Shaft Coupling Device

Abstract

To provide a shaft joint device which can absorb a displacement difference generated between an outer member and an inner member without using a protrusive spherical face shaft part.SOLUTION: In a shaft joint device 10 having an outer member 11 connected to an end part of a V-rod, and an inner member 20 connected to a frame, a male screw 22 formed at a shaft part 21 of the inner member 20 is screwed to a female screw 14 formed at an internal peripheral face of a bearing part 12 of the outer member 11, elastic rings 30 for energizing a fastening force to the shaft part 21 are fit into attachment holes 13, 13 which are formed at both end parts of the outer member 11, the outer member 11 is connected to the V-rod via a cushioning sleeve 40, and the inner member 20 is connected to the frame 2 by connection parts 23, 23 which are formed at both end parts of the inner member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a shaft coupling device, and relates to a shaft coupling device that is useful for supporting the rear axle of a two-axle rear-wheel vehicle such as a truck or bus. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, in an axle support device that supports the rear axle of a two-axle rear-axle vehicle, a V-shaped torque rod is installed between the frame and the rear axle to support the rear axle with a degree of freedom in three dimensions relative to the frame, and both ends and the center of the torque rod are supported rotatably by a shaft coupling device. Conventional coupling devices used in this type of axle support device include a spherical coupling device in which a cushion member is interposed between a hollow portion (bearing portion) formed in an outer member and a convex spherical shaft portion (shaft portion) formed in an inner member (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-57167 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the spherical coupling device described above has a problem in that the manufacturing costs of the convex spherical shaft portion are high.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a shaft coupling device that can absorb the difference in displacement that occurs between an outer member and an inner member without using a convex spherical shaft portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Representative means for solving the above problems are as follows. an outer member having a bearing portion; a shaft portion supported by the bearing portion; ,before From the bearing Axial direction a pair of connecting portions provided so as to protrude on both sides, and an inner member having the connecting portions; a female thread is formed on an inner peripheral surface of the bearing portion, a male thread is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion, and the male thread is screwed into the female thread, A pair of mounting holes is formed at each end of the outer member, The pair of mounting holes , with respect to the inner member An elastic ring that applies a tightening force is fitted to each of the clamps. The shaft portion and the connecting portion of the inner member Axial direction A pair of valley faces form on both sides of the boundary. , axially outward and radially outward Has a slope Axial direction Inside of Pressing part and Axial inward and radial outward Has a slope Axial direction outside of and a pressing portion, Each of the valley surfaces is 、 Each of the elastic rings The elastic rings are compressed in the axial direction and pressed radially outward. to transform, A shaft coupling device characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the above-mentioned means, the difference in displacement occurring between the outer member and the inner member can be absorbed without using a convex spherical shaft portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an axle support device in which a shaft coupling device according to an embodiment of the present invention is used; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan sectional view showing part A in FIG. [Figure 3] Similarly, (A) is a side view, and (B) is a side cross-sectional view. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an outer member of the shaft coupling device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] In this embodiment, the shaft coupling device according to one embodiment of the present invention is used in an axle support device that supports the rear axle of a two-axle rear-axle automobile with three-dimensional degrees of freedom relative to the frame.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the axle support device of this embodiment includes a V-shaped torque rod (hereinafter referred to as V-rod) 1 and a coupling device 10. Both ends of the V-rod 1 are rotatably supported on a frame 2 by the coupling devices 10, 10, and the center portion is rotatably supported on an axle 3 by the coupling device 10. The shaft coupling device 10 of this embodiment is configured to support the end of a V-rod 1, as shown in part A of FIG.

[0012] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the shaft coupling device 10 of this embodiment comprises an outer member 11 connected to the end of the V-rod 1, an inner member 20 connected to the frame 2, a pair of elastic rings 30, 30, and a buffer sleeve 40. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the axial direction and radial direction of the shaft coupling device 10 refer to the axial direction and radial direction of the inner member 20. The axial direction and radial direction of the inner member 20 coincide with the axial direction and radial direction of the outer member 11. Additionally, the axial inner side refers to the axial center side of the shaft coupling device 10, and the axial outer side refers to both axial sides of the shaft coupling device 10.

[0013] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the outer member 11 is made of an iron-based material and has a cylindrical shape, and a cylindrical hole-shaped bearing portion 12 is formed concentrically in the outer member 11. To the department A pair of mounting holes 13, 13 are concentrically arranged and each formed in a cylindrical hole shape. On the inner peripheral surface of the bearing portion 12 The end on one axial side (see Figure 2) left end )A female screw 14 is formed on the inside of the mounting hole 13 . A buffer sleeve 40 (described later) is fixed to the outer periphery of the outer member 11, and the outer member 11 is connected to the V-rod 1 via the buffer sleeve 40 (see FIG. 1).

[0014] 2, 3, and 5, the inner member 20 is made of an iron-based material and is formed in a generally cylindrical shape, with a shaft portion 21 formed concentrically in the center of the inner member 20. The outer diameter of the shaft portion 21 is set to be significantly smaller than the inner diameter of the bearing portion 12 of the outer member 11, and the shaft portion 21 is fitted into the bearing portion 12 so as to be able to slide freely. The shaft portion 21 has a male screw 22 on its outer periphery. Axial direction than the center One axial side (Fig. 2 Towards the left edge ) The male thread 22 is threaded into the female thread 14 of the inner member 20. A pair of connecting portions 23, 23 are formed at both ends of the inner member 20 in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. 、 The inner member 20 is set to protrude from both sides of the bearing portion 12 of the outer member 11. Fixing holes 24 are drilled in the connecting portion 23 so as to be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The inner member 20 is connected to the frame 2 (see Figure 1) by inserting bolts into the fixing holes 24 and fastening them. The inner member 20 has a pair of pressing portions 25 and 26 on the inner and outer sides thereof. , axial direction The inner and outer pressing portions 25, 26 are arranged at the boundary between the shaft portion 21 and the connecting portion 23 on both sides and protrude from each other, and the distance between the inner and outer pressing portions 25, 26 corresponds to the depth of the mounting hole 13. The inner and outer pressing portions 25, 26 are each formed in an annular convex shape with a triangular cross section. , axial direction Inside of The pressing portion 25 Axial and radial outward facing Slopes and Axial direction outside of The pressing portion 26 Axial inward and radial outward The slope and the slope are set to form a valley surface.

[0015] As shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4, the elastic ring 30 is composed of an elastic member 31 made of an elastic material (rubber or resin) and formed into a cylindrical shape, and a covering member 32 made of an iron-based material and formed into a cylindrical shape. The elastic member 31 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter approximately equal to the inner diameter of the mounting hole 13, a width (dimension in the cylindrical core direction) slightly smaller than the depth (dimension in the hole core direction) of the mounting hole 13, and a large thickness. The outer diameter of the covering member 32 is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the mounting hole 13, and the width (dimension in the cylindrical core direction) of the covering member 32 is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the mounting hole 13. The depth (dimension in the hole center direction) of the hole is slightly smaller than that of the hole, and the thickness is formed in a thin cylindrical shape. The covering member 32 is disposed on the elastic member 31 so as to cover its outer periphery, and is fixed thereto by means of baking or adhesive. The elastic ring 30 is fitted into the mounting hole 13 while the elastic member 31 is elastically deformed in the annular space between the mounting hole 13 and the shaft portion 21 . When the elastic ring 30 is fitted into the mounting hole 13, Axial direction Inside of The pressing portion 25 Axial and radial outward facing Slopes and Axial direction outside of The pressing portion 26 Axial inward and radial outward The slope 、 The elastic member 31 Compress in the axial direction and press outward in the radial direction. This compressive deformation causes the elastic ring 30 to , relative to the inner member 20 A tightening force is applied to the inner member 20, generating a force (so-called rotational torque) that resists the rotation of the inner member 20. The elastic member 41 seals the annular space between the mounting hole 13 and the shaft portion 21, thereby preventing dirt, rainwater, and other dust from entering the bearing portion 12 and the shaft portion 21.

[0016] As shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4, the buffer sleeve 40 is composed of an elastic member 41 made of an elastic material (rubber or resin) and formed into a cylindrical shape, and a covering member 42 made of an iron-based material and formed into a cylindrical shape. The elastic member 41 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an inner diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the outer member 11, a width (dimension in the cylindrical core direction) substantially equal to the length (dimension in the cylindrical core direction) of the outer member 11, and a large thickness. The covering member 42 is formed in a thin cylindrical shape with an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the outer member 11 and a width (dimension in the cylindrical core direction) smaller than the length (dimension in the cylindrical core direction) of the outer member 11. The covering member 42 is disposed on the elastic member 41 so as to cover its outer periphery, and is fixed thereto by means of baking, adhesive, or the like. The buffer sleeve 40 is disposed on the outer member 11 so as to cover the outer periphery thereof, and the inner periphery of the elastic member 41 is fixed thereto by means of baking or adhesive.

[0017] The assembly and operation of the shaft coupling device 10 will now be described.

[0018] When assembling the shaft coupling device 10, the inner member 20 is inserted into the bearing portion 12 from the opening on the female thread 14 side, and the male thread 22 is screwed into the female thread 14. When the male thread 22 is screwed into the female thread 14 to a predetermined position, the connecting portions 23, 23 on both sides protrude from both ends of the outer member 11 by approximately equal lengths. Next, the pair of elastic rings 30, 30 are fitted into the mounting holes 13, 13 on both sides, while the elastic member 31 is elastically deformed in the annular space between the mounting hole 13 and the shaft portion 21. When the elastic ring 30 is fitted into the mounting hole 13, Axial direction Inside of The pressing portion 25 Axial and radial outward facing Slopes and Axial direction outside of The pressing portion 26 Axial inward and radial outward The slope 、 The elastic member 31 Compress in the axial direction and press outward in the radial direction. Due to this compressive deformation, the elastic ring 30 receives a reaction force from the mounting hole 13 and accumulates the force. For the inner member 20 As a result, the elastic ring 30 generates a force (so-called rotational torque) on the inner member 20 that resists the rotation of the inner member 20.

[0019] In the assembled shaft coupling device 10, the outer member 11 is connected to the V-rod 1 via the buffer sleeve 40 (see FIG. 1). When the shaft coupling device 10 is connected to the V-rod 1, the buffer sleeve 40 absorbs the impact between the V-rod 1 and the outer member 11. Furthermore, the buffer sleeve 40 fixed to the V-rod 1 is in a state of floatingly supporting the outer member 11, so that the inner member 20 is able to swing in all directions in three dimensions relative to the V-rod 1.

[0020] When a two-axle rear wheel vehicle rolls while driving, axle 3 of the car body By displacing in the left and right direction, the outer member of the shaft coupling device 10 11 and inner parts 20 A displacement difference occurs between When the force (rotational torque) caused by the displacement difference between the outer member 11 and the inner member 20 exceeds the resistance force (rotational torque) of the elastic ring 30, the outer member 11 and the inner member 20 Relative rotation occurs between the female thread 14 and the male thread 22. Due to this rotation, the difference in displacement occurring between the outer member 11 and the inner member 20 is absorbed.

[0021] According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0022] (1) A male screw formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion of the inner member is screwed into a female screw formed on the inner peripheral surface of the bearing portion of the outer member, and a pair of mounting holes formed at both ends of the outer member are screwed into the male screw formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion of the inner member. 、 By fitting elastic rings that apply a tightening force to the inner members, when the force (rotational torque) caused by the displacement difference between the outer member and the inner member exceeds the resistance force (rotational torque) of the elastic ring, the outer member and the inner member rotate relatively between the female thread and the male thread, thereby absorbing the displacement difference that occurs between the outer member and the inner member.

[0023] (2) Since the difference in displacement occurring between the outer member and the inner member can be absorbed without using a convex spherical shaft portion, the manufacturing cost of the entire shaft coupling device can be reduced.

[0024] (3) By reducing the number of parts to four, the number of processing steps and assembly steps can be reduced, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the entire shaft coupling device.

[0025] (4) By sealing the annular space between the mounting hole and the shaft portion with an elastic member, it is possible to prevent dust such as mud and rainwater from entering the bearing portion and the shaft portion, thereby improving the durability of the shaft coupling device.

[0026] (5) By connecting the outer member to the V-rod via the buffer sleeve, the shock between the V-rod and the outer member can be absorbed by the buffer sleeve.

[0027] (6) By connecting the outer member to the V-rod via a buffer sleeve, the outer member can be supported in a floating manner by the buffer sleeve fixed to the V-rod, and the inner member can be supported so that it can swing freely in all directions in three dimensions relative to the V-rod.

[0028] (7) By providing a female thread on the inner peripheral surface of the bearing portion of the outer member and a male thread on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion of the inner member, it is possible to eliminate the need for a snap ring or the like to prevent the inner member from coming loose.

[0029] It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0030] For example, the male thread need not necessarily be formed at one end of the shaft portion, but may be formed along the entire length of the shaft portion.

[0031] The buffer sleeve may be omitted.

[0032] In the above embodiment, the case where the coupling device is mounted on the tip end of a V-rod has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be mounted on the base end of a V-rod or a straight torque rod. The present invention can be applied to axle support devices for not only two-axle rear axle vehicles but also single-axle rear axle vehicles, and can be applied to all coupling devices used for axle support devices and other purposes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0033] 1...V-rod (V-shaped torque rod), 2...frame, 3...axle, 10... shaft coupling device, 11... outer member, 12... bearing portion, 13... mounting hole, 14... female thread, 20... inner member, 21... shaft portion, 22... male screw, 23... connecting portion, 24... fixing hole, 25, 26...Pressing part, 30...elastic ring, 31...elastic member, 32...covering member, 40... buffer sleeve..., 41... elastic member, 42... covering member.

Claims

1. an outer member having a bearing portion; an inner member having a shaft portion supported by the bearing portion and a pair of connecting portions provided so as to protrude from the bearing portion on both sides in the axial direction; It is equipped with a female thread is formed on an inner peripheral surface of the bearing portion, a male thread is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion, and the male thread is screwed into the female thread, A pair of mounting holes is formed at each end of the outer member, Elastic rings are fitted into the pair of mounting holes, respectively, to apply a tightening force to the inner member, the inner member is provided at both axial boundaries between the shaft portion and the connecting portion with a pair of valley surfaces, the pair of valley surfaces being an axially inner pressing portion having an inclined surface facing axially outward and radially outward, and an axially outer pressing portion having an inclined surface facing axially inward and radially outward, Each of the valley surfaces compresses each of the elastic rings in the axial direction while pressing them radially outward, thereby deforming each of the elastic rings. A shaft coupling device characterized by:

2. The male thread is formed on the end of the shaft portion, The outer diameter of the male screw is larger than the outer diameter of the shank.

2. The shaft coupling device according to claim 1, wherein:

3. The male thread is formed over the entire length of the shaft portion.

2. The shaft coupling device according to claim 1, wherein:

4. A buffer sleeve is fixed to the outer periphery of the outer member.

4. A shaft coupling device according to claim 1, 2 or 3.

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