved trough 41 before cutting has a built-in structure of a curved trough having a bending angle smaller than the bending angle before cutting, which can be obtained by cutting.

[0116] The curved trough 41 cut in this manner has the female joint structure 57a formed at the opening 49 before cutting formed at one end, and the female joint structure 57b formed at a predetermined position in the middle of the curved part before cutting formed at the other end. In other words, since the female joint structures 57a, 57b are formed at both ends of the curved shape, other troughs, etc. can be connected to each end and used in the same way as the curved trough 41 before cutting.

[0117] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the bending angle of such a bent trough 41. For example, when the bending angle (θ1 in the figure) of the bent portion connecting the openings 49 at both ends of the bent trough 41 before cutting is 45°, the bending angle (θ2 in the figure) after cutting is 30°. When the bending angle (θ1 in the figure) of the bent portion connecting the openings 49 at both ends of the bent trough 41 before cutting is 60°, the bending angle (θ2 in the figure) after cutting is 45°. When the bending angle (θ1 in the figure) of the bent portion connecting the openings 49 at both ends of the bent trough 41 before cutting is 90°, the bending angle (θ2 in the figure) after cutting is 60°. In this way, the bending angle can be adjusted by cutting. Also, as described above, even if the bent trough 41 has a small bending angle after cutting, it can be connected to other troughs, etc., because it has female joint structures 57a, 57b at both ends. In this case, it goes without saying that the angle from the opening end of the bend trough 41 to the female joint structure 57b formed at a predetermined position in the middle of the bent portion must be set to 60°, 45°, or 30° depending on the above angle before cutting.

[0118] Next, a trough connection structure using a branching trough 1 will be described. Figures 15A and 15B are diagrams showing a connection process of a connection structure (trough connection structure 90) of a branching trough 1 having a substantially T-shape and a linear trough 81. The linear trough 81 has a male joint structure 83 at one end and a female joint structure 85 at the other end. A plurality of linear troughs 81 are arranged in the longitudinal direction, and the male joint structure 83 of one adjacent linear trough 81 is connected by dropping it from above the female joint structure 85 of the other adjacent linear trough 81, so that the female joint structure 85 and the male joint structure 83 can be fitted together.

[0119] In the trough connection structure 90, as shown in Fig. 15A, the female joint structure 23a at the opening 15a of the branching trough 1 and the male joint structure 83 of the straight trough 81 are arranged opposite each other, and the male joint structure 83 of the straight trough 81 in Fig. 15B is dropped into the female joint structure 23a of the branching trough 1, thereby connecting the branching trough 1 and the straight trough 81. Here, the lateral ribs 19 of the branching trough 1 can be used as fitting attachment parts, but as shown in the figure, they can also be provided at only two locations diagonally between the main trunk 9 and the bent section 13. Similarly, they can be provided at four locations on all lateral ribs 19, two locations on the main trunk 9 and two locations on the branching section 11. In the drawings numbered from Figure 16 onwards, for simplicity, metal fitting attachment portions are shown formed at only two diagonal points, but it is not necessarily intended to form the metal fitting attachment portions at two diagonal points. Metal fitting attachment portions may be attached at only two points in the bend portion 13, or metal fitting attachment portions may be formed at all four points in the cross rib 19, and all of these cases are included.

[0120] FIG. 16 is a partially enlarged view of the trough connection structure 90. As described above, the female joint structure 23a is formed by vertical ribs parallel to each other. The male joint structure 83 has a flange portion whose end is widened, and the flange portion fits between the vertical ribs of the female joint structure 23a to connect the two. The straight trough 81 may be connected to the opening 15b of the branching section 11 instead of the opening 15a of the main trunk 9 of the branching trough 1. In this way, in the trough connection structure 90, the male joint structure 83 of the straight trough 81 having a predetermined length and having substantially the same cross-sectional dimensions of the trough body is connected to the female joint structures 23a and 23b of at least one opening 15a and 15b of the branching trough 1 having a substantially T-shape.

[0121] Next, a description will be given of another trough connection structure using the branching trough 1. Figures 17A and 17B are diagrams showing a connection process of a connection structure (trough connection structure 90a) between a branching trough 1 having a substantially T-shape and a linear trough 81.

[0122] In the trough connection structure 90a, as shown in Fig. 17A, the female joint structure 23a at the opening 15a of the branching trough 1 and the female joint structure 85 of the straight trough 81 are arranged to face each other. That is, the female joint structures of the branching trough 1 and the straight trough 81 face each other. Here, as shown in Fig. 17B, the female joint structures of the branching trough 1 and the straight trough 81 arranged to face each other are connected by a male-male conversion connection adapter 91.

[0123] 18A is an enlarged view of the female joint structure 23a of the branching trough 1 and the female joint structure 85 of the linear trough 81 arranged opposite each other. As described above, each female joint structure 23a, 85 is formed into a substantially U-shape by parallel vertical ribs. That is, the U-shaped portions of each female joint structure 23a, 85 are arranged side by side, with the openings facing each other.

[0124] As shown in Fig. 18B, in this embodiment, a male / female conversion connection adapter 91 is used. The male / female conversion connection adapter 91 has a shape in which the center in the thickness direction is cut out at both ends in the width direction. In other words, both ends in the width direction of the male / female conversion connection adapter 91 are roughly U-shaped and open outward in a plan view.

[0125] The male-male conversion connection adapter 91 may have a flat plate-like structure with approximately U-shaped openings opening outward at both ends, or an approximately U-shaped folded structure, with approximately U-shaped, approximately parallel mating portions having a notch in the center and an approximately U-shaped cutout portion opening outward, which matingly engages with two opposing female joint structures.

[0126] The male-male conversion connection adapter 91 is disposed so as to straddle the female joint structure 23a of the branching trough 1 and the female joint structure 85 of the straight trough 81, and the female joint structure 23a and the female joint structure 85 can be connected by fitting the vertical ribs of the female joint structure 23a and the female joint structure 85 into the central cutout of the male-male conversion connection adapter 91. In this manner, in the trough connection structure 90a, the female joint structure 85 of the straight trough of a predetermined length and having substantially the same cross-sectional dimensions of the trough body is connected to the female joint structures 23a, 23b of at least one opening 15a, 15b of the branching trough 1 having a substantially T-shape via the male-male conversion connection adapter 91.

[0127] Next, a description will be given of another trough connection structure using the branching trough 1. Figures 19A and 19B are diagrams showing a connection process of a connection structure (trough connection structure 90b) between a branching trough 1 having a substantially T-shape and a curved trough 41.

[0128] 19A, in the trough connection structure 90b, the female joint structure 23a at the opening 15a of the branching trough 1 and the female joint structure 57a of the bent trough 41 are disposed opposite each other. That is, the female joint structures of the branching trough 1 and the bent trough 41 face each other.

[0129] In this embodiment, as in the trough connection structure 90a described above, a male-male conversion connection adapter 91 is used. The male-male conversion connection adapter 91 is arranged to straddle the female joint structure 23a of the branching trough 1 and the female joint structure 57a of the bent trough 41, and the female joint structure 23a and the female joint structure 57a can be connected by fitting the vertical ribs of the female joint structure 23a and the female joint structure 57a into the cutout portion in the center of the male-male conversion connection adapter 91. In this way, in the trough connection structure 90b, the female joint structure 57a formed in the opening 49 at one end of the bent trough 41 is connected to the female joint structures 23a and 23b of at least one opening 15a and 15b of the branching trough having a substantially T-shape via the male-male conversion connection adapter 91. In addition, the male-male conversion connection adapter 91 may be one in which two opposing female joint structures are fitted into a cutout portion in the center of a cross section of an approximately U-shaped configuration in which the outer sides of the approximately U-shaped, approximately parallel, straight portions are open outward.

[0130] Next, a description will be given of another trough connection structure using the branching trough 1. Figures 20A and 20B are diagrams showing a connection process of a connection structure (trough connection structure 90c) between a branching trough 1 having a substantially T-shape and a small diameter trough 87.

[0131] The small diameter trough 87 is a straight trough with approximately the same cross-sectional shape as the linear trough 81 described above, and has a male joint structure 83a at one end and a female joint structure 85a at the other end. As described above, the small diameter troughs 87 can be connected to each other by linking their male joint structures 83a and female joint structures 85a. On the other hand, the small diameter trough 87 has a smaller width and height than the linear trough 81. For this reason, the female joint structure 23a of the branching trough 1 and the male joint structure 83a of the small diameter trough 87 cannot be directly connected.

[0132] Therefore, in this embodiment, an end plate 93 is used. FIG. 21A is a front view of the end plate 93. The end plate 93 is substantially U-shaped with an opening 95 of a predetermined size (width B in the figure) formed either on the lower or upper side. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 21B, in the male joint structure 83a of the small diameter trough 87, the width of the flange portion at the tip is D, and the width on the inner side is configured as width C smaller than the width D of the flange portion. In this case, since the respective dimensions are configured as D>B>C, by inserting the end plate 93 into the width C portion of the male joint structure 83a of the small diameter trough 87, the flange portion of the wide male joint structure 83a is engaged by the end plate 93.

[0133] 20B, in the trough connection structure 90c, the male joint structure 83a of the small diameter trough 87 is disposed in the opening 95 of the end plate 93, and the flange portion of the male joint structure 83a of the small diameter trough 87 is fitted into the opening 95 of the end plate 93 as a retaining structure to be connected. In this manner, the male joint structure 83a of the small diameter trough 87 is fixed to the end plate 93. Here, even if a pulling force is applied to the small diameter trough 87, the male joint structure 83a abuts against the end plate 93, so that the small diameter trough 87 will not come off from the branch trough 1.

[0134] The end plate 93 is a rectangular shape wider than the distance between the opposing vertical ribs 21 of the female joint structures 23a, 23b of at least one opening 15a, 15b of the branching trough 1 having a substantially T-shape. Therefore, when the end plate 93 is inserted between the vertical ribs of the female joint structures 23a, 23b, the end plate 93 is fixed to the female joint structures 23a, 23b. It is preferable that the thickness of the end plate 93 is such that the end plate 93 does not rotate obliquely from the opening 15a when placed in the female joint structure 23a of the opening 15a. Even if the end plate has a shape in which the lower side of the center of the end plate is open as shown in FIG. 21A, it is preferable that protrusions are formed at the lower end portions on both sides of the opening of the end plate, and the protrusions can be fitted into the grooves 31 formed in the female joint structures 23a, 23b of the branching trough 1, as described later. In this way, by fitting the end plate into the groove of the female joint structure, it is possible to prevent the end plate from rotating in an oblique direction.

[0135] Next, a description will be given of a connection structure with a conduit, which is another cable protection member, using the branching trough 1. Figures 22A and 22B are diagrams showing a connection process of a connection structure (trough connection structure 90d) between a branching trough having a substantially T-shape and a conduit.

[0136] In this embodiment, the conduit connected to the branching trough 1 is a rectangular conduit 101 having an independent wave structure. The rectangular conduit 101 has large diameter portions 103 having a rectangular cross section and small diameter portions 105 having a circular cross section formed alternately. In addition, an end plate 93a having a half structure and capable of being separated into upper and lower portions is disposed in the female joint structures 23a, 23b of either of the openings 15a, 15b of the branching trough 1 having a substantially T-shape.

[0137] FIG. 23A is a front view showing the end plate 93a. As described above, the end plate 93a can be divided into upper and lower parts, and an opening 95a is formed at the part facing each other when divided. In the illustrated example, the opening 95a is semicircular, and when the divided end plates 93a are butted against each other, the opening 95a becomes substantially circular. It is preferable that the thickness of the end plate 93a is also a predetermined thickness so that the end plate 93a does not rotate obliquely from the opening 15a when placed in the female joint structure 23a of the opening 15a. As described later, it is preferable that the end plate has a protrusion formed at the lower end thereof, and the protrusion can be fitted into the groove 31 formed in the female joint structures 23a and 23b of the branching trough 1. In this way, the end plate can be prevented from rotating obliquely by fitting the end plate into the groove of the female joint structure.

[0138] The inner diameter of the substantially circular opening 95a formed at this time is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 105 of the rectangular electric conduit 101 and smaller than the outer diameter (length of a side) of the large diameter portion 103 of the rectangular electric conduit 101. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 23B, the small diameter portion 105 of the rectangular electric conduit 101 is sandwiched between the opening 95a of the end plate 93a, so that the rectangular electric conduit 101 is fixed to the end plate 93a. Here, even if a pulling force is applied to the rectangular electric conduit 101, the large diameter portion 103 abuts against the end plate 93a, so that the rectangular electric conduit 101 does not come out of the branching trough 1. Note that the number of electric conduits fixed to one end plate 93a is not necessarily one, and may be two or more.

[0139] Also, the conduit having independent waves is not limited to the rectangular conduit 101. Fig. 24A is a diagram showing a trough connection structure 90e in which a branching trough 1 and an independent wave conduit 101a are connected. The independent wave conduit 101a is similar to the rectangular conduit 101 in that large diameter portions 103 and small diameter portions 105 are alternately formed, but the cross-sectional shape of the large diameter portion 103 is circular, not rectangular. That is, in the independent wave conduit 101a, both the large diameter portion 103 and the small diameter portion 105 have a circular cross-sectional shape.

[0140] The inner diameter of the substantially circular opening 95a formed in the end plate 93a is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 105 of the independent wave conduit 101a and smaller than the outer diameter of the large diameter portion 103 of the independent wave conduit 101a. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 24B, the small diameter portion 105 of the independent wave conduit 101a is sandwiched between the opening 95a of the end plate 93a, so that the independent wave conduit 101a is fixed to the end plate 93a. Even if a pulling force is applied to the independent wave conduit 101a, the large diameter portion 103 abuts against the end plate 93a, so that the independent wave conduit 101a does not come out of the branching trough 1. In this way, in the trough connection structures 90d and 90e, a rectangular conduit 101 or an independent wave conduit 101a is fixed to the opening 95a of the end plate 93a, and the end plate 93a is fixed to the female joint structure of the branching trough 1, thereby connecting the branching trough 1 and the conduit.

[0141] Next, a description will be given of another trough connection structure using the branching trough 1. Figures 25A to 25C are diagrams showing a method for fixing an inner connection member 97a and an outer connection member 97b to an end of a helical wave conduit 101b. In this embodiment, the conduit connected to the branching trough 1 having a substantially T-shape is a helical wave conduit 101b having a helical wave structure with a circular cross section.

[0142] The inner connection member 97a has a cylindrical portion 107a with a circular cross section, the outer circumferential surface of which is formed a helical groove that can fit into the helical shape of the inner circumferential surface of the helical wave conduit 101b, and a flange portion 109a formed at the end of the cylindrical portion 107a and having an enlarged diameter. The outer connection member 97b has a cylindrical portion 107b with a circular cross section, the inner circumferential surface of which is formed a helical groove that can fit into the helical shape of the outer circumferential surface of the helical wave conduit 101b, and a flange portion 109b formed at the end of the cylindrical portion 107b and having an enlarged diameter.

[0143] First, as shown in FIG. 25B, the outer connection member 97b is attached to the end of the helical wave conduit 101b. That is, the helical wave on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 107b of the outer connection member 97b is screwed into the helical wave on the outer peripheral portion of the helical wave conduit 101b. Next, as shown in FIG. 25C, the inner connection member 97a is attached to the end of the helical wave conduit 101b. That is, the helical wave on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 107a of the inner connection member 97a is screwed into the helical wave on the inner peripheral portion of the helical wave conduit 101b. In this way, the cylindrical portions 107a and 107b of the inner connection member 97a and the outer connection member 97b are screwed into the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the helical wave conduit 101b, respectively, and the inner connection member 97a and the outer connection member 97b are attached to the end of the helical wave conduit 101b.

[0144] Here, the outer connection member 97b is disposed further from the end of the helical wave conduit 101b than the inner connection member 97a. A gap is formed between the flange portion 109b of the outer connection member 97b and the flange portion 109a of the inner connection member 97a. For example, when the cylindrical portion 107a of the inner connection member 97a is completely screwed into the inside of the helical wave conduit 101b, the size of the gap between the flange portion 109b of the outer connection member 97b and the flange portion 109a of the inner connection member 97a can be adjusted by rotating the cylindrical portion 107b of the outer connection member 97b on the outer circumference of the helical wave conduit 101b.

[0145] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a connection structure (trough connection structure 90f) between a branching trough 1 having a substantially T-shape and a helical wave conduit. An end plate 93a having an opening 95a through which the conduit can be inserted is disposed in the female joint structure 23a of the opening 15a of the branching trough 1. In this case, the inner diameter of the substantially circular opening 95a formed in the end plate 93a is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the helical wave conduit 101b and smaller than the outer diameter of the flange portion 109b of the outer connection member 97b and the flange portion 109a of the inner connection member 97a. Therefore, the end plate 93a is sandwiched between the flange portion 109a of the inner connection member 97a and the flange portion 109b of the outer connection member 97b, and the helical wave conduit 101b is fixed to the end plate 93a.

[0146] In this way, in the trough connection structure 90f, the inner connection member 97a and the outer connection member 97b are fixed to the end of the helical wave conduit 101b. Also, the helical wave conduit 101b is arranged in the opening 95a of the end plate 93a, and the end plate 93a is sandwiched between the flange portion 109a of the inner connection member 97a and the flange portion 109b of the outer connection member 97b fixed to the helical wave conduit 101b and fixed to the branch trough 1. Therefore, even if a pulling force is applied to the end plate 93a, the helical wave conduit 101b will not come out of the female joint structure 23a of the branch trough 1. Also, the end plate 93a is fixed to the female joint structures 23a and 23b of the branch trough 1, so that the branch trough 1 and the helical wave conduit 101b are connected.

[0147] As described above, each conduit and each trough may be connected to the opening 15a or 15b of the branching trough 1 having a substantially T-shape. When the end plate 93a is used, an end plate 93b as shown in Fig. 27 may be used instead of the end plate 93a so as to be more reliably fixed to the female joint structures 23a and 23b.

[0148] The end plate 93b has a structure similar to that of the end plate 93a, but a protrusion 99 is formed at the bottom tip of the lower end plate 93b. As described above, a groove 31 having a predetermined length in the width direction of the trough is formed at approximately the center of the surface of the bottom of the female joint structures 23a, 23b of the branching trough 1. Also, a groove 63 having a predetermined length in the width direction of the trough is formed at approximately the center of the surface of the bottom of the female joint structure 57a of the curved trough 41. The protrusion 99 of the end plate 93b can be fitted into the groove 31 formed in the female joint structures 23a, 23b of the branching trough 1 and the groove 63 formed in the female joint structure 57a of the curved trough 41.

[0149] In this way, by fitting the protruding portion 99 of the end plate 93b into the grooves 31 and 63, the end plate 93b can be fixed to each trough more reliably, and for example, the end plate 93b can be prevented from rotating in an oblique direction. The same effect can be obtained by forming the protruding portion 99 downward on the end plate 93 that opens upward.

[0150] As described above, by using the method of connecting the straight trough 81, the curved trough 41, the small diameter trough 87 and each electric conduit (which may be collectively referred to simply as cable protection members) to the branching trough 1 having an approximately T-shape, a connection structure between the branching trough 1 and various cable protection members can be obtained.

[0151] More specifically, at each of the three openings 15a, 15b of the branching trough 1, vertical ribs 21 of a predetermined height extend substantially parallel to each other in a vertical direction inward from the side plate 7 so as to face each other at the ends of the openings 15a, 15b and at positions a predetermined distance away from the ends of the openings 15a, 15b near the ends of the openings 15a, 15b, forming a pair of approximately U-shaped female joint structures 23a, 23b. In this case, in the female joint structures 23a, 23b formed at the end of at least one of the three openings 15a, 15b of the branching trough 1, the flange portion of the male joint structure of the trough can be fixed directly to the space whose both end faces formed by the vertical rib 21 are approximately parallel, or the female joint structure of the trough can be fixed via a male-male conversion connection adapter 91, or the small diameter portion flange portion of the male joint structure of the small diameter trough can be fixed via an end plate, or the small diameter portion of an independent wave conduit having a circular or rectangular cross section can be sandwiched between the end plate, or the end of the helical wave conduit can be fixed by screwing the inner connection member 97a and the outer connection member 97b to the end of the helical wave conduit via the end plate and sandwiching the end plate between the flange portion 109a of the inner connection member 97a and the flange portion 109b of the outer connection member 97b.

[0152] Here, in the present invention, the curved trough 41 also has female joint structures 57a, 57b using the same vertical ribs 55 as the branching trough 1, so that in the curved trough 41, as in the branching trough 1, a connection structure can be obtained between the curved trough 41 and the male joint structure 83 of the straight trough 81, the male joint structure 83 of the straight trough 81, the female joint structure 85 of the straight trough 81 via the male-male conversion connection adapter 91, the small diameter trough 87 via any of the end plates 93, 93a, 93b, and various cable protection members of each electric conduit (rectangular electric conduit 101, independent wave electric conduit 101a, helical wave electric conduit 101b).

[0153] Next, a trough line using a connection structure of a branching trough will be described. FIG. 28A is a diagram showing a trough line 100. The trough line 100 is configured by connecting a plurality of linear troughs 81 to a branching trough 1 having a substantially T-shape. For example, a trough line in which a plurality of linear troughs 81 of a predetermined length are connected is connected to openings 15a at both ends of a main trunk 9 of the branching trough 1 and another opening 15b provided in a branching section 11. As described above, adjacent linear troughs 81 are connected to each other by connecting their male joint structures 83 and female joint structures 85 (see FIG. 15A, etc.) to form a linear trough line.

[0154] As shown in the figure, a male joint structure 83 arranged at one end of a connecting structure of a plurality of connected linear troughs 81 is connected to the female joint structure 23b of the opening 15b. A female joint structure 85 arranged at the other end of the connecting structure of a plurality of connected linear troughs 81 may be connected to the female joint structure 23b of the opening 15b via a male-male conversion connection adapter 91.

[0155] Cables 115 are laid inside the trough line 100. Here, the cables 115 are arranged to have either a branched structure or a bent structure inside the branching trough 1. After all the cables 115 have been laid, the branching trough 1 is covered with a trough cover 3, and the straight trough 81 is covered with a trough cover 111, as shown in FIG. 28B.

[0156] Next, another trough line will be described. Fig. 29A is a diagram showing a trough line 100a. The trough line 100a is substantially similar to the trough line 100, but differs in that a bent trough 41 is used in a portion thereof.

[0157] As described above, in the trough line 100a, a plurality of linear troughs 81 are connected to the openings 15a, 15b of the branch trough 1. That is, the trough line 100a has either a connection structure of linear troughs 81 with a male joint structure 83 disposed at one end, or a connection structure of linear troughs 81 with a female joint structure 85 disposed at the other end. In at least a portion of this trough line, a curved trough 41 having female joint structures 57a at both ends is disposed via a male-male conversion connection adapter 91.

[0158] In the trough line 100a, the cable 115 is arranged to have either a branch structure or a bent structure inside the branching trough 1. In this state, as shown in Fig. 29B, the branching trough 1 is covered with a trough cover 3, the straight trough 81 is covered with a trough cover 111, and the bent trough 41 is covered with a trough cover 43.

[0159] 30A is a diagram showing yet another trough line 100b. The trough line 100b is substantially similar to the trough line 100, but differs in that a shielding plate 113 is disposed at one opening 15a of the branching trough 1.

[0160] In the trough line 100b, a plurality of straight troughs 81 are connected to one opening 15a of the main trunk 9 of the branching trough 1 and the opening 15b of the branching section 11 (see FIG. 1, etc.). The male joint structure 83 of the straight trough 81 may be directly connected to the female joint structures 23a, 23b of the branching trough 1, or the female joint structure 85 of the straight trough 81 may be connected to the female joint structures 23a, 23b of the branching trough 1 via a male-male conversion connection adapter 91 (see FIG. 17A, etc.).

[0161] 31 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the other opening 15a of the main trunk 9 of the branching trough 1 (the opening 15a on the opposite side to the opening 15a to which the multiple linear troughs 81 are connected). A shielding plate 113 is disposed in the female joint structure 23a of the other opening 15a of the main trunk 9 of the branching trough 1. The shielding plate 113 is a plate-like member that does not have an opening like the end plate described above. By fitting the shielding plate 113 into the space between the vertical ribs of the female joint structure 23a, the opening 15a on one end side of the branching trough 1 can be blocked.

[0162] The cables 115 arranged in each of the troughs forming such a trough line 100b have only a bent structure in the branching trough 1. That is, the cables 115 are arranged on one side of the mutually opposing openings 15a, and the shielding plate 113 is arranged on the other side, and the cables 115 are inserted through the openings 15b of the remaining branching section 11. In the trough line 100b as well, each trough is covered with a trough cover (not shown).

[0163] 30B is a diagram showing yet another trough line 100c. The trough line 100c is substantially the same as the trough line 100a, but differs from the trough line 100b in that a shielding plate 113 is disposed at one opening 15a of the branching trough 1.

[0164] As with the trough line 100b, the cables 115 arranged in each trough forming the trough line 100c have only a bent structure in the branching trough 1. That is, the cables 115 are arranged on one side of the mutually opposing openings 15a of the branching trough 1 and the opening 15b of the branching section 11, and the shielding plate 113 is arranged on the other side of the mutually opposing openings 15a of the branching trough 1. Note that in the trough line 100c as well, each trough is covered with a trough cover (not shown).

[0165] As described above, according to this embodiment, the back surface of the bottom plate 5 of the branching trough 1 is provided with the hollow columnar protrusion 27, which is hollow inside and protrudes downward from the bottom surface, and can be used as a bolt fixing structure, and since the bottom plate 5 is held at a predetermined height above the ground surface, it can be fixed with the anchor bolts 37 not only to ordinary gravel surfaces and the ground, but also to road surfaces such as asphalt and concrete, and inclined surfaces. Furthermore, when fixing the branching trough 1 with the anchor bolts 37, the provision of the hollow columnar protrusion 27 makes it possible to avoid stress concentration on the bottom plate 5.

[0166] In addition, the hollow columnar protrusion 27 having a hollow interior is provided on the back surface of the bottom plate 5, thereby reinforcing the bottom plate 5. This allows the bottom plate 5 of the branching trough 1 to be made thinner, thereby achieving a reduction in the weight of the branching trough 1.

[0167] In this case, the presence of the thin bottom plate 5 on the upper part of the hollow columnar protrusion 27 makes it possible to make the height of the cable storage section of the other troughs connected to the branching trough 1 approximately the same. For example, when taking into consideration the ease of pulling in the cables, the bottom plate 5 can be provided at a position slightly higher than the ground surface 33, so that the height of the bottom plate of each trough connected to it can be made approximately the same, resulting in excellent ease of pulling in the cables.

[0168] Even if the hollow columnar protrusion 27 is not used as a bolt fixing structure, it can also be used as a drainage hole for the branching trough 1 by removing the shielding portion that shields the hollow portion on the surface of the bottom plate 5 on the base side of the hollow columnar protrusion 27 to form a through hole.

[0169] Furthermore, by providing protruding feet 25 on the back surface of branching trough 1, bottom plate 5 can be disposed at a predetermined height from ground surface 33. In this way, by separating bottom plate 5 from ground surface 33 by a predetermined distance, even if ground surface 33 has unevenness, it is possible to avoid interference between unevenness of ground surface 33 and branching trough 1. In this way, a predetermined space is provided between the back surface of bottom plate 5 and ground surface 33, so that it is less susceptible to the condition of ground surface 33 and can be fixed to road surfaces such as asphalt and concrete, as well as inclined surfaces.

[0170] Moreover, by providing the side plate 7 of the branching trough 1 with the bent portion 17 to form a bent structure, the side plate 7 can be reinforced. Moreover, by providing the horizontal rib 19 so as to connect the bent portion 17 of the side plate 7, both ends of the bent portion 17 can be supported by the horizontal rib 19, and therefore the bent portion 17 of the side plate 7 can be further reinforced by the horizontal rib 19. In addition, both ends of the bent portion 17 have the effect of reinforcing the side plate 7 as vertical ribs 21 perpendicular to the bending direction of the bent portion of the side plate 7 on the outer periphery of the branching trough 1. Therefore, even if the thickness of the side plate 7 is not so large, the overall structural strength can be maintained. Since the vertical ribs of the bending portion 17 of the branching trough 1 also serve as the approximately parallel inner vertical ribs of the U-shaped female joint structures 23a, 23b, it is sufficient to provide only the outer vertical ribs of the female joint structures 23a, 23b, and there is no need to provide vertical ribs on the outside of the bent portion of the branching portion 11 of the side panel 7.

[0171] In addition, by using the horizontal rib 19 as a fixing part of a fixing bracket for fixing the trough lid 3 to the upper part of the branching trough 1, the trough lid 3 can be easily fixed when placing the trough lid 3 on the branching trough 1.

[0172] Here, as described above, the branching trough 1 is composed of a substantially T-shaped, straight main trunk 9 and a branching section 11, and openings 15a are provided at both ends of the straight main trunk 9, and openings 15b are provided at the ends of the branching sections 11 branching from the main trunk 9 in a direction perpendicular to the main trunk 9. In addition, the openings 15a and 15b provided in the branching trough 1 are formed with female joint structures 23a and 23b, which are a pair of mutually opposing, substantially parallel, U-shaped rib structures extending inward at a predetermined height from the side plate 7. The female joint structures 23a and 23b provided in the openings 15a and 15b make it possible to connect to the male joint structures of other troughs or to the female joint structures of other straight troughs, curved troughs, etc., via the male-male conversion connection adapter 91, and a trough line to which various troughs are connected can be formed.

[0173] Moreover, the female joint structures 23a, 23b are composed of the mutually opposing side plates 7, two parallel vertical ribs 21 sandwiching the side plates 7, and a bottom plate 5 formed to connect the two. Moreover, both ends of the bent portion 17 are the inner vertical ribs 21 of the female joint structures 23a, 23b provided in the openings 15a, 15b that are substantially U-shaped in plan view, and therefore not only play the role of the vertical ribs 21 as the reinforcing structure described above, but also play the role of the vertical ribs 21 that form the mating portion of the female joint structures 23a, 23b. Therefore, there is no need to provide a new vertical rib other than the outer vertical ribs 21 of the female joint structures 23a, 23b.

[0174] Furthermore, by providing end plates 93 or the like to the female joint structures 23a, 23b of the openings 15a, 15b, it is possible to form a connection structure in which various types of conduits, such as not only a normal linear trough 81 but also a small-diameter trough 87 having a small cross-sectional dimension, a rectangular conduit 101 having an independent wave structure, an independent wave conduit 101a, and a helical wave conduit 101b having a helical wave structure, are connected to the branching trough 1 via the end plates 93 or the like. In this case, the female joint structures 23a, 23b need to have dimensions and shapes that can accommodate all connection structures so that the connection can be stably made to the troughs and small-diameter parts of the conduits to be connected.

[0175] Furthermore, a shallow groove 31 having a predetermined length in the width direction of the branching trough 1 is formed in the approximate center of the bottom of the mutually opposing substantially U-shaped female joint structures 23a, 23b, thereby making it possible to efficiently fix the end plate 93b having the protrusion 99 and simultaneously prevent the end plate 93b from rotating in an oblique direction. In this way, by providing the groove 31 in the bottom plate 5 of the female joint structures 23a, 23b and using the end plate 93b, it is possible to use the female joint structures 23a, 23b in connection structures using normal female joint structures 23a, 23b as well as fixing structures for various troughs, electric conduits, and the like.

[0176] In this way, various trough lines can be constructed by connecting other troughs and various electric conduits to the openings 15a and 15b of the branching trough 1. In this case, a branch structure may be formed in which the cable 115 arranged in the branching trough 1 is branched to the branching section 11 and the cable passing through the main trunk 9, or the cable 115 arranged in the branching trough 1 may have a bent structure in which it is bent from the main trunk 9 to the branching section 11, and a bent line in which a shielding plate 113 is arranged may be formed in the opening 15a in which the cable 115 of the main trunk 9 is not arranged.

[0177] Furthermore, even in the case of the curved trough 41, since it has a structure similar to that of the branching trough 1 described above, the curved trough 41 can also obtain the same effects as those obtained by providing the hollow columnar protrusion 27 on the back surface of the bottom plate 5 in the branching trough 1 described above, the reinforcing effect of the side plate 7 by providing the side plate 7 with a bending structure and horizontal ribs 19, the effect of double-duty as the vertical rib 21 as a female joint structure, and the effect when fixing the branching trough 1 to a paved road surface or an inclined surface, etc.

[0178] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the attached drawings, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can think of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0179] For example, it goes without saying that the above-described embodiments can be combined with each other. Furthermore, the combination and number of troughs in each trough line can be set appropriately. [Explanation of symbols]

[0180] 1...Branch trough 3...Trough cover 5……Bottom plate 7...Side panel 9……Main executive 11...Branch 13...Bend 15a, 15b……opening 17...Bending section 19...Horizontal rib 21………Vertical rib 23a, 23b...Female joint structure 25……Foot part 27……Hollow columnar protrusion 29………Bottom reinforcement rib 31……groove 33...Ground surface 35……Space 37………Anchor bolt 40...Branch trough fixing structure 40a………Bent trough fixing structure 41....Bent trough 43...Trough cover 45……Bottom plate 47………Side panel 49...Opening 51...Bending section 53………Horizontal rib 55………Vertical rib 57a, 57b...Female joint structure 59………Inner bend 61....Outer bend 63……groove 65……Foot part 67……Hollow columnar protrusion 69………Bottom reinforcement rib 71...Ground surface 73……Space 75………Anchor bolt 81....Straight trough 83, 83a………Male joint structure 85, 85a…Female joint structure 87………Small diameter trough 90, 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d, 90e, 90f... Trough connection structure 91………Male-male conversion connection adapter 93, 93a, 93b……End plate 95, 95a……opening 97a………Inner connecting member 97b....Outer connecting member 99……Protrusion 100, 100a, 100b, 100c... Trough track 101……Square conduit 101a……Independent wave conduit 101b………Spiral wave conduit 103...Large diameter section 105……Small diameter part 107a, 107b... Cylindrical portion 109a, 109b... Flange portion 111...Trough cover 113……shielding plate 115………Cable

Claims

1. A branching trough having a U-shaped cross section, the branching trough including side plates forming both side surfaces and a bottom plate forming a bottom surface, the side plates standing upright so as to surround the bottom plate, The bottom plate is generally T-shaped in plan view, and is composed of a generally rectangular main trunk and a branch portion formed on one long side of the main trunk in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the main trunk, the branch portion gradually narrowing in a generally arc-like shape and extending therefrom; The side plate is formed by a straight portion formed on one long side of the trunk portion and a curved portion forming an outer edge of the branch portion that extends in a substantially arc-like shape with a reduced diameter, The end of the branch portion and the openings at both longitudinal ends of the main trunk portion are each formed with a female joint structure having a similar structure, The female joint structure is formed into a pair of substantially U-shaped structures facing each other in a plan view, each of which has substantially parallel vertical ribs spaced a predetermined distance from each other, A horizontal rib is formed on the upper portion of the bent portion of the side plate, the horizontal rib also serving as a fixing metal fitting attachment portion for attaching a fixing metal fitting for attaching a lid so as to connect the vertical ribs of each of the bent portions formed at a predetermined distance from each other, A branching trough, characterized in that no vertical rib is provided on the outer side of the side plate of the approximately arc-shaped bent portion.

2. The female joint structures formed at the openings at both ends of the main trunk portion are female joint structures each formed to extend inward in a direction perpendicular to the straight portion of the side plate of the main trunk portion and the side plate of the curved portion, Furthermore, the female joint structure formed at the opening at the tip of the branch portion is a female joint structure formed to extend inward in a direction perpendicular to the bent portion, The branching trough according to claim 1, characterized in that the bent portions formed in the main trunk and the branching portion are both formed so as to double as inner vertical ribs of the respective female joint structures provided at the ends of the openings of the main trunk and the branching portion.

3. The bottom plate surface of the female joint structure is formed at a predetermined height lower than the bottom plate surface of a portion other than the female joint structure, The foot portion of the side plate of the female joint structure is formed to protrude from the back surface of the bottom plate at a predetermined height, and the bottom plate is supported by the foot portion at a predetermined height above the ground surface, thereby forming a space on the back surface of the bottom plate, A hollow columnar protrusion is formed at a predetermined position of the space formed on the rear surface of the trunk portion and the branch portion, the hollow columnar protrusion protruding downward from the bottom plate by a predetermined height, a top surface of the hollow columnar protrusion is either closed by the bottom plate or open; The branch trough according to claim 1 , wherein the hollow columnar protrusion is formed as at least one anchor bolt fixing portion.

4. 4. A branching trough as described in claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that a plurality of bottom reinforcing ribs of a predetermined length are formed parallel to each other on the back surface of the bottom plate of the branching trough having an approximately T-shape, from positions each offset a predetermined distance from the longitudinal center of the straight side plates of the main trunk portion toward the opening of the branching portion extending opposite thereto, connecting the two.

5. A curved trough having a U-shaped cross section, the trough including side plates forming both side surfaces and a bottom plate forming a bottom surface, the side plates standing up to surround the bottom plate, The bottom plate has a curved portion at a predetermined angle in a predetermined direction in a plan view, and the side plate on both sides of the side plate forming the inner curved portion and the side plate forming the outer curved portion rise up to form a curved portion having a substantially arc shape toward the upper side so as to surround the curved portion of the bottom plate, A generally U-shaped opening is formed at each end of the side plate, At the ends of the openings at both ends of the side plates and in the vicinity of the ends of the openings at both ends, substantially parallel vertical ribs are formed at both sides of the curved portion of each of the side plates, spaced apart by a predetermined distance and extending inward in a direction perpendicular to the curved portion, thereby forming a pair of substantially U-shaped female joint structures having the vertical ribs and facing each other in a plan view, The side plates of the inner curved portion and the outer curved portion are formed with bent portions, each of which functions as a vertical rib protruding inward, at a predetermined position near the opening and at a predetermined position intermediate the bent portion, the bent portions being spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance; A horizontal rib is formed on the upper portion of the bent portion, which also serves as a vertical rib, at a predetermined distance from each other at a predetermined position near the opening of the side plate and at a predetermined position between the bent portion and the side plate, to which a fixing metal fitting for attaching a lid can be attached so as to connect the vertical ribs to each other; A curved trough, characterized in that the transverse ribs of the outer curved portion are longer than the transverse ribs of the inner curved portion, and no longitudinal ribs are provided on the outside of each of the side plates forming the inner curved portion and the outer curved portion.

6. Another female joint structure similar to the openings at both ends of the side plate is formed at a predetermined position in the middle of the bent portion that is a predetermined distance away from one end of the bent portion and in the vicinity of the predetermined position in the middle of the bent portion, The bent trough described in claim 5, characterized in that a bent portion provided at a predetermined position near the opening also serves as an inner vertical rib of the female joint structure near the opening, and a bent portion formed at a predetermined position in the middle of the bent portion also serves as an inner vertical rib of the other female joint structure.

7. The bottom plate surfaces of the female joint structures formed at least at both ends of the bent portion are formed to be lower by a predetermined height than the bottom plate surfaces of the portions other than the female joint structures, The foot portion of the side plate of the female joint structure is formed to protrude from the back surface of the bottom plate at a predetermined height, and the bottom plate is supported by the foot portion at a predetermined height above the ground surface, thereby forming a space on the back surface of the bottom plate, a hollow columnar protrusion protruding downward from the bottom plate by a predetermined height is formed at a predetermined position of the space created by the inner curved portion and the outer curved portion formed on the back surface of the bottom plate; The curved trough described in claim 5, characterized in that the top surface of the hollow columnar protrusion is either closed by the bottom plate or the top surface of the hollow columnar protrusion is open, and the hollow columnar protrusion is formed as at least one anchor bolt fixing portion.

8. The other female joint structure is formed at a predetermined position between one end of the bent portion formed at both ends of the trough and the other end spaced a predetermined distance from the other end, and at a predetermined position in the vicinity of the other end. The outer longitudinal ribs of the other female joint structure are formed in a direction perpendicular to the bottom plate so as to extend inward from the side plate and are substantially parallel to each other at a predetermined height, A curved trough as described in any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that it is equipped with a curved trough structure having a bending angle smaller than the bending angle before cutting, which can be obtained when cutting along the longitudinal rib so as to connect the inner curved portion formed perpendicular to the curve forming the bending portion and the outer surface of the longitudinal rib of the outer curved portion.

9. The connection structure of the branch trough and the linear trough according to claim 1, A connection structure for a branching trough, characterized in that a male joint structure of a linear trough of a predetermined length and having approximately the same cross-sectional dimensions of the trough body is connected to the female joint structure of at least one of the openings of a branching trough having an approximately T-shape.

10. The connection structure of the branch trough and the linear trough according to claim 1, A connection structure for a branching trough, characterized in that a female joint structure of a linear trough of a predetermined length and having approximately the same cross-sectional dimensions as the trough body is connected to the female joint structure of at least one of the openings of a branching trough having an approximately T-shape via a male-male conversion connection adapter.

11. A connection structure between the branch trough according to claim 1 and the curved trough according to claim 3, A connection structure for a branching trough, characterized in that the female joint structure formed at an opening at one end of a curved trough is connected to the female joint structure at at least one opening of a branching trough having an approximately T-shape via a male-male conversion connection adapter.

12. The connection structure of the branch trough and the small diameter trough according to claim 1, A rectangular end plate having a width greater than the distance between the opposing longitudinal ribs of the female joint structure is inserted into the female joint structure of at least one of the openings of a branching trough having a substantially T-shape, The end plate is approximately U-shaped with an opening of a predetermined size formed either at the bottom or top, and a male joint structure of a small diameter trough is placed in the opening of the end plate, and a flange portion of the male joint structure of the small diameter trough is fitted into the opening of the end plate as a non-slip structure to connect the male joint structure of the small diameter trough to the opening of the end plate, thereby fixing the male joint structure of the small diameter trough to the end plate.

13. The connection structure of the branch trough and the electric conduit according to claim 1, A conduit connected to a branching trough having a substantially T-shape has an independent wave structure, and the conduit is either an independent wave conduit having a small diameter portion having a circular cross section, or a rectangular conduit having a large diameter portion having a rectangular cross section and a small diameter portion having a circular cross section alternately formed therein; An end plate having a half structure and capable of being separated into upper and lower parts is disposed in the female joint structure of any of the openings of the branching trough having a substantially T-shape, The end plate has an opening at an opposing portion when divided, and the small diameter portion of the electric conduit is clamped in the opening of the end plate, thereby fixing the electric conduit to the end plate.

14. The connection structure of the branch trough and the electric conduit according to claim 1, The conduit connected to the branch trough having a substantially T-shape is a conduit having a spiral wave structure with a circular cross section, an inner connection member including a cylindrical portion having a circular cross section and a spiral groove that can be fitted to an inner peripheral surface of the electric conduit, and a flange portion formed at an end of the cylindrical portion; an outer connection member having a cylindrical portion with a circular cross section having a spiral groove that can be fitted to an outer peripheral surface of the electric conduit, and a flange portion formed at an end of the cylindrical portion; the cylindrical portions of the inner connection member and the outer connection member are screwed to an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface of the electric conduit, respectively, and are attached to an end portion of the electric conduit; a connection structure for a branching trough, characterized in that the outer connection member is positioned further back from the end of the electric conduit than the inner connection member, an end plate having an opening through which the electric conduit can be inserted is positioned in the female joint structure of the opening, and the electric conduit is fixed by sandwiching the end plate between a flange portion of the inner connection member and a flange portion of the outer connection member.

15. A connection structure for a branch trough as described in any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that a groove having a predetermined length in the width direction of the trough is formed at approximately the center of the surface of the bottom plate, which is the bottom of the mutually opposing, approximately U-shaped female joint structures, and a protrusion that can fit into the groove is provided at the bottom tip of the end plate.

16. A trough line using the connection structure of the branch trough according to any one of claims 9 to 14, A trough line in which a plurality of linear troughs of a predetermined length are connected is connected to the other opening of the branching trough having a substantially T-shape, The female joint structure of the other opening is connected to a male joint structure arranged at one end of a connecting structure of a plurality of connected linear troughs, or a female joint structure arranged at the other end of the connecting structure of a plurality of connected linear troughs is connected via a male-male conversion connection adapter; A trough line characterized in that, inside the branching trough, a cable is arranged to have either a branch structure or a bent structure, and further, a trough cover is placed over the cable.

17. A bent trough having female joint structures at both ends is disposed via a male-male conversion connection adapter in at least a portion of a trough line of either a linear trough connection structure having a male joint structure disposed at one end or a linear trough connection structure having a female joint structure disposed at the other end, and a cable is disposed inside the branching trough so as to have either a branch structure or a bent structure, The trough track of claim 16, further comprising a trough cover.

18. The trough line described in claim 16, characterized in that the cable arranged in the trough forming the trough line has only a bent structure within the branching trough, and further, the cable is arranged on one side of the mutually opposing openings and a shielding plate is arranged on the other side, and the cable is inserted through the opening of the remaining branch section.

19. The trough line described in claim 17, characterized in that the cables arranged in the troughs forming the trough line have only a bent structure in the branching trough, and further, cables are arranged on one side of the openings of the branching troughs that face each other and at the opening of the branching section, and a shielding plate is arranged on the other side of the openings of the branching troughs that face each other.

20. The fixing structure of the branch trough according to claim 3, The hollow columnar protrusion protruding downward from the back surface of the bottom plate by a predetermined height is formed as an anchor bolt fixing portion at a predetermined position approximately in the vicinity of the center of the boundary between the main trunk portion and the branch portion, The hollow columnar protrusion has a hollow cylindrical structure, and an anchor bolt is inserted into the hollow portion of the hollow cylindrical structure and tightened, thereby fixing the branch trough having an approximately T-shape to the asphalt or concrete ground.

21. The fixing structure of the curved trough according to claim 7, The hollow columnar protruding portion protruding downward from the back surface of the bottom plate at a predetermined height is formed as an anchor bolt fixing portion, The hollow columnar protrusion has a hollow cylindrical structure, and an anchor bolt is inserted into the hollow portion of the hollow cylindrical structure and tightened to fix the curved trough to asphalt or concrete ground.

22. A method for connecting a cable protection member to the branch trough according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: In the female joint structure, the vertical ribs having a predetermined height are formed so as to extend inwardly and perpendicularly from the side plate so as to face each other in a direction substantially parallel to each other at an end of at least one of the three openings of the branch trough and at a position in the vicinity of the end of the opening and spaced a predetermined distance from the end of the opening, A method for connecting a cable protection member to a branching trough, comprising the steps of directly fixing a flange portion of the male joint structure of the trough to a space formed by the vertical ribs in which both end faces are approximately parallel, fixing a female joint structure of the trough via a male-male conversion connection adapter, fixing a flange portion of the male joint structure of a small diameter trough via an end plate, fixing by sandwiching a small diameter portion of an independent wave conduit having a circular or rectangular cross section between the end plate, or fixing by screwing an inner connecting member and an outer connecting member to the end of a helical wave conduit via an end plate and sandwiching the end plate between the flange portion of the inner connecting member and the flange portion of the outer connecting member.

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