Interlocking structure, decoration method, and interlocking structure set

Abstract

A connection structure (1) comprises a first structure body (10) and a second structure body (20) detachably connected to the first structure body (10). The first structure body (10) has a first fitting part, and the second structure body (20) has a second fitting part that detachably fits together with the first fitting part. At least one of the first fitting part and the second fitting part has a cyclical structure and is an anisotropic elastic structure body having elasticity that differs depending on the direction. When the first fitting part and the second fitting part are fitted together, and the fitting direction is considered to be a first direction and a direction orthogonal to the first direction is considered to be a second direction, the elasticity in the second direction of the anisotropic elastic structure body is greater than the elasticity in the first direction of the anisotropic elastic structure body.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connected structure, a decoration method using the connected structure, and a connected structure set. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known that functional architectural structures are used as building materials such as wall materials, interior materials, floor materials, and ceiling materials. This type of structure has, for example, a substrate that serves as a support and a functional layer laminated on the substrate (for example, Patent Document 1). The functional layer is provided with various functions depending on the application and purpose.

[0003] In such structures, the functional layer and the substrate are bonded together using an adhesive. In addition, adhesives are generally used when bonding two structures together, not limited to architectural structures. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-062775 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when manufacturing a structure in which two structures are bonded together with an adhesive, it is difficult to bond the two structures together with high precision. Therefore, it is difficult to automate the process of bonding the two structures together with an adhesive. Even if this process could be automated, it would be very costly.

[0006] Moreover, once the two structures are bonded with an adhesive, it is difficult to correct the bond later, and it is also difficult to separate the two structures. For example, in a structure in which a substrate and a functional layer are bonded with an adhesive, it is difficult to remove the functional layer from the substrate.

[0007] Furthermore, since most adhesives are made of petroleum-derived resin materials, the process of bonding using adhesives itself places a burden on the environment. Even if it is possible to remove the functional layer from the substrate in a structure in which a substrate and a functional layer are bonded, unnecessary adhesive often remains on the functional layer, making it difficult to reuse or recycle the removed functional layer. In this case, if the removed adhesive layer with the adhesive attached is incinerated, it will lead to the emission of carbon dioxide gas, which contributes to the greenhouse effect. Thus, the method of bonding two structures with adhesives has the problem of a high environmental burden.

[0008] Therefore, a technology for detachably connecting two structures has been considered. For example, in a structure including a substrate and a functional layer, a method for detachably fitting and connecting the substrate and the functional layer has been considered. In this case, a convex portion is provided on one of the substrate and the functional layer as a fitting portion, and a concave portion is provided on the other of the substrate and the functional layer, and the substrate and the functional layer are connected by fitting the convex portion and the concave portion, or the substrate and the functional layer are separated by removing the fitted convex portion and concave portion.

[0009] However, in conventional connected structures in which two structures are detachably connected by fitting convex and concave portions into each other, the detachment performance (ease of fitting and removal) and the ability to maintain the connected state are contradictory and in a trade-off relationship, making it difficult to achieve both detachment performance and the ability to maintain the connected state.

[0010] For example, if the attachment / detachment performance is improved by making the convex portion and the concave portion easily interlocked and easily detached, the ability to hold the connected state is reduced, and the two connected structures are easily separated. In other words, after two structures are connected, the two structures may come off even though it is not desirable for them to come off. On the other hand, if the ability to hold the connected state is improved, the attachment / detachment performance is reduced, as it becomes difficult to interlock the convex portion and the concave portion or to remove them.

[0011] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and aims to provide a connected structure or a decoration method using the same, which has two detachable structures, each having a fitting portion, and which can achieve both detachment performance and the ability to maintain the connected state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] One aspect of the connected structure of the present invention comprises a first structure and a second structure detachably connected to the first structure, wherein the first structure has a first fitting portion and the second structure has a second fitting portion that detachably fits into the first fitting portion, and at least one of the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion has a periodic structure and is an anisotropic elastic structure having elasticity that varies depending on the direction, and when the fitting direction when the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are fitted into each other is defined as a first direction and a direction perpendicular to the first direction is defined as a second direction, the elasticity of the anisotropic elastic structure in the second direction is greater than the elasticity of the anisotropic elastic structure in the first direction.

[0013] Moreover, one aspect of the decoration method according to the present invention is a method of decoration by utilizing or reusing the above-mentioned connected structure.

[0014] Furthermore, one aspect of the connection structure set according to the present invention comprises a first structure having a first fitting portion, and a second structure having a second fitting portion removably fitted into the first fitting portion, wherein the first structure and the second structure can be connected by fitting the first fitting portion into the second fitting portion, and at least one of the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion has a periodic structure and is an anisotropic elastic structure having elasticity that differs depending on the direction, and when the fitting direction when the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are fitted into each other is defined as a first direction and a direction perpendicular to the first direction is defined as a second direction, the elasticity of the anisotropic elastic structure in the second direction is greater than the elasticity of the anisotropic elastic structure in the first direction. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, in two detachable structures each having a fitting portion, it is possible to achieve both detachability and the ability to maintain the connected state. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configurations of a first test piece and a second test piece formed by a 3D printer. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the directions of impacts given to a first test piece, a second test piece, and a third test piece when evaluating impact resistance. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the directions of tensile stresses applied to the first test piece, the second test piece, and the third test piece when evaluating the thermal properties. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a graph showing the directional anisotropy and temperature dependence of the elastic modulus of a resin structure produced by a 3D printer. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view that illustrates a schematic diagram of a connection structure according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a first structure and a second structure that constitute the connected structure according to the first embodiment are connected to each other. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view that illustrates a schematic diagram of a connection structure according to a modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows the configurations of the connected structure according to the first embodiment and the connected structures of the comparative examples 1 to 4, and is a diagram showing the evaluation results of the attachment / detachment performance and the retention performance of each connected structure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a first structure and a second structure are connected in the connected structure according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a first structure and a second structure are connected in a connected structure according to a modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a first structure, a second structure, and a third structure are connected in the connected structure according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of an anisotropic elastic structure according to the first modification. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of an anisotropic elastic structure according to the second modification. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of an anisotropic elastic structure according to the third modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] (How one aspect of the present invention was achieved) Before describing the embodiments of the present invention, the process by which one aspect of the present invention was achieved will be described.

[0018] In recent years, 3D printers have been used to create three-dimensional structures. A 3D printer is a type of three-dimensional modeling machine that uses 3D data created on a computer as a blueprint to create a three-dimensional structure according to the blueprint.

[0019] There are various modeling methods for the technology of creating three-dimensional structures using 3D printers, depending on the characteristics of the materials used. For example, the liquid vat photopolymerization method, the material jetting method, and the material extrusion method are known as modeling methods using 3D printers. In these cases, the liquid vat photopolymerization method and the material jetting method use a photocurable resin, while the material extrusion method uses a thermoplastic resin.

[0020] 3D printers that use resin as a modeling material (3D resin printers) model by stacking resin one layer at a time. For example, 3D printers that use the liquid vat photopolymerization method and the material jetting method use ultraviolet-curable resin as the modeling material, which is ink, and eject the ink one layer at a time while irradiating it with ultraviolet light to harden it. This process is repeated to stack the resin layers to model a three-dimensional structure of a given shape. In other words, a three-dimensional structure modeled by a 3D resin printer has a periodic structure in which multiple resin layers are repeated periodically, and is a single object in which the interfaces between the resin layers are integrated without being bonded with an adhesive.

[0021] Here, the inventors of the present application focused on the physical properties of three-dimensional structures created by a 3D resin printer, and actually produced three-dimensional structures created by a 3D printer using resin as the modeling raw material, conducted experiments, and conducted various studies.

[0022] As a result, the inventors of the present application found that the mechanical strength and thermal properties of a three-dimensional structure modeled by a 3D printer using resin as a modeling raw material differ between the resin layering direction (modeling direction) and other directions. In other words, the inventors found that the mechanical strength and thermal properties of a three-dimensional resin structure modeled by a 3D printer have modeling direction dependency. The following describes the experiments performed by the inventors of the present application and the evaluation results.

[0023] First, a rectangular parallelepiped structure was created as a test piece made of resin using a 3D printer that uses the material jetting method. The modeling material used was an acrylic ultraviolet-curable resin.

[0024] In this case, two types of test pieces of the same shape were produced by changing the resin layering direction (modeling direction). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, a first test piece TS was produced in which the resin layering direction was perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rectangular parallelepiped, and a second test piece HS was produced in which the resin layering direction was the longitudinal direction of the rectangular parallelepiped. In other words, the first test piece TS is produced by stacking resin layers horizontally, and the second test piece HS is produced by stacking resin layers vertically. The first test piece TS and the second test piece HS have the same shape.

[0025] Although not shown, a third test piece RD made of a resin material was produced by using a casting machine instead of a 3D printer, and was a rectangular parallelepiped of the same shape as the first test piece TS and the second test piece HS. The third test piece RD was also produced using an acrylic ultraviolet-curable resin. Since the third test piece RD was produced by casting, unlike the first test piece TS and the second test piece HS, there is no resin layering direction.

[0026] Furthermore, the first test specimen TS, the second test specimen HS, and the third test specimen RD were prepared by irradiating them with ultraviolet light from a mercury lamp (high energy) and by irradiating them with ultraviolet light from a UV-LED (low energy), respectively.

[0027] In addition, in Figure 1, the lines shown on each rectangular solid are for convenience purposes only to show the boundary lines of the resin layers so that the stacking direction of the resin layers can be seen, and are not lines that are actually visible, and the number of boundary lines is not accurately shown.

[0028] Then, the following measurements were carried out on these test pieces to evaluate the impact resistance and thermal properties (heat resistance).

[0029] First, to evaluate the impact resistance, as shown in Figure 2, the first test piece TS (laid horizontally), the second test piece HS (laid vertically), and the third test piece RD (casting) were impacted in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rectangular parallelepiped, and the Izod impact strength (kJ / m 2 ) was measured. The arrow in FIG. 2 indicates the impact direction. That is, the impact direction in the first test piece TS is parallel to the layering direction of the resin. The impact direction in the second test piece HS is parallel to the direction perpendicular to the layering direction of the resin.

[0030] The results of this measurement showed that for the third test piece RD, the Izod impact strength (hereinafter referred to as "impact strength") was equivalent whether a mercury lamp was used or a UV-LED was used. However, for the first test piece TS and the second test piece HS produced using a 3D printer, the impact strength differed between the cases where a mercury lamp was used and where a UV-LED was used, and the impact strength also differed between the first test piece TS and the second test piece HS.

[0031] Specifically, when a mercury lamp was used, it was found that the first test piece TS and the second test piece HS had lower impact strength than the third test piece RD. In other words, it was found that the impact resistance was reduced when the test pieces were produced using a 3D printer. In particular, the impact strength of the first test piece TS was not significantly reduced compared to the third test piece RD, but the impact strength of the second test piece HS was significantly reduced compared to the third test piece RD, and it was found that the impact resistance was significantly reduced.

[0032] In addition, when UV-LED was used, it was found that the impact strength of the first test piece TS and the second test piece HS made with the 3D printer did not decrease compared to the third test piece RD, and they had the same or higher impact resistance. It was also found that the first test piece TS had a higher impact strength than the second test piece HS, and was superior in impact resistance to the second test piece HS.

[0033] Next, to evaluate the thermal properties (heat resistance), a tensile stress was applied to the first test piece TS (laid horizontally), the second test piece HS (laid vertically), and the third test piece RD (casting) in the longitudinal direction of the rectangular parallelepiped, and the temperature (°C) and the elastic modulus E (Pa) were measured, as shown in Fig. 3. The arrows in Fig. 3 indicate the direction of the tensile stress. In other words, the direction of the tensile stress applied to the first test piece TS is parallel to the direction perpendicular to the lamination direction of the resin, and the direction of the tensile stress applied to the second test piece HS is parallel to the lamination direction of the resin.

[0034] The results of this measurement showed that the third test specimen RD had the same level of heat resistance whether a mercury lamp or a UV-LED was used. However, it was found that the thermal properties of the first test specimen TS and the second test specimen HS, which were made using a 3D printer, differed between the cases where a mercury lamp was used and where a UV-LED was used, and that the thermal properties also differed between the first test specimen TS and the second test specimen HS.

[0035] Specifically, when a mercury lamp was used, it was found that the first test piece TS and the second test piece HS made by the 3D printer had a lower elastic modulus and lower heat resistance than the third test piece RD. In particular, it was found that the first test piece TS had a lower elastic modulus than the third test piece RD in the range of 50°C to 100°C, which is a transition region in which the elastic modulus decreases with increasing temperature, but the elastic modulus did not decrease much compared to the third test piece RD in the range of 0°C to 50°C and in the range of 100°C or higher, which are constant regions in which the elastic modulus does not change even if the temperature increases. On the other hand, it was found that the second test piece HS had a lower elastic modulus than the third test piece RD in any temperature range (for example, 0°C to 150°C), and furthermore, the elastic modulus was lower than the first test piece TS.

[0036] In this way, it was found that the elastic modulus was lower when produced by a 3D printer, and further, the elastic modulus was different between the first test piece TS and the second test piece HS. In other words, it was found that the first test piece TS and the second test piece HS produced by the 3D printer have anisotropy of elasticity with respect to the layering direction (modeling direction) of the resin. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, it was found that the elastic modulus E' of the second test piece HS (vertical stacking) is lower than the elastic modulus of the first test piece TS (horizontal stacking). In other words, it was found that the elasticity of the second test piece HS is greater than that of the first test piece TS. In this way, it was found that the elasticity of the structure produced by the 3D printer is greater (i.e., it becomes easier to deform) in the layering direction (modeling direction) of the resin.

[0037] In addition, when UV-LED was used, it was found that the first test piece TS and the second test piece HS made by the 3D printer had a lower elastic modulus than the third test piece RD in the transition region of 50°C to 100°C, but had an elastic modulus equivalent to that of the third test piece RD in the constant region of 0°C to 50°C and above 100°C. The elastic modulus curves of the first test piece TS and the second test piece HS were almost the same, and the elastic modulus of the first test piece TS and the second test piece HS were equivalent in any range of 0°C to 100°C.

[0038] In other words, when UV-LED was used, it was found that in the ranges of 0°C to 50°C and above 100°C, the first test piece TS, the second test piece HS, and the third test piece RD had equivalent elastic moduli and there was little anisotropy in elasticity.

[0039] Thus, the degree of decrease in elasticity of the first test piece TS and the second test piece HS, which were printed by a 3D printer, differs between when a mercury lamp and when a UV-LED were used, compared to the third test piece RD, which was printed by cast molding. This is believed to be because when ultraviolet light is irradiated from a mercury lamp, the energy is greater than when ultraviolet light is irradiated from a UV-LED, so the resin hardening proceeds sufficiently for each resin layer, resulting in less bonding at the laminated interface. Conversely, when ultraviolet light is irradiated from a UV-LED, the energy is smaller, so oxygen inhibition causes each resin layer to be laminated in sequence while still containing uncured components, the interface of the resin layers becomes a continuous phase, reducing the anisotropy, and as a result, the physical properties become the same as those of the one printed by cast molding.

[0040] From the above experimental results, the inventors of the present application have found that when a three-dimensional structure having a periodic structure in which multiple resin layers are periodically repeated is modeled by a 3D printer, the modeled three-dimensional structure is a single unit in which the interfaces between the layers of the fat are not bonded by adhesive, but has the characteristic that the elastic modulus is different (i.e., the elastic properties are different) in the layering direction of the resin (modeling direction) and the direction perpendicular to this layering direction. In other words, the inventors have found that a three-dimensional structure modeled by a 3D printer using resin has anisotropic elasticity in the layering direction of the resin and the direction perpendicular to this layering direction.

[0041] Based on this knowledge, the inventors of the present application have discovered a novel connecting structure in which two structures are connected, which can replace adhesives and has excellent attachment / detachment performance and retention performance, both of which have been difficult to achieve together until now. Specifically, by applying this knowledge to a convex portion and / or a concave portion that fit together as a fitting portion, the inventors have discovered a connecting structure having a pair of structures that has excellent attachment / detachment performance and retention performance.

[0042] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention conceived based on this knowledge will be described. Note that each of the embodiments described below shows a specific example of the present invention. Therefore, the numerical values, components, the arrangement and connection of the components, the processes (steps) and the order of the processes shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims showing the highest concept of the present invention will be described as optional components.

[0043] In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise illustration. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are used for substantially the same configurations, and duplicated explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0044] (Embodiment 1) First, the configuration of the connected structure 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view that shows a schematic view of the connected structure 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view that shows a state in which a first structure 10 and a second structure 20 that constitute the connected structure 1 are connected to each other.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 5, the connected structure 1 according to this embodiment includes a first structure 10 and a second structure 20 detachably connected to the first structure 10. The first structure 10 and the second structure 20 form a pair of connected bodies that are detachably connected to each other. In other words, the first structure 10 and the second structure 20 are detachable via a pair of fitting parts (fitting structures) that form a connecting structure, and a user can combine or separate the first structure 10 and the second structure 20.

[0046] The connected structure 1 in the present embodiment can be used as a building material. For example, the connected structure 1 can be used as a building material such as a wall material (interior wall material, exterior wall material), interior material, floor material, ceiling material, or partition material.

[0047] The first structure 10 (first connecting body) has at least one protrusion 11 as a first fitting portion. In the present embodiment, the first structure 10 has a plurality of protrusions 11. The plurality of protrusions 11 have the same shape.

[0048] The first structure 10 is a flat sheet member having a main surface 12. The main surface 12 is a surface facing the second structure 20. In the present embodiment, the main surface 12 of the first structure 10 is a flat surface. The first structure 10 has a constant thickness except for the protrusions 11, and the other main surface opposite to the main surface 12 is also a flat surface.

[0049] Each of the multiple protrusions 11 is a protrusion formed to protrude from the main surface 12. In this embodiment, each of the multiple protrusions 11 is spherical, and is formed so that its base portion on the main surface 12 side is narrowed. Therefore, the surface of each protrusion 11 is a curved surface that curves convexly, specifically a convex spherical surface. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of each spherical protrusion 11 is, for example, a perfect circle or an ellipse, but is not limited to a perfect circle or an ellipse as long as it is a shape close to a circle.

[0050] The first structure 10 is preferably formed of a flexible material and shape. This improves the attachment and detachment performance of the first structure 10 and the second structure 20, and makes it easier to use the connected structure 1 for interior decoration and the like. For example, the first structure 10 can be a flexible sheet. As an example, the thickness of the first structure 10 is 0.1 mm or more and less than 3.0 cm.

[0051] In addition, it is preferable that the first structure 10 is a rigid body having rigidity. This can prevent the connected structure 1 from being deformed even if stress such as an external force is applied to the connected structure 1. Therefore, it is possible to realize a connected structure 1 that is less likely to be deformed by stress.

[0052] The second structure 20 (second connecting body) has at least one recess 21 as a second fitting portion that detachably fits into the protrusion 11 of the first structure 10. In this embodiment, the second structure 20 has a plurality of recesses 21. The plurality of recesses 21 have the same shape.

[0053] The second structure 20 is a flat sheet member having a main surface 22. In the present embodiment, the main surface 22 of the second structure 20 is a flat surface. The main surface 22 is a surface facing the first structure 10. The second structure 20 has a constant thickness except for the recessed portion 21, and the other main surface opposite to the main surface 22 is also a flat surface.

[0054] The multiple recesses 21 are holes with a bottom formed to be recessed from the main surface 22. The protrusions 11 of the first structure 10 and the recesses 21 of the second structure 20 have a recess-recess structure (male-female structure) that fit into each other. In other words, the protrusions 11 (male structure) and the recesses 21 (female structure) should have shapes that fit together. Specifically, the protrusions 11 and the recesses 21 should have the same shape that has a recess-recess relationship. In this case, in this embodiment, since the protrusions 11 are spherical, the recesses 21 are spherically recessed so that the protrusions 11 fit into them. Therefore, the surface of the recesses 21 is a curved surface that is curved in a concave shape, specifically a concave spherical surface.

[0055] The shapes of the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21 are not limited to spherical. For example, as shown in the connected structure 1A in FIG. 7, the shapes of the convex portion 11A of the first structure 10A and the concave portion 21A of the second structure 20A may be prisms. The convex portion 11A and the concave portion 21A may be cylindrical or may be frustums having a forward tapered surface or an inverse tapered surface. When the convex portion 11A and the concave portion 21A are frustums, the convex portion 11A and the concave portion 21A are frustums of a circular cone or a polygonal pyramid such as a triangular pyramid or a square pyramid.

[0056] The second structure 20 is preferably a rigid body having rigidity. In particular, the rigidity of the second structure 20 is preferably greater than that of the first structure 10. This allows the second structure 20 to be used as a support for supporting the first structure 10. In this case, the thickness of the second structure 20 is preferably greater than that of the first structure 10. The thickness of the second structure 20 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.1 mm or more and less than 3.0 cm, similar to the first structure 10.

[0057] Moreover, the second structure 20 may be formed of a flexible material and shape, similar to the first structure 10. For example, the second structure 20 may be a flexible sheet, similar to the first structure 10.

[0058] 5, when the protrusions 11 and the recesses 21 are fitted together, the entire surfaces of the protrusions 11 and the recesses 21 are in close contact with each other. Note that, as long as the protrusions 11 and the recesses 21 have shapes that allow them to fit together, the entire surfaces of the protrusions 11 and the recesses 21 do not necessarily need to be in contact with each other. In other words, when the protrusions 11 and the recesses 21 are fitted together, there may be a partial gap between the surfaces of the protrusions 11 and the recesses 21.

[0059] In addition, the number of the plurality of protrusions 11 and the plurality of recesses 21 do not necessarily have to be the same, but in this embodiment, the number of the plurality of protrusions 11 and the plurality of recesses 21 are the same and correspond one-to-one. Therefore, the plurality of protrusions 11 and the plurality of recesses 21 are all formed at positions where they fit together. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the main surface 12 of the first structure 10 and the main surface 22 of the second structure 20 are made to face each other, the plurality of protrusions 11 and the plurality of recesses 21 are all formed at positions where they face each other.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 6, the first structure 10 and the second structure 20 are connected by fitting the convex portion 11 into the concave portion 21. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the first structure 10 and the second structure 20 can be connected by fitting the convex portion 11 of the first structure 10 into the concave portion 21 of the second structure 20 and fitting the convex portion 11 into the concave portion 21. Specifically, the convex portion 11 can be fitted into the concave portion 21 by inserting the convex portion 11 into the concave portion 21 and pushing the convex portion 11 into the concave portion 21. Note that in FIG. 6, the arrow indicates the fitting direction (insertion direction) when fitting the convex portion 11 into the concave portion 21.

[0061] In a state where the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21 are fitted, the first structure 10 and the second structure 20 have a portion in contact with each other in addition to the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21. In this embodiment, the first structure 10 and the second structure 20 have a portion in surface contact with each other in a state where the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21 are fitted. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, in a state where the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21 are fitted and the first structure 10 and the second structure 20 are connected, the main surface 12 of the first structure 10 and the main surface 22 of the second structure 20 are in surface contact. With this configuration, when the first structure 10 and the second structure 20 are connected, the first structure 10 and the second structure 20 are in close contact with each other, and the gap between the first structure 10 and the second structure 20 becomes uniform or nearly so. This makes it possible to realize a connected structure 1 in which the connected first structure 10 and second structure 20 have a simple appearance and excellent design.

[0062] In the connected structure 1, at least one of the convex portion 11 (first fitting portion) and the concave portion 21 (second fitting portion) has a periodic structure and is an anisotropic elastic structure having elasticity that differs depending on the direction. In this embodiment, both the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21 are anisotropic elastic structures. In other words, both the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21 have a periodic structure and elasticity that differs depending on the direction. Note that when the concave portion 21 is an anisotropic elastic structure, it is meant that the surrounding structure of the concave portion 21 is an anisotropic elastic structure.

[0063] The anisotropic elastic structure, the protrusions 11 and recesses 21, are one-dimensional periodic structures made of multilayer bodies having a one-dimensional periodic structure as a periodic structure, and are made of one type of material. Therefore, the protrusions 11 and recesses 21 have a repeated structure that is repeated periodically in only one direction. In this embodiment, the protrusions 11 and recesses 21 are formed by a 3D resin printer, and have a periodic structure in which a plurality of resin layers are stacked and repeated periodically. The one-dimensional periodic structure formed by the 3D resin printer is an integrated object in which the interfaces between the resin layers are integrated without being bonded with an adhesive.

[0064] By forming the protrusions 11 and the recesses 21 with a 3D resin printer, it is possible to form the protrusions 11 and the recesses 21 having different elasticity in the resin stacking direction and in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, as described above. In other words, each of the protrusions 11 and the recesses 21 is produced under the conditions of the 3D resin printer such that the protrusions 11 and the recesses 21 have different elasticity in the resin stacking direction and in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction.

[0065] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, if the fitting direction when fitting the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21 into each other is defined as a first direction, and the direction perpendicular to the first direction is defined as a second direction, the elasticity of the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21, which are anisotropic elastic structures, in the second direction is greater than the elasticity of the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21, which are anisotropic elastic structures, in the first direction. In other words, the elasticity of the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21, which are anisotropic elastic structures, in the direction perpendicular to the fitting direction is greater than the elasticity in the fitting direction. Specifically, the elastic modulus of the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21 in the direction perpendicular to the fitting direction is smaller than the elastic modulus in the fitting direction. As a result, the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21 are structured to be easily deformed in the direction perpendicular to the fitting direction, but difficult to deform in the fitting direction.

[0066] In this embodiment, not only the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21 are anisotropic elastic structures, but the entire first structure 10 and the entire second structure 20 are anisotropic elastic structures. Therefore, the entire first structure 10 and the entire second structure 20 are formed by a 3D resin printer, and have a periodic structure in which a plurality of resin layers are periodically repeated. Therefore, the entire first structure 10 and the entire second structure 20 are made of, for example, an ultraviolet-curable resin made of an acrylic resin or the like.

[0067] In addition, in Figures 5 and 6, the hatched lines of the first structure 10 and the second structure 20 are shown for the sake of convenience to indicate the boundary lines of the resin layers so that the stacking direction of the resin layers can be understood, and are not lines that are actually visible, and the number of boundary lines is not accurately shown.

[0068] In this way, in the connected structure 1 according to this embodiment, the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21 are easily deformed in a direction (second direction) perpendicular to the fitting direction (first direction) but are difficult to deform in the fitting direction (first direction). Therefore, when the convex portion 11 is fitted into the concave portion 21 to connect the first structure 10 and the second structure 20, when the convex portion 11 is inserted into the concave portion 21, the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21 easily elastically deform in a direction (second direction) perpendicular to the fitting direction. This allows the convex portion 11 to be easily fitted into the concave portion 21 into which it is to be fitted. In other words, the first structure 10 and the second structure 20 can be easily connected.

[0069] Furthermore, in a state in which the first structure 10 and the second structure 20 are connected by fitting the protrusion 11 into the recess 21, when removing the protrusion 11 from the recess 21, the protrusion 11 and the recess 21 easily elastically deform in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction, so that the protrusion 11 can be easily removed from the recess 21. In other words, the first structure 10 and the second structure 20 can be easily separated.

[0070] Moreover, after the protrusion 11 is fitted into the recess 21, the deformed protrusion 11 acts to adhere closely to the recess 21 while applying pressure thereto due to its elasticity (elastic restoring force) as it tries to return to its original shape, increasing the frictional resistance between the protrusion 11 and the recess 21. As a result, in a state in which the protrusion 11 and the recess 21 are fitted together to connect the first structure 10 and the second structure 20, the protrusion 11 is held in the recess 21 unless the protrusion 11 is intentionally removed from the recess 21, making it difficult for the protrusion 11 to come out of the recess 21.

[0071] In this way, the connected structure 1 according to the present embodiment has excellent attachment / detachment performance and excellent holding performance. In other words, it is possible to obtain a connected structure 1 that can achieve both attachment / detachment performance and holding performance.

[0072] Here, an experiment was carried out to confirm the effect of the connected structure 1 according to this embodiment, and the results of this experiment will be described below.

[0073] In this experiment, for the connected structure of embodiment 1 and the connected structures of comparison examples 1 to 4, a first structure having a convex portion and a second structure having a concave portion were fabricated, and the attachment / detachment performance and retention performance of each connected structure were evaluated.

[0074] Fig. 8 shows the configurations of the connected structure according to the first embodiment and the connected structures of the first to fourth comparative examples, and also shows the evaluation results of the attachment / detachment performance and the retention performance of each connected structure. In this experiment, for each of the first to fourth comparative examples and this embodiment, the diameter of the convex portion was set to be equal to or larger than the diameter of the concave portion, and the attachment / detachment performance and the retention performance were evaluated when the convex portion was inserted into the concave portion. The arrow in Fig. 8 indicates the insertion direction.

[0075] In the connected structures of Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the first structure having a convex portion and the second structure having a concave portion are both made of the same material and have isotropic elasticity. In the connected structure of Comparative Example 1, the convex portion and the concave portion are made into a rectangular column, while in the connected structure of Comparative Example 2, the convex portion and the concave portion are made into a square pyramid truncated.

[0076] In the connected structures of Comparative Examples 3 and 4, the first structure having the convex portion and the second structure having the concave portion both have isotropic elasticity, but the convex portion is made of a flexible material. Note that in the connected structure of Comparative Example 3, the convex portion and the concave portion are made into a rectangular prism, while in the connected structure of Comparative Example 4, the convex portion and the concave portion are made into a square pyramid truncated.

[0077] In the connected structure of this embodiment, the first structure having the convex portion and the second structure having the concave portion are both made of the same material and have anisotropic elasticity as described above.

[0078] In addition, the retention performance of each connecting structure is expressed as "Retention force (N / m 2 ) = Elastic modulus (N / m 2 In this formula, the elastic modulus is the elastic modulus of the protrusion, and the deformation amount is the displacement amount of the protrusion in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction. The elastic modulus of the protrusion was evaluated by the formula: elastic modulus x deformation amount. In this formula, the elastic modulus of the protrusion was evaluated by the formula: elastic modulus x deformation amount.9 For Comparative Examples 3 and 4, in which the protrusions were made of a soft material, 7 It was decided.

[0079] In this experiment, each of the connected structures prepared in this manner was evaluated for the ease of inserting the convex portion into the concave portion, the ease of removing the convex portion from the concave portion, and the holding strength when the convex portion and the concave portion are connected.

[0080] As a result, in the connected structure of Comparative Example 1, the convex and concave portions were difficult to deform, and furthermore, because the convex portions deformed isotropically, it was difficult to insert the convex portions into the concave portions, and it was not possible to push them all the way to the bottom of the convex and concave portions. Also, in the connected structure of Comparative Example 1, the holding force was too strong, and once the convex portions were inserted into the concave portions, it was difficult to remove the convex portions from the concave portions.

[0081] In the connected structure of Comparative Example 2, the convex and concave portions have forward tapered surfaces, which makes it easy to position the convex and concave portions and concentrates force, so that the convex portions can be inserted into the concave portions more easily than in Comparative Example 1, but it cannot be said that it is that easy to insert. On the other hand, the deformation amount of the convex portions is slightly smaller than in Comparative Example 1, so a moderate holding force can be obtained. In addition, because the convex and concave portions have forward tapered surfaces, when removing the convex portions from the concave portions, the vector of the holding force is directed away from the removal direction, so that it was easier to remove than in Comparative Example 1.

[0082] In the connected structure of Comparative Example 3, the convex portion is flexible, but since the deformation of the convex portion is isotropic, the convex portion also deforms in the insertion direction. As a result, it becomes difficult to fit the convex portion into the concave portion, and it is somewhat difficult to insert the convex portion into the concave portion. In addition, since the convex portion is flexible and the elastic modulus of the convex portion is low, the holding force is weak. Furthermore, since the holding force is weak, the convex portion is easier to remove from the concave portion.

[0083] In the connected structure of Comparative Example 4, the convex portion is flexible and the convex portion and the concave portion have forward tapered surfaces, so that the convex portion is easier to position than in Comparative Example 3, the force is concentrated, and the convex portion is easier to insert into the concave portion. In addition, since the convex portion is flexible and the elastic modulus of the convex portion is low, the deformation amount of the convex portion is smaller than in Comparative Example 3. For this reason, the holding force is quite weak. Therefore, when the connected structure of Comparative Example 4 is used on a surface other than the floor surface, it goes against gravity, so there is a risk that the first structure or the second structure will fall. In addition, since the holding force is weaker, the convex portion is easier to remove from the concave portion.

[0084] Furthermore, in the connection structure of this embodiment, the elasticity of the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21 in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction is greater than the elasticity in the fitting direction. In other words, the elastic modulus of the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21 in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction is smaller than the elastic modulus in the fitting direction. Therefore, since the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21 are hard in the fitting direction, it becomes easy to align the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21, and furthermore, the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21 are predominantly elastically deformed in the direction perpendicular to the fitting direction. This makes it easy to insert the convex portion 11 into the concave portion 21.

[0085] Furthermore, in the connected structure of this embodiment, convex portion 11 is inserted into concave portion 21 in an anisotropically deformed state, so a material with a higher elastic modulus than before can be used, and the holding force is increased. In other words, the connected structure of this embodiment can be designed to have a high holding force.

[0086] In addition, in the connection structure of this embodiment, the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21 have elastic anisotropy, so that when the convex portion 11 is removed from the concave portion 21, the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21 are predominantly elastically deformed in a direction perpendicular to the removal direction (the same direction as the fitting direction). This makes it easy to remove the convex portion from the concave portion.

[0087] As described above, the connected structure 1 of this embodiment comprises a first structure 10 and a second structure 20 detachably connected to the first structure 10, and at least one of the convex portion 11 (first fitting portion) of the first structure 10 and the concave portion 21 (second fitting portion) of the second structure 20 has a periodic structure and is an anisotropic elastic structure having elasticity that differs depending on the direction, and the elasticity of the anisotropic elastic structure in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction (second direction) is greater than the elasticity in the fitting direction (first direction) of the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21.

[0088] As a result, at least one of the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21 is easily deformed in a direction (second direction) perpendicular to the fitting direction, but is not easily deformed in the fitting direction (first direction). This allows the first structure 10 and the second structure 20 to be easily attached and detached, and the connected first structure 10 and the second structure 20 can be held with high holding force. Therefore, a connected structure 1 can be realized that can achieve both attachment and detachment performance and the ability to hold the connected state.

[0089] In the connected structure 1 according to the present embodiment, the protrusions 11 and the recesses 21 are both anisotropic elastic structures. That is, the elasticity of the protrusions 11 and the recesses 21 in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction (second direction) is greater than the elasticity of the protrusions 11 and the recesses 21 in the fitting direction (first direction).

[0090] As a result, both the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21 are easily deformed in a direction (second direction) perpendicular to the fitting direction, but are difficult to deform in the fitting direction (first direction). This makes it possible to attach and detach the first structure 10 and the second structure 20 even more easily, and also makes it possible to hold the connected first structure 10 and the second structure 20 with even higher holding force. Therefore, it is possible to further achieve a balance between the ability to attach and detach and the ability to hold the connected state.

[0091] In addition, when only one of the protrusions 11 and the recesses 21 is made of an anisotropic elastic structure, it is preferable to make the protrusion 11 into which it is inserted an anisotropic elastic structure, rather than making the recesses 21 into which it is inserted an anisotropic elastic structure.

[0092] With this configuration, convex portion 11, which is an anisotropic elastic structure, is more likely to deform in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction (second direction) and less likely to deform in the fitting direction (first direction) than when concave portion 21 to be inserted is made of an anisotropic elastic structure. Therefore, compared to when concave portion 21 to be inserted is made of an anisotropic elastic structure, first structure 10 and second structure 20 can be attached and detached more easily, and connected first structure 10 and second structure 20 can be held with high holding force.

[0093] Furthermore, in the connected structure 1 of this embodiment, the anisotropic elastic structure constituting at least one of the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21 is a multilayer body having a one-dimensional periodic structure as a periodic structure, and is made of one type of material.

[0094] Such an anisotropic elastic structure, which is a one-dimensional periodic structure, can be easily produced by a 3D resin printer. In other words, the convex portion 11 and / or the concave portion 21, which are an anisotropic elastic structure having anisotropic elasticity in the resin lamination direction and in a direction perpendicular thereto, can be easily produced by a 3D resin printer.

[0095] In the connected structure 1 according to the present embodiment, the first structure 10 has a plurality of protrusions 11. Similarly, the second structure 20 also has a plurality of recesses .

[0096] This configuration increases the number of fitting points between the convex portions 11 and the concave portions 21, thereby reducing the possibility of the first structure 10 being unintentionally detached from the second structure 20. In other words, the holding performance of the connected structure 1 can be improved.

[0097] On the other hand, the first structure 10 may have only one protrusion 11. Similarly, the second structure 20 may have only one recess 21.

[0098] With this configuration, the number of fitting locations between the projection 11 and the recess 21 is reduced to a minimum of one, making the fitting operation between the projection 11 and the recess 21 easy.

[0099] Furthermore, in the case where there is one convex portion 11 on the first structure 10 and one concave portion 21 on the second structure 20 (i.e., where there is only one connection point between the first structure 10 and the second structure 20), after the convex portion 11 is fitted into the concave portion 21 to connect the first structure 10 and the second structure 20, the connected structure 1 may be configured so that the first structure 10 rotates around the axis of the center (fitting center) of the fitting point between the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21.

[0100] With this configuration, even after the first structure 10 and the second structure 20 are connected, the first structure 10 and the second structure 20 rotate horizontally, so that alignment with respect to the rotation direction of the first structure 10 can be easily performed. Note that, in order to rotate the first structure 10 with the protrusions 11 fitted in the recesses 21, it is preferable that the shapes of the protrusions 11 and the recesses 21 are spherical or cylindrical.

[0101] Furthermore, when the first structure 10 rotates, it is preferable that a rotation prevention mechanism (stopper) for stopping the horizontal rotation of the first structure 10 is provided on at least one of the first structure 10 and the second structure 20. The rotation prevention mechanism may be a magnetic stopper using a pair of magnets, or a mechanical stopper using a rail, protrusion, or the like.

[0102] This configuration can stop the first structure 10 from continuing to rotate, and therefore can prevent the first structure 10 from wobbling after the first structure 10 is connected to the second structure 20. Furthermore, by providing a rotation prevention mechanism, the first structure 10 and the second structure 20 can be easily aligned.

[0103] On the other hand, even if the first structure 10 has only one convex portion 11 and the second structure 20 has only one concave portion 21, after the convex portion 11 is fitted into the concave portion 21 to connect the first structure 10 and the second structure 20, the first structure 10 may be unable to rotate around the axis of the center of the fitting point between the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21 (fitting center).

[0104] With this configuration, the first structure 10 does not rotate horizontally after the first structure 10 and the second structure 20 are connected, so that even though there is only one fitting point, the first structure 10 can be prevented from wobbling after connection.

[0105] In the connected structure 1 according to this embodiment, the thickness of the first structure 10 in the fitting direction is not less than 0.1 mm and less than 3.0 cm.

[0106] With this configuration, the first structure 10 can be made thin, and therefore a connected structure 1 capable of securing a large space can be realized.

[0107] In this case, furthermore, in a state in which the first structure 10 and the second structure 20 are connected, the thickness of the connected structure 1 in the fitting direction is preferably 0.5 cm or more and less than 10 cm.

[0108] With this configuration, even when the first structure 10 and the second structure 20 are connected, the total thickness of the connected structure 1 can be made thin, thereby realizing a connected structure 1 that can secure a large space.

[0109] In addition, the connected structure 1 according to the present embodiment has excellent attachment / detachment performance and retention performance, and can therefore be used as a building material suitable for renovation. In this case, the connected structure 1 can be used not only for flooring materials, but also for building materials that are subject to the effects of gravity, such as wall materials (interior and exterior wall materials) and ceilings.

[0110] Moreover, in the connected structure 1 of this embodiment, one of the first structure 10 and the second structure 20 can be easily attached to or detached from the other, so that the connected structure 1 can be easily repaired or refurbished.

[0111] In addition, since one of the first structure 10 and the second structure 20 in the connected structure 1 can be easily attached to or detached from the other, the present invention can also be realized as a decoration method for decoration by utilizing or reusing the connected structure 1. For example, by using the connected structure 1 as a building material for a store's show window or showcase, it is possible to easily replace only the front side members of the first structure 10 and the second structure 20 by simply removing the front side member located on the front side of the first structure 10 and the second structure 20 from the rear side member located on the rear side. This makes it easy to perform decoration such as redecoration.

[0112] Furthermore, in the connected structure 1 of this embodiment, the first structure 10 and the second structure 20 can be easily attached to and detached from the other, so that automation can be achieved and labor costs can be reduced by using a robot or the like, thereby realizing a decoration method that can eliminate labor shortages.

[0113] Moreover, since no adhesive is required to attach or detach the first structure 10 and the second structure 20, it is possible to easily recycle or reuse the first structure 10 and / or the second structure 20. This makes it possible to realize an environmentally friendly decoration method with less environmental impact.

[0114] In this case, in this decoration method, renovation may be carried out by utilizing the connected structure 1. In other words, the decoration method according to the present invention can also be realized as a method for renovating a house or the like using the connected structure 1.

[0115] This makes it possible to realize a renovation method that is advantageous for automation or man-hour reduction, and that not only resolves labor shortages but is also environmentally friendly. Therefore, it is possible to realize a method that can alleviate recent social issues related to housing, such as responding to a society with a low birth rate and an aging population, work style reform, and environmental considerations.

[0116] The above decoration method can also be applied to the following embodiments.

[0117] (Embodiment 2) Next, a connected structure 1B according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a first structure 10B and a second structure 20B are connected in the connected structure 1B according to the second embodiment.

[0118] In the connected structure 1 according to the above-mentioned first embodiment, each of the first structure 10 and the second structure 20 is composed of only one member, but in the connected structure 1B according to this embodiment, each of the first structure 10B and the second structure 20B is composed of a plurality of members, as shown in Fig. 9. Specifically, the first structure 10B has a first main body layer 10a and a first coupling layer 10b laminated on the first main body layer 10a, and the second structure 20B has a second main body layer 20a and a second coupling layer 20b laminated on the second main body layer 20a.

[0119] The first body layer 10a is, for example, a substrate supporting the first coupling layer 10b. Similarly, the second body layer 20a is, for example, a substrate supporting the second coupling layer 20b. The first body layer 10a and the second body layer 20a may have rigidity. In addition, the first body layer 10a and the second body layer 20a may be formed of a material and shape that is flexible.

[0120] One or both of the first main body layer 10a and the second main body layer 20a may be a functional layer having functionality. Examples of the functional layer include a soundproof sheet having soundproofing properties, a waterproof sheet having waterproofing properties, an antifouling sheet having antifouling properties, a fireproof sheet having fireproofing properties, and a sensor sheet having various sensors.

[0121] In addition, when only one of the first main body layer 10a and the second main body layer 20a is a functional layer, either the first structure 10B or the second structure 20B may be on the outside (front side). For example, when only the first main body layer 10a of the first structure 10B is a functional layer, the connection structure 1B may be used so that the first structure 10B is on the inside (back side) and the second structure 20B is on the outside (front side), or the connection structure 1B may be used so that the first structure 10B is on the outside and the second structure 20B is on the inside.

[0122] In addition, one or both of the first main body layer 10a and the second main body layer 20a may be a design layer having design properties. As the design layer, a design sheet or the like having a color or pattern such as a wood grain pattern or a picture is used.

[0123] In addition, when only one of the first main body layer 10a and the second main body layer 20a is a design layer, the first structure 10B and the second structure 20B may have the side having the design layer on the outside (front side). For example, when only the first main body layer 10a of the first structure 10B is a design layer, the connecting structure 1B may be used so that the first structure 10B is on the outside (front side) and the second structure 20B is on the inside (back side).

[0124] In addition, one of the first main body layer 10a and the second main body layer 20a may be a functional layer, and the other of the first main body layer 10a and the second main body layer 20a may be a design layer. In this case, when the connected structure 1B is used as a building material, it is preferable to use the connected structure 1B so that the first structure 10B and the second structure 20B having the functional layer are the inside (back side) and the first structure 10B and the second structure 20B having the design layer are the outside (front side).

[0125] The first main body layer 10a and the second main body layer 20a may serve as both a functional layer and a design layer.

[0126] In addition, the first main body layer 10a may be a support layer that supports the first connecting layer 10b, rather than a functional layer and a design layer. Similarly, the second main body layer 20a may be a support layer that supports the second connecting layer 20b, rather than a functional layer and a design layer. A substrate having rigidity may be used as the support layer. Even if the first main body layer 10a and the second main body layer 20a are support layers, the first main body layer 10a and the second main body layer 20a may also serve as a functional layer or a design layer.

[0127] The base material of the first main body layer 10a and the second main body layer 20a thus configured is not an anisotropic elastic structure having anisotropic elasticity, but is, for example, an isotropic elastic structure having isotropic elasticity. For example, the base material constituting the first main body layer 10a and the second main body layer 20a is made of resin, metal, wood, or the like, but is not limited thereto. Note that one or both of the base materials constituting the first main body layer 10a and the second main body layer 20a may be an anisotropic elastic structure formed by a 3D printer or the like.

[0128] The first coupling layer 10b of the first structure 10B is a portion of the first structure 10B that is coupled to the second coupling layer 20b of the second structure 20B. The first coupling layer 10b is provided with one or more protrusions 11 as a first fitting portion.

[0129] The second coupling layer 20b of the second structure 20B is a portion of the second structure 20B that is coupled to the first coupling layer 10b of the first structure 10B. The second coupling layer 20b is provided with one or more recesses 21 as a second fitting portion.

[0130] The first coupling layer 10b and the second coupling layer 20b are anisotropic elastic structures having anisotropic elasticity. For example, the first coupling layer 10b and the second coupling layer 20b are one-dimensional periodic structures having a repeated structure periodically repeated in only one direction, and are formed by a 3D resin printer. In this case, the first coupling layer 10b and the second coupling layer 20b have a periodic structure in which a plurality of resin layers are periodically repeated by stacking a plurality of resin layers. In this way, by forming the first coupling layer 10b and the second coupling layer 20b by a 3D resin printer, as described above, it is possible to form the first coupling layer 10b and the second coupling layer 20b having different elasticity in the lamination direction of the resin and the direction perpendicular to this lamination direction. And, the first coupling layer 10b and the second coupling layer 20b, which are anisotropic elastic structures, have elasticity in the direction perpendicular to the fitting direction (second direction) greater than the elasticity in the fitting direction (first direction) of the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21.

[0131] In this manner, the connected structure 1B according to the present embodiment includes a first structure 10B having a first connection layer 10b with a convex portion 11 (first fitting portion) and a second structure 20B having a second connection layer 20b with a concave portion 21 (second fitting portion), and the first connection layer 10b and the second connection layer 20b are anisotropic elastic structures having a periodic structure and different elasticity depending on the direction. The first connection layer 10b and the second connection layer 20b, which are anisotropic elastic structures, have a greater elasticity in a direction (second direction) perpendicular to the fitting direction than in the fitting direction (first direction) of the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21.

[0132] As a result, the convex portion 11 of the first structure 10B and the concave portion 21 of the second structure 20B are easily deformed in a direction (second direction) perpendicular to the fitting direction, but are not easily deformed in the fitting direction (first direction). As a result, the first structure 10B and the second structure 20B can be easily attached and detached, and the connected first structure 10B and the second structure 20B can be held with high holding force. Therefore, a connected structure 1B can be realized that can achieve both attachment and detachment performance and the ability to hold the connected state.

[0133] Only one of the first coupling layer 10b and the second coupling layer 20b may be an anisotropic elastic structure. In this case, it is preferable that the first coupling layer 10b having the projection 11 to be inserted is an anisotropic elastic structure.

[0134] Also, as in the connection structure 1B' shown in FIG. 10, the convex portion 11 of the first structure 10B' may be the first connection layer 10b' itself which is an anisotropic elastic structure. In other words, the main surface 12 of the first structure 10B' may be the main surface of the first main body layer 10a, and the convex portion 11 which is an anisotropic elastic structure may be provided on the main surface of the first main body layer 10a. In this way, in the first structure 10B', only the convex portion 11 may be an anisotropic elastic structure. The connection structure 1B' having such a configuration is particularly useful as a spatial infrastructure connector, and the first connection structure 10B' may be attached to a building material as a detachable connector to realize simple engineering for non-residential buildings.

[0135] (Embodiment 3) Next, a connected structure 1C according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a first structure 10C, a second structure 20C, and a third structure 30C are connected in the connected structure 1C according to the third embodiment.

[0136] The connected structure 1 according to the first embodiment is composed of two structures, a first structure 10 and a second structure 20, but the connected structure 1C according to the present embodiment is composed of three structures, a first structure 10C, a second structure 20C, and a third structure 30C. In other words, the connected structure 1C according to the present embodiment is configured such that the first structure 10C, the second structure 20C, and the third structure 30C are detachably connected.

[0137] Specifically, the connected structure 1C according to the present embodiment is configured such that the first structure 10C is sandwiched between the second structure 20C and the third structure 30C. The first structure 10C and the second structure 20C are configured to be detachably connected, and the first structure 10C and the third structure 30C are configured to be detachably connected. In other words, the first structure 10C located between the second structure 20C and the third structure 30C is detachable from both the second structure 20C and the third structure 30C.

[0138] Therefore, the first structure 10C has not only the first fitting portion but also at least one recess 13 as a third fitting portion. In the present embodiment, the first structure 10C has a plurality of recesses 13. The plurality of recesses 13 have the same shape.

[0139] Each of the multiple recesses 13 is a bottomed hole formed so as to be recessed from the main surface 14 facing the main surface 12 of the first structure 10C. In the present embodiment, the recesses 13 have the same shape and size as the recesses 21 of the second structure 20C.

[0140] As described above, the connected structure 1C includes the third structure 30C in addition to the first structure 10C and the second structure 20C.

[0141] The third structure 30C has at least one protrusion 31 as a fourth fitting portion that detachably fits into the recess 13 (third fitting portion) of the first structure 10C. In this embodiment, the third structure 30C has a plurality of protrusions 31. The plurality of protrusions 31 have the same shape.

[0142] Each of the multiple protrusions 31 is a protrusion formed to protrude from the main surface 32 of the third structure 30C. In the present embodiment, the protrusions 31 have the same shape and size as the protrusions 11 of the first structure 10C.

[0143] The third structure 30C is preferably formed of a flexible material and shape. This improves the attachment and detachment performance of the third structure 30C and the first structure 10C. For example, the third structure 30C can be a flexible sheet. As an example, the thickness of the third structure 30C is 0.1 mm or more and less than 3.0 cm.

[0144] The third structure 30C may be a rigid body having rigidity. Furthermore, the third structure 30C may be a support for supporting the first structure 10C. This can prevent the connected structure 1C from being deformed even if stress such as an external force is applied to the connected structure 1C. Therefore, it is possible to realize a connected structure 1C that is less likely to be deformed by stress.

[0145] Furthermore, in the connected structure 1C in the present embodiment, each of the first structure 10C, the second structure 20C, and the third structure 30C is made up of a plurality of members.

[0146] Specifically, the first structure 10C has a first main body layer 10a, a first connecting layer 10b laminated on one side of the first main body layer 10a, and a third connecting layer 10c laminated on the other side of the first main body layer 10a.

[0147] The second structure 20C has a second main body layer 20a and a second coupling layer 20b laminated on the second main body layer 20a, similar to the second structure 20B of the above-mentioned embodiment 2. Specifically, the second coupling layer 20b is laminated on the surface of the second main body layer 20a on the side of the first structure 10C.

[0148] The third structure 30C has a third main body layer 30a and a fourth coupling layer 30b laminated on the third main body layer 30a. Specifically, the fourth coupling layer 30b is laminated on the surface of the third main body layer 30a on the first structure 10C side.

[0149] The third main body layer 30a is a substrate that supports the fourth connecting layer 30b. In this case, the third main body layer 30a is a sheet having rigidity. The third main body layer 30a may be formed of a flexible material and in a flexible shape.

[0150] The base material constituting the third main body layer 30a is not an anisotropic elastic structure having anisotropic elasticity, similar to the first main body layer 10a and the second main body layer 20a, but is, for example, an isotropic elastic structure having isotropic elasticity. As an example, the base material constituting the third main body layer 30a is made of resin, metal, wood, or the like, but is not limited thereto. Note that the base material constituting the third main body layer 30a may be an anisotropic elastic structure formed by a 3D printer or the like.

[0151] Furthermore, the third main body layer 30a, like the first main body layer 10a and the second main body layer 20a, may be a functional layer having functionality, a design layer having designability, or a layer serving as both a functional layer and a design layer.

[0152] In this embodiment, the connected structure 1C is a building material arranged so that the second structure 20C is on the outside (front side). In this case, for example, the second structure 20C located on the outermost side may be a design layer such as a wood grain sheet, the third structure 30C located on the innermost side may be a support, and the first structure 10C in the middle may be a functional layer. Note that the combination of the functional layer and the design layer in the first structure 10C, the second structure 20C, and the third structure 30C is not limited to this.

[0153] The first coupling layer 10b of the first structure 10C is a portion of the first structure 10C that is coupled to the second coupling layer 20b of the second structure 20C, similar to the above-mentioned embodiment 2. The first coupling layer 10b is provided with one or more protrusions 11 as a first fitting portion.

[0154] The third coupling layer 10c of the first structure 10C is a portion of the first structure 10C that is coupled to the fourth coupling layer 30b of the third structure 30C. The third coupling layer 10c is provided with one or more recesses 13 as a third fitting portion.

[0155] The second coupling layer 20b of the second structure 20C is a portion of the second structure 20C that is coupled to the first coupling layer 10b of the first structure 10C, similar to the above-mentioned embodiment 2. The second coupling layer 20b is provided with one or more recesses 21 as a second fitting portion.

[0156] The fourth coupling layer 30b of the third structure 30C is a portion of the third structure 30C that is coupled to the third coupling layer 10c of the first structure 10C. The second coupling layer 20b is provided with one or more protrusions 31 as a fourth fitting portion.

[0157] The first coupling layer 10b, the second coupling layer 20b, the third coupling layer 10c, and the fourth coupling layer 30b are anisotropic elastic structures having anisotropic elasticity. For example, the first coupling layer 10b and the second coupling layer 20b are one-dimensional periodic structures having a repeating structure periodically repeated in only one direction, and are formed by a 3D resin printer. In this case, the first coupling layer 10b, the second coupling layer 20b, the third coupling layer 10c, and the fourth coupling layer 30b have a periodic structure in which a plurality of resin layers are periodically repeated by stacking a plurality of resin layers. In this way, by forming the first coupling layer 10b, the second coupling layer 20b, the third coupling layer 10c, and the fourth coupling layer 30b by a 3D resin printer, it is possible to form the first coupling layer 10b, the second coupling layer 20b, the third coupling layer 10c, and the fourth coupling layer 30b having different elasticity in the resin stacking direction and in the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, as described above. The first coupling layer 10b, the second coupling layer 20b, the third coupling layer 10c, and the fourth coupling layer 30b, which are anisotropic elastic structures, have greater elasticity in the direction perpendicular to the fitting direction (second direction) than in the fitting direction (first direction) of the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21.

[0158] Thus, the connected structure 1C of this embodiment includes a first structure 10C having a first connecting layer 10b with a convex portion 11 (first fitting portion) and a third connecting layer 10c with a concave portion 13 (third fitting portion), a second structure 20C having a second connecting layer 20b with a concave portion 21 (second fitting portion), and a third structure 30C having a fourth connecting layer 30b with a convex portion 31 (fourth fitting portion), and the first connecting layer 10b, the second connecting layer 20b, the third connecting layer 10c, and the fourth connecting layer 30b have a periodic structure and are anisotropic elastic structures having elasticity that varies depending on the direction. The first connecting layer 10b, the second connecting layer 20b, the third connecting layer 10c, and the fourth connecting layer 30b, which are anisotropic elastic structures, have greater elasticity in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction (second direction) than in the fitting direction (first direction) of the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21.

[0159] As a result, the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 13 of the first structure 10C, the concave portion 21 of the second structure 20C, and the convex portion 31 of the third structure 30C are easily deformed in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction (second direction) and are not easily deformed in the fitting direction (first direction). As a result, the first structure 10C and the second structure 20C can be easily attached and detached, and the first structure 10C and the third structure 30C can be easily attached and detached. In addition, the first structure 10C and the second structure 20C that are connected can be held with high holding force, and the first structure 10C and the third structure 30C that are connected can be held with high holding force. Therefore, a connected structure 1C that can achieve both attachment and detachment performance and connection state holding performance can be realized.

[0160] (Modification) Although the present invention has been described based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above first to third embodiments.

[0161] For example, in the above-mentioned first to third embodiments, the anisotropic elastic structure constituting the peripheral structure of the protrusion 11 and the recess 21 is made of a resin material, but this is not limited thereto. Also, in the above-mentioned first to third embodiments, the anisotropic elastic structure constituting the peripheral structure of the protrusion 11 and the recess 21 is produced by a 3D printer, but this is not limited thereto. Specifically, the peripheral structure of the protrusion 11 and the recess 21 may be made of a material other than a resin material, and may be produced by a device other than a 3D printer. The same is true for the recess 13 and the protrusion 31.

[0162] In addition, in the above embodiments 1 to 3, the anisotropic elastic structure constituting the surrounding structure of the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21 is a multilayer body having a one-dimensional periodic structure as a periodic structure, and is made of one type of material, but this is not limited to this.

[0163] For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the anisotropic elastic structure constituting the protrusion 11D may be a multi-layer body having a one-dimensional periodic structure as a periodic structure, and may be made of a plurality of types of materials.

[0164] The protrusion 11D in Fig. 12 is an anisotropic elastic structure made of a plurality of materials with different elastic moduli. Specifically, the protrusion 11D has a periodic structure in which a first layer 11a made of a high elastic modulus material, which is a first material having a high elastic modulus, and a second layer 11b made of a low elastic modulus material, which is a second material having a low elastic modulus, are alternately laminated. As an example, the high elastic modulus material constituting the first layer 11a is a polycarbonate resin, and the low elastic modulus material constituting the second layer 11b is a thermoplastic polyurethane resin.

[0165] In this way, by combining materials with different elastic moduli (i.e. different elasticity), it becomes easier to design the anisotropy of elasticity in an anisotropic elastic structure, and the anisotropy of elasticity can be easily controlled depending on the application.

[0166] Furthermore, when the protrusions 11 are made of a plurality of materials, the entire protrusions 11 may be an anisotropic elastic structure made of a one-dimensional periodic structure in which a material with a high elastic modulus and a material with a low elastic modulus are mixed.

[0167] For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the anisotropic elastic structure may be a structure in which a first layer 11x having a high proportion of high elastic modulus material and a second layer 11y having a high proportion of low elastic modulus material are alternately laminated, as shown in FIG. 13. Both the first layer 11x and the second layer 11y contain a high elastic modulus material and a low elastic modulus material, but the first layer 11x is a high elastic modulus material rich layer having a high content of high elastic modulus material, and the second layer 11y is a low elastic modulus material rich layer having a high content of low elastic modulus material. The boundary between the first layer 11x and the second layer 11y is a continuous phase in which the content of the high elastic modulus material and the low elastic modulus material gradually changes in a gradational manner. In other words, the protrusion 11E is an anisotropic elastic structure having a continuous phase at the layer boundary.

[0168] Furthermore, such a convex portion having a continuous phase may be made of one type of material. In this case, the convex portion having a continuous phase made of one type of material may be an anisotropic elastic structure in which a main layer having an elastic modulus that does not change in the lamination direction is repeatedly laminated, and a continuous phase having an average elastic modulus different from the elastic modulus of the main layer is interposed between the main layers. In other words, the convex portion may be an anisotropic elastic structure in which a main layer and a continuous phase are alternately laminated.

[0169] 12 and 13 may be applied not only to the protrusion 11 but also to the peripheral structure of the recess 21. Also, the one-dimensional periodic structure shown in Fig. 12 and 13 may be applied not only to the protrusion 11 and the peripheral structure of the recess 21 but also to the peripheral structure of the recess 13 and the protrusion 31.

[0170] In addition, in the above-mentioned first to third embodiments, the anisotropic elastic structure constituting the surrounding structure of the convex portion 11 and the concave portion 21 is a one-dimensional periodic structure having a one-dimensional periodic structure as a periodic structure, but is not limited to this.

[0171] Specifically, the anisotropic elastic structure constituting the convex portion 11 and the peripheral structure of the concave portion 21 may be a two-dimensional periodic structure having a two-dimensional periodic structure as a periodic structure. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the anisotropic elastic structure constituting the convex portion 11F may be a two-dimensional periodic structure in which a first member 11m made of a high elastic modulus material and a second member 11n made of a low elastic modulus material are fitted together in a grid pattern. As an example, the high elastic modulus material constituting the first member 11m is polycarbonate resin, and the low elastic modulus material constituting the second member 11n is thermoplastic polyurethane resin. A two-dimensional periodic structure having such a structure can be produced by a 3D printer, but can also be produced by a material extrusion molding method or the like. The two-dimensional periodic structure shown in FIG. 14 can be applied not only to the convex portion but also to the peripheral structure of the concave portion.

[0172] Although not shown, the anisotropic elastic structure constituting the surrounding structure of the convex portions and concave portions may be a three-dimensional periodic structure having a three-dimensional periodic structure as a periodic structure, or a lattice structure having a lattice structure in which lattices are periodically arranged as a periodic structure. Such three-dimensional periodic structures and lattice structures can also be produced by a 3D printer. When the anisotropic elastic structure constituting the surrounding structure of the convex portions and concave portions is a lattice structure, the elastic modulus can be made different depending on the direction by changing the density of the lattice constituting the lattice structure. In other words, the elasticity can be made different depending on the direction.

[0173] In addition, although not shown in the drawings, in the above-mentioned first to third embodiments, the plurality of protrusions 11 all have the same shape, but this is not limited thereto. Specifically, the plurality of protrusions 11 may include two or more different shapes. For example, the plurality of protrusions 11 may include a spherical protrusion and a rectangular prism protrusion. This also applies to the plurality of recesses 13, the plurality of recesses 21, and the plurality of protrusions 31.

[0174] In the above-mentioned embodiment 1, only the convex portion 11 (male structure) is provided as the first fitting portion on the same surface of the first structure 10, and only the concave portion 21 (female structure) is provided as the second fitting portion on the same surface of the second structure 20, but this is not limited thereto. For example, both the convex portion and the concave portion may be provided as the first fitting portion on the same surface of the first structure 10, and both the concave portion and the convex portion may be provided as the second fitting portion on the same surface of the second structure 20. In this case, it is only necessary that the convex portion provided on the first structure 10 and the concave portion provided on the second structure 20 are detachably fitted to each other, and the concave portion provided on the first structure 10 and the convex portion provided on the second structure 20 are detachably fitted to each other. In this way, the convex portion and the concave portion may be mixed on the same surface of one structure. The configuration in which convex portions and concave portions are mixed on the same surface of one structure may be applied not only to the above-mentioned first embodiment but also to the above-mentioned second and third embodiments.

[0175] In the above first and second embodiments, the present invention is a connected structure including a first structure and a second structure, but is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention may be a connected structure set including a first structure and a second structure. That is, the present invention is not only applied to a connected structure in a state in which the first structure and the second structure are connected, but also to a connected structure set including a state in which the first structure and the second structure are separated. This can also be applied to the above third embodiment. That is, the present invention may be a connected structure set including a first structure, a second structure, and a third structure.

[0176] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to being composed of two structures as in the above embodiments 1 and 2, or three structures as in the above embodiment 3, but may also be a connected structure or connected structure set in which four or more structures are stacked as long as they can be detachably connected to each other.

[0177] In addition, in the above first to third embodiments, the connection structure is described as being applied to building materials in the construction field, but the present invention is not limited to this application. The connection structure of the present invention may be applied to applications other than building materials.

[0178] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment and modification that a person skilled in the art may think of, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment and modification within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0179] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C connected structure 10, 10A, 10B, 10C First structure 10b First connection layer 11, 11A, 11D, 11E, 11F Convex portion (first fitting portion) 11a, 11x 1st layer 11b, 11y Second layer 11m First Component 11n Second member 12, 14, 22, 32 Main faces 13 Recess (third fitting portion) 20, 20A, 20B, 20C Second structure 20b Second connection layer 21, 21A Recess (second fitting portion) 30C Third Structure 31 Protrusion (fourth fitting portion)

Claims

1. A first structure; a second structure removably connected to the first structure, The first structure has a first fitting portion, the second structure has a second fitting portion that is detachably fitted into the first fitting portion, At least one of the first embedding portion and the second embedding portion has a periodic structure and is an anisotropic elastic structure having elasticity that differs depending on the direction, a first direction is a fitting direction when the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are fitted into each other, and a second direction is a direction perpendicular to a plane parallel to the first direction, the elasticity of the anisotropic elastic structure in the second direction is greater than the elasticity of the anisotropic elastic structure in the first direction, The periodic structure is a structure in which a plurality of resin layers are stacked in the second direction, so that the plurality of resin layers are periodically repeated. Connected structures.

2. The first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are both the anisotropic elastic structure. The connection structure according to claim 1 .

3. The anisotropic elastic structure is either a multilayer body having a one-dimensional periodic structure as the periodic structure or a two-dimensional periodic structure having a two-dimensional periodic structure as the periodic structure, and the two-dimensional periodic structure has a structure in which a first member made of a high elastic modulus material and a second member made of a low elastic modulus material having an elastic modulus lower than that of the first member are fitted together in a grid pattern. A connection structure according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The anisotropic elastic structure is made of a plurality of materials having different elastic moduli. The connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A first structure; a second structure removably connected to the first structure, The first structure has a first fitting portion, the second structure has a second fitting portion that is detachably fitted into the first fitting portion, At least one of the first embedding portion and the second embedding portion has a periodic structure and is an anisotropic elastic structure having elasticity that differs depending on the direction, a first direction is a fitting direction when the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are fitted into each other, and a second direction is a direction perpendicular to a plane parallel to the first direction, the elasticity of the anisotropic elastic structure in the second direction is greater than the elasticity of the anisotropic elastic structure in the first direction, the anisotropic elastic structure is a multi-layer body having a one-dimensional periodic structure as the periodic structure, and is made of one type of material; Connected structures.

6. When the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are fitted together, the first structure and the second structure have portions that are in surface contact with each other. The connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The first structure has a plurality of the first fitting portions. The connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. At least one of the first structure and the second structure is formed of a flexible material and shape. The connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Further, a third structure is provided, The first structure has a third fitting portion, The third structure has a fourth fitting portion that is detachably fitted into the third fitting portion. The connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. the third structure is a support that supports the first structure; The connection structure according to claim 9.

11. The first structure includes a functional layer having functionality, and a first connection layer laminated on the functional layer and having the first fitting portion. The connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The second structure has a design layer having a design property, and a second connection layer laminated on the design layer and having the second fitting portion. The connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The thickness of the first structure in the first direction is equal to or greater than 0.1 mm and less than 3.0 cm. The connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The connection structure is a building material. The connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. Decoration is performed by utilizing or reusing the connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 14. Decoration methods.

16. Renovating the house by using the connecting structure. The method of decorating according to claim 15.

17. A first structure having a first fitting portion; a second structure having a second fitting portion that is detachably fitted into the first fitting portion, The first structure and the second structure can be connected by fitting the first fitting portion into the second fitting portion, At least one of the first embedding portion and the second embedding portion has a periodic structure and is an anisotropic elastic structure having elasticity that differs depending on the direction, a first direction is a fitting direction when the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are fitted into each other, and a second direction is a direction perpendicular to a plane parallel to the first direction, the elasticity of the anisotropic elastic structure in the second direction is greater than the elasticity of the anisotropic elastic structure in the first direction, The periodic structure is a structure in which a plurality of resin layers are stacked in the second direction, so that the plurality of resin layers are periodically repeated. A set of linked structures.

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