JP2019142494A - Axle sleeve - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve an axle sleeve which is broken along a joint line under a pressure.SOLUTION: A tubular sleeve to be fitted to a fitting part of an axle is configured from plural parts which are so configured as to be connected along at least one edge in a longer direction, and to form a tubular sleeve. The edge in the longer direction comprises a first portion which is not parallel to a long axis of the axle, and the edge in the longer direction comprises a second portion which is angled with respect to the first portion. Plural component parts are engaged with each other, thereby forming a tubular sleeve when compressed in a radial direction. The component parts preferably are same as one another, and have a gradient part 38b which terminates at a detent wall part with a form of a wide structure in the rear of a head part 41, which directly faces opposite wide flat surfaces 38a of opposite component parts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4b

Description

  The present invention relates to an axle sleeve. More specifically, the present invention relates to a two part axle sleeve. Even more specifically, the present invention relates to a two-part tubular axle sleeve for industrial wheels, particularly multidirectional wheels.

  The following references and descriptions of previous proposals or products are not intended to be a description or approval of common general knowledge in the field and should not be construed as such. In particular, the following discussion of the prior art is not common or well known by those skilled in the art, and an understanding of the inventive step of which the present invention is part of identifying appropriate prior art proposals It is something that helps.

  Forming a complete cylindrical axle sleeve is not practical. This is because the diameter of the part of the axle on which the sleeve is mounted is smaller than the diameter of the axle on both sides of the part. The axle sleeve can be molded over the axle portion. Alternatively, it can be formed from longitudinal halves that can be connected together to form a sleeve on the axle. The sleeve may be mounted so that it cannot be removed. In such a case, since there is no access portion at both ends of the axle, the sleeve cannot slide to the sleeve mounting portion. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved axle sleeve that can be fitted with an axle when the sleeve cannot be slid into the axle attachment via both sides of the axle. Prior art proposals include forming an axle sleeve from two halves that can be connected together in situ. However, such prior art sleeves are prone to failure along the bond line under pressure.

  The object of the present invention is to remedy the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, or at least to provide a useful alternative.

  Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention, there is provided an axle tubular sleeve for attachment to an axle attachment, the tubular sleeve configured to connect along at least one longitudinal edge to form a tubular sleeve. It is formed from a plurality of parts. This longitudinal edge comprises a first part that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the axle and a second part that is angled with respect to the first part, so that when compressed radially, The plurality of components are secured together to form a tubular sleeve.

  In another aspect, the present invention provides complementary components of the axle sleeve that coincide with each other around the axle, each of which comprises at least one opposing path following a substantially curvilinear path. Having a joining edge.

  Preferably, the components slide into engagement and prevent each other from separating radially, and the ends of the assembled sleeves are constrained in the axial direction so that the axial direction of the components relative to each other It is provided to withstand the movement of

  In another aspect, the invention provides a split sleeve formed by connecting components along at least one joining line and features a connecting line that follows a curvilinear path. The longitudinal edges of the components of the axle sleeve follow a curve, an irregular line, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the joining line is spiral or helical. This curvilinear joining line is effective to withstand the separation of the sleeve under pressure.

  In general, the sleeve is held on the axle and can prevent longitudinal displacement of the components relative to each other.

  The present invention can be applied to an axle structure in which the sleeve cannot be arranged on the axle other than dividing the sleeve. The curvilinear joint edges of the component can follow a spiral path so that each component is partially wrapped around the axle. The semi-circular end wall of the component at the first end may be offset by about 60 ° -110 ° with respect to the second opposing end. These components can comprise two joining walls. When looking at the end face, the tip of the first joining wall at the first end can be close to the tip of the second joining wall at the second end, thereby viewing from the axial end. The distance between the tips is smaller than the diameter of the axle. The spiral path of the joining wall is sharp enough that each component is configured to wrap around the axle, thereby allowing the component to be easily removed from the axle by moving the component outward from the axle It is not possible to hold the components in a coaxial relationship with the axle. The component is released by releasing the end of one component and shifting the angled component so that the opening defining the second end can release the axle from the opening of the second end. Can only be removed.

  You may arrange | position the protrusion part extended in a tangential direction from each edge which has faced. This protrusion can form part of the wall of the component. The protrusions can have facing adjacent faces that are aligned parallel to each other. Each end of the component may be semicircular. Each semi-circular end can be configured to engage an opposing component to form a cylindrical complete circular end wall. The protrusion can extend in the direction of approach of the complementary component.

  At least a part of the joining line or the longitudinal line may be an inclined part preferably having an acute angle with respect to the curved joining edge. The inclined portion may be a flat portion that can extend in parallel with the long axis of the formed sleeve. The flat portion of each component helps to prevent the component from rotating in the opposite direction around the major axis, so that when the sleeve is assembled on the axle and confined axially, the component Do not slide along the bond line with respect to each other and do not rotate with respect to each other.

  Preferably, the flat portion is the end of the joining line. Advantageously, each component has a flat portion that is configured to be adjacent and opposite a corresponding complementary flat portion of the complementary component. The flat portion may constitute a part of the joining line. Alternatively, the joining line may be completely curved. Preferably, the flat portion is adjacent to the curved joining line.

  The joining line is preferably formed by curved surfaces facing each other. The opposing surfaces preferably have a flat side surface following a curved path. Opposing, laterally flat and longitudinally curved seating surfaces of each component are configured to form complementary seating surfaces adjacent to each other.

  Each component may have an engaging portion. These engaging portions are complementary and can be configured to engage with opposing engaging portions of the other component. The engaging portion may have a slope portion. The gradient portion may comprise an opposing contact surface located on a 0 ° to 110 ° plane relative to the approaching direction of the opposing components. In this method, since the cam surfaces are in contact, the gradient portions can slide past each other. The gradient portion can form a part of the head portion configured to confine the opposing head portion in the recess of the other component. Thus, the ramps engage each other with minimal distortion. Rather than snapping and engaging, the ramps slide adjacent to create a resistive catch. However, due to the relative shape of the spiral component body configured to partially wrap around the axle, the slope removal angle and plane are offset from the separation angle required to separate the components. Since the components cannot be pulled outward or radially away from each other, the engaging portion engages and confines the components.

  The flat or ramp can allow movement of the assembled sleeve components relative to each other under load. By allowing relative movement of the components while maintaining a tight engagement, the sleeve can be distorted under load without the components separating or the sleeve breaking. If the components are actively engaged such that distortion and potential disengagement of the engagement means occurs as a result of applying a heavy load, the sleeve will break or the engagement means will snap under load. Or disengagement, which causes an unintentional clicking sound. The preferred embodiment of the present invention can eliminate this problem by allowing the sleeve to be slightly distorted and shifted along the bond line without the components separating.

  The gradient portion is effective for holding the components together with a joint line against the compressive force that splits or separates the components. This is accomplished by providing an opposing surface that prevents the components from rotating in different directions around the long axis of the sleeve. The flat or sloped portion further functions as a catch that holds the sleeves together by the axial resistance of the sleeves at either end so that the components slide or rotate axially relative to each other It is not possible.

  After the sleeve is assembled on the axle, the wheel member or tire can be molded onto the sleeve. The tire may be a roller tire. The roller can form part of a multidirectional wheel. However, other uses are contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention. A typical tubular or cylindrical sleeve may have an outer surface mechanism that assists in gripping the inner surface of a roller or other element molded thereon. The surface features can include undulations, protrusions, grooves, knobs, or ridges.

  The outer surface mechanism may take the form of protrusions or notches. The outer surface mechanism can be effective to facilitate the attachment of mold material thereto. These protrusions are preferably longitudinal ribs. The longitudinal ribs are circumferentially spaced around the outer surface of the cylindrical portion of the assembled sleeve. The component may comprise a separating portion of the outer surface mechanism that aligns and connects the components to complete. Thus, each component can have a rib portion that is complete only by connecting the components.

  The rib profile in the longitudinal direction preferably provides structural strength in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal ribs are preferably configured to replace the roller material, thereby reducing the roller material required to fill the space between the outer surface of the sleeve and the outer surface of the roller. The thickness of the roller wall molded on the sleeve can also be precisely controlled by the outer surface mechanism. This can be important with respect to performance characteristics such as structural integrity, ride comfort and / or noise minimization of the wheel incorporating the sleeve when used at high loads expected to be repeated.

  If one or more separate inner bearings are required, these can take the form of split bearings. The split bearing can include two or more bearing portions, such as a pair of halves that together form a bearing. The inner surface of the sleeve may house the bearing as a housing around the axle. The sleeve housing can provide a means to allow overmolding of the split bearing.

  The sleeve is hinged or connected along one or more permanent longitudinal joints, with another pair of opposing longitudinal edges spaced circumferentially from the permanent longitudinal joint. It can be formed from components that can be joined together. The component part is preferably composed of two parts. The two parts are permanently hinged and have mating longitudinal edges that are spaced circumferentially away from the permanent longitudinal link. Alternatively, the component may comprise two separate parts that can be fitted or joined together to form a generally cylindrical sleeve. The components are identical and have complementary portions that are engageable with each other.

  The edges that can be joined or mated can form portions that can be complementarily engaged with each other, such as a rugged portion of a male and a female, and a recess for confining the protrusion and the protrusion. Engageable or connectable parts that are shaped to extend longitudinally along each edge have a protruding edge that transitions to the head, bayonet, arrow-headed male fitting, or the slope of the slope. It can have a protrusion having. The sloped surface can be inclined at an angle to a radial line extending from the cylindrical long axis of the complete sleeve. The ramp may terminate with a detent wall in the form of a flat and wide structure behind the head, bayonet, arrowhead, or ramp that directly faces the opposing wide flat surface of the opposing component. . The bayonet, arrowhead or slope can be connected to the semi-cylindrical wall of the component by a narrow neck so that it faces the flat and wide detent wall and the radial center of the semi-cylindrical wall. A recess is defined by the inner surface of the sleeve that faces and forms part of the neck and the wide surface of the end wall of the cylindrical wall facing in the axial direction. Both of these structural surface features define a recess for receiving and / or confining a head formed at the terminating edge of the joining edge of the opposing component.

  Other male-female engageable or complementary friction fits are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

  The sleeve may comprise an inner bore having an internal mechanism configured to engage a drive roller or axle for the wheel, or may comprise a smooth bore that allows rotation of the sleeve relative to the axle.

  A complete and assembled sleeve formed from the components can comprise an outer surface mechanism in the form of a generally cylindrical core, a pipe or tube, and a longitudinal ridge or rib. The outer surface mechanism has a radial height that increases toward the center of the center and can taper toward the outer surface of the generally cylindrical core portion, pipe or tube. Thus, on the side, the outline of the sleeve can be a generally cigar-shaped silhouette.

The invention can be better understood from the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments.
FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an axle sleeve according to one aspect of the present invention, comprising a concavo-convex arrangement system, 16 outer ribs, and a helical joining edge. FIG. 1b is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an axle sleeve according to one aspect of the present invention, comprising an uneven placement system, 16 outer ribs, and a helical joining edge. FIG. 2a is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1a-1b. 2b is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1a-1b. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an axle sleeve made according to the third embodiment, comprising a bayonet-type catch, 16 outer ribs, and a helical joining edge, and the axle of the wheel frame of a multidirectional wheel. It is attached to. 4a is an end perspective view of the axle sleeve shown in FIG. 4b is an end perspective view of the axle sleeve shown in FIG. FIG. 5a is a perspective view of the axle sleeve shown in FIG. 3 removed from the axle. FIG. 5b is a perspective view of the axle sleeve shown in FIG. 3 partially attached to the axle shown in FIG. 5a. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the axle sleeve shown in FIGS. 3-5b attached to the axle. FIG. 7 is an end perspective view of the axle sleeve shown in FIGS. 3-6 with the components separated. FIG. 8 is an end perspective view of the axle sleeve shown in FIGS. 3-7. FIG. 9 is an end perspective view of one component of the axle sleeve shown in FIGS. 3-8. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a part of a wheel frame mounted on an axle sleeve created according to the third embodiment, and includes a smooth outer surface and a Z-shaped joint edge. FIG. 11a is a perspective view of the components of an axle sleeve made according to the fourth embodiment, comprising 8 ribs and a helical joining edge. FIG. 11b is a perspective view of the components of an axle sleeve made according to the fourth embodiment, comprising 8 ribs and a helical joining edge. FIG. 11c is a perspective view of a component part of an axle sleeve made according to the fourth embodiment, comprising 8 ribs and a helical joining edge. FIG. 11d is a perspective view of a component part of an axle sleeve made according to the fourth embodiment, comprising 8 ribs and a helical joining edge. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the halves of two components of an axle sleeve made in accordance with the fifth embodiment, comprising a bayonet catch, 10 outer ribs, and a Z-shaped joining edge. Yes. FIG. 13 is a side view of a component part of the axle sleeve shown in FIG. FIG. 14a is a side view of the component part of the axle sleeve shown in FIG. 13 fitted in the same part. FIG. 14b is an end face of the assembled axle sleeve shown in FIG. 14a. FIG. 15 is an end face of a component part of an axle sleeve according to the sixth embodiment, comprising a bayonet catch, 10 outer ribs, and a helical joint ridge. FIG. 16 is a side view of the component shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the components shown in FIG. 18 is a second perspective view of the components of the unassembled axle sleeve shown in FIG. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the assembled axle sleeve formed from the components shown in FIGS. FIG. 20 is a side view of the complete axle sleeve shown in FIG. 19, but with ribs having flat ends. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an assembled axle sleeve according to a seventh embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 19, but with a ridge that terminates in a straight line rather than a cornered end. . 22 is an end view of the complete axle sleeve shown in FIG. FIG. 23 is a side view of the complete axle sleeve shown in FIGS. 21-22. FIG. 24 is a side view of a complete axle sleeve according to an eighth embodiment, with a bayonet-type catch, eight longitudinal ridge outer features with straight edge terminations, and a Z-shaped joint edge It is characterized by. FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the axle sleeve shown in FIG. FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a pair of unassembled components of the axle sleeve shown in FIGS. 21-23. FIG. 27 is an end view of the complete axle sleeve shown in FIGS. 24-25. FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a pair of unassembled components of the axle sleeve shown in FIG. FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an assembled axle sleeve made in accordance with the ninth embodiment, with a bayonet-type catch, 16 longitudinal ridges or ribs on the outer surface, and a raised rib It has ribs with alternating low-profile ribs and Z-shaped joint edges. 30 is an end view of the complete axle sleeve shown in FIG. 31 is a side view of the axle sleeve shown in FIGS. 29 and 30. FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an unassembled component of the axle sleeve shown in FIGS. 29-31. FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a sleeve according to a preferred embodiment. FIG. 34a is a perspective view of a cylindrical sleeve according to one embodiment. FIG. 34b is a perspective view of the components of the embodiment of the sleeve shown in FIG. 34a from two different perspectives, highlighting that half of the same components form the sleeve of FIG. 34a. FIG. 35a is a perspective view of a cylindrical sleeve according to another embodiment with an end flat and a catch added to the embodiment shown in FIG. 34a. Note that FIG. 35b is a perspective view of the components of the embodiment of the sleeve shown in FIG. 35a, with half of the same components forming the sleeve of FIG. 35a. FIG. 36a is a perspective view of a cylindrical sleeve with overmolded rollers according to another embodiment with ribs added to the embodiment shown in FIG. 35a. 36b is a perspective view of the components of the embodiment of the sleeve shown in FIG. 36a, with half of the same components forming the sleeve of FIG. 36a. FIG. 37a is a perspective view of a cylindrical sleeve with axially spaced bearings according to another embodiment. 37b is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the embodiment of the sleeve shown in FIG. 37a, with half of the same components forming the sleeve of FIG. 37a and an axially spaced housing for the split bearing. Note that we provide

  Preferred features of the invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the features illustrated in the drawings and described with reference to the drawings should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

  FIGS. 1 a-2 b show a first embodiment of the present invention in the form of an axle sleeve 10 that is fitted or joined together along a cylindrical core 12 and a pair of helically curved edges 16. It includes a pair of identical components 14a, b. This curvilinear edge 16 comprises uneven interconnections 18a, b. The outer surface 13 of the cylindrical core portion 12 has 16 ribs 19 aligned in the longitudinal direction.

  Each component 14a, 14b includes a pair of helically curved side edges 16 that are completely complementary to the opposing helically curved edges in the other mating or joining component 14a, 14b. Each component 14a, 14b is the same. At one end of the components 14a, 14b adjacent to the spiral curved edge 16, there is a male projecting protrusion 18b extending beyond the plane of the spiral curved edge 16. At opposite ends of the components 14a, b, the helically curved walls 16 each terminate in a recess 18a complementary to the protrusion 18b. Both the protrusion 18 b and the complementary recess 18 a are adjacent to the inner surface of the cylindrical core portion 12. The component parts 14a and 14b hold each other in the original position at the engagement position or the joining position by the male / female engaging means, that is, the concave and convex portions 18a and 18b. Radial compression produced by molding a roller on or around the sleeve such that an inward compression force presses the components 14a, 14b and rotates them in opposite directions along the helical bond line The force is borne by the flat portions adjacent to the irregularities that ensure that the components 14a, b of the axle sleeve 10 remain assembled without rotating in the opposite direction. Therefore, while the compressive force is applied to the sleeve, the curved walls 16 of each of the components 14a, 14b remain joined together. These forces can be deflected and scattered along the curved joining line of the edge 16, thereby reducing the localized load at one point of the edge 16 and causing damage to the axle sleeve 10. Minimize.

  FIG. 3 shows an axle sleeve 30 made according to the second embodiment mounted on a wheel frame. Prior to assembly, the sleeve 30 is composed of two identical halves. One half of this component is mounted on a wheel frame head post 34 and is disposed around a cylindrical axle 32 extending therebetween. A roller (not shown) can then be molded around the axle sleeve 30.

  Referring to FIGS. 4a-9, the second embodiment of the axle sleeve 30 includes a pair of identical halves 44a, b that allow the bayonet or arrowhead to engage. Or by adjoining gradient members 38b comprising an inwardly inclined gradient surface 41 and a narrow neck portion 42 that connects the arrowhead or ramp-like member 38b to the wall of the semi-cylindrical core structure 43. It is configured to engage. The arrowhead structure or the gradient member 38b is provided at the end of each component 44a, b adjacent to one longitudinal side or edge 45a of each component. The edge 45b opposite to the edge 45a includes a complementary engagement structure or joining structure 38a in the form of a substantially square-shaped (contour) head portion, and behind the sliding edge member, the arrow-shaped gradient member 41 is slid. Extending to an outwardly inclined concave surface 47 configured to move and receive and confine. On the other hand, the neck recess 48 defined by the arrowhead-shaped gradient member 41, the neck portion 42, and the end surface of the semi-cylindrical core wall 43 has a particularly strong frictional resistance at both the connection edges 45a and 45b of each component. In order to engage, the square head portion 38a is received and confined. Preferably, the material used to form each component 44a, b is generally acetal. Considering the wall thickness, the rib structure 39, and the rigidity of the sleeve structure provided by the longitudinal rib 39, the fittings 18a, b are not positively engaged, but simply a resistive fit. Due to the formation, the components 44a, b can be attached to the axle 32 by hand. The component part so that the sleeve can be assembled by mating the component part with the cam or ramp surface without the need for a radial compression tool to achieve assembly of the axle sleeve 30 on the axle 32. It is conceivable that 44a and b are made of a very rigid material such as steel. Note that the rib structure 19 extends longitudinally along the outer surface of the axle sleeve 30 to reinforce the overall structure of the core 43. If the components 14a, b are axially prevented from rotating in opposite directions relative to each other, an instrument is provided for pressing the ramps 18a, b out of engagement to remove the sleeve from the axle. While it can be useful, it can also be advantageous by hand.

  Referring to FIG. 10, there is illustrated a third embodiment of an axle sleeve 50 comprising a substantially cylindrical structure 52 formed from identical components 54a, b, with the joining line between the components. Reference numeral 56 denotes a continuous curved edge. The outer surface of the component shows the appearance of a flat-ended portion that transitions between portions that form an intermediate corner with a shallow angle corner 58.

  Note that the third embodiment does not feature longitudinal ribs on the outer surface of the axle sleeve 50.

  FIGS. 11 a-11 b show a fourth embodiment in the form of a component 64 of the axle sleeve 60. The component parts 64 are arranged to be engaged with the same component part 64 along the curved side walls 66 that are arranged with each other by the concave and convex guide portions 68a-b and joined in an adjacent relationship.

  FIGS. 12-14b illustrate a fifth embodiment in the form of an axle sleeve 70, which is a pair of bayonet engagement means or a pair configured to engage with each other by engagement of gradient portions 78a, b. It comprises the same half part 74a, b. The Z-shaped outer side edge 76 comprises a central inclined portion 76b extending between outer straight edges 70a, c extending substantially parallel to the major axis 71. Preferably, however, these straight edges obscure the curved connecting edges or seats that support and contact half of the components when the sleeve is assembled.

  The longitudinal ribs 79 are characterized by a shallow bow shape with intermediate portions 71a lightly raised relative to their respective ends 31b, which is accompanied by a truncated spindle shape of a roller molded thereon. Each rib end 72 has an inwardly sloping wall and forms a small acute angle protrusion so that a portion of the molded roller material is in the outermost extent of the longitudinal rib 79. The roller molded on and around the rib is better fixed so that it extends radially inward.

  15 and 16, a sixth embodiment in the form of an axle sleeve 80 is shown, showing only one component 84 of the pair of components 84, and an arrowhead or gradient engagement portion. 88a and spherical head portion 88b are shown. In FIG. 15, the end view shows that the opposite ends 88 a, 88 b wrap almost entirely around an axle having the same diameter as the inner diameter 81 of the portion 84. A small opening 89 is provided so that a single component 84 can be mounted on the axle. The component 84 must be tilted at an offset angle with respect to the axle axis so that the portion 84 can be mounted to the axle. Once mounted, portion 84 is attached to the axle with a loss of resistive fit, but requires a small amount of force to remove. However, if the portion 84 is made sufficiently rigid, it cannot be removed from the axle without tilting with respect to the axle axis.

  Referring to FIGS. 21-23 and 26, an axle sleeve 90 is illustrated, with a curvilinear joint obscured by ten longitudinal outer ribs 99 and shallow z-shaped lines of outer edges 96a-c. A pair of identical components 94a, b joined along the surface.

  24, 25, 27 and 28, an eighth embodiment in the form of an axle sleeve 100 is shown, which obscures the eight longitudinal outer ribs 109 and the spiral joining line or seating surface. With the same component showing a shallow z-shaped longitudinal outer edge 96. All the components, mainly the outer surface 107 of the cylindrical core 103, do not represent cul-de-sacs that allow the force to be applied to the molding material of the roller or move over time. A straight end wall 97 extending perpendicular to the shaft 101 is believed to facilitate the molding process for molding the roller into the axle sleeve 100.

  Referring to FIGS. 29-32, a ninth embodiment in the form of an axle sleeve 110 is illustrated, with eight large diameters alternately disposed with low longitudinal ribs 129 on the outer periphery of the cylindrical core body 112 of the axle sleeve. It has a longitudinal rib 119 which is higher in the direction. The low ribs 129 extend long along the outer surface 115 of the core 112, but the slight height allows the outer features of the roller to taper toward each end of the roller. The ribs 119 that are high in the radial direction and wide in the circumferential direction give the central region 126 of the core 112 substantial rigidity and strength. The end 132 of the low rib 129 tapers toward the outer surface 115, while the end 134 of the high rib 119 terminates abruptly at an end wall 128 similar to the wall 108 of the eighth embodiment shown in FIG. To do. The inner surface 134 of the core 112 defines a cylindrical bore to receive the axle snugly while allowing the axle sleeve 110 to rotate relative to the axle 32.

  The bayonet portion, arrowhead portion, or gradient portion 118a extends in the radial direction to at least two thirds of the thickness of the core wall 112a. The core wall is preferably 50-100% of the radius of the bore 113, preferably 60-80%. The neck portion 136 extending between the arrowhead or slope portion 118a and the core wall 112a is about 30 to 80%, preferably 40-60% in the radial direction of the thickness of the core wall 112a, and the spherical head portion 118b. Are sized to correspond or complementary, thereby being tightly confined in a recess 117 defined by an arrowhead or ramp 118a, a neck 136, and a wide end wall 112b of the core wall 112a. The bayonet portion, the arrowhead portion or the slope portion 118a has a slope surface inclined at an angle of about 30-70 °, preferably 40-50 °, with respect to a radial line extending from the axis 111 of the axle sleeve 110. ing.

  Each component 114a, b extends longitudinally and parallel to the sleeve axis 111 along the straight edge wall 116a from the top or tip 138 of the bayonet head 118a on the side of the core wall 112a. A pair of z-shaped joining side edges 116 are provided. The straight edge extends beyond one end 128 of the high rib 119 to the first corner point 140. The first corner point 140 provides a transition from an axially parallel wall edge 116a to an inclined edge wall 116b that extends through an intermediate region of the sidewall 116. This structure allows for a slight relative movement along the connecting surface 116 and alleviates the concentration or localization of forces that form points of fatigue and weak structures. Furthermore, the sleeve 110 remains integral due to the strong engagement of the structures 118a, b.

  The inclined intermediate joint edge 116b transitions to the other axially straight edge 116c parallel to the first straight edge 116a at the second corner point 142 at the other end of the components 114a, b.

  Turning to FIG. 33, an assembled roller 200 comprising a cylindrical sleeve 210 having eight outer rib surface features 212 and an overmolded roller 230 is shown. The mating edges 214 of the opposing components 216, 218 include a sloped portion 220 having a sloped surface 222 at the axial end. The sloped surface is located in a plane parallel to the approach direction or angle of each of the opposing components 216, 218 just prior to engagement, or slightly offset by 1 ° -20 °, thereby providing a sloped surface. 222 is configured to slide and engage over a sloped surface with a resistive fit rather than a snap fit. This arrangement forms a catch that holds the half 216, 218 of the part together during the overmolding process, as long as the end of the sleeve prevents axial movement. This provides a resistive catch that does not have a “hard” snap mechanism.

  Joined by the structure of the sloped portion 220 when the sleeve 210 is under a load that causes distortion that impairs the “snap” design (when the mating portion must be bent or distorted to allow engagement). The halves 216, 218 can be moved. This embodiment eliminates the “click” sound that is characteristic of the sleeve under load when snap engagement is frequently disengaged and re-set when the load shifts and changes.

  Referring to FIGS. 34a-b, a basic sleeve structure 210a is illustrated, where the same component halves 216a, 218a are combined to form the sleeve 210a. This is demonstrated by showing that the component 216a can be rotated to face "as such", thereby representing opposing portions that are combined to form a cylindrical sleeve 216a. The sleeve 210a can be overmolded with a roller material to obtain a split sleeve 210a that does not split, separate, or fail even under pressure.

  In FIGS. 35a-35b, a more developed sleeve 210b is shown formed by joining two identical element halves 216b, 218b, which halves are joined surfaces at their respective ends. Each having a flat portion 224b adjacent to the end of the spiral seating surface 226b. The flat portion 224b is effective in resisting different rotations of the components 216b, 218b that cause the portions to move in the longitudinal direction relative to each other. The flat portion 224b further includes resistive engagement features 228b, 229b that temporarily hold the portions 216b, 218b together prior to overmolding the sleeve 210b with roller material.

  Figures 36a-36b show a more elaborate sleeve 210c overmolded with rollers 230c. The sleeve 210c is a longitudinal rib that provides strength, systematic movement of the roller material, and control of the roll thickness of the roller 230c material molded over the joined identical sleeve halves 216c, 218c. It has a contoured body featuring 232c.

  Referring now to FIGS. 37a-37b, a sleeve 210d is illustrated and used to provide a housing 210d when a series of split bearings 240d are required. The combined sleeve 210d comprises an inner annular sheet for the assembled bearing 240d. The sleeve 210d not only provides the housing, but also over-molds the roller material while maintaining the longitudinal strength, the means to maintain the bearings 240d properly axially spaced, and the split bearings 240d to each other. And means for providing.

  Throughout the specification and claims, the term “comprise” and its derivatives are intended to be rather than exclusive, unless explicitly stated to be contradictory or where the context requires. Intended for a comprehensive meaning. That is, the term “comprise” and its derivatives are only those listed components, steps or features that are directly referenced unless clearly stated to be contradictory or where context is not required. Rather, it is considered to include other elements, steps or features not specifically listed.

  In this specification, the terms “apparatus”, “means”, “device”, and “member” mean singular or plural items, A term intended to mean a set of properties, functions or features performed by one or more of the above parts or components. “Apparatus”, “means”, “device”, and “member” or similar terms are described as a single object, more than one component Functionally equivalent objects having the terms "apparatus", "means", "device", and "member" Is described as having multiple components, it is functionally equivalent but a single object, unless explicitly stated to be contradictory or where the context requires. It should also be appreciated that it is considered within the term.

  Oriented expressions used in the specification and claims, such as vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, top and bottom, should be construed as being interrelated and include components, items, , Based on the assumption that an apparatus, device or equipment is generally considered to be in a particular direction.

  Those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and variations can be made to the inventive methods described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The present invention can be described in terms of temporary claims that can assist a reader skilled in the art to understand various aspects and options of the invention. However, these temporary claims should not be construed as a statement defining the present invention. Other aspects, aspects, and preferred features of the invention described herein and embodiments thereof may be a complete international or national application (or a claim) that may claim rights from a provisional application with this specification (or It is to be understood that the following claims may ultimately be included in the claims that define the invention. In the text, the following non-limiting claims help to better describe the invention.

Claims (1)

In the tubular sleeve for mounting on the mounting portion of the axle,
The tubular sleeve is formed from a plurality of portions configured to be joined along at least one longitudinal edge to form the tubular sleeve;
The longitudinal edge comprises a first portion not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the axle;
The longitudinal edge comprises a second portion that is oblique to the first portion;
A tubular sleeve, wherein when compressed in a radial direction, a plurality of components engage with each other to form the tubular sleeve.

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