Movable pathway

Abstract

To provide a movable passage capable of preventing wear of a sealing member sealing between an outside passage and an inside passage.SOLUTION: A tip passage 40 (an inside passage) is inserted in the inside of an intermediate passage 30 (an outside passage). A tip part 44 separated from the intermediate passage 30 of the tip passage 40 and a tip part 34 of the intermediate passage 30 are connected to each other over the entire circumference with a cylindrical and stretchable seal 70 which can be expanded / contracted in the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, a gap between the intermediate passage 30 and the tip passage 40 can be sealed with the stretchable seal 70 regardless of an overhanging amount L2 of the tip passage 40 with respect to the intermediate passage 30. As compared with the seal member radially sandwiched between an inner peripheral surface of the intermediate passage 30 and an outer peripheral surface of the tip passage 40, the stretchable seal 70 is not sandwiched therebetween so that the stretchable seal 70 can be hardly worn out.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to a movable passage in which an inner passage is inserted into an outer passage, and particularly to a movable passage capable of making a sealing member for sealing between the outer passage and the inner passage less likely to wear.

Background Art

[0002] There is a movable passage attached to a station platform that can be expanded and contracted by changing the amount of protrusion of a cylindrical inner passage in the front-rear direction with respect to a cylindrical outer passage (Patent Document 1). This movable passage is extended by protruding the inner passage in the front-rear direction with respect to the outer passage, and is shortened by inserting the inner passage into the outer passage. The extended movable passage abuts against the boarding and alighting openings of the vehicle stopped at the platform, and passengers board and alight between the platform and the vehicle through this movable passage.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Outside the extended movable passage connecting the stopped vehicle and the platform, the air pressure may change due to another vehicle passing through the station or the like. Therefore, in order to suppress the propagation of this change in air pressure from the outside to the inside of the movable passage, it is conceivable to seal between the outer passage and the inner passage.

[0005] However, if a sealing member is sandwiched in the radial direction between the inner peripheral surface of the outer passage and the outer peripheral surface of the inner passage, the sealing member may rub when changing the amount of protrusion of the inner passage with respect to the outer passage, and the sealing member may be likely to wear.

[0006] The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a movable passage that can reduce wear on the sealing member that seals the space between the outer passage and the inner passage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve this objective, the movable passage of the present invention expands and contracts in the front-rear direction by switching between an extended state in contact with a vehicle stopped in front of the platform and a shortened state shortened toward the platform side relative to the extended state, and comprises a cylindrical outer passage extending in the front-rear direction, a cylindrical inner passage inserted inside the outer passage and protruding in the front-rear direction from the front-rear end of the outer passage, a drive mechanism that switches from the shortened state to the extended state by increasing the amount of protrusion of the inner passage relative to the outer passage, and a cylindrical expandable seal that connects the outer peripheral portion of the inner passage away from the outer passage and the end of the outer passage over its entire circumference, allowing it to expand and contract in the front-rear direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the movable passage described in claim 1, a cylindrical inner passage is inserted inside a cylindrical outer passage extending in the front-rear direction, and the inner passage protrudes in the front-rear direction from the front-rear end of the outer passage. The movable passage can be switched from a shortened state to an extended state by increasing the amount of front-rear protrusion of the inner passage relative to the outer passage using a drive mechanism. The cylindrical expandable seal, which is expandable and contractible in the front-rear direction, connects the outer peripheral portion of the inner passage that is away from the outer passage to the end of the outer passage over its entire circumference. As a result, the space between the outer passage and the inner passage can be sealed by the expandable seal regardless of the amount of protrusion of the inner passage relative to the outer passage. Furthermore, compared to a sealing member sandwiched radially between the inner circumferential surface of the outer passage and the outer circumferential surface of the inner passage, the expandable seal has no sliding part between them, making the expandable seal less susceptible to wear.

[0009] ShinThe outer end of the outer passageway and the outer perimeter of the inner passageway are connected by multiple pantograph mechanisms, at least one of which are provided on each of the left and right sides of the shrink seal. Each pantograph mechanism has multiple arms that are pivotally supported by left and right axes along the left-right direction and extend perpendicularly to these axes. By changing the angle between these multiple arms, the mechanism expands and contracts in the front-rear direction while maintaining the relative vertical position of the outer end and the outer perimeter. As a result, the pantograph mechanism expands and contracts in accordance with the amount of overhang of the inner passageway relative to the outer passageway, making it less likely for the end and the outer perimeter on the vehicle side to sag relative to the platform side.

[0010] destination The arms are attached to the tip and outer circumference via spherical bearings that allow them to swing laterally. This allows the movable walkway to be bent laterally by shifting the vehicle-side of the tip and outer circumference, which are connected by the pantograph mechanism, laterally relative to the platform side. As a result, even if the platform and the vehicle are not parallel, the movable walkway can be brought into contact with the vehicle in its extended state by bending it laterally.

[0011] Claim 2 According to the movable passage described, 1 In addition to the effects of the movable passage described above, the following effects are achieved: Multiple arms are connected to each other via non-spherical bearings that prevent forward and backward swinging of the left and right axes. This makes it difficult for the arms to swing from side to side even when the movable passage is bent laterally by the spherical bearings, and reduces interference between the arms when the pantograph mechanism extends and retracts. Therefore, the extension and retraction of the pantograph mechanism can be made smoother.

[0012] Claim 3 According to the described movable passageway, A cylindrical inner passage is inserted inside a cylindrical outer passage that extends in the front-to-back direction, and the inner passage protrudes in the front-to-back direction from the front-to-back end of the outer passage. By increasing the amount of front-to-back protrusion of the inner passage relative to the outer passage using a drive mechanism, the movable passage is switched from a shortened state to an extended state. The cylindrical expandable seal, which can expand and contract in the front-to-back direction, connects the outer circumference of the inner passage that is away from the outer passage to the end of the outer passage over its entire circumference. As a result, the space between the outer passage and the inner passage can be sealed by the expandable seal regardless of the amount of protrusion of the inner passage relative to the outer passage. Furthermore, compared to a sealing member sandwiched radially between the inner surface of the outer passage and the outer surface of the inner passage, the expandable seal has no sliding parts between them, making the expandable seal less susceptible to wear. Multiple pantograph mechanisms connect the front end of the outer walkway to the outer perimeter of the inner walkway. These pantograph mechanisms are supported by a left-right axis running parallel to the left and right, and each arm extends perpendicularly to this axis. By changing the angle between these arms, the mechanism expands and contracts in the front-rear direction while maintaining the relative vertical position of the front end and the outer perimeter. This allows the pantograph mechanism, which expands and contracts in accordance with the amount of overhang of the inner walkway relative to the outer walkway, to prevent the front end and the outer perimeter (the side facing the train) from sagging relative to the platform. Multiple pantograph mechanisms are arranged vertically on both the left and right sides of the expandable seal. As a result, the multiple pantograph mechanisms can suppress the vertical misalignment and tilting of the inner passage relative to the outer passage.

[0013] above The multiple pantograph mechanisms lined up below are connected by link members that synchronize the amount of extension and retraction in the front-to-back direction of each. This makes it less likely for the amount of overhang of the inner passage relative to the outer passage to be misaligned vertically, and further reduces the vertical tilt of the inner passage relative to the outer passage.

[0014] Claim 4 According to the described movable passage, claims 1 to 3 In addition to the effects of the movable passage described in any of the above, the following effects are achieved: The expandable seal is formed in a bellows-like shape with alternating peaks and valleys in the front-to-back direction. The expandable seal is reinforced by a plurality of annular rigid frames provided around the entire circumference of these peaks or valleys. Hinges are placed between each of the adjacent rigid frames in the front-to-back direction. These hinges are formed by pivoting one end edge of two plate sections together on a first axis along the vertical direction, and pivoting the other end edges of the plate sections to the front and rear rigid frames respectively on a second axis parallel to the first axis. As a result, the hinges open and close in accordance with the change in the spacing between the rigid frames due to the expansion and contraction of the expandable seal, while the hinges suppress vertical displacement of the multiple rigid frames. Consequently, sagging of the central part of the expandable seal in the front-to-back direction can be suppressed.

[0015] Claim 5 According to the movable passage described, 4 In addition to the effects of the movable passage described, the following effects are achieved. The rigid frame is provided on the peaks of the expandable seal. The hinge is positioned radially outward of the expandable seal, and the first axis of the hinge is located on the side away from the expandable seal relative to the second axis. As a result, multiple hinges between each rigid frame are formed in a bellows-like shape with the first axis as the peak and the second axis as the valley, and the peaks and valleys of the multiple hinges and the peaks and valleys of the expandable seal are arranged alternately. Consequently, it is difficult for the hinges to come into contact with the expandable seal between the rigid frames, thus suppressing the tearing of the expandable seal caused by such contact. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1]Perspective view of the movable passage in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view of the movable passage. [Figure 3] Partial enlarged side view of the movable passage showing the expanded telescopic seal. [Figure 4] Partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the movable passage taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] (a) is a partial enlarged side view of the movable passage shortened from the extended state to the shortened state of FIG. 3, and (b) is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the movable passage taken along line Vb-Vb of FIG. 5(a). [Figure 6] Partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the movable passage taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 3. [Figure 7] Partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the movable passage taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 3.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, referring to FIG. 1, the overall configuration of the movable passage 10 in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the movable passage 10. In FIG. 1, the state in which the movable passage 10 is extended to the maximum is illustrated, and a part of the movable passage 10 (for example, the ceiling 24 connecting the upper ends of the side walls 22, etc.) is omitted and schematically illustrated.

[0018] Also, the arrow F-B in each drawing including FIG. 1 indicates the expansion and contraction direction of the movable passage 10. The arrow F side is the front side in the expansion and contraction direction, and the arrow B side is the rear side in the expansion and contraction direction. Further, the arrow L-R indicates the horizontal direction perpendicular to the expansion and contraction direction of the movable passage 10, and the arrow U-D indicates the vertical direction of the movable passage 10 perpendicular to the expansion and contraction direction and the horizontal direction. In the following description, the expansion and contraction direction of the movable passage 10 will be simply described as the "front-rear direction".

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the movable passageway 10 is a movable passageway comprising a fixed passageway 20 fixed to the station platform 2, an intermediate passageway 30 extending forward (in the direction of arrow F) from the fixed passageway 20, a leading passageway 40 extending forward from the intermediate passageway 30, a first drive mechanism 50 that changes the amount L1 of the extension L1 of the intermediate passageway 30 in the front-rear direction relative to the fixed passageway 20, and a second drive mechanism 60 that changes the amount L2 of the extension L2 of the leading passageway 40 in the front-rear direction relative to the intermediate passageway 30.

[0020] The movable passageway 10 is extended by increasing the extension amount L1 with the first drive mechanism 50 and by increasing the extension amount L2 with the second drive mechanism 60. In this extended state, the tip 44 of the tip passageway 40 comes into contact with the entrance / exit of the train car 4 (see Figure 2) stopped in front of platform 2. This allows passengers to board and alight between platform 2 and train car 4 by passing through the extended movable passageway 10.

[0021] On the other hand, the shortened state is when the movable passageway 10 is shortened toward the platform 2 side by the first drive mechanism 50 and the second drive mechanism 60 so that the extension amounts L1 and L2 are minimized. When the vehicle 4 is traveling in front of platform 2, the movable passageway 10 is in the shortened state.

[0022] In addition to Figure 1, Figure 2 will be used to further explain the various parts of the movable passage 10. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the movable passage 10. In Figure 2, the cross-section is perpendicular to the left-right direction (arrows LR) of Figure 1 and is shown as a cross-section cut approximately in the center of the movable passage 10 in the left-right direction. The extended state with the overhang amounts L1 and L2 at their maximum is also shown.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a partition wall 21 extending in the left-right direction is formed in the fixed passageway 20, and this partition wall 21 separates the platform 2 side from the vehicle 4 running path side. The partition wall 21 constitutes the front end of the fixed passageway 20 and has a roughly rectangular opening 21a formed therein. The intermediate passageway 30 extends forward from this opening 21a.

[0024] A side wall 22 extends from the rear surface of the partition wall 21 toward the rear. The side walls 22 are provided in pairs, one on each side of the opening 21a. Rails 23 extending in the front-to-back direction are fixed to the inner surface (the wall surface facing the intermediate passage 30) of each of these pair of side walls 22.

[0025] The upper ends of a pair of side walls 22 are connected by a ceiling 24, and the ceiling 24, the pair of side walls 22, and the platform 2 form a fixed passageway 20 in a rectangular cylindrical shape extending in the front-to-back direction. The lower part of the fixed passageway 20 is not limited to the platform 2, but may be made up of a separate member fixed on the platform 2.

[0026] The intermediate passage 30 is a passage inserted into the opening 21a of the fixed passage 20. The intermediate passage 30 is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape with openings on both the front and rear sides, by a floor portion 31 that constitutes the lower surface, a pair of wall portions 32 that constitute the left and right sides respectively, and a top portion 33 that constitutes the upper surface.

[0027] The tip 34 (front end) of the intermediate passage 30 protrudes radially inward relative to the wall 32 and the top 33, narrowing the opening into which the tip passage 40 is inserted. A rail 36 extending in the front-rear direction is fixed to the upper side of the wall 32.

[0028] The rear end 35 of the intermediate passage 30 extends radially outward in a flange-like manner relative to the floor 31, wall 32, and ceiling 33. The upper parts of both the left and right edges of this rear end 35 are slidably engaged with the rails 23 of the side wall 22. This guides the movement of the intermediate passage 30 in the front-rear direction relative to the fixed passage 20.

[0029] An annular fixing seal 21b is attached to the rear surface of the partition wall 21 around the entire circumference of the edge of the opening 21a. The fixing seal 21b is made of an elastic material such as rubber, and when the extension amount L1 is at its maximum, it is sandwiched in the front-rear direction between the partition wall 21 and the rear end 35 of the intermediate passage 30. This seals the space between the fixing passage 20 and the intermediate passage 30 all around.

[0030] Here, outside the extended movable passageway 10 connecting platform 2 and train car 4, the air pressure may change due to other trains passing through the station, etc. This change in air pressure can be prevented from propagating from the outside to the inside of the movable passageway 10 through the fixed passageway 20 and the intermediate passageway 30 by a simple fixed seal 21b.

[0031] The tip passage 40 is a passage inserted into the intermediate passage 30 and is slightly smaller than the intermediate passage 30. Similar to the intermediate passage 30, the tip passage 40 is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape with openings on both the front and rear sides, by a floor portion 41 that constitutes the lower surface, a pair of wall portions 42 that constitute the left and right sides respectively, and a top portion 43 that constitutes the upper surface.

[0032] The tip portion 44 of the tip passage 40 is the part that comes into contact with the vehicle 4, and it protrudes radially outward in a flange-like manner relative to the floor portion 41, the wall portion 42, and the ceiling portion 43. Furthermore, extension portions 44a are formed so as to extend the rear surface of the tip portion 44 outward to the left and right.

[0033] The rear end 45 of the front passage 40 extends radially outward in a flange-like manner relative to the floor 41, wall 42, and ceiling 43. The upper parts of both the left and right edges of this rear end 45 are slidably engaged with the rail 36 of the intermediate passage 30. This guides the movement of the front passage 40 in the front-rear direction relative to the intermediate passage 30.

[0034] The first drive mechanism 50 is an air cylinder that extends and retracts by extending and retracting a piston rod 52 relative to a cylinder 51. With its extension and retraction direction oriented in the front-rear direction, the cylinder 51 is attached to the partition wall 21 of the fixed passage 20 while penetrating the partition wall 21, and the tip (front end) of the piston rod 52 is attached to the tip 34 side of the intermediate passage 30. The first drive mechanisms 50 are arranged symmetrically on both the left and right sides of the movable passage 10.

[0035] The second drive mechanism 60 is an air cylinder that extends and retracts by extending and retracting a piston rod 62 relative to the cylinder 61, and is symmetrically arranged on both the left and right sides of the movable passage 10. With the extension and retraction direction of the second drive mechanism 60 facing the front and rear direction, the rear end of the cylinder 61 is attached to the wall portion 32 of the intermediate passage 30 via a mounting bracket 63, and the tip (front end) of the piston rod 62 is attached to the tip portion 44 of the tip passage 40 via a mounting bracket 64.

[0036] The mounting fixtures 63 and 64 support the cylinder 61 and piston rod 62 so that they can swing from side to side. This allows the extension and retraction amounts of the left and right second drive mechanisms 60 to be different, making it possible to bend the front passage 40 in the left-right direction relative to the intermediate passage 30. Therefore, even if, for example, the platform 2 and the train car 4 are not parallel, the movable passage 10 can be bent in the left-right direction so that the extended movable passage 10 can come into contact with the train car 4.

[0037] Furthermore, the distance from platform 2 to vehicle 4 in the longitudinal direction may vary depending on the shape of platform 2 and the width of vehicle 4. In addition, due to the influence of the air spring (not shown) of vehicle 4, vehicle 4 may sway in the width direction (longitudinal direction of the movable passageway 10) even when stopped.

[0038] The distance from platform 2 to vehicle 4 is detected by a vehicle position detection device (limit switch, etc., not shown) installed on the track on which vehicle 4 travels. The extension amounts L1 and L2 of the movable passageway 10 can be adjusted according to the detected distance.

[0039] However, in the movable passageway 10 of this embodiment, when extended, the extension amount L1 by the first drive mechanism 50 is extended to the maximum regardless of the distance from the platform 2 to the vehicle 4. On the other hand, when extended, the extension amount L2 by the second drive mechanism 60 is adjusted according to the distance from the platform 2 to the vehicle 4.

[0040] Therefore, when the longitudinal distance from platform 2 to vehicle 4 changes, it is not necessary to adjust the extension amount L1 by the first drive mechanism 50, and the length of the extended movable passageway 10 can be adjusted by adjusting the extension amount L2 by the second drive mechanism 60. In this way, since only the extension amount L2 needs to be adjusted, the length of the extended movable passageway 10 can be easily adjusted.

[0041] In particular, the amount of protrusion L2 is adjusted by adjusting the amount by which the piston rod 62 protrudes in the front-rear direction from the cylinder 61 of the second drive mechanism 60. Since the amount of protrusion and the amount of protrusion L2 are approximately equal, the length of the movable passage 10 can be easily adjusted by adjusting the amount of protrusion L2 by the second drive mechanism 60.

[0042] Furthermore, in order for the fixed seal 21b between the fixed passage 20 and the intermediate passage 30 to function in the extended state, the overhang amount L1 must be maximized. However, since the overhang amount L1 in the extended state is specified to be the maximum and the relative position of the fixed passage 20 and the intermediate passage 30 in the front-rear direction is determined, the sealing function of the fixed seal 21b can be reliably performed in the extended state.

[0043] Next, with reference to Figures 3 to 7, the expandable seal 70 covering the tip passage 40 will be described in detail. Figure 3 is a partially enlarged side view of the movable passage 10 showing the expandable seal 70 in enlargement. Figure 4 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the movable passage 10 along the line IV-IV in Figure 3. Figure 5(a) is a partially enlarged side view of the movable passage 10 shortened from the extended state to the shortened state in Figure 3. Figure 5(b) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the movable passage 10 along the line Vb-Vb in Figure 5(a). Figure 6 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the movable passage 10 along the line VI-VI in Figure 3. Figure 7 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the movable passage 10 along the line VII-VII in Figure 3.

[0044] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the expandable seal 70 is a bellows-shaped cylindrical body for sealing the space between the intermediate passage 30 and the tip passage 40. The expandable seal 70 connects the annular tip 34 of the intermediate passage 30 and the annular tip 44 of the tip passage 40 around its entire circumference and covers the outer circumference of the tip passage 40.

[0045] The expandable seal 70 is formed by arranging a plurality of annular rigid frames 71 at approximately equal intervals in the front-rear direction, and connecting each of these rigid frames 71 with an airtight annular fabric member 72. The fabric member 72 is sandwiched between the rigid frame 71 and the rubber liner 73, and the two are fastened together by rivets 74, thereby creating an airtight seal between the rigid frame 71 and the fabric member 72. As a result, the expandable seal 70 is airtight along its entire length.

[0046] Furthermore, the fabric member 72 extends radially inward from the liner 73 and is configured to bend and deform inward. As a result, the expandable seal 70 is formed in a bellows-like shape with alternating peaks and valleys in the front-rear direction, and expands and contracts in the front-rear direction by changing the distance between the peaks reinforced by the rigid frame 71, as shown in Figures 3 to 5(b). The expandable seal 70 expands and contracts according to the amount L2 of the overhang of the tip passage 40 relative to the intermediate passage 30, so regardless of the amount L2 of overhang, the expandable seal 70 can seal the entire circumference between the intermediate passage 30 and the tip passage 40.

[0047] The sealing between the intermediate passage 30 and the tip passage 40 is not limited to the method described above; for example, a sealing member may be sandwiched radially between the intermediate passage 30 and the tip passage 40 to create a seal. However, in this case, the sealing member may rub and wear down easily when the extension amount L2 is changed. Compared to this sealing member, the expandable seal 70 has no sliding part between the intermediate passage 30 and the tip passage 40, making the expandable seal 70 less susceptible to wear.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the movable passage 10 is provided with a plurality of hinges 80 to prevent the central portion of the retractable seal 70 in the front-rear direction from sagging, and a pantograph mechanism 90 to prevent the tip portion 44 of the tip passage 40 from sagging relative to the intermediate passage 30.

[0049] Multiple hinges 80 are positioned between multiple rigid frames 71 adjacent to each other in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, hinges 80 are also positioned between the foremost rigid frame 71 and the tip 44 (extension 44a) of the front passage 40, and between the rearmost rigid frame 71 and the tip 34 of the intermediate passage 30. Each hinge 80 is positioned symmetrically on both the left and right sides of the expandable seal 70, and is also positioned in the front-to-back direction in the center of the expandable seal 70 in the vertical direction.

[0050] The hinge 80 comprises two mounting parts 81 that are attached to the rigid frame 71 or the end parts 34, 44 in overlapping positions, and two plate parts 82 that are pivotally supported (rotatably supported) to connect the two mounting parts 81. Both the mounting parts 81 and the plate parts 82 are formed in a plate shape that extends in the vertical direction. The mounting parts 81 are fastened and fixed to the rigid frame 71 or the end parts 34, 44 by a plurality of fastening members 83 consisting of bolts or rivets.

[0051] The edges of the two plate sections 82 (the edges away from the rigid frame 71 or the tip sections 34, 44) are pivotally supported by a first axis 84 that runs vertically. Furthermore, the other edges of the plate sections 82 (the edges on the rigid frame 71 or tip sections 34, 44 side) are pivotally supported by a second axis 85 parallel to the first axis 84, on the edges of the front and rear mounting sections 81 on the side of the expandable seal 70. In other words, the two plate sections 82 are pivotally supported by the rigid frame 71 or tip sections 34, 44 via the mounting sections 81.

[0052] As a result, when the expandable seal 70 switches from the extended state shown in Figures 3 and 4 to the shortened state shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the hinge 80 can be closed (folded) by bringing the two plate portions 82 closer together, according to the spacing of the rigid frame 71. Conversely, when switching from the shortened state to the extended state, the hinge 80 can be opened so that the two plate portions 82 are moved further apart.

[0053] As a result, the hinge 80 opens and closes in response to the change in the spacing between the rigid frames 71 due to the expansion and contraction of the expandable seal 70, while the hinge 80 suppresses vertical displacement of the multiple rigid frames 71. Consequently, the central portion of the expandable seal 70 in the front-to-back direction is prevented from sagging.

[0054] Furthermore, multiple hinges 80 arranged in the front-to-back direction are formed in a bellows-like shape with the first axis 84 being a peak (convex outward in the left-right direction) and the second axis 85 being a valley. Moreover, the peaks and valleys of these multiple hinges 80 and the peaks and valleys of the expandable seal 70 are arranged alternately. As a result, when the expandable seal 70 expands and contracts (when the hinges 80 open and close), it is made difficult for the hinges 80 to come into contact with the expandable seal 70 between the rigid frame 71, thereby suppressing tearing of the fabric member 72 of the expandable seal 70 due to such contact.

[0055] In particular, the dimensions of the plate portion 82 are set so that even when the overhang amount L2 is maximized and the distance between the rigid frames 71 is maximized, the first axis 84 of the hinge 80 remains positioned outward in the left-right direction from the second axis 85 (the first axis 84 is in a peak position). This makes it less likely for the hinge 80 to come into contact with the expandable seal 70, and makes the expandable seal 70 less likely to tear.

[0056] Furthermore, the plate portion 82 has multiple through holes 82a so that the fastening member 83 does not interfere (is inserted) when the hinge 80 is closed. This makes it possible to reduce the front-to-back dimension of the closed hinge 80, thereby reducing the distance between the rigid frames 71 in the shortened state (the amount of overhang L2 of the front passage 40), and minimizing the forward overhang of the shortened movable passage 10 from the home 2.

[0057] As shown in Figure 3, the pantograph mechanism 90 is provided in pairs on each side of the expandable seal 70, with the two pairs arranged vertically. The pantograph mechanism 90 connects the tip 34 of the intermediate passage 30 and the tip 44 of the tip passage 40, and is a device that prevents the tip 44 from sagging relative to the tip 34.

[0058] Each pantograph mechanism 90 comprises two arms 92 of the same length, whose central portions are pivotally supported by left and right axes 91 along the left-right direction; two fixed support parts 93 that pivotally support the lower ends of the two arms 92; two movable support parts 95 that pivotally support the upper ends of the two arms 92; and two support guides 97 that engage with the two movable support parts 95 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction.

[0059] The two arms 92 extend perpendicularly to the left and right axes 91, respectively, and are arranged in an X shape when viewed from the left to right. The two fixed support parts 93 are fixed to the front surface of the tip 34 and the rear surface of the tip 44 (extension part 44a), respectively, and are arranged symmetrically in the front-to-back direction.

[0060] The lower end of the arm 92 is pivotally supported by a fixed shaft 94 parallel to the left-right axis 91 at the fixed support section 93. The upper end of the arm 92 is pivotally supported by a movable shaft 96 parallel to the left-right axis 91 and the fixed shaft 94 at the movable support section 95. The two fixed shafts 94 and the two movable shafts 96 are located at the vertices of the rectangle when viewed from the left-right direction.

[0061] The support guides 97 are rails that extend vertically and are fixed to the front surface of the tip portion 34 and the rear surface of the tip portion 44 (extension portion 44a), respectively. The two support guides 97 are arranged symmetrically in the front-rear direction and are positioned above the fixed support portion 93.

[0062] Furthermore, the hinge 80 is positioned below the fixed support portion 93 of the upper pantograph mechanism 90 and above the support guide 97 of the lower pantograph mechanism 90. This makes it less likely for the pantograph mechanism 90 and the hinge 80 to interfere with each other, even when the movable support portion 95 slides up to the upper end of the support guide 97.

[0063] In the extended state shown in Figure 3, the pantograph mechanism 90 has a movable support part 95 located on the lower end side of the support guide 97, and the fixed shaft 94 and the movable shaft 96 are close together. In this case, the angles formed by the two arms 92 on both sides in the front-rear direction become smaller, the dimension in the front-rear direction between the ends of the arms 92 becomes larger, and the pantograph mechanism 90 extends.

[0064] When switching from this extended state to the shortened state shown in Figure 5(a), the movable support part 95 slides upward along the support guide 97, and the two arms 92 rotate relative to each other around the left and right axis 91, changing the angle between the arms 92. As a result, the front-to-back dimension between the ends of the arms 92 decreases, and the pantograph mechanism 90 is shortened. The reverse of this operation occurs when switching from the shortened state to the extended state.

[0065] In this way, the pantograph mechanism 90 extends and retracts in accordance with the amount L2 of the extension of the front passage 40 relative to the intermediate passage 30. During this extension and retraction, only the length of each side of the rectangle formed by the two fixed axes 94 (fixed support parts 93) and the two movable axes 96 (movable support parts 95) changes, and the angle between each side does not change, so the relative vertical position of the front part 34 and the front part 44 is maintained. Therefore, the pantograph mechanism 90 makes it difficult for the front part 44 of the movable passage 10 to droop relative to the front part 34.

[0066] Here, the longer the arm 92, the further the fixed shaft 94 and the movable shaft 96 are separated in the vertical direction. Therefore, a single pantograph mechanism 90 can suppress the vertical misalignment and tilting of the overhang amount L2 of the tip passage 40 relative to the intermediate passage 30. However, by arranging multiple (two in this embodiment) pantograph mechanisms 90 vertically, even if each arm 92 is short, the vertical misalignment and tilting of the overhang amount L2 of the tip passage 40 relative to the intermediate passage 30 can be suppressed. Furthermore, shortening the arm 92 makes it less likely for the arm 92 to buckle.

[0067] The second drive mechanism 60 for changing the extension amount L2 is positioned above the movable passage 10, for example, to prevent sand and dust from entering the interior. However, in this case, the second drive mechanism 60 pushes and pulls the upper side of the tip passage 40 relative to the intermediate passage 30, and the lower side of the tip passage 40 tends to move with a lag behind the upper side, which may cause the tip passage 40 to tilt vertically. In other words, the extension and retraction amounts of the multiple pantograph mechanisms 90 may be misaligned, which may cause the movable passage 10 to tilt vertically.

[0068] As a countermeasure, the multiple pantograph mechanisms 90 arranged vertically are connected to each other by link members 98 at their respective movable support parts 95. The link members 98 synchronize the distance from the fixed support part 93 to the movable support part 95 of each pantograph mechanism 90, and synchronize the amount of extension and retraction in the front-rear direction of each pantograph mechanism 90. This makes it less likely for the amount L2 of the extension of the front passage 40 relative to the intermediate passage 30 to deviate vertically, and makes it even less likely for the front passage 40 to tilt vertically relative to the intermediate passage 30.

[0069] In particular, since the link members 98 connect multiple movable support parts 95 vertically on both the front and rear sides, the amount of extension and retraction in the front-rear direction of each pantograph mechanism 90 can be made more uniform. As a result, the front passage 40 can be made less likely to tilt vertically relative to the intermediate passage 30.

[0070] As shown in Figure 6, the arm 92 and the movable support portion 95 are connected via a spherical bearing 99. Although not shown, the arm 92 and the fixed support portion 93 are also connected via a spherical bearing 99. Since the configuration near the spherical bearing 99 on the movable support portion 95 side and the configuration near the spherical bearing 99 on the fixed support portion 93 side are identical, the description of the movable support portion 95 side will be explained, and the description of the fixed support portion 93 side will be partially omitted.

[0071] The movable support portion 95 is formed in a U-shape when viewed from above, having a pair of clamping portions that grip the end of the arm 92 in the left-right direction. A link member 98 is fixed to the outside of one of these clamping portions, and a movable shaft 96 passes through the link member 98 and the clamping portion. The movable shaft 96 is formed by a bolt 96a and a nut 96b, the shaft portion of which is aligned in the left-right direction.

[0072] The spherical bearing 99 comprises an inner ring 99a into which the shaft portion of the bolt 96a is inserted, and an outer ring 99b that fits into a mounting hole 92a formed through the end of the arm 92. The inner circumferential surface of the inner ring 99a is in close contact with the bolt 96a, and the outer circumferential surface of the inner ring 99a is formed in a spherical shape. The inner circumferential surface of the outer ring 99b is formed in a spherical shape that is substantially the same as the outer circumferential surface of the inner ring 99a, and the outer circumferential surface of the outer ring 99b is in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the mounting hole 92a. Lubricating oil is injected between the inner ring 99a and the outer ring 99b.

[0073] With such a spherical bearing 99, the arm 92 can not only be rotated vertically around the movable shaft 96, but also swung horizontally relative to the movable support part 95. Similarly, the spherical bearing 99 can not only rotate the arm 92 vertically around the fixed shaft 94, but also swung horizontally relative to the fixed support part 93.

[0074] This allows the movable passageway 10 to be bent in the left-right direction by shifting the tip 44 in the left-right direction relative to the tip 34 connected by the pantograph mechanism 90. As a result, even if, for example, the platform 2 and the train car 4 are not parallel, the movable passageway 10 can be brought into contact with the train car 4 in its extended state by bending the movable passageway 10 in the left-right direction.

[0075] Spacers 99c are placed between the inner ring 99a of the spherical bearing 99 and the pair of clamping parts of the movable support part 95, positioning the inner ring 99a in the center of the pair of clamping parts. Furthermore, the outer ring 99b is sandwiched in the left-right direction by the step and cover of the mounting hole 92a, positioning it in the left-right center of the mounting hole 92a. This ensures space for the arm 92 to swing in the left-right direction between the pair of clamping parts of the movable support part 95, while making it difficult for the arm 92 to wobble relative to the movable support part 95.

[0076] As shown in Figure 7, the central parts of the two arms 92 are connected via an aspherical bearing 92b that prevents the left and right shafts 91 from swinging back and forth. Specifically, for example, the aspherical bearing 92b is a radial bearing in which multiple rolling elements 92e are arranged between the inner ring 92c and the outer ring 92d. The inner ring 92c is fixed to the right arm 92 by the bolt-shaped left and right shafts 91, and the outer ring 92d is fixed to the left arm 92.

[0077] The two arms 92 connected via such aspherical bearings 92b are less likely to swing from side to side relative to each other in the left-right direction, even when the movable passage 10 is bent in the left-right direction by the spherical bearings 99, and are more likely to remain parallel when viewed from above. Therefore, interference between the arms 92 is less likely to occur when the pantograph mechanism 90 is extended or retracted, and its extension and retraction can be made smoother.

[0078] Although the present invention has been described above based on embodiments, it can be easily inferred that the present invention is not limited in any way to the above embodiments, and that various improvements and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the case in which the first drive mechanism 50 and the second drive mechanism 60 are air cylinders was described, but they may also be composed of hydraulic cylinders, electric cylinders, etc. Furthermore, the first drive mechanism 50 and the second drive mechanism 60 may be composed of other known actuators, such as a mechanism that converts rotational motion into linear motion to change the extension amounts L1 and L2.

[0080] In the extended state, the extension amount L1 by the first drive mechanism 50 is not limited to being set to the maximum, and the extension amount L2 by the second drive mechanism 60 is not limited to being adjusted according to the distance from the platform 2 to the vehicle 4. Rather, the extension amount L1 may be adjusted according to the distance, and the extension amount L2 may be set to the maximum. Furthermore, both extension amounts L1 and L2 may be set or adjusted. In addition, the extension amount L1 set in the extended state may be a value other than the maximum.

[0081] Alternatively, the relative sizes of the passages may be changed such that the intermediate passage 30 is inserted inside the tip passage 40, and the fixed passage 20 is inserted inside the intermediate passage 30. In this case as well, the amount L1 of the extension of the intermediate passage 30 relative to the fixed passage 20 refers to the distance from the front end of the fixed passage 20 to the front end of the intermediate passage 30, and the amount L2 refers to the distance from the front end of the intermediate passage 30 to the front end of the tip passage 40.

[0082] Furthermore, changing the forward projection L1 of the intermediate passage 30 relative to the fixed passage 20 is equivalent to changing the rearward projection of the fixed passage 20 relative to the intermediate passage 30. Similarly, changing the forward projection L2 of the front passage 40 relative to the intermediate passage 30 is equivalent to changing the rearward projection of the intermediate passage 30 relative to the front passage 40.

[0083] In the above embodiment, a movable passageway 10 was described in which one of the fixed passageway 20, intermediate passageway 30, and end passageway 40 are nested together to extend and retract in two stages, but it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the end passageway 40 may be omitted (so that the intermediate passageway 30 abuts against the vehicle 4), or the fixed passageway 20 may be omitted and the intermediate passageway 30 fixed to the platform 2, so that the extension and retraction of the movable passageway 10 can be done in one stage.

[0084] Furthermore, by providing multiple nested intermediate passages 30 between the fixed passage 20 and the end passage 40, the extension and retraction of the movable passage 10 may be extended in three or more stages. The nested structure of the multiple intermediate passages 30 is extended (retracted) by the first drive mechanism 50, the second drive mechanism 60, and other actuators. The amount of extension may be specified or adjusted in the extended state.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the case in which the cylinder 51 of the first drive mechanism 50 is attached to the fixed passage 20 and the piston rod 52 is attached to the intermediate passage 30 has been described, but it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the cylinder 51 may be attached to the intermediate passage 30 and the piston rod 52 may be attached to the fixed passage 20. Similarly, the cylinder 61 of the second drive mechanism 60 may be attached to the tip passage 40 and the piston rod 62 may be attached to the intermediate passage 30. The first drive mechanism 50 and the second drive mechanism 60 may be positioned above or below the intermediate passage 30.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the case in which the fixed seal 21b is attached to the partition wall 21 of the fixed passage 20 has been described, but it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the fixed seal 21b may be attached to the front surface of the rear end 35 of the intermediate passage 30. Alternatively, the space between the intermediate passage 30 and the front passage 40 may be sealed by the fixed seal 21b which is sandwiched in the front-rear direction. Alternatively, the space between the fixed passage 20 and the intermediate passage 30 may be sealed by the expandable seal 70. The space between the fixed passage 20 and the intermediate passage 30, or between the intermediate passage 30 and the front passage 40, may also be sealed by configurations other than these fixed seal 21b and expandable seal 70.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the case in which the front end of the expandable seal 70 is connected to the tip portion 44 of the tip passage 40 has been described, but it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the outer peripheral portion may be extended in a flange-like manner from the outer peripheral surface of the tip passage 40 other than the tip portion 44, and the expandable seal 70 may be connected to that outer peripheral portion around its entire circumference.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the case in which the peaks of the bellows-shaped expandable seal 70 are reinforced with a rigid frame 71 has been described, but this is not necessarily the only case. For example, the valleys of the expandable seal 70 may be reinforced with a rigid frame 71, or both the peaks and valleys may be reinforced with a rigid frame 71.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the case in which the aspherical bearing 92b is a radial bearing was described, but it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the aspherical bearing 92b may be made from a known bearing such as a thrust bearing. Also, the detailed configuration of the spherical bearing 99 may be changed as appropriate.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the case in which each pantograph mechanism 90 has two arms 92 has been described, but it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, a pantograph mechanism 90 may be formed by a link mechanism in which multiple pairs of arms 92 arranged in an X shape are lined up in the front-rear direction, and the front-rear ends of these arms 92 are pivotally supported by left and right axes 91.

[0091] Furthermore, any known link mechanism can be used for the pantograph mechanism 90, as long as it is a mechanism that extends and retracts in the front-to-back direction while maintaining the relative vertical position of the tip 34 and tip 44 by changing the angle between multiple arms 92 that are pivotally supported by left-right axes 91. For example, one link mechanism can be formed by omitting the movable support part 95, movable axis 96 and support guide 97 from the two pantograph mechanisms 90 arranged vertically in the above embodiment, and connecting the two upper and lower left-right axes 91 with another single arm.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the case in which the movable passageway 10 connects the platform 2 and the train car 4 was described, but it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the movable passageway 10 can connect a first part and a second part and be fixed to the first part. Examples of the first part and the second part include buildings, automobiles, aircraft, ships, and the ground. The first part and the second part may also be of the same type. For example, in a movable passageway 10 connecting buildings, it is similarly required to seal the gaps between each passageway to ensure airtightness. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 2 Home 4 vehicles 10 Movable aisle 30 Middle passage (outside passage) 34 Tip 40 Tip passage (inner passage) 44 Tip (outer periphery) 60 Second drive mechanism (drive mechanism) 70 stretchable seals 71 Rigid Frame 80 Hinge 82 Board part 84 1st axis 85 2nd axis 90 Pantograph mechanism 91 Left and right axis 92 Arm 92b Aspherical bearing 98 Link Member 99 Spherical bearings L2 overhang amount

Claims

1. A movable passageway that extends and retracts in the front-rear direction by switching between an extended state that abuts against a train stopped in front of the platform and a shortened state that is shortened toward the platform side relative to the extended state, A cylindrical outer passage extending in the front-to-back direction, A cylindrical inner passage is inserted inside the outer passage and protrudes in the front-rear direction from the front-rear end of the outer passage, A drive mechanism that switches from the shortened state to the extended state by increasing the amount of protrusion of the inner passage relative to the outer passage, A cylindrical expandable seal that expands and contracts in the front-to-back direction is provided, connecting the outer peripheral portion of the inner passage that is separated from the outer passage and the tip portion of the outer passage over its entire circumference, The aforementioned expandable seal is provided with at least one pantograph mechanism on each of its left and right sides, connecting the tip of the outer passage and the outer periphery of the inner passage. The pantograph mechanism comprises multiple arms that are pivotally supported by left and right axes along the left-right direction and extend perpendicularly to these left and right axes, and by changing the angle between these multiple arms, it extends and retracts in the front-rear direction while maintaining the relative vertical position between the tip and the outer circumference. A movable passage characterized in that the arm is attached to the tip and the outer circumference of the aforementioned tip and outer circumference via spherical bearings that allow the arm to swing in the left-right direction relative to the aforementioned tip and outer circumference.

2. The movable passage according to claim 1, characterized in that the multiple arms are connected to each other via aspherical bearings that prevent the left and right axes from swinging back and forth.

3. A movable passageway that extends and retracts in the front-rear direction by switching between an extended state that abuts against a vehicle stopped in front of the platform and a shortened state that is shortened toward the platform side relative to the extended state, A cylindrical outer passage extending in the front-to-back direction, A cylindrical inner passage is inserted inside the outer passage and protrudes in the front-rear direction from the front-rear end of the outer passage, A drive mechanism that switches from the shortened state to the extended state by increasing the amount of protrusion of the inner passage relative to the outer passage, A cylindrical expandable seal that expands and contracts in the front-to-back direction is provided, connecting the outer peripheral portion of the inner passage that is separated from the outer passage and the tip portion of the outer passage over its entire circumference, The aforementioned expandable seal is provided with multiple pantograph mechanisms arranged vertically on both the left and right sides, connecting the tip of the outer passage and the outer periphery of the inner passage. The pantograph mechanism comprises multiple arms that are pivotally supported by left and right axes along the left-right direction and extend perpendicularly to these left and right axes, and by changing the angle between these multiple arms, it extends and retracts in the front-rear direction while maintaining the relative vertical position between the tip and the outer circumference. A movable passageway characterized in that multiple pantograph mechanisms arranged vertically are connected by link members that synchronize the amount of extension and retraction in the front-to-back direction of each.

4. The aforementioned expandable seal is formed in a bellows-like shape with alternating peaks and valleys in the front-to-back direction, and is reinforced by a plurality of annular rigid frames provided around the entire circumference of the peaks or valleys. A hinge is placed between each of the rigid frames adjacent to each other in the front-to-back direction. The movable passage according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the hinge is formed by pivotally supporting one end edge of two plate portions with a first axis along the vertical direction, and pivotally supporting the other end edges of the plate portions with the front and rear rigid frames with a second axis parallel to the first axis.

5. The rigid frame is provided on the ridge of the expandable seal, The movable passage according to claim 4, characterized in that the hinge is positioned radially outward of the expandable seal, and the first axis is positioned on the side away from the expandable seal with respect to the second axis.

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