Spherical bearing device

Abstract

The present invention provides a spherical bearing device that can maintain the inner and outer rings in a stationary state without relying on friction at the contact surface between the inner and outer rings, and does not require any equipment such as actuators. [Solution] The spherical bearing device 10 includes a spherical inner ring body 21, a rocking body 23 protruding from the inner ring body 21, an outer ring body 11 that makes spherical contact with the inner ring body 21 and holds the inner ring body 21 so that it can roll, a dependent ring 27 integrated with the rocking body 23 and positioned away from the outer ring body 11, a plurality of tracing shafts 41 arranged to surround the center of the inner ring body 21, with one end of each tracing shaft 41 in contact with the dependent ring 27, and a plurality of clampers 51 capable of clamping each of the plurality of tracing shafts 41 in order to restrain the dependent ring 27.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a spherical bearing device having an inner ring and an outer ring.

Background Art

[0002] In order to fix the inner ring of a spherical bearing, a method of bringing a brake shoe into contact with the inner ring is known (for example, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 49-017937, hereinafter referred to as "Patent Document 1"). In Patent Document 1, the inner ring is split in half. The inner ring is housed in a housing. The housing corresponds to the outer ring. The housing has a ball bearing that contacts the inner ring and a brake shoe that presses against the inner ring. A shaft body is sandwiched between a pair of inner rings. By pressing the brake shoe against the inner ring, the inner ring and the outer ring are integrated. The shaft body is sandwiched and fixed between a pair of inner rings.

[0003] A table member holding angle adjustable table that can hold a table member at an arbitrary tilting angle so that various operations can be smoothly performed is disclosed (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-198527, hereinafter referred to as "Patent Document 2"). In Patent Document 2, in order to support the table member so as to be tiltable, a spherical bearing is incorporated behind the table member. The table member is swung by an actuator. A plurality of actuators are arranged so as to surround the spherical bearing. By adjusting the protruding amount of each actuator, the tilting of the table member is optimized. By locking the actuator, the table member is fixed. In addition, spherical bearing devices are also used in various other devices (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-280337, hereinafter referred to as "Patent Document 3").

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When performing maintenance on various types of machinery and equipment, a retaining device incorporating spherical bearings may be used to freely adjust the position of the tools used for the work. When using this retaining device, first the retaining device is fixed to the floor or other surface, then the tools are fitted into the spherical bearings of the retaining device, and the position of the tools relative to the existing machinery and equipment is determined. After that, by switching to a clamp state in which the inner and outer rings of the spherical bearing are integrated, the position of the tools is maintained, and they can withstand the reaction forces during work.

[0005] One way to integrate the inner and outer rings of a spherical bearing is to press a brake shoe against the surface of either the inner or outer ring, as described in Patent Document 1. However, this method relies on friction from surface contact, making it difficult to prevent slippage and resulting in poor reliability. Therefore, as described in Patent Document 2, a movable mechanism such as an actuator can be placed around the spherical bearing to more reliably prevent slippage. However, placing a movable mechanism requires space. Furthermore, the movable mechanism requires a power source and control device.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a spherical bearing device that can maintain the inner and outer rings in a stationary state without relying on friction at the contact surfaces between the inner and outer rings, and that does not require equipment such as actuators. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The first aspect of the present invention is, A spherical inner ring, A rocking body protruding from the inner ring body, An outer ring body that makes spherical contact with the inner ring body and holds the inner ring body in a rotatable manner, A subordinate ring, which is integrated with the oscillating body and positioned away from the outer ring, A plurality of tracing shafts arranged to surround the center of the inner ring body, the plurality of tracing shafts having one end in contact with the subordinate ring, To restrain the dependent ring, a plurality of clampers capable of clamping each of the plurality of the tracing shafts, This is a spherical bearing device having [a specific feature / feature].

[0008] An unlocking ring may be provided between the outer ring and the subordinate ring. A clamper may be integrated into the unlocking ring. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, a spherical bearing device can be provided that can maintain the inner and outer rings in an immovable state without relying on friction at the contact surfaces between the inner and outer rings, and does not require equipment such as actuators. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Cross-sectional view of a spherical bearing device with a clamp in the clamped position. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view of a spherical bearing device with the clamp in an unclamped state. [Figure 3] Perspective view of a spherical bearing device with a clamp in the clamped position. [Figure 4] Perspective view of a spherical bearing device with the clamp in the unclamped state. [Figure 5] (a) is a cross-sectional view of the clamp in the clamped state, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the clamp in the unclamped state. [Figure 6] (a) is a cross-sectional view of a spherical bearing device with the clamp in the unclamped state, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of a spherical bearing device with the clamp in the clamped state. [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view of a spherical bearing device in the initial stage of the process of cutting existing piping. [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view of the spherical bearing device at the stage when the guide rod is inserted into the piping. [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view of a spherical bearing device with the clamp in the clamped position. [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view of the spherical bearing device in the stage where the cutting machine is held. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] <First Embodiment> As shown in FIG. 1, the spherical bearing device 10 of the present embodiment includes an outer ring body 11, a sub-outer ring body 13, a lifting ring 15, an inner ring body 21, a rocking body 23, a dependent ring 27, an unlocking shaft 31, an unlocking ring 37, a following shaft 41, a clamp 51, a guide rail 61, and a guide block 63. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, as shown in FIG. 1, the extending direction of the guide rail 61 is referred to as the vertical direction.

[0012] The outer ring body 11 is in a block shape that houses the inner ring body 21 in a rotatable state. The sub-outer ring body 13 houses the inner ring body 21 in a rotatable state. The sub-outer ring body 13 is arranged to be paired with the outer ring body 11. The inner surfaces of the outer ring body 11 and the sub-outer ring body 13 are spherical for housing the inner ring body 21. By integrating the outer ring body 11 and the sub-outer ring body 13, the inner ring body 21 cannot be detached from the outer ring body 11.

[0013] The inner ring body 21 is generally spherical. The inner ring body 21 is hollow. The rocking body 23 is in a cylindrical shape that penetrates the hollow portion of the inner ring body 21. The rocking body 23 is integrated with the inner ring body 21. The central axis of the rocking body 23 passes through the center of the inner ring body 21. The rocking body 23 protrudes outside the inner ring body 21.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the dependent ring 27 is attached to the lower end surface of the rocking body 23. The dependent ring 27 is in a disc shape centered on the rocking body 23. The dependent ring 27 is arranged away from the outer ring body 11 and the sub-outer ring body 13. The dependent ring 27 swings as the inner ring body 21 rolls. In order not to interfere with the rolling of the inner ring body 21, a space is secured around the dependent ring 27.

[0015] The unlocking ring 37 is arranged between the outer ring body 11 and the dependent ring 27. The sub-outer ring body 13 is housed in the inner circumference of the unlocking ring 37. The unlocking ring 37 and the sub-outer ring body 13 are separated. The unlocking ring 37 is displaceable in the vertical direction with respect to the outer ring body 11. The unlocking ring 37 faces the dependent ring 27. The positional relationship between the unlocking ring 37 and the dependent ring 27 changes according to the rolling of the inner ring body 21.

[0016] The unlocking shaft 31 penetrates the outer ring body 11. The unlocking shaft 31 has a tip portion 31c with a reduced outer diameter on the lower end side. A male screw is formed on the tip portion 31c. The tip portion 31c is inserted into the unlocking ring 37. A nut 35 is screwed onto the tip portion 31c protruding from the unlocking ring 37. Thereby, the unlocking shaft 31 and the unlocking ring 37 are integrated. The unlocking shaft 31 has a branched ring bar 31b on the upper end side. The ring bar 31b supports the contact 33. The contact 33 is circular and rotatable with respect to the ring bar 31b.

[0017] The follower shaft 41 penetrates the unlocking ring 37. The lower end side of the follower shaft 41 contacts the subordinate ring 27. The follower shaft 41 has a spherical ball piece 41b on the lower end side. The ball piece 41b allows the follower shaft 41 to contact the subordinate ring 27 smoothly. The upper end side of the follower shaft 41 is inserted into the outer ring body 11. The follower shaft 41 has a flange 41c on the upper end side. The flange 41c prevents the follower shaft 41 from coming off. The outer ring body 11 has a hole portion 11c for accommodating the flange 41c. A plurality of follower shafts 41 are arranged so as to surround the center of the inner ring body 21. By increasing the number of follower shafts 41, the outer ring body 11 and the inner ring body 21 can be integrated more firmly.

[0018] The clamp 51 is attached to the unlocking ring 37. The unlocking button 51b is incorporated in the clamp 51. The end face of the unlocking button 51b contacts the outer ring body 11. The follower shaft 41 penetrates the clamp 51 and the unlocking button 51b. The unlocking button 51b is biased in the direction protruding from the clamp 51. As shown in FIG. 2, when the unlocking button 51b is pushed in, the follower shaft 41 is in an unclamped state. In the unclamped state, the follower shaft 41 is displaceable with respect to the unlocking ring 37.

[0019] The elastic body 43 surrounds the follower shaft 41. The elastic body 43 is disposed between the unlocking ring 37 and the subordinate ring 27. The elastic body 43 biases the follower shaft 41 toward the subordinate ring 27. By the elastic body 43, the ball piece 41b always contacts the subordinate ring 27.

[0020] When the clamper 51 is in the unclamped state, the inner ring 21 can roll freely without being constrained by the tracing shaft 41. As the inner ring 21 rolls, the relative positions of the unlocking ring 37 and the dependent ring 27 change, and they are no longer parallel. At this time, the distance between the unlocking ring 37 and the dependent ring 27 varies depending on the location. Where the distance between the unlocking ring 37 and the dependent ring 27 is large, the tracing shaft 41 protrudes toward the dependent ring 27. Where the distance between the unlocking ring 37 and the dependent ring 27 is small, the tracing shaft 41 is pushed toward the outer ring 11.

[0021] As the unlocking button 51b protrudes from the clamper 51, the clamper 51 enters a clamped state. In the clamped state, the tracking shaft 41 becomes integrated with the clamper 51 and the unlocking ring 37. In the clamped state, the unlocking button 51b is integrated with the clamper 51, and the distance between the outer ring 11 and the unlocking ring 37 is maintained at a constant level. At this time, the tracking shaft 41 becomes immobile relative to the unlocking ring 37. In addition, the dependent ring 27 becomes immobile due to the tracking shaft 41. Since the dependent ring 27 is integrated with the inner ring 21, the rolling motion between the outer ring 11 and the inner ring 21 is restrained.

[0022] The lifting ring 15 is positioned above the outer ring body 11. The lifting ring 15 contacts the outer ring body 11. The outer ring body 11 has a boss 11b at its top. The boss 11b is an annular shape concentric with the inner ring body 21. The lifting ring 15 is pivotable around the boss 11b. The lifting ring 15 has an inclined surface 15c on its upper surface. The inclined surface 15c rises as it extends circumferentially. The contact element 33 rests on the inclined surface 15c. By pivoting the lifting ring 15, the contact element 33 is pushed up by the inclined surface 15c. This displaces the unlocking shaft 31, and the unlocking ring 37 approaches the outer ring body 11. The lifting ring 15 has a handle 15b on its outer edge. The handle 15b protrudes radially outward. The handle 15b is used to pivot the lifting ring 15.

[0023] Multiple unlocking shafts 31 may be arranged to surround the center of the inner ring 21. This allows the unlocking ring 37 to be displaced without bias. In this case, the lifting ring 15 has an inclined surface 15c for each unlocking shaft 31.

[0024] The oscillating body 23 has a cylindrical connecting part 25 inside. The connecting part 25 holds various construction tools such as a guide rod 71. Various work can be performed on existing pipes 81, etc., using construction tools such as the guide rod 71.

[0025] The guide rail 61 extends in the vertical direction in Figure 1. The guide block 63 is attached to the end of the outer ring body 11. The guide block 63 is movable along the guide rail 61. The guide block 63 is moved by an electric motor (not shown) or the like.

[0026] Figure 2 shows a cross-section of the spherical bearing device 10 in the unclamped state with the clamper 51. The handle 15b is rotated, and the contact element 33 is pushed up by the inclined surface 15c. This causes the unlocking ring 37 to be displaced upward via the unlocking shaft 31. Then, the unlocking button 51b is pressed in by the outer ring body 11, and the tracking shaft 41 is unclamped. In the unclamped state, the tracking shaft 41 can be freely displaced relative to the clamper 51. At that time, the inner ring body 21 can roll freely without being constrained by the tracking shaft 41.

[0027] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the spherical bearing device 10 with the profiling shafts 41 clamped. In this state, all profiling shafts 41 are integrated with the unlocking ring 37. The lifting ring 15 has four inclined surfaces 15c. Each inclined surface 15c has a central elongated hole 15d along the outer edge of the inclined surface 15c. The unlocking shafts 31 are inserted into the elongated holes 15d. The dependent ring 27 is restrained from swinging by the profiling shafts 41. The unlocking button 51b is integrated with the profiling shafts 41. The dependent ring 27 becomes immobile relative to the outer ring 11. The outer ring 11 and inner ring 21 remain stationary.

[0028] Figure 4 shows the state after Figure 3, with the lifting ring 15 rotated. By rotating the lifting ring 15, the unlocking ring 37 approaches the outer ring 11. As a result, the unlocking button 51b is pressed by the outer ring 11. The clamper 51 then becomes unclamped. The tracing shaft 41 becomes displaceable relative to the unlocking ring 37. The dependent ring 27 is not constrained by the tracing shaft 41. The inner ring 21 becomes rotatable relative to the outer ring 11.

[0029] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the clamper 51. The outer ring 11 and the unlocking ring 37 are separated by a gap. The tracking shaft 41 passes through the unlocking ring 37. The clamper 51 has a cylindrical case 51a and a push-up piece 51e. The unlocking button 51b is housed inside the case 51a. The push-up piece 51e is coil spring-shaped and biases the unlocking button 51b in the upward direction. The unlocking button 51b is always in contact with the outer ring 11 by the push-up piece 51e. A locking ball 51c is fitted onto the unlocking button 51b. The locking ball 51c is displaced integrally with the unlocking button 51b. The case 51a has a gradient surface 51d on its upper inner circumferential surface. The locking ball 51c is in contact with the gradient surface 51d. This causes the fixed ball 51c to push in the copy shaft 41, creating a clamped state.

[0030] Figure 5(a) is a cross-sectional view of the clamper 51 in the clamped state. When attempting to push up the profiling shaft 41 in the clamped state, the entire clamper 51 is also pushed up. At this time, the unlocking button 51b is restrained by the locking ball 51c and is therefore not pushed in by the outer ring 11. In this way, when the profiling shaft 41 is pushed up in the clamped state, the unlocking ring 37 and the outer ring 11 are pushed up together with the profiling shaft 41. The profiling shaft 41 maintains a state of being integrated with the outer ring 11.

[0031] Figure 5(b) is a cross-sectional view of the clamper 51 in the unclamped state. When the unlocking ring 37 is brought close to the outer ring 11, the unlocking button 51b is pressed in, and the locking ball 51c moves away from the inclined surface 51d. The locking ball 51c is released from being pressed against the profiling shaft 41. As a result, the profiling shaft 41 becomes freely displaceable relative to the clamper 51.

[0032] Figure 6(a) is a cross-sectional view of the spherical bearing device 10 in the unclamped state of the clamper 51. In the unclamped state of the clamper 51, the tracking shaft 41 can be freely displaced relative to the clamper 51. The inner ring 21 can roll freely without being constrained by the tracking shaft 41. In Figure 6(a), the dependent ring 27 is tilted. When switching to the clamped state, the unlocking ring 37 is moved away from the outer ring 11.

[0033] Figure 6(b) is a cross-sectional view of the spherical bearing device 10 with the clamper 51 in the clamped state. With the clamper 51 in the clamped state, all the traverse shafts 41 become immobile. If a load is applied that pushes up the traverse shafts 41, this load is received by the outer ring body 11 via the clamper 51, restraining the displacement of the traverse shafts 41. The inner ring body 21 becomes immobile due to the traverse shafts 41. It should be noted that the clamper 51 of the spherical bearing device of the present invention is not limited to the structure described in Figure 5. In the clamped state, the clamper 51 restrains at least the axial displacement of the tracing shaft 41, but it is preferable that it can restrain the displacement of the tracing shaft 41 in all directions.

[0034] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the spherical bearing device 10 in the initial stage of the process of cutting existing piping 81 using the spherical bearing device 10. In the initial stage, the connecting part 25 holds the guide rod 71. The guide rod 71 is used to determine the position of the existing piping 81. The clamper 51 is in the unclamped state. The inner ring body 21 is freely rotatable. The guide rod 71 can change to any position. The outer ring body 11 is displaced along the guide rail 61 to bring the guide rod 71 closer to the piping 81. At this time, the inner ring body 21 is also displaced together with the outer ring body 11.

[0035] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the spherical bearing device 10 at the stage when the guide rod 71 is inserted into the pipe 81. When the guide rod 71 comes into contact with the pipe 81, an external force acts on the guide rod 71, causing the inner ring 21 to roll. At this time, each tracing shaft 41 follows the change in the orientation of the dependent ring 27. By moving the guide block 63 further downward, the guide rod 71 is inserted further, and the guide rod 71 and the pipe 81 become concentric.

[0036] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the spherical bearing device 10 in the clamped state. By moving the unlocking ring 37 away from the outer ring 11 and clamping the clamp 51, the inner ring 21 becomes unable to roll. After that, the guide rod 71 is removed from the connection part 25.

[0037] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the spherical bearing device 10 at the stage when the cutting machine 73 is held as a construction tool in place of the guide rod 71 in order to cut the pipe 81. The cutting tool 73b of the cutting machine 73 is rotated so as to follow the inner circumference of the pipe 81. In this way, the cutting tool 73b cuts the pipe 81 from the inside. At this time, the tracing shaft 41 counteracts the reaction force generated during the cutting operation. The inner ring body 21 maintains a stationary state and prevents the cutting machine 73 from becoming misaligned.

[0038] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. All technical matters included in the technical concept described in the claims are covered by the present invention. The embodiments described above are preferred examples, but those skilled in the art can realize various alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements from the contents disclosed herein, and these are included in the technical scope described in the appended claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0039] 10 Spherical bearing device 11 Outer ring 11b Boss 11c Cave 13. Sub-outer ring 15 Pull-up ring 15b Handle 15c slope 15d long hole 21 Inner ring 23. Oscillating body 25 Connection part 27 Dependent rings 31 Unlocking shaft 31b Ring rod 31c Tip 33 Contactor 35 nuts 37 Unlocking ring 41 Copying Axis 41b Ball piece 41c Brim 43 Elastic body 51 Clamper 51a Case 51b Unlock button 51c Fixed ball 51d Gradient surface 51e Push-up piece 61 Guide Rail 63 Guide Blocks 71 Guide rod (construction equipment) 73 Cutting machine (construction equipment) 73b Cutting tools 81 Piping

Claims

1. A spherical inner ring, A rocking body protruding from the inner ring body, An outer ring body that makes spherical contact with the inner ring body and holds the inner ring body in a rotatable manner, A subordinate ring, which is integrated with the oscillating body and positioned away from the outer ring, A plurality of tracing shafts arranged to surround the center of the inner ring body, the plurality of tracing shafts having one end in contact with the subordinate ring, To restrain the dependent ring, a plurality of clampers capable of clamping each of the plurality of the tracing shafts, A spherical bearing device having [a specific feature].

2. The unlocking ring is further disposed between the outer ring and the subordinate ring, and the clamp is integrated into it. The spherical bearing device according to claim 1.

3. The unlocking ring is displaceable relative to the outer ring body. The spherical bearing device according to claim 2.

4. The clamper has an unlocking button that, when pressed by the outer ring, unclams the tracing shaft, and protrudes from the clamper, becoming integrated with the tracing shaft to maintain the clamped state. A spherical bearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The unlocking shaft penetrates the outer ring, is integrated with the unlocking ring, and is capable of displacing the unlocking ring, A spherical bearing device according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. A lifting ring that is pivotable about the inner ring body and contacts the outer ring body on the opposite side of the unlocking ring, the lifting ring having a circumferentially inclined slope, A contact element attached to the unlocking shaft and in contact with the inclined surface, The spherical bearing device according to claim 5, further comprising the above.

7. The outer ring body further has a movable guide rail, A spherical bearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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