WO2007063780A1 - Shaft coupling mechanism for electric power steering device - Google Patents

Shaft coupling mechanism for electric power steering device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007063780A1
WO2007063780A1 PCT/JP2006/323502 JP2006323502W WO2007063780A1 WO 2007063780 A1 WO2007063780 A1 WO 2007063780A1 JP 2006323502 W JP2006323502 W JP 2006323502W WO 2007063780 A1 WO2007063780 A1 WO 2007063780A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
rotation transmission
rotation
protrusion
shaft
buffer member
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2006/323502
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
Katsunori Saito
Masao Shimura
Original Assignee
Oiles Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Oiles Corporation filed Critical Oiles Corporation
Publication of WO2007063780A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007063780A1/en

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Classifications

    • 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
    • F16D3/02—Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive adapted to specific functions
    • F16D3/12—Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive adapted to specific functions specially adapted for accumulation of energy to absorb shocks or vibration
    • 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
    • F16D3/50—Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive with the coupling parts connected by one or more intermediate members
    • F16D3/64—Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive with the coupling parts connected by one or more intermediate members comprising elastic elements arranged between substantially-radial walls of both coupling parts
    • F16D3/68—Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive with the coupling parts connected by one or more intermediate members comprising elastic elements arranged between substantially-radial walls of both coupling parts the elements being made of rubber or similar material

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a shaft coupling mechanism suitable for coupling a rotation shaft on a rotation source side such as an electric motor in an electric power steering apparatus and a rotation shaft on an operation side such as a steering shaft of an automobile.
  • Patent Document 1 Japanese Translation of Special Publication 2002-518242
  • Patent Document 2 JP-A-2004-148990
  • Patent Document 3 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-149070
  • An electric power steering device adds a rotational force based on the rotation of the output rotation shaft of an electric motor to a rotational force based on the rotation of a manually operated steering wheel (a handle) to manually steer the steering wheel.
  • the steering shaft on the steering wheel side and the rotary shaft on the output rotation shaft side of the electric motor are connected to each other by a shaft coupling mechanism (coupling). ).
  • the present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a rotating shaft connected to an output rotating shaft of, for example, an electric motor, which is one rotating shaft even after long-term use.
  • the backlash in the direction around the shaft center is less likely to occur between the other rotating shaft, for example, the steering shaft connected to the steering wheel. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a shaft coupling mechanism for an electric power steering apparatus that is excellent in durability and does not make the steering feeling uncomfortable.
  • the shaft coupling mechanism according to the present invention which is arranged between two rotating shafts so as to transmit the rotation of one rotating shaft to the other rotating shaft and connects the two rotating shafts, is spaced apart in the axial direction.
  • a rotation transmitting member integrally having a pair of rotation transmitting portions and an inner central portion that couples the pair of rotation transmitting portions to each other, and the pair of rotation transmitting portions of the rotation transmitting member.
  • a holding means for holding a position in the direction around the axis of the rotation transmission buffer member relative to the rotation transmission member.
  • each of the pair of rotation transmission units includes:
  • the rotation transmission buffer member has at least a pair of protrusions that are spaced apart from each other in the direction around the shaft center and that extend in the radial direction.
  • a pair of protrusions, and the pair of protrusions of the rotation transmission buffer member has rigidity smaller than the rigidity of each pair of protrusions of the rotation transmission part and can be elastically deformed. And between the inner central portion and the outer central portion and between at least one of the protrusion of the rotation transmitting portion and the protrusion of the rotation transmitting shock absorbing member.
  • the rotation transmission buffer member disposed between the pair of rotation transmission portions in the axial direction is between the pair of protrusions of the pair of rotation transmission portions in the axial direction.
  • the pair of protrusions of the rotation transmission buffer member are rotation transmission parts.
  • the transmission of the minute rotation of one rotating shaft to the other rotating shaft can be reduced or prevented by elastic deformation of the pair of protrusions of the rotation transmitting buffer member, and the other of the one rotating shaft
  • the transmission of the large relative rotation to the other rotation shaft can be performed as it is through the projections of the pair of rotation transmission portions having rigidity higher than the pair of projections of the rotation transmission buffer member,
  • the shaft at the pair of protrusions of the rotation transmission buffer member In order to prevent large deformation of the pair of protrusions of the rotation transmission buffer member by the protrusions of the pair of rotation transmission parts having a large rigidity when the elastic deformation exceeds a certain level in the surrounding direction, Even with the use of a flexible and low-strength resin material, permanent deformation of the rotation transmission buffer member due to creep can be reduced, and in addition, a pair of rotation transmission parts in which the rotation transmission members are arranged at intervals in the axial direction.
  • a holding means for holding the position in the direction around the axis of the rotation transmission buffer member with respect to the rotation transmission member.
  • the holding means includes a protrusion provided on one surface of the inner central portion and the outer central portion facing each other, and the other of the inner surfaces of the inner central portion and the outer central portion facing each other. Provided with a hole that is provided on the surface and fitted with a protrusion, or has a welded portion on both sides of the inner central portion and the outer central portion that face each other.
  • Another shaft coupling mechanism which is arranged between two rotating shafts so as to transmit the rotation of one rotating shaft to the other rotating shaft and connects the two rotating shafts, includes a rotation transmitting portion. And a rotation transmission member integrally having a central portion, a rotation transmission buffer member superimposed on the rotation transmission member in the axial direction, and a position in a direction around the axis of the rotation transmission buffer member with respect to the rotation transmission member.
  • the rotation transmitting portion has at least a pair of protrusions extending in the central force radial direction and spaced apart from each other in the direction around the shaft center.
  • the rotation transmission buffer member is overlapped with the other central portion that is axially overlapped with the central portion, and is overlapped with the protrusion of the rotational transmission member in the axial direction and the protrusion of the rotation transmission member.
  • the holding means has a rigidity smaller than the rigidity of the pair of protrusions of the rotation transmission member and is elastically deformable, and the holding means is between the center part and the other center part and between the protrusions of the rotation transmission part and the rotation transmission buffer. It is provided between at least one of the protrusions of the member.
  • the rotation transmission buffer member superimposed in the axial direction on the rotation transmission member is overlapped on the protrusion of the rotation transmission unit in the axial direction! And a pair of protrusions having a width larger than the width in the direction around the axis of each protrusion, and the pair of protrusions of the rotation transmission buffer member is the rigidity of the pair of protrusions of the rotation transmission part.
  • the transmission of the minute rotation of one rotating shaft to the other rotating shaft can be reduced or prevented by elastic deformation of the pair of protrusions of the rotation transmitting buffer member, and the large rotation of one rotating shaft relative to the other rotating shaft can be reduced.
  • the transmission to the other rotating shaft It has greater rigidity than the protrusion, and can be obtained as it is through the protrusion of the rotation transmission part.
  • the elastic force is also more than a certain level in the direction around the axis of the protrusion of the rotation transmission buffer member. Since the protrusion of the rotation transmission buffer member with high rigidity can prevent large deformation of the protrusion of the rotation transmission buffer member, the rigidity of the rotation transmission buffer member is small.
  • the holding means includes a protrusion provided on one surface of both surfaces of the central portion and the other central portion, and a central portion. And the other central part face each other even if it is provided on the other side of both surfaces facing each other and a hole into which the protrusion fits.
  • the rotation You may have the welding part in the both surfaces which the protrusion part of a transmission member and the protrusion part of a rotation transmission buffer part material mutually face.
  • the rotation transmitting member is preferably formed of a hard resin such as a polyacetal resin or a polyamide resin, but a hard material exhibiting other rigidity.
  • the rotation transmission shock absorbing member which may be formed of a resin is also formed with rubber elastic body force such as urethane rubber, silicone rubber and polyester elastomer.
  • the rotation transmission member and the rotation transmission buffer member are manufactured by two-color molding or insert molding.
  • the rotation transmission buffer member is molded.
  • the molding order of the rotation transmission member and the rotation transmission buffer member may be determined based on the materials used for them. Accordingly, in the molding of the rotation transmission member and the rotation transmission buffer member, when these materials are welded to each other by applying heat, it is preferable to use the welded portion as a holding means.
  • the shaft coupling mechanism includes a rotation transmission member and a rotation transmission buffer member disposed between the two rotation shafts as a spacer in the direction around the axis.
  • the shaft connecting mechanism includes one connecting base connected to one rotating shaft and the other connecting base connected to the other rotating shaft.
  • the one connecting base includes a base and the base.
  • the other connecting base body has a base and a protrusion that protrudes integrally in the axial direction, and the other connecting base has a protrusion that protrudes integrally in the axial direction.
  • the protrusions of the connection base and the protrusions of the other connection base are the center of the protrusion of the rotation transmission member and the protrusion of the rotation transmission buffer member overlapped with the protrusion in the axial direction V, respectively.
  • the one and the other are arranged in the surrounding direction!
  • the protrusions of the connection base of each of the connecting bases are on their respective sides in the direction around the shaft center, and the shaft center circumference is detected when the rotation of the two rotation shafts is below a certain level.
  • One connecting base may be directly connected to and fixed to one rotating shaft, but may be indirectly connected to one rotating shaft via another rotating transmission mechanism such as a gear mechanism. The same applies to the other connecting base.
  • the shaft coupling mechanism of the present invention may be for an electric power steering apparatus
  • one rotary shaft is coupled to the output rotary shaft of the electric motor
  • the other rotating shaft is now connected to the steering shaft of the car!
  • a rotating shaft connected to an output rotating shaft of, for example, an electric motor, which is one rotating shaft even after long-term use, and a steering shaft connected to, for example, a steering wheel, which is the other rotating shaft,
  • the backlash in the direction around the shaft center is less likely to occur during this time, and the impact when the electric motor is reversed and the transmission of brush vibration to the steering wheel can be reduced. It is possible to provide a shaft coupling mechanism for an electric power steering device that is not allowed to be reduced.
  • FIG. 1 is a front view of a preferred example of an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a partially broken front view of the example shown in FIG.
  • Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III of the example shown in Fig. 1.
  • FIG. 4 is a right side view of the combination of the rotation transmission member and the rotation transmission buffer member in the example shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 5 is a right side view of the connecting base on the rotating shaft side in the example shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 6 is a left side view of the coupling base on the steering shaft side in the example shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 7 is a right side view of the rotation transmission member of the example shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 8 is a plan view of the rotation transmission member shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the rotation transmission member shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the rotation transmission member shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 11 is a right side view of the rotation transmission buffer member of the example shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XII-XII of the rotation transmission buffer member shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 13 is a right side view of another example of a combination of a rotation transmission member and a rotation transmission buffer member applicable to the example shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the combination shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 15 is a right side view of the rotation transmission member shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the rotation transmitting member shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 17 is a right side view of the rotation transmission buffer member shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII-XVIII of the rotation transmission buffer member shown in FIG. 17, and FIG. 19 is still another combination of the rotation transmission member and the rotation transmission buffer member applicable to the example shown in FIG. Example right side view,
  • FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX—XX of the combination shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 21 is a right side view of still another example of a combination of a rotation transmission member and a rotation transmission buffer member applicable to the example shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the combination shown in FIG. 21 taken along line XXII—XXII,
  • FIG. 23 is a right side view of the rotation transmission member shown in FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the rotation transmission member shown in FIG. 23 taken along the line XXIV-XXIV.
  • FIG. 25 is a right side view of the rotation transmission buffer member shown in FIG.
  • 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXV-XXV of the rotation transmission buffer member shown in FIG. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
  • the shaft coupling mechanism 1 for the electric power steering apparatus of this example includes a coupling base 3 coupled to a rotating shaft 2 and a coupling coupled to a steering shaft 4 as a rotating shaft.
  • the steering shaft 4 is rotated between the rotating shaft 2 and the steering shaft 4 via the base 5 and the connecting bases 3 and 5, and the rotation in the R direction, which is the direction around the axis of the rotating shaft 2, is applied to the steering shaft 4.
  • the rotating shaft 2 is a rotating shaft on the electric motor side of the electric power steering apparatus
  • the rigid connecting base 3 is formed of an annular base 11 and one of the base 11 as shown in FIG.
  • Two pairs of protrusions 13 projecting integrally from the annular surface 12 in the axial direction, that is, the A direction, and arranged at an equiangular interval of 90 ° in the R direction, and a through-hole into which the rotary shaft 2 is fitted
  • the rigid connecting base body 5 includes an annular base portion 16 and one annular surface 17 of the base portion 16 integrally protruding in the A direction. It has two pairs of protrusions 18 arranged at equal angular intervals of 90 ° in the R direction, and a through hole 19 into which the steering shaft 4 is fitted.
  • Each of the protrusions 13 has side surfaces 21 and 22 as a pair of rigid rotation transmission surfaces in the R direction, and each of the protrusions 18 also serves as a pair of rigid rotation transmission surfaces in the R direction. Having sides 23 & 24!
  • a rigid rotation transmission member 6 in which polyacetal resin, polyamide resin, and the like are integrally formed is a pair of rotation transmissions arranged at intervals in the A direction, as shown in FIGS. Parts 31 and 32 and an annular inner central portion 33 that couples the pair of rotation transmitting portions 31 and 32 to each other, and each of the rotation transmitting portions 31 and 32 has an inner central portion 33.
  • an annular base 34 formed integrally with the inner central portion 33 and spaced apart from each other at an equal angular interval of 45 ° in the R direction.
  • four pairs of protrusions 35 that extend in the radial direction and are provided integrally with the base 34, and each protrusion 35 has side surfaces 38 and 39 as a pair of rigid rotation transmission surfaces in the R direction. is doing.
  • the rotation transmission buffer member 7 disposed between the pair of rotation transmission parts 31 and 32 of the rotation transmission member 6 has rigidity smaller than that of the rotation transmission member 6 and is elastically deformable.
  • the rotation transmission shock-absorbing member 7 is integrally formed with a rubber elastic body such as rubber, polyester elastomer, etc., and is particularly concentric with the inner central portion 33 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.
  • D and has four pairs of protrusions 46 formed integrally with the outer central part 45 and extending radially from the outer central part 45!
  • the number of rotation transmission parts 31 and 32 is the same as the number of protrusions 35 in the R direction!
  • the protrusions 46 spaced apart from each other at equiangular intervals have rigidity smaller than the rigidity of the respective protrusions 35 of the rotation transmitting parts 31 and 32 and are elastically deformable.
  • the rotation transmission buffer member 7 is flat at a surface 50 facing the flat surface 49 in the A direction of each of the rotation transmission portions 31 and 32.
  • the holding means 8 is provided on one surface 56 of the annular central surfaces 55 and 56 of the inner central portion 33 and the outer central portion 45 facing each other at an equal angular interval in the R direction.
  • the eight protrusions 57 and the other surface 55 of the inner central portion 33 and the outer central portion 45 facing each other 55 and 56 are provided apart from each other at equal angular intervals in the R direction.
  • the holding means 8 of this example is provided between the inner central portion 33 and the outer central portion 45.
  • each of the protrusions 13 of the connection base 3 and the protrusion of the connection base 5 Each of the portions 18 includes the protrusion 35 of the rotation transmitting portions 31 and 32 and the protrusion 46 of the rotation transmission buffer member 7 that is overlapped and overlapped with the protrusion 35 in the A direction.
  • each protrusion 13 of the connecting base 3 is at its side surfaces 21 and 22 in the R direction and in the R direction.
  • Two rotation shafts, the rotation shaft 2 and the steering shaft 4, are arranged between the rotation shaft 2 and the steering shaft 4 so as to transmit the rotation of the rotation shaft 2 in the R direction to the steering shaft 4.
  • the steering shaft 4 rotates in the R direction, and the steering shaft 4 moves in the R direction.
  • the rotation is transmitted as a reciprocating motion to a drag link via a transmission mechanism such as a gear (not shown) to give a steering force to the steered wheel (wheel).
  • the steering wheel 4 is not manually rotated by the driver and the steering shaft 4 is not rotated in the R direction.
  • the state or the steering wheel is manually operated by the driver and the steering shaft 4 is moved in the R direction. If the relative rotation in the R direction of the rotating shaft 2 with respect to the steering shaft 4 is very small within about half the difference between the width D and the width d As a result, the protrusion 46 is easily compressed and deformed, so that the minute relative rotation in the R direction of the rotating shaft 2 is hardly transmitted to the steering shaft 4, and thus, the shaft coupling mechanism 1 and the steering shaft 4. It is possible to reduce the impact when the electric motor reverses through the brush and the transmission of brush vibration to the steering wheel, so that the steering feeling is not uncomfortable.
  • the rotation transmission member 6 rotates with respect to the steering shaft 4 by rotating the steering shaft 4 in the R direction by the manual operation by the driver of the steering wheel and rotating the rotating shaft 2 in the R direction by the operation of the electric motor.
  • axis 2 is more than a certain value, that is, when the relative rotation in the R direction is about half or more of the difference between width D and width d, contact of side 21 with side 38 or contact of side 22 with side 39
  • the rotation of the rotating shaft 2 in the R direction is transmitted to the steering shaft 4 in response to the relative rotation in the R direction more than a certain level. Assist in the rotation of 4.
  • the rotation transmission buffer member 7 disposed between the rotation transmission portions 31 and 32 is disposed between the protrusions 35 of the rotation transmission portions 31 and 32 in the A direction.
  • the rotation of the rotation shaft 2 in the R direction is transmitted to the steering shaft 4 through the elastic deformation of the protrusion 46 of the rotation transmission buffer member 7.
  • transmission of the minute rotation of the rotating shaft 2 in the R direction to the steering shaft 4 can be reduced or prevented by elastic deformation of the protrusion 46 of the rotation transmitting buffer member 7 and a large amount of the rotating shaft 2 relative to the steering shaft 4 can be obtained.
  • the transmission of the relative rotation in the R direction to the steering shaft 4 is larger than the protrusion 46 of the rotation transmission buffer member 7.
  • the rotation transmission member 6 having a sufficient rigidity can be carried out as it is through the protrusion 35, and the force is also a rotation with a large rigidity when the rotation axis 2 of the rotation axis 2 with respect to the steering axis 4 is more than a certain relative rotation.
  • the rotation transmission buffer member 7 is made of a flexible and rigid low-resin material. In addition, permanent deformation of the protrusion 46 of the rotation transmission shock absorbing member 7 due to creep can be reduced, and in addition, the rotation transmission member 6 is arranged at intervals in the A direction. A pair of rotation transmitting portions 31 and 32 and an inner central portion 33 that couples the pair of rotation transmitting portions 31 and 32 to each other, and the rotation transmitting buffer member 7 Since the holding means 8 for holding the position in the R direction is provided, the rotation transfer member 6 can be integrally formed, and the assembling property can be improved.
  • the rotation transmission buffer member 7 is positioned with respect to the rotation transmission unit 6 with respect to the R direction by the holding means 8, so that the rotation shaft 2 and the steering shaft 4 are relatively
  • the effects of the rotation transmission buffer member 7 can be evenly obtained with respect to both rotations in the R direction.
  • the shaft coupling mechanism 1 in the above example is composed of one rotation transmission buffer member 7, but instead of this, the rotation transmission member may be composed of two or more rotation transmission buffer members 7. You may have 6 or more powers. Further, the protrusions 13 and 18 of the connecting bases 3 and 5, the protrusion 35 of the rotation transmission member 6, the protrusion 46 of the rotation transmission buffer member 7, and the protrusion 57 and the hole 58 of the holding means 8 are not limited to the above numbers. It is.
  • the holding means 8 is not limited to the one provided between the inner central portion 33 and the outer central portion 45 as described above.
  • the holding means 8 has a cylindrical shape provided on one surface 50 of both surfaces 49 and 50 facing each other between each projection 35 of the rotation transmission member 6 and each projection 46 of the rotation transmission buffer member 7.
  • Protrusions 71, projections 35 of rotation transmission member 6 and projections 46 of rotation transmission buffer member 7 are provided on the other surface 49 of both surfaces 49 and 50 facing each other, and projections And a cylindrical hole 72 into which 71 is fitted.
  • the projection 71 has two protrusions 46 in the A direction.
  • the holes 72 are integrally provided on one surface (front and back surfaces) 50, and the holes 72 into which the protrusions 71 are fitted are provided on two surfaces (front and back surfaces) 49 in the A direction of each protrusion 35.
  • the holding means 8 shown in FIGS. 13 to 18 can also hold the position of the rotation transmission shock absorbing member 7 in the R direction with respect to the rotation transmitting member 6, and the holding means 8 of the present example can rotate.
  • the rotation of the rotary shaft 2 and the steering shaft 4 in both the relative R directions is possible.
  • the effect of the rotation transmission buffer member 7 can be obtained more evenly.
  • the holding means 8 is replaced with the projection 57 or 71 and the hole 58 or 72 as described above, and as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the projection 35 of the rotation transmitting member 6 and It may be provided with a welded portion 75 formed by welding both surfaces 49 and 50 facing each other with the protrusion 46 of the rotation transmission buffer member 7.
  • the welding portion 75 can be obtained by two-color molding or insert molding of the rotation transmission member 6 and the rotation transmission buffer member 7 from materials that are easily heat-welded to each other.
  • the holding means 8 shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 since the projection 57 or 71 and the hole 58 or 72 are not provided, molding becomes easy.
  • the welded portion 75 provided between the protrusion 35 of the rotation transmitting portions 31 and 32 and the protrusion 46 of the rotation transmitting shock absorbing member 7 is connected to the inner central portion 33 and the outer central portion 45. You may provide in a contact surface.
  • the above-described shaft coupling mechanism 1 includes a rotation transmission member 6 integrally including a pair of rotation transmission units 31 and 32, and a rotation transmission buffer member 7 disposed between the rotation transmission units 31 and 32.
  • a rotation transmission member 6 having a rotation transmission portion 31 as shown in FIGS. 21 to 26, a rotation transmission buffer member 7 and a holding means 8 superimposed on the rotation transmission member 6 are provided.
  • the provided shaft coupling mechanism 1 may be used.
  • the rigid rotation transmission member 6 integrally formed from polyacetal resin, polyamide resin, etc. has a rotation transmission part 31 and an annular central part 33a.
  • the rotation transmission buffer member 7 has a rigidity smaller than that of the rotation transmission member 6 and is elastically deformable, and is integrally formed from a rubber elastic body such as urethane rubber, silicone rubber, polyester elastomer or the like. It is superimposed on the transmission member 6 in the A direction, the holding means 8 is adapted to hold the position of the rotation transmission buffer member 7 in the R direction with respect to the rotation transmission member 6, and the rotation transmission unit 31 is in the R direction. It has eight protrusions 35 that are spaced apart from each other at equal angular intervals of 45 ° and that extend radially from the central portion 33a and are integrally provided in the central portion 33a. Each protrusion 35 is a pair in the R direction.
  • the rotation transmission buffer member 7 includes a ring-shaped central portion 45a superimposed on the central portion 33a in the A direction, and a rotation transmission member 6 extending in the A direction. It is superimposed on the protrusion 35 of the The protrusion 35 of the rolling transmission member 6 has a width D larger than the width d in the R direction, and is formed integrally with the central portion 45a and extends radially from the central portion 45a.
  • the rotation transmission member 6 has rigidity smaller than the rigidity of each protrusion 35 and is elastically deformable, and has side surfaces 47 and 48 in the R direction. 31 is flat on the surface 50 facing the A direction 49, and the holding means 8 is provided between the central portion 33a and the central portion 45a and between the protrusion 35 of the rotation transmission portion 31 and the rotation transmission buffer. Between at least one of the protrusions 46 of the member 7, in this example, the protrusion 35 of the rotation transmission portion 31 and the protrusion 46 of the rotation transmission buffer member 7. It is provided to.
  • the holding means 8 is one surface of both surfaces 49 and 50 facing each other between the protrusion 35 of the rotation transmission member 6 and the protrusion 46 of the rotation transmission shock absorbing member 7.
  • the other surface 49 of 49 and 50 is provided with a hole 72 which is provided in the R direction and spaced apart from each other at equal angular intervals and in which a projection 71 is fitted.
  • the rotation transmission member 6, the rotation transmission buffer member 7 and the holding means 8 shown in FIGS. 21 to 26 are used together with the connection bases 3 and 5 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and FIGS. 5 and 6.
  • the shaft coupling mechanism 1 including the rotation transmission member 6, the rotation transmission buffer member 7, and the holding means 8 is configured so that the rotation shaft 2 transmits the rotation of the rotation shaft 2 in the R direction to the steering shaft 4 in the same manner as described above. And the rotating shaft 2 and the steering shaft 4 are connected between the steering shaft 4 and the rotating shaft 2.
  • the holding means 8 includes the protrusion provided on one surface of both surfaces 49 and 50 facing the center portions 33a and 45a, and the center portion 33a. 4 and 5a may be provided with a hole provided on the other surface of the two surfaces 49 and 50 facing each other and with a projection fitted therein, and the protrusions 35 and 46 facing each other. It is also possible to provide a welded portion on at least one of the double-sided surfaces 49 and 50 and the double-sided surfaces 49 and 50 and the central portions 33a and 45a.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Power Steering Mechanism (AREA)

Abstract

A shaft coupling mechanism (1) for an electric power steering device comprises a coupling base body (3) coupled to a rotating shaft (2), a coupling base body (5) coupled to a steering shaft (4), a rotation transmission member (6) disposed between the rotating shaft (2) and the steering shaft (4) via both coupling base bodies (3) and (5) and transmitting a rotation in an R-direction to the steering shaft (4), a rotation transmission damping member (7) disposed on the rotation transmission member (6), and a holding means (8) holding the position of the rotation transmission damping member (7) in the R-direction relative to the rotation transmission member (6).

Description

明 細 書  Specification
電動式パワーステアリング装置用の軸連結機構  Shaft coupling mechanism for electric power steering device
技術分野  Technical field
[0001] 本発明は、電動式パワーステアリング装置における電動モータ等の回転源側の回 転軸と自動車のステアリング軸等の作動側の回転軸とを連結するに適した軸連結機 構に関する。  TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a shaft coupling mechanism suitable for coupling a rotation shaft on a rotation source side such as an electric motor in an electric power steering apparatus and a rotation shaft on an operation side such as a steering shaft of an automobile.
背景技術  Background art
[0002] 特許文献 1 :特表 2002— 518242号公報  [0002] Patent Document 1: Japanese Translation of Special Publication 2002-518242
特許文献 2 :特開 2004— 148990号公報  Patent Document 2: JP-A-2004-148990
特許文献 3 :特開 2004— 149070号公報  Patent Document 3: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-149070
[0003] 電動式パワーステアリング装置は、手動操作されるステアリングホイール (ノヽンドル） の回転に基づく回転力に電動モータの出力回転軸の回転に基づく回転力を付加し てステアリングホイールの手動による操舵を容易に行 、得るようにするものであって、 斯カる電動式パワーステアリング装置においては、ステアリングホイール側のステアリ ング軸と電動モータの出力回転軸側の回転軸とを軸連結機構 (カップリング)を介し て連結している。  [0003] An electric power steering device adds a rotational force based on the rotation of the output rotation shaft of an electric motor to a rotational force based on the rotation of a manually operated steering wheel (a handle) to manually steer the steering wheel. In such an electric power steering apparatus, the steering shaft on the steering wheel side and the rotary shaft on the output rotation shaft side of the electric motor are connected to each other by a shaft coupling mechanism (coupling). ).
[0004] 軸連結機構を介してステアリング軸と回転軸とを連結する場合、電動モータの出力 回転軸の反転時の衝撃、電動モータのブラシ振動が軸連結機構及びステアリング軸 を介してステアリングホイールに伝達されて運転者に不快な操舵感を生じさせる虞が あり、これを回避するために軸連結機構にゴム又は軟質榭脂等のスぺーサを設ける ことが提案されている。  [0004] When a steering shaft and a rotating shaft are connected via a shaft connecting mechanism, an impact when the output rotating shaft of the electric motor is reversed and brush vibration of the electric motor are applied to the steering wheel via the shaft connecting mechanism and the steering shaft. In order to avoid this problem, it has been proposed to provide a spacer such as rubber or soft grease in the shaft coupling mechanism.
発明の開示  Disclosure of the invention
発明が解決しょうとする課題  Problems to be solved by the invention
[0005] ところで、衝撃、振動の低減を重視してスぺーサをより柔軟なものにすると、柔軟な スぺーサはクリープ変形が生じ易!、ために、スぺーサへの繰り返し荷重によるスぺー サの永久的な変形で軸連結機構にガタが生じてこれによつてもまた運転者の操舵感 覚が不快なものとなる虞がある。 [0006] 一方、耐久性を重視してスぺーサを硬質なものにすると、前記と逆にガタのない点 で操舵感覚は良くなるが、上述の通りステアリングホイールに伝達された衝撃、振動 で操舵感覚が不快なものとなる。 [0005] By the way, if the spacer is made more flexible with an emphasis on reducing impact and vibration, the flexible spacer is likely to undergo creep deformation! Therefore, the spacer is subjected to repeated loading on the spacer. Permanent deformation of the spacer may cause backlash in the shaft coupling mechanism, which may also make the driver's steering feeling uncomfortable. [0006] On the other hand, if the spacer is made hard with an emphasis on durability, the steering feeling is improved in the absence of rattling, contrary to the above, but the impact and vibration transmitted to the steering wheel as described above. The steering feeling becomes unpleasant.
[0007] 本発明は、前記諸点に鑑みてなされたものであって、その目的とするところは、長期 の使用によっても一方の回転軸である例えば電動モータの出力回転軸に連結された 回転軸と他方の回転軸である例えばステアリングホイールに連結されたステアリング 軸との間に軸心周りの方向についてのガタが生じ難ぐし力も、電動モータの反転時 の衝撃、ブラシ振動のステアリングホイールへの伝達を低減でき、而して、耐久性に 優れ操舵感覚を不快にさせない電動式パワーステアリング装置用の軸連結機構を提 供することにある。  [0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a rotating shaft connected to an output rotating shaft of, for example, an electric motor, which is one rotating shaft even after long-term use. The backlash in the direction around the shaft center is less likely to occur between the other rotating shaft, for example, the steering shaft connected to the steering wheel. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a shaft coupling mechanism for an electric power steering apparatus that is excellent in durability and does not make the steering feeling uncomfortable.
課題を解決するための手段  Means for solving the problem
[0008] 一方の回転軸の回転を他方の回転軸に伝達するように二つの回転軸の間に配さ れて二つの回転軸を連結する本発明による軸連結機構は、軸方向において間隔を もって配された一対の回転伝達部及びこの一対の回転伝達部を相互に結合する内 側中央部を一体的に有した回転伝達部材と、この回転伝達部材の一対の回転伝達 部間に配されている回転伝達緩衝部材と、回転伝達部材に対する回転伝達緩衝部 材の軸心周りの方向の位置を保持する保持手段とを具備しており、ここで、一対の回 転伝達部の夫々は、軸心周りの方向にぉ ヽて互 ヽに離間して 、ると共に径方向に伸 びた少なくとも一対の突部を有しており、回転伝達緩衝部材は、内側中央部に外装 された外側中央部と、軸方向における一対の回転伝達部の一対の突部間に配され ていると共に各対の突部における軸心周りの方向の幅よりも大きな幅を有しており、 且つ、外側中央部に一体的に形成されていると共に外側中央部力 径方向に伸び ている一対の突部とを有しており、回転伝達緩衝部材の一対の突部は、回転伝達部 の夫々の一対の突部の剛性よりも小さな剛性を有すると共に弾性変形可能であり、 保持手段は、内側中央部と外側中央部との間及び回転伝達部の突部と回転伝達緩 衝部材の突部との間の少なくとも一方の間に設けられて 、る。  [0008] The shaft coupling mechanism according to the present invention, which is arranged between two rotating shafts so as to transmit the rotation of one rotating shaft to the other rotating shaft and connects the two rotating shafts, is spaced apart in the axial direction. A rotation transmitting member integrally having a pair of rotation transmitting portions and an inner central portion that couples the pair of rotation transmitting portions to each other, and the pair of rotation transmitting portions of the rotation transmitting member. And a holding means for holding a position in the direction around the axis of the rotation transmission buffer member relative to the rotation transmission member. Here, each of the pair of rotation transmission units includes: The rotation transmission buffer member has at least a pair of protrusions that are spaced apart from each other in the direction around the shaft center and that extend in the radial direction. And a pair of protrusions of the pair of rotation transmission portions in the axial direction. And the width of each pair of protrusions is larger than the width in the direction around the axis, and is formed integrally with the outer central portion and extends in the radial direction of the outer central portion. A pair of protrusions, and the pair of protrusions of the rotation transmission buffer member has rigidity smaller than the rigidity of each pair of protrusions of the rotation transmission part and can be elastically deformed. And between the inner central portion and the outer central portion and between at least one of the protrusion of the rotation transmitting portion and the protrusion of the rotation transmitting shock absorbing member.
[0009] 本発明による軸連結機構によれば、軸方向における一対の回転伝達部間に配され ている回転伝達緩衝部材が軸方向における一対の回転伝達部の一対の突部間に 配されていると共に各対の各突部における軸心周りの方向の幅よりも大きな幅をもつ た一対の突部を有しており、この回転伝達緩衝部材の一対の突部が回転伝達部の 夫々の一対の突部の剛性よりも小さな剛性を有すると共に弾性変形可能である結果 、一方の回転軸の回転の他方の回転軸への伝達が回転伝達緩衝部材の一対の突 部の弾性変形を介して行われるために、一方の回転軸の微小な回転の他方の回転 軸への伝達を回転伝達緩衝部材の一対の突部の弾性変形で低減又は阻止できると 共に一方の回転軸の他方の回転軸に対する大きな相対回転の他方の回転軸への 伝達を回転伝達緩衝部材の一対の突部よりも大きな剛性を有している一対の回転伝 達部の突部を介してそのまま行い得、し力も、回転伝達緩衝部材の一対の突部にお ける軸心周りの方向の一定以上の弾性変形では大きい剛性をもった一対の回転伝 達部の突部で回転伝達緩衝部材の一対の突部の大きな変形を阻止できるために、 回転伝達緩衝部材に対して柔軟性のある剛性の小さ ヽ榭脂材料を用いてもクリープ による回転伝達緩衝部材の永久的な変形を低減でき、その上、回転伝達部材が軸 方向において間隔をもって配された一対の回転伝達部とこの一対の回転伝達部を 相互に結合する内側中央部とを一体的に有していると共に回転伝達部材に対する 回転伝達緩衝部材の軸心周りの方向の位置を保持する保持手段を具備して ヽるた めに、回転伝達部材の一体成形ィ匕が可能となる上に、組み付け性を向上でき、而し て、電動モータの反転時の衝撃、ブラシ振動のステアリングホイールへの伝達を低減 できる上に両回転軸間の軸心周りの方向についてのガタをなくし得て、操舵感覚を 不快にさせないと共に耐久性に優れ特性の安定したものとし得る。 According to the shaft coupling mechanism of the present invention, the rotation transmission buffer member disposed between the pair of rotation transmission portions in the axial direction is between the pair of protrusions of the pair of rotation transmission portions in the axial direction. And a pair of protrusions having a width larger than the width in the direction around the axial center of each pair of protrusions. The pair of protrusions of the rotation transmission buffer member are rotation transmission parts. As a result of having a rigidity smaller than the rigidity of each of the pair of protrusions and being elastically deformable, the transmission of the rotation of one rotation shaft to the other rotation shaft is the elastic deformation of the pair of protrusions of the rotation transmission buffer member. Therefore, the transmission of the minute rotation of one rotating shaft to the other rotating shaft can be reduced or prevented by elastic deformation of the pair of protrusions of the rotation transmitting buffer member, and the other of the one rotating shaft The transmission of the large relative rotation to the other rotation shaft can be performed as it is through the projections of the pair of rotation transmission portions having rigidity higher than the pair of projections of the rotation transmission buffer member, Also, the shaft at the pair of protrusions of the rotation transmission buffer member In order to prevent large deformation of the pair of protrusions of the rotation transmission buffer member by the protrusions of the pair of rotation transmission parts having a large rigidity when the elastic deformation exceeds a certain level in the surrounding direction, Even with the use of a flexible and low-strength resin material, permanent deformation of the rotation transmission buffer member due to creep can be reduced, and in addition, a pair of rotation transmission parts in which the rotation transmission members are arranged at intervals in the axial direction. And a holding means for holding the position in the direction around the axis of the rotation transmission buffer member with respect to the rotation transmission member. As a result, it is possible to integrally form the rotation transmission member and improve the assemblability, and thus reduce the impact when the electric motor is reversed and the transmission of brush vibration to the steering wheel. Up In addition, it is possible to eliminate backlash in the direction around the axis between the two rotation shafts, and to make the steering feeling uncomfortable and to have excellent durability and stable characteristics.
保持手段は、内側中央部と外側中央部との相互に対面する両面のうちの一方の面 に設けられた突起と、内側中央部と外側中央部との相互に対面する両面のうちの他 方の面に設けられていると共に突起が嵌合した孔とを具備していても、内側中央部と 外側中央部との相互に対面する両面における溶着部を具備していても、また回転伝 達部材の突部と回転伝達緩衝部材の突部との相互に対面する両面のうちの一方の 面に設けられた突起と、回転伝達部材の突部と回転伝達緩衝部材の突部との相互 に対面する両面のうちの他方の面に設けられていると共に突起が嵌合した孔とを具 備していても、更には、回転伝達部材の突部と回転伝達緩衝部材の突部との相互に 対面する両面における溶着部を具備していてもよい。 The holding means includes a protrusion provided on one surface of the inner central portion and the outer central portion facing each other, and the other of the inner surfaces of the inner central portion and the outer central portion facing each other. Provided with a hole that is provided on the surface and fitted with a protrusion, or has a welded portion on both sides of the inner central portion and the outer central portion that face each other. The protrusion provided on one of the mutually facing surfaces of the protrusion of the member and the protrusion of the rotation transmission buffer member, and the protrusion of the rotation transmission member and the protrusion of the rotation transmission buffer member Even if it is provided with a hole provided on the other of the opposing surfaces and fitted with a protrusion, the protrusion of the rotation transmission member and the protrusion of the rotation transmission buffer member In You may have the weld part in the both surfaces which face.
[0011] 一方の回転軸の回転を他方の回転軸に伝達するように二つの回転軸の間に配さ れて二つの回転軸を連結する本発明による他の軸連結機構は、回転伝達部及び中 央部を一体的に有した回転伝達部材と、この回転伝達部材に軸方向において重ね 合わされた回転伝達緩衝部材と、回転伝達部材に対する回転伝達緩衝部材の軸心 周りの方向の位置を保持する保持手段とを具備しており、ここで、回転伝達部は、軸 心周りの方向にぉ 、て互いに離間して 、ると共に中央部力 径方向に伸びた少なく とも一対の突部を有しており、回転伝達緩衝部材は、中央部に軸方向において重ね 合わされた他の中央部と、軸方向にお!、て回転伝達部材の突部に重ね合わされて いると共に回転伝達部材の突部における軸心周りの方向の幅よりも大きな幅を有して おり、且つ、他の中央部に一体的に形成されていると共に他の中央部力 径方向に 伸びている一対の突部とを有しており、回転伝達緩衝部材の一対の突部は、回転伝 達部材の一対の突部の剛性よりも小さな剛性を有すると共に弾性変形可能であり、 保持手段は、中央部と他の中央部との間及び回転伝達部の突部と回転伝達緩衝部 材の突部との間の少なくとも一方の間に設けられている。  [0011] Another shaft coupling mechanism according to the present invention, which is arranged between two rotating shafts so as to transmit the rotation of one rotating shaft to the other rotating shaft and connects the two rotating shafts, includes a rotation transmitting portion. And a rotation transmission member integrally having a central portion, a rotation transmission buffer member superimposed on the rotation transmission member in the axial direction, and a position in a direction around the axis of the rotation transmission buffer member with respect to the rotation transmission member. Wherein the rotation transmitting portion has at least a pair of protrusions extending in the central force radial direction and spaced apart from each other in the direction around the shaft center. The rotation transmission buffer member is overlapped with the other central portion that is axially overlapped with the central portion, and is overlapped with the protrusion of the rotational transmission member in the axial direction and the protrusion of the rotation transmission member. Has a width larger than the width in the direction around the axis at And a pair of protrusions that are formed integrally with the other central portion and extend in the radial direction of the other central portion. The holding means has a rigidity smaller than the rigidity of the pair of protrusions of the rotation transmission member and is elastically deformable, and the holding means is between the center part and the other center part and between the protrusions of the rotation transmission part and the rotation transmission buffer. It is provided between at least one of the protrusions of the member.
[0012] 斯カる他の軸連結機構においても、回転伝達部材に軸方向において重ね合わさ れた回転伝達緩衝部材が軸方向にぉ ヽて回転伝達部の突部に重ね合わされて!/ヽる と共に各突部における軸心周りの方向の幅よりも大きな幅をもった一対の突部を有し ており、この回転伝達緩衝部材の一対の突部が回転伝達部の一対の突部の剛性よ りも小さな剛性を有すると共に弾性変形可能である結果、一方の回転軸の回転の他 方の回転軸への伝達が回転伝達緩衝部材の一対の突部の弾性変形を介して行わ れるために、一方の回転軸の微小な回転の他方の回転軸への伝達を回転伝達緩衝 部材の一対の突部の弾性変形で低減又は阻止できると共に一方の回転軸の他方の 回転軸に対する大きな相対回転の他方の回転軸への伝達を回転伝達緩衝部材の 一対の突部よりも大きな剛性を有して 、る回転伝達部の突部を介してそのまま行 ヽ 得、し力も、回転伝達緩衝部材の突部における軸心周りの方向の一定以上の弾性変 形では大きい剛性をもった回転伝達部の突部で回転伝達緩衝部材の突部の大きな 変形を阻止できるために、回転伝達緩衝部材に対して柔軟性のある剛性の小さ ヽ榭 脂材料を用いてもクリープによる回転伝達緩衝部材の永久的な変形を低減でき、そ の上、回転伝達部材とこの回転伝達部材に軸方向において重ね合わされた回転伝 達緩衝部材とを具備すると共に保持手段が回転伝達部材に対する回転伝達緩衝部 材の軸心周りの方向の位置を保持するようになっているために、組み付け性を向上 でき、而して、電動モータの反転時の衝撃、ブラシ振動のステアリングホイールへの 伝達を低減できる上に両回転軸間の軸心周りの方向についてのガタをなくし得て、 操舵感覚を不快にさせないと共に耐久性に優れ特性の安定したものとし得る。 [0012] Also in such other shaft coupling mechanisms, the rotation transmission buffer member superimposed in the axial direction on the rotation transmission member is overlapped on the protrusion of the rotation transmission unit in the axial direction! And a pair of protrusions having a width larger than the width in the direction around the axis of each protrusion, and the pair of protrusions of the rotation transmission buffer member is the rigidity of the pair of protrusions of the rotation transmission part. As a result of having a smaller rigidity and being elastically deformable, transmission of rotation of one rotary shaft to the other rotary shaft is performed via elastic deformation of a pair of protrusions of the rotation transmission buffer member. The transmission of the minute rotation of one rotating shaft to the other rotating shaft can be reduced or prevented by elastic deformation of the pair of protrusions of the rotation transmitting buffer member, and the large rotation of one rotating shaft relative to the other rotating shaft can be reduced. The transmission to the other rotating shaft It has greater rigidity than the protrusion, and can be obtained as it is through the protrusion of the rotation transmission part. The elastic force is also more than a certain level in the direction around the axis of the protrusion of the rotation transmission buffer member. Since the protrusion of the rotation transmission buffer member with high rigidity can prevent large deformation of the protrusion of the rotation transmission buffer member, the rigidity of the rotation transmission buffer member is small. Even if a fat material is used, permanent deformation of the rotation transmission buffer member due to creep can be reduced, and in addition, a rotation transmission member and a rotation transmission buffer member that is superimposed on the rotation transmission member in the axial direction are provided. Since the holding means holds the position in the direction around the axis of the rotation transmission buffer member with respect to the rotation transmission member, the assembling property can be improved. In addition to reducing the transmission of vibration to the steering wheel, it is possible to eliminate backlash in the direction around the axis between the two rotating shafts, so as not to make the steering feel uncomfortable and to have excellent durability and stable characteristics.
[0013] 斯カる他の軸連結機構にぉ 、て、保持手段は、中央部と他の中央部との相互に対 面する両面のうちの一方の面に設けられた突起と、中央部と他の中央部との相互に 対面する両面のうちの他方の面に設けられていると共に突起が嵌合した孔とを具備 していても、中央部と他の中央部との相互に対面する両面における溶着部を具備し ていても、また、回転伝達部材の突部と回転伝達緩衝部材の突部との相互に対面す る両面のうちの一方の面に設けられた突起と、回転伝達部材の突部と回転伝達緩衝 部材の突部との相互に対面する両面のうちの他方の面に設けられていると共に突起 が嵌合した孔とを具備していても、更には、回転伝達部材の突部と回転伝達緩衝部 材の突部との相互に対面する両面における溶着部を具備していてもよい。  [0013] In such another shaft coupling mechanism, the holding means includes a protrusion provided on one surface of both surfaces of the central portion and the other central portion, and a central portion. And the other central part face each other even if it is provided on the other side of both surfaces facing each other and a hole into which the protrusion fits. A protrusion provided on one surface of both surfaces of the rotation transmission member and the rotation transmission buffer member that face each other, and the rotation transmission member. Even if the projections of the transmission member and the projections of the rotation transmission buffer member are provided on the other side of both surfaces facing each other and have a hole fitted with the projection, the rotation You may have the welding part in the both surfaces which the protrusion part of a transmission member and the protrusion part of a rotation transmission buffer part material mutually face.
[0014] 本発明のいずれの軸連結機構においても、回転伝達部材は、好ましくは、ポリアセ タール榭脂、ポリアミド榭脂等の硬質の榭脂から形成されるが、その他の剛性を呈す る硬質の榭脂から形成されていてもよぐ回転伝達緩衝部材は、ウレタンゴム、シリコ ーンゴム、ポリエステルエラストマ一等のゴム弾性体力も形成されて 、るとよ 、。  [0014] In any of the shaft coupling mechanisms of the present invention, the rotation transmitting member is preferably formed of a hard resin such as a polyacetal resin or a polyamide resin, but a hard material exhibiting other rigidity. The rotation transmission shock absorbing member which may be formed of a resin is also formed with rubber elastic body force such as urethane rubber, silicone rubber and polyester elastomer.
[0015] 本発明にお ヽて、回転伝達部材及び回転伝達緩衝部材は、二色成形又はインサ ート成形により製造するとよぐ例えば、回転伝達部材を成形後に、回転伝達緩衝部 材を成形するとよぐ回転伝達部材と回転伝達緩衝部材との成形順序は、これらに用 いる材料に基づいて決定すればよい。したがって、回転伝達部材と回転伝達緩衝部 材との成形において、これらの材質が熱付与により互いに溶着する場合には、この溶 着部をもって保持手段とするとよい。  In the present invention, the rotation transmission member and the rotation transmission buffer member are manufactured by two-color molding or insert molding. For example, after the rotation transmission member is molded, the rotation transmission buffer member is molded. The molding order of the rotation transmission member and the rotation transmission buffer member may be determined based on the materials used for them. Accordingly, in the molding of the rotation transmission member and the rotation transmission buffer member, when these materials are welded to each other by applying heat, it is preferable to use the welded portion as a holding means.
[0016] 軸連結機構は、軸心周りの方向のスぺーサとして二つの回転軸の間に配した回転 伝達部材と回転伝達緩衝部材とを具備して 、ればよ 、のであるが、好ま 、例では、 軸連結機構は、一方の回転軸に連結される一方の連結基体と、他方の回転軸に連 結される他方の連結基体とを具備しており、一方の連結基体は、基部と、この基部か ら軸方向に一体的に突出した突部とを具備しており、他方の連結基体は、基部と、こ の基部力 軸方向に一体的に突出した突部とを具備しており、一方の連結基体の突 部と他方の連結基体の突部とは、回転伝達部材の突部及びこの突部に軸方向にお V、て重ね合わされた回転伝達緩衝部材の突部の夫々を軸心周りの方向にお!、て挟 んで交互に配されており、この場合、一方の回転軸の他方の回転軸に対する相対的 な初期回転で遊びが生じな 、ようにするために、一方及び他方の連結基体の突部は 、軸心周りの方向のその各側面で、両回転軸の一定以下の相対回転では軸心周り の方向において対面する回転伝達緩衝部材の突部の軸心周りの方向の側面に接触 して 、る一方、軸心周りの方向にぉ 、て対面する回転伝達部の突部の軸心周りの方 向の側面に、両回転軸の一定以下の相対回転では非接触となり、両回転軸の一定 以上の相対回転では接触するようになっているとよい。一方の連結基体は、一方の 回転軸に直接的に連結されて固着されていてもよいが、歯車機構等の他の回転伝 達機構を介して一方の回転軸に間接的に連結されて ヽてもよく、他方の連結基体も 同様である。 [0016] Preferably, the shaft coupling mechanism includes a rotation transmission member and a rotation transmission buffer member disposed between the two rotation shafts as a spacer in the direction around the axis. , In the example The shaft connecting mechanism includes one connecting base connected to one rotating shaft and the other connecting base connected to the other rotating shaft. The one connecting base includes a base and the base. The other connecting base body has a base and a protrusion that protrudes integrally in the axial direction, and the other connecting base has a protrusion that protrudes integrally in the axial direction. The protrusions of the connection base and the protrusions of the other connection base are the center of the protrusion of the rotation transmission member and the protrusion of the rotation transmission buffer member overlapped with the protrusion in the axial direction V, respectively. In order to prevent play from occurring in the initial rotation relative to the other rotation axis, the one and the other are arranged in the surrounding direction! The protrusions of the connection base of each of the connecting bases are on their respective sides in the direction around the shaft center, and the shaft center circumference is detected when the rotation of the two rotation shafts is below a certain level. In contact with the side surface in the direction around the axis of the protrusion of the rotation transmission shock absorbing member facing in the direction of It is preferable that the direction side surface is not in contact with a relative rotation of both rotation axes below a certain level, and is in contact with a relative rotation of both rotation axes above a certain level. One connecting base may be directly connected to and fixed to one rotating shaft, but may be indirectly connected to one rotating shaft via another rotating transmission mechanism such as a gear mechanism. The same applies to the other connecting base.
[0017] 本発明の軸連結機構は、電動式パワーステアリング装置用のものであってもよぐこ の場合、一方の回転軸は、電動モータの出力回転軸に連結されるようになっており、 他方の回転軸は、自動車のステアリング軸に連結されるようになって!/、てもよ!/、。 発明の効果  [0017] In the case where the shaft coupling mechanism of the present invention may be for an electric power steering apparatus, one rotary shaft is coupled to the output rotary shaft of the electric motor, The other rotating shaft is now connected to the steering shaft of the car! The invention's effect
[0018] 本発明によれば、長期の使用によっても一方の回転軸である例えば電動モータの 出力回転軸に連結された回転軸と他方の回転軸である例えばステアリングホイール に連結されたステアリング軸との間に軸心周りの方向についてのガタが生じ難ぐし 力も、電動モータの反転時の衝撃、ブラシ振動のステアリングホイールへの伝達を低 減でき、而して、耐久性に優れ操舵感覚を不快にさせない電動式パワーステアリング 装置用の軸連結機構を提供することができる。  [0018] According to the present invention, a rotating shaft connected to an output rotating shaft of, for example, an electric motor, which is one rotating shaft even after long-term use, and a steering shaft connected to, for example, a steering wheel, which is the other rotating shaft, The backlash in the direction around the shaft center is less likely to occur during this time, and the impact when the electric motor is reversed and the transmission of brush vibration to the steering wheel can be reduced. It is possible to provide a shaft coupling mechanism for an electric power steering device that is not allowed to be reduced.
[0019] 次に本発明の実施の形態を、図に示す好ましい例に基づいて更に詳細に説明す る。なお、本発明はこれら例に何等限定されないのである。 図面の簡単な説明 Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail based on preferred examples shown in the drawings. The present invention is not limited to these examples. Brief Description of Drawings
図 1は、本発明の実施の形態の好ましい例の正面図、  FIG. 1 is a front view of a preferred example of an embodiment of the present invention.
図 2は、図 1に示す例の一部破断正面図、  2 is a partially broken front view of the example shown in FIG.
図 3は、図 1に示す例の III III線矢視断面図、  Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III of the example shown in Fig. 1.
図 4は、図 1に示す例の回転伝達部材と回転伝達緩衝部材との組合せ体の右側面 図、  FIG. 4 is a right side view of the combination of the rotation transmission member and the rotation transmission buffer member in the example shown in FIG.
図 5は、図 1に示す例の回転軸側の連結基体の右側面図、  FIG. 5 is a right side view of the connecting base on the rotating shaft side in the example shown in FIG.
図 6は、図 1に示す例のステアリング軸側の連結基体の左側面図、  FIG. 6 is a left side view of the coupling base on the steering shaft side in the example shown in FIG.
図 7は、図 1に示す例の回転伝達部材の右側面図、  7 is a right side view of the rotation transmission member of the example shown in FIG.
図 8は、図 7に示す回転伝達部材の平面図、  FIG. 8 is a plan view of the rotation transmission member shown in FIG.
図 9は、図 7に示す回転伝達部材の IX— IX線矢視断面図、  9 is a cross-sectional view of the rotation transmission member shown in FIG.
図 10は、図 8に示す回転伝達部材の X—X線矢視断面図、  FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the rotation transmission member shown in FIG.
図 11は、図 1に示す例の回転伝達緩衝部材の右側面図、  FIG. 11 is a right side view of the rotation transmission buffer member of the example shown in FIG.
図 12は、図 11に示す回転伝達緩衝部材の XII— XII線矢視断面図、  FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XII-XII of the rotation transmission buffer member shown in FIG.
図 13は、図 1に示す例に適用できる回転伝達部材と回転伝達緩衝部材との組合せ 体の他の例の右側面図、  FIG. 13 is a right side view of another example of a combination of a rotation transmission member and a rotation transmission buffer member applicable to the example shown in FIG.
図 14は、図 13に示す組合せ体の XIV— XIV線矢視断面図、  FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the combination shown in FIG.
図 15は、図 13に示す回転伝達部材の右側面図、  15 is a right side view of the rotation transmission member shown in FIG.
図 16は、図 15に示す回転伝達部材の XVI—XVI線矢視断面図、  16 is a cross-sectional view of the rotation transmitting member shown in FIG.
図 17は、図 13に示す回転伝達緩衝部材の右側面図、  FIG. 17 is a right side view of the rotation transmission buffer member shown in FIG.
図 18は、図 17に示す回転伝達緩衝部材の XVIII—XVIII線矢視断面図、 図 19は、図 1に示す例に適用できる回転伝達部材と回転伝達緩衝部材との組合せ 体の更に他の例の右側面図、  18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII-XVIII of the rotation transmission buffer member shown in FIG. 17, and FIG. 19 is still another combination of the rotation transmission member and the rotation transmission buffer member applicable to the example shown in FIG. Example right side view,
図 20は、図 19に示す組合せ体の XX— XX線矢視断面図、  FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX—XX of the combination shown in FIG.
図 21は、図 1に示す例に適用できる回転伝達部材と回転伝達緩衝部材との組合せ 体の更に他の例の右側面図、  FIG. 21 is a right side view of still another example of a combination of a rotation transmission member and a rotation transmission buffer member applicable to the example shown in FIG.
図 22は、図 21に示す組合せ体の XXII— XXII線矢視断面図、  FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the combination shown in FIG. 21 taken along line XXII—XXII,
図 23は、図 21に示す回転伝達部材の右側面図、 図 24は、図 23に示す回転伝達部材の XXIV— XXIV線矢視断面図、 図 25は、図 21に示す回転伝達緩衝部材の右側面図、そして FIG. 23 is a right side view of the rotation transmission member shown in FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the rotation transmission member shown in FIG. 23 taken along the line XXIV-XXIV. FIG. 25 is a right side view of the rotation transmission buffer member shown in FIG.
図 26は、図 25に示す回転伝達緩衝部材の XXV— XXV線矢視断面図である。 発明を実施するための最良の形態  26 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXV-XXV of the rotation transmission buffer member shown in FIG. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0021] 図 1から図 12において、本例の電動式パワーステアリング装置用の軸連結機構 1は 、回転軸 2に連結された連結基体 3と、回転軸としてのステアリング軸 4に連結された 連結基体 5と、両連結基体 3及び 5を介して回転軸 2とステアリング軸 4との間に配さ れていると共に回転軸 2の軸心周りの方向である R方向の回転をステアリング軸 4に 伝達する回転伝達部材 6と、回転伝達部材 6に配されて ヽる回転伝達緩衝部材 7と、 回転伝達部材 6に対する回転伝達緩衝部材 7の R方向の位置を保持する保持手段 8 とを具備している。 In FIG. 1 to FIG. 12, the shaft coupling mechanism 1 for the electric power steering apparatus of this example includes a coupling base 3 coupled to a rotating shaft 2 and a coupling coupled to a steering shaft 4 as a rotating shaft. The steering shaft 4 is rotated between the rotating shaft 2 and the steering shaft 4 via the base 5 and the connecting bases 3 and 5, and the rotation in the R direction, which is the direction around the axis of the rotating shaft 2, is applied to the steering shaft 4. A rotation transmission member 6 for transmission, a rotation transmission buffer member 7 disposed on the rotation transmission member 6, and a holding means 8 for holding the position of the rotation transmission buffer member 7 in the R direction with respect to the rotation transmission member 6. ing.
[0022] 回転軸 2は、電動式パワーステアリング装置の電動モータ側の回転軸であり、剛性 の連結基体 3は、特に図 5に示すように、円環状の基部 11と、基部 11の一方の環状 面 12から軸方向、即ち A方向に一体的に突出していると共に R方向に 90° の等角 度間隔で配された二対の突部 13と、回転軸 2が嵌着された貫通孔 14とを具備してお り、剛性の連結基体 5は、特に図 6に示すように、円環状の基部 16と、基部 16の一方 の環状面 17に A方向に一体的に突出していると共に R方向に 90° の等角度間隔で 配された二対の突部 18と、ステアリング軸 4が嵌着された貫通孔 19とを具備している  [0022] The rotating shaft 2 is a rotating shaft on the electric motor side of the electric power steering apparatus, and the rigid connecting base 3 is formed of an annular base 11 and one of the base 11 as shown in FIG. Two pairs of protrusions 13 projecting integrally from the annular surface 12 in the axial direction, that is, the A direction, and arranged at an equiangular interval of 90 ° in the R direction, and a through-hole into which the rotary shaft 2 is fitted As shown in FIG. 6 in particular, the rigid connecting base body 5 includes an annular base portion 16 and one annular surface 17 of the base portion 16 integrally protruding in the A direction. It has two pairs of protrusions 18 arranged at equal angular intervals of 90 ° in the R direction, and a through hole 19 into which the steering shaft 4 is fitted.
[0023] 突部 13の夫々は、 R方向において一対の剛性回転伝達面としての側面 21及び 22 を有しており、突部 18の夫々もまた、 R方向において一対の剛性回転伝達面として の側面 23及び 24を有して!/、る。 Each of the protrusions 13 has side surfaces 21 and 22 as a pair of rigid rotation transmission surfaces in the R direction, and each of the protrusions 18 also serves as a pair of rigid rotation transmission surfaces in the R direction. Having sides 23 & 24!
[0024] ポリアセタール榭脂、ポリアミド榭脂等力も一体に形成されている剛性の回転伝達 部材 6は、特に図 7から図 10に示すように、 A方向において間隔をもって配された一 対の回転伝達部 31及び 32と、一対の回転伝達部 31及び 32を相互に結合する環状 の内側中央部 33とを一体的に有しており、回転伝達部 31及び 32の夫々は、内側中 央部 33と同心に配されていると共に内側中央部 33に一体形成された円環状の基部 34と、 R方向において 45° の等角度間隔で互いに離間していると共に基部 34から 径方向に伸びて基部 34に一体的に設けられた四対の突部 35とを具備しており、各 突部 35は、 R方向において一対の剛性回転伝達面としての側面 38及び 39を有して いる。 [0024] A rigid rotation transmission member 6 in which polyacetal resin, polyamide resin, and the like are integrally formed is a pair of rotation transmissions arranged at intervals in the A direction, as shown in FIGS. Parts 31 and 32 and an annular inner central portion 33 that couples the pair of rotation transmitting portions 31 and 32 to each other, and each of the rotation transmitting portions 31 and 32 has an inner central portion 33. And an annular base 34 formed integrally with the inner central portion 33 and spaced apart from each other at an equal angular interval of 45 ° in the R direction. And four pairs of protrusions 35 that extend in the radial direction and are provided integrally with the base 34, and each protrusion 35 has side surfaces 38 and 39 as a pair of rigid rotation transmission surfaces in the R direction. is doing.
[0025] 回転伝達部材 6の一対の回転伝達部 31及び 32間に配されている回転伝達緩衝 部材 7は、回転伝達部材 6よりも小さな剛性を有すると共に弾性変形可能であってゥ レタンゴム、シリコーンゴム、ポリエステルエラストマ一等のゴム弾性体から一体形成さ れており、斯かる回転伝達緩衝部材 7は、特に図 11及び図 12に示すように、内側中 央部 33と同心であって内側中央部 33に外装された環状の外側中央部 45と、 A方向 における一対の回転伝達部 31及び 32の突部 35間に配されていると共に突部 35に おける R方向の幅 dよりも大きな幅 Dを有しており、且つ、外側中央部 45に一体的に 形成されていると共に外側中央部 45から径方向に伸びている四対の突部 46を有し て！、る。回転伝達部 31及び 32の夫々の突部 35と同数であって R方向にお!、て 45 。 の等角度間隔で互いに離間して配された突部 46の夫々は、回転伝達部 31及び 3 2の夫々の突部 35の剛性よりも小さな剛性を有すると共に弾性変形可能であり、 R方 向において側面 47及び 48を有しており、回転伝達緩衝部材 7は、回転伝達部 31及 び 32の夫々の A方向の平坦な面 49に対面する面 50で平坦になっている。  [0025] The rotation transmission buffer member 7 disposed between the pair of rotation transmission parts 31 and 32 of the rotation transmission member 6 has rigidity smaller than that of the rotation transmission member 6 and is elastically deformable. The rotation transmission shock-absorbing member 7 is integrally formed with a rubber elastic body such as rubber, polyester elastomer, etc., and is particularly concentric with the inner central portion 33 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. A width greater than the width d in the R direction at the protrusion 35 and between the annular outer central portion 45 sheathed by the portion 33 and the protrusions 35 of the pair of rotation transmitting portions 31 and 32 in the A direction. D and has four pairs of protrusions 46 formed integrally with the outer central part 45 and extending radially from the outer central part 45! RU The number of rotation transmission parts 31 and 32 is the same as the number of protrusions 35 in the R direction! The protrusions 46 spaced apart from each other at equiangular intervals have rigidity smaller than the rigidity of the respective protrusions 35 of the rotation transmitting parts 31 and 32 and are elastically deformable. The rotation transmission buffer member 7 is flat at a surface 50 facing the flat surface 49 in the A direction of each of the rotation transmission portions 31 and 32.
[0026] 保持手段 8は、内側中央部 33と外側中央部 45との相互に対面する環状の両面 55 及び 56のうちの一方の面 56に R方向において等角度間隔で互いに離間して設けら れた八個の突起 57と、内側中央部 33と外側中央部 45との相互に対面する両面 55 及び 56のうちの他方の面 55に R方向において等角度間隔で互いに離間して設けら れていると共に突起 57が嵌合した八個の孔 58とを具備しており、こうして本例の保持 手段 8は、内側中央部 33と外側中央部 45との間に設けられている。  [0026] The holding means 8 is provided on one surface 56 of the annular central surfaces 55 and 56 of the inner central portion 33 and the outer central portion 45 facing each other at an equal angular interval in the R direction. The eight protrusions 57 and the other surface 55 of the inner central portion 33 and the outer central portion 45 facing each other 55 and 56 are provided apart from each other at equal angular intervals in the R direction. And eight holes 58 into which the projections 57 are fitted. Thus, the holding means 8 of this example is provided between the inner central portion 33 and the outer central portion 45.
[0027] 回転伝達緩衝部材 7と、回転伝達緩衝部材 7を A方向にお 、て挟んだ回転伝達部 31及び 32とに対して、連結基体 3の突部 13の夫々と連結基体 5の突部 18の夫々と は、回転伝達部 31及び 32の突部 35及び突部 35に A方向において挟まれて重ね合 わされた回転伝達緩衝部材 7の突部 46を R方向にぉ 、て挟んで交互に配されており 、回転軸 2及びステアリング軸 4の一定以下の R方向の相対回転では、連結基体 3の 各突部 13は、 R方向のその各側面 21及び 22で、 R方向において対面する回転伝達 緩衝部材 7の各突部 46の R方向の側面 47及び 48に夫々接触している一方、 R方向 において対面する回転伝達部 31及び 32の突部 35の側面 38及び 39に夫々非接触 となっており、連結基体 5の突部 18は、 R方向のその各側面 23及び 24で、 R方向に おいて対面する回転伝達緩衝部材 7の各突部 46の R方向の側面 47及び 48に夫々 接触して 、る一方、 R方向にぉ ヽて対面する回転伝達部 31及び 32の突部 35の側 面 38及び 39に夫々非接触となっている。 [0027] With respect to the rotation transmission buffer member 7 and the rotation transmission parts 31 and 32 sandwiching the rotation transmission buffer member 7 in the A direction, each of the protrusions 13 of the connection base 3 and the protrusion of the connection base 5 Each of the portions 18 includes the protrusion 35 of the rotation transmitting portions 31 and 32 and the protrusion 46 of the rotation transmission buffer member 7 that is overlapped and overlapped with the protrusion 35 in the A direction. In the relative rotation of the rotating shaft 2 and the steering shaft 4 in the R direction below a certain level, each protrusion 13 of the connecting base 3 is at its side surfaces 21 and 22 in the R direction and in the R direction. Face-to-face rotation transmission While the protrusions 46 of the buffer member 7 are in contact with the side surfaces 47 and 48 in the R direction, respectively, the side surfaces 38 and 39 of the protrusions 35 of the rotation transmitting portions 31 and 32 facing in the R direction are not in contact with each other. The projecting portions 18 of the connecting base 5 are respectively on the side surfaces 23 and 24 in the R direction, and on the side surfaces 47 and 48 in the R direction of the projecting portions 46 of the rotation transmission buffer member 7 facing in the R direction, respectively. On the other hand, they are not in contact with the side surfaces 38 and 39 of the protrusions 35 of the rotation transmitting portions 31 and 32 facing each other in the R direction.
[0028] 回転軸 2の R方向の回転をステアリング軸 4に伝達するように回転軸 2及びステアリ ング軸 4の間に配されて二つの回転軸である回転軸 2及びステアリング軸 4を相互に 連結する軸連結機構 1を具備した以上の電動式パワーステアリング装置では、ステア リングホイールが運転者により手動操作されると、ステアリング軸 4が R方向に回転さ れて、ステアリング軸 4の R方向の回転は、図示しない歯車等の伝達機構を介してド ラッグ'リンク等に往復動として伝達されて操向輪 (車輪）に対する操舵力を与える。 運転者によるステアリングホイールの手動操作において、ステアリングホイールにカロ えられるトルクを検出するトルク検出器力 の検出信号により制御される電動モータが 作動されると、回転軸 2が R方向に回転されて、突部 13による突部 46の R方向の変 形後における側面 38への側面 21の接触又は側面 39への側面 22の接触に基づく 突部 13による突部 35の R方向への押圧を介して連結基体 3の R方向の回転が連結 基体 5の突部 18に伝達されて、これによりステアリング軸 4の R方向の回転力に対し て回転軸 2の R方向の回転力を付加して運転者によるステアリングホイールの手動操 作を補助するようになって！/、る。  [0028] Two rotation shafts, the rotation shaft 2 and the steering shaft 4, are arranged between the rotation shaft 2 and the steering shaft 4 so as to transmit the rotation of the rotation shaft 2 in the R direction to the steering shaft 4. In the above-described electric power steering apparatus having the connecting shaft connecting mechanism 1, when the steering wheel is manually operated by the driver, the steering shaft 4 rotates in the R direction, and the steering shaft 4 moves in the R direction. The rotation is transmitted as a reciprocating motion to a drag link via a transmission mechanism such as a gear (not shown) to give a steering force to the steered wheel (wheel). When the driver operates the steering wheel manually, when the electric motor controlled by the detection signal of the torque detector force that detects the torque generated on the steering wheel is activated, the rotating shaft 2 is rotated in the R direction, Based on the contact of the side surface 21 with the side surface 38 or the contact of the side surface 22 with the side surface 39 after the deformation of the projection 46 in the R direction by the projection 13 through the pressing of the projection 35 in the R direction by the projection 13 The rotation of the connecting base 3 in the R direction is transmitted to the protrusion 18 of the connecting base 5, thereby adding the rotational force of the rotating shaft 2 in the R direction to the rotational force of the steering shaft 4 in the R direction. Assist the manual operation of the steering wheel by! /
[0029] 軸連結機構 1では、ステアリングホイールが運転者により手動操作されないでステア リング軸 4が R方向に回転されな 、状態又はステアリングホイールが運転者により手 動操作されてステアリング軸 4が R方向に回転される状態の 、ずれの状態にぉ ヽても 、ステアリング軸 4に対する回転軸 2の R方向の相対回転が幅 Dと幅 dとの差の半分程 度以内の微小なものである場合には、突部 46が容易に圧縮変形する結果、斯かる 回転軸 2の微小な R方向の相対回転はステアリング軸 4には殆ど伝達されず、而して 、軸連結機構 1及びステアリング軸 4を介する電動モータの反転時の衝撃、ブラシ振 動のステアリングホイールへの伝達を低減でき操舵感覚を不快にさせな 、ようにでき る上に、突部 46の一定以上の圧縮変形後、側面 38への側面 21の接触又は側面 39 への側面 22の接触が生じて突部 46のそれ以上の圧縮変形を抑止できる結果、突部 46の夫々のクリープによるへたりを防止でき、突部 13及び 18と突部 46との R方向に おける側面 21及び 22並びに 23及び 24と側面 47及び 48との互いの接触を長期に 亘つて維持でき、ステアリング軸 4と回転軸 2との間に R方向についてのガタが生じ難 いことになる。そして、回転伝達部材 6は、ステアリングホイールの運転者による手動 操作でステアリング軸 4が R方向に回転されると共に電動モータの作動で回転軸 2が R方向に回転されてステアリング軸 4に対して回転軸 2が一定以上、すなわち幅 Dと 幅 dとの差の半分程度以上に R方向に相対回転されようとする場合には、側面 38へ の側面 21の接触又は側面 39への側面 22の接触に基づく突部 13による突部 35の R 方向への押圧でもって斯カる一定以上の R方向の相対回転に応答して回転軸 2の R 方向の回転をステアリング軸 4に伝達してステアリング軸 4の回転を補助するようにな る。 [0029] In the shaft coupling mechanism 1, the steering wheel 4 is not manually rotated by the driver and the steering shaft 4 is not rotated in the R direction. The state or the steering wheel is manually operated by the driver and the steering shaft 4 is moved in the R direction. If the relative rotation in the R direction of the rotating shaft 2 with respect to the steering shaft 4 is very small within about half the difference between the width D and the width d As a result, the protrusion 46 is easily compressed and deformed, so that the minute relative rotation in the R direction of the rotating shaft 2 is hardly transmitted to the steering shaft 4, and thus, the shaft coupling mechanism 1 and the steering shaft 4. It is possible to reduce the impact when the electric motor reverses through the brush and the transmission of brush vibration to the steering wheel, so that the steering feeling is not uncomfortable. In addition, after a certain amount of compressive deformation of the protrusion 46, the contact of the side surface 21 with the side surface 38 or the contact of the side surface 22 with the side surface 39 occurs, so that further compression deformation of the protrusion 46 can be suppressed. It is possible to prevent the sag due to the creep of each part 46, and the contact between the side faces 21 and 22 and the side faces 23 and 23 and the side faces 47 and 48 in the R direction between the protrusion parts 13 and 18 and the protrusion part 46 is prolonged. Therefore, the play in the R direction is unlikely to occur between the steering shaft 4 and the rotating shaft 2. The rotation transmission member 6 rotates with respect to the steering shaft 4 by rotating the steering shaft 4 in the R direction by the manual operation by the driver of the steering wheel and rotating the rotating shaft 2 in the R direction by the operation of the electric motor. When axis 2 is more than a certain value, that is, when the relative rotation in the R direction is about half or more of the difference between width D and width d, contact of side 21 with side 38 or contact of side 22 with side 39 In response to pressing of the protrusion 35 in the R direction by the protrusion 13 based on the above, the rotation of the rotating shaft 2 in the R direction is transmitted to the steering shaft 4 in response to the relative rotation in the R direction more than a certain level. Assist in the rotation of 4.
以上のように軸連結機構 1によれば、回転伝達部 31及び 32間に配されている回転 伝達緩衝部材 7が A方向において回転伝達部 31及び 32の突部 35間の夫々に配さ れていると共に突部 35の夫々の R方向の幅 dよりも大きな幅 Dをもった突部 46を有し ており、回転伝達緩衝部材 7の各突部 46が回転伝達部 31及び 32の突部 35の夫々 の剛性よりも小さな剛性を有している結果、回転軸 2の R方向の回転のステアリング軸 4への伝達が回転伝達緩衝部材 7の突部 46の弾性変形を介して行われるために、 回転軸 2の R方向の微小な回転のステアリング軸 4への伝達を回転伝達緩衝部材 7 の突部 46の弾性変形で低減又は阻止できると共に回転軸 2のステアリング軸 4に対 する大きな R方向の相対回転のステアリング軸 4への伝達を回転伝達緩衝部材 7の 突部 46よりも大きな剛性を有している回転伝達部材 6の突部 35を介してそのまま行 い得、し力も、ステアリング軸 4に対する回転軸 2の R方向の一定以上の相対回転で は大きい剛性をもった回転伝達部材 6の突部 35で回転伝達緩衝部材 7の突部 46の 大きな弾性変形を阻止できるために、回転伝達緩衝部材 7に対して柔軟性のある剛 性の小さ ヽ榭脂材料を用いてもクリープによる回転伝達緩衝部材 7の突部 46の永久 的な変形を低減でき、その上、回転伝達部材 6が A方向において間隔をもって配さ れた一対の回転伝達部 31及び 32と一対の回転伝達部 31及び 32を相互に結合す る内側中央部 33とを一体的に有していると共に回転伝達部材 6に対する回転伝達 緩衝部材 7の R方向の位置を保持する保持手段 8が設けられているために、回転伝 達部材 6の一体成形ィ匕が可能となる上に、組み付け性を向上でき、而して、電動モ ータの反転時の衝撃、ブラシ振動のステアリングホイールへの伝達を低減できる上に 回転軸 2及びステアリング軸 4間の R方向にっ 、てのガタをなくし得て、操舵感覚を不 快にさせないと共に耐久性に優れ特性の安定したものとし得る。 As described above, according to the shaft coupling mechanism 1, the rotation transmission buffer member 7 disposed between the rotation transmission portions 31 and 32 is disposed between the protrusions 35 of the rotation transmission portions 31 and 32 in the A direction. And a protrusion 46 having a width D larger than the width d of each of the protrusions 35 in the R direction, and the protrusions 46 of the rotation transmission buffer member 7 are protruded from the protrusions of the rotation transmission parts 31 and 32. As a result of having a rigidity smaller than the rigidity of each of the portions 35, the rotation of the rotation shaft 2 in the R direction is transmitted to the steering shaft 4 through the elastic deformation of the protrusion 46 of the rotation transmission buffer member 7. Therefore, transmission of the minute rotation of the rotating shaft 2 in the R direction to the steering shaft 4 can be reduced or prevented by elastic deformation of the protrusion 46 of the rotation transmitting buffer member 7 and a large amount of the rotating shaft 2 relative to the steering shaft 4 can be obtained. The transmission of the relative rotation in the R direction to the steering shaft 4 is larger than the protrusion 46 of the rotation transmission buffer member 7. The rotation transmission member 6 having a sufficient rigidity can be carried out as it is through the protrusion 35, and the force is also a rotation with a large rigidity when the rotation axis 2 of the rotation axis 2 with respect to the steering axis 4 is more than a certain relative rotation. Because the protrusion 35 of the transmission member 6 can prevent the elastic deformation of the protrusion 46 of the rotation transmission buffer member 7, the rotation transmission buffer member 7 is made of a flexible and rigid low-resin material. In addition, permanent deformation of the protrusion 46 of the rotation transmission shock absorbing member 7 due to creep can be reduced, and in addition, the rotation transmission member 6 is arranged at intervals in the A direction. A pair of rotation transmitting portions 31 and 32 and an inner central portion 33 that couples the pair of rotation transmitting portions 31 and 32 to each other, and the rotation transmitting buffer member 7 Since the holding means 8 for holding the position in the R direction is provided, the rotation transfer member 6 can be integrally formed, and the assembling property can be improved. In addition to being able to reduce the impact of reversal and transmission of brush vibration to the steering wheel, in the R direction between the rotating shaft 2 and the steering shaft 4, it is possible to eliminate the backlash, and to make the steering feel uncomfortable and durable It can be excellent in stability and characteristics.
[0031] また軸連結機構 1によれば、保持手段 8により回転伝達緩衝部材 7が回転伝達部 6 に対して R方向に関して位置決めされて 、るために、回転軸 2及びステアリング軸 4の 相対的な R方向の両方の回転に対して回転伝達緩衝部材 7による効果を均等に得る ことができる。 Further, according to the shaft coupling mechanism 1, the rotation transmission buffer member 7 is positioned with respect to the rotation transmission unit 6 with respect to the R direction by the holding means 8, so that the rotation shaft 2 and the steering shaft 4 are relatively The effects of the rotation transmission buffer member 7 can be evenly obtained with respect to both rotations in the R direction.
[0032] 上記の例の軸連結機構 1は、一個の回転伝達緩衝部材 7からなつているが、これに 代えて、二個以上の回転伝達緩衝部材 7からなつていてもよぐ回転伝達部材 6もま た二個以上力もなつていてもよい。また、連結基体 3及び 5の突部 13及び 18、回転 伝達部材 6の突部 35、回転伝達緩衝部材 7の突部 46並びに保持手段 8の突起 57 及び孔 58は、上記の個数に限らないのである。  The shaft coupling mechanism 1 in the above example is composed of one rotation transmission buffer member 7, but instead of this, the rotation transmission member may be composed of two or more rotation transmission buffer members 7. You may have 6 or more powers. Further, the protrusions 13 and 18 of the connecting bases 3 and 5, the protrusion 35 of the rotation transmission member 6, the protrusion 46 of the rotation transmission buffer member 7, and the protrusion 57 and the hole 58 of the holding means 8 are not limited to the above numbers. It is.
[0033] 保持手段 8としては、上記のように内側中央部 33と外側中央部 45との間に設けら れたものに限らないのであって、例えば、図 13から図 18に示すように、保持手段 8は 、回転伝達部材 6の各突部 35と回転伝達緩衝部材 7の各突部 46との相互に対面す る両面 49及び 50のうちの一方の面 50に設けられた円柱状の突起 71と、回転伝達部 材 6の各突部 35と回転伝達緩衝部材 7の各突部 46との相互に対面する両面 49及 び 50のうちの他方の面 49に設けられていると共に突起 71が嵌合した円柱状の孔 72 とを具備していてもよい。斯かる回転伝達部 31及び 32の各突部 35と回転伝達緩衝 部材 7の各突部 46との間に設けられている保持手段 8において、突起 71は、各突部 46の A方向の二つの面（表裏面） 50に一体的に設けられており、突起 71が嵌合した 孔 72は、各突部 35の A方向の二つの面（表裏面) 49に設けられて 、る。  [0033] The holding means 8 is not limited to the one provided between the inner central portion 33 and the outer central portion 45 as described above. For example, as shown in FIGS. The holding means 8 has a cylindrical shape provided on one surface 50 of both surfaces 49 and 50 facing each other between each projection 35 of the rotation transmission member 6 and each projection 46 of the rotation transmission buffer member 7. Protrusions 71, projections 35 of rotation transmission member 6 and projections 46 of rotation transmission buffer member 7 are provided on the other surface 49 of both surfaces 49 and 50 facing each other, and projections And a cylindrical hole 72 into which 71 is fitted. In the holding means 8 provided between each of the projections 35 of the rotation transmission parts 31 and 32 and each of the projections 46 of the rotation transmission buffer member 7, the projection 71 has two protrusions 46 in the A direction. The holes 72 are integrally provided on one surface (front and back surfaces) 50, and the holes 72 into which the protrusions 71 are fitted are provided on two surfaces (front and back surfaces) 49 in the A direction of each protrusion 35.
[0034] 図 13から図 18に示す保持手段 8によっても、回転伝達部材 6に対する回転伝達緩 衝部材 7の R方向の位置を保持することができる上に、本例の保持手段 8では、回転 伝達部材 6の各突部 35に対する回転伝達緩衝部材 7の各突部 46の R方向の位置を 保持することができる結果、回転軸 2及びステアリング軸 4の相対的な R方向の両方 の回転に対して回転伝達緩衝部材 7による効果をより均等に得ることができる。 [0034] The holding means 8 shown in FIGS. 13 to 18 can also hold the position of the rotation transmission shock absorbing member 7 in the R direction with respect to the rotation transmitting member 6, and the holding means 8 of the present example can rotate. As a result of maintaining the position of each protrusion 46 of the rotation transmission buffer member 7 relative to each protrusion 35 of the transmission member 6 in the R direction, the rotation of the rotary shaft 2 and the steering shaft 4 in both the relative R directions is possible. In contrast, the effect of the rotation transmission buffer member 7 can be obtained more evenly.
[0035] 更に保持手段 8は、上記のような突起 57又は 71と孔 58又は 72とを具備したものに 代えて、図 19及び図 20に示すように、回転伝達部材 6の突部 35と回転伝達緩衝部 材 7の突部 46との相互に対面する両面 49及び 50を溶着させてなる溶着部 75を具 備したものであってもよい。溶着部 75は、回転伝達部材 6と回転伝達緩衝部材 7とを 互いに熱溶着し易い材料から二色成形又はインサート成形することにより得ることが できる。図 19及び図 20に示す保持手段 8では、突起 57又は 71及び孔 58又は 72を 設けないために成形が容易となる。回転伝達部 31及び 32の突部 35と回転伝達緩 衝部材 7の突部 46との間に設けられている斯カる溶着部 75を内側中央部 33と外側 中央部 45との間の相互接触面に設けてもよい。  [0035] Further, the holding means 8 is replaced with the projection 57 or 71 and the hole 58 or 72 as described above, and as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the projection 35 of the rotation transmitting member 6 and It may be provided with a welded portion 75 formed by welding both surfaces 49 and 50 facing each other with the protrusion 46 of the rotation transmission buffer member 7. The welding portion 75 can be obtained by two-color molding or insert molding of the rotation transmission member 6 and the rotation transmission buffer member 7 from materials that are easily heat-welded to each other. In the holding means 8 shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, since the projection 57 or 71 and the hole 58 or 72 are not provided, molding becomes easy. The welded portion 75 provided between the protrusion 35 of the rotation transmitting portions 31 and 32 and the protrusion 46 of the rotation transmitting shock absorbing member 7 is connected to the inner central portion 33 and the outer central portion 45. You may provide in a contact surface.
[0036] 以上の軸連結機構 1は、一対の回転伝達部 31及び 32を一体的に有した回転伝達 部材 6と、回転伝達部 31及び 32間に配された回転伝達緩衝部材 7とを具備している 力 これに代えて、図 21から図 26に示すような回転伝達部 31を有した回転伝達部 材 6と回転伝達部材 6に重ね合わされた回転伝達緩衝部材 7と保持手段 8とを具備し た軸連結機構 1であってもよい。図 21から図 26において、ポリアセタール榭脂、ポリ アミド榭脂等から一体に形成されて ヽる剛性の回転伝達部材 6は、回転伝達部 31及 び環状の中央部 33aを一体的に有しており、回転伝達部材 6よりも小さな剛性を有す ると共に弾性変形可能であってウレタンゴム、シリコーンゴム、ポリエステルエラストマ 一等のゴム弾性体から一体形成されて ヽる回転伝達緩衝部材 7は、回転伝達部材 6 に A方向において重ね合わされており、保持手段 8は、回転伝達部材 6に対する回 転伝達緩衝部材 7の R方向の位置を保持するようになっており、回転伝達部 31は、 R 方向にお 、て 45° の等角度間隔で互いに離間して 、ると共に中央部 33aから径方 向に伸びて中央部 33aに一体的に設けられた八個の突部 35を有しており、各突部 3 5は、 R方向において一対の剛性回転伝達面としての側面 38及び 39を有しており、 回転伝達緩衝部材 7は、中央部 33aに A方向において重ね合わされた環状の中央 部 45aと、 A方向にぉ 、て回転伝達部材 6の突部 35に重ね合わされて 、ると共に回 転伝達部材 6の突部 35における R方向の幅 dよりも大きな幅 Dを有しており、且つ、中 央部 45aに一体的に形成されていると共に中央部 45aから径方向に伸びている八個 の突部 46とを有しており、突部 35と同数であって R方向において 45° の等角度間 隔で互いに離間して配された回転伝達緩衝部材 7の各突部 46は、回転伝達部材 6 の各突部 35の剛性よりも小さな剛性を有すると共に弾性変形可能であり、 R方向に おいて側面 47及び 48を有しており、回転伝達緩衝部材 7は、回転伝達部 31の A方 向の平坦な面 49に対面する面 50で平坦になっており、保持手段 8は、中央部 33aと 中央部 45aとの間及び回転伝達部 31の突部 35と回転伝達緩衝部材 7の突部 46と の間の少なくとも一方の間、本例では、回転伝達部 31の突部 35と回転伝達緩衝部 材 7の突部 46との間に設けられている。 The above-described shaft coupling mechanism 1 includes a rotation transmission member 6 integrally including a pair of rotation transmission units 31 and 32, and a rotation transmission buffer member 7 disposed between the rotation transmission units 31 and 32. Instead of this, a rotation transmission member 6 having a rotation transmission portion 31 as shown in FIGS. 21 to 26, a rotation transmission buffer member 7 and a holding means 8 superimposed on the rotation transmission member 6 are provided. The provided shaft coupling mechanism 1 may be used. In FIG. 21 to FIG. 26, the rigid rotation transmission member 6 integrally formed from polyacetal resin, polyamide resin, etc. has a rotation transmission part 31 and an annular central part 33a. The rotation transmission buffer member 7 has a rigidity smaller than that of the rotation transmission member 6 and is elastically deformable, and is integrally formed from a rubber elastic body such as urethane rubber, silicone rubber, polyester elastomer or the like. It is superimposed on the transmission member 6 in the A direction, the holding means 8 is adapted to hold the position of the rotation transmission buffer member 7 in the R direction with respect to the rotation transmission member 6, and the rotation transmission unit 31 is in the R direction. It has eight protrusions 35 that are spaced apart from each other at equal angular intervals of 45 ° and that extend radially from the central portion 33a and are integrally provided in the central portion 33a. Each protrusion 35 is a pair in the R direction. The rotation transmission buffer member 7 includes a ring-shaped central portion 45a superimposed on the central portion 33a in the A direction, and a rotation transmission member 6 extending in the A direction. It is superimposed on the protrusion 35 of the The protrusion 35 of the rolling transmission member 6 has a width D larger than the width d in the R direction, and is formed integrally with the central portion 45a and extends radially from the central portion 45a. Each of the protrusions 46 of the rotation transmission buffer member 7, which is the same number as the protrusions 35 and spaced apart from each other at an equiangular interval of 45 ° in the R direction, has eight protrusions 46. The rotation transmission member 6 has rigidity smaller than the rigidity of each protrusion 35 and is elastically deformable, and has side surfaces 47 and 48 in the R direction. 31 is flat on the surface 50 facing the A direction 49, and the holding means 8 is provided between the central portion 33a and the central portion 45a and between the protrusion 35 of the rotation transmission portion 31 and the rotation transmission buffer. Between at least one of the protrusions 46 of the member 7, in this example, the protrusion 35 of the rotation transmission portion 31 and the protrusion 46 of the rotation transmission buffer member 7. It is provided to.
[0037] 図 21から図 26において、保持手段 8は、回転伝達部材 6の突部 35と回転伝達緩 衝部材 7の突部 46との相互に対面する両面 49及び 50のうちの一方の面 50に R方 向において等角度間隔で互いに離間して設けられた八個の突起 71と、回転伝達部 材 6の突部 35と回転伝達緩衝部材 7の突部 46との相互に対面する両面 49及び 50 のうちの他方の面 49に R方向にぉ 、て等角度間隔で互いに離間して設けられて!/、る と共に突起 71が嵌合した孔 72とを具備している。  In FIG. 21 to FIG. 26, the holding means 8 is one surface of both surfaces 49 and 50 facing each other between the protrusion 35 of the rotation transmission member 6 and the protrusion 46 of the rotation transmission shock absorbing member 7. Eight protrusions 71 spaced apart from each other at equal angular intervals in the R direction in 50, and both surfaces of the protrusion 35 of the rotation transmission member 6 and the protrusion 46 of the rotation transmission buffer member 7 facing each other. The other surface 49 of 49 and 50 is provided with a hole 72 which is provided in the R direction and spaced apart from each other at equal angular intervals and in which a projection 71 is fitted.
[0038] 図 21から図 26に示す回転伝達部材 6、回転伝達緩衝部材 7及び保持手段 8は、 図 1から図 3並びに図 5及び図 6に示す連結基体 3及び 5と共に用いられ、斯かる回 転伝達部材 6、回転伝達緩衝部材 7及び保持手段 8を具備した軸連結機構 1は、上 記と同様にして回転軸 2の R方向の回転をステアリング軸 4に伝達するように回転軸 2 及びステアリング軸 4の間に配されて回転軸 2及びステアリング軸 4を連結する。  The rotation transmission member 6, the rotation transmission buffer member 7 and the holding means 8 shown in FIGS. 21 to 26 are used together with the connection bases 3 and 5 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and FIGS. 5 and 6. The shaft coupling mechanism 1 including the rotation transmission member 6, the rotation transmission buffer member 7, and the holding means 8 is configured so that the rotation shaft 2 transmits the rotation of the rotation shaft 2 in the R direction to the steering shaft 4 in the same manner as described above. And the rotating shaft 2 and the steering shaft 4 are connected between the steering shaft 4 and the rotating shaft 2.
[0039] 図 21から図 26に示す例においても、保持手段 8は、中央部 33a及び 45aとの相互 に対面する両面 49及び 50のうちの一方の面に設けられた突起と、中央部 33a及び 4 5aの相互に対面する両面 49及び 50のうちの他方の面に設けられていると共に突起 が嵌合した孔とを具備していてもよぐまた、突部 35及び 46の相互に対面する両面 4 9及び 50及び中央部 33a及び 45aの相互に対面する両面 49及び 50の少なくとも一 方にお 、て溶着部を具備して 、てもよ!/、。  [0039] Also in the example shown in Figs. 21 to 26, the holding means 8 includes the protrusion provided on one surface of both surfaces 49 and 50 facing the center portions 33a and 45a, and the center portion 33a. 4 and 5a may be provided with a hole provided on the other surface of the two surfaces 49 and 50 facing each other and with a projection fitted therein, and the protrusions 35 and 46 facing each other. It is also possible to provide a welded portion on at least one of the double-sided surfaces 49 and 50 and the double-sided surfaces 49 and 50 and the central portions 33a and 45a.

Claims

請求の範囲 The scope of the claims
[1] 一方の回転軸の回転を他方の回転軸に伝達するように二つの回転軸の間に配さ れて二つの回転軸を連結する軸連結機構であって、軸方向において間隔をもって配 された一対の回転伝達部及びこの一対の回転伝達部を相互に結合する内側中央部 を一体的に有した回転伝達部材と、この回転伝達部材の一対の回転伝達部間に配 されて!/ヽる回転伝達緩衝部材と、回転伝達部材に対する回転伝達緩衝部材の軸心 周りの方向の位置を保持する保持手段とを具備しており、一対の回転伝達部の夫々 は、軸心周りの方向において互いに離間していると共に径方向に伸びた少なくとも一 対の突部を有しており、回転伝達緩衝部材は、内側中央部に外装された外側中央 部と、軸方向における一対の回転伝達部の一対の突部間に配されていると共に各対 の突部における軸心周りの方向の幅よりも大きな幅を有しており、且つ、外側中央部 に一体的に形成されていると共に外側中央部から径方向に伸びている一対の突部と を有しており、回転伝達緩衝部材の一対の突部は、回転伝達部の夫々の一対の突 部の剛性よりも小さな剛性を有すると共に弾性変形可能であり、保持手段は、内側中 央部と外側中央部との間及び回転伝達部の突部と回転伝達緩衝部材の突部との間 の少なくとも一方の間に設けられている軸連結機構。  [1] A shaft coupling mechanism that is connected between two rotary shafts so as to transmit the rotation of one rotary shaft to the other rotary shaft and connects the two rotary shafts with an interval in the axial direction. A rotation transmission member integrally having a pair of rotation transmission portions and an inner central portion that couples the pair of rotation transmission portions to each other, and the pair of rotation transmission portions of the rotation transmission member! / And a holding means for holding the position of the rotation transmission buffer member in the direction around the axis of the rotation transmission buffer member. Each of the pair of rotation transmission parts has a direction around the axis. At least one pair of projecting portions that are spaced apart from each other and extend in the radial direction, and the rotation transmission buffer member includes an outer central portion that is sheathed on the inner central portion, and a pair of rotation transmission portions in the axial direction. Each pair is arranged between a pair of protrusions A pair of protrusions having a width larger than the width of the protrusions in the direction around the axis, and formed integrally with the outer central part and extending radially from the outer central part. And the pair of protrusions of the rotation transmission buffer member have rigidity smaller than the rigidity of each pair of protrusions of the rotation transmission part and are elastically deformable. A shaft coupling mechanism provided between the outer central portion and between at least one of the projection of the rotation transmission portion and the projection of the rotation transmission buffer member.
[2] 保持手段は、内側中央部と外側中央部との相互に対面する両面のうちの一方の面 に設けられた突起と、内側中央部と外側中央部との相互に対面する両面のうちの他 方の面に設けられていると共に突起が嵌合した孔とを具備している請求項 1に記載 の軸連結機構。  [2] The holding means includes a protrusion provided on one of both surfaces of the inner central portion and the outer central portion facing each other, and of the both surfaces of the inner central portion and the outer central portion facing each other. The shaft coupling mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising a hole provided on the other surface and into which the protrusion is fitted.
[3] 保持手段は、内側中央部と外側中央部との相互に対面する両面における溶着部を 具備している請求項 1又は 2に記載の軸連結機構。  [3] The shaft coupling mechanism according to [1] or [2], wherein the holding means includes welded portions on both surfaces of the inner central portion and the outer central portion facing each other.
[4] 保持手段は、回転伝達部材の突部と回転伝達緩衝部材の突部との相互に対面す る両面のうちの一方の面に設けられた突起と、回転伝達部材の突部と回転伝達緩衝 部材の突部との相互に対面する両面のうちの他方の面に設けられていると共に突起 が嵌合した孔とを具備して 、る請求項 1から 3の 、ずれか一項に記載の軸連結機構。  [4] The holding means includes a protrusion provided on one of the surfaces of the rotation transmission member and the rotation transmission buffer member that face each other, and the rotation of the rotation transmission member. The displacement buffer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a hole provided on the other surface of the two surfaces facing each other and the protrusion of the transmission buffer member, and a hole into which the protrusion is fitted. The shaft coupling mechanism described.
[5] 保持手段は、回転伝達部材の突部と回転伝達緩衝部材の突部との相互に対面す る両面における溶着部を具備している請求項 1から 4のいずれか一項に記載の軸連 結機構。 [5] The holding means includes welded portions on both surfaces of the protrusion of the rotation transmission member and the protrusion of the rotation transmission buffer member facing each other. Shaft linkage Tying mechanism.
[6] 一方の回転軸の回転を他方の回転軸に伝達するように二つの回転軸の間に配さ れて二つの回転軸を連結する軸連結機構であって、回転伝達部及び中央部を一体 的に有した回転伝達部材と、この回転伝達部材に軸方向において重ね合わされた 回転伝達緩衝部材と、回転伝達部材に対する回転伝達緩衝部材の軸心周りの方向 の位置を保持する保持手段とを具備しており、回転伝達部は、軸心周りの方向にお V、て互いに離間して 、ると共に中央部から径方向に伸びた少なくとも一対の突部を 有しており、回転伝達緩衝部材は、中央部に軸方向において重ね合わされた他の中 央部と、軸方向にぉ 、て回転伝達部材の突部に重ね合わされて 、ると共に回転伝 達部材の突部における軸心周りの方向の幅よりも大きな幅を有しており、且つ、他の 中央部に一体的に形成されて 、ると共に他の中央部力 径方向に伸びて 、る一対 の突部とを有しており、回転伝達緩衝部材の一対の突部は、回転伝達部材の一対の 突部の剛性よりも小さな剛性を有すると共に弾性変形可能であり、保持手段は、中央 部と他の中央部との間及び回転伝達部の突部と回転伝達緩衝部材の突部との間の 少なくとも一方の間に設けられている軸連結機構。  [6] A shaft coupling mechanism that is arranged between two rotary shafts so as to transmit the rotation of one rotary shaft to the other rotary shaft, and connects the two rotary shafts. A rotation transmission member integrally formed with the rotation transmission member, a rotation transmission buffer member superimposed on the rotation transmission member in the axial direction, and a holding means for holding the position of the rotation transmission buffer member around the axis of the rotation transmission buffer member. The rotation transmission part has at least a pair of protrusions spaced apart from each other in the direction around the axis and extending radially from the center part, and the rotation transmission buffer. The member is overlapped with the other central portion that is overlapped in the axial direction at the central portion, and overlapped with the protrusion of the rotation transmitting member in the axial direction, and at the same time around the axis of the protrusion of the rotation transmitting member. Has a width greater than the width of the direction, and other And a pair of protrusions extending in the radial direction of the other central portion and integrally formed with the central portion, and the pair of protrusions of the rotation transmission buffer member are The holding means has a rigidity smaller than the rigidity of the pair of protrusions and is elastically deformable, and the holding means is provided between the center part and the other center part and between the protrusions of the rotation transmission part and the protrusions of the rotation transmission buffer member. A shaft coupling mechanism provided between at least one of the two.
[7] 保持手段は、中央部と他の中央部との相互に対面する両面のうちの一方の面に設 けられた突起と、中央部と他の中央部との相互に対面する両面のうちの他方の面に 設けられていると共に突起が嵌合した孔とを具備している請求項 6に記載の軸連結 機構。  [7] The holding means includes a protrusion provided on one side of the center part and the other center part facing each other, and a both side face of the center part and the other center part facing each other. The shaft coupling mechanism according to claim 6, further comprising a hole provided on the other surface and having a projection fitted therein.
[8] 保持手段は、中央部と他の中央部との相互に対面する両面における溶着部を具備 している請求項 6又は 7に記載の軸連結機構。  [8] The shaft coupling mechanism according to [6] or [7], wherein the holding means includes welded portions on both surfaces of the central portion and the other central portion facing each other.
[9] 保持手段は、回転伝達部材の突部と回転伝達緩衝部材の突部との相互に対面す る両面のうちの一方の面に設けられた突起と、回転伝達部材の突部と回転伝達緩衝 部材の突部との相互に対面する両面のうちの他方の面に設けられていると共に突起 が嵌合した孔とを具備して 、る請求項 6から 8の 、ずれか一項に記載の軸連結機構。  [9] The holding means includes a protrusion provided on one surface of the rotation transmission member and the rotation transmission buffer member that face each other, and the rotation of the rotation transmission member. 9. The displacement according to claim 6, further comprising a hole provided on the other surface of the two surfaces facing each other and the protrusion of the transmission buffer member, and a protrusion fitted therein. The shaft coupling mechanism described.
[10] 保持手段は、回転伝達部材の突部と回転伝達緩衝部材の突部との相互に対面す る両面における溶着部を具備している請求項 6から 9のいずれか一項に記載の軸連 結機構。 [10] The holding means includes welding portions on both surfaces of the protrusion of the rotation transmission member and the protrusion of the rotation transmission buffer member facing each other. Shaft coupling mechanism.
[11] 一方の回転軸に連結される一方の連結基体と、他方の回転軸に連結される他方の 連結基体とを具備しており、一方の連結基体は、基部と、この基部から軸方向に一体 的に突出した突部とを具備しており、他方の連結基体は、基部と、この基部から軸方 向に一体的に突出した突部とを具備しており、一方の連結基体の突部と他方の連結 基体の突部とは、回転伝達部材の突部及びこの突部に軸方向において重ね合わさ れた回転伝達緩衝部材の突部の夫々を軸心周りの方向にお!、て挟んで交互に配さ れて 、る請求項 1から 10の 、ずれか一項に記載の軸連結機構。 [11] One connecting base connected to one rotating shaft and the other connecting base connected to the other rotating shaft are provided. The one connecting base includes a base portion and an axial direction from the base portion. And the other connecting base includes a base and a protrusion integrally protruding in the axial direction from the base. The protrusion and the protrusion on the other connecting base are respectively the protrusion of the rotation transmitting member and the protrusion of the rotation transmission buffer member superimposed on the protrusion in the axial direction in the direction around the axis. The shaft coupling mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the shaft coupling mechanisms are alternately arranged with being sandwiched therebetween.
[12] 一方及び他方の連結基体の突部は、軸心周りの方向のその各側面で、両回転軸 の一定以下の相対回転では軸心周りの方向において対面する回転伝達緩衝部材の 突部の軸心周りの方向の側面に接触している一方、軸心周りの方向において対面す る回転伝達部の突部の軸心周りの方向の側面に、両回転軸の一定以下の相対回転 では非接触となり、両回転軸の一定以上の相対回転では接触するようになっている 請求項 11に記載の軸連結機構。 [12] The protrusions of the one and the other connecting bases are the protrusions of the rotation transmission buffer member that face each other in the direction around the shaft center in the direction around the shaft center. In the direction of rotation around the axis of the rotation transmitting part, the side of the rotation transmitting part facing in the direction of the axis around 12. The shaft coupling mechanism according to claim 11, wherein the shaft coupling mechanism is non-contact and is in contact with each other when the rotational shafts of the two rotational shafts are more than a certain amount.
[13] 電動式パワーステアリング装置用の軸連結機構であって、一方の回転軸は、電動 モータの出力回転軸に連結されるようになっており、他方の回転軸は、自動車のステ ァリング軸に連結されるようになっている請求項 1から 12のいずれか一項に記載の軸 連結機構。 [13] A shaft coupling mechanism for an electric power steering apparatus, wherein one rotating shaft is coupled to an output rotating shaft of an electric motor, and the other rotating shaft is a steering shaft of an automobile. The shaft coupling mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the shaft coupling mechanism is coupled to the shaft.
PCT/JP2006/323502 2005-11-30 2006-11-24 Shaft coupling mechanism for electric power steering device WO2007063780A1 (en)

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