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

Abstract

A novel structure is provided in a transmission suppression unit that has a transmission suppression mechanism for suppressing the transmission of force, which is capable of outputting force while reducing the amount of displacement caused by the input force. [Solution] In the transmission suppression unit, a plurality of transmission suppression mechanisms 1 as described below are formed along the force transmission path so that force is transmitted sequentially. That is, according to the transmission suppression mechanism 1, the rolling element 2 can roll on a surface. Furthermore, the rolling surface forming body 3 has a rolling surface 5 on which the rolling element 2 rolls, and displaces in a direction along the rolling surface 5, causing the rolling element 2 to roll on the rolling surface 5. Furthermore, the holding body 4 holds the rolling element 2 so that it can roll, and is displaced in a direction along the rolling surface 5 as the rolling element 2 rolls on the rolling surface 5. This makes it possible for the transmission suppression unit to output force while reducing the amount of displacement.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure mainly relates to a transmission suppression unit that forms a transmission suppression mechanism that suppresses the transmission of force, and in particular to a seismic isolation unit that isolates buildings from earthquakes, a seismic isolation device that includes a seismic isolation unit, and one that can be suitably used in a slider. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, the above-mentioned seismic isolation devices have typically used laminated rubber made by alternately stacking rubber and steel plates, and the laminated rubber acts as a force transmission suppression mechanism to weaken the force transmitted from the ground and transmit it to the structure (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). That is, a seismic isolation device using laminated rubber mainly suppresses vibration of a building by reducing the amount of displacement caused by the force input from the ground through the elastic deformation of the rubber.

[0003] The elasticity of rubber varies widely depending on its shape and material. Therefore, it is necessary to select the shape and material of the laminated rubber when designing it, taking into account various conditions, such as the mass of the building and the magnitude of the expected vibration. Furthermore, rubber deteriorates due to heat and light, and the rate of deterioration varies greatly depending on the usage environment. Therefore, there is a need for a seismic isolation device that can reduce vibration with a new structure, instead of a structure that reduces vibration through the elastic deformation of rubber. Furthermore, structures that reduce the amount of displacement caused by input force can be used in fields other than seismic isolation devices, and it is believed that there will be high demand for new transmission suppression units. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-007003 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-014608 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a new structure for a force transmission suppression unit that can reduce the amount of displacement caused by an input force. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, the transmission suppression unit forms a transmission suppression mechanism that suppresses the transmission of force. The transmission suppression mechanism also includes the following rolling elements, a rolling surface formation body, and a holding body. Specifically, the rolling elements are capable of rolling on a surface. The rolling surface formation body has a rolling surface on which the rolling elements roll, and displaces in a direction along the rolling surface to cause the rolling elements to roll on the rolling surface. The holding body also holds the rolling elements so that they can roll, and displaces in a direction along the rolling surface as the rolling elements roll on the rolling surface.

[0007] Furthermore, the transmission suppression unit has multiple transmission suppression mechanisms formed along the force transmission path so that the force is transmitted sequentially. Among the combinations of two transmission suppression mechanisms adjacent to each other along the transmission path, there is the following specific combination: That is, the specific combination is a combination in which the holding body of the input-side transmission suppression mechanism is provided with the rolling surface of the output-side transmission suppression mechanism, and the holding body of the input-side transmission suppression mechanism and the rolling surface forming body of the output-side transmission suppression mechanism are integrated. The rolling elements are spherical. According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the holder has a holding portion that rotatably holds the rolling element, and a main body to which the holding portion is detachable. The holding portion is made up of multiple components that sandwich the rolling element and rotatably hold it.

[0008] The present disclosure Third According to this aspect, the transmission suppression mechanism includes the following separation prevention part. That is, the separation prevention part allows the rolling surface formation body and the holder to relatively displace in a direction parallel to the rolling surface, and prevents relative displacement in a direction perpendicular to the rolling surface. The separation prevention part also has a formation-body-side sliding contact surface and a holder-side sliding contact surface that come into sliding contact with the rolling surface formation body and the holder, respectively, when the rolling surface formation body and the holder are relatively displaced in a direction parallel to the rolling surface. The above 1st~3rd This aspect potentially makes it possible to provide a novel structure in the force transmission suppression unit that reduces the amount of displacement caused by the input force. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a main part of a transmission suppression mechanism (Example 1). [Figure 2] 1A is an explanatory diagram showing a transmission suppression unit, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram showing a deflection state when an external force acts on the transmission suppression unit (Example 1). [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a seismic isolation device (first embodiment). [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a slider (Example 2). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail in the following examples. [Example]

[0011] [Configuration of Example 1] The seismic isolation device 100 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The seismic isolation device 100 is installed, for example, between a building (not shown) and the ground to isolate the building from seismic vibrations. Here, the seismic isolation device 100 includes seismic isolation units 100A and 100B that reduce vibrations in both the horizontal and vertical directions, and isolates the building from seismic vibrations by significantly reducing ground vibrations (see FIG. 3, etc.). Here, the seismic isolation unit 100A is provided mainly with a transmission suppression mechanism 1 that suppresses the transmission of force. Therefore, the transmission suppression mechanism 1 will be explained first.

[0012] The transmission suppression mechanism 1 transmits force and comprises the following rolling element 2, rolling surface forming body 3, and retaining body 4 (see Figure 1). First, the rolling element 2 is capable of rolling on a surface. Next, the rolling surface forming body 3 has a rolling surface 5 on which the rolling element 2 rolls, and by displacing in a direction along the rolling surface 5, the rolling element 2 rolls on the rolling surface 5. Furthermore, the retaining body 4 holds the rolling element 2 so that it can roll, and is displaced in a direction along the rolling surface 5 as the rolling element 2 rolls on the rolling surface 5.

[0013] The rolling elements 2 are spherical. Furthermore, it is preferable to apply, for example, a viscosity control agent to the rolling surface 5 in order to suppress slippage of the rolling element 2. Furthermore, if the rolling element 2 is a magnetic material, slippage of the rolling element 2 may be suppressed by magnetizing the rolling surface 5.

[0014] The holder 4 has a holder portion 4a that holds the rolling elements 2, and a main body portion 4b to which the holder portion 4a is detachable. The retaining portion 4a has a retaining hole 4c that rotatably holds the rolling element 2. More specifically, in a plan view, the retaining portion 4a has a circular hole that penetrates in the thickness direction, and the side of this hole is spherically recessed toward the outer periphery, forming the retaining hole 4c. The retaining hole 4c has its outermost periphery at the center of the thickness direction, and the diameter of the retaining hole 4c is slightly larger than the diameter of the rolling element 2.

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

[0016] Furthermore, for example, the holding portion 4a and the main body portion 4b can be provided so that the holding portion 4a is movable perpendicular to the rolling surface 5. In this case, the holding portion 4a can move relative to the main body portion 4b in a direction perpendicular to the rolling surface 5, so that the rolling element 2 can roll smoothly on the rolling surface 5 even if the rolling surface 5 is uneven.

[0017] The transmission suppression mechanism 1 also includes the following separation prevention part 7. That is, the separation prevention part 7 allows the rolling surface forming body 3 and the holding body 4 to be relatively displaced in a direction parallel to the rolling surface 5, and prevents the relative displacement in a direction perpendicular to the rolling surface 5. The separation prevention section 7 will be described in detail below.

[0018] The separation prevention portion 7 is composed of the next forming body side, holder side containers 8A and 8B, bolts 9, and the like. First, the forming body side and holder side housings 8A and 8B are components having forming body side and holder side sliding surfaces 10A and 10B, respectively, which will be explained below. Here, the forming body side and holder side sliding surfaces 10A and 10B are surfaces that come into sliding contact with the rolling surface forming body 3 and the holder 4, respectively, when the rolling surface forming body 3 and the holder 4 are displaced relatively in a direction parallel to the rolling surface 5.

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

[0020] Hole 11B is made up of, for example, a small cylindrical region 11Bs that opens onto surface 5A facing rolling surface 5, and a large cylindrical region 11Bg that is coaxial with small cylindrical region 11Bs, has a larger diameter than small cylindrical region 11Bs, and opens onto the surface opposite surface 5A. Small cylindrical region 11Bs opens onto the bottom surface of large cylindrical region 11Bg on the surface 5A side, and the outer circumferential side of the opening of small cylindrical region 11Bs on this bottom surface forms step surface 12B.

[0021] The former-side container 8A is, for example, a cylindrical part having a stepped surface perpendicular to its axis and tapering in diameter in stages. That is, the former-side container 8A is composed of a small cylindrical portion 8As housed in the small cylindrical region 11As and a large cylindrical portion 8Ag coaxial with the small cylindrical portion 8As and larger in diameter than the small cylindrical portion 8As housed in the large cylindrical region 11Ag, with an annular stepped surface formed between the large cylindrical portion 8Ag and the small cylindrical portion 8As. This stepped surface functions as the former-side sliding surface 10A, and comes into sliding contact with the stepped surface 12A when the rolling surface forming body 3 and the holder 4 are displaced relative to each other in a direction parallel to the rolling surface 5.

[0022] Furthermore, the forming body side container 8A is provided with a through hole 13A that is coaxial with the small and large cylindrical portions 8As and 8Ag. Here, the through hole 13A is made up of a substantially cylindrical inner peripheral surface, and a female screw is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the large cylindrical portion 8Ag.

[0023] The holder-side housing 8B is, for example, a cylindrical part having a stepped surface perpendicular to its axis and tapering in diameter in stages. That is, the holder-side housing 8B is composed of a small cylindrical portion 8Bs housed in the small cylindrical region 11Bs and a large cylindrical portion 8Bg coaxial with the small cylindrical portion 8Bs and larger in diameter than the small cylindrical portion 8Bs and housed in the large cylindrical region 11Bg, with an annular stepped surface formed between the large cylindrical portion 8Bg and the small cylindrical portion 8Bs. This stepped surface functions as the holder-side sliding surface 10B and comes into sliding contact with the stepped surface 12B when the rolling surface forming body 3 and the holder 4 are relatively displaced in a direction parallel to the rolling surface 5.

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

[0025] In addition, the bolt 9, for example, accommodates the forming body side and holding body side accommodating bodies 8A and 8B in holes 11A and 11B, respectively, and with the forming body side and holding body side accommodating bodies 8A and 8B arranged coaxially, the shaft portion 9s is inserted from the holding body 4 side to connect the rolling surface forming body 3 and the holding body 4. More specifically, the head 9h of the bolt 9 is accommodated in the large-diameter cylindrical region of the through-hole 13B, the base side of the shank 9s is accommodated in the small-diameter cylindrical region, and the tip side of the shank 9s is accommodated in the through-hole 13A. The male thread of the shank 9s is screwed into the female thread of the large cylindrical portion 8Ag, and the head 9h is in pressure contact with the step surface 13s.

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

[0027] Next, the seismic isolation unit 100A will be described. In the seismic isolation unit 100A, a plurality of transmission suppression mechanisms 1 are formed so that the force is transmitted sequentially along the force transmission path. Here, the seismic isolation unit 100A has the following specific combinations successively arranged along the force transmission path.

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

[0029] 2(a), when transmission suppression mechanisms 1a, 1b, and 1c are formed along a force transmission path, and transmission suppression mechanisms 1a and 1b are a specific combination, and transmission suppression mechanisms 1b and 1c are also a specific combination, the retaining body 4 of transmission suppression mechanism 1a and the rolling surface forming body 3 of transmission suppression mechanism 1b are one and the same part, and the retaining body 4 of transmission suppression mechanism 1b and the rolling surface forming body 3 of transmission suppression mechanism 1c are one and the same part. In other words, the retaining body 4 of transmission suppression mechanism 1a also serves as the rolling surface forming body 3 of transmission suppression mechanism 1b, and the retaining body 4 of transmission suppression mechanism 1b also serves as the rolling surface forming body 3 of transmission suppression mechanism 1c.

[0030] In addition, in certain combinations, a component that serves as both a rolling surface forming body 3 and a retaining body 4, or a component that is a retaining body 4 alone, holds multiple rolling bodies 2, and in the direction in which the rolling bodies 2 are arranged, a rolling body 2 of another component is arranged between two rolling bodies 2 assembled to one component.

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

[0032] As a result, in the transmission suppression mechanisms 1a, 1b, and 1c, the members that hold the rolling elements 2, that is, the holders 4, are structured so as to be supported at multiple points. Hereinafter, a transmission suppression mechanism 1 formed in multiple locations along a force transmission path so that force is transmitted sequentially through specific consecutive combinations, such as transmission suppression mechanisms 1a, 1b, and 1c, may be referred to as a "transmission suppression unit."

[0033] In this way, according to the transmission suppression unit, the transmission suppression mechanisms 1 are connected in succession along the force transmission path, so that the force can be output by reducing the displacement amount by a power of 1 / 2, where the number of consecutive transmission suppression mechanisms 1 is the exponent. Furthermore, even if an unintended external force acts on the transmission suppression unit, the external force is absorbed by temporary elastic deformation of the holding body 4, and the transmission suppression unit can operate to achieve the desired effect.

[0034] Furthermore, when an unintended external force acts on the member closest to the input side of the transmission suppression unit, it is believed that as this external force is transmitted sequentially to the multiple transmission suppression mechanisms 1, it is gradually weakened by the elastic deformation of the holder 4 of each transmission suppression mechanism 1. For this reason, it is believed that the member on the output side is hardly affected by the unintended external force.

[0035] For example, as shown in Figure 2(b), assuming that an external force acts perpendicularly on the rolling surface formation member 3 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1a, the rolling surface formation member 3 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1a will exert a pressing force on the rolling element 2 and the retaining member 4 in the same direction as the external force, with the point of contact with the rolling element 2 as the point of application. At the same time, the retaining member 4 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1a will receive a reaction force in the opposite direction to the external force from the point of contact with the rolling element 2 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1b. As a result, the portion of the retaining member 4 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1a near the point of contact with the rolling element 2 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1b will elastically deform so that it protrudes in the direction opposite to the external force.

[0036] This elastic deformation generates an elastic force in holder 4 of transmission suppression mechanism 1a in the same direction as the external force, so holder 4 of transmission suppression mechanism 1a exerts a pressing force on rolling element 2 and holder 4 of transmission suppression mechanism 1b in the same direction as the external force. At the same time, holder 4 of transmission suppression mechanism 1b receives a reaction force in the opposite direction to the external force from the point of contact with rolling element 2 of transmission suppression mechanism 1c. As a result, the portion of holder 4 of transmission suppression mechanism 1b near the point of contact with rolling element 2 of transmission suppression mechanism 1c elastically deforms so that it protrudes in the direction opposite to the external force.

[0037] In this state where an external force acts and the holders 4 of the transmission suppression mechanisms 1a and 1b are elastically deformed, the magnitude of the force is considered to be as follows. That is, in the transmission suppression mechanism 1a, it is considered that the magnitude of the pressing force that the rolling surface forming body 3 exerts on the rolling body 2 and the holding body 4 is approximately equal to the external force.

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

[0039] For this reason, it is believed that when the external force acting on the rolling surface forming member 3 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1a is transmitted from the transmission suppression mechanism 1a to the transmission suppression mechanism 1b, it is partially converted into the elastic force of the holding body 4 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1a and weakened. Also, it is believed that when the elastic force of the holding body 4 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1a is transmitted from the transmission suppression mechanism 1b to the transmission suppression mechanism 1c, it is partially converted into the elastic force of the holding body 4 of the transmission suppression mechanism 1b and weakened.

[0040] From the above, when an unintended external force acts on the component closest to the input side, i.e., rolling surface forming body 3 of transmission suppression mechanism 1a, it is believed that as this external force is transmitted sequentially to transmission suppression mechanisms 1a, 1b, and 1c, it is gradually weakened by the elastic deformation of the retaining body 4 of each of transmission suppression mechanisms 1a and 1b. For this reason, it is believed that the component on the output side, i.e., the rolling element 2 and retaining body 4 of transmission suppression mechanism 1c, is not significantly affected by the external force.

[0041] In Figure 2, all of the rolling elements 2 are not in contact with the output-side retaining body 4, but for example, by compressing the transmission suppression unit in the stacking direction of the retaining body 4, some of the rolling elements 2 may be brought into contact with the output-side retaining body 4. Here, in the transmission suppression unit, with regard to contact or non-contact between the rolling elements 2 and the output-side retaining body 4, if the internal contact rate is defined as the proportion of all rolling elements 2 that are in contact with the output-side retaining body 4, the internal contact rate can be changed between 0%, where all rolling elements 2 are not in contact with the output-side retaining body 4, and 100%, where all rolling elements 2 are in contact with the output-side retaining body 4.

[0042] As described above, when the internal contact rate is increased to more than 0% by compressing the transmission suppression unit in the stacking direction of the holder 4, the reduction ratio of the displacement amount becomes greater than the power of ½. When compressing the transmission suppression unit in the stacking direction of the holder 4 in this way, the displacement reduction ratio becomes larger than a power of 1 / 2, but because the thickness of the transmission suppression unit in the stacking direction can be adjusted, the transmission suppression unit can be reliably installed even if the intended installation location is narrow. Also, although the internal contact rate may increase due to dimensional errors in the rolling elements 2 and the holder 4, the displacement reduction rate can be reliably reduced by increasing the number of layers of the holder 4.

[0043] Next, the seismic isolation unit 100A will be described (see FIG. 3). First, in the seismic isolation unit 100A, the rolling surface 5 is flat, and the members serving as both the rolling surface forming body 3 and the holder 4 are layered so that their respective rolling surfaces 5 are parallel. The seismic isolation unit 100A is incorporated into the seismic isolation device 100 in the following state.

[0044] That is, the rolling surface 5 is assembled so that it is perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the rolling elements 2 can roll horizontally on the rolling surface 5. The horizontal component of the force transmitted from the ground causes the member serving as both the rolling surface forming element 3 and the retaining element 4 to vibrate horizontally. Hereinafter, among the forces transmitted from the ground, the force that causes horizontal vibration, that is, the force that displaces an object horizontally, may be referred to as "horizontal force."

[0045] More specifically, the seismic isolation unit 100A is configured by stacking, for example, a plurality of rectangular plate bodies 3A in the vertical direction, each of which rotatably holds a large number of rolling elements 2. In other words, in the seismic isolation unit 100A, the plate bodies 3A are components that serve both as the rolling surface forming body 3 and the holder 4. Furthermore, the seismic isolation unit 100A is assembled so that the rolling elements 2 held by the plate bodies 3A located at the bottom and top in the vertical direction among the plurality of stacked plate bodies 3A function as a force input end 100Aa and an output end 100Ab. The separation prevention portion 7 of the seismic isolation unit 100A prevents the plate bodies 3A from separating in the vertical direction while allowing the plate bodies 3A to move relative to each other in the horizontal direction.

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

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

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

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

[0050] As a result, in the seismic isolation device 100, vibrations transmitted from the ground to the input section 15 are transmitted to the intermediate section 16 with the horizontal vibrations reduced in the seismic isolation unit 100A, and the vibrations transmitted to the intermediate section 16 are further transmitted to the output section 17 with the vertical vibrations reduced in the seismic isolation unit 100B. Therefore, the vibrations transmitted from the ground to the seismic isolation device 100 are reduced in both the horizontal and vertical directions, and almost no vibrations are transmitted from the output section 17 to the building. It should be noted that various types of units can be adopted for the seismic isolation unit 100B, and will not be described in detail.

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

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

[0053] [Effects of Example 1] The vibration isolation unit 100A (transmission suppression unit) of Example 1 forms a transmission suppression mechanism 1 that suppresses the transmission of force as follows. Specifically, the transmission suppression mechanism 1 includes the following rolling elements 2, rolling surface forming elements 3, and holding elements 4. First, the rolling elements 2 are capable of rolling on a surface. Furthermore, the rolling surface forming elements 3 are provided with rolling surfaces 5 on which the rolling elements 2 roll, and are displaced in a direction along the rolling surfaces 5, causing the rolling elements 2 to roll on the rolling surfaces 5. Furthermore, the holding elements 4 hold the rolling elements 2 so that they can roll, and are displaced in a direction along the rolling surfaces 5 as the rolling elements 2 roll on the rolling surfaces 5.

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

[0055] Here, the transmission suppression mechanism 1 applies the so-called "principle of leverage," and drives the holding body 4 by rolling the rolling element 2 using the rolling surface forming body 3 as a driving source. Therefore, in order to achieve the target operating characteristics of the transmission suppression mechanism 1, it is preferable to set the rolling friction coefficient of the rolling element 2 with respect to the rolling surface 5 by appropriately adjusting the adhesive properties of the rolling element 2 with respect to the rolling surface 5. Note that examples of methods for adjusting the adhesive properties include applying a viscosity modifier to the rolling surface 5, magnetizing the rolling surface 5 if the rolling element 2 is a magnetic material, or providing a rubber-like coating on the rolling surface 5.

[0056] Furthermore, the seismic isolation unit 100A is formed with a plurality of transmission suppression mechanisms 1 so that the force is transmitted sequentially along the force transmission path. Furthermore, among the combinations of two adjacent transmission suppression mechanisms 1 in terms of the transmission path, there are specific combinations in which the rolling surface 5 of the output side transmission suppression mechanism 1 is provided on the retaining body 4 of the input side transmission suppression mechanism 1, and the retaining body 4 of the input side transmission suppression mechanism 1 and the rolling surface forming body 3 of the output side transmission suppression mechanism 1 are integral with each other.

[0057] This allows for the provision of multiple successive transmission suppression mechanisms 1, i.e., transmission suppression units, with a reduced number of parts. As a result, in the seismic isolation unit 100A, the displacement can be significantly reduced and vibration can be suppressed with a reduced number of parts.

[0058] According to the transmission suppression mechanism 1 of the first embodiment, the rolling elements 2 are spherical. This allows the rolling element 2 to freely displace the holder 4 in a direction parallel to the rolling surface 5 .

[0059] According to the transmission suppression mechanism 1 of the first embodiment, the holder 4 has a holder portion 4a that rotatably holds the rolling element 2, and a main body portion 4b to which the holder portion 4a is detachable. The holder portion 4a is made up of two parts 4a1 and 4a2, which sandwich the rolling element 2 and hold it rotatably. This allows the rolling elements 2 to be easily attached to and detached from the holder 4.

[0060] The transmission suppression mechanism 1 of the first embodiment includes the following separation prevention part 7. That is, the separation prevention part 7 allows the rolling surface forming body 3 and the holding body 4 to relatively displace in a direction parallel to the rolling surface 5, and prevents the relative displacement in a direction perpendicular to the rolling surface 5. The separation prevention part 7 also has the following forming body-side and holding body-side sliding surfaces 10A, 10B.

[0061] That is, the forming body side and holding body side sliding surfaces 10A and 10B come into sliding contact with the rolling surface forming body 3 and the holding body 4, respectively, when the rolling surface forming body 3 and the holding body 4 are displaced relatively in a direction parallel to the rolling surface 5. As a result, when force is input to the rolling surface forming body 3, the retaining body 4 can be stably displaced in a direction parallel to the rolling surface 5 without being displaced relatively in a direction perpendicular to the rolling surface 5.

[0062] According to the seismic isolation unit 100A of Example 1, the multiple rolling surfaces 5 included in the specific combination are flat, and the multiple rolling surface forming bodies 3 included in the specific combination are layered so that the rolling surfaces 5 of each are parallel. Furthermore, the seismic isolation unit 100A is assembled so that the multiple rolling surfaces 5 included in the specific combination are perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the retaining body 4 is displaced horizontally when a horizontal force is transmitted from the ground via the rolling surface forming bodies 3 and the rolling bodies 2.

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

[0064] According to the seismic isolation device 100 of the first embodiment, the seismic isolation unit 100A is assembled between the seismic isolation unit 100B and the ground in relation to the force transmission path. This prevents horizontal vibrations from being input to the seismic isolation unit 100B, preventing the seismic isolation unit 100B from tipping over due to horizontal vibrations. This allows the seismic isolation unit 100B to operate more reliably and reduce vertical vibrations.

[0065] [Configuration of Example 2] The configuration of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. According to the second embodiment, a transmission suppression unit similar to the vibration isolation unit 100A of the first embodiment is applied to the slider 200. That is, the slider 200 includes the following slide portion 32 and an adjustment unit 200A, and the adjustment unit 200A has the same structure as the vibration isolation unit 100A of Example 1. That is, in the slider 200 of Example 2, the transmission suppression unit is used as the adjustment unit 200A. The sliding portion 32 and the adjustment unit 200A will be described below in order.

[0066] First, the slide portion 32 moves linearly relative to a predetermined receiving portion 33. Here, the slide portion 32 forms a predetermined fitting structure with the receiving portion 33, and moves linearly while maintaining this fitting structure. More specifically, this fitting structure is made up of a protruding portion 34 and a hollow 35 provided on the receiving portion 33 and the slide portion 32, respectively, and is formed by fitting the protruding portion 34 into the hollow 35.

[0067] In addition, both the protruding portion 34 and the hollow 35 extend long in the direction in which the slide portion 32 moves linearly, and the slide portion 32 moves linearly over a wide range in the direction in which it moves linearly, while keeping the protruding portion 34 fitted into the hollow 35. In the following description, the direction in which the slide portion 32 moves linearly may be referred to as the longitudinal direction. The direction in which the protrusion portion 34 protrudes may be referred to as the lateral direction, and the direction perpendicular to the lateral and longitudinal directions may be referred to as the vertical direction.

[0068] In the slider 200, two fitting structures into which the protrusions 34 fit into the hollow 35 are provided so as to be plane-symmetrical with respect to a specific plane perpendicular to the lateral direction as a plane of symmetry X. The slide part 32 is applied with a driving force from a predetermined driving source (not shown) and moves linearly in the longitudinal direction, and is integrated with a main body part 32A that holds, for example, a cutting tool (not shown). When the slide part 32 moves in the longitudinal direction, the cutting tool moves in the longitudinal direction and cuts a predetermined workpiece.

[0069] Next, the adjustment unit 200A is sandwiched between a linear movement surface 32a provided on the sliding portion 32 side and a receiving surface 33a provided on the receiving portion 33 side, and makes the linear movement of the sliding portion 32 relative to the receiving portion 33 smooth. More specifically, in the two fitting structures of the slider 200, a portion of the wall surface forming the hollow 35 serves as the linear surface 32a, and a portion of the surface of the protrusion 34 serves as the receiving surface 33a, forming four gaps 36 into which the adjustment unit 200A is sandwiched.

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

[0071] Here, linear surfaces 32a and receiving surfaces 33a that form gap 36A are both arranged parallel to the horizontal and longitudinal directions and perpendicular to the vertical direction, and in adjustment unit 200A sandwiched in gap 36A, the plate body is parallel to the horizontal and longitudinal directions and perpendicular to the vertical direction, following linear surfaces 32a and receiving surfaces 33a that form gap 36A. The same is true for gaps 36B to 36D. In all of the gaps 36A to 36D, the adjustment unit 200A is sandwiched so that both sides in the lateral direction do not come into contact with the wall surfaces that form the hollow 35.

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

[0073] The linear motion surfaces 32a and receiving surfaces 33a that form the gap 36E are provided so as to be inclined in the vertical and horizontal directions, and in the adjustment unit 200A sandwiched in the gap 36E, the plate body is inclined in accordance with the linear motion surfaces 32a and receiving surfaces 33a that form the gap 36E. The same is true for the gap 36F.

[0074] The receiving surfaces 33a forming the gaps 36E and 36F are connected to a plane 33b perpendicular to the vertical direction on one side in the vertical direction, and these two receiving surfaces 33a and plane 33b form a trapezoidal protrusion 38 whose width in the horizontal direction narrows toward one side in the vertical direction. In addition, in the gaps 36E and 36F, the adjustment unit 200A is sandwiched so that both sides of its width do not come into contact with the wall surfaces of the slide portions and receiving portions 32 and 33. Furthermore, in the adjustment unit 200A, the rolling element 2 is a cylindrical body, and the cylindrical body is held by a plate body so that its axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

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

[0076] When a driving force is transmitted from the slide portion 32 to the plate body closest to the linear surface 32a via the rolling element 2 at the input end 200Aa, the plate body closest to the linear surface 32a moves to one side in the longitudinal direction by a displacement amount that is half the displacement amount of the slide portion 32 to one side in the longitudinal direction. Thereafter, the driving force is transmitted sequentially to the plate body present on the receiving surface 33a side via the rolling body 2, thereby sequentially reducing the amount of longitudinal displacement of the plate body 35 to one side by half. As a result, the amount of longitudinal displacement of the adjustment unit 200A is significantly reduced. The separation prevention portion 7 of the adjustment unit 200A allows the plate bodies 35 to move relative to each other in the longitudinal direction, while preventing them from separating in other directions.

[0077] Furthermore, with the adjustment units 200A sandwiched between the gaps 36A to 36D, the two protrusions 34 are both sandwiched between the two adjustment units 200A in the vertical direction, allowing the sliding portion 32 to move stably without wobbling in the vertical direction. Furthermore, with the adjustment units 200A sandwiched between the gaps 36E and 36F, the trapezoidal protrusion 38 is sandwiched between the two adjustment units 200A in both the vertical and horizontal directions, allowing the sliding portion 32 to move stably without wobbling not only in the vertical direction but also in the horizontal direction.

[0078] [Effects of Example 2] The slider 200 of the second embodiment includes the following slide portion 32 and an adjustment unit 200A. First, the sliding portion 32 moves linearly relative to the receiving portion 33, and the adjustment unit 200A is sandwiched between a linear motion surface 32a provided on the sliding portion 32 side and a receiving surface 33a provided on the receiving portion 33 side, smoothing the linear motion of the sliding portion 32 relative to the receiving portion 33. In addition, in the adjustment unit 200A, a plurality of plates that hold the rolling elements 2 are stacked in layers, and the plate closest to the sliding portion 32 faces the linear motion surface 32a, and the plate closest to the receiving portion 33 faces the receiving surface 33a.

[0079] This eliminates the need for adjusting the adjustment wedge that was necessary with conventional sliders. That is, in conventional sliders, to prevent the linear motion surface 32a from directly contacting the receiving surface 33a, an adjusting wedge is fitted between the linear motion surface 32a and the receiving surface 33a, and the sliding portion 32 is moved relative to the adjusting wedge. For this reason, it is necessary to periodically eliminate rattles caused by wear of the adjusting wedge, and adjustment work is required to periodically advance the adjusting wedge. However, this adjustment work requires skill, and the finished product after adjustment depends heavily on the skill of the operator.

[0080] In contrast, by fitting adjustment unit 200A, which is made up of a transmission suppression unit, between linear motion surface 32a and receiving surface 33a instead of an adjustment wedge, the adjustment work of the adjustment wedge, which required skill, can be eliminated. Furthermore, adjustment unit 200A can transmit the force applied to slide portion 32 to receiving portion 33 with a significantly reduced amount of displacement, making it less susceptible to wear than conventional adjustment wedges. This makes it possible to further reduce the frequency of adjustment or even eliminate adjustment altogether.

[0081] In the slider 200 of Example 2, each adjustment unit 200A may be assembled so that a preload is applied. That is, the adjustment unit 200A may be assembled so that at least one of the rolling element 2 and a portion of the rolling surface forming body 3 near the contact portion with the rolling element 2 at the contact portion between the rolling element 2 and the rolling surface 5 is distorted by the preload. This makes it possible to suppress lateral wobble of the sliding portion 32 in the linear motion direction and suppress slippage of the rolling element 2 relative to the rolling surface 5.

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

[0083] Furthermore, in Examples 1 and 2, the transmission suppression unit is applied to the seismic isolation device 100 and the slider 200, respectively, but application examples of the transmission suppression mechanism 1 and the transmission suppression unit are not limited to these aspects. For example, the transmission suppression mechanism 1 and the transmission suppression unit may be incorporated into a printed circuit board manufacturing device in order to fine-tune the position of the board in the manufacturing device. [Explanation of symbols]

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

Claims

1. In a transmission suppression unit formed with a transmission suppression mechanism that suppresses transmission of force, The transmission suppression mechanism includes: a rolling element capable of rolling on a surface; a rolling surface forming body that includes a rolling surface on which the rolling element rolls and that displaces in a direction along the rolling surface to cause the rolling element to roll on the rolling surface; a holder that holds the rolling element so that it can roll, and that is displaced in a direction along the rolling surface as the rolling element rolls on the rolling surface, In the transmission suppression unit, a plurality of the transmission suppression mechanisms are formed along a force transmission path so that the force is transmitted in sequence, Among the combinations of two transmission suppression mechanisms adjacent to each other in relation to the transmission path, a specific combination exists in which a rolling surface of the output-side transmission suppression mechanism is provided on a holder of the input-side transmission suppression mechanism, and the holder of the input-side transmission suppression mechanism and the rolling surface forming body of the output-side transmission suppression mechanism are integrated, The transmission suppression unit is characterized in that the rolling elements are spherical.

2. A transmission suppression unit having a transmission suppression mechanism that suppresses the transmission of force, The transmission suppression mechanism includes: a rolling element capable of rolling on a surface; a rolling surface forming body that includes a rolling surface on which the rolling element rolls and that displaces in a direction along the rolling surface to cause the rolling element to roll on the rolling surface; a holder that holds the rolling element so that it can roll, and that is displaced in a direction along the rolling surface as the rolling element rolls on the rolling surface, In the transmission suppression unit, a plurality of the transmission suppression mechanisms are formed along a force transmission path so that the force is transmitted in sequence, Among the combinations of two transmission suppression mechanisms adjacent to each other in relation to the transmission path, a specific combination exists in which a rolling surface of the output-side transmission suppression mechanism is provided on a holder of the input-side transmission suppression mechanism, and the holder of the input-side transmission suppression mechanism and the rolling surface forming body of the output-side transmission suppression mechanism are integrated, The holder is a holding portion that holds the rolling element so that it can roll; The holding portion has a detachable main body portion, The transmission suppression unit is characterized in that the holding portion is made up of a plurality of parts, and the plurality of parts hold the rolling element in a rotatable manner while sandwiching it.

3. In a transmission suppression mechanism that suppresses the transmission of force, a rolling element capable of rolling on a surface; a rolling surface forming body that includes a rolling surface on which the rolling element rolls and that displaces in a direction along the rolling surface to cause the rolling element to roll on the rolling surface; a holder that holds the rolling element so that the rolling element can roll, and that is displaced in a direction along the rolling surface as the rolling element rolls on the rolling surface; a separation prevention portion that allows the rolling surface forming body and the holding body to be displaced relatively in a direction parallel to the rolling surface and prevents the rolling surface forming body and the holding body from being displaced relatively in a direction perpendicular to the rolling surface, The separation prevention portion is A transmission suppression mechanism characterized by having a forming body side sliding surface and a holding body side sliding surface that come into sliding contact with the rolling surface forming body and the holding body, respectively, when the rolling surface forming body and the holding body are displaced relatively in a direction parallel to the rolling surface.

4. 2. The transmission suppression unit according to claim 1, the plurality of rolling surfaces included in the specific combination are flat surfaces, A transmission suppression unit characterized in that the plurality of rolling surface formation bodies included in the specific combination are stacked in layers so that the rolling surfaces of each of them are parallel to each other.

5. A seismic isolation unit that isolates a building from earthquakes, comprising the transmission suppression unit according to claim 4, The transmission suppression unit is assembled so that the rolling surfaces included in the specific combination are perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the retaining body is displaced horizontally as horizontally directed forces are transmitted from the ground via the rolling surface forming body and the rolling body, resulting in a seismic isolation unit for reducing horizontal vibrations.

6. A structure comprising a seismic isolation unit for reducing horizontal vibrations as described in claim 5 and a seismic isolation unit for reducing vertical vibrations, A seismic isolation device characterized in that the seismic isolation unit for reducing horizontal vibrations is assembled between the seismic isolation unit for reducing vertical vibrations and the ground in relation to the transmission path.

7. A slider utilizing a transmission suppression unit that forms a transmission suppression mechanism that suppresses the transmission of force, a slide portion that moves linearly relative to a predetermined receiving portion; an adjustment part that is sandwiched between a receiving surface provided on the receiving part side and a linear movement surface provided on the sliding part side, and that smooths the linear movement of the sliding part relative to the receiving part, The transmission suppression mechanism includes: a rolling element capable of rolling on a surface; a rolling surface forming body that includes a rolling surface on which the rolling element rolls and that displaces in a direction along the rolling surface to cause the rolling element to roll on the rolling surface; a holder that holds the rolling element so that it can roll, and that is displaced in a direction along the rolling surface as the rolling element rolls on the rolling surface, In the transmission suppression unit, a plurality of the transmission suppression mechanisms are formed along a force transmission path so that the force is transmitted in sequence, Among the combinations of two transmission suppression mechanisms adjacent to each other in relation to the transmission path, a specific combination exists in which a rolling surface of the output-side transmission suppression mechanism is provided on a holder of the input-side transmission suppression mechanism, and the holder of the input-side transmission suppression mechanism and the rolling surface forming body of the output-side transmission suppression mechanism are integrated, the plurality of rolling surfaces included in the specific combination are flat surfaces, the plurality of rolling surface formation bodies included in the specific combination are stacked in layers so that the rolling surfaces of the respective rolling surface formation bodies are parallel to each other; the transmission suppression unit is utilized as the adjustment section, The slider is characterized in that in the adjustment section, multiple plate bodies that function as the holders are stacked in layers, and the plate body closest to the receiving section faces the receiving surface, and the plate body closest to the sliding section faces the linear surface.

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