Building lock device

Abstract

To provide a building lock device capable of returning a building to a neutral position by returning a cylinder device to a free state even if the cylinder device D is in a locked state at the time of a large earthquake.SOLUTION: A building lock device 1 is provided with a cylinder device D which can be selectively switched between a free state in which expansion and contraction are possible and a locked state in which expansion and contraction are impossible and is interposed between a building S and the ground G, and a controller C which controls switching between the possibility and impossibility of the expansion and contraction of the cylinder device D, the controller C brings the cylinder device D into a free state at the time of an earthquake to suppress vibration of the building at the time of an earthquake and brings the cylinder device D into a locked state when the displacement from a neutral position of the building S with respect to the ground G becomes equal to or larger than a displacement threshold even at the time of the earthquake, and after the cylinder device D is locked for a predetermined time at the time of the earthquake, the cylinder device D is set in a free state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a building locking device. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to protect buildings from earthquakes, seismic isolation devices are sometimes installed to isolate the building from the ground. The seismic isolation device is equipped with support devices such as ball isolators and rubber that are placed between the ground and the building, supports the building so that it can move relative to the ground, and isolates the structure from the transmission of earthquake motion.

[0003] In addition, since the support device alone is not capable of damping the vibrations of a building, a seismic isolation device is often constructed by installing a building locking device together with the support device, which uses a cylinder device such as a damper interposed between the ground and the building to absorb the vibration energy of the building during an earthquake and suppress the vibration of the building.

[0004] The building locking device includes a cylinder device that is interposed between the building and the ground and generates a damping force when it expands and contracts, and a controller that controls the cylinder device to switch between a locked state in which it cannot expand and contract, and a free state in which it can expand and contract. The controller also includes an acceleration sensor, and when the acceleration sensor detects an earthquake, it sets the cylinder device to a free state to allow the building to displace relative to the ground. In this way, the building locking device sets the cylinder device to a free state during an earthquake, allowing the building to displace relative to the ground and allowing the support device to function, isolating the building from vibrations being input from the ground, while suppressing vibrations of the building with the damping force generated by the cylinder device.

[0005] In this way, during an earthquake, the building locking device can keep the cylinder device in a free state, allowing the building to displace relative to the ground, while the support device functions and the damping force generated by the cylinder device suppresses vibrations.However, during a major earthquake, the building's displacement relative to the ground becomes so large that it may collide with the retaining wall surrounding the building.

[0006] For this reason, conventional building locking devices are equipped with a displacement sensor in addition to an acceleration sensor, and when the displacement of the building from its neutral position relative to the ground reaches or exceeds a predetermined displacement threshold, the cylinder device is locked to restrict the displacement of the building relative to the ground, thereby preventing collision between the building and the retaining wall (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6886824 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In conventional building locking devices, when the displacement of the building from its neutral position relative to the ground reaches or exceeds a predetermined displacement threshold, the cylinder device is locked, thereby preventing the building from colliding with the retaining wall. However, unless the displacement of the building relative to the ground falls below the displacement threshold, the cylinder device is not returned to the free state and is maintained in the locked state.

[0009] In conventional building locking devices, the cylinder device is equipped with a relief valve, and even in the locked state, it can expand and contract if excessive force is applied. However, when the cylinder device is locked, it basically restrains the building so that it does not displace relative to the ground. Therefore, once the cylinder device is locked, there are cases where the displacement of the building does not change and the cylinder device remains locked.

[0010] Therefore, in conventional building locking devices, after a major earthquake causes the cylinder device to enter a locked state, there is a possibility that even after the earthquake has subsided, the building will remain in an offset position relative to the ground and will not return to its neutral position.

[0011] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a building locking device that can return the cylinder device to a free state and return the building to a neutral position even if the cylinder device is locked during a major earthquake. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objective, the building locking device of the present invention is selectively switchable between a free state allowing extension and retraction and a locked state not allowing extension and comprises a cylinder device interposed between a building and the ground, and a controller that controls switching between enabling and disabling extension of the cylinder device, the controller putting the cylinder device into a free state during an earthquake, and putting the cylinder device into a locked state even during an earthquake when the displacement of the building from its neutral position relative to the ground reaches or exceeds a displacement threshold, and the controller puts the cylinder device into a free state after putting the cylinder device into a locked state for a predetermined period of time during an earthquake.

[0013] With a building locking device configured in this manner, when a major earthquake occurs causing a large amplitude displacement of the building, the cylinder device can be locked to restrict the displacement of the building relative to the ground, thereby suppressing interference between the building and the retaining wall, and the cylinder device is returned to a free state after a predetermined time has elapsed, so that the building's return to its neutral position is not hindered while the cylinder device is left in the locked state.

[0014] In addition, the cylinder device in the building locking device, in the free state, allows the support device, which is interposed between the building and the ground and supports the building in seismic isolation, to perform the vibration isolation function, and in the locked state, does not allow the support device to perform the vibration isolation function, and the controller may set the cylinder device to the locked state again when the displacement becomes equal to or less than the re-lockable threshold set to a value smaller than the displacement threshold after setting the cylinder device to the free state and then becomes equal to or greater than the displacement threshold again. According to the building locking device configured in this way, after switching the cylinder device from the locked state to the free state based on the displacement of the building, the cylinder device is not switched back to the locked state unless the displacement of the building becomes equal to or less than the re-lockable threshold set to a value smaller than the displacement threshold, which is the criterion for locking the cylinder device. When the building locking device is configured in this way, it is possible to prevent the damper from being substantially maintained in the locked state by repeatedly setting the cylinder device to the locked state immediately after it is set to the free state. Therefore, when the earthquake continues, the building locking device does not reduce the function of insulating the support device that supports the building in a seismic isolation manner from the transmission of vibrations to the building, and when the earthquake has subsided, it does not hinder the building from returning to its neutral position.

[0015] In addition, in the building locking device, the predetermined time may be set to be equal to or greater than the first natural period of the building. With the building locking device configured in this way, it is possible to prevent the building from colliding with the retaining wall when the cylinder device is in the locked state, and it is possible to provide many opportunities to return the cylinder device to the free state and suppress vibrations of the building while the earthquake continues.

[0016] In addition, the cylinder device may exert a damping force when expanding and contracting. In that case, when the cylinder device is switched to a free state, the damping force generated by the cylinder device can suppress vibrations of the building.

[0017] The locking mechanism may be arranged in parallel with the cylinder device and disposed between the building and the ground, and may include a damper that exerts a damping force when expanding and contracting. With the locking mechanism configured in this way, when the cylinder device is in a free state, the damping force generated by the damper disposed in parallel with the cylinder device can suppress the vibration of the building.

[0018] In addition, the controller in the building locking device may have an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the ground and a wind speed sensor that detects the wind speed, and may lock the cylinder device when the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor is less than the acceleration threshold and the wind speed detected by the wind speed sensor is equal to or greater than the wind speed threshold, even if the displacement of the building is less than the displacement threshold. With the building locking device configured in this way, when a situation occurs in which the building is vibrating due to strong winds even though no earthquake has occurred, the cylinder device can be locked to suppress the vibration of the building. Effect of the Invention

[0019] Therefore, according to the building locking device of the present invention, even if the cylinder device is locked during a major earthquake, the cylinder device can be returned to a free state to return the building to the neutral position. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a building locking device according to an embodiment is applied to a building. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a cylinder device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a controller. [Figure 4] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of a controller. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which a building locking device equipped with a damper is applied to a building. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] The present invention will be described below based on the illustrated embodiment. A building locking device 1 according to one embodiment is configured to include a cylinder device D and a controller C, as shown in FIG.

[0022] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the cylinder device D is installed horizontally between the ground G and the building S together with a support device M, which is composed of laminated disc-shaped rubber and elastically supports the building S to provide seismic isolation support, and is designed to exert a damping force that suppresses vibration of the building S when it expands and contracts.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the support device M is configured with laminated rubber, but a ball isolator that supports the building S on the ground G by rolling may be adopted, or another known configuration may be used. A predetermined seismic isolation clearance L is provided between the building S and the retaining wall W that surrounds the building S to allow displacement of the building S relative to the ground G. When the building S is in a neutral position relative to the ground G, as shown in FIG. 1, there is a gap of the seismic isolation clearance L on the left and right sides of the building S, so the building S can be displaced by the gap distance of the seismic isolation clearance L to the left and right from the neutral position. Therefore, the building S is allowed to be displaced in the left and right directions in FIG. 1 with an amplitude within twice the seismic isolation clearance L.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the cylinder device D is configured with a cylinder body DB that has a cylinder 10 and a rod 12 and exerts a damping force when extended or contracted, a hydraulic circuit FC, and a reservoir tank T that stores hydraulic fluid.

[0025] The cylinder body DB includes a cylinder 10, a piston 11 slidably inserted into the cylinder 10 to divide the inside of the cylinder 10 into an extension side chamber R1 and a compression side chamber R2, and a rod 12 connected to the piston 11. In this case, the inside of the cylinder 10 in the cylinder device D is filled with hydraulic oil as a hydraulic liquid. The reservoir tank T is filled with gas in addition to the hydraulic oil as a hydraulic liquid. Here, the hydraulic liquid may be a fluid other than hydraulic oil, and may be water or an aqueous solution as long as there is no problem with rust or the like. The gas in the reservoir tank T may be air, or may be an inert gas.

[0026] In this embodiment, the hydraulic circuit FC includes a lock valve 20 that switches between the extension and retraction of the cylinder 10 and is provided in a passage 13 that connects the expansion-side chamber R1 of the cylinder 10 and the reservoir tank T, a damping valve 21 that serves as a damping force generating element and is provided on the reservoir tank T side of the lock valve 20 in the passage 13, and an electromagnetic opening / closing valve V that is provided in the middle of a passage 14 that connects the back pressure chamber 20c of the lock valve 20 to the reservoir tank T. The hydraulic circuit FC also includes a suction passage 16 that connects the compression-side chamber R2 to the reservoir tank T, and a rectifying passage 17 that connects the compression-side chamber R2 and the expansion-side chamber R1. A check valve 18 that allows only the flow of fluid from the reservoir tank T to the compression-side chamber R2 is provided in the middle of the suction passage 16, and a check valve 19 that allows only the flow of fluid from the compression-side chamber R2 to the expansion-side chamber R1 is provided in the middle of the rectifying passage 17. Furthermore, the hydraulic circuit FC is provided with a relief passage 15 that is parallel to the passage 13 and connects the expansion-side chamber R1 of the cylinder 10 and the reservoir tank T, and a relief valve 22 is provided in this relief passage 15.

[0027] When the cylinder device D extends in a state in which the hydraulic oil can be discharged from the expansion-side chamber R1 to the reservoir tank T via the hydraulic circuit FC, the hydraulic oil pushed out from the expansion-side chamber R1 by the displacement of the piston 11 is discharged to the reservoir tank T. On the other hand, the hydraulic oil is supplied from the reservoir tank T to the expanding compression-side chamber R2 via the suction passage 16.

[0028] Furthermore, when the cylinder device D contracts in a state in which hydraulic oil can be discharged from the extension-side chamber R1 to the reservoir tank T via the hydraulic circuit FC, hydraulic oil pushed out from the compression-side chamber R2 by the displacement of the piston 11 moves to the extension-side chamber R1 via the flow straightening passage 17. In this situation, hydraulic oil corresponding to the volume of the rod 12 entering the cylinder 10 becomes excessive in the cylinder 10, so the hydraulic oil is discharged from the cylinder 10 to the reservoir tank T via the hydraulic circuit FC. In other words, this cylinder device D is set to a uniflow type in which hydraulic oil is pushed out from the cylinder 10 whether it is extended or contracted.

[0029] Specifically, the lock valve 20 includes a poppet-type valve element 20a, a valve seat 20b formed in the passage 13 on which the valve element 20a is seated, a back pressure chamber 20c formed on the back side of the valve element 20a, and a throttle passage 20d provided in the valve element 20a for directing pressure upstream of the valve seat 20b to the back pressure chamber 20c. The back pressure chamber 20c is connected to the reservoir tank T by the passage 14 as described above, and the electromagnetic opening / closing valve V for opening and closing the passage 14 is provided in the middle of the passage 14 as described above.

[0030] On the other hand, the electromagnetic on-off valve V is configured as a spring-offset electromagnetic two-position on-off valve in this example, and has a cut-off position that prevents hydraulic oil from moving from the back pressure chamber 20c to the reservoir tank T side and allows movement in the reverse direction when energized, and a communication position that allows hydraulic oil to pass when de-energized. The electromagnetic on-off valve V is controlled by the controller C, and switches between the cut-off position and the communication position depending on whether or not there is a current supply from the controller C.

[0031] When the solenoid on-off valve V takes the blocking position where it blocks the passage 14, communication between the back pressure chamber 20c and the reservoir tank T is interrupted, the back pressure chamber 20c is closed, and the hydraulic oil in the back pressure chamber 20c cannot move to the reservoir tank T. Therefore, the valve element 20a cannot move in a direction that reduces the back pressure chamber 20c and cannot leave the valve seat 20b, so that the lock valve 20 is in a closed state. Conversely, when the solenoid on-off valve V takes the communicating position where it opens the passage 14, the hydraulic oil can pass through the passage 14, so that it can move from inside the cylinder 10 to the reservoir tank T through the throttle passage 20d provided in the valve element 20a and the back pressure chamber 20c. As described above, when the hydraulic oil passes through the throttle passage 20d, a pressure loss causes a difference in pressure between the front chamber, which is the valve seat 20b side of the valve body 20a, and the back pressure chamber 20c on the back side of the valve body 20a, causing the valve body 20a to move backward, i.e., to the right in FIG. 2, and the lock valve 20 opens the passage 13. As described above, the opening and closing of the lock valve 20 can be switched by the presence or absence of electricity to the electromagnetic on-off valve V that opens and closes the passage 14, and therefore can be controlled by the controller C. Note that the aforementioned shut-off position of the electromagnetic on-off valve V may completely shut off communication between the reservoir tank T and the lock valve 20, but in this embodiment, the movement of hydraulic oil from the reservoir tank T to the lock valve 20 is permitted even when the electromagnetic on-off valve V is in the shut-off position. Therefore, when the lock valve 20 transitions from an open state to a closed state, the valve body 20a moves in the seating direction, but since hydraulic oil is supplied from the reservoir tank T to the back pressure chamber 20c which is expanded by this movement of the valve body 20a and the pressure in the back pressure chamber 20c does not become negative, the movement of the valve body 20a in the closing direction becomes smooth and the lock valve 20 can close quickly.

[0032] Next, the damping valve 21, which is a damping force generating element, is a variable damping force valve that changes the flow path area using the hydraulic pressure on the upstream side of the passage 13 as a pilot pressure, and is set so that the flow path area increases as the hydraulic pressure on the upstream side increases. Note that, although a simple throttle valve may be used as the damping force generating element, the use of the damping valve 21 has the advantage that the damping characteristics can be changed according to the expansion / contraction speed of the cylinder device D, and therefore damping characteristics suitable for suppressing vibration of the building S can be obtained without impairing the vibration insulation properties of the support device M that is connected in parallel to the cylinder device D.

[0033] In the cylinder device D configured in this manner, when the solenoid on-off valve V is in the communicating position and the lock valve 20 is in an openable state, hydraulic oil can be exchanged between the inside of the cylinder 10 and the reservoir tank T via the hydraulic circuit FC, and the cylinder device D is in a free state in which the cylinder body DB is permitted to expand and contract. When the cylinder body DB is in the free state and expands, the damping valve 21 provides resistance to the flow of hydraulic oil, so the cylinder device D exerts a damping force that suppresses the expansion of the cylinder body BD. When the cylinder body DB is in the free state and contracts, the damping valve 21 also provides resistance to the flow of hydraulic oil, so the cylinder device D exerts a damping force that suppresses the contraction of the cylinder body DB.

[0034] On the other hand, when the solenoid on-off valve V is in the shutoff position, the lock valve 20 is in a closed state. When the lock valve 20 is in a closed state and the pressure in the expansion-side chamber R1 does not reach the opening pressure of the relief valve 22, the hydraulic oil cannot move from the cylinder 10 to the reservoir tank T, and the cylinder device D is in a locked state in which the cylinder body DB cannot expand or contract. Even when the lock valve 20 is closed, if an excessive axial external force is applied to the cylinder body DB and the pressure in the expansion-side chamber R1 reaches the opening pressure of the relief valve 22, the relief valve 22 opens the relief passage 15, and the hydraulic oil in the cylinder 10 can be discharged to the reservoir tank T. In this way, even when the lock valve 20 is closed and in a locked state, when the relief valve 22 opens, the cylinder body DB can expand and contract, and the relief valve 22 provides resistance to the flow of the hydraulic oil, so that the cylinder device D exerts a damping force in accordance with the expansion and contraction of the cylinder body DB. The resistance that the relief valve 22 provides to the flow of hydraulic oil is set to be greater than the resistance that the damping valve 21 provides to the flow of hydraulic oil, assuming the same flow rate. Therefore, if the extension / contraction speed of the cylinder body DB is the same, the damping force generated when the lock valve 20 is closed and the cylinder body DB is in a locked state and the relief valve 22 is open is greater than the damping force generated when the lock valve 20 is open and the cylinder body DB is in a free state.

[0035] As described above, in the building lock device 1, the cylinder device D can be selectively switched between a free state and a locked state by switching the electromagnetic on-off valve V of the controller C. Furthermore, even if the lock valve 20 locks the cylinder device D, when the relief valve 22 opens, the cylinder body DB becomes expandable and contractible and exerts a greater damping force than when the lock valve 20 is open. Note that the installation of the relief valve 22 is optional, and it is not necessary to provide the relief valve 22.

[0036] Furthermore, the passages 13, 14, the lock valve 20, the damping valve 21 and the electromagnetic on-off valve V in the hydraulic circuit FC may be treated as one unit, and a plurality of units may be provided in parallel between the cylinder body DB and the reservoir tank T. In this case, the electromagnetic on-off valve V of each unit may be controlled by a single controller C. Furthermore, when a plurality of units are provided, the damping force generated by the cylinder device D may be adjusted by individually controlling the opening and closing of the lock valve 20 when the cylinder device D expands and contracts, and the pressure and flow characteristics of the damping valves 21 may be set to different characteristics.

[0037] 3, the controller C is configured to include an acceleration sensor 30 that detects earthquakes, a wind speed sensor 31 that detects wind speed around the building S, a displacement sensor 32 that detects displacement between the building S and the ground G, and a control unit 33 that controls the electromagnetic opening / closing valve V. The building lock device 1 of this embodiment includes the wind speed sensor 31 to lock the cylinder device D during strong winds and suppress shaking of the building S caused by strong winds.

[0038] In this example, the acceleration sensor 30 is installed on the ground G to detect acceleration and inputs the detected acceleration of the ground G to the control unit 33. In this example, the wind speed sensor 31 is installed on the roof of the building S to detect wind speed and inputs the detected wind speed to the control unit 33. In this example, the wind speed sensor 31 is installed on the roof of the building S, but may be installed somewhere other than the roof of the building S. In addition, the acceleration sensor 30 and the wind speed sensor 31 may be installed in a place physically separated from the building S.

[0039] The displacement sensor 32 is installed parallel to the cylinder body DB between the building S and the ground G, detects the displacement of the building S from a neutral position with respect to the ground G, and inputs the detected displacement to the control unit 33. The displacement sensor 32 may be interposed between the cylinder 10 and the rod 12 of the cylinder body DB, or may be built into the cylinder body DB. Since the cylinder body DB is interposed between the building S and the ground G, the displacement of the building S with respect to the ground G can be detected even if the displacement sensor 32 is incorporated into the cylinder body DB. When the displacement sensor 32 is mounted on the cylinder body DB in this way, the displacement sensor 32 can be installed without a separate fixture for installing the displacement sensor 32 between the building S and the ground G, and the installation work of the displacement sensor 32 becomes very simple.

[0040] The control unit 33 is configured to include a judgment unit 331 that judges whether to place the cylinder device D in a locked state or a free state based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 30, the wind speed detected by the wind speed sensor 31, and the displacement detected by the displacement sensor 32, and a drive unit 332 that drives the electromagnetic opening / closing valve V to open and close as instructed by the judgment unit 331.

[0041] Basically, in a normal state, the control unit 33 sets the cylinder device D in a free state in preparation for the occurrence of an earthquake, and performs processing according to the flowchart shown in Fig. 4 to determine whether the cylinder device D should be set in a free state or a locked state, and performs control to selectively switch the cylinder device D between the free state and the locked state. Note that the flowchart shown in Fig. 4 is only an example, and processing may be performed according to other processing procedures.

[0042] First, the judgment unit 331 judges whether the displacement detected by the displacement sensor 32 is equal to or greater than a predetermined displacement threshold (step F1). In the process of step F1, if the displacement from the neutral position of the building S detected by the displacement sensor 32 takes a positive or negative value depending on the direction of the displacement of the building S, the judgment unit 331 may judge whether the absolute value of the displacement is equal to or greater than the displacement threshold. The displacement threshold is set to about four-fifths of the seismic isolation clearance L between the building S and the retaining wall W, and is set so that the cylinder main body DB has a margin of stroke even if the building S is displaced to the displacement threshold or more.

[0043] If the judgment unit 331 judges in the processing of step F1 that the displacement is equal to or greater than the displacement threshold, the process proceeds to step F2, where it judges that the cylinder device D should be locked and sets the cylinder device D to a locked state. If the displacement of the building S relative to the ground G received from the displacement sensor 32 is equal to or greater than the displacement threshold, the judgment unit 331 switches the cylinder device D to a locked state and restrains the building S so that it is not displaced relative to the ground G, since the building S and the retaining wall W are too close to each other and there is a risk of interference. On the other hand, if the judgment in step F1 indicates that the displacement is less than the displacement threshold, the process proceeds to step F6.

[0044] When the determination unit 331 places the cylinder device D in the locked state in step F2, the process proceeds to step F3, where it determines whether the time that has elapsed since the cylinder device D was placed in the locked state has reached a predetermined time or more. When the time that has elapsed since the cylinder device D was placed in the locked state reaches a predetermined time or more, the determination unit 331 switches the cylinder device D from the locked state to the free state (step F4). The predetermined time is set to a time equal to the primary natural period of the building S, and the controller C places the cylinder device D in the free state when a time equal to the primary natural period has elapsed since the cylinder device D was placed in the locked state. Therefore, when the building S vibrates with a large amplitude due to earthquake motion, the cylinder device D can restrain the displacement of the building S relative to the ground G for a time equivalent to one period of the primary natural period, and the building S can be prevented from colliding with the retaining wall W. After that, the cylinder device D is returned to the free state to allow the support device M to exert its seismic isolation function, thereby isolating the vibration from the ground G from being transmitted to the building S.

[0045] If the predetermined time is set to be less than the primary natural period of the building S, the restraint may be released when a large acceleration is applied to the building S, but if the building S can restrain at least one period of the primary natural period, the building S can be sufficiently prevented from colliding with the retaining wall W. Therefore, by setting the predetermined time to be equal to or greater than the primary natural period of the building S, the building S can be prevented from colliding with the retaining wall W when the cylinder device D is in the locked state. The predetermined time may be set to be equal to or greater than the primary natural period of the building S, but if it is set too long, the cylinder device D will continue to be in the locked state for a long time, which will hinder the vibration insulation of the support device M and the building S from returning to the neutral position with respect to the ground G, so it is preferable to set the predetermined time not to exceed a time several times the primary natural period. Therefore, the predetermined time is specifically between 1 second and 10 seconds, and may be appropriately set according to the primary natural period of the building S. If the predetermined time is set within the range of 1 second to 10 seconds, the cylinder device D can be returned to the free state while the earthquake is continuing, causing the cylinder device D to exert a damping force and the support device M to exert vibration insulation, thereby suppressing the vibration of the building S.

[0046] If the determination in step F3 indicates that the time elapsed since the cylinder device D was put into the locked state is less than the predetermined time, the determination unit 331 continues counting the elapsed time and repeats the determination in step F3.

[0047] After the elapsed time reaches a predetermined time and the cylinder device D is returned to the free state from the locked state, the judgment unit 331 judges whether the displacement detected by the displacement sensor 32 is equal to or less than the relockable threshold value set to a value smaller than the displacement threshold value (step F5). When the cylinder device D is in the locked state, the relief valve 22 opens to expand and contract the cylinder device D, and the displacement of the building S may be less than the displacement threshold value. However, if the relief valve 22 does not open, the displacement of the building S relative to the ground G is constrained, so that the displacement from the neutral position of the building S may be equal to or greater than the displacement threshold value even after the predetermined time has passed. In this case, if the displacement detected by the displacement sensor 32 is equal to or greater than the displacement threshold value immediately after switching the cylinder device D from the locked state to the free state, the cylinder device D will be locked again, and the cylinder device D will be repeatedly switched to the locked state immediately after being set to the free state, and a situation may arise in which the cylinder device D is substantially maintained in the locked state even after the earthquake has subsided. Therefore, the determination unit 331 performs the process of step F5, and repeats the determination of step F5 so as not to perform the process of locking the cylinder device D again until the displacement detected by the displacement sensor 32 becomes equal to or less than the re-lockable threshold set to a value smaller than the displacement threshold. The re-lockable threshold is set to a value that is approximately 10% to 50% less than the displacement threshold, and may be set appropriately according to the specifications of the building S. On the other hand, after returning the cylinder device D from the locked state to the free state, when the displacement detected by the displacement sensor 32 becomes equal to or less than the re-lockable threshold, the determination unit 331 proceeds to the process of step F1, and determines whether the displacement detected by the displacement sensor 32 is equal to or more than the displacement threshold. If the displacement is equal to or more than the displacement threshold again, the cylinder device D can be switched from the free state to the locked state (step F2).In this way, in the building locking device 1, after the cylinder device D is switched from a locked state to a free state based on the displacement of the building S, the cylinder device D is not switched back to the locked state unless the displacement of the building S falls below the re-locking threshold, which can be set to a value smaller than the displacement threshold that is the criterion for locking the cylinder device D. This prevents the cylinder device D from being maintained in a substantially locked state, and when the earthquake is continuing, the support device M is allowed to function and the vibration of the building S is suppressed by the damping force generated by the expansion and contraction of the cylinder device D, and when the earthquake has subsided, the building S is not hindered from returning to the neutral position by the restoring force of the support device M.

[0048] Next, if the determination in step F1 indicates that the displacement is less than the displacement threshold, the determination unit 331 performs the process of step F6. The determination unit 331 compares the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 30 with a preset acceleration threshold, and if the acceleration is equal to or greater than the acceleration threshold, determines that an earthquake is occurring (step F6), and proceeds to step F1. The acceleration threshold is set to an acceleration value detected as a seismic intensity of about 3 to 4, for example, but can be set to any other value. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, when the process of step F1 is executed, the cylinder device D is in a free state, so that if it is determined in step F6 that an earthquake is occurring, there is no need to perform a process to switch the state of the cylinder device D, and the cylinder device D is maintained in a free state. Therefore, the building lock device 1 causes the support device M to function and allows the cylinder device D to expand and contract, thereby suppressing the vibration of the building S with the damping force generated by the cylinder device D. On the other hand, when the determination unit 331 determines in step F6 that the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 30 is less than the acceleration threshold and that an earthquake has not occurred (step F6), the process proceeds to step F7. If the determination in step F6 is that the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 30 is less than the acceleration threshold, an earthquake has not occurred, and the displacement is also less than the displacement threshold as a result of the processing in step F1, and whether or not to lock the cylinder device D may be determined depending on the presence or absence of a strong wind.

[0049] Therefore, in the process of step F7, the judgment unit 331 compares the wind speed detected by the wind speed sensor 31 with a preset wind speed threshold to judge whether the wind speed is equal to or greater than the wind speed threshold. If the wind speed is equal to or greater than the wind speed threshold, the judgment unit 331 judges that a strong wind is occurring, and proceeds to step F8. To reach step F8, the displacement of the building S must be less than the displacement threshold, the acceleration must be less than the acceleration threshold, and the wind speed must be equal to or greater than the wind speed threshold. In other words, no earthquake has occurred, the displacement of the building S is small, and a strong wind is occurring. Therefore, the building lock device 1 switches the cylinder device D to the locked state (step F8) to suppress the vibration of the building S due to the strong wind. The wind speed threshold may be set to a wind speed value that is likely to cause the building S to shake.

[0050] Furthermore, when the determination unit 331 puts the cylinder device D in the locked state in step F8, the process proceeds to step F9, where it determines whether or not the time that has elapsed since the cylinder device D was put in the locked state has reached or exceeded a predetermined set time. Then, when the time that has elapsed since the cylinder device D was put in the locked state reaches or exceeded a predetermined set time, the determination unit 331 switches the cylinder device D from the locked state to the free state (step F10). The set time can be set arbitrarily, but is set to, for example, about one hour. In this way, the controller C puts the cylinder device D in the free state one hour after the cylinder device D was put in the locked state, so that vibrations of the building S due to strong winds can be suppressed, and then the cylinder device D is returned to the free state to enable the seismic isolation function of the support device M to be exerted, in preparation for the occurrence of an earthquake.

[0051] Furthermore, if strong wind continues to blow even after the cylinder device D has become free due to the passage of the set time, the cylinder device D can be locked again in step F8 if the displacement and acceleration are small and the wind speed is high.

[0052] By continuously executing the processing according to the above-mentioned flowchart, the controller C can appropriately switch the state of the cylinder device D in response to the occurrence of an earthquake or strong wind, thereby suppressing vibrations of the building S.

[0053] As mentioned above, the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 is just one example, and it is sufficient that the cylinder device D be in a free state when the displacement is small during an earthquake, and in a locked state when the displacement is large, so this may be achieved by a processing procedure different from that described above. Furthermore, in the building locking device 1 of this embodiment, when no earthquake has occurred but strong winds are occurring, the cylinder device D is in a locked state, so that vibration of the building S during strong winds can be prevented, but if there is no need to switch the state of the cylinder device D in response to strong winds, the wind speed sensor 31 and processing related to wind speed can be omitted.

[0054] As described above, the judgment unit 331 judges whether the cylinder device main body DB is to be in a locked state or a free state, and if it is to be in a locked state, it outputs a command to the drive unit 332 to set the electromagnetic on-off valve V to a shut-off position, and if it is to be in a free state, it outputs a command to the drive unit 332 to set the electromagnetic on-off valve V to a connected position.

[0055] The drive unit 332 drives the electromagnetic on-off valve V in accordance with the command received from the determination unit 331 , and places the cylinder body DB in a locked state or a free state as determined by the determination unit 331 .

[0056] As described above, the building locking device 1 is selectively switchable between a free state allowing extension and a locked state not allowing extension and comprises a cylinder device D interposed between the building S and the ground G together with a support device M that supports the building S in a seismic isolation manner, and a controller C that controls switching between enabling and disabling extension of the cylinder device D, and the controller C sets the cylinder device D to a free state during an earthquake to suppress vibration of the building during an earthquake, and sets the cylinder device D to a locked state when the displacement of the building S from its neutral position relative to the ground G becomes equal to or exceeds a displacement threshold value even during an earthquake, and sets the cylinder device D to a free state when a predetermined time has passed since the cylinder device D was set to the locked state during an earthquake.

[0057] According to the building locking device 1 configured in this manner, when the displacement of the building S is small, the vibration isolation performance of the support device M is not diminished, and when the building S is displaced with a large amplitude due to a major earthquake, the cylinder device D is locked to restrain the displacement of the building S relative to the ground G, thereby suppressing interference between the building S and the retaining wall W, and the cylinder device D is returned to the free state after a predetermined time has elapsed, so that the building S is not hindered from returning to the neutral position while the cylinder device D is left in the locked state.

[0058] Therefore, according to the building locking device 1 of the present embodiment, even if the cylinder device D is in a locked state during a major earthquake, the cylinder device D can be returned to a free state and the building S can be returned to the neutral position.

[0059] In addition, the cylinder device D in the building lock device 1 of this embodiment allows the support device M, which is interposed between the building S and the ground G and supports the building S in a seismic isolation manner, to perform the vibration isolation function in the free state, and does not allow the support device M to perform the vibration isolation function in the locked state. After the cylinder device D is set to the free state, the controller C sets the cylinder device D to the locked state again when the displacement becomes equal to or less than the relockable threshold set to a value smaller than the displacement threshold. According to the building lock device 1 configured in this manner, after the cylinder device D is switched from the locked state to the free state based on the displacement of the building S, the cylinder device D is not switched to the locked state again unless the displacement of the building S becomes equal to or less than the relockable threshold set to a value smaller than the displacement threshold, which is the criterion for locking the cylinder device D, so that the cylinder device D can be prevented from being substantially maintained in the locked state. Therefore, when an earthquake continues, the building lock device 1 can function the support device M to insulate the transmission of vibration to the building S, and when the earthquake has ceased, the building S does not get in the way of returning to the neutral position by the restoring force of the support device M. In addition, in this embodiment, the cylinder device D can function as a damper by generating a damping force when it expands and contracts, thereby preventing the cylinder device D from being maintained in a substantially locked state, and if the earthquake continues, the damping force generated by the cylinder device D as it expands and contracts can suppress the vibration of the building S, and when the cylinder device D is juxtaposed with the support device M between the building S and the ground G, the vibration isolation function of the support device M can be permitted to be exerted, thereby isolating the transmission of vibration to the building S.

[0060] Furthermore, in the building locking device 1 of this embodiment, the predetermined time is set to be equal to or longer than the first natural period of the building. According to the building locking device 1 configured in this manner, it is possible to prevent the building S from colliding with the retaining wall W when the cylinder device D is in the locked state, and it is possible to provide many opportunities to suppress the vibration of the building S by returning the cylinder device D to the free state while an earthquake is continuing, thereby suppressing the vibration of the building S with the damping force generated by the cylinder device D and by exerting the vibration isolation by the support device M.

[0061] In the building lock device 1 of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, the cylinder device D is equipped with a damping valve 21, and when it is extended or retracted in a state in which it can be extended or retracted, the damping valve 21 generates a damping force that hinders its own extension or retraction, and functions as a damper. In this way, when the cylinder device D is a damper and is in a free state in which it can be extended or retracted, the damping force generated by the cylinder device D can suppress vibration of the building S. Furthermore, when the cylinder device D is juxtaposed with the support device M between the building S and the ground G, the support device M is allowed to perform a vibration isolation function, and the transmission of vibration to the building S can be insulated.

[0062] Also, the cylinder device D may have a configuration in which the damping valve 21 is eliminated from the circuit shown in Fig. 2. In this case, the building locking device 1 can switch between a state in which the support device M can exert the function of isolating vibrations and a state in which the building S is restrained to the ground G by switching the cylinder device between a locked state and a free state. Therefore, even if the cylinder device D can be switched between a locked state and a free state and does not exert a damping force in the free state, the building locking device 1 does not reduce the vibration insulation performance of the support device M when the displacement of the building S is small, and when the building S is displaced with a large amplitude due to the occurrence of a major earthquake, the cylinder device can be locked to restrain the displacement of the building S relative to the ground G, suppressing interference between the building S and the retaining wall W, and even if the cylinder device is locked during a major earthquake, the cylinder device D can be returned to the free state to return the building S to the neutral position.

[0063] In this way, when the cylinder device D does not function as a damper, a damper D1 that generates a damping force when expanding and contracting may be interposed between the building S and the ground G in parallel with the cylinder device D, as shown in Fig. 5. In this way, the building locking device 1A can switch between a state in which the support device M can exert a function of isolating vibrations and a state in which the building S is restrained to the ground G by switching the cylinder device D between a locked state and a free state, and when the cylinder device D is in a free state, a damping force can be generated by the damper D1 that is parallel with the cylinder device D. Therefore, according to the building locking device 1A that has the damper D1 in parallel with the cylinder device D, when the displacement of the building S is small, the vibration insulation performance of the support device M is not reduced, and when the building S is displaced with a large amplitude due to the occurrence of a major earthquake, the cylinder device can be locked to restrain the displacement of the building S relative to the ground G, thereby suppressing interference between the building S and the retaining wall W, and even if the cylinder device D is locked during a major earthquake, the cylinder device D can be returned to the free state to return the building S to the neutral position. Furthermore, in the building lock device 1A, when the cylinder device D is in a free state, the vibration of the building S can be suppressed by the damping force generated by the damper D1 connected in parallel to the cylinder device D. When the cylinder device D is connected in parallel to the support device M between the building S and the ground G, the support device M is allowed to exhibit a vibration isolation function, and the transmission of vibration to the building S can be insulated.

[0064] Furthermore, the controller C in the building lock device 1 of this embodiment has an acceleration sensor 30 that detects the acceleration of the ground G and a wind speed sensor 31 that detects the wind speed, and even if the displacement of the building S is less than the displacement threshold, if the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 30 is less than the acceleration threshold and the wind speed detected by the wind speed sensor 31 is equal to or greater than the wind speed threshold, the cylinder device D is put into a locked state. According to the building lock device 1 configured in this manner, when a situation arises in which the building is vibrating due to strong winds even though no earthquake has occurred, the cylinder device D is put into a locked state, and the vibration of the building can be suppressed.

[0065] The building locking device 1 of the present invention can also be used in combination with a hysteretic damper to suppress wind sway with the hysteretic damper and prevent interference between the building S and retaining wall W during large amplitude earthquake motion. In addition to being incorporated into newly constructed buildings, the building locking device 1 of the present invention can also be incorporated in place of or in addition to existing dampers in existing buildings, improving the performance of existing support devices.

[0066] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, modifications, variations and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1...building lock device, 20...lock valve, 22...relief valve, 30...acceleration sensor, 31...wind speed sensor, C...controller, D...cylinder device, DB...damper body, D1...damper

Claims

1. A building locking device comprising: a cylinder device interposed between a building and the ground, the cylinder device being selectively switchable between a free state allowing extension and a locked state not allowing extension and a controller for switching between enabling and disabling extension of the cylinder device, the controller switching the cylinder device to the free state during an earthquake, and switching the cylinder device to the locked state when the displacement of the building from a neutral position relative to the ground during an earthquake reaches or exceeds a displacement threshold value, The controller sets the cylinder device in the locked state for a predetermined time during an earthquake and then sets the cylinder device in the free state. A building locking device.

2. The cylinder device, in a free state, allows a support device that is interposed between the building and the ground and supports the building in a seismic isolation manner to perform a vibration isolation function, and, in a locked state, does not allow the support device to perform a vibration isolation function; The controller: After the cylinder device is put into the free state, when the displacement becomes equal to or smaller than a re-lockable threshold value set to a value smaller than the displacement threshold value and then becomes equal to or larger than the displacement threshold value again, the cylinder device is put into the locked state again.

2. The building locking device according to claim 1.

3. The predetermined time is set to be equal to or longer than the first natural period of the building.

2. The building locking device according to claim 1.

4. The cylinder device exerts a damping force when expanding or contracting. A building locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A damper is provided in parallel with the cylinder device and is interposed between the building and the ground, and exerts a damping force when expanding and contracting. A building locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The controller: An acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the ground and a wind speed sensor that detects the wind speed, Even if the displacement of the building is less than the displacement threshold, if the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor is less than the acceleration threshold and the wind speed detected by the wind speed sensor is equal to or greater than the wind speed threshold, the cylinder device is locked. A building locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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