JPS6313912A - Spherical slide type coupling device and its manufacture - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain excellent sliding performance by covering a ball part with a compound slidable contact member having a sliding member layer on its inside and an elastic rubber layer on the outside of said sliding member layer, and forming a resin socket part on the outside of the ball part. CONSTITUTION:A synthetic resin rod 10 serving as a socket member is an H-shape in its main body section, and its one end part forms a socket part 14 having a spherical recess surface 12. On the other hand, a ball fitting 16 fixed in one body with other members coupled with the rod 10 forms a ball part 18 having a spherical periphery corresponding to the spherical recess 12 on its tip. In addition to that, a slidable contact body 20 lies between the spherical recess 12 and the ball part 18, and said body 20 which is formed in one body with a cylinder-shaped rubber seat 24 arranged on the side periphery of a sliding cloth 22 except its bottom part on its periphery can hold the ball part 18 slidably against the sliding cloth 22 because the periphery of said rubber seat 24 is fixed to the spherical recess 12.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Technical Field) The present invention relates to a spherical sliding joint device and a method for manufacturing the same, and in particular to a spherical sliding joint device that can be suitably used for pillow ball bushes, rods with ball joints, etc. in vehicle suspensions. The present invention relates to a sliding joint device and its manufacturing method.

(Prior art) In recent years, as a type of joint device used in vehicle suspensions, etc., a ball part at the tip of a ball fitting is accommodated and held in a socket part of a socket member, and a spherical sliding mechanism is used between the ball fitting and the socket member. A spherical sliding joint device has been considered in which a member attached to the ball fitting is connected to a socket member in a spherical sliding manner by causing the ball fitting to move.

For example, in the arms, links, rods, etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as lofts) that make up the suspension of an automobile, the above-mentioned method is used to connect these rods to a predetermined support member so that they can slide spherically. spherical sliding mechanism (
A structure in which a ball joint mechanism (ball joint mechanism) is provided at one end or both ends is being considered.

By the way, in such a spherical sliding joint device,
Usually, socket members such as lofts to be connected with such a joint device are formed of a metallic material such as iron,
In order to enhance the spherical sliding effect, for example,
As shown in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 312 and Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 57-51816, a sliding member made of a predetermined resin material is provided on the inner surface of the socket portion of the socket member, and the outer surface of the ball portion of the ball fitting is attached to the sliding member. It has a structure in which it is held by a socket member via a moving member.

On the other hand, rods used in vehicle suspension etc.
In order to reduce the weight of vehicles and improve their corrosion resistance, it is being considered to switch from conventional metal products to resin products. If the rods are made of resin in this way, it is possible to reduce the weight of the vehicle and improve corrosion resistance, as well as improve the elasticity of the rods due to the vibration damping properties of the resin, which has a vibration suppressing effect. We can also expect
Furthermore, since it becomes possible to insert the ball part into the socket part at the same time as rod forming, it is expected that productivity will be improved.

(Problems) However, when using resin for such a loft (socket member), there are major problems inherent in the structure of the joint device, as described below. This could not be achieved by simply forming the socket member from a synthetic resin material with the same structure as the conventional one.

That is, when obtaining a joint device in which the socket member is made of resin as described above, for example, the ball part of the ball fitting is set in a predetermined position in a mold for injection molding the socket member, and then The socket member is formed by injecting a predetermined resin material into a mold, but the shrinkage of the resin material during solidification creates surface pressure on the outer peripheral surface of the ball part. The sliding function of such a joint will be significantly impaired.

In addition, even in a joint device in which the socket member is made of resin, wear of the sliding member interposed between the two members may occur in the spherical sliding portion that holds the ball portion of the ball fitting. Local stress concentration is induced in the sliding member, which tends to cause creep, and such leap or wear causes looseness in the joint, which poses a problem in its durability.

(Solution Means) Here, the present invention has been made against the background of the above-mentioned circumstances, and the socket member is formed of a resin material, has an excellent sliding function and durability, and is easy to manufacture. An object of the present invention is to provide an easy-to-use spherical sliding joint device and a suitable manufacturing method thereof.

In order to achieve this object, the present invention includes a ball part at the tip of a ball fitting that is housed and held in a socket part of a socket member, and a spherical sliding movement between the ball fitting and the socket member. In the spherical sliding joint device, the ball portion of the ball fitting is formed with a sliding material layer on the inside in contact with the ball portion and a rubber elastic layer of a predetermined thickness on the outside thereof. The socket member is covered with an integral elastic composite sliding body, and at least a socket portion of the socket member is formed on the outside of the composite sliding body by injection molding of a predetermined resin. It is something to do.

Further, in the present invention, when manufacturing a spherical sliding joint device having the above-described structure, (a) molding a rubber elastic material in the presence of a sliding sheet containing a predetermined sliding material;
An elastic composite shaped to cover the ball portion of the ball fitting, including a sliding material layer made of the sliding sheet on the inside in contact with the ball portion, and a rubber elastic layer of a predetermined thickness on the outside thereof. (b) After setting the composite sliding body into a predetermined injection mold with the ball part of the ball fitting covered with the composite sliding body, Another feature of the method is that it includes a step of injecting a predetermined resin to the outside and injection molding at least the socket portion of the socket member.

(Effects of the Invention) In the spherical sliding joint device according to the present invention, as described above, the surface against the outer peripheral surface of the ball portion is caused by the contraction of the resin after injection molding of the socket member. The pressure can be effectively absorbed by the rubber elastic layer of the elastic composite sliding contact body interposed between the socket part and the ball part, and therefore the sliding function due to such surface pressure is reduced. This prevents the inhibition of the sliding properties and allows good sliding performance to be exhibited.

In addition, in such a joint device, the force that acts between the two members during sliding is dispersed and alleviated by the rubber elastic layer, thereby preventing local stress concentration in the spherical sliding portion. Since it is prevented, the occurrence of creep can be effectively prevented, and even if such creep occurs or wear occurs on such spherical sliding parts,
Since backlash can be absorbed by the rubber elastic layer of such an elastic composite sliding contact body, its performance and durability can be extremely effectively improved.

Therefore, according to the spherical sliding joint device having the structure according to the present invention, the socket member in which the socket portion is formed can be made of synthetic resin material,
Therefore, it is lighter in weight than conventional metal ones.
Furthermore, there is no possibility that mechanical strength will be reduced due to corrosion. Furthermore, since it has superior vibration damping properties compared to metal ones, it is also advantageous in suppressing vibrations.

In addition, in such a joint device, since the joint mechanism can be completed at the same time as molding the socket part, compared to simply replacing the metal socket member with synthetic resin,
The number of manufacturing steps can be significantly increased, thereby making it possible to further reduce manufacturing costs.

(Examples) Hereinafter, in order to clarify the present invention more specifically, some examples of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

First, FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the main parts of a spherical sliding joint device constructed according to the present invention. In this figure, reference numeral 10 denotes a synthetic resin rod serving as a socket member, the main body of which has a substantially H-shaped cross section, and includes a socket portion 14 having a spherical concave surface 12 at one end thereof. The rod 10 is formed by injection molding as described below.

On the other hand, 16 is a ball fitting that is integrally attached to another member to which the rod 10 is to be connected.
A ball portion 18 having a spherical outer peripheral surface substantially corresponding to the ball portion 18 is integrally formed.

By housing and holding the ball portion 18 in the socket portion 14, these rods 1
0 and the ball fitting 16 are connected in a spherically slidable manner.

Furthermore, a sliding member 20 is interposed between the spherical concave surface 12 of the socket portion 14 of these rods 10 and the ball portion 18 of the ball fitting 16 accommodated therein. This sliding body 20 includes a sliding cloth 22 arranged so as to cover the entire surface of the outer circumferential surface of the ball portion 18 housed in the socket portion 14, and a bottom portion of the outer peripheral surface of the sliding cloth 22. A substantially cylindrical rubber sheet 2 arranged on the side peripheral surface except for
4 is integrally constructed.

The sliding member 20 is fixed to the spherical concave surface 12 of the socket portion 14 on the outer peripheral surface of the rubber sheet 24, so that the ball portion 18 of the ball fitting 16
is held slidably relative to the sliding cloth 22.

Incidentally, such a spherical sliding joint device is suitably manufactured according to the method described below.

That is, when manufacturing such a joint device, first, the sliding cloth 22 formed into a cylindrical shape with a diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the ball portion 18 of the ball fitting 16 by sewing or the like is set in a predetermined rubber mold. By injecting a rubber material and molding the rubber sheet 24 in the state, the rubber sheet 24 is integrally fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the sliding cloth 22 except for a predetermined width portion on one end side in the axial direction. A cylindrical sliding member 20 as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 3 is formed. Then, a plurality of notches 26 extending in the axial direction are provided in the portion of the sliding cloth 22 of the sliding contact body 20 that protrudes from the rubber sheet 24, and these protruding portions are overlapped and sewn or bonded. As a result, the sliding cloth 22 is formed into a spherical shape that substantially follows the outer peripheral surface of the ball portion 18 of the ball fitting 16.

In addition, as such a sliding cloth 22, any fabric woven using threads made of fluororesin fibers or low-friction fibers such as nylon or polyester resin fibers can be adopted, but in particular, In this embodiment, in order to improve the adhesion to the rubber sheet 24, the threads made of such low-friction fibers are used on the inside, and the threads are made of fibers that exhibit good adhesion to rubber materials such as cotton threads. It is preferable to use a yarn that is woven on the outside. Further, as the rubber material forming the rubber sheet 24, NR
,, SBR, NBR, EPDM, urethane rubber or T
Any PR etc. can be selected and adopted according to the conditions of use. Further, the thickness of the rubber sheet 24 will be appropriately determined depending on the load and sliding torque applied to the joint device as a product, but it is usually about 1 to 3 fins thick. It will be formed with. In addition, the sliding cloth 22 and the rubber sheet 24 may have various shapes, such as a cylindrical shape as shown in the example, a polygonal cylindrical shape, or a substantially hemispherical shape. may also be adopted as appropriate.

Then, with the sliding contact body 20 covering the outer peripheral surface of the ball portion 18 of the ball fitting 16, the ball fitting 16 is
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a positioning jig 31 is used to set the loft 10 in a predetermined mold 28, 30 for injection molding. In addition, as is clear from these figures, the sliding contact body 2 in this example
0, the sliding cloth 22 is formed with a size that can cover the entire outer circumferential surface of the ball part 18 to be accommodated in the socket part 14, and the rubber sheet 24 is It is formed with a width that can cover the entire outer circumferential surface of the ball portion 18 .

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6, a predetermined resin material 3 is poured into the injection mold 28.30.
By injecting 2 and molding the loft 10, the intended spherical sliding joint device is formed.

That is, as the resin material 32 is injection molded, the heat of the injected resin 32 causes the rubber sheet 2 of the sliding member 20 to
4 and the resin of the rod 10 are bonded, and at the same time, the injection pressure of the resin 32 causes the rubber sheet 24 of the sliding contact body 20 to be bonded.
A squeezing action is applied to the joint, thereby making the connection more secure, and thereby the ball part 18 can be accommodated and held in the socket part 14 at the same time as the injection molding. It will be done.

Here, the resin material 32 constituting the rod 10 may be a thermoplastic resin such as nylon or acetal, or a thermoplastic resin such as epoxy or phenol, depending on the usage conditions of the coupling device and the magnitude of the applied load. Although it is possible to use any material such as curable resin, in this example, in order to ensure mechanical strength, in particular, thermoplastic resin and thermosetting resin were used. A resin containing a reinforcing material whose strength is improved by adding glass fiber, carbon fiber, whiskers, etc. is preferably used.

By the way, in the spherical sliding joint device having such a structure, the outer periphery of the ball part 18 of the ball fitting 16 is caused by the injection pressure of the resin material 32 and by the shrinkage of the resin material 32 during solidification. Surface pressure will be generated between the surface and the inner peripheral surface of the sliding body 20, but this surface pressure is released by the elasticity of the rubber sheet 24 itself and its elastic deformation on both sides in the surface direction, and the pressure is reduced. Therefore, the sliding function is not inhibited by such surface pressure, and a joint device having a good spherical sliding function can be obtained.

Incidentally, the initial tear characteristics (
The sliding properties) were measured, and the values are shown in FIG. 7 together with comparative examples. In addition, in this figure, the rod (10)
The horizontal axis is the rotation angle around the axis of the ball fitting (16) between the ball fitting (16), and the vertical axis is the torque required to rotate the ball fitting 16 by a predetermined angle. This is a graph. Comparative examples include a conventional structure in which the rod is made of metal and a sliding resin layer coated with grease on the inner surface is interposed between the ball fitting and a rod made of resin. However, there is a structure in which the outer peripheral surface of the metal ball is directly held by an injected resin body via a sliding resin layer without providing a sliding contact body (20) having a rubber elastic layer.
Shown as Comparative Examples 1 and 2, respectively.

In other words, as is clear from FIG. 7, in the case where a sliding member having a rubber elastic body is not provided, the sliding resistance is extremely large, and it cannot be said that the sliding member has good sliding characteristics. , and even with conventional structures,
Although a change in sliding resistance is observed, it is understood that the joint device in this example can exhibit uniform and good sliding performance over the entire range of inclination angles between members. Ru. In addition, in the spherical sliding joint device of Comparative Example 1, which has a conventional structure, due to long-term use, play may occur between the ball and the rod due to a decrease in the enclosed grease or abrasion of the sliding resin layer. It is recognized that this occurs and its sliding properties are impaired. From this, the excellent sliding performance of the device in this example can be easily understood in this figure.

Therefore, the spherical sliding joint device having the above-mentioned structure has good sliding performance, and the rod 10 on which the socket portion 14 is formed can be made of a synthetic resin material. Not only can the weight of the member be reduced and the corrosion resistance be improved effectively, but also the elasticity is improved, which is extremely advantageous in suppressing vibration.

In addition, in such a joint device, a certain amount of surface pressure remains between the sliding contact body 20 and the ball fitting I6, and this residual surface pressure causes joint damage due to wear of the sliding cloth 22, etc. The looseness of the parts can be effectively removed, muddy water, dust, etc. can be effectively prevented from entering between the sliding surfaces, and the deterioration of the function can be effectively prevented.

Furthermore, in such a joint device, the rubber sheet 24 disposed between the rod 10 and the ball fitting 16 can provide the joint with a vibration-proofing function. As a result, the force acting between these two members is dispersed, so that local concentration of stress can be alleviated, and thereby the occurrence of creep in the sliding member 20, which is a sliding member, can be effectively prevented. .

Further, the spherical concave surface 1 of the socket portion 14 in the rod 10
2. A sliding body 20 is disposed on the inner peripheral surface, and the ball portion 18 of the ball fitting 16 is held via the sliding body 20, so that the rod 10 is formed. When a fiber-reinforced resin such as glass fiber-reinforced resin is used as the resin material 32, the fibers present in the resin material 32 do not damage the outer peripheral surface of the ball portion 18 and have good sliding performance. It also has the advantage of being able to enjoy the effects of using resin.

Furthermore, in such a joint device, the resin material 32
Since the rubber sheet 24 absorbs and removes the surface pressure on the ball portion 18 due to contraction during solidification, a member such as a lace fitting is required to prevent the resin material 32 from shrinking inward. Moreover, since the joint mechanism can be completed at the same time as the rod 10 is formed, there is no need for post-processing such as caulking or drawing that is required when using a metal rod. The number of manufacturing steps can be significantly improved, thereby making it possible to effectively reduce manufacturing costs.

Furthermore, in the joint device of this embodiment, since the sliding member 20 is formed together with the molding of the rubber sheet 24, it is difficult to adhere the sliding cloth 22 to the inner surface of the rubber sheet 24. This allows a step to be omitted and the manufacturing process to be further simplified. Of course, the sliding body 20 used in such a joint device can be made by bonding a separately formed rubber sheet 24 to the sliding cloth 22 using an adhesive or the like, in addition to the method shown in the example. Of course, it is something that can be obtained.

Next, FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of a spherical sliding joint device having a structure according to the present invention. In the following embodiments, members having the same structure as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations will be omitted.

As is clear from the figure, the joint device in this example is
This embodiment has a dust cover 34 added to the sliding portion of the first embodiment. That is, in this embodiment, the dust cover 34 that covers the base of the ball portion 18 of the ball fitting 16 is formed integrally with the substantially hemispherical rubber sheet 24 that constitutes the sliding contact body 20. A lubricant 36 such as grease to be supplied between the sliding body 20 and the ball portion 18 is sealed inside the dust cover 34 .

Therefore, in a joint device having such a structure,
The dust cover 34 is integrally molded at the same time as the rubber sheet 24, and the sliding body 20 including the dust cover 34 is attached to the ball fitting 16, with the lubricant 36 sealed between them. By setting the rod 10 in a mold and injecting a predetermined resin material, it is possible to attach the dust cover 34 at the same time as the injection molding.

As a result, a joint device equipped with the dust cover 34 can be obtained extremely easily, and in such a joint device, entry of muddy water, dust, etc. between the sliding surfaces is even more effectively prevented. At the same time, the sliding performance can be effectively improved by the lubricant 36 sealed inside the lubricant 36. In this embodiment, a case is shown in which the dust cover 34 is formed integrally with the rubber sheet 24, and thereby the excellent effects as described above can be achieved.
Of course, it is also possible to form it separately from the rubber sheet 24 and attach it thereto.

Furthermore, FIGS. 9 and 10 each show another embodiment of a spherical sliding joint device constructed according to the present invention. As is clear from the figures, in these embodiments, a reinforcing metal fitting 38 is embedded in the socket portion 14 of the joint device of the first and second embodiments, respectively. , has been added.

This reinforcing metal fitting 38 is embedded in the socket portion 14 of the rod 10, and is formed to have an outer shape such as a cylindrical shape or a polygonal prism shape, and can be integrally fixed to the resin material forming the rod 10 around the reinforcing metal fitting 38. There is. Further, the reinforcing fitting 38 is provided with a spherical holding concave surface 40 that corresponds to the ball portion 18 of the ball fitting 16, and inside the reinforcing fitting 38, the ball portion 18 is spaced a predetermined distance from the inner peripheral surface of the holding concave surface 40. It is designed so that it can be positioned.

Further, the peripheral wall of the reinforcing metal fitting 38 has such a holding concave surface 4.
A plurality of communication holes 42 are provided to communicate the inner space with the outside, and the resin material forming the socket part 14 of the rod 10 is connected to the holding concave surface 40 through these communication holes 42.
It is designed to be ejected into the inner space.

Then, the ball fitting 16 whose outer circumferential surface of the ball portion 16 is covered is attached to the reinforcing fitting 38 by the substantially hemispherical sliding body 20 having the sliding cloth 22 integrally disposed on the inner circumferential surface. While housed in the holding concave surface 40, they are attached to the rod 10.
The intended joint device is formed by setting the mold in a mold for injection molding and injecting a predetermined resin material. In addition, the resin material injected into the mold in this manner passes through the communication hole 42 provided in the reinforcing fitting 38 to the holding concave surface 40 of the reinforcing fitting 38 and the ball portion 18.
As a result, the sliding contact body 20 is fixed, and injection pressure is applied to the sliding contact body 20, so that the ball fitting 16 in the socket portion 14 is injected. It will be contained and preserved.

Therefore, in the coupling devices as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the socket portion 14 of the rod 10 is
The strength of the members can be effectively improved,
Therefore, even if the force acting between the two members to be connected in such a joint device is relatively large, the joint device having the structure according to the present invention, in which the main body of the rod IO is formed of a resin material, is suitable. This makes it possible to effectively enjoy the various effects of the present invention as described above.

Although several embodiments having a structure according to the present invention have been described in detail above, these are literal illustrations, and the present invention should not be construed as being limited only to these specific examples. .

For example, the spherical sliding joint device according to the present invention is applied to such members between members to be connected in a spherical sliding manner, and the socket portion 14 and the ball portion 18 are formed. Various shapes can be adopted as the rod 10 and the ball fitting 16.

In addition, although not listed, the present invention can be implemented in embodiments with various changes, improvements, modifications, etc. added based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, and such embodiments are the same as the present invention. It goes without saying that any of these are included within the scope of the present invention as long as they do not depart from the spirit of the invention.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an embodiment of a spherical sliding joint device constructed according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a sliding body used in manufacturing such a joint device. Yes, and Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along ■-■ in Figure 2.
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing one manufacturing process of a joint device in which a sliding body and a ball fitting are placed in a rod molding die, and FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line V-V in FIG. 4. 6th
The figure is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the resin material injected into the mold shown in Fig. 4, and Fig. 7 compares the torsional characteristics of the joint device shown in Fig. 1. Figure 2 is a graph shown with examples. Moreover, FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of a joint device having a structure according to the present invention. Furthermore,
9 and 10 are longitudinal sectional views corresponding to FIGS. 1 and 8, respectively, showing still another embodiment of a joint device constructed according to the present invention. lO: Rod (socket member) 14: Socket part 16: Ball fitting 18: Ball part 20: Sliding body 22: Sliding cloth 24: Rubber sheet 28.30:
Mold 32: Resin material 34: Dust cover 38
: Reinforcement fitting 42: Communication hole Applicant Tokai Rubber Industries Co., Ltd. Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 26 z6

Claims (5)

[Claims] (1) In a spherical sliding joint device in which the ball portion at the tip of the ball fitting is housed and held in the socket portion of the socket member, and spherical sliding occurs between the ball fitting and the socket member, Covering the ball part of the ball fitting with an integral elastic composite sliding body formed by forming a sliding material layer on the inside in contact with the ball part and a rubber elastic material layer of a predetermined thickness on the outside thereof,
A spherical sliding joint device further comprising at least a socket portion of the socket member formed on the outside of the composite sliding contact body by injection molding of a predetermined resin. (2) The socket portion of the socket member formed by injection molding is provided with a reinforcing metal fitting embedded around the ball portion of the ball metal fitting at a predetermined distance apart, and the reinforcing metal fitting and The spherical sliding joint device according to claim 1, wherein an injected resin is interposed between the composite sliding contact body that covers the ball portion. (3) The rubber elastic layer of the composite sliding member is extended to form a dust cover portion that covers the base of the ball portion of the ball fitting. Spherical sliding joint device. (4) A patent in which the sliding material layer of the composite sliding contact body is composed of a sliding cloth made by knitting threads made of low-friction fibers on the inside and threads that can be bonded to rubber elastic bodies on the outside. A spherical sliding joint device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. (5) Manufacture a spherical sliding joint device in which the ball portion at the tip of the ball fitting is housed and held in the socket portion of the socket member, and spherical sliding occurs between the ball fitting and the socket member. In this method, a rubber elastic material is molded in the presence of a sliding sheet containing a predetermined sliding material, and a sliding material layer made of the sliding sheet is formed on the inside in contact with the ball portion of the ball fitting, and on the outside thereof. A step of producing an elastic composite sliding body having a shape that covers the ball portion, in which a rubber elastic layer of a predetermined thickness is integrally formed, and covering the ball portion of the ball fitting with the composite sliding body. After setting it in the specified injection mold in the same state,
A method for manufacturing a spherical sliding joint device, comprising the step of injecting a predetermined resin onto the outside of the composite sliding contact body to injection mold at least a socket portion of the socket member.