BE1031235B1 - A LOCKING ELEMENT FOR FIXING ELEMENTS OR INSTALLATIONS ON A AXLE - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure contemplates a retaining element (100) or an external retaining ring. The retaining element (100) comprises two concentric rings, namely an inner split ring (110) and an outer circumferential ring (120) which are connected together at a bridge (115). The outer circumferential ring (120) is provided with at least one seat (125) portion defined on the radially inner side. Each of the seats (125) is adapted to limit the radial expansion of the inner split ring (110). The advantage of using the retaining element (100) is that there is no need for a separate component to prevent the expansion of the free ends (112) of the inner ring (110) beyond a predetermined limit. The risk of loosening of the bearing or other component secured to the shaft is eliminated.

Description

1 BE2022/6122

A BONDING ELEMENT FOR FIXING ELEMENTS OR

INSTALLATIONS ON AN AXLE

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to the field of vehicles. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to the field of a retaining element (circlip, hereinafter: retaining ring) used in a transmission unit or drive system of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

In recent times, the average speed of power tools and vehicles has increased significantly. The rotational speed of the components in a transmission system has also increased. Securing a high-speed rotating shaft is an important parameter for the desired functional vehicle requirements.

A retaining ring or retaining clip is used to secure the shaft in its axial position. The retaining ring rotates with the shaft and at higher rotational speeds the free ends of the retaining ring tend to move radially outwards. This reduces the contact surface between the shaft and the retaining ring. Further expansion of the retaining ring may cause the shaft to come loose or may cause some misalignment in the transmission system assembly. In high-speed systems, even a slight misalignment can result in a drastic reduction in efficiency and may even lead directly to safety problems. The useful life of the components is also reduced.

Nowadays, a specially designed retaining component is provided to prevent, limit or restrict the expansion of the retaining ring. However, these components themselves take up some space and sometimes require a special mounting/fastening provision in the

9 BE2022/6122 assembly. There is a risk that the retaining component itself becomes detached from the assembly.

There is therefore a need for a securing element for fixing elements or installations to an axle that solves the above-mentioned objections.

GOALS

Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which are satisfied by at least one embodiment herein, are as follows:

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a securing element for securing elements or installations to an axle.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a retaining element for securing elements or installations to a shaft, the retaining element being resistant to radial expansion.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a retaining element for securing elements or installations to an axle, wherein the retaining element is easy to install.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a retaining element for securing elements or installations to an axis, thereby avoiding the need for a separate limiting component.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure aims at a retaining element for securing elements or installations to a shaft. The retaining element comprises two concentric rings. The inner ring is adapted to fit into a groove of a shaft while the outer circumferential ring surrounds the inner ring. The inner ring is a split ring,

3 BE2022/6122 similar to a conventional retaining ring. The two rings are connected to each other by means of a bridge section.

The outer circumferential ring can be a continuous ring and then surrounds the entire inner split ring. A gap is defined between the free ends of the arms of the inner split ring.

Furthermore, the inner split ring may be connected to the outer circumferential ring by at least one bridge.

Also, at least one seat may be provided on the inside of the outer circumferential ring by projecting surfaces, the projecting surface being capable of extending radially inward. The size of the seat is preferably such that the seat does not touch the inner split ring, even when the retaining element is installed on the shaft.

Alternatively and/or additionally, the seat may be designed to limit the radial outward movement of the arms and the free ends of the internal split ring when the retaining element rotates at high speeds.

Alternatively and/or additionally, the seats can be located at 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees to the bridge. Furthermore, the seats can be provided at multiple locations or evenly distributed along the circumference of the outer ring.

A method of installing a retainer, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, advantageously utilizes a tool to apply an axial force to the inner split ring to urge the retainer over the shaft. An axially opposing force is applied to the outer circumferential ring to facilitate radial expansion of the inner split ring during installation of the retainer.

4 BE2022/6122

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING

Throughout the various figures, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements or elements with a similar function. Furthermore, only reference numerals that are necessary for the description of the respective figure are shown in the figures. The embodiments shown represent only examples of how the invention can be implemented. This should not be construed as a limitation of the invention.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows a conventional retaining ring and a shaft.

Figure 2 shows the retaining ring and a limiting element installed on the shaft.

Figure 3 shows a front view of a retaining element for securing elements or installations to a shaft, in a non-tensioned state, when the retaining element is not installed on the shaft, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3a shows an enlarged view of the retaining element of Figure 3.

Figure 4 shows a front view of the retaining member, in a tensioned state, when the retaining member is installed on the shaft and when the shaft is rotating at high speed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4a shows an enlarged view of the retaining member of Figure 4.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the security element of

Figure 3.

Figure 6 shows a method for installing the retaining element onto the shaft.

LIST OF REFERENCE FIGURES

— Conventional retaining ring 12 — Free ends of conventional retaining ring — Shaft 5 15a — Groove on shaft — Limiting element for retaining ring 100 — Locking element 105 — Shaft 10 105a — Groove on shaft 110 — Inner split ring 1104 — Arms of inner split ring 112 — Free end of split ring 115 — Bridge 15 120 — Outer circumferential ring 125 — Seat 150 — Tool

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

20 In this application, identical or corresponding features are indicated by identical or corresponding reference signs. The description of the various embodiments 1s not limited to the examples shown in the figures, and the reference numerals used in the detailed description and the claims are not intended to limit the description of the embodiments, but are included to further explain the embodiments by referring to the example shown in the figures.

Throughout the various figures, the same reference numbers refer to the same elements or elements with a

6 BE2022/6122 similar function. Furthermore, only reference numerals necessary for the description of the respective figure are shown in the figures. The embodiments shown represent only examples of how the invention can be implemented. This should not be construed as a limitation of the invention.

In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail since they are known to those skilled in the art.

The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment only, and such terminology is not to be taken as limiting the scope of this disclosure. As used in this disclosure, the forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural referents unless the context clearly suggests otherwise.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings.

Terms such as first, second, third, etc., (used to distinguish one element, component, area, layer or section from another component, area, layer or section), when used herein, do not imply any specific order or other ordering unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.

The present disclosure relates to a retaining element 100 for retaining a component or bearing on a shaft, which retaining element is also known as a circlip, herein referred to as a retaining ring, and also referred to as a retaining spring, spread ring or spring ring. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to external retaining rings. The external retaining rings are applied around a shaft or a circular component having a

7 BE2022/6122 groove. The external retaining ring provides a constant radial clamping force on a circular component (such as a shaft) by clamping inward.

Retaining rings are fasteners used to axially secure components to shafts or within bores. The retaining rings are installed in grooves and provide a shoulder to prevent lateral movement of components, such as bearings, relative to the groove. Once the retaining ring is secured, the exposed portion functions as a shoulder to retain the affected element or installation.

A conventional retaining ring 10 and a shaft 15 having a groove 15a defined thereon are shown in Figure 1. The inner diameter d3 of the retaining ring 10 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter d2 of the groove 15a.

In some conventional commercially available retaining rings 10, gripping holes (not shown in the figures) are provided at free ends (lips 12) of the retaining rings 10 to allow installation or removal of these retaining rings 10 with retaining ring pliers.

In recent times, there has been a significant increase in the rotational speed of machines, fuel engines, transmissions, and drive units. As a result, the retaining rings 10 are subject to increased centrifugal forces. When the centrifugal forces on the retaining ring 10 exceed the clamping force, the free ends 12 (ears) and arms of the retaining ring 10 move radially outward. As a result, the tightness and alignment of components and oil seals may be adversely affected. Furthermore, there is a risk that components secured together by the retaining ring 10 may become loose and completely detached. For example, a bearing mounted on the shaft 15 may become loose due to the radial expansion of the conventional retaining rings 10.

8 BE2022/6122

In some conventional solutions available on the market, a limiting element 20 as shown in Figure 2 is used to prevent excessive radial expansion of the retaining ring 10 and to prevent the retaining ring 10 from coming out.

Figure 3 shows a retaining member (or retaining ring) 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As can be seen in Figure 3, the retaining member 100 comprises two concentric rings. The inner ring is fitly received in a groove of a shaft 105 while the outer ring surrounds the inner ring. The two rings are interconnected. Figure 3 shows the front view of the retaining member 100, in an untensioned state, when the retaining member 100 is not installed on the shaft 105. Figure 3a shows an enlarged view of the retaining member of Figure 3. In this state, a gap is still maintained between the inner and outer rings.

The retaining member 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, includes an inner split ring 110 and an outer circumferential ring 120. The outer circumferential ring 120 is a continuous ring and surrounds the entire inner split ring 110. The inner split ring 110 includes arms 1104, and a gap is defined between free ends 112 of the arms 110a. The inner split ring 110 is configured to function in a manner similar to a conventional retaining ring.

The inner split ring 110 is connected to the outer ring 120 by at least one bridge 115. At least one seat 125 is defined on the inner side of the outer circumferential ring 120 by a projecting surface, the projecting surface extending radially inwardly. The size of the seat 125 is such that the seat 125 does not contact the inner split ring 110 even when the retaining element 100 is installed on the shaft 105.

9 BE2022/6122

The inner diameter of the inner split ring 110 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the groove 1054 of the shaft 105 on which the inner ring 110 is installed.

The retaining element 100 is manufactured using an elastic and resilient material such as a spring steel. In one embodiment, the material of the retaining element 100 is selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, spring steel, EN42J and stainless steel in 304 and 316 according to DIN: 471 & IS: 3075. The retaining element 100 is usually manufactured using a highly elastic and case hardened material.

Figure 4 shows a front view of the retaining member 100, in a tensioned state, when the retaining member 100 is installed on the shaft and when the shaft is rotating at high speed. Figure 4a shows an enlarged view of the retaining member 100 of Figure 4.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the retaining element 100.

It can be seen that the seat 125 is defined in the circumferential gap between the inner split ring 110 and the outer circumferential ring 120.

In one embodiment and variation of the retaining element 100, a seat 125 is located diagonally opposite the bridge 115.

In another embodiment and variation of the retaining member 100, wherein there are multiple seats 125, the seats 125 are each located at 90 degrees relative to each other, such as, for example, at zero degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees angular position (according to the Cartesian coordinate system) on the retaining member 100 as can be visualized in the front view of the retaining member 100 of Figure 3. The seats 125 can be defined at any desired location in accordance with need and design constraints.

The seat 125 is adapted to limit the radially outward movement of the arms 1104 and the free ends 112 of

10 BE2022/6122 the internal split ring 110 when the retaining element 100 rotates at high speeds.

The seats 125 may be located at 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees relative to the bridge 115. Further, the seats 125 may be provided at multiple locations or evenly spaced along the circumference of the outer ring 120.

A method for installing the retaining element 100 onto the shaft 105 is illustrated in Figure 6. The installation steps are shown from left to right. The method includes the following steps:

First, the retaining element 100 is placed close to the shaft 105.

Then the bridge 115 and inner ring 110 are supported by a tool or thumb.

Then, the portion of the outer ring 120 remote from the bridge 115 is subjected to an axial force away from the axis such that the spacing between the free ends 112 is increased by stresses induced at the bridge 115 portion. As a result, the inner diameter of the inner split ring 110 increases.

Then the retaining element 100 is slid onto the shaft 105 until the inner ring 110 fits into the groove 1054 of the shaft 105.

The axial force on the outer ring 120 is released. The outer ring 120 returns to its original position.

The retaining member 100 is designed in such a manner that the clearance between the free ends 112 is increased when axially opposing forces are applied at the bridge 115 and a portion of the outer circumferential ring 120. This facilitates the installation and/or removal of the inner split ring 110 onto and/or from the shaft 105, respectively.

In the method of installing a retaining element 100 as described above, a tool 150 may be used to

11 BE2022/8122 to apply an axial force to the inner split ring 110 to push the retaining element 100 over the shaft 105 while applying an axially opposing force to the outer circumferential ring 120. Thus, radial expansion of the inner split ring 110 occurs to facilitate installation and/or removal of the retaining element 100.

The benefits of the security element 100 of the present disclosure are set forth below.

The retaining member 100 is more reliable and resilient. The retaining member 100 prevents radial expansion of free ends 112 and arms 110a of the internal split ring 110. The need for a separate component to prevent loosening of conventional retaining rings is eliminated.

The total number of parts in an assembly is reduced. The risk of misalignment and loosening of assembled components is reduced.

The foregoing description of the embodiments is provided for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that embodiment but are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

The various embodiments described above can be implemented and used independently of each other, and can be combined with each other in many ways. The reference numerals used in the detailed description and the claims do not limit the description of the embodiments, and do not limit the

19 BE2022/8122 conclusions neither. The reference numbers are used for clarification purposes only.

In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” does not exclude plurality. A single processing device, element or other unit may perform the functions of several items recited in the claims.

The mere fact that certain features are mentioned in mutually different dependent claims is not an indication that a combination of those features cannot be used to advantage.

In the present disclosure, the expression “at least one of A, B and C” means “A, B, and/or C”, and that it is sufficient if, for example, only B is present. A single element or other unit may perform the functions of multiple items claimed. The mere fact that certain measures are claimed in mutually different dependent claims is not an indication that a combination of such measures cannot be used to advantage.

Reference numbers in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection.

TECHNICAL PROGRESS

The present disclosure described above involves several technical advantages, including, but not limited to, the realization of a retaining element for securing elements or installations to a shaft that: is reliable and resilient; is capable of preventing radial expansion of free ends (ears) of a split ring installed in the groove of a shaft; eliminates the need for the use of a separate component to prevent loosening of conventional retaining rings;

13 BE2022/6122 reduces the total number of parts in an assembly; is more robust due to a reduced number of components; and reduces the risk of misalignment and loosening of assembled components.

The present disclosure contemplates a retaining element or an external retaining ring. The retaining element comprises two concentric rings, namely an inner split ring and an outer circumferential ring, which are connected to each other at a bridge. The outer circumferential ring is provided with at least one seating portion defined on the radially inner side of the circumferential ring. Each of the seats is adapted to limit the radial expansion of the inner split ring. The advantage of using the retaining element is that there is no longer a need for a separate component to prevent the expansion of the free ends of the inner ring beyond a predetermined limit. The risk of loosening of the bearing or other component attached to the shaft is eliminated.

For the sake of clarity and concise description, features have been described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, but it will be understood that the scope of the invention may include embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described. It may be assumed that the embodiments shown have the same or similar components except where they are described as being different.

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof have been explained in the foregoing description with reference to the non-limiting embodiments.

Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques have been omitted so as not to make the embodiments herein unnecessarily obscure. The examples used herein are

14 BE2022/6122 is solely intended to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be put into practice, and to further enable the skilled person to put the embodiments herein into practice.

Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the embodiments herein.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments is for the purpose of fully disclosing the general nature of the embodiments herein so that others, through application of present knowledge, may readily modify and/or adapt such specific embodiments for various applications without departing from the generic concept, and therefore such modifications and changes are to be, and are intended to be, embraced within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments.

It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description, not limitation. Accordingly, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present embodiments may be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that many embodiments may be made and many changes may be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiments and other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, and it is expressly understood that the

15 BE2022/6122 The foregoing descriptive material should be interpreted solely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation thereof.

Modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiments of the present invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is therefore intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (11)

16 BE2022/6122 CONCLUSIONS 1. A retaining element (100) for securing elements or installations to a shaft (105), said retaining element (100) comprising: an inner split ring (110) adapted to be received in a groove (105a) defined on a shaft (105); free ends (112) of said split ring (110) having a space defined therebetween; an outer circumferential ring (120) surrounding said inner split ring (110); and at least one bridge (115) connecting said inner split ring (110) to said outer circumferential ring (120). 2. The retaining element (100) for securing elements or installations to a shaft (105) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one seat (125) is defined on an inner side of said outer circumferential ring (120) by a projecting surface, each of said seats (125) extending radially inwardly. 3. The retaining element (100) for securing elements or installations to a shaft (105) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein said seat (125) is defined in the circumferential gap between said inner split ring (110) and said outer circumferential ring (120). 4. The retaining element (100) for securing elements or installations to a shaft (105) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein said seat (125) is located diagonally opposite said bridge (115). 5. The retaining element (100) for securing elements or installations to a shaft (105) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein said seats (125) are located at 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees relative to the bridge (115). 17 BE2022/6122 6. The retaining element (100) for securing elements or installations to a shaft (105) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein said seats (125) are provided at multiple locations or evenly distributed along the circumference of said outer ring (120). 7. The retaining element (100) for securing elements or installations to a shaft (105) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein said seat (125) is adapted to limit the radially outward movement of arms (1104) and said free ends (112) of said inner split ring (110) under the action of centrifugal forces when the retaining element (100) rotates at high speed. 8. The retaining element (100) for securing elements or installations to a shaft (105) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the material of said retaining element (100) is selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, spring steel, EN42J and stainless steel in 304 and 316. 9. The retaining element (100) for securing elements or installations to a shaft (105) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, when an axial force is applied to said outer circumferential ring (120), the clearance between said free ends (112) is increased to facilitate the installation of said inner split ring (110) onto the shaft (105) and the removal thereof. 10. The retaining element (100) for securing elements or installations to a shaft (105) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the gap between said free ends (112) is arranged to become larger when axially opposing forces are exerted at said bridge (115) and a portion 18 BE2022/6122 of said outer circumferential ring (120), to facilitate the installation of said inner split ring (110) on the shaft (105) and the removal thereof. A method of installing a retainer (100) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a tool (150) is used to apply an axial force to the inner split ring (110) to urge said retainer (100) over said shaft (105) while applying an axially opposing force to said outer circumferential ring (120) to facilitate radial expansion of said inner split ring (110) during installation of said retainer (100).