JPH10205544A - Clamp coupling for shaft - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily and quickly connect a shaft by providing a rotational lever for pressing a shaft inserting part by a pressing part at a specified rotational position and for elasticity contracting the shaft inserting part in collaboration with a fastening belt. SOLUTION: In a pressing part 42, an axis Q2 of the pressing part 42 is made eccentric from an axis Q1 of a supporting shaft 3 so that a projecting distance R1 between the center part of the outer peripheral and the axis Q1 of the supporting shaft 3 may be larger than a projecting distance R2 between a tip on the outer periphery and the axis Q1 of the supporting shaft 3. Elasticity is provided to a pressing part 42 of a rotational lever 4 so that a shaft inserting part 1 may be elastically pressed. Accordingly, an end S1 of a shaft S can be reliably fastened by contracting the shaft inserting part 1 by turning the rotational lever 4 after the end S1 of the shaft S is inserted into the shaft inserting part 1 in a state where the rotational lever 4 is erected and the shaft inserting part 1 of a clamp joint J is enlarged in dia.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a clamp joint for a shaft, and more particularly, to a clamp joint for a shaft which connects the shaft to a predetermined portion by inserting and tightening an end of the shaft.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a steering apparatus of an automobile, for example, in order to connect a steering shaft to a universal joint, a clamp joint is connected to a yoke supporting a cross shaft, and a steering shaft is inserted into a shaft insertion portion of the clamp joint. Inserting and tightening the end of the shaft has been performed. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a conventional clamp joint. In this clamp joint 100, an elastically contractible C-shaped shaft insertion portion 102 having an open side surface is continuously provided at a base end portion of the yoke 101, and a pair of opening edges on the side surface of the shaft insertion portion 102 are provided. The tongue pieces 103 and 104 are protruded in a state where they face each other.
a is formed, and the one tongue 103 is attached to the other tongue 104.
Screw hole 1 for screwing the tip of bolt 105 through which
04a. In addition, the shaft insertion portion 10
2 has an end 1 of the steering shaft 106 on the inner peripheral surface thereof.
Serrations 102a are formed which mesh with serrations formed at 06a.

According to the clamp joint 100, the end 10 of the steering shaft 106 is
In the state where the tongue piece 103 is inserted, the bolt 105 into which the tongue piece 103 is inserted is screwed into the screw hole 104a of the other tongue piece 104, whereby the diameter of the shaft insertion portion 102 can be reduced. End 1 of
06a can be tightened and connected to the clamp joint 100. At this time, the bolt 105
Is engaged with a circumferential groove 106b formed at an end portion 106a of the steering shaft 106 to reliably prevent the steering shaft 106 from being pulled out of the shaft insertion portion 102.

[0004]

According to the above-mentioned conventional clamp joint, it is necessary to screw a bolt into the tongue using a tool in order to tighten a shaft such as a steering shaft. There was a problem that many man-hours were required. In addition, when it is difficult to use a tool due to space, there is a problem that it is very difficult to connect the shafts. The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a shaft clamp joint that can easily and quickly connect shafts.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shaft clamp joint for connecting a shaft to a predetermined portion by inserting and tightening an end of the shaft. In the joint, the cylindrical shaft insertion portion divided elastically by a slit extending in the axial direction, the fastening belt wound around the shaft insertion portion, and the above-described state in which the axis is orthogonal to the shaft insertion direction. A support shaft attached to both ends of the fastening belt, and a pressing portion provided rotatably around the support shaft and eccentric with respect to the support shaft; And a rotating lever that presses the insertion portion and elastically contracts the shaft insertion portion in cooperation with the tightening belt.

According to this clamp joint for a shaft, the rotating lever is rotated to a predetermined position while the end of the shaft is inserted into the shaft inserting portion, so that the shaft inserting portion is pressed by the pressing portion of the rotating lever. With this pressing, the shaft insertion portion is elastically contracted in cooperation with the tightening belt, and the end of the shaft can be clamped by the shaft insertion portion.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shaft clamp joint for connecting the shaft to a predetermined portion by inserting an end of the shaft and tightening the shaft end. A shaft insertion portion for inserting the end of the shaft from the shaft, a support shaft provided between opening edges of the shaft insertion portion facing each other with the axis perpendicular to the shaft insertion direction, and a rotation around the support shaft. A rotating lever that is movably provided and has a pressing portion that is eccentric with respect to the support shaft, and that presses and engages the pressing portion with an engaging portion formed on the shaft at a predetermined rotating position. It is characterized by having.

According to this clamp joint for a shaft, the pressing portion of the rotating lever is formed on the shaft by rotating the rotating lever to a predetermined position while the end of the shaft is inserted into the shaft insertion portion. The end of the shaft can be clamped between the inner surface of the shaft insertion portion and the pressing portion, and the engagement between the pressing portion and the shaft can be performed. The engagement with the mating portion can reliably prevent the shaft from being pulled out of the shaft insertion portion.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a shaft clamp joint according to the second aspect, wherein both ends of the support shaft sandwich the opening edge of the shaft insertion portion.
When the supporting shaft is rotated together with the rotating lever so as to engage the pressing portion of the rotating lever with the engaging portion of the shaft at least at one end of the supporting shaft, the opening edges of the shaft inserting portions are brought closer to each other. And a tapered surface for tightening the end of the shaft.

According to this shaft clamp joint, when the support shaft is rotated together with the rotation lever so that the pressing portion of the rotation lever is engaged with the engagement portion of the shaft, the support shaft is formed on at least one end of the support shaft. The tapered surface allows the opening edges of the shaft insertion portion to approach each other, that is, elastically contracts the shaft insertion portion, thereby tightening the end of the shaft. For this reason, the end of the shaft can be firmly tightened by both the pressing operation of the pressing portion of the rotating lever and the pressing operation accompanying the elastic contraction of the shaft insertion portion.

[0011] In the clamp joint for a shaft according to the second aspect, it is preferable that the support shaft is locked in a locking groove formed in a shaft insertion portion. This can be attached to the shaft insertion portion only by engaging the engagement groove formed in the insertion portion.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shaft clamp joint for connecting the shaft to a predetermined portion by inserting an end of the shaft and tightening the shaft end. A shaft insertion portion into which the end is inserted, a support shaft attached to the shaft insertion portion with the axis perpendicular to the shaft insertion direction, and a predetermined rotation A rotation lever that is locked to the locking portion of the shaft insertion portion at the position, and an engagement formed on the shaft provided on the rotation lever, the rotation lever being locked to the shaft insertion portion. And an engaging member that is pressed against and engaged with the portion.

According to this clamp joint for a shaft, with the end of the shaft inserted into the shaft insertion portion, the rotating lever is rotated around the support shaft to lock the shaft on the locking portion of the shaft insertion portion. By doing so, the rotation of the rotation lever can be restricted,
In this state, the engaging member provided on the rotating lever is
It is possible to engage the engaging portion while pressing the engaging portion formed on the shaft. Therefore, the end of the shaft can be clamped by the pressing action of the engagement member, and the engagement of the engagement member with the engagement portion of the shaft ensures that the shaft is removed from the shaft insertion portion. Can be prevented.

In the clamp joint for a shaft according to the fifth aspect, it is preferable that the engaging member is a leaf spring. In this case, when an error occurs in a relative position between the shaft insertion portion and the rotating lever. However, the end of the shaft can be clamped while the engaging portion of the shaft is securely pressed by the leaf spring.

In the clamp joint for a shaft according to the fifth aspect, it is preferable that the rotating lever has a locked portion that resiliently locks to a locking portion of the shaft insertion portion. By simply rotating the rotating lever to a predetermined rotating position, the locked portion of the rotating lever can be locked to the locking portion of the shaft insertion portion. Therefore, an operation for locking the rotating lever to the shaft insertion portion is not required.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a shaft clamp joint according to the present invention. In this shaft clamp joint J, a yoke Y is integrally formed at one end of a shaft insertion portion 1 into which a shaft S such as a steering shaft is inserted. The shaft insertion part 1 is
It has a cylindrical shape which is divided elastically by a plurality of slits 11 extending in the axial direction, and its base end is continuous without being divided by the slits 11. The shaft insertion portion 1 is for inserting the end S1 of the shaft S from the opening end 12 side thereof, and has an inner diameter set so that the end S1 of the shaft S can be clearance-fitted in a free state. I have. In addition, a shaft S
Serrations 1a are formed to mesh with the serrations formed at the end S1.

A fastening belt 2 made of metal and having a substantially C-shaped cross section is wound around the shaft insertion portion 1. An axial line extends between both ends 21 of the fastening belt 2.
The support shaft 3 is installed in a state perpendicular to the insertion direction of the support shaft 3. The support shaft 3 is rotatably fitted into shaft holes provided at both ends 21 of the fastening belt 2.

A rotary lever 4 for elastically contracting the shaft insertion portion 1 in cooperation with the tightening belt 2 is attached to the support shaft 3. The rotating lever 4 is formed by press-forming a band-shaped metal plate, and a substantially semi-cylindrical pressing member interposed between the support shaft 3 and the shaft insertion portion 1 is provided at the tip of a linear operating portion 41. A part 42 is formed. This pressing portion 42
The inner peripheral surface of the tip is welded to the support shaft 3.
That is, the pressing portion 42 has a projection distance R1 between the central portion of the outer periphery thereof and the axis Q1 of the support shaft 3, and a projection distance R2 between the distal end portion of the outer periphery thereof and the axis Q1 of the support shaft 3. The axis Q2 of the pressing portion 42 is eccentric with respect to the axis Q1 of the support shaft 3 (see FIG. 2). The amount of eccentricity of the pressing portion 42 is determined in a state where the rotating lever 4 is folded down, that is, in a state where the rotating lever 4 is rotated so that the operation portion 41 is substantially parallel to the shaft insertion portion 1. (Refer to the solid line in FIG. 2), the end S1 of the shaft S inserted into the shaft insertion portion 1 can be securely tightened, and the turning lever 4 is raised, that is, the turning lever 4 is moved to its operating portion. The shaft insertion portion 1 is set to be maintained in a free state in a state where the shaft insertion portion 1 is rotated so as to be substantially orthogonal to the axis of the shaft insertion portion 1 (see a two-dot chain line in FIG. 2). At least the pressing portion 42 of the rotating lever 4 has elasticity so that the shaft insertion portion 1 can be elastically pressed.

With the above configuration, the end S1 of the shaft S is inserted into the shaft insertion portion 1 in a state where the diameter of the shaft insertion portion 1 of the clamp joint J is increased by erecting the rotating lever 4, and then, By lowering the rotation lever 4, the diameter of the shaft insertion portion 1 can be reduced, and the end S1 of the shaft S can be securely tightened. Therefore, the shaft S can be connected to the clamp joint J with one touch without using a tool. Rotating lever 4
As shown in FIG. 3, the pressing portion 42 may be formed so that the thickness gradually decreases from the base end on the operating portion 41 side to the distal end. In this case, the pressing portion 42 Just by engaging with the support shaft 3, the pressing portion 42 can be rotatably arranged in a state of being eccentric with respect to the support shaft 3.
This eliminates the need for welding the rotating lever 4 to the support shaft 3.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing another embodiment of the clamp joint J. The clamp joint J shown in FIG.
The end S1 is for connecting a shaft S having a substantially trapezoidal cross section. In this embodiment, the shaft insertion portion 1
It is formed in a substantially C-shaped cross-section having an opening 14 on one side, and has an end S
A substantially trapezoidal hollow portion 15 into which the device 1 can be inserted with a gap is formed.

A support shaft 3 for supporting the rotating lever 4 is provided between the opening edge portions 14a of the shaft insertion portion 1 facing each other with the axis line of the support shaft 3 orthogonal to the insertion direction of the shaft S. ing. The support shaft 3 is locked in a locking groove 16 formed in the opening edge 14a. This locking groove 16
It has a spindle introduction part 16a extending from the tip of the opening edge part 14a to the hollow part 15 side, and a spindle locking part 16b that is continuous with the inner part of the spindle introduction part 16a. Thus, the spindle 3 can be easily attached to the shaft insertion section 1 simply by introducing the spindle 3 into the spindle locking section 16b through the spindle introduction section 16a.

At both ends of the support shaft 3, enlarged diameter portions 31 for holding the opening edge 14a of the shaft insertion portion 1 in a state where the support shaft 3 is locked in the locking groove 16 are formed. An opening of the shaft insertion portion 1 is formed on the contact surface of the enlarged diameter portion 31 with at least one of the shaft insertion portions 1 in accordance with the turning operation of the turning lever 4 welded to the support shaft 3. A tapered surface 32 is formed to bring the edges 14a closer together and tighten the end S1 of the shaft S. The shape and mounting form of the rotating lever 4 mounted on the support shaft 3 are exactly the same as those shown in FIG. A concave portion S2 is formed on the side surface of the end portion S1 of the shaft S as an engaging portion with which the pressing portion 42 of the rotating lever 4 engages.

According to this embodiment, the shaft S is inserted into the shaft insertion portion 1 of the clamp joint J with the rotating lever 4 standing upright.
After the end portion S1 of the shaft S is inserted, the pressing portion 42 of the rotating lever 4 is lowered by lowering the rotating lever 4 so that the concave portion S of the shaft S is formed.
2 and an end S of the shaft S between the inner surface of the hollow portion 15 of the shaft insertion portion 1 and the pressing portion 42.
1 can be sandwiched and tightened. The opening edges 14a of the shaft insertion portion 1 are gradually approached by the tapered surface 32 of the end of the support shaft 3 in conjunction with the falling operation of the rotating lever 4, and finally the shaft insertion portion 1 The end S1 of the shaft S can also be tightened from above and below in FIG. Therefore, the end of the shaft S can be securely connected without rattling in a state where removal is restricted.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing still another embodiment of the clamp joint J. The clamp joint J shown in the figure is for connecting an axis S having a flat end portion S1 and having arcuate surfaces on both sides. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the shaft insertion portion 1 has an opening 1 on one side.
4 is formed in a substantially C shape. The end S1 of the shaft S can be introduced into the shaft insertion portion 1 with a gap in its free state.

A support shaft 3 for supporting the rotating lever 4 is provided between the opposed opening edges 14a of the shaft insertion portion 1 with its axis orthogonal to the insertion direction of the shaft S. ing. The turning lever 4 is formed by projecting a pair of legs 4b to be fitted to the support shaft 3 on a base 4a having a U-shaped cross section, and a turning lever is provided on the inner surface of the base 4a. A leaf spring 44 is provided as an engaging member that engages with the concave portion (engaging portion) S2 of the shaft S in a state in which the shaft 4 is turned in the direction of the arrow X and along the shaft insertion portion 1 (downward state). ing. The base end of the leaf spring 44 is sandwiched by the turning front end of the base 4a. On the inner side surface of the base 4a, the turning lever 4 is resiliently locked in a recessed portion 17 as a locking portion of the shaft insertion portion 1 in a state where the turning lever 4 is turned down.
A hemispherical convex portion 45 is provided as a locked portion that restricts the shaft from being separated from the shaft insertion portion 1.

According to this embodiment, the shaft S is inserted into the shaft insertion portion 1 of the clamp joint J while the rotating lever 4 is in the upright position.
After the end S1 of the rotary lever 4 is inserted, the leaf spring 44 of the rotary lever 4
2 and the leaf spring 44 and the shaft insertion portion 1
The end S1 of the shaft S can be clamped in between (see FIG. 6). Therefore, the shaft S can be connected to the clamp joint J with one touch without using a tool. Further, the engagement of the leaf spring 44 with the concave portion S2 of the shaft S can reliably prevent the shaft S from being pulled out of the shaft insertion portion 1. In particular, in the above embodiment, the axis S
The leaf spring 44 is employed as an engaging member for engaging with the concave portion S2 of the shaft, so that even if an error occurs in the assembly position between the shaft insertion portion 1 and the rotating lever 4, the shaft spring S can be used by the leaf spring 44. Can be reliably pressed to prevent the shaft S from rattling inside the shaft insertion portion 1. In addition, the convex portion 45 of the rotary lever 4 can be resiliently locked to the concave portion 17 of the shaft insertion portion 1 only by turning the rotary lever 4 down. No special operation for locking is required, and the shaft S can be connected more easily. Instead of the leaf spring 44, a protrusion formed on the base 4a itself may be engaged with the recess S2 of the shaft S. Further, the locking portion of the shaft insertion portion 1 may be constituted by a through hole instead of the concave portion 17, and the locking portion of the shaft insertion portion 1 may be formed by a convex portion.
The locked portion of the rotating lever 4 may be formed by a concave portion or a through hole.

[0027]

As described above, according to the shaft clamp joint according to the first aspect, the end of the shaft can be clamped by the shaft insertion portion only by rotating the rotating lever about the support shaft. As a result, man-hours for connecting the shafts can be reduced. In addition, even when it is difficult to use a tool due to space limitations, it is possible to easily connect the shafts.

According to the clamp joint for a shaft according to the second aspect, the end of the shaft can be clamped by the shaft insertion portion only by rotating the rotating lever about the support shaft.
The man-hour for connecting the shafts can be reduced, and the connecting work of the shafts can be easily performed even when it is difficult to use a tool due to space. Further, since the pressing portion of the rotating lever can be engaged with the engaging portion formed on the shaft, it is possible to reliably prevent the shaft from being pulled out of the shaft insertion portion.

According to the clamp joint for a shaft according to the third aspect, the shaft insertion portion can be elastically contracted in parallel with the operation of engaging the pressing portion of the rotating lever with the engaging portion of the shaft. Both the pressing action of the pressing portion of the rotating lever and the pressing action accompanying the elastic contraction of the shaft insertion portion provide a unique effect that the end of the shaft can be firmly tightened.

According to the clamp joint for a shaft according to the fourth aspect, since the support shaft is locked in the locking groove formed in the shaft insertion portion, it can be attached to the shaft insertion portion. The support shaft can be easily and quickly attached to the shaft insertion portion.

According to the shaft clamp joint according to the fifth aspect, the end of the shaft can be clamped by the shaft insertion portion only by rotating the rotating lever about the support shaft.
The man-hour for connecting the shafts can be reduced, and the connecting work of the shafts can be easily performed even when it is difficult to use a tool due to space. Further, since the pressing portion of the rotating lever can be engaged with the engaging portion formed on the shaft, it is possible to reliably prevent the shaft from being pulled out of the shaft insertion portion.

According to the clamp joint for a shaft according to the sixth aspect, even when an error occurs in the relative position between the shaft insertion portion and the rotating lever, the engaging portion of the shaft is reliably pressed by the leaf spring. In addition, it is possible to prevent the shaft from rattling inside the shaft insertion portion.

According to the clamp joint for a shaft according to the seventh aspect, the locked portion of the rotating lever can be moved relative to the locking portion of the shaft insertion portion only by rotating the rotating lever to a predetermined rotating position. Since the locking lever can be resiliently locked, the operation for locking the rotating lever to the shaft insertion portion becomes unnecessary, and the shaft can be more easily connected.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a clamp joint of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a rotating lever.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the rotating lever.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing another embodiment of the clamp joint of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of the clamp joint of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing an engagement state between a shaft and a leaf spring.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 shaft insertion portion 11 slit 13a opening edge 14 opening 2 fastening belt 3 support shaft 32 tapered surface 4 rotating lever 42 pressing portion 44 leaf spring (engaging member) 45 convex portion (locked portion) S axis S1 axis End S2 Shaft recess (engagement part) J Clamp joint

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A shaft clamping joint for connecting a shaft to a predetermined portion by inserting and tightening an end of the shaft, wherein a cylindrical shaft insertion portion divided elastically contractible by a slit extending in an axial direction. A tightening belt wound around the shaft insertion portion, a support shaft attached to both ends of the tightening belt with the axis perpendicular to the shaft insertion direction, and a rotatably provided around the support shaft. A pressing portion that is eccentric with respect to the support shaft, and presses the shaft insertion portion by the pressing portion at a predetermined rotation position to elastically contract the shaft insertion portion in cooperation with the tightening belt. A clamp joint for a shaft, comprising: a rotating lever. 2. A shaft clamp joint for connecting an end of a shaft to a predetermined portion by inserting and tightening the end of the shaft, wherein the shaft has an opening on a side surface and the end of the shaft is inserted from the end surface side. An insertion portion; a support shaft provided between opening edges of the shaft insertion portion facing each other with the axis perpendicular to the shaft insertion direction; and a support shaft rotatably provided around the support shaft. A rotating lever having a pressing portion that is eccentric to the shaft, and a rotating lever that presses and engages the pressing portion with an engaging portion formed on a shaft at a predetermined rotating position. Fittings. 3. An end of the support shaft sandwiching an opening edge of a shaft insertion portion, and a pressing portion of a rotating lever is engaged with at least one end of the support shaft with an engagement portion of the shaft. The clamp joint for a shaft according to claim 2, wherein when the support shaft is rotated together with the rotation lever, the opening edges of the shaft insertion portion are brought closer to each other to form a tapered surface that tightens the end of the shaft. 4. A clamp joint for a shaft according to claim 2, wherein said support shaft is locked in a locking groove formed in said shaft insertion portion. 5. A shaft clamp joint for connecting the shaft to a predetermined portion by inserting and tightening the end of the shaft, wherein a shaft insertion portion having an opening on a side surface for inserting the end of the shaft. A support shaft attached to the shaft insertion portion in a state where the axis is perpendicular to the shaft insertion direction; and a rotatable around the support shaft, and a locking portion of the shaft insertion portion at a predetermined rotation position. A pivot lever provided on the pivot lever, the pivot lever being engaged with the engaging portion formed on the shaft in a state where the pivot lever is engaged with the shaft insertion portion. A clamp joint for a shaft, comprising: 6. A clamp joint for a shaft according to claim 5, wherein said engaging member is a leaf spring. 7. A clamp joint for a shaft according to claim 5, wherein said rotating lever has a locked portion which resiliently locks with a locking portion of said shaft insertion portion.