Tolerance ring and shim

Abstract: A method of using a tolerance ring in conjunction with a relatively soft material while preventing deformation of the soft material is provided through the use of a split cylinder shim between the tolerance ring and the soft material. This arrangement can be used whether the soft material is surrounded by the tolerance ring, surrounds the tolerance ring or both.

Description: The present invention relates to a tolerance ring and a shim assembly with the features of the first part of claim 1. Tolerance rings are generally formed as split ring members having a corrugated or wavy surface and are sandwiched between two cylindrical surfaces, that is, an outer cylindrical surface and an inner cylindrical surface, to provide frictional engagement between two members having the respective cylindrical surfaces. The corrugations or waves on the ring may protrude inwardly from an outer surface thereof, outwardly from an inner surface thereof or alternatively inwardly and outwardly. A tolerance ring and shim assembly with the features of the first part of claim 1 is known from GB-A-1 246 263. A similar assembly is disclosed in FR-A-2 556 427. In some applications it is desirable to prevent deformation of the inner member and of the outer member. This object is solved by the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are subject matter of the subclaims. Fig. 1 is a plan view of a tolerance ring and two shims embodying the principles of the present invention where the ring is to be placed around a cylindrical object of a relatively soft material and within a hole in a relatively soft material. Fig. 2 is a side sectional view of the tolerance ring and shims taken generally along the line VI-VI of Fig. 1. Figs. 1 and 2 show a tolerance ring 40, an outer shim 42 and an inner shim 44 all in concentric engagement which surround a cylindrical member 46 which is formed of a relatively soft material as compared to the tolerance ring. An outer member 48 is also formed of a relatively soft material and therefore the shims are used both on the inside and outside circumference of the tolerance ring to spread the radially inwardly directed forces as well as the radially outwardly directed forces to prevent deformation of either the inner member 46 or outer member 48.

Claims: A tolerance ring (40) and shim (42, 44) assembly, said tolerance ring (40) being in the form of a split cylinder defining a longitudinal axis and having a plurality of laterally spaced, axially extending corrugations projecting radially from said cylinder, which is to be sandwiched between an inner cylindrical surface of an outer member (48) and an outer cylindrical surface of an inner member (46), wherein one of said members (46, 48) is formed of a relatively soft material compared to said tolerance ring (40), and said shim (42, 44) is in the form of a split cylinder with a smooth surface, said shim (42, 44) having a diameter sized to engage against said soft material cylindrical surface, and said tolerance ring (10) having a diameter sized to engage against said shim (42, 44) on an opposite side of said shim from said soft material cylindrical surface, whereby said shim will prevent said corrugations from deforming said soft material cylindrical surface, characterized in that two shims (42, 44) are provided, one of which (42) overlies an outer surface of said tolerance ring (40) and one of which (44) lies within said tolerance ring (40), said outer (44) and inner (46) members being fabricated of a relatively soft material. A tolerance ring (40) and shim (42, 44) assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that said shims (42, 44) have an axial length at least as great as an axial extent of said corrugations. A tolerance ring (40) and shim (42, 44) assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that said shims (42, 44) have an axial length at least as great as an axial length of said ring (40).

Inventors: CRAMER ARTHUR A JR, CRAMER BRIAN S, CRAMER, ARTHUR A., JR., CRAMER, BRIAN S.
Applicants: RAY ENGINEERING COMPANY LIMITE, THE RAY ENGINEERING COMPANY, LIMITED
Application year: 1988
Main classification: F16D1
IPC codes: F16D1