Girder end structure and branching device

Abstract

To provide a girder end structure and branching device that can improve durability. [Solution] The mounting surface 46b of the plate member 46 is placed on the upper surface 43a side of the base 41 of the movable girder 12f, and the plate member 46 is fastened to the base 41 by bolts 48 and nuts 49 that penetrate the plate member 46 and the base 41 in the vertical direction. The pressure receiving body 51 of the pressure receiving member 50 is fitted into the upper hole 46e opened in the mounting surface 46b. The pressure receiving body 51 and the overhanging portion 52 that extends vertically from the lower end of the pressure receiving body 51 are fitted into the lower hole 43c opened in the upper surface 43a. In this state, the hooking portion 47c that faces the overhanging portion 52 in the vertical direction is placed on the upper surface 43a of the base 41. As a result, the durability of the girder end structure 40 can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a girder end structure and a branching device, and more particularly to a girder end structure and a branching device capable of improving durability.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a branching device that changes the traveling path of a vehicle by moving a plurality of movable girders that form the traveling path of the vehicle in the width direction. Specifically, the branching device switches between a reference path (straight section) that connects between fixed girders with movable girders and a branching path (curved section) that connects between different fixed girders with movable girders. When the movable girders move in the width direction, gaps are formed at the ends of each girder in the traveling direction of the vehicle so that the movable girders do not interfere with each other or with the fixed girders.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In such a branching device, for example, a girder end structure including a base embedded and fixed at the end of the main body part of a movable girder or a fixed girder, a plate member having a rolling surface on which the wheels of the vehicle roll, and fastening members such as bolts for fastening the plate member to the base can be considered to constitute a portion for forming a gap between girders (unknown). This facilitates the position adjustment of the girder end structure with respect to the main body part, makes it easy to suppress the gap and step between girders, and makes it easy to replace the worn plate member.

[0005] However, with such girder end structures, when the wheels roll on the rolling surface (especially when the vehicle brakes), the shear load between the plate member and the base is applied to the fastening member designed to obtain axial force, which posed a problem with the durability of the girder end structure.

[0006] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a girder end structure and branching device that can improve durability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve this objective, the girder end structure of the present invention is a girder end structure in a branching device in which a vehicle travel path is formed on the upper surfaces of a plurality of movable girders and a plurality of fixed girders, and the vehicle's path is changed by moving the movable girders in the width direction and changing the distance between the fixed girders connected by the movable girders, comprising: a base provided at the end of the movable girder or fixed girder in the direction of travel of the vehicle; a plate member having a lower mounting surface superimposed on the upper surface of the base and an upper rolling surface on which the vehicle's wheels roll; and at least one of the plate member and the base The device comprises a fastening member that penetrates the plate member vertically and fastens the plate member to the base, and a pressure receiving member positioned between the base and the plate member, wherein the pressure receiving member comprises a pressure receiving body that extends vertically and forms the upper and lower ends of the pressure receiving member, and an overhang that extends vertically from the lower end of the pressure receiving body, wherein the pressure receiving body is fitted into an upper hole opening in the aforementioned mounting surface, and the pressure receiving body and the overhang are fitted into a lower hole opening in the upper surface of the base, with a hook portion facing the overhang in the vertical direction superimposed on the upper surface of the base. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the girder end structure described in claim 1, the mounting surface of a plate member is superimposed on the upper surface of the base of a movable or fixed girder, and the plate member is fastened to the base by a fastening member that penetrates at least one of the plate member and the base in the vertical direction. A pressure receiving member is fitted into a lower hole opening in the upper surface of the base and an upper hole opening in the mounting surface of the plate member. As a result, when the wheels of a vehicle roll on the rolling surface of the plate member, the shear load between the plate member and the base is mainly applied to the pressure receiving member and less likely to be applied to the fastening member. Consequently, the durability of the fastening member can be improved, and the durability of the girder end structure can be improved.

[0009] The pressure-receiving body of the pressure-receiving member fits into the upper hole. The pressure-receiving body of the pressure-receiving member and the protruding portion that extends vertically from the lower end of the pressure-receiving body fit into the lower hole. In this state, a hook portion (for example, a part of a plate member) that faces the protruding portion in the vertical direction is superimposed on the upper surface of the base. Therefore, even if the pressure-receiving member is displaced upward due to vibrations during vehicle operation and tries to come out of the lower hole, the protruding portion catches on the hook portion, preventing it from coming out of the lower hole. Thus, it is possible to avoid a situation where the pressure-receiving member comes out of the lower hole and the shear load between the plate member and the base is no longer applied to the pressure-receiving member.

[0010] The girder end structure described in claim 2 provides the following effects in addition to the effects of the girder end structure described in claim 1: One or more plate-shaped liners sandwiched between the upper surface of the base and the mounting surface of the plate member have through-holes formed therein into which the pressure-receiving body is inserted. Since the liner closest to the base constitutes the hooking portion, the slippage of the pressure-receiving member from the lower hole can be suppressed even when liners are provided. Furthermore, the height of the rolling surface can be easily adjusted according to the thickness and number of liners.

[0011] The girder end structure described in claim 3 provides the following effects in addition to those of the girder end structure described in claim 1 or 2: Since the plate member has a viewing hole that opens to the rolling surface and communicates with the upper hole, the pressure-receiving member can be visually inspected through the viewing hole. Therefore, it is easy to confirm during construction whether or not the pressure-receiving member is fitted into the upper and lower holes.

[0012] The girder end structure described in claim 4 provides the following effects in addition to the effects of the girder end structure described in claim 1 or 2. The pressure-receiving body of the pressure-receiving member is formed in a flat plate shape perpendicular to the direction of travel, making it easier for the pressure-receiving body to receive shear loads in the direction of travel of the vehicle. Furthermore, the overhang extends from the pressure-receiving body in at least one direction in the direction of travel along the entire length in the width direction, or extends from the pressure-receiving body in at least one direction in the width direction along the entire length in the direction of travel. Therefore, the pressure-receiving body and the overhang can be easily formed by cutting from a plate material, making it easier to reduce the manufacturing cost of the pressure-receiving member.

[0013] The girder end structure described in claim 5 provides the following effects in addition to those of the girder end structure described in claim 4. When the overhang extends in the width direction from the pressure-receiving body, in order to provide a hooking portion that faces the overhang in the vertical direction around the hole into which the pressure-receiving body is inserted (e.g., an upper hole or an insertion hole), the hole needs to be rectangular in shape along both sides in the width direction of the flat pressure-receiving body. In contrast, by making the overhang extend from the pressure-receiving body in at least one direction in the direction of travel along its entire width, the hole near the hooking portion does not need to be separated from both sides in the width direction of the pressure-receiving body, and can be made into an elongated hole in the width direction. This makes it easier to form the hole near the hooking portion that is elongated in the width direction.

[0014] The branching device according to claim 6 has the girder end structure according to claim 2, and in addition to the effects of the girder end structure according to claim 2, it has the following effects: When a vehicle changes its course, steps tend to occur between the end of a fixed girder and the end of a movable girder that are separated, or between the ends of a pair of movable girders that are similarly separated, due to wear of the mechanism that moves the movable girder in the width direction. Since one of the ends that make up these gaps between girders is formed by a girder end structure including a liner, the steps between girders can be easily eliminated by adjusting the thickness and number of liners. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1]This is a schematic top view of a branching device in one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) shows the state in which the reference path is formed, and (b) shows the state in which the branch path is formed. [Figure 2] This is a partially enlarged top view of a branching device. [Figure 3] This is a partially enlarged top view of the branching device, showing a further enlargement of section III in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the branching device on the IV-IV line. [Figure 5] This is a partially enlarged top view of the branching device, showing a further enlargement of section V in Figure 2. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the branching device on the VI-VI line. [Figure 7] Figure 3 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the branching device on line VII-VII. [Figure 8] (a) is a top view of the pressure-receiving member fitted into the lower hole, and (b) and (c) are top views of the pressure-receiving member fitted into the lower hole in modified examples. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, the overall configuration of the branching device 100 will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1(a) is a schematic top view of the branching device 100 in the state in which the reference path is formed. Figure 1(b) is a schematic top view of the branching device 100 in the state in which the branch path is formed.

[0017] The branching device 100 is positioned between fixed girder A and fixed girders B1 and B2, and is a device for selectively connecting them to change the path of a vehicle. It comprises multiple movable girders 10a-10f, 12a-12f, and 13a-13f. Vehicle travel paths are formed on the upper surfaces of fixed girders A, B1, and B2 and movable girders 10a-10f, 12a-12f, and 13a-13f, and the vehicle's path is formed when these are connected to each other. Fixed girders A, B1, and B2 are structures that are immovably installed on the ground or other surfaces.

[0018] Each of the movable beams 10a to 10f, 12a to 12f, and 13a to 13f is formed in a rectangular shape with the longitudinal direction being the traveling direction of the vehicle on the road surface in a top view. The movable beams 10a to 10f are arranged in the longitudinal direction in this order and are connected to each other inseparably. One end portion in the longitudinal direction of this movable beam 10a (the end portion on the side opposite to the movable beam 10b) is connected to the fixed beam A inseparably.

[0019] Similarly, the movable beams 12a to 12f are arranged in the longitudinal direction in this order and are connected to each other inseparably. One end portion in the longitudinal direction of the movable beam 12a (the end portion on the side opposite to the movable beam 12b) is connected to the fixed beam B1 inseparably. The movable beams 13a to 13f are arranged in the longitudinal direction in this order and are connected to each other inseparably. One end portion in the longitudinal direction of the movable beam 13a (the end portion on the side opposite to the movable beam 13b) is connected to the fixed beam B2 inseparably.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1(a), the branching device 100 forms a linear reference route connecting the fixed beam A and the fixed beam B1 by connecting the end portions of the movable beam 10f and the movable beam 12f to each other. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1(b), the branching device 100 forms a curved branching route connecting the fixed beam A and the fixed beam B2 by connecting the end portions of the movable beam 10f and the movable beam 13f to each other. The branching device 100 is configured to be able to switch between the reference route and the branching route by disconnecting the movable beams 10f, 12f, and 13f and moving the movable beams 10a to 10f, 12a to 12f, and 13a to 13f in the width direction and then reconnecting the movable beams 10f, 12f, and 13f.

[0021] Hereinafter, as necessary, the movable beams 10a, 12a, and 13a connected to the fixed beams A, B1, and B2 are referred to as start-end beams. When the route of the vehicle is changed, the movable beams 10f, 12f, and 13f that are disconnected from the adjacent movable beams 10f, etc. are referred to as end-end beams. With respect to these start-end beams and end-end beams, when the route of the vehicle is changed, the movable beams 10b to 10e, 12b to 12e, and 13b to 13e that are not disconnected from the adjacent movable beams 10a, etc. are referred to as intermediate beams.

[0022] Next, the branching device 100 will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a partially enlarged top view of the branching device 100 in the state in which the reference route is formed, and the connection portion between the movable girder 10e (intermediate girder), movable girder 10f (end girder), and movable girder 12f (end girder) is shown in enlargement. In Figure 2, the movable girders 10e and 10f in the branching route are shown by dashed lines.

[0023] The movable girders 10e and 10f are configured to move in the width direction by having a pair of guide rollers sandwich a guide rail 4 that extends in the width direction, and by having drive wheels roll on a drive rail 3 that also extends in the width direction. This configuration is publicly known and is illustrated, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-106680, so a detailed explanation is omitted. The movable girders 10e and 10f may also be moved in the width direction by other known configurations. The same applies to the other movable girders 10a to 10d, 12a to 12f, and 13a to 13f.

[0024] Each of the movable girders 10a-10f, 12a-12f, and 13a-13f comprises a main body 15 made of concrete and girder end structures 20, 30, and 40, mainly made of metal, provided at the longitudinal ends of the main body 15. Similarly, the fixed girders A, B1, and B2 also comprise a main body 15 and girder end structures 20 provided at the ends of the main body 15 on the movable girder 10a, 12a, and 13a sides.

[0025] To prevent interference between the movable girders 10a-10f, 12a-12f, and 13a-13f when they move in the width direction, gaps are formed at the ends of each girder to prevent interference between the movable girders 10a-10f, 12a-12f, and 13a-13f themselves, as well as between the movable girders 10a, 12a, and 13a and the fixed girders A, B1, and B2. In particular, relatively large gaps are formed between the main body sections 15, which are large and heavy objects, for construction purposes.

[0026] The girder end structures 20, 30, and 40 are designed to reduce vehicle vibration when wheels pass over the gaps by narrowing the gaps in the main body 15, and are attached after multiple main body sections 15 are lined up. Furthermore, since each of the girder end structures 20, 30, and 40 is for vibration reduction, they are positioned approximately symmetrically at two locations separated in the width direction from the ends of each main body section 15, where the wheels roll during vehicle operation.

[0027] The girder end structure 30 is provided at the end of the movable girder 10f that is on the side of the movable girder 12f. The girder end structure 30 is configured such that the movable part 32 slides against a fixed part 31 embedded and fixed in the main body 15, causing the movable part 32 to extend and retract from the end of the main body 15. When the movable girder 10f is connected to the movable girders 12f and 13f, the girder end structure 30 allows the movable part 32 to protrude from the end of the main body 15, narrowing the gap between the movable girder 10f and the movable girders 12f and 13f, thereby reducing vibrations of vehicles passing over that gap. On the other hand, when changing the course of a vehicle, the movable part 32 is retracted toward the fixed part 31 to prevent the movable girder 10f from interfering with the movable girders 12f, 13f, etc.

[0028] The girder end structure 40 is provided at the end of the movable girder 12f on the side of the movable girder 10f. That is, the girder end structure 40 is provided at the end opposite to the girder end structure 30. Therefore, the girder end structure 40 is also provided at the end of the movable girder 13f on the side of the movable girder 10f.

[0029] Furthermore, the arrangement is not limited to the above-described configuration; it is acceptable for a girder end structure 30 to be provided on one end of adjacent end girders, and a girder end structure 40 to be provided on the other end of that girder end structure. Note that the wear on the upper surface of adjacent end girders due to vehicle movement differs depending on the route, and the wear on each of the moving mechanisms also differs, making it easy for a step to occur between the ends of these girder girders. Details of the girder end structure 40 will be described later with reference to Figures 5 to 8.

[0030] In contrast, the girder end structure 20 is provided at both ends of the starting girder and intermediate girder (for example, the end of the movable girder 10e on the movable girder 10f side), the end of the terminal girder on the intermediate girder side (the end of the movable girder 10f on the movable girder 10e side), and the ends of the fixed girders A, B1, and B2. The girder end structure 20 on the movable girder 10e side of the movable girder 10f will be described below, but the girder end structures 20 at the intermediate girder side of the other terminal girders, both ends of the starting girder, both ends of the intermediate girder, and the ends of the fixed girders A, B1, and B2 are configured similarly.

[0031] The girder end structure 20 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a partially enlarged top view of the branching device 100, showing a further enlargement of the area near the girder end structure 20 in part III of Figure 2. Figure 4 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the branching device 100 on line IV-IV in Figure 3. In describing the girder end structure 20 using Figures 3 and 4, the central side in the direction of travel of the main body 15 on which the girder end structure 20 is provided (right side of the paper in the case of the movable girder 10f) is referred to as the rear side, and the opposite side (left side of the paper in the case of the movable girder 10f) is referred to as the front side.

[0032] The girder end structure 20 comprises a flat base portion 21 provided at the end of the movable girder 10f, a flat plate member 26 superimposed on the upper surface 21a of the base portion 21, a plurality of fastening members 27 for fastening the plate member 26 to the base portion 21, and a plurality of pressure receiving members 28 positioned between the base portion 21 and the plate member 26.

[0033] The base portion 21 is a component that is embedded in and fixed to the main body portion 15. Multiple shaft portions 23 protrude from the lower surface 21b of the base portion 21. Nuts 24 are fitted onto male threads formed on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portions 23.

[0034] A restricting section 25 with an L-shaped cross-section is provided at the rear of the base portion 21. The restricting section 25 comprises a lower plate attached to the lower surface 21b of the base portion 21, and a rear plate rising substantially vertically upward from the rear end of the lower plate portion. The upper end of this rear plate is located at approximately the same height as the upper surface of the main body portion 15.

[0035] The plate member 26 is a member that forms a rolling surface 26a on which the wheels of a vehicle traveling on the movable girder 10f roll. The upper side (top surface) of the plate member 26 is the rolling surface 26a. The lower side (bottom surface) of the plate member 26, the mounting surface 26b, is directly superimposed on the upper surface 21a of the base 21.

[0036] The plate member 26 has four through holes 26c that are spaced apart in the width direction and are formed through the plate member 26 at the positions of the fastening member 27 in Figure 3. The two outer through holes 26c in the width direction are at the same position in the front-rear direction, that is, they are aligned in a straight line parallel to the width direction. The two inner through holes 26c in the width direction are at the same position in the front-rear direction and are located behind the two outer through holes 26c.

[0037] The fastening member 27 is a bolt into which the shaft portion 27a is inserted into each of the four through holes 26c. The plate member 26 is fastened to the base 21 by fitting this shaft portion 27a into the screw holes 21c provided on the upper surface 21a of the base 21. A recess 26d is formed on the rolling surface 26a of the plate member 26 to accommodate the head portion 27b of the fastening member 27.

[0038] Such a girder end structure 20 is attached to each of the main body parts 15 when multiple main body parts 15 are arranged side by side. Specifically, first, a step 15a is formed in advance at the upper corner of the end of the main body part 15 for positioning the girder end structure 20. Multiple legs 16 protrude almost vertically from the upper surface of this step 15a, and a base 21 is placed on the upper ends of the legs 16. The amount of protrusion of the legs 16 is adjustable, and by adjusting this, the height and inclination of the rolling surface 26a when the plate member 26 is placed on the base 21 can be easily adjusted. Alternatively, legs that protrude adjustablely from the lower surface of the base 21 may be placed on the upper surface of the step 15a.

[0039] With the base 21 positioned by the legs 16, the base 21 is fixed to the main body 15 by filling the space between the lower surface 21b of the base 21 and the step 15a with grout material (non-shrink mortar) 15b and allowing it to harden. The nut 24 fitted onto the shaft 23 is embedded in the grout material 15b, providing an anchoring effect and firmly fixing the base 21 to the main body 15. In addition, since the base 21 is provided with a restricting portion 25, it is possible to prevent the grout material 15b from seeping from the rear side of the base 21 to the upper surface 21a side during filling.

[0040] After fixing the base portion 21 to the main body portion 15, the plate member 26 is attached to the base portion 21 using the fastening member 27. Alternatively, the base portion 21 may be fixed to the main body portion 15 with the plate member 26 attached to the base portion 21.

[0041] By attaching such a girder end structure 20, the position of the rolling surface 26a relative to the main body 15 can be easily adjusted, making it easier to suppress gaps and steps between the movable girders 10e and 10f. As a result, vehicle vibrations when wheels pass over these gaps can be reduced.

[0042] Furthermore, the plate member 26 is detachably attached to the base 21, which is fixed to the main body 15, by fastening members 27. Therefore, even if the rolling surface 26a of the plate member 26 is lowered compared to the initial construction due to wear of the rolling surface 26a of the plate member 26 or wear of the moving mechanism of the movable girders 10e and 10f, the plate member 26 can be easily replaced, and the position of the rolling surface 26a can be easily restored to the initial construction position.

[0043] However, in the girder end structure 20, when the wheel rolls on the rolling surface 26a, a shear load is generated between the plate member 26 and the base 21 along the mounting surface 26b and the upper surface 21a. This shear load becomes particularly large during braking. The fastening member 27 is designed to obtain axial force in the vertical direction, so it has problems with its durability against large shear loads.

[0044] The pressure-receiving member 28 is a member that receives this shear load. The pressure-receiving member 28 is fitted into the lower hole 21d which is opened in the upper surface 21a of the base 21 and the upper hole 26e which is opened in the mounting surface 26b of the plate member 26. The upper and lower corners of the pressure-receiving member 28 are chamfered all around, making it easy to fit the pressure-receiving member 28 into the lower hole 21d and the upper hole 26e.

[0045] The pressure-receiving member 28, the lower hole 21d, and the upper hole 26e extend vertically, substantially perpendicular to the upper surface 21a and the mounting surface 26b. The pressure-receiving member 28 is formed in a cylindrical shape, while the lower hole 21d and the upper hole 26e are formed in a circular shape when viewed in the vertical direction. This makes it easier to manufacture (process) the pressure-receiving member 28, the lower hole 21d, and the upper hole 26e.

[0046] As the pressure-receiving member 28 fits into the lower hole 21d and the upper hole 26e, the shear load between the plate member 26 and the base 21 is mainly applied to the pressure-receiving member 28 and less likely to be applied to the fastening member 27. As a result, the durability of the fastening member 27 can be improved, and the durability of the girder end structure 20 can be improved.

[0047] The outer diameter of the pressure-receiving member 28 is the same as, or slightly larger than, the inner diameters of the lower hole 21d and the upper hole 26e. However, the difference between these outer and inner diameters is smaller than the difference between the outer diameter of the shaft portion 27a of the fastening member 27 and the inner diameter of the through hole 26c. In particular, it is preferable that the difference between the outer diameter of the shaft portion 27a and the inner diameter of the through hole 26c is at least twice the difference between the outer diameter of the pressure-receiving member 28 and the inner diameters of the lower hole 21d and the upper hole 26e. In this case, the shear load between the plate member 26 and the base portion 21 is less likely to be applied to the fastening member 27, and the durability of the fastening member 27 can be further improved.

[0048] Furthermore, since the difference between the outer diameter of the pressure-receiving member 28 and the inner diameters of the lower hole 21d and the upper hole 26e is small, it is preferable to use two or fewer pressure-receiving members 28 per girder end structure 20 in order to fit and fasten each part while taking manufacturing tolerances into consideration. In other words, by using two or fewer pressure-receiving members 28, the processing accuracy of each part of the girder end structure 20 can be reduced, and the manufacturing of the girder end structure 20 can be made easier.

[0049] Furthermore, if the pressure-receiving member 28 is cylindrical, it is preferable to provide two pressure-receiving members 28. This prevents the plate member 26 from rotating around the pressure-receiving member 28 relative to the base 21, and prevents shear load from being applied to the fastening member 27 due to that rotation.

[0050] The two pressure-receiving members 28 (lower hole 21d and upper hole 26e) are positioned approximately identically in the front-to-back direction to the two fastening members 27 (screw hole 21c and through hole 26c) located on the inside in the width direction. Therefore, it is easy to minimize errors in the positional relationship between the lower hole 21d and the screw hole 21c located on the inside in the width direction, and between the upper hole 26e and the through hole 26c located on the inside in the width direction. Consequently, it is possible to suppress the tendency for shear loads to be applied to the fastening members 27 due to the fastening members 27 approaching the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 26c caused by these errors.

[0051] Because the difference between the outer diameter of the shaft portion 27a and the inner diameter of the through hole 26c is relatively large, a washer 27c is placed between the head portion 27b of the fastening member 27 and the bottom surface of the recess 26d to suppress buckling. To check and inspect the washer 27c and the presence or absence of buckling after installation, the recess 26d is extended radially from the through hole 26c to one side (the front side in this embodiment). By inserting a mirror or the like into this extended portion, it is easy to check the washer 27c.

[0052] The lower hole 21d has a bottom that the lower end of the pressure-receiving member 28 abuts against. The upper hole 26e has a closed portion 26f that faces the upper end of the pressure-receiving member 28. This prevents the pressure-receiving member 28 from protruding out of the upper hole 26e toward the rolling surface 26a or falling out, even if the pressure-receiving member 28 moves vertically due to vibrations during vehicle operation.

[0053] The closing portion 26f is located above the pressure-receiving member 28 that abuts the bottom of the lower hole 21d. This allows for the absorption of manufacturing errors in the pressure-receiving member 28, the upper hole 26e, and the lower hole 21d. However, it is preferable that the distance from the pressure-receiving member 28 abutting the bottom of the lower hole 21d to the closing portion 26f be 4 mm or less. This reduces fluctuations in the contact area between the pressure-receiving member 28 and the upper hole 26e and the lower hole 21d, even if the pressure-receiving member 28 moves vertically. As a result, when the pressure-receiving member 28 is subjected to a shear load, an over-excessive increase in surface pressure based on that load can be suppressed, ensuring the durability of the pressure-receiving member 28.

[0054] A circular viewing hole 26g, smaller than the upper hole 26e, is formed through the closed portion 26f in the vertical direction, allowing the pressure-receiving member 28 to be seen through the viewing hole 26g. Therefore, it is easy to confirm whether or not the pressure-receiving member 28 is fitted into the upper hole 26e and the lower hole 21d during installation. Furthermore, since the upper hole 26e and the viewing hole 26g in the plate member 26 are located on the same axis, the manufacturing (processing) of the upper hole 26e and the viewing hole 26g can be easily performed.

[0055] Furthermore, the viewing hole 26g may be filled with synthetic resin or the like after the installation has been confirmed. This will suppress corrosion of the pressure-receiving member 28 and the like caused by rainwater entering through the viewing hole 26g. Also, if the viewing hole 26g is filled with a grub screw or the like, the grub screw may pop out from the rolling surface 26a due to rotation caused by vibrations during vehicle operation, but such popping out can be suppressed by filling it with synthetic resin.

[0056] When replacing the plate member 26 or the pressure-receiving member 28, first remove all fastening members 27. Next, insert the male screws into the four screw holes 26h opened in the rolling surface 26a of the plate member 26 and pull. Basically, the upper hole 26e and the lower hole 21d and the pressure-receiving member 28 are clearance-fitted, so the pressure-receiving member 28 remains in the lower hole 21d. This makes it easy to replace the plate member 26.

[0057] A screw hole 28a is also formed at the upper end of the pressure-receiving member 28. Therefore, when the pressure-receiving member 28 has come out of the upper hole 26e and remains in the lower hole 21d, it is possible to easily remove the pressure-receiving member 28 from the lower hole 21d by inserting a male screw into the screw hole 28a and pulling it out. This makes it easier to replace the pressure-receiving member 28.

[0058] Furthermore, if the pressure-receiving member 28 remains in the upper hole 26e when the plate member 26 is removed, the pressure-receiving member 28 can be easily removed by pushing it with a rod or the like through the viewing hole 26g. Since the diameter of the root of the screw hole 28a is smaller than the inner diameter of the viewing hole 26g, a male screw can be fitted into the screw hole 28a to push the pressure-receiving member 28. This makes it easier to push the pressure-receiving member 28 straight in the axial direction, thus suppressing damage to the pressure-receiving member 28, the upper hole 26e, etc., caused by an inclined load acting on the axis of the pressure-receiving member 28.

[0059] Next, the girder end structure 40 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 5 to 8(a). Figure 5 is a partially enlarged top view of the branching device 100, showing a further enlargement of the area near the girder end structure 40 in section V of Figure 2. Figure 6 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the branching device 100 along the line VI-VI in Figure 5. Figure 7 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the branching device 100 along the line VII-VII in Figure 5. Figure 8(a) is a top view of the pressure-receiving member 50 fitted into the lower hole 43c.

[0060] In the explanation using Figures 5 to 8(a), the girder end structure 40 on the movable girder 10f side of the movable girder 12f will be described, but the girder end structures 40 on other end girders are configured similarly. Furthermore, in the girder end structure 40, the central side in the direction of travel of the main body 15 on which it is provided (right side of Figures 5 and 6 in the case of the movable girder 12f) will be referred to as the rear side, and the opposite side (left side of Figures 5 and 6 in the case of the movable girder 12f) will be referred to as the front side.

[0061] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the girder end structure 40 comprises a base 41 provided at the end of the movable girder 12f, a flat plate member 46 superimposed on the upper side of the base 41, a flat liner 47 sandwiched between the base 41 and the plate member 46, four bolts 48 and nuts 49 (fastening members) for fastening the plate member 46 to the base 41, and a plurality of pressure receiving members 50 positioned between the base 41 and the plate member 46.

[0062] The base portion 41 is a member that is embedded in and fixed to the main body portion 15, and is formed in a box shape that opens forward. The base portion 41 comprises a flat lower plate 42 that is vertically perpendicular, a flat upper plate 43 that is positioned parallel to and above the lower plate 42, a pair of flat horizontal plates 44 that connect the upper surface of the lower plate 42 and the lower surface of the upper plate 43, and a flat rear plate 45 that connects the rear ends of the lower plate 42, the upper plate 43, and the horizontal plates 44.

[0063] Multiple shaft portions 42a protrude from the lower surface of the lower plate 42. Nuts 42b are fitted onto male threads formed on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portions 42a. Four through holes 43b are formed through the upper plate 43 in the vertical direction. The four through holes 43b are located near the corners of the upper plate 43 (the positions of the bolts 48 in Figure 5).

[0064] The pair of horizontal plates 44 are formed substantially perpendicular to the lower plate 42 and the upper plate 43. The pair of horizontal plates 44 are parallel to each other, spaced apart in the width direction, and positioned inward from both ends of the lower plate 42 and the upper plate 43 in the width direction (see Figure 7). The rear plate 45 is formed substantially perpendicular to the lower plate 42, the upper plate 43, and the horizontal plates 44. The rear plate 45 extends downward from the lower surface of the lower plate 42 and upward from the upper surface 43a of the upper plate 43. The upper end of this rear plate 45 is at approximately the same height as the upper surface of the main body 15.

[0065] The plate member 46 is a member that forms a rolling surface 46a on which the wheels of a vehicle traveling on the movable girder 12f roll. The upper side (top surface) of the plate member 46 is the rolling surface 46a. The mounting surface 46b on the lower side (bottom surface) of the plate member 46 is superimposed on the upper surface 43a of the upper plate 43 of the base 41 so as to face it in the vertical direction. Through holes 46c are formed through the plate member 46 at the same positions as the through holes 43b of the upper plate 43. Furthermore, a recess 46d is formed in the plate member 46 by widening the through hole 46c on the rolling surface 46a side in the radial direction.

[0066] The liner 47 is the part sandwiched between the upper surface 43a of the upper plate 43 and the mounting surface 46b of the plate member 46. The liner 47 has through holes 47a that communicate with the through holes 43b of the upper plate 43 and the through holes 46c of the plate member 46. In this embodiment, one liner 47 is sandwiched between the upper plate 43 and the plate member 46, but two or more liners 47 may be sandwiched between them.

[0067] The bolt 48 comprises a shaft portion 48a that is inserted into four interconnected through holes 43b, 46c, and 47a, and a head portion 48b connected to the upper end of the shaft portion 48a and housed in a recess 46d. The plate member 46 is fastened to the upper plate 43 of the base portion 41 by fitting a nut 49 onto the shaft portion 48a that protrudes downward from the upper plate 43. Washers 48c and 49a are placed between the head portion 48b and the bottom surface of the recess 46d, and between the nut 49 and the lower surface of the upper plate 43, respectively. This prevents buckling of the bottom surface of the recess 46d and the lower surface of the upper plate 43.

[0068] Such a girder end structure 40 is attached to each of the main body sections 15 when multiple main body sections 15 are arranged side by side. Specifically, first, a step 15a is formed in advance at the upper corner of the end of the main body section 15 for positioning the girder end structure 40.

[0069] With the base 41 positioned inside the step 15a, the base 41 is fixed to the main body 15 by filling the space between the lower surface of the lower plate 42, the rear surface of the rear plate 45, and the step 15a with grout material (non-shrink mortar) 15b and allowing it to harden. The nut 42b fitted onto the shaft 42a is embedded in the grout material 15b, providing an anchoring effect and firmly fixing the base 41 to the main body 15. Furthermore, since the rear plate 45 extends above the upper plate 43, it is possible to prevent the grout material 15b from seeping from the rear side of the base 41 to the upper surface 43a side of the upper plate 43 during filling.

[0070] After fixing the base 41 to the main body 15, the liner 47 and plate member 46 are placed on the upper surface 43a of the upper plate 43 of the base 41, and the plate member 46 is attached to the base 41 using bolts 48 and nuts 49. Alternatively, the base 41 may be fixed to the main body 15 with the plate member 46 attached to the base 41.

[0071] By attaching such a girder end structure 40, the position (height) of the rolling surface 46a relative to the main body 15 can be easily adjusted, making it easier to suppress gaps and steps between the movable girders 10f and 12f. As a result, vehicle vibration when wheels pass over these gaps can be reduced. Furthermore, by appropriately adjusting the thickness and number of liners 47, the height of the rolling surface 46a can be adjusted even more easily.

[0072] Furthermore, the plate member 46 and liner 47 are detachably attached to the base 41 fixed to the main body 15 using bolts 48 and nuts 49. Therefore, the plate member 46 and liner 47 can be easily replaced, the number of liners 47 can be easily adjusted, and the height of the rolling surface 46a can be easily adjusted. As a result, even if a step occurs between the movable girders 10f and 12f due to wear of the rolling surface 46a on the movable girder 12f side, wear of the rolling surface on the movable girder 10f side, or wear of the moving mechanism of the movable girders 10f and 12f, the step can be easily eliminated.

[0073] However, in the girder end structure 40, when the wheel rolls on the rolling surface 46a, a shear load is generated between the plate member 46 and the upper plate 43 of the base 41, along the mounting surface 46b and the upper surface 43a. This shear load becomes particularly large during braking. Since the bolts 48 are designed to obtain axial force in the vertical direction, they have a problem with their durability against large shear loads.

[0074] The pressure-receiving member 50 is a member that receives this shear load. The pressure-receiving member 50 is fitted into the lower hole 43c which is opened in the upper surface 43a of the upper plate 43 and the upper hole 46e which is opened in the mounting surface 46b of the plate member 46.

[0075] As shown in Figures 6, 7, and 8(a), the pressure-receiving member 50 comprises a pressure-receiving body 51 that extends vertically and forms the upper and lower ends of the pressure-receiving member 50, and an overhanging portion 52 that extends forward from the lower end of the pressure-receiving body 51. The pressure-receiving body 51 is a flat plate-shaped portion perpendicular to the front-rear direction, and is particularly long in the width direction. The overhanging portion 52 is a rectangular rod-shaped portion that extends forward from the pressure-receiving body 51 along its entire width.

[0076] With this shape of pressure-receiving member 50, the pressure-receiving body 51 and the protruding portion 52 can be easily formed by cutting from a plate material, such as by cutting the upper part of the protruding portion 52. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the pressure-receiving member 50 can be easily reduced.

[0077] Only the pressure-receiving body 51 of the pressure-receiving member 50 fits into the upper hole 46e. The pressure-receiving body 51 and the overhanging portion 52 fit into the lower hole 43c. As a result, the shear load between the plate member 46 and the base 41 is mainly applied to the pressure-receiving member 50 and less likely to be applied to the bolts 48. Consequently, the durability of the bolts 48 can be improved, and the durability of the girder end structure 40 can be improved.

[0078] The pressure-receiving body 51 of the pressure-receiving member 50, which is fitted into the upper hole 46e and the lower hole 43c, is inserted into the through hole 47b formed in the liner 47. In this state, the hook portion 47c of the liner 47, which is the part in front of the through hole 47b, is superimposed on the upper surface 43a of the upper plate 43, facing the protruding portion 52 in the vertical direction.

[0079] Therefore, even if the pressure-receiving member 50 is displaced upward due to vibrations during vehicle operation and attempts to come out of the lower hole 43c, the protruding portion 52 catches on the hooking portion 47c, thereby preventing it from coming out of the lower hole 43c. Thus, it is possible to avoid a situation where the pressure-receiving member 50 comes out of the lower hole 43c and the shear load between the plate member 46 and the base portion 41 is no longer applied to the pressure-receiving member 50.

[0080] When multiple liners 47 are stacked, the hook portion 47c is formed by the liner 47 closest to the base 41 (lowest side). In the girder end structure 40, the plate member 46 may be directly stacked on the upper plate 43 without sandwiching the liner 47. In this case, the hook portion 47c is formed by the front part of the upper hole 46e of the plate member 46.

[0081] Since the pressure-receiving body 51 is a flat plate perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehicle, it can easily receive shear loads in that direction of travel. Also, since the pressure-receiving member 50 receives shear loads in the direction of travel, it is sufficient for it to fit into the upper hole 46e and lower hole 43c in the direction of travel, and it is not necessary for it to fit in the width direction. Therefore, for the pressure-receiving body 51 and protruding part 52, which are rectangular when viewed from above, the upper hole 46e and lower hole 43c can be made into elongated holes that are long in the width direction. Compared to the case where the upper hole 46e and lower hole 43c are formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from above, with such elongated holes, it is easier to form the upper hole 46e and lower hole 43c by, for example, moving a rotary cutting tool in the width direction. Similarly, since the insertion hole 47b is also an elongated hole that is long in the width direction, it is easier to form the insertion hole 47b.

[0082] With the protruding portion 52 in contact with the bottom of the lower hole 43c, the protruding portion 52 and the hooking portion 47c are separated in the vertical direction. That is, the vertical dimension of the protruding portion 52 is smaller than the depth (vertical dimension) of the lower hole 43c. These differences allow for the absorption of manufacturing errors in the vertical dimensions of the lower hole 43c and the protruding portion 52.

[0083] Furthermore, the depth (vertical dimension) of the upper hole 46e is set such that, when the plate member 46 is directly placed on the upper plate 43 without the liner 47 in between, and the lower end of the pressure receiving body 51 is in contact with the bottom of the lower hole 43c, there is a gap between the bottom (upper end) of the upper hole 46e and the upper end of the pressure receiving body 51. This allows for the absorption of manufacturing errors in the vertical dimensions of the pressure receiving body 51, the lower hole 43c, and the upper hole 46e, regardless of the presence or absence of the liner 47.

[0084] The front-to-back dimension of the pressure-receiving member 50, from the front end of the protruding portion 52 to the rear end of the pressure-receiving body 51, is the same as, or slightly larger than, the front-to-back dimension of the lower hole 43c. Similarly, the front-to-back dimension of the pressure-receiving body 51 is the same as, or slightly larger than, the front-to-back dimension of the upper hole 46e.

[0085] However, the difference between the front-to-back dimension of the pressure-receiving member 50 and the front-to-back dimension of the lower hole 43c, and the difference between the front-to-back dimension of the pressure-receiving body 51 and the front-to-back dimension of the upper hole 46e, is smaller than the difference between the outer diameter of the shaft portion 48a of the bolt 48 and the inner diameters of the through holes 43b, 46c, and 47a. In particular, it is preferable that the difference in each front-to-back dimension is at least twice the difference between the outer diameter of the shaft portion 48a and the inner diameters of the through holes 43b, 46c, and 47a. In this case, the shear load between the plate member 46 and the base portion 41 is less likely to be applied to the bolt 48, and the durability of the bolt 48 can be further improved.

[0086] The difference between the front-to-back dimension of the insertion hole 47b in the liner 47 and the front-to-back dimension of the pressure-receiving body 51 is greater than the difference between the front-to-back dimension of the pressure-receiving member 50 and the front-to-back dimension of the lower hole 43c, and also greater than the difference between the front-to-back dimension of the pressure-receiving body 51 and the front-to-back dimension of the upper hole 46e. In other words, the pressure-receiving body 51 cannot be fitted into the insertion hole 47b in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, high processing precision is not required when forming the insertion hole 47b in the liner 47, making it easier to form the insertion hole 47b.

[0087] In this embodiment, the girder end structure 40 is provided with pressure-receiving members 50 on both the left and right sides. Since the difference between the front-to-back dimension of the pressure-receiving member 50 and the front-to-back dimension of the lower hole 43c, and the difference between the front-to-back dimension of the pressure-receiving body 51 and the front-to-back dimension of the upper hole 46e is small, it is preferable to have two or fewer pressure-receiving members 50 per girder end structure 40 in order to fit and fasten each part while considering manufacturing tolerances. In other words, by having two or fewer pressure-receiving members 50, the processing accuracy of each part of the girder end structure 40 can be reduced, and the manufacturing of the girder end structure 40 can be made easier.

[0088] The two pressure-receiving members 50 are positioned between the two front and rear bolts 48, which are provided on the left and right sides, respectively. As a result, the lower hole 43c and upper hole 46e into which the pressure-receiving members 50 are fitted, and the through holes 43b and 46c into which the bolts 48 are inserted are aligned in a straight line, making it easier to reduce errors in their relative positions. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the bolts 48 from approaching the inner circumferential surface of the through holes 43b and 46c due to these errors, and thus suppress the likelihood of shear load being applied to the bolts 48.

[0089] The plate member 46 has a viewing hole 46f that opens to the rolling surface 46a and communicates with the upper hole 46e, so the pressure receiving member 50 can be seen through the viewing hole 46f. Therefore, it is easy to confirm during installation whether or not the pressure receiving member 50 is fitted into the upper hole 46e and the lower hole 43c.

[0090] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 8, in a vertical view, the upper hole 46e is elongated, while the peephole 46f is circular. Therefore, compared to the case where the peephole 46f is elongated, it is easier to form the peephole 46f. Also, because the circular peephole 46f is smaller than the elongated upper hole 46e, it is difficult for rainwater to penetrate the peephole 46f. This suppresses corrosion of the pressure-receiving member 50 and other components caused by the penetration of rainwater.

[0091] Furthermore, the viewing hole 46f may be filled with synthetic resin or the like after the construction has been confirmed. This further suppresses corrosion of the pressure-receiving member 50 and the like due to the intrusion of rainwater and the like. Also, when filling the viewing hole 46f with a grub screw or the like, there is a possibility that the grub screw may pop out from the rolling surface 46a due to rotation caused by vibrations when the vehicle is running, but such popping out can be suppressed by filling it with synthetic resin.

[0092] The rolling surface 46a of the plate member 46 has screw holes 46g opening near each of the four recesses 46d. After removing all the bolts 48 and nuts 49, the plate member 46 can be easily removed from the base 41 by inserting male screws into the four screw holes 46g and pulling. Furthermore, since the upper hole 46e and the lower hole 43c and the pressure receiving member 50 are basically clearance-fitted, the pressure receiving member 50 remains in the lower hole 43c. This makes it easy to replace the plate member 46 and the liner 47.

[0093] Furthermore, since the pressure-receiving body 51 of the pressure-receiving member 50 is formed in a flat plate shape, the pressure-receiving member 50 can be easily removed from the lower hole 43c by gripping the pressure-receiving body 51 with a tool, thus facilitating the replacement of the pressure-receiving member 50. If the pressure-receiving member 50 remains in the upper hole 46e after the plate member 46 has been removed, the pressure-receiving member 50 can be easily removed by pushing it with a rod or the like through the viewing hole 46f.

[0094] The recesses 46d (through holes 46c), peepholes 46f, and screw holes 46g that open into the rolling surface 46a of the plate member 46 are all basically positioned offset in the width direction from the position where the wheel rolls on the rolling surface 46a. This makes the rolling surface 46a at the position where the wheel rolls flat, and makes it difficult for vibrations to occur in the wheel.

[0095] Although the present invention has been described above based on the above embodiments, it can be easily inferred that the present invention is not limited in any way to the above embodiments, and that various modifications and improvements are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0096] For example, peepholes 26g, 46f and screw holes 28a, 26h, 46g may be omitted. Also, the number of movable girders 10a-10f, 12a-12f, 13a-13f arranged in the longitudinal direction may be changed as appropriate. The base 21 of the girder end structure 20 may be configured like the base 41 of the girder end structure 40, and the base 41 of the girder end structure 40 may be configured like the base 21 of the girder end structure 20.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the case in which movable girder 10a is inseparably connected to fixed girder A, movable girder 12a to fixed girder B1, and movable girder 13a to fixed girder B2 was described, but the invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, movable girders 10a, 12a, and 13a may be configured to be detached from fixed girders A, B1, and B2 and connected to other fixed girders. In this case, movable girders 10a, 12a, and 13a are terminal girders. Furthermore, the case in which movable girder 10f is connected to movable girders 12f and 13f is not limited to this, but movable girders 12a-12f and 13a-13f may be omitted, and movable girder 10f (terminal girder) may be connected to fixed girder B1 or fixed girder B2. Moreover, in any of these cases, it is preferable that a girder end structure 30 is provided on one end of an adjacent terminal girder and one end of a fixed girder A, B1, or B2, and a girder end structure 40 is provided on the other end.

[0098] However, when selectively connecting one end girder to either of two fixed girders B1 or B2, it is preferable to reduce the number of girder end structures 30 by providing a girder end structure 30 at the end of the end girder and girder end structures 40 at the ends of each of the two fixed girders B1 and B2. This is because girder end structures 40, which do not have such a sliding mechanism, are easier to reduce in cost compared to girder end structures 30, which have a movable part 32 that slides relative to a fixed part 31.

[0099] In the above embodiment, we described a case where the girder end structure 20 is provided at both ends of the starting girder and intermediate girder, at the intermediate girder side end of the end girder, and at the ends of the fixed girders A, B1, and B2 adjacent to the starting girder. Furthermore, we described a case where the girder end structure 30 is provided at one end of adjacent end girders and the girder end structure 40 is provided at the other end, and a case where the girder end structure 30 is provided at one end of an adjacent end girder and the end of a fixed girder A, B1, and B2, and the girder end structure 40 is provided at the other end, but we are not necessarily limited to these. For example, the girder end structure 20 may be provided at the location where the girder end structure 40 is provided. The girder end structure 40 may be provided at the location where the girder end structure 20 is provided.

[0100] Here, both ends of the starting girder, both ends of the intermediate girder, the intermediate girder side end of the end girder, and the ends of the fixed girders A, B1, and B2 adjacent to the starting girder are moved in the width direction in approximately the same way as the ends of the adjacent girders, for example, by being placed on the same trolley as the ends of the adjacent girders. Therefore, the amount of wear of the moving mechanism is approximately the same at these adjacent ends, and steps due to wear are unlikely to occur. For such ends, there is almost no need to adjust the height of one while adjusting the height of the other, so a girder end structure 20 in which plate members 26 are directly stacked on the base 21 and no adjustment liner 47 or the like is sandwiched between them is suitable. This simplifies the girder end structure 20 of some of the multiple movable girders 10a~10f, 12a~12f, and 13a~13f, making it easier to reduce the cost of the branching device 100. In other words, since the girder end structure 40 increases the cost by at least the amount of the liner 47 compared to the girder end structure 20, limiting the placement of the girder end structure 40 makes it easier to reduce the cost of the turnout device 100.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the case in which the pressure-receiving member 28 is cylindrical (circular in cross-section) and the lower hole 21d and upper hole 26e are circular in shape was described, but it is not necessarily limited to this. The cross-section of the pressure-receiving member 28 may be polygonal, elliptical, oblong, plate-shaped, etc., and accordingly, the lower hole 21d and upper hole 26e may be polygonal, elliptical, oblong, groove-shaped, etc. Also, the shape and size of the lower hole 21d and the upper hole 26e may differ from each other, such as the lower hole 43c and the upper hole 46e. The pressure-receiving member 28 and the lower hole 21d and upper hole 26e do not need to be in contact in the width direction, as long as they fit together so as to contact each other in the direction of travel of the vehicle.

[0102] In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 8(a), the pressure-receiving body 51 of the pressure-receiving member 50 is flat, and the protruding portion 52 extends forward from the pressure-receiving body 51 along its entire width. However, the embodiment is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the protruding portion 52 may extend backward from the flat pressure-receiving body 51, or it may extend on both the front and rear sides. Furthermore, the protruding portion 52 is not limited to extending along its entire width; it may extend from a part of the pressure-receiving body 51 in the width direction. The shape of the lower hole 43c is appropriately modified so that the protruding portion 52 fits into it.

[0103] Figure 8(b) shows a modified example in which the pressure-receiving member 60 is fitted into the lower hole 64. In the pressure-receiving member 60, protruding portions 62 extend from the lower end of the pressure-receiving body 51 on both sides in the width direction. The protruding portion 62 may extend from only one side in the width direction. Since the protruding portion 62 is a rectangular bar-shaped part that extends from the pressure-receiving body 51 to at least one side in the width direction along its entire length in the front-rear direction (direction of travel), the pressure-receiving body 51 and the protruding portion 62 can be easily formed by cutting them out from a sheet material, similar to the embodiment described above.

[0104] The lower hole 64 of the base 41 has approximately the same front-to-back dimensions as the upper hole 46e in Figure 8(a), but is wider than the lower hole 43c, so that the pressure-receiving body 51 and the protruding portion 62 can be fitted into it. Furthermore, when the protruding portion 62 protrudes in the width direction, in order to provide a hook portion 66 that faces the protruding portion 62 in the vertical direction around the hole 65 into which the pressure-receiving body 51 is inserted (the upper hole of the plate member 46 or the insertion hole of the liner 47), the hole 65 needs to be rectangular in shape, such as along both sides of the width direction of the pressure-receiving body 51. In contrast, as described above, it is easier to mold the upper hole 46e and insertion hole 47b, which are long in the width direction, if they are elongated holes.

[0105] Figure 8(c) shows a pressure-receiving member 70 fitted into the lower hole 74 in another modified example. The pressure-receiving member 70 comprises a cylindrical pressure-receiving body 71 that extends vertically and forms the upper and lower ends of the pressure-receiving member 70, and an annular projection 72 that extends radially (in the direction of travel and in the width direction) from the entire circumference of the lower end of the pressure-receiving body 71. The lower hole 74 of the base 41 is formed in a circular shape when viewed from above so that the pressure-receiving body 71 and the projection 72 can be fitted into it. Although not shown, similarly, the upper hole of the plate member 46 and the insertion hole of the liner 47 are formed in a circular shape when viewed from above so that the pressure-receiving body 71 can be inserted. Such circular shapes are easier to manufacture than elongated holes. However, in order to withstand the shear load in the direction of travel which increases during braking, the diameter of the pressure-receiving body 71 and the like needs to be increased. In other words, a flat plate-shaped pressure-receiving body 51 perpendicular to the direction of travel allows for a more compact configuration in its vicinity.

[0106] Furthermore, the pressure-receiving bodies 51, 71 and protruding portions 52, 62, 72 of the pressure-receiving members 50, 60, 70 may be modified in shape as appropriate, not limited to the examples shown. For example, when viewed from above, the pressure-receiving bodies 51, 71 and protruding portions 52, 62, 72 may be polygonal, elliptical, or oblong. Correspondingly, the lower hole 43c and upper hole 46e may also be polygonal or elliptical when viewed from above.

[0107] In the above embodiments, the cases in which the fastening member 27 of the girder end structure 20 is a bolt and the cases in which the fastening member of the girder end structure 40 is a bolt 48 and a nut 49 have been described, but the invention is not necessarily limited to these. The fastening member 27 of the girder end structure 20 may be composed of a bolt that penetrates both the base 21 and the plate member 26, and a nut fitted onto the bolt, as in the girder end structure 40. Alternatively, a space may be formed below the lower surface 21b of the base 21, and the fastening member 27 that penetrates the base 21 may be inserted from below the base 21 and fitted into the screw hole of the plate member 26. The fastening member 27 may be a combination of the shaft portion of a screw fixed to the base 21 or the plate member 26 and a nut, or it may be a rivet or the like.

[0108] The fastening members of the girder end structure 40 may omit the nuts 49 as in the girder end structure 20, and instead use bolts 48 inserted into through holes 46c and fitted into threaded holes provided in the base 41. Alternatively, bolts 48 inserted into through holes 43b may be fitted into threaded holes provided in the plate member 46. Furthermore, the fastening members of the girder end structure 40 may be composed of a combination of a shaft portion 48a fixed to either the base 41 or the plate member 46 and a nut 49. The fastening members of the girder end structure 40 may also be rivets or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 100 Branching device 10a~10f,12a~12f~13a,13f Movable girder A,B1,B2 Fixed digit 40 digit end structure 41 Base 43a Upper surface (of the base) 43c,64,74 Lower hole 46 Plate members 46a Rolling surface 46b Mounting surface 46e Upper hole 46f Peephole 47 Raina 47b Through hole 47c, 66 Hook part 48 bolts (part of the fastening component) 49. Nut (part of the fastening component) 50, 60, 70 Pressure-receiving member 51,71 Pressure receiving unit 52,62,72 Overhang

Claims

1. A girder end structure in a branching device in which a vehicle track is formed on the upper surfaces of a plurality of movable girders and a plurality of fixed girders, and the vehicle's path is changed by moving the movable girders in the width direction to change the distance between the fixed girders connected by the movable girders, A base provided at the end of the movable girder or the fixed girder in the direction of travel of the vehicle, A plate member having a lower mounting surface that is superimposed on the upper surface of the base, and an upper rolling surface on which the wheels of the vehicle roll, A fastening member that penetrates at least one of the plate member and the base in the vertical direction and fastens the plate member to the base, The system comprises a pressure-receiving member positioned between the base and the plate member, The pressure-receiving member comprises a pressure-receiving body that extends vertically and forms the upper and lower ends of the pressure-receiving member, It comprises a protruding portion that extends vertically from the lower end of the pressure-receiving body, A girder end structure characterized in that the pressure receiving body is fitted into an upper hole opening on the mounting surface, and the pressure receiving body and the protruding portion are fitted into a lower hole opening on the upper surface of the base, with the hook portion facing the protruding portion in the vertical direction superimposed on the upper surface of the base.

2. The base portion is sandwiched between the upper surface and the aforementioned mounting surface of the plate member, and comprises one or more plate-shaped liners through which an insertion hole is formed into which the pressure-receiving body is inserted. The girder end structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the liner closest to the base constitutes the hook portion.

3. The girder end structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the plate member has a viewing hole that opens to the rolling surface and communicates with the upper hole.

4. The pressure-receiving body is formed in a flat plate shape perpendicular to the direction of travel, The girder end structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the protruding portion extends from the pressure-receiving body in at least one direction in the direction of travel over the entire length in the width direction, or extends from the pressure-receiving body in at least one direction in the width direction over the entire length in the direction of travel.

5. The girder end structure according to claim 4, characterized in that the overhang extends from the pressure-receiving body in at least one direction in the direction of travel along the entire length in the width direction.

6. A branching device having the girder end structure described in claim 2, wherein a vehicle travel path is formed on the upper surfaces of a plurality of the movable girders and a plurality of the fixed girders, and the vehicle's path is changed by moving the movable girder in the width direction to change the distance between the fixed girders connected by the movable girder, A branching device characterized in that the girder end structure is formed on either the end of the fixed girder and the end of the movable girder, which are separated when the vehicle changes its course, or on either the end of a pair of movable girders, which are separated when the vehicle changes its course.

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