Damping mechanism

Abstract

To reduce a response acceleration of a structure 100 further in a structure 100 having a base isolation structure having a certain amount of restoring force.SOLUTION: A damping mechanism damps relative reciprocating-motion between a first object and a second object and includes: a damping force generation mechanism which generates a damping force in conjunction with relative displacement between the first object and the second object in the reciprocating-motion; and a control mechanism which controls the damping force. When a predetermined relative displacement area of the second object as viewed from the first object is referred to as a reference area, one of directions of the reciprocating-motion with respect to the reference area is referred to as a positive direction, and an opposite direction of the positive direction is referred to as a negative direction, the damping force generation mechanism has: a first damper which has low damping performance for the relative displacement in the positive direction in a positive area at the side of the positive direction and high damping performance for the relative displacement in the negative direction in the positive area; and a second damper which has low damping performance for the relative displacement in the negative direction in a negative area at the side of the negative direction and has high damping performance for the relative displacement in the positive direction in the negative area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a damping mechanism. [Background technology]

[0002] In addition to seismic isolation devices and vibration control devices that suppress vibrations caused by earthquakes and wind in structures, damping devices are also used to reduce vibrations. Damping devices attenuate vibrations caused by earthquakes and wind by using a damping force proportional to the velocity. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-031983 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in a seismic isolation structure that has a certain restoring force, mainly using a seismic isolation device such as laminated rubber, there is a need to further reduce the response acceleration of the structure. However, there is a limit to the extent to which the response acceleration of the structure can be reduced using a damping device that only has a damping force proportional to the velocity.

[0005] One example of an object of the present invention is to further reduce the response acceleration of a seismically isolated structure having a certain restoring force. Other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a damping mechanism that damps the relative reciprocating motion between a first object and a second object, comprising: a damping force generating mechanism that generates a damping force in response to the relative displacement between the first object and the second object during the reciprocating motion; and a control mechanism that controls the damping force. When a predetermined region of the relative displacement of the second object as seen from the first object is defined as a reference region, and one direction relative to the reference region in the direction of the reciprocating motion is defined as a positive direction, and the direction opposite to the positive direction is defined as a negative direction, the damping force generating mechanism has: a first damper that provides low damping in the case of relative displacement in the positive direction in the positive region on the positive direction side, and high damping in the case of relative displacement in the negative direction in the positive region; and a second damper that provides low damping in the case of relative displacement in the negative direction in the negative region on the negative direction side, and high damping in the case of relative displacement in the positive direction in the negative region on the negative direction side.

[0007] Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the above aspect of the present invention, in a seismically isolated structure having a certain restoring force, the response acceleration of the structure can be further reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an application example of the damping mechanism 10 of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the damping mechanism 10 of the first embodiment in the reference region. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the second object 3 is displaced to the +X side relative to the first object 1 in the damping mechanism 10 of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Fig. 4A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the restoring force characteristics of the structure 100 due to the first damper 111. Fig. 4B is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the first damper 111 in a low damping state. Fig. 4C is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the first damper 111 in a high damping state. [Figure 5] Fig. 5A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the restoring force characteristics of the structure 100 due to the second damper 112. Fig. 5B is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the second damper 112 in a high damping state. Fig. 5C is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the second damper 112 in a low damping state. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the restoring force characteristics of the structure 100 by the damping mechanism 10 of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view of the damping mechanism 10A of the first modified example in the reference region. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the second object 3 is displaced to the +X side relative to the first object 1 within the positive direction ultimate displacement (X≦+L) in the damping mechanism 10A of the first modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the second object 3 is displaced to the +X side relative to the first object 1 in a range exceeding the positive region (X>+L) in the damping mechanism 10A of the first modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the restoring force characteristics of the structure 100 by the damping mechanism 10A of the first modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a front view of the damping mechanism 10B of the second modified example in the reference region. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the second object 3 is displaced to the +X side relative to the first object 1 within the positive direction ultimate displacement (X≦+L) in the damping mechanism 10B of the second modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the second object 3 is displaced to the +X side relative to the first object 1 in a range exceeding the positive region (X>+L) in a damping mechanism 10B of the second modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the restoring force characteristics of the structure 100 by the damping mechanism 10B of the second modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a damping mechanism 10C of the third modified example. [Figure 16]Fig. 16A is a view of a damping mechanism 10D of a fourth modified example as viewed from the axial direction, and Fig. 16B is a perspective view of the damping mechanism 10D of the fourth modified example. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a front view of the damping mechanism 10E of the second embodiment in the reference position. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the second object 3 is displaced to the +X side relative to the first object 1 in the damping mechanism 10E of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] At least the following matters will become clear from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0011] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or equivalent components, members, etc. shown in each drawing are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted where appropriate.

[0012] ==First Embodiment== FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an application example of the damping mechanism 10 of the first embodiment.

[0013] <<Definition of direction etc.>> First, with reference to FIG. 1, directions and the like in the damping mechanism 10 of this embodiment will be defined.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, directions that are parallel to the ground (here, a horizontal plane) and perpendicular to each other are defined as the "+X direction" and the "+Y direction." The direction opposite to the +X direction is defined as the "-X direction," and the direction opposite to the +Y direction is defined as the "-Y direction." Furthermore, the vertical direction from a first object 1 (described below) of the structure 100 toward a second object 3 (described below) is defined as the "+Z direction." The direction opposite to the +Z direction (i.e., the vertical direction from the second object 3 toward the first object 1) is defined as the "-Z direction."

[0015] The +X direction, -X direction, +Y direction, -Y direction, +Z direction, and -Z direction are each directions with a fixed orientation. Rather than directions with a fixed orientation as described above, both the +X direction and the -X direction are sometimes simply referred to as the "X direction." Similarly, both the +Y direction and the -Y direction are sometimes simply referred to as the "Y direction." Furthermore, both the +Z direction and the -Z direction are sometimes simply referred to as the "Z direction."

[0016] In the structure 100 to which the damping mechanism 10 of this embodiment is applied, the "X direction" is also the direction of the relative reciprocating motion between the first object 1 and the second object 3. Therefore, the region of a predetermined relative displacement of the second object 3 as seen from the first object 1 is taken as a reference region, and one direction (here, the +X direction) relative to the reference region in the X direction (i.e., the direction of the relative reciprocating motion between the first object 1 and the second object 3) is sometimes referred to as a positive direction, and the direction opposite to the positive direction (here, the -X direction) is sometimes referred to as a negative direction.

[0017] 1, the +X direction, +Y direction, and +Z direction are each represented by a line segment with an arrow to facilitate understanding of the directions in the damping mechanism 10. Note that the intersection of these line segments with an arrow does not represent the coordinate origin.

[0018] The above definitions of directions and the like are common to other embodiments in this specification unless otherwise specified.

[0019] <<Summary>> <Application example> 1, a structure 100 to which the damping mechanism 10 of this embodiment is applied has a first object 1 and a second object 3. In the structure 100 of this embodiment, the first object 1 is a structure below the ground, such as a foundation, and the second object 3 is a structure above the ground, such as a building.

[0020] In the structure 100 of this embodiment, a seismic isolation device 5 is installed between the first object 1 and the second object 3. The seismic isolation device 5 is a laminated rubber. However, the seismic isolation device 5 may be a seismic isolation device other than a laminated rubber, as long as the seismic isolation structure 100 has a certain restoring force. The second object 3 is supported by the first object 1 via the seismic isolation device 5. For example, when vibrations are transmitted to the structure 100 due to an earthquake, the first object 1 and the second object 3 undergo a relative reciprocating motion while the vibrations are suppressed by the seismic isolation device 5. Hereinafter, the relative reciprocating motion between the first object 1 and the second object 3 may be referred to as a "relative reciprocating motion" or simply as a "reciprocating motion."

[0021] In the following explanation, the relative reciprocating motion between the first object 1 and the second object 3 may be explained as the motion of the second object 3 as seen from the first object 1. In other words, as seen from the first object 1, the second object 3 makes a reciprocating motion in the +X side and the -X side.

[0022] The application example of the damping mechanism 10 shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and is not limited to the above application example. The damping mechanism 10 may be applied to structures other than a structure 100 in which a seismic isolation device 5 is installed in the foundation (a structure with a so-called base isolation structure). For example, the damping mechanism 10 may be applied to an application example in which the damping mechanism 10 is installed together with a seismic isolation device in the intermediate layer of the structure, a so-called intermediate layer seismic isolation structure. Furthermore, the application is not limited to structures with a seismic isolation structure, and may also be applied to structures with a vibration control structure. When applied to a structure with a vibration control structure, the damping mechanism 10 is installed between the layers.

[0023] The damping mechanism 10 is a mechanism that damps the relative reciprocating motion between the first object 1 and the second object 3. The damping mechanism 10 is installed between the first object 1 and the second object 3, as shown in FIG.

[0024] <Features> By using laminated rubber as the seismic isolation device 5, the structure 100 can have a certain restoring force.

[0025] Here, a damping device configured with a conventional oil damper, such as one with a simple flow path inside a cylinder, can only generate a damping force proportional to velocity due to the characteristics of viscous damping (linear damping). In other words, it is difficult for a conventional damping device to adjust the damping force in accordance with the relative displacement or direction of relative movement between the first object 1 and the second object 3. Therefore, even if an attempt is made to reduce the response acceleration of a structure using a conventional damping device, there is a limit to the extent to which the response acceleration of the structure can be reduced. Therefore, the damping mechanism 10 of this embodiment includes a damping force generation mechanism 11 (described below) that generates a damping force in accordance with the relative displacement between the first object 1 and the second object 3 during the relative reciprocating motion, and a control mechanism 12 (described below) that controls the damping force. This makes it possible to easily adjust the damping force in accordance with the relative displacement or direction of relative movement between the first object 1 and the second object 3.

[0026] Therefore, in the damping mechanism 10 of this embodiment, even if the restoring force of the seismic isolation device 5 is reduced, by adjusting the damping force of the damping mechanism 10, the response acceleration of the structure 100, which has a seismic isolation structure and a constant restoring force, can be further reduced.

[0027] <<Configuration>> The configuration of the damping mechanism 10 having the above-mentioned characteristics will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0028] Fig. 2 is a front view of the damping mechanism 10 of the first embodiment in the reference region. Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the second object 3 is displaced to the +X side relative to the first object 1 in the damping mechanism 10 of the first embodiment.

[0029] The damping mechanism 10 includes a damping force generating mechanism 11, a control mechanism 12, and a connection mechanism 50.

[0030] The damping force generation mechanism 11 is a mechanism that generates a damping force in accordance with the relative displacement between the first object 1 and the second object 3 during the relative reciprocating motion. In the damping mechanism 10 of this embodiment, the damping force generation mechanism 11 is a friction damper, and the damping force is a friction force caused by the friction damper. As shown in FIG. 2 , the damping force generation mechanism 11 has a first damper 111 arranged on the +X side and a second damper 112 arranged on the -X side.

[0031] The first damper 111 is connected to a second member first damper connecting member 124 (described later) of the control mechanism 12, and generates a frictional force (i.e., a damping force) in association with the relative movement between the first member 121 (described later) and the second member first damper connecting member 124.

[0032] The second damper 112 is connected to a second member-second damper connecting member 125 (described later) of the control mechanism 12, and generates a frictional force (i.e., a damping force) in association with the relative movement between the first member 121 and the second member-second damper connecting member 125.

[0033] Fig. 4A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the restoring force characteristics of the structure 100 due to the first damper 111. Fig. 4B is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the first damper 111 in a low damping state. Fig. 4C is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the first damper 111 in a high damping state.

[0034] As shown in Figures 4B and 4C, the first damper 111 has a disc spring 61, an outer wedge member 62, and an inner wedge member 63. When the first damper 111 is viewed in the direction (+Z direction) of Figures 4B and 4C, the outer wedge member 62 is located outward in the Y direction from the inner wedge member 63 (in other words, the inner wedge member 63 is located inward in the Y direction from the outer wedge member 62). The outer wedge member 62 and the inner wedge member 63 have contact surfaces on the +Y direction side and the -Y direction side, and the contact surfaces on the +Y direction side and the -Y direction side are both inclined. Furthermore, the contact surfaces on the +Y direction side and the -Y direction side are each inclined so that the distance in the Y direction decreases as the distance approaches the +X direction, and the disc spring 61 applies an elastic force to the outer wedge member 62 and the inner wedge member 63 in the Y direction. As a result, the frictional force when moving in the -X direction is stronger than the frictional force when moving in the +X direction. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4A, the first damper 111 exhibits low damping when the first object 1 and the second object 3 are displaced relative to each other in the +X direction, and exhibits high damping when the first object 1 and the second object 3 are displaced relative to each other in the -X direction. Note that a friction damper using such wedge members (outer wedge member 62 and inner wedge member 63) is merely an example and is not limited to the above-mentioned application example. For example, if a directional frictional material such as a seal (climbing skin) is used, a similar effect can be obtained without using wedges.

[0035] Fig. 5A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the restoring force characteristics of the structure 100 due to the second damper 112. Fig. 5B is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the second damper 112 in a high damping state. Fig. 5C is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the second damper 112 in a low damping state.

[0036] 5B and 5C, the second damper 112 has a disc spring 61, an outer wedge member 62, and an inner wedge member 63, similar to the first damper 111. Similar to the first damper 111, when the second damper 112 is viewed in the direction of viewing FIGS. 5B and 5C (the +Z direction), the outer wedge member 62 is positioned outward in the Y direction relative to the inner wedge member 63 (in other words, the inner wedge member 63 is positioned inward in the Y direction relative to the outer wedge member 62). The outer wedge member 62 and the inner wedge member 63 have contact surfaces on the +Y direction side and the -Y direction side, and both the contact surface on the +Y direction side and the contact surface on the -Y direction side are inclined. However, unlike the first damper 111, the contact surface on the +Y direction side and the contact surface on the -Y direction side of the second damper 112 are inclined so that the distance in the Y direction increases as the distance approaches the +X direction, and the disc spring 61 applies an elastic force to the outer wedge member 62 and the inner wedge member 63 in the Y direction. As a result, the frictional force when moving in the +X direction is stronger than the frictional force when moving in the -X direction. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 5A, the second damper 112 exhibits low damping when the first object 1 and the second object 3 are displaced relative to each other in the -X direction, and exhibits high damping when the first object 1 and the second object 3 are displaced relative to each other in the +X direction.

[0037] The control mechanism 12 is a mechanism that controls the generation of a damping force that damps the relative reciprocating motion between the first object 1 and the second object 3. The control mechanism 12 has a first member 121, a second member-first damper connecting member 124, a second member-second damper connecting member 125, and a pin mechanism 123.

[0038] The first member 121 is a member connected to perform a relative reciprocating motion together with the first object 1. In the control mechanism 12 of this embodiment, the first member 121 is a surface material arranged perpendicular to the XY plane (horizontal plane) as shown in Fig. 2, and is connected to the first object 1 at the lower end thereof by a connection mechanism 50. As a result, the first member 121 also performs a relative reciprocating motion in accordance with the relative reciprocating motion of the first object 1.

[0039] The first member 121 is formed with a first region 20. The first region 20 is a region in which a pin member 42 (described later) of the pin mechanism 123 is disposed. In the first member 121 of this embodiment, the first region 20 is a hole (specifically, an elongated hole) through which the pin member 42 is inserted, as shown in FIG. 2 . However, the first region 20 may be, for example, a recess (concave), and may have any shape that allows the pin member 42 to be slidably positioned. The first region 20 has a neutral-side first region 23, a positive-direction first region 24, and a negative-direction first region 25.

[0040] The neutral side first region 23 is formed in the reference region and is a region located at the boundary where the positive direction first region 24 and the negative direction first region 25 switch. The pin member 42 is located in the neutral side first region 23 when the relative displacement between the first object 1 and the second object 3 during the relative reciprocating motion is in the reference region. As shown in FIG. 2 , the neutral side first region 23 is configured as a portion extending diagonally upward from the negative direction first region 25 to the positive direction first region 24. In addition, both ends of the neutral side first region 23 in the X direction (i.e., the direction of the relative reciprocating motion) are connected so that the positive direction first region 24 and the negative direction first region 25 are continuous (i.e., the pin member 42 is slidable continuously from the neutral side first region 23).

[0041] The positive direction first region 24 is a region formed in a range (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "first range") between the reference region and the positive direction ultimate displacement in the X direction (i.e., the direction of the relative reciprocating motion). The positive direction first region 24 extends in the X direction from the connection position with the neutral side first region 23 (i.e., the end of the neutral side first region 23 in the +X direction). The neutral side first region 23 and the positive direction first region 24 are arranged to be displaced in the in-plane direction of the first member 121, which is a face material, and are communicated with each other.

[0042] The negative direction first region 25 is a region formed in a range (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "second range") between the reference region and the negative direction ultimate displacement in the X direction (i.e., the direction of the relative reciprocating motion). The negative direction first region 25 extends in the X direction from the connection position with the neutral side first region 23 (i.e., the -X direction end of the neutral side first region 23). The neutral side first region 23 and the negative direction first region 25 are arranged to be displaced in the in-plane direction of the first member 121, which is a face material, and are communicated with each other.

[0043] The second member-first damper connecting member 124 and the second member-second damper connecting member 125 (hereinafter, they may be collectively referred to as "second members") are members that are capable of moving relative to the first member 121 in the X direction (i.e., the direction of relative reciprocating motion). The second member-first damper connecting member 124 and the second member-second damper connecting member 125 are each capable of moving independently relative to the first member 121. Specifically, the second member-first damper connecting member 124 moves relative to the first member 121 in a range (first range) between the reference region and the positive-direction ultimate displacement, and the second member-second damper connecting member 125 moves relative to the first member 121 in a range (second range) between the reference region and the negative-direction ultimate displacement.

[0044] A second region 30 is formed in the second member, which is composed of the second member-first damper connecting member 124 and the second member-second damper connecting member 125. The second region 30 is a region in which a pin member 42 (described later) of the pin mechanism 123 is disposed. In the second member of this embodiment, the second region 30 is a hole (specifically, an elongated hole) in the reference region, and as shown in FIG. 2, the pin member 42 is inserted therethrough. However, the second region 30 may be, for example, a recess (concave), and may have any shape in which the pin member 42 is slidably positioned. The second region 30 (hole) is composed of a positive-direction second region 31 (notch) formed in the second member-first damper connecting member 124 and a negative-direction second region 32 (notch) formed in the second member-second damper connecting member 125.

[0045] The pin mechanism 123 is a mechanism that connects the first member 121 and the second member-first damper connecting member 124 (or the second member-second damper connecting member 125) so that relative movement between them is possible in accordance with the relative reciprocating motion between the first object 1 and the second object 3. The pin mechanism 123 has a support portion 41 and a pin member 42.

[0046] 2, the support portion 41 supports the pin member 42 so as to enable movement of the pin member 42 in the Z direction, and is fixed to the second object 3. As a result, the pin member 42 is connected so as to perform a relative reciprocating motion together with the second object 3. In other words, in accordance with the relative reciprocating motion of the second object 3, the pin member 42 also performs a relative reciprocating motion.

[0047] The pin member 42 is a component that connects the first member 121 and the second member-first damper connecting member 124 (or the second member-second damper connecting member 125) so as to enable relative movement therebetween. As shown in FIG. 2, the pin member 42 is inserted through the support portion 41, the first member 121, and the second member (the second member-first damper connecting member 124 and the second member-second damper connecting member 125). The pin member 42 is positioned so that its longitudinal direction is the Y direction. Therefore, in the following description, when viewed in the Y direction (i.e., when viewed in the direction shown in FIG. 2) may be referred to as "when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the pin member 42." As will be described later, when the relative displacement between the first object 1 and the second object 3 during the relative reciprocating motion is in the reference region, the pin member 42 is positioned in the neutral-side first region 23 (and the overlapping second region 30).

[0048] When the relative displacement between the first object 1 and the second object 3 during the relative reciprocating motion is between the reference region and the positive direction ultimate displacement (first range), the pin member 42 guides the second member-first damper connecting member 124 connected to the first damper 111 within the positive direction first region 24. At this time, the pin member 42 moves the second member-first damper connecting member 124 while pressing it, causing the first member 121 and the second member-first damper connecting member 124 to move relative to each other (a frictional force caused by the first damper 111 acts).

[0049] When the relative displacement between the first object 1 and the second object 3 during the relative reciprocating motion is between the reference region and the negative direction ultimate displacement (second range), the pin member 42 guides the second member-second damper connecting member 125 connected to the second damper 112 within the negative direction first region 25. At this time, the pin member 42 moves the second member-second damper connecting member 125 while pressing it, causing the first member 121 and the second damper connecting member 125 to move relative to each other (a frictional force is applied by the second damper 112).

[0050] The connection mechanism 50 restricts movement of the first member 121 relative to the first object 1 in the X direction (i.e., the direction of reciprocating motion), and guides movement of the first member 121 relative to the first object 1 in the Y direction (i.e., a specific orthogonal direction orthogonal to the direction of reciprocating motion of the first member 121 relative to the first object 1). In the damping mechanism 10 of this embodiment, the connection mechanism 50 is configured, for example, by pins and rollers. However, the connection mechanism 50 may be configured by a mechanism other than pins and rollers.

[0051] <<Operation and restoring force characteristics>> Hereinafter, the operation and restoring force characteristics of the damping mechanism 10 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference again to FIGS. 2 and 3 and also with reference to FIG. 6.

[0052] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the restoring force characteristics of the structure 100 by the damping mechanism 10 of the first embodiment.

[0053] 6, in a structure 100 to which the damping mechanism 10 of this embodiment is applied, the relative displacement between the first object 1 and the second object 3 during the relative reciprocating motion is low damped in the case of relative displacement in the +X direction in a region on the +X side of the reference region (hereinafter may be referred to as the "positive region"), and is high damped in the case of relative displacement in the -X direction in the positive region. Also, the relative displacement between the first object 1 and the second object 3 during the relative reciprocating motion is low damped in the case of relative displacement in the -X direction in a region on the -X side of the reference region (hereinafter may be referred to as the "negative region"), and is high damped in the case of relative displacement in the +X direction in the negative region.

[0054] When the relative displacement between the first object 1 and the second object 3 during the relative reciprocating motion is in the reference region, the pin member 42 is located in the neutral-side first region 23 (and the overlapping second region 30), as shown in FIG. 2. Specifically, when the relative displacement between the first object 1 and the second object 3 during the relative reciprocating motion is in the reference region, the pin member 42 does not press against and move the second member (the second member-first damper connecting member 124 or the second member-second damper connecting member 125), and the first member 121 and the second member do not move relative to each other. Therefore, when the relative displacement between the first object 1 and the second object 3 during the relative reciprocating motion is in the reference region, the first damper 111 and the second damper 112 of the damping force generation mechanism 11 do not operate, and therefore no damping force is generated.

[0055] In the state shown in FIG. 3 , the pin member 42 moves through the positive direction first region 24 toward the +X side. As described above, in the first region 20, the positive direction first region 24 is connected so as to be continuously slidable from the neutral side first region 23 toward the +X side. When the relative displacement between the first object 1 and the second object 3 during the relative reciprocating motion is within a range (first range) between the reference region and the positive direction ultimate displacement, the pin member 42 slides through the positive direction first region 24 while remaining in contact with the edge of the positive direction second region 31 of the second member-first damper connecting member 124. As a result, the second member-first damper connecting member 124, pressed by the pin member 42, moves toward the +X side relative to the first member 121. This activates the first damper 111 of the damping force generating mechanism 11, generating a damping force with low damping.

[0056] The above explanation describes the operation when the second member 122 moves toward the +X side relative to the first object 1 on the +X side from the reference region. Next, the operation when the second member 122 moves toward the -X side relative to the first object 1 on the +X side of the reference position (returning from the state shown in FIG. 3 to the state shown in FIG. 2) will be described below. First, when returning from the state shown in FIG. 3 to the state shown in FIG. 2, the relative displacement between the first object 1 and the second object 3 in the relative reciprocating motion is in the range between the reference region and the positive-direction ultimate displacement, and the pin member 42 slides in the positive-direction first region 24 while remaining in contact with the edge of the positive-direction second region 31 of the second-member-first-damper connecting member 124. As a result, the second-member-first-damper connecting member 124, pressed by the pin member 42, moves toward the -X side relative to the first member 121. Then, the first damper 111 of the damping force generating mechanism 11 is activated, generating a high damping force.

[0057] The operation on the -X side of the reference position is the same as that described above. The control mechanism 12 operates so that the second damper 112 provides low damping when the first object 1 and the second object 3 are displaced relative to each other in the -X direction in the negative region, and provides high damping when the first object 1 and the second object 3 are displaced relative to each other in the +X direction in the negative region.

[0058] <<First Modification>> Fig. 7 is a front view of the damping mechanism 10A of the first modified example in the reference region. Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the second object 3 is displaced to the +X side relative to the first object 1 within the positive direction ultimate displacement (X≦+L) in the damping mechanism 10A of the first modified example. Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the second object 3 is displaced to the +X side relative to the first object 1 within the positive region excess range (X>+L) in the damping mechanism 10A of the first modified example. Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the restoring force characteristics of the structure 100 by the damping mechanism 10A of the first modified example.

[0059] The damping force generation mechanism 11 in the first modified example has a third damper 116A. The third damper 116A is a damper that generates a damping force in a positive region exceeding range (X>+L) that exceeds the positive region in the +X direction. The damping force of the third damper 116A in the positive region exceeding range in the -X direction is higher than the damping force of the first damper 111 in the -X direction. Furthermore, the damping force of the third damper 116A in the +X direction in the positive region exceeding range in the +X direction is higher than the damping force of the first damper 111 in the +X direction.

[0060] The damping force generation mechanism 11 in the first modified example also has a fourth damper 117A. The fourth damper 117A is a damper that generates a damping force in a negative region exceeding range (X<-L) that exceeds the negative region in the -X direction. The damping force of the fourth damper 117A in the negative region exceeding range is higher than the damping force of the second damper 112 in the +X direction. The damping force of the fourth damper 117A in the negative region exceeding range is also higher than the damping force of the second damper 112 in the +X direction.

[0061] The damping mechanism 10A of the first modification can apply a larger damping force during excessive deformation. That is, in a seismically isolated structure 100 having a certain restoring force, the response acceleration of the structure 100 can be further reduced and excessive deformation of the structure 100 can be suppressed when a major earthquake occurs.

[0062] <<Second Modification>> Fig. 11 is a front view of the damping mechanism 10B of the second modified example in the reference region. Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the second object 3 is displaced to the +X side relative to the first object 1 within the positive direction ultimate displacement (≦+L) in the damping mechanism 10B of the second modified example. Fig. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the second object 3 is displaced to the +X side relative to the first object 1 within the positive region exceeding range (>+L) in the damping mechanism 10B of the second modified example. Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the restoring force characteristics of the structure 100 using the damping mechanism 10B of the second modified example.

[0063] The damping force generation mechanism 11 in the second modified example has a third damper 116B and a fourth damper 117B, similar to the damping force generation mechanism 11 in the first modified example. However, in the damping force generation mechanism 11 in the second modified example, the third damper 116B cooperates with the first damper 111 in the positive region exceeding range (X>+L), and the fourth damper 117B cooperates with the second damper 112 in the negative region exceeding range (X<-L).

[0064] The damping mechanism 10B of the second modification can also exert a larger damping force during excessive deformation. In other words, in a seismically isolated structure 100 having a certain restoring force, the response acceleration of the structure 100 can be further reduced and excessive deformation of the structure 100 can be suppressed when a major earthquake occurs.

[0065] <<Third Modification>> FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a damping mechanism 10C of the third modified example.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 15, in a damping mechanism 10C of the third modification, each of the first member 121C and the second member (the second member-first damper connecting member 124C and the second member-second damper connecting member 125C) of the control mechanism 12C is a surface material, similar to the control mechanism 12 of the present embodiment described above. However, in the damping mechanism 10C of the third modification, the first member 121C and the second member are parallel to each other and arranged parallel to each other in the XY plane (horizontal plane). In this case, the relative reciprocating motion is parallel to the in-plane direction of the first member 121C and the second member. In the damping mechanism 10C of the third modification, the direction in which the connection mechanism 50 guides the movement of the first member 121C is the Y direction, which is one of the in-plane directions and is perpendicular to the X direction (i.e., the direction of the reciprocating motion). 15, the left connection mechanism 50L is a pin mechanism, the right connection mechanism 50R is a roller mechanism, and the first member 121C moves in an arc in the Y direction by the connection mechanism 50R, with the connection mechanism 50L as an axis. Although not shown, if the right connection mechanism 50R is a roller mechanism and the left connection mechanism 50L is also a roller mechanism, the first member 121C will move linearly in the Y direction.

[0067] The pin member 42C is rigidly connected to the second object 3 so that its longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the in-plane direction of the first member 121C and the second member (the second member-first damper connecting member 124C and the second member-second damper connecting member 125C). In other words, the pin member 42C is provided integrally with a support portion connected to the second object 3 so as to perform relative reciprocating motion together with the second object 3. However, the pin member 42C may be connected to the second object 3 so as to be movable in the Y direction, and the first member 121C may be rigidly connected to the first object 1 rather than being connected by the connection mechanism 50.

[0068] As a result, the damping mechanism 10C of the third modified example can also further reduce the response acceleration of the structure 100 in a seismically isolated structure having a certain restoring force.

[0069] <<Third Modification>> Fig. 16A is a view of a damping mechanism 10D of a fourth modified example as viewed from the axial direction, and Fig. 16B is a perspective view of the damping mechanism 10D of the fourth modified example.

[0070] As shown in Figures 16A and 16B, the damping mechanism 10D of the fourth modified example is a cylindrical damping mechanism. The damping mechanism 10D is composed of a cylindrical portion 114 and a rod portion 115. A first relative displacement surface 121D that undergoes relative reciprocating motion together with a first object 1 (not shown in Figures 16A and 16B) is formed on the cylindrical portion 114. In other words, the first member in the fourth modified example has the first relative displacement surface 121D formed on the cylindrical portion 114. Although not shown, the neutral side first region 23, the positive direction first region 24, and the negative direction first region 25 formed on the first relative displacement surface 121D are arranged in a circumferentially offset manner around the cylindrical portion 114 and communicate with each other.

[0071] Furthermore, the rod portion 115 is connected to a second object 3 (not shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B) so as to reciprocate relative to the second object 3. The rod portion 115 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 114 and is slidable in the direction of the relative reciprocating motion described above (here, the axial direction of the rod portion 115).

[0072] In the damping mechanism 10D of the fourth modified example, second relative displacement surfaces 124D and 125D are formed on the outer circumferential side of the cylindrical portion 114. The second relative displacement surfaces 124D and 125D are members that are movable relative to the first relative displacement surface 121D. In other words, the second member in the third modified example has the second relative displacement surface 124D and the second relative displacement surface 125D that move relative to the first relative displacement surface 121D.

[0073] Pin member 42D is fixed to rod portion 115. Pin member 42D is provided so as to be movable in the circumferential direction of cylindrical portion 114 when the first member (first relative displacement surface 121D) and the second member (second relative displacement surface 124D and second relative displacement surface 125D) move relatively in the axial direction (i.e., the direction of the relative reciprocating motion).

[0074] In the damping mechanism 10D of the fourth modified example, when the relative displacement between the cylindrical portion 114 (connected to the first object 1) and the rod portion 115 (connected to the second object 3) is in a range (first range) between the reference region and the positive direction ultimate displacement, the rod portion 115 moves with respect to the cylindrical portion 114, and the second relative displacement surface 124D moves with respect to the first relative displacement surface 121D, thereby generating a frictional force. Also, when the relative displacement between the cylindrical portion 114 (connected to the first object 1) and the rod portion 115 (connected to the second object 3) is in a range (second range) between the reference region and the negative direction ultimate displacement, the rod portion 115 moves with respect to the cylindrical portion 114, and the second relative displacement surface 125D moves with respect to the first relative displacement surface 121D, thereby generating a frictional force.

[0075] 16A and 16B are merely examples, and the configuration is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B as long as the first relative displacement surface 121D, the second relative displacement surface 124D, and the second relative displacement surface 125D are movable relative to each other only in the axial direction, and the first relative displacement surface 121D and the rod portion 115 are capable of relative rotational movement. For example, the member to which the pin member 42D is fixed (here, the rod portion 115) may be located outside the cylindrical portion 114, or the first relative displacement surface 121D may be located outside the second relative displacement surface 124D and the second relative displacement surface 125D. Furthermore, a plurality of second relative displacement surfaces 124D, second relative displacement surfaces 125D, and pin members 42D may be arranged relative to the first relative displacement surface 121D. This allows for increased damping force.

[0076] As a result, the damping mechanism 10D of the fourth modified example can also further reduce the response acceleration of the structure 100 in a seismically isolated structure having a certain restoring force.

[0077] ==Second Embodiment== Fig. 17 is a front view of the damping mechanism 10E of the second embodiment in the reference position. Fig. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the second object 3 is displaced to the +X side relative to the first object 1 in the damping mechanism 10E of the second embodiment.

[0078] 17 and 18 , a damping mechanism 10E of the second embodiment employs oil dampers (fifth damper 118 and sixth damper 119) as the damping force generating mechanism 11 instead of friction dampers (first damper 111 and second damper 112 in this embodiment). Here, the fifth damper 118 exhibits low damping when the first object 1 and the second object 3 are displaced relative to each other in the +X direction, and high damping when the first object 1 and the second object 3 are displaced relative to each other in the −X direction. The sixth damper 119 exhibits low damping when the first object 1 and the second object 3 are displaced relative to each other in the −X direction, and high damping when the first object 1 and the second object 3 are displaced relative to each other in the +X direction.

[0079] The control mechanism 12 is the same as that in the first embodiment. The control mechanism 12 makes it possible to reduce the stroke of the oil damper.

[0080] The damping mechanism 10E of the present embodiment described above is not limited to the example of the damping mechanism 10 of the first embodiment, and an oil damper may be adopted in the damping mechanism 10A of the first modified example, the damping mechanism 10B of the second modified example, the damping mechanism 10C of the third modified example, and the damping mechanism 10E of the fourth modified example.

[0081] 17 and 18, in the damping mechanism 10E of the second embodiment, when the relative displacement between the first object 1 and the second object 3 during the relative reciprocating motion is in a range between the reference region and the positive-direction ultimate displacement (first range), a damping force is generated by the fifth damper 118 of the damping force generation mechanism 11. Furthermore, when the relative displacement between the first object 1 and the second object 3 during the relative reciprocating motion is in a range between the reference region and the negative-direction ultimate displacement (second range), a damping force is generated by the sixth damper 119 of the damping force generation mechanism 11.

[0082] As a result, the damping mechanism 10E of the second embodiment can also further reduce the response acceleration of the structure 100 in a seismically isolated structure having a certain restoring force.

[0083] ==Summary== According to the present specification, there is provided a damping mechanism having the following aspects.

[0084] (Aspect 1) Aspect 1 is a damping mechanism that damps the relative reciprocating motion between a first object and a second object, and includes a damping force generation mechanism that generates a damping force in accordance with the relative displacement between the first object and the second object during the reciprocating motion, and a control mechanism that controls the damping force. When a predetermined region of the relative displacement of the second object as seen from the first object is defined as a reference region, and one direction relative to the reference region in the direction of the reciprocating motion is defined as a positive direction, and the direction opposite to the positive direction is defined as a negative direction, the damping force generation mechanism has a first damper that provides low damping in the case of the relative displacement in the positive direction in the positive region on the positive direction side, and high damping in the case of the relative displacement in the negative direction in the positive region, and a second damper that provides low damping in the case of the relative displacement in the negative direction in the negative region on the negative direction side, and high damping in the case of the relative displacement in the positive direction in the negative region.

[0085] According to the above-described embodiment, in the seismically isolated structure 100 having a certain restoring force, the response acceleration of the structure 100 can be further reduced.

[0086] (Aspect 2) In aspect 2, the relative displacement in the positive direction in the positive region is the relative displacement between the reference region and the positive-direction arrival displacement in the positive direction, and the relative displacement in the negative direction in the negative region is the relative displacement between the reference region and the negative-direction arrival displacement in the negative direction.

[0087] According to the above-described embodiment, in the seismically isolated structure 100 having a certain restoring force, the response acceleration of the structure 100 can be further reduced.

[0088] (Aspect 3) In aspect 3, the control mechanism includes a first member provided on the side of the first object and a second member movable relative to the first member in the direction of the reciprocating motion, and the first member has a first region including a positive direction first region formed in a first range between the reference region and the positive direction final displacement in the direction of the reciprocating motion, and a negative direction first region formed in a second range between the reference region and the negative direction final displacement in the direction of the reciprocating motion.

[0089] According to the above-described embodiment, in the seismically isolated structure 100 having a certain restoring force, the response acceleration of the structure 100 can be further reduced.

[0090] (Aspect 4) In aspect 4, the control mechanism has a support part fixed to the side of the second object, and a pin member supported by the support part and located in the first region, and the pin member guides a second member-first damper connecting member of the second member connected to the first damper within the positive direction first region as the pin member reciprocates, and guides a second member-second damper connecting member of the second member connected to the second damper within the negative direction first region.

[0091] According to the above-described embodiment, in the seismically isolated structure 100 having a certain restoring force, the response acceleration of the structure 100 can be further reduced.

[0092] (Aspect 5) In aspect 5, the damping force generating mechanism has a third damper, and the third damper makes the damping force in the positive direction in the positive region exceeding range that exceeds the positive region in the positive direction higher than the damping force in the positive direction in the positive region, and makes the damping force in the negative direction in the positive region exceeding range higher than the damping force in the negative direction in the positive region.

[0093] According to the above-described embodiment, in a seismically isolated structure 100 having a certain restoring force, the response acceleration of the structure 100 can be further reduced and excessive deformation of the structure can be suppressed when a major earthquake occurs.

[0094] (Aspect 6) In aspect 6, the damping force generating mechanism has a fourth damper, and the fourth damper makes the damping force in the negative direction in the negative region exceeding range that exceeds the negative region in the negative direction higher than the damping force in the negative direction in the negative region, and makes the damping force in the positive direction in the negative region exceeding range higher than the damping force in the positive direction in the negative region.

[0095] According to the above-described embodiment, in a seismically isolated structure 100 having a certain restoring force, the response acceleration of the structure 100 can be further reduced and excessive deformation of the structure can be suppressed when a major earthquake occurs.

[0096] ==Other== The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention includes equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1 1st object 3 Second object 5 Seismic isolation device 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E Damping device 11 Damping force generation mechanism 12 Control Mechanism 20 1st area 23 Neutral side 1st area 24 Forward direction 1st area 25 Negative direction first region 30 Second area 31 Positive direction 2nd area 32 Negative direction second region 41 Support part 42 Pin member 50 Connection mechanism 61 Disc spring 62 Outer wedge material 63 Inner wedge material 100 structures 111,118 First damper 112,119 Second damper 114 Cylinder section 115 Rod part 116A, 116B 3rd damper 117A, 117B 4th damper 118 5th Damper 119 6th Damper 121 First member 123 pin mechanism 124, 124B, 124C, 124E Second member First damper connecting member 124D Second relative displacement surface 125, 125B, 125C, 125E Second member Second damper connecting member 125D Second relative displacement surface

Claims

1. A damping mechanism that damps relative reciprocating motion between a first object and a second object, a damping force generating mechanism that generates a damping force in accordance with relative displacement between the first object and the second object during the reciprocating motion; a control mechanism for controlling the damping force; Equipped with When a predetermined region of the relative displacement of the second object as seen from the first object is defined as a reference region, one direction with respect to the reference region in the direction of the reciprocating motion is defined as a positive direction, and a direction opposite to the positive direction is defined as a negative direction, The damping force generating mechanism includes: a first damper that provides low damping in the case of the relative displacement in the positive direction in a positive region on the positive direction side and high damping in the case of the relative displacement in the negative direction in the positive region; a second damper that provides low damping in the case of relative displacement in the negative direction in a negative region on the negative direction side, and high damping in the case of relative displacement in the positive direction in the negative region.

2. the relative displacement in the positive direction in the positive region is a relative displacement between the reference region and a positive-direction reaching displacement in the positive direction, The relative displacement in the negative direction in the negative region is a relative displacement between the reference region and a negative reaching displacement in the negative direction. The damping mechanism of claim 1 .

3. the control mechanism includes a first member provided on a side of the first object and a second member movable relative to the first member in the direction of the reciprocating motion; The first member is a positive direction first region formed in a first range between the reference region and the positive direction final displacement in the direction of the reciprocating motion; a negative direction first region formed in a second range between the reference region and the negative direction final displacement in the direction of the reciprocating motion; having a first region including The damping mechanism of claim 2 .

4. the control mechanism includes a support portion fixed to a side of the second object, and a pin member supported by the support portion and located in the first region; The pin member, in association with the reciprocating motion, a second member-first damper connecting member of the second member connected to the first damper is guided within the positive direction first region; a second member-second damper connecting member of the second member connected to the second damper is guided within the negative direction first region; The damping mechanism of claim 3 .

5. the damping force generating mechanism has a third damper, The third damper is The damping force in the positive direction in a positive region exceeding range that exceeds the positive region in the positive direction is set to be higher than the damping force in the positive direction in the positive region, The damping force in the negative direction in the range exceeding the positive region is set to be higher than the damping force in the negative direction in the positive region. The damping mechanism of claim 1 .

6. the damping force generating mechanism has a fourth damper, The fourth damper sets the damping force in the negative direction in a negative region exceeding range that exceeds the negative region in the negative direction to be higher than the damping force in the negative direction in the negative region, and sets the damping force in the positive direction in the negative region exceeding range to be higher than the damping force in the positive direction in the negative region. The damping mechanism of claim 1 .

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