To provide a power-and-free conveyor having a branching device capable of reducing the cost and establishing a high reliability on its operation for a long period of time.

The power-and-free conveyor having the branching device is equipped with roller chain type drive devices 24 installed on the main line 1 and a branch line 2 individually and driving carriers 3, trolleys 4 each furnished with running wheels 9 and 10 engaged with running rails 5 and 6 and ones 7 and 8 laid on the main line 1 and the branch line 2 and an engaging dog 15 engaged with a roller chain 27, a switching rail 31 supported between the main line 1 and the branch line 2 downstream of the branch point TP in such a way as swingably round an approximately vertical shaft 35, changed over between the main line 1 and the branch line 2 by a drive device 337, and guiding the running of a carrier 3 on the main line 1 or the branch line 2 downstream of the branch point TP, and a disengaging means 34 installed on the switching rail 31 for disengaging the engaging dog 15 of the trolley 4 from the roller chain 27.