U.S. patent application number 09/158825 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-08 for method for mounting a linear sliding device.
Invention is credited to KAZAMA, TOYOSHI, YAMAZAKI, MITSURU.
Application Number | 20010037574 09/158825 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 17848777 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010037574 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YAMAZAKI, MITSURU ; et
al. |
November 8, 2001 |
METHOD FOR MOUNTING A LINEAR SLIDING DEVICE
Abstract
To provide a method for mounting an outer sleeve onto a housing
in low cost and with high precision in a linear sliding apparatus,
the linear sliding apparatus has a shaft, and the outer sleeve is
fitted around the shaft and slidable in a linear manner relative to
the shaft. The method includes the steps of: engaging any desired
position of an outer circumference of the outer sleeve with a
stationary member in a convex and concave engagement; and fixing
the stationary member to the housing by a fastening member, thereby
mounting the outer sleeve on the housing.
Inventors: |
YAMAZAKI, MITSURU;
(OJIYA-SHI, JP) ; KAZAMA, TOYOSHI; (OJIYA-SHI,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUGHRUE MION ZINN MACPEAK & SEAS
2100 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20037
|
Family ID: |
17848777 |
Appl. No.: |
09/158825 |
Filed: |
September 23, 1998 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
29/898.03 ;
29/898 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/49904 20150115;
Y10T 29/49641 20150115; F16C 29/004 20130101; Y10T 29/49636
20150115; Y10T 29/49696 20150115; F16C 29/0695 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
29/898.03 ;
29/898 |
International
Class: |
B21D 053/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 29, 1997 |
JP |
9-297609 |
Claims
1. A method for mounting on a housing an outer sleeve of a linear
sliding apparatus having a shaft, the outer sleeve being fitted
around the shaft and slidable in a linear manner relative to the
shaft, comprising the steps of: engaging any desired position of an
outer circumference of the outer sleeve with a stationary member in
a convex and concave engagement; and fixing the stationary member
to the housing by a fastening member, thereby mounting the outer
sleeve on the housing.
2. A method for mounting on a housing a cylindrical outer sleeve of
a linear sliding apparatus having a shaft, by inserting the outer
sleeve into a mounting hole of the housing, the outer sleeve being
fitted around the shaft and slidable in a linear manner relative to
the shaft, comprising the steps of: inserting the outer sleeve into
the mounting hole; inserting a stationary member in abutment with a
recess of an outer circumference of the outer sleeve; and fixing
the stationary member around the mounting hole to the housing by a
suitable means, thereby mounting the outer sleeve onto the
housing.
3. A method for mounting on a housing a cylindrical outer sleeve of
a linear sliding apparatus having a shaft, by inserting the outer
sleeve into a mounting hole of the housing, the outer sleeve being
fitted around the shaft and slidable in a linear manner relative to
the shaft, comprising the steps of: inserting the outer sleeve into
the mounting hole; inserting a stationary plate with its edge
portion being in abutment with an outer circumference of the outer
sleeve and a recess having a predetermined length and formed in a
direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the outer sleeve;
and fixing the stationary member around the mounting hole to the
housing by a suitable means, thereby mounting the outer sleeve onto
the housing.
4. The method for mounting a linear sliding apparatus according to
claim 2, wherein another recess is formed on the outer
circumference of the outer sleeve to face with the first-mentioned
recess, and the stationary members are inserted into the respective
recesses.
5. The method for mounting a linear sliding apparatus according to
claim 3, wherein another recess is formed on the outer
circumference of the outer sleeve to face with the first-mentioned
recess, and the stationary members are inserted into the respective
recesses.
6. The method for mounting a linear sliding apparatus according to
claim 3, wherein an edge portion to be inserted onto one of an
inner surface of the recess and a recess of the stationary member
is formed into a taper surface.
7. The method for mounting a linear sliding apparatus according to
claim 4, wherein an edge portion to be inserted onto one of an
inner surface of the recess and a recess of the stationary member
is formed into a taper surface.
8. The method for mounting a linear sliding apparatus according to
claim 5, wherein an edge portion to be inserted onto one of an
inner surface of the recess and a recess of the stationary member
is formed into a taper surface.
9. The method for mounting a linear sliding apparatus according to
claims 1 to 8, wherein a planar stationary plate formed into a
substantially L-shape is used as the stationary member.
10. The method for mounting a linear sliding apparatus according to
claim 9, wherein a recess groove is formed on a side surface of the
housing for retaining the side surface of the stationary plate, the
stationary plate is provided on the recess groove, and the
stationary plate is fixed to the housing at the recess groove by
the fastening member, thereby mounting the outer sleeve onto the
housing.
11. A method for mounting on a housing an outer sleeve of a linear
sliding apparatus having a shaft, the outer sleeve being fitted
around the shaft and slidable in a linear manner relative to the
shaft, comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of mounting
holes in the housing so that a plurality of outer sleeves may be
inserted into the plurality mounting holes; inserting the plurality
of outer sleeves into the plurality of mounting holes; fitting
planar stationary members between the plurality of outer sleeves in
abutment with recesses formed in a direction perpendicular to an
axial direction of the outer sleeves; retaining the outer sleeves
to the housing by the stationary members inserted on both sides of
each outer sleeve; and mounting the stationary members onto the
housing by a suitalbe means, thereby mounting and fixing the outer
sleeves onto the housing.
12. A method for mounting on a housing an outer sleeve of a linear
sliding apparatus having a shaft, the outer sleeve being fitted
around the shaft and slidable in a linear manner relative to the
shaft, comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of mounting
holes in the housing so that a plurality of outer sleeves may be
inserted into the plurality mounting holes; inserting the plurality
of outer sleeves into the plurality of mounting holes; fitting
planar stationary members, each having a large width at one end and
a small width at the other end, between the plurality of outer
sleeves in abutment with recesses formed in a direction
perpendicular to an axial direction of the outer sleeves; retaining
the outer sleeves to the housing by the stationary members inserted
on both sides of each outer sleeve; and mounting the stationary
members onto the housing by a suitable means, thereby mounting and
fixing the outer sleeves onto the housing.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a method for mounting a
linear sliding device.
[0002] A conventional linear sliding device is composed of a shaft
and an outer sleeve fitted around the shaft and sliding in a linear
manner relative to the shaft. The outer sleeve is moved in the
linear manner relative to the shaft by rolling balls in a ball
endless loop formed in the interior of the outer sleeve.
[0003] In order to mount and fix the outer sleeve of such a linear
sliding device onto a housing, conventionally, a flange portion is
provided on an outer circumferential portion of the outer sleeve,
and the outer sleeve is mounted and fixed onto the housing by using
a mounting hole formed in the flange portion. Alternatively, a key
groove is formed along an axial direction of the outer sleeve on
the outer circumferential surface of the outer sleeve and a key
groove is also formed on the housing. A key is disposed in both key
grooves to thereby mount and fix the outer sleeve onto the
housing.
[0004] However, in the former mounting and fixing method, since the
flange portion is formed integrally with the outer sleeve, that is,
since the outer sleeve and the flange portion are simultaneously
formed by cutting predetermined material, it takes a very long time
for the work and at the same time, a weight of the outer sleeve is
increased corresponding to the flanged portion.
[0005] Also, in the latter mounting and fixing method, it is
necessary to machine the key grooves with high precision. A cost
for machining the key grooves is very high. Furthermore, it is
necessary to effect a slotter work to the inner diameter portion of
the housing. It is very difficult to effect the slotter work to
increase the working cost. In particular, in the case where the
outer diameter of the outer sleeve is small, it is very difficult
to work a key groove in the outer sleeve and further difficult to
effect the slotter work of the housing, further increasing a
manufacture cost.
[0006] Also, in addition to the above-described two mounting
methods, there is a method in which a hole passing up to a mounting
hole into which the outer sleeve is inserted is provided and a bolt
or the like is threadedly fitted into this hole to fasten and fix
the outer sleeve disposed in the mounting hole. However, this
method suffers from a problem that the outer sleeve is deformed
because the outer circumferential surface of the outer sleeve is
depressed by the bolt or the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In order to overcome the above-noted defects inherent in the
prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide a
method for mounting a linear sliding device, by which the mounting
of the outer sleeve onto the housing is facilitated with high
precision and in low cost.
[0008] In order to attain this and other objects, according to a
first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method
for mounting on a housing an outer sleeve of a linear sliding
apparatus having a shaft, the outer sleeve being fitted around the
shaft and slidable in a linear manner relative to the shaft,
comprising the steps of: engaging any desired position of an outer
circumference of the outer sleeve with a stationary member in a
convex and concave engagement; and fixing the stationary member to
the housing by a fastening member, thereby mounting the outer
sleeve on the housing.
[0009] Also, according to a second aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method for mounting on a housing a cylindrical
outer sleeve of a linear sliding apparatus having a shaft, by
inserting the outer sleeve into a mounting hole of the housing, the
outer sleeve being fitted around the shaft and slidable in a linear
manner relative to the shaft, comprising the steps of: inserting
the outer sleeve into the mounting hole; inserting a stationary
member in abutment with a recess of an outer circumference of the
outer sleeve; and fixing the stationary member around the mounting
hole to the housing by a suitable means, thereby mounting the outer
sleeve onto the housing.
[0010] Also, according to a third aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method for mounting on a housing a cylindrical
outer sleeve of a linear sliding apparatus having a shaft, by
inserting the outer sleeve into a mounting hole of the housing, the
outer sleeve being fitted around the shaft and slidable in a linear
manner relative to the shaft, comprising the steps of: inserting
the outer sleeve into the mounting hole; inserting a stationary
plate with its edge portion being in abutment with an outer
circumference of the outer sleeve and a recess having a
predetermined length and formed in a direction perpendicular to an
axial direction of the outer sleeve; and fixing the stationary
member around the mounting hole to the housing by a suitable means,
thereby mounting the outer sleeve onto the housing.
[0011] Also, according to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the
second aspect of the invention, another recess is formed on the
outer circumference of the outer sleeve to face with the
first-mentioned recess, and the stationary members are inserted
into the respective recesses.
[0012] Also, according to a fifth aspect of the invention, in the
second aspect of the invention, another recess is formed on the
outer circumference of the outer sleeve to face with the
first-mentioned recess, and the stationary members are inserted
into the respective recesses.
[0013] Also, according to a sixth aspect of the invention, in the
third aspect of the invention, an edge portion to be inserted onto
one of an inner surface of the recess and a recess of the
stationary member is formed into a taper surface.
[0014] Also, according to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the
fourth aspect of the invention, an edge portion to be inserted onto
one of an inner surface of the recess and a recess of the
stationary member is formed into a taper surface.
[0015] Also, according to an eighth aspect of the invention, in the
fifth aspect of the invention, an edge portion to be inserted onto
one of an inner surface of the recess and a recess of the
stationary member is formed into a taper surface.
[0016] Also, according to a ninth aspect of the invention, in any
one of the first through eighth aspects of the invention, a planar
stationary plate formed into a substantially L-shape is used as the
stationary member.
[0017] Also, according to a tenth aspect of the invention, in the
ninth aspect of the invention, a recess groove is formed on a side
surface of the housing for retaining the side surface of the
stationary plate, the stationary plate is provided on the recess
groove, and the stationary plate is fixed to the housing at the
recess groove by the fastening member, thereby mounting the outer
sleeve onto the housing.
[0018] Also, according to an eleventh aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a method for mounting on a housing an
outer sleeve of a linear sliding apparatus having a shaft, the
outer sleeve being fitted around the shaft and slidable in a linear
manner relative to the shaft, comprising the steps of: providing a
plurality of mounting holes in the housing so that a plurality of
outer sleeves may be inserted into the plurality mounting holes;
inserting the plurality of outer sleeves into the plurality of
mounting holes; fitting planar stationary members between the
plurality of outer sleeves in abutment with recesses formed in a
direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the outer sleeves;
retaining the outer sleeves to the housing by the stationary
members inserted on both sides of each outer sleeve; and mounting
the stationary members onto the housing by a suitable means,
thereby mounting and fixing the outer sleeves onto the housing.
[0019] Also, according to a twelfth aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a method for mounting on a housing an
outer sleeve of a linear sliding apparatus having a shaft, the
outer sleeve being fitted around the shaft and slidable in a linear
manner relative to the shaft, comprising the steps of: providing a
plurality of mounting holes in the housing so that a plurality of
outer sleeves may be inserted into the plurality mounting holes;
inserting the plurality of outer sleeves into the plurality of
mounting holes; fitting planar stationary members, each having a
large width at one end and a small width at the other end, between
the plurality of outer sleeves in abutment with recesses formed in
a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the outer
sleeves; retaining the outer sleeves to the housing by the
stationary members inserted on both sides of each outer sleeve; and
mounting the stationary members onto the housing by a suitable
means, thereby mounting and fixing the outer sleeves onto the
housing.
[0020] By engaging any desired position of the outer circumference
of the outer sleeve with the stationary member in the convex and
concave engagement and fixing the stationary member to the housing
by a fastening member, thereby mounting the outer sleeve on the
housing, it is possible to easily mount and fix the outer sleeve to
the housing through the stationary member, and to positively mount
and fix the outer sleeve to the housing.
[0021] Accordingly, in comparison with the case where the flange
portion provided in the outer sleeve or the key groove is utilized
in the conventional manner, it is possible to perform the mounting
work of the outer sleeve onto the housing with high precision and
in low cost.
[0022] By inserting the outer sleeve into the mounting hole,
inserting the stationary member in abutment with the recess of the
outer circumference of the outer sleeve and fixing the stationary
member around the mounting hole to the housing by the suitable
means, thereby mounting the outer sleeve onto the housing, it is
possible to readily fix the outer sleeve to the housing by
inserting the stationary member into the recess and to positively
mount and fix the outer sleeve to the housing.
[0023] By inserting the outer sleeve into the mounting hole,
inserting the stationary plate with its edge portion being in
abutment with an outer circumference of the outer sleeve and the
recess having a predetermined length and formed in the direction
perpendicular to the axial direction of the outer sleeve, and
fixing the stationary member around the mounting hole to the
housing by the suitable means, thereby mounting the outer sleeve
onto the housing, it is possible to readily fix the outer sleeve to
the housing by inserting the stationary member into the recess and
to positively mount and fix the outer sleeve to the housing.
[0024] In particular, the formation of the recess having the
predetermined length in the direction perpendicular to the axial
direction of the outer sleeve is very easy in machining. This does
not lead to the increase in manufacture cost.
[0025] Accordingly, in comparison with the case where the flange
portion provided in the outer sleeve or the key groove is utilized
in the conventional manner, it is possible to perform the mounting
work of the outer sleeve onto the housing with ease and high
precision and in low cost.
[0026] Also, if the edge portion to be fitted into the recess of
the stationary member or the inner side surface of the recess is
formed into the taper surface, it is possible to perform the
engagement between the recess and the stationary member without any
displacement.
[0027] Also, since the planar stationary plate formed into the
substantially L-shape is used as the stationary member, the side
edge of one surface of the planar stationary plate formed into the
substantially L-shape may be retained in abutment with the recess,
and the other surface formed integrally substantially at a right
angle to the one surface of the stationary plate may be brought
into contact with the side surface of the housing. The movement of
the one surface of the substantially L-shape of the stationary
plate may be limited by the recess of the outer sleeve when the
fastening member is mounted. Also, the other surface is formed
integrally substantially at a right angle to the one surface and is
in abutment with the side surface of the housing 3. It is therefore
possible to readily mount the fastening member. Also, the
stationary plate may be mounted and fixed positively and in the
stable condition onto the housing. Accordingly, it is possible to
firmly fix and mount the outer sleeve onto the housing in a very
stable manner.
[0028] Also, since the planar stationary plate formed into the
substantially L-shape is used as the stationary member and the
recess groove by which the side surface of the stationary plate may
be retained at the side surface of the housing is provided, the
side edge of one surface of the planar stationary member formed
into the substantially L-shape may be retained in abutment with the
recess of the outer sleeve, and the other surface formed integrally
substantially at a right angle to the one surface of the stationary
plate may be brought into contact with the recess groove provided
on the side surface of the housing to retain the stationary plate.
Since the outer sleeve is mounted onto the housing by fixing the
stationary plate to the housing at the recess groove portion by the
fastening member, the movement of the one surface of the
substantially L-shape of the stationary plate may be limited by the
recess groove when the fastening member is mounted. Also, the other
surface is formed integrally with the one surface and is in
abutment with the side surface of the housing 3. It is therefore
possible to readily mount the fastening member. Also, the
stationary plate may be mounted positively and in the stable
condition onto the housing. Accordingly, it is possible to firmly
fix and mount the outer sleeve onto the housing in a very stable
manner.
[0029] Also, when the planar fastening members are fitted in
between the plurality of outer sleeves, it is possible to very
easily retain and abut the fastening members at the recesses formed
in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the outer
sleeves located on both sides of each fastening member. By fitting
the fastening members on both sides of each outer sleeve and
mounting and fixing the fastening members to the housing, it is
possible to mount the outer sleeve onto the housing in a positive
and easy manner. Furthermore, since each outer sleeve located on
both sides of each fastening member may be simultaneously mounted
on the single fastening member, it is possible to mount and fix the
outer sleeve with the small number of the fastening members in
comparison with the case the outer sleeve is mounted by using the
separate fastening member from both sides of each outer sleeve when
the outer sleeve is to be mounted and fixed. Also, the arrangement
space for the fastening members may be saved. Accordingly, it is
possible to provide the outer sleeves in the housing at a high
density. By providing the outer sleeves on the housing at the high
density, it is possible to move the housing in a stabler manner in
a linear fashion.
[0030] Also, when the planar fastening members each having the
large width at one end and the small width at the other end are
fitted in between the plurality of outer sleeves, it is possible to
very easily retain and abut the fastening members at the recesses
formed in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the
outer sleeves located on both sides of each fastening member. By
fitting the fastening members on both sides of each outer sleeve
and mounting and fixing the fastening members on both sides of each
outer sleeve, it is possible to mount the outer sleeve onto the
housing in a positive and easy manner. Furthermore, since each
outer sleeve located on both sides of each fastening member may be
simultaneously mounted on the single fastening member, it is
possible to mount and fix the outer sleeve with the small number of
the fastening members in comparison with the case the outer sleeve
is mounted and fixed by using the separate fastening member from
both sides of each outer sleeve when the outer sleeve is to be
mounted and fixed. Also, the arrangement space for the fastening
members may be saved. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the
outer sleeves in the housing at a high density. By providing the
outer sleeves on the housing at the high density, it is possible to
move the housing in a stabler manner in a linear fashion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] In the accompanying drawings:
[0032] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional frontal view showing a primary
part in accordance with a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0033] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary side elevational view showing the
primary part shown in FIG. 1;
[0034] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a primary
part in accordance with a second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0035] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a primary
part in accordance with a third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0036] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a primary
part in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0037] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional frontal view showing a
primary part in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0038] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional side elevational view
showing a primary part in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0039] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional side elevational view
showing a primary part in accordance with a seventh embodiment of
the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional frontal view showing a
primary part in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0041] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a ninth embodiment of
the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 11 is a partial side elevational view showing a tenth
embodiment of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged side elevational view of the
part shown in FIG. 11;
[0044] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional frontal view showing a primary
part in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present
invention;
[0045] FIG. 14 is a fragmentary cross-sectional side elevational
view showing the primary part shown in FIG. 13; and
[0046] FIG. 15 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view showing a
linear sliding apparatus.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0047] A method for mounting a linear sliding device according to
an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0048] A first embodiment will now be described with reference to
FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0049] In the first embodiment, a linear sliding device is
generally composed of a shaft 2 and a cylindrical outer sleeve that
may be slidingly moved relative to the shaft 2. A pair of linear
recess grooves 5 having a predetermined length are formed in a
direction perpendicular to an axis of the shaft in an outer
circumference of the outer sleeve 1 of the linear sliding device
symmetrically with respect to the centerline of the outer sleeve 1.
A pair of planar stationary plates 4 each having hole 4a are
provided so as to be inserted into the recess grooves 5.
[0050] FIG. 15 shows a structure of the outer sleeve 1 which takes
a linear sliding movement relative to the shaft 2 while balls 16
are rolling through a ball endless recirculation path. Load ball
grooves 2a are formed in the shaft 2 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The
outer sleeve 1 is rotated together with the shaft 2. However,
needless to say, the present invention is not limited to this
structure.
[0051] Incidentally, FIG. 15 shows the outer sleeve 1 in the case
where the load ball grooves 2a are not formed in the shaft 2.
Reference numeral 17 denotes a ball retainer.
[0052] The outer sleeve 1 is inserted into a mounting through-hole
3a formed in a housing 3 with the recess grooves 5 being exposed
externally. An edge of each stationary plate 4 is in abutment or
engagement with the associated recess groove 5 of the outer sleeve
1. A bolt as a fastening member 7 is inserted into a hole 4a of
each stationary plate 4 so that the outer sleeve 1 is mounted on
and fixed to the housing 3 in a threaded engagement manner with the
bolt hole 3b formed in the housing 3.
[0053] Since the edge of each stationary plate 4 is fitted into the
associated recess groove 5, the rotation of the stationary plate 4
is prevented. Also, since the pair of stationary plates 4 are
provided to face each other, the outer sleeve 1 is positively
mounted on and fixed to the mounting hole 3a of the housing 3.
[0054] In this case, since only two recess grooves 5 are machined
to be formed in the outer sleeve 1, the machining work is very
simple. Furthermore, since the mounting and fixing work may be
performed only by fastening the bolts onto the outer sleeve 1, the
workability is very excellent.
[0055] Reference numeral 8 denotes a grease groove for distributing
the grease over the entire circumference of the outer sleeve 1.
Reference numeral 10 denotes a grease nipple. Reference numeral 11
denotes a grease supply inlet.
[0056] Incidentally, the recess grooves 5 are provided on both
right and left sides of the outer sleeve 1 to face each other. If
the stationary plates 4 are inserted into the respective recess
grooves 5 exposed externally from both sides of the housing 3,
i.e., into four, in total, recess grooves 5 on the right and left
and up and down, it is possible to firmly fix the outer sleeve 1 to
the housing 3.
[0057] In accordance with a second embodiment shown in FIG. 3, both
inner sides of the recess groove 5 provided in the outer sleeve 1
is formed into a tapered surface 6a. The tapered surface 6a is
formed in the recess groove 5. Accordingly, if the stationary plate
4 is fitted into the recess groove 5, the engagement between the
recess groove 5 and the stationary plate 4 may be performed without
any displacement. It is possible to firmly fix the outer sleeve 1
onto the mounting hole 3a of the housing 3. The other structure is
the same as that of the first embodiment.
[0058] In a third embodiment shown in FIG. 4, inversely to the
second embodiment, an edge portion to be inserted into the recess
groove 5 of the stationary plate 4 is formed into a tapered surface
6b. In the same manner as in the second embodiment, the engagement
between the stationary plate 4 and the recess groove 5 may be
performed without fail.
[0059] Incidentally, if necessary, the tapered surface 6a is formed
in the recess groove 5 as described above and the tapered surface
6b is formed in the edge portion to be fitted into the recess
groove 5 of the stationary plate 4 whereby the stationary plate 4
provided with the tapered surface 6b is fitted into the recess
groove 5 provided with the tapered surface 6a to thereby perform
the engagement between the recess groove 5 and the stationary plate
4 more positively.
[0060] In a fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a recess groove 5
for retaining the stationary plate 14 is formed in a central
portion, in the axial direction, of an outer circumference, whereas
a stationary plate fitting groove 3c for inserting the stationary
plate 14 into the recess groove 5 of the outer sleeve 1 is provided
in the housing 3. The outer sleeve 1 is fitted into the mounting
hole 3a of the housing 3. The stationary plate 14 is inserted from
the stationary plate fitting groove 3c, and then inserted into the
recess groove 5. A bolt as the fastening member 7 is threadedly
engaged from one end of the housing 3. The stationary plate 14 is
depressed to mount and fix the outer sleeve 1 onto the housing 3.
The other structure is the same as that of the first and second
embodiment.
[0061] In a fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 6, parts of the upper
and lower portions on the left side of the outer sleeve 1 in FIG. 6
are cut away in an arcuate shape to form recesses 15. Then, the
outer sleeve 1 is inserted into the mounting hole 3a of the housing
3. Also, the stationary plates 4 are brought into contact with the
recesses 15. Also, the stationary plates 4 are mounted on the other
end of the housing 3 to retain the other end of the outer sleeve 1
by the stationary plates 4.
[0062] In a sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a trapezoidal recess
groove 5 is formed as the recess groove 5. On the other hand, a
cutaway is formed in the planar stationary plate 9 so that inner
edges 9a of the planar stationary plate 9 are brought into contact
with the trapezoidal recess 5.
[0063] In the sixth embodiment, since the trapezoidal recess groove
5 is thus formed and the stationary plates 9 provided with the
cutaways to be contacted with the inner edges 9a of the recess
grooves 5 are used, it is possible to clamp the outer sleeve 1 by
the stationary plates 9 to thereby firmly mount and fix the outer
sleeve 1 and the housing 3 to each other.
[0064] In a seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 8, a recess 12 formed
into a circular hole in the outer circumference of the outer sleeve
1 is used as the recess portion 5. On the other hand, a planer
stationary plate 13 in which a projection 13a to be inserted into
the recess 12 is formed is used.
[0065] The projection 13a is inserted into the recess 12 of the
outer sleeve 1. The stationary plate 13 is threadedly mounted on
the housing 3 by using a bolt used as the fastening member 7. The
outer sleeve 1 is mounted and fixed onto the housing 3.
[0066] In the seventh embodiment, since the circular hole recess 12
that may be partially provided is used, in particular in the case
where the diameter of the outer sleeve 1 is small, it is possible
to reduce the amount of the material to be removed from the outer
sleeve 1. It is therefore possible to prevent the degradation in
mechanical strength of the outer sleeve 1.
[0067] In an eighth embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the outer sleeves 1
each having the same structure as that of the first embodiment are
connected to each other and are fitted into the mounting hole 3a of
the housing 3.
[0068] According to the eighth embodiment, it is possible to avoid
the situation in which the key grooves of the two outer sleeves are
not aligned at a predetermined position to hardly perform the
mounting work of the outer sleeves in the case of the conventional
mounting method by utilizing the key grooves.
[0069] In a ninth embodiment shown in FIG. 10, stationary plates 20
each having a substantially L-shape are used as the stationary
members 4. Recesses 22 are formed on both side surfaces at one end
face of the housing 3 to be in contact with the recesses 5 of the
outer circumference of the outer sleeve 1 so as to arrange the
stationary plates 20. Furthermore, recess grooves 21 are suitably
formed integrally with the recesses 22 on the side surface of the
housing 3 so as to retain the side surfaces of the stationary
plates 20.
[0070] The outer sleeve 1 is inserted into the mounting hole of the
housing 3 in which the above-described recesses 22 and the recess
grooves 21 are formed, so that the outer sleeve 1 is projected by a
predetermined projection amount from one end face of the housing 3.
The edge of each planar stationary plate 20 formed into a
substantially L-shaped is contacted with and retained at the recess
5 formed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the
outer sleeve 1 on both sides of the outer circumference of the
outer sleeve 1 projected from one end face of the housing 3. The
plate surfaces integrally formed substantially perpendicular to the
plate surfaces of the stationary plates 20, retained in abutment
with the recesses 5 of the outer sleeve 1, are retained in abutment
with the recess grooves 21 formed on both sides of the housing 3.
The stationary plate 20 is mounted and fixed onto the housing 3 by
using the screw members such as screws or bolts as the fastening
members 7 for integrally fixing the stationary plates 20 to the
housing 3 at the recess 21 portions of the housing 3.
[0071] As described above, the stationary plates 20 are mounted and
fixed onto the housing 3 whereby the outer sleeve 1 may be mounted
and fixed onto the housing 3.
[0072] By using the planar stationary plates 20 formed into the
substantially L-shaped as described above as the stationary members
4, it is possible to mount the stationary plates 20 onto the
housing 3 in a stabler manner. The two L-shaped plate surfaces of
the stationary plates 20 may be retained at the recesses 22 and the
recess grooves 21 when the fastening members 7 are mounted.
Therefore, the movement of the stationary plates 20 within the
recesses 22 and the recess grooves 21 is limited so that the
fastening members 7 may readily be mounted. The fastening plates 20
may be mounted and fixed onto the housing 3 under the condition
that the stationary plates 20 are more positive and stable.
Accordingly, the outer sleeve 1 may be firmly mounted and fixed
onto the housing 3 in the very stable condition.
[0073] Incidentally, in the foregoing ninth embodiments, two
stationary plates 20 are used on both side of one end portion of
the housing 3. If necessary, it is possible to mount four
stationary plates on both sides of both end portions of the housing
3 for mounting the outer sleeve 1 onto the housing. In this case,
it is possible to firmly mount the outer sleeve 1 onto the housing
3 in a stabler manner.
[0074] Also, in some case, it is unnecessary to provide the
recesses 22 or the recess grooves 21 on the side surfaces of both
end portions of the housing 3. Furthermore, the same shape or
combination of the first through eighth embodiments may be used for
the shape or the combination of the recess 5 of the outer sleeve 1
or the plate surfaces of the stationary plates 20 for being
retained in abutment with the recess 5 of the outer sleeve 1.
[0075] In a tenth embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a plurality
of mounting holes 23 are formed in a large cylindrical or
sleeve-shaped housing 3 so that a plurality of outer sleeves 1 may
be inserted into the mounting holes 23 so as to form a circle. The
plurality of outer sleeves 1 are inserted into the plurality of
mounting holes 23. Stationary plates 18 each having a large width
at one end and a small width at the other end are inserted between
the plurality of outer sleeves 1 inwardly from the outside of the
housing 3 so as to be in abutment with recesses 24 suitably formed
in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the outer
sleeves 1. The outer sleeves 1 are retained at the housing 3 by the
stationary plates 18 inserted on both sides of the outer sleeves 1.
The outer sleeves 1 are mounted and fixed onto the housing 3 by
mounting and fixing the stationary plates 18 onto the housing 3 by
fastening members 7 provided suitably in the axial direction of the
stationary plates 18.
[0076] When the planar stationary plates 18 each having the large
width at one end and the small width at the other end are inserted
between the plurality of outer sleeves 1 inwardly from the outside
of the housing 3, it is possible to very easily abut and retain the
stationary plates 18 at the recesses 24 suitably formed in the
direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the outer sleeves
1 located on both sides of each stationary plate 18. It is possible
to positively and easily mount and fix the outer sleeves 1 onto the
housing 3 by inserting the stationary plates 18 on both sides of
each outer sleeve 1 and mounting and fixing the plates 18 onto the
housing 3.
[0077] Incidentally, in the above-described tenth embodiment, the
housing 3 has been described as a large cylindrical or sleeve-like
housing. However, the shape of the housing 3 is not limited to a
cylindrical shape or sleeve-like shape. It is possible to cause the
shape of the housing 3 to be any shape. Also, in the
above-described tenth embodiment, the plurality of mounting holes
23 are provided so that the plurality of outer sleeves 1 may be
inserted to form a circle. However, the provision of the plurality
of mounting holes 23 is not limited to a circular shape. It is
possible to provide the plurality of mounting holes 23 suitably in
any desired locations.
[0078] In an eleventh embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, instead
of the planar stationary members 4 described in conjunction with
the foregoing embodiments, rod-shaped (cylindrical) stationary
members 19 are abutted and retained at the recess portions suitably
provided on the outer circumference of the outer sleeve 1, and the
stationary members 19 are suitably mounted and fixed onto the
housing 3 by fastening members 7 to thereby mount and fix the outer
sleeve 1 onto the housing 3. The shape of each stationary member 19
may be formed into a rod-shape as a whole or only a portion to be
retained in abutment with the recess formed in the outer
circumference of the outer sleeve 1 may take a suitable shape that
is not planar but a cylindrical shape.
[0079] In the case where the housing 3 is mounted and fixed onto
the outer circumference of the outer sleeve 1, in some cases, it is
preferable to use the planar stationary members 4 and in other
cases, it is preferable to adopt a cylindrical or any other shape
other than the planar shape therefor, depending upon the shapes of
the outer sleeve 1 and the housing 3 or the combination of the
outer sleeve 1 and the housing 3. It is possible to select an
optimum shape for the stationary member 4.
[0080] Various details of the invention may be changed without
departing from its spirit nor its scope. Furthermore, the foregoing
description of the embodiments according to the present invention
is provided for the purpose of illustration only, and not for the
purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims
and their equivalents.
* * * * *