Slide rail device and seismic isolation structure

Abstract

The purpose is to allow the first and second rails to slide in conjunction with the connecting block. [Solution] The slide rail device 20 comprises a fixed rail 22F and a movable rail 22M facing each other, and a connecting block 50 that is slidably connected to each of the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M via a plurality of first balls R1 that circulate between the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , , , , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a slide rail device and a seismic isolation structure.

Background Art

[0002] A two-stage slide unit composed of a fixed-side rail, an intermediate support member movably assembled to the fixed-side rail via a large number of balls, and a movable-side rail movably assembled to the intermediate support member via a large number of balls is known (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] Also, a seismic isolation device including two arc-shaped X rails fixed to a foundation, two arc-shaped Y rails orthogonal to the X rails, and a connecting block connecting the X rails and the Y rails is known (for example, see Patent Document 3).

[0004] Furthermore, a curve motion device including a rail pedestal, an endless annular curved track rail integrally formed or integrally metal-bonded with the rail pedestal, and a slider that slides on the curved track rail is known (for example, see Patent Document 4).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the two-stage slide units disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the fixed rail and the movable rail are independently slidably connected to the intermediate support member. Therefore, when the two-stage slide unit is in operation, both the fixed rail and the movable rail do not necessarily slide relative to the intermediate support member, and it may not be possible to utilize the maximum sliding range of the fixed rail and the movable rail.

[0007] Taking the above facts into consideration, the present invention aims to allow the first rail and the second rail to slide in conjunction with the connecting block. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The slide rail device according to claim 1 comprises a first rail and a second rail facing each other, and a connecting block slidably connected to each of the first rail and the second rail via a plurality of rolling elements circulating between the first rail and the second rail.

[0009] According to the slide rail device of claim 1, the first rail and the second rail face each other. The connecting block is slidably connected to each of the first rail and the second rail via a plurality of rolling elements that circulate between the first rail and the second rail.

[0010] Here, for example, when the second rail slides to one side relative to the connecting block, multiple rolling elements circulate between the second rail and the first rail. This circulation of rolling elements causes the first rail to slide to the other side (opposite side of the second rail) relative to the connecting block.

[0011] In this invention, the first rail and the second rail slide in conjunction with the connecting block. Therefore, the amount of sliding of the first rail and the second rail relative to the connecting block can be made the same.

[0012] Therefore, in the present invention, the sliding range of the first rail and the second rail can be utilized to the fullest extent compared to the case where the first rail and the second rail slide independently relative to the connecting block.

[0013] The slide rail device according to claim 2 is the slide rail device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of rolling elements circulate in a vertical rotation between the first rail and the second rail, the second rail is positioned above the first rail and is placed on the first rail via the plurality of rolling elements and the connecting block.

[0014] According to the slide rail device of claim 2, the multiple rolling elements circulate in a vertical rotation between the first rail and the second rail. The second rail is positioned above the first rail and is placed on the first rail via the multiple rolling elements and connecting blocks. As a result, the load (vertical load) acting on the multiple rolling elements from the second rail increases, and the friction generated between the first and second rails and the multiple rolling elements increases.

[0015] Therefore, in this invention, the first rail and the second rail slide more easily in conjunction with the connecting block as the multiple rolling elements circulate. As a result, the amount of sliding of the first rail and the second rail relative to the connecting block can be made more similar.

[0016] The slide rail device according to claim 3 is the slide rail device according to claim 1, wherein the second rail is positioned above the first rail, the first guide portion of the first rail to which the connecting block is slidably connected is formed in an arc shape that is convex downwards, and the second guide portion of the second rail to which the connecting block is slidably connected is formed in an arc shape that is convex upwards.

[0017] According to the slide rail device of claim 3, the second rail is positioned above the first rail. Furthermore, the first guide portion of the first rail, to which the connecting block is slidably connected, is formed in an arc shape that is convex downwards. On the other hand, the second guide portion of the second rail, to which the connecting block is slidably connected, is formed in an arc shape that is convex upwards.

[0018] As mentioned above, the first guide section is formed in an arc shape that is convex downwards. In other words, both ends of the first guide section in the longitudinal direction are positioned higher than the central part of the first guide section in the longitudinal direction.

[0019] In the initial state, for example, the connecting block is located in the center of the first and second guide sections. When the connecting block slides to one end of the first guide section from this initial state, it then slides back to the center of the first guide section due to its own weight, returning to the initial state. Also, as mentioned above, the first and second rails slide in conjunction with the connecting block, so the connecting block slides back to the center of the second guide section, returning to the initial state.

[0020] Thus, in this invention, after the slide rail device is activated, the slide rail device automatically returns to its initial state due to the weight of the connecting block, etc. Therefore, in this invention, the effort required to return the slide rail device to its initial state after activation is reduced.

[0021] The seismic isolation structure according to claim 4 comprises a support body, a slide rail device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 in which the first rail is connected to the support body, and a seismically isolated object to which the second rail is connected and which is supported by the support body via the slide rail device.

[0022] According to the seismic isolation structure of claim 4, the first rail of the slide rail device is connected to a support. On the other hand, the second rail of the slide rail device is connected to the object to be seismically isolated. This object to be seismically isolated is supported by the support via the slide rail device.

[0023] By supporting the seismic isolation object with the slide rail device in this way, it is possible to seismic isolate the seismic isolation object while maximizing the slidable amount of the first rail and the second rail.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] As described above, according to the present invention, the first rail and the second rail can be slid in conjunction with the connecting block.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] It is an elevation view showing a structure to which the slide rail device according to the first embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a disassembled cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2 showing the fixed rail, the movable rail, and the connecting block disassembled. [Figure 4] It is a partially enlarged elevation view of FIG. 1 showing the slide rail device. [Figure 5] (A) is a partially enlarged elevation view of FIG. 1, and (B) is an elevation view corresponding to FIG. 5(A) showing the operating state of the slide rail device. [Figure 6] (A) is an elevation view showing a seismic isolation object supported by a linear guide according to a comparative example, and (B) is an elevation view showing a seismic exploration object supported by the slide rail device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] (A) and (B) are elevation views showing a structure to which the slide rail device according to the second embodiment is applied. [Figure 8] It is an elevation view showing a linear guide according to a comparative example. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the slide rail device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] (A) and (B) are elevation views showing a structure to which the slide rail device shown in FIG. 9 is applied.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] (First Embodiment) First, I will describe the first embodiment.

[0027] (Seismic isolation structure) Figure 1 shows a structure (seismic isolation structure) 10 to which the seismic isolation structure according to this embodiment is applied. The structure 10 includes, as an example, a foundation 12 and a superstructure 14 supported on the foundation 12 via a plurality of slide rail devices 20.

[0028] Note that the foundation 12 is an example of a support structure, and the superstructure 14 is an example of a seismically isolated structure.

[0029] (Slide rail device) Multiple slide rail devices 20 are arranged at intervals in two horizontal directions, supporting the superstructure 14 so that it can move horizontally (in one horizontal direction) relative to the foundation 12. Each slide rail device 20 comprises a fixed rail 22F connected to the foundation 12, a movable rail 22M connected to the superstructure 14, and connecting blocks 50 that are slidably connected to the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M, respectively.

[0030] Note that fixed rail 22F is an example of the first rail, and movable rail 22M is an example of the second rail.

[0031] (Fixed rails, movable rails) The fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M are arranged facing each other in the vertical direction in the initial state of the slide rail device 20. Furthermore, the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M are formed in a straight line and arranged with the horizontal direction as their longitudinal direction. These fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M are of the same length. However, the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M may be of different lengths.

[0032] The fixed rail 22F is positioned below the movable rail 22M and is fixed to the foundation 12 by bolts (not shown). On the other hand, the movable rail 22M is positioned above the fixed rail 22F and is fixed to the underside of the superstructure 14 by bolts (not shown).

[0033] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M have guide sections 30 to which the connecting block 50 is slidably connected. The guide sections 30 of the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M face each other in the vertical direction. In addition, each guide section 30 extends from one end to the other end of the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M.

[0034] The guide sections 30 of the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M have a first opposing surface 30A that faces the first opposing surface 60A of the connecting block 50, which will be described later. The first opposing surfaces 30A of the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M face each other in the vertical direction with the connecting block 50 in between.

[0035] Note that the guide section 30 of the fixed rail 22F is an example of a first guide section, and the guide section 30 of the movable rail 22M is an example of a second guide section. In addition, in this embodiment, the guide sections 30 of the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M are formed symmetrically. Therefore, the following will describe the configuration of the guide section 30 of the fixed rail 22F, and the description of the configuration of the guide section 30 of the movable rail 22M will be omitted as appropriate.

[0036] A pair of first guide grooves (raceway grooves) 32A are formed on the first opposing surface 30A of the guide section 30 to guide the rolling of a plurality of first balls R1. The pair of first guide grooves 32A are formed along the longitudinal direction of the fixed rail 22F and are arranged with a gap in the width direction of the fixed rail 22F. The cross-sectional shape of each first guide groove 32A is an arc shape corresponding to the radius of the first ball R1.

[0037] Recesses 34 are formed on both sides of the guide section 30. The recesses 34 are formed along the longitudinal direction of the guide section 30. The inner surface of the upper end side (movable rail 22M side) of the recess 34 is the second opposing surface 30B, which faces the second opposing surface 60B of the connecting block 50, which will be described later.

[0038] A second guide groove (raceway groove) 32B is formed on the second opposing surface 30B to guide the rolling of multiple second balls R2. The second guide groove 34B is formed along the longitudinal direction of the guide portion 30. The cross-sectional shape of the second guide groove 34B is an arc shape corresponding to the radius of the second balls R2.

[0039] (Connecting blocks) The connecting block 50 is interposed between the guide sections 30 of the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M. The connecting block 50 is slidably connected to each of the guide sections 30 of the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M via a plurality of circulating first balls R1 and second balls R2. The connecting block 50 moves linearly (linear reciprocating motion) along the guide sections 30 of the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M while circulating the plurality of first balls R1 and second balls R2.

[0040] Note that the first ball R1 is an example of the first rolling element (rolling element), and the second ball R2 is an example of the second rolling element.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4, the connecting block 50 has a block body 50H and a pair of end caps 50E attached to both ends of the block body 50H in the front-rear direction (sliding direction).

[0042] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the connecting block 50 is formed in an H-shape overall. On both the vertical sides of the connecting block 50, a pair of connecting recesses 60 are formed into which the guide portions 30 of the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M are slidably inserted. The pair of connecting recesses 60 are formed along the front-rear direction (sliding direction) of the connecting block 50 and extend across the block body 50H and a pair of end caps 50E (see Figure 4).

[0043] The configuration of the pair of connecting recesses 60 is the same. Therefore, the following description will explain the configuration of the connecting recess 60 connected to the guide section 30 of the fixed rail 22F, and the explanation of the configuration of the connecting recess 60 connected to the guide section 30 of the movable rail 22M will be omitted as appropriate.

[0044] (First circulation route) The bottom surface of the connecting recess 60 in the block body 50H is a first opposing surface 60A that faces the first opposing surface 30A of the guide portion 30 in the vertical direction. A pair of first guide grooves 62A that guide the rolling of a plurality of first balls R1 are formed on the first opposing surface 60A.

[0045] A pair of first guide grooves 62A are formed along the front-rear direction of the connecting block 50 and are spaced apart in the width direction of the connecting block 50. The cross-sectional shape of each first guide groove 62A is an arc shape corresponding to the radius of the first ball R1.

[0046] The pair of first guide grooves 62A are positioned vertically opposite to the pair of first guide grooves 32A of the guide section 30. The opposing first guide grooves 32A and 62A form a first load path 72 (see Figure 4) on which multiple first balls R1 roll.

[0047] The first load path 72 on the fixed rail 22F side and the first load path 72 on the movable rail 22M side are located on both the vertical sides of the connecting block 50. The movable rail 22M is placed on the connecting block 50 via multiple first balls R1. The connecting block 50 is placed on the fixed rail 22F via multiple first balls R1.

[0048] As a result, in the first load path 72, each first ball R1 comes into contact with the inner surface (rolling surface) of the opposing first guide grooves 32A and 62A, respectively, and rolls while receiving a load (vertical load) from the connecting block 50 and the guide section 30.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4, both ends of the first load path 72 on the fixed rail 22F side and both ends of the first load path 72 on the movable rail 22M side are connected via a direction change path 74 formed in a pair of end caps 50E.

[0050] The direction change path 74 is a through-hole that penetrates the end cap 50E in a U-shape when viewed from the side of the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M. These first load paths 72 and direction change paths 74 form a first circulation path 70 that circulates multiple first balls R1 in a vertical rotation between the guide sections 30 of the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M.

[0051] The first circulation path 70, which circulates the first ball R1 in a vertical rotation, is a circulation path in which the first load path 72 on the fixed rail 22F side and the first load path 72 on the movable rail 22M side are arranged with a gap in the vertical direction, and the first ball R1 moves up and down as it circulates. The direction change path 74 is an unloaded path in which the first ball R1 rolls without receiving a load from the end cap 50E.

[0052] (Second circulation route) As shown in Figures 2 and 3, protrusions 64 are formed on the inner surfaces on both sides of the connecting recess 60, which are positioned within the recess 34 of the guide portion 30. Each protrusion 64 on the block body 50H has a second opposing surface 60B that faces the second opposing surface 30B of the guide portion 30. Second guide grooves (raceway grooves) 62B are formed on these second opposing surfaces 60B to guide the rolling of the multiple second balls R2.

[0053] The second guide groove 62B is formed along the front-rear direction of the connecting block 50. The cross-sectional shape of the second guide groove 62B is an arc shape corresponding to the radius of the second ball R2. This second guide groove 62B is opposite to the second guide groove 32B of the guide section 30. The opposing second guide grooves 32B and 62B form a second load path 82 on which multiple second balls R2 roll.

[0054] In the second load path 82, each second ball R2 contacts the inner surface (rolling surface) of the opposing second guide grooves 32B and 62B, respectively, and rolls while receiving load from the connecting block 50 and the guide section 30.

[0055] As shown in Figure 4, return paths 84 are connected to both ends of the second load path 82 via a direction change path 86. The return path 84 is a straight through-hole that penetrates the block body 50H in the front-rear direction and is arranged approximately parallel to the second load path 82.

[0056] The direction change passage 86 is a through-hole that penetrates the end cap 50E in a U-shape. These second load passage 82, return passage 84, and direction change passage 86 form a second circulation passage 80 on the second opposing surface 30B of the guide section 30, which circulates a plurality of second balls R2.

[0057] Furthermore, the return path 84 and the direction change path 86 are unloaded paths in which the second ball R2 rolls without receiving any load from the block body 50H and the end cap 50E.

[0058] (action) Next, the operation of the slide rail device 20 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0059] Figure 5(A) shows the initial state of the slide rail device 20. In this initial state, for example, the connecting block 50 is located in the longitudinal center of the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M.

[0060] From this initial state, for example, when a horizontal force acts on the superstructure 14 during strong winds or an earthquake, the movable rail 22M slides to one side relative to the connecting block 50, as shown in Figure 5(B). At this time, as shown in Figure 4, multiple first balls R1 circulate in the first circulation path 70, and multiple second balls R2 circulate in the second circulation path 80.

[0061] Here, as shown in Figure 2, the multiple first balls R1 circulate between the guide portion 30 (first guide groove 32A) of the movable rail 22M and the guide portion 30 (first guide groove 32A) of the fixed rail 22F. During this process, the multiple first balls R1 roll in opposite directions in the guide portion 30 of the movable rail 22M and the guide portion 30 of the fixed rail 22F.

[0062] Therefore, as shown in Figure 5(B), when the movable rail 22M slides to one side relative to the connecting block 50, and the multiple first balls R1 circulate between the guide portion 30 of the movable rail 22M and the guide portion 30 of the fixed rail 22F, the fixed rail 22F slides to the other side (opposite side from the movable rail 22M) relative to the connecting block 50.

[0063] In this embodiment, the movable rail 22M and the fixed rail 22F slide in conjunction with the connecting block 50. Therefore, the amount of sliding of the movable rail 22M and the fixed rail 22F relative to the connecting block 50 can be made the same.

[0064] Therefore, in this embodiment, the sliding range of the movable rail 22M and the fixed rail 22F can be utilized to the fullest extent compared to the case where the movable rail 22M and the fixed rail 22F slide independently relative to the connecting block 50.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, multiple first balls R1 circulate vertically between the guide portions 30 of the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M. Therefore, the load (vertical load) of the superstructure 14 is transmitted from the movable rail 22M to the connecting block 50 via the multiple first balls R1, and from the connecting block 50 to the fixed rail 22F and the foundation 12 via the multiple first balls R1.

[0066] As a result, the load (vertical load) acting from the superstructure 14 on the multiple first balls R1 increases, which increases the friction between the guide sections 30 of the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M and the multiple first balls R1.

[0067] Therefore, in this embodiment, as the multiple first balls R1 circulate, the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M become easier to slide in conjunction with the connecting block 50. As a result, the amount of sliding of the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M relative to the connecting block 50 can be made more similar.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the multiple first balls R1 and second balls R2 restrict the movement of the movable rail 22M and fixed rail 22F relative to the connecting block 50 in directions other than the sliding direction. In other words, loads in the orthogonal direction and torsion direction on the movable rail 22M and fixed rail 22F are transmitted between the connecting block 50 and the movable rail 22M and fixed rail 22F via the multiple first balls R1 and second balls R2. Therefore, the linearity of the slide rail device 20 can be improved.

[0069] Next, Figure 6(A) shows a linear guide 100 relating to a comparative example. The linear guide 100 has a fixed rail 102 and a block (carriage) 104 that slides along the fixed rail 102. In this linear guide 100, the seismically isolated object 16 is supported by the fixed rail 102 via the block 104. Also in Figure 6(A), the initial state of the linear guide 100 is shown by a dashed line, and the maximum movement state of the seismically isolated object 16 is shown by a solid line.

[0070] On the other hand, Figure 6(B) shows the slide rail device 20 according to this embodiment. In this slide rail device 20, the seismically isolated object 16 is supported on the fixed rail 22F via the movable rail 22M and the connecting block 50. Also in Figure 6(B), the initial state of the slide rail device 20 is shown by a dashed line, and the maximum movement state of the seismically isolated object 16 is shown by a solid line.

[0071] Here, the amount of movement S of the seismically isolated object 16 from the initial state is set to be the same for both the linear guide 100 according to the comparative example and the slide rail device 20 according to this embodiment. In this case, the length L1 of the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M in the slide rail device 20 according to this embodiment can be made to about half the length L2 of the fixed rail 22F of the linear guide 100 according to the comparative example. Therefore, in this embodiment, the slide rail device 20 can be made smaller.

[0072] In the slide rail device 20 according to this embodiment, when the seismically isolated object 16 moves, the point of application of the load of the seismically isolated object 16 acting on the connecting block 50 becomes eccentric, which may cause an eccentric moment to act on the connecting block 50.

[0073] Here, for example, as shown in Figure 1, the movable rails 22M of adjacent slide rail devices 20 are connected by the rigid floor of the superstructure 14. Therefore, the eccentric moment acting on the connecting block 50 is handled by the rigid floor of the superstructure 14. Consequently, no eccentric moment acts on the connecting block 50, or the eccentric moment acting on it is reduced.

[0074] Furthermore, when the slide rail device 20 is used independently, the slide rail device 20 is designed, for example, taking into account the eccentric moment acting on the connecting block 50.

[0075] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, components and the like that have the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0076] Figures 7(A) and 7(B) show a slide rail device 20 according to the second embodiment. In the slide rail device 20, the guide portions 36 of the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M are curved in an arc shape. This configuration allows the slide rail device 20 to return to its initial state after the superstructure 14 moves during an earthquake or the like, due to the load of the superstructure 14, etc.

[0077] Specifically, the guide portion 36 of the fixed rail 22F is formed in an arc shape that is convex downwards. As a result, both ends of the guide portion 36 in the longitudinal direction are positioned higher than the center of the guide portion 36 in the longitudinal direction. The connecting block 50 is slidably connected to this guide portion 36.

[0078] The movable rail 22M is positioned above the fixed rail 22F. The guide portion 36 of the movable rail 22M is formed in an arc shape that is convex upwards. As a result, both ends of the guide portion 36 in the longitudinal direction are positioned lower than the center of the guide portion 36 in the longitudinal direction. The connecting block 50 is slidably connected to this guide portion 36.

[0079] Furthermore, the guide section 36 of the fixed rail 22F and the guide section 36 of the movable rail 22M are symmetrical vertically.

[0080] The connecting block 50 is configured to slide along the curved guide portion 36 of the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M, and the other configurations of the connecting block 50 are the same as those of the connecting block 50 according to the first embodiment described above.

[0081] (action) Next, the operation of the slide rail device 20 according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0082] Figure 7(A) shows the initial state of the slide rail device 20. In this initial state, the connecting block 50 is located at the longitudinal center of the guide portion 36 of the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M.

[0083] From this initial state, for example, when a horizontal force acts on the superstructure 14 during strong winds or an earthquake, the movable rail 22M slides to one side relative to the connecting block 50, and the fixed rail 22F slides to the other side relative to the connecting block 50, as shown in Figure 7(B).

[0084] As mentioned above, the guide portion 36 of the movable rail 22M is formed in an arc shape that is convex upwards. In other words, both ends of the guide portion 36 of the movable rail 22M in the longitudinal direction are positioned lower than the central part of the guide portion 36 in the longitudinal direction.

[0085] Furthermore, the guide portion 36 of the fixed rail 22F is formed in an arc shape that is convex downwards. In other words, both ends of the guide portion 36 of the fixed rail 22F in the longitudinal direction are positioned higher than the central part of the guide portion 36 in the longitudinal direction.

[0086] As a result, after the connecting block 50 slides from its initial state relative to the guide portion 36 of the movable rail 22M and the fixed rail 22F, the connecting block 50 slides to the longitudinal center of the guide portion 36 of the movable rail 22M and the fixed rail 22F due to the load of the superstructure 14 and the weight of the connecting block 50 itself, returning to its initial state.

[0087] Thus, in this embodiment, after the slide rail device 20 is activated, the load of the superstructure 14 and the weight of the connecting block 50, etc., automatically return the slide rail device 20 to its initial state. Therefore, in this embodiment, the effort required to return the slide rail device 20 to its initial state after activation is reduced.

[0088] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, for example, in the linear guide 100 according to the comparative example, if the guide portion of the fixed rail 102 is curved downward in a convex shape, when the block 104 slides along the guide portion, the block 104 tilts at a predetermined angle θ.

[0089] In contrast, in this embodiment, by curving the guide portions 36 of the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M symmetrically vertically, as shown in Figure 7(B), the tilt of the movable rail 22M is suppressed even when the connecting block 50 slides along the guide portions 36 of the movable rail 22M and the fixed rail 22F. Therefore, the superstructure 14 can be stably supported.

[0090] (modified version) Next, modifications of the first and second embodiments described above will be explained.

[0091] In the above embodiment, a pair of connecting recesses 60 are formed on the top and bottom of the connecting block 50. However, the shape and structure of the connecting block 50 can be changed as appropriate.

[0092] For example, in the modified example shown in Figure 9, the connecting block 52 is formed with an overall cross-sectional S shape (a horizontally inverted cross-sectional S shape in Figure 9). A pair of connecting recesses 90 are formed on both sides of this connecting block 52, offset in the vertical direction. The guide portion 40 of the fixed rail 22F is slidably connected to the lower connecting recess 90, and the guide portion 40 of the movable rail 22M is slidably connected to the upper connecting recess 90.

[0093] The fixed rail 22F is supported by a frame 18 provided on the foundation 12. On the other hand, the movable rail 22M is supported by a frame 18 provided on the superstructure 14. These fixed rails 22F and movable rails 22M are arranged in a horizontal orientation in a cross-sectional view (rotated 90 degrees in a cross-sectional view), and their respective guide sections 40 are positioned facing each other in the vertical direction.

[0094] The guide sections 40 of the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M each have a first opposing surface 40A that faces the first opposing surface 90A of the connecting block 52, which will be described later. The first opposing surfaces 40A of the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M face each other in the vertical direction with the connecting block 52 in between.

[0095] The guide sections 40 of the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M are formed point-symmetrically with respect to the center (central axis) of the connecting block 52. Similarly, the pair of connecting recesses 90 are formed point-symmetrically with respect to the center (central axis) of the connecting block 52. Therefore, the following description will focus on the configuration of the guide section 40 and the lower connecting recess 90 of the fixed rail 22F, while the description of the configuration of the guide section 40 and the upper connecting recess 90 of the movable rail 22M will be omitted.

[0096] (Guide section) A pair of first opposing surfaces 40A are formed at the upper end of the guide portion 40. The pair of first opposing surfaces 40A are sloped surfaces of a convex triangular shape with its apex pointing upwards when viewed in cross-section of the guide portion 40. A pair of first guide grooves (raceway grooves) 42A are formed on this pair of first opposing surfaces 40A to guide the rolling of a plurality of first balls R1.

[0097] A pair of second opposing surfaces 40B are formed at the lower end of the guide portion 40. The pair of second opposing surfaces 40B are sloped surfaces of a convex triangular shape with its apex pointing downwards when viewed in cross-section of the guide portion 40. A pair of second guide grooves (raceway grooves) 42B are formed on this pair of second opposing surfaces 40B to guide the rolling of a plurality of second balls R2.

[0098] (Connecting blocks) The connecting block 52 is interposed between the guide portion 40 of the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M. A connecting recess 90 is formed on the lower side surface of the connecting block 52 into which the guide portion 40 of the fixed rail 22F is slidably inserted. The connecting recess 90 is formed along the front-rear direction (sliding direction) of the connecting block 52 and extends across the block body 52H and a pair of end caps (not shown).

[0099] (First circulation route) On the upper inner surface of the connecting recess 90 in the block body 52H, a pair of first opposing surfaces 90A are formed that face the pair of first opposing surfaces 40A of the guide portion 40 in the vertical direction. The pair of first opposing surfaces 90A are slopes of a recess that form a triangular shape with its apex pointing upward when viewed in cross-section of the connecting block 52. A pair of first guide grooves 92A are formed on each first opposing surface 90A to guide the rolling of a plurality of first balls R1.

[0100] The pair of first guide grooves 92A are positioned vertically opposite to the pair of first guide grooves 42A of the guide section 40. The opposing first guide grooves 42A and 92A form a first load path 112 on which multiple first balls R1 roll. In this first load path 112, each first ball R1 contacts the inner surface (rolling surface) of the opposing first guide grooves 42A and 92A, and rolls while receiving load from the connecting block 52 and the guide section 40.

[0101] A first circulation path (not shown) is formed between the guide section 40 of the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M, by the first load path 112 of the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M, and a pair of direction change paths (not shown), which circulates a plurality of first balls R1 in a vertical rotation.

[0102] (Second circulation route) On the lower inner surface of the connecting recess 90 in the block body 52H, a pair of second opposing surfaces 90B are formed that face the pair of second opposing surfaces 40B of the guide portion 40 in the vertical direction. The pair of second opposing surfaces 90B are slopes of a recess that forms a triangular shape with its apex pointing downwards in a cross-sectional view of the connecting block 52. A pair of second guide grooves 92B are formed on each second opposing surface 90B to guide the rolling of a plurality of second balls R2.

[0103] The pair of second guide grooves 92B face the second guide groove 42B of the guide section 40. The opposing second guide grooves 42B and 92B form a second load path 122 on which multiple second balls R2 roll. In this second load path 122, each second ball R2 contacts the inner surface (rolling surface) of the opposing second guide grooves 42B and 92B, and rolls while receiving a load from the connecting block 52 and the guide section 40.

[0104] A return path 124 is connected to both ends of the pair of second load paths 122 via a direction-changing path (not shown). The return path 124 is a straight through-hole that penetrates the block body 52H in the front-rear direction and is arranged approximately parallel to the second load paths 122. These second load paths 122, the return path 124, and the direction-changing path (not shown) form a second circulation path (not shown) on the second opposing surface 40B of the guide section 40, which circulates a plurality of second balls R2.

[0105] Here, as shown in Figures 10(A) and 10(B), in this modified example, similar to the second embodiment, the guide portion 40 of the fixed rail 22F is formed in an arc shape that is convex downwards, and the guide portion 40 of the movable rail 22M is formed in an arc shape that is convex upwards.

[0106] As a result, in this modified example, similar to the second embodiment described above, the slide rail device 20 can be automatically returned to its initial state after operation due to the load of the superstructure 14, the weight of the connecting block 52, etc.

[0107] Furthermore, in this modified example, by arranging the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M in a horizontal orientation (rotated 90 degrees in the cross-sectional view), it is possible to reuse commercially available linear guides with curved rails.

[0108] In this modified example, the guide portions 40 of the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M are formed in an arc shape, but the guide portions 40 of the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M may be formed in a straight line, as in the first embodiment described above.

[0109] Next, in the above embodiment, the slide rail device 20 has a two-stage configuration in which two fixed rails 22F and a movable rail 22M are connected via a connecting block 50. However, the slide rail device 20 is not limited to the above two-stage configuration, and may have a three-stage configuration in which, for example, another movable rail is further connected to the movable rail 22M via a connecting block. In other words, the slide rail device 20 can have a multi-stage configuration of two or more stages.

[0110] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the upper structure 14 is supported by the slide rail device 20 so that it can move in one horizontal direction. However, for example, two slide rail devices 20 may be connected in a stacked state so that they are orthogonal in a plan view, and the upper structure 14 may be supported by these slide rail devices 20 so that it can move in two horizontal directions.

[0111] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, first guide grooves 32A and 62A are formed on the first opposing surfaces 30A and 60A, and second guide grooves 32B and 62B are formed on the second opposing surfaces 30B and 60B. However, the first guide grooves 32A and 62A and the second guide grooves 32B and 62B may be provided only as needed and can be omitted as appropriate.

[0112] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first ball R1 circulates between the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M. However, the configuration may include not only the first ball R1, but also a second ball R2, or the first ball R1 and the second ball R2, respectively, circulating between the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M.

[0113] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the configurations of the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M are the same. However, the configurations of the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M are not limited to the same and may be different. Also, the configuration of the connecting block 50 can be appropriately changed according to the configuration of the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M (guide section 30).

[0114] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the rolling elements are a first ball R1 and a second ball R2. However, the rolling elements are not limited to balls such as the first ball R1 and the second ball R2, but may also be rollers.

[0115] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the slide rail device 20 is equipped with a first ball R1 and a second ball R2. However, the second ball R2 can be provided in the slide rail device 20 as needed and can be omitted as appropriate.

[0116] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the object to be seismically isolated is the superstructure 14 of the structure 10. However, the object to be seismically isolated is not limited to the superstructure 14, but may also be, for example, precision machinery or a computer, or other vibration-sensitive object.

[0117] Furthermore, the slide rail device 20 according to the above embodiment is not limited to supporting an object to be seismically isolated, but may also be used as a guide for linearly moving parts, etc. In this case, for example, in the slide rail device 20 according to the first embodiment, the fixed rail 22F and the movable rail 22M may be arranged with their respective guide portions 30 facing each other in the horizontal direction.

[0118] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications may be used in appropriate combinations with one embodiment, and of course, the invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0119] 12 Foundation (Support) 14. Superstructure (Seismically isolated object) 16. Seismic isolation target buildings 20 Slide rail device 22F Fixed Rail (First Rail) 22M Movable Rail (Second Rail) 30 Guide Section (First Guide Section, Second Guide Section) 50 connecting blocks 52 Connecting Blocks R1 First ball (first rolling element) R2 Second ball (second rolling element)

Claims

1. The first rail and the second rail are opposite each other, A connecting block is slidably connected to each of the first rail and the second rail via a plurality of rolling elements that circulate between the first rail and the second rail, A slide rail device equipped with a slide rail.

2. Multiple rolling elements circulate in a vertical rotation between the first rail and the second rail, The second rail is positioned above the first rail and is placed on the first rail via a plurality of rolling elements and connecting blocks. The slide rail device according to claim 1.

3. The second rail is positioned above the first rail. The first guide portion of the first rail, to which the connecting block is slidably connected, is formed in an arc shape that is convex downwards. The second guide portion of the second rail, to which the connecting block is slidably connected, is formed in an arc shape that is convex upwards. The slide rail device according to claim 1.

4. Support and A slide rail device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first rail is connected to the support, The second rail is connected to the seismically isolated object which is supported by the support via the slide rail device, A seismic isolation structure equipped with this feature.

Images