Support structure

Abstract

To provide a support structure which includes a novel structure and is capable of suppressing an erroneous operation of elongation / contraction of a spring.SOLUTION: A support structure comprises: at least one spring; a spring seat positioned on the spring and including a top face part, a protruding part which protrudes from the top face part in a first direction away from a central axis of the spring, and a hole part which is formed from the top face part to the protruding part; a case positioned on a lower side of the spring seat and including a pair of side face parts holding the spring therebetween, and a protruding edge part protruding from the pair of side face parts in the first direction and including an opening in an end portion, and a bottom face part which is opposed with the spring seat; a lock device positioned between the spring seat and the protruding edge part, passing through the hole part and the hole of the protruding edge part and including a first fastening part on the top face part and a second fastening part on a lower side of the protruding edge part; and a block part including an upper part positioned on the first fastening part, a middle part positioned between the upper part and the protruding part, and a lower part positioned on a lower side of the middle part and inside of the hole part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a support structure.

[0002] In equipment such as piping for transporting fluids, valves for controlling fluids, and containers for storing fluids, weight and temperature changes occur as the fluid flows or is stored and transported, causing the equipment to move. A support structure generates a certain reaction force to follow this movement. For example, the support structure for supporting equipment such as piping disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a spring seat on top of a spring and a case with a bottom surface and a side surface with a protruding edge below the spring, and the spring seat is set to a predetermined height by compressing the spring with a locking device provided between the spring seat and the protruding edge. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7345695 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One of the objectives of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a support structure having a novel structure, or to provide a support structure that can maintain a compressed or expanded state of a spring. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention is a support structure including at least one spring, a spring seat located on the spring and having a top surface, a protrusion protruding from the top surface in a first direction away from the central axis of the spring, and a hole formed from the top surface to the protrusion, a pair of side surfaces located below the spring seat and sandwiching the spring, a protrusion protruding from the pair of side surfaces in the first direction and having a hole with an opening at an end, and a bottom surface facing the spring seat, a locking device located between the spring seat and the protrusion, the locking device passing through the hole and the hole in the protrusion, and having a first fastening portion above the top surface and a second fastening portion below the protrusion, and a blocking portion having an upper portion located above the first fastening portion, a middle portion located between the upper portion and the protrusion, and a lower portion located below the middle portion and inside the hole.

[0006] The locking device may further have a shaft portion between the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion, and the length from one end to the other end of the hole portion in the first direction may be longer than the sum of the width of the shaft portion and the two-face width of the first fastening portion divided by 2 and a first length from one end to the other end of the lower portion, but shorter than the sum of the first length, width, and two-face width of the first fastening portion.

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention is a support structure including at least one spring, a spring seat located on the spring and having a top surface, a protrusion protruding from the top surface in a first direction away from the central axis of the spring, and a hole formed from the top surface to the protrusion, a case located below the spring seat and having a pair of side surfaces that sandwich the spring, protruding edges protruding in the first direction from the pair of side surfaces and having a hole with an opening at an end, and a bottom surface facing the spring seat, a locking device located between the spring seat and the protrusion, the locking device passing through the hole and the hole in the protrusion, and having a first fastening portion above the top surface and a second fastening portion below the protrusion, and a blocking portion located above the protrusion.

[0008] The spring seat has a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion that are continuous from the upper surface portion, sandwich a protrusion in a second direction that intersects the first direction, and have a first mounting hole and a second mounting hole that penetrate in the direction in which the central axis of the spring extends, respectively, and the blocking portion is arranged on the hole portion, the first mounting portion, and the second mounting portion, and may have a first main body portion that extends in the second direction.

[0009] The blocking portion has a first leg portion that is positioned in the first mounting hole and is longer than the thickness of the first mounting portion, and a second leg portion that is positioned in the second mounting hole and is longer than the thickness of the second mounting portion, and the first leg portion and the second leg portion may be connected to the first main body portion.

[0010] The blocking portion may have a first fixing hole that overlaps with the first installation hole when viewed from above, a first fastening portion that passes through the first installation hole and the first fixing hole and has a first head that is positioned on top of the first main body portion, a second fastening portion that is positioned below the first installation portion, a second fixing hole that overlaps with the second installation hole, a second fastening portion that passes through the second installation hole and the second fixing hole and has a second head that is positioned on top of the first main body portion, and a second fastening portion that is positioned below the second installation portion.

[0011] The width of the first body portion above the hole may be smaller in the first direction than the width of the first body portion passing through the center of the first fixing hole.

[0012] The blocking portion may further include a first spring between the first head and the first body portion, and a second spring between the second head and the first body portion.

[0013] The spring seat may have a first mounting hole penetrating in the direction in which the central axis of the spring extends, a first mounting portion continuing from the upper surface portion and adjacent to the protrusion, and the blocking portion may have a first blocking portion passing through the first mounting hole and having a first fastening portion above the first mounting portion and a second fastening portion below the first mounting portion.

[0014] The spring seat may have a second mounting hole penetrating in the direction in which the central axis of the spring extends, and may have a second mounting portion continuing from the upper surface portion and adjacent to the protrusion, and the blocking portion may further have a second blocking portion passing through the second mounting hole and having a first fastening portion above the second mounting portion and a second fastening portion below the second mounting portion.

[0015] The blocking portion has a pair of lower portions that sandwich the protrusion in a second direction that intersects with the first direction, a second main body portion that extends in the second direction above the hole portion, and a pair of legs that connect the second main body portion and the pair of lower portions, and the height of the legs is equal to or greater than the height of the first fastening portion, and the distance between the pair of legs in the second direction may be greater than the two-face width of the first fastening portion and less than the diagonal distance.

[0016] The distance between the pair of lower portions may be longer than the distance between the pair of leg portions in the second direction.

[0017] The blocking portion has a first blocking portion and a second blocking portion arranged to sandwich the hole portion along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the distance between the first blocking portion and the second blocking portion in the second direction may be shorter than the width of the first fastening portion of the locking device.

[0018] The spring may further include a pair of side plates fastened onto the spring seat, sandwiching the spring therebetween and having a bent portion below the protruding edge portion, and the first blocking portion may be connected to one of the pair of side plates and the second blocking portion may be connected to the other of the pair of side plates.

[0019] One embodiment of the present invention is a support structure comprising: at least one spring; a spring seat located on the spring and having a top surface, a protrusion protruding from the top surface in a first direction away from the central axis of the spring, and a hole formed from the top surface to the protrusion; a bottom surface located below the spring seat and facing the spring seat; a pair of side surfaces sandwiching the spring and continuous with the bottom surface; protruding edges protruding from the pair of side surfaces in the first direction and having a hole opening toward the first direction; and a bent portion bent from the protruding edges toward the bottom surface and having a gap connecting to the hole in the protruding edges; and a locking device located between the spring seat and the protruding edges, having a first fastening portion above the top surface and a second fastening portion below the protruding edges, passing through the hole and the hole in the protruding edges.

[0020] The width of the gap of the bent portion may be smaller than the width of the second fastening portion in a side view.

[0021] The locking device may be movable through the hole in a first direction and a direction opposite to the first direction, and when the spring expands or contracts, the locking device may be positioned in the hole in the protrusion, and when the spring is fixed, the locking device may be positioned in the hole in the top surface. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention when it is preset. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention when it is preset. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention during operation. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention during operation. [Figure 6] 3A and 3B are schematic perspective and side views of a blocking portion of a support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a portion of a support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention in operation. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention when it is preset. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention when it is preset. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention during operation. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention during operation. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a blocking portion of a support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14]FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of a portion of a support structure in operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention when it is preset. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention when it is preset. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention when it is preset. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] 3A and 3B are schematic top and side views of a blocking portion of a support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention when it is preset. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention when it is preset. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention during operation. [Figure 25] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention during operation. [Figure 26] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention when it is preset. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention when it is preset. [Figure 29] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention when it is preset. [Figure 30] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention during operation. [Figure 31]FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention during operation. [Figure 32] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view showing an enlarged portion of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 33] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention when it is preset. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention when it is preset. [Figure 36] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention during operation. [Figure 37] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention during operation. [Figure 38] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a blocking portion of a support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 39] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a portion of a support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 40] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 41] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention when it is preset. [Figure 42] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention when it is preset. [Figure 43] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention when it is preset. [Figure 44] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention during operation. [Figure 45] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention during operation. [Figure 46] 3A and 3B are schematic perspective and side views of a blocking portion of a support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 47] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 48]FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention when it is preset. [Figure 49] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention when it is preset. [Figure 50] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention when it is preset. [Figure 51] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention during operation. [Figure 52] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention during operation. [Figure 53] 3A to 3C are schematic perspective, top, and side views of a side plate of a support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 54] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 55] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention when it is preset. [Figure 56] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention when it is preset. [Figure 57] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention during operation. [Figure 58] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the support structure according to the embodiment of the present invention during operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the invention disclosed in this application will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the invention, and should not be construed as being limited to the description of the embodiments exemplified below.

[0024] In order to clarify the description, the drawings may show the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part schematically compared to the actual embodiment, but these are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of the present invention. Furthermore, in this specification and each drawing, elements having the same functions as those explained in the previous drawings may be assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations may be omitted.

[0025] In this specification and drawings, the same reference numeral is used to collectively represent multiple identical or similar components, and a hyphen and a number are added after the reference numeral to represent each of the components individually. When multiple parts of a single component are to be distinguished from one another, the same reference numeral and alphabetic characters are used.

[0026] First Embodiment In this embodiment, a support structure 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. The support structure 10 supports equipment and has the function of following the movement of the equipment due to changes in heat and weight. Here, a support structure 10 will be described when supporting piping as equipment. For convenience, in the drawings used in the following description, the vertical direction is defined as the z direction, and the horizontal plane perpendicular to the z direction is defined as the xy plane. The x and y directions are orthogonal to the z direction. Furthermore, the x direction, y direction, and z direction each represent one direction and its opposite direction.

[0027] (Overall structure) FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the support structure 10, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show side views of the support structure 10 viewed from the x- or y-direction during presetting, and FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 show side views of the support structure 10 viewed from the x- or y-direction during operation. The support structure 10 basically comprises a case 100, a spring seat 102, at least one spring 104, a locking device 106, and a blocking portion 108. The support structure 10 may further comprise optional components such as a load flange 110, a load column 112, a side plate 114, and a base plate 116. These components are formed using metal such as iron or stainless steel. These components will be described in detail below.

[0028] (case) The case 100 supports the spring 104 and can restrict movement of the spring 104 within the xy plane. As shown in FIG. 1 , the case 100 is located below the spring seat 102 and has a pair of side surfaces 100A and a bottom surface 100B. The pair of side surfaces 100A extend upward (in the z direction) from the bottom surface 100B and are disposed so as to sandwich the spring 104. With this arrangement, when expansion and contraction of the spring 104 in the z direction is accompanied by movement within the xy plane, movement of the spring 104 within the xy plane can be restricted. By preventing movement of the spring 104 within the xy plane, the spring 104 is prevented from falling off the support structure 10.

[0029] The bottom surface portion 100B and the pair of side surface portions 100A form a U-shape, and the U-shape has an opening toward the spring seat 102 in a side view. The side surface portions 100A extend substantially parallel to the direction in which the central axis 104C of the spring 104 extends. "Substantially parallel" means that the angle between the direction in which the central axis 104C extends and the direction in which the side surface portions 100A extend is between 0° and 30°. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the width of the U-shape opening in the direction parallel to the bottom surface portion 100B (the y-axis direction) corresponds to the distance 100AW between the pair of side surface portions 100A. This distance is shorter than the length 114W from one end to the other of the top surface portion 102A of the spring seat 102 or the side plate 114. Furthermore, the distance 100CW between both ends of the case 100 is also shorter than the length 114W from one end to the other of the side plate 114.

[0030] The case 100 has a protruding edge portion 100C. The case 100 has a plurality of protruding edge portions 100C. The protruding edge portion 100C protrudes from each of the pair of side surface portions 100A in a first direction away from the central axis 104C (spring axis) of the spring 104. The protruding edge portion 100C is a portion that is bent in the first direction from the side surface portion 100A and extends substantially parallel to the bottom surface portion 100B. The protruding edge portion 100C may be formed, for example, by bending a single iron plate, or may be formed by welding another iron plate to the side surface portion 100A. 3, in the direction in which the central axis 104C of the spring 104 extends (the z direction), the protruding edge portion 100C overlaps in height with the side surface portion 114B, and in the direction extending parallel to the base plate 116 (the x direction), the width 100AW of the protruding edge portion 100C or the side surface portion 100A is smaller than the width 114BW of the opening formed by the spring seat 102 and the side surface portion 114B. By adjusting the height and width of the protruding edge portion 100C in this way, the protruding edge portion 100C can be positioned in the opening of the spring seat 102 even when the spring 104 expands or contracts in the z direction. By positioning the protruding edge portion 100C in the opening of the side surface portion 114B, movement of the spring seat 102 in the xy plane can be restricted.

[0031] The protruding edge portion 100C has a hole 100D with an opening at one end. The hole 100D opens in the opposite direction from the direction from the protruding edge portion 100C toward the central axis 104C of the spring 104. The size of the hole 100D only needs to be large enough to allow a part of the locking device 106, which will be described later, to pass through.

[0032] When installing the support structure 10, the case 100 can be fastened to the installation location by providing a plurality of holes in the bottom surface 100B (not shown) and fastening members such as bolts and nuts through the plurality of holes. Alternatively, when installing the support structure 10, the bottom surface 100B may be fixed to the installation location, such as a building, by welding or the like. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1, a base plate 116 may be provided below the case 100 and fixed to the installation location, such as a building.

[0033] (base plate) The base plate 116 is larger than the bottom surface 100B of the case 100, and has a plurality of holes 116A for fastening to a building in a portion that does not overlap with the bottom surface 100B of the case 100. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the base plate 116 is a rectangle with rounded corners, and fastening holes 116A are provided at each of the four corners. By providing such a base plate 116, the support structure 10 can be stably installed on a building.

[0034] (spring seat) The spring seat 102 is disposed on top of the spring 104. The spring seat 102 is disposed so as to sandwich the case 100 and the spring 104. The spring seat 102 faces the bottom surface 100B of the case 100 in the direction of the central axis 104C of the spring 104, and is disposed so as to be parallel or substantially parallel to the x- and y-directions of the bottom surface 100B. When the support structure 10 is installed and the case 100 is fixed or fastened to the installation location, the spring seat 102 can move in the up-and-down direction (z-direction) in conjunction with the expansion and contraction of the spring 104. At this time, as described above, the movement of the spring 104 in the x- and y-plane is restricted by the case 100. Therefore, there is no need to provide a structure (such as unevenness or ribs) on the underside of the spring seat 102 to prevent the spring 104 from moving.

[0035] The spring seat 102 has an upper surface portion 102A, a protrusion 102B, and a hole 102C. The upper surface portion 102A is positioned opposite the bottom surface portion 100B of the case 100. The protrusion 102B protrudes from the upper surface portion 102A in the same direction as the protruding edge portion 100C of the case 100. The protrusion 102B is a portion that is continuous with the upper surface portion 102A. Multiple protrusions 102B can be provided on the spring seat 102, and the multiple protrusions 102B are arranged to sandwich the spring seat 102 or the load flange 110 when viewed from above. The hole 102C is formed from the upper surface portion 102A to the protrusion 102B. The hole 102C includes a hole 102C on the upper surface portion 102A side and a hole 102C on the protrusion 102B side that is continuous with the hole 102C. The hole 102C formed in the upper surface portion 102A is formed so as to overlap the hole 100D provided in the protruding edge portion 100C in a top view.

[0036] The spring seat 102 is connected to a side plate 114. The side plate 114 is fastened on top of the spring seat 102. The pair of side plates 114 are arranged to sandwich the spring 104 in a direction away from the central axis of the spring 104. In this case, the direction in which the pair of side plates 114 face each other is different from the first direction in which the pair of side portions 100A of the case 100 face each other, and is a second direction that intersects with or is approximately perpendicular to the first direction. With this arrangement, when the expansion and contraction of the spring 104 in the z direction is accompanied by movement in the xy plane, the movement of the spring 104 in the xy plane can be prevented. By preventing movement of the spring 104 in the xy plane, the spring 104 is prevented from falling off the support structure 10.

[0037] The side plate 114 has an upper surface 114A that fastens to the spring seat 102, side surfaces 114B that sandwich the spring 104, and a bent portion 114C below the protruding edge 100C. The bent portion 114C bends from the side surface 114B toward below the protruding edge 100C so that the protruding edge 100C is positioned between the side plate 114 and the spring seat 102, and then extends below the protruding edge 100C. With this arrangement, when the bent portion 114C extends in a direction toward the central axis 104C of the spring 104, it interferes with the protruding edge 100C of the case 100, thereby suppressing the elongation of the spring 104. The side plate 114 may also be formed to extend from the upper surface 102A of the spring seat 102. The side plate 114 may be formed, for example, by bending a single steel plate or by welding another steel plate to the upper surface 102A.

[0038] (Spring) The spring 104 is disposed between the spring seat 102 and the case 100 so that the spring axis (the central axis 104C of the spring) is in the z-direction. Although the spring 104 is sandwiched between the spring seat 102 and the case 100, there is no need to weld or bolt them to each other. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the spring 104 is disposed on the case 100 and is sandwiched between the spring seat 102 disposed on top of the spring 104.

[0039] 2 and 3, the spring 104 is sandwiched at its lower part between a pair of side surfaces 100A of the case 100 and at its upper part between a pair of side plates 114. The side surfaces 100A of the case 100 and the pair of side surfaces 114 are each shorter than the length of the spring 104, and therefore, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the spring 104 has a portion exposed from each of the side surfaces.

[0040] 1 and the like, at least one spring is provided in the support structure 10, but this at least one spring 104 may include multiple springs 104. When multiple springs 104 are used, although not shown, multiple springs 104 overlapping each other in the z direction can be provided between the spring seat 102 and the bottom surface 100B of the case 100 so as to be sandwiched between the pair of side plates 114 and the pair of side surfaces 100A of the case 100.

[0041] The spring 104 moves upward (in the z-direction) and downward (in the z-direction) due to vibrations during transportation of equipment such as pipes, valves that control fluids, or containers that store fluids that are connected to the support structure 10, or of the support structure 10. The upward and downward movement of the spring 104 is suppressed not only by the spring seat 102, which moves in conjunction with the movement of the spring 104, but also by the bent portion 114C of the side plate 114 and the protruding edge portion 100C of the case 100, which can suppress the movement of the spring seat 102 in the vertical direction.

[0042] (load flange) The load flange 110 is a supporting component for pipes and the like that is connected to the support structure 10. The load flange 110 is disposed on the spring seat 102. The load flange 110 can be connected to the spring seat 102 via a load column 112. The load flange 110 can be directly connected to the load column 112, or any other method for connecting the load flange 110 to the load column 112 can be used. For example, the load flange 110 can be connected to the load column 112 using joining members such as welding or bolts and nuts. The distance from the load flange 110 to the spring seat 102 can be set to a predetermined length by adjusting the portion of the load column 112 that is exposed above or below the spring seat 102. In this case, the load column 112 may be threaded, allowing the portion of the load column 112 that is exposed above or below the spring seat 102 to be adjusted.

[0043] Typically, when connecting a pipe or the like to the load flange 110, the support structure 10 is installed on the floor of a building, the case 100 is fixed to the floor of the building, and the pipe is connected to the load flange 110 in this state. If the spring 104 is at its natural length, the weight of the pipe and the components fixing the pipe to the building causes the spring 104 to contract, resulting in the spring seat 102 moving downward. If the spring seat 102 moves in this way, the pipe will be positioned in a state that is shifted downward from its intended position. To prevent the spring seat 102 from moving in the z-direction due to the restoring force of the spring 104 even after the pipe is connected to the load flange 110, the spring 104 is pre-adjusted (preset) to a compressed state. The spring 104 can be adjusted and fixed in a compressed state using a locking device 106 that secures the spring seat 102 and the case 100.

[0044] (locking device) The locking device 106 basically includes a first fastening portion 106A and a second fastening portion 106B. A portion of the locking device 106 passes through the hole 102C of the spring seat 102 and the hole 100D of the protruding edge portion 100C, and is disposed between the spring seat 102 and the protruding edge portion 100C. The first fastening portion 106A is disposed on the upper surface 102A of the spring seat 102, and the second fastening portion 106B is disposed below the protruding edge portion 100C. It is preferable that the width of the first fastening portion 106A is greater than the width of the hole 102C of the spring seat 102 in the short direction, and that the width of the second fastening portion 106B is greater than the width of the hole 100D of the protruding edge portion 100C in the short direction.

[0045] The first fastening portion 106A is fastened to the spring seat 102, and the second fastening portion 106B is fastened to the protruding edge portion 100C, thereby fixing the distance between the spring seat 102 and the protruding edge portion 100C and adjusting the spring 104 to a compressed state, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. Fastening members such as bolts and nuts are used in the locking device 106. A bolt can be used as the first fastening portion 106A, and a nut can be used as the second fastening portion 106B.

[0046] The distance between the spring seat 102 and the protruding edge 100C can be set to a predetermined distance by adjusting the distance between the first fastening portion 106A and the second fastening portion 106B. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a bolt and nut are used for the locking device 106. The locking device 106 is installed so that the head 106D of the bolt, which forms the first fastening portion 106A, is above the spring seat 102 and the nut, which forms the second fastening portion 106B, is below the protruding edge 100C. The shank 106C of the bolt is located between the first fastening portion 106A and the second fastening portion 106B and can function as the shank 106C that adjusts the distance between the first fastening portion 106A and the second fastening portion 106B. As shown in FIG. 4, the distance can be adjusted by passing multiple plate-shaped parts with holes, such as washers 106E, through the shank 106C to secure the spring 104.

[0047] To fix the spring 104 (presetting), the locking device 106 is placed in the hole 102C in the top surface 102A, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 . The locking device 106 is placed in the hole 100D in the protruding edge 100C. To extend or contract the spring 104 (operating), the locking device 106 is moved through the hole 102C in the opposite direction from the center axis 104C of the spring 104, and then placed in the hole 102C in the protruding portion 102B, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 . By moving the locking device 106 in this way, the spring 104 can be set to a fixed or extendable state. To maintain the spring 104 in a fixed or extendable state, a blocking portion 108 is provided to prevent or inhibit unintended movement of the locking device 106 in the hole 102C.

[0048] (blocking part) The blocking portion 108 will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6(1) shows a perspective view of the blocking portion 108, Figures 6(a) and 6(c) show side views observed from the y direction, and Figure 6(b) shows a side view observed from the x direction. The blocking portion 108 has an upper portion 108A located above the first fastening portion 106A of the locking device 106, a middle portion 108B located between the upper portion 108A and the protruding portion 102B, and a lower portion 108C located below the middle portion 108B and inside the hole portion 102C.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 6(b), for example, upper portion 108A is longer in the y direction than middle portion 108B and lower portion 108C, and lower portion 108C is shorter in the y direction than middle portion 108B and upper portion 108A. As shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), middle portion 108B has side surface 108D-1B that is flush with side surface 108D-1A of upper portion 108A at 108D-1. Middle portion 108B can have side surface 108D-2B that is stepped with side surface 108D-2A of upper portion 108A and is flush with side surface 108D-2C of lower portion 108C at side surface 108D-2, which is the surface opposite side surface 108D-1. 6(a) and 6(b), side surface 108D-1 of lower portion 108C is a surface that has a step with respect to side surface 108D-1B of upper portion 108A and middle portion 108B. As a result, part of upper portion 108A protrudes from middle portion 108B and lower portion 108C, and part of lower portion 108C recedes from upper portion 108A and middle portion 108B.

[0050] 7, upper portion 108A has a portion that protrudes above first fastening portion 106A. Upper portion 108A can prevent locking device 106 from moving in the direction in which central axis 104C of spring 104 extends, by means of the portion that protrudes above first fastening portion 106A and protruding portion 102B. Providing a protruding portion on upper portion 108A increases the area of ​​side surface 108D-3, reducing the risk of blocking portion 108 falling off from hole 102C and facilitating removal.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, when the support structure 10 is in operation, the blocking portion 108 is disposed in the hole 102C on the upper surface portion 102A side, and the locking device 106 is disposed in the hole 102C on the protruding portion 102B side. The locking device 106 is fixed by the side surfaces 108D-2B and 108D-2C, which are surfaces recessed from the upper portion 108A, pressing the locking device 106 against the protruding portion 102B. Specifically, the first fastening portion 106A is disposed between the side surface 108D-2B and the protruding portion 102B. The head portion 106D of the first fastening portion 106A is pressed against the side surface 108D-2B, and the shaft portion 106C of the first fastening portion 106A is pressed against the side surface of the protruding portion 102B that forms the hole 102C. At this time, side surface 108D-1C is pressed against the side surface of top surface 102A that forms hole 102C, so that movement of locking device 106 within hole 102C is restricted.

[0052] FIG. 7 shows the support structure 10 during operation, but during preset, the blocking portion 108 is positioned in the hole 102C on the protruding portion 102B side, and the locking device 106 is positioned in the hole 102C on the top surface portion 102A side. During preset, the side surfaces 108D-2B and 108D-2C, which are surfaces recessed from the top portion 108A, press the locking device 106 against the top surface portion 102A, thereby fixing the locking device 106. Specifically, the first fastening portion 106A is positioned between the side surface 108D-2B and the top surface portion 102A. The head 106D of the first fastening portion 106A presses against the side surface 108D-2B, and the shaft portion 106C of the first fastening portion 106A presses against the side surface of the top surface portion 102A that forms the hole 102C. At this time, the side surface 108D-1C is pressed against the side surface of the protrusion 102B that forms the hole 102C, so that the movement of the locking device 106 within the hole 102C is restricted.

[0053] The length 102CL of the hole portion 102C of the spring seat 102 in which the lower portion 108C is located is, in a first direction away from the central axis 104C of the spring 104, longer than the sum of the quotient obtained by dividing the sum of the width 106CL of the shaft portion 106C and the two-face width 106AW of the first fastening portion 106A by 2 and the length 108CL from one end to the other end of the lower portion 108C, and shorter than the sum of the length 108CL of the lower portion 108C, the width 106CW of the shaft portion 106C and the two-face width 106AW of the first fastening portion 106A.

[0054] The width 108W of the blocking portion 108 in the short-side direction may be determined arbitrarily as long as it is smaller than the width of the hole 102C in the short-side direction.

[0055] (How to use the blocking part) Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 5, a method for using the blocking portion 108 will be described. Before transporting the support structure 10 to the installation location, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the locking device 106 is placed in the hole 102C on the top surface 102A side, and the blocking portion 108 is inserted and attached into the hole 102C on the protruding portion 102B side, thereby setting the support structure 10 in a preset state. Next, after the support structure 10 is transported and installed at a predetermined location, the blocking portion 108 is removed from the hole 102C on the protruding portion 102B side, and as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the blocking portion 108 is inserted and attached into the hole 102C on the top surface 102A side, thereby releasing the support structure 10 from the preset state. By releasing the support structure 10 from the preset state, the spring 104 becomes expandable and contractible. After the support structure 10 is released from the preset state, the blocking portion 108 is positioned in an inverted orientation relative to the blocking portion 108 when preset, so that the side surface 108D-2 faces the locking device 106.

[0056] As described above, the support structure 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention has the locking device 106 and the blocking portion 108 that are placed in the hole portion 102C of the spring seat 102. Because the blocking portion 108 is placed in the empty portion of the hole portion 102C of the spring seat 102 where the locking device 106 is not placed, even if the first fastening portion 106A and the second fastening portion 106B of the locking device 106 are loose, the position of the locking device 106 can be easily maintained when the support structure 10 is preset or in operation. Furthermore, because the blocking portion 108 has a simple structure, it can be easily installed in the hole portion 102C without using fastening members such as screws.

[0057] Second Embodiment In this embodiment, a support structure 10 having a different structure from the support structure 10 described in the first embodiment will be described. Descriptions of structures that are the same as or similar to the structures described in the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0058] A perspective view of the support structure 10 is shown in Figure 8, a side view observed from the x direction or y direction during presetting is shown in Figure 9 or Figure 10, and a side view observed from the x direction or y direction during operation is shown in Figure 11 or Figure 12, respectively.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 8, the spring seat 102 has a first mounting portion 102E-1 and a second mounting portion 102E-2. The first mounting portion 102E-1 and the second mounting portion 102E-2 are arranged to sandwich the protruding portion 102B in a second direction intersecting a first direction away from the central axis 104C of the spring 104. The first mounting portion 102E-1 and the second mounting portion 102E-2 are arranged along one end of the top surface portion 102A where the pair of side plates 114 are not arranged. The first mounting portion 102E-1 and the second mounting portion 102E-2 are similarly provided on the other end of the top surface portion 102A. The first mounting portion 102E-1 and the second mounting portion 102E-2 are continuous portions of the top surface portion 102A. The first installation portion 102E-1 and the second installation portion 102E-2 are portions that continue from the protrusion portion 102B.

[0060] The first mounting portion 102E-1 and the second mounting portion 102E-2 are provided with a first mounting hole 102F-1 and a second mounting hole 102F-2, respectively. The first mounting hole 102F-1 and the second mounting hole 102F-2 are provided in the direction in which the central axis 104C of the spring 104 extends (the z direction), and penetrate the first mounting portion 102E-1 and the second mounting portion 102E-2. The first mounting hole 102F-1 and the second mounting hole 102F-2 may have any shape that matches the shape of the blocking portion 108.

[0061] The blocking section 108 will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. A side view of the blocking section 108 observed from the x direction is shown schematically in Figure 13(a), a side view of the blocking section 108 observed from the y direction is shown schematically in Figure 13(b), and a top view of the blocking section 108 observed from the z direction is shown schematically in Figure 14.

[0062] The blocking portion 108 has a main body portion 108F, a first leg portion 108G-1, and a second leg portion 108G-2. The main body portion 108F is disposed above the hole portion 102C, the first mounting portion 102E-1, and the second mounting portion 102E-2. The main body portion 108F extends from above the first mounting portion 102E-1 to above the second mounting portion 102E-2 in a second direction intersecting a first direction away from the central axis 104C of the spring 104. The second direction may be substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The main body portion 108F is connected to the first leg portion 108G-1 and the second leg portion 108G-2. The first leg portion 108G-1 is inserted into the first mounting hole 102F-1, and the second leg portion 108G-2 is inserted into the second mounting hole 102F-2. The first leg 108G-1 is disposed in the first mounting hole 102F-1, and the second leg 108G-2 is disposed in the second mounting hole 102F-2.

[0063] The lengths of the first leg portion 108G-1 and the second leg portion 108G-2 may be any length that allows them to penetrate the first mounting portion 102E-1 and the second mounting portion 102E-2 in the thickness direction. As shown in Fig. 9, the length of the first leg portion 108G-1 is longer than the thickness of the first mounting portion 102E-1.

[0064] The first leg 108G-1 and the second leg 108G-2 preferably have a prism shape such as a square pillar or a cylinder. When the first mounting hole 102F-1 and the second mounting hole 102F-2 have a rectangular shape as shown in Fig. 14, the first leg 108G-1 and the second leg 108G-2 have a square pillar shape as shown in Fig. 13. However, the shapes of the first leg 108G-1 and the second leg 108G-2 are not limited to this.

[0065] As described above, the support structure 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention has the first mounting portion 102E-1 and the second mounting portion 102E-2, each having the first mounting hole 102F-1 and the second mounting hole 102F-2, provided in the spring seat 102, and the blocking portion 108, which is arranged by inserting the first leg 108G-1 and the second leg 108G-2 into the first mounting hole 102F-1 and the second mounting hole 102F-2, respectively. Because the first leg 108G-1 and the second leg 108G-2 of the blocking portion 108 are inserted into the first mounting hole 102F-1 and the second mounting hole 102F-2 of the first mounting portion 102E-1 and the second mounting portion 102E-2, the blocking portion 108 can reduce the risk of the blocking portion 108 falling off due to vibration of the support structure 10. Furthermore, since the first leg portion 108G-1 and the second leg portion 108G-2 are longer than the thickness of the first mounting portion 102E-1 and the second mounting portion 102E-2, the blocking portion 108 is stably maintained in a predetermined position on the first mounting portion 102E-1 and the second mounting portion 102E-2.

[0066] <Variation 1> 15 to 20(a) and 20(b), a description will be given of a support structure 10A, which is a modified example of the support structure 10. Descriptions of the configuration of the support structure 10A that is the same as or similar to the configuration of the support structure 10 may be omitted.

[0067] A perspective view of the support structure 10A is shown in Fig. 15, a side view observed from the x direction or y direction during presetting is shown in Fig. 16 or 17, and a top view observed from the z direction during presetting is shown in Fig. 18. A perspective view of the blocking unit 108 is shown in Fig. 19, a top view in Fig. 20(a), and a side view in Fig. 20(b).

[0068] The blocking portion 108 has a U-shape. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the blocking portion 108 is arranged so that its opening faces a first direction opposite to the central axis 104C of the spring 104. The blocking portion 108 is arranged so that its opening faces the end of the protruding portion 102B. The blocking portion 108 is arranged so that its opening faces outward.

[0069] The blocking portion 108 has a U-shaped main body portion 108F. As shown in Figure 20(a), the width W1 of the main body portion 108FH located above the hole portion 102C is smaller than the width W2 passing through the center 108HC of the first fixing hole 108H-1 and the second fixing hole 108H-2.

[0070] As described above, the blocking portion 108 is U-shaped and is positioned so that the opening faces outward, so that the protrusion 102B can be formed without protruding outward significantly, making it possible to make the support structure 10 more compact.

[0071] 19 and 20(a), the blocking portion 108 has a first fixing hole 108H-1, a second fixing hole 108H-2, a first fastening portion 108J1-1, a second fastening portion 108J1-2, a first fastening portion 108J2-1, and a second fastening portion 108J2-2. The first fixing hole 108H-1 overlaps with the first installation hole 102F-1 in a top view. The second fixing hole 108H-2 overlaps with the second installation hole 102F-2 in a top view.

[0072] The first fastening portion 108J1-1 (shank 108K-1) passes through the first fixing hole 108H-1 and the first installation hole 102F-1, and the first head 108L-1 of the first fastening portion 108J1-1 is disposed on the main body portion 108F. The first fastening portion 108J2-1 (shank 108K-2) passes through the second fixing hole 108H-2 and the second installation hole 102F-2, and the second head 108L-2 of the first fastening portion 108J2-1 is disposed on the main body portion 108F.

[0073] The first fastening portion 108J1-1 fastens to the second fastening portion 108J1-2 disposed below the first installation portion 102E-1. The first installation portion 102E-1 and the main body portion 108F are disposed between the first fastening portion 108J1-1 and the second fastening portion 108J1-2. The main body portion 108F is disposed between the first fastening portion 108J1-1 and the first installation portion 102E-1.

[0074] The first fastening portion 108J2-1 fastens to the second fastening portion 108J2-2 disposed below the second installation portion 102E-2. The second installation portion 102E-2 and the main body portion 108F are disposed between the first fastening portion 108J2-1 and the second fastening portion 108J2-2. The main body portion 108F is disposed between the first fastening portion 108J2-1 and the second installation portion 102E-2.

[0075] The first fastening portion 108J-1 may be a fastening member such as a bolt, and the second fastening portion 108J-2 may be a fastening member such as a nut.

[0076] Referring again to FIG. 19, the method of using the blocking unit 108 will be described. Without completely removing the second fastening portion 108J of the blocking unit 108, loosen it to a height that allows the first fastening portion 106A of the locking device 106 to pass through, move the main body portion 108F under the locking device 106, and release the preset of the support structure 10A. Specifically, loosen the second fastening portions 108J1-2 and 108J2-2 of the blocking unit 108, lift the main body portion 108F upward, pass the locking device 106 under the main body portion 108F, and move it through the hole 102C. After the locking device 106 has finished moving, tighten the second fastening portions 108J1-2 and 108J2-2 of the blocking unit 108.

[0077] As described above, by fixing the blocking portion 108 to the spring seat 102 by the first fastening portion 108J1-1 and the second fastening portion 108J1-2, and the first fastening portion 108J2-1 and the second fastening portion 108J2-2, the risk of the blocking portion 108 falling off can be further reduced.

[0078] <Variation 2> 21 to 25, a description will be given of a support structure 10B, which is a modified example of the support structure 10. Descriptions of the configuration of the support structure 10B that is the same as or similar to the configurations of the support structure 10 and the support structure 10A may be omitted.

[0079] A perspective view of the support structure 10B is shown in FIG. 21, a side view thereof observed from the x direction or y direction when preset is shown in FIG. 22 or FIG. 23, and a side view thereof observed from the x direction or y direction when movable is shown in FIG. 24 or FIG. 25, respectively.

[0080] The blocking portion 108 has a spring 108M between the first fastening portion 108J-1 and the second fastening portion 108J-2. Specifically, the spring 108M is disposed on the main body portion 108F. The spring 108M is disposed between the head portion 108L of the first fastening portion 108J-1 and the main body portion 108F. By disposing the spring 108M between the head portion 108L of the first fastening portion 108J-1 and the main body portion 108F, the main body portion 108F is pressed against the protruding portion 102B by the repulsive force of the spring 108M.

[0081] The distance between head 108L of first fastening portion 108J-1 and main body 108F is shorter than the natural length of spring 108M. Furthermore, the distance between the upper surface of protrusion 102B and the lower surface of main body 108F when spring 108M is compressed is greater than the height of a portion of locking device 106 disposed on protrusion 102B. This allows the repulsive force of spring 108M to be used to secure main body 108F, and also allows locking device 106 to pass under main body 108F.

[0082] As described above, by disposing the spring 108M between the head 108L of the first fastening portion 108J-1 and the main body portion 108F, it is possible to move the main body portion 108F upward and fix the main body portion 108F to the protruding portion 102B without having to tighten or loosen the first fastening portion 108J-1 and the second fastening portion 108J-2. Eliminating the need to tighten or loosen the first fastening portion 108J-1 and the second fastening portion 108J-2 improves the ease of assembly for the user of the support structure 10 and reduces the risk of losing the blocking portion 108.

[0083] Third Embodiment In this embodiment, a support structure 10 having a different structure from the support structure 10 described in the first and second embodiments will be described. Descriptions of configurations that are the same as or similar to those described in the first and second embodiments may be omitted.

[0084] A perspective view of the support structure 10 is shown in Fig. 26, a side view observed from the x or y direction during presetting is shown in Fig. 27 or Fig. 28, a top view observed from the z direction during presetting is shown in Fig. 29, and a side view observed from the x or y direction during operation is shown in Fig. 30 or Fig. 31. The top surface of a portion of the support structure 10 is shown schematically in Fig. 32.

[0085] At least one blocking portion 108 is provided for each locking device 106. In Fig. 26, a first blocking portion 108-1 and a second blocking portion 108-2 are provided for each locking device 106, but it is sufficient if either one is provided, that is, it is sufficient if either the first blocking portion 108-1 or the second blocking portion 108-2 is provided for each locking device 106.

[0086] The first blocking portion 108-1 is disposed on the first installation portion 102E-1. A portion of the first blocking portion 108-1 is disposed on the protruding portion 102B, as shown in FIG. 29 . A portion of the first blocking portion 108-1 is disposed so as to be located outside the outer shape of the hole 102C and inside the outer shape of the protruding portion 102B. The blocking portion 108 comes into contact with the locking device 106 when the locking device 106 moves through the hole 102C. For example, the blocking portion 108 may come into contact with the locking device 106 when the center 106AC of the locking device 106 is located on the boundary 102G between the upper surface portion 102A and the protruding portion 102B.

[0087] The second blocking portion 108-2 is disposed on the second installation portion 102E-2. A portion of the second blocking portion 108-2 is disposed on the protruding portion 102B, as shown in FIG. 29. A portion of the second blocking portion 108-2 is disposed so as to be located outside the outer shape of the hole 102C and inside the outer shape of the protruding portion 102B. The blocking portion 108 comes into contact with the locking device 106 when the center C of the locking device 106 is located on the boundary 102G between the upper surface portion 102A and the protruding portion 102B.

[0088] When the first preventing portion 108-1 is configured with a bolt and a nut, the first fastening portion 108J-1 is the bolt and the second fastening portion 108J-2 is the nut. As shown in Fig. 32, when the locking device 106 moves through the hole 102C, the washer 108N of the preventing portion 108 and the first fastening portion 106A-1 of the locking device 106 come into contact with each other.

[0089] The blocking portion 108 basically has a first fastening portion 108J-1 and a second fastening portion 108J-2. The first fastening portion 108J-1 passes through the first mounting hole 102F-1, and the first head 108L-1 of the first fastening portion 108J-1 is disposed above the first mounting portion 102E-1. The second fastening portion 108J-2 is disposed below the first mounting portion 102E-1. The first mounting portion 102E-1 is disposed between the first head 108L-1 of the first fastening portion 108J-1 and the second fastening portion 108J-2.

[0090] As described above, the support structure 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first installation portion 102E-1 having a first installation hole 102F-1, and a first blocking portion 108-1 that passes through the first installation hole 102F-1 and has a first fastening portion 108J-1 and a second fastening portion 108J-2 above and below the first installation portion 102E-1. By arranging the first fastening portion 108J-1 of the first blocking portion 108-1 above the first installation portion 102E-1, the first fastening portion 108J-1 and the locking device 106 interfere with each other, thereby suppressing movement of the hole 102C of the locking device 106. Furthermore, because the first blocking portion 108-1 is composed of the first fastening portion 108J-1 and the second fastening portion 108J-2, the number of parts is small, resulting in advantageous manufacturing and maintenance costs.

[0091] <Fourth embodiment> In this embodiment, a support structure 10 having a different structure from the support structure 10 described in the first to third embodiments will be described. Descriptions of configurations that are the same as or similar to the configurations described in the first to third embodiments may be omitted.

[0092] A perspective view of the support structure 10 is shown in Fig. 33, a side view observed from the x or y direction during preset is shown in Fig. 34 or Fig. 35, and a side view observed from the x or y direction during operation is shown in Fig. 36 or Fig. 37. A side view of the blocking portion 108 observed from the x or y direction is shown schematically in Fig. 38(a) or Fig. 38(b). Fig. 39 is a schematic enlarged side view of a portion of the support structure 10 observed from the y direction.

[0093] The blocking portion 108 is disposed on the protruding portion 102B so as to be adjacent to the upper surface portion 102A. The blocking portion 108 is joined to the protruding portion 102B. As shown in FIG. 33, the blocking portion 108 is U-shaped and disposed so that its opening faces the protruding portion 102B. The blocking portion 108 is disposed so that its opening faces in the z direction.

[0094] The blocking portion 108 has a main body portion 108F, a pair of leg portions 108P, and a pair of lower portions 108C. The main body portion 108F is located above the hole portion 102C and extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction away from the central axis C of the spring 104. A pair of leg portions 108P extend vertically from both ends of the main body portion 108F. A pair of lower portions 108Q extend vertically from the pair of legs 108P. The pair of legs 108P are located between the main body portion 108F and the pair of lower portions 108Q, respectively, and connect the main body portion 108F and the pair of lower portions 108Q, respectively. As shown in FIG. 38 , a distance 108QW between the pair of lower portions 108Q is longer than a distance 108PW between the pair of legs 108P.

[0095] 39, the pair of leg portions 108P and the pair of lower portions 108Q are arranged to sandwich the protruding portion 102B in the second direction. The pair of leg portions 108P are arranged to sandwich the head portion 106D of the locking device 106. The pair of lower portions 108Q are arranged to sandwich the protruding portion 102B.

[0096] The width 108PW of the pair of legs 108P is greater than the two-face width 106DW of the head 106D and less than the diagonal distance. The width 108PW of the pair of legs 108P is greater than the width 106DW of two parallel faces of the head 106D in a top view and less than the distance between the opposing corners. The distance 108PW between the pair of legs 108P in the second direction is equal to or slightly greater than the two-face width 106DW of the head 106D. The width 102BW of the outer shape of the protrusion 102B is greater than the width 108PW of the pair of legs 108P. The width 102BW of the outer shape of the protrusion 102B is greater than the distance 108PW of the pair of legs 108P in the second direction. The width 102BW of the outer shape of the protrusion 102B is equal to the width 108QW of the pair of lower parts 108Q. The width 102BW of the outer shape of the protrusion 102B is equal to the distance 108QW between the pair of lower parts 108Q in the second direction. The width 108PW of the opening of the blocking part 108 corresponds to the distance 108PW between the pair of leg parts 108P.

[0097] The height h3 of the head 106D is equal to or smaller than the height h4 of the opening of the blocking portion 108. The height h4 of the opening of the blocking portion 108 is equal to or larger than the height h3 of the head 106D. The height h4 of the opening of the blocking portion corresponds to the vertical length of the pair of legs 108P. The head 106D is part of the first fastening portion 106A of the locking device 106, and can be expressed as the height of the first fastening portion 106A.

[0098] As described above, the support structure 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a U-shaped blocking portion 108 that is positioned on and connects to the protrusion 102B with its opening facing the protrusion 102B. The width W of the opening of the blocking portion 108 is equal to the width across flats of the head of the locking device 106, and the height h4 of the opening is equal to the height h3 of the head 106D of the locking device 106. Therefore, to move the locking device 106 below the main body 108F of the blocking portion 108, the orientation of the width across flats 106DW of the head 106D and the height h3 of the head 106D must be aligned with the opening of the blocking portion 108. The blocking portion 108 can limit the movement of the hole 102C of the locking device 106 in the event of irregular movements such as vibration. Furthermore, the blocking portion 108 does not need to be removed to move the locking device 106, which prevents the blocking portion 108 from being lost or forgotten to be reinstalled.

[0099] <Variation 3> 40 to 46, a description will be given of a support structure 10C, which is a modified example of the support structure 10. Descriptions of the configuration of the support structure 10C that is the same as or similar to the configuration of the support structure 10 may be omitted.

[0100] A perspective view of the support structure 10C is shown in Fig. 40, a side view observed from the x or y direction during presetting is shown in Fig. 41 or 42, a top view observed from the z direction during presetting is shown in Fig. 43, and a side view observed from the x or y direction during operation is shown in Fig. 44 or 45. A perspective view of the blocking unit 108 is shown in Fig. 46(a), a top view in Fig. 46(b), and a side view in Fig. 46(c).

[0101] The blocking portion 108 has a plurality of blocking portions 108. As shown in FIGS. 40 and 43, the blocking portion 108 has a first blocking portion 108-1 and a second blocking portion 108-2. The first blocking portion 108-1 and the second blocking portion 108-2 are arranged on either side of the hole portion 102C along a second direction intersecting a first direction away from the central axis 104C of the spring 104. The first blocking portion 108-1 and the second blocking portion 108-2 are adjacent to the upper surface portion 102A. The first blocking portion 108-1 and the second blocking portion 108-2 are arranged outside the outline of the hole portion 102C. The first blocking portion 108-1 and the second blocking portion 108-2 are spaced apart. 42 and 43, the distance between the first blocking portion 108-1 and the second blocking portion 108-2 is smaller than the width of the first fastening portion 106A-1 of the locking device 106. The distance W5 between the first blocking portion 108-1 and the second blocking portion 108-2 is smaller than the width across flats W6 of the head portion 106D of the locking device 106.

[0102] As described above, the distance between the first and second blocking portions 108-1, 108-2, which are arranged on either side of the hole 102C and joined to the protrusion 102B, is smaller than the width of the first fastening portion 106A-1 of the locking device 106. As a result, the blocking portion 108 interferes with the movement of the locking device 106. To move the locking device 106 through the hole 102C, it is necessary to loosen the second fastening portion 106B and then lift the head 106D of the first fastening portion 106A, which prevents the locking device 106 from moving through the hole 102C. Furthermore, moving the locking device 106 does not require the removal of the blocking portion 108. This prevents the blocking portion from being lost or forgetting to reattach it.

[0103] <Variation 4> 47 to 53, a description will be given of a support structure 10D, which is a modified example of the support structure 10. When the configuration of the support structure 10D is the same as or similar to the configuration of the support structure 10, a description thereof may be omitted.

[0104] A perspective view of the support structure 10D is shown in Figure 47, a side view observed from the x or y direction during presetting is shown in Figure 48 or 49, a top view observed from the z direction during presetting is shown in Figure 50, and a side view observed from the x or y direction during operation is shown in Figure 51 or 52. A perspective view of the blocking unit 108 is shown in Figure 53(a), a top view is shown in Figure 53(b), and side views are shown in Figures 53(c) and 53(d), respectively.

[0105] The first blocking portion 108-1 and the second blocking portion 108-2 are disposed on the protruding portion 102B, with the hole 102C sandwiched between them. The first blocking portion 108-1 and the second blocking portion 108-2 are spaced apart. The first blocking portion 108-1 and the second blocking portion 108-2 are each connected to a different side plate 114. Specifically, the first blocking portion 108-1 is connected to one of the pair of side plates 114. The second blocking portion 108-2 is connected to the other of the pair of side plates 114. As shown in FIG. 47, the first blocking portion 108-1 is connected to the side plate 114-1, and the second blocking portion 108-2 is connected to the side plate 114-2. The first blocking portion 108-1 is connected to the side plate 114-1 located above the upper surface portion 102A. The second blocking portion 108-2 is connected to a side plate 114-2 located on the top surface portion 102A.

[0106] The side plate 114 has holes 114D in its upper surface 114A for connection to the spring seat 102. The side plate 114 also has holes (not shown) in the spring seat 102 that correspond to the holes 114D. As shown in Figures 53(a) and 53(b), the side plate 114 has multiple holes 114D. The side plate 114 and the spring seat 102 are connected by fastening members 102T or the like that pass through the holes 114D.

[0107] As described above, the first blocking portion 108-1 and the second blocking portion 108-2, which are arranged on either side of the single hole 102C, are each connected to a different side plate 114, and the blocking portion 108 and the side plate 114 are integrated together. Because the blocking portion 108 is formed by joining it to the side plate 114, rather than being formed by joining it to the protruding portion 102B, the blocking portion 108 is also installed on the protruding portion 102B during the process of assembling the side plate 114 during manufacturing. This eliminates the need for a separate process of assembling the blocking portion 108, reducing assembly costs.

[0108] Fifth Embodiment In this embodiment, a support structure 20 having a different structure from the support structure 10 described in the first to fourth embodiments will be described. Descriptions of configurations that are the same as or similar to those described in the first to fourth embodiments may be omitted.

[0109] A perspective view of the support structure 20 is shown schematically in Figure 54, a side view observed from the x direction or y direction during presetting is shown in Figure 55 or Figure 56, and a side view observed from the x direction or y direction during operation is shown in Figure 57 or Figure 58, respectively.

[0110] The case 100 has a bent portion 100E. As shown in FIG. 54, the bent portion 100E bends from the protruding edge portion 100C toward the bottom surface portion 100B. The bent portion 100E extends vertically from the protruding edge portion 100C. The bent portion 100E extends from the protruding edge portion 100C in the direction in which the central axis 104C of the spring 104 extends. As shown in FIG. 55, the bent portion 100E protrudes from the side plate 114-1 and the side plate 114-2 in a direction away from the central axis 104C of the spring 104 in a side view. The bent portion 100E has a gap 100F. The gap 100F is connected to the hole 100D in the protruding edge portion 100C. By connecting the gap 100F and the hole 100D, the locking device 106 arranged in the hole 100D can pass through the gap 100F from the hole 100D, and the fixing of the spring 104 is released.

[0111] The gap 100F extends vertically from the hole 100D in the flange 100C to the end of the bent portion 100E. The gap 100F extends from the hole 100D in the flange 100C in the direction of the central axis 104C to the end of the bent portion 100E. The gap 100F divides the bent portion 100E into at least two portions. The width 100FW of the gap 100F is smaller than the width 106BW of the second fastening portion 106B of the locking device 106, as shown in FIG. 56 . The width of the shaft portion of the first fastening portion 106A-1 of the locking device 106 is smaller than the width 100FW of the gap 100F and the width of the hole 100D in the flange 100C.

[0112] As described above, the support structure 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention has a bent portion 100E that bends vertically from the protruding edge portion 100C of the case 100. The bent portion 100E has a gap 100F that connects to the hole 100D of the protruding edge portion 100C. When the locking device 106 moves through the hole 102C, the bent portion 100E interferes with the second fastening portion 106B of the locking device 106, so the second fastening portion 106B of the locking device 106 must pass under the bent portion 100E. This allows the bent portion 100E to prevent unintended movement of the locking device 106. Furthermore, because the support structure 20 does not have a blocking portion 108, movement of the locking device 106 does not require the removal of the blocking portion 108, and there is no risk of losing the blocking portion 108 or forgetting to reinstall it.

[0113] The above-described embodiments of the present invention may be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually inconsistent. Furthermore, even if a person skilled in the art adds or deletes components or modifies the design based on each embodiment, the addition, deletion, or modification of components is included in the scope of the present invention as long as the gist of the present invention is maintained.

[0114] Furthermore, even if there are other effects and advantages different from those brought about by the above-mentioned embodiments, those that are clear from the description in this specification or that can be easily predicted by a person skilled in the art are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 10: Support structure, 10A: Support structure, 10B: Support structure, 10C: Support structure, 10D: Support structure, 100: Case, 100A: Side portion, 100AW: Width, distance, 100B: Bottom surface portion, 100C: Edge portion, 100CW: Spacing, 100D: Hole, 100E: Bend portion, 100F: Gap, 102: Spring seat, 102A: Top surface portion, 102B: Protrusion portion, 102C: Hole portion, 102BW: Width, 102E: Installation portion, 102E-1: First installation portion, 102E-2: Second installation portion, 102F-1: First installation hole, 102F-2: Second Installation hole, 102G: boundary, 102T: fastening member, 104: spring, 104C: central axis, 106: locking device, 106A: first fastening portion, 106A-1: first fastening portion, 106AC: center, 106AW: width across flats, 106B: second fastening portion, 106C: shaft portion, 106CL: width, 106CW: width, 106D: head, 106DW: width, 106E: washer, 108: blocking portion, 108-1: first blocking portion, 108-2: second blocking portion, 108A: upper portion, 108B: middle portion, 108C: lower portion, 108D-1: side surface, 108D-1A: side Surface, 108D-1B: Side, 108D-1C: Side, 108D-2: Side, 108D-2A: Side, 108D-2B: Side, 108D-2C: Side, 108D-3: Side, 108F: Main body, 108FH: Main body, 108G-1: First leg, 108G- 2: Second leg, 108H-1: First fixing hole, 108H-2: Second fixing hole, 108HC: Center, 108J-1: First fastening part, 108J1-1: First fastening part, 108J1-2: Second fastening part, 108J-2: Second fastening part, 108J2-1: First fastening part, 108J 2-2: second fastening portion, 108K-1: shaft portion, 108K-2: shaft portion, 108L: head portion, 108L-1: first head portion, 108L-2: second head portion, 108M: spring, 108N: washer, 108P: leg portion, 108PW: width, 108Q: lower portion, 108QW: width, distance, 110: load flange, 112: load column, 114: side plate, 114-1: side plate, 114-2: side plate, 114A: upper surface portion, 114B: side portion, 114C: bending portion, 114D: hole, 116: base plate, 116A: hole

Claims

1. at least one spring; a spring seat located on the spring, the spring seat having an upper surface, a protrusion protruding from the upper surface in a first direction away from a central axis of the spring, and a hole formed from the upper surface to the protrusion; a case having a pair of side surfaces located below the spring seat and sandwiching the spring therebetween, a protruding edge portion protruding from the pair of side surfaces in the first direction and having a hole with an opening at an end, and a bottom surface portion facing the spring seat; a locking device positioned between the spring seat and the flange, passing through the hole and the hole in the flange, the locking device having a first fastening portion above the top surface and a second fastening portion below the flange; a blocking portion having an upper portion positioned above the first fastening portion, a middle portion positioned between the upper portion and the protrusion, and a lower portion positioned below the middle portion and inside the hole, Support structure.

2. The locking device further includes a shaft portion between the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion, In the first direction, a length from one end to the other end of the hole portion is longer than the sum of a quotient obtained by dividing the sum of the width of the shaft portion and the two-face width of the first fastening portion by 2 and a first length from one end to the other end of the lower portion, and is shorter than the sum of the first length, the width, and the two-face width of the first fastening portion; The support structure of claim 1 .

3. at least one spring; a spring seat located on the spring, the spring seat having an upper surface, a protrusion protruding from the upper surface in a first direction away from a central axis of the spring, and a hole formed from the upper surface to the protrusion; a case having a pair of side surfaces located below the spring seat and sandwiching the spring therebetween, a protruding edge portion protruding from the pair of side surfaces in the first direction and having a hole with an opening at an end, and a bottom surface portion facing the spring seat; a locking device positioned between the spring seat and the flange, passing through the hole and the hole in the flange, the locking device having a first fastening portion above the top surface and a second fastening portion below the flange; a blocking portion located on the protrusion, Support structure.

4. the spring seat has a first installation portion and a second installation portion that are continuous with the upper surface portion, sandwich the protrusion in a second direction that intersects with the first direction, and have a first installation hole and a second installation hole that penetrate in a direction in which a central axis of the spring extends, the blocking portion has a first body portion disposed over the hole portion, the first mounting portion, and the second mounting portion and extending in the second direction; The support structure of claim 3 .

5. The blocking portion has a first leg portion disposed in the first mounting hole and having a length greater than a thickness of the first mounting portion, and a second leg portion disposed in the second mounting hole and having a length greater than a thickness of the second mounting portion, the first leg portion and the second leg portion are connected to the first body portion; The support structure of claim 4.

6. The blocking portion has a first fixing hole overlapping the first installation hole in a top view, a first fastening portion that passes through the first installation hole and the first fixing hole and has a first head disposed on the first main body portion, a second fastening portion that is disposed below the first installation portion, a second fixing hole that overlaps the second installation hole, a second fastening portion that passes through the second installation hole and the second fixing hole and has a second head disposed on the first main body portion, and a second fastening portion that is disposed below the second installation portion. The support structure of claim 4.

7. a width of the first body portion above the hole portion in the first direction that is smaller than a width of the first body portion passing through a center of the first fixing hole; The support structure of claim 6.

8. The blocking portion further includes a first spring between the first head portion and the first body portion, and a second spring between the second head portion and the first body portion. The support structure of claim 6.

9. the spring seat has a first installation hole penetrating in a direction in which a central axis of the spring extends, and a first installation portion continuing from the upper surface portion and adjacent to the protruding portion; The blocking portion has a first blocking portion that passes through the first mounting hole and has a first fastening portion above the first mounting portion and a second fastening portion below the first mounting portion. The support structure of claim 3 .

10. the spring seat has a second installation hole penetrating in a direction in which a central axis of the spring extends, and a second installation portion continuing from the upper surface portion and adjacent to the protruding portion; The blocking portion further includes a second blocking portion that passes through the second mounting hole and has a first fastening portion above the second mounting portion and a second fastening portion below the second mounting portion. The support structure of claim 9.

11. the blocking portion has a pair of lower portions sandwiching the protruding portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a second main body portion extending in the second direction above the hole portion, and a pair of legs connecting the second main body portion and the pair of lower portions, The height of the leg portion is equal to or greater than the height of the first fastening portion, a distance between the pair of legs in the second direction that is greater than a width across flats of the first fastening portion and smaller than a diagonal distance; The support structure of claim 3 .

12. a distance between the pair of lower portions in the second direction is longer than a distance between the pair of leg portions; The support structure of claim 11.

13. the blocking portion has a first blocking portion and a second blocking portion that are arranged to sandwich the hole portion along a second direction that intersects with the first direction, a distance between the first blocking portion and the second blocking portion in the second direction is smaller than a width of a first fastening portion of the locking device; The support structure of claim 3 .

14. a pair of side plates fastened onto the spring seat, sandwiching the spring therebetween, and having a bent portion below the protruding edge; the first blocking portion is connected to one of the pair of side plates, the second blocking portion is connected to the other of the pair of side plates; The support structure of claim 13.

15. at least one spring; a spring seat located on the spring, the spring seat having an upper surface, a protrusion protruding from the upper surface in a first direction away from a central axis of the spring, and a hole formed from the upper surface to the protrusion; a case having a bottom surface portion located below the spring seat and facing the spring seat, a pair of side surfaces sandwiching the spring and continuous with the bottom surface portion, protruding edge portions protruding from the pair of side surfaces in the first direction and having a hole opening toward the first direction, and a bent portion bent from the protruding edge portions toward the bottom surface portion and having a gap connecting to the hole in the protruding edge portion; a locking device positioned between the spring seat and the flange, passing through the hole and the hole in the flange, and having a first fastening portion above the upper surface and a second fastening portion below the flange, Support structure.

16. The width of the gap of the bent portion is smaller than the width of the second fastening portion in a side view.

16. The support structure of claim 15.

17. the locking device is movable in the hole in the first direction and in a direction opposite to the first direction; When the spring expands or contracts, the locking device is disposed in the hole in the protrusion, When the spring is fixed, the locking device is disposed in the hole in the top surface. The support structure of claims 1, 3 and 15.

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