WO2007037311A1

WO2007037311A1 - Spherical bearing

Info

Publication number: WO2007037311A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/319274
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kyouju Ohkawara
Original assignee: Hephaist Seiko Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2005-09-28
Filing date: 2006-09-28
Publication date: 2007-04-05

Abstract

A spherical bearing (10) comprising a large sphere (12) having a rod (11) on its spherical surface; a housing (16) having a spherical recessed part (15), which has a diameter larger than that of the large sphere (12) and has an opening face (14) formed through an expansion area (13), and storing the large sphere (12); a small ball group (17) disposed, in a pressurized state, in the recessed part along the surface of the large sphere (12); and an annular pressing part (21) disposed around the base part of the rod (11) of the large sphere (12) and capable of pressing the small ball group (17) in an engaged state with the base part of the rod. The rod (11) can be smoothly and accurately moved and rotated and its structure can be simplified.

Description

Spherical bearing

Technical field

The present invention relates to a spherical bearing that is advantageously used as a part of a three-dimensional positioning device or an industrial robot.

Background art

[0002] Spherical bearings are connected between a stage of a three-dimensional positioning device or an arm of an industrial robot and its driving device, and are known to be used to move the stage and arm with multiple degrees of freedom. Yes.

[0003] A conventional spherical bearing is a housing having a spherical housing portion having an opening, a sphere slidably fitted in the housing, and connected to the sphere, and passes through the opening to the outside of the housing. The rod force extending up to is also configured. Such spherical bearings have a problem that the accuracy of movement and rotation of the rod is lowered when the clearance between the housing and the sphere is wide, and that smooth movement and rotation of the rod is difficult when the clearance is narrowed. ing. For this reason, the conventional spherical bearing has not been sufficiently satisfactory, for example, as a component for constituting a highly accurate three-dimensional positioning device.

[0004] In consideration of the above circumstances, Patent Document 1 surrounds and supports a large sphere of a rod having a large sphere at the tip by a cage in which a large number of rolling elements (for example, small spheres) are incorporated. A spherical bearing configured by supporting the cage in an outer peripheral member (housing) has been proposed. In this spherical bearing, the large sphere is fitted into the housing through a number of rolling elements constrained by a cage, so that the rod can be moved and rotated smoothly and with high precision. It is said that the bearing is suitable for use in.

Patent Document 1: JP-A-8-338422

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0005] In the spherical bearing of Patent Document 1, since the large ball of the rod is fitted into the housing without a gap through a large number of rolling elements constrained by a cage, the rod moves smoothly and with high accuracy. The bearing is suitable for use in precision positioning devices and the like. However, such spherical bearings have a complicated structure with cages, and the cage is manufactured by making a number of drilling holes in the cage and rolling into each of these many holes. It takes time-consuming work to incorporate moving objects.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a spherical bearing having a simple structure in which a rod can be smoothly and accurately moved and rotated.

Means for solving the problem

[0007] The present invention has a large sphere having a rod on a spherical surface, a spherical recess having a larger diameter than the large sphere and having an opening surface formed through an expansion region. A housing, a group of small spheres arranged in a pressurized state along the surface of the large sphere in the concave portion, and a circumference of the base of the rod of the large sphere, and small in the engaged state with the rod base. The spherical bearing also has an annular pressing force that can press the ball group. Hereinafter, this spherical bearing is referred to as a spherical bearing having a first configuration.

[0008] A preferable aspect of the spherical bearing of the first configuration is as follows.

(1) An oscillating annular pressing tool that is capable of oscillating an annular pressing tool and that engages with a rod base by tilting the rod.

(2) The oscillating annular pressing tool includes an annular elastic body on the inner periphery thereof.

(3) The annular pressing tool is a fixed annular pressing tool that is fixed in advance around the base of the rod and is in an engaged state.

(4) A fixed annular pressing tool is fixed around the base of the rod via an annular elastic body provided on the inner periphery thereof.

(5) A groove or notch extending in the circumferential direction of the pressing tool is formed on the surface of the annular pressing tool facing the small sphere.

(6) A plurality of grooves each extending in the radial direction of the pressing tool are formed on the surface of the annular pressing tool facing the small sphere.

(7) A constriction region is formed between the expansion region and the opening surface.

[0009] The present invention also provides a large sphere having rods above and below the spherical surface, a large diameter larger than the large sphere, and an opening surface formed on each of the upper and lower sides through an expansion region. Contain the ball A housing having a spherical recess, a group of small spheres disposed under pressure along the surface of the large sphere in the recess, and a rod base disposed around the base of each rod of the large sphere. There is also a spherical bearing with an annular pressing force that can press the small ball group in the engaged state. Hereinafter, this spherical bearing is referred to as a spherical bearing having a second configuration.

[0010] A preferable aspect of the spherical bearing of the second configuration is as follows.

(1) A swinging annular pressing tool that can swing at least one of the annular pressing tools and engages the rod base by tilting the rod.

(2) At least one annular pressing tool is a fixed annular pressing tool that is fixed in advance around the base of the rod and is in an engaged state.

(3) A constriction region is formed between each expansion region and the opening surface.

[0011] The present invention also provides a large sphere having a through-hole having openings in the upper and lower sides in the center, a diameter larger than the large sphere, and an opening surface formed in each of the upper and lower sides via an expansion region. A housing having a spherical recess accommodating a large sphere, a group of small spheres arranged under pressure along the surface of the large sphere in the recess, and the periphery of each opening of the large sphere There is also a spherical bearing which is an annular pressing tool force which is attached to and can press the small ball group by the rotation of a large ball. Hereinafter, this spherical bearing is referred to as a spherical bearing having a third configuration.

A preferable aspect of the spherical bearing of the third configuration is as follows.

(1) Provided with a swinging annular separator that vertically separates the small ball group along the surface of the large sphere.

(2) A groove or notch extending in the circumferential direction of the separator is formed on the surface of the oscillating annular separator facing the small ball.

(3) A plurality of grooves extending in the radial direction of the separator are formed on the surface of the oscillating annular separator facing the small sphere.

[0013] The present invention also provides a large sphere having a rod on a spherical surface, a spherical recess having a larger diameter than the large sphere and having an opening surface formed through a constricted region. A housing having a small sphere arranged in a pressurized state along the surface of the large sphere in the recess, and at least one separating the small sphere group vertically along the surface of the large sphere. There is also a spherical bearing that also has two oscillating annular separator forces. Hereinafter, this spherical bearing is referred to as a fourth-structure spherical bearing. [0014] A preferred aspect of the spherical bearing of the fourth configuration is as follows.

(1) A groove or notch extending in the circumferential direction of the separator is formed on the surface of the oscillating annular separator facing the small ball.

(2) A plurality of grooves each extending in the radial direction of the separator are formed on the surface of the oscillating annular separator facing the small sphere.

The invention's effect

[0015] Since the spherical bearing of the present invention is fitted in a state where the large sphere provided with the rod (or attached to the rod) is closely contacted and supported via the small sphere group in the spherical concave portion of the housing. The rod can be moved and rotated smoothly and with high accuracy. Since the spherical bearing of the present invention does not need to be provided with a small ball cage, its configuration is simple and its manufacture is easy. Further, the spherical bearing of the present invention can increase its load resistance by increasing the number of small balls accommodated in the housing.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

First, a spherical bearing having a first configuration of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of a spherical bearing having a first configuration according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a view showing a state in which the rod 11 of the spherical bearing 10 in FIG. 1 is inclined. A spherical bearing 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a large sphere 12 having a rod 11 on a spherical surface, a diameter larger than that of the large sphere 12, and an opening surface 14 formed through an expansion region 13. A housing 16 having a spherical recess 15 containing a sphere 12; a small ball group 17 disposed under pressure along the surface of the large sphere 12 inside the recess 15; and a rod 11 of the large sphere 12 The annular pressing tool 21 is arranged around the base portion and can press the small ball group 17 in an engaged state with the rod base portion.

[0017] The annular pressing tool 21 of the spherical bearing 10 is a swinging annular pressing tool that can swing and engages with the rod base by tilting the rod 11.

In the spherical bearing 10, when the rod 11 is tilted, the large sphere 12 rotates, and the small sphere group 17 disposed along the surface of the large sphere 12 rolls as the large sphere 12 rotates. By the rolling of the small ball group 17, the rod 11 of the spherical bearing 10 can be smoothly inclined and moved without generating a large frictional resistance with respect to the housing 16.

[0019] In the small ball group 17, the distance between the spherical recess 15 of the housing 16 and the spherical surface of the large ball 12 is the diameter of the small ball. Is set to a slightly smaller distance (force that depends on the size of the small sphere, for example, a distance that is 1 to 5 / zm smaller than the diameter of the small sphere). Arranged in a pressurized state. Thus, since the large sphere 12 is fitted in the spherical recess 15 of the housing 16 in a state of being tightly supported via the small sphere group 17, the spherical bearing 10 is the same as the spherical bearing of Patent Document 1. As in the case, the rod 11 can be moved and rotated with high precision and is suitable for use in precision positioning devices.

[0020] Further, in the spherical bearing 10, since the small ball group 17 is arranged along the surface of the large ball 12 without using a cage, the spherical ball disclosed in Patent Document 1 is around the large ball. A larger number of small spheres can be placed in comparison. By supporting the large sphere 12 including the rod 11 with a larger number of small spheres, the load resistance of the spherical bearing 10 can be increased.

On the other hand, when the rod 11 of the spherical bearing 10 is tilted, each of the plurality of small spheres between the spherical recess 15 and the large sphere 12 is opposite to the large sphere, that is, the plurality of the plurality of small spheres. All of the spheres roll while rotating in the same direction. Since the spherical bearing 10 is not provided with a cage, for example, it is difficult to roll one small ball of the small ball group 17 that rolls when the rod 11 tilts and moves. When one or two or more small spheres come into strong contact with this small sphere, the force of these multiple small spheres is large because the surface of each small sphere rubs against each other while moving in the opposite direction. May cause some small spheres to stop rolling. In this way, if the rolling motion of several spheres stops while the rod 11 tilts and moves, the magnitude of the torque required for the tilting movement of the rod suddenly fluctuates and the rod becomes smooth. Can not be tilted.

[0022] In particular, if the small ball on the side of the opening surface 14 of the housing 16, for example, the small ball 17a shown in FIG. It becomes difficult, and the small sphere 17b comes into strong contact with the small sphere 17a, and further, the small sphere 17c comes into strong contact with the small sphere 17b. It becomes easy to stop rolling.

[0023] In order to suppress such stop of the rolling of the small sphere, the spherical bearing 10 includes a small sphere (for example, on the side of the opening surface) between the spherical concave portion 15 and the opening surface 14 of the housing 16. The expansion region 13 that allows sufficient movement of the small spheres 17a) is formed in an annular shape.

[0024] In the expansion region 13, the distance between the inner surface of the housing 16 and the spherical surface of the large sphere 12 is a small sphere. The distance is set slightly larger than the diameter (for example, a distance about 10 to 20 m larger than the diameter of the small sphere). For this reason, when the small ball on the opening surface 14 side of the housing 16 rolls and reaches the expansion region 13 due to the tilting movement of the rod 11, the small ball is released from the pressurized state force and freely moves inside the expansion region 13. Will be able to move on. Accordingly, the plurality of small spheres rolling by the tilting movement of the rod 11 are difficult to come into strong contact with each other, and the stop of the rolling of the small spheres as described above is suppressed. For this reason, in the spherical bearing 10, the small ball group 11 is held by the cage, but the rod 11 can be inclined and moved with a sliding force.

[0025] However, the occurrence of strong contact between a plurality of small spheres may not be sufficiently suppressed only by forming the expansion region 13 in the housing 16. This is because if a plurality of small spheres reach the expansion region 13 one after another due to the tilting movement of the rod 11, it becomes difficult for the small spheres to move inside the expansion region, which makes it difficult to reach the expansion region. Since the plurality of small spheres are in strong contact with each other in the same manner as in the above case, the rolling of the small spheres is easy to stop.

For this reason, the spherical bearing 10 is provided with an annular pressing tool 21 that further suppresses the occurrence of strong contact between a plurality of small spheres that roll due to the inclined movement of the rod 11. When the rod 11 starts to tilt and move in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 1, the annular pressing tool 21 has a plurality of small spheres (for example, small spheres 17a) that roll downward. The upper surface is pressed by) and the tilt movement starts. When the rod 11 further tilts, the annular pressing tool 21 engages with the base of the rod 11, and specifically, the driving force is applied by the base of the rod contacting the inner edge of the annular pressing tool. Then, the tilting movement is continued while pressing the small ball group 17, and finally the tilting movement is performed to the state shown in FIG.

[0027] In this way, the annular pressing tool 21 tilts together with the rod 11, so that the small sphere (for example, the small sphere 17a) on the housing opening surface 14 side of the small sphere group 17 reaches the expansion region 13. The other small spheres roll along the upper surface of the annular pressing tool in the direction indicated by the arrow marked with a broken line in FIG. For this reason, it is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of strong contact between the plurality of small spheres rolling by the tilting movement of the rod 11 without the plurality of small spheres reaching the expansion region one after another. Even when the rolling of several small spheres stops, the annular pressing tool 21 engages with the base of the rod 11 to press the small sphere group 17, and the stopped small spheres roll again. Move It can be done.

In this way, in the spherical bearing 10, the small ball group 17 smoothly rotates in the housing when the rod 11 is inclined and moved by the expansion region 13 and the annular pressing tool 21 formed in the housing 16. Since the rod 11 can move, the rod 11 can move smoothly and tilt.

[0029] The spherical bearing 10 is manufactured as follows, for example. First, the main body 16a of the housing 16 is arranged so that the opening faces upward (the vertical direction is reversed from the case of FIG. 1). Next, the small ball group 17 is placed inside the main body 16a, and the large ball 12 is pushed in while swinging the rod 11. As a result, the small ball group 17 is arranged along the surface of the large sphere 12 and in a state of being pressurized by the main body 16 a and the large sphere 12. Next, the rod 11 is passed through the inside, the annular pressing tool 21 is disposed on the small ball group 17, and the lid 16b is fixed to the main body 16a of the housing 16 using, for example, a bolt (not shown). . Then, the spherical bearing 10 is manufactured by disposing the main body 16a of the housing 16 with the opening facing downward, and swinging the rod 11 to disperse the small ball groups 17 in the spherical recesses 15. be able to. Thus, since the spherical bearing 10 does not need to be provided with a small spherical cage, the configuration is simple and the manufacture thereof is easy. The annular pressing tool 21 has a diameter larger than the diameter of the opening surface 14 of the louver 16 so that it does not come out of the housing.

[0030] When the constricted region 18 described later is not formed in the housing 16, the housing main body 16a and the lid 16b are integrally formed, and a small sphere group is put in the housing to form a large sphere. After pushing in, the spherical bearing can be manufactured by connecting the annular pressing tools, which are divided into small pieces in advance, to each other in the nosing.

[0031] The number of small spheres to be inserted into the housing 16 is not particularly limited as long as it can be accommodated in the space formed by the housing 16, the large sphere 12, and the annular pressing tool 21. More preferably, it is within the range of 65 to 95% by number of the maximum number of small spheres that can be accommodated in the space. This is because if the number of small balls placed in the housing is too large, the small balls are likely to come into strong contact with each other, and if the number of small balls is too small, the load bearing capacity of the spherical bearing becomes small.

[0032] A spherical bearing housing, a rod having a first configuration (and a second configuration described later), As the material for the large sphere, the small sphere, and the annular pressing tool, a metal material such as steel, copper alloy, or stainless steel is usually used. For example, when the spherical bearing is used in water or in a high temperature environment, it is preferable to use a ceramic material. A resin material can also be used to reduce the weight of the spherical bearing. As the resin material, in order to increase the rigidity of the spherical bearing, it is preferable to use a crystalline resin represented by polyphenylene sulfide. It is also preferable that the annular pressing tool is made of oil-impregnated plastic or oil-impregnated metal in order to suppress stopping of the rolling of the small sphere due to contact with the pressing tool.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing 16 is preferably formed with an expansion region 19 different from the above. Also in the expansion zone 19, the distance between the inner surface of the housing 16 and the spherical surface of the large sphere 12 is set to be slightly larger than the diameter of the small sphere (for example, an interval about 1 μm larger than the diameter of the small sphere). Has been. By forming the expansion region 19, the load applied to the rod 11 of the spherical bearing 10 is large when the spherical bearing 10 is used with its vertical orientation reversed from that in Fig. 1. Since the pressurized state force in the bottom of the sphere 12, that is, in the expansion region 19 is not applied to the released small sphere, it is distributed and applied to a large number of small spheres in the spherical recess 15, so that the spherical bearing 10 The load capacity can be increased.

Furthermore, it is preferable that a constriction region 18 is formed between the expansion region 13 and the opening surface 14 of the housing 16 of the spherical bearing 10. In the constricted area 18, the distance between the inner surface of the housing 16 and the spherical surface of the large sphere 12 is set to be smaller than the diameter of the small sphere (for example, an interval of about 20 to 50 / zm smaller than the diameter of the small sphere). ing. By forming the constriction area 18, the small spheres on the side of the opening surface 14 of the housing 16 (for example, the small spheres 17a shown in FIG. 2) are stably placed inside the expansion area 13 when the rod is tilted. This is because the small ball group 17 can stably roll inside the housing 16 because it is arranged (they do not move further to the opening surface side than the expansion region). If the constriction area 18 is not formed, the annular pressing tool 21 may fall out of the small sphere (for example, the small sphere 17a shown in FIG. 2) that has reached the expansion area 13 to the outside of the 1S housing 16. To prevent.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another example of the spherical bearing having the first configuration according to the present invention. The configuration of the spherical bearing 30 in FIG. 3 is the same as that of FIG. 1 except that a groove 31 extending in the circumferential direction of the pressing tool 21 is formed on the surface of the annular pressing tool (oscillating annular pressing tool) 21 facing the small sphere. Same as spherical bearing 10 It is. If the groove 31 is formed in the annular pressing tool 21, a small ball (for example, the small balls 17a and 17d) is fitted in the groove 31, and the lateral movement of the pressing tool 21 is restricted by the small ball. The contact between the pressing tool 21 and the inner surface of the housing 16 is prevented. For this reason, the annular pressing member 21 can be smoothly inclined and the occurrence of scratches on the inner surface of the housing due to the contact is suppressed. The spherical bearing 30 also has a constricted region 18 formed between the expansion region 13 and the opening surface 14 of the housing 16.

FIG. 4 is a view showing still another example of the spherical bearing having the first configuration according to the present invention. The configuration of the spherical bearing 40 in FIG. 4 is that an annular pressing tool (oscillating annular pressing tool) 21 is formed with a groove 32 having a V-shaped cross section, and no constriction area is provided. 3 is the same as the spherical bearing 30 of FIG. 3 except that the pressing tool 21 prevents the small ball reaching the outside of the housing 16 from dropping off. When the cross-sectional shape of the groove is V-shaped, the contact area between the annular pressing tool 21 and the small ball is smaller than that of the spherical bearing 30 in FIG. Can be stopped.

FIG. 5 is a view showing still another example of the spherical bearing having the first configuration according to the present invention. The configuration of the spherical bearing 50 in FIG. 5 is the same as that shown in FIG. 5 except that a notch 33 extending in the circumferential direction of the pressing tool 21 is formed on the surface of the annular pressing tool (oscillating annular pressing tool) 21 facing the small ball. This is the same as the spherical bearing 30 of FIG. By forming the notch 33 having such a curved surface corresponding to the surface of the small sphere, the lateral movement of the pressing tool 21 by the small sphere is the same as in the case of the spherical bearing 30 in FIG. Therefore, the pressing tool 21 can be inclined and moved smoothly, and the occurrence of scratches on the inner surface of the housing is suppressed.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing still another example of the spherical bearing having the first configuration according to the present invention. The configuration of the spherical bearing 60 in FIG. 6 is the same as that of the spherical bearing 50 in FIG. 5 except that the shape of the notch 34 of the annular pressing tool (oscillating annular pressing tool) 21 is different. The annular pressing tool 21 including the notch 34 having such a slope is easy to manufacture.

FIG. 7 is a view showing still another example of the spherical bearing having the first configuration according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an arrangement of the annular pressing tool 21 of the spherical bearing 70 of FIG. 7 and small spheres arranged in contact with the upper surface of the pressing tool 21. The spherical bearing 70 shown in FIG. 7 has a configuration in which the annular pressing tool (oscillating annular pressing tool) 21 is formed on a surface of the annular pressing tool 21 facing the small spheres. 1 is the same as the spherical bearing 10 in FIG. 1 except that several grooves 35 are formed. By forming the plurality of grooves 35 in the annular pressing tool 21, the small balls (for example, the small balls 17a) arranged in contact with the pressing tool 21 are stably disposed at the position where the grooves 35 are formed. It becomes easy and it can suppress that the several small ball arrange | positioned in contact with the upper surface of the pressing tool 21 mutually contacts strongly.

[0040] Note that a groove or notch extending in the circumferential direction of the pressing tool and a groove extending in the radial direction of the pressing tool may be formed on the surface of the annular pressing tool facing the small sphere. Moreover, it can replace with such a groove | channel and a notch, and can also form a dent in the surface facing the small ball of an annular pressing tool at intervals along the circumferential direction of a pressing tool.

FIG. 9 is a view showing still another example of the spherical bearing of the first configuration of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a view showing a state in which the rod 11 of the spherical bearing 90 in FIG. 9 is inclined. is there. The configuration of the spherical bearing 90 in FIG. 9 is the same as that of the spherical bearing 10 in FIG. 1 except that the annular pressing tool (swinging annular pressing tool) 22 has a cylindrical shape. By forming the annular pressing tool 22 into a cylindrical shape, the pressing tool 22 is engaged with the rod base even when the inclination angle of the rod 11 is small compared to the spherical bearing 10 in FIG. Can be pressed. That is, even when the rolling of several small spheres stops as the rod 11 tilts, the annular pressing tool 22 presses the small sphere group 17 early, and the stopped small spheres roll again. Can be moved.

FIG. 11 is a view showing still another example of the spherical bearing of the first configuration of the present invention, and FIGS. 12 and 13 are cutting lines I-I and II-II entered in FIG. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the spherical bearing 110 cut along each of the lines, and FIG. 14 is a view showing a state in which the rod 11 of the spherical bearing 110 of FIG. 11 is inclined. In the configuration of the spherical bearing 110 in FIG. 11, a plurality of small spheres 27 are held in an annular pressing tool (oscillating annular pressing tool) 23 along the circumferential direction of the pressing tool 23 at intervals. Except this, it is the same as the spherical bearing 90 of FIG. Since these small spheres 27 restrict the lateral movement of the annular pressing tool 23, contact between the pressing tool 23 and the inner surface of the housing 16 is prevented. For this reason, the annular pressing tool 23 can be smoothly inclined and the occurrence of scratches on the inner surface of the housing due to the contact is suppressed. Note that the small ball 27 of the annular pressing member 23 is arranged outside the housing when the rod is further tilted and moved from the state shown in FIG. 14, so that a narrowed area is formed in the housing 16 of the spherical bearing 110!ヽ Absent.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing still another example of the spherical bearing having the first configuration according to the present invention. The spherical bearing 150 in FIG. 15 is configured such that a plurality of small spheres 27a and a plurality of small spheres 27b are spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the pressing tool 24. It is the same as the spherical bearing 110 of FIG. 11 except that it is held open. If the number of small balls to be held by the annular pressing tool is large, it takes time to produce the spherical bearing. For this reason, it is preferable that the annular pressing tool holds a group of a plurality of small balls arranged along the circumferential direction of the pressing tool in a range of 1 to 5 sets in the upward and downward direction of the pressing tool.

FIG. 16 is a view showing still another example of the spherical bearing of the first configuration of the present invention, and FIG. 17 is a view showing a state in which the rod 11 of the spherical bearing 160 in FIG. 16 is inclined. is there. The configuration of the spherical bearing 160 in FIG. 16 is the same as that of the spherical bearing 90 in FIG. 9 except that the annular pressing tool 25 is a fixed annular pressing tool that is fixed in advance around the base of the rod 11 and is in an engaged state. is there . When the annular pressing tool 25 is fixed around the base portion of the rod 11 as described above, the pressing tool 25 can smoothly tilt and move without contacting the inner surface of the housing 16. Note that fixing the annular pressing tool around the base of the rod includes placing the annular pressing tool around the rod base and fixing it to the rod base side of the large spherical surface.

FIG. 18 is a view showing still another example of the spherical bearing having the first configuration according to the present invention. The configuration of the spherical bearing 180 in FIG. 18 is the same as that of the spherical bearing 160 shown in FIG. 16 except that the annular pressing tool (fixed annular pressing tool) 26 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The annular pressing tool 26 shown in FIG. 18 is easy to manufacture because of its simple shape.

FIG. 19 is a view showing still another example of the spherical bearing of the first configuration of the present invention, and FIG. 20 is a view showing a state in which the rod 11 of the spherical bearing 230 in FIG. 19 is inclined. is there. The spherical bearing 230 shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 has the same configuration as that of the spherical bearing 90 shown in FIG. 9 except that the annular pressing tool (oscillating annular pressing tool) 22 includes an annular elastic body 36 on the inner periphery. It is the same.

[0047] Such an annular elastic body 36 is obtained by replacing the small sphere (for example, the small sphere 17a) that stops rolling in the spherical recess 15 of the housing 16 as described above with the annular pressing tool 22 as shown in FIG. Is pressed against the base of the rod 11 and compressed when engaged with the base of the rod 11 and pressed. For this reason, the small balls that have stopped rolling are gradually given a large force by the annular pressing tool 22. The roller starts rolling when it is pressed and a force necessary to start rolling is applied. That is, the annular elastic body 36 has a function of preventing the annular pressing tool 22 from applying an unnecessarily large force to the small spheres that have stopped rolling. If an excessively large force is applied to the small ball that has stopped rolling, the small ball slides along the surface of the large ball while being pressurized by the housing 16 and the large ball 12, so that the housing This is because problems such as generation of scratches on the surface of the spherical recess, large sphere, or small sphere are likely to occur.

[0048] The annular elastic body 36 is also formed with a known high-elasticity polymer force such as elastomer or rubber. The annular elastic body 36 is particularly preferably made of rubber.

[0049] Note that, by setting the inner diameter of the annular elastic body to be small and fixing the inner peripheral edge thereof to the base of the rod, the annular pressing tool is fixed to the base of the rod via the annular elastic body ( A spherical bearing (with a fixed annular pressing tool) can also be constructed. By using such a fixed annular pressing tool, as in the case of the annular pressing tool 22 (swinging annular pressing tool) of the spherical bearing 230 shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the rolling was stopped in the spherical recess of the housing. Since a larger force than necessary is not applied to the small sphere, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of scratches on the surface of the spherical concave portion, large sphere, or small sphere of the housing.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing still another example of the spherical bearing having the first configuration according to the present invention. The spherical bearing 250 shown in FIG. 21 has the same structure as that shown in FIG. 16 except that an annular pressing tool (fixed annular pressing tool) 25 is fixed around the base of the rod 11 via four plate springs 37 in total. Similar to spherical bearing 160. The four leaf springs 37 included in the spherical bearing 250 in FIG. 21 are arranged symmetrically around the base of the rod 11. Thus, by using the annular pressing tool (fixed annular pressing tool) fixed to the base of the rod via the spring, the annular pressing tool 22 (swinging motion) of the spherical bearing 230 shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 is used. As in the case of the annular pressing tool), since a force larger than necessary is not applied to the small sphere that stops rolling in the spherical concave portion of the housing, the spherical concave portion, large sphere, or small spherical surface of the housing The occurrence of scratches can be suppressed.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing still another example of the spherical bearing having the first configuration according to the present invention. However, FIG. 22 is a view of the spherical bearing 260 as seen from the tip end side of the rod 11. The configuration of the spherical bearing in FIG. 22 is such that an annular pressing tool (fixed annular pressing tool) 25 is connected to the rod 11 via a spiral spring 38. It is the same as the spherical bearing 250 in FIG. 21 except that it is fixed around the base. Thus, a spiral spring 38 can be used in place of the leaf spring (FIG. 21: 37).

Next, a spherical bearing having a second configuration of the present invention will be described. FIG. 23 is a view showing an example of the spherical bearing of the second configuration of the present invention, and FIG. 24 is a view showing a state where the rods 1 la and 1 lb of the spherical bearing 190 of FIG. 23 are inclined.

[0053] Spherical bearings 190 shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 have large spheres 12 having upper and lower spherical rods l la and l ib, larger diameters than large spheres 12, and expand in the upper and lower directions. Opening surfaces 14a and 14b are formed through the regions 13a and 13b, the housing 16 having a spherical recess 15 containing the large sphere 12, and the surface of the large sphere 12 inside the recess 15 described above. Annular press that is arranged around the base of each rod of the small sphere group 17 and the large sphere 12 arranged in a pressurized state and can press the small sphere group 17 in an engaged state with the rod base. It consists of ingredients 21a and 21b.

[0054] Each of the annular pressing members 21a and 21b of the spherical bearing 190 is a swinging annular pressing member that can swing and engages with the rod base portion by the inclination movement of the rods lla and lib.

The configuration of the spherical bearing 190 of FIG. 23 is that a large sphere is provided with a pair of rods l la and l ib, and annular pressing tools 21a and 21b are disposed around the bases of these rods, respectively. Except for this, it is the same as the spherical bearing 10 of FIG. The spherical bearing 190 has a rod l la, as in the case of the spherical bearing 10 in FIG. 1, by swollen with the expansion regions 13a and 13b and the annular pressing members 21a and 21b formed on the respective opening surfaces of the housing 16. When the ib tilts, the small ball group 17 can roll smoothly in the housing, so that each rod can tilt smoothly. Since the spherical bearing 190 does not need to be provided with a small spherical cage, the configuration is simple and the manufacture thereof is easy.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing another example of the spherical bearing having the second configuration according to the present invention. The configuration of the spherical bearing 210 in FIG. 25 is such that each of the annular pressing members 22a and 22b disposed around the base of each of the rods l la and l ib is an annular pressing member (swinger) of the spherical bearing 90 in FIG. 23 is the same as the spherical bearing 190 in FIG. 23 except that the dynamic annular pressing tool 22 is used. For this reason, the spherical bearing 210 has a small spherical group 17 by engaging the pressing tools 22a and 22b with the rod base even when the inclination angle of the rods l la and l ib is small compared to the spherical bearing 190 of FIG. Can be pressed wear. That is, even when several small spheres stop rolling as the rods l la and l ib tilt, each annular pressing tool presses the small sphere group 17 at an early stage and stops. The ball can be rolled again.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing still another example of the spherical bearing having the second configuration according to the present invention. The configuration of the spherical bearing 220 in FIG. 26 is such that each of the annular pressing tools 25a and 25b arranged around the base of each of the rods l la and l ib is an annular pressing tool (fixed annular) of the spherical bearing 160 in FIG. 23 is the same as the spherical bearing 190 of FIG. 23 except that the pressing tool 25 is used. Thus, when each of the annular pressing members 25a and 25b is fixed around the base of each of the rods l la and l ib, each pressing member slides smoothly without contacting the inner surface of the housing 16. Can be tilted.

[0058] In the spherical bearing of the second configuration of the present invention, it is not necessary to use the same configuration as each of the annular pressing tools, while the oscillating annular pressing tool is used on the other side, and the other A fixed annular pressing tool can also be used. In addition, an annular elastic body is used for the oscillating annular pressing tool of the spherical bearing of the second configuration of the present invention, and an annular elastic body or spring (eg, leaf spring, spiral spring) is used for the fixed annular pressing tool. Thus, as in the case of the spherical bearing having the first configuration described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 22, an unnecessarily large force is not applied to the small sphere that stops rolling in the spherical recess of the housing. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of scratches on the surface of the spherical recess, large sphere, or small sphere.

Next, a spherical bearing having a third configuration of the present invention will be described. FIG. 27 is a view showing an example of the spherical bearing of the third configuration of the present invention, and FIG. 28 is a view showing a state where the large sphere 112 of the spherical bearing 270 of FIG. 27 is tilted. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing how the spherical bearing 270 shown in FIG. 27 is used, and FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a state in which the rod 111 attached to the spherical bearing 270 shown in FIG. 29 is inclined. is there.

[0060] A spherical bearing 270 shown in FIGS. 27 to 30 has a large sphere 112 having a through hole 119 in the center and openings 119a and 119b on the upper and lower sides, and has a diameter larger than that of the large sphere 112, and Opening surfaces 114a and 114b are formed through the expansion regions 113a and 113b, respectively, to accommodate the large sphere 112, the housing 116 having a spherical recess 115, and the large sphere 112 inside the recess 115. A group of small spheres 117 arranged in a pressurized state along the surface of the It is composed of annular pressing tools 121a and 121b attached around each opening and capable of pressing the small ball group 117 by the rotation of the large ball 112.

For example, as shown in FIG. 29, a rod 111 having a screw 125 formed on each end is inserted into the through hole 119 of the large ball 112 of the spherical bearing 270. The rod 111 is fixed to the large ball 112 by tightening the upper and lower sides of the large ball 112 with a pair of nuts 127 and 127 via washers 126, respectively. Then, for example, a rotating shaft of a driving device is connected to one end of the rod 111.

[0062] The small sphere group 117 includes a space in which the space between the spherical recess 115 of the housing 116 and the spherical surface of the large sphere 112 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the small sphere (force depending on the size of the small sphere, for example, Therefore, it is disposed between the housing 116 and the large ball 112 in a pressurized state. In this way, since the large sphere 112 is fitted in the spherical recess 115 of the housing 116 while being in close contact with and supported via the small sphere group 117, the rod attached to the large sphere 112 of the spherical bearing 270. 111 can move and rotate smoothly and with high accuracy.

[0063] Further, since the large sphere 112 of the spherical bearing 270 can freely rotate by rolling the small sphere group 117, the rod 111 attached to the large sphere 112 has its length direction changed. It can be freely rotated as an axis, and can be tilted freely as shown in FIG. Therefore, by using the spherical bearing 270, for example, a long and easy-to-squeeze shaft connected to the rod 111 can be supported in a state where it can be accurately rotated with respect to its center.

[0064] Further, in the spherical bearing 270, the small ball group 117 is disposed along the surface of the large ball 112 without using a cage, so that a larger number of small balls are arranged around the large ball. can do. By supporting the large sphere 112 including the rod 111 by a larger number of small spheres, the load bearing capacity of the spherical bearing 270 can be increased.

[0065] Next, the expansion regions 113a and 113b of the housing 116 provided in the spherical bearing 270 and the annular pressing members 121a and 121b will be described.

[0066] In the spherical bearing 270, as shown in FIG. 30, even when the rod 111 is tilted and moved to the maximum angle, a small ball that rolls toward the opening surface by the tilting movement of the rod, For example, the small sphere 117a that rolls toward the opening surface 114b is the spherical shape of the housing 116. It only moves to a portion near the end of the recess 115 and does not move to the outside of the recess 115. Even when the rod 111 repeatedly tilts back and forth, right and left, the small ball group 117 simply rolls up and down in the spherical recess 115 of the housing 116 so that the rod is in a vertical state. If arranged, the small ball group 117 returns to the arrangement shown in FIG. In other words, in the spherical bearing 270, when the small sphere group 117 completely follows the large sphere 112 rotated by the tilting movement of the rod 111 and makes an ideal roll, the small sphere moves to the outside of the housing 116. And will not fall off.

[0067] However, the small ball group 117 does not necessarily roll ideally as described above due to the accuracy of the size of the spherical recess 115 of the housing 116 or the spherical surface of the large ball 112 or the influence of gravity. is not. For example, as shown in FIG. 30, the small sphere 117a arranged at the lowermost position inside the housing 116 is formed into a spherical recess gradually as the small sphere group 117 is affected by gravity when the rod 111 repeatedly tilts and moves. Since rolling is repeated up and down below 115, it is easy to drop out of the opening surface 114b of the housing 116 to the outside.

[0068] On the other hand, when the rod 111 attached to the spherical bearing 270 is tilted, each of the plurality of small spheres between the spherical recess 115 and the large sphere 112 is opposite to the large sphere. That is, all of the plurality of small balls roll while rotating in the same direction. In addition, for example, one small sphere in the small sphere group 117 that rolls when the rod 111 attached to the spherical bearing 270 is tilted and moved is difficult to rotate. Alternatively, when two or more small spheres come into strong contact with each other, the plurality of small spheres rub against each other while the surface of each small sphere moves in the opposite direction. Small ball rolling may stop. In this way, if the rod 111 stops moving while some of the small balls stop rolling during the tilting movement, the amount of torque required for the tilting movement of the rod fluctuates rapidly, causing the rod to move. It may not be possible to smoothly tilt and move.

[0069] In particular, when it becomes difficult to rotationally move a small sphere on the opening surface 114b side of the housing 116, for example, the small sphere 117a shown in Fig. 30, the small sphere 117b comes into strong contact with the small sphere 117a. When the small ball 117c comes into strong contact with the small ball 117b, the small balls come into strong contact with each other!

[0070] Accordingly, each side of the opening surfaces 114a and 114b in the spherical recess 115 of the housing 116 It is desirable to prevent the small spheres from falling out of the housing without hindering the smooth rotational movement of the small spheres, for example, the small spheres 117a shown in FIG.

In each of the expansion regions 113a and 113b formed in the housing 116 of the spherical bearing 270 of the present invention shown in FIGS. 27 to 30, the distance between the inner surface of the housing 116 and the spherical surface of the large sphere 112 is small. The interval is set larger than the diameter of the sphere. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 30, when the small ball 117a on the opening surface 114b side of the housing 116 rolls and reaches the expansion region 113b, the small ball 117a is released from the pressurizing force and is annularly pressed. The housing 116 is prevented from falling out by contacting the tool 121b. As a result, it is possible to prevent the spheres from dropping out without hindering the smooth rotational movement of the spheres rolling on the opening surface side in the spherical recess 115 as described above.

[0072] On the other hand, when the rod 111 returns to the vertically arranged state as shown in FIG. 29, the annular pressing member 121b presses the small ball 117a that has reached the expansion region 113b as described above. To move to the spherical recess 115. This is because, as described above, if the small sphere 117a that has reached the expansion region 113b is not moved to the spherical recess 115, the rod 111 is gradually inclined and moved to the small sphere 117a remaining in the expansion region 113b. The small sphere 117b, which repeats rolling up and down below the spherical recess 115, and the small sphere 117c come into strong contact with each other one after another, making it easier for rolling of the small sphere to stop, making the rod 111 smooth. This is because it may not be possible to move at an angle.

That is, in the spherical bearing 270 of the third configuration according to the present invention, the small sphere on the side of the opening surface 114b (or the opening surface 114a) is expanded into the expansion region 113b. In the state where it has reached the (or expansion region 113a) and released from the pressurized state, this small ball is brought into contact with the annular pressure member 121b (or the pressure member 121a) to bring the small ball to the outside of the nosing. When the rod 111 returns to the vertical state while preventing the drop of the rod, the small ball that has reached the expansion region 113b (or the expansion region 113a) is pressed by the annular pressing device 121b (or the pressing device 121a). By moving to the spherical recess 115, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of strong and contact of a plurality of small spheres without using a small sphere holder, and the rod 111 can be smoothly inclined and moved. Consists of! RU

[0074] The spherical bearing 270 is manufactured as follows, for example. First, the annular pressing tool 121b The large sphere 112 is press-fitted into a recess formed around the opening 119b. In this way, the large sphere 112 having the annular pressing member 121b attached around the opening 119b is accommodated in the housing 116. Then, the side force of the opening surface 114a is also pushed between the housing 116 and the large ball 112, and finally the small ball group 117 is pushed. The spherical bearing 270 can be manufactured by press-fitting the pressing tool 121a. Thus, since the spherical bearing 270 is not provided with a small spherical cage, the configuration is simple and the manufacture thereof is easy.

[0075] Examples of the material of the housing, the large sphere, the small sphere, and the annular pressing tool of the spherical bearing of the third configuration are the same as those of the spherical bearing of the first configuration.

[0076] The number of small spheres to be inserted into the housing 116 is not particularly limited as long as it can be accommodated in the space formed by the housing 116, the large sphere 112, and the annular pressing members 121a and 121b. However, it is more preferable that it is in the range of 65 to 95% by number of the maximum number of small spheres that can be accommodated in this space. This is because if the number of small balls entering the housing is too large, the small balls are likely to come into strong contact with each other, and if the number of small balls is too small, the load bearing capacity of the spherical bearing is reduced.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing another example of the spherical bearing of the third configuration according to the present invention. The configuration of the spherical bearing 310 in FIG. 31 is the same as that of the spherical bearing 270 in FIG. 27 except that a swinging annular separator 141 is provided along the surface of the large sphere 112 to separate the small sphere group 117 up and down. It is. As shown in FIG. 31, when the small ball group 117 is separated up and down by the swinging annular separator 141, a plurality of small balls arranged in the rolling direction, for example, the small ball 117b and the small ball 117c are separated vertically. Therefore, it is difficult for these small spheres to stop rolling. The oscillating annular spacer 141 is pushed by the small ball group 117 that repeats rolling up and down inside the housing 116 by repeating the tilt movement of the rod 111 and moves the small ball group 117 up and down while swinging. Isolate.

The spherical bearing 310 is manufactured as follows, for example. First, similarly to the case of manufacturing the spherical bearing 270 of FIG. 27, the annular pressing tool 121b is attached around the lower opening of the large ball 112. The large sphere 112 including the annular pressing member 121b is accommodated in the main body 116a of the housing 116. Next, from the swinging annular separator 141 between the main body 116a and the large ball 112 Also push a plurality of small spheres placed below, and place the separator 141 on top of it. Then, a lid 116b is fixed to the main body 116a using, for example, a bolt (not shown), and a plurality of small spheres are also applied between the lid 116b and the large sphere 112 with a side force of the opening surface 114a. The spherical bearing 310 can be manufactured by pushing and finally attaching the pressing tool 121a around the upper opening of the large ball 112.

[0079] As a material of the oscillating annular separator 141, a metal material such as steel, copper alloy, or stainless steel is usually used. For example, when the spherical bearing is used in water or in a high temperature environment, it is also preferable to use a ceramic material. Also, a resin material can be used to reduce the weight of the spherical bearing. In addition, it is preferable that the oscillating annular separator is made of oil-impregnated plastic or oil-impregnated metal in order to suppress the stoppage of the rolling of the small balls due to contact with the separator.

FIG. 32 is a view showing still another example of the spherical bearing of the third configuration according to the present invention. The configuration of the spherical bearing 320 in FIG. 32 is the same as that of the spherical bearing 310 in FIG. 31 except that two swinging annular separators for separating the small ball group 117 up and down are provided. When the small sphere group 117 is vertically separated by these two oscillating ring-shaped separators 141a and 141b, a plurality of small spheres arranged in the rolling direction, for example, the small sphere 117a, the small sphere 117b, and the small sphere 117b, Since the small balls 117c are separated from each other and do not come into strong contact with each other, the rolling of these small balls is difficult to stop.

[0081] The spherical bearing 320 is manufactured, for example, as follows. First, similarly to the case of manufacturing the spherical bearing 310 of FIG. 31, the large sphere 112 provided with the pressing tool 121b is accommodated inside the main body 116a of the housing 116, and between the main body 116a and the large sphere 112. Push a plurality of small balls located below the swinging annular separator 14 lb and place the separator 141b on top of it. Next, after inserting a plurality of small spheres between the main body 116a and the large sphere 112, a lid 116b containing the swinging annular separator 141a is placed on the main body 116a and fixed to the main body 116a. The Further, the side force of the opening surface 114a is also pushed between the lid 116b and the large ball 112, and finally a plurality of small balls are pushed in. Finally, a pressing tool 121a is attached around the upper opening of the large ball 112, thereby providing a spherical bearing. 320 can be manufactured.

[0082] In the spherical bearing of the third configuration of the present invention, a swing ring arranged inside the housing The number of the shape separators is preferably 1 to 5 (particularly 1 to 3) in practice. This is because if there are too many separators, it takes time to manufacture spherical bearings. Further, the shape of the separator is not limited to a planar shape as shown in FIG. For example, the shape of the separator may be a funnel-like shape whose surface is inclined so that the width direction of the separator is directed toward the center of the large sphere.

FIG. 33 is a view showing still another example of the spherical bearing of the third configuration according to the present invention. The configuration of the spherical bearing 330 in FIG. 33 is the same as that in FIG. 32 except that each of the annular pressing members 121a and 121b is fixed by press-fitting to convex portions formed around the upper and lower openings of the large sphere. Similar to bearing 320. There are no particular restrictions on the fixing method of the large sphere and the annular pressing tool, and they may be fixed to each other by screwing, welding, or adhesive.

FIG. 34 is a view showing still another example of the spherical bearing of the third configuration according to the present invention. The spherical bearing 340 shown in FIG. 34 has the same configuration as the spherical bearing 310 shown in FIG. 31 except that a groove 151 extending in the circumferential direction of the separator 141 is formed on the surface of the oscillating annular separator 141 facing the small ball. Is the same. When the small sphere is fitted in the groove 151, the lateral movement of the oscillating annular separator 141 is restricted, and the separator 141 is less likely to contact the inner surface of the housing 116. For this reason, the oscillating annular separator 141 can move smoothly together with the small ball group 117 that rolls by the tilting movement of the rod 111, and the above contact causes scratches on the inner surface of the housing 116. It is suppressed. In addition, by forming a notch extending in the circumferential direction of the separator in place of the groove 151 on the surface facing the small ball of the oscillating annular separator, the small ball fits into this notch. As a result, the lateral movement of the separator can be restricted.

FIG. 35 is a plan view showing another configuration example of the swinging annular separator. In the oscillating annular separation tool 141 of FIG. 35, a plurality of small spheres arranged in contact with the separation tool 141 are entered by a two-dot chain line.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 35, it is preferable that a plurality of grooves 152 extending in the radial direction of the separator 144 are formed on the surface of the oscillating annular separator 141 facing the small sphere. ,. By forming a plurality of grooves 152 in the oscillating annular separator 141, a plurality of small spheres (for example, the small sphere 117a) arranged in contact with the separator 141 are positioned at positions where the grooves 152 are formed. Therefore, these small spheres can be prevented from coming into strong contact with each other. [0087] It should be noted that a groove or notch extending in the circumferential direction of the separator and a groove extending in the radial direction of the separator are formed on the surface of the swinging annular separator facing the small sphere. Also good. Further, in place of such grooves and notches, depressions can be formed on the surface of the oscillating annular separator facing the small balls at intervals from each other along the circumferential direction of the separator.

FIG. 36 is a view showing still another example of the spherical bearing of the third configuration of the present invention, and FIG. 37 shows a state in which the large sphere 112 of the spherical bearing 360 of FIG. FIG. The configuration of the spherical bearing 360 shown in FIGS. 36 and 37 is such that the spherical recess 115 formed with the opening surface 114a and 114b force S is formed on the upper and lower sides of the housing 116 force through the expansion regions 123a and 123b and further through the narrowed regions 118a and 118b. The spherical bearing 270 of FIG. 27 is the same as that of FIG.

[0089] In each of the constricted regions 118a and 118b of the housing 116 of the spherical bearing 360 in FIG. 36, the distance between the inner surface of the housing 116 and the spherical surface of the large sphere 112 is smaller than the diameter of the small sphere. The interval (for example, an interval that is about 20 to 50 m smaller than the diameter of the small sphere) is set.

[0090] The spherical bearing 360 is released from the caloric pressure state when the small sphere on the opening surface 114a (or the opening surface 114b) side of the spherical recess 115 of the housing 116 reaches the expansion region 123a (or the expansion region 123b). In this state, the small ball is brought into contact with the inner surface of the housing 116 in the narrowed area 118a (or narrowed area 118b) to prevent the small ball from dropping out of the nosing, and the rod 111 is further vertically When returning to the normal state, the small sphere that has reached the expansion region 123a (or the expansion region 123b) is pressed by the annular pressing tool 131a (or the pressing tool 131b) and moved to the spherical recess 115. Even without using a small ball cage, the strength and contact of a plurality of small balls are suppressed, and the rod 111 can be smoothly inclined and moved.

[0091] The spherical bearing 360 is manufactured, for example, as follows. First, as in the case of manufacturing the spherical bearing 310 of FIG. 31, the large sphere 112 provided with the pressing tool 131b is placed inside the lid 116b of the housing 116, and the main body 116a is fixed to the lid 116b of the housing. Next, the small ball group 117 is pushed between the main body 116a and the large sphere 112, and a pressing tool 131a is provided around the opening 119a of the large sphere 112, and finally the lid 116c is fixed to the main body 116a. A bearing 360 can be manufactured.

Next, a spherical bearing having a fourth configuration of the present invention will be described. FIG. 38 shows the present invention. FIG. 39 is a view showing an example of a spherical bearing of the four configurations, FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the spherical bearing 380 cut along the cutting line III I II entered in FIG. 38, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a view showing a state in which a rod 211 of a spherical bearing 380 is inclined.

[0093] The spherical bearing 380 of FIG. 38 has a large sphere 212 having a rod 211 on a spherical surface, a large sphere having a diameter larger than that of the large sphere 212 and having an opening surface 214 formed through a constricted region 218. A housing 216 having a spherical recess 215 containing 212, a group of small spheres 217 arranged under pressure along the surface of the large sphere 212 inside the recess 215, and along the surface of the large sphere 212 Thus, it is composed of three oscillating annular separators 221a, 221b and 221c which isolate the small ball group 217 vertically.

In the spherical bearing 380, when the rod 211 tilts, the large sphere 212 rotates, and the small sphere group 217 disposed along the surface of the large sphere 212 rolls as the large sphere 212 rotates. By the rolling of the small ball group 217, the rod 211 of the spherical bearing 380 can be smoothly inclined and moved without generating a large frictional resistance with respect to the housing 216.

[0095] In the constricted region 218 of the housing 216 of the spherical bearing 380, the distance between the inner surface of the housing 216 and the spherical surface of the large sphere 212 is smaller than the diameter of the small sphere (for example, 20 smaller than the diameter of the small sphere). It is set to a small interval of about 50 / ζ πι). The constriction region 218 prevents a small ball that rolls toward the opening surface 214 side by the tilt movement of the rod 211, for example, a small ball 217a shown in FIG. 40, from dropping out of the housing 216. .

[0096] The small ball group 217 includes a space in which the space between the spherical recess 215 of the housing 216 and the spherical surface of the large ball 212 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the small ball (a force that depends on the size of the small ball, for example, Therefore, it is disposed between the housing 216 and the large sphere 212 in a pressurized state. As described above, the spherical recess 215 of the housing 216 is fitted in a state in which the large sphere 212 is closely contacted and supported via the small sphere group 217. Therefore, the spherical bearing 380 is a spherical bearing of Patent Document 1. As in the case, the rod 211 can move and rotate with high precision and is suitable for use in precision positioning devices and the like.

In the spherical bearing 380, the small ball group 217 is arranged along the surface of the large ball 212 without using a cage. More compared The number of small spheres can be arranged. The load capacity of the spherical bearing 380 can be increased by supporting the large ball 212 including the rod 211 with a larger number of small balls.

Next, the swinging annular separators 221a, 221b, 221c provided in the spherical bearing 380 will be described.

[0099] When the rod 211 of the spherical bearing 380 in FIG. 38 is tilted, each of the plurality of small spheres between the spherical recess 215 and the large sphere 212 is opposite to the large sphere, that is, the plurality of the plurality of small spheres. All of the small spheres roll while rotating in the same direction.

[0100] If the spherical bearing 380 is not provided with the swinging annular separators 221a, 221b, and 221c, for example, one small piece of the small ball group 217 that rolls when the rod 211 tilts and moves. Rotating movement of the sphere becomes difficult, and when one or more small spheres come into strong contact with this small sphere, the surface of each small sphere is reversed at the contact area. Some spheres may stop rolling due to large friction caused by friction while moving to each other. In this way, when the rod 211 is tilted! /, When some of the small balls stop rolling during the process, the magnitude of the torque required for the tilting movement of the rod suddenly fluctuates, so the rod is smooth. Can not be tilted.

[0101] In particular, when a small sphere on the side of the opening surface 214 of the housing 216, for example, the small sphere 217a shown in FIG. 40, reaches the constricted region 218 and makes rotational movement difficult due to contact with the housing 216, this When the small ball 217b is in strong contact with the small ball 217a, and when the small ball 217c is in strong contact with the small ball 217b, the small balls are in strong contact with each other, and the rolling of the small balls is stopped. It becomes easy to do.

[0102] As shown in FIGS. 38 to 40, when the small ball group 2 17 is vertically separated by the swinging annular separators 221a, 221b, 221c, a plurality of small balls arranged in the rolling direction, for example, small balls Since 217a and globules 217b, globules 217b and globules 217c, and globules 217c and 217d are separated from each other and do not contact each other, the above-mentioned stoppage of the spheres is suppressed. . For this reason, in the spherical bearing 380, although the small ball group is not held by the cage, the rod 211 can smoothly tilt and move. Each of the oscillating annular spacers 221a, 221b, and 221c is small while oscillating by being pressed by a small ball group 217 that repeatedly rolls up and down inside the housing 216 as the rod 211 repeatedly tilts and moves. Separate ball group 217 vertically Release. Note that the oscillating annular separator separates the small ball group 217 vertically, but does not isolate it in the circumferential direction of the large sphere.

[0103] The spherical bearing 380 is manufactured as follows, for example. First, a plurality of small balls arranged below the separator 221c are placed inside the main body 216a of the housing 216, the separator 221c is arranged on these small balls, and further on the separator 221c. Place several spheres. Next, the large sphere 212 is pushed into the main body 216a and the rod 211 is swung to arrange the plurality of small spheres accommodated in the main body 216a as described above. Pull out from inside. Subsequently, after placing the separating tool 221b on the plurality of small balls arranged on the separating tool 221c, the large ball 212 is pushed again into the main body 216a. Further, a plurality of small spheres are pushed between the main body 216a and the large sphere 212, and after placing the isolator 221a on these small spheres, a plurality of small spheres are further pushed. Finally, the spherical bearing 380 can be manufactured by fixing the lid 216b to the main body 216a using, for example, a bolt (not shown). Thus, the spherical bearing 380 is simple in configuration because it is not necessary to include a small spherical cage, and its manufacture is easy.

[0104] Examples of the material of the housing, rod, large sphere, small sphere, and oscillating annular separator of the spherical bearing of the fourth configuration are the same as those of the spherical bearing of the third configuration.

[0105] The number of swinging annular separators arranged inside the housing 216 is preferably 1 to 5 (particularly 1 to 3) in practice. This is because if there are too many separators, it takes time to manufacture spherical bearings. Further, the shape of the separator is not limited to a planar shape as shown in FIG. For example, the shape of the separator may be a funnel shape whose surface is inclined so that the width direction of the separator is directed toward the center of the large sphere.

[0106] Further, the number of small spheres to be placed inside the housing 216 is not particularly limited as long as it can be accommodated together with the isolator in the space inside the narrowed area 218 of the housing 216. It is preferably in the range of 65 to 95% by number of the maximum number of small spheres that can be accommodated, and more preferably in the range of 70 to 80% by number. This is because if the number of small balls placed in the housing is too large, the small balls are likely to come into strong contact with each other, and if the number of small balls is too small, the load bearing capacity of the spherical bearing becomes small.

[0107] In the spherical bearing of the present invention, as shown in FIG. It is preferable that an expansion region 213 is formed between the spherical recess 215. In the expansion region 213, the distance between the inner surface of the housing 216 and the spherical surface of the large sphere 212 is slightly larger than the diameter of the small sphere (for example, a distance about 10 to 20 m larger than the diameter of the small sphere). Is set. For this reason, when the small sphere rolls to reach the expansion region 213 as the rod 211 is inclined, the small sphere is released from the pressurized state. This is because the small ball force rolled to the side of the opening surface 214 of the housing 216 due to the tilting movement of the rod 211, and in the state of being pressed by the large ball, strongly contacts the housing in the narrowed area 218 described above. If the ball stops, the rod may not be able to rotate smoothly because the large ball 2 12 is difficult to rotate.By forming the expansion region 213, the small ball remains in the pressurized region in the constricted region. This is because strong contact can be prevented.

[0108] It is also preferable to form an expansion region (hereinafter referred to as a second expansion region) different from the above at the bottom of the spherical recess 215 of the housing 216 (the side opposite to the opening surface 214). By forming such a second expansion region, the load applied to the rod 211 of the spherical bearing 380 can be applied to the bottom of the large ball 212, that is, the small ball released from the pressurized state force in the second expansion region. However, it is distributed and applied to a large number of small spheres in the spherical recess 215 excluding the second expansion region. For this reason, the load resistance of the spherical bearing 380 can be increased.

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing another example of the spherical bearing of the fourth configuration according to the present invention. The configuration of the spherical surface bearing 410 in FIG. 41 is that a groove 231 or a notch 232 extending in the circumferential direction of the separator is formed on the surface of the swinging annular separator 221a, 221b, 221c facing the small ball. Is the same as the spherical bearing 380 in FIG. Since the movement of the separators in the lateral direction is restricted by the small balls fitted in the grooves 231 and the notches 232, the separators are difficult to contact the inner surface of the housing 216. . For this reason, each separator can move smoothly together with the small ball that rolls by the tilting movement of the rod, and the occurrence of scratches on the inner surface of the housing 216 due to the contact is suppressed.

FIG. 42 is a plan view showing another configuration example of the swinging annular separator used for the spherical bearing of the fourth configuration according to the present invention. In the oscillating annular separator 221 in FIG. 42, a plurality of small spheres arranged in contact with the separator 221 are indicated by two-dot chain lines.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 42, the surface of the oscillating annular separator 221 facing the small spheres has a separator 2 respectively. Preferably, 21 radial grooves 233 are formed. A plurality of small spheres (for example, small spheres 217a) arranged in contact with the separator 221 by forming a plurality of grooves 233 in the oscillating annular separator 221 are formed with the grooves 233. It becomes easy to be stably arranged at a position, and it is possible to suppress these small spheres from coming into strong contact with each other.

[0112] In addition, a groove or notch extending in the circumferential direction of the separator and a groove extending in the radial direction of the separator are formed on the surface of the swinging annular separator facing the small ball. Also good. Further, in place of such grooves and notches, depressions can be formed on the surface of the oscillating annular separator facing the small balls at intervals from each other along the circumferential direction of the separator.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of a spherical bearing having a first configuration according to the present invention.

2 is a view showing a state in which the rod 11 of the spherical bearing 10 in FIG. 1 is inclined.

FIG. 3 is a view showing another example of the spherical bearing having the first configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a view showing still another example of the spherical bearing having the first configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a view showing still another example of the spherical bearing having the first configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a view showing still another example of the spherical bearing having the first configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view showing still another example of the spherical bearing having the first configuration according to the present invention.

8 is a plan view showing an arrangement of the annular pressing tool 21 of the spherical bearing 70 of FIG. 7 and small spheres arranged in contact with the upper surface of the pressing tool 21. FIG.

FIG. 9 is a view showing still another example of the spherical bearing of the first configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a view showing a state in which the rod 11 of the spherical bearing 90 in FIG. 9 is inclined.

FIG. 11 is a view showing still another example of the spherical bearing having the first configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the spherical bearing 110 cut along the cutting line II along the line entered in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the spherical bearing 110 cut along the cutting line II—II line entered in FIG. 11.

14 is a view showing a state in which the rod 11 of the spherical bearing 110 in FIG. 11 is inclined.

FIG. 15 is a view showing still another example of the spherical bearing having the first configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a view showing still another example of the spherical bearing having the first configuration according to the present invention. FIG. 17 is a view showing a state in which the rod 11 of the spherical bearing 160 in FIG. 16 is inclined.

FIG. 18 is a view showing still another example of the spherical bearing having the first configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a view showing still another example of the spherical bearing having the first configuration according to the present invention.

20 is a view showing a state in which the rod of the spherical bearing 230 in FIG. 19 is tilted.

FIG. 21 is a view showing still another example of the spherical bearing having the first configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a view showing still another example of the spherical bearing having the first configuration according to the present invention. However, Figure 2

2 is a view of the spherical bearing 260 as seen from the tip end side of the rod.

FIG. 23 is a view showing an example of a spherical bearing having a second configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a view showing a state where the rods l la and l ib of the spherical bearing 190 of FIG. 23 are inclined. FIG. 25 is a view showing another example of the spherical bearing of the second configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a view showing still another example of the spherical bearing having the second configuration according to the present invention.

[27] FIG. 27 is a view showing an example of a spherical bearing having a third configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a view showing a state where the large sphere 112 of the spherical bearing 270 of FIG. 27 is tilted.

FIG. 29 is a view showing a mode of use of the spherical bearing 270 of FIG. 27.

FIG. 30 is a view showing a state in which a rod 111 attached to the spherical bearing 270 shown in FIG. 29 is inclined.

[31] FIG. 31 is a view showing another example of the spherical bearing of the third configuration according to the present invention.

[32] FIG. 32 is a view showing still another example of the spherical bearing of the third configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 33] A view showing still another example of the spherical bearing of the third configuration according to the present invention.

[34] FIG. 34 is a view showing still another example of the spherical bearing of the third configuration according to the present invention.

[35] FIG. 35 is a plan view showing another configuration example of the oscillating annular separator used in the spherical bearing of the third configuration of the present invention.

[36] FIG. 36 is a view showing still another example of the spherical bearing of the third configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a view showing a state where the large sphere 112 of the spherical bearing 360 of FIG. 36 is tilted. [38] FIG. 38 is a view showing an example of a spherical bearing of a fourth configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of spherical bearing 380 taken along line III-III in FIG. 38.

FIG. 40 is a view showing a state in which the rod 211 of the spherical bearing 380 in FIG. 38 is inclined. FIG. 41 is a view showing another example of the spherical bearing of the fourth configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 42 is a plan view showing another configuration example of the oscillating annular separator used in the spherical bearing of the fourth configuration of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

10, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 90, 110, 150, 160, 180 Spherical bearing

11, l la, l ib rod

12 large spheres

13, 13a, 13b Expansion region

14, 14a, 14b Opening surface

15 Spherical recess

16 Housing

16a Housing body

16b Housing lid

17 globules

17a, 17b, 17c, 17d

18, 18a, 18b Stenosis

19 Expansion range

21, 21a, 21b Ring press

22, 22a, 22b Ring press

23, 24 Ring press

25, 25a, 25b annular pressing tool

26 Ring press

27 small balls

27a, 27b small ball

31, 32 groove

33, 34 Notch

35 groove

36 Annular elastic body Leaf spring

Vortex spring

210, 220 Spherical bearing

250, 260 Spherical bearing

, 310, 320, 330, 340, 360 Spherical bearing rod

Large ball

a, 113b Expansion area

a, 114b Opening surface

Spherical recess

housing

a Housing body

b, 116c Housing lid

Small ball group

a, 117b, 117c

a, 118b Stenosis

Through hole

a, 119b opening

a, 121b Annular press

a, 123b Expansion range

screw

Washer

nut

a, 131b Ring press

141a, 141b Oscillating annular separator Groove

Groove

410 spherical bearings rod,

Large ball

Expansion area

Opening surface

Spherical recess

housing

a Knowing body

b Housing lid

Small ball group

a, 17b, 17c, 17d

Stenosis

, 221a, 221b, 221c Oscillating annular separator groove

Cutout

Groove

Claims

The scope of the claims

[I] a large sphere having a rod on a spherical surface, a housing having a larger diameter than the large sphere and having an opening surface formed through an expansion region, and having a spherical recess that accommodates the large sphere; A small sphere group arranged in a pressurized state along the surface of the large sphere in the recess, and arranged around the base of the rod of the large sphere, and presses the small sphere group in an engaged state with the rod base. A spherical bearing made of an annular pressing tool.

[2] The spherical bearing according to [1], wherein the annular pressing tool is a swinging annular pressing tool that is swingable and engages with the rod base by tilting the rod.

[3] The spherical bearing according to claim 2, wherein the oscillating annular pressing tool includes an annular elastic body at an inner peripheral edge thereof.

4. The spherical bearing according to claim 1, wherein the annular pressing tool is a fixed annular pressing tool that is fixed in advance around the base of the rod and is in an engaged state.

5. The spherical bearing according to claim 4, wherein the fixed annular pressing tool is fixed around the base portion of the rod via an annular elastic body provided on the inner peripheral edge thereof.

6. The spherical bearing according to claim 1, wherein a groove or notch extending in the circumferential direction of the pressing tool is formed on a surface of the annular pressing tool facing the small sphere.

7. The spherical bearing according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of grooves each extending in a radial direction of the pressing tool are formed on a surface of the annular pressing tool facing the small sphere.

8. The spherical bearing according to claim 1, wherein a constriction region is formed between the expansion region and the opening surface.

[9] A large sphere having a rod on each of the upper and lower surfaces of the spherical surface, having a larger diameter than the large sphere, and having an opening surface formed on each of the upper and lower surfaces through an expansion region, A housing having a spherical recess, and a group of small spheres arranged in a pressurized state along the surface of the large sphere in the recess

And a spherical bearing which is arranged around the base of each rod of the large sphere and has an annular pressing force that can press the small ball group in an engaged state with the rod base.

10. The spherical bearing according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the annular pressing members is a swinging annular pressing member that is swingable and engages with the rod base by tilting the rod.

[II] The spherical bearing according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the annular pressing tools is a fixed annular pressing tool that is fixed in advance around the base of the rod and is in an engaged state.

12. The spherical bearing according to claim 9, wherein a constriction region is formed between each expansion region and the opening surface.

[13] A large sphere having a through-hole having an opening in the upper and lower sides in the center, the large sphere having a larger diameter than the large sphere and having an opening surface formed in each of the upper and lower sides through an expansion region A housing having a spherical recess that accommodates the sphere, a group of small spheres disposed under pressure along the surface of the large sphere in the recess, and a large sphere attached around each opening of the large sphere. A spherical bearing having an annular pressing force that can press the small ball group by rotating the lens.

14. The spherical bearing according to claim 13, further comprising an oscillating annular separator that vertically isolates the small ball group along the surface of the large sphere.

15. The spherical bearing according to claim 14, wherein a groove or notch extending in a circumferential direction of the separator is formed on a surface of the swinging annular separator facing the small ball.

16. The spherical bearing according to claim 14, wherein a plurality of grooves each extending in a radial direction of the separator are formed on a surface of the swinging annular separator facing the small ball.

[17] A large sphere having a rod on a spherical surface, a housing having a larger diameter than the large sphere and having an opening surface formed through a constricted region, and having a spherical recess that accommodates the large sphere, A small ball group arranged in a pressurized state along the surface of the large sphere in the recess, and at least one oscillating annular separator that vertically separates the small ball group along the surface of the large sphere A spherical bearing that is a force.

18. The spherical bearing according to claim 17, wherein a groove or notch extending in a circumferential direction of the separator is formed on a surface of the oscillating annular separator facing the small ball.

19. The spherical bearing according to claim 17, wherein a plurality of grooves each extending in a radial direction of the separator are formed on a surface of the swinging annular separator facing the small ball.