Shock-absorbing device

Abstract

A shock-absorbing device according to the present disclosure comprises: a base part; a guide bar that is connected to the base part and extends in the axial direction; a supported body that is disposed along the guide bar and can move relative to the base part in the axial direction; a slider that is fixed to the supported body and can slide in the axial direction with respect to the guide bar; and a spring member that biases against the movement of the slider. The slider has a bush of which the relative angle with respect to the axial line can be automatically aligned with respect to the guide bar.

Description

shock absorber

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-183381, filed on October 25, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an operating device for a gear-type transmission with a buffer function. The operating device includes a fork shaft, a locking member, a shift fork, and spring means. The fork shaft reciprocates axially. Two locking members are provided axially spaced apart on the outer periphery of the fork shaft. The base of the shift fork is supported on the fork shaft so as to be movable axially between the two locking members, and the tip of the shift fork axially moves a sleeve that switches the transmission gears. A pair of spring means are provided, one each interposed between the axial sides of the base of the shift fork and each of the locking members. In other words, the fork shaft is sandwiched axially between the pair of spring means. The pair of spring means elastically position and hold the shift fork relative to the fork shaft. This suppresses the transmission of impact loads between the shaft and the shift fork.

[0003] JP 2012-47230 A

[0004] However, with the device described in Patent Document 1, if the fork shaft and the shift fork are tilted relative to each other, the fork shaft comes into contact with the hole in the shift fork, and strong friction prevents the fork shaft from moving relative to the axial direction, causing the problem of the spring means losing its buffering function.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a shock absorber that can satisfactorily perform its shock-absorbing function.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the shock absorber of the present disclosure comprises a base, a guide bar connected to the base and extending in an axial direction, a supported body arranged along the guide bar and movable in the axial direction relative to the base, a slider fixed to the supported body and slidable in the axial direction relative to the guide bar, and a spring member that biases the slider against movement, and the slider has a bush that can automatically center its angle relative to the axis of the guide bar.

[0007] According to the shock absorber of the present disclosure, the shock absorber function can be satisfactorily exhibited.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a shock absorber according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a slider taken along line III-III of FIG. 2. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a centering mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from a circumferential direction about the central axis of the supported body. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a centering mechanism according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the direction of the central axis of the supported body. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a centering mechanism according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from a circumferential direction about the central axis of the supported body. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a centering mechanism according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the direction of the central axis of the supported body. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a centering mechanism according to a modified third embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from a circumferential direction about the central axis of the supported body. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a centering mechanism according to a modified third embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the direction of the central axis of the supported body.

[0009] First Embodiment A shock absorber 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. The shock absorber 100 is used to cushion a device that generates impact loads during operation. In this embodiment, the shock absorber 100 is installed in a furnace 1 for coal, oil, waste, or the like. The furnace 1 has a vessel 2 formed, for example, in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Deposits of soot, ash, minerals, and other combustion product and by-product particles are likely to form inside the vessel 2. Such particle deposition can reduce the processing capacity of the furnace 1 and potentially cause damage. For this reason, the vessel 2 of this embodiment is provided with a combustion tube (a supported member 20, described below). The combustion tube emits pressure waves into the vessel 2 to remove deposits from within the vessel 2 and clean the interior of the vessel 2. When the combustion tube generates pressure waves, a large impact is generated in the combustion tube due to recoil. The shock absorber 100 of this embodiment is installed to absorb the impact generated in the combustion tube.

[0010] (Configuration of the shock absorber) As shown in FIG. 1 , the shock absorber 100 includes a base 3, a mounting wall 4, a guide bar 10, a supported body 20, a support mechanism 30, a retaining member 5, a flange 6, a slider 40, a spring member 7, and a centering mechanism 60.

[0011] (Base) The base 3 of this embodiment is a wall of the vessel 2 of the furnace 1 and extends in the vertical direction. The base 3 is provided with an opening 3a that penetrates the base 3 in the horizontal direction. The opening 3a is formed in a circular shape.

[0012] (Mounting Wall) The mounting wall 4 is disposed outside the container 2 and attached to the base 3. The mounting wall 4 extends in the vertical direction and is formed in an annular shape with an opening 4a penetrating horizontally. The opening 4a is formed in a circular shape. The center of the opening 4a of the mounting wall 4 coincides with the center of the opening 3a of the base 3 when viewed from the direction of the axis O, which will be described later. Furthermore, the diameter of the opening 4a of the mounting wall 4 is smaller than the diameter of the opening 3a of the base 3.

[0013] (Guide Bar) The guide bar 10 is indirectly connected to the base 3 via the mounting wall 4. As shown in Fig. 2, a plurality of guide bars 10 (four in the illustrated example) are provided so as to surround the opening 4a from the outer periphery (the radially outer side about the central axis O1, which will be described later). These guide bars 10 are arranged at equal intervals on the same circle C1. In other words, the guide bars 10 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction about the central axis O1.

[0014] The guide bar 10 extends in the direction of its own axis O. The axis O of the guide bar 10 extends in the same direction as the central axis of the opening 3a of the base 3. In the following description, the axis O of the guide bar 10 may be simply referred to as the "axis O." Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the radial direction about the axis O of the guide bar 10 will be simply referred to as the "radial direction," and the circumferential direction about the axis O of the guide bar 10 will be simply referred to as the "circumferential direction."

[0015] The guide bar 10 of this embodiment is formed in the shape of a shaft extending in the direction of axis O. The guide bar 10 has a guide bar main body 11 and a locking member 12. The guide bar main body 11 is formed in the shape of a cylinder extending in the direction of axis O. A fixed end 13 is provided at the end of the guide bar main body 11 on the base 3 side in the direction of axis O. A threaded portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fixed end 13. The fixed end 13 is screwed into the mounting wall portion 4 and the base 3 from the direction of axis O. In this way, the guide bar 10 is fixed to the base 3.

[0016] One locking member 12 is provided on each side of the guide bar 10 in the direction of the axis O. That is, two locking members 12 are provided spaced apart in the direction of the axis O. The locking member 12 on the base portion 3 side in the direction of the axis O abuts against the mounting wall portion 4 from the direction of the axis O.

[0017] (Supported Person) The supported person 20 is disposed along the guide bar 10. The supported person 20 is provided so as to be movable relative to the base 3 in the direction of the axis O.

[0018] The supported member 20 of this embodiment is a combustion tube for pressure wave cleaning the furnace 1 described above. The supported member 20 includes a tubular portion 21 and an outer ring 22. The tubular portion 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction O. The supported member 20 is installed horizontally so that the central axis O1 of the tubular portion 21 extends in the axial direction O. The length of the tubular portion 21 in the axial direction O is longer than the length of the guide bar 10 in the axial direction O. The end of the tubular portion 21 on the base 3 side in the axial direction O is inserted into the opening 4a of the mounting wall portion 4 and the opening 3a of the base 3 and positioned within the vessel 2. The outer ring 22 is arranged to surround the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 21 from the outer periphery. The outer ring 22 is arranged at a position farther from the base 3 in the axial direction O than the two locking members 12.

[0019] (Support mechanism) The support mechanism 30 has a fixture 31 and a wire 32. The fixture 31 is fixed to the upper surface of the tubular portion 21. A plurality of fixtures 31 (two in the illustrated example) are provided at intervals in the direction of the axis O. The number of fixtures 31 can be changed as appropriate. A plurality of fixtures 31 does not have to be provided. The two fixtures 31 are arranged in positions where they sandwich the outer ring 22 of the tubular portion 21 from both sides in the direction of the axis O. The wires 32 extend upward from each fixture 31. The support mechanism 30 suspends and supports the supported object 20 by means of these wires 32.

[0020] (Retaining Member) The retaining member 5 is provided at the end of the guide bar 10 body opposite the base 3 in the direction of the axis O, in a position that overlaps radially with the outer ring 22 of the supported object 20. The retaining member 5 is a so-called shaft retainer, and is provided so as to hold down the supported object 20 from the outer periphery. The retaining member 5 is disposed with a small gap between it and the outer ring 22, and is provided so as to be slidable relative to the supported object 20.

[0021] (Flange) The flange 6 is formed in an annular shape that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 21. The flange 6 is disposed in a position where it is sandwiched from both sides in the axial direction O by two locking members 12 that are spaced apart in the axial direction O. Specifically, the flange 6 is provided between the fixing device 31 on the base 3 side and the tubular portion 21 of the supported object 20 in the axial direction O. The flange 6 is provided with a plurality of mating grooves 6a (four in the illustrated example) spaced apart in the circumferential direction about the central axis O1 of the tubular portion 21. Each mating groove 6a opens radially outward about the central axis O1 of the tubular portion 21.

[0022] (Slider) The slider 40 is fixed to the supported body 20. Furthermore, the slider 40 is provided slidably in the axis O direction relative to the guide bar 10.

[0023] In this embodiment, one slider 40 is provided for each guide bar 10. That is, a total of four sliders 40 are provided. Each slider 40 is fitted into the corresponding fitting groove 6a of the flange 6. As shown in FIG. 3 , the slider 40 includes a bushing 41 and an outer cylindrical portion 42.

[0024] (Bushing) The bushing 41 is a member that has the function of automatically aligning (automatically adjusting) the relative angle θ with respect to the axis O of the guide bar 10. The bushing 41 in this embodiment is a so-called spherical bushing. The bushing 41 has an inner member 43 and an outer member 44. The inner member 43 is an annular member that is inserted into the guide bar 10. The inner member 43 covers the guide bar 10 from the outer periphery. The inner member 43 is also attached to the outer periphery of the guide bar 10 so as to be slidable in the direction of the axis O relative to the outer periphery of the guide bar 10. Specifically, an inner surface 43a on the radially inner side of the inner member 43 is in slidable contact with the outer periphery of the guide bar 10. The inner member 43 also has a spherical surface 43b on the outer periphery that is formed to protrude radially outward.

[0025] The outer member 44 is an annular member that covers the inner member 43 from the outer periphery. Furthermore, the outer member 44 is attached to the inner member 43 so as to be slidable along a spherical surface 43b. Specifically, an inner surface 44a on the radially inner side of the outer member 44 is in slidable contact with the spherical surface 43b of the inner member 43. By sliding the outer member 44 relative to the inner member 43, the relative angle θ with respect to the axis O can be automatically aligned. Furthermore, the outer member 44 is fixed to the supported body 20 via the flange 6 and an outer cylinder portion 42, which will be described later.

[0026] The central axis O2 of the outer member 44 is aligned with the axis O of the guide bar 10. The central axis O2 of the outer member 44 extends in the same direction as the central axis O1 of the supported object 20. The outer member 44 is fixed to the supported object 20. Therefore, when the supported object 20 tilts with respect to the axis O, the outer member 44 tilts with respect to the axis O at the same relative angle θ as the supported object 20. In other words, the relative angle θ between the central axis O2 of the outer member 44 and the axis O of the guide bar 10 matches the relative angle between the central axis O1 of the supported object 20 and the axis O of the guide bar 10. In this embodiment, the relative angle θ with respect to the axis O at which the slider 40 can be automatically adjusted refers to the angle between the central axis O2 of the outer member 44 of the bushing 41 and the axis O of the guide bar 10.

[0027] (Outer Cylinder Portion) The outer cylinder portion 42 is a cylindrical member that covers the outer member 44 of the bushing 41 from the radial outside. An inner circumferential groove 42a is formed around the entire circumference of the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder portion 42. The outer member 44 of the bushing 41 is fitted into this inner circumferential groove 42a from the radial inside. The bottom surface of this inner circumferential groove 42a is in contact with the outer surface 44b of the outer member 44 with no gap between them.

[0028] An outer peripheral groove 42b is formed around the entire outer periphery of the outer cylindrical portion 42. The outer peripheral groove 42b is fitted into the fitting groove 6a of the flange 6, thereby fixing the slider 40 to the flange 6. End face grooves 42c are formed on both end faces of the outer cylindrical portion 42 in the direction of the axis O. The end face grooves 42c are formed in a circular shape when viewed from the direction of the axis O.

[0029] From another perspective, the outer tube portion 42 has a main body portion 45 and an attachment piece 46. The main body portion 45 has a first member 45a, a second member 45b, and a third member 45c. The first member 45a is formed in an annular shape. Both end portions of the first member 45a in the direction of the axis O are located outward from the flange 6 in the direction of the axis O, with the flange 6 as the reference. An outer circumferential groove 42b is formed in the outer circumferential surface of the first member 45a.

[0030] The second member 45b is formed in an annular shape so as to protrude radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the first member 45a. The third member 45c is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the second member 45b, at an end opposite the base 3 in the direction of the axis O. The third member 45c is formed in an annular shape so as to protrude radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the second member 45b. One end face groove 42c is formed by the end faces of the second member 45b and the third member 45c opposite the base 3 in the direction of the axis O and the inner circumferential surface of the first member 45a. The first member 45a, the second member 45b, and the third member 45c are integrally formed to form the main body 45.

[0031] The mounting piece 46 is attached to the end of the main body 45 on the base 3 side in the axial direction O. The mounting piece 46 has a ring portion 46a and a flange portion 46b. The ring portion 46a is an annular member that abuts against the second member 45b of the main body 45 from the radially inner side. The ring portion 46a protrudes toward the base 3 in the axial direction O beyond the second member 45b. The flange portion 46b is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the ring portion 46a at the end on the base 3 side in the axial direction O. The flange portion 46b protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the ring portion 46a. The flange portion 46b abuts against the second member 45b in the axial direction O and abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the first member 45a from the radially inner side. The ring portion 46a and the flange portion 46b are integrally formed to form the mounting piece 46.

[0032] An inner peripheral surface of the second member 45b, an end face of the third member 45c on the side of the base 3 in the direction of the axis O, and an end face of the mounting piece 46 opposite the base 3 in the direction of the axis O form an inner peripheral groove 42a of the outer cylinder 42. An end face groove 42c is formed by the inner peripheral surface of the first member 45a and an end face of the mounting piece 46 on the side of the base 3 in the direction of the axis O.

[0033] The attachment piece 46 is provided so as to be detachable from the main body 45 in the direction of the axis O. For example, the attachment piece 46 may be detached from the main body 45 when the bushing 41 is fitted into the inner circumferential groove 42a.

[0034] (Spring Member) The spring member 7 biases the slider 40 against movement. The spring member 7 in this embodiment is a coil spring that can expand and contract in the direction of the axis O. A guide bar 10 is inserted through the spring member 7. The spring members 7 are provided on both sides of each slider 40 in the direction of the axis O. The end of the spring member 7 on the slider 40 side in the direction of the axis O is fixed in the end face groove 42c of the outer member 44. The end of the spring member 7 on the opposite side to the slider 40 in the direction of the axis O is fixed to the locking member 12.

[0035] When the supported object 20 generates a pressure wave in the direction of the axis O toward the vessel 2 of the furnace 1, an impact load in the direction of the axis O is generated in the supported object 20 due to a reaction. The impact load passes through the load path L as shown in FIG. 3 and is transmitted to the slider 40 and the spring member 7. As a result, the slider 40 moves in the direction of the axis O along the guide bar 10. Then, the spring member 7 expands and contracts in the direction of the axis O, and applies a force to the slider 40 and the supported object 20 in a direction that cancels out the impact load. In this way, the impact load is alleviated.

[0036] (Centering Mechanism) As shown in FIG. 4 , a centering mechanism 60 is fixed to the base 3 and disposed outside the supported object 20. The centering mechanism 60 is capable of contacting the supported object 20 from a direction intersecting the axis O and is slidable in the axis O direction relative to the supported object 20. Specifically, the centering mechanism 60 is fixed to the base 3 via the mounting wall 4. The centering mechanism 60 is disposed on the outer periphery of the supported object 20 (radially outward from the central axis O1), and multiple centering mechanisms 60 (four in the illustrated example) are provided around the supported object 20. These multiple centering mechanisms 60 are disposed at equal intervals on the same circle C2. That is, the multiple centering mechanisms 60 are disposed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction about the central axis O1. The circle C2 on which these multiple centering mechanisms 60 are located is located inside the circle C1 on which the above-described multiple guide bars 10 are located. More specifically, one centering mechanism 60 is provided on each of the vertical sides of the supported body 20 and on each of the horizontal sides perpendicular to the axis O (on both the left and right sides of the supported body 20).

[0037] (Operation and Effect) In this embodiment, the shock absorber 100 includes a base 3, a guide bar 10, a supported object 20, a slider 40, and a spring member 7. The guide bar 10 is connected to the base 3 and extends in the direction of the axis O. The supported object 20 is disposed along the guide bar 10 and is provided so as to be movable relative to the base 3 in the direction of the axis O. The slider 40 is fixed to the supported object 20 and is provided so as to be slidable relative to the guide bar 10 in the direction of the axis O. The spring member 7 biases the slider 40 against movement. Furthermore, the slider 40 has a bush 41 that can automatically align the relative angle θ with respect to the axis O with respect to the guide bar 10.

[0038] Because the slider 40 moves in the direction of the axis O along the guide bar 10, it is possible to prevent the supported object 20 from shifting in a direction intersecting the direction of the axis O. This allows the posture of the supported object 20 to be maintained while allowing movement of the supported object 20 in the direction of the axis O. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the supported object 20 and the base 3 from coming into strong contact in a direction intersecting the direction of the axis O. In other words, it is possible to avoid strong friction between the supported object 20 and the base 3. Furthermore, the bushing 41 allows the slider 40 to automatically align the relative angle θ with respect to the axis O with respect to the guide bar 10. This allows the slider 40 to slide smoothly even when the axis O of the guide bar 10 and the central axis O2 of the slider 40 are not completely parallel. Therefore, even when the posture of the supported object 20 is slightly tilted, the slider 40 can move relatively along the guide bar 10, and the spring member 7 can also expand and contract in the direction of the axis O. Therefore, regardless of the posture of the supported object 20, the spring member 7 can bias the supported object 20 in the direction opposite to the impact load, thereby enabling the shock absorbing function to be satisfactorily exhibited. Furthermore, the self-aligning function of the bushing 41 eliminates the need for alignment adjustment when installing the shock absorber 100. Alternatively, the required accuracy for alignment when installing the shock absorber 100 can be relaxed, allowing the alignment of the shock absorber 100 to be easily adjusted.

[0039] In this embodiment, the bushing 41 has an inner member 43 and an outer member 44. The inner member 43 covers the guide bar 10 from the outer peripheral side, is attached to be slidable in the axial direction O relative to the outer peripheral surface of the guide bar 10, and has a spherical surface 43b formed on the outer peripheral side. The outer member 44 covers the inner member 43 from the outer peripheral side, is attached to be slidable along the spherical surface 43b relative to the inner member 43, and is fixed to the supported body 20.

[0040] The inner member 43 is attached to the guide bar 10 so as to be slidable in the direction of the axis O. Therefore, the slider 40 is permitted to move in the direction of the axis O along the guide bar 10. Furthermore, the outer member 44 is permitted to move relative to the inner member 43 along the spherical surface 43b. This allows the bushing 41 to automatically adjust its inclination with respect to the axis O. Therefore, even if the supported object 20 is inclined with respect to the axis O, the inclination is automatically absorbed by the outer member 44 sliding along the spherical surface 43b of the inner member 43. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the generation of local frictional forces due to contact between the outer member 44 and the guide bar 10. Therefore, the slider 40 can move smoothly along the guide bar 10.

[0041] In this embodiment, the supported member 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the axis O direction.

[0042] This makes it easier to arrange the sliders 40 evenly around the supported object 20. This makes it easy to improve the installation accuracy of the shock absorber 100. Furthermore, because the supported object 20 is hollow, the weight of the shock absorber 100 can be reduced.

[0043] In this embodiment, the buffer device 100 further includes a centering mechanism 60 that is fixed to the base 3 and positioned outside the supported object 20, is capable of contacting the supported object 20 from a direction intersecting the axis O direction, and is capable of sliding relative to the supported object 20 in the axis O direction.

[0044] This allows the centering mechanism 60 to adjust the posture of the supported object 20 so that it aligns with the guide bar 10. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress swinging of the posture of the supported object 20 in a direction intersecting the direction of the axis O. When an impact load occurs on the suspended supported object 20 in this embodiment, swinging (yawing or pitching) occurs around the center of gravity of the supported object 20. In this embodiment, the centering mechanism 60 is fixed to the base 3 where the end of the supported object 20 in the direction of the axis O is located. That is, the centering mechanism 60 is fixed at a position spaced apart from the center of gravity of the supported object 20 in the direction of the axis O. Therefore, swinging of the supported object 20 around its center of gravity can be effectively suppressed. Furthermore, the base 3 to which the centering mechanism 60 is fixed is a stable, strong wall portion that constitutes the vessel 2 of the furnace 1. Therefore, the centering mechanism 60 can withstand the contact reaction force caused by swinging of the supported object 20 with high support rigidity.

[0045] In this embodiment, a coil spring is used as the spring member 7. This allows the manufacturing cost of the shock absorber 100 to be reduced.

[0046] Second Embodiment A shock absorber 200 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. Configurations similar to those in the above-described embodiment will be designated by similar names and reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0047] In this embodiment, the centering mechanisms 260 are also provided on both sides of the supported object 20 in the vertical direction and on both sides in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the axis O (on both sides of the supported object 20 in the left-right direction). The centering mechanisms 260 in this embodiment are so-called leveling blocks. The centering mechanism 260 has a casing 261, a first block 262, a second block 263, a first bolt 264, a second bolt 265, and a sliding part 270. The casing 261 is fixed to the base 3 via the mounting wall 4. The casing 261 is fixed to the end face of the mounting wall 4 opposite the base 3 in the direction of the axis O. The casing 261 has a storage recess 261a formed therein that opens toward the supported object 20.

[0048] The first block 262 is stored in the storage recess 261a. The entire first block 262 is disposed within the storage recess 261a. The first block 262 is stored in the storage recess 261a with spaces left on both sides in the direction of the axis O. This allows the first block 262 to move within the storage recess 261a in the direction of the axis O. The inner surface 262a of the first block 262 facing the supported object 20 is formed in a flat shape that gradually approaches the supported object 20 as it approaches the base 3 in the direction of the axis O.

[0049] The second block 263 is accommodated in the accommodation recess 261a and placed on the first block 262. Both end surfaces of the second block 263 in the axial direction O abut the inner surfaces of the accommodation recess 261a. The second block 263 protrudes from the accommodation recess 261a toward the supported object 20. The second block 263 has a main body 263a and a protrusion 263b. The main body 263a is placed on the first block 262. An outer surface 263c of the main body 263a facing away from the supported object 20 is formed in a flat shape that gradually approaches the supported object 20 as it approaches the base 3 in the axial direction O. The outer surface 263c of the main body 263a is formed to fit along the inner surface 262a of the first block 262. The protrusion 263b protrudes from the end of the main body 263a on the supported body 20 side in the direction of the axis O opposite to the base 3. The protrusion 263b and the main body 263a are integrally formed to form one second block 263.

[0050] The first bolt 264 is inserted from the bottom surface of the casing 261 in a direction toward the supported object 20 (radially inward with respect to the central axis O1). The first bolt 264 passes through the casing 261 and the first block 262, and its tip is screwed into the second block 263. A threaded portion is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first bolt 264.

[0051] The second bolt 265 is inserted from the side surface of the casing 261 opposite the base 3 in the direction of the axis O toward the base 3 in the direction of the axis O. The second bolt 265 passes through the casing 261, and the first bolt 264 is inserted into the tip of the second bolt 265. The second bolt 265 is disposed on both circumferential sides of the first bolt 264 about the central axis O1. A thread portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second bolt 265.

[0052] The sliding part 270 is disposed opposite the supported object 20. The sliding part 270 is a member that is slidable in the direction of the axis O relative to the supported object 20 and is flexibly deformable. The sliding part 270 of this embodiment is a sliding material 271 that is less rigid than the supported object 20 and is formed in a flat plate shape. An example of the sliding material 271 is PTFE (Poly Tetra Fluoro Ethylene).

[0053] The surface of sliding material 271 facing supported object 20 is formed in a shape that follows the outer circumferential surface of supported object 20. Sliding material 271 is structured in advance assuming wear due to sliding with supported object 20. For example, thickness t of sliding material 271 is set to a thickness that allows the sliding function of centering mechanism 260 to be maintained even if sliding material 271 wears due to sliding with supported object 20. Furthermore, a block material that is resistant to wear may be used as sliding material 271.

[0054] In this embodiment, the position of the sliding part 270 relative to the supported object 20 can be adjusted. An example of a method for adjusting the position of the sliding part 270 will be described below. By turning the second bolt 265, the first block 262 moves in the direction of the axis O. As a result, the second block 263 approaches or moves away from the supported object 20. Because the sliding part 270 is placed on the second block 263, it moves toward or away from the supported object 20 in conjunction with the second block 263. After completing the position adjustment of the sliding part 270, the first bolt 264 is inserted to fix the positions of the first block 262 and the second block 263. This fixes the position of the sliding part 270. Through the above procedure, the position adjustment of the sliding part 270 relative to the supported object 20 is completed.

[0055] (Operation and Effect) In the second embodiment, the same operation and effect can be achieved with respect to the same configuration as in the first embodiment described above. In this embodiment, the centering mechanism 260 may have a sliding part 270 that is disposed opposite the supported object 20, is slidable relative to the supported object 20, and is deformable more flexibly than the supported object 20. This makes it possible to impart slidability to the centering mechanism 260 relative to the supported object 20 with a simple configuration.

[0056] The sliding portion 270 of this embodiment is a sliding material 271 that has a lower rigidity than the supported object 20. This makes it possible to avoid damage to the supported object 20 when the supported object 20 and the centering mechanism 260 slide against each other.

[0057] Third Embodiment A shock absorber 300 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Configurations similar to those in the above-described embodiments will be designated by similar names and reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0058] In this embodiment as well, one centering mechanism 360 is provided on each of the vertical sides of the supported object 20 and on each of the horizontal sides (left and right sides of the supported object 20) perpendicular to the direction of the axis O. In this embodiment, the centering mechanism 360 further has a second spring member 361 in addition to the casing 261, the first block 262, the second block 263, the first bolt 264, the second bolt 265, and the sliding part 270. In this embodiment, the inner surface of the second block 263 facing the supported object 20 is flush with the inner surface of the casing 261 facing the supported object 20.

[0059] The second spring member 361 urges the sliding portion 270 in a direction intersecting the direction of the axis O relative to the supported object 20. In the present embodiment, the second spring member 361 is provided on the outer periphery of the supported object 20, between the second block 263 and the sliding portion 270. In other words, the second spring member 361 is located on the opposite side of the supported object 20 from the sliding portion 270. The second spring member 361 urges the sliding portion 270, pressing the sliding portion 270 against the supported object 20. Examples of the second spring member 361 include an elastic material such as rubber or urethane, a disc spring, a bump foil, a mesh foil, etc.

[0060] In the third embodiment, the same functions and effects can be achieved with respect to the same configuration as in the first and second embodiments. In this embodiment, the centering mechanism 360 further includes a second spring member 361 that biases the sliding portion 270 in a direction intersecting the axis O direction relative to the supported body 20.

[0061] This makes it possible to mitigate the impact when supported object 20 vibrates and comes into contact with sliding portion 270 of the centering mechanism. Furthermore, second spring member 361 can pre-compress sliding portion 270, pressing sliding portion 270 against supported object 20. This allows supported object 20 and sliding portion 270 to be in constant contact, and friction to be constantly applied to supported object 20. Therefore, vibration of supported object 20 can be quickly damped. Furthermore, even if sliding portion 270 wears and reduces in thickness, centering mechanism 360 can urge sliding portion 270 against supported object 20 by second spring member 361 with the same force as before the wear.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the centering mechanism 360A may have a brush 271A facing the supported body 20 side instead of the sliding member 271 as the sliding portion 270A.

[0063] Fourth Embodiment A shock absorber 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. Configurations similar to those in the above-described embodiments will be designated by similar names and reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0064] In this embodiment as well, one centering mechanism 460 is provided on each of the vertical sides of the supported object 20 and on each of the horizontal sides (the left and right sides of the supported object 20) perpendicular to the direction of the axis O. In this embodiment, the centering mechanism 460 has a support part 461, a rotating shaft 462, and a wheel 463 in addition to a casing 261, a first block 262, a second block 263, a first bolt 264, and a second bolt 265.

[0065] The support portions 461 are provided on the inner surface of the second block 263 facing the supported object 20. A pair of support portions 461 are provided spaced apart in the circumferential direction about the central axis O1. The support portions 461 extend toward the supported object 20. The support portions 461 are formed in a triangular shape that tapers toward the supported object 20 when viewed in the circumferential direction about the central axis O1.

[0066] The rotation shaft 462 is provided between the pair of support parts 461. The rotation shaft 462 connects the tops of the pair of support parts 461 on the supported body 20 side.

[0067] The wheel 463 is provided between the pair of support parts 461. The wheel 463 is inserted through the rotation shaft 462. The wheel 463 is provided so as to be rotatable around the rotation shaft 462. This allows the wheel 463 to come into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the supported body 20 and roll in the direction of the axis O.

[0068] In the fourth embodiment, the same functions and effects can be achieved with respect to the same configuration as in the first to third embodiments. In this embodiment, the centering mechanism 460 has wheels 463 that are in contact with the supported body 20 and can roll in the direction of the axis O.

[0069] As a result, the wheels 463 are less susceptible to wear than the sliding members 271, and the frequency of replacing the wheels 463 can be significantly reduced. This improves maintainability. Furthermore, if the movement speed of the supported body 20 is fast when an impact load is applied, the impact load applied to the centering mechanism 460 can be effectively absorbed.

[0070] (Other Embodiments) Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design modifications and the like are also included within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. Note that in the above embodiments, the shock absorbers 100, 200, 300, 300A, and 400 are used in furnaces 1 for coal, oil, waste, and the like, but are not limited thereto. For example, the shock absorbers 100, 200, 300, 300A, and 400 may be used in boilers, gasifiers, reactors, heat exchangers, transmissions, and the like.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the guide bar 10 is indirectly connected to the base 3 via the mounting wall 4, but this is not limiting. The mounting wall 4 may not be provided, and the guide bar 10 may be directly connected to the base 3.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the guide bar 10 of this embodiment is formed in the shape of a shaft extending in the direction of the axis O, but this is not limited to this. The shape of the guide bar 10 can be changed as appropriate. The guide bar 10 may be formed in the shape of a prism extending in the direction of the axis O, for example.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the supported member 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the direction of the axis O, but this is not limited to this. The shape of the supported member 20 can be changed as appropriate. The supported member 20 may be formed in, for example, a rectangular column shape or a block shape extending in the direction of the axis O.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the shock absorbers 100, 200, 300, 300A, and 400 are described as including the retaining member 5. However, the shock absorbers 100, 200, 300, 300A, and 400 do not necessarily have to include the retaining member 5.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the bushing 41 is a spherical bushing, but this is not limiting. For example, the bushing 41 may be another type of bushing, such as a rubber bushing, that has a function of automatically aligning (adjusting) the relative angle θ with respect to the axis O.

[0076] In the present embodiment, four pairs of guide bars 10 and sliders 40 are arranged on the same circle C1 when viewed from the direction of the axis O, but this is not limitative. The number and arrangement of the guide bars 10 and sliders 40 can be changed as appropriate.

[0077] In this embodiment, the four centering mechanisms 60, 260, 360, 360A, and 460 are arranged on the same circle C2 when viewed from the direction of the axis O, but this is not limited to this. The number and arrangement of the centering mechanisms 60, 260, 360, 360A, and 460 can be changed as appropriate.

[0078] <Additional Notes> The shock absorbers 100, 200, 300, 300A, and 400 described in the respective embodiments can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0079] (1) The shock absorbers 100, 200, 300, 300A, and 400 according to the first aspect include a base 3, a guide bar 10 connected to the base 3 and extending in the direction of an axis O, a supported member 20 arranged along the guide bar 10 and movable relative to the base 3 in the direction of the axis O, a slider 40 fixed to the supported member 20 and slidable relative to the guide bar 10 in the direction of the axis O, and a spring member 7 biasing the slider 40 against movement. The slider 40 has a bushing 41 capable of automatically aligning the relative angle θ with respect to the guide bar 10 with respect to the axis O. An example of the base 3 is the wall of the furnace 1 in the above-described embodiment. An example of the supported member 20 is the combustion tube that generates pressure waves in the above-described embodiment. An example of the spring member 7 is the coil spring in the above-described embodiment. An example of the bushing 41 is the spherical bushing or rubber bushing in the above-described embodiment.

[0080] Since the slider 40 moves in the direction of the axis O along the guide bar 10, it is possible to prevent the supported object 20 from shifting in a direction intersecting the direction of the axis O. Furthermore, the slider 40 can automatically align the relative angle θ with respect to the axis O with respect to the guide bar 10 by means of the bushing 41. As a result, even if the axis O of the guide bar 10 and the central axis O1 of the slider 40 are not completely parallel, the sliding of the slider 40 is not hindered.

[0081] (2) The second aspect of the shock absorber 100, 200, 300, 300A, 400 may be the first aspect of the shock absorber 100, 200, 300, 300A, 400, wherein the bush 41 includes an inner member 43 that covers the guide bar 10 from the outer periphery and is attached so as to be slidable in the direction of the axis O relative to the outer periphery of the guide bar 10, and has a spherical surface 43b formed on the outer periphery; and an outer member 44 that covers the inner member 43 from the outer periphery and is attached so as to be slidable along the spherical surface 43b relative to the inner member 43, and is fixed to the supported body 20.

[0082] The inner member 43 is attached to the guide bar 10 so as to be slidable in the direction of the axis O. Therefore, the slider 40 is allowed to move in the direction of the axis O along the guide bar. Furthermore, the outer member 44 is allowed to move relative to the inner member 43 along the spherical surface 43b. This allows the inclination of the bushing 41 with respect to the axis O to be automatically adjusted.

[0083] (3) The shock absorbers 100, 200, 300, 300A, and 400 of the third aspect may be the shock absorbers 100, 200, 300, 300A, and 400 of the first or second aspects, in which the supported body 20 may be formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the direction of the axis O.

[0084] This makes it easier to arrange the sliders 40 evenly around the supported object 20. Furthermore, since the supported object 20 is hollow, the shock absorbers 100, 200, 300, 300A, and 400 can be made lighter in weight.

[0085] (4) The fourth aspect of the buffer device 100, 200, 300, 300A, 400 may be any one of the buffer devices 100, 200, 300, 300A, 400 of the first to third aspects, and may further include a centering mechanism 60, 260, 360, 360A, 460 that is fixed to the base 3 and arranged outside the supported object 20, can contact the supported object 20 from a direction intersecting the direction of the axis O, and can slide in the direction of the axis O relative to the supported object 20.

[0086] This allows the position of supported body 20 to be adjusted so as to align with the guide bar by centering mechanisms 60, 260, 360, 360A, 460. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the position of supported body 20 from swinging in a direction intersecting the direction of axis O.

[0087] (5) The fifth aspect of the buffer device 200, 300, 300A may be the buffer device 200, 300, 300A of the fourth aspect, wherein the centering mechanism 260, 360, 360A is arranged opposite the supported object 20 and may have a sliding portion 270, 270A that is slidable relative to the supported object 20 and that is more flexible in deformation than the supported object 20.

[0088] This allows the centering mechanisms 260, 360, 360A to have a simple configuration and be able to slide relative to the supported body 20. Examples of the sliding parts 270, 270A include the sliding member 271 and the brush 271A in the above-described embodiment.

[0089] (6) The shock absorber 300, 300A of a sixth aspect is the shock absorber 300, 300A of the fifth aspect, wherein the centering mechanism 360, 360A may further include a second spring member 361 that biases the sliding portion 270, 270A in a direction intersecting the direction of the axis O relative to the supported body 20. Examples of the second spring member 361 include an elastic material such as rubber or urethane, a disc spring, a bump foil, a mesh foil, etc.

[0090] This makes it possible to alleviate the impact when supported object 20 vibrates and comes into contact with sliding portions 270, 270A of the centering return shaft. Furthermore, second spring member 361 pre-compresses sliding portions 270, 270A, making it possible to press sliding portions 270, 270A against supported object 20. This allows supported object 20 and sliding portions 270, 270A to be in constant contact with each other, and friction to be constantly applied to supported object 20. Therefore, vibration of supported object 20 can be quickly attenuated.

[0091] (7) The seventh aspect of the shock absorber 400 is the fourth aspect of the shock absorber 400, and the centering mechanism 460 may have a wheel 463 that is in contact with the supported body 20 and can roll in the direction of the axis O.

[0092] As a result, the wheels 463 are less susceptible to wear than the sliding members 271, and it is possible to significantly reduce the frequency of replacing the wheels 463. Furthermore, if the movement speed of the supported body 20 is fast when an impact load is applied, the impact load applied to the centering mechanism 460 can be effectively absorbed.

[0093] According to the shock absorber of the present disclosure, the shock absorber function can be satisfactorily exhibited.

[0094] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...furnace 2...vessel 3...base 3a...opening 4...mounting wall 4a...opening 5...retaining member 6...flange 6a...fitting groove 7...spring member 10...guide bar 11...guide bar body 12...locking member 13...fixed end 20...supported object 21...tubular portion 22...outer ring 30...support mechanism 31...fixing tool 32...wire 40...slider 41...bush 42...outer cylindrical portion 42a...inner peripheral groove 42b...outer peripheral groove 42c...end face groove 43...inner member 43a...inner surface 43b...spherical surface 44...outer member 44a...inner surface 44b...outer surface 45...main body 45a...first member 45b...second member 45c...third member 46...mounting piece 46a...ring portion 46b...flange portion 60...Centering mechanism 100...Shock absorber C1...Circle C2...Circle L...Load path O...Axis O1...Central axis O2...Central axis 200...Shock absorber 260...Centering mechanism 261...Casing 261a...Storage recess 262...First block 262a...Inner surface 263...Second block 263a...Main body 263b...Protrusion 263c...Outer surface 264...First bolt 265...Second bolt 270...Sliding portion 271...Sliding material t...Thickness 300...Shock absorber 360...Centering mechanism 361...Second spring member 300A...Shock absorber 360A...Centering mechanism 270A...Sliding portion 271A...Brush 400...Shock absorber 460...Centering mechanism 461...Support portion 462...Rotating shaft 463...Wheel

Claims

1. A shock absorber comprising: a base; a guide bar connected to the base and extending in the axial direction; a supported body arranged along the guide bar and movable in the axial direction relative to the base; a slider fixed to the supported body and slidable in the axial direction relative to the guide bar; and a spring member that biases the slider against movement, wherein the slider has a bush that can automatically center the relative angle to the axis of the guide bar.

2. A shock absorber as described in claim 1, wherein the bushing comprises: an inner member which covers the guide bar from the outer periphery, is attached to the outer periphery of the guide bar so as to be slidable in the axial direction, and has a spherical surface formed on the outer periphery; and an outer member which covers the inner member from the outer periphery, is attached to the inner member so as to be slidable along the spherical surface, and is fixed to the supported body.

3. A shock absorber as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the supported body is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction.

4. A shock absorber as described in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a centering mechanism fixed to the base and positioned outside the supported object, capable of contacting the supported object from a direction intersecting the axial direction and capable of sliding in the axial direction relative to the supported object.

5. A shock absorber as set forth in claim 4, wherein said centering mechanism has a sliding portion disposed opposite said supported object, capable of sliding relatively to said supported object and capable of deforming more flexibly than said supported object.

6. A shock absorber as set forth in claim 5, wherein said centering mechanism further comprises a second spring member for biasing said sliding portion in a direction intersecting with the axial direction relative to said supported object.

7. A shock absorber as claimed in claim 4, wherein said centering mechanism has wheels which are in contact with said supported object and can roll in said axial direction.

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