Loosening prevention structure and loosening prevention method

Abstract

This disclosure provides a loosening prevention structure and a loosening prevention method that can prevent nuts from loosening. [Solution] The loosening prevention structure 10 according to this disclosure is a loosening prevention structure in which the shaft 22 is fixed to the housing using a screw 23 and a nut 12 provided around the rotatable shaft 22, and the shaft 22 is rotated by a rotating operating part 11 provided on the outside of the nut 12 and fitted onto the shaft 22. The loosening prevention structure 10 comprises a rotatable rotating ring 14 provided between the rotating operating part 11 and the nut 12, and a contact ring 13 provided on the rotating ring 14 that contacts the inner circumference of the rotating operating part 11 and the outer circumference of the nut 12.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to an anti-loosening structure and an anti-loosening method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a torque adjustment structure for preventing a rotary knob for adjusting the volume of a transceiver from moving inadvertently. In the torque adjustment structure disclosed in Patent Document 1, an elastic member is provided between an outer rotary knob and an inner nut.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the torque adjustment structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, when the rotary knob is rotated in the loosening direction of the nut, the elastic member rotates in the loosening direction of the nut, and the nut rotates in the loosening direction along with this rotation. As a result, there is a possibility that the nut may loosen.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an anti-loosening structure and an anti-loosening method capable of preventing loosening of a nut.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The anti-loosening structure according to the present disclosure is using a screw and a nut provided around a rotatable shaft to fix the shaft to a housing, and being an anti-loosening structure in which the shaft rotates by a rotation operation portion provided outside the nut and fitted into the shaft. A rotatable rotating ring is provided between the aforementioned rotating operating part and the nut, The rotating ring is provided with a contact ring that contacts the inner circumference of the rotating operating part and the outer circumference of the nut.

[0007] The loosening prevention structure relating to this disclosure is A loosening prevention structure is provided in which a screw and nut are provided around a rotatable shaft to fix the shaft to the housing, and the shaft is rotated by a rotating operating part provided on the outside of the nut and fitted onto the shaft, A fixing ring provided between the rotating operating part and the nut, The fixing ring is provided with a contact ring that contacts the inner circumference of the rotating operating part and the outer circumference of the nut.

[0008] The method for preventing loosening related to this disclosure is: The steps include: positioning a rotating operating part on the outside of a screw and nut for fixing a rotatable shaft to the housing, while fitting it onto the shaft; The step of placing a rotatable rotating ring between the rotating operating part and the nut, The method includes the step of positioning a contact ring on the rotating ring while it is in contact with the inner circumference of the rotating operating part and the outer circumference of the nut.

[0009] The method for preventing loosening related to this disclosure is: The steps include: positioning a rotating operating part on the outside of a screw and nut for fixing a rotatable shaft to the housing, while fitting it onto the shaft; The step of placing a fixing ring between the rotating operating part and the nut, The method includes the step of positioning a contact ring on the fixing ring while it is in contact with the inner circumference of the rotating operating part and the outer circumference of the nut. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] This disclosure provides a loosening prevention structure and a loosening prevention method that can prevent nuts from loosening.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] [Figure 1] It is an xz cross-sectional view of the anti-loosening structure according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] It is an xy cross-sectional view of the anti-loosening structure according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] It is a flowchart of the anti-loosening method according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] It is an xz cross-sectional view of the anti-loosening structure according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 5] It is an xy cross-sectional view of the anti-loosening structure according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 6] It is an xy cross-sectional view of the anti-loosening structure according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 7] It is a plan view showing an example of an engaging portion in the case of a ratchet structure. [Figure 8] It is a plan view showing an example of an engaging portion in the case of a friction structure.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted as necessary for clarity of explanation. Also, some reference numerals are omitted so that the drawings do not become complicated. It should be noted that the following drawings are schematic, and the relationship between the thickness and the planar dimensions, the ratio of the thicknesses of each layer, etc. are different from the actual ones. Therefore, specific thicknesses and dimensions should be determined in consideration of the following description. Also, it is a matter of course that there are portions where the dimensional relationships and ratios are different between the drawings.

[0013] Of course, the right-handed xyz orthogonal coordinates shown in each drawing are for convenience in explaining the positional relationship of the components. Usually, the positive direction of the z-axis is vertically upward, and the xy plane is a horizontal plane.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) <Anti-loosening structure> First, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the anti-loosening structure according to Embodiment 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is an xz cross-sectional view of the anti-loosening structure according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is an xy cross-sectional view of the anti-loosening structure according to Embodiment 1. The anti-loosening structure 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is typically adopted in a variable resistor or a rotary encoder.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the anti-loosening structure 10 includes an adjustment part 21, a shaft 22, a housing panel 15, a rotary operation part 11, a screw 23, a nut 12, a contact ring 13, and a rotary ring 14.

[0016] The adjustment part 21, the shaft 22, the housing panel 15, the rotary operation part 11, the screw 23, and the nut 12 are parts for adjusting a predetermined function of the device. The contact ring 13 and the rotary ring 14 are parts for preventing loosening of the nut 12 when adjusting a predetermined function of the device. Hereinafter, the counterclockwise direction indicates the loosening direction of the nut 12, and the clockwise direction indicates the tightening direction of the nut 12.

[0017] <Function adjustment parts> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the adjustment part 21 has a cylindrical shape and includes a shaft 22 on the positive z-axis side. The shaft 22 has a cylindrical shape smaller than the diameter of the adjustment part 21 and is provided through the housing panel 15 of the device. The shaft 22 is rotatable clockwise or counterclockwise and is fixed to the housing (housing panel 15) of the device.

[0018] A method of fixing the shaft 22 to the housing (housing panel 15) of the device will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a screw 23 is provided on the outer periphery (circumference) of the shaft 22. The screw 23 has a male thread cut. On the contrary, the nut 12 has a female thread cut.

[0019] <0000The nut 12 is attached to the outer circumference (around) of the screw 23 by turning it in the tightening direction (clockwise). By tightening this nut 12, the shaft 22 is fixed to the housing panel 15. Although not shown in Figures 1 and 2, washers may be provided between the housing panel 15 and the nut 12, or between the housing panel 15 and the adjustment part 21. The screw 23 and nut 12 are typically made of metal.

[0020] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a rotary operating part 11 is fitted onto the shaft 22. The rotary operating part 11 is typically a rotary knob, which the user of the device rotates. By rotating the rotary operating part 11 clockwise or counterclockwise, the shaft 22 rotates in the same direction as the rotary operating part 11.

[0021] The adjustment unit 21 has a resistor circuit inside, and by changing its position mechanically with the rotary operation unit 11, it adjusts the resistance value to adjust a predetermined function of the device. The adjustment unit 21 is, for example, a volume control and adjusts the volume of a speaker or radio.

[0022] <Loosening prevention parts> The rotating ring 14 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is positioned between the rotating operating part 11 and the nut 12. More specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the rotating ring 14 is positioned inside the rotating operating part 11 and outside the nut 12. A gap is provided between the rotating ring 14 and the rotating operating part 11, and between the rotating ring 14 and the nut 12.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the rotating ring 14 has a donut shape (O shape) in an xy cross-sectional view and is rotatable clockwise or counterclockwise on the housing panel 15 with the center of the nut 12 as its central axis. The rotating ring 14 is made of, for example, resin.

[0024] In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the rotating ring 14 is provided with a projection 131 for engaging with the contact ring 13, which will be described later. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the projection 131 is formed to protrude from the end face (xy end face on the positive z-axis side) of the rotating ring 14 toward the positive z-axis direction. In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, three projections 131 are provided on the rotating ring 14. However, the number of projections 131 is not limited to three; it is acceptable to have one or more projections on the end face of the rotating ring 14.

[0025] The protrusion 131 is not limited to being provided so as to protrude from the rotating ring 14 toward the positive z-axis direction, as shown in the example in Figure 1. The protrusion 131 may be formed so as to protrude toward the negative z-axis direction from the end face (xy end face on the negative z-axis side) of the rotating ring 14 and to be in contact with the housing panel 15. Alternatively, the protrusion 131 may be provided as follows: Two rotating rings 14 may be provided in the z-axis direction with a predetermined distance between them, and the protrusion 131 may be provided between the rotating rings 14 so as to act as a support column.

[0026] The contact ring 13 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is positioned on the rotating ring 14. More specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the contact ring 13 is fitted onto the protrusion 131 of the rotating ring 14 so as to contact the inner circumference of the rotating operating part 11 and the outer circumference of the nut 12.

[0027] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the contact ring 13 has a donut shape (O shape) in an xy cross-sectional view. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the contact ring 13 is rotatable clockwise or counterclockwise around the center of the protrusion 131 as its central axis. The contact ring 13 is made of an elastic material, such as rubber. The contact ring 13 is, so to speak, an O-ring.

[0028] <Method to prevent loosening> Next, a method for preventing loosening using the loosening prevention structure according to Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 3 is a flowchart of the loosening prevention method according to Embodiment 1. In the following, the loosening prevention method will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 as appropriate.

[0029] First, as shown in Figure 3, the rotating operating part is positioned on the outside of the screw and nut (step ST1). More specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the rotating operating part 11 is fitted onto the shaft 22 and positioned on the outside of the screw 23 and nut 12.

[0030] Next, as shown in Figure 3, a rotatable rotating ring is placed between the rotating operating part and the nut (step ST2). More specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the rotating ring 14 is placed inside the rotating operating part 11 and outside the nut 12.

[0031] Next, as shown in Figure 3, the contact ring is positioned on the rotating ring while contacting the inner circumference of the rotating operating part and the outer circumference of the nut (step ST3). More specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the contact ring 13 is fitted onto the protrusion 131 of the rotating ring 14 so as to contact the inner circumference of the rotating operating part 11 and the outer circumference of the nut 12.

[0032] Next, as shown in Figure 3, in order to rotate the nut in the tightening direction, the rotation operation part is rotated in the loosening direction of the nut, and the contact ring is rotated in the loosening direction of the nut (step ST4). This will be explained in more detail with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0033] The rotating operating part 11 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is rotated in the direction of loosening the nut 12 (counterclockwise). As a result, the friction between the rotating operating part 11 and the contact ring 13 causes the contact ring 13 to rotate in the direction of loosening the nut 12 (counterclockwise), as shown in Figure 2.

[0034] As the contact ring 13 rotates, the friction between the contact ring 13 and the nut 12 causes the nut 12 to rotate in the tightening direction (clockwise), as shown in Figure 2. The movement of the rotating ring 14 is as follows: As the contact ring 13 rotates in the loosening direction (counterclockwise) of the nut 12, the rotating ring 14 moves in the loosening direction (counterclockwise) of the nut 12 at a speed slower than the rotation speed of the rotating operation part 11.

[0035] Thus, in the loosening prevention structure 10 according to Embodiment 1, even if the rotating operation part 11 is rotated in the loosening direction of the nut 12, the nut 12 rotates in the opposite direction (tightening direction) to the rotation direction of the rotating operation part 11 via the contact ring 13. With this configuration, the loosening prevention structure 10 according to Embodiment 1 can prevent the nut 12 from loosening even when the rotating operation part 11 is operated in the loosening direction.

[0036] Furthermore, in the loosening prevention structure 10, a rotating ring 14 is provided between the rotating operating part 11 and the nut 12, and a contact ring 13 is provided so as to contact the inner circumference of the rotating operating part 11 and the outer circumference of the nut 12. Therefore, the loosening of the nut 12 can be prevented with a simple configuration.

[0037] Furthermore, in the anti-loosening structure 10, when the rotary operating part 11 is rotated counterclockwise, the contact ring 13 slips in accordance with the inner circumference of the rotary operating part 11 and the outer circumference of the nut 12. The frictional force associated with this slip increases the torque of the rotary operating part 11, and the user feels a tactile response (operational feel) when operating the rotary operating part 11. Generally, the more tactile response (operational feel) the rotary operating part 11 provides, the more the equipment is perceived as high-quality, which is desirable. Therefore, by using the anti-loosening structure 10, the user can also feel that the equipment is high-quality.

[0038] Furthermore, the higher the elastic modulus (Young's modulus) of the contact ring 13, the more responsive (feel) the user will feel when operating the rotary operating part 11, giving the device a more premium feel.

[0039] In the examples shown in Figures 1 to 3 above, the rotating ring 14 was described as a rotatable ring on the housing panel 15. However, in the anti-loosening structure according to Embodiment 1, a non-rotating fixed ring may be used instead of the rotating ring 14. In the same way, even if the rotating operation part 11 is operated in the loosening direction (counterclockwise) of the nut 12, the loosening of the nut 12 can be prevented.

[0040] (Embodiment 2) <Anti-loosening structure> The loosening prevention structure according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6. Figure 4 is an xz cross-sectional view of the loosening prevention structure according to Embodiment 2. Figures 5 and 6 are xy cross-sectional views of the loosening prevention structure according to Embodiment 2. Figure 5 is an xy cross-sectional view of the loosening prevention structure when the rotational operating part is rotated in the direction of loosening the nut (counterclockwise). Figure 6 is an xy cross-sectional view of the loosening prevention structure when the rotational operating part is rotated in the direction of tightening the nut (clockwise).

[0041] The loosening prevention structure 50 according to Embodiment 2 shown in Figures 4 to 6 is equipped with an engaging portion 30. The loosening prevention structure 50 is characterized in that the nut 12 rotates in the tightening direction whether the rotating operating portion 11 is rotated in the loosening direction of the nut 12 or the rotating operating portion 11 is rotated in the loosening direction of the nut 12.

[0042] <Engagement part> As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the loosening prevention structure 50 according to Embodiment 2 differs from the loosening prevention structure 10 according to Embodiment 1 (see Figures 1 and 2) in that it includes an engaging portion 30. The configuration of the loosening prevention structure 50 other than the engaging portion 30 is the same as that of the loosening prevention structure 10, so a description is omitted.

[0043] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the engaging portion 30 is provided on the rotating ring 14. In the example shown in Figures 4 to 6, the engaging portion 30 extends toward the rotating operation portion 11, and its tip is sharper than its base so that it can engage with the rotating operation portion 11.

[0044] The engaging portion 30 engages with the rotating operating portion 11 so as to be able to switch between an engaged state and an unengaged state based on the rotation direction of the rotating operating portion 11. The engaged state is when the rotating operating portion 11 and the rotating ring 14 rotate together in the same direction. The unengaged state is when the rotating operating portion 11 and the rotating ring 14 rotate independently.

[0045] The engaged and disengaged states will be explained in detail with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is a plan view showing an example of the engaged part in the case of a ratchet structure. Figure 8 is a plan view showing an example of the engaged part in the case of a friction structure.

[0046] Let's explain Figure 7. The engaging portion 30 shown in Figure 7 has the same shape as the engaging portions 30 shown in Figures 4 to 6. In Figure 7, the inner circumferential surface of the rotating operating portion 11 has a sawtooth shape. When the rotating operating portion 11 is rotated counterclockwise, the inner circumferential surface of the rotating operating portion 11 and the engaging portion 30 do not engage, and the rotating ring 14 can rotate independently of the rotating operating portion 11.

[0047] On the other hand, in Figure 7, when the rotating operating part 11 is rotated clockwise, the tip of the engaging part 30 catches on the grooves of the saw-shaped rotating operating part 11. As a result, the inner circumferential surface of the rotating operating part 11 and the engaging part 30 engage, and the rotating ring 14 rotates in the same rotational direction as the rotating operating part 11.

[0048] Let's explain Figure 8. The engaging portion 31 shown in Figure 8 has an elliptical shape, and at the contact point with the inner circumferential surface of the rotating operating portion 11, no friction occurs in the counterclockwise direction, but friction occurs in the clockwise direction. Specifically, when the rotating operating portion 11 is rotated counterclockwise, no friction occurs between the inner circumferential surface of the rotating operating portion 11 and the engaging portion 31, and the inner circumferential surface of the rotating operating portion 11 does not catch on the engaging portion 31. Therefore, the inner circumferential surface of the rotating operating portion 11 and the engaging portion 31 do not engage, and the rotating ring 14 can rotate independently of the rotating operating portion 11.

[0049] On the other hand, in Figure 8, when the rotating operating part 11 is rotated clockwise, friction occurs between the inner circumferential surface of the rotating operating part 11 and the engaging part 31, causing the inner circumferential surface of the rotating operating part 11 and the engaging part 31 to engage, and the rotating ring 14 rotates in the same direction of rotation as the rotating operating part 11 (clockwise).

[0050] Note that the engaging portions 30 and 31 shown in Figures 7 and 8 are just examples, and can be configured using known technology to allow switching between an engaged state and an unengaged state.

[0051] <Method to prevent loosening> Next, a method for preventing loosening using the loosening prevention structure according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6. Note that the following rotation operation corresponds to step ST4 shown in Figure 3.

[0052] As shown in Figure 5, the rotating operating part 11 is rotated in the direction of loosening the nut (counterclockwise). In this case, the engaging part 30 causes the rotating operating part 11 and the rotating ring 14 to rotate independently, resulting in a disengaged state.

[0053] As a result, as shown in Figure 5, the friction between the rotating operating part 11 and the contact ring 13 causes the contact ring 13 to rotate in the direction of loosening the nut (counterclockwise). Along with this rotation of the contact ring 13, as shown in Figure 5, the nut 12 rotates in the direction of tightening the nut (clockwise) due to the friction between the contact ring 13 and the nut 12.

[0054] Thus, in the anti-loosening structure 50, when the rotating operation part 11 is rotated in the direction of loosening the nut, it becomes disengaged, and the nut 12 rotates in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the rotating operation part 11 (tightening direction) via the contact ring 13.

[0055] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 6, the rotation operating part 11 is rotated in the tightening direction of the nut (clockwise). In this case, the engaging part 30 causes the rotation operating part 11 and the rotating ring 14 to rotate together in an engaged state.

[0056] As a result, the rotating ring 14 rotates in the tightening direction (clockwise) as the rotating operating part 11 rotates. As the rotating ring 14 rotates, the contact ring 13 moves in the tightening direction (clockwise) as shown in Figure 6. And as the contact ring 13 moves in the tightening direction (clockwise) as the contact ring 13 moves, the friction between the contact ring 13 and the nut 12 causes the nut 12 to rotate in the tightening direction (clockwise), as shown in Figure 6.

[0057] Thus, in the anti-loosening structure 50, when the rotating operation part 11 is rotated in the tightening direction of the nut, it becomes engaged, and the nut 12 rotates in the same direction as the rotation direction of the rotating operation part 11 (tightening direction) via the contact ring 13.

[0058] In other words, in the anti-loosening structure 50, the nut 12 rotates in the tightening direction whether the rotating operation part 11 is rotated in the loosening direction or the nut 12 is rotated in the loosening direction. With this configuration, the anti-loosening structure 50 can prevent the nut 12 from loosening no matter how the rotating operation part 11 is operated.

[0059] Furthermore, in the anti-loosening structure 50, a rotating ring 14 is provided between the rotating operating part 11 and the nut 12, and a contact ring 13 is provided so as to abut against the inner circumference of the rotating operating part 11 and the outer circumference of the nut 12. In addition, the anti-loosening structure 50 has an engaging part 30 on the rotating ring 14. In this way, the anti-loosening structure 50 can prevent the nut 12 from loosening with a simple configuration.

[0060] Furthermore, in the anti-loosening structure 50, when the rotary operating part 11 is rotated counterclockwise, the contact ring 13 slips in accordance with the inner circumference of the rotary operating part 11 and the outer circumference of the nut 12. The frictional force associated with this slip increases the torque of the rotary operating part 11, giving the user a tactile feel when operating the rotary operating part 11. On the other hand, in the anti-loosening structure 50, when the rotary operating part 11 is rotated counterclockwise, the frictional force between the nut 12 and the contact ring 13 increases the torque of the rotary operating part 11, giving the user a tactile feel when operating the rotary operating part 11. Therefore, by using the anti-loosening structure 50, the user can feel the high quality of the equipment regardless of the direction in which the rotary operating part 11 is rotated.

[0061] Although the present disclosure has been described in accordance with the above embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiments, and of course includes various modifications, alterations, and combinations that a person skilled in the art could make within the scope of the claims of the present patent application. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0062] 10, 50 Anti-loosening structure 11 Rotary operation section 12 nuts 13 Contact ring 14 Rotating Rings 15. Enclosure Panel 21 Adjustment part 22 shafts 23 screws 30, 31 Engaging parts 131 Convex part

Claims

1. A loosening prevention structure is provided in which a rotatable shaft is fixed to a housing using a screw and nut provided around the shaft, and the shaft is rotated by a rotating operating part provided on the outside of the nut and fitted onto the shaft, A rotatable rotating ring is provided between the aforementioned rotating operating part and the nut, The rotating ring is provided with a contact ring that contacts the inner circumference of the rotating operating part and the outer circumference of the nut, Anti-loosening structure.

2. Based on the rotation direction of the rotation operating part, the rotating ring is further provided with an engaging portion that engages with the rotating operating part, so that it can switch between an engaged state in which the rotating operating part and the rotating ring rotate together as a single unit, and an unengaged state in which the rotating operating part and the rotating ring rotate independently. The loosening prevention structure according to claim 1.

3. A loosening prevention structure is provided in which a rotatable shaft is fixed to a housing using a screw and nut provided around the shaft, and the shaft is rotated by a rotating operating part provided on the outside of the nut and fitted onto the shaft, A fixing ring provided between the rotating operating part and the nut, The fixing ring is provided with a contact ring that contacts the inner circumference of the rotating operating part and the outer circumference of the nut, Anti-loosening structure.

4. The steps include: positioning a rotating operating part on the outside of a screw and nut for fixing a rotatable shaft to the housing, while fitting it onto the shaft; The step of placing a rotatable rotating ring between the rotating operating part and the nut, The step of positioning the contact ring on the rotating ring while it is in contact with the inner circumference of the rotating operating part and the outer circumference of the nut, Equipped with, Methods to prevent loosening.

5. The steps include: positioning a rotating operating part on the outside of a screw and nut for fixing a rotatable shaft to the housing, while fitting it onto the shaft; The step of placing a fixing ring between the rotating operating part and the nut, The step of positioning the contact ring on the fixing ring while it is in contact with the inner circumference of the rotating operating part and the outer circumference of the nut, Equipped with, Methods to prevent loosening.

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