Intermediate Shaft Fixing Structure to Block Coolant Ingress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indexing devices allow coolant liquid to infiltrate into the frame, compromising the lubrication performance of the lubricating oil due to gaps between the locking screw and female screw holes, which lack a seal member.
Innovation Solution
A fixing mechanism using a cylindrical pressing member with a tapered surface, steel balls, and a screw member to apply an axial pressing force, allowing for the placement of a seal member like an O-ring to prevent coolant infiltration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a locking screw and steel ball mechanism is used to fix the intermediate shaft to the frame, then the intermediate shaft can be securely fixed, but coolant liquid can infiltrate into the frame through gaps between the locking screw and female screw holes
Solution Approach 1:
A seal member (O-ring) is introduced as an intermediary element between the locking screw and the female screw hole. This seal member fills the gap that would otherwise allow coolant infiltration, while not interfering with the fixing function of the locking screw and steel ball mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member is implemented as a flexible O-ring that can deform to fit the gap between the locking screw and female screw hole. This flexible membrane structure effectively blocks coolant infiltration paths while maintaining the mechanical fixing function.
2Ease of operation
If the intermediate shaft end face is exposed to the outside for easy access, then maintenance is easier, but coolant liquid can reach the female screw hole openings and infiltrate into the frame
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member acts as an intermediary barrier that allows the intermediate shaft end face to remain exposed for maintenance access while preventing coolant from reaching the female screw hole openings and infiltrating into the frame.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively prevents coolant liquid from entering the frame, maintaining the lubrication performance of the lubricating oil by ensuring a secure seal between the intermediate shaft and the frame.
Implementation Method 1
by tightening the locking screw so as to be displaced in the axis line direction and thus applying an axial pressing force to the steel ball, a radial force acts on the inner peripheral surface of the accommodation hole via the steel ball, and the intermediate shaft is fixed to the frame
Data Source
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AI summary
An indexing device (1) includes a drive transmission mechanism (30), a fixing mechanism (40). The drive transmission mechanism (30) includes an intermediate gear (34) which includes an intermediate shaft (35) being inserted at an end portion into an accommodation hole (11b) formed in a frame (10), and the intermediate shaft includes an accommodating concave portion (35c) and a plurality of through-holes (35e). The fixing mechanism (40) includes a cylindrical pressing member (42), steel balls (41) and a screw member (43). There is a gap (44) between the pressing member (42) and a bottom surface (35g) of the pressing member in a state in which the pressing member is accommodated in the accommodating concave portion (35c) and the steel ball (41) accommodated in each throughhole (35e) is in contact with a tapered surface (42a1) and an inner peripheral surface of the accommodation hole (11b).