Tread board frame and tread board

Abstract

To provide a tread board assembly which is hard to be affected by environmental conditions and external factors and of which the floating / sinking caused by water is effectively suppressed even if water accumulates in a hole installed.SOLUTION: A tread board assembly comprises a tread board frame, a metallic rod-like member and a base plate. The tread board assembly comprises a plurality of sensor installation plates respectively extending in a length direction and in the tread board assembly, the plurality of sensor installation plates is disposed while having a gap therebetween in a width direction which crosses the length direction. The rod-like member fills the gap between adjacent sensor installation plates in the plurality of sensor installation plates. The base plate is mounted to the tread board frame from a lower side in a height direction across both the length direction and the width direction and connected to an installation surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a step frame and a step. [Background technology]

[0002] At toll booths on expressways and other roads, footboards are installed to detect the entry of vehicles. Each footboard comprises a footboard frame and a footboard sensor attached to the footboard frame. The footboard is installed on the road with the footboard sensor exposed to the road surface.

[0003] To install the treads, holes are formed in the road, for example by excavating the floor of the tollgate lane, and the treads are embedded in the holes, with the bottom of the holes serving as the installation surface. When the wheels of a vehicle passing over the treads installed on the road come into contact with the tread sensor, a detection signal indicating the passage of an axle is output from the tread sensor. This makes it possible to determine the number of axles of the passing vehicle and the type of vehicle that has passed based on the detection signal from the tread sensor.

[0004] In the step frame, multiple sensor mounting plates are arranged in the width direction with gaps between them, and adjacent sensor mounting plates have gaps between them. The step is installed with the width direction of the step frame aligned with the direction of vehicle travel on the road. On the step, the step sensors are attached to the multiple sensor mounting plates of the step frame. When installing the step including the step frame, the step is fixed to the installation surface with the Doro Guard, for example, by pouring Doro Guard into the holes. The Doro Guard then fills the gaps between adjacent sensor mounting plates and the gap between the installation surface of the hole and the step.

[0005] The doo guards that fill the gaps between adjacent sensor-mounted plates are susceptible to environmental conditions and external factors. For example, the doo guards peel off due to aging and vehicle passage. For treads installed on roads, it is necessary to make the entire tread, including the portion that fills the gap between adjacent sensor-mounted plates, less susceptible to environmental conditions and external factors. Furthermore, after the treads are installed, water may seep into the gaps in the doo guards due to rain or other factors, causing water to accumulate in the holes where the treads are installed. It is necessary to effectively prevent the treads from floating up and down due to water, even if water accumulates in the holes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-61703 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-9127 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-154913 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a step assembly and a step that are less susceptible to environmental conditions and external factors, and that can effectively prevent floating and sinking due to water even if water accumulates in the hole in which they are installed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to an embodiment, the step assembly includes a step frame, a metal rod-shaped member, and a base plate. The step assembly includes a plurality of sensor mounting plates each extending along the longitudinal direction, and the plurality of sensor mounting plates are arranged with gaps in the width direction, which is intersecting with the longitudinal direction. The rod-shaped member fills the gaps between adjacent sensor mounting plates. The base plate is attached to the step frame from below in the height direction, which is intersecting with both the longitudinal and width directions, and is connected to the installation surface. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a step assembly according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the example step assembly of FIG. 1 as viewed from one side in the width direction. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the example footplate assembly of FIG. 1, seen from a different direction than that of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an example of installation of the step assembly according to the embodiment on a road. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a step including a step assembly according to an embodiment, taken along a cross section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the step assembly. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a range α1 in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the range α2 of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of one beam member in the step assembly according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the example beam member of FIG. 8, seen from a direction different from that of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the step assembly according to the embodiment, taken along a plane passing through one beam member and perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the step assembly. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a step assembly according to an embodiment, taken along a plane passing through one bridge frame and perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the step assembly. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of a range α3 in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the step assembly according to the embodiment, taken along a plane passing through the bridge bracket and perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the step assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a step assembly according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the step assembly 1 has a longitudinal direction (the direction indicated by arrow L) and a width direction (the direction indicated by arrow W) that intersects (is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to) the longitudinal direction. The step assembly 1 also has a height direction (the directions indicated by arrows H1 and H2) that intersects (is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to) both the longitudinal and width directions. One side of the step assembly 1 in the height direction is the upper side (the arrow H1 side), and the opposite side of the upper side in the height direction is the lower side (the arrow H2 side). The dimension of the step assembly 1 along the longitudinal direction is smaller than the dimension of the step assembly 1 along the width direction and the dimension of the step assembly 1 along the height direction. The width direction of the step assembly 1 is also referred to as the "short direction."

[0012] The step assembly 1 comprises a step frame 2. The step assembly 1 has an end position E1 on one side in the longitudinal direction and an end position E2 on the opposite side of the longitudinal end position E1. The step frame 2 extends in the longitudinal direction from end position E1 to end position E2. The step frame 2 also comprises a plurality of sensor mounting plates 3. In the example shown in FIG. 1, four sensor mounting plates 3A to 3D are provided on the step frame 2.

[0013] Each of the multiple sensor mounting plates 3 extends longitudinally from end position E1 to end position E2. The multiple sensor mounting plates 3 are arranged with gaps in the width direction of the step assembly 1. In other words, the multiple sensor mounting plates 3 are arranged in the width direction with gaps between adjacent sensor mounting plates 3. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the sensor mounting plates 3A to 3D will be simply referred to as "sensor mounting plates 3."

[0014] Furthermore, in the step frame 2, the restricting plates 5 are attached to the multiple sensor mounting plates 3. The restricting plates 5 are attached to the sensor mounting plates 3 from above in the height direction. The restricting plates 5 are arranged at the end closer to the longitudinal end position E2. Therefore, in the step assembly 1, the dimension along the longitudinal direction from the end position E1 to the restricting plates 5 is greater than the dimension along the longitudinal direction from the end position E2 to the restricting plates 5.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1 and other figures, in this embodiment, rod-shaped members 6 and 7 are disposed in each gap between adjacent sensor mounting plates 3 among the plurality of sensor mounting plates 3. That is, each gap between adjacent sensor mounting plates 3 is filled with a rod-shaped member 6 or 7. Each of the rod-shaped members 6 and 7 is made of metal and extends along the longitudinal direction of the step assembly 1. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , each of the rod-shaped members 6 and 7 extends along the longitudinal direction in the gap between adjacent sensor mounting plates 3 from end position E1 to the restricting plate 5. Furthermore, in the range between end position E2 and the restricting plate 5, no rod-shaped members 6, 7, etc. are disposed in the gap between adjacent sensor mounting plates 3.

[0016] 1, in each gap between adjacent sensor mounting plates 3, two rod-shaped members 6, 7 are stacked in the height direction of the tread assembly 1, and the rod-shaped member 6 abuts the rod-shaped member 7 from above in the height direction. Note that in FIG. 1, the rod-shaped members 6, 7 are shown only in the gap between adjacent sensor mounting plates 3A, 3B. However, although not shown in FIG. 1 etc., in the tread assembly 1, the gap between adjacent sensor mounting plates 3B, 3C and the gap between adjacent sensor mounting plates 3C, 3D are also filled with the rod-shaped members 6, 7.

[0017] In the example shown in FIG. 1 , each gap between adjacent sensor mounting plates 3 is filled with rod-shaped members 6 and 7, but the number of members (rod-shaped members) filling one gap is not limited to two. Each gap between adjacent sensor mounting plates 3 may be filled with only one rod-shaped member, or may be filled with three or more rod-shaped members. In either case, however, each gap between adjacent sensor mounting plates 3 is filled with one or more metal rod-shaped members. In addition, when one gap is filled with multiple rod-shaped members, the multiple rod-shaped members are stacked in the height direction of the step assembly 1 in each gap.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a side view of the example step assembly of FIG. 1 as viewed from one side in the width direction. As shown in FIG. 2, in the step assembly 1, the step frame 2 includes one or more bridge frames 8. In the example of FIG. 2, eight bridge frames 8A to 8H are provided on the step frame 2. The eight bridge frames 8A to 8H are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction, and are arranged in the following order from the side closest to the end position E1: bridge frames 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F, 8G, and 8H. Each bridge frame 8 extends along the width direction of the step assembly 1. Each bridge frame 8 is welded to each of the multiple sensor mounting plates 3 from below in the height direction.

[0019] The restricting plate 5 is disposed at a position close to the end position E2 relative to the bridging frame 8H. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the bridging frames 8B to 8H have the same dimensions and shapes, and common members are used for the bridging frames 8B to 8H. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the bridging frames 8A to 8H will be simply referred to as "bridging frame 8."

[0020] The step frame 2 also includes a bridging bracket 9. The bridging bracket 9 is positioned longitudinally away from each of the bridge frames 8. In the example of FIG. 2, the bridging bracket 9 is positioned longitudinally between the bridge frames 8D and 8E. The bridging bracket 9 extends along the width direction of the step assembly 1. The bridging bracket 9 is also welded to each of the multiple sensor mounting plates 3 from the lower side in the height direction. In the example of FIG. 2, in the step assembly 1 and step frame 2, the longitudinal dimension from the end position E1 to the bridging bracket 9 is the same or approximately the same as the longitudinal dimension from the bridging bracket 9 to the regulating plate 5.

[0021] 2, an imaginary plane M is defined that extends along the width and height directions of the step assembly 1 and passes through the bridging bracket 9. In the example of the step assembly 1 and step frame 2 in FIG. 2, the portion extending from the longitudinal end position E1 to the regulating plate 5 is symmetrical or approximately symmetrical with the plane M as the central plane (center). Furthermore, the bridging frame 8A is disposed symmetrical or approximately symmetrical with the bridging frame 8H with the plane M as the central plane, and the bridging frame 8B is disposed symmetrical or approximately symmetrical with the bridging frame 8G with the plane M as the central plane. The bridging frame 8C is disposed symmetrical or approximately symmetrical with the bridging frame 8F with the plane M as the central plane, and the bridging frame 8D is disposed symmetrical or approximately symmetrical with the bridging frame 8E with the plane M as the central plane.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 2, the step assembly 1 includes one or more beam members 11. In the example shown in Fig. 2, five beam members 11A to 11E are provided in the step assembly 1. The five beam members 11A to 11E are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction, and are arranged in the following order from the side closest to the end position E1: beam members 11A, 11B, 11E, 11C, and 11D. Each of the beam members 11 extends along the width direction of the step assembly 1.

[0023] In the example of FIG. 2, beam member 11A is arranged between bridging frames 8B and 8C in the longitudinal direction, and beam member 11D is arranged between bridging frames 8F and 8G in the longitudinal direction. Then, beam member 11A is arranged symmetrically or approximately symmetrically to beam member 11D with the above-mentioned imaginary plane M as the central plane. Also, in the example of FIG. 2, beam member 11B is arranged between bridging frames 8C and 8D in the longitudinal direction, and beam member 11C is arranged between bridging frames 8E and 8F in the longitudinal direction. Then, beam member 11B is arranged symmetrically or approximately symmetrically to beam member 11D with plane M as the central plane.

[0024] Due to the above-described arrangement, each of the beam members 11A to 11D is disposed at a distance in the longitudinal direction from both the bridging frame 8 and the bridging bracket 9. Furthermore, each of the beam members 11 to 11D abuts against each of the multiple sensor installation plates 3 from below in the height direction, and supports each of the sensor installation plates 3 from below in the height direction.

[0025] 2, the beam member 11E is connected to the bridging bracket 9 from below in the height direction, and the bridging bracket 9 is sandwiched between the beam member 11E and each of the multiple sensor installation plates 3. Therefore, the beam member 11E supports each of the multiple sensor installation plates 3 from below in the height direction, with the bridging bracket 9 interposed therebetween.

[0026] In the example of FIG. 2, the aforementioned imaginary plane M passes through beam member 11E. In the example of FIG. 2, beam members 11A and 11D are identical in size, shape, etc., and a common material is used for beam members 11A and 11D. Also, beam members 11B and 11C are identical in size, shape, etc., and a common material is used for beam members 11B and 11C. In the following description, unless a distinction is made between them, beam members 11A to 11E will be simply referred to as "beam member 11."

[0027] 3 is a perspective view of the example step assembly of FIG. 1, viewed from a different direction than that of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the bridge frame 8 and the bridge bracket 9 each abut and adjoin the rod-shaped member 7 from below in the height direction, supporting the rod-shaped members 6, 7 from below in the height direction. In the step assembly 1, the rod-shaped members 6, 7, which are disposed between adjacent sensor mounting plates 3, are connected to the bridge frame 8 and the bridge bracket 9, respectively. The rod-shaped members 6, 7 are connected to the bridge frame 8 and the bridge bracket 9, respectively, from above in the height direction of the step assembly 1. The rod-shaped members 6, 7 are attached to the step frame 2 by being connected to the bridge frame 8 and the bridge bracket 9, respectively.

[0028] When a gap is filled with one rod-shaped member, the rod-shaped member filling the gap is connected to each of the bridging frame 8 and the bridging bracket 9 from above in the height direction. Each of the bridging frame 8 and the bridging bracket 9 abuts against the rod-shaped member filling the gap from below in the height direction. When a gap is filled with three or more rod-shaped members, the three or more rod-shaped members filling the gap are connected to each of the bridging frame 8 and the bridging bracket 9 from above in the height direction. Each of the bridging frame 8 and the bridging bracket 9 abuts against the lowest rod-shaped member of the three or more rod-shaped members stacked in the height direction in that gap from below in the height direction.

[0029] 3 and other figures, each of the beam members 11A to 11D abuts against and is adjacent to the rod-shaped member 7 from below in the height direction, and supports the rod-shaped members 6 and 7 from below in the height direction. Furthermore, the beam member 11E sandwiches the bridging bracket 9 between itself and each of the plurality of sensor installation plates 3, and supports the rod-shaped members 6 and 7 from below in the height direction with the bridging bracket 9 interposed therebetween.

[0030] In the step assembly 1, each of the beam members 11 is connected to the rod-shaped members 6, 7 that are arranged between adjacent sensor mounting plates 3. Each of the beam members 11 is connected to the rod-shaped members 6, 7 from below in the height direction of the step assembly 1. Here, as described above, the rod-shaped members 6, 7 are connected to the bridge frame 8 and the bridge bracket 9, respectively, and are connected to the step frame 2. Therefore, by being connected to the rod-shaped members 6, 7, each of the beam members 11 is connected to the step frame 2 with the rod-shaped members 6, 7 interposed therebetween.

[0031] When a gap is filled with one rod-shaped member, each of the beam members 11 is connected to the rod-shaped member filling the gap from below in the height direction. Each of the beam members 11A to 11D abuts the rod-shaped member filling the gap from below in the height direction. When a gap is filled with three or more rod-shaped members, each of the beam members 11 is connected to the three or more rod-shaped members filling the gap from below in the height direction. Each of the beam members 11A to 11D abuts the lowest rod-shaped member of the three or more rod-shaped members stacked in the height direction in that gap from below in the height direction.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3 and other figures, the step assembly 1 includes one or more base plates 12. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the step assembly 1 is provided with four base plates 12A to 12D. The base plates 12A to 12D are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction, and are arranged in the order of 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D from the side closest to the end position E1. Each of the base plates 12 is attached to the step frame 2 from below in the height direction. Furthermore, each of the base plates 12 has a rectangular or approximately rectangular shape when projected from the height direction.

[0033] In the example of FIG. 3, the base plate 12A is disposed apart from the beam member 11A on a side closer to the longitudinal end position E1. The base plate 12A abuts against the bridging frames 8A and 8B from below in the height direction and is connected to each of the bridging frames 8A and 8B from below in the height direction. In the example of FIG. 3, the base plate 12D is disposed apart from the beam member 11D on a side closer to the longitudinal end position E2. The base plate 12D abuts against the bridging frames 8G and 8H from below in the height direction and is connected to each of the bridging frames 8G and 8H from below in the height direction. In the example of FIG. 3, the base plate 12A is disposed symmetrically or approximately symmetrically with respect to the base plate 12D with the aforementioned imaginary plane M as the central plane.

[0034] In the example of FIG. 3, the base plate 12B is disposed between the beam member 11A and the bridging bracket 9 in the longitudinal direction. The base plate 12B abuts against the bridging frames 8C, 8D and the beam member 11B from below in the height direction, and is connected to each of the bridging frames 8C, 8D from below in the height direction. In the example of FIG. 3, the base plate 12C is disposed between the bridging bracket 9 and the beam member 11D in the longitudinal direction. The base plate 12C abuts against the bridging frames 8E, 8F and the beam member 11C from below in the height direction, and is connected to each of the bridging frames 8E, 8F from below in the height direction. In the example of FIG. 3, the base plate 12B is disposed symmetrically or approximately symmetrically with respect to the base plate 12C, with the above-mentioned plane M serving as the central plane.

[0035] In the example of Fig. 3, the dimensions, shapes, etc. of the base plates 12A and 12D are the same, and common materials are used for the base plates 12A and 12D. Also, the dimensions, shapes, etc. of the base plates 12B and 12C are the same, and common materials are used for the base plates 12B and 12C. Also, in the example of Fig. 3, the dimensions of each of the base plates 12B and 12C along the longitudinal direction are larger than the dimensions of each of the base plates 12A and 12D along the longitudinal direction. In the following description, unless a distinction is made, the base plates 12A to 12D will simply be referred to as "base plate 12."

[0036] In the example step assembly 1 shown in FIG. 3, the beam members 11 include a first beam member that abuts and is adjacent to a corresponding one of the base plates 12 from below in the height direction, and a second beam member that is disposed longitudinally away from both of the base plates 12. Each of the beam members 11B and 11C serves as a first beam member, and each of the beam members 11A, 11D, and 11E serves as a second beam member. Each of the base plates 12 is disposed below the multiple sensor installation plates 3 in the height direction, with a gap between each of the sensor installation plates 3. Each of the base plates 12 is disposed below the rod-shaped members 6 and 7 in the height direction, with a gap between each of the rod-shaped members 7.

[0037] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the base plate 12A protrudes from the bridging frame 8A toward the side where the longitudinal end position E1 is located, and protrudes from the bridging frame 8B toward the side where the longitudinal base plate 12B and bridging bracket 9 are located. The base plate 12A protrudes to both sides in the width direction relative to the bridging frames 8A and 8B, and protrudes outward in the width direction relative to the bridging frames 8A and 8B. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the base plate 12D protrudes from the bridging frame 8H toward the side where the longitudinal end position E2 and the restricting plate 5 are located, and protrudes from the bridging frame 8G toward the side where the longitudinal base plate 12C and bridging bracket 9 are located. The base plate 12D protrudes to both sides in the width direction relative to the bridging frames 8G and 8H, and protrudes outward in the width direction relative to the bridging frames 8G and 8H.

[0038] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the base plate 12B protrudes from the bridge frame 8C toward the longitudinal end position E1 and the side where the base plate 12A is located, and protrudes from the bridge frame 8D toward the side where the longitudinal bridge bracket 9 is located. The base plate 12B protrudes to both sides in the width direction relative to the bridge frames 8C, 8D and the beam member 11B, and protrudes outward in the width direction relative to the bridge frames 8C, 8D and the beam member 11B. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the base plate 12C protrudes from the bridge frame 8F toward the longitudinal end position E2 and the side where the base plate 12D is located, and protrudes from the bridge frame 8E toward the side where the longitudinal bridge bracket 9 is located. The base plate 12C protrudes to both sides in the width direction relative to the bridge frames 8E, 8F and the beam member 11C, and protrudes outward in the width direction relative to the bridge frames 8E, 8F and the beam member 11C.

[0039] Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an example of installation of a step plate assembly according to an embodiment on a road. As shown in Fig. 4, the step plate assembly 1 is installed on a road 100, for example, at a toll booth on a highway. To install the step plate assembly 1, a hole 102 is formed in the road 100, recessed vertically downward from the road surface 101, for example by excavating the floor plate of the toll booth lane. The step plate assembly 1 is then installed on the road 100 by embedding the step plate assembly 1 into the hole 102, with the bottom surface of the hole 102 serving as an installation surface 103.

[0040] The step assembly 1 is installed on the road 100 with its width direction aligned with the direction of travel of the vehicle. The longitudinal direction of the step assembly 1 installed on the road 100 is aligned with the width direction of the road 100. The upper side of the step assembly 1 installed on the road 100 in the height direction coincides or nearly coincides with the vertical upper side, and the lower side of the step assembly 1 in the height direction coincides or nearly coincides with the vertical lower side. The installed step assembly 1 has a section extending from the longitudinal end position E1 to the regulating plate 5 positioned in the area of ​​the road 100 where vehicles pass. The section between the end position E2 and the regulating plate 5 is positioned outside the area where vehicles pass.

[0041] Furthermore, in the step assembly 1 installed on the road 100, each of the multiple sensor mounting plates 3 of the step frame 2 is exposed on the road surface 101. In each gap between adjacent sensor mounting plates 3, the rod-shaped members 6 are exposed on the road surface 101. In addition, in the step assembly 1 installed on the road 100, each of the base plates 12 abuts from above vertically against the bottom of the hole 102, which is the installation surface 103. Each of the base plates 12 is connected to the installation surface 103 by, for example, an anchor. In this way, the base plates 12 are fixed to the stratum that forms the road 100.

[0042] When a gap is filled with one rod-shaped member, the rod-shaped member filling the gap is exposed on the road surface 101. When a gap is filled with three or more rod-shaped members, the uppermost rod-shaped member among the three or more rod-shaped members stacked vertically in the gap is exposed on the road surface 101.

[0043] Furthermore, when the tread assembly 1 is installed on the road 100, the doo guard is poured into the hole 102. As a result, gaps between the installation surface 103 of the hole 102 and each of the multiple sensor installation plates 3 of the tread frame 2, and gaps between each of the base plates 12 and the sensor installation plate 3, etc. are filled with the doo guard. Also, gaps between each of the rod-shaped members 7 and the installation surface 103, and gaps between each of the base plates 12 and the rod-shaped members 7, etc. are also filled with the doo guard. However, in this embodiment, as described above, each of the gaps between adjacent sensor installation plates 3 are filled with the rod-shaped members 6, 7. As a result, the gaps between adjacent sensor installation plates 3 are not filled, or are barely filled, with the doo guard.

[0044] 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a step including a step assembly according to an embodiment, taken along a cross section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the step assembly. As shown in FIG. 5 and other figures, the step 10 includes a step sensor 13 in addition to the step assembly 1 described above. As with the step assembly 1, the step 10 also has a longitudinal direction, a width direction that intersects (perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to) the longitudinal direction, and a height direction that intersects (perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to) the longitudinal and width directions.

[0045] The step sensors 13 are attached to the multiple sensor mounting plates 3 of the step frame 2. The step sensors 13 include multiple sensor members 15, and the number of sensor members 15 provided is the same as the number of sensor mounting plates 3. One sensor member 15 is provided for each of the multiple sensor mounting plates 3. Each sensor member 15 is made of, for example, conductive rubber or the like.

[0046] A groove 16 recessed downward in the height direction is formed in each sensor mounting plate 3. In each sensor mounting plate 3, the groove 16 extends along the longitudinal direction from end position E1 to end position E2. Because the groove 16 is formed as described above, in each sensor mounting plate 3, the cross-sectional shape perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the step assembly 1 (tread 10) is U-shaped or nearly U-shaped, and the U-shape or nearly U-shape opens upward in the height direction of the step assembly 1.

[0047] On the tread 10, each sensor element 15 of the tread sensor 13 is inserted from above in the height direction into a corresponding groove 16 on the sensor installation plate 3. Then, while still inserted in the groove 16, each sensor element 15 is attached to a corresponding one of the sensor installation plates 3. Furthermore, on the tread 10 installed on the road 100, each of the multiple sensor elements 15 is exposed on the road surface 101, and the tread sensor 13 is also exposed on the road surface 101.

[0048] Furthermore, each of the sensor members 15 is attached to a corresponding one of the sensor installation plates 3 in a state in which it protrudes from the groove 16 upward in the height direction. Therefore, on the tread 10 installed on the road 100, each of the sensor members 15 of the tread sensor 13 protrudes vertically upward (upward in the height direction) relative to the sensor installation plate 3.

[0049] Furthermore, on each sensor mounting plate 3, a corresponding one of the sensor members 15 is arranged in a range extending from the longitudinal end position E1 to the regulating plate 5. On each sensor mounting plate 3, no sensor member 15 is arranged in a range between the longitudinal end position E2 and the regulating plate 5. On each sensor mounting plate 3, the movement of the sensor member 15 arranged in the groove 16 along the longitudinal direction is regulated by the regulating plate 5. As a result, on each sensor mounting plate 3, the regulating plate 5 prevents the attached sensor member 15 from coming loose, for example.

[0050] When a wheel of a vehicle passing over a tread 10 installed on a road 100 comes into contact with the sensor elements 15 of the tread sensor 13, each sensor element 15 outputs a detection signal indicating that an axle has passed. Therefore, based on the detection signal from each sensor element 15, it is possible to determine the number of axles of the passing vehicle and the type of vehicle. Therefore, the tread 10 can be used to detect the entry of a vehicle.

[0051] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a range α1 in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 shows the base plate 12A, beam member 11A, and their surrounding areas in the tread assembly 1. As shown in FIG. 6, the base plate 12A has a pair of plate main surfaces 21, 22 that face opposite each other. In the tread assembly 1, the plate main surface 21 faces upward in the height direction, and the plate main surface 22 faces downward in the height direction. When the tread assembly 1 is installed on a road 100, the plate main surface 22 of the base plate 12A abuts against the installation surface 103 of the hole 102.

[0052] Stud bolts 23 are attached to the base plate 12A, and in the example shown in Fig. 6, four stud bolts 23 are attached to the base plate 12A. One end of each of the stud bolts 23 is connected to the base plate 12A and extends upward in the height direction from the base plate 12A. Each of the stud bolts 23 protrudes upward in the height direction from the main surface 21 of the base plate 12A. Furthermore, each of the stud bolts 23 does not protrude downward in the height direction relative to the base plate 12A.

[0053] The base plate 12A is connected to the bridge frame 8A via two of the four stud bolts 23. The base plate 12A is then connected to the bridge frame 8B via the remaining two of the four stud bolts 23. The base plate 12A is connected to the bridge frames 8A and 8B via the stud bolts 23 as described above, and is thereby connected to the tread frame 2.

[0054] Like the base plate 12A, each of the base plates 12B to 12D has plate main surfaces 21 and 22 and four stud bolts 23 attached thereto. The base plate 12B is connected to the bridge frame 8C via two of the four stud bolts 23 and to the bridge frame 8D via the remaining two of the four stud bolts. The base plate 12C is connected to the bridge frame 8E via two of the four stud bolts 23 and to the bridge frame 8F via the remaining two of the four stud bolts. The base plate 12D is connected to the bridge frame 8G via two of the four stud bolts 23 and to the bridge frame 8H via the remaining two of the four stud bolts. In this way, each of the base plates 12B to 12D is connected to the tread frame 2.

[0055] 6 and other figures, the dimension of the bridge frame 8A along the width direction of the step assembly 1 is larger than the dimension of the bridge frame 8A along the length direction of the step assembly 1 and the dimension of the bridge frame 8A along the height direction of the step assembly 1. A frame space 31 is formed inside the bridge frame 8A. The frame space 31 extends along the width direction of the step assembly 1 in the bridge frame 8A. The frame space 31 is formed across the entire dimension of the bridge frame 8A in the width direction of the step assembly 1.

[0056] 6, the bridge frame 8A includes a frame top plate portion 32, a frame bottom plate portion 33, and a pair of frame side plate portions 35, 36. The frame top plate portion 32, the frame bottom plate portion 33, and the frame side plate portions 35, 36 are each provided to extend along the width direction of the foot plate assembly 1 on the bridge frame 8A. The frame top plate portion 32, the frame bottom plate portion 33, and the frame side plate portions 35, 36 are each provided to extend across the entire dimension of the bridge frame 8A in the width direction of the foot plate assembly 1.

[0057] In the bridge frame 8A, the frame top plate portion 32 covers the frame space 31 from above in the height direction of the step assembly 1, and the frame bottom plate portion 33 covers the frame space 31 from below in the height direction of the step assembly 1. In addition, in the bridge frame 8A, the frame side plate portion 35 covers the frame space 31 from one longitudinal side of the step assembly 1, and the frame side plate portion 36 covers the frame space 31 from the longitudinal side of the step assembly 1 opposite to the side covered by the frame side plate portion 35. For this reason, the bridge frame 8A is formed in a rectangular or approximately rectangular cylindrical shape. In addition, in the bridge frame 8A, the stud bolts 23 connecting the bridge frame 8A to the base plate 12A pass through the frame bottom plate portion 33 and the frame top plate portion 32.

[0058] 6 and other figures, the dimension of the bridge frame 8B along the width direction of the step assembly 1 is greater than the dimension of the bridge frame 8B along the length direction of the step assembly 1 and the dimension of the bridge frame 8B along the height direction of the step assembly 1. Similarly to the bridge frame 8A, the bridge frame 8B also has a frame space 31 formed therein. Similarly to the bridge frame 8A, the bridge frame 8B has a frame top plate portion 32 and a pair of frame side plate portions 35, 36.

[0059] However, the bridge frame 8B does not have a frame bottom plate portion 33. Therefore, in the bridge frame 8B, the cross-sectional shape perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the width direction of the step assembly 1 is U-shaped or approximately U-shaped, and the U-shape or approximately U-shape opens downward in the height direction of the step assembly 1. In addition, in the bridge frame 8B, the base plate 12A abuts against the frame side plate portions 35, 36 from the lower side in the height direction of the step assembly 1. In the bridge frame 8B, the frame space 31 is covered by the base plate 12A from the lower side in the height direction of the step assembly 1. In the bridge frame 8B, the stud bolts 23 connecting the base plate 12A to the base plate 12A penetrate the frame top plate portion 32.

[0060] As described above, each of the bridging frames 8C to 8H uses the same members as the bridging frame 8B. Therefore, each of the bridging frames 8C to 8H has the same configuration as the bridging frame 8B. In each of the bridging frames 8C to 8H, the stud bolts 23 that connect the corresponding ones of the base plates 12 penetrate the frame top plate portion 32.

[0061] Fig. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of range α2 in Fig. 3. Fig. 7 shows the base plates 12A, 12B, beam member 11A, and their surrounding areas in the step assembly 1. As shown in Fig. 7, anchor holes 25 and through holes 26 are formed in the base plate 12A. In the example shown in Fig. 7, two anchor holes 25 and seven through holes 26 are formed in the base plate 12A. Each of the anchor holes 25 and through holes 26 penetrates the base plate 12A from the plate main surface 21 to the plate main surface 22. Each of the anchor holes 25 and through holes 26 extends along the height direction of the step assembly 1.

[0062] In the base plate 12A, an anchor (not shown) is attached to each of the anchor holes 25. Then, the base plate 12A is connected to the installation surface 103 via the anchors attached to the anchor holes 25. Therefore, the base plate 12A is connected to the installation surface 103 of the holes 102 through each of the anchor holes 25. Also, in the base plate 12A, each of the through holes 26 is filled with Doroguard.

[0063] Similarly to the base plate 12A, each of the base plates 12B to 12D is also formed with anchor holes 25 and through holes 26. Each of the base plates 12B to 12D is connected to the installation surface 103 via anchors attached to the anchor holes 25. Furthermore, in each of the base plates 12B to 12D, each of the through holes 26 is filled with a doroguard.

[0064] 7 and other figures, the dimension of the beam member 11A along the width direction of the step assembly 1 is larger than the dimension of the beam member 11A along the length direction of the step assembly 1 and the dimension of the beam member 11A along the height direction of the step assembly 1. An internal space 41 is formed inside the beam member 11A. The internal space 41 extends in the beam member 11A along the width direction of the step assembly 1. The internal space 41 is formed across the entire dimension of the beam member 11A in the width direction of the step assembly 1.

[0065] 7, the beam member 11A includes a beam top plate portion 42, a beam bottom plate portion 43, and a pair of beam side plate portions 45, 46. The beam top plate portion 42, the beam bottom plate portion 43, and the beam side plate portions 45, 46 are each provided to extend along the width direction of the tread assembly 1 on the beam member 11A. The beam top plate portion 42, the beam bottom plate portion 43, and the beam side plate portions 45, 46 are each provided to extend across the entire dimension of the beam member 11A in the width direction of the tread assembly 1.

[0066] In the beam member 11A, the beam top plate portion 42 covers the internal space 41 from above in the height direction of the step assembly 1, and the beam bottom plate portion 43 covers the internal space 41 from below in the height direction of the step assembly 1. In addition, in the beam member 11A, the beam side plate portion 45 covers the internal space 41 from one side in the longitudinal direction of the step assembly 1, and the beam side plate portion 46 covers the internal space 41 from the side opposite to the side covered by the beam side plate portion 45 in the longitudinal direction of the step assembly 1. For this reason, the beam member 11A is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape or a substantially rectangular cylindrical shape.

[0067] Similarly to beam member 11A, each of beam members 11B to 11D also has an internal space 41. Each of beam members 11B to 11D is provided with a beam top plate portion 42, a beam bottom plate portion 43, and a pair of beam side plate portions 45, 46. In each of beam members 11B and 11C, one of the base plates 12 abuts against the beam bottom plate portion 43 from below in the height direction. In addition, in a tread assembly 1 installed on a road 100, the installation surface 103 of hole 102 abuts against the beam bottom plate portion 43 of beam members 11A and 11D.

[0068] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of one beam member in a step assembly according to an embodiment. In the embodiment, for example, beam members 11A and 11D each have the configuration shown in Fig. 8. Also, in the embodiment, beam members 11B and 11C have the same configuration as that shown in Fig. 8, except for differences in dimensions.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 8, the beam member 11 has through-holes (first beam through-holes) 47 formed therein that penetrate the beam top plate portion 42. The number of through-holes 47 formed is the same as the number of gaps formed between adjacent sensor installation plates 3. In other words, one beam member 11 has the same number of through-holes 47 as the rod-shaped members 6 (the same number as the rod-shaped members 7). In the example shown in FIG. 8, three through-holes 47 are formed in the beam top plate portion 42 of the beam member 11, and the three through-holes 47 are aligned in the width direction of the step assembly 1.

[0070] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the example beam member of FIG. 8, viewed from a different direction than that of FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 9, the beam member 11 has through-holes 48 (second beam through-holes) that penetrate the beam bottom plate portion 43. The number of through-holes 48 is the same as the number of gaps formed between adjacent sensor installation plates 3. That is, the number of through-holes 48 formed in one beam member 11 is the same as the number of rod-shaped members 6 (the same number as the number of rod-shaped members 7). Furthermore, the number of through-holes 48 formed in one beam member 11 is the same as the number of through-holes 47 formed in the beam top plate portion 42, and one corresponding through-hole 48 is provided for each through-hole 47. In the example of FIG. 9, three through-holes 48 are formed in the beam bottom plate portion 43 of the beam member 11, and the three through-holes 48 are aligned in the width direction of the step assembly 1.

[0071] The cross-sectional area of ​​each of the through holes 48 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the through holes 47. Furthermore, in the beam member 11, each of the through holes 48 is formed to have a larger diameter than each of the through holes 47. Each of the through holes 48 faces a corresponding one of the through holes 47, with the internal space 41 therebetween.

[0072] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a step assembly according to an embodiment, taken through a beam member and perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the step assembly. In some embodiments, a cross-section passing through beam member 11A or 11D and perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the step assembly 1 will be similar to the cross-section shown in Fig. 10. In some embodiments, a cross-section passing through beam member 11B or 11C and perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the step assembly 1 will be similar to the cross-section shown in Fig. 10, except that a corresponding one of the base plates 12 abuts against and is adjacent to beam member 11 from below in the height direction.

[0073] 10, the step assembly 1 includes a connecting screw 51 as a first connecting member, and the beam member 11 is connected to the rod-shaped members 6 and 7 disposed in the gap between adjacent sensor installation plates 3 via the connecting screw 51. Therefore, the connecting screw 51 connects one beam member 11 to each of the rod-shaped members 6 and 7.

[0074] Below, we will explain a configuration in which any one of the beam members 11A to 11D is connected to the rod-shaped members 6 and 7 placed in one of the gaps between adjacent sensor installation plates 3. Note that the beam members 11A to 11D are also connected to the rod-shaped members 6 and 7 placed in the other gaps in the same manner as the configuration described below. As shown in FIG. 10 etc., the beam member 11 is connected to one rod-shaped member 6 and one rod-shaped member 7 via one connection screw 51.

[0075] Connection screw 51, which is a first connection member, has a head (first head) 52 and a shaft portion 53, which is the portion other than the head. In connection screw 51, the diameter of head 52 is larger than the diameter of shaft portion 53. For this reason, connection screw 51 is provided with head 52 having a larger diameter than other portions of connection screw 51. In addition, connection screw 51 has a thread portion (male thread portion) 55 formed on shaft portion 53 as a fitting portion.

[0076] In the beam member 11, the diameter of the through hole 48 in the beam bottom plate portion 43 is larger than the diameter of the head portion 52 of the connecting screw 51. Therefore, the head portion 52 and the shaft portion 53 of the connecting screw 51 can pass through the through hole 48. On the other hand, in the beam member 11, the diameter of the through hole 47 in the beam top plate portion 42 is larger than the diameter of the shaft portion 53 of the connecting screw 51, but smaller than the diameter of the head portion 52. Therefore, the shaft portion 53 of the connecting screw 51 can be inserted into the through hole 47, but the head portion 52 cannot be inserted into the through hole 47.

[0077] A through hole 56 is formed in the rod-shaped member 7, and the through hole 56 penetrates the rod-shaped member 7 along the height direction of the step assembly 1. A threaded hole 57 is also formed in the rod-shaped member 6 as a first fitting hole. The threaded hole 57 of the rod-shaped member 6 is threadably engaged with the threaded portion 55 of the shaft portion 53 of the connecting screw 51. That is, the threaded hole 57, which serves as the first fitting hole, is fitted with the shaft portion 53 of the connecting screw 51, which serves as the first connecting member. The shaft portion 53 of the connecting screw 51 extends through the through hole 47 of the beam top plate portion 42 and the through hole 56 of the rod-shaped member 7, and is inserted into the threaded hole 57 of the rod-shaped member 6. That is, the shaft portion 53 of the connecting screw 51 penetrates the beam top plate portion 42 and the rod-shaped member 7, and is inserted into the threaded hole 57 of the rod-shaped member 6. The shaft portion 53 of the connecting screw 51 is inserted into the threaded hole 57 from below in the height direction of the step assembly 1.

[0078] The threaded portion 55 of the shaft portion 53 of the connecting screw 51 threadably engages with the threaded hole 57 of the rod-shaped member 6. This connects the beam member 11 to the rod-shaped members 6 and 7 via the connecting screw 51. When connecting the beam member 11 to the rod-shaped members 6 and 7 via the connecting screw 51, the head 52 of the connecting screw 51 passes through the through-hole 48 of the beam bottom plate portion 43 and is positioned in the internal space 41 of the beam member 11. The beam member 11 is connected to the rod-shaped members 6 and 7 with the head 52 of the connecting screw 51 positioned in the internal space 41 of the beam member 11. Therefore, the connecting screw 51 does not protrude downward in the height direction relative to the beam member 11, i.e., relative to the beam bottom plate portion 43. In the tread assembly 1 installed on the road 100, the internal space 41 of the beam member 11 is filled with DoroGuard.

[0079] When one gap is filled with one rod-shaped member, a screw hole similar to screw hole 57 of rod-shaped member 6 is formed as a first fitting hole in the rod-shaped member filling the gap. Then, shaft portion 53 of connecting screw 51 is inserted into the screw hole from below in the height direction of footboard assembly 1 and threadedly engages with the screw hole. In this way, beam member 11 is connected to the rod-shaped member filling the gap.

[0080] Furthermore, when one gap is filled with three or more rod-shaped members, a through hole similar to the through hole 56 of the rod-shaped member 7 is formed in each of the rod-shaped members other than the uppermost rod-shaped member. Then, a screw hole similar to the screw hole 57 of the rod-shaped member 6 is formed as a first fitting hole in the uppermost rod-shaped member of the three or more rod-shaped members filling that gap. In this case, the shaft portion 53 of the connecting screw 51 extends through the through hole 47 of the beam top plate portion 42 and the through holes of the rod-shaped members other than the uppermost rod-shaped member. The shaft portion 53 of the connecting screw 51 is then inserted into the screw hole of the uppermost rod-shaped member from below in the height direction of the footboard assembly 1 and threadedly engages with the screw hole. In this way, the beam member 11 is connected to the three or more rod-shaped members filling one gap.

[0081] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a step assembly according to an embodiment, taken along a plane passing through one of the bridging frames 8B to 8H and perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the step assembly. In the embodiment, for example, a cross-section passing through one of the bridging frames 8B to 8H and perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the step assembly 1 will be similar to the cross-section shown in Fig. 11. In the embodiment, for example, a cross-section passing through the bridging frame 8A and perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the step assembly 1 will be similar to the cross-section shown in Fig. 11, except that a frame bottom plate portion 33 is provided on the bridging frame 8A.

[0082] As shown in Fig. 11, the bridge frame 8 has through holes (first frame through holes) 37 formed through the frame top plate portion 32. The number of through holes 37 formed is the same as the number of gaps formed between adjacent sensor mounting plates 3. In other words, one bridge frame 8 has the same number of through holes 37 as the number of rod-shaped members 6 (the same number as the number of rod-shaped members 7). In the example shown in Fig. 11, three through holes 37 are formed in the frame top plate portion 32 of the bridge frame 8, and the three through holes 37 are aligned in the width direction of the step assembly 1.

[0083] 11, the step assembly 1 includes a connecting screw 61 as a second connecting member, and the bridge frame 8 is connected to the rod-shaped members 6, 7 disposed in the gap between adjacent sensor installation plates 3 via the connecting screw 61. Therefore, the connecting screw 61 connects one bridge frame 8 to each of the rod-shaped members 6, 7.

[0084] Below, we will explain the configuration in which any one of the bridging frames 8A to 8H is connected to the rod-shaped members 6, 7 placed in one of the gaps between adjacent sensor installation plates 3. Note that each of the bridging frames 8A to 8H is also connected to the rod-shaped members 6, 7 placed in the other gaps in the same manner as the configuration described below. As shown in Figure 11 etc., one bridging frame 8 is connected to one rod-shaped member 6 and one rod-shaped member 7 via one connecting screw 61.

[0085] A connecting screw 61, which is a second connecting member, has a head (second head) 62 and a shaft portion 63, which is the portion other than the head. In the connecting screw 61, the diameter of the head 62 is larger than the diameter of the shaft portion 63. Therefore, the connecting screw 61 is provided with a head 62 having a larger diameter than other portions of the connecting screw 61. Furthermore, in the connecting screw 61, a threaded portion (male threaded portion) 65 is formed on the shaft portion 63 as a fitting portion. In the bridge frame 8, the diameter of the through hole 37 in the frame top plate portion 32 is larger than the diameter of the shaft portion 53 of the connecting screw 61 and smaller than the diameter of the head 52. Therefore, the shaft portion 53 of the connecting screw 51 can be inserted into the through hole 37, but the head 62 cannot be inserted into the through hole 37.

[0086] A through hole 66 is formed in the rod-shaped member 7, and the through hole 66 penetrates the rod-shaped member 7 along the height direction of the step assembly 1. A screw hole 67 is also formed in the rod-shaped member 6 as a second fitting hole. The screw hole 67 of the rod-shaped member 6 is threadedly engaged with the threaded portion 65 of the shaft portion 63 of the connecting screw 61. That is, the screw hole 67, which serves as the second fitting hole, is fitted with the shaft portion 63 of the connecting screw 61, which serves as the second connecting member. The shaft portion 63 of the connecting screw 61 extends through the through hole 37 of the frame top plate portion 32 and the through hole 66 of the rod-shaped member 7, and is inserted into the screw hole 67 of the rod-shaped member 6. That is, the shaft portion 63 of the connecting screw 61 penetrates the frame top plate portion 32 and the rod-shaped member 7, and is inserted into the screw hole 67 of the rod-shaped member 6. The shaft portion 63 of the connecting screw 61 is inserted into the screw hole 67 from below in the height direction of the step assembly 1.

[0087] The threaded portion 65 of the shaft portion 63 of the connecting screw 61 threadably engages with the threaded hole 67 of the rod-shaped member 6. As a result, the rod-shaped members 6, 7 are connected to the bridge frame 8 via the connecting screw 61, and then to the tread frame 2. The rod-shaped members 6, 7 are connected to the bridge frame 8 with the head 62 of the connecting screw 61 positioned in the frame space 31 of the bridge frame 8. For this reason, the connecting screw 61 does not protrude downward in the height direction relative to the bridge frame 8. In the tread assembly 1 installed on the road 100, the frame space 31 of the bridge frame 8 is filled with Doro Guard.

[0088] In addition, in a bridging frame 8 such as the bridging frame 8A in which a frame bottom plate portion 33 is provided, through holes (not shown) that penetrate the frame bottom plate portion 33 are formed as second frame through holes. The number of through holes formed in the frame bottom plate portion 33 is the same as the number of gaps formed between adjacent sensor installation plates 3. That is, in the bridging frame 8A etc., the number of through holes formed in the frame bottom plate portion 33 is the same as the number of rod-shaped members 6 (the same number as the number of rod-shaped members 7). In addition, in the bridging frame 8A, the number of through holes provided in the frame bottom plate portion 33 is the same as the number of through holes 37 formed in the frame top plate portion 32, and one corresponding through hole is provided for each through hole 37.

[0089] In the bridging frame 8A, the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the through holes in the frame bottom plate portion 33 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the through holes 37. Furthermore, in the bridging frame 8A, each of the through holes in the frame bottom plate portion 33 is formed with a larger diameter than each of the through holes 37. In the bridging frame 8A, each of the through holes in the frame bottom plate portion 33 faces a corresponding one of the through holes 37, with the frame space 31 sandwiched therebetween.

[0090] Furthermore, in the bridging frame 8A, the diameter of the through hole in the frame bottom plate portion 33 is larger than the diameter of the head 62 of the connecting screw 61, which is the second connecting member. Therefore, the head 62 and shaft portion 63 of the connecting screw 61 can pass through the through hole in the frame bottom plate portion 33. Furthermore, when the bridging frame 8A is connected to the rod-shaped members 6, 7 via the connecting screw 61, the head 62 of the connecting screw 61 passes through the through hole in the frame bottom plate portion 33 and is positioned in the frame space 31 of the bridging frame 8A.

[0091] Furthermore, when one gap is filled with one rod-shaped member, a screw hole similar to screw hole 67 of rod-shaped member 6 is formed as a second fitting hole in the rod-shaped member filling the gap. Then, shaft portion 63 of connecting screw 61 is inserted into the screw hole from below in the height direction of tread assembly 1 and threadedly engages with the screw hole. In this way, bridge frame 8 is connected to the rod-shaped member filling the gap.

[0092] Furthermore, when one gap is filled with three or more rod-shaped members, a through hole similar to the through hole 66 of the rod-shaped member 7 is formed in each of the rod-shaped members other than the uppermost rod-shaped member. Then, a screw hole similar to the screw hole 67 of the rod-shaped member 6 is formed as a second fitting hole in the uppermost rod-shaped member of the three or more rod-shaped members filling that gap. In this case, the shaft portion 63 of the connecting screw 61 extends through the through hole 37 of the frame top plate portion 32 and the through holes of the rod-shaped members other than the uppermost rod-shaped member. The shaft portion 63 of the connecting screw 61 is inserted into the screw hole of the uppermost rod-shaped member from below in the height direction of the footboard assembly 1 and threadedly engages with the screw hole. In this way, the bridge frame 8 is connected to the three or more rod-shaped members filling one gap.

[0093] FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of range α3 in FIG. 1. FIG. 12 shows the bridge bracket 9, beam member 11E, and their surrounding areas in the step assembly 1. As shown in FIG. 12 and other figures, a bracket space 71 is formed inside the bridge bracket 9, similar to the frame space 31 formed in the bridge frame 8. The bracket space 71 extends in the bridge bracket 9 along the width direction of the step assembly 1. The bracket space 71 is formed across the entire width of the bridge bracket 9. Note that the dimension of the bridge bracket 9 along the width direction of the step assembly 1 is larger than the dimension of the bridge bracket 9 along the longitudinal direction of the step assembly 1 and the dimension of the bridge bracket 9 along the height direction of the step assembly 1.

[0094] Just as each bridging frame 8 has a frame top plate portion 32 and frame side plate portions 35, 36, each bridging bracket 9 has a bracket top plate portion 72 and bracket side plate portions 75, 76. Each of the bracket top plate portion 72 and bracket side plate portions 75, 76 extends along the width direction of the bridging bracket 9 of the step assembly 1. Each of the bracket top plate portion 72 and bracket side plate portions 75, 76 extends across the entire dimension of the bridging bracket 9 in the width direction of the step assembly 1.

[0095] In the bridging bracket 9, the bracket top plate portion 72 covers the bracket space 71 from above in the height direction of the step assembly 1. In addition, in the bridging bracket 9, the bracket side plate portion 75 covers the bracket space 71 from one longitudinal side of the step assembly 1, and the bracket side plate portion 76 covers the bracket space 71 from the opposite side in the longitudinal direction of the step assembly 1 to the side covered by the bracket side plate portion 75. Therefore, in the bridging bracket 9, the cross-sectional shape perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the width direction of the step assembly 1 is U-shaped or approximately U-shaped, and the U-shape or approximately U-shape opens downward in the height direction of the step assembly 1.

[0096] The dimension of the bridging bracket 9 along the longitudinal direction of the tread assembly 1 is smaller than the dimension of each of the bridging frames 8 along the longitudinal direction of the tread assembly 1. Therefore, the distance between the bracket side plate portions 75, 76 of the bridging bracket 9 is smaller than the distance between the frame side plate portions 35, 36 of the bridging frame 8.

[0097] 12 and other figures, the beam member 11E connected to the bridging bracket 9 also has an internal space 41 formed therein, similar to the beam members 11A to 11D. Similarly to the beam members 11A to 11D, the beam member 11E includes a beam top plate portion 42, a beam bottom plate portion 43, and a pair of beam side plate portions 45, 46. However, the dimension of the beam member 11E along the longitudinal direction of the step assembly 1 is smaller than the dimension of each of the beam members 11A to 11D along the longitudinal direction of the step assembly 1. Therefore, the distance between the beam side plate portions 45, 46 in the beam member 11E is smaller than the distance between the beam side plate portions 45, 46 in each of the beam members 11A to 11D.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 12 and other figures, the beam member 11E is inserted into the bracket space 71 of the bridging bracket 9 from the lower side in the height direction of the tread assembly 1. Then, with the beam member 11E sandwiched between the bracket side plate portions 75, 76 of the bridging bracket 9, the beam member 11E is connected to the bridging bracket 9. The beam top plate portion 42 of the beam member 11E abuts against the bracket top plate portion 72 of the bridging bracket 9 from the lower side in the height direction. In the tread assembly 1 installed on the road 100, the installation surface 103 of the hole 102 abuts against the beam bottom plate portion 43 of the beam member 11E. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the step assembly according to the embodiment, taken along a plane passing through the bridge bracket and perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the step assembly. In the embodiment, for example, a cross-section passing through the beam member 11E and perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the step assembly 1 will be similar to the cross-section shown in FIG.

[0099] 13 and other figures, similar to the beam members 11A to 11D, the beam member 11E also has a through-hole (first beam through-hole) 47 penetrating the beam top plate portion 42 and a through-hole (second beam through-hole) 48 penetrating the beam bottom plate portion 43. The beam member 11E is connected to the rod-shaped members 6 and 7 by a connecting screw (first connecting member) 51. Similar to the beam members 11A to 11D, the beam member 11E is also connected to one rod-shaped member 6 and one rod-shaped member 7 via one connecting screw 51.

[0100] The shaft portion 53 of the connecting screw 51 that connects the beam member 11E to the rod-shaped members 6 and 7 also extends through the through-hole 47 in the beam top plate portion 42 of the beam member 11E and the through-hole 56 in the rod-shaped member 7, and is inserted into the threaded hole 57 in the rod-shaped member 6. That is, the shaft portion 53 of the connecting screw 51 passes through the beam top plate portion 42 and the rod-shaped member 7 and is inserted into the threaded hole 57 in the rod-shaped member 6. The shaft portion 53 of the connecting screw 51 is then inserted into the threaded hole 57 from below in the height direction of the step assembly 1, and the threaded portion 55 of the shaft portion 53 screws into the threaded hole 57. This connects the beam member 11E to the rod-shaped members 6 and 7 via the connecting screw 51.

[0101] Furthermore, when connecting the beam member 11E to the rod-shaped members 6 and 7, the head 52 of the connecting screw 51 passes through the through hole 48 of the beam bottom plate portion 43 and is positioned in the internal space 41 of the beam member 11E. Then, with the head 52 of the connecting screw 51 positioned in the internal space 41 of the beam member 11E, the beam member 11E is connected to the rod-shaped members 6 and 7. Therefore, the connecting screw 51 does not protrude downward in the height direction relative to the beam member 11E.

[0102] However, in the step assembly 1, the bracket top plate portion 72 of the bridging bracket 9 is sandwiched between each of the rod-shaped members 7 and the beam member 11E. In the bridging bracket 9, a through hole 77 is formed in the bracket top plate portion 72. The diameter of the through hole 77 in the bracket top plate portion 72 is larger than the diameter of the shaft portion 53 of the connecting screw 51, but smaller than the diameter of the head portion 52. For this reason, the shaft portion 53 of the connecting screw 51 can be inserted into the through hole 77, but the head portion 52 cannot be inserted into the through hole 77.

[0103] In the connection screw 51 connecting the beam member 11E to the rod-shaped members 6 and 7, the shaft portion 53 passes through, in order from the bottom in the height direction, the through hole 47 in the beam top plate portion 42 of the beam member 11E, the through hole 77 in the bracket top plate portion 72, and the through hole 56 in the rod-shaped member 7, and is inserted into the screw hole 57 in the rod-shaped member 6. In other words, the shaft portion 53 of the connection screw 51 passes through the beam top plate portion 42 of the beam member 11E, the bracket top plate portion 72 of the bridging bracket 9, and the rod-shaped member 7, and is inserted into the screw hole 57 in the rod-shaped member 6.

[0104] When one gap is filled with one rod-shaped member, beam member 11E is connected to the one rod-shaped member that fills the one gap in the same manner as the connection of beam members 11A to 11D to their respective rod-shaped members described above. When one gap is filled with three or more rod-shaped members, beam member 11E is connected to three or more rod-shaped members that fill the one gap in the same manner as the connection of beam members 11A to 11D to their respective rod-shaped members described above.

[0105] As described above, in this embodiment, the gaps between adjacent sensor mounting plates 3 among the multiple sensor mounting plates 3 are filled with the metal rod-shaped members 6, 7. This results in a configuration in which the doro guard is not filled, or is barely filled, in the gaps between adjacent sensor mounting plates 3. Because of this configuration, in this embodiment, the portions filling the gaps between adjacent sensor mounting plates 3 are less susceptible to the effects of environmental conditions and external factors, and the entire tread assembly 1 and tread 10 are less susceptible to the effects of environmental conditions and external factors.

[0106] For example, since the dodger guard is not filled in the gaps between adjacent sensor installation plates 3, the dodger guard is effectively prevented from peeling off due to deterioration over time and the passing of vehicles on the treads 10 installed on the road 100. This effectively prevents the dodger guard from being scattered on the road surface 101 of the road 100.

[0107] In the tread assembly 1 of this embodiment, each base plate 12 is attached to the tread frame 2 from below in the height direction. Each base plate 12 is then connected to the installation surface 103 of the hole 102. This secures the base plate 12 attached to the tread frame 2 to the strata that form the road 100. On roads 100 such as expressways, after the treads 10 are installed on the road 100, water may seep into the gaps in the drain guard due to rain or the like, causing water to accumulate in the holes 102 where the treads 10 are installed. In this embodiment, because the base plate 12 is secured to the strata of the road 100, even if water accumulates in the holes 102, the floating and sinking of the tread assembly 1 and the treads 10 due to water is effectively suppressed.

[0108] By preventing the step assembly 1 from floating up and down due to water pooling in the holes 102, repeated application of vertical load to the step assembly 1 when a vehicle passes over it is effectively prevented. This effectively prevents a decrease in the lifespan of the step assembly 1 and the step 10.

[0109] In this embodiment, the beam members 11, which extend along the width direction, are connected to the rod members 6, 7 from below in the height direction. As a result, the rod members 6, 7, which are arranged between the sensor installation plates 3, are supported by the beam members 11 from below in the height direction. This configuration effectively prevents the rod members 6, 7 from being plastically deformed by the weight of a vehicle passing over the tread 10.

[0110] In this embodiment, the connecting screws (first connecting members) 51 that connect the beam member 11 and the rod-shaped members 6, 7 are inserted into the threaded holes (first fitting holes) 57 of the rod-shaped member 6 from below in the height direction. The connecting screws 51 then fit (screw) into the threaded holes 57, thereby connecting the beam member 11 to the rod-shaped members 6, 7. With this configuration, the connecting screws 51 are not exposed to the road surface 101 in the step board 10 and step board assembly 1 installed on the road 100. This appropriately prevents the connecting screws 51 from loosening due to the passing of vehicles, etc., and ensures an appropriate connection between the beam member 11 and the rod-shaped members 6, 7 via the connecting screws 51.

[0111] In this embodiment, the connection screw 51, which is the first connection member, penetrates the beam top plate portion 42 of the beam member 11 and is inserted into the screw hole (first fitting hole) 57 of the rod-shaped member 6. The head (first head) 52 of the connection screw 51 is located in the internal space 41 of the beam member 11. With this configuration, the connection screw 51 does not protrude downward in the height direction relative to the beam member 11. Since the head 52 of the connection screw 51 does not protrude downward in the height direction from each beam member 11, the installation surface 103 of the hole 102 or the corresponding one of the base plate 12 properly abuts against the beam member 11. This further firmly fixes the tread 10 and the tread assembly 1 to the strata that form the road 100.

[0112] In this embodiment, the bridge frames 8, which extend along the width direction of the step frame 2, are welded to the respective sensor installation plates 3 from the lower side in the height direction. The rod-shaped members 6 and 7 are connected to the bridge frames 8 from the upper side in the height direction, and each of the base plates 12 is connected to the corresponding bridge frame 8 from the lower side in the height direction. This allows the rod-shaped members 6 and 7 and the base plate 12 to be attached to the step frame 2 in an appropriate manner. It will be realized.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connecting screws (second connecting members) 61 that connect the bridge frame 8 and the rod-shaped members 6, 7 are inserted into the screw holes (second fitting holes) 67 of the rod-shaped members 6 from below in the height direction. The connecting screws 61 are then fitted (screwed) into the screw holes 67, thereby connecting the bridge frame 8 to the rod-shaped members 6, 7. With this configuration, the connecting screws 61 are not exposed to the road surface 101 in the step boards 10 and step board assemblies 1 installed on the road 100. This appropriately prevents the connecting screws 61 from loosening due to the passing of vehicles, etc., and ensures an appropriate connection between the bridge frame 8 and the rod-shaped members 6, 7 by the connecting screws 61.

[0114] In this embodiment, the connection screws 61, which are the second connection members, penetrate the frame top plate portion 32 of the bridge frame 8 and are inserted into the screw holes (second fitting holes) 67 of the rod-shaped members 6. The heads (second heads) 62 of the connection screws 61 are located in the frame space 31 of the bridge frame 8. With this configuration, the connection screws 61 do not protrude downward in the height direction relative to the bridge frame 8. Since the heads 62 of the connection screws 61 do not protrude downward in the height direction from each of the bridge frames 8, the corresponding one of the base plates 12 properly abuts against the bridge frame 8. As a result, each of the base plates 12 is firmly connected to the tread frame 2, and the treads 10 and tread assembly 1 are further firmly fixed to the strata that form the road 100.

[0115] According to at least one of these embodiments or examples, the gaps between adjacent sensor mounting plates in the step frame are filled with metal rods. The base plate is attached to the step frame from below in the height direction and connected to the mounting surface. This makes it possible to provide a step assembly and a step that are less susceptible to environmental conditions and external factors and that effectively prevent the step from floating up and down due to water accumulation in the mounting hole.

[0116] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 1...Step assembly, 2...Step frame, 3 (3A to 3D)...Sensor installation plate, 6, 7...Rod-shaped member, 8 (8A to 8H)...Bridge frame, 9...Bridge bracket, 10...Step, 11 (11A to 11E)...Beam member, 12 (12A to 12D)...Base plate, 13...Step sensor, 15...Sensor member, 31...Frame space, 32...Frame top plate portion, 41...Internal space, 42...Beam top plate portion, 51...Connecting screw (first connecting member), 52...Head (first head), 57...Screw hole (first mating hole), 61...Connecting screw (second connecting member), 62...Head (second head), 67...Screw hole (second mating hole), 100...Road, 101...Road surface, 102...Hole, 103...Installation surface.

Claims

1. a step frame including a plurality of sensor installation plates each extending along a longitudinal direction, and the plurality of sensor installation plates being arranged with gaps in a width direction intersecting the longitudinal direction; a metal rod-shaped member that fills the gap between adjacent sensor installation plates among the plurality of sensor installation plates; a base plate attached to the step frame from below in a height direction intersecting both the longitudinal direction and the width direction and connected to an installation surface; A footplate assembly comprising:

2. 2. The tread assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a beam member connected to said rod member from the lower side in the height direction and extending along said width direction.

3. a first connecting member that connects the beam member and the rod-shaped member; a first fitting hole into which the first connecting member is fitted is formed in the rod-shaped member; the first connecting member is inserted into the first fitting hole of the rod-shaped member from the lower side in the height direction; The footboard assembly of claim 2.

4. The beam member has an internal space and includes a beam top plate portion that covers the internal space from above in the height direction, the first connection member is inserted into the first fitting hole of the rod-shaped member through the beam top plate portion of the beam member, the first connecting member includes a first head portion having a larger diameter than other portions of the first connecting member; The first head of the first connection member is located in the internal space of the beam member. The footboard assembly of claim 3.

5. 3. The footboard assembly of claim 2, wherein the beam members comprise a first beam member against which the base plate abuts from the lower side in the height direction, and a second beam member positioned away from the base plate in the longitudinal direction.

6. The step frame further includes a bridge frame welded to each of the plurality of sensor installation plates from the lower side in the height direction, The bridging frame extends along the width direction, the rod-shaped member is connected to the bridge frame from an upper side in the height direction, The base plate is connected to the bridge frame from the lower side in the height direction.

6. A footboard assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A second connecting member is further provided to connect the bridge frame of the footboard frame and the rod-shaped member, a second fitting hole into which the second connecting member is fitted is formed in the rod-shaped member; the second connection member is inserted into the second fitting hole of the rod-shaped member from the lower side in the height direction; The footplate assembly of claim 6.

8. The bridge frame forms a frame space inside the bridge frame and includes a frame top plate portion that covers the frame space from an upper side in the height direction, the second connecting member is inserted into the second fitting hole of the rod-shaped member through the frame top plate portion of the bridging frame, the second connecting member includes a second head portion having a larger diameter than other portions of the second connecting member; The second head of the second connecting member is located in the frame space of the bridge frame. The footplate assembly of claim 7.

9. a step frame including a plurality of sensor installation plates each extending along a longitudinal direction, and the plurality of sensor installation plates being arranged with gaps in a width direction intersecting the longitudinal direction; a step sensor that is exposed on the road surface and attached to the plurality of sensor installation plates of the step frame; a metal rod-shaped member that fills the gap between adjacent sensor installation plates among the plurality of sensor installation plates; a base plate attached to the step frame from below in a height direction intersecting both the longitudinal direction and the width direction and connected to an installation surface; A step board having:

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