JP2008274974A - Fixed type constant velocity universal joint - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fixed type constant velocity universal joint capable of securing the strength of a retainer while the easiness in installing an inner joint member in the retainer as well as installing balls in the retainer are secured. <P>SOLUTION: A notch 113 is formed in at least a projection 2d of an inner ring 2, and when the inner joint member 2 is to be installed in the retainer 4, a guide groove 2b is put straddling the inlet 4d of the retainer 4, and the inner ring 2 is rotated round the guide groove 2b. A gap is reserved between a notch 133 in the projection 2d of the inner joint member 2 on the side opposite the guide groove 2b about the shaft and the inlet 4d of the retainer 4. Two pockets 42 and 45 of the retainer 4 are formed narrower than other pockets 41, 43, 44, 46, and the retainer 4 and the inner ring 2 are inclined with respect to the outer ring 1, the axis of inclination being the line tying the narrower pocket 42 to the other 45, and the last two balls 3 are inserted through the gap between the open end 6a of the outer ring 1 and the inlet side end part of the pocket 4c of the retainer 4. The circumferential position of the notch 113 in the inner ring 2 is made identical to the circumferential position of the wider column part 41a of the retainer 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、自動車や各種産業機械において使用される固定式等速自在継手に関する。   The present invention relates to a fixed type constant velocity universal joint used in automobiles and various industrial machines.

自動車及びこれに準ずる各種車両においては、エンジンからの駆動力をホイールに伝達する動力伝達経路に、二軸間で角度変位や軸方向変位があった場合でも等速で回転動力を伝達することが可能な等速自在継手を配設することが行われている。   In automobiles and similar vehicles, rotational power can be transmitted at a constant speed even when there is angular displacement or axial displacement between the two axes in the power transmission path that transmits the driving force from the engine to the wheels. Possible constant velocity universal joints are arranged.

固定式等速自在継手は、図７に示すように、凹球面状内周面１ａ（以下、内球面という。）に軸方向に延びた複数の案内溝１ｂを周方向等間隔に形成した外輪１と、凸球面状外球面２ａ（以下、外球面という。）に軸方向に延びた複数の案内溝２ｂを周方向等間隔に形成した内輪２と、内外輪の各案内溝１ｂ，２ｂ間に配置した複数のボール３と、外輪１の内球面１ａと内輪２の外球面２ａとの間に介在すると共に各ボール３を収容するポケット４ｃを周方向に複数貫設した保持器４を主要な構成要素とする。この固定式等速自在継手の主要構成要素は、以下のようにして組み立てられる。   As shown in FIG. 7, the fixed type constant velocity universal joint is an outer ring having a concave spherical inner peripheral surface 1a (hereinafter referred to as an inner spherical surface) formed with a plurality of guide grooves 1b extending in the axial direction at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. 1 and an inner ring 2 in which a plurality of guide grooves 2b extending in the axial direction are formed on a convex spherical outer spherical surface 2a (hereinafter referred to as an outer spherical surface) at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and between the guide grooves 1b and 2b of the inner and outer rings. A plurality of balls 3 arranged on the outer ring 1 and a retainer 4 which is interposed between the inner spherical surface 1a of the outer ring 1 and the outer spherical surface 2a of the inner ring 2 and has a plurality of pockets 4c penetrating the circumferential direction in the circumferential direction. This is a component. The main components of the fixed type constant velocity universal joint are assembled as follows.

まず、内輪を保持器内に組み込むには、内輪２の案内溝２ｂを保持器４の入口部４ｄに跨がせる。跨がせた案内溝２ｂを中心に内輪２を回転させて、内輪２の案内溝２ｂ相互間の凸部２ｄを保持器４のポケット４ｃに挿入すると共に、内輪２を保持器４内へ入れる。そして、内輪２を保持器４内で９０°回転させて球面係合させ組み付ける（例えば、特許文献１，２参照）。また、内輪２の凸部２ｄを、保持器４のポケット４ｃに挿入しないで組み付ける方法もある（例えば、特許文献３参照）。   First, in order to incorporate the inner ring into the cage, the guide groove 2 b of the inner ring 2 is straddled over the inlet portion 4 d of the cage 4. The inner ring 2 is rotated around the straddling guide groove 2b, and the convex portion 2d between the guide grooves 2b of the inner ring 2 is inserted into the pocket 4c of the retainer 4, and the inner ring 2 is inserted into the retainer 4. . Then, the inner ring 2 is rotated 90 ° in the cage 4 to be engaged with a spherical surface and assembled (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2). There is also a method of assembling the convex portion 2d of the inner ring 2 without inserting it into the pocket 4c of the cage 4 (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

内輪２を保持器４内に組み付け、その内輪２と保持器４を組み付けた状態で、外輪１に挿入した後、保持器４にボール３を組み込む。ボール３を組み込むには、図８（ａ）の正面図及び図８（ｂ）の側面図に示すように、外輪１の案内溝１ｂと保持器４のポケット４ｃと内輪２の案内溝２ｂとを位置合わせした上で、外輪１の軸方向に保持器４及び内輪２を傾倒させる。この保持器４及び内輪２の傾倒角は、外輪１のマウス部６の開口端６ａと保持器４のポケット４ｃの入口側端部との隙間がボール径より大きくなる角度であり、継手の動作における最大作動角よりも大きい角度である。このようにして保持器４の１つのポケット４ｃを外輪１の開口端６ａから外側に臨ませて、外輪１の開口端６ａと保持器４のポケット４ｃの入口側端部との隙間からボール３を挿入する。以上の要領で残りのポケット４ｃにボール３を順次挿入する。   After the inner ring 2 is assembled in the cage 4 and the inner ring 2 and the cage 4 are assembled, the inner ring 2 is inserted into the outer ring 1, and then the ball 3 is assembled into the cage 4. In order to incorporate the ball 3, as shown in the front view of FIG. 8 (a) and the side view of FIG. 8 (b), the guide groove 1b of the outer ring 1, the pocket 4c of the cage 4, and the guide groove 2b of the inner ring 2 , The cage 4 and the inner ring 2 are tilted in the axial direction of the outer ring 1. The tilt angle of the cage 4 and the inner ring 2 is an angle at which the gap between the opening end 6a of the mouth portion 6 of the outer ring 1 and the inlet side end of the pocket 4c of the cage 4 is larger than the ball diameter, and the operation of the joint It is an angle larger than the maximum operating angle at. In this way, one pocket 4c of the cage 4 faces the outside from the opening end 6a of the outer ring 1, and the ball 3 is removed from the gap between the opening end 6a of the outer ring 1 and the inlet side end of the pocket 4c of the cage 4. Insert. The balls 3 are sequentially inserted into the remaining pockets 4c as described above.

そして、最後の２つのボール３を組み込むに際しては、図９（ａ）の正面図及び図９（ｂ）の側面図に示すように、保持器４の中心を通るケージ径Ｌｃに対して所定の位相角度、φ＝±３０°、すなわちφ＝３０°及び３３０°をなす方向から上記ポケット４ｃにボール３１，３６を挿入する。つまり、最後のボール３１，３６を組み込むべきポケット４ｃの中心と保持器４の中心とを結ぶ方向がφ＝３０°又は３３０°の位相になるように保持器４を配置した状態で、最後の２つのボール３１，３６をケージ径方向に沿ってポケット４ｃに挿入する。この最後の２つのボール３１，３６の挿入時に、外輪１に対して保持器４を軸方向に傾倒させることから、外輪１の奥側で軸に近づくように曲率を持った案内溝１ｂの部分、つまり、φ＝１５０°及び２１０°の位相にあるボール３３，３４が、矢印Ｍ１で示すように周方向に移動する。また、保持器４の傾倒により、最後に挿入するボール３１，３６は、矢印Ｍ２で示すように周方向に移動した位置からポケット４ｃに挿入する。このボール３３，３４の周方向の移動や、ボール３１，３６の挿入を妨げないように、しかも、ポケット４ｃの強度を確保するように、ポケット４ｃの周方向の寸法を所定寸法Ｌ１にしている（例えば、特許文献４参照）。全てのポケット４ｃは、互いに同一の寸法Ｌ１にしている。   When the last two balls 3 are assembled, as shown in the front view of FIG. 9A and the side view of FIG. 9B, a predetermined diameter with respect to the cage diameter Lc passing through the center of the cage 4 is obtained. The balls 31 and 36 are inserted into the pocket 4c from the direction of the phase angle φ = ± 30 °, that is, φ = 30 ° and 330 °. That is, in the state where the cage 4 is arranged so that the direction connecting the center of the pocket 4c into which the last balls 31 and 36 are to be incorporated and the center of the cage 4 is a phase of φ = 30 ° or 330 °, Two balls 31 and 36 are inserted into the pocket 4c along the cage radial direction. Since the cage 4 is tilted in the axial direction with respect to the outer ring 1 when the last two balls 31 and 36 are inserted, a portion of the guide groove 1b having a curvature so as to approach the shaft on the back side of the outer ring 1 That is, the balls 33 and 34 in the phases of φ = 150 ° and 210 ° move in the circumferential direction as indicated by the arrow M1. Further, the balls 31 and 36 to be inserted last by the tilt of the cage 4 are inserted into the pocket 4c from the position moved in the circumferential direction as indicated by the arrow M2. The circumferential dimension of the pocket 4c is set to a predetermined dimension L1 so as not to hinder the circumferential movement of the balls 33 and 34 and the insertion of the balls 31 and 36 and to ensure the strength of the pocket 4c. (For example, refer to Patent Document 4). All the pockets 4c have the same dimension L1.

ところで、固定式等速自在継手においては、外輪１と内輪２とが高作動角をなして動作する際の継手強度は、保持器４の強度によって決まる。したがって高作動角時の継手強度を確保するために、ポケット４ｃ相互間の柱部の周方向側面を、ポケット４ｃの軸方向の内側面よりも低い硬度に形成して柱部の靭性を高めた等速自在継手がある（例えば、特許文献５参照）。また、保持器４のポケット４ｃの隅部の形状を所定形状とすることにより、ボール３に対する作動性を損なうことなくポケット４ｃの寸法を必要最小限にして、保持器４の強度を高めた等速自在継手がある（例えば、特許文献６，７参照）。
特許第３６７８０２６号公報 ＤＥ １９５ １４ ８６８ Ｃ１ 特開平９−１７７８１０号公報 特開２００１−３４９３３２号公報 特開２００１−１５３１４８号公報 特開２００２−０１３５４４号公報 特開２００６−１７１４３号公報 By the way, in the fixed type constant velocity universal joint, the joint strength when the outer ring 1 and the inner ring 2 operate at a high operating angle is determined by the strength of the cage 4. Therefore, in order to ensure the joint strength at the high operating angle, the circumferential side surface of the column part between the pockets 4c is formed to have a lower hardness than the inner side surface in the axial direction of the pocket 4c to enhance the toughness of the column part. There is a constant velocity universal joint (see, for example, Patent Document 5). Further, by setting the shape of the corner of the pocket 4c of the cage 4 to a predetermined shape, the size of the pocket 4c is reduced to the minimum without impairing the operability with respect to the ball 3, and the strength of the cage 4 is increased. There are quick universal joints (see, for example, Patent Documents 6 and 7).
Japanese Patent No. 3678026 DE 195 14 868 C1 JP-A-9-177810 JP 2001-349332 A JP 2001-153148 A JP 2002-013544 A JP 2006-17143 A

内輪２の保持器４内への組付け性を向上するには、特許文献２のように、内輪２の案内溝２ｂを保持器４の入口部４ｄに跨がせたときに、この案内溝２ｂと径方向反対側の凸部２ｄに切欠きを形成することが有効である。凸部２ｄの切欠きは、組み付け後に外輪１のマウス部６の開口端６ａ側を向く末端部に形成する。   In order to improve the ease of assembling the inner ring 2 into the cage 4, as in Patent Document 2, when the guide groove 2 b of the inner ring 2 is straddled over the inlet portion 4 d of the cage 4, this guide groove It is effective to form a notch in the convex portion 2d opposite to the radial direction 2b. The notch of the convex part 2d is formed in the terminal part facing the opening end 6a side of the mouse part 6 of the outer ring 1 after assembly.

しかしながら、凸部２ｄの開口端側の末端部に切欠きを形成すると、継手が高作動角をとったとき、内輪２の外球面２ａと保持器４の内球面４ｂとの接触面積が大幅に減少する。ここで、保持器４のポケット４ｃの全ては、ボール３の組込み性を向上するために、ボール３３，３４の周方向の移動を妨げない周方向寸法Ｌ１に形成されているので、ポケット４ｃ相互間の柱部の周方向寸法が小さい。したがって、内輪２と保持器４との接触面積の減少に伴って接触面圧が増大した場合、保持器４に過大な負荷がかかり、保持器４の強度の低下を招く虞がある。この場合、保持器４の柱部の靭性の向上や、ポケット４ｃの隅部形状の工夫では、保持器４の十分な強度の確保は困難である。   However, if a notch is formed at the end of the convex portion 2d on the opening end side, the contact area between the outer spherical surface 2a of the inner ring 2 and the inner spherical surface 4b of the cage 4 is greatly increased when the joint takes a high operating angle. Decrease. Here, all of the pockets 4c of the cage 4 are formed to have a circumferential dimension L1 that does not hinder the circumferential movement of the balls 33 and 34 in order to improve the assemblability of the balls 3. The circumferential dimension of the column part between them is small. Therefore, when the contact surface pressure increases with a decrease in the contact area between the inner ring 2 and the cage 4, an excessive load is applied to the cage 4, and the strength of the cage 4 may be reduced. In this case, it is difficult to secure sufficient strength of the cage 4 by improving the toughness of the column portion of the cage 4 or by devising the corner shape of the pocket 4c.

そこで、本発明は斯かる実情に鑑み、内輪への保持器の組付け性と、保持器へのボールの組込み性とを向上させたうえに、保持器の十分な強度を確保した固定式等速自在継手を提供しようとするものである。   Therefore, in view of such a situation, the present invention improves the assembling property of the cage to the inner ring and the ball assembling property to the cage, and further secures the cage with sufficient strength. It is intended to provide a quick universal joint.

請求項１の発明の固定式等速自在継手は、内球面に複数の案内溝を軸方向に沿って周方向等間隔に形成した外側継手部材と、外球面に上記外側継手部材のトラック溝と対をなす複数の案内溝を軸方向に沿って周方向等間隔に形成した内側継手部材と、両継手部材の各案内溝間に介在してトルクを伝達する複数のボールと、上記外側継手部材の内球面と上記内側継手部材の外球面との間に介在すると共に上記ボールを収容するポケットを周方向に複数貫設した保持器を備えた固定式等速自在継手において、上記保持器の複数のポケットのうち、２個のポケットの周方向寸法を、他のポケットの周方向寸法よりも小さく形成したものである。   The fixed type constant velocity universal joint according to the first aspect of the invention includes an outer joint member in which a plurality of guide grooves are formed on the inner spherical surface at equal intervals along the axial direction, and a track groove of the outer joint member on the outer spherical surface. An inner joint member in which a plurality of guide grooves forming a pair are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction along the axial direction, a plurality of balls that are interposed between the guide grooves of both joint members and transmit torque, and the outer joint member A fixed type constant velocity universal joint including a cage that is interposed between an inner spherical surface of the inner joint member and an outer spherical surface of the inner joint member and that has a plurality of pockets for accommodating the balls in the circumferential direction. Of these pockets, the circumferential dimensions of two pockets are smaller than the circumferential dimensions of the other pockets.

上記構成によれば、内側継手部材を保持器に組み付けた後、保持器にボールを組み込む。ボールの組み込みに際して、外側継手部材の軸方向に保持器及び内側継手部材を傾倒させ、保持器のポケットを外側継手部材の開口端から外側に臨ませて、外側継手部材の開口端と保持器のポケットの入口側端部との隙間からボールを挿入する。最後にボールを組み込むとき、組み込むべきポケットと保持器の軸に関して反対側に位置するポケットに収容されたボールは周方向に移動する一方、保持器の外側継手部材に対する傾倒軸上に位置するポケットに収容されたボールは周方向に実質的に移動しない。この周方向に実質的に移動しないボールを収容するポケットを、周方向に移動するボールを収容するポケットであってボールと干渉しない周方向寸法を確保するポケットよりも、周方向寸法を小さく形成する。これにより、周方向寸法を小さく形成したポケットに隣接する柱部の周方向寸法を、当該ポケットに隣接しない柱部の周方向寸法よりも大きくできるので、当該ポケットに隣接する柱部の強度を増大できて、保持器の強度を向上できる。したがって、例えば内側継手部材の保持器への組付け性向上のために内側継手部材に切欠きを設けることに起因して、内側継手部材と保持器との間の面圧が増大しても、保持器の強度を十分に確保することができる。   According to the above configuration, after the inner joint member is assembled to the cage, the ball is incorporated into the cage. When assembling the ball, tilt the cage and the inner joint member in the axial direction of the outer joint member, face the pocket of the cage outward from the opening end of the outer joint member, and connect the opening end of the outer joint member to the cage. Insert the ball through the gap between the entrance end of the pocket. When the ball is finally assembled, the ball accommodated in the pocket to be incorporated and the pocket located on the opposite side with respect to the cage axis moves in the circumferential direction, while in the pocket located on the tilt axis with respect to the outer joint member of the cage. The accommodated ball does not substantially move in the circumferential direction. The pocket that accommodates the ball that does not substantially move in the circumferential direction is formed to have a smaller circumferential dimension than the pocket that accommodates the ball that moves in the circumferential direction and ensures a circumferential dimension that does not interfere with the ball. . As a result, the circumferential dimension of the column adjacent to the pocket formed with a smaller circumferential dimension can be made larger than the circumferential dimension of the column not adjacent to the pocket, thereby increasing the strength of the column adjacent to the pocket. This can improve the strength of the cage. Therefore, even if the surface pressure between the inner joint member and the cage increases due to, for example, providing a notch in the inner joint member to improve the assembly of the inner joint member to the cage, Sufficient strength of the cage can be ensured.

なお、周方向寸法を他よりも小さく形成するポケットは、必ずしも保持器及び内側継手部材の傾倒軸上に完全に一致する必要はない。要は、最後のボールの組み込み時に周方向への移動が少ないボールを収容するポケットを、他のポケットよりも小さい寸法に形成すればよい。   In addition, the pocket which forms a circumferential direction dimension smaller than the others does not necessarily need to correspond completely on the inclination axis | shaft of a holder | retainer and an inner joint member. In short, a pocket that accommodates a ball that moves less in the circumferential direction when the last ball is assembled may be formed to have a smaller size than other pockets.

請求項２の発明は、請求項１に記載の固定式等速自在継手において、上記内側継手部材の複数の案内溝相互間の凸部に切欠きが形成され、上記内側継手部材の切欠きが形成された凸部の周方向位置と、上記保持器の周方向寸法が小さいポケットに隣接する柱部の周方向位置とが互いに一致するものである。   According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the fixed type constant velocity universal joint according to the first aspect, a notch is formed in a convex portion between a plurality of guide grooves of the inner joint member, and the notch of the inner joint member is formed. The circumferential position of the formed convex part and the circumferential position of the column part adjacent to the pocket having a small circumferential dimension of the cage coincide with each other.

上記実施形態によれば、内側継手部材を保持器に組み付ける際、案内溝を保持器の入口部に跨がせ、跨がせた案内溝を中心に内側継手部材を保持器の内側に向けて回転させる。この跨がせる案内溝と軸に関して反対側の凸部に切欠きを形成することにより、保持器の入口部に対して隙間を確保できるので、案内溝を中心に回転させるときの内側継手部材と保持器との干渉を防止して、内側継手部材の保持器への組付け性を向上できる。しかしながら、凸部に切欠きが形成された内側継手部材は、継手が高作動角をとった状態で、保持器の内側面との接触面積が大幅に減少して接触面圧が増大する。ここで、切欠きを有する凸部の周方向位置と、保持器の周方向寸法が小さく形成されたポケットに隣接する柱部の周方向位置とが互いに一致するので、増大した接触面圧を、他のポケット相互間の柱部よりも広い幅を有して強度が大きい柱部で受けることができる。すなわち、内側継手部材の切欠きに起因して接触面圧が増大する周方向位置を、保持器の周方向寸法が大きい柱部の周方向位置と一致させることにより、保持器の強度を確保することができる。このように、本実施形態の固定式等速自在継手は、内側継手部材の保持器への組付け性を向上しつつ、保持器の十分な強度を確保することができる。   According to the above-described embodiment, when the inner joint member is assembled to the cage, the guide groove is straddled over the inlet portion of the cage, and the inner joint member is directed to the inside of the cage with the bridged guide groove as a center. Rotate. By forming a notch in the projecting portion on the opposite side with respect to the guide groove and the shaft that can be straddled, a clearance can be secured with respect to the inlet portion of the cage, so the inner joint member when rotating around the guide groove and Interference with the cage can be prevented, and the ease of assembly of the inner joint member to the cage can be improved. However, in the inner joint member in which the notch is formed in the convex portion, the contact area with the inner surface of the cage is greatly reduced and the contact surface pressure is increased in a state where the joint has a high operating angle. Here, since the circumferential position of the convex part having the notch and the circumferential position of the column part adjacent to the pocket formed with a small circumferential dimension of the cage coincide with each other, the increased contact surface pressure, It can be received by a pillar portion having a wider width than the pillar portions between other pockets and having a high strength. That is, the strength of the cage is ensured by matching the circumferential position where the contact surface pressure increases due to the notch of the inner joint member with the circumferential position of the column portion having a large circumferential dimension of the cage. be able to. Thus, the fixed type constant velocity universal joint of this embodiment can secure sufficient strength of the cage while improving the ease of assembling the inner joint member to the cage.

請求項３の発明は、請求項１又は２に記載の固定式等速自在継手において、上記保持器の２個のポケットの周方向寸法は、上記外側継手部材と内側継手部材とが最大作動角をなすときにボールを保持器の周方向に拘束しない長さである。   According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the fixed type constant velocity universal joint according to the first or second aspect, the circumferential dimension of the two pockets of the cage is such that the outer joint member and the inner joint member have a maximum operating angle. Is a length that does not restrain the ball in the circumferential direction of the cage.

上記実施形態によれば、保持器にボールを組み込む際、上記２個のポケットを結ぶ線を傾倒軸として保持器及び内側継手部材を傾倒させることにより、上記２個のポケット内に組み込まれているボールは周方向に実質的に移動しない。したがって、上記２個のポケットは、固定式等速自在継手のトルク伝達動作において最大作動角となる際に、当該ポケットが収容するボールを周方向に拘束しない長さであればよい。すなわち、保持器にボールを組み込む際の傾倒角は、固定式等速自在継手の動作時における最大作動角よりも大きいので、ボールの組込みの際に実質的に移動しないボールを収容するポケットは、最大作動角に耐える寸法にまで小さくできる。   According to the above embodiment, when the ball is incorporated into the cage, the cage and the inner joint member are tilted with the line connecting the two pockets as the tilting axis, thereby being incorporated into the two pockets. The ball does not move substantially in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the two pockets may be of a length that does not restrain the ball accommodated in the pocket in the circumferential direction when the maximum operating angle is reached in the torque transmission operation of the fixed type constant velocity universal joint. That is, since the tilt angle when incorporating the ball into the cage is larger than the maximum operating angle during operation of the fixed type constant velocity universal joint, the pocket that accommodates the ball that does not substantially move when incorporating the ball is The dimensions can withstand the maximum operating angle.

請求項４の発明は、請求項１乃至３のうちのいずれか１つに記載の固定式等速自在継手において、上記保持器の他のポケットの周方向寸法は、上記外側継手部材の案内溝の全域でボールを保持器の周方向に拘束しない寸法である。   According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the fixed type constant velocity universal joint according to any one of the first to third aspects, the circumferential dimension of the other pocket of the cage is a guide groove of the outer joint member. It is the dimension which does not restrain a ball | bowl to the circumferential direction of a holder | retainer in the whole area.

上記実施形態によれば、保持器にボールを組み込む際、外側継手部材の軸方向に保持器及び内側継手部材を傾倒させたとき、上記他のポケットに収容されて外側継手部材の案内溝の奥側に位置するボールをポケット内で拘束することなく保持器の周方向に移動させることができる。これにより、ボールを挿入可能な程度に保持器のポケットを外側継手部材の開口端から外側に臨ませることができる。また、外側継手部材の開口端と保持器のポケットの入口端部とのすきまを十分確保することができる。これにより、ボールをポケットにスムーズに組み込むことができる。   According to the above embodiment, when the ball is assembled into the cage, when the cage and the inner joint member are tilted in the axial direction of the outer joint member, the cage is housed in the other pocket and is inserted into the inner groove of the outer joint member. The ball positioned on the side can be moved in the circumferential direction of the cage without being restrained in the pocket. Thereby, the pocket of the cage can face the outside from the open end of the outer joint member to the extent that the ball can be inserted. In addition, a sufficient clearance can be secured between the opening end of the outer joint member and the inlet end of the pocket of the cage. Thereby, a ball | bowl can be smoothly integrated in a pocket.

請求項５の発明は、請求項１乃至４のうちのいずれか１つに記載の固定式等速自在継手において、上記保持器の２個のポケットは、当該保持器の軸回りに１８０°の角度をおいて形成されている。   According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fixed type constant velocity universal joint according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the two pockets of the cage are 180 ° around the axis of the cage. It is formed at an angle.

上記実施形態によれば、保持器にボールを組み込む際、上記２個のポケットを結ぶ線を傾倒軸として、外側継手部材の軸方向に保持器及び内側継手部材を傾倒させることができる。   According to the embodiment, when the ball is incorporated in the cage, the cage and the inner joint member can be tilted in the axial direction of the outer joint member with the line connecting the two pockets as the tilt axis.

請求項６の発明は、請求項２に記載の固定式等速自在継手において、上記内側継手部材の切欠きは、上記凸部の開口端側の末端部に形成されている。   According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fixed type constant velocity universal joint according to the second aspect, the notch of the inner joint member is formed at a terminal portion on the opening end side of the convex portion.

上記実施形態によれば、内側継手部材を保持器に組み付ける際、案内溝を保持器の入口部に跨がせて回転させるときに、上記切欠きと保持器の入口部との隙間を効果的に確保できる。したがって、案内溝を中心に内側継手部材を回転させるときの保持器との干渉を防止して、内側継手部材の保持器への組付け性を向上できる。   According to the above embodiment, when the inner joint member is assembled to the cage, the gap between the notch and the inlet portion of the cage is effective when the guide groove is rotated across the inlet portion of the cage. Can be secured. Therefore, interference with the cage when rotating the inner joint member around the guide groove can be prevented, and the assembly of the inner joint member to the cage can be improved.

請求項７の発明は、請求項１乃至６のうちのいずれか１つに記載の固定式等速自在継手において、上記外側継手部材の案内溝、内側継手部材の案内溝及びボールの個数は、６又は８個である。   The invention of claim 7 is the fixed type constant velocity universal joint according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the number of guide grooves of the outer joint member, guide grooves of the inner joint member, and balls is: 6 or 8.

上記実施形態によれば、６又は８個のボールによって回転トルクが伝達される固定式等速自在継手について、内側継手部材の保持器への組付け性と、保持器へのボールの組込み性とを向上させつつ、保持器の十分な強度を確保することができる。   According to the above embodiment, with respect to the fixed type constant velocity universal joint in which the rotational torque is transmitted by 6 or 8 balls, the assembling property of the inner joint member to the cage and the assembling property of the ball to the cage It is possible to ensure sufficient strength of the cage while improving the above.

本発明の固定式等速自在継手によれば、周方向寸法を小さく形成したポケットに隣接する柱部の強度を増大できるので、保持器の強度を向上できる。したがって、内側継手部材の保持器への組付け性向上のために内側継手部材に切欠きを設けることに起因して、内側継手部材と保持器との間の面圧が増大しても、保持器の強度を十分に確保することができる。さらに、周方向寸法を小さく形成した２個のポケットを結ぶ線を傾倒軸として、外側継手部材の軸方向に保持器及び内側継手部材を傾倒させることにより、保持器へのボールの組込み性を確保できる。これにより、固定式等速自在継手の組み立てにおける作業性を確保しつつ、保持器の十分な強度を確保し、継手の高作動角、高トルク負荷時において、継手の円滑な回転運動を維持することが可能となる。   According to the fixed type constant velocity universal joint of the present invention, the strength of the column adjacent to the pocket formed with a small circumferential dimension can be increased, so the strength of the cage can be improved. Therefore, even if the surface pressure between the inner joint member and the cage increases due to the provision of a notch in the inner joint member to improve the assembly of the inner joint member to the cage, The strength of the vessel can be sufficiently secured. Furthermore, the cage and the inner joint member are tilted in the axial direction of the outer joint member, with the line connecting the two pockets formed with small circumferential dimensions as the tilting axis, so that the ball can be incorporated into the cage. it can. This ensures the workability in assembling the fixed type constant velocity universal joint, ensures sufficient strength of the cage, and maintains the smooth rotational motion of the joint at the high operating angle and high torque load of the joint. It becomes possible.

以下、本発明に係る固定式等速自在継手の実施の形態について説明する。図７は従来の固定式等速自在継手を示すものであるが、本発明の固定式等速自在継手の基本的な構成を説明するのに便宜的に援用する。   Hereinafter, embodiments of the fixed type constant velocity universal joint according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 shows a conventional fixed type constant velocity universal joint, but it is used for convenience in explaining the basic configuration of the fixed type constant velocity universal joint of the present invention.

本発明の固定式等速自在継手は、図７に示すように、外側継手部材としての外輪１と、内側継手部材としての内輪２と、トルク伝達部材としての複数のボール３と、保持器４とを主要な構成要素とする。この継手は、プランジング運動を行わず、作動角に関わりなく継手中心Ｏは固定されている。   As shown in FIG. 7, the fixed type constant velocity universal joint of the present invention includes an outer ring 1 as an outer joint member, an inner ring 2 as an inner joint member, a plurality of balls 3 as torque transmission members, and a cage 4. And are the main components. This joint does not perform plunging motion, and the joint center O is fixed regardless of the operating angle.

外輪１はマウス部６とステム部７とからなり、ステム部７にて図示しない回転軸とトルク伝達可能に結合する。マウス部６は一端が開口したベル型で、その内球面１ａに、軸方向に延びた複数の案内溝１ｂが、周方向等間隔に形成してある。案内溝１ｂはマウス部６の開口端６ａまで延びている。   The outer ring 1 includes a mouse portion 6 and a stem portion 7. The stem portion 7 is coupled to a rotating shaft (not shown) so that torque can be transmitted. The mouse portion 6 has a bell shape with one end opened, and a plurality of guide grooves 1b extending in the axial direction are formed on the inner spherical surface 1a at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The guide groove 1 b extends to the opening end 6 a of the mouse portion 6.

内輪２は外球面２ａを有し、その外球面２ａには、軸方向に延びた複数の案内溝２ｂが周方向等間隔に形成してある。各案内溝２ｂは内輪２の軸方向に切り通して両端にて開口している。また、内輪２には、シャフト５とトルク伝達可能に結合するためのスプライン（又はセレーション）孔２ｃが形成されている。   The inner ring 2 has an outer spherical surface 2a, and a plurality of guide grooves 2b extending in the axial direction are formed in the outer spherical surface 2a at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Each guide groove 2b is cut in the axial direction of the inner ring 2 and opened at both ends. Further, the inner ring 2 is formed with a spline (or serration) hole 2c for coupling with the shaft 5 so as to be able to transmit torque.

外輪１の案内溝１ｂと内輪２の案内溝２ｂとは対をなし、各対の案内溝１ｂ，２ｂで構成されるトラックに１個ずつ、ボール３が転動可能に組み込んである。ボール３は、外輪１の案内溝１ｂと内輪２の案内溝２ｂとの間に介在してトルクを伝達する。   The guide groove 1b of the outer ring 1 and the guide groove 2b of the inner ring 2 form a pair, and one ball 3 is incorporated so as to be able to roll one by one on a track constituted by each pair of guide grooves 1b, 2b. The ball 3 is interposed between the guide groove 1b of the outer ring 1 and the guide groove 2b of the inner ring 2, and transmits torque.

各ボール３は、保持器４の周方向に配設したポケット４ｃ内に収容されている。ボール３の数、内外輪１，２の各案内溝１ｂ，２ｂの数は任意であるが、例を挙げると６個あるいは８個である。保持器４は、外輪１と内輪２との間に摺動可能に介在し、保持器４の外球面４ａにて外輪１の内球面１ａと接し、保持器４の内球面４ｂにて内輪２の外球面２ａと接する。   Each ball 3 is accommodated in a pocket 4 c disposed in the circumferential direction of the cage 4. The number of balls 3 and the number of guide grooves 1b and 2b of the inner and outer rings 1 and 2 are arbitrary, but six or eight are given as examples. The cage 4 is slidably interposed between the outer ring 1 and the inner ring 2, contacts the inner spherical surface 1 a of the outer ring 1 at the outer spherical surface 4 a of the cage 4, and the inner ring 2 at the inner spherical surface 4 b of the cage 4. In contact with the outer spherical surface 2a.

この実施の形態では、外輪１の案内溝１ｂは円弧部分８と直線部分９とからなり、円弧部分８はマウス部６の奥側、つまり反開口端側に位置し、直線部分９はマウス部６の開口端側に位置する。円弧部分８はマウス部６の奥側へ縮径して形成され、直線部分９は軸と平行に形成されている。   In this embodiment, the guide groove 1b of the outer ring 1 is composed of an arc portion 8 and a straight portion 9, and the arc portion 8 is located on the back side of the mouse portion 6, that is, on the side opposite to the opening, and the straight portion 9 is the mouse portion. 6 is located on the open end side. The arc portion 8 is formed with a reduced diameter toward the back side of the mouse portion 6, and the linear portion 9 is formed in parallel with the axis.

同様に、内輪２の案内溝２ｂは円弧部分１０と直線部分１１とからなり、円弧部分１０は外輪１のマウス部６の開口端側に位置し、直線部分１１はマウス部６の奥側に位置する。円弧部分１０はマウス部６の開口端側へ縮径して形成され、直線部分１１は軸と平行に形成されている。   Similarly, the guide groove 2 b of the inner ring 2 includes an arc portion 10 and a straight portion 11, the arc portion 10 is located on the opening end side of the mouse portion 6 of the outer ring 1, and the straight portion 11 is on the back side of the mouse portion 6. To position. The arc portion 10 is formed with a reduced diameter toward the opening end side of the mouse portion 6, and the linear portion 11 is formed in parallel with the axis.

この固定式等速自在継手は、外輪１の案内溝１ｂと内輪２の案内溝２ｂを、それぞれ直線部分９，１１を有する形状としたことによって、高作動角をとることができるアンダーカットフリージョイント（ＵＪ）である。   This fixed type constant velocity universal joint has an undercut free joint that can take a high operating angle by forming the guide groove 1b of the outer ring 1 and the guide groove 2b of the inner ring 2 with straight portions 9 and 11, respectively. (UJ).

図１は、本発明の実施形態の固定式等速自在継手が備える保持器４を展開して示した図である。   FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a cage 4 provided in a fixed type constant velocity universal joint according to an embodiment of the present invention.

この保持器４には、６つのポケット４１，４２，４３，４４，４５，４６が形成されており、各ポケット４１，・・・，４６の周方向（図１においては幅方向）の中心が互いに等間隔に形成されている。６つのポケット４１，・・・，４６のうちの２つのポケット４２，４５は、周方向寸法Ｌ２が、他のポケット４１，４３，４４，４６の周方向寸法Ｌ１よりも小さく形成された狭幅ポケットである。狭幅ポケット４２，４５の周方向寸法Ｌ２は、固定式等速自在継手の動作において外輪１と内輪２とが最大作動角をなすときにボール３の周方向移動を干渉しない寸法である。一方、広幅ポケット４１，４３，４４，４６の周方向寸法Ｌ１は、後述する固定式等速自在継手の組み立ての際、保持器４へのボール３の組込み性を確保する寸法である。   The retainer 4 is formed with six pockets 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, and the center of each pocket 41,..., 46 in the circumferential direction (the width direction in FIG. 1). They are formed at equal intervals. Two of the six pockets 41,..., 46 have narrow widths in which the circumferential dimension L2 is smaller than the circumferential dimension L1 of the other pockets 41, 43, 44, 46. It is a pocket. The circumferential dimension L2 of the narrow pockets 42 and 45 is a dimension that does not interfere with the circumferential movement of the ball 3 when the outer ring 1 and the inner ring 2 form the maximum operating angle in the operation of the fixed type constant velocity universal joint. On the other hand, the circumferential dimension L1 of the wide pockets 41, 43, 44, and 46 is a dimension that ensures assembling of the ball 3 into the cage 4 when assembling a fixed type constant velocity universal joint described later.

各ポケット４１，・・・，４６の相互間は、軸方向に延びる柱部４１ａ，４２ａ，４３ａ，４４ａ，４５ａ，４６ａになっている。この柱部４１ａ，・・・，４６ａのうち、狭幅ポケット４２，４５の両側に夫々隣接する柱部４１ａ，４２ａ，４４ａ，４５ａは、広幅ポケット４１，４３，４４，４６の相互間の柱部４３ａ，４６ａよりも周方向寸法が大きく形成されている。比較のため、上記２つの狭幅ポケット４２，４５に、他の広幅ポケット４１，４３，４４，４６を重ねて破線で示している。   Between the pockets 41,..., 46 are column portions 41a, 42a, 43a, 44a, 45a, 46a extending in the axial direction. Of the pillar portions 41a,..., 46a, the pillar portions 41a, 42a, 44a, 45a adjacent to the both sides of the narrow pockets 42, 45 are columns between the wide pockets 41, 43, 44, 46, respectively. The circumferential direction dimension is formed larger than the parts 43a and 46a. For comparison, other wide pockets 41, 43, 44, and 46 are superimposed on the two narrow pockets 42 and 45, and are indicated by broken lines.

図２（ａ）は、上記保持器４に内輪２を組み付けた様子を示す軸視図である。図２（ａ）に示すように、２つの狭幅ポケット４２，４５は、保持器４の軸回りに互いに１８０°の角度をおいて形成されている。すなわち、２つの狭幅ポケット４２，４５は、保持器４の軸に関して径方向の対称位置に配置されている。この保持器４内に組み付けられた内輪２は、外球面の小端側の末端部に切欠き１１３を有し、この切欠き１１３が、狭幅ポケット４２に隣接する広幅柱部４１ａと同じ周方向位置となるように保持器４に組み付けられている。内輪２の切欠き１１３は、図２（ｂ）に示すように、狭幅ポケット４２に関して図２（ａ）の場合と反対側の広幅柱部４２ａと周方向位置を一致させてもよい。   FIG. 2A is an axial view showing a state in which the inner ring 2 is assembled to the cage 4. As shown in FIG. 2A, the two narrow pockets 42 and 45 are formed at an angle of 180 ° around the axis of the cage 4. That is, the two narrow pockets 42 and 45 are disposed at symmetrical positions in the radial direction with respect to the axis of the cage 4. The inner ring 2 assembled in the retainer 4 has a notch 113 at the end portion on the small end side of the outer spherical surface, and the notch 113 has the same circumference as the wide column portion 41 a adjacent to the narrow pocket 42. It is assembled to the cage 4 so as to be in the directional position. As shown in FIG. 2 (b), the notch 113 of the inner ring 2 may be aligned in the circumferential direction with the wide column portion 42a on the opposite side to the case of FIG. 2 (a) with respect to the narrow pocket 42.

図３は上記内輪２を示す断面図である。この内輪２には、６つの案内溝２ｂの相互間に位置する６つの凸部２ｄのうち、１つの凸部２ｄに切欠き１１３が形成されている。この切欠き１１３は、凸部２ｄの小端側であって、内輪２及び保持器４が外輪１に組み付けられたときにマウス部６の開口端６ａに臨む側の末端部１２ａに形成されている。この切欠き１１３は、外球面２ａに対して傾斜した平面で形成しているが、図３（ｂ）に示すように、端面に向かって径方向内側に段差を有する段部で切欠き１１３’を形成してもよい。また、内輪２の外球面２ａは、切欠き１１３，１１３’の存在により、継手中心の軸直角断面よりも開口端側における球面角度はβ°である。切欠き１１３，１１３’は、内輪２の製造において、鍛造や切削によって作成される。   FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing the inner ring 2. The inner ring 2 has a notch 113 formed in one convex portion 2d among the six convex portions 2d positioned between the six guide grooves 2b. This notch 113 is formed on the small end side of the convex portion 2d and at the end portion 12a on the side facing the opening end 6a of the mouse portion 6 when the inner ring 2 and the retainer 4 are assembled to the outer ring 1. Yes. The notch 113 is formed as a plane inclined with respect to the outer spherical surface 2a. However, as shown in FIG. 3B, the notch 113 ′ is formed at a step portion having a step radially inward toward the end surface. May be formed. Further, the outer spherical surface 2a of the inner ring 2 has a spherical angle of β ° on the opening end side with respect to the axially perpendicular cross section of the joint center due to the presence of the notches 113 and 113 '. The notches 113 and 113 ′ are created by forging or cutting in the production of the inner ring 2.

以下、本実施形態の保持器４に内輪２を組み付ける方法と、外輪１、保持器４及び内輪２にボール３を組み込む方法について説明する。
内輪２を保持器４に組み付ける場合は、まず、内輪２の軸が保持器４の軸に対し９０°をなすように、内輪２を配置する。この状態で、図４に示すように、案内溝２ｂを保持器４の入口部４ｄに跨がせる。その跨がせた案内溝２ｂを中心として内輪２を矢印Ａ方向に回転させて、内輪２の凸部２ｄを保持器４のポケット４１に挿入すると共に、内輪２を保持器４内へ入れる。なお、内輪２の凸部２ｄを挿入するポケット４１は、広幅ポケット４１，４３，４４，４６のうちのいずれでもよい。そして、内輪２を保持器４内で９０°回転させて球面係合させ組み付ける。 Hereinafter, a method for assembling the inner ring 2 to the cage 4 of the present embodiment and a method for incorporating the ball 3 into the outer ring 1, the cage 4 and the inner ring 2 will be described.
When assembling the inner ring 2 to the cage 4, first, the inner ring 2 is arranged so that the axis of the inner ring 2 forms 90 ° with respect to the axis of the cage 4. In this state, as shown in FIG. 4, the guide groove 2 b is straddled over the inlet portion 4 d of the cage 4. The inner ring 2 is rotated in the direction of arrow A around the straddling guide groove 2b, and the convex portion 2d of the inner ring 2 is inserted into the pocket 41 of the retainer 4, and the inner ring 2 is inserted into the retainer 4. The pocket 41 into which the convex portion 2d of the inner ring 2 is inserted may be any of the wide pockets 41, 43, 44, and 46. Then, the inner ring 2 is rotated 90 ° in the cage 4 to be spherically engaged and assembled.

内輪２を矢印Ａ方向に回転させて、切欠き１１３を形成した内輪２の凸部２ｄを保持器４のポケット４１に挿入する際、図４のＸ−Ｘ矢視断面図である図５に示すように、末端部１２ａが入口部４ｄに接近する。ここで、入口部４ｄに接近した内輪２の凸部２ｄに切欠きが設けられていれば、末端部１２ａと入口部４ｄとの間に隙間が確保され、より組み付け性を向上することができる。   When the inner ring 2 is rotated in the direction of arrow A and the convex portion 2d of the inner ring 2 formed with the notch 113 is inserted into the pocket 41 of the retainer 4, FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line XX in FIG. As shown, the end 12a approaches the inlet 4d. Here, if the notch is provided in the convex part 2d of the inner ring 2 that is close to the inlet part 4d, a gap is secured between the terminal part 12a and the inlet part 4d, and the assemblability can be further improved. .

内輪２を保持器４内に組み付けた後、保持器４にボール３を組み込む。本実施形態において、保持器４のポケット４１，・・・，４６の幅方向寸法が異なる点以外は図８及び９と同一であるので、図８及び９を便宜的に援用する。   After the inner ring 2 is assembled in the cage 4, the balls 3 are assembled in the cage 4. In this embodiment, since it is the same as FIGS. 8 and 9 except that the width direction dimensions of the pockets 41,..., 46 of the cage 4 are different, FIGS.

ボール３を組み込むには、図８（ａ）の正面図及び図８（ｂ）の側面図に示すように、外輪１の案内溝１ｂと保持器４のポケット４ｃと内輪２の案内溝２ｂとを位置合わせした上で、外輪１のマウス部６の開口端６ａと保持器４のポケット４１，・・・，４６の入口側端部との隙間がボール径より大きくなるように、外輪１の軸方向に保持器４及び内輪２を傾倒させる。このときの保持器４及び内輪２の傾倒角は、固定式等速自在継手の動作時における最大作動角よりも大きい。このようにして保持器４の１つのポケット４１，・・・，４６を外輪１の開口端６ａから外側に臨ませて、外輪１の開口端６ａと保持器４のポケット４１，・・・，４６の入口側端部との隙間からボールを挿入する。以上の要領で残りのポケット４１，・・・，４６にボールを順次挿入する。   In order to incorporate the ball 3, as shown in the front view of FIG. 8A and the side view of FIG. 8B, the guide groove 1b of the outer ring 1, the pocket 4c of the cage 4, the guide groove 2b of the inner ring 2, , So that the gap between the opening end 6a of the mouth portion 6 of the outer ring 1 and the inlet side end portions of the pockets 41,..., 46 of the cage 4 is larger than the ball diameter. The cage 4 and the inner ring 2 are tilted in the axial direction. The tilt angle of the cage 4 and the inner ring 2 at this time is larger than the maximum operating angle during operation of the fixed type constant velocity universal joint. In this way, one pocket 41,..., 46 of the retainer 4 faces outward from the opening end 6a of the outer ring 1, and the opening end 6a of the outer ring 1 and the pocket 41,. A ball is inserted through a gap between the inlet end of 46. The balls are sequentially inserted into the remaining pockets 41,.

そして、最後の２つのボールを組み込むに際しては、図９（ａ）の正面図及び図９（ｂ）の側面図に示すように、保持器４の中心を通るケージ径Ｌｃに対して所定の位相角度、φ＝±３０°、すなわちφ＝３０°及び３３０°をなす方向から上記ポケット４１，・・・，４６にボール３１，３６を挿入する。つまり、最後のボール３１，３６を組み込むべきポケット４ｃの中心と保持器４の中心とを結ぶ方向がφ＝３０°又は３３０°の位相になるように保持器４を配置した状態で、最後の２つのボール３１，３６をケージ径方向に沿ってポケット４ｃに挿入する。この最後の２つのボール３１，３６の挿入時に、外輪１に対して保持器４を軸方向に傾倒させることから、外輪１の奥側で軸に近づくように曲率を持った案内溝１ｂの部分、つまり、φ＝１５０°及び２１０°の位相にあるボール３３，３４が、矢印Ｍ１で示すように周方向に移動する。一方、保持器４の傾倒軸上にあるボール３２，３５は、保持器４を傾倒させても継手中心の軸直角断面内にある。   When the last two balls are assembled, as shown in the front view of FIG. 9A and the side view of FIG. 9B, a predetermined phase with respect to the cage diameter Lc passing through the center of the cage 4 is obtained. The balls 31 and 36 are inserted into the pockets 41,..., 46 from an angle, φ = ± 30 °, that is, φ = 30 ° and 330 °. That is, in the state where the cage 4 is arranged so that the direction connecting the center of the pocket 4c into which the last balls 31 and 36 are to be incorporated and the center of the cage 4 is a phase of φ = 30 ° or 330 °, Two balls 31 and 36 are inserted into the pocket 4c along the cage radial direction. Since the cage 4 is tilted in the axial direction with respect to the outer ring 1 when the last two balls 31 and 36 are inserted, a portion of the guide groove 1b having a curvature so as to approach the shaft on the back side of the outer ring 1 That is, the balls 33 and 34 in the phases of φ = 150 ° and 210 ° move in the circumferential direction as indicated by the arrow M1. On the other hand, the balls 32 and 35 on the tilting axis of the cage 4 are within the axis-perpendicular section at the joint center even when the cage 4 is tilted.

ここで、本実施形態では、最後の２つのボール３１，３６を組み込む際、保持器４の狭幅ポケット４２，４５を結ぶ線を傾倒軸として、保持器４を傾倒させる。これにより、保持器４のφ＝１５０°及び２１０°の位相に広幅ポケット４３，４４を配置させることができ、この広幅ポケット４３，４４内のボール３３，３４を、保持器４の傾倒に伴って、ポケット側面と干渉することなく周方向に移動させることができる。したがって、外輪１のマウス部６の開口端６ａと保持器４のポケット４１，４６の入口側端部との隙間をボール径より大きくでき、その結果、最後の２個のボール３１，３６を、マウス部の開口端６ａと干渉することなく良好な作業性で保持器４のポケット４１，４６に挿入することができる。   Here, in this embodiment, when the last two balls 31 and 36 are assembled, the cage 4 is tilted with the line connecting the narrow pockets 42 and 45 of the cage 4 as the tilt axis. As a result, the wide pockets 43 and 44 can be arranged in the phases of φ = 150 ° and 210 ° of the cage 4, and the balls 33 and 34 in the wide pockets 43 and 44 are moved along with the tilt of the cage 4. Thus, it can be moved in the circumferential direction without interfering with the side surface of the pocket. Therefore, the gap between the opening end 6a of the mouth portion 6 of the outer ring 1 and the inlet side end portions of the pockets 41 and 46 of the retainer 4 can be made larger than the ball diameter. As a result, the last two balls 31 and 36 are It can be inserted into the pockets 41 and 46 of the cage 4 with good workability without interfering with the opening end 6a of the mouse portion.

このようにして組み立てられた固定式等速自在継手は、継手が高作動角をとったとき、内輪２の切欠き１１３が形成された凸部２ｄの外球面２ａと、保持器４の内球面との間の接触面積が大幅に減少する。これにより、当該凸部２ｄの外球面２ａと保持器４の内球面との間の接触面圧が大幅に増大する。しかしながら、この切欠き１１３が形成された凸部２ｄと同一の周方向位置には、保持器４の広幅柱部４１ａが位置している。したがって、増大した接触面圧を幅が大きい広幅柱部４１ａで受けることができ、これにより、保持器４の強度を確保できる。   The fixed type constant velocity universal joint assembled in this way has the outer spherical surface 2a of the convex portion 2d formed with the notch 113 of the inner ring 2 and the inner spherical surface of the cage 4 when the joint takes a high operating angle. The contact area between is greatly reduced. Thereby, the contact surface pressure between the outer spherical surface 2a of the said convex part 2d and the inner spherical surface of the holder | retainer 4 increases significantly. However, the wide column portion 41a of the cage 4 is located at the same circumferential position as the convex portion 2d in which the notch 113 is formed. Therefore, the increased contact surface pressure can be received by the wide column portion 41a having a large width, and thereby the strength of the cage 4 can be ensured.

以上のように、本実施形態の固定式等速自在継手は、内輪２の凸部２ｄの末端部１２ａに切欠き１１３を設けることにより、内輪２の保持器４への組み付け性を向上し、また、保持器４に狭幅ポケット４２，４５及び広幅ポケット４１，４３，４４，４６を設けることにより、保持器４へのボール３１，３６の組込み性を確保しつつ、保持器４の強度を確保することができる。これにより、固定式等速自在継手の組み立てにおける作業性を確保しつつ、保持器４の十分な強度を確保し、継手の高作動角、高トルク負荷時において、継手の円滑な回転運動を維持することが可能となる。   As described above, the fixed type constant velocity universal joint of the present embodiment improves the assembling property of the inner ring 2 to the cage 4 by providing the notch 113 in the end portion 12a of the convex portion 2d of the inner ring 2. Further, the cage 4 is provided with the narrow pockets 42 and 45 and the wide pockets 41, 43, 44 and 46, so that the strength of the cage 4 can be increased while ensuring the ease of assembling the balls 31 and 36 into the cage 4. Can be secured. As a result, the workability in the assembly of the fixed type constant velocity universal joint is ensured, the sufficient strength of the cage 4 is ensured, and the smooth rotational motion of the joint is maintained at the high operating angle and high torque load of the joint. It becomes possible to do.

以上、本発明の一実施形態について説明したが、本発明は上述の実施形態に限定されるものではなく、本発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲で、種々の変更を加え得ることは勿論である。上述のように内輪の凸部の１つに切欠きを設ける場合に限らず、２つ以上の凸部に切欠きを設けてもよい。具体的には、図６（ａ）に示すように、内輪２の軸に関して対称位置にある２つの凸部２ｄの小端側の末端部に切欠き１１３ａ，１１３ｂを夫々形成し、当該切欠き１１３ａ，１１３ｂを、保持器４の２個の狭幅ポケッ４２，４５に隣接する広幅柱部４１ａ，４４ａと同じ周方向位置に配置すればよい。また、図６（ｂ）に示すように、内輪２の凸部２ｄの切欠き１１３ａ，１１３ｂを、保持器４の２個の狭幅ポケッ４２，４５の他方側に隣接する広幅柱部４２ａ，４５ａと同じ周方向位置に配置してもよい。   As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, Of course, a various change can be added in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention. As described above, not only one notch is provided in one of the convex portions of the inner ring, but two or more convex portions may be provided with a notch. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6 (a), notches 113a and 113b are respectively formed at the end portions on the small end side of the two convex portions 2d that are symmetrical with respect to the axis of the inner ring 2, and the notches 113a and 113b may be disposed at the same circumferential position as the wide column portions 41a and 44a adjacent to the two narrow pockets 42 and 45 of the cage 4. Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, the notches 113a and 113b of the convex portion 2d of the inner ring 2 are connected to the wide column portions 42a and 42a adjacent to the other side of the two narrow pockets 42 and 45 of the cage 4. You may arrange | position in the same circumferential direction position as 45a.

本発明の実施形態の固定式等速自在継手が備える保持器を示す展開図である。It is an expanded view which shows the holder | retainer with which the fixed type constant velocity universal joint of embodiment of this invention is provided. 図２（ａ）は内輪を保持器に組み付けた様子を示す軸視図であり、図２（ｂ）は変形例の内輪を保持器に組み付けた様子を示す軸視図である。FIG. 2A is an axial view showing a state where the inner ring is assembled to the cage, and FIG. 2B is an axial view showing a state where the modified inner ring is assembled to the cage. 本実施形態の内輪を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the inner ring | wheel of this embodiment. 本実施形態の内輪を保持器に組み付ける様子を示す一部破断図である。It is a partially broken figure which shows a mode that the inner ring | wheel of this embodiment is assembled | attached to a holder | retainer. 図４のＸ−Ｘ矢視断面図である。It is XX arrow sectional drawing of FIG. 図６（ａ）は変形例の内輪及び保持器を示す軸視図であり、図６（ｂ）は他の変形例の内輪及び保持器を示す軸視図である。FIG. 6A is an axial view showing a modified inner ring and cage, and FIG. 6B is an axial view showing another modified inner ring and cage. 従来の固定式等速自在継手の一例を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the conventional fixed type constant velocity universal joint. 図８（ａ）は従来の保持器にボールを組み込むために、外輪に対して保持器及び内輪を傾倒させた様子を示す正面図であり、図８（ｂ）はその側面図である。FIG. 8A is a front view showing a state in which the cage and the inner ring are tilted with respect to the outer ring in order to incorporate the ball into the conventional cage, and FIG. 8B is a side view thereof. 図９（ａ）は従来の保持器へのボールの組み込みが完了した様子を部分切除して示した正面図であり、図９（ｂ）はその側面図である。FIG. 9 (a) is a front view showing a state in which the ball has been incorporated into the conventional cage, partially cut away, and FIG. 9 (b) is a side view thereof.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１ 外輪
１ａ 内球面
１ｂ 案内溝
２ 内輪
２ａ 外球面
２ｂ 案内溝
２ｄ 凸部
３，３１，３２，３３，３４，３５，３６ ボール
４ 保持器
４ｄ 入口部
１２ａ 凸部の末端部
１１３ 凸部の切欠き
４１，４３，４４，４６ 広幅ポケット
４２，４５ 狭幅ポケット
４１ａ，４２ａ，４４ａ，４５ａ 広幅柱部
４３ａ，４６ａ 狭幅柱部 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Outer ring 1a Inner spherical surface 1b Guide groove 2 Inner ring 2a Outer spherical surface 2b Guide groove 2d Convex part 3,31,32,33,34,35,36 Ball 4 Cage 4d Inlet part 12a End part of convex part 113 Cutting of convex part Notch 41, 43, 44, 46 Wide pocket 42, 45 Narrow pocket 41a, 42a, 44a, 45a Wide column 43a, 46a Narrow column

Claims (7)

内球面に複数の案内溝を軸方向に沿って周方向等間隔に形成した外側継手部材と、外球面に上記外側継手部材のトラック溝と対をなす複数の案内溝を軸方向に沿って周方向等間隔に形成した内側継手部材と、両継手部材の各案内溝間に介在してトルクを伝達する複数のボールと、上記外側継手部材の内球面と上記内側継手部材の外球面との間に介在すると共に上記ボールを収容するポケットを周方向に複数貫設した保持器を備えた固定式等速自在継手において、
上記保持器の複数のポケットのうち、２個のポケットの周方向寸法を、他のポケットの周方向寸法よりも小さく形成したことを特徴とする固定式等速自在継手。 An outer joint member in which a plurality of guide grooves are formed on the inner spherical surface at equal intervals in the circumferential direction along the axial direction, and a plurality of guide grooves that are paired with the track grooves of the outer joint member on the outer spherical surface are disposed along the axial direction. An inner joint member formed at equal intervals in the direction, a plurality of balls that are interposed between the guide grooves of both joint members and transmit torque, and an inner spherical surface of the outer joint member and an outer spherical surface of the inner joint member In a fixed type constant velocity universal joint provided with a cage that is interposed in the circumferential direction and has a plurality of pockets that penetrate the circumferential direction.
A fixed type constant velocity universal joint characterized in that a circumferential dimension of two pockets of the plurality of pockets of the cage is smaller than a circumferential dimension of other pockets. 請求項１に記載の固定式等速自在継手において、
上記内側継手部材の複数の案内溝相互間の外球面を含む凸部に切欠きが形成され、
上記内側継手部材の切欠きが形成された凸部の周方向位置と、上記保持器の周方向寸法が小さいポケットに隣接する柱部の周方向位置とが互いに一致することを特徴とする固定式等速自在継手。 In the fixed type constant velocity universal joint according to claim 1,
A notch is formed in the convex portion including the outer spherical surface between the plurality of guide grooves of the inner joint member,
The fixed position is characterized in that the circumferential position of the convex portion where the notch of the inner joint member is formed coincides with the circumferential position of the column portion adjacent to the pocket having a small circumferential dimension of the cage. Constant velocity universal joint. 請求項１又は２に記載の固定式等速自在継手において、
上記保持器の２個のポケットの周方向寸法は、上記外側継手部材と内側継手部材とが最大作動角をなすときにボールを保持器の周方向に拘束しない長さであることを特徴とする固定式等速自在継手。 In the fixed type constant velocity universal joint according to claim 1 or 2,
The circumferential dimension of the two pockets of the cage is a length that does not restrain the ball in the circumferential direction of the cage when the outer joint member and the inner joint member form a maximum operating angle. Fixed constant velocity universal joint. 請求項１乃至３のうちのいずれか１つに記載の固定式等速自在継手において、
上記保持器の他のポケットの周方向寸法は、上記外側継手部材の案内溝の全域でボールを保持器の周方向に拘束しない寸法であることを特徴とする固定式等速自在継手。 In the fixed type constant velocity universal joint according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The fixed type constant velocity universal joint characterized in that the circumferential dimension of the other pocket of the cage is a dimension that does not restrain the ball in the circumferential direction of the cage throughout the entire guide groove of the outer joint member. 請求項１乃至４のうちのいずれか１つに記載の固定式等速自在継手において、
上記保持器の２個のポケットは、当該保持器の軸回りに１８０°の角度をおいて形成されていることを特徴とする固定式等速自在継手。 In the fixed type constant velocity universal joint according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The fixed type constant velocity universal joint characterized in that the two pockets of the cage are formed at an angle of 180 ° around the axis of the cage. 請求項２に記載の固定式等速自在継手において、
上記内側継手部材の切欠きは、上記凸部の開口端側の末端部に形成されていることを特徴とする固定式等速自在継手。 In the fixed type constant velocity universal joint according to claim 2,
The notch of the inner joint member is formed at the end portion on the opening end side of the convex portion, and is a fixed type constant velocity universal joint. 請求項１乃至６のうちのいずれか１つに記載の固定式等速自在継手において、
上記外側継手部材の案内溝、内側継手部材の案内溝及びボールの個数は、６又は８個であることを特徴とする固定式等速自在継手。 In the fixed type constant velocity universal joint according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The number of guide grooves of the outer joint member, guide grooves of the inner joint member, and balls is six or eight.

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