Rotary shaft conversion device

Abstract

The present invention provides a pivot axis conversion device that allows the pivot axis to be set to any angle and can be used as a screwdriver or wrench while maintaining that angle. [Solution] The pivot axis conversion device 1 comprises a first shaft 10, a second shaft 20, and a pivot axis conversion unit 30. The first shaft 10 is a rod-shaped member that rotates around a first pivot axis L1. The second shaft 20 is a rod-shaped member that rotates around a second pivot axis L2. The first shaft 10 and the second shaft 20 are connected via the pivot axis conversion unit 30. The pivot axis conversion unit 30 can change the angle between the first pivot axis L1 and the second pivot axis L2, and while maintaining the angle, when either the first shaft 10 or the second shaft 20 is rotated, the other shaft can be rotated synchronously.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rotation axis conversion device capable of synchronously rotating each shaft while converting the rotation axis of the shaft to an arbitrary angle.

Background Art

[0002] Various tools have been proposed for use in situations where work must be done while avoiding interference between parts in a narrow space, for example, situations where a plurality of parts are arranged in a complex manner.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, a foldable driver has been proposed, which can cope with work in a place where the working space is narrow with respect to the driver length by making the tip portion of the driver foldable, and can be handled in the same manner as a general driver in a normal state. This driver has a foldable structure in which the tip of the driver can be fixed substantially vertically, and by changing the rotation direction by bevel gears, it enables screwing work in a narrow working space. Also, when the tip portion of the driver is not folded, the driver base and the driver bit can be connected via a protrusion, or the driver base and the driver bit can be fixed to a hollow frame using fixing protrusions and fixing parts, so that it can be handled in the same manner as a general driver.

[0004] In Patent Document 2, a wrench has been proposed that enables attachment and detachment of fastening members such as bolts and nuts attached to extremely narrow portions in a short time and can be realized at low cost with a simple mechanism. This wrench is a socket rotation wrench for attaching and detaching a fastening member held by a socket by rotating the socket, and a rotation mechanism for rotating the socket by a driving force supplied from the outside is provided.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-188960 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-62740 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, the tools proposed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are limited to an angle of 0° or 90° for the pivot axis, and cannot be bent to any arbitrary angle. Therefore, the environments in which they can be used are limited, and even if they can be used, a decrease in work efficiency is unavoidable.

[0007] This invention addresses these problems and provides a pivot axis conversion device that allows the pivot axis to be set to any angle and can be used as a screwdriver or wrench while maintaining that angle.

[0008] The invention for solving the above problems is a pivot shaft conversion device comprising a first shaft that rotates about a first pivot axis, a second shaft that rotates about a second pivot axis, and a pivot shaft conversion unit connected to both the first shaft and the second shaft, wherein the pivot shaft conversion unit can change the angle between the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis, and while maintaining the angle, when either the first shaft or the second shaft is rotated, the other shaft can be rotated synchronously.

[0009] With this configuration, by connecting the first shaft and the second shaft via a pivot axis conversion unit, the angle between the first and second pivot axes can be changed. Furthermore, while maintaining the angle, when either the first or second shaft is rotated, the other shaft can be rotated synchronously. This enables efficient work even in situations where it is necessary to work in a confined space while avoiding interference between parts.

[0010] Preferably, the pivot shaft conversion unit includes a first gear connected to a first shaft, a second gear connected to a second shaft, a shaft member extending along a third pivot axis, a transmission gear attached to the shaft member and rotating about the third pivot axis, a support unit that supports the shaft member and supports the second shaft so that it can rotate about the second pivot axis, and a first pivot unit that can rotate the first shaft about the first pivot axis and also about the third pivot axis, wherein the transmission gear meshes with both the first gear and the second gear.

[0011] In this configuration, the first shaft and the second shaft rotate synchronously via the first gear, the second gear, and the transmission gear, allowing the first and second shafts to rotate stably. Furthermore, the first rotating part allows the first shaft to rotate around the third rotation axis, so the angle between the first and second rotation axes can be set to a predetermined angle.

[0012] Preferably, the first rotating part is characterized by having a first cylindrical member that rotates about a third rotation axis while in contact with the outer circumference of the shaft member, a first bearing part that supports the first shaft so that it can rotate about the first rotation axis, and a first connecting member that connects the first cylindrical member and the first bearing part.

[0013] In this configuration, the first rotating part includes a first cylindrical member that rotates about the third rotation axis while in contact with the outer circumference of the shaft member, a first bearing part that supports the first shaft so that it can rotate about the first rotation axis, and a connecting member that connects the first cylindrical member and the first bearing part. As a result, the first shaft rotates about the third rotation axis in a stable state.

[0014] Preferably, the first gear, the second gear, and the transmission gear are bevel gears.

[0015] With this configuration, since the first gear, second gear, and transmission gear are bevel gears, the first rotation axis, second rotation axis, and third rotation axis can be arranged on the same plane under certain conditions. Furthermore, the first rotation axis and second rotation axis can intersect at a predetermined point on the third rotation axis.

[0016] Preferably, the first gear and the second gear are spur gears, and the transmission gear is a face gear.

[0017] In this configuration, since the first and second gears are spur gears and the transmission gear is a face gear, the first, second, and third rotation axes can be placed on the same plane under certain conditions. Furthermore, the first and second rotation axes can intersect at a predetermined point on the third rotation axis.

[0018] Preferably, the support portion is characterized by being provided with a second bearing portion that supports the second shaft so that it can rotate around the second pivot axis.

[0019] In this configuration, the support section is provided with a second bearing section that supports the second shaft so that it can rotate around the second pivot axis. Therefore, by rotating the first shaft around the third axis, the angle between the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis can be changed.

[0020] Preferably, the transmission gear is characterized by having a third gear that meshes with both the first gear and the second gear.

[0021] With this configuration, the transmission gear has a third gear that meshes with both the first gear and the second gear, thus stabilizing the rotation of both the first gear and the second gear.

[0022] Preferably, the device is characterized by being provided with a suppression mechanism that can suppress the rotation of the first rotating part around the third rotating axis under certain conditions.

[0023] According to this configuration, a suppression mechanism is provided that can suppress the rotation of the first moving part around the third rotation axis under certain conditions, so that it is possible to perform operations with the rotation of the first shaft around the third rotation axis in a stationary state.

[0024] Preferably, the suppression mechanism is composed of a concave portion continuously formed around the third rotation axis and a ball biased by a spring mounted on the first moving part, and the ball is in an engaged state when it fits into the concave portion.

[0025] According to this configuration, by appropriately setting the shape of the concave portion and the biasing force of the spring, the rotation suppression force can be appropriately set.

[0026] Preferably, the concave portion is provided on the support portion, and the ball is mounted on the first moving part.

[0027] According to this configuration, since the concave portion is provided on the support portion and the ball is mounted on the first moving part, it is easy to adjust the rotation suppression effect, and the attachment processing of the concave portion and the ball is facilitated.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] It is a plan view. [Figure 2] It is a side view. [Figure 3] It is a plan sectional view. [Figure 4] It is a partial sectional view of the suppression mechanism. [Figure 5] (a) is a front view of the first moving part. (b) is a side view thereof. [Figure 6] (a) is a front view of the support body. (b) is a side view thereof. (c) is a sectional view taken along the arrow A-A. (d) is a sectional view taken along the arrow B-B.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the rotating shaft conversion device 1 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 6.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pivot axis conversion device 1 (hereinafter referred to as conversion device 1) has a first shaft 10, a second shaft 20, and a pivot axis conversion unit 30 (hereinafter referred to as conversion unit 30). The first shaft 10 is a rod-shaped member that rotates around the first pivot axis L1. The second shaft 20 is a rod-shaped member that rotates around the second pivot axis L2. The first shaft 10 and the second shaft 20 are connected via the conversion unit 30, and the rotation of the first shaft 10 is transmitted to the second shaft 20 via the conversion unit 30. When the first shaft 10 is rotated in the first rotation direction R1, the second shaft 20 rotates in the second rotation direction R2, which is the opposite direction to the first rotation direction R1. In other words, the rotation directions of the first shaft 10 and the second shaft 20 are opposite.

[0031] The rotatable angle Aa of the first shaft 10 is exemplified as being in the range of -90° to 0° to 90°, but is not limited to this range. It may be larger or smaller than this value. It should be determined appropriately depending on the manner and conditions of use of the conversion device 1.

[0032] As shown in Figures 2-4, the first shaft 10 is rotatably supported by a first bearing portion 41 provided on the first pivot portion 70. The first bearing portion 41 is provided with a cylindrical hole, the first hole 10a, and the center line of the first hole 10a coincides with the first pivot axis L1. The first shaft 10 is inserted into the first hole 10a. Part or all of the range in which the first shaft 10 is inserted into the first hole 10a has a diameter that coincides with the first hole 10a. As a result, the first shaft 10 rotates about the first pivot axis L1.

[0033] A first gear 51 is attached to the tip of the first shaft 10. The first gear 51 is a bevel gear, and its pivot point is the first rotation axis L1. As a result, the first gear 51 rotates about the first rotation axis L1.

[0034] The second shaft 20 is rotatably supported by a second bearing portion 42 provided on the support portion 40. The second bearing portion 42 is provided with a second hole 20a, which is a cylindrical hole, and the center line of the second hole 20a coincides with the second pivot axis L2. The second shaft 20 is inserted into the second hole 20a. Part or all of the portion of the second shaft 20 that is inserted into the second hole 20a has a diameter that coincides with the second hole 20a. As a result, the second shaft 20 rotates about the second pivot axis L2.

[0035] A second gear 52 is attached to the tip of the second shaft 20. The second gear 52 is a bevel gear, and its pivot point is the second pivot axis L2. As a result, the second gear 52 rotates about the second pivot axis L2.

[0036] The transmission gear 31 has a third gear 33. The first gear 51 and the second gear 52 mesh with the third gear 33. In this embodiment, the first gear 51 and the second gear 52 are set to have the same diameter, but this is not limited to this. The third gear 33 is a bevel gear and is rotatably supported on a circular shaft member 35 that extends in the direction of the third rotation axis L3. The shaft member 35 is supported by a support portion 40. As a result, the third gear 33 rotates about the third rotation axis L3.

[0037] In this embodiment, the first rotation axis L1, the second rotation axis L2, and the third rotation axis L3 are located on the same plane, the first rotation axis L1 and the second rotation axis L2 intersect at the same position on the third rotation axis L3, and the second rotation axis and the third rotation axis are perpendicular, but are not limited to this.

[0038] The diameters of the first gear 51 and the second gear 52 may be different, and the first rotation axis L1 and the second rotation axis L2 do not necessarily have to intersect at the same position on the third rotation axis L3.

[0039] The support section 40 consists of a support body 45 and a cover 46. One end of the shaft member 35 is supported by the support body 45, and the other end is supported by the cover 46. The cover 46 is disc-shaped and is detachably attached to the support body 45 by bolts. The second bearing section 42 is fixed to the support body 45.

[0040] The support body 45 has a structure in which a disc-shaped disc member 45a and an annular-shaped annular member 45b are connected via a second bearing portion 42. The disc member 45a is provided with recesses 61 which constitute part of the restraint mechanism 60. The recesses 61 are formed at predetermined intervals on the outer circumference of the disc member 45a, centered on the third rotation axis L3. A cover 46 is detachably attached to the annular member 45b. In this embodiment, the recesses 61 are provided on the disc member 45a, but they may also be provided on the annular member 46b.

[0041] The third gear 33 meshes with both the first gear 51 and the second gear 52. When the first shaft 10 is rotated around the first rotation axis L1 while maintaining the relative position of the first shaft 10 and the second shaft 20, the first gear 51 rotates synchronously. The rotation of the first gear 51 causes the third gear 33 to rotate, and the rotation of the third gear 33 causes the second gear 52 to rotate. As a result, the second shaft 20 rotates around the second rotation axis L2. Similarly, when the second shaft 20 is rotated around the second rotation axis L2 while maintaining the relative position of the first shaft 10 and the second shaft 20, the first shaft 10 rotates around the first rotation axis L1. In this case, the first rotation direction of the first shaft 10 and the second rotation direction of the second shaft 20 are opposite when viewed from the same direction.

[0042] When viewing from the same direction, if the first rotation direction R1 of the first shaft 10 and the second rotation direction R2 of the second shaft 20 are to be the same, two conversion devices 1 can be connected in series. This avoids confusion during operation caused by the rotation directions being opposite.

[0043] As shown in Figures 3 and 5(a) and 5(b), the first rotating part 70 has a roughly fan-shaped outer shape in plan view and includes a first cylindrical member 71, a connecting member 72, and a first bearing member 41. The first cylindrical member 71 is a cylindrical member that can rotate around the third rotating axis L3 while in contact with the outer circumference of the shaft member 35.

[0044] One end of the first annular member 71 is in contact with the disc member 45a, and the other end is in contact with the transmission gear 33. As a result, the first rotating part rotates stably around the third rotating axis L3.

[0045] As described above, the first bearing member 41 is a member that rotatably supports the first shaft 10. The first cylindrical member 71 and the first bearing member 41 are fixed together via a connecting member 72. The connecting member 72 is provided with an interference avoidance space 70a to avoid interference with the first gear 51. As a result, the first shaft 10 can rotate around the third rotation axis L3. In this case, if the first shaft 10 is rotated around the third rotation axis L3 while its rotation around the first rotation axis L1 is constrained, the third gear 33 rotates around the third rotation axis, and the second shaft 20 rotates around the second rotation axis. Furthermore, when the first shaft 10 is rotated around the third rotation axis L3 while the third gear 33 and the second gear 52 are stationary, the first gear 51 rolls over the third gear 33, and the angle between the first shaft 10 and the second shaft 20 changes.

[0046] As shown in Figure 5, two balls B biased by a spring S are attached to the connecting member 72. The balls B and the recess 61 constitute the suppression mechanism 60. When the first shaft 10 rotates around the third rotation axis L3, the balls B engage with the recess 61 at a predetermined position. As a result, the rotation of the first shaft 10 around the third rotation axis L3 is suppressed under certain conditions, and a larger rotational force must be applied to the first shaft 10 in order to rotate it. This makes it possible to stabilize the attitude of the conversion device 1 when the first shaft 10 is rotated around the first rotation axis L1, or when the second shaft 20 is rotated around the second rotation axis L2.

[0047] In this embodiment, the suppression mechanism 60 is configured such that the recess 61 is provided in the support body 45 and the ball B is attached to the connecting member 72, but it is not limited to this configuration. Any configuration that can suppress the rotation of the first shaft 10 about the third pivot axis L3 under certain conditions is acceptable. For example, the recess 61 may be provided in the connecting member 72 and the ball B may be attached to the support body 45. Furthermore, the recess 61 may be provided in the shaft member 35 and the ball B may be attached to the first cylindrical member 71. Alternatively, the recess 61 may be provided in the first cylindrical member 71 and the ball B may be attached to the shaft member 35.

[0048] This embodiment is illustrative and can be modified without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. For example, although the first gear 51, the second gear 52, and the third gear 33 are all bevel gears, the first gear 51 and the second gear 52 may be spur gears and the third gear 33 may be a face gear. [Industrial applicability]

[0049] The conversion device 1 according to the present invention can be used for various tasks in confined spaces by attaching the tips of various tools to its tip. For example, screwdrivers, wrenches, ratchets, pin vises, and hand drills can be attached to the tip of the conversion device. By using it as part of a tool in this way, work efficiency in confined spaces can be increased. Furthermore, its use as a robotic arm is also conceivable. As such, its potential for use in various fields is great, and it has great industrial applicability. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 1: Conversion device 10: First shaft 20: Second shaft 30: Conversion section 31: Transmission gear 33: Third gear 35: Shaft member 40: Support Department 41: First bearing section 42: Second bearing section 51: First gear 52: Second gear 60: Suppression mechanism 61: Recess B: Ball S: Spring L1: First moving axis line L2: Second driving axis line L3: Third moving axis line

Claims

1. A first shaft that rotates around the first rotation axis, A second shaft that rotates around the second rotation axis, The system comprises a pivot shaft conversion unit connected to both the first shaft and the second shaft, The rotation axis conversion unit is characterized in that it can change the angle between the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis, and, while maintaining the angle, when either the first shaft or the second shaft is rotated, the other shaft can be rotated synchronously.

2. The pivot shaft conversion unit comprises a first gear connected to the first shaft, a second gear connected to the second shaft, a shaft member extending along a third pivot axis, a transmission gear attached to the shaft member and rotating about the third pivot axis, a support unit that supports the shaft member and supports the second shaft so that it can rotate about the second pivot axis, and a first rotating unit that can rotate the first shaft about the first pivot axis and also about the third pivot axis, wherein the transmission gear meshes with both the first gear and the second gear, as described in claim 1.

3. The pivot axis conversion device according to claim 2, characterized in that the first pivot portion includes a first cylindrical member that rotates about the third pivot axis while in contact with the outer circumference of the shaft member, a first bearing portion that supports the first shaft so that it can rotate about the first pivot axis, and a connecting member that connects the first cylindrical member and the first bearing portion.

4. The pivot shaft conversion device according to claim 2, characterized in that the first gear, the second gear, and the transmission gear are bevel gears.

5. The pivot shaft conversion device according to claim 2, characterized in that the first gear and the second gear are spur gears, and the transmission gear is a face gear.

6. The pivot axis conversion device according to claim 2, characterized in that the support portion is provided with a second bearing portion that supports the second shaft so that it can rotate about the second pivot axis.

7. The pivot shaft conversion device according to claim 2, characterized in that the transmission gear has a third gear that meshes with both the first gear and the second gear.

8. The pivot axis conversion device according to claim 2, characterized in that a suppression mechanism is provided that can suppress the rotation of the first pivot part around the third pivot axis under certain conditions.

9. The rotation axis conversion device according to claim 8, wherein the suppression mechanism comprises a recess continuously formed around the third rotation axis and a ball biased by a spring attached to the first rotation part, and the ball enters an engaged state when fitted into the recess.

10. The pivot shaft conversion device according to claim 9, characterized in that the recess is provided in the support portion and the ball is mounted on the first pivot portion.

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