LINKAGE UNIT FOR FORMING NODE OF FRAME STRUCTURE OF BUILDING, BUILDING ASSEMBLING SET INCLUDING SAID LINKAGE UNIT, AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING BUILDING BY USING SAID LINKAGE UNIT

Abstract

Provided is a linkage unit configured to form a node of a frame structure of a building, the linkage unit including: a node member having a plurality of to-be-linked portions having linkage directions which are directions of respective sides of the frame structure; link members configured to be detachably linked to the plurality of respective to-be-linked portions; and a lock mechanism configured to enter states including, as manually switchable states, a locked state where a linkage between any of the to-be-linked portions and the corresponding link member is retained and an unlocked state where the link member is allowed to be detached from the to-be-linked portion. Provided is a building assembling set including the linkage unit. Provided is a method for assembling a building by using the linkage unit.

Claims

1. A linkage unit configured to form a node of a frame structure of a building, the linkage unit comprising: a node member having a plurality of to-be-linked portions having linkage directions which are directions of respective sides of the frame structure; link members configured to be detachably linked to the plurality of respective to-be-linked portions; and a lock mechanism configured to enter states including, as manually switchable states, a locked state where a linkage between any of the to-be-linked portions and the corresponding link member is retained and an unlocked state where the link member is allowed to be detached from the to-be-linked portion.

2. The linkage unit according to claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism has a pin portion configured to be rotated about a direction orthogonal to any of the linkage directions and a controller configured to control a rotation angle of the pin portion, switching to the locked state is changing of the rotation angle of the pin portion to a first angle by the controller, and switching to the unlocked state is changing of the rotation angle of the pin portion to a second angle by the controller.

3. The linkage unit according to claim 2, wherein each of the link members includes the lock mechanism, and the corresponding to-be-linked portion has an insertion hole configured to allow the pin portion having the second angle to be inserted thereinto and removed therefrom and a projection configured to engage and fix, inside the insertion hole, the pin portion inserted into the insertion hole, the pin portion having the first angle.

4. The linkage unit according to claim 3, wherein the controller is a lever portion configured to be rotated such that: a leading end thereof faces an inner side of the building in the locked state; and the leading end faces an outer side of the building in the unlocked state.

5. The linkage unit according to claim 4, wherein the link member has a first lever stopper configured to restrict movement of the lever portion with the leading end facing the inner side of the building.

6. The linkage unit according to claim 4, wherein the link member has a second lever stopper configured to restrict movement of the lever portion with the leading end facing the outer side of the building.

7. The linkage unit according to claim 3, wherein the controller is a knob portion provided on at least one end out of both ends of the pin portion.

8. The linkage unit according to claim 7, wherein the linkage unit has a locking indicator as an indicator for a position, of the knob portion, in the locked state and an unlocking indicator as an indicator for a position, of the knob portion, in the unlocked state.

9. The linkage unit according to claim 3, wherein the link member has a fastening bar hole configured to allow a fastening bar member to pass therethrough, and the pin portion has a recess configured to allow an end portion of the fastening bar member to be fitted thereinto at the first angle, the fastening bar member having passed through the fastening bar hole.

10. The linkage unit according to claim 9, wherein a relationship between the fastening bar member and the fastening bar hole is equivalent to a relationship between an external thread and an internal thread.

11. The linkage unit according to claim 3, wherein the pin portion has a groove configured to allow avoidance of contact between the pin portion and the projection when the pin portion having the second angle is inserted into or removed from the insertion hole.

12. The linkage unit according to claim 3, wherein frames forming the respective sides of the frame structure are rectangular bar frames, and each of the rectangular bar frames is fixed to the corresponding link member.

13. The linkage unit according to claim 3, wherein the link member has a retaining member configured to retain a frame forming the corresponding side of the frame structure and a positioning member configured to restrict a position of the frame such that the frame does not come into contact with the pin portion.

14. The linkage unit according to claim 13, wherein the retaining member has a frame stopper configured to restrict the position of the frame such that the frame does not come into contact with the pin portion.

15. The linkage unit according to claim 14, wherein the positioning member has a first positioning end configured to restrict, through contact with the frame, the position of the frame such that the frame does not come into contact with the pin portion and a second positioning end configured to be brought into contact with the node member in a state where the to-be-linked portion and the link member are linked to each other, and the node member has an engagement portion configured to be engaged with the second positioning end of the link member linked to the to-be-linked portion.

16. The linkage unit according to claim 1, wherein the node member has shoulder members having the respective to-be-linked portions and a trunk member configured to allow the to-be-linked portions to be fitted thereto.

17. A building assembling set comprising the linkage unit according to claim 1, the building assembling set comprising: a plurality of linkage frames each including a frame forming a side of the frame structure and the corresponding link members fixed to both respective ends of the frame; and the node member.

18. The building assembling set according to claim 17, wherein the plurality of linkage frames have lengths equal to one another.

19. A method for assembling a building by using the linkage unit according to claim 1, the method comprising: a step of linking, to the plurality of to-be-linked portions of the node member, the respective link members provided to frames forming the respective sides of the frame structure of the building; and a step of switching, to the locked state, a state of the lock mechanism corresponding to each of the linked link members.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a building assembled by using linkage units according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of any of the linkage units according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a building assembling set for assembling the building shown in FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the linkage unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a link member.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a node member.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a shoulder member.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a trunk member.

[0016] FIG. 9(a) to FIG. 9(d) are diagrams for explaining a procedure for assembling the building by using the building assembling set shown in FIG. 3.

[0017] FIG. 10(a) to FIG. 10(c) are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the link member and the shoulder member in an unlocked state.

[0018] FIG. 11(a) to FIG. 11(c) are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the link member and the shoulder member in a locked state.

[0019] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a regular tetrahedral building assembled by using linkage units according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a regular icosahedral building assembled by using linkage units according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a regular dodecahedral building assembled by using linkage units according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a linkage unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 16(a) to FIG. 16(d) are diagrams for explaining a procedure for assembling a building by using a building assembling set including the linkage unit shown in FIG. 15.

[0024] FIG. 17(a) to FIG. 17(c) are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the link member and the shoulder member of the linkage unit shown in FIG. 15 in an unlocked state.

[0025] FIG. 18(a) to FIG. 18(c) are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the link member and the shoulder member of the linkage unit shown in FIG. 15 in a locked state before rotation of a pin portion is restricted by a fastening bar member.

[0026] FIG. 19(a) to FIG. 19(c) are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the link member and the shoulder member of the linkage unit shown in FIG. 15 in the locked state after rotation of the pin portion is restricted by the fastening bar member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments with appropriate reference to the drawings.

[0028] (1) An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a linkage unit configured to form a node of a frame structure of a building, the linkage unit including: [0029] a node member having a plurality of to-be-linked portions having linkage directions which are directions of respective sides of the frame structure; [0030] link members configured to be detachably linked to the plurality of respective to-be-linked portions; and [0031] a lock mechanism configured to enter states including, as manually switchable states, a locked state where a linkage between any of the to-be-linked portions and the corresponding link member is retained and an unlocked state where the link member is allowed to be detached from the to-be-linked portion.

[0032] The linkage unit according to the above (1) makes it possible to easily link the sides of the frame structure of the building.

[0033] (2) In the linkage unit according to the above (1), [0034] the lock mechanism has [0035] a pin portion configured to be rotated about a direction orthogonal to any of the linkage directions and [0036] a controller configured to control a rotation angle of the pin portion, [0037] switching to the locked state is changing of the rotation angle of the pin portion to a first angle by the controller, and [0038] switching to the unlocked state is changing of the rotation angle of the pin portion to a second angle by the controller.

[0039] (3) In the linkage unit according to the above (2), [0040] each of the link members includes the lock mechanism, and [0041] the corresponding to-be-linked portion has [0042] an insertion hole configured to allow the pin portion having the second angle to be inserted thereinto and removed therefrom and [0043] a projection configured to engage and fix, inside the insertion hole, the pin portion inserted into the insertion hole, the pin portion having the first angle.

[0044] The linkage unit according to the above (2) and (3) leads to simplification of the configuration of the lock mechanisms. Therefore, manufacturing cost for the linkage unit is decreased. In addition, in the linkage unit according to the above (3), each of the link members includes the lock mechanism, and thus the lock mechanism is easily replaced when sustaining a malfunction.

[0045] (4) In the linkage unit according to the above (3), the controller is a lever portion configured to be rotated such that: a leading end thereof faces an inner side of the building in the locked state; and the leading end faces an outer side of the building in the unlocked state.

[0046] The linkage unit according to the above (4) makes it possible to easily perform switching between the locked state and the unlocked state through a manual operation of the lever portion. In addition, the linkage unit according to the above (4) makes it easy to notice that the lever portion is in the unlocked state. Consequently, the lock mechanism is inhibited from being forgotten to be locked. Therefore, the safety of the building assembled by using the linkage unit is improved.

[0047] (5) In the linkage unit according to the above (4), the link member has a first lever stopper configured to restrict movement of the lever portion with the leading end facing the inner side of the building.

[0048] The linkage unit according to the above (5) makes it possible to, through a manual operation, easily dispose the lever portion at an appropriate position corresponding to the locked state.

[0049] (6) In the linkage unit according to the above (4) or (5), the link member has a second lever stopper configured to restrict movement of the lever portion with the leading end facing the outer side of the building.

[0050] The linkage unit according to the above (6) makes it possible to, through a manual operation, easily dispose the lever portion at an appropriate position corresponding to the unlocked state.

[0051] (7) In the linkage unit according to the above (3), the controller is a knob portion provided on at least one end out of both ends of the pin portion.

[0052] The linkage unit according to the above (7) makes it possible to easily perform switching between the locked state and the unlocked state through a manual operation of the knob portion.

[0053] (8) In the linkage unit according to the above (7), [0054] the linkage unit has [0055] a locking indicator as an indicator for a position, of the knob portion, in the locked state and [0056] an unlocking indicator as an indicator for a position, of the knob portion, in the unlocked state.

[0057] The linkage unit according to the above (8) makes it possible to easily switch, through a manual operation, the position of the knob portion to an appropriate position corresponding to either of the locked state and the unlocked state.

[0058] (9) In the linkage unit according to any of the above (3) to (8), [0059] the link member has a fastening bar hole configured to allow a fastening bar member to pass therethrough, and [0060] the pin portion has a recess configured to allow an end portion of the fastening bar member to be fitted thereinto at the first angle, the fastening bar member having passed through the fastening bar hole.

[0061] The linkage unit according to the above (9) can restrict rotation of the pin portion in the locked state by the fastening bar member. Therefore, the safety of the building assembled by using the linkage unit is improved.

[0062] (10) In the linkage unit according to the above (9), a relationship between the fastening bar member and the fastening bar hole is equivalent to a relationship between an external thread and an internal thread.

[0063] The linkage unit according to the above (10) can more assuredly restrict rotation of the pin portion in the locked state since the fastening bar member can be squeezed into the fastening bar hole by a screw configuration. Therefore, the safety of the building assembled by using the linkage unit is further improved.

[0064] (11) In the linkage unit according to any of the above (3) to (10), the pin portion has a groove configured to allow avoidance of contact between the pin portion and the projection when the pin portion having the second angle is inserted into or removed from the insertion hole.

[0065] The linkage unit according to the above (11) leads to simplification of machining to be performed on the pin portion. Therefore, manufacturing cost for the linkage unit is decreased.

[0066] (12) In the linkage unit according to any of the above (3) to (11), [0067] frames forming the respective sides of the frame structure are rectangular bar frames, and [0068] each of the rectangular bar frames is fixed to the corresponding link member.

[0069] In the above joining structure in which a spherical joining component is used, frames having end portions provided with external thread configurations corresponding to bolt holes provided in the joining component are rotationally inserted into the bolt holes manually, whereby the frames and the joining component can be joined to each other. However, if rectangular bar frames are joined by this joining component, surfaces of the rectangular bar frames having been rotationally inserted do not face the same direction, and work for causing the surfaces of the rectangular bar frames to face the same direction is complicated.

[0070] Meanwhile, the linkage unit according to the above (12) makes it possible to link the rectangular bar frames by inserting the link members, to which the rectangular bar frames have been fixed, into the to-be-linked portions of the node member. That is, the linkage unit according to the above (12) does not necessitate, at the time of linking the rectangular bar frames, rotational insertion of the rectangular bar frames into the to-be-linked portions as in the above spherical joining component. Therefore, the linkage unit according to the above (12) eliminates the need for work for causing the surfaces of the rectangular bar frames to face the same direction.

[0071] (13) In the linkage unit according to any of the above (3) to (12), [0072] the link member has [0073] a retaining member configured to retain a frame forming the corresponding side of the frame structure and [0074] a positioning member configured to restrict a position of the frame such that the frame does not come into contact with the pin portion.

[0075] The linkage unit according to the above (13) can retain the frame at an appropriate position on the link member. Consequently, an operation failure of the controller is inhibited from occurring owing to contact of the frame with the pin portion.

[0076] (14) In the frame linkage unit according to the above (13), the retaining member has a frame stopper configured to restrict the position of the frame such that the frame does not come into contact with the pin portion.

[0077] The linkage unit according to the above (14) can retain the frame at a more appropriate position on the link member. Consequently, an operation failure of the controller is further inhibited from occurring owing to contact of the frame with the pin portion.

[0078] (15) In the linkage unit according to the above (13) or (14), [0079] the positioning member has [0080] a first positioning end configured to restrict, through contact with the frame, the position of the frame such that the frame does not come into contact with the pin portion and [0081] a second positioning end configured to be brought into contact with the node member in a state where the to-be-linked portion and the link member are linked to each other, and [0082] the node member has an engagement portion configured to be engaged with the second positioning end of the link member linked to the to-be-linked portion.

[0083] The linkage unit according to the above (15) can retain the frame at a more appropriate position on the link member. Consequently, an operation failure of the controller is further inhibited from occurring owing to contact of the frame with the pin portion. In addition, the linkage unit according to the above (15) guides the link members and the node member to appropriate linkage positions. Therefore, the frames can be more easily linked.

[0084] (16) In the linkage unit according to any of the above (1) to (15), [0085] the node member has [0086] shoulder members having the respective to-be-linked portions and [0087] a trunk member configured to allow the to-be-linked portions to be fitted thereto.

[0088] In the linkage unit according to the above (16), the node member is composed of separate components which are the shoulder members and the trunk member. Therefore, the versatility of the linkage unit is improved, and manufacturing cost is decreased.

[0089] (17) Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a building assembling set including the linkage unit according to any of the above (1) to (16), the building assembling set including: [0090] a plurality of linkage frames each including [0091] a frame forming a side of the frame structure and [0092] the corresponding link members fixed to both respective ends of the frame; and [0093] the node member.

[0094] The building assembling set according to the above (17) includes the linkage unit according to any of the above (1) to (16), and thus makes it possible to easily assemble the frame structure.

[0095] (18) In the building assembling set according to the above (17), the plurality of linkage frames have lengths equal to one another.

[0096] The building assembling set according to the above (18) makes it possible to, in provision of a building assembling set for a regular polyhedral building, use the linkage frames included in the building assembling set as common components. Consequently, the number of the types of components included in the building assembling set is decreased. Therefore, the building is easily assembled, and manufacturing cost is decreased.

[0097] (19) Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method for assembling a building by using the linkage unit according to any of the above (1) to (16), the method including: [0098] a step of linking, to the plurality of to-be-linked portions of the node member, the respective link members provided to frames forming the respective sides of the frame structure of the building; and [0099] a step of switching, to the locked state, a state of the lock mechanism corresponding to each of the linked link members.

[0100] The assembling method according to the above (19) makes it possible to easily assemble a building.

[Overview of Building, Building Assembling Set, and Linkage Unit]

[0101] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a building 1 assembled by using linkage units 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of any of the linkage units 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a building assembling set 2 for assembling the building 1.

[0102] The building 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a regular octahedral building including six linkage units 10, twelve frames 20, and four shades 30. The frames 20 are joined to each other via the linkage units 10. Each of the shades 30 is configured to cover one face enclosed by corresponding ones of the frames 20 of the building 1. In the building 1, the shades 30 are provided to a ceiling face of the building 1 and three side faces which are in contact with the respective sides of the ceiling face. Each of the shades 30 is disposed on the building 1 by tying, to eye nuts 213 (described later) of corresponding ones of the linkage units 10, ropes provided on the respective vertices of the shade 30. Although the shade 30 in the present embodiment is configured to have ropes on the respective vertices thereof, the shade 30 may be configured to have hooks, belts, or the like instead of the ropes. Alternatively, the shade 30 in the present embodiment may also be configured to be disposed on the frames 20 by means of ropes, hooks, belts, and the like.

[0103] The linkage unit 10 shown in FIG. 2 includes a link member 100 fixed to the corresponding frame 20 and a node member 200 to which the link member 100 is linked. The link member 100 includes a retaining member 110, a positioning member 120, and a lock mechanism 130. The node member 200 has a trunk member 210 and shoulder members 220.

[0104] The frame 20 is retained by the retaining member 110. The frame 20 retained by the retaining member 110 is fixed to the retaining member 110 by fixation means such as small-diameter external threads or screws. Consequently, the frame 20 is fixed to the link member 100.

[0105] The frame 20 used for the building 1 has both ends to which the respective link members 100 have been fixed. The frame 20 having both ends to which the respective link members 100 have been fixed serves as a linkage frame 300 of the building assembling set 2 shown in FIG. 3.

[0106] The trunk member 210 has an eye nut 213. In the present embodiment, the eye nut 213 is disposed on a surface, of the trunk member 210, that is located on the internal space side of the building 1. The eye nut 213 is usable not only for tying a rope of the aforementioned shade 30 but also for hanging a hammock, a hanging chair, or the like. Consequently, the usability of the internal space of the building 1 is improved.

[0107] Each of the shoulder members 220 has: a to-be-linked portion 221 which engages and fixes the corresponding link member 100 linked to the node member 200; and an engagement portion 222 which is engaged with the link member 100 linked to the node member 200. The to-be-linked portion 221 is provided with: insertion holes IS which allow a pin portion 132 (described later) of the lock mechanism 130 to be inserted thereinto; and projections 221a which engage and fix the pin portion 132 inserted into the insertion holes IS. The engagement portion 222 is configured to allow the positioning member 120 to be engaged therewith when the link member 100 is joined to the node member 200. Consequently, the link member 100 can be guided to an appropriate position for a linkage to the node member 200.

[0108] The building assembling set 2 shown in FIG. 3 includes six node members 200, twelve linkage frames 300, and the four shades 30. As described above, the building 1 assembled by using the building assembling set 2 is a regular octahedral building. Therefore, the node members 200 have the same configuration, the linkage frames 300 have the same configuration, and the shades 30 have the same configuration. In a case where the building to be assembled by using the building assembling set of the present invention is a regular polyhedral building, the node members included in the building assembling set may be identical to one another, the linkage frames included in the building assembling set may be identical to one another, and the shades included in the building assembling set may be identical to one another. Consequently, the number of the types of components included in the building assembling set is decreased. Therefore, the building is easily assembled, and manufacturing cost for the building assembling set is decreased.

[0109] In the building 1 in the present embodiment, rectangular bar frames are used as the frames 20. Unlike the above spherical joining component, the linkage unit 10 does not necessitate rotational insertion of the linkage frames 300 at the time of linking the linkage frames 300 to the node member 200. Therefore, the linkage unit 10 eliminates the need for work for causing the surfaces of the rectangular bar frames to face the same direction when the node member 200 and the linkage frames 300 are linked to each other.

[0110] In the building 1 in the present embodiment, wood is used as a material of the frames 20. The lengths of the frames 20 formed of wood are easily adjusted, whereby the size of the building 1 can be easily changed.

[0111] The linkage unit 10 in the present embodiment has a configuration in which: the node member 200 has the insertion holes IS and the projections 221a; and the link members 100 have the respective lock mechanisms 130. However, the configuration of the linkage unit of the present invention is not limited thereto. The linkage unit of the present invention may have a configuration in which: the node member 200 has the lock mechanisms 130; and each of the link members 100 has the insertion holes IS and the projections 221a. A lever portion 131 (described later) as a controller of each of the lock mechanisms 130 and the pin portion 132 are movable, and thus more easily sustain malfunctions than the insertion holes IS and the projections 221a. Therefore, in a case where the lock mechanisms 130 are provided to the link members 100, when any of the lock mechanisms 130 sustains a malfunction, the lock mechanism 130 is more easily replaced than in a case where the lock mechanisms 130 are provided to the node member 200. Therefore, the lock mechanisms 130 are preferably provided to the link members 100.

[0112] The building 1 and the building assembling set 2 in the present embodiment include the shades 30, but the shades are not indispensable constituents of the building and the building assembling set of the present invention. That is, in the present invention, the building only has to be a structure including the linkage units and the frames.

[Configuration of Linkage Unit]

[0113] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the linkage unit 10. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of any of the link members 100. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the node member 200. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of any of the shoulder members 220. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the trunk member 210. FIG. 4 and FIG. 6 show the node member 200 in a state where one of the shoulder members 220 is mounted on the node member 200.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 5, each of the lock mechanisms 130 has the lever portion 131 and the pin portion 132. In the lock mechanism 130 of the linkage unit 10, the lever portion 131 is used as a controller which controls the rotation angle of the pin portion 132 described later. The pin portion 132 has a substantially columnar shape and is rotatably inserted into insertion holes IH through which the corresponding retaining member 110 and the corresponding positioning member 120 are in communication with each other. The lever portion 131 is provided on one end of the pin portion 132. The pin portion 132 is rotated inside the insertion holes IH through a manual operation of the lever portion 131. The pin portion 132 is, near both end sides thereof, provided with grooves GR obtained by cutting parts of the columnar pin portion 132.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the retaining member 110 is provided with small-diameter external thread holes SH for fixing, by means of small-diameter external threads, the corresponding frame 20 retained by the retaining member 110. In addition, the retaining member 110 has a first lever stopper 111, a first protrusion 112, and a frame stopper 113. The frame stopper 113 restricts, through contact with the frame 20 retained by the retaining member 110, the retention position of the frame 20 to such a position that contact between the frame 20 and the pin portion 132 does not occur. Consequently, an operation failure of the lever portion 131 is inhibited from occurring owing to contact of the frame 20 with the pin portion 132.

[0116] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 show the lever portion 131 in an unlocked state. In the linkage unit 10 in the present embodiment, the lever portion 131 is configured to take, in the unlocked state, such a position that a leading end 131a thereof protrudes from the linkage unit 10. That is, the lever portion 131 is configured to be rotated such that: the leading end 131a thereof faces an inner side of the building 1 in a locked state; and the leading end 131a faces an outer side of the building 1 in the unlocked state. Consequently, the visibility of the lever portion 131 in the unlocked state is improved. Therefore, the lock mechanism 130 is inhibited from being forgotten to be locked. As a result, the safety of the building assembled by using the linkage unit 10 is improved.

[0117] The positioning member 120 has a second lever stopper 121 and a second protrusion 122. In addition, the positioning member 120 has a first positioning end 120a which restricts, through contact with the frame 20 retained by the retaining member 110, the retention position of the frame 20 to such a position that contact between the frame 20 and the pin portion 132 does not occur. Consequently, an operation failure of the lever portion 131 is inhibited from occurring owing to contact of the frame 20 with the pin portion 132. The positioning member 120 has a second positioning end 120b which is engaged with the corresponding engagement portion 222 at the time of linking the link member 100 and the node member 200 to each other. Consequently, the link member 100 is guided to an appropriate position for a linkage to the node member 200.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the node member 200 has the trunk member 210 and the shoulder members 220. Here, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the trunk member 210 and each of the shoulder members 220 of the node member 200 in the present embodiment are formed as separate components. The trunk member 210 has a cap portion 212 and a body portion 211. The body portion 211 is provided with: fitting portions 211a which allow the respective shoulder members 220 to be fitted thereinto; and first bolt holes FBH which allow bolts to be inserted thereinto and which are located near the centers of the respective fitting portions 211a. In addition, each of the shoulder members 220 is provided with a second bolt hole SBH which forms a communication hole together with the corresponding first bolt hole FBH when the shoulder member 220 is fitted into the corresponding fitting portion 211a. The body portion 211 and the shoulder member 220 can be fixed to each other by inserting a bolt into the communication hole and fastening the bolt with a nut.

[0119] The cap portion 212 and the body portion 211 of the trunk member 210 are configured to be attachable to and detachable from each other. Detachment of the cap portion 212 from the body portion 211 enables access (not shown) to the bolt fixing the body portion 211 and the shoulder member 220 to each other. Consequently, the node member 200 enables the body portion 211 and the shoulder member 220 to be easily attached to and detached from each other.

[0120] Although the building 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a regular octahedral building, the building to which the linkage unit of the present invention is applicable is not limited to regular octahedral buildings. The linkage unit of the present invention is applicable to buildings having various three-dimensional shapes by changing, in the node member 200, the number of the shoulder members 220 disposed on the trunk member 210, the fixation angle between the trunk member 210 and each of the shoulder members 220, the arrangement angle between the shoulder members 220, or the like. For example, a node member 200 applicable to a hexahedral building can be formed by setting the above number of the shoulder members 220 to three, setting the above fixation angle to 90, and setting the above arrangement angle to 60. As described above, the trunk member 210 and each of the shoulder members 220 of the node member 200 are formed as separate components. Therefore, a linkage unit 10 applicable to a building to be constructed can be provided by using the shoulder members 220 and the link members 100 as common components and changing the configurations of the fitting portions 211a of the trunk member 210. That is, if the trunk member 210 and each of the shoulder members 220 are formed as separate components, the versatility of the linkage unit 10 can be improved, and manufacturing cost can be decreased.

[Method for Assembling Building and Configuration of Linkage Unit in Each Joined State]

[0121] FIG. 9(a) to FIG. 9(d) are diagrams for explaining a procedure for assembling the building 1 by using the building assembling set 2. FIG. 10(a) to FIG. 10(c) are diagrams for explaining the relationship between any of the link members 100 and the corresponding shoulder member 220 in the unlocked state. FIG. 11(a) to FIG. 11(c) are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the link member 100 and the shoulder member 220 in the locked state.

[0122] FIG. 9(a) is a schematic diagram of an end portion on one side of any of the linkage frames 300 in the unlocked state. FIG. 9(b) is a schematic diagram showing the states of the linkage frame 300 and the corresponding node member 200 in the unlocked state before joining. The arrow in FIG. 9(b) indicates a direction in which the linkage frame 300 is joined to the node member 200. FIG. 9(c) is a schematic diagram showing a joined body composed of the linkage frame 300 and the node member 200 after joining. The arrow in FIG. 9(c) indicates a direction in which the lever portion 131 is rotated from the unlocked state to the locked state. FIG. 9(d) is a schematic diagram showing the joined body composed of the linkage frame 300 and the node member 200 in the locked state.

[0123] FIG. 10(a) is a front view of a joined body composed of the link member 100 and the shoulder member 220 in the unlocked state. FIG. 10(b) is a side view as seen from a side, on which the lever portion 131 is disposed, of the joined body composed of the link member 100 and the shoulder member 220 in the unlocked state. FIG. 10(c) is a cross-sectional view at A-A in FIG. 10(b). FIG. 11(a) is a front view of the joined body composed of the link member 100 and the shoulder member 220 in the locked state. FIG. 11(b) is a side view as seen from the side, on which the lever portion 131 is disposed, of the joined body composed of the link member 100 and the shoulder member 220 in the locked state. FIG. 11(c) is a cross-sectional view at B-B in FIG. 11(b). The double-headed arrows in FIG. 10 indicate the front-rear direction and the up-down direction of the above joined body shown in FIG. 10(b). The arrow in FIG. 10(b) indicates a rotation-possible direction of the lever portion 131 in the unlocked state. The double-headed arrows in FIG. 11 indicate the front-rear direction and the up-down direction of the above joined body shown in FIG. 11(b). The arrow in FIG. 11(b) indicates a rotation-possible direction of the lever portion 131 in the locked state.

[0124] A method for assembling the building 1 by using the linkage frames 300 includes: a step (hereinafter, referred to as linking step) of linking the link members 100 of the linkage frames 300 to the respective to-be-linked portions 221 provided to the plurality of shoulder members 220 of the node member 200; and a step (hereinafter, referred to as locking step) of switching, to the locked state, a state of the lock mechanism 130 corresponding to each of the linked link members 100. Hereinafter, a procedure for assembling the building 1 by using the building assembling set 2 will be described in detail.

[0125] The procedure for assembling the building 1 by using the building assembling set 2 includes an unlocking step, a linking step, and a locking step. In the unlocking step, the lever portion 131 of each of the linkage frames 300 is manually set to take a position that corresponds to the unlocked state and that is shown in FIG. 9(a) and FIG. 10. In the linking step, as shown in FIG. 9(b), the link member 100 of the linkage frame 300 set to enter the unlocked state is linked to the corresponding shoulder member 220 of the node member 200. In the locking step, the lever portion 131 of the linkage frame 300 linked to the node member 200 in the above linking step is manually rotated from the unlocked state to the locked state as shown in FIG. 9(c) so as to be set to take a position that corresponds to the locked state and that is shown in FIG. 9(d) and FIG. 11. In this manner, in the assembling of the building 1 by using the building assembling set 2, the node member 200 and the linkage frame 300 can be linked to each other through a manual operation of the lever portion 131 without using any tool such as a spanner or a screwdriver. Therefore, the building 1 can be easily assembled. Meanwhile, a procedure for disassembling the building 1 assembled by using the building assembling set 2 is the reverse of the assembling procedure shown in FIG. 9.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 10(a) and FIG. 10(c), the grooves GR provided in the pin portion 132 of the lock mechanism 130 face downward in the unlocked state. Consequently, when the link member 100 is inserted into the insertion holes IS of the shoulder member 220, the grooves GR prevent the pin portion 132 of the link member 100 from coming into contact with the projections 221a of the shoulder member 220. That is, the pin portion 132 is configured to, in the unlocked state, have a second angle as a rotation angle at which the grooves GR face downward. Consequently, the pin portion 132 in the unlocked state can be inserted into or removed from the insertion holes IS. Therefore, the linkage frame 300 in the unlocked state can be attached to and detached from the node member 200.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 10(b), the lever portion 131 of the lock mechanism 130 is, in the unlocked state, in a state of being present between the second lever stopper 121 and the second protrusion 122. The lever portion 131 in the present embodiment is, in the unlocked state, oriented to the upper side such that the leading end 131a thereof faces the outer side. Each of the second lever stopper 121 and the second protrusion 122 is formed as a spherical surface protruding from a side surface of the positioning member 120.

[0128] The lever portion 131 is configured to be able to be rotated with play, with respect to the side surface of the positioning member 120. The second lever stopper 121 is configured to protrude from the side surface of the positioning member 120 to such a height that the lever portion 131 cannot be rotated frontward in such a manner as to pass over the second lever stopper 121. That is, the second lever stopper 121 is configured to restrict movement of the lever portion 131 with the leading end 131a facing the outer side. Consequently, the lever portion 131 can be easily set to take, through a manual operation, an appropriate position at which the link member 100 enters the unlocked state. Meanwhile, the second protrusion 122 is configured to protrude from the side surface of the positioning member 120 to such a height that: the lever portion 131 can be rotated rearward in such a manner as to pass over the second protrusion 122 owing to the above play of the lever portion 131; and, when the lever portion 131 passes over the second protrusion 122 during manual rotation of the lever portion 131, a resistance is perceived owing to the contact between the lever portion 131 and the second protrusion 122. Consequently, accidental rotation of the lever portion 131 in the unlocked state can be inhibited. As a result, the lever portion 131 in the unlocked state is maintained to be at the appropriate position corresponding to the unlocked state, and the link member 100 can be smoothly attached to and detached from the node member 200.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 11(a) and FIG. 11(c), the grooves GR provided in the pin portion 132 of the lock mechanism 130 face upward in the locked state. Consequently, the pin portion 132 of the link member 100 inserted into the insertion holes IS enters a state of being in contact with the projections 221a of the to-be-linked portion 221 provided to the shoulder member 220. That is, the pin portion 132 is configured to, in the locked state, have a first angle as a rotation angle at which the grooves GR face upward. Consequently, the pin portion 132 in the locked state is engaged and fixed inside the insertion holes IS. Therefore, the pin portion 132 disposed inside the insertion holes IS in the locked state cannot be pulled out from the insertion holes IS. As a result, the linked body composed of the linkage frame 300 and the node member 200 in the locked state is in a state of being unable to be unlinked.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 11(b), the lever portion 131 of the lock mechanism 130 is, in the locked state, in a state of being present between the first lever stopper 111 and the first protrusion 112. The lever portion 131 in the present embodiment is, in the locked state, oriented to the lower side such that the leading end 131a thereof faces the inner side. The first lever stopper 111 is configured to linearly protrude from a side surface of the retaining member 110. The first protrusion 112 is formed as a spherical surface protruding from the side surface of the retaining member 110.

[0131] The first lever stopper 111 is configured to protrude from the side surface of the retaining member 110 to such a height that the lever portion 131 cannot be rotated frontward in such a manner as to pass over the first lever stopper 111. That is, the first lever stopper 111 is configured to restrict movement of the lever portion 131 with the leading end 131a facing the inner side. Consequently, the lever portion 131 can be easily set to take, through a manual operation, an appropriate position at which the link member 100 enters the locked state. Meanwhile, the first protrusion 112 is configured to protrude from the side surface of the retaining member 110 to such a height that: the lever portion 131 can be rotated rearward in such a manner as to pass over the first protrusion 112 owing to the above play of the lever portion 131; and, when the lever portion 131 passes over the first protrusion 112 during manual rotation of the lever portion 131, a resistance is perceived owing to the contact between the lever portion 131 and the first protrusion 112. Consequently, accidental rotation of the lever portion 131 in the locked state can be inhibited. As a result, the lever portion 131 in the locked state is maintained to be at the appropriate position corresponding to the locked state, and the link member 100 is inhibited from accidentally coming off from the node member 200.

[Regular Polyhedral Building]

[0132] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a regular tetrahedral building 3 assembled by using linkage units 11 according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a regular icosahedral building 4 assembled by using linkage units 12 according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a regular dodecahedral building 5 assembled by using linkage units 13 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0133] The building 4 is a building having a frame structure forming 15 faces of a regular icosahedron. The building 5 is a building having a frame structure forming six faces of a regular dodecahedron. The building 3, the building 4, and the building 5 have sides at which the same frames 20 as those of the building 1 are used. Therefore, for an assembling set for assembling each of the building 3, the building 4, and the building 5, the linkage frames 300 can be used as common components. In addition, for the building 3 and the building 4, the same shades 30 as those of the building 1 can be used as common components. Therefore, if the building assembling set including the linkage unit of the present invention is intended for regular polyhedral buildings, manufacturing cost for this building assembling set can be decreased.

[0134] For the linkage units 11 for the building 3, the linkage units 12 for the building 4, and the linkage units 13 for the building 5, the same link members 100 as those of the linkage units 10 for the building 1 are used. In addition, each of the linkage units 11, the linkage units 12, and the linkage units 13 is composed of the trunk member and the shoulder members attachable to and detachable from the trunk member, in the same manner as the linkage unit 10. Each of the linkage units 10, the linkage units 11, the linkage units 12, and the linkage units 13 is configured such that the above number of the shoulder members disposed on the trunk member, the above fixation angle between the trunk member and each of the shoulder members, and the above arrangement angle between the shoulder members are adapted to the corresponding target building. In each of the building 4 and the building 5, shoulder members that are not linked to any linkage frames 300 have been detached from the node members disposed at such positions as to be in contact with the ground. Consequently, ease of setting up the building 4 and the building 5 on the ground is improved.

[Modification of Lock Mechanism]

[0135] Regarding the lock mechanism 130 of the above linkage unit 10, an instance has been described in which the lever portion 131 is used as the controller which controls the rotation angle of the pin portion 132. However, the controller according to the present invention only has to enable manual control of the rotation angle of the pin portion and is not limited to lever portions. Hereinafter, an instance of a lock mechanism in which a knob portion is used instead of the lever portion and rotation of the pin portion in a locked state can be restricted by a fastening bar member, will be described as a modification of the lock mechanism.

[0136] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a linkage unit 14 according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16(a) to FIG. 16(d) are diagrams for explaining a procedure for assembling a building by using a building assembling set including the linkage unit 14 shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 17(a) to FIG. 17(c) are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the link member 100 and the shoulder member 220 of the linkage unit 14 shown in FIG. 15 in an unlocked state. FIG. 18(a) to FIG. 18(c) are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the link member 100 and the shoulder member 220 of the linkage unit 14 shown in FIG. 15 in a locked state before rotation of the pin portion 132 is restricted by a fastening bar member 400. FIG. 19(a) to FIG. 19(c) are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the link member 100 and the shoulder member 220 of the linkage unit 14 shown in FIG. 15 in the locked state after rotation of the pin portion 132 is restricted by the fastening bar member 400. Redundant description of the constituents denoted in FIG. 15 to FIG. 19 by the same reference signs as those for the linkage unit according to the above embodiment will be omitted.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 15, in the linkage unit 14, a knob portion 133 is used as a controller instead of the lever portion 131 which is a controller of the above linkage unit 10. In addition, in the linkage unit 14, the positioning member 120 has a fastening bar hole BHO which allows the fastening bar member 400 to pass therethrough. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 17 to FIG. 19, in the linkage unit 14, the pin portion 132 has a recess CON which allows an end portion 400a of the fastening bar member 400 to be fitted thereinto at a first angle as a rotation angle corresponding to the locked state, the fastening bar member 400 having passed through the fastening bar hole BHO.

[0138] In the linkage unit 14, the knob portion 133 is used as the controller. Therefore, the linkage unit 14 has neither the first lever stopper 111 and the first protrusion 112 which maintain the lever portion 131 to be at the appropriate position corresponding to the locked state, nor the second lever stopper 121 and the second protrusion 122 which maintain the lever portion 131 to be at the appropriate position corresponding to the unlocked state. Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 15, the linkage unit 14 has: a locking indicator LIN as an indicator for a position, of the knob portion 133, in the locked state; and an unlocking indicator UIN as an indicator for a position, of the knob portion 133, in the unlocked state. The linkage unit 14 shown in FIG. 15 is in the locked state where a leading end 133a of the knob portion 133 is located at such a position as to face the locking indicator LIN.

[0139] FIG. 16(a) is a schematic diagram showing the states of the linkage frame 300 and the node member 200 in the unlocked state before joining of the linkage unit 14. FIG. 16(b) is a schematic diagram showing a joined body composed of the linkage frame 300 and the node member 200 in the unlocked state after joining of the linkage unit 14. The arrow in FIG. 16(b) indicates a direction of rotation of the knob portion 133 from the unlocked state to the locked state. FIG. 16(c) is a schematic diagram showing the joined body composed of the linkage frame 300 and the node member 200 of the linkage unit 14 in the locked state before rotation of the pin portion 132 is restricted by the fastening bar member 400. The arrow in FIG. 16(c) indicates a direction in which the fastening bar member 400 is inserted such that the end portion 400a of the fastening bar member 400 is fitted into the recess CON. FIG. 16(d) is a schematic diagram showing the joined body composed of the linkage frame 300 and the node member 200 of the linkage unit 14 in the locked state after rotation of the pin portion 132 is restricted by the fastening bar member 400.

[0140] FIG. 17(a) is a front view of a joined body composed of the link member 100 and the shoulder member 220 of the linkage unit 14 in the unlocked state. FIG. 17(b) is a side view as seen from a side, on which the knob portion 133 is disposed, of the joined body composed of the link member 100 and the shoulder member 220 of the linkage unit 14 in the unlocked state. FIG. 17(c) is a cross-sectional view at C-C in FIG. 17(b). FIG. 18(a) is a front view of the joined body composed of the link member 100 and the shoulder member 220 of the linkage unit 14 in the locked state before rotation of the pin portion 132 is restricted by the fastening bar member 400. FIG. 18(b) is a side view as seen from the side, on which the knob portion 133 is disposed, of the joined body composed of the link member 100 and the shoulder member 220 of the linkage unit 14 in the locked state before rotation of the pin portion 132 is restricted by the fastening bar member 400. FIG. 18(c) is a cross-sectional view at D-D in FIG. 18(b). FIG. 19(a) is a front view of the joined body composed of the link member 100 and the shoulder member 220 of the linkage unit 14 in the locked state after rotation of the pin portion 132 is restricted by the fastening bar member 400. FIG. 19(b) is a side view as seen from the side, on which the knob portion 133 is disposed, of the joined body composed of the link member 100 and the shoulder member 220 of the linkage unit 14 in the locked state after rotation of the pin portion 132 is restricted by the fastening bar member 400. FIG. 19(c) is a cross-sectional view at E-E in FIG. 19(b). The double-headed arrows in FIG. 17 indicate the front-rear direction and the up-down direction of the above joined body shown in FIG. 17(b). The arrow in FIG. 17(b) indicates a rotation-possible direction of the pin portion 132 at the time of switching from the unlocked state to the locked state. The double-headed arrows in FIG. 18 indicate the front-rear direction and the up-down direction of the above joined body shown in FIG. 18(b). The arrow in FIG. 18(b) indicates a rotation-possible direction of the pin portion 132 at the time of switching from the locked state to the unlocked state. The double-headed arrows in FIG. 19 indicate the front-rear direction and the up-down direction of the above joined body shown in FIG. 19(b). In the joined body shown in FIG. 19, the fastening bar member 400 restricts rotation of the pin portion 132. Thus, the pin portion 132 shown in FIG. 19 cannot be rotated for switching from the locked state to the unlocked state. Therefore, FIG. 19 does not show any arrow indicating a rotation-possible direction.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 17 to FIG. 19, the fastening bar member 400 has a screw configuration. The fastening bar member 400 has a rod-shaped portion provided with a screw thread. The fastening bar hole BHO has an outer periphery also provided with a screw thread corresponding to the screw thread of the rod-shaped portion of the fastening bar member 400. That is, the relationship between the fastening bar member 400 and the fastening bar hole BHO is equivalent to the relationship between an external thread and an internal thread. The fastening bar member 400 used for the linkage unit 14 is specifically a thumbscrew and makes it possible to manually adjust the insertion depth of the end portion 400a of the fastening bar member 400 without using any tool. Alternatively, the fastening bar member in the present invention is not limited to thumbscrews, and a screw that is turned by using a tool such as a screwdriver or a wrench may be used. However, from the viewpoint of facilitating operations, a thumbscrew is preferably used as the fastening bar member in the present invention. Alternatively, the fastening bar member in the present invention is not limited to fastening bar members having screw configurations, and, for example, a rivet having a rod-shaped portion that is not provided with any screw thread may be used as the fastening bar member. However, from the viewpoint of stability in terms of restriction of rotation of the pin portion 132, the fastening bar member in the present invention is preferably a fastening bar member having a screw configuration.

[0142] As shown in FIG. 17(a) and FIG. 17(b), when the knob portion 133 is oriented such that the leading end 133a of the knob portion 133 faces the unlocking indicator UIN, the grooves GR provided in the pin portion 132 are each in a state of facing downward. That is, the lock mechanism 130 is in the unlocked state. Here, when the pin portion 132 is in the unlocked state, the recess CON provided in the pin portion 132 is in a state of facing downward. Therefore, in the unlocked state, the end portion 400a of the fastening bar member 400 cannot be fitted into the recess CON. In other words, in the unlocked state, restriction of rotation of the pin portion 132 by fitting the end portion 400a of the fastening bar member 400 into the recess CON is not achieved. Thus, the knob portion 133 can be rotated in the rotation-possible direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 17(b). That is, the lock mechanism 130 in FIG. 17 is in a state where switching from the unlocked state to the locked state can be performed.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 18(a) and FIG. 18(b), when the knob portion 133 is oriented such that the leading end 133a of the knob portion 133 faces the locking indicator LIN, the grooves GR provided in the pin portion 132 are each in a state of facing upward. That is, the lock mechanism 130 is in the locked state. Here, as shown in FIG. 18(c), when the pin portion 132 is in the locked state, the recess CON provided in the pin portion 132 is in a state of facing upward. Therefore, in the locked state, the end portion 400a of the fastening bar member 400 can be fitted into the recess CON. In other words, by fastening the fastening bar member 400 which is a thumbscrew, the insertion depth of the end portion 400a of the fastening bar member 400 can be adjusted such that the end portion 400a reaches the inside of the recess CON as shown in FIG. 19(c). In FIG. 18, the end portion 400a of the fastening bar member 400 has not been fitted into the recess CON. Thus, the knob portion 133 can be rotated in the rotation-possible direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 18(b). That is, the lock mechanism 130 in FIG. 18 is in a state where switching from the locked state to the unlocked state can be performed.

[0144] FIG. 19(a) to FIG. 19(c) show the joined body composed of the link member 100 and the shoulder member 220 in a state where the end portion 400a of the fastening bar member 400 is fitted into the recess CON. As shown in FIG. 19(c), the end portion 400a of the fastening bar member 400 is in a state of having reached the inside of the recess CON. Therefore, rotation of the pin portion 132 is restricted. Consequently, the locked state is stably maintained. Consequently, the safety of the building assembled by using the linkage unit 14 is further improved. The recess CON in the present embodiment is not provided with any screw thread. Alternatively, the recess in the present invention may be provided with a screw thread. However, in a case where the recess is provided with a screw thread, accuracy is required for adjusting the rotation angle of the pin portion 132 in order to fit the end portion 400a of the fastening bar member 400 into the recess. Therefore, the recess in the present invention is preferably provided with no screw thread from the viewpoint of facilitating work for joining the link member 100 and the node member 200 to each other.

[0145] A washer 500 is used for the linkage unit 14. Consequently, damage to the positioning member 120 due to squeezing of the fastening bar member 400 can be suppressed. The washer 500 may be dispensed with, i.e., the washer 500 does not have to be used. Also, the linkage unit 14 relates to an instance in which, in the lock mechanism, the knob portion is used and the fastening bar member can restrict rotation of the pin portion in the locked state. However, the present invention is not limited to this instance. For example, in the lock mechanism, the lever portion may be used and the fastening bar member can restrict rotation of the pin portion in the locked state.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0146] The linkage unit, the building assembling set, and the building assembling method which are described above are applicable to various buildings.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0147] 1, 3, 4, 5 building [0148] 2 building assembling set [0149] 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 linkage unit [0150] 20 rectangular bar frame [0151] 30, 31 shade [0152] 100 link member [0153] 110 retaining member [0154] 111 first lever stopper [0155] 112 first protrusion [0156] 113 frame stopper [0157] 120 positioning member [0158] 120a first positioning end [0159] 120b second positioning end [0160] 121 second lever stopper [0161] 122 second protrusion [0162] 130 lock mechanism [0163] 131 lever portion [0164] 131a leading end of lever portion [0165] 132 pin portion [0166] 133 knob portion [0167] 133a leading end of knob portion [0168] 200 node member [0169] 210 trunk member [0170] 211 body portion [0171] 211a fitting portion [0172] 212 cap portion [0173] 213 eye nut [0174] 220 shoulder member [0175] 221 to-be-linked portion [0176] 221a projection [0177] 222 engagement portion [0178] 300 linkage frame [0179] 400 fastening bar member [0180] 400a end portion of fastening bar member [0181] 500 washer [0182] IS insertion hole [0183] GR groove [0184] SH small-diameter external thread hole [0185] FBH first bolt hole [0186] SBH second bolt hole [0187] LIN locking indicator [0188] UIN unlocking indicator [0189] BHO fastening bar hole [0190] CON recess