Transmission suppression unit, transmission suppression mechanism, seismic isolation unit, seismic isolation device and slider

Abstract

In a transmission suppression unit that incorporates a transmission suppression mechanism to reduce the transmission of force, a novel structure is provided that can output force while reducing the amount of displacement caused by the input force. [Solution] In the transmission suppression unit, multiple transmission suppression mechanisms 1 are formed sequentially along the force transmission path so that force is transmitted. That is, according to the transmission suppression mechanism 1, the rolling element 2 can roll on the surface. The rolling surface forming body 3 has a rolling surface 5 on which the rolling element 2 rolls, and by being displaced in a direction along the rolling surface 5, it causes the rolling element 2 to roll on the rolling surface 5. Furthermore, the holder 4 holds the rolling element 2 so that it can roll, and is displaced in a direction along the rolling surface 5 as the rolling element 2 rolls on the rolling surface 5. As a result, the transmission suppression unit can output force while reducing the amount of displacement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure mainly relates to a transmission suppression unit forming a transmission suppression mechanism for suppressing the transmission of force, and particularly relates to a seismic isolation unit for seismic isolation of a building from an earthquake, a seismic isolation device including the seismic isolation unit, and a device that can be suitably used for a slider.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, among the above-described seismic isolation devices, those using laminated rubber in which rubber and steel plates are alternately laminated are representative, and the laminated rubber is used as a force transmission suppression mechanism to weaken the force transmitted from the ground and transmit it to the building (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2). That is, according to the seismic isolation device using laminated rubber, mainly by elastic deformation of the rubber, the displacement amount due to the force input from the ground is reduced, thereby suppressing the vibration of the building.

[0003] By the way, the elasticity of rubber varies diversely depending on the shape and material. Therefore, it is necessary to select the shape and material and design the laminated rubber based on various conditions such as the mass of the building and the assumed magnitude of vibration. Furthermore, rubber deteriorates due to heat and light, and the progress of deterioration also varies greatly depending on the usage environment and the like. Therefore, there is a demand for a seismic isolation device capable of reducing vibration with a novel structure instead of a structure that reduces vibration by elastic deformation of rubber. In addition, a structure for reducing the displacement amount due to the input force can be used in fields other than seismic isolation devices, and the demand for a novel transmission suppression unit is considered to be high.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The primary objective of this disclosure is to provide a novel structure in a force transmission suppression unit that can reduce the amount of displacement caused by an input force. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, the transmission suppression unit forms a transmission suppression mechanism that suppresses the transmission of force. The transmission suppression mechanism further comprises rolling elements, a rolling surface forming body, and a holder. Specifically, the rolling elements are capable of rolling on a surface. The rolling surface forming body has a rolling surface on which the rolling elements roll, and causes the rolling elements to roll on the rolling surface by being displaced in a direction along the rolling surface. Furthermore, the holder holds the rolling elements so that they can roll, and is displaced in a direction along the rolling surface as the rolling elements roll on the rolling surface.

[0007] Furthermore, in the transmission suppression unit, multiple transmission suppression mechanisms are formed so that force is transmitted sequentially along the force transmission path. Among the combinations of two adjacent transmission suppression mechanisms with respect to the transmission path, there exists a specific combination as follows: that is, a specific combination in which the rolling surface of the output transmission suppression mechanism is provided on the holder of the input transmission suppression mechanism, and the holder of the input transmission suppression mechanism and the rolling surface forming body of the output transmission suppression mechanism are integrated.

[0008] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, the transmission suppression mechanism includes the following separation prevention section. That is, the separation prevention section allows the rolling surface forming body and the retainer to be displaced relative to each other in a direction parallel to the rolling surface, and prevents them from being displaced relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the rolling surface. The separation prevention section also has a sliding contact surface on the forming body side and a sliding contact surface on the retainer side that slide against the rolling surface forming body and the retainer, respectively, when the rolling surface forming body and the retainer are displaced relative to each other in a direction parallel to the rolling surface. The first and second embodiments described above potentially provide a novel structure for a force transmission suppression unit that reduces the amount of displacement caused by the input force. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing the main parts of the transmission suppression mechanism (Example 1). [Figure 2] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the transmission suppression unit, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the deflection state when an external force is applied to the transmission suppression unit (Example 1). [Figure 3] This is an overall diagram of the seismic isolation device (Example 1). [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the slider (Example 2). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments for implementing this disclosure will be described in detail by the following examples. [Examples]

[0011] [Configuration of Example 1] The seismic isolation device 100 of Example 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. The seismic isolation device 100 is installed, for example, between a building (not shown) and the ground to isolate the building from earthquakes. Here, the seismic isolation device 100 is equipped with seismic isolation units 100A and 100B that reduce vibrations in the horizontal and vertical directions, respectively, and isolates the building from earthquakes by significantly reducing ground vibrations (see Figure 3, etc.). Here, the seismic isolation unit 100A is primarily equipped with a transmission suppression mechanism 1 that reduces the transmission of force. Therefore, I will first explain the transmission inhibition mechanism 1.

[0012] The transmission suppression mechanism 1 transmits force and comprises the following rolling elements 2, a rolling surface forming body 3, and a holder 4 (see Figure 1). First, the rolling elements 2 are capable of rolling on a surface. The rolling surface forming body 3 has a rolling surface 5 on which the rolling elements 2 roll, and by displacing in a direction along the rolling surface 5, it causes the rolling elements 2 to roll on the rolling surface 5. Furthermore, the holder 4 holds the rolling elements 2 so that they can roll, and displaces in a direction along the rolling surface 5 as the rolling elements 2 roll on the rolling surface 5.

[0013] Note that rolling element 2 is a sphere. Furthermore, it is preferable to apply a viscosity modifier, for example, to the rolling surface 5 in order to suppress slippage of the rolling elements 2. In addition, if the rolling elements 2 are magnetic, the slippage of the rolling elements 2 may be suppressed by magnetizing the rolling surface 5.

[0014] Furthermore, the holder 4 has a holding portion 4a for holding the rolling element 2, and a main body portion 4b to which the holding portion 4a can be detachably attached. The retaining portion 4a is a part having a retaining hole 4c that holds the rolling element 2 in a rotatable manner. More specifically, in a plan view, the retaining portion 4a has a circular hole that penetrates in the direction of the plate thickness, and the side surface of this hole is spherically concave on the outer circumference, and this concaveness forms the retaining hole 4c. Furthermore, the retaining hole 4c is located at the outermost circumference at the center of the plate thickness, and the diameter of the retaining hole 4c is slightly larger than the diameter of the rolling element 2.

[0015] Furthermore, grease, for example, is filled between the surface of the retaining hole 4c and the surface of the rolling element 2, allowing the rolling element 2 to smoothly rotate and slide against the surface of the retaining hole 4c. Furthermore, the holding portion 4a consists of, for example, two parts 4a1 and 4a2. The parts 4a1 and 4a2 form the holding portion 4a while sandwiching the rolling element 2, and are mounted on the main body portion 4b, thereby holding the rolling element 2 in a rotatable manner.

[0016] Further, for example, the holding part 4a and the main body part 4b can be provided such that the holding part 4a is movable perpendicular to the rolling surface 5. In this case, since the holding part 4a can move relative to the main body part 4b in the direction perpendicular to the rolling surface 5, even if there are irregularities on the rolling surface 5, the rolling elements 2 can roll smoothly on the rolling surface 5.

[0017] Further, the transmission suppression mechanism 1 includes the following separation prevention part 7. That is, the separation prevention part 7 allows the rolling surface forming body 3 and the holding body 4 to be displaced relatively in the direction parallel to the rolling surface 5, and prevents them from being displaced relatively in the direction perpendicular to the rolling surface 5. Hereinafter, the separation prevention part 7 will be described in detail.

[0018] The separation prevention part 7 is composed of the following forming body side, holding body side containers 8A, 8B, bolts 9, etc. First, the forming body side, holding body side containers 8A, 8B are parts having the forming body side, holding body side sliding contact surfaces 10A, 10B described below. Here, the forming body side, holding body side sliding contact surfaces 10A, 10B are surfaces that come into sliding contact with the rolling surface forming body 3 and the holding body 4 respectively when the rolling surface forming body 3 and the holding body 4 are displaced relatively in the direction parallel to the rolling surface 5.

[0019] Also, the forming body side, holding body side containers 8A, 8B are accommodated in the holes 11A, 11B provided in the rolling surface forming body 3 and the holding body 4 respectively. Here, the holes 11A, 11B each have stepped surfaces 12A, 12B parallel to the rolling surface 5. More specifically, the hole 11A is composed of, for example, a small cylindrical region 11As that opens to the rolling surface 5, and a large cylindrical region 11Ag that is coaxial with the small cylindrical region 11As and has a larger diameter than the small cylindrical region 11As and opens to the surface on the opposite side of the rolling surface 5. And the small cylindrical region 11As opens to the bottom surface on the rolling surface 5 side of the large cylindrical region 11Ag, and the outer peripheral side of the opening of the small cylindrical region 11As on this bottom surface forms the stepped surface 12A.

[0020] Furthermore, the hole 11B consists of, for example, small cylindrical regions 11Bs that open to the surface 5A facing the rolling surface 5, and large cylindrical regions 11Bg that are coaxial with the small cylindrical regions 11Bs, have a larger diameter than the small cylindrical regions 11Bs, and open to the surface opposite to the surface 5A. The small cylindrical regions 11Bs open to the bottom surface of the large cylindrical region 11Bg on the side facing the surface 5A, and the outer circumference of the opening of the small cylindrical regions 11Bs on this bottom surface forms a stepped surface 12B.

[0021] Furthermore, the forming body side housing 8A is, for example, a cylindrical part, and has a stepped surface perpendicular to its axis, gradually decreasing in diameter. That is, the forming body side housing 8A consists of a small cylindrical part 8As housed in the small cylindrical region 11As, and a large cylindrical part 8Ag that is coaxial with the small cylindrical part 8As, has a larger diameter than the small cylindrical part 8As, and is housed in the large cylindrical region 11Ag, with an annular stepped surface formed between the large cylindrical part 8Ag and the small cylindrical part 8As. This stepped surface functions as the forming body side sliding contact surface 10A, and when the rolling surface forming body 3 and the holder 4 are displaced relative to each other in a direction parallel to the rolling surface 5, they slide against the stepped surface 12A.

[0022] Furthermore, the forming body side housing 8A is provided with a through hole 13A that is coaxial with the small and large cylindrical parts 8As and 8Ag. Here, the through hole 13A has a roughly cylindrical inner surface, and the inner surface of the large cylindrical portion 8Ag is provided with an internal thread.

[0023] Furthermore, the retainer-side housing 8B is, for example, a cylindrical component that has a stepped surface perpendicular to its axis and gradually decreases in diameter. That is, the retainer-side housing 8B consists of small cylindrical parts 8Bs housed in the small cylindrical region 11Bs, and a large cylindrical part 8Bg that is coaxial with the small cylindrical parts 8Bs, has a larger diameter than the small cylindrical parts 8Bs, and is housed in the large cylindrical region 11Bg, with an annular stepped surface formed between the large cylindrical part 8Bg and the small cylindrical parts 8Bs. This stepped surface functions as the retainer-side sliding contact surface 10B, and slides against the stepped surface 12B when the rolling surface forming body 3 and the retainer 4 are displaced relative to each other in a direction parallel to the rolling surface 5.

[0024] Furthermore, the retainer-side housing 8B is provided with a through hole 13B that is coaxial with the small and large cylindrical sections 8Bs and 8Bg. Here, the through hole 13B is stepped in diameter on the side of the small cylindrical portion 8Bs compared to the side of the large cylindrical portion 8Bg. More specifically, in the through hole 13B, the sides of the small and large cylindrical portions 8Bs and 8Bg have cylindrical inner surfaces of large and small diameters, respectively, and an annular stepped surface 13s is interposed between these large and small inner surfaces.

[0025] Furthermore, the bolt 9 accommodates the forming body side and the retaining body side housings 8A and 8B in the holes 11A and 11B, respectively, and with the forming body side and the retaining body side housings 8A and 8B arranged coaxially, the shaft portion 9s is inserted from the side of the retaining body 4 to connect the rolling surface forming body 3 and the retaining body 4. More specifically, the head 9h of the bolt 9 is housed in the large-diameter cylindrical region of the through hole 13B, the base of the shaft 9s is housed in the small-diameter cylindrical region, and the tip of the shaft 9s is housed in the through hole 13A. The male thread of the shaft 9s is screwed into the female thread of the large cylindrical portion 8Ag, and the head 9h is pressed against the stepped surface 13s.

[0026] With the above configuration, according to the transmission suppression mechanism 1, when a force is input to the rolling surface forming body 3 and the rolling surface forming body 3 is displaced in a direction along the rolling surface 5, the rolling element 2 rolls on the rolling surface 5 and displaces the holder 4 in a direction along the rolling surface 5. At this time, the holder 4 is displaced in the same direction as the rolling surface forming body 3, and further displaced by half the amount of displacement of the rolling surface forming body 3. Therefore, according to the transmission suppression mechanism 1, it is possible to output force while reducing the amount of displacement caused by the input force.

[0027] Next, I will explain the seismic isolation unit 100A. In the seismic isolation unit 100A, multiple transmission suppression mechanisms 1 are formed so that force is transmitted sequentially along the force transmission path. Here, the seismic isolation unit 100A consists of the following specific combinations arranged in a continuous sequence along the force transmission path.

[0028] In other words, the specific combination is one in which the rolling surface 5 of the output transmission suppression mechanism 1 is provided on the holder 4 of the input transmission suppression mechanism 1, and the holder 4 of the input transmission suppression mechanism 1 and the rolling surface forming body 3 of the output transmission suppression mechanism 1 are integrated.

[0029] For example, as shown in Figure 2(a), if the transmission suppression mechanisms 1a, 1b, and 1c are formed along the force transmission path, and the transmission suppression mechanisms 1a and 1b are in a specific combination, and the transmission suppression mechanisms 1b and 1c are in a specific combination, then the holder 4 of transmission suppression mechanism 1a and the rolling surface forming body 3 of transmission suppression mechanism 1b are the same single component, and the holder 4 of transmission suppression mechanism 1b and the rolling surface forming body 3 of transmission suppression mechanism 1c are the same single component. In other words, the holder 4 of transmission suppression mechanism 1a also serves as the rolling surface forming body 3 of transmission suppression mechanism 1b, and the holder 4 of transmission suppression mechanism 1b also serves as the rolling surface forming body 3 of transmission suppression mechanism 1c.

[0030] Furthermore, in certain combinations, a component that serves as both a rolling surface forming body 3 and a retainer 4, or a component that is a retainer 4 alone, holds multiple rolling elements 2, and in the direction in which the rolling elements 2 are aligned, a rolling element 2 from another component is positioned between two rolling elements 2 assembled to one component.

[0031] For example, the rolling element 2 of the holder 4 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1b is positioned between two rolling elements 2 that are assembled and lined up on the holder 4 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1a, and is in contact with the rolling surface forming body 3 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1b, that is, the rolling surface 5 of the member that also serves as the holder 4 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1a. Similarly, the rolling element 2 of the holder 4 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1c is positioned between the two rolling elements 2 that are assembled and lined up on the holder 4 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1b, and is in contact with the rolling surface forming body 3 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1c, that is, the rolling surface 5 of the member that also serves as the holder 4 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1b.

[0032] As a result, in the transmission suppression mechanisms 1a, 1b, and 1c, the members that hold the rolling elements 2, that is, the members that hold the holders 4, are supported at multiple points. Hereinafter, a "transmission suppression unit" may refer to a configuration in which multiple transmission suppression mechanisms 1 are formed along a force transmission path, such as transmission suppression mechanisms 1a, 1b, and 1c, in which force is transmitted sequentially through a series of specific combinations.

[0033] Thus, with the transmission suppression unit, since the transmission suppression mechanism 1 is continuous along the force transmission path, the amount of displacement can be reduced by a power of 1 / 2, with the number of continuous transmission suppression mechanisms 1 as the exponent, and the force can be output. Furthermore, even if an unintended external force is applied, the transmission suppression unit can absorb the external force through the temporary elastic deformation of the holder 4 and operate in a way that produces the desired effect.

[0034] Furthermore, if an unintended external force acts on the input-side component of the transmission suppression unit, this external force is thought to be sequentially weakened by the elastic deformation of the holder 4 of each transmission suppression mechanism 1 as it is transmitted sequentially to the multiple transmission suppression mechanisms 1. For this reason, the output-side component is thought to be largely unaffected by the unintended external force.

[0035] For example, as shown in Figure 2(b), if we assume that an external force is applied perpendicularly to the rolling surface forming body 3 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1a, the rolling surface forming body 3 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1a will exert a pressing force on the rolling element 2 and the holder 4 in the same direction as the external force, with the contact point with the rolling element 2 as the point of application. At the same time, the holder 4 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1a receives a reaction force from the contact point with the rolling element 2 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1b in the opposite direction to the external force. As a result, the holder 4 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1a undergoes elastic deformation such that the portion near the contact point with the rolling element 2 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1b protrudes in the opposite direction to the external force.

[0036] As a result of this elastic deformation, an elastic force is generated in the holder 4 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1a in the same direction as the external force, causing the holder 4 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1a to exert a pressing force on the rolling element 2 and the holder 4 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1b in the same direction as the external force. At the same time, the holder 4 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1b receives a reaction force in the opposite direction to the external force from the contact point with the rolling element 2 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1c. Therefore, the holder 4 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1b undergoes elastic deformation such that the portion near the contact point with the rolling element 2 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1c protrudes in the opposite direction to the external force.

[0037] In this state, where an external force is acting and the holders 4 of the transmission suppression mechanisms 1a and 1b are elastically deformed, the magnitude of the force is thought to be as follows. In other words, in the transmission suppression mechanism 1a, the magnitude of the pressing force exerted by the rolling surface forming body 3 on the rolling elements 2 and the retaining body 4 is considered to be approximately equal to the external force.

[0038] Furthermore, in the transmission suppression mechanism 1b, the magnitude of the pressing force exerted by the rolling surface forming body 3 on the rolling element 2 and the retainer 4 is considered to be approximately equal to the elastic force of the rolling surface forming body 3, that is, the elastic force of the retainer 4 in the transmission suppression mechanism 1a. Furthermore, in the transmission suppression mechanism 1c, the magnitude of the pressing force exerted by the rolling surface forming body 3 on the rolling element 2 and the retainer 4 is considered to be approximately equal to the elastic force of the rolling surface forming body 3, that is, the elastic force of the retainer 4 in the transmission suppression mechanism 1b.

[0039] Therefore, it is thought that when the external force acting on the rolling surface forming body 3 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1a is transmitted from the transmission suppression mechanism 1a to the transmission suppression mechanism 1b, it is partially converted into the elastic force of the holder 4 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1a and weakened. Furthermore, it is thought that when the elastic force of the holder 4 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1a is transmitted from the transmission suppression mechanism 1b to the transmission suppression mechanism 1c, it is partially converted into the elastic force of the holder 4 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1b and weakened.

[0040] Based on the above, if an unintended external force acts on the component located on the input side, i.e., the rolling surface forming body 3 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1a, this external force is sequentially transmitted to the transmission suppression mechanisms 1a, 1b, and 1c, and is sequentially weakened by the elastic deformation of the holders 4 of each transmission suppression mechanism 1a and 1b. For this reason, the components located on the output side, i.e., the rolling elements 2 and holders 4 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1c, are not significantly affected by the external force.

[0041] In Figure 2, all rolling elements 2 are not in contact with the output-side holder 4. However, for example, some rolling elements 2 may be brought into contact with the output-side holder 4 by compressing the transmission suppression unit in the stacking direction of the holder 4. In the transmission suppression unit, regarding the contact and non-contact between the rolling elements 2 and the output-side retainer 4, if we define the internal contact rate as the percentage of all rolling elements 2 that are in contact with the output-side retainer 4, then the internal contact rate can be varied between a state of 0%, where all rolling elements 2 are not in contact with the output-side retainer 4, and a state of 100%, where all rolling elements 2 are in contact with the output-side retainer 4.

[0042] Furthermore, as described above, when the internal contact rate is increased to more than 0% by compressing the transmission suppression unit in the stacking direction of the holder 4, the reduction ratio of the displacement becomes greater than a power of 1 / 2. When the transmission suppression unit is compressed in the stacking direction of the holder 4 in this manner, although the reduction ratio of the displacement amount becomes greater than a power of 1 / 2, the thickness of the transmission suppression unit in the stacking direction can be adjusted, so the transmission suppression unit can be reliably installed even if the target mounting location is narrow. In addition, although the internal contact rate may increase due to dimensional errors of the rolling elements 2 and the holder 4, the reduction ratio of the displacement amount can be reliably reduced by increasing the number of stacks of the holder 4.

[0043] Next, we will explain the seismic isolation unit 100A (see Figure 3). First, in the seismic isolation unit 100A, the rolling surface 5 is flat, and the members that serve as both the rolling surface forming body 3 and the retaining body 4 are stacked in layers such that the rolling surfaces 5 of each are parallel. The seismic isolation unit 100A is then incorporated into the seismic isolation device 100 in the following manner.

[0044] In other words, the rolling surface 5 is assembled so that it is perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the rolling elements 2 are able to roll horizontally on the rolling surface 5. Then, due to the horizontal component of the force transmitted from the ground, the member that serves as both the rolling surface forming body 3 and the retaining body 4 vibrates horizontally. In the following, among the forces transmitted from the ground, the force that causes horizontal vibration, that is, the force that displaces an object horizontally, is sometimes called a "horizontal force."

[0045] More specifically, the seismic isolation unit 100A is composed of multiple rectangular plate bodies 3A stacked vertically, each holding a large number of rolling elements 2 in a rotatable manner. In other words, in the seismic isolation unit 100A, the plate body 3A serves as both a rolling surface forming body 3 and a holding body 4. Furthermore, in the seismic isolation unit 100A, the rolling elements 2 held by the lowest and highest vertically positioned plate bodies 3A, respectively, are incorporated to function as the force input end 100Aa and the force output end 100Ab. Furthermore, the separation prevention section 7 of the seismic isolation unit 100A allows relative horizontal movement between the plate bodies 3A while preventing vertical separation.

[0046] Next, the input section 15, intermediate section 16, and output section 17 of the seismic isolation device 100 will be explained. The input section 15, intermediate section 16, and output section 17 relate to the manner in which the seismic isolation units 100A and 100B are incorporated into the seismic isolation device 100. In the seismic isolation device 100, the input section 15, intermediate section 16, and output section 17 are incorporated in that order along the force transmission path from the ground to the building. The seismic isolation unit 100A is incorporated between the input section 15 and the intermediate section 16, and the seismic isolation unit 100B is incorporated between the intermediate section 16 and the output section 17.

[0047] First, the input section 15 is the part of the entire seismic isolation device 100 that is located closest to the ground in the force transmission path from the ground to the building. The input section 15 has a rolling surface 5i on which the rolling elements 2 that make up the input end 100Aa of the seismic isolation unit 100A roll. Next, the intermediate section 16 is the part located between the seismic isolation units 100A and 100B. The intermediate section 16 has a rolling surface 5m on which the rolling element 2, which forms the output terminal 100Ab of the seismic isolation unit 100A, rolls.

[0048] Furthermore, the output unit 17 is the part of the entire seismic isolation device 100 that is located closest to the building in the force transmission path from the ground to the building. Note that the rolling surfaces 5i and 5m are flat. Furthermore, the input section 15 and the intermediate section 16 are positioned with the seismic isolation unit 100A in between, such that the rolling surfaces 5m face each other vertically above the rolling surface 5i.

[0049] With the above configuration, the seismic isolation unit 100A transmits horizontal forces between the plate bodies 3A while reducing the amount of displacement caused by horizontal forces. For example, when a horizontal force is transmitted to the lowest vertical plate 3A via the rolling element 2 at the input end 100Aa, the lowest plate 3A moves horizontally by half the amount of horizontal displacement of the input section 15. Subsequently, by sequentially transmitting the horizontal force to the upper plate 3A via the rolling element 2, the amount of horizontal displacement of each plate 3A is reduced by half each time. As a result, horizontal vibrations are significantly reduced in the seismic isolation unit 100A.

[0050] As a result, in the seismic isolation device 100, vibrations transmitted from the ground to the input section 15 are reduced horizontally in the seismic isolation unit 100A and transmitted to the intermediate section 16. Furthermore, vibrations transmitted to the intermediate section 16 are reduced vertically in the seismic isolation unit 100B and transmitted to the output section 17. Therefore, vibrations transmitted from the ground to the seismic isolation device 100 are reduced in both the horizontal and vertical directions, and virtually no vibrations are transmitted from the output section 17 to the building. Various types of seismic isolation units can be used for the 100B, but these will not be described in detail.

[0051] [Operation of Example 1] The operation of the seismic isolation device 100 in Example 1 will be described. First, when an earthquake occurs and horizontal and vertical vibrations are input from the ground to the seismic isolation device 100, the input unit 15 vibrates in both the horizontal and vertical directions. Furthermore, when horizontal and vertical vibrations are input from the input unit 15 to the seismic isolation unit 100A, the seismic isolation unit 100A vibrates vertically while suppressing the horizontal vibrations, and outputs only the vertical vibrations to the intermediate unit 16.

[0052] As a result, the intermediate section 16 vibrates only in the vertical direction, and only vertical vibrations are input from the intermediate section 16 to the seismic isolation unit 100B, which then suppresses the vertical vibrations. Therefore, no vibrations in either the horizontal or vertical direction are input to the output section 17, and the building is seismically isolated.

[0053] [Effects of Example 1] The vibration isolation unit 100A (transmission suppression unit) of Example 1 forms a transmission suppression mechanism 1 that suppresses force transmission as follows. Specifically, the transmission suppression mechanism 1 comprises the following rolling elements 2, a rolling surface forming body 3, and a holder 4. First, the rolling elements 2 are capable of rolling on a surface. The rolling surface forming body 3 has a rolling surface 5 on which the rolling elements 2 roll, and by being displaced in a direction along the rolling surface 5, it causes the rolling elements 2 to roll on the rolling surface 5. Furthermore, the holder 4 holds the rolling elements 2 so that they can roll, and is displaced in a direction along the rolling surface 5 as the rolling elements 2 roll on the rolling surface 5.

[0054] This allows the transmission suppression mechanism 1 to transmit force while reducing the amount of displacement. In other words, according to the transmission suppression mechanism 1, when a force is input to the rolling surface forming body 3 and the rolling surface forming body 3 is displaced in a direction along the rolling surface 5, the rolling element 2 rolls on the rolling surface 5 and displaces the holder 4 in a direction along the rolling surface 5. At this time, the holder 4 is displaced in the same direction as the rolling surface forming body 3, and further displaced by half the amount of displacement of the rolling surface forming body 3. Therefore, according to the transmission suppression mechanism 1, it is possible to output while reducing the amount of displacement caused by the input force.

[0055] Here, the transmission suppression mechanism 1 applies the so-called "lever principle," driving the holder 4 by rolling the rolling elements 2 using the rolling surface forming body 3 as the driving source. For this reason, in order to achieve the target operating characteristics of the transmission suppression mechanism 1, it is preferable to set the rolling friction coefficient of the rolling elements 2 with respect to the rolling surface 5 by appropriately adjusting the adhesion characteristics of the rolling elements 2 with respect to the rolling surface 5. Examples of methods for adjusting the adhesion characteristics include applying a viscosity modifier to the rolling surface 5, magnetizing the rolling surface 5 if the rolling elements 2 are magnetic, or providing a rubber-like coating on the rolling surface 5.

[0056] Furthermore, the seismic isolation unit 100A has multiple transmission suppression mechanisms 1 formed so that the force is transmitted sequentially along the force transmission path. Furthermore, among the combinations of two adjacent transmission suppression mechanisms 1 in relation to the transmission path, there exists a specific combination in which the holding body 4 of the input transmission suppression mechanism 1 is provided with the rolling surface 5 of the output transmission suppression mechanism 1, and the holding body 4 of the input transmission suppression mechanism 1 and the rolling surface forming body 3 of the output transmission suppression mechanism 1 are integrated.

[0057] This allows multiple consecutive transmission suppression mechanisms 1, or transmission suppression units, to be provided with a small number of parts. As a result, in the seismic isolation unit 100A, the amount of displacement can be significantly reduced and vibration suppressed with a smaller number of parts.

[0058] According to the transmission suppression mechanism 1 of Example 1, the rolling element 2 is a sphere. This allows the rolling element 2 to freely displace the holder 4 in a direction parallel to the rolling surface 5.

[0059] According to the transmission suppression mechanism 1 of Embodiment 1, the holder 4 has a holding portion 4a that holds the rolling element 2 so that it can roll, and a main body portion 4b to which the holding portion 4a can be detached. The holding portion 4a consists of two parts 4a1 and 4a2, and the parts 4a1 and 4a2 hold the rolling element 2 so that it can roll while sandwiching it. This allows for easy attachment and detachment of the rolling element 2 to the holder 4.

[0060] The transmission suppression mechanism 1 of Example 1 includes the following separation prevention section 7. Specifically, the separation prevention section 7 allows the rolling surface forming body 3 and the retaining body 4 to be displaced relative to each other in a direction parallel to the rolling surface 5, while preventing them from being displaced relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the rolling surface 5. The separation prevention section 7 also has the following sliding contact surfaces 10A and 10B on the forming body side and the retaining body side.

[0061] In other words, the sliding contact surfaces 10A and 10B on the forming body side and the retaining body side slide against the rolling surface forming body 3 and the retaining body 4, respectively, when the rolling surface forming body 3 and the retaining body 4 are displaced relatively in a direction parallel to the rolling surface 5. As a result, when a force is applied to the rolling surface forming body 3, the holder 4 can be stably displaced in a direction parallel to the rolling surface 5 without being displaced relative to the rolling surface 5 in a direction perpendicular to the rolling surface 5.

[0062] In the seismic isolation unit 100A of Example 1, the multiple rolling surfaces 5 included in a specific combination are planar, and the multiple rolling surface forming bodies 3 included in the specific combination are stacked in layers such that the rolling surfaces 5 of each are parallel. Furthermore, the seismic isolation unit 100A is assembled so that the multiple rolling surfaces 5 included in the specific combination are perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the holder 4 is displaced horizontally by horizontal force transmitted from the ground via the rolling surface forming bodies 3 and rolling elements 2.

[0063] As a result, when a horizontal force is input to the seismic isolation unit 100A, the seismic isolation unit 100A can transmit the horizontal force while significantly reducing the amount of horizontal displacement. Therefore, the seismic isolation unit 100A can significantly reduce horizontal vibrations, and thus can seismically isolate the building from horizontal vibrations.

[0064] According to the seismic isolation device 100 of Example 1, the seismic isolation unit 100A is installed between the seismic isolation unit 100B and the ground with respect to the force transmission path. As a result, horizontal vibrations are no longer input to the seismic isolation unit 100B, thus preventing the seismic isolation unit 100B from tipping over due to horizontal vibrations. Therefore, the seismic isolation unit 100B can be operated more reliably, and vertical vibrations can be reduced.

[0065] [Configuration of Example 2] The configuration of Example 2 will be explained using Figure 4. According to Example 2, the slider 200 is fitted with a transmission suppression unit similar to the vibration isolation unit 100A of Example 1. In other words, the slider 200 comprises the following sliding section 32 and adjustment unit 200A, and the adjustment unit 200A has the same structure as the vibration isolation unit 100A of Embodiment 1. That is, in the slider 200 of Embodiment 2, the transmission suppression unit is used as the adjustment unit 200A. The slide section 32 and the adjustment unit 200A will be described in order below.

[0066] First, the sliding portion 32 moves in a straight line with respect to a predetermined receiving portion 33. Here, the sliding portion 32 forms a predetermined fitting structure with the receiving portion 33, and moves in a straight line while maintaining this fitting structure. More specifically, this fitting structure consists of protruding portions 34 and a hollow 35 provided on the receiving portion 33 and the sliding portion 32, respectively, and is formed when the protruding portions 34 fit into the hollow 35.

[0067] Furthermore, both the protruding portion 34 and the hollow portion 35 extend long in the direction in which the sliding portion 32 moves linearly, and the sliding portion 32 moves linearly over a wide range in the direction in which it moves linearly, while maintaining the state in which the protruding portion 34 is fitted into the hollow portion 35. In the following explanation, the direction in which the sliding portion 32 moves linearly may be referred to as the longitudinal direction. Also, the direction in which the protruding portion 34 protrudes may be referred to as the lateral direction, and the direction perpendicular to the lateral and longitudinal directions may be referred to as the vertical direction.

[0068] Furthermore, the slider 200 is provided with two fitting structures in which the protruding portion 34 fits into the hollow 35, so as to be symmetrical with respect to a specific plane perpendicular to the horizontal direction, which is the plane of symmetry X. The slide portion 32 is driven by a predetermined drive source (not shown) and moves linearly in the longitudinal direction, and is integrated with the main body portion 32A which holds a cutting tool (not shown). As the slide portion 32 moves in the longitudinal direction, the cutting tool moves in the longitudinal direction and cuts a predetermined workpiece.

[0069] Next, the adjustment unit 200A is sandwiched between the linear motion surface 32a provided on the side of the slide portion 32 and the receiving surface 33a provided on the side of the receiving portion 33, thereby facilitating the linear motion of the slide portion 32 relative to the receiving portion 33. More specifically, in the two fitting structures of the slider 200, a portion of the wall surface forming the hollow 35 is used as a linear surface 32a, and a portion of the surface of the protruding portion 34 is used as a receiving surface 33a, forming four gaps 36 in which the adjustment unit 200A is sandwiched.

[0070] In other words, gaps 36A to 36D are formed at four locations: one side and the other side in the vertical direction of the protruding portion 34 on one side in the horizontal direction, and the other side and the other side in the vertical direction of the protruding portion 34 on the other side in the horizontal direction, with one adjustment unit 200A sandwiched in each of the gaps 36A to 36D. Furthermore, in each adjustment unit 200A, the plate body that functions as the retainer 4, and the plate body that serves as both the rolling surface forming body 3 and the retainer 4 are stacked vertically in layers, with the plate body closest to the receiving portion 33 facing the receiving surface 33a, and the plate body closest to the sliding portion 32 facing the linear motion surface 32a.

[0071] Here, the linear motion surface 32a and the receiving surface 33a forming the gap 36A are both provided parallel to the lateral and longitudinal directions and perpendicular to the vertical direction. In the adjustment unit 200A sandwiched in the gap 36A, the plate body follows the linear motion surface 32a and the receiving surface 33a forming the gap 36A, being parallel to the lateral and longitudinal directions and perpendicular to the vertical direction. The same applies to gaps 36B to 36D. In all of the gaps 36A to 36D, the adjustment unit 200A is sandwiched so that both sides in the lateral direction do not come into contact with the wall surface forming the hollow 35.

[0072] Furthermore, in the slider 200, in addition to the gaps 36A to 36D in the fitting structure, gaps 36E and 36F are provided at positions that are symmetrical with respect to the plane of symmetry X, and the adjustment unit 200A is sandwiched between them. Here, gap 36E is provided between the plane of symmetry X and gap 36A with respect to the lateral direction, and gap 36F is provided between the plane of symmetry X and gap 36D with respect to the lateral direction.

[0073] Furthermore, the linear motion surface 32a and the receiving surface 33a forming the gap 36E are arranged to be inclined in the vertical and horizontal directions, and in the adjustment unit 200A sandwiched in the gap 36E, the plate body is inclined to follow the linear motion surface 32a and the receiving surface 33a forming the gap 36E. The same applies to the gap 36F.

[0074] Furthermore, the receiving surfaces 33a that form the gaps 36E and 36F are continuous with a plane 33b perpendicular to the vertical direction on one side in the vertical direction, and these two receiving surfaces 33a and plane 33b form a trapezoidal projection 38 whose width in the horizontal direction narrows towards one side in the vertical direction. Furthermore, in the gaps 36E and 36F, the adjustment unit 200A is sandwiched so that both sides of its width do not come into contact with the walls of the sliding section and receiving sections 32 and 33. Furthermore, in the adjustment unit 200A, the rolling element 2 is cylindrical, and the cylindrical body is held by the plate body such that its axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0075] With the above configuration, for example, when the slide portion 32 is driven and moves to one side in the longitudinal direction, each adjustment unit 200A transmits the driving force between the plates from the slide portion 32 toward the receiving portion 33 while reducing the amount of displacement to one side in the longitudinal direction. In other words, in each adjustment unit 200A, the rolling element 2 held by the plate body located closest to the linear motion surface 32a functions as the force input end 200Aa. Similarly, the rolling element 2 held by the plate body located closest to the receiving surface 33a functions as the force output end 200Ab.

[0076] Then, when the driving force is transmitted from the slide section 32 to the plate on the side with the most linear motion surface 32a via the rolling element 2 at the input end 200Aa, the plate on the side with the most linear motion surface 32a moves to one side in the longitudinal direction with a displacement amount equal to half the displacement amount of the slide section 32 to one side in the longitudinal direction. Subsequently, the driving force is transmitted sequentially to the plate body on the receiving surface 33a side via the rolling elements 2, thereby sequentially reducing the displacement of the plate body 35 to one side in the longitudinal direction by half each time. As a result, the amount of displacement in the longitudinal direction is significantly reduced in the adjustment unit 200A. Furthermore, the separation prevention section 7 of the adjustment unit 200A allows relative movement of the plate bodies 35 in the longitudinal direction while preventing separation in other directions.

[0077] Furthermore, with the adjustment units 200A sandwiched in each of the gaps 36A to 36D, both protruding parts 34 are held vertically by the two adjustment units 200A. As a result, the sliding part 32 can move stably without wobbling in the vertical direction. Furthermore, with the adjustment units 200A sandwiched in the gaps 36E and 36F, the trapezoidal projection 38 is sandwiched in both the vertical and horizontal directions by the two adjustment units 200A. As a result, the sliding portion 32 can move stably without wobbling not only in the vertical direction but also in the horizontal direction.

[0078] [Effects of Example 2] The slider 200 of Example 2 comprises the following slide portion 32 and adjustment unit 200A. First, the sliding portion 32 moves linearly with respect to the receiving portion 33, and the adjustment unit 200A is sandwiched between the linear motion surface 32a provided on the sliding portion 32 side and the receiving surface 33a provided on the receiving portion 33 side, thereby facilitating the linear motion of the sliding portion 32 with respect to the receiving portion 33. In addition, the adjustment unit 200A has multiple plates that hold the rolling elements 2 stacked in layers, with the plate closest to the sliding portion 32 facing the linear motion surface 32a, and the plate closest to the receiving portion 33 facing the receiving surface 33a.

[0079] This eliminates the need for adjusting the adjustment wedge, which was required in conventional sliders. In other words, in conventional sliders, an adjustment wedge was fitted between the linear surface 32a and the receiving surface 33a to avoid direct sliding contact between the linear surface 32a and the receiving surface 33a, and the sliding part 32 was moved relative to the adjustment wedge. Therefore, it was necessary to periodically eliminate the looseness caused by wear of the adjustment wedge, and periodic adjustment work was required to advance the adjustment wedge. However, this adjustment work required skill, and the finished product after adjustment depended heavily on the skill of the operator.

[0080] In contrast, by fitting an adjustment unit 200A, consisting of a transmission suppression unit, between the linear motion surface 32a and the receiving surface 33a, the adjustment work of the adjustment wedge, which required skilled labor, can be eliminated. Furthermore, the adjustment unit 200A can transmit the force applied to the slide part 32 to the receiving part 33 with a significantly reduced displacement, making it less prone to wear compared to conventional adjustment wedges. As a result, the frequency of adjustments can be reduced even further, or adjustments can be omitted altogether.

[0081] In the slider 200 of Example 2, each adjustment unit 200A may be assembled to apply preload. That is, at the contact point between the rolling element 2 and the rolling surface 5, the adjustment unit 200A may be assembled such that at least one of the parts of the rolling surface forming body 3 near the contact point with the rolling element 2, or the rolling element 2 itself, is deformed by the preload. This makes it possible to suppress lateral movement of the slide portion 32 with respect to the linear motion direction, and to suppress slippage of the rolling element 2 against the rolling surface 5.

[0082] [Variation] The present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from its essence. For example, in the seismic isolation device 100 of Embodiment 1, all of the transmission suppression mechanisms 1 in the seismic isolation unit 100A formed a specific combination, but it is also possible to incorporate transmission suppression mechanisms 1 that do not form a specific combination in part.

[0083] Furthermore, while the transmission suppression unit was applied to the seismic isolation device 100 and the slider 200, respectively, according to Examples 1 and 2, the application of the transmission suppression mechanism 1 and the transmission suppression unit is not limited to these embodiments. For example, the transmission suppression mechanism 1 and the transmission suppression unit may be incorporated into a printed circuit board manufacturing apparatus to fine-tune the position of the circuit board. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 1. Transmission suppression mechanism 2. Rolling element 3. Rolling surface forming body 4. Holder 5. Rolling surface

Claims

1. In a transmission suppression unit that has formed a transmission suppression mechanism to suppress the transmission of force, The aforementioned transmission suppression mechanism is A rolling element that can roll on a surface, A rolling surface forming body comprising a rolling surface on which the rolling element rolls, and which is displaced in a direction along the rolling surface, thereby causing the rolling element to roll on the rolling surface, The system comprises a holder that holds the rolling element so that it can roll, and a holder that is displaced in a direction along the rolling surface as the rolling element rolls on the rolling surface, In the aforementioned transmission suppression unit, multiple transmission suppression mechanisms are formed so that force is transmitted sequentially along the force transmission path. Among the combinations of two adjacent transmission inhibition mechanisms with respect to the aforementioned transmission path, A transmission suppression unit characterized in that a rolling surface of an output transmission suppression mechanism is provided on a holder of an input transmission suppression mechanism, and there exists a specific combination in which the holder of the input transmission suppression mechanism and the rolling surface forming body of the output transmission suppression mechanism are integrated.

2. In the transmission suppression unit according to claim 1, A transmission suppression unit characterized in that the rolling element is a sphere.

3. In the transmission suppression unit according to claim 1, The holder is A holding portion that holds the rolling element so that it can roll, The holding part has a detachable main body part, The transmission suppression unit is characterized in that the holding portion consists of a plurality of parts, and these plurality of parts hold the rolling element so that it can roll while sandwiching it.

4. In the transmission suppression unit according to claim 1, The multiple rolling surfaces included in the aforementioned specific combination are planar, A transmission suppression unit characterized in that the multiple rolling surface forming bodies included in the aforementioned specific combination are stacked in layers such that the rolling surfaces of each are parallel.

5. In a transmission suppression mechanism that reduces the transmission of force, A rolling element that can roll on a surface, A rolling surface forming body comprising a rolling surface on which the rolling element rolls, and which is displaced in a direction along the rolling surface, thereby causing the rolling element to roll on the rolling surface, A holder that holds the rolling element so that it can roll, and which is displaced in a direction along the rolling surface as the rolling element rolls on the rolling surface, The device includes a separation prevention section that allows the rolling surface forming body and the retaining body to be displaced relative to each other in a direction parallel to the rolling surface, and prevents them from being displaced relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the rolling surface. The separation prevention unit is, A transmission suppression mechanism characterized by having a sliding contact surface on the forming body side and a sliding contact surface on the holder side that slide against the forming body and the holder, respectively, when the forming body and the holder are displaced relative to each other in a direction parallel to the rolling surface.

6. A seismic isolation unit that includes the transmission suppression unit described in claim 4 and isolates a building from earthquakes, The transmission suppression unit is assembled such that the rolling surfaces included in the specific combination are perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the holder is subjected to horizontal displacement when a force directed horizontally is transmitted from the ground via the rolling surface forming body and the rolling elements, thus forming a seismic isolation unit for reducing horizontal vibrations.

7. The invention comprises a seismic isolation unit for reducing horizontal vibrations and a seismic isolation unit for reducing vertical vibrations, as described in claim 6. The seismic isolation device is characterized in that the seismic isolation unit for reducing horizontal vibrations is assembled between the seismic isolation unit for reducing vertical vibrations and the ground with respect to the transmission path.

8. A slider utilizing the transmission suppression unit described in claim 4, A sliding part that moves in a straight line with respect to a predetermined receiving part, The system includes an adjustment part sandwiched between a receiving surface provided on the receiving part side and a linear motion surface provided on the sliding part side, which facilitates the linear motion of the sliding part relative to the receiving part. The transmission suppression unit is used as the adjustment unit, The slider is characterized in that the adjustment section has multiple plates that function as holders stacked in layers, with the plate closest to the receiving section facing the receiving surface, and the plate closest to the sliding section facing the linear motion surface.

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