JP2021075245A - Intermediate shaft for steering device, and steering device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an intermediate shaft for steering devices which suppresses whirling caused by bending of the intermediate shaft even when external force has been received, while restricting an increase in costs, and which can suppress generation of vibration and abnormal sound, and to provide a steering device.SOLUTION: An intermediate shaft for steering devices includes: a female shaft 10 which has a first female spline part 17 on an inner peripheral surface of one section in a shaft direction, and a second female spline part 19 on an inner peripheral surface of the other section in the shaft direction, and whose both ends are open; and a first male shaft 30 having a first male spline part 31 on an outer peripheral surface; and a second male shaft 40 having a second male spline part 41 on the outer peripheral surface. The first male spline part 31 of the first male shaft 30 is spline-engaged with the first female spline part 17 of the female shaft 10, whereas the second male spline part 41 of the second male shaft 40 is spline-engaged in a press-fitted manner with the second female spline part 19 of the female shaft 10. A sliding load of the first male shaft 30 on the female shaft 10 is smaller than a sliding load of the second male shaft 40 on the female shaft 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

本発明は、ステアリング装置用中間軸、及びステアリング装置に関する。 The present invention relates to an intermediate shaft for a steering device and a steering device.

大型トラック等の大型車両用のステアリング装置では、例えば図１５に示すように、運転者が操作するステアリングホイール１０１の動きを、ステアリング軸１０２及び中間軸１０３を含む複数本の軸を通じてステアリングギヤユニット１０５に伝達している。中間軸１０３は、軸端部が自在継手１０４ａ，１０４ｂを介して接続相手となる軸と連結されている。 In a steering device for a large vehicle such as a large truck, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, the movement of the steering wheel 101 operated by the driver is transmitted to the steering gear unit 105 through a plurality of shafts including the steering shaft 102 and the intermediate shaft 103. Is communicating to. The intermediate shaft 103 has a shaft end connected to a shaft to be connected via universal joints 104a and 104b.

中間軸１０３は、例えば、雌軸１０６の内周面に形成された雌スプライン部と、雄軸１０７の外周面に形成された雄スプライン部とを係合させて、軸方向に伸縮可能な構造を有している。これにより、雌軸１０６と雄軸１０７とは、トルク伝達と軸方向の相対移動とを可能に組み合わせられている。 The intermediate shaft 103 has a structure that can be expanded and contracted in the axial direction by engaging, for example, a female spline portion formed on the inner peripheral surface of the female shaft 106 and a male spline portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the male shaft 107. have. As a result, the female shaft 106 and the male shaft 107 are effectively combined with torque transmission and relative movement in the axial direction.

一般的な大型トラックでは、図示しないシャシフレームに対してキャビン（運転室）１０８の前端部を回動可能に軸支するチルト軸１０９を備える。図１５に二点鎖線で示すように、チルト軸１０９を中心にキャビン１０８を前方に倒すように回動させることで、車両の機関部を外部に露出させたキャブチルト状態となる。
このようなキャブチルト状態にする際、中間軸１０３は、雌軸１０６と雄軸１０７とが軸方向に相対移動して全長が延びることにより、ステアリング軸１０２とステアリングギヤユニット１０５との間隔が拡がることを許容する。このキャブチルト状態を実現するには、中間軸１０３の伸縮ストロークを大きく確保する必要がある。 A general heavy-duty truck includes a tilt shaft 109 that rotatably supports the front end of the cabin (driver's cab) 108 with respect to a chassis frame (not shown). As shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 15, the cabin 108 is rotated about the tilt shaft 109 so as to tilt forward, so that the engine portion of the vehicle is exposed to the outside in a cab lt state.
In such a cab lt state, the distance between the steering shaft 102 and the steering gear unit 105 is widened by extending the total length of the intermediate shaft 103 by relatively moving the female shaft 106 and the male shaft 107 in the axial direction. Tolerate. In order to realize this cab lt state, it is necessary to secure a large expansion / contraction stroke of the intermediate shaft 103.

しかし、上記したような雌軸１０６，雄軸１０７との２本の分割軸を組み合わせた中間軸１０３では、伸縮ストロークを大きく確保するために各分割軸の軸長を大きくする必要がある。そうすると、特に雄軸１０７に関しては、生産性の高いプレス成形が困難になることや、長尺化に伴って曲がりやすくなるため、その曲がりを直状に矯正する工程が必要になること等、製造コストを増加させる要因が多くなる。 However, in the intermediate shaft 103 in which the two split shafts of the female shaft 106 and the male shaft 107 are combined as described above, it is necessary to increase the shaft length of each split shaft in order to secure a large expansion / contraction stroke. Then, especially for the male shaft 107, it becomes difficult to press-mold with high productivity, and it becomes easy to bend as the length increases, so that a process of straightening the bending is required. There are many factors that increase costs.

また、車両走行時に加わる外力によって、中間軸１０３に曲げモーメントが負荷されると、中間軸１０３は、雌軸１０６と雄軸１０７との連結部で最大の径方向変位を生じ、連結部が屈曲した状態で回転駆動される。その結果、中間軸１０３に振れ廻りが発生して、振動や異音が生じやすくなる。また、連結部での摺動抵抗が増加することも相俟って、スティックスリップが生じやすくなり、この点でも振動や異音の発生が助長される。 Further, when a bending moment is applied to the intermediate shaft 103 due to an external force applied when the vehicle is running, the intermediate shaft 103 causes a maximum radial displacement at the connecting portion between the female shaft 106 and the male shaft 107, and the connecting portion bends. It is rotationally driven in this state. As a result, the intermediate shaft 103 swings around, and vibration and abnormal noise are likely to occur. In addition, the sliding resistance at the connecting portion increases, and stick slip is likely to occur, which also promotes the generation of vibration and abnormal noise.

これに対して、特許文献１には、３本の分割軸を有する中間軸が記載されている。この中間軸は、筒状の大径軸と、外周面を大径軸の内周面にスプライン係合させた筒状の中径軸と、外周面を中径軸の内周面にスプライン係合させた小径軸とを備える。このような３本の分割軸（大径軸、中径軸、小径軸）を組み合わせた中間軸は、２本の分割軸（雌軸、雄軸）を組み合わせた中間軸に比べて、同じ大きさの伸縮ストロークを確保する場合でも、各分割軸の軸方向寸法を小さくできる。 On the other hand, Patent Document 1 describes an intermediate shaft having three dividing shafts. This intermediate shaft has a tubular large-diameter shaft, a tubular medium-diameter shaft in which the outer peripheral surface is spline-engaged with the inner peripheral surface of the large-diameter shaft, and a spline engagement with the outer peripheral surface on the inner peripheral surface of the medium-diameter shaft. It is equipped with a combined small diameter shaft. The intermediate shaft that combines these three split shafts (large diameter shaft, medium diameter shaft, and small diameter shaft) is the same size as the intermediate shaft that combines two split shafts (female shaft, male shaft). Even when the expansion / contraction stroke is secured, the axial dimension of each dividing shaft can be reduced.

特開２００３−１４６２２５号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-146225

しかしながら、特許文献１の中間軸においては、３本の分割軸のうち中間に配置される分割軸が、その両端に連結される他の分割軸と内周面及び外周面の両方で嵌合する構成である。そのため、スプライン等の連結部の精度と、その精度を確保するためのコストが嵩むという問題があった。 However, in the intermediate shaft of Patent Document 1, the division shaft arranged in the middle of the three division shafts is fitted with the other division shafts connected to both ends on both the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface. It is a composition. Therefore, there is a problem that the accuracy of the connecting portion such as a spline and the cost for ensuring the accuracy increase.

そこで本発明は、コストの増大を抑えつつ、外力を受けた場合でも中間軸の曲がりによる振れ廻りが抑えられ、振動や異音の発生を抑制できるステアリング装置用中間軸、及びステアリング装置を提供することを目的とする。 Therefore, the present invention provides an intermediate shaft for a steering device and a steering device that can suppress vibration due to bending of the intermediate shaft even when an external force is applied while suppressing an increase in cost, and can suppress the generation of vibration and abnormal noise. The purpose is.

本発明は下記の構成からなる。
（１） 軸方向両側の端部が開口した筒状に構成され、軸方向一方部の内周面に第１雌スプライン部を有し、軸方向他方部の内周面に第２雌スプライン部を有する雌軸と、
軸方向他方部の外周面に第１雄スプライン部を有する第１雄軸と、
軸方向一方部の外周面に第２雄スプライン部を有する第２雄軸と、
を備え、
前記雌軸の前記第１雌スプライン部に前記第１雄軸の前記第１雄スプライン部がスプライン係合し、
前記雌軸の前記第２雌スプライン部に前記第２雄軸の前記第２雄スプライン部が圧入状態でスプライン係合し、
前記雌軸に対する前記第１雄軸の摺動荷重は、前記雌軸に対する前記第２雄軸の摺動荷重より小さい、
ステアリング装置用中間軸。
（２） ステアリングギヤユニットと、
ステアリングホイールと、
前記ステアリングギヤユニットと前記ステアリングホイールとの間に設けられ、（１）に記載のステアリング装置用中間軸と、
を備えるステアリング装置。 The present invention has the following configuration.
(1) It is configured in a tubular shape with open ends on both sides in the axial direction, has a first female spline portion on the inner peripheral surface of one axial direction, and a second female spline portion on the inner peripheral surface of the other axial direction. With a female shaft,
A first male shaft having a first male spline portion on the outer peripheral surface of the other portion in the axial direction,
A second male shaft having a second male spline portion on the outer peripheral surface of one portion in the axial direction,
With
The first male spline portion of the first male shaft engages with the first female spline portion of the female shaft.
The second male spline portion of the second male shaft engages with the second female spline portion of the female shaft in a press-fitted state.
The sliding load of the first male shaft with respect to the female shaft is smaller than the sliding load of the second male shaft with respect to the female shaft.
Intermediate shaft for steering equipment.
(2) Steering gear unit and
With the steering wheel
An intermediate shaft for a steering device according to (1), which is provided between the steering gear unit and the steering wheel,
Steering device equipped with.

本発明によれば、コストの増大を抑えつつ、外力を受けた場合でも中間軸の曲がりによる振れ廻りを抑え、振動や異音の発生を抑制できる。 According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the increase in cost, suppress the swing due to the bending of the intermediate shaft even when an external force is applied, and suppress the generation of vibration and abnormal noise.

本実施形態に係るステアリング装置用中間軸の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the intermediate shaft for a steering apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. 本実施形態に係るステアリング装置用中間軸の軸方向に沿う断面図である。It is sectional drawing which follows the axial direction of the intermediate shaft for a steering apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. 雌軸を軸方向に断面視した斜視図である。It is a perspective view which made the female axis sectional view in the axial direction. 第１雄軸の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the 1st male axis. 第２雄軸の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the 2nd male axis. ステアリング装置用中間軸の軸方向の各位置での断面形状を示す図であって、（Ａ）は図２におけるＩ−Ｉ断面図、（Ｂ）は図２におけるII−II断面図、（Ｃ）は図２におけるIII−III断面図、（Ｄ）は図２におけるIV−IV断面図である。It is a figure which shows the cross-sectional shape at each position of the intermediate shaft for a steering device in the axial direction, (A) is the sectional view I-I in FIG. 2, (B) is the sectional view II-II in FIG. 2, (C). ) Is a sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2, and FIG. 2D is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. ステアリング装置用中間軸のチルトアップ状態を示す軸方向に沿う断面図である。It is sectional drawing along the axial direction which shows the tilt-up state of the intermediate shaft for a steering apparatus. ステアリング装置用中間軸の最短ノミナル状態を示す軸方向に沿う断面図である。It is sectional drawing along the axial direction which shows the shortest nominal state of the intermediate shaft for a steering apparatus. ステアリング装置用中間軸のフルコラプス状態を示す軸方向に沿う断面図である。It is sectional drawing along the axial direction which shows the full collapse state of the intermediate shaft for a steering apparatus. 第２雄軸に設けられた抜け止めを説明する図であって、（Ａ）はステアリング装置用中間軸における雌軸本体の径方向の断面図、（Ｂ）はステアリング装置用中間軸における第２雄軸の軸方向一方部の端部付近の軸方向に沿う断面図である。It is a figure explaining the stopper provided in the 2nd male shaft, (A) is the sectional view in the radial direction of the female shaft body in the intermediate shaft for a steering apparatus, (B) is the 2nd in the intermediate shaft for a steering apparatus. It is sectional drawing which follows the axial direction in the vicinity of one end of the axial direction of a male axis. 第２雌スプライン筒部への第２雄軸の挿入途中の状態を説明する図であって、（Ａ）はステアリング装置用中間軸における雌軸本体の径方向の断面図、（Ｂ）はステアリング装置用中間軸における第２雄軸の軸方向一方部の端部付近の軸方向に沿う断面図である。It is a figure explaining the state in the process of inserting the 2nd male shaft into the 2nd female spline cylinder part, (A) is the sectional view in the radial direction of the female shaft main body in the intermediate shaft for a steering apparatus, (B) is steering. It is sectional drawing along the axial direction near the end part of the axial direction one end of the 2nd male axis in the intermediate shaft for an apparatus. ステアリング装置用中間軸の装着方向毎の動作等を説明する図であって、（Ａ）は第１雄軸をステアリングギヤユニット側に向けた状態を示す概略構成図、（Ｂ）は第１雄軸をステアリングホイール側に向けた状態を示す概略構成図である。It is a figure explaining the operation of the intermediate shaft for a steering device in each mounting direction, (A) is a schematic block diagram which shows the state which the 1st male shaft is directed toward the steering gear unit side, (B) is the 1st male. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the state which the shaft is directed toward the steering wheel side. ステアリング装置用中間軸に生じる振れ廻りを説明する模式図である。It is a schematic diagram explaining the runout which occurs in the intermediate shaft for a steering apparatus. 雌軸の第１雌スプライン部と第２雌スプライン部とが円周方向に関して異なる位相で配置されたステアリング装置用中間軸を示す図であって、（Ａ）は第１雄軸側からの正面図、（Ｂ）は側面図、（Ｃ）は第２雄軸側からの正面図である。It is a figure which shows the intermediate shaft for a steering apparatus which the 1st female spline part and the 2nd female spline part of a female shaft are arranged in different phases with respect to the circumferential direction, and (A) is the front surface from the 1st male shaft side. The figure, (B) is a side view, and (C) is a front view from the second male axis side. 従来から知られている大型トラック用のステアリング装置の１例を示す部分切断側面図である。It is a partial cut side view which shows an example of the steering device for a heavy truck known conventionally.

以下、本発明の実施形態について、図面を参照して詳細に説明する。
図１は本実施形態に係るステアリング装置用中間軸の斜視図である。図２は本実施形態に係るステアリング装置用中間軸の軸方向に沿う断面図である。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an intermediate shaft for a steering device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the axial direction of the intermediate shaft for the steering device according to the present embodiment.

図１及び図２に示すように、本実施形態に係るステアリング装置用中間軸１は、両端にヨーク３を備える。このステアリング装置用中間軸(以下、中間軸という)１は、大型トラック等のステアリング装置に組み込まれてステアリング軸１０２の動きをステアリングギヤユニット１０５に伝達する回転軸である（図１５参照）。ステアリング装置は、車両に搭載された状態で、中間軸１が車室内と車室外とを仕切るパネルに形成された通孔に挿通され、それぞれの端部が車室内及び車室外に配置される。つまり、ステアリング装置は、図１５に示されるステアリングギヤユニット１０５と、ステアリングホイール１０１と、ステアリングギヤユニット１０５とステアリングホイール１０１との間に設けられた中間軸１とを備える。 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the steering device intermediate shaft 1 according to the present embodiment includes yokes 3 at both ends. The steering device intermediate shaft (hereinafter referred to as an intermediate shaft) 1 is a rotating shaft incorporated in a steering device such as a large truck and transmitting the movement of the steering shaft 102 to the steering gear unit 105 (see FIG. 15). When the steering device is mounted on the vehicle, the intermediate shaft 1 is inserted into a through hole formed in a panel that separates the inside of the vehicle and the outside of the vehicle, and the respective ends are arranged inside and outside the vehicle. That is, the steering device includes a steering gear unit 105 shown in FIG. 15, a steering wheel 101, and an intermediate shaft 1 provided between the steering gear unit 105 and the steering wheel 101.

中間軸１は、雌軸１０と、第１雄軸３０と、第２雄軸４０とを備える。雌軸１０には、軸方向の一方部（図２における左側）に第１雄軸３０が組み付けられ、軸方向の他方部（図２における右側）に第２雄軸４０が組み付けられる。第１雄軸３０及び第２雄軸４０には、それぞれ可撓性を有する蛇腹形状のブーツ５が装着されていてもよく、これらのブーツ５によって、第１雄軸３０及び第２雄軸４０の外周側が覆われる。また、中間軸１が不図示のダッシュパネル等を貫通して配置される場合、中間軸１の外周面とダッシュパネルの貫通孔との間には、車室内と車室外とを隔てる密封部材としてのダストカバー（図示略）を配置することが好ましい。ダストカバーは、中間軸１の軸方向中央部に配置される。本構成の中間軸１の軸方向中央部には、伸縮を生じず、突起等が少ない雌軸１０が配置されるため、上記したダストカバーを自由に配置でき、ダストカバーのレイアウト性を向上できる。 The intermediate shaft 1 includes a female shaft 10, a first male shaft 30, and a second male shaft 40. On the female shaft 10, the first male shaft 30 is assembled to one portion in the axial direction (left side in FIG. 2), and the second male shaft 40 is assembled to the other portion in the axial direction (right side in FIG. 2). The first male shaft 30 and the second male shaft 40 may be equipped with flexible bellows-shaped boots 5, respectively, and these boots 5 may be attached to the first male shaft 30 and the second male shaft 40. The outer peripheral side of the is covered. Further, when the intermediate shaft 1 is arranged so as to penetrate the dash panel (not shown), the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate shaft 1 and the through hole of the dash panel are used as a sealing member for separating the inside of the vehicle and the outside of the vehicle. It is preferable to arrange the dust cover (not shown). The dust cover is arranged at the central portion in the axial direction of the intermediate shaft 1. Since the female shaft 10 which does not expand and contract and has few protrusions is arranged in the central portion of the intermediate shaft 1 of the present configuration in the axial direction, the above-mentioned dust cover can be freely arranged and the layout of the dust cover can be improved. ..

図３は雌軸１０を軸方向に断面視した斜視図である。
雌軸１０は、軸方向両側の端部が開口した筒状に形成されている。雌軸１０は、雌軸本体１１と、第１雌スプライン筒部１３と、第２雌スプライン筒部１５とを有する。第１雌スプライン筒部１３は、雌軸本体１１の一方部に設けられ、第２雌スプライン筒部１５は、雌軸本体１１の他方部に一体に設けられている。 FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the female shaft 10 viewed in cross section in the axial direction.
The female shaft 10 is formed in a tubular shape with both ends in the axial direction open. The female shaft 10 has a female shaft main body 11, a first female spline cylinder portion 13, and a second female spline cylinder portion 15. The first female spline tubular portion 13 is provided on one portion of the female shaft main body 11, and the second female spline tubular portion 15 is integrally provided on the other portion of the female shaft main body 11.

第１雌スプライン筒部１３及び第２雌スプライン筒部１５は、それぞれ雌軸本体１１よりも外径が小さく形成されている。本構成の第１雌スプライン筒部１３は、雌軸本体１１に溶接によって連結され、第２雌スプライン筒部１５は、雌軸本体１１に一体に成形されているが、第１雌スプライン筒部１３及び第２雌スプライン筒部１５の雌軸本体１１との接合形態はこれに限らない。 The outer diameter of each of the first female spline cylinder portion 13 and the second female spline cylinder portion 15 is smaller than that of the female shaft main body 11. The first female spline cylinder portion 13 of this configuration is connected to the female shaft body 11 by welding, and the second female spline cylinder portion 15 is integrally molded with the female shaft main body 11, but the first female spline cylinder portion The joining form of the 13 and the second female spline cylinder portion 15 with the female shaft main body 11 is not limited to this.

雌軸１０の雌軸本体１１は、円筒状に形成されている（図６の（Ｃ）参照）。また、第１雌スプライン筒部１３の内周面には、第１雌スプライン部１７が形成されている。第２雌スプライン筒部１５の内周面には、第２雌スプライン部１９が形成されている。これらの第１雌スプライン部１７及び第２雌スプライン部１９は、それぞれ軸方向に沿って形成されている。なお、上記の中間軸１では、雌軸１０は、第１雌スプライン部１７と第２雌スプライン部１９によって、第１雄軸３０と第２雄軸４０とを円周方向に関して同位相に配置可能になっている。 The female shaft body 11 of the female shaft 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape (see (C) in FIG. 6). Further, a first female spline portion 17 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the first female spline cylinder portion 13. A second female spline portion 19 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the second female spline cylinder portion 15. The first female spline portion 17 and the second female spline portion 19 are formed along the axial direction, respectively. In the above intermediate axis 1, the female axis 10 arranges the first male axis 30 and the second male axis 40 in the same phase in the circumferential direction by the first female spline portion 17 and the second female spline portion 19. It is possible.

また、雌軸１０は、段付部２１を有する。この段付部２１は、第１雌スプライン部１７と第２雌スプライン部１９との間における第２雌スプライン部１９寄りに設けられている。具体的には、第１雌スプライン部１７を有する第１雌スプライン筒部１３と第２雌スプライン部１９を有する第２雌スプライン筒部１５との間の雌軸本体１１における、第２雌スプライン筒部１５側の端部に段付部２１が形成されている。この段付部２１は、第２雌スプライン筒部１５から軸方向一方部へ向かって拡径するテーパ面を有する。 Further, the female shaft 10 has a stepped portion 21. The stepped portion 21 is provided near the second female spline portion 19 between the first female spline portion 17 and the second female spline portion 19. Specifically, the second female spline in the female shaft body 11 between the first female spline cylinder portion 13 having the first female spline portion 17 and the second female spline cylinder portion 15 having the second female spline portion 19. A stepped portion 21 is formed at the end on the tubular portion 15 side. The stepped portion 21 has a tapered surface whose diameter increases from the second female spline tubular portion 15 toward one axial portion.

図４は第１雄軸の斜視図である。
第１雄軸３０は、中実の棒状に形成され、軸方向一方部にヨーク３が溶接により固定される。第１雄軸３０は、軸方向他方部の外周面に、第１雄スプライン部３１を有する。この第１雄スプライン部３１の表面は、合成樹脂製の第１コーティング層によって覆われている。 FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first male axis.
The first male shaft 30 is formed in the shape of a solid rod, and the yoke 3 is fixed to one portion in the axial direction by welding. The first male shaft 30 has a first male spline portion 31 on the outer peripheral surface of the other portion in the axial direction. The surface of the first male spline portion 31 is covered with a first coating layer made of synthetic resin.

図２に示すように、第１雄軸３０は、雌軸１０の第１雌スプライン筒部１３に挿し込まれて、雌軸１０の第１雌スプライン部１７に第１雄スプライン部３１がスプライン係合する。この第１雌スプライン部１７と第１雄スプライン部３１とが係合した第１スプライン係合部３５は、グリースによって潤滑されている。そして、第１雄軸３０は、雌軸１０の第１雌スプライン筒部１３に対して回り止めされつつ軸方向へスライド可能となる。このスライド可能となった第１スプライン係合部３５は、合成樹脂製の第１コーティング層が形成された第１雄スプライン部３１と第１雌スプライン部１７とがグリースによって潤滑されるので、軽荷重で摺動可能となる。 As shown in FIG. 2, the first male shaft 30 is inserted into the first female spline cylinder portion 13 of the female shaft 10, and the first male spline portion 31 is splined into the first female spline portion 17 of the female shaft 10. Engage. The first spline engaging portion 35 in which the first female spline portion 17 and the first male spline portion 31 are engaged is lubricated with grease. Then, the first male shaft 30 can slide in the axial direction while being prevented from rotating with respect to the first female spline cylinder portion 13 of the female shaft 10. The slidable first spline engaging portion 35 is light because the first male spline portion 31 and the first female spline portion 17 on which the first coating layer made of synthetic resin is formed are lubricated by grease. It can slide under load.

図５は第２雄軸の斜視図である。
第２雄軸４０は、中実の棒状に形成され、軸方向他方部にヨーク３ｂが溶接により固定される。第２雄軸４０は、その外周面に第２雄スプライン部４１を有する。第２雄スプライン部４１は、合成樹脂製の第２コーティング層によって覆われている。 FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the second male axis.
The second male shaft 40 is formed in the shape of a solid rod, and the yoke 3b is fixed to the other portion in the axial direction by welding. The second male shaft 40 has a second male spline portion 41 on its outer peripheral surface. The second male spline portion 41 is covered with a second coating layer made of synthetic resin.

図２に示すように、第２雄軸４０は、雌軸１０の第２雌スプライン筒部１５に嵌め込まれて、雌軸１０の第２雌スプライン部１９に第２雄スプライン部４１が圧入状態でスプライン係合する。この第２雌スプライン部１９と第２雄スプライン部４１とが係合した第２スプライン係合部４５には、グリースが塗布されている。グリースは、第２スプライン係合部４５における防錆及びフレッチング防止効果を奏する。また、第２雌スプライン筒部１５には、かしめ部２３（図３参照）が設けられている。 As shown in FIG. 2, the second male shaft 40 is fitted into the second female spline cylinder portion 15 of the female shaft 10, and the second male spline portion 41 is press-fitted into the second female spline portion 19 of the female shaft 10. Spline engage with. Grease is applied to the second spline engaging portion 45 in which the second female spline portion 19 and the second male spline portion 41 are engaged. The grease has an effect of preventing rust and fretting at the second spline engaging portion 45. Further, the second female spline cylinder portion 15 is provided with a caulking portion 23 (see FIG. 3).

また、第２雄軸４０は、軸方向一方部の先端に抜け止め４７を有する。抜け止め４７は、ねじ４９等の締結部材によって第２雄軸４０に固定される。抜け止め４７についての詳細は後述する。 Further, the second male shaft 40 has a retaining 47 at the tip of one portion in the axial direction. The retaining 47 is fixed to the second male shaft 40 by a fastening member such as a screw 49. Details of the retaining 47 will be described later.

以上のように、中間軸１は図６の（Ａ）〜（Ｄ）に示す断面を有する。
図６の（Ａ）は、図２のＩ−Ｉ線断面であり、図６の（Ｂ）は、図２のII−II線断面であり、図６の（Ｃ）は、図２のIII−III線断面であり、図６の（Ｄ）は、図２のIV−IV線断面である。 As described above, the intermediate shaft 1 has the cross sections shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D.
FIG. 6 (A) is a cross section taken along line I-I of FIG. 2, FIG. 6 (B) is a cross section taken along line II-II of FIG. 2, and FIG. 6 (C) is a cross section of FIG. 2 III. It is a cross section taken along line III, and FIG. 6D is a cross section taken along line IV-IV of FIG.

図６の（Ｄ）に示すように、かしめ部２３は、第２雌スプライン筒部１５の外周面を、不図示のかしめ具によって押圧して形成される。第２スプライン係合部４５のかしめ部２３の軸方向位置においては、第２雌スプライン筒部１５が僅かに楕円形に変形される。これにより、第２雌スプライン筒部１５に対する第２雄軸４０の摺動荷重が高められる。よって、第２雄軸４０は、雌軸１０の第２雌スプライン筒部１５に対して回り止めされつつ、軸方向に第１スプライン係合部３５のスライドが開始される荷重よりも大きい荷重が付与された場合にスライドが可能となる。かしめ部２３は、例えば、特開平８−９１２３０号公報に開示された円弧状の凹部と同様に、押圧によって形成するものである。 As shown in FIG. 6D, the caulking portion 23 is formed by pressing the outer peripheral surface of the second female spline cylinder portion 15 with a caulking tool (not shown). At the axial position of the crimped portion 23 of the second spline engaging portion 45, the second female spline tubular portion 15 is slightly deformed into an elliptical shape. As a result, the sliding load of the second male shaft 40 with respect to the second female spline cylinder portion 15 is increased. Therefore, the second male shaft 40 is prevented from rotating with respect to the second female spline cylinder portion 15 of the female shaft 10, and a load larger than the load at which the first spline engaging portion 35 starts to slide in the axial direction is applied. If given, it will be possible to slide. The caulking portion 23 is formed by pressing, for example, like the arcuate concave portion disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-91230.

上記構成の中間軸１では、雌軸１０に対する第１雄軸３０の摺動荷重は、雌軸１０に対する第２雄軸４０の摺動荷重より小さい。雌軸１０に対する第１雄軸３０の摺動荷重は、例えば２０〜２００Ｎの範囲であり、これに対して、雌軸１０に対する第２雄軸４０の摺動荷重は、例えば５００〜３０００Ｎの範囲である。このように、第２雄軸４０は、第１雄軸３０の摺動荷重の１０倍以上、好ましくは２０倍以上、更に好ましくは３０倍以上の摺動荷重で雌軸１０に係合されている。第２雄軸４０は、通常時では摺動せず、中間軸１に大きな衝撃力が作用した際に、雌軸１０と摺動して衝撃を吸収するダンパーとなる。 In the intermediate shaft 1 having the above configuration, the sliding load of the first male shaft 30 with respect to the female shaft 10 is smaller than the sliding load of the second male shaft 40 with respect to the female shaft 10. The sliding load of the first male shaft 30 with respect to the female shaft 10 is, for example, in the range of 20 to 200 N, whereas the sliding load of the second male shaft 40 with respect to the female shaft 10 is, for example, in the range of 500 to 3000 N. Is. As described above, the second male shaft 40 is engaged with the female shaft 10 with a sliding load of 10 times or more, preferably 20 times or more, more preferably 30 times or more the sliding load of the first male shaft 30. There is. The second male shaft 40 does not slide in a normal state, and becomes a damper that slides with the female shaft 10 to absorb the impact when a large impact force acts on the intermediate shaft 1.

次に、キャブチルト動作に伴う中間軸１の伸縮状態について説明する。
図７は中間軸のチルトアップ状態を示す軸方向に沿う断面図である。図８は中間軸の最短のノミナル状態を示す軸方向に沿う断面図である。図９は中間軸のフルコラプス状態を示す軸方向に沿う断面図である。 Next, the expansion / contraction state of the intermediate shaft 1 due to the cabtilt operation will be described.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the axial direction showing the tilt-up state of the intermediate axis. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the axial direction showing the shortest nominal state of the intermediate axis. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the axial direction showing the full collapse state of the intermediate axis.

（ノミナル状態）
まず、図２に示すように、キャビン１０８（図１５参照）が定常位置にされたノミナル状態の中間軸１は、雌軸１０の第１雌スプライン部１７にスプライン係合された第１雄軸３０の一部が、軸方向一方側（図２の左側）へ突出している。同様に、ノミナル状態において、雌軸１０の第２雌スプライン部１９に係合された第２雄軸４０の一部が、軸方向他方側（図２の右側）へ突出している。このノミナル状態において、雌軸１０の雌軸本体１１内における第１雄軸３０の軸方向他方部の端部と、第２雄軸４０の軸方向一方部の端部との間には隙間が形成される。この隙間の軸方向長さＬｃは、雌軸１０の第１雌スプライン部１７からの第１雄スプライン部３１の突出寸法Ｌａと、雌軸１０の第２雌スプライン部１９からの第２雄スプライン部４１の突出寸法Ｌｂとの合計に等しいか、略等しい（Ｌｃ≒Ｌａ＋Ｌｂ）。 (Nominal state)
First, as shown in FIG. 2, the intermediate shaft 1 in the nominal state in which the cabin 108 (see FIG. 15) is in the steady position is the first male shaft spline-engaged with the first female spline portion 17 of the female shaft 10. A part of 30 projects to one side in the axial direction (left side in FIG. 2). Similarly, in the nominal state, a part of the second male shaft 40 engaged with the second female spline portion 19 of the female shaft 10 projects to the other side in the axial direction (right side in FIG. 2). In this nominal state, there is a gap between the end of the other axial portion of the first male shaft 30 and the end of the one axial portion of the second male shaft 40 in the female shaft body 11 of the female shaft 10. It is formed. The axial length Lc of this gap is the protrusion dimension La of the first male spline portion 31 from the first female spline portion 17 of the female shaft 10 and the second male spline from the second female spline portion 19 of the female shaft 10. It is equal to or substantially equal to the sum of the protruding dimension Lb of the portion 41 (Lc≈La + Lb).

（チルトアップ状態）
次に、チルト軸１０９を中心にキャビン１０８を前方に倒すように回動させると（図１５参照）、図７に示すように、第１雄軸３０が、雌軸１０の第１雌スプライン筒部１３から軸方向一方側へ引き出され、第１雌スプライン部１７と第１雄スプライン部３１とがスライドされる。これにより、中間軸１は、軸方向に延ばされて最長状態、又は最長状態に近いチルトアップ状態となる。 (Tilt up state)
Next, when the cabin 108 is rotated about the tilt shaft 109 so as to tilt forward (see FIG. 15), as shown in FIG. 7, the first male shaft 30 is the first female spline cylinder of the female shaft 10. It is pulled out from the portion 13 in one axial direction, and the first female spline portion 17 and the first male spline portion 31 are slid. As a result, the intermediate shaft 1 is extended in the axial direction to be in the longest state or a tilt-up state close to the longest state.

このチルトアップ状態において、第１雌スプライン部１７と第１雄スプライン部３１との第１スプライン係合部３５の軸方向長さＬｄは、雌軸１０の第２雌スプライン部１９からの第２雄スプライン部４１の突出寸法Ｌｂよりも大きく（Ｌｄ＞Ｌｂ）設定されている。これにより、例えば、雌軸１０が軸方向他方部（図７の右側）へ変位して第２雄スプライン部４１の突出寸法Ｌｂが０となっていても、雌軸１０からの第１雄軸３０の抜け出しが抑制される。なお、第１スプライン係合部３５の軸方向長さＬｄは、少なくとも１０ｍｍ程度であれば、回転トルクの伝達に支障がない。 In this tilt-up state, the axial length Ld of the first spline engaging portion 35 between the first female spline portion 17 and the first male spline portion 31 is the second from the second female spline portion 19 of the female shaft 10. The protrusion dimension Lb of the male spline portion 41 is set to be larger (Ld> Lb). As a result, for example, even if the female shaft 10 is displaced to the other portion in the axial direction (right side in FIG. 7) and the protruding dimension Lb of the second male spline portion 41 is 0, the first male shaft from the female shaft 10 Escape of 30 is suppressed. If the axial length Ld of the first spline engaging portion 35 is at least about 10 mm, there is no problem in transmitting the rotational torque.

（ノミナル状態）
更に、チルトアップ状態からチルトダウンされると、前述した図２に示すように、中間軸１はノミナル状態に戻る。このとき、ステアリングホイール１０１の高さ調整や走行時に作用する外力によって中間軸１が縮められると、第１雄軸３０が雌軸１０の第１雌スプライン筒部１３に更に押し込まれる。この状態が図８に示す最短のノミナル状態となる。 (Nominal state)
Further, when the tilt-down state is tilted down, the intermediate shaft 1 returns to the nominal state as shown in FIG. 2 described above. At this time, when the intermediate shaft 1 is contracted by the height adjustment of the steering wheel 101 or an external force acting during traveling, the first male shaft 30 is further pushed into the first female spline cylinder portion 13 of the female shaft 10. This state is the shortest nominal state shown in FIG.

このように、第１雌スプライン部１７と第１雄スプライン部３１とがスライドして、中間軸１が更に短くされる。この短縮された中間軸１の状態では、第１雄軸３０の軸方向他方部の端部から、第２雄軸４０の軸方向一方部の端部までの軸方向長さＬｃ１が、通常のノミナル状態のときの軸方向長さＬｃよりも短くなる。この最短のノミナル状態においても、雌軸１０の第２雌スプライン部１９と第２雄軸４０の第２雄スプライン部４１とはスライドしない。 In this way, the first female spline portion 17 and the first male spline portion 31 slide to further shorten the intermediate shaft 1. In this shortened state of the intermediate shaft 1, the axial length Lc1 from the end of the other axial portion of the first male shaft 30 to the end of the one axial portion of the second male shaft 40 is normal. It is shorter than the axial length Lc in the nominal state. Even in this shortest nominal state, the second female spline portion 19 of the female shaft 10 and the second male spline portion 41 of the second male shaft 40 do not slide.

（フルコラプス状態）
例えば、キャビン１０８（図１５参照）に大きな外力が加わり、その外力によってドライバーがステアリングホイールに衝突して生じる、いわゆる二次衝突による衝撃力が中間軸１に付与された場合、第１雄軸３０が雌軸１０に突き当たるまで押し込まれ、雌軸１０に対する第１雄軸３０のスライドが規制される。そして、この第１雄軸３０による変位吸収後は、第２雄軸４０が雌軸１０に押し込まれる。つまり、第２雌スプライン部１９と第２雄スプライン部４１とがスライドされる。このスライド動作に費やされるエネルギーによって、中間軸１に付与される衝撃力が吸収される。さらに、図９に示すように、雌軸１０の雌軸本体１１内において、第１雄軸３０の軸方向他方部の端部と第２雄軸４０の軸方向一方部の端部とが互いに突き当たり、フルコラプス状態となる。このフルコラプス状態では、中間軸１に付与される上記の二次衝突による圧縮力が第１雄軸３０と第２雄軸４０で受け止められる。 (Full collapse state)
For example, when a large external force is applied to the cabin 108 (see FIG. 15) and the impact force due to the so-called secondary collision generated by the driver colliding with the steering wheel is applied to the intermediate shaft 1, the first male shaft 30 Is pushed until it hits the female shaft 10, and the sliding of the first male shaft 30 with respect to the female shaft 10 is restricted. Then, after the displacement is absorbed by the first male shaft 30, the second male shaft 40 is pushed into the female shaft 10. That is, the second female spline portion 19 and the second male spline portion 41 are slid. The impact force applied to the intermediate shaft 1 is absorbed by the energy consumed in this slide operation. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, in the female shaft main body 11 of the female shaft 10, the end of the other axial portion of the first male shaft 30 and the end of the one axial portion of the second male shaft 40 are mutually aligned. At the end, it becomes a full collapse state. In this full collapse state, the compressive force due to the secondary collision applied to the intermediate shaft 1 is received by the first male shaft 30 and the second male shaft 40.

ここで、ノミナル状態における、第１雄軸３０の軸方向他方部の端部と第２雄軸４０の軸方向一方部の端部との隙間の軸方向長さＬｃは、雌軸１０の第１雌スプライン部１７からの第１雄スプライン部３１の突出寸法Ｌａと、雌軸１０の第２雌スプライン部１９からの第２雄スプライン部４１の突出寸法Ｌｂとの合計に等しいか、略等しく（Ｌｃ≒Ｌａ＋Ｌｂ）されている（図２参照）。したがって、フルコラプス状態となった際に、第１雄軸３０の軸方向他方部の端部と第２雄軸４０の軸方向一方部の端部とが突き当たり、中間軸１に付与される衝撃力を、第１雄軸３０と第２雄軸４０で高強度に受け止めることができる。さらに、これと同時に、雌軸１０の両端にヨーク３が突き当たることが望ましく、その場合には、より高強度に衝撃力を受け止められる。 Here, in the nominal state, the axial length Lc of the gap between the end of the other axial portion of the first male shaft 30 and the end of the one axial portion of the second male shaft 40 is the number Lc of the female shaft 10. The protrusion dimension La of the first male spline portion 31 from the 1 female spline portion 17 and the protrusion dimension Lb of the second male spline portion 41 from the second female spline portion 19 of the female shaft 10 are equal to or substantially equal to the sum. (Lc≈La + Lb) (see FIG. 2). Therefore, when the full collapse state is reached, the end of the other axial portion of the first male shaft 30 and the end of the one axial portion of the second male shaft 40 abut each other, and the impact force applied to the intermediate shaft 1 is applied. Can be received with high strength by the first male shaft 30 and the second male shaft 40. Further, at the same time, it is desirable that the yokes 3 abut on both ends of the female shaft 10, and in that case, the impact force can be received with higher strength.

次に、第２雄軸４０に設けられた抜け止め４７について詳述する。
図１０の（Ａ），（Ｂ）は第２雄軸４０に設けられた抜け止め４７の構成を示す説明図であり、（Ａ）は（Ｂ）に示すＸ−Ｘ線断面図で、（Ｂ）は雌軸１０と第２雄軸４０の軸方向断面図である。 Next, the retaining 47 provided on the second male shaft 40 will be described in detail.
10A and 10B are explanatory views showing the configuration of the retaining 47 provided on the second male shaft 40, and FIG. 10A is a sectional view taken along line XX shown in FIG. B) is an axial cross-sectional view of the female shaft 10 and the second male shaft 40.

図１０の（Ａ）及び（Ｂ）に示すように、第２雄軸４０における軸方向一方部の先端に固定された抜け止め４７は、基部５１と突出片５３とを有する。抜け止め４７は、基部５１がねじ４９によって第２雄軸４０の先端に固定される。突出片５３は、複数（本例では４つ）形成され、それぞれ基部５１から径方向外側に延在する。これらの突出片５３は、図１０の（Ａ）に示す軸方向正面視で周方向に等間隔で配置され、それぞれ第２雌スプライン部１９への挿入方向Ｄｉｎの後方に向けて傾斜する。抜け止め４７の突出片５３の外径Ｄは、雌軸１０の第２雌スプライン筒部１５の内径ｄａよりも大径であり、雌軸１０の雌軸本体１１の内径ｄｂよりも小径である。 As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the retaining 47 fixed to the tip of one axial portion of the second male shaft 40 has a base 51 and a protruding piece 53. The retaining 47 has a base 51 fixed to the tip of the second male shaft 40 by a screw 49. A plurality of (four in this example) projecting pieces 53 are formed, and each of the projecting pieces 53 extends radially outward from the base portion 51. These projecting pieces 53 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction in the axial front view shown in FIG. 10A, and are inclined toward the rear of the insertion direction Din into the second female spline portion 19, respectively. The outer diameter D of the protruding piece 53 of the retaining 47 is larger than the inner diameter da of the second female spline cylinder portion 15 of the female shaft 10 and smaller than the inner diameter db of the female shaft main body 11 of the female shaft 10. ..

図１１の（Ａ），（Ｂ）は第２雌スプライン筒部への第２雄軸の挿入途中の状態を説明する説明図であり、（Ａ）は（Ｂ）に示すXI−XI線断面図で、（Ｂ）は雌軸１０と第２雄軸４０の軸方向断面図である。
図１１の（Ａ）及び（Ｂ）に示すように、雌軸１０の第２雌スプライン筒部１５に第２雄軸４０を挿し込んで装着する際に、抜け止め４７の突出片５３は、第２雌スプライン部１９の内周面に接触して弾性変形する。これにより、抜け止め４７が第２雌スプライン筒部１５の内径ｄａと同じ径のＤａに縮径された状態となって、第２雌スプライン筒部１５に第２雄軸４０が挿し込まれる。その後、抜け止め４７が第２雌スプライン部１９を抜け出て、雌軸本体１１の段付部２１を越えると、弾性変形されていた突出片５３が弾性復帰し、抜け止め４７が第２雌スプライン部１９の内径ｄａよりも大きな外径Ｄに拡径される（図１０の（Ａ）参照）。これにより、雌軸１０から第２雄軸４０を軸方向に引き抜く力が第２雄軸４０に付与されても、抜け止め４７の突出片５３が段付部２１の内周面に当接して、抜け止め４７の第２雌スプライン部１９への再挿入が阻止される。よって、抜け止め４７は、第２雄軸４０の雌軸１０からの抜け止めとして機能する。 11A and 11B are explanatory views explaining a state in which the second male shaft is being inserted into the second female spline cylinder, and FIG. 11A is a cross section taken along line XI-XI shown in FIG. In the figure, (B) is an axial cross-sectional view of the female shaft 10 and the second male shaft 40.
As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, when the second male shaft 40 is inserted into the second female spline cylinder portion 15 of the female shaft 10 and mounted, the protruding piece 53 of the retaining 47 is attached. It comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the second female spline portion 19 and elastically deforms. As a result, the retaining 47 is reduced in diameter to Da having the same diameter as the inner diameter da of the second female spline cylinder portion 15, and the second male shaft 40 is inserted into the second female spline cylinder portion 15. After that, when the retaining 47 escapes from the second female spline portion 19 and exceeds the stepped portion 21 of the female shaft main body 11, the elastically deformed protruding piece 53 elastically returns, and the retaining 47 elastically returns to the second female spline. The diameter is expanded to an outer diameter D larger than the inner diameter da of the portion 19 (see (A) in FIG. 10). As a result, even if a force for pulling out the second male shaft 40 from the female shaft 10 in the axial direction is applied to the second male shaft 40, the protruding piece 53 of the retaining 47 comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the stepped portion 21. , The reinsertion of the retaining 47 into the second female spline portion 19 is prevented. Therefore, the retaining 47 functions as a retaining for the second male shaft 40 from the female shaft 10.

ここで、第２スプライン係合部４５は、第１スプライン係合部３５に対して１０倍以上の摺動荷重を有するため、通常のキャビン１０８の回動時や走行等における荷重の付加時にはスライドすることがない。しかし、何等かの要因により雌軸１０の第２雌スプライン筒部１５から第２雄軸４０の間に引抜力が付与されると、第２雌スプライン筒部１５から第２雄軸４０が抜け出すおそれがある。このような場合でも、第２雄軸４０には、雌軸１０の第２雌スプライン部１９を係止して抜け止めする抜け止め４７が設けられているので、雌軸１０の第２雌スプライン筒部１５からの第２雄軸４０の抜けを確実に阻止できる。 Here, since the second spline engaging portion 45 has a sliding load that is 10 times or more that of the first spline engaging portion 35, it slides when the normal cabin 108 is rotated or when a load is applied during traveling or the like. There is nothing to do. However, when a pulling force is applied between the second female spline cylinder portion 15 and the second male shaft 40 of the female shaft 10 for some reason, the second male shaft 40 comes out from the second female spline cylinder portion 15. There is a risk. Even in such a case, since the second male shaft 40 is provided with a retaining 47 that locks and prevents the second female spline portion 19 of the female shaft 10 from coming off, the second female spline of the female shaft 10 is provided. It is possible to reliably prevent the second male shaft 40 from coming off from the tubular portion 15.

抜け止め４７の突出片５３は、ねじ４９に限らずリベット等で第２雄軸４０に固定してもよく、また、抜け止め４７を第２雄軸４０に一体に形成してもよい。抜け止め４７は、複数の突出片５３が周方向に均等に配置されていることが好ましく、例示した４つの突出片５３を有する“＋”状のものに限らない。さらに、抜け止め４７は、金属製に限らず、樹脂等で形成したものでもよい。 The protrusion 53 of the retaining 47 may be fixed to the second male shaft 40 with a rivet or the like, not limited to the screw 49, or the retaining 47 may be integrally formed with the second male shaft 40. It is preferable that the plurality of projecting pieces 53 are evenly arranged in the circumferential direction, and the retaining 47 is not limited to the “+” shape having the four projecting pieces 53 illustrated. Further, the retaining 47 is not limited to the metal one, and may be made of a resin or the like.

ところで、上記構成の中間軸１は、ステアリングホイール１０１側のステアリング軸１０２とステアリングギヤユニット１０５との間でいずれの向きにも装着可能である。 By the way, the intermediate shaft 1 having the above configuration can be mounted in any direction between the steering shaft 102 on the steering wheel 101 side and the steering gear unit 105.

図１２は中間軸の装着方向毎の動作等を説明する図であって、（Ａ）は第１雄軸をステアリングギヤユニット側に向けた状態を示す概略構成図、（Ｂ）は第１雄軸をステアリングホイール側に向けた状態を示す概略構成図である。 12A and 12B are views for explaining the operation of the intermediate shaft in each mounting direction, FIG. 12A is a schematic configuration diagram showing a state in which the first male shaft is directed toward the steering gear unit side, and FIG. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the state which the shaft is directed toward the steering wheel side.

図１２の（Ａ）では、中間軸１は、第１雄軸３０がステアリングギヤユニット１０５側に向けられ、第２雄軸４０がステアリングホイール１０１側に向けられて設置されている。そして、第１雄軸３０がステアリングギヤユニット１０５に連結され、第２雄軸４０がステアリングホイール１０１のステアリング軸１０２に連結されている。 In FIG. 12A, the intermediate shaft 1 is installed with the first male shaft 30 facing the steering gear unit 105 side and the second male shaft 40 facing the steering wheel 101 side. Then, the first male shaft 30 is connected to the steering gear unit 105, and the second male shaft 40 is connected to the steering shaft 102 of the steering wheel 101.

この向きで中間軸１が装着された場合では、小さい荷重でスライドする第１雌スプライン部１７と第１雄スプライン部３１の係合箇所である第１スプライン係合部３５が、ステアリングギヤユニット１０５側に配置される。これによれば、運転者が操作するステアリングホイール１０１への走行時の振動や衝撃の伝達を抑制でき、運転性（ドライバビリティ）を向上できる。 When the intermediate shaft 1 is mounted in this direction, the first spline engaging portion 35, which is the engaging portion between the first female spline portion 17 and the first male spline portion 31 that slides with a small load, is the steering gear unit 105. Placed on the side. According to this, it is possible to suppress the transmission of vibration and impact during traveling to the steering wheel 101 operated by the driver, and it is possible to improve drivability.

図１２の（Ｂ）では、中間軸１は、第１雄軸３０がステアリングホイール１０１側に向けられ、第２雄軸４０がステアリングギヤユニット１０５側に向けられて設置されている。そして、第１雄軸３０がステアリングホイール１０１のステアリング軸１０２に連結され、第２雄軸４０がステアリングギヤユニット１０５に連結されている。 In FIG. 12B, the intermediate shaft 1 is installed with the first male shaft 30 facing the steering wheel 101 side and the second male shaft 40 facing the steering gear unit 105 side. Then, the first male shaft 30 is connected to the steering shaft 102 of the steering wheel 101, and the second male shaft 40 is connected to the steering gear unit 105.

この向きで中間軸１が装着された場合では、小さい荷重でスライドする第１雌スプライン部１７と第１雄スプライン部３１の係合箇所である第１スプライン係合部３５が、ステアリングホイール１０１側に配置されている。これにより、チルト操作を行ってステアリングホイール１０１の高さを調整する際の、操作力を低減でき、運転者によるチルト操作を良好に行わせることができる。 When the intermediate shaft 1 is mounted in this direction, the first spline engaging portion 35, which is the engaging portion between the first female spline portion 17 and the first male spline portion 31 that slides with a small load, is on the steering wheel 101 side. Is located in. As a result, the operating force when adjusting the height of the steering wheel 101 by performing the tilt operation can be reduced, and the tilt operation by the driver can be performed satisfactorily.

次に、本構成の中間軸１に生じる振れ廻りについて説明する。
図１３は中間軸に生じる振れ廻りを説明する模式図である。 Next, the runout that occurs in the intermediate shaft 1 of this configuration will be described.
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the runout that occurs in the intermediate shaft.

中間部分にスライド可能な箇所を備えた中間軸では、外力が付与された際に、スライド箇所で振れ廻りが生じることがある。 In an intermediate shaft provided with a slideable portion in the intermediate portion, swinging may occur at the slide portion when an external force is applied.

図１３に示すＰ１，Ｐ２は、中間軸１のヨーク３に相当する固定点であり、Ｓ１は、中間軸１の第１スプライン係合部３５に相当する最も軽荷重でスライド可能な軸連結部である。軸方向の一端寄りに軸連結部（第１スプライン係合部３５）がある本構成と同等の中間軸ＭＳ１の振れ廻りの様子を実線で示す。また、参考例として軸方向中央部に軸連結部がある中間軸ＭＳ２の振れ廻りの様子を点線で示す。 P1 and P2 shown in FIG. 13 are fixed points corresponding to the yoke 3 of the intermediate shaft 1, and S1 is a shaft connecting portion that is slidable with the lightest load corresponding to the first spline engaging portion 35 of the intermediate shaft 1. Is. The state of the swing of the intermediate shaft MS1 equivalent to this configuration in which the shaft connecting portion (first spline engaging portion 35) is located near one end in the axial direction is shown by a solid line. Further, as a reference example, the state of the swing of the intermediate shaft MS2 having the shaft connecting portion at the central portion in the axial direction is shown by a dotted line.

軸方向の一端寄りでスライド可能とされた中間軸ＭＳ１では、スライド箇所Ｓ１で振れ廻りが発生して軸線に対して傾斜角θの傾きが生じた場合でも、端部からスライド箇所Ｓ１までの長さＬ１を短くすることができる。長さＬ１が小さいと、スライド箇所Ｓ１に作用する曲げモーメントも小さくなる。したがって、この中間軸ＭＳ１では、曲げモーメントの影響が抑えられ、スライド箇所１における振れ幅δ１が大きくならず、振れ廻りが抑えられる。 In the intermediate shaft MS1 that is slidable toward one end in the axial direction, the length from the end to the slide portion S1 even when the tilt angle θ is tilted with respect to the axis due to the runout at the slide portion S1. L1 can be shortened. When the length L1 is small, the bending moment acting on the slide portion S1 is also small. Therefore, in this intermediate shaft MS1, the influence of the bending moment is suppressed, the runout width δ1 at the slide portion 1 is not increased, and the runout is suppressed.

これに対して、軸方向の中央付近でスライド可能とされた中間軸ＭＳ２では、スライド箇所Ｓ２で振れ廻りが発生し、中間軸ＭＳ１の場合と同じ傾斜角θの傾きが生じると、端部からスライド箇所Ｓ２までの長さＬ２が、上記した長さＬ１よりも大きくなる。この場合、スライド箇所Ｓ２に作用する曲げモーメントが中間軸ＭＳ１の場合よりも大きくなる。したがって、この中間軸ＭＳ２では、曲げモーメントの影響によってスライド箇所Ｓ２における振れ幅δ２が中間軸ＭＳ１の場合より大きくなり、大きな振れ廻りが生じてしまう。 On the other hand, in the intermediate axis MS2 that is slidable near the center in the axial direction, swinging occurs at the slide portion S2, and when the same inclination angle θ as in the case of the intermediate axis MS1 occurs, the inclination is from the end. The length L2 up to the slide portion S2 is larger than the above-mentioned length L1. In this case, the bending moment acting on the slide portion S2 is larger than that in the case of the intermediate shaft MS1. Therefore, in this intermediate shaft MS2, the runout width δ2 at the slide portion S2 becomes larger than that in the case of the intermediate shaft MS1 due to the influence of the bending moment, and a large runout occurs.

本実施形態に係る中間軸１では、雌軸１０の両端に第１雄軸３０及び第２雄軸４０を備え、雌軸１０と第１雄軸３０とのスライド箇所が、中間軸１全長の一端寄りに配置されることとなる（図２参照）。したがって、中間軸１では、上記の中間軸ＭＳ１と同様に、スライド箇所に作用する曲げモーメントの影響を抑えて振れ幅を小さくすることができ、振れ廻りの発生を抑えることができる。さらに、本構成の中間軸１によれば、スライド箇所での曲げモーメントによる影響が抑えられるため、安定した摺動荷重が得られ、スティックスリップによる振動や異音に対しても優れた特性を備えた中間軸となる。 In the intermediate shaft 1 according to the present embodiment, the first male shaft 30 and the second male shaft 40 are provided at both ends of the female shaft 10, and the sliding portion between the female shaft 10 and the first male shaft 30 is the total length of the intermediate shaft 1. It will be placed closer to one end (see FIG. 2). Therefore, in the intermediate shaft 1, similarly to the above-mentioned intermediate shaft MS1, the influence of the bending moment acting on the slide portion can be suppressed to reduce the runout width, and the occurrence of runout can be suppressed. Further, according to the intermediate shaft 1 of this configuration, since the influence of the bending moment at the sliding portion is suppressed, a stable sliding load can be obtained, and the intermediate shaft 1 has excellent characteristics against vibration and abnormal noise due to stick slip. It becomes the intermediate axis.

ここで、スライド箇所Ｓ１、例えば雌軸１０の第１雌スプライン部１７の軸方向中心位置は、中間軸１の全長をＬとしたとき、中間軸１の第１雄軸３０側の端部から軸方向中心位置（Ｌ／２）に向けて、Ｌ／３以下までの範囲に配置するのが好ましい。より好ましくはＬ／４までの範囲、更に好ましくはＬ／５までの範囲に配置するとよい。 Here, the slide portion S1, for example, the axial center position of the first female spline portion 17 of the female shaft 10 is from the end portion of the intermediate shaft 1 on the first male shaft 30 side, where L is the total length of the intermediate shaft 1. It is preferable to arrange it in a range up to L / 3 or less toward the axial center position (L / 2). It is more preferable to arrange it in the range up to L / 4, and more preferably in the range up to L / 5.

以上、説明したように、本構成の中間軸１によれば、雌軸１０の一端側の内周面に形成された第１雌スプライン部１７と第１雄軸３０の外周面に形成された第１雄スプライン部３１とがスプライン係合し、雌軸１０の他端側の内周面に形成された第２雌スプライン部１９と第２雄軸４０の外周面に形成された第２雄スプライン部４１とがスプライン係合している。雌軸１０は、第１雌スプライン部１７を予め形成した第１雌スプライン筒部１３を、雌軸本体１１に溶接して一体化する構成であるため、一本の管体の両端にスプラインを形成する場合と比較して、第１雌スプライン部１７と第２雌スプライン部１９とを高精度に作製できる。このように、中間軸１は、雌軸１０の両端の内周面に第１雄軸３０及び第２雄軸４０の外周面を係合させる構造であるにもかかわらず、製造コストを抑えつつ、スプライン部の精度を高めることができる。 As described above, according to the intermediate shaft 1 of the present configuration, the first female spline portion 17 formed on the inner peripheral surface on one end side of the female shaft 10 and the outer peripheral surface of the first male shaft 30 are formed. The first male spline portion 31 is spline-engaged, and the second female spline portion 19 formed on the inner peripheral surface on the other end side of the female shaft 10 and the second male formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second male shaft 40. The spline portion 41 is spline-engaged. Since the female shaft 10 has a configuration in which the first female spline cylinder portion 13 in which the first female spline portion 17 is formed in advance is welded to the female shaft main body 11 and integrated, splines are provided at both ends of one tubular body. Compared with the case of forming, the first female spline portion 17 and the second female spline portion 19 can be manufactured with high accuracy. As described above, although the intermediate shaft 1 has a structure in which the outer peripheral surfaces of the first male shaft 30 and the second male shaft 40 are engaged with the inner peripheral surfaces of both ends of the female shaft 10, the manufacturing cost is suppressed. , The accuracy of the spline portion can be improved.

また、雌軸１０の第１雌スプライン部１７と第１雄スプライン部３１との低摺動荷重となるスライド箇所を、軸方向一端寄りに配置させることができ、スライド箇所で生じる振れ廻りを抑えることができる。また、スライド箇所での曲げモーメントによる影響が抑えられ、安定した摺動荷重となり、スティックスリップによる振動や異音が生じにくくなる。 Further, a slide portion having a low sliding load between the first female spline portion 17 and the first male spline portion 31 of the female shaft 10 can be arranged closer to one end in the axial direction, and the runout that occurs at the slide portion can be suppressed. be able to. In addition, the influence of the bending moment at the sliding portion is suppressed, the sliding load becomes stable, and vibration and abnormal noise due to stick slip are less likely to occur.

なお、上記構成では、雌軸１０の第１雌スプライン部１７と第２雌スプライン部１９とを円周方向に関して同位相に配置させた場合を例示したが、図１４の（Ａ），（Ｂ），（Ｃ）に示すように、第１雄軸３０のヨーク３と第２雄軸４０のヨーク３とを、軸線を中心に角度φだけ異なる位相に配置してもよい。その場合、第１雌スプライン部１７と第２雌スプライン部１９とを、周方向に任意のピッチ分だけずらして雌軸１０に係合させる以外にも、雌軸１０の第１雌スプライン部１７の歯と、第２雌スプライン部１９の歯とを、周方向に相互にずらしてもよい。これにより、位相の調整をピッチ幅よりも更に細かい角度に調整できる。 In the above configuration, the case where the first female spline portion 17 and the second female spline portion 19 of the female shaft 10 are arranged in the same phase with respect to the circumferential direction is illustrated. ), (C), the yoke 3 of the first male axis 30 and the yoke 3 of the second male axis 40 may be arranged in different phases by an angle φ about the axis. In that case, in addition to engaging the first female spline portion 17 and the second female spline portion 19 with the female shaft 10 by shifting them by an arbitrary pitch in the circumferential direction, the first female spline portion 17 of the female shaft 10 And the tooth of the second female spline portion 19 may be displaced from each other in the circumferential direction. As a result, the phase adjustment can be adjusted to an angle finer than the pitch width.

また、上記実施形態では、中実の第１雄軸３０及び第２雄軸４０を備える場合を例示したが、これらの第１雄軸３０及び第２雄軸４０は、両方又はいずれか一方が中空の円筒状に形成されたものでもよい。 Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the solid first male shaft 30 and the second male shaft 40 are provided is illustrated, but both or one of the first male shaft 30 and the second male shaft 40 are illustrated. It may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape.

このように、本発明は上記の実施形態に限定されるものではなく、実施形態の各構成を相互に組み合わせることや、明細書の記載、並びに周知の技術に基づいて、当業者が変更、応用することも本発明の予定するところであり、保護を求める範囲に含まれる。 As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified or applied by those skilled in the art based on the combination of the configurations of the embodiments with each other, the description of the specification, and the well-known technique. This is also the subject of the present invention and is included in the scope for which protection is sought.

以上の通り、本明細書には次の事項が開示されている。
（１） 軸方向両側の端部が開口した筒状に構成され、軸方向一方部の内周面に第１雌スプライン部を有し、軸方向他方部の内周面に第２雌スプライン部を有する雌軸と、
軸方向他方部の外周面に第１雄スプライン部を有する第１雄軸と、
軸方向一方部の外周面に第２雄スプライン部を有する第２雄軸と、
を備え、
前記雌軸の前記第１雌スプライン部に前記第１雄軸の前記第１雄スプライン部がスプライン係合し、
前記雌軸の前記第２雌スプライン部に前記第２雄軸の前記第２雄スプライン部が圧入状態でスプライン係合し、
前記雌軸に対する前記第１雄軸の摺動荷重は、前記雌軸に対する前記第２雄軸の摺動荷重より小さい、ステアリング装置用中間軸。
このステアリング装置用中間軸によれば、雌軸の一端側の内周面に形成された第１雌スプライン部と第１雄軸の外周面に形成された第１雄スプライン部とがスプライン係合し、雌軸の他端側の内周面に形成された第２雌スプライン部と第２雄軸の外周面に形成された第２雄スプライン部とがスプライン係合している。このように、この中間軸は、雌軸の両端における内周面と第１雄軸及び第２雄軸の外周面とが嵌合する構造であるため、製造する際のコストの嵩張りを抑えつつ、スプライン等の連結部の精度を高めることができる。
また、雌軸の第１雌スプライン部と第１雄スプライン部とのスライド箇所を一端寄りに配置させることができ、スライド箇所で生じる振れ廻りを抑えることができる。また、スライド箇所での曲げモーメントによる影響が抑えられるため、安定した摺動荷重が得られ、スティックスリップによる振動や異音に対しても優れた特性を持たせることができる。 As described above, the following matters are disclosed in this specification.
(1) It is configured in a tubular shape with open ends on both sides in the axial direction, has a first female spline portion on the inner peripheral surface of one axial direction, and a second female spline portion on the inner peripheral surface of the other axial direction. With a female shaft,
A first male shaft having a first male spline portion on the outer peripheral surface of the other portion in the axial direction,
A second male shaft having a second male spline portion on the outer peripheral surface of one portion in the axial direction,
With
The first male spline portion of the first male shaft engages with the first female spline portion of the female shaft.
The second male spline portion of the second male shaft engages with the second female spline portion of the female shaft in a press-fitted state.
An intermediate shaft for a steering device in which the sliding load of the first male shaft with respect to the female shaft is smaller than the sliding load of the second male shaft with respect to the female shaft.
According to the intermediate shaft for the steering device, the first female spline portion formed on the inner peripheral surface on one end side of the female shaft and the first male spline portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first male shaft are spline-engaged. Then, the second female spline portion formed on the inner peripheral surface on the other end side of the female shaft and the second male spline portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second male shaft are spline-engaged. As described above, since the intermediate shaft has a structure in which the inner peripheral surfaces at both ends of the female shaft and the outer peripheral surfaces of the first male shaft and the second male shaft are fitted to each other, the cost increase in manufacturing is suppressed. At the same time, the accuracy of the connecting portion such as the spline can be improved.
Further, the slide portion between the first female spline portion and the first male spline portion of the female shaft can be arranged closer to one end, and the runout that occurs at the slide portion can be suppressed. Further, since the influence of the bending moment at the sliding portion is suppressed, a stable sliding load can be obtained, and excellent characteristics can be provided against vibration and abnormal noise due to stick slip.

（２） 前記第２雄軸は、前記第１雄軸の摺動荷重の１０倍以上の摺動荷重を有する衝撃吸収軸である、（１）に記載のステアリング装置用中間軸。
このステアリング装置用中間軸によれば、雌軸に対する第１雄軸のスライド後に、雌軸に対して第２雄軸が摺動することで、中間軸にかかる衝撃を第２雄軸で良好に吸収させることができる。 (2) The intermediate shaft for a steering device according to (1), wherein the second male shaft is a shock absorbing shaft having a sliding load of 10 times or more the sliding load of the first male shaft.
According to this intermediate shaft for the steering device, after the first male shaft slides with respect to the female shaft, the second male shaft slides with respect to the female shaft, so that the impact applied to the intermediate shaft can be satisfactorily applied to the second male shaft. Can be absorbed.

（３） 前記第１雄スプライン部を覆う合成樹脂製の第１コーティング層と、前記第２雄スプライン部を覆う合成樹脂製の第２コーティング層と、をさらに備え、
前記第１雌スプライン部と前記第１雄スプライン部とは、前記第１コーティング層を介してスプライン係合しており、
前記第２雌スプライン部と前記第２雄スプライン部とは、前記第２コーティング層を介してスプライン係合している、（１）又は（２）に記載のステアリング装置用中間軸。
このステアリング装置用中間軸によれば、第１雄スプライン部及び第２雄スプライン部に第１コーティング層及び第２コーティング層を設けることにより、第１雄スプライン部及び第２雄スプライン部を保護することができ、しかも、雌軸の第１雌スプライン部及び第２雌スプライン部との摺動時における耐久性を高めることができる。 (3) A first coating layer made of synthetic resin covering the first male spline portion and a second coating layer made of synthetic resin covering the second male spline portion are further provided.
The first female spline portion and the first male spline portion are spline-engaged via the first coating layer.
The intermediate shaft for a steering device according to (1) or (2), wherein the second female spline portion and the second male spline portion are spline-engaged via the second coating layer.
According to the intermediate shaft for the steering device, the first male spline portion and the second male spline portion are protected by providing the first coating layer and the second coating layer on the first male spline portion and the second male spline portion. Moreover, the durability of the female shaft when sliding with the first female spline portion and the second female spline portion can be enhanced.

（４） 前記第１雌スプライン部と前記第１雄スプライン部との第１スプライン係合部と、前記第２雌スプライン部と前記第２雄スプライン部との第２スプライン係合部とのそれぞれが、グリースにより潤滑されている、（１）〜（３）のいずれか１つに記載のステアリング装置用中間軸。
このステアリング装置用中間軸によれば、第１スプライン係合部及び第２スプライン係合部をグリースにより潤滑させることにより、これらの係合部を保護することができ、しかも、荷重が付与された際に円滑にスライドさせることができる。 (4) A first spline engaging portion between the first female spline portion and the first male spline portion, and a second spline engaging portion between the second female spline portion and the second male spline portion, respectively. However, the intermediate shaft for a steering device according to any one of (1) to (3), which is lubricated with grease.
According to this intermediate shaft for the steering device, by lubricating the first spline engaging portion and the second spline engaging portion with grease, these engaging portions can be protected and a load is applied. It can be slid smoothly.

（５） 前記第１雄軸の軸方向他方部の端部と前記第２雄軸の軸方向一方部の端部との間の軸方向長さは、前記第１雌スプライン部からの前記第１雄スプライン部の突出寸法と、前記第２雌スプライン部からの前記第２雄スプライン部の突出寸法との合計に等しい、（１）〜（４）のいずれか１つに記載のステアリング装置用中間軸。
このステアリング装置用中間軸によれば、中間軸に衝撃力が加わってフルコラプス状態となった際に、第１雄軸の軸方向他方部の端部と第２雄軸の軸方向一方部の端部とが突き当たる。これにより、中間軸に付与される衝撃力を第１雄軸と第２雄軸で良好に受け止めさせることができる。 (5) The axial length between the end of the other axial portion of the first male shaft and the end of the one axial portion of the second male shaft is the first from the first female spline portion. The steering device according to any one of (1) to (4), which is equal to the sum of the protruding dimension of the 1 male spline portion and the protruding dimension of the 2nd male spline portion from the 2nd female spline portion. Intermediate axis.
According to this intermediate shaft for a steering device, when an impact force is applied to the intermediate shaft to bring it into a full collapse state, the end of the other axial portion of the first male shaft and the one end of the axial direction of the second male shaft are used. The part hits. As a result, the impact force applied to the intermediate shaft can be satisfactorily received by the first male shaft and the second male shaft.

（６） 前記雌軸は、前記第１雌スプライン部と前記第２雌スプライン部との間における前記第２雌スプライン部寄りに、前記第２雌スプライン部の内径より大きく拡径する段付部を有し、
前記第２雄軸は、軸方向一方部の先端に弾性変形が可能な抜け止めを有し、
前記抜け止めは、弾性変形により縮径した状態で前記第２雌スプライン部に挿入され、前記第２雌スプライン部を抜け出ると、前記段付部で前記第２雌スプライン部の内径よりも大径に弾性復帰して前記第２雌スプライン部への再挿入を阻止する、（１）〜（５）のいずれか１つに記載のステアリング装置用中間軸。
このステアリング装置用中間軸によれば、雌軸に対する引き抜き力が第２雄軸に付与されても、抜け止めが第２雌スプライン部の端部を係止することとなる。したがって、第２雌スプライン部への再挿入が阻止され、雌軸に対して第２雄軸を良好に抜け止めさせることができる。 (6) The female shaft is a stepped portion whose diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the second female spline portion toward the second female spline portion between the first female spline portion and the second female spline portion. Have and
The second male shaft has a retaining portion that can be elastically deformed at the tip of one portion in the axial direction.
The retaining member is inserted into the second female spline portion in a state of being reduced in diameter due to elastic deformation, and when it exits the second female spline portion, the stepped portion has a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the second female spline portion. The intermediate shaft for a steering device according to any one of (1) to (5), which elastically returns to the surface and prevents reinsertion into the second female spline portion.
According to this intermediate shaft for the steering device, even if a pulling force with respect to the female shaft is applied to the second male shaft, the retaining member locks the end portion of the second female spline portion. Therefore, reinsertion into the second female spline portion is prevented, and the second male shaft can be satisfactorily prevented from coming off with respect to the female shaft.

（７） 前記抜け止めは、
前記第２雄軸の前記先端に固定される基部と、
前記基部から径方向外側に延び、前記第２雌スプライン部への挿入方向の後方に向けて傾斜した複数の突出片と、
を備える、（６）に記載のステアリング装置用中間軸。
このステアリング装置用中間軸によれば、基部から径方向外側に延びて第２雌スプライン部への挿入方向後ろ側に向けて傾斜した複数の突出片が段付部を係止することにより、雌軸に対して第２雄軸を良好に抜け止めさせることができる。 (7) The stopper is
A base fixed to the tip of the second male shaft and
A plurality of projecting pieces extending radially outward from the base portion and inclined rearward in the insertion direction into the second female spline portion.
The intermediate shaft for a steering device according to (6).
According to this intermediate shaft for the steering device, a plurality of projecting pieces extending radially outward from the base portion and inclined toward the rear side in the insertion direction into the second female spline portion lock the stepped portion, thereby engaging the female. The second male shaft can be satisfactorily prevented from coming off with respect to the shaft.

（８） 前記第１雌スプライン部と前記第２雌スプライン部とが、円周方向に関して同位相に配置されている、（１）〜（７）のいずれか１つに記載のステアリング装置用中間軸。
このステアリング装置用中間軸によれば、第１雄軸と第２雄軸とをステアリング装置の継手に同位相で連結することができる。 (8) The intermediate for a steering device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the first female spline portion and the second female spline portion are arranged in the same phase with respect to the circumferential direction. axis.
According to this intermediate shaft for the steering device, the first male shaft and the second male shaft can be connected to the joint of the steering device in the same phase.

（９） 前記第１雌スプライン部と前記第２雌スプライン部とが、円周方向に関して異なる位相で配置されている、（１）〜（８）のいずれか１つに記載のステアリング装置用中間軸。
このステアリング装置用中間軸によれば、第１雌スプライン部と第２雌スプライン部とが円周方向に関して異なる位相に配置された第１雄軸と第２雄軸をステアリング装置の継手に連結することにより、ステアリング装置への中間軸の配置自由度が高くなり、汎用性を高めることができる。 (9) The intermediate for a steering device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the first female spline portion and the second female spline portion are arranged in different phases in the circumferential direction. axis.
According to this intermediate shaft for the steering device, the first male shaft and the second male shaft in which the first female spline portion and the second female spline portion are arranged in different phases with respect to the circumferential direction are connected to the joint of the steering device. As a result, the degree of freedom in arranging the intermediate shaft on the steering device is increased, and the versatility can be enhanced.

（１０） ステアリングギヤユニットと、
ステアリングホイールと、
前記ステアリングギヤユニットと前記ステアリングホイールとの間に設けられ、（１）〜（９）のいずれか１つに記載のステアリング装置用中間軸と、
を備えるステアリング装置。
このステアリング装置によれば、コストの増大を抑えつつ、外力を受けた場合でも中間軸の曲がりによる振れ廻りが抑えられ、振動や異音の発生を抑制できる。 (10) Steering gear unit and
With the steering wheel
An intermediate shaft for a steering device according to any one of (1) to (9), which is provided between the steering gear unit and the steering wheel.
Steering device equipped with.
According to this steering device, while suppressing an increase in cost, it is possible to suppress swinging due to bending of the intermediate shaft even when an external force is applied, and it is possible to suppress the generation of vibration and abnormal noise.

（１１） 前記第１雄軸はステアリングギヤユニット側に連結され、
前記第２雄軸はステアリングホイール側に連結されている、（１０）に記載のステアリング装置用中間軸。
このステアリング装置によれば、小さい荷重でスライドする第１雌スプライン部と第１雄スプライン部の係合箇所がステアリングギヤユニット側に設けられている。これにより、運転者が操作するステアリングホイールへの走行時の振動や衝撃の伝達を抑制することができ、ドライバビリティを向上させることができる。 (11) The first male shaft is connected to the steering gear unit side.
The intermediate shaft for a steering device according to (10), wherein the second male shaft is connected to the steering wheel side.
According to this steering device, an engaging portion between the first female spline portion and the first male spline portion that slides with a small load is provided on the steering gear unit side. As a result, it is possible to suppress the transmission of vibration and impact during driving to the steering wheel operated by the driver, and it is possible to improve drivability.

（１２） 前記第１雄軸はステアリングホイール側に連結され、
前記第２雄軸はステアリングギヤユニット側に連結されている、（１０）に記載のステアリング装置用中間軸。
このステアリング装置によれば、小さい荷重でスライドする第１雌スプライン部と第１雄スプライン部の係合箇所がステアリングホイール側に設けられている。これにより、チルト操作を行ってステアリングホイールの高さを調整する際の操作力を低減させることができ、運転者によるチルト操作を良好に行わせることができる。 (12) The first male shaft is connected to the steering wheel side.
The intermediate shaft for a steering device according to (10), wherein the second male shaft is connected to the steering gear unit side.
According to this steering device, an engaging portion between the first female spline portion and the first male spline portion that slides with a small load is provided on the steering wheel side. As a result, it is possible to reduce the operating force when adjusting the height of the steering wheel by performing the tilt operation, and it is possible to satisfactorily perform the tilt operation by the driver.

１ 中間軸（ステアリング装置用中間軸）
３ ヨーク
１０ 雌軸
１７ 第１雌スプライン部
１９ 第２雌スプライン部
２１ 段付部
３０ 第１雄軸
３１ 第１雄スプライン部
３５ 第１スプライン係合部
４０ 第２雄軸
４１ 第２雄スプライン部
４５ 第２スプライン係合部（圧入スプライン係合部）
４７ 抜け止め
５１ 基部
５３ 突出片
１０１ ステアリングホイール
１０５ ステアリングギヤユニット 1 Intermediate shaft (intermediate shaft for steering device)
3 York 10 Female shaft 17 1st female spline part 19 2nd female spline part 21 Stepped part 30 1st male shaft 31 1st male spline part 35 1st spline engaging part 40 2nd male shaft 41 2nd male spline part 45 Second spline engaging part (press-fit spline engaging part)
47 Retaining 51 Base 53 Protruding piece 101 Steering wheel 105 Steering gear unit

Claims (12)

軸方向両側の端部が開口した筒状に構成され、軸方向一方部の内周面に第１雌スプライン部を有し、軸方向他方部の内周面に第２雌スプライン部を有する雌軸と、
軸方向他方部の外周面に第１雄スプライン部を有する第１雄軸と、
軸方向一方部の外周面に第２雄スプライン部を有する第２雄軸と、
を備え、
前記雌軸の前記第１雌スプライン部に前記第１雄軸の前記第１雄スプライン部がスプライン係合し、
前記雌軸の前記第２雌スプライン部に前記第２雄軸の前記第２雄スプライン部が圧入状態でスプライン係合し、
前記雌軸に対する前記第１雄軸の摺動荷重は、前記雌軸に対する前記第２雄軸の摺動荷重より小さい、
ステアリング装置用中間軸。 A female having a tubular shape with open ends on both sides in the axial direction, having a first female spline portion on the inner peripheral surface of one axial portion, and having a second female spline portion on the inner peripheral surface of the other axial direction. Axis and
A first male shaft having a first male spline portion on the outer peripheral surface of the other portion in the axial direction,
A second male shaft having a second male spline portion on the outer peripheral surface of one portion in the axial direction,
With
The first male spline portion of the first male shaft engages with the first female spline portion of the female shaft.
The second male spline portion of the second male shaft engages with the second female spline portion of the female shaft in a press-fitted state.
The sliding load of the first male shaft with respect to the female shaft is smaller than the sliding load of the second male shaft with respect to the female shaft.
Intermediate shaft for steering equipment. 前記第２雄軸は、前記第１雄軸の摺動荷重の１０倍以上の摺動荷重を有する衝撃吸収軸である、
請求項１に記載のステアリング装置用中間軸。 The second male shaft is a shock absorbing shaft having a sliding load of 10 times or more the sliding load of the first male shaft.
The intermediate shaft for a steering device according to claim 1. 前記第１雄スプライン部を覆う合成樹脂製の第１コーティング層と、前記第２雄スプライン部を覆う合成樹脂製の第２コーティング層と、をさらに備え、
前記第１雌スプライン部と前記第１雄スプライン部とは、前記第１コーティング層を介してスプライン係合しており、
前記第２雌スプライン部と前記第２雄スプライン部とは、前記第２コーティング層を介してスプライン係合している、
請求項１又は２に記載のステアリング装置用中間軸。 A first coating layer made of synthetic resin covering the first male spline portion and a second coating layer made of synthetic resin covering the second male spline portion are further provided.
The first female spline portion and the first male spline portion are spline-engaged via the first coating layer.
The second female spline portion and the second male spline portion are spline-engaged via the second coating layer.
The intermediate shaft for a steering device according to claim 1 or 2. 前記第１雌スプライン部と前記第１雄スプライン部との第１スプライン係合部と、前記第２雌スプライン部と前記第２雄スプライン部との第２スプライン係合部とのそれぞれが、グリースにより潤滑されている、
請求項１〜３のいずれか１項に記載のステアリング装置用中間軸。 Each of the first spline engaging portion between the first female spline portion and the first male spline portion and the second spline engaging portion between the second female spline portion and the second male spline portion is greased. Lubricated by,
The intermediate shaft for a steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 前記第１雄軸の軸方向他方部の端部と前記第２雄軸の軸方向一方部の端部との間の軸方向長さは、前記第１雌スプライン部からの前記第１雄スプライン部の突出寸法と、前記第２雌スプライン部からの前記第２雄スプライン部の突出寸法との合計に等しい、
請求項１〜４のいずれか１項に記載のステアリング装置用中間軸。 The axial length between the end of the other axial portion of the first male axis and the end of the one axial portion of the second male axis is the first male spline from the first female spline portion. Equal to the sum of the protruding dimension of the portion and the protruding dimension of the second male spline portion from the second female spline portion.
The intermediate shaft for a steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 前記雌軸は、前記第１雌スプライン部と前記第２雌スプライン部との間における前記第２雌スプライン部寄りに、前記第２雌スプライン部の内径より大きく拡径する段付部を有し、
前記第２雄軸は、軸方向一方部の先端に弾性変形が可能な抜け止めを有し、
前記抜け止めは、弾性変形により縮径した状態で前記第２雌スプライン部に挿入され、前記第２雌スプライン部を抜け出ると、前記段付部で前記第２雌スプライン部の内径よりも大径に弾性復帰して前記第２雌スプライン部への再挿入を阻止する、
請求項１〜５のいずれか１項に記載のステアリング装置用中間軸。 The female shaft has a stepped portion having a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the second female spline portion near the second female spline portion between the first female spline portion and the second female spline portion. ,
The second male shaft has a retaining portion that can be elastically deformed at the tip of one portion in the axial direction.
The retaining member is inserted into the second female spline portion in a state of being reduced in diameter due to elastic deformation, and when it exits the second female spline portion, the stepped portion has a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the second female spline portion. Elastically returns to prevent reinsertion into the second female spline.
The intermediate shaft for a steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 前記抜け止めは、
前記第２雄軸の前記先端に固定される基部と、
前記基部から径方向外側に延び、前記第２雌スプライン部への挿入方向の後方に向けて傾斜した複数の突出片と、
を備える、
請求項６に記載のステアリング装置用中間軸。 The stopper is
A base fixed to the tip of the second male shaft and
A plurality of projecting pieces extending radially outward from the base portion and inclined rearward in the insertion direction into the second female spline portion.
To prepare
The intermediate shaft for a steering device according to claim 6. 前記第１雌スプライン部と前記第２雌スプライン部とが、円周方向に関して同位相に配置されている、
請求項１〜７のいずれか１項に記載のステアリング装置用中間軸。 The first female spline portion and the second female spline portion are arranged in the same phase with respect to the circumferential direction.
The intermediate shaft for a steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. 前記第１雌スプライン部と前記第２雌スプライン部とが、円周方向に関して異なる位相で配置されている、
請求項１〜７のいずれか１項に記載のステアリング装置用中間軸。 The first female spline portion and the second female spline portion are arranged in different phases with respect to the circumferential direction.
The intermediate shaft for a steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. ステアリングギヤユニットと、
ステアリングホイールと、
前記ステアリングギヤユニットと前記ステアリングホイールとの間に設けられ、請求項１〜９のいずれか１項に記載のステアリング装置用中間軸と、
を備えるステアリング装置。 Steering gear unit and
With the steering wheel
The steering device intermediate shaft according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which is provided between the steering gear unit and the steering wheel.
Steering device equipped with. 前記第１雄軸はステアリングギヤユニット側に連結され、
前記第２雄軸はステアリングホイール側に連結されている、
請求項１０に記載のステアリング装置用中間軸。 The first male shaft is connected to the steering gear unit side and
The second male shaft is connected to the steering wheel side.
The intermediate shaft for a steering device according to claim 10. 前記第１雄軸はステアリングホイール側に連結され、
前記第２雄軸はステアリングギヤユニット側に連結されている、
請求項１０に記載のステアリング装置用中間軸。 The first male shaft is connected to the steering wheel side and
The second male shaft is connected to the steering gear unit side.
The intermediate shaft for a steering device according to claim 10.

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