JP4952962B2 - Universal joint and shaft connection structure - Google Patents

Universal joint and shaft connection structure Download PDF

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JP4952962B2
JP4952962B2 JP2011052388A JP2011052388A JP4952962B2 JP 4952962 B2 JP4952962 B2 JP 4952962B2 JP 2011052388 A JP2011052388 A JP 2011052388A JP 2011052388 A JP2011052388 A JP 2011052388A JP 4952962 B2 JP4952962 B2 JP 4952962B2
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shaft
yoke
peripheral surface
convex portion
engaging
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JP2011137551A (en
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卓史 柴
誠一 森山
潤 山田
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NSK Ltd
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NSK Ltd
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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
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D1/00—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements
    • F16D1/10—Quick-acting couplings in which the parts are connected by simply bringing them together axially
    • F16D1/108—Quick-acting couplings in which the parts are connected by simply bringing them together axially having retaining means rotating with the coupling and acting by interengaging parts, i.e. positive coupling
    • F16D1/116—Quick-acting couplings in which the parts are connected by simply bringing them together axially having retaining means rotating with the coupling and acting by interengaging parts, i.e. positive coupling the interengaging parts including a continuous or interrupted circumferential groove in the surface of one of the coupling parts
    • 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
    • F16D3/387—Fork construction; Mounting of fork on shaft; Adapting shaft for mounting of fork
    • 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
    • F16D1/00—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements
    • F16D1/06—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements for attachment of a member on a shaft or on a shaft-end
    • F16D1/08—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements for attachment of a member on a shaft or on a shaft-end with clamping hub; with hub and longitudinal key
    • F16D1/0852—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements for attachment of a member on a shaft or on a shaft-end with clamping hub; with hub and longitudinal key with radial clamping between the mating surfaces of the hub and shaft
    • F16D1/0864—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements for attachment of a member on a shaft or on a shaft-end with clamping hub; with hub and longitudinal key with radial clamping between the mating surfaces of the hub and shaft due to tangential loading of the hub, e.g. a split hub
    • 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
    • F16D1/00—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements
    • F16D1/10—Quick-acting couplings in which the parts are connected by simply bringing them together axially
    • F16D2001/103—Quick-acting couplings in which the parts are connected by simply bringing them together axially the torque is transmitted via splined connections

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

Description

本発明は自在継手、特に、ステアリング装置のステアリングシャフトの連結部に使用する自在継手と軸の結合構造に関する。   The present invention relates to a universal joint, and more particularly, to a coupling structure of a universal joint and a shaft used for a connecting portion of a steering shaft of a steering device.

車両の前輪を操舵するステアリング装置では、ステアリングホイールの操作で回転するステアリングシャフトの動きを、自在継手を介してステアリングギヤの入力軸に伝達している。この自在継手は、一対のヨーク同士を十字軸を介して結合することにより、ヨークの軸心同士が同一直線上に位置しなくても、両ヨークの間で回転力を伝達することが出来る。   In a steering device that steers the front wheels of a vehicle, the movement of a steering shaft that is rotated by the operation of a steering wheel is transmitted to an input shaft of a steering gear through a universal joint. In this universal joint, by connecting a pair of yokes via a cross shaft, the rotational force can be transmitted between the yokes even if the axes of the yokes are not located on the same straight line.

このような自在継手と軸の結合構造では、ヨークの雌セレーションに軸の雄セレーションを挿入して、軸とヨークを所定の軸方向位置に位置決めした後、締付けボルトを締め付けて、ヨークの雌セレーションを縮径することで、ヨークと軸の軸方向の位置決めと回転トルクの伝達を可能にしている。   In such a joint structure of a universal joint and a shaft, the male serration of the shaft is inserted into the female serration of the yoke, the shaft and the yoke are positioned at a predetermined axial position, and then the tightening bolt is tightened to By reducing the diameter, it is possible to position the yoke and the shaft in the axial direction and transmit the rotational torque.

このような従来の結合構造では、締付けボルトの締め付け作業が完了するまでの間、軸とヨークが所定の軸方向位置からずれないように手で押さえながら、締付けボルトの締め付け作業を行う必要があるため、組み付け作業がやりにくく、組み付けに時間がかかる不具合がある。   In such a conventional coupling structure, it is necessary to perform the tightening operation of the tightening bolt while holding the shaft and the yoke so as not to deviate from a predetermined axial position until the tightening operation of the tightening bolt is completed. Therefore, there is a problem that the assembling work is difficult to perform and it takes time to assemble.

締付けボルトの締め付け作業が完了するまでの間、軸とヨークが所定の軸方向位置からずれないようにした自在継手と軸の結合構造として、特許文献１に開示された自在継手がある。特許文献１の自在継手は、スリットによって弾性収縮可能で、外周先端側が拡径する筒状の軸挿入部と、軸挿入部の外周に外嵌し、ばね力によって軸挿入部を収縮させる締付けリングと、締付けリングによって軸挿入部の中心方向へ押圧されて、軸外周のＶ溝に係合するボールで構成されている。   There is a universal joint disclosed in Patent Document 1 as a coupling structure of a universal joint and a shaft in which the shaft and the yoke are not displaced from a predetermined axial position until the fastening operation of the fastening bolt is completed. The universal joint of Patent Document 1 is elastically shrinkable by a slit, and has a cylindrical shaft insertion portion whose diameter is increased at the outer peripheral tip side, and a fastening ring that is fitted around the outer periphery of the shaft insertion portion and contracts the shaft insertion portion by a spring force. And a ball that is pressed by the tightening ring toward the center of the shaft insertion portion and engages with the V groove on the outer periphery of the shaft.

特許文献１の自在継手と軸の結合構造は、締付けボルトの締め付け作業が完了するまで、軸とヨークは所定の軸方向位置からずれないが、軸とヨークの軸方向位置決めと、軸とヨークの締付けを同時に行う構造であるため、軸とヨークの締付け力を大きくできない不具合がある。   The joint structure of the universal joint and the shaft of Patent Document 1 does not deviate from a predetermined axial position until the tightening operation of the tightening bolt is completed. However, the axial positioning of the shaft and the yoke, There is a problem that the tightening force of the shaft and the yoke cannot be increased because of the structure that performs the tightening simultaneously.

特開平１０−２０５５４５号公報Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-205545

本発明は、軸とヨークの締付け力が大きく、組み付け作業が容易であり、ヨークに軸を締付けボルトで結合する作業が完了するまで、ヨークに対して軸の軸方向位置が所定の位置に保持されて、軸がヨークから抜け出さないようにした自在継手と軸の結合構造を提供することを課題とする。   According to the present invention, the tightening force between the shaft and the yoke is large, the assembling work is easy, and the axial position of the shaft is held at a predetermined position with respect to the yoke until the work of coupling the shaft to the yoke with the tightening bolt is completed. Another object of the present invention is to provide a universal joint / shaft coupling structure that prevents the shaft from coming out of the yoke.

上記課題は以下の手段によって解決される。すなわち、第１番目の発明は、互いに平行に配置された一対のフランジ部と、上記一対のフランジ部の下端を連結する略円筒状の結合筒部と、上記一対のフランジ部の間の間隔を狭めて、上記結合筒部の内周面を縮径するボルトを有する自在継手のヨーク、上記結合筒部の内周面に結合筒部の軸方向に平行に挿入され、結合筒部の内周面に回転トルクを伝達可能に内嵌する外周面を有する軸、上記軸の外周面に形成され、軸を結合筒部の内周面に挿入時に、結合筒部の内周面に当接して、軸の軸心に近づく方向に弾性変形可能な係合凸部、上記結合筒部の内周面に連通して形成され、上記ヨークに上記軸が所定の軸方向位置に挿入された時に、軸の軸心から離れる方向に復帰した上記係合凸部が係合可能な係合凹部を備えているとともに、上記結合筒部の内周面には雌セレーションが形成され、この雌セレーションに係合して回転トルクを伝達する雄セレーションが上記軸の外周面に形成されており、更に、上記係合凸部は、金属製の薄板を有底円筒形状に形成した、上記軸とは別体の係合筒であって、上記軸に固定された係合筒の軸方向の略中間位置まで形成された２つのスリットで挟まれた部分が軸心から離れる方向に折り曲げられ、更に、この折り曲げ部に係合凸部の弾性係数を小さくするための孔が形成されたものであるとともに、上記軸の外周面に上記雄セレーションの外径よりも小径の小径軸部が形成されており、この小径軸部の外周に、上記係合凸部が固定されていることを特徴とする自在継手と軸の結合構造である。 The above problem is solved by the following means. That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the distance between the pair of flange portions arranged in parallel to each other, the substantially cylindrical coupling tube portion connecting the lower ends of the pair of flange portions, and the pair of flange portions is set. A universal joint yoke having a bolt for reducing the diameter of the inner peripheral surface of the coupling cylinder part, and being inserted in parallel to the inner circumferential surface of the coupling cylinder part in the axial direction of the coupling cylinder part. A shaft having an outer peripheral surface that is fitted into the surface so that rotational torque can be transmitted, is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft, and is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the coupling cylinder portion when the shaft is inserted into the inner circumferential surface of the coupling cylinder portion. An engagement convex portion that is elastically deformable in a direction approaching the axis of the shaft, formed in communication with the inner peripheral surface of the coupling tube portion, and when the shaft is inserted into the yoke at a predetermined axial position, together with the engaging protrusion has returned to the axial center distance direction of the shaft is provided with an engaging engagement recess, the upper The inner peripheral surface of the coupling tubular portion female serration is formed, the male serration for transmitting rotational torque engages with the female serrations are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft, further, the engaging protrusion is And an engagement cylinder separate from the shaft, in which a thin metal plate is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, and is formed up to a substantially intermediate position in the axial direction of the engagement cylinder fixed to the shaft. The portion sandwiched between the slits is bent in a direction away from the axis , and further, a hole for reducing the elastic coefficient of the engaging convex portion is formed in the bent portion, and on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft. A coupling structure of a universal joint and a shaft, wherein a small-diameter shaft portion having a smaller diameter than the outer diameter of the male serration is formed, and the engaging convex portion is fixed to the outer periphery of the small-diameter shaft portion. is there.

本発明の自在継手と軸の結合構造では、軸を結合筒部の内周面に挿入時に、結合筒部の内周面に当接して、軸の軸心に近づく方向に弾性変形可能な係合凸部を軸の外周面に形成し、ヨークに軸が所定の軸方向位置に挿入された時に、係合凸部が係合可能な係合凹部を結合筒部の内周面に連通して形成している。   In the universal joint / shaft coupling structure according to the present invention, when the shaft is inserted into the inner peripheral surface of the coupling tube portion, the engagement is made so as to abut against the inner circumferential surface of the coupling tube portion and to be elastically deformed in a direction approaching the axis of the shaft. A mating convex portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft, and when the shaft is inserted into the yoke at a predetermined axial position, an engaging concave portion that can be engaged with the engaging convex portion is communicated with the inner peripheral surface of the coupling cylindrical portion. Formed.

また、本発明の自在継手と軸の結合構造では、軸を結合筒部の内周面に挿入時に、軸の外周面に当接して、軸の軸心から離れる方向に弾性変形可能な係合凸部を結合筒部の内周面に形成し、ヨークに軸が所定の軸方向位置に挿入された時に、係合凸部が係合可能な係合凹部を軸の外周面に形成している。   Further, in the universal joint / shaft coupling structure of the present invention, when the shaft is inserted into the inner peripheral surface of the coupling tube portion, the engagement comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the shaft and is elastically deformable in a direction away from the shaft center. A convex portion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the coupling cylinder portion, and an engaging concave portion that can be engaged with the engaging convex portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft when the shaft is inserted into the yoke at a predetermined axial position. Yes.

従って、軸とヨークの締付け力が大きく、組み付け作業が容易であり、ヨークに軸を締付けボルトで結合する作業が完了するまで、互いに係合する係合凸部と係合凹部によって、ヨークに対して軸の軸方向位置が所定の位置に保持されて、軸がヨークから抜け出すことを防止できる。   Therefore, the tightening force between the shaft and the yoke is large, and the assembling work is easy. Until the work of connecting the shaft to the yoke with the tightening bolt is completed, the engaging convex portion and the engaging concave portion that are engaged with each other are used for the yoke. Thus, the axial position of the shaft is held at a predetermined position, and the shaft can be prevented from coming out of the yoke.

以下、図面に基づいて本発明の実施例１から実施例７を説明する。   Embodiments 1 to 7 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

図１は、本発明の実施例の自在継手と軸の結合構造を備えたステアリング装置の全体正面図である。図２は本発明の実施例１の自在継手と軸の結合構造の結合状態を示す一部を断面した正面図である。図３は図２のＡ−Ａ断面図である。図４は図２のＢ−Ｂ断面図である。図５は図２の自在継手と軸の結合構造の結合前の状態を示す一部を断面した正面図である。   FIG. 1 is an overall front view of a steering apparatus having a universal joint / shaft coupling structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional front view showing a coupling state of the coupling structure of the universal joint and the shaft according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional front view showing a state before the coupling structure of the universal joint and shaft of FIG. 2 is coupled.

図１に示すように、本発明の実施例１の自在継手と軸の結合構造を備えたステアリング装置は、車体後方側（図１の右側）にステアリングホイール１１を装着可能なステアリングシャフト１２と、このステアリングシャフト１２を挿通したステアリングコラム１３と、このステアリングシャフト１２に補助トルクを付与する為のアシスト装置（操舵補助部）２０と、このステアリングシャフト１２の車体前方側（図１の左側）に、図示しないラック／ピニオン機構を介して連結されたステアリングギヤ３０とを備える。   As shown in FIG. 1, a steering apparatus having a universal joint / shaft coupling structure according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention includes a steering shaft 12 on which a steering wheel 11 can be mounted on the rear side of the vehicle body (right side in FIG. 1), A steering column 13 inserted through the steering shaft 12, an assist device (steering assisting portion) 20 for applying auxiliary torque to the steering shaft 12, and a vehicle body front side (left side in FIG. 1) of the steering shaft 12 And a steering gear 30 connected via a rack / pinion mechanism (not shown).

ステアリングシャフト１２は、雌ステアリングシャフト１２Ａと雄ステアリングシャフト１２Ｂとを、回転トルクを伝達可能に、かつ軸方向に関して相対移動可能にスプライン嵌合している。従って、上記雌ステアリングシャフト１２Ａと雄ステアリングシャフト１２Ｂとは、衝突時に、このスプライン嵌合部が相対移動して、全長を縮めることができる。   The steering shaft 12 is spline-fitted between a female steering shaft 12A and a male steering shaft 12B so as to be able to transmit rotational torque and to be relatively movable in the axial direction. Therefore, when the female steering shaft 12A and the male steering shaft 12B collide, the spline fitting portion moves relative to each other so that the total length can be shortened.

また、上記ステアリングシャフト１２を挿通した筒状のステアリングコラム１３は、アウターコラム１３Ａとインナーコラム１３Ｂとをテレスコピック移動可能に組み合わせており、衝突時に軸方向の衝撃が加わった場合に、この衝撃によるエネルギを吸収しつつ全長が縮まる、所謂コラプシブル構造としている。   Further, the cylindrical steering column 13 inserted through the steering shaft 12 combines the outer column 13A and the inner column 13B so that they can be telescopically moved. It has a so-called collapsible structure in which the entire length is shortened while absorbing water.

そして、上記インナーコラム１３Ｂの車体前方側端部を、ギヤハウジング２１の車体後方側端部に圧入嵌合して固定している。また、上記雄ステアリングシャフト１２Ｂの車体前方側端部を、このギヤハウジング２１の内側に通し、アシスト装置２０の図示しない入力軸の車体後方側端部に連結している。   The vehicle body front side end portion of the inner column 13B is press-fitted and fixed to the vehicle body rear side end portion of the gear housing 21. Further, the front end portion of the male steering shaft 12B on the vehicle body is passed through the inside of the gear housing 21 and connected to the rear end portion of the assist device 20 on the rear side of the input shaft (not shown).

ステアリングコラム１３は、その中間部を支持ブラケット１４により、ダッシュボードの下面等、車体１８の一部に支承している。また、この支持ブラケット１４と車体１８との間に、図示しない係止部を設けて、この支持ブラケット１４に車体前方側に向かう方向の衝撃が加わった場合に、この支持ブラケット１４が上記係止部から外れ、車体前方側に移動するようにしている。   The steering column 13 is supported by a support bracket 14 at a middle portion thereof on a part of the vehicle body 18 such as a lower surface of the dashboard. Further, a locking portion (not shown) is provided between the support bracket 14 and the vehicle body 18, and when an impact in a direction toward the front side of the vehicle body is applied to the support bracket 14, the support bracket 14 is locked to the locking bracket 14. It moves away from the vehicle and moves to the front side of the vehicle.

また、上記ギヤハウジング２１の上端部も、上記車体１８の一部に支承している。また、本実施例の場合には、チルト機構及びテレスコピック機構を設けることにより、上記ステアリングホイール１１の車体前後方向位置、及び、高さ位置の調節を自在としている。このようなチルト機構及びテレスコピック機構は、従来から周知であり、本発明の特徴部分でもない為、詳しい説明は省略する。   The upper end portion of the gear housing 21 is also supported on a part of the vehicle body 18. In the case of this embodiment, by providing a tilt mechanism and a telescopic mechanism, the position of the steering wheel 11 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body and the height position can be freely adjusted. Such a tilt mechanism and a telescopic mechanism are well known in the art and are not characteristic features of the present invention, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

上記ギヤハウジング２１の車体前方側端面から突出した出力軸２３は、自在継手（上側自在継手）４を介して、中間シャフト１５の後端部に連結している。また、この中間シャフト１５の前端部に、別の自在継手（下側自在継手）５を介して、ステアリングギヤ３０のピニオン軸（以下軸と呼ぶ）６を連結している。中間シャフト１５は、雄中間シャフト（雄シャフト）１５Ａの車体前方側に、雌中間シャフト（雌シャフト）１５Ｂの車体後方側が外嵌し、回転トルクを伝達可能に、かつ、軸方向に関して相対移動可能に嵌合している。   The output shaft 23 protruding from the front end face of the gear housing 21 on the vehicle body is connected to the rear end portion of the intermediate shaft 15 via a universal joint (upper universal joint) 4. Further, a pinion shaft (hereinafter referred to as a shaft) 6 of the steering gear 30 is connected to the front end portion of the intermediate shaft 15 via another universal joint (lower universal joint) 5. The intermediate shaft 15 is fitted on the vehicle body front side of the male intermediate shaft (male shaft) 15A on the vehicle body rear side of the female intermediate shaft (female shaft) 15B so as to be able to transmit rotational torque and relatively move in the axial direction. Is fitted.

図示しないピニオンが、軸６の下端（車体前方側端部）に形成されている。また、図示しないラックが、このピニオンに噛み合っており、ステアリングホイール１１の回転が、タイロッド３１を移動させて、図示しない車輪を操舵する。   A pinion (not shown) is formed at the lower end (front end of the vehicle body) of the shaft 6. A rack (not shown) meshes with the pinion, and rotation of the steering wheel 11 moves the tie rod 31 to steer a wheel (not shown).

アシスト装置２０のギヤハウジング２１には、電動モータ２６のケース２６１が固定され、この電動モータ２６の図示しない回転軸にウォームが結合されている。出力軸２３には図示しないウォームホイールが取り付けられ、このウォームホイールに電動モータ２６の回転軸のウォームが噛合っている。   A case 261 of an electric motor 26 is fixed to the gear housing 21 of the assist device 20, and a worm is coupled to a rotating shaft (not shown) of the electric motor 26. A worm wheel (not shown) is attached to the output shaft 23, and the worm of the rotating shaft of the electric motor 26 is engaged with the worm wheel.

また、出力軸２３の中間部の周囲には、図示しないトルクセンサが設けられている。上記ステアリングホイール１１からステアリングシャフト１２に加えられるトルクの方向と大きさを、トルクセンサで検出し、この検出値に応じて、電動モータ２６を駆動し、ウォームとウォームホイールから成る減速機構を介して、出力軸２３に、所定の方向に所定の大きさで補助トルクを発生させる。補助トルクを発生させるアシスト装置は、電動式に限定されるものではなく、油圧式のアシスト装置でもよい。   A torque sensor (not shown) is provided around the intermediate portion of the output shaft 23. The direction and magnitude of the torque applied from the steering wheel 11 to the steering shaft 12 is detected by a torque sensor, and the electric motor 26 is driven in accordance with the detected value via a reduction mechanism comprising a worm and a worm wheel. Then, the output shaft 23 is caused to generate auxiliary torque with a predetermined magnitude in a predetermined direction. The assist device that generates the auxiliary torque is not limited to an electric type, and may be a hydraulic assist device.

図２から図５は、本発明の実施例１の自在継手と軸の結合構造を示し、図１の自在継手５の一方のヨーク５１と軸６との結合部に適用した例を示す。本発明の自在継手と軸の結合構造は、図１の自在継手４と雄中間シャフト１５Ａとの結合部や、自在継手４と出力軸２３との結合部に適用してもよい。   2 to 5 show the coupling structure of the universal joint and the shaft according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and show an example applied to the coupling portion between one yoke 51 and the shaft 6 of the universal joint 5 of FIG. The universal joint / shaft coupling structure of the present invention may be applied to the joint between the universal joint 4 and the male intermediate shaft 15 </ b> A in FIG. 1 or the joint between the universal joint 4 and the output shaft 23.

図２から図５には、本発明の実施例１の自在継手５を構成する一対のヨーク５１、５１のうちの一方のヨーク５１と、軸６との結合構造を示している。ヨーク５１の左側（図２）には二股状の結合アーム部５２が形成され、この結合アーム部５２に形成された円孔５２１に挿入された図示しない十字軸を介して、他方のヨーク５１と結合されている。従って、上記両ヨーク５１、５１の中心が同一直線上に位置しなくても、両ヨーク５１、５１同士の間で回転力を伝達することができる。   FIGS. 2 to 5 show a coupling structure between one of the pair of yokes 51 and 51 constituting the universal joint 5 according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the shaft 6. A bifurcated coupling arm 52 is formed on the left side of the yoke 51 (FIG. 2), and the other yoke 51 is connected to the other yoke 51 via a cross shaft (not shown) inserted into a circular hole 521 formed in the coupling arm 52. Are combined. Therefore, the rotational force can be transmitted between the yokes 51 and 51 even if the centers of the yokes 51 and 51 are not located on the same straight line.

ヨーク５１の右側（図２）には略円筒状の結合筒部５３が形成され、この結合筒部５３の内周面に形成された雌セレーション５３１に、図２の右側から、結合筒部５３の軸方向に平行に軸６を挿入し、軸６の外周面に形成された雄セレーション６１を、雌セレーション５３１にセレーション係合させて、回転トルクを伝達可能に構成している。   A substantially cylindrical coupling cylinder portion 53 is formed on the right side (FIG. 2) of the yoke 51, and the coupling cylinder portion 53 is formed on the female serration 531 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the coupling cylinder portion 53 from the right side of FIG. The shaft 6 is inserted in parallel to the axial direction of the shaft 6, and the male serration 61 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 6 is serrated to the female serration 531 so that rotational torque can be transmitted.

図４に示すように、ヨーク５１の結合筒部５３には、結合筒部５３から接線方向に延びた後、内側に折り返された左右一対のフランジ部５４Ａ、５４Ｂが形成されている。フランジ部５４Ａ、５４Ｂの間には、雌セレーション５３１に連通するスリット５６が形成されている。   As shown in FIG. 4, a pair of left and right flange portions 54 </ b> A and 54 </ b> B are formed in the coupling cylinder portion 53 of the yoke 51, extending in the tangential direction from the coupling cylinder portion 53 and then folded inward. A slit 56 communicating with the female serration 531 is formed between the flange portions 54A and 54B.

また、フランジ部５４Ａ、５４Ｂには、図４の左右方向（結合筒部５３の軸心に直交する方向）にボルト孔５４１Ａ、５４１Ｂが貫通して形成されている。ボルト孔５４１Ａ、５４１Ｂには、図４の右側からボルト５５が挿入されている。ナット５５１をボルト５５にねじ込むと、フランジ部５４Ａ、５４Ｂが弾性変形してスリット５６の幅が狭まり、雌セレーション５３１が縮径して、軸６の雄セレーション６１を強く締付けることができる。   Further, bolt holes 541A and 541B are formed through the flange portions 54A and 54B in the left-right direction in FIG. 4 (the direction perpendicular to the axis of the coupling tube portion 53). Bolts 55 are inserted into the bolt holes 541A and 541B from the right side of FIG. When the nut 551 is screwed into the bolt 55, the flange portions 54A and 54B are elastically deformed to narrow the width of the slit 56, the female serration 531 is reduced in diameter, and the male serration 61 of the shaft 6 can be strongly tightened.

軸６の雄セレーション６１の上部には、略Ｕ字形の凹部６２が形成され、軸６がヨーク５１の結合筒部５３から図２の右側に抜け出そうとすると、ボルト５５の軸部外周５５２が凹部６２に当接して、軸６がヨーク５１の結合筒部５３から抜け出すのを防止する。   A substantially U-shaped recess 62 is formed in the upper part of the male serration 61 of the shaft 6, and when the shaft 6 is about to come out from the coupling cylinder portion 53 of the yoke 51 to the right side in FIG. The shaft 6 is prevented from coming out of the coupling cylinder portion 53 of the yoke 51 by coming into contact with the recess 62.

図２及び図５に示すように、軸６には、雄セレーション６１の左端に、雄セレーション６１の外径よりも小径の小径軸部６３が形成されている。この小径軸部６３には、小径軸部６３の左側から係合筒７１が圧入され、軸６に対して、軸方向及び回転方向に係合筒７１が動かないように固定されている。   As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the shaft 6 is formed with a small-diameter shaft portion 63 having a smaller diameter than the outer diameter of the male serration 61 at the left end of the male serration 61. The small diameter shaft portion 63 is press-fitted with an engagement tube 71 from the left side of the small diameter shaft portion 63, and is fixed to the shaft 6 so that the engagement tube 71 does not move in the axial direction and the rotational direction.

図５（２）、（３）に示すように、係合筒７１は、金属製の薄板（例えば板厚が０．２〜０．５ｍｍ）を有底円筒形状（例えば円筒の直径が１５ｍｍ）に成形したもので、係合筒７１の上部には、係合筒７１の右端面側から左側に向かって、スリット７１１、７１１が形成されている。スリット７１１、７１１は、係合筒７１の軸方向長さの略中間位置まで形成されており、スリット７１１、７１１で挟まれた矩形形状の係合凸部７１２が、上方に（軸６の軸心から離れる方向に）折り曲げられている。   As shown in FIGS. 5 (2) and 5 (3), the engagement cylinder 71 is a metal thin plate (for example, a plate thickness of 0.2 to 0.5 mm) with a bottomed cylindrical shape (for example, the diameter of the cylinder is 15 mm). In the upper part of the engagement cylinder 71, slits 711 and 711 are formed from the right end surface side to the left side of the engagement cylinder 71. The slits 711 and 711 are formed up to substantially the middle position of the axial length of the engagement cylinder 71, and the rectangular engagement convex portion 712 sandwiched between the slits 711 and 711 is upward (the axis of the shaft 6 It is bent away from the heart).

係合凸部７１２は、図２及び図５の左側から右側に向かって、軸６の軸心から離れる方向に、角度θ１で傾斜して折り曲げられている。また、係合凸部７１２の右端（軸６の軸心から最も離れた位置にある）７１３は、雌セレーション５３１の内周よりも、軸６の軸心から離れた位置に位置している。   The engaging convex portion 712 is bent at an angle θ1 in a direction away from the axis of the shaft 6 from the left side to the right side in FIGS. 2 and 5. Further, the right end (located at a position farthest from the axis of the shaft 6) 713 of the engagement convex portion 712 is located at a position farther from the axis of the shaft 6 than the inner periphery of the female serration 531.

図２、図３及び図５に示すように、フランジ部５４Ａ、５４Ｂには、スリット５６と同一角度位相位置に、ヨーク５１の外周面から雌セレーション５３１に向かって連通する係合凹部８１が形成されている。すなわち、係合凹部８１は、ヨーク５１の外周面から雌セレーション５３１まで貫通している。図３で見て、係合凹部８１の左右方向の幅Ｗ１は、係合凸部７１２の左右方向の幅Ｗ２よりも若干広く形成されている。この係合凹部８１の角度位相は、係合凸部７１２の角度位相と一致する位置に形成されている。また、係合凸部７１２の左右方向の幅Ｗ２は、フランジ部５４Ａ、５４Ｂ間のスリット５６の左右方向の幅Ｗ３よりも広く形成されている。   As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the flanges 54 </ b> A and 54 </ b> B are formed with engaging recesses 81 that communicate with the slits 56 from the outer peripheral surface of the yoke 51 toward the female serration 531. Has been. That is, the engagement recess 81 penetrates from the outer peripheral surface of the yoke 51 to the female serration 531. As seen in FIG. 3, the width W <b> 1 in the left-right direction of the engagement recess 81 is formed slightly wider than the width W <b> 2 in the left-right direction of the engagement protrusion 712. The angular phase of the engagement concave portion 81 is formed at a position that matches the angular phase of the engagement convex portion 712. Further, the width W2 in the left-right direction of the engaging convex portion 712 is formed wider than the width W3 in the left-right direction of the slit 56 between the flange portions 54A, 54B.

このように構成された実施例１のヨーク５１と軸６の結合手順は、以下の通りである。すなわち、ヨーク５１の結合筒部５３に形成された雌セレーション５３１に、図２の右側から、結合筒部５３の軸方向に平行に軸６を挿入する。すると、軸６の左端の小径軸部６３に固定された係合筒７１の係合凸部７１２が、雌セレーション５３１の内周に当接して、軸６の軸心に近づく方向に弾性変形する。   The connecting procedure of the yoke 51 and the shaft 6 of the first embodiment configured as described above is as follows. That is, the shaft 6 is inserted into the female serration 531 formed in the coupling cylinder portion 53 of the yoke 51 from the right side of FIG. 2 in parallel to the axial direction of the coupling cylinder portion 53. Then, the engaging convex portion 712 of the engaging tube 71 fixed to the small diameter shaft portion 63 at the left end of the shaft 6 abuts on the inner periphery of the female serration 531 and elastically deforms in a direction approaching the axis of the shaft 6. .

従って、軸６の小径軸部６３及び係合凸部７１２は、ヨーク５１の雌セレーション５３１内に入り込み、軸６の雄セレーション６１がヨーク５１の雌セレーション５３１にセレーション係合を開始する。係合凸部７１２の左右方向の幅Ｗ２は、スリット５６の左右方向の幅Ｗ３よりも広く形成されているため、係合凸部７１２の右端７１３は、雌セレーション５３１の内周に沿って図２の左側に移動する。   Therefore, the small-diameter shaft portion 63 and the engaging convex portion 712 of the shaft 6 enter the female serration 531 of the yoke 51, and the male serration 61 of the shaft 6 starts serration engagement with the female serration 531 of the yoke 51. Since the width W2 in the left-right direction of the engagement convex portion 712 is formed wider than the width W3 in the left-right direction of the slit 56, the right end 713 of the engagement convex portion 712 is illustrated along the inner periphery of the female serration 531. Move to the left side of 2.

軸６が図２の左側にさらに挿入され、軸６の係合凸部７１２の右端７１３が、ヨーク５１の係合凹部８１の右側内壁８１１を通過すると、係合凸部７１２の弾性力によって、係合凸部７１２が、軸６の軸心から離れる方向に復帰する。   When the shaft 6 is further inserted on the left side of FIG. 2 and the right end 713 of the engaging convex portion 712 of the shaft 6 passes through the right inner wall 811 of the engaging concave portion 81 of the yoke 51, the elastic force of the engaging convex portion 712 causes The engaging convex portion 712 returns in a direction away from the axis of the shaft 6.

その結果、係合凸部７１２の右端７１３は、雌セレーション５３１の内周よりも、軸６の軸心から離れた位置に戻り、係合凸部７１２の右端７１３が係合凹部８１内に入り込む。従って、軸６をヨーク５１から引き抜く方向（図２の右方向）に力が加わっても、係合凸部７１２の右端７１３が係合凹部８１の右側内壁８１１に当接するため、軸６はヨーク５１に対して、所定の軸方向の組み付け位置に保持されると共に、軸６はヨーク５１から抜け出さない。   As a result, the right end 713 of the engaging convex portion 712 returns to a position farther from the axis of the shaft 6 than the inner periphery of the female serration 531, and the right end 713 of the engaging convex portion 712 enters the engaging concave portion 81. . Therefore, even if a force is applied in the direction in which the shaft 6 is pulled out from the yoke 51 (right direction in FIG. 2), the right end 713 of the engaging convex portion 712 contacts the right inner wall 811 of the engaging concave portion 81. The shaft 6 is held at a predetermined axial position with respect to the shaft 51, and the shaft 6 does not come out of the yoke 51.

この状態で、ボルト孔５４１Ａ、５４１Ｂにボルト５５を挿入し、ナット５５１をボルト５５にねじ込めば、フランジ部５４Ａ、５４Ｂが互いに近づく方向に弾性変形して、雌セレーション５３１が縮径し、軸６の雄セレーション６１を雌セレーション５３１で強く締付けて固定することができる。従って、ボルト５５による締付けが完了するまで、軸６の軸方向位置が所定の組み付け位置に保持されるため、軸とヨークが所定の軸方向位置からずれないように手で押さえる必要がなく、組み付け作業が容易になる。   In this state, if the bolt 55 is inserted into the bolt holes 541A and 541B and the nut 551 is screwed into the bolt 55, the flange portions 54A and 54B are elastically deformed in a direction approaching each other, and the female serration 531 is reduced in diameter. Six male serrations 61 can be firmly clamped and fixed by female serrations 531. Therefore, since the axial position of the shaft 6 is held at the predetermined assembly position until the bolt 55 is tightened, there is no need to manually hold the shaft and the yoke so that they do not deviate from the predetermined axial position. Work becomes easy.

また、このようにして結合した軸６をヨーク５１から取り外す場合には、まず、ナット５５１を緩めて、ボルト孔５４１Ａ、５４１Ｂからボルト５５を取り外す。その後、図２に示すように、係合凹部８１の開口部８１２側（図２の上部側）から、係合凹部８１内に棒状の押圧治具８２（図２に二点鎖線で示す）を挿入し、押圧治具８２の下端で係合凸部７１２を押す。   Further, when the shaft 6 thus coupled is removed from the yoke 51, first, the nut 551 is loosened, and the bolt 55 is removed from the bolt holes 541A and 541B. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 2, a rod-shaped pressing jig 82 (shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 2) is inserted into the engagement recess 81 from the opening 812 side (upper side in FIG. 2) of the engagement recess 81. The engaging projection 712 is pushed by the lower end of the pressing jig 82.

係合凸部７１２の右端７１３を、雌セレーション５３１の内周よりも軸６の軸心側に弾性変形させた状態で、軸６をヨーク５１から図２の右側に引き抜く。すると、係合凸部７１２の右端７１３は、係合凹部８１から外れて、雌セレーション５３１の内周に沿って図２の右側に移動可能となるため、軸６をヨーク５１から取り外すことができる。   The shaft 6 is pulled out from the yoke 51 to the right in FIG. 2 in a state where the right end 713 of the engaging convex portion 712 is elastically deformed to the axial center side of the shaft 6 with respect to the inner periphery of the female serration 531. Then, the right end 713 of the engagement convex portion 712 is disengaged from the engagement concave portion 81 and can move to the right side in FIG. 2 along the inner periphery of the female serration 531, so that the shaft 6 can be detached from the yoke 51. .

上記実施例１では、係合凹部８１は、スリット５６と同一角度位相位置に形成されているが、係合凹部８１を形成する位置は、実施例１の角度位相に限定されるものではない。すなわち、軸６に取り付けられる係合凸部７１２の角度位相に合わせて、軸６の係合凸部７１２の角度位相に一致するように、結合筒部５３の任意の角度位相位置に係合凹部８１を形成すればよい。   In the first embodiment, the engaging recess 81 is formed at the same angular phase position as the slit 56, but the position where the engaging recess 81 is formed is not limited to the angular phase of the first embodiment. That is, in accordance with the angular phase of the engaging convex portion 712 attached to the shaft 6, the engaging concave portion is positioned at an arbitrary angular phase position of the coupling cylindrical portion 53 so as to match the angular phase of the engaging convex portion 712 of the shaft 6. 81 may be formed.

また、図２に示すように、軸６の雄セレーション６１を越えて右側の小径軸部６４に、雌セレーション５３１の内周よりも軸６の軸心から離れた位置まで突出する突起６６（二点鎖線で示す）を形成してもよい。このようにすれば、ヨーク５１と軸６の結合時に、突起６６がヨーク５１の右端面５８に当接して、軸６が左方へ行き過ぎるのを防止できるので、組み付け作業がさらに容易になる。   Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a protrusion 66 (2) that protrudes from the inner periphery of the female serration 531 to a position farther from the axis of the shaft 6 than the inner periphery of the female serration 531 beyond the male serration 61 of the shaft 6. (Shown by a dotted line). In this way, when the yoke 51 and the shaft 6 are coupled, it is possible to prevent the projection 66 from coming into contact with the right end surface 58 of the yoke 51 and the shaft 6 from going to the left, so that the assembling work is further facilitated.

次に本発明の実施例２について説明する。図６は本発明の実施例２の軸の平面図である。以下の説明では、上記実施例１と異なる構造部分と作用についてのみ説明し、重複する説明は省略する。また、同一部品には同一番号を付して説明する。   Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a plan view of an axis according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, only structural portions and operations different from those of the first embodiment will be described, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted. Further, the same parts will be described with the same numbers.

実施例２は、実施例１の係合凸部７１２の形状を変えた例である。すなわち、図６に示すように、係合凸部７１２の折り曲げ部に円形の孔７１４を形成して、係合凸部７１２の弾性係数を小さくしている。孔７１４の形状は、円形に限定されるものではなく、矩形、三角形等、任意の形状の孔でよい。   The second embodiment is an example in which the shape of the engaging convex portion 712 of the first embodiment is changed. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, a circular hole 714 is formed in the bent portion of the engaging convex portion 712 to reduce the elastic coefficient of the engaging convex portion 712. The shape of the hole 714 is not limited to a circle, and may be a hole having an arbitrary shape such as a rectangle or a triangle.

これによって、係合凸部７１２が容易に弾性変形するため、軸６をヨーク５１の雌セレーション５３１に挿入する時の抵抗が小さくなり、小さな力で軸６をヨーク５１に挿入することが可能となるため、組み付け作業が容易になる。   As a result, the engaging convex portion 712 is easily elastically deformed, so that the resistance when the shaft 6 is inserted into the female serration 531 of the yoke 51 is reduced, and the shaft 6 can be inserted into the yoke 51 with a small force. Therefore, the assembly work becomes easy.

次に本発明の実施例３について説明する。図７は本発明の実施例３の自在継手のヨークと軸の結合前の状態を示す一部を断面した正面図である。以下の説明では、上記実施例と異なる構造部分と作用についてのみ説明し、重複する説明は省略する。また、同一部品には同一番号を付して説明する。   Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional front view showing a state before the yoke and shaft of the universal joint according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention are coupled. In the following description, only structural portions and operations different from the above embodiment will be described, and redundant description will be omitted. Further, the same parts will be described with the same numbers.

実施例３は、実施例１の係合凹部の形状を変えた例である。すなわち、図７に示すように、軸６の小径軸部６３に圧入された係合筒７１の下部（図７の下方）には、矩形形状の係合凸部７１２が、下方に（軸６の軸心から離れる方向に）折り曲げられて形成されている。結合筒部５３には、係合凸部７１２と同一角度位相位置に、雌セレーション５３１に連通する係合凹部８１が形成されている。実施例３の係合凹部８１には、結合筒部５３の外周（図７の下方側）に開口する開口部は形成されていない。   The third embodiment is an example in which the shape of the engagement concave portion of the first embodiment is changed. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, a rectangular engagement convex portion 712 is provided below (on the shaft 6) a lower portion (downward in FIG. 7) of the engagement cylinder 71 press-fitted into the small diameter shaft portion 63 of the shaft 6. (In a direction away from the axial center). The coupling cylinder portion 53 is formed with an engagement recess 81 communicating with the female serration 531 at the same angular phase position as the engagement projection 712. In the engaging recess 81 of the third embodiment, an opening that opens to the outer periphery (the lower side in FIG. 7) of the coupling cylinder portion 53 is not formed.

次に本発明の実施例４について説明する。図８は本発明の実施例４の自在継手と軸の結合構造の結合状態を示す一部を断面した正面図である。以下の説明では、上記実施例と異なる構造部分と作用についてのみ説明し、重複する説明は省略する。また、同一部品には同一番号を付して説明する。   Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional front view showing a coupling state of a universal joint / shaft coupling structure according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In the following description, only structural portions and operations different from the above embodiment will be described, and redundant description will be omitted. Further, the same parts will be described with the same numbers.

実施例４は、実施例１の係合凸部の形状を変えた例である。すなわち、図８に示すように、軸６の小径軸部６３に圧入された係合筒７２の上部（図８の上方）には、山形に折り曲げられた係合凸部７２２が形成されている。   The fourth embodiment is an example in which the shape of the engaging convex portion of the first embodiment is changed. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, an engagement convex portion 722 bent into a mountain shape is formed on the upper portion (upper portion of FIG. 8) of the engagement cylinder 72 press-fitted into the small diameter shaft portion 63 of the shaft 6. .

ヨーク５１の結合筒部５３に形成された雌セレーション５３１に、図８の右側から、結合筒部５３の軸方向に平行に軸６を挿入する。すると、軸６の左端の係合凸部７２２の山形の頂点（先端のR形状部）７２３が、雌セレーション５３１の内周に当接して、山形の頂点７２３の傾斜角度がなだらかになる方向に弾性変形する。   The shaft 6 is inserted into the female serration 531 formed in the coupling cylinder portion 53 of the yoke 51 from the right side of FIG. 8 in parallel to the axial direction of the coupling cylinder portion 53. Then, the mountain-shaped vertex (R-shaped portion at the tip) 723 of the engagement convex portion 722 at the left end of the shaft 6 abuts on the inner periphery of the female serration 531, and the angle of inclination of the mountain-shaped vertex 723 becomes gentle. Elastically deforms.

従って、係合凸部７２２が、ヨーク５１の雌セレーション５３１内に入り込み、続いて、軸６の雄セレーション６１がヨーク５１の雌セレーション５３１にセレーション係合を開始する。軸６が図８の左側にさらに挿入され、係合凸部７２２の山形の頂点７２３がヨーク５１の係合凹部８１の右側内壁８１１を通過すると、係合凸部７２２の弾性力によって、山形の頂点７２３が係合凹部８１内に入り込む。   Accordingly, the engaging convex portion 722 enters the female serration 531 of the yoke 51, and then the male serration 61 of the shaft 6 starts serration engagement with the female serration 531 of the yoke 51. When the shaft 6 is further inserted on the left side of FIG. 8 and the peak 723 of the engagement projection 722 passes through the right inner wall 811 of the engagement recess 81 of the yoke 51, the angle of the projection is increased by the elastic force of the engagement projection 722. The vertex 723 enters the engagement recess 81.

従って、軸６をヨーク５１から引き抜く方向に力が加わっても、山形の頂点７２３が係合凹部８１の右側内壁８１１に当接するため、軸６はヨーク５１に対して、所定の軸方向の組み付け位置に保持されると共に、軸６はヨーク５１から抜け出さない。   Therefore, even if a force is applied in the direction in which the shaft 6 is pulled out from the yoke 51, the mountain-shaped apex 723 abuts against the right inner wall 811 of the engaging recess 81, so that the shaft 6 is assembled to the yoke 51 in a predetermined axial direction. While being held in position, the shaft 6 does not come out of the yoke 51.

次に本発明の実施例５について説明する。図９は本発明の実施例５の自在継手と軸の結合構造の結合状態を示す一部を断面した正面図である。以下の説明では、上記実施例と異なる構造部分と作用についてのみ説明し、重複する説明は省略する。また、同一部品には同一番号を付して説明する。   Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional front view showing a coupling state of the universal joint / shaft coupling structure according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, only structural portions and operations different from the above embodiment will be described, and redundant description will be omitted. Further, the same parts will be described with the same numbers.

実施例５は、実施例１の係合凸部の形状を変えた例である。すなわち、図９に示すように、軸６の小径軸部６３の外周にカシメて固定された係合筒７３の下部（図９の下方）には、幅の狭い下部延長部７３１が、軸６の雄セレーション６１を越えて右側の小径軸部６４まで延びて形成されている。係合筒７３は、右側の小径軸部６４の外周にもカシメて固定されている。雄セレーション６１は、下部延長部７３１が右側の小径軸部６４まで延びて通過できるように、その下部が削ぎ落とされている。   The fifth embodiment is an example in which the shape of the engaging convex portion of the first embodiment is changed. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, a narrow lower extension 731 is provided at the lower portion of the engaging cylinder 73 that is caulked and fixed to the outer periphery of the small-diameter shaft portion 63 of the shaft 6 (downward in FIG. 9). It extends beyond the male serration 61 to the small diameter shaft portion 64 on the right side. The engagement cylinder 73 is also fixed by caulking to the outer periphery of the small-diameter shaft portion 64 on the right side. The lower part of the male serration 61 is scraped off so that the lower extension 731 can extend to the small diameter shaft 64 on the right side.

下部延長部７３１の右端には、下方に（軸６の軸心から離れる方向に）折り曲げられた、矩形形状の係合凸部７３２が形成されている。係合凸部７３２は、図９の左側から右側に向かって、軸６の軸心から離れる方向に、角度θ２で傾斜して折り曲げられている。また、係合凸部７３２の右端（軸６の軸心から最も離れた位置にある）７３３は、雌セレーション５３１の内周よりも、軸６の軸心から離れた位置に位置している。ヨーク５１の結合筒部５３には、係合凸部７３２と同一角度位相位置に、雌セレーション５３１に連通する係合凹部８１が形成されている。   At the right end of the lower extension portion 731, a rectangular engagement convex portion 732 is formed that is bent downward (in a direction away from the axis of the shaft 6). The engaging convex portion 732 is bent at an angle θ2 in a direction away from the axis of the shaft 6 from the left side to the right side in FIG. Further, the right end of the engagement convex portion 732 (located at the position farthest from the axis of the shaft 6) 733 is located at a position farther from the axis of the shaft 6 than the inner periphery of the female serration 531. An engagement recess 81 that communicates with the female serration 531 is formed in the coupling cylinder portion 53 of the yoke 51 at the same angular phase position as the engagement protrusion 732.

ヨーク５１の雌セレーション５３１に、図９の右側から軸６を挿入する。すると、軸６の小径軸部６３及び雄セレーション６１は、ヨーク５１の雌セレーション５３１内に入り込み、ヨーク５１の雌セレーション５３１に軸６の雄セレーション６１がセレーション係合を開始する。   The shaft 6 is inserted into the female serration 531 of the yoke 51 from the right side of FIG. Then, the small-diameter shaft portion 63 and the male serration 61 of the shaft 6 enter the female serration 531 of the yoke 51, and the male serration 61 of the shaft 6 starts to engage with the female serration 531 of the yoke 51.

軸６に固定された係合筒７３の係合凸部７３２が、雌セレーション５３１の内周に当接して、軸６の軸心に近づく方向に弾性変形し、係合凸部７３２の右端７３３は、雌セレーション５３１の内周に沿って図９の左側に移動する。   The engaging convex portion 732 of the engaging cylinder 73 fixed to the shaft 6 abuts on the inner periphery of the female serration 531 and elastically deforms in a direction approaching the axis of the shaft 6, and the right end 733 of the engaging convex portion 732. Moves to the left side of FIG. 9 along the inner periphery of the female serration 531.

軸６が図９の左側にさらに挿入され、軸６の係合凸部７３２の右端７３３が、係合凹部８１の右側内壁８１１を通過すると、係合凸部７３２の弾性力によって、係合凸部７３２が軸６の軸心から離れる方向に復帰する。   When the shaft 6 is further inserted on the left side in FIG. 9 and the right end 733 of the engaging convex portion 732 of the shaft 6 passes through the right inner wall 811 of the engaging concave portion 81, the engaging convex portion 732 causes the engaging convex portion The part 732 returns in a direction away from the axis of the shaft 6.

その結果、係合凸部７３２の右端７３３は、雌セレーション５３１の内周よりも、軸６の軸心から離れた位置に戻り、係合凸部７３２の右端７３３が係合凹部８１内に入り込む。従って、軸６をヨーク５１から引き抜く方向に力が加わっても、係合凸部７３２の右端７３３が係合凹部８１の右側内壁８１１に当接するため、軸６はヨーク５１に対して、所定の軸方向の組み付け位置に保持されると共に、軸６はヨーク５１から抜け出さない。   As a result, the right end 733 of the engaging convex portion 732 returns to a position farther from the axis of the shaft 6 than the inner periphery of the female serration 531, and the right end 733 of the engaging convex portion 732 enters the engaging concave portion 81. . Therefore, even if a force is applied in the direction in which the shaft 6 is pulled out from the yoke 51, the right end 733 of the engaging convex portion 732 contacts the right inner wall 811 of the engaging concave portion 81. While being held at the assembly position in the axial direction, the shaft 6 does not come out of the yoke 51.

次に本発明の実施例６について説明する。図１０は本発明の実施例６の自在継手と軸の結合構造の結合前の状態を示す一部を断面した正面図である。以下の説明では、上記実施例と異なる構造部分と作用についてのみ説明し、重複する説明は省略する。また、同一部品には同一番号を付して説明する。   Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional front view showing a state before the coupling structure between the universal joint and the shaft according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, only structural portions and operations different from the above embodiment will be described, and redundant description will be omitted. Further, the same parts will be described with the same numbers.

実施例６は、実施例１の係合凸部の形状を変えた例である。すなわち、図１０に示すように、軸６の雄セレーション６１の左端には上記実施例の小径軸部６３は形成されていない。また、ヨーク５１には、係合凹部８１は形成されていない。その代わりとして、軸６の凹部６２の右側には、雄セレーション６１の外周に環状溝６５が形成され、この環状溝６５に、断面が円形で、ゴムや合成樹脂等の弾性材料を環状に成形した係合凸部７４２が巻き付けられている。係合凸部７４２の外周の直径は、雌セレーション５３１の内周の内径よりも、大径に形成されている。   The sixth embodiment is an example in which the shape of the engaging convex portion of the first embodiment is changed. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, the small diameter shaft portion 63 of the above embodiment is not formed at the left end of the male serration 61 of the shaft 6. Further, the engagement recess 81 is not formed in the yoke 51. Instead, an annular groove 65 is formed on the outer periphery of the male serration 61 on the right side of the concave portion 62 of the shaft 6, and an elastic material such as rubber or synthetic resin is formed in an annular shape in the annular groove 65. The engaged convex portion 742 is wound. The diameter of the outer periphery of the engaging convex part 742 is formed larger than the inner diameter of the inner periphery of the female serration 531.

ヨーク５１の雌セレーション５３１に、図１０の右側から軸６を挿入する。すると、軸６の雄セレーション６１は、ヨーク５１の雌セレーション５３１内に入り込み、ヨーク５１の雌セレーション５３１に軸６の雄セレーション６１がセレーション係合を開始する。   The shaft 6 is inserted into the female serration 531 of the yoke 51 from the right side of FIG. Then, the male serration 61 of the shaft 6 enters the female serration 531 of the yoke 51, and the male serration 61 of the shaft 6 starts to engage with the female serration 531 of the yoke 51.

軸６の環状溝６５に固定された係合凸部７４２が、雌セレーション５３１の内周に当接して、軸６の軸心に近づく方向に弾性変形してつぶれるため、雌セレーション５３１の内周に沿って図１０の左側に、係合凸部７４２を移動させることができる。   Since the engaging convex portion 742 fixed to the annular groove 65 of the shaft 6 abuts on the inner periphery of the female serration 531 and is elastically deformed in a direction approaching the axis of the shaft 6, the inner periphery of the female serration 531 The engaging protrusion 742 can be moved along the left side of FIG.

軸６が図１０の左側にさらに挿入され、軸６がヨーク５１の所定の軸方向位置に達したら、ボルト孔５４１Ａ、５４１Ｂにボルト５５を挿入し、ナット５５１をボルト５５にねじ込む。すると、フランジ部５４Ａ、５４Ｂが互いに近づく方向に弾性変形して、雌セレーション５３１が縮径し、軸６の雄セレーション６１を雌セレーション５３１で強く締付けて固定することができる。   When the shaft 6 is further inserted on the left side of FIG. 10 and the shaft 6 reaches a predetermined axial position of the yoke 51, the bolt 55 is inserted into the bolt holes 541A and 541B, and the nut 551 is screwed into the bolt 55. Then, the flange portions 54A and 54B are elastically deformed in a direction approaching each other, the female serration 531 is reduced in diameter, and the male serration 61 of the shaft 6 can be firmly tightened and fixed by the female serration 531.

このボルト５５による締付けが完了するまで、係合凸部７４２の弾性変形による摩擦力（係合凸部７４２と雌セレーション５３１の内周との間に作用する）で、軸６の軸方向位置が所定の組み付け位置に保持されるため、組み付け作業が容易になる。   Until the tightening by the bolt 55 is completed, the axial position of the shaft 6 is changed by the frictional force (acting between the engaging protrusion 742 and the inner periphery of the female serration 531) due to the elastic deformation of the engaging protrusion 742. Since it is held at a predetermined assembling position, the assembling work becomes easy.

実施例６で、係合凸部７４２を、バネ鋼等で形成されたＣ形形状のリング（軸用Ｃ形止め輪）にしてもよい。このＣ形形状のリングの外周の自由状態での直径は、雌セレーション５３１の内周の内径よりも、大径に形成されている。   In Example 6, the engagement convex portion 742 may be a C-shaped ring (C-shaped retaining ring for shaft) formed of spring steel or the like. The diameter of the outer periphery of the C-shaped ring in a free state is larger than the inner diameter of the inner periphery of the female serration 531.

ヨーク５１の雌セレーション５３１に、図１０の右側から軸６を挿入すると、Ｃ形形状のリングの外周が、雌セレーション５３１の右端の面取り部に当接して、軸６の軸心に近づく方向に縮径（弾性変形）するため、雌セレーション５３１の内周に沿って図１０の左側に、Ｃ形形状のリングを移動させることができる。ボルト５５による締付けが完了するまで、Ｃ形形状のリングの弾性変形による摩擦力（Ｃ形形状のリングと雌セレーション５３１の内周との間に作用する）で、軸６の軸方向位置が所定の組み付け位置に保持されるため、組み付け作業が容易になる。   When the shaft 6 is inserted into the female serration 531 of the yoke 51 from the right side in FIG. 10, the outer periphery of the C-shaped ring comes into contact with the chamfered portion at the right end of the female serration 531 and approaches the axis of the shaft 6. In order to reduce the diameter (elastically deform), the C-shaped ring can be moved to the left side of FIG. 10 along the inner periphery of the female serration 531. Until the tightening with the bolt 55 is completed, the axial position of the shaft 6 is predetermined by the frictional force (acting between the C-shaped ring and the inner periphery of the female serration 531) due to the elastic deformation of the C-shaped ring. Since it is held at the assembly position, assembly work becomes easy.

また、雌セレーション５３１の内周に環状溝を形成し、この環状溝に弾性材料を環状に成形した係合凸部、またはＣ形形状のリング（穴用Ｃ形止め輪）を内嵌し、この係合凸部またはＣ形形状のリングの内周の直径を、軸６の雄セレーション６１の外周の内径よりも、小径に形成してもよい。この場合には、環状の係合凸部またはＣ形形状のリングと雄セレーション６１の外周との間に作用する摩擦力で、軸６の軸方向位置が所定の組み付け位置に保持される。   In addition, an annular groove is formed on the inner periphery of the female serration 531, and an engagement convex portion formed by annularly forming an elastic material or a C-shaped ring (C-shaped retaining ring for a hole) is fitted into the annular groove. The diameter of the inner periphery of the engaging projection or C-shaped ring may be smaller than the inner diameter of the outer periphery of the male serration 61 of the shaft 6. In this case, the axial position of the shaft 6 is held at a predetermined assembly position by a frictional force acting between the annular engaging convex portion or the C-shaped ring and the outer periphery of the male serration 61.

次に本発明の実施例７について説明する。図１１は本発明の実施例７の自在継手と軸の結合構造の結合状態を示す一部を断面した正面図である。図１２は図１１のＣ−Ｃ断面図である。以下の説明では、上記実施例と異なる構造部分と作用についてのみ説明し、重複する説明は省略する。また、同一部品には同一番号を付して説明する。   Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional front view showing a coupling state of a universal joint / shaft coupling structure according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. In the following description, only structural portions and operations different from the above embodiment will be described, and redundant description will be omitted. Further, the same parts will be described with the same numbers.

上記した実施例１から実施例６では、軸６側に係合凸部を形成し、ヨーク５１側に係合凸部が係合する係合凹部を形成しているが、実施例７は、ヨーク５１側に係合凸部を形成し、軸６側に係合凸部が係合する係合凹部を形成した例である。   In the first to sixth embodiments described above, the engaging convex portion is formed on the shaft 6 side and the engaging concave portion is formed on the yoke 51 side. This is an example in which an engaging convex portion is formed on the yoke 51 side and an engaging concave portion is formed on the shaft 6 side to engage the engaging convex portion.

すなわち、図１１から図１２に示すように、軸６の雄セレーション６１の左端には、上記実施例６と同様に、小径軸部６３は形成されていない。また、ヨーク５１には、係合凹部８１は形成されていない。   That is, as shown in FIGS. 11 to 12, the small-diameter shaft portion 63 is not formed at the left end of the male serration 61 of the shaft 6 as in the sixth embodiment. Further, the engagement recess 81 is not formed in the yoke 51.

その代わりとして、ヨーク５１の雌セレーション５３１の右端に、雌セレーション５３１の内径寸法よりも大径の大径孔５７が形成されている。この大径孔５７には、大径孔５７の右側から係合筒７５が内嵌されると共に、大径孔５７に係合筒７５がカシメ加工されて、ヨーク５１に対して、軸方向及び回転方向に係合筒７５が動かないように固定している。   Instead, a large-diameter hole 57 having a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the female serration 531 is formed at the right end of the female serration 531 of the yoke 51. An engagement cylinder 75 is fitted into the large diameter hole 57 from the right side of the large diameter hole 57, and the engagement cylinder 75 is caulked into the large diameter hole 57, so that The engagement cylinder 75 is fixed so as not to move in the rotation direction.

係合筒７５は、金属製の薄板を円筒形状に成形したもので、係合筒７５の上部には、矩形形状の係合凸部７５２が、下方に（軸６の軸心に近づく方向に）折り曲げられている。係合凸部７５２は、図１１の右側から左側に向かって、軸６の軸心に近づく方向に、角度θ３で傾斜して折り曲げられている。また、係合凸部７５２の左端（軸６の軸心に最も近づいた位置にある）７５３は、雄セレーション６１の外周よりも、軸６の軸心に近づいた位置に位置している。   The engagement cylinder 75 is formed by forming a thin metal plate into a cylindrical shape, and a rectangular engagement convex portion 752 is formed on the upper portion of the engagement cylinder 75 downward (in a direction approaching the axis of the shaft 6). ) It is bent. The engaging protrusion 752 is bent at an angle θ3 in a direction approaching the axis of the shaft 6 from the right side to the left side in FIG. In addition, the left end of the engaging convex portion 752 (located closest to the axis of the shaft 6) 753 is positioned closer to the axis of the shaft 6 than the outer periphery of the male serration 61.

また、軸６には、雄セレーション６１の右側に、雄セレーション６１の外周よりも小径の係合凹部（環状溝）８３が形成されている。   In addition, an engagement recess (annular groove) 83 having a smaller diameter than the outer periphery of the male serration 61 is formed on the shaft 6 on the right side of the male serration 61.

このように構成された実施例７のヨーク５１と軸６の結合手順は、以下の通りである。すなわち、ヨーク５１の結合筒部５３に形成された雌セレーション５３１に、図１１の右側から軸６を挿入する。すると、軸６の雄セレーション６１左端の外周部に係合凸部７５２の左端７５３が当接して、係合凸部７５２は、軸６の軸心から離れる方向に弾性変形する。   The connecting procedure of the yoke 51 and the shaft 6 of the seventh embodiment configured as described above is as follows. That is, the shaft 6 is inserted into the female serration 531 formed in the coupling cylinder portion 53 of the yoke 51 from the right side of FIG. Then, the left end 753 of the engaging convex portion 752 contacts the outer peripheral portion of the left end of the male serration 61 of the shaft 6, and the engaging convex portion 752 is elastically deformed in a direction away from the axis of the shaft 6.

従って、軸６の雄セレーション６１は、ヨーク５１の雌セレーション５３１内に入り込み、軸６の雄セレーション６１がヨーク５１の雌セレーション５３１にセレーション係合を開始する。   Accordingly, the male serration 61 of the shaft 6 enters the female serration 531 of the yoke 51, and the male serration 61 of the shaft 6 starts serration engagement with the female serration 531 of the yoke 51.

軸６が図１１の左側にさらに挿入され、軸６の雄セレーション６１の右端が係合凸部７５２の左端７５３を通過すると、係合凸部７５２の弾性力によって、係合凸部７５２が軸６の軸心に近づく方向に復帰する。   When the shaft 6 is further inserted on the left side of FIG. 11 and the right end of the male serration 61 of the shaft 6 passes the left end 753 of the engaging convex portion 752, the engaging convex portion 752 is pivoted by the elastic force of the engaging convex portion 752. Return to a direction approaching the axis 6.

その結果、係合凸部７５２の左端７５３は、雄セレーション６１の外周よりも、軸６の軸心に近づく位置に戻り、係合凸部７５２の左端７５３が係合凹部８３内に入り込む。従って、軸６をヨーク５１から引き抜く方向に力が加わっても、係合凸部７５２の左端７５３が係合凹部８３の左側段差面８３１に当接するため、軸６はヨーク５１に対して、所定の軸方向の組み付け位置に保持されると共に、軸６はヨーク５１から抜け出さない。   As a result, the left end 753 of the engagement protrusion 752 returns to a position closer to the axis of the shaft 6 than the outer periphery of the male serration 61, and the left end 753 of the engagement protrusion 752 enters the engagement recess 83. Therefore, even if a force is applied in the direction in which the shaft 6 is pulled out from the yoke 51, the left end 753 of the engaging convex portion 752 contacts the left step surface 831 of the engaging concave portion 83. And the shaft 6 does not come out of the yoke 51.

上記実施例では、セレーションによって軸とヨークとの間で回転トルクを伝達する結合構造に本発明を適用した例について説明したが、セレーション係合に限定されるものではなく、スプラインや非円形断面等によって回転トルクを伝達する結合構造に本発明を適用してもよい。   In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the present invention is applied to the coupling structure that transmits the rotational torque between the shaft and the yoke by serration has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to serration engagement. The present invention may be applied to a coupling structure that transmits rotational torque.

また、上記実施例では、係合凸部７１２、７２２、７３２、７５２は、円周方向に一個だけ形成されているが、円周方向に等間隔または不等間隔に複数個係合凸部を形成し、この複数個の係合凸部が各々係合する複数の係合凹部を形成してもよい。   Moreover, in the said Example, although only one engagement convex part 712,722,732,752 is formed in the circumferential direction, a plurality of engagement convex parts are arranged at equal intervals or unequal intervals in the circumferential direction. A plurality of engagement recesses may be formed, and the plurality of engagement projections may engage with each other.

本発明の実施例の自在継手と軸の結合構造を備えたステアリング装置の全体正面図である。BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an overall front view of a steering apparatus including a universal joint / shaft coupling structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の実施例１の自在継手と軸の結合構造の結合状態を示す一部を断面した正面図である。It is the front view which carried out the cross section of a part which shows the joint state of the joint structure of the universal joint of Example 1 of the present invention, and a shaft. 図２のＡ−Ａ断面図である。It is AA sectional drawing of FIG. 図２のＢ−Ｂ断面図である。It is BB sectional drawing of FIG. 図２の自在継手と軸の結合構造の結合前の状態を示す一部を断面した正面図である。FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional front view showing a state before the coupling structure of the universal joint and shaft of FIG. 2 is coupled. 本発明の実施例２の軸の平面図である。It is a top view of the axis | shaft of Example 2 of this invention. 本発明の実施例３の自在継手のヨークと軸の結合前の状態を示す一部を断面した正面図である。It is the front view which carried out the cross section of a part which shows the state before the coupling | bonding of the yoke and shaft of the universal joint of Example 3 of this invention. 本発明の実施例４の自在継手と軸の結合構造の結合状態を示す一部を断面した正面図である。It is the front view which carried out the cross section of a part which shows the joint state of the joint structure of the universal joint of Example 4 of this invention, and a shaft. 本発明の実施例５の自在継手と軸の結合構造の結合状態を示す一部を断面した正面図である。It is the front view which carried out the cross section of a part which shows the joint state of the joint structure of the universal joint of Example 5 of this invention, and a shaft. 本発明の実施例６の自在継手と軸の結合構造の結合前の状態を示す一部を断面した正面図である。It is the front view which carried out the cross section of a part which shows the state before the coupling | bonding of the coupling structure of the universal joint of the Example 6 of this invention, and a shaft. 本発明の実施例７の自在継手と軸の結合構造の結合状態を示す一部を断面した正面図である。It is the front view which carried out the cross section of a part which shows the joint state of the joint structure of the universal joint and shaft of Example 7 of the present invention. 図１１のＣ−Ｃ断面図である。It is CC sectional drawing of FIG.

１１ ステアリングホイール
１２ ステアリングシャフト
１２Ａ 雌ステアリングシャフト
１２Ｂ 雄ステアリングシャフト
１３ ステアリングコラム
１３Ａ アウターコラム
１３Ｂ インナーコラム
１４ 支持ブラケット
１５ 中間シャフト
１５Ａ 雄中間シャフト
１５Ｂ 雌中間シャフト
１８ 車体
２０ アシスト装置
２１ ギヤハウジング
２３ 出力軸
２６ 電動モータ
２６１ ケース
３０ ステアリングギヤ
３１ タイロッド
４ 自在継手（上側自在継手）
５ 自在継手（下側自在継手）
５１ ヨーク
５２ 結合アーム部
５２１ 円孔
５３ 結合筒部
５３１ 雌セレーション
５４Ａ、５４Ｂ フランジ部
５４１Ａ、５４１Ｂ ボルト孔
５５ ボルト
５５１ ナット
５５２ 軸部外周
５６ スリット
５７ 大径孔
５８ 右端面
６ 軸
６１ 雄セレーション
６２ 凹部
６３ 小径軸部
６４ 小径軸部
６５ 環状溝
６６ 突起
７１ 係合筒
７１１ スリット
７１２ 係合凸部
７１３ 右端
７１４ 孔
７２ 係合筒
７２２ 係合凸部
７２３ 山形の頂点
７３ 係合筒
７３１ 下部延長部
７３２ 係合凸部
７３３ 右端
７４２ 係合凸部
７５ 係合筒
７５２ 係合凸部
７５３ 左端
８１ 係合凹部
８１１ 右側内壁
８１２ 開口部
８２ 押圧治具
８３ 係合凹部（環状溝）
８３１ 左側段差面 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Steering wheel 12 Steering shaft 12A Female steering shaft 12B Male steering shaft 13 Steering column 13A Outer column 13B Inner column 14 Support bracket 15 Intermediate shaft 15A Male intermediate shaft 15B Female intermediate shaft 18 Car body 20 Assist device 21 Gear housing 23 Output shaft 26 Electric Motor 261 Case 30 Steering gear 31 Tie rod 4 Universal joint (upper universal joint)
5 Universal joint (lower universal joint)
51 Yoke 52 Coupling arm part 521 Circular hole 53 Coupling cylinder part 531 Female serration 54A, 54B Flange part 541A, 541B Bolt hole 55 Bolt 551 Nut 552 Shaft outer periphery 56 Slit 57 Large diameter hole 58 Right end face 6 Shaft 61 Male serration 62 Recessed part 63 Small-diameter shaft portion 64 Small-diameter shaft portion 65 Annular groove 66 Protrusion 71 Engagement tube 711 Slit 712 Engagement projection 713 Right end 714 Hole 72 Engagement tube 722 Engagement projection 723 Peak of mountain 73 Engagement tube 731 Lower extension 732 Engaging convex part 733 Right end 742 Engaging convex part 75 Engaging cylinder 752 Engaging convex part 753 Left end 81 Engaging concave part 811 Right inner wall 812 Opening part 82 Pressing jig 83 Engaging concave part (annular groove)
831 Left step surface

Claims (1)

互いに平行に配置された一対のフランジ部と、上記一対のフランジ部の下端を連結する略円筒状の結合筒部と、上記一対のフランジ部の間の間隔を狭めて、上記結合筒部の内周面を縮径するボルトを有する自在継手のヨーク、
上記結合筒部の内周面に結合筒部の軸方向に平行に挿入され、結合筒部の内周面に回転トルクを伝達可能に内嵌する外周面を有する軸、
上記軸の外周面に形成され、軸を結合筒部の内周面に挿入時に、結合筒部の内周面に当接して、軸の軸心に近づく方向に弾性変形可能な係合凸部、
上記結合筒部の内周面に連通して形成され、上記ヨークに上記軸が所定の軸方向位置に挿入された時に、軸の軸心から離れる方向に復帰した上記係合凸部が係合可能な係合凹部を備えているとともに、
上記結合筒部の内周面には雌セレーションが形成され、この雌セレーションに係合して回転トルクを伝達する雄セレーションが上記軸の外周面に形成されており、
上記係合凸部は、金属製の薄板を有底円筒形状に形成した、上記軸とは別体の係合筒であって、上記軸に固定された係合筒の軸方向の略中間位置まで形成された２つのスリットで挟まれた部分が軸心から離れる方向に折り曲げられ、更に、この折り曲げ部に係合凸部の弾性係数を小さくするための孔が形成されたものであるとともに、上記軸の外周面に上記雄セレーションの外径よりも小径の小径軸部が形成されており、この小径軸部の外周に、上記係合凸部が固定されていること
を特徴とする自在継手と軸の結合構造。 A space between the pair of flange portions arranged in parallel to each other, a substantially cylindrical coupling tube portion connecting the lower ends of the pair of flange portions, and the pair of flange portions is reduced, and the inside of the coupling tube portion is A universal joint yoke having bolts for reducing the diameter of the peripheral surface;
A shaft having an outer peripheral surface that is inserted in parallel to the axial direction of the coupling cylinder portion on the inner circumferential surface of the coupling cylinder portion, and is fitted into the inner circumferential surface of the coupling cylinder portion so as to transmit rotational torque.
An engaging convex portion that is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft and is elastically deformable in a direction approaching the shaft center of the shaft by contacting the inner peripheral surface of the connecting tube portion when the shaft is inserted into the inner peripheral surface of the connecting tube portion. ,
The engaging projection is formed in communication with the inner peripheral surface of the coupling cylinder, and is returned to a direction away from the axis of the shaft when the shaft is inserted into the yoke at a predetermined axial position. With possible engagement recesses,
A female serration is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the coupling cylinder portion, and a male serration that engages with the female serration and transmits rotational torque is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft.
The engaging convex portion is an engaging cylinder separate from the shaft, in which a metal thin plate is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, and is an approximately intermediate position in the axial direction of the engaging cylinder fixed to the shaft. The portion sandwiched between the two slits formed up to is bent in a direction away from the axial center, and further, a hole for reducing the elastic coefficient of the engaging convex portion is formed in the bent portion , A small-diameter shaft portion having a smaller diameter than the outer diameter of the male serration is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft, and the engaging convex portion is fixed to the outer periphery of the small-diameter shaft portion. Universal joint and shaft connection structure.
JP2011052388A 2011-03-10 2011-03-10 Universal joint and shaft connection structure Active JP4952962B2 (en)

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