JP2013036563A - Universal joint and steering apparatus - Google Patents

Universal joint and steering apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
JP2013036563A
JP2013036563A JP2011173960A JP2011173960A JP2013036563A JP 2013036563 A JP2013036563 A JP 2013036563A JP 2011173960 A JP2011173960 A JP 2011173960A JP 2011173960 A JP2011173960 A JP 2011173960A JP 2013036563 A JP2013036563 A JP 2013036563A
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Prior art keywords
pair
universal joint
bush
fitting hole
outer ring
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Japanese (ja)
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Kazuhiro Hanatani
和浩 花谷
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JTEKT Corp
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JTEKT Corp
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C21/00—Combinations of sliding-contact bearings with ball or roller bearings, for exclusively rotary movement
    • F16C21/005—Combinations of sliding-contact bearings with ball or roller bearings, for exclusively rotary movement the external zone of a bearing with rolling members, e.g. needles, being cup-shaped, with or without a separate thrust-bearing disc or ring, e.g. for universal joints
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C35/00—Rigid support of bearing units; Housings, e.g. caps, covers
    • F16C35/04—Rigid support of bearing units; Housings, e.g. caps, covers in the case of ball or roller bearings
    • F16C35/06—Mounting or dismounting of ball or roller bearings; Fixing them onto shaft or in housing
    • F16C35/07—Fixing them on the shaft or housing with interposition of an element
    • F16C35/077—Fixing them on the shaft or housing with interposition of an element between housing and outer race ring
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D3/00—Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive
    • F16D3/16—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts
    • F16D3/26—Hooke's joints or other joints with an equivalent intermediate member to which each coupling part is pivotally or slidably connected
    • F16D3/38—Hooke's joints or other joints with an equivalent intermediate member to which each coupling part is pivotally or slidably connected with a single intermediate member with trunnions or bearings arranged on two axes perpendicular to one another
    • F16D3/382—Hooke's joints or other joints with an equivalent intermediate member to which each coupling part is pivotally or slidably connected with a single intermediate member with trunnions or bearings arranged on two axes perpendicular to one another constructional details of other than the intermediate member
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D3/00—Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive
    • F16D3/16—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts
    • F16D3/26—Hooke's joints or other joints with an equivalent intermediate member to which each coupling part is pivotally or slidably connected
    • F16D3/38—Hooke's joints or other joints with an equivalent intermediate member to which each coupling part is pivotally or slidably connected with a single intermediate member with trunnions or bearings arranged on two axes perpendicular to one another
    • F16D3/40—Hooke's joints or other joints with an equivalent intermediate member to which each coupling part is pivotally or slidably connected with a single intermediate member with trunnions or bearings arranged on two axes perpendicular to one another with intermediate member provided with two pairs of outwardly-directed trunnions on intersecting axes
    • F16D3/41—Hooke's joints or other joints with an equivalent intermediate member to which each coupling part is pivotally or slidably connected with a single intermediate member with trunnions or bearings arranged on two axes perpendicular to one another with intermediate member provided with two pairs of outwardly-directed trunnions on intersecting axes with ball or roller bearings

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Steering Controls (AREA)

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a universal joint with little variance of performance.SOLUTION: A universal joint 4 includes a yoke 20 having a pair of arms 23. The pair of the arms 23 have respective recesses 24 formed on inner side surfaces 23a opposing to each other at the top ends 231 to form thin parts 25. A part 281 of a fitting hole 28 which is formed by being penetrated through the arm 23, is penetrated through the thin part 25. A bearing 30 is press-fit between the inner periphery of a cylindrical bushing 29 which is press-fit into the fitting hole 28, and the outer periphery 27a of a shaft 27 of a joint cross shaft 22. The bearing 30 includes an outer ring cup 32, and a plurality of needle rollers 31 retained in the outer ring cup 32.

Description

本発明は自在継手およびステアリング装置に関する。   The present invention relates to a universal joint and a steering device.

一般に、自在継手では、十字軸の各軸部を、ヨークの対応する腕部の嵌合孔に圧入された軸受によって支持している。前記軸受としては、嵌合孔に圧入された外輪カップと、外輪カップの内周と十字軸の軸部の外周との間に介在した複数の針状ころ軸受とを備えている。
通例、腕部の先端部の内側面には、十字軸の軸部を嵌合孔に挿入するときの逃げとなる凹部が形成されているので、腕部の先端部は薄肉となっている。 Generally, in a universal joint, each shaft portion of the cross shaft is supported by a bearing press-fitted into a fitting hole of a corresponding arm portion of the yoke. The bearing includes an outer ring cup press-fitted into the fitting hole, and a plurality of needle roller bearings interposed between the inner periphery of the outer ring cup and the outer periphery of the shaft portion of the cross shaft.
In general, a concave portion is formed on the inner side surface of the distal end portion of the arm portion so as to escape when the shaft portion of the cross shaft is inserted into the fitting hole, so that the distal end portion of the arm portion is thin.

特許文献１の組み立て方法では、ヨークの腕部の嵌合孔に十軸軸の対応する腕部を挿入した後、ヨークの外側から嵌合孔内へ軸受を圧入するときに、フックを腕部の先端部に引っ掛けて、腕部が内側へ変形しないように支えている。   In the assembling method of Patent Document 1, after inserting the corresponding arm portion of the ten-axis shaft into the fitting hole of the arm portion of the yoke, when the bearing is press-fitted into the fitting hole from the outside of the yoke, the hook is moved to the arm portion. The arm is supported so that the arm does not deform inward.

特開平１０−１８０５７６号公報JP-A-10-180576

通例、前記嵌合孔は、腕部の薄肉部と残りの厚肉部に跨がるようにして、腕部を貫通している。このため、通例、板金製で比較的薄い外輪カップが、ヨークの腕部の嵌合孔に圧入された状態では、嵌合孔と外輪カップとの軸方向の嵌合長が、嵌合孔の周方向位置に応じて異なることになる。
このため、嵌合孔の周方向位置で外輪カップの径方向の変形量に差が生じやすい。その結果、自在継手の剛性や回転時の抵抗トルクなどの自在継手の性能がばらつき易くなってしまう。そうすると、このような自在継手を用いたステアリング装置においては、良好な操舵フィーリングが達成されにくい。 Typically, the fitting hole penetrates the arm portion so as to straddle the thin portion of the arm portion and the remaining thick portion. For this reason, typically, when a relatively thin outer ring cup made of sheet metal is press-fitted into the fitting hole in the arm portion of the yoke, the axial fitting length between the fitting hole and the outer ring cup is It will vary depending on the circumferential position.
For this reason, a difference tends to occur in the amount of deformation in the radial direction of the outer ring cup at the circumferential position of the fitting hole. As a result, the performance of the universal joint, such as the rigidity of the universal joint and the resistance torque during rotation, tends to vary. If it does so, in a steering device using such a universal joint, it is difficult to achieve good steering feeling.

本発明の目的は、性能のばらつきの少ない自在継手およびこれを用いたステアリング装置を提供することである。   An object of the present invention is to provide a universal joint with little variation in performance and a steering device using the same.

上記目的を達成するため、請求項１の発明は、それぞれの先端部（２３１）において相対向する内側面（２３ａ）に凹部（２４）が形成された薄肉部（２５）を有する一対の腕部（２３）を含み、各前記腕部を貫通して形成された嵌合孔（２８）の一部が前記薄肉部を貫通しているヨーク（２０，２１）と、各前記嵌合孔に圧入された筒状のブッシュ（２９；２９Ａ）と、複数の転動体（３１）を保持した外輪カップ（３２）を有し、各ブッシュの内周と十字軸（２２）の対応する軸部（２７）との間に圧入された軸受（３０）と、を備えた自在継手（４，６）を提供する。   In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a pair of arm portions each having a thin portion (25) in which a concave portion (24) is formed on an inner surface (23a) opposed to each other at each tip portion (231). (23) including a yoke (20, 21) in which a part of the fitting hole (28) formed through each arm part passes through the thin-walled part, and press-fitted into each fitting hole A cylindrical bush (29; 29A) and an outer ring cup (32) holding a plurality of rolling elements (31), and the inner periphery of each bush and the corresponding shaft portion (27) of the cross shaft (22) And a universal joint (4, 6) provided with a bearing (30) press-fitted between them.

なお、括弧内の英数字は、後述する実施形態における対応構成要素等を表すが、このことは、むろん、本発明がそれらの実施形態に限定されるべきことを意味するものではない。以下、この項において同じ。
また、請求項２のように、各前記ブッシュは、対応する腕部の内側面における、嵌合孔の縁部（２８ａ）にかしめられた第１折り曲げ突起（３５；３５Ａ）と、対応する外輪カップの底部（３３）にかしめられた第２折り曲げ突起（３６；３６Ａ）と、を有していてもよい。 In addition, although the alphanumeric character in a parenthesis represents the corresponding component etc. in embodiment mentioned later, this does not mean that this invention should be limited to those embodiment as a matter of course. The same applies hereinafter.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, each of the bushes includes a first bent protrusion (35; 35A) caulked on the edge (28a) of the fitting hole on the inner surface of the corresponding arm portion, and a corresponding outer ring. And a second bent protrusion (36; 36A) that is caulked to the bottom (33) of the cup.

また、請求項３のように、各前記ブッシュの第１折り曲げ突起は、前記一対の腕部が延びる第１方向（Ｘ１）と前記一対の腕部が相対向する第２方向（Ｘ２）との双方に対して直交する第３方向（Ｘ３）に対向するように、一対設けられていてもよい。
また、請求項４のように、各前記ブッシュに一対設けられた第１折り曲げ突起は、対応する腕部の薄肉部を避けて、前記嵌合孔の縁部にかしめられていてもよい。 According to a third aspect of the present invention, the first folding protrusion of each bush includes a first direction (X1) in which the pair of arm portions extends and a second direction (X2) in which the pair of arm portions oppose each other. A pair may be provided so as to face the third direction (X3) orthogonal to both.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a pair of first bent projections provided on each of the bushes may be caulked to the edge of the fitting hole, avoiding a thin portion of the corresponding arm.

また、請求項５の発明は、操舵部材（２）の操舵力を伝達する軸（３，５，６）間を連結する自在継手（４，６）を備え、前記自在継手は、それぞれの先端部において相対向する内側面に凹部が形成された薄肉部を有する一対の腕部を含み、各前記腕部を貫通して形成された嵌合孔の一部が、前記薄肉部を貫通しているヨークと、各前記嵌合孔に圧入された筒状のブッシュと、複数の転動体を保持した外輪カップを有し、各ブッシュの内周と十字軸の対応する軸部との間に圧入された軸受と、を備えているステアリング装置（１）を提供する。   The invention of claim 5 further includes universal joints (4, 6) for connecting the shafts (3, 5, 6) for transmitting the steering force of the steering member (2), and the universal joints are provided at their respective distal ends. Including a pair of arm portions each having a thin portion formed with a concave portion on the inner surface facing each other, and a part of a fitting hole formed through each arm portion passes through the thin portion. And a bush that is press-fitted into each of the fitting holes, and an outer ring cup that holds a plurality of rolling elements, and is press-fitted between the inner periphery of each bush and the corresponding shaft portion of the cross shaft. And a steering device (1).

請求項１の発明によれば、周方向に関して深さが不均一である嵌合孔に対して圧入されたブッシュに、軸受の外輪カップが圧入されているので、周方向位置で外輪カップの径方向の変形量に差が生じにくい。その結果、自在継手の剛性や回転時の抵抗トルクなどの自在継手の性能のばらつきを抑制することができる。
請求項２の発明によれば、各ブッシュの第１折り曲げ突起が、対応する腕部の内側面における、嵌合孔の縁部にかしめられるとともに、各ブッシュの第２折り曲げ突起が、対応する外輪カップの底部にかしめられる。これにより、嵌合孔からのブッシュの抜け止めと、ブッシュからの軸受の抜け止めとが達成される。また、嵌合孔に対するブッシュの回転と、ブッシュに対する外輪カップの回転が規制される。したがって、嵌合孔に対するブッシュの圧入荷重を低く抑えることができるので、周方向位置で外輪カップの径方向の変形量に、一層、差が生じにくくなり、その結果、自在継手の性能のばらつきを一層抑制することができる。 According to the first aspect of the invention, since the outer ring cup of the bearing is press-fitted into the bush press-fitted into the fitting hole whose depth is not uniform in the circumferential direction, the diameter of the outer ring cup at the circumferential position. Differences in direction deformation are less likely to occur. As a result, it is possible to suppress variations in the performance of the universal joint such as the rigidity of the universal joint and the resistance torque during rotation.
According to the invention of claim 2, the first bent projections of the respective bushes are caulked to the edge portions of the fitting holes on the inner side surfaces of the corresponding arm portions, and the second bent projections of the respective bushes correspond to the corresponding outer rings. Caulked to the bottom of the cup. As a result, it is possible to prevent the bush from coming off from the fitting hole and the bearing from coming off from the bush. Further, the rotation of the bush with respect to the fitting hole and the rotation of the outer ring cup with respect to the bush are restricted. Accordingly, since the press-fitting load of the bush to the fitting hole can be kept low, the difference in the amount of deformation in the radial direction of the outer ring cup at the circumferential position is further less likely to occur, resulting in variations in the performance of the universal joint. Further suppression can be achieved.

また、請求項３の発明によれば、一対の第１折り曲げ突起が、一対の腕部が延びる第１方向と一対の腕部が相対向する第２方向との双方に対して直交する第３方向に対向して配置されるので、両第１折り曲げ突起が、例えば、ともに薄肉部を避けた位置において、嵌合孔の縁部にかしめられることになる。したがって、ブッシュと外輪カップの嵌合長が、ブッシュの周方向位置に応じてばらつくようなことがなく、周方向位置で外輪カップの径方向の変形量に、より一層、差が生じにくくなる。その結果、自在継手の性能のばらつきをより一層抑制することができる。   According to a third aspect of the present invention, the pair of first bending protrusions is perpendicular to both the first direction in which the pair of arm portions extend and the second direction in which the pair of arm portions oppose each other. Since they are arranged so as to face each other, both the first bent protrusions are caulked to the edge portion of the fitting hole, for example, at a position avoiding the thin portion. Therefore, the fitting length between the bush and the outer ring cup does not vary according to the circumferential position of the bush, and the difference in the amount of deformation in the radial direction of the outer ring cup at the circumferential position is further less likely to occur. As a result, variation in the performance of the universal joint can be further suppressed.

また、請求項４の発明によれば、一対の第１折り曲げ突起が、腕部の薄肉部を避けて、嵌合孔の縁部にかしめられるので、周方向位置で外輪カップの径方向の変形量に、より一層、差が生じにくくなる。その結果、自在継手の性能のばらつきをより一層抑制することができる。
また、請求項５の発明によれば、請求項１と同じく、自在継手の剛性や回転時の抵抗トルクなどの自在継手の性能のばらつきを抑制することができるので、操舵部材を操作するときに運転者が感じるステアリングの剛性感等のばらつきを少なくして、操舵フィーリングを良好にすることができる。 According to the invention of claim 4, since the pair of first bending projections are caulked to the edge portion of the fitting hole, avoiding the thin portion of the arm portion, the radial deformation of the outer ring cup at the circumferential position Differences in the amount are even less likely to occur. As a result, variation in the performance of the universal joint can be further suppressed.
Further, according to the invention of claim 5, as in the case of claim 1, it is possible to suppress variations in the performance of the universal joint such as the rigidity of the universal joint and the resistance torque during rotation. It is possible to improve the steering feeling by reducing variations in the steering rigidity and the like that the driver feels.

図１は本発明の一実施の形態に係る自在継手が適用されたステアリング装置の模式図である。FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a steering apparatus to which a universal joint according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. ステアリングシャフト、中間シャフトおよびピニオンシャフトとこれらを連結する自在継手の概略側面図である。FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a steering shaft, an intermediate shaft, a pinion shaft, and a universal joint that connects them. 自在継手の一部破断正面図である。It is a partially broken front view of a universal joint. 図３のＩＶ−ＩＶ線に沿う、自在継手の断面図である。It is sectional drawing of a universal joint which follows the IV-IV line of FIG. 自在継手に用いるブッシュの斜視図であり、各折り曲げ突起が折り曲げられる前の段階を示している。It is a perspective view of the bush used for a universal joint, and has shown the stage before each bending projection is bent. 本発明の別の実施形態の自在継手に用いるブッシュの斜視図であり、各折り曲げ突起が折り曲げられる前の段階を示している。It is a perspective view of the bush used for the universal joint of another embodiment of the present invention, and shows the stage before each bending projection is bent.

本発明の好ましい実施の形態の添付図面を参照しつつ説明する。
図１は本発明の一実施の形態の自在継手４，６が適用される車両のステアリング装置１の模式図である。図１を参照して、ステアリング装置１は、一端３ａがステアリングホイール等の操舵部材２に連結されたステアリングシャフト３と、一端５ａがステアリングシャフト３の他端３ｂに本実施の形態の自在継手４を介して連結された中間シャフト５とを備えている。また、ステアリング装置１は、中間シャフト５の他端５ｂに本実施の形態の自在継手６を介して連結されたピニオンシャフト７と、ピニオンシャフト７の端部近傍に設けられたピニオン７ａに噛み合うラック歯８ａを有して車幅方向（左右方向）に延びる転舵軸としてのラックバー８とを備えている。 A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle steering apparatus 1 to which universal joints 4 and 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention are applied. Referring to FIG. 1, a steering device 1 includes a steering shaft 3 having one end 3 a connected to a steering member 2 such as a steering wheel, and a universal joint 4 according to the present embodiment having one end 5 a connected to the other end 3 b of the steering shaft 3. And an intermediate shaft 5 connected to each other. Further, the steering device 1 includes a pinion shaft 7 connected to the other end 5b of the intermediate shaft 5 via the universal joint 6 of the present embodiment, and a rack that meshes with a pinion 7a provided near the end of the pinion shaft 7. And a rack bar 8 as a steered shaft having teeth 8a and extending in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction).

ピニオンシャフト７およびラックバー８によりラックアンドピニオン機構からなる転舵機構Ａが構成されている。ラックバー８は車体に固定されるハウジング９内に図示しない複数の軸受を介して直線往復動自在に支持されている。ラックバー８の両端部はハウジング９の両側へ突出し、各端部にはそれぞれタイロッド１０が結合されている。各タイロッド１０は対応するナックルアーム（図示せず）を介して対応する転舵輪１１に連結されている。   The pinion shaft 7 and the rack bar 8 constitute a turning mechanism A composed of a rack and pinion mechanism. The rack bar 8 is supported in a housing 9 fixed to the vehicle body so as to be capable of linear reciprocation through a plurality of bearings (not shown). Both end portions of the rack bar 8 protrude to both sides of the housing 9, and tie rods 10 are coupled to the respective end portions. Each tie rod 10 is connected to a corresponding steered wheel 11 via a corresponding knuckle arm (not shown).

操舵部材２が操作されてステアリングシャフト３が回転されると、この回転がピニオン７ａおよびラック歯８ａによって、自動車の左右方向に沿ってのラックバー８の直線運動に変換される。これにより、転舵輪１１の転舵が達成される。
図２を参照して、自在継手４は、ステアリングシャフト３の他端３ｂに設けられたヨーク２０（図では一方のみを示す）と、中間シャフト５の一端５ａに設けられたヨーク２１と、両ヨーク２０，２１間を連結する十字軸２２とを備える。 When the steering member 2 is operated and the steering shaft 3 is rotated, this rotation is converted into a linear motion of the rack bar 8 along the left-right direction of the automobile by the pinion 7a and the rack teeth 8a. Thereby, the turning of the steered wheel 11 is achieved.
Referring to FIG. 2, the universal joint 4 includes a yoke 20 (only one is shown in the figure) provided at the other end 3b of the steering shaft 3, a yoke 21 provided at one end 5a of the intermediate shaft 5, And a cross shaft 22 for connecting the yokes 20 and 21 to each other.

同様に、自在継手６は、ピニオンシャフト７の端部に設けられたヨーク２０と、中間シャフト５の他端５ｂに設けられたヨーク２１（図では一方のみを示す）と、両ヨーク２０，２１間を連結する十字軸２２とを備える。
各ヨーク２０，２１はＵ字状をなし、それぞれ一対の腕部２３を有している。一対の腕部２３は、板状をなし互いに平行である。 Similarly, the universal joint 6 includes a yoke 20 provided at the end of the pinion shaft 7, a yoke 21 (only one is shown in the figure) provided at the other end 5b of the intermediate shaft 5, and both yokes 20, 21. And a cross shaft 22 for connecting the two.
Each yoke 20, 21 is U-shaped and has a pair of arm portions 23. The pair of arm portions 23 have a plate shape and are parallel to each other.

自在継手４，６については同じ構成であるので、自在継手４に則して説明する。図３を参照して、自在継手４のヨーク２０の一対の腕部２３は、相対向する内側面２３ａを有している。一対の腕部２３は、当該腕部２３が延びる第１方向Ｘ１に関しての先端部２３１と、ヨーク２０のＵ字状の底に連なる基端部２３２とを有している。
一対の腕部２３の先端部２３１において、相対向する内側面２３ａに凹部２４が形成されている。これにより、各腕部２３の先端部２３１に、一対の腕部２３が相対向する第２方向Ｘ２に関しての肉厚の薄い薄肉部２５が形成されている。具体的には、凹部２４が形成された薄肉部２５の肉厚Ｔ１は、腕部２３の残りの部分（後述する厚肉部２６）の肉厚Ｔ２よりも薄くされている。 Since the universal joints 4 and 6 have the same configuration, the universal joint 4 will be described. With reference to FIG. 3, the pair of arm portions 23 of the yoke 20 of the universal joint 4 has inner surfaces 23 a that face each other. The pair of arm portions 23 includes a distal end portion 231 in the first direction X <b> 1 in which the arm portion 23 extends and a base end portion 232 that continues to the U-shaped bottom of the yoke 20.
At the tip portions 231 of the pair of arm portions 23, concave portions 24 are formed on the inner side surfaces 23a facing each other. Thereby, a thin-walled portion 25 having a small thickness in the second direction X2 in which the pair of arm portions 23 oppose each other is formed at the distal end portion 231 of each arm portion 23. Specifically, the thickness T1 of the thin portion 25 where the recess 24 is formed is thinner than the thickness T2 of the remaining portion of the arm portion 23 (thick portion 26 described later).

また、各腕部２３には、十字軸２２の対応する軸部２７を挿通するための嵌合孔２８が貫通形成されている。嵌合孔２８の一部２８１は、薄肉部２５を貫通している。
自在継手４は、各嵌合孔２８に圧入された筒状の金属製のブッシュ２９と、ブッシュ２９に圧入された軸受３０とを備えている。十字軸２２の軸部２７が、軸受３０に挿入されて、軸受３０によって回転可能に支持されている。 Further, each arm portion 23 is formed with a fitting hole 28 through which the corresponding shaft portion 27 of the cross shaft 22 is inserted. A part 281 of the fitting hole 28 passes through the thin portion 25.
The universal joint 4 includes a cylindrical metal bush 29 press-fitted into each fitting hole 28 and a bearing 30 press-fitted into the bush 29. A shaft portion 27 of the cross shaft 22 is inserted into the bearing 30 and is rotatably supported by the bearing 30.

軸受３０は、軸部２７の周囲に環状に並べて配列された転動体としての複数の針状ころ３１と、これらの針状ころ３１を保持すると共にブッシュ２９に圧入された有底円筒状の外輪カップ３２とを含む。複数の針状ころ３１は、外輪カップ３２の内周３２ａと軸部２７の外周２７ａとの間に介在している。外輪カップ３２は、例えば板金製であり、底部３３を有している。また、外輪カップ３２の開口側端縁には、内向きの環状フランジ３４が形成されている。   The bearing 30 includes a plurality of needle rollers 31 as rolling elements arranged in a ring around the shaft portion 27, and a bottomed cylindrical outer ring that holds these needle rollers 31 and is press-fitted into a bush 29. Cup 32. The plurality of needle rollers 31 are interposed between the inner periphery 32 a of the outer ring cup 32 and the outer periphery 27 a of the shaft portion 27. The outer ring cup 32 is made of sheet metal, for example, and has a bottom 33. An inward annular flange 34 is formed at the opening side edge of the outer ring cup 32.

図３および図３のＩＶ−ＩＶ線に沿う断面図である図４を参照して、ブッシュ２９は、軸方向に対向する第１端部２９１と第２端部２９２とを有している。図３に示すように、嵌合孔２８とブッシュ２９との軸方向の嵌合長に関しては、嵌合孔２８の一部２８１（薄肉部２５を貫通する部分）での第１嵌合長Ｌ１が、嵌合孔２８の残りの部分（厚肉部２６を貫通する部分）での第２嵌合長Ｌ２よりも短い。   Referring to FIG. 4 which is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 3, regarding the fitting length in the axial direction between the fitting hole 28 and the bush 29, the first fitting length L <b> 1 at a part 281 of the fitting hole 28 (part passing through the thin portion 25). However, it is shorter than the 2nd fitting length L2 in the remaining part (part which penetrates the thick part 26) of the fitting hole 28. FIG.

図４に示すように、第１端部２９１には、ブッシュ２９の径方向（具体的には、図４の紙面に直交する方向である第１方向Ｘ１と第２方向Ｘ２との双方に対して直交する第３方向Ｘ３）に相対向する一対の第１折り曲げ突起３５が形成されている。また、第２端部２９２には、ブッシュ２９の径方向（具体的には、図４の紙面に直交する方向である第１方向Ｘ１と第２方向Ｘ２との双方に対して直交する第３方向Ｘ３）に相対向する一対の第２折り曲げ突起３６が形成されている。各第１折り曲げ突起３５と対応する第２折り曲げ突起３６とは、ブッシュ２９の軸方向（第２方向Ｘ２に相当）に対向している。   As shown in FIG. 4, the first end 291 has a radial direction of the bush 29 (specifically, both the first direction X1 and the second direction X2, which are directions orthogonal to the paper surface of FIG. 4). A pair of first folding protrusions 35 are formed opposite to each other in a third direction X3) orthogonal to each other. The second end 292 has a third direction orthogonal to both the radial direction of the bush 29 (specifically, both the first direction X1 and the second direction X2, which are directions orthogonal to the paper surface of FIG. 4). A pair of second folding protrusions 36 opposite to each other in the direction X3) are formed. Each first bending protrusion 35 and the corresponding second bending protrusion 36 face each other in the axial direction of the bush 29 (corresponding to the second direction X2).

第１折り曲げ突起３５は、対応する腕部２３の内側面２３ａにおける、嵌合孔２８の縁部２８ａにかしめ付けられている。また、第２折り曲げ突起３６は、対応する外輪カップ３２の底部３３にかしめ付けられている。
自在継手４の組み立て時は、まず、ヨーク２０の嵌合孔２８に十字軸２２の軸部２７を挿通した後、嵌合孔２８にブッシュ２９を圧入し、その後、ブッシュ２９の内周２９３と軸部２７の外周２７ａとの間に、針状ころ３１および外輪カップ３２を有する軸受３０を圧入する。次いで、ブッシュ２９の各折り曲げ突起３５，３６を折り曲げて、軸受３０の抜け止めと回り止めを達成する。 The first bending projection 35 is caulked to the edge portion 28 a of the fitting hole 28 on the inner side surface 23 a of the corresponding arm portion 23. Further, the second bending protrusion 36 is caulked to the bottom 33 of the corresponding outer ring cup 32.
When assembling the universal joint 4, first, after inserting the shaft portion 27 of the cross shaft 22 into the fitting hole 28 of the yoke 20, the bush 29 is press-fitted into the fitting hole 28, and then the inner periphery 293 of the bush 29 is connected. A bearing 30 having needle rollers 31 and an outer ring cup 32 is press-fitted between the outer periphery 27 a of the shaft portion 27. Next, the folding protrusions 35 and 36 of the bush 29 are bent to prevent the bearing 30 from coming off and rotating.

図５は、ブッシュ２９の斜視図であり、第１折り曲げ突起３５および第２折り曲げ突起３６が折り曲げられる前の段階を示している。図５に示すように、折り曲げ前の各折り曲げ突起３５，３６は、それぞれ対応する端部２９１，２９２に形成された一対のスリット３７間に区画されて形成されている。
本実施の形態によれば、周方向に関して深さが不均一である嵌合孔２８に対して圧入されたブッシュ２９に、軸受３０の外輪カップ３２が圧入されているので、周方向位置で外輪カップ３２の径方向の変形量に差が生じにくい。その結果、自在継手４，６の剛性や回転時の抵抗トルクなどの自在継手４，６の性能のばらつきを抑制することができる。 FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the bush 29 and shows a stage before the first bending protrusion 35 and the second bending protrusion 36 are bent. As shown in FIG. 5, the bending protrusions 35 and 36 before being bent are formed by being partitioned between a pair of slits 37 formed at corresponding end portions 291 and 292, respectively.
According to the present embodiment, since the outer ring cup 32 of the bearing 30 is press-fitted into the bush 29 that is press-fitted into the fitting hole 28 having a non-uniform depth in the circumferential direction, the outer ring is positioned at the circumferential position. A difference in the amount of deformation in the radial direction of the cup 32 hardly occurs. As a result, variations in the performance of the universal joints 4 and 6 such as the rigidity of the universal joints 4 and 6 and the resistance torque during rotation can be suppressed.

このように、自在継手４，６の剛性のばらつきや回転時の抵抗トルクのばらつき等、自在継手４，６の性能のばらつきを抑制することができるので、これらの自在継手４，６を、操舵部材２の操舵力を伝達する軸（ステアリングシャフト３、中間シャフト５およびピニオンシャフト７）間を接続する自在継手として用いたステアリング装置１において、操舵部材２を操作するときに運転者が感じるステアリングの剛性感や操舵反力感のばらつきを少なくして、操舵フィーリングを良好にすることができる。   As described above, since it is possible to suppress variations in the performance of the universal joints 4 and 6 such as variations in rigidity of the universal joints 4 and 6 and variations in resistance torque during rotation, the universal joints 4 and 6 can be steered. In the steering device 1 used as a universal joint for connecting the shafts (steering shaft 3, intermediate shaft 5 and pinion shaft 7) for transmitting the steering force of the member 2, the steering feels when the steering member 2 is operated. The steering feeling can be improved by reducing variations in the feeling of rigidity and steering reaction force.

また、各ブッシュ２９の第１折り曲げ突起３５が、対応する腕部２３の内側面２３ａにおける、嵌合孔２８の縁部２８ａにかしめられるとともに、各ブッシュ２９の第２折り曲げ突起３６が、対応する外輪カップ３２の底部３３にかしめられる。これにより、嵌合孔２８からのブッシュ２９の抜け止めと、ブッシュ２９からの軸受３０の抜け止めとが達成される。また、嵌合孔２８に対するブッシュ２９の回転と、ブッシュ２９に対する外輪カップ３２の回転が規制される。   Further, the first bent projections 35 of the respective bushes 29 are caulked to the edge portions 28a of the fitting holes 28 on the inner side surfaces 23a of the corresponding arm portions 23, and the second bent projections 36 of the respective bushes 29 correspond to the first bent projections 35. It is caulked to the bottom 33 of the outer ring cup 32. As a result, it is possible to prevent the bush 29 from coming off from the fitting hole 28 and to prevent the bearing 30 from coming off from the bush 29. Further, the rotation of the bush 29 with respect to the fitting hole 28 and the rotation of the outer ring cup 32 with respect to the bush 29 are restricted.

したがって、嵌合孔２８に対するブッシュ２９の圧入荷重を低く抑えた軽圧入とすることができる。これにより、周方向位置で外輪カップ３２の径方向の変形量に、一層、差が生じにくくなるので、自在継手４，６の性能のばらつきを一層抑制することができる。
また、一対の第１折り曲げ突起３５が、一対の腕部２３が延びる第１方向Ｘ１と一対の腕部２３が相対向する第２方向Ｘ２との双方に対して直交する第３方向Ｘ３に対向して配置されている。したがって、一対の第１折り曲げ突起３５が、本実施形態のように、ともに薄肉部２５を避けた位置（具体的には厚肉部２６）において、嵌合孔２８の縁部２８ａにかしめられるか、或いは、図示していないが、一対の第１折り曲げ突起３５が、ともに腕部２３の薄肉部２５において、嵌合孔２８の縁部２８ａにかしめられることになる。したがって、ブッシュ２９と外輪カップ３２との嵌合長が、ブッシュ２９の周方向位置に応じてばらつくようなことがなく、その結果、周方向位置で外輪カップ３２の径方向の変形量に、より一層、差が生じにくくなる。これにより、自在継手４，６の性能のばらつきをより一層抑制することができる。 Therefore, a light press-fitting with a low press-fitting load of the bush 29 to the fitting hole 28 can be achieved. Thereby, since it becomes difficult to produce a difference in the amount of deformation in the radial direction of the outer ring cup 32 at the circumferential position, variation in performance of the universal joints 4 and 6 can be further suppressed.
Further, the pair of first bending protrusions 35 are opposed to a third direction X3 orthogonal to both the first direction X1 in which the pair of arm portions 23 extends and the second direction X2 in which the pair of arm portions 23 are opposed to each other. Are arranged. Therefore, whether the pair of first bending protrusions 35 is caulked to the edge portion 28a of the fitting hole 28 at a position where both the thin portion 25 are avoided (specifically, the thick portion 26) as in the present embodiment. Alternatively, although not shown, the pair of first bending protrusions 35 are both caulked to the edge portion 28 a of the fitting hole 28 in the thin portion 25 of the arm portion 23. Therefore, the fitting length between the bush 29 and the outer ring cup 32 does not vary depending on the circumferential position of the bush 29, and as a result, the radial deformation amount of the outer ring cup 32 at the circumferential position is further increased. The difference is less likely to occur. Thereby, the dispersion | variation in the performance of the universal joints 4 and 6 can be suppressed further.

特に、本実施形態では、前者のように、一対の第１折り曲げ突起３５が、腕部２３の薄肉部２５を避けて（具体的には、厚肉部２６において）、嵌合孔２８の縁部２８ａにかしめられるので、周方向位置で外輪カップ３２の径方向の変形量に、より一層、差が生じにくくなる。これにより、自在継手４，６の性能のばらつきをより一層抑制することができる。   In particular, in the present embodiment, as in the former case, the pair of first bending protrusions 35 avoids the thin portion 25 of the arm portion 23 (specifically, in the thick portion 26), and the edges of the fitting hole 28. Since it is caulked by the portion 28a, the difference in the amount of deformation in the radial direction of the outer ring cup 32 at the circumferential position is further less likely to occur. Thereby, the dispersion | variation in the performance of the universal joints 4 and 6 can be suppressed further.

本発明は前記実施形態に限定されるものではなく、例えば、図６に示すように、折り曲げ前の第１折り曲げ突起３５Ａ，３６Ａが、対応する端部２９１，２９２からブッシュ２９Ａの軸方向に突出するものであってもよい。その他、本発明の請求項記載の範囲内で種々の変更を施すことができる。   The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the first folding protrusions 35A and 36A before bending protrude from the corresponding end portions 291 and 292 in the axial direction of the bush 29A. You may do. In addition, various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

１…ステアリング装置、２…操舵部材、３…ステアリングシャフト（操舵力を伝達する軸）、４…自在継手、５…中間シャフト（操舵力を伝達する軸）、６…自在継手、７…ピニオンシャフト（操舵力を伝達する軸）、２０，２１…ヨーク、２２…十字軸、２３…腕部、２３１…先端部、２３２…基端部、２３ａ…内側面、２４…凹部、２５…薄肉部、２６…厚肉部、２７…軸部、２７ａ…外周、２８…嵌合孔、２８１…（嵌合孔の）一部、２８ａ…（嵌合孔の）縁部、２９；２９Ａ…ブッシュ、２９１…第１端部、２９２…第２端部、３０…軸受、３１…針状ころ（転動体）、３２…外輪カップ、３２ａ…内周、３３…（外輪カップの）底部、３５；３５Ａ…第１折り曲げ突起、３６；３６Ａ…第２折り曲げ突起、Ｌ１…第１嵌合長、Ｌ２…第２嵌合長、Ｔ１，Ｔ２…肉厚、Ｘ１…第１方向、Ｘ２…第２方向、Ｘ３…第３方向   DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Steering device, 2 ... Steering member, 3 ... Steering shaft (axis which transmits steering force), 4 ... Universal joint, 5 ... Intermediate shaft (Axis which transmits steering force), 6 ... Universal joint, 7 ... Pinion shaft (Shaft transmitting shaft), 20, 21 ... yoke, 22 ... cross shaft, 23 ... arm part, 231 ... distal end part, 232 ... proximal end part, 23a ... inner surface, 24 ... concave part, 25 ... thin wall part, 26 ... Thick part, 27 ... Shaft part, 27a ... Outer periphery, 28 ... Fitting hole, 281 ... Part of (fitting hole), 28a ... Edge of (fitting hole), 29; 29A ... Bush, 291 ... 1st end part, 292 ... 2nd end part, 30 ... Bearing, 31 ... Needle roller (rolling element), 32 ... Outer ring cup, 32a ... Inner circumference, 33 ... Bottom part (outer ring cup), 35; 35A ... 1st bending protrusion, 36; 36A ... 2nd bending protrusion, L1 ... 1st fitting length, L2 Second fitting length, T1, T2 ... thickness, X1 ... first direction, X2 ... second direction, X3 ... third direction

Claims (5)

それぞれの先端部において相対向する内側面に凹部が形成された薄肉部を有する一対の腕部を含み、各前記腕部を貫通して形成された嵌合孔の一部が前記薄肉部を貫通しているヨークと、
各前記嵌合孔に圧入された筒状のブッシュと、
複数の転動体を保持した外輪カップを有し、各ブッシュの内周と十字軸の対応する軸部との間に圧入された軸受と、を備えた自在継手。 Each pair of arms includes a pair of arm portions having thin portions with recesses formed on the inner surfaces facing each other, and a part of the fitting hole formed through each arm portion passes through the thin portion. With the yoke,
A cylindrical bush press-fitted into each of the fitting holes;
A universal joint having an outer ring cup holding a plurality of rolling elements, and a bearing press-fitted between the inner periphery of each bush and the corresponding shaft portion of the cross shaft. 請求項１において、各前記ブッシュは、対応する腕部の内側面における、嵌合孔の縁部にかしめられた第１折り曲げ突起と、対応する外輪カップの底部にかしめられた第２折り曲げ突起と、を有している自在継手。   In Claim 1, each said bush is the 1st bending protrusion crimped to the edge part of the fitting hole in the inner surface of a corresponding arm part, and the 2nd bending protrusion crimped to the bottom part of a corresponding outer ring cup, Universal joint. 請求項２において、各前記ブッシュの第１折り曲げ突起は、前記一対の腕部が延びる第１方向と前記一対の腕部が相対向する第２方向との双方に対して直交する第３方向に対向するように、一対設けられている自在継手。   3. The first bending protrusion of each bush according to claim 2, wherein the first folding protrusions are in a third direction orthogonal to both a first direction in which the pair of arm portions extend and a second direction in which the pair of arm portions face each other. A universal joint provided as a pair so as to face each other. 請求項３において、各前記ブッシュに一対設けられた第１折り曲げ突起は、対応する腕部の薄肉部を避けて、前記嵌合孔の縁部にかしめられている自在継手。   4. The universal joint according to claim 3, wherein a pair of first bending protrusions provided on each of the bushes is caulked to an edge portion of the fitting hole so as to avoid a thin portion of a corresponding arm portion. 操舵部材の操舵力を伝達する軸間を連結する自在継手を備え、
前記自在継手は、
それぞれの先端部において相対向する内側面に凹部が形成された薄肉部を有する一対の腕部を含み、各前記腕部を貫通して形成された嵌合孔の一部が前記薄肉部を貫通しているヨークと、
各前記嵌合孔に圧入された筒状のブッシュと、
複数の転動体を保持した外輪カップを有し、各ブッシュの内周と十字軸の対応する軸部との間に圧入された軸受と、を備えているステアリング装置。 A universal joint that connects the shafts that transmit the steering force of the steering member is provided,
The universal joint is
Each pair of arms includes a pair of arm portions having thin portions with recesses formed on the inner surfaces facing each other, and a part of the fitting hole formed through each arm portion passes through the thin portion. With the yoke,
A cylindrical bush press-fitted into each of the fitting holes;
A steering device including an outer ring cup holding a plurality of rolling elements, and a bearing press-fitted between an inner periphery of each bush and a corresponding shaft portion of the cross shaft.
JP2011173960A 2011-08-09 2011-08-09 Universal joint and steering apparatus Pending JP2013036563A (en)

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN105317862A (en) * 2014-07-30 2016-02-10 Skf公司 Universal joint apparatus

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS59100114U (en) * 1982-11-16 1984-07-06 光洋機械工業株式会社 universal joint
JPH01168022U (en) * 1988-05-18 1989-11-27

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS59100114U (en) * 1982-11-16 1984-07-06 光洋機械工業株式会社 universal joint
JPH01168022U (en) * 1988-05-18 1989-11-27

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN105317862A (en) * 2014-07-30 2016-02-10 Skf公司 Universal joint apparatus

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