JP2001150906A - Bearing unit for driving wheel - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a structure reduced in size and weight, and having excellent durability and reliability. SOLUTION: A spline hole 28 of a hub 6a and a spline shaft 30 of a driving shaft member 29 are engaged to each other. A snap ring 35 is straddled between an outside locking groove 13 formed in an inner peripheral surface of the spline hole 28 and an inside locking groove 14 formed in an outer peripheral surface of the spline shaft 30, thereby preventing disengaging of the spline shaft 30. Further, a seal ring 31 and a cap 34 prevent foreign matters from getting into a spline engaging part between the spline hole 28 and the spline shaft 30.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A wheel drive axle unit according to the present invention is a so-called fourth-generation hub unit in which a constant velocity joint and a hub unit are disassembled and integrated, and is provided as an independent suspension type suspension. Supported drive wheels: Front wheels of front-wheel drive front-wheel drive vehicles (FR), FR
The rear wheels 4 of a vehicle (front-engine rear-wheel drive vehicle) and RR vehicle (rear-engine rear-wheel drive vehicle) and a 4WD vehicle (four-wheel drive vehicle) are rotatably supported with respect to the suspension device. Along with
It is used to rotationally drive the drive wheels.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In order to rotatably support wheels with respect to a suspension device, various axle units in which an outer wheel and an inner wheel are rotatably combined via rolling elements have been used. or,
In addition to supporting the drive wheels on an independent suspension,
The wheel drive axle unit for rotating this drive wheel, in combination with a constant velocity joint, controls the rotation of the drive shaft regardless of the relative displacement between the differential gear and the drive wheel and the steering angle given to the wheel. It must be transmitted smoothly (with constant velocity) to the wheels. As a so-called fourth-generation hub unit, a wheel drive axle unit that can be configured to be relatively small and lightweight in combination with such a constant velocity joint, see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-3177.
No. 54 or US Pat. No. 5,674,011 are known.

[0003] FIG. 35 is a diagram of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-3177.
No. 54 discloses a first example of a conventional structure. An outer ring 1 which is mounted on a vehicle and does not rotate while being supported by a suspension device, has an outer flange-shaped mounting portion 2 for supporting the suspension device on the outer peripheral surface, and a double-row outer ring raceway on the inner peripheral surface. 3 and 3 respectively. A hub 6 formed by combining the first element 4 and the second element 5 is disposed inside the outer ring 1. The first element 4 has a mounting flange 7 for supporting the wheel at a portion near the outer end (toward the left end in FIG. 35) of the outer peripheral surface, and an inner ring raceway for the portion near to the inner end (toward the right end in FIG. 35). 8 are each formed in a cylindrical shape. On the other hand, the second element 5 has an outer end (left end in FIG. 35) as a cylindrical portion 9 for externally fitting and fixing the first element 4, and an inner end (right end in FIG. 35). ) Is a housing part 11 which becomes an outer ring of a zeppa type constant velocity joint 10, and an inner ring raceway 8 is provided on an outer peripheral surface of an intermediate part. By providing a plurality of rolling elements 12, 12 between the outer raceways 3, 3 and the inner raceways 8, 8, the hub 6 is rotatable inside the outer race 1. I support it.

An outer locking groove 13 and an inner locking groove 14 are formed at positions where the inner peripheral surface of the first element 4 and the outer peripheral surface of the second element 5 are aligned with each other. The first element 4 is prevented from falling out of the second element 5 by providing the ring 15 in such a manner as to extend over both the locking grooves 13 and 14. Further, the outer edge of the second element 5 (left end face in FIG. 35) and the outer edge of the first element 4
1 between the inner peripheral edge of the step 16 formed on the inner peripheral surface of
7 to fix the first and second elements 4 and 5 together.

Further, between the openings at both ends of the outer race 1 and the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate portion of the hub 6, a substantially cylindrical cover 18, 18 made of a metal such as a stainless steel plate or the like, and rubber or other elastomer is used. Annular seal ring 19, 1 made of elastic material
9 are provided. Further, a partition plate portion 20 for closing the inside of the second element 5 is provided inside the intermediate portion of the second element 5. These covers 18, 18, seal rings 19, 19
And the partition plate portion 20 blocks the portion where the plurality of rolling elements 12 and 12 are installed or the constant velocity joint 10 portion from the outside, and prevents the grease present in the portion from leaking to the outside. In addition, it is possible to prevent foreign matters such as rainwater and dust from entering this portion.

The constant velocity joint 10 comprises the housing 11, an inner race 21, a retainer 22, and a plurality of balls 23. The inner race 21 is fixed to a distal end of a drive shaft (not shown) that is rotationally driven by the engine via a transmission. On the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring 21, there are six inner engaging grooves 24 having a circular cross section when cut along a virtual plane orthogonal to the center axis of the inner ring 21. They are formed at equal intervals in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction. Further, at the position on the inner peripheral surface of the housing portion 11 facing the inner engaging groove 24, six outer engaging grooves 25 also having an arc-shaped cross section are formed in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction. Has formed.
The retainer 22 has an arc-shaped cross section and is formed in a ring shape as a whole.
Between the inner peripheral surface of the body. At six positions in the circumferential direction of the retainer 22, the inner and outer engagement grooves 24, 25 are provided.
The pocket 26 is formed at the position corresponding to
A total of six balls 23 are held inside each pocket 26, one for each. Each of these balls 23
While being held in the respective pockets 26, they can roll freely along the inner and outer engagement grooves 24, 25.

When the wheel drive axle unit configured as described above is assembled to a vehicle, the outer ring 1 is supported on a suspension device by the mounting portion 2, and the drive wheel is fixed to the first element 4 by the mounting flange 7. Further, a distal end of a drive shaft (not shown), which is rotationally driven by the engine via a transmission, is spline-engaged with the inside of the inner ring 21 constituting the constant velocity joint 10. When the automobile is running, the rotation of the inner wheel 21 is transmitted to the hub 6 including the second element 5 via a plurality of balls 23, and the driving wheels are rotated.

FIG. 36 is a view showing the structure of the aforementioned US Pat.
11 shows a second example of the conventional structure described in the specification of Japanese Patent No. 11; In the case of the second example of this conventional structure, double rows of outer raceways 3, 3 are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer race 1 which is not fitted and fixed to the knuckle 40 constituting the suspension device and does not rotate during use. Near the outer end of the outer peripheral surface of the hub 6a (near the left end in FIG. 36)
A mounting flange 7 for supporting the wheel is provided at the portion, and a pair of inner rings 5 is provided at the portion near the inner end (rightward in FIG. 36).
Double-row inner raceways 8 and 8 are provided via 0 and 50, respectively. These two inner rings 50, 50 are supported and fixed to the main body of the hub 6a by a caulking portion 27 formed by bending the other end of the hub 6a outward in the diameter direction.
A plurality of rolling elements 12, 12 are provided between the outer raceways 3, 3 and the inner raceways 8, 8, respectively, and the hub 6a is rotatable inside the outer race 1. I support it.

A spline hole 28 is provided in the center of the hub 6a. Further, the hub 6a and the drive shaft member 29 are combined to form a wheel drive axle unit. At the outer end of the drive shaft member 29, a spline shaft 30 that engages with the spline hole 28 is provided. Further, the other end of the drive shaft member 29 is a housing portion 11 serving as an outer ring of the constant velocity joint. Such a drive shaft member 29 and the hub 6a are combined in a state where the spline shaft 30 is inserted into the spline hole 28, and an engagement member 31 made of an elastic material is engaged with the two members 29 and 6a. , To prevent separation. The engagement member 31 is provided with encoders 32, 32 made of a magnetic material or a permanent magnet so that the rotational speeds of the two members 29, 6a can be detected.

FIG. 37 shows a utility model registration No. 25733.
No. 25 discloses a third example of a conventional structure. In the case of the third example of the conventional structure, the hub 6b is spline-engaged with the end of the axle 92 exposed from the end of the axle tube 93. The hub 6b is rotatably supported inside the fixed outer ring 1a by rolling elements arranged in multiple rows. Further, the annular ring-shaped retaining ring 15a is engaged with an engagement groove 94 formed at a portion protruding from the hub 6b at the tip end of the axle 92 to prevent the hub 6b from coming off the axle 92. are doing.

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of US Pat. No. 4,881,842.
4 shows a fourth example of the conventional structure described in the specification. In the case of the fourth example of this conventional structure, the hubs 6c are rotatably supported by rolling elements arranged in multiple rows inside the outer ring 1b fixed to the knuckle 40. A spline shaft 30 is spline-engaged with a spline hole 28 formed in the center of the hub 6c. At the base end (the right end in FIG. 38) of the spline shaft 30, there is provided a housing portion 11 serving as an outer ring of a constant velocity joint.
On the other hand, the tip surface of the spline shaft 30 (FIG. 38)
On the left end surface of the spline shaft 30 is formed a locking portion 95 for locking a tool for drawing the spline shaft 30 into the spline hole 28. A retaining ring 15b engaged in an engaging groove formed in a portion of the spline shaft 30 near the front end of the outer peripheral surface.
Thus, the hub 6c is prevented from coming off from the spline shaft 30. In this state, the elastic ring 96 is elastically compressed between the hub 6c and the housing portion 11 so that the hub 6 with respect to the spline shaft 30 is compressed.
This is to prevent rattling of c.

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of FIG.
7 shows a fifth example of a conventional structure described in the specification of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-107. Also in the case of the fifth example of this conventional structure, the hub 6d is rotatably supported by rolling elements arranged in multiple rows inside the outer ring 1c fixed to the knuckle 40. Hub 6d for this
The inner ring 50 that is fitted over the hub 6 is prevented from moving in the axial direction by the retaining ring 97 that is locked to the hub 6d. Further, a constant-velocity joint is formed, and a distal end portion of the sleeve 98 (FIG.
9 (left end portion) covers the retaining ring 97 so that the retaining ring 97 does not come off the hub 6d. Further, a retaining ring 15c is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the inner end portion of the hub 6d and the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve 98, and the sleeve 9
8 prevents the hub 6d from coming off. Further, a gear-shaped uneven portion 99 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion of the sleeve 98 so that this portion functions as an encoder. A rotation speed detection sensor 101 supported on the outer ring 1c via a seal ring 100 is
The rotation speeds of the sleeve 98 and the hub 6d can be detected so as to be opposed to the uneven portion 99.

[0013]

In the case of the first example of the conventional structure shown in FIG. 35, the transmission of the rotational force between the first and second elements 4 and 5 constituting the hub 6 is performed by welding 17 portions. Must be done in That is, it is necessary to transmit a large torque for driving between the first element 4 supporting the wheels and the second element 5 connected to the drive shaft.
Since they are fitted with each other on their cylindrical surfaces, a large torque cannot be transmitted on the fitting surfaces. Therefore, it is necessary to transmit a large torque at the above-mentioned welded portion 17, and in order to sufficiently increase the strength of the welded portion 17, the welding 1
It is necessary to make 7 a full circumference weld. However, when the welding 17 is a full-surround overlay welding, the shape of the inner raceway 8 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first element 4 is distorted due to heat during welding, and the hardness of the inner raceway 8 is reduced. Or drop,
The durability of the rolling bearing unit including the inner raceway 8 cannot be sufficiently ensured.

In the case of the second example of the conventional structure shown in FIG. 36, the separation between the hub 6a and the drive shaft member 29 is prevented by the engagement member 31 made of an elastic material. In some cases, the function of preventing separation is considered to be uncertain. That is, when the vehicle makes a sharp turn or the like, the hub 6 a
A large force is applied in the direction of pulling a from the drive shaft member 29. Despite such a large force, the engagement member 3
It is difficult to reliably prevent the hub 6a and the drive shaft member 29 from being separated from each other by 1 and it is considered that sufficient reliability cannot be ensured in a severe use condition. In addition, since consideration is given to preventing foreign matter from entering the spline engagement portion between the spline hole 28 and the spline shaft 30, the durability of the spline engagement portion may not always be sufficiently ensured.

A third example of the conventional structure shown in FIG.
The present invention relates to a so-called semi-floating structure which is a non-independent suspension type suspension. In the case of such a structure, the spline engagement portion and the external space can be shut off by the connection portion between the axle tube 93 and the outer ring 1a. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a sealing device between the axle and the hub to shield the spline engagement portion from the external space. The third example of such a conventional structure has a completely different basic structure from the present invention on the assumption that the drive wheels supported by the independent suspension are rotatably supported by the suspension device.

In the case of the fourth example of the conventional structure shown in FIG. 38, the spline engaging portion is cut off from the outside similarly to the case of the second example of the conventional structure shown in FIG. Is not provided. Therefore, it is inevitable that foreign matter such as rainwater containing dust enters the spline engagement portion. As in the structure shown in FIG. 38, in the case of a structure in which the hub 6c is prevented from rattling against the spline shaft 30 by the elastic ring 96, the elastic ring 96 is prevented by an axial load.
Is deformed, and the spline engagement part performs sliding motion,
If foreign matter enters the spline engagement portion, the spline engagement portion wears undesirably, thereby deteriorating durability.

Further, in the case of the fifth example of the conventional structure shown in FIG. 39, the spline engagement portion is provided at a portion projecting further inward than the inner end opening of the outer ring 1c. The axial dimension of the entire drive axle unit is increased, and a compact and lightweight structure cannot be realized. The wheel drive axle unit of the present invention has been invented to solve any of the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0018]

A wheel drive axle unit according to the present invention comprises an axle unit and a constant velocity joint similarly to the wheel drive axle unit of the second example of the conventional structure shown in FIG. Combine. Of these, the axle unit has an outer ring raceway on the inner peripheral surface, and the outer ring that does not rotate during use, and a mounting flange for supporting the wheel on the outer end portion of the outer peripheral surface, also directly on the inner end portion. Alternatively, a hub provided with an inner raceway via an inner race, a first spline portion on a first fitting peripheral surface, and a plurality of rolling elements provided between the inner raceway and the outer raceway are provided. Further, the constant velocity joint has a second spline portion that is spline-engaged with the first spline portion on a second fitting peripheral surface provided at an outer end portion,
At the inner end, a housing part that becomes the outer ring for constant velocity joints,
It is configured to include the provided driving members.

In particular, in the wheel drive axle unit of the present invention, the first engagement portion, the second engagement portion, the engagement member,
An outer seal member and an inner seal member are provided. The first engaging portion is provided on the hub or a member fixed to the hub. The second engagement portion is provided on the drive member. The engagement member is elastically deformable in the radial direction, and is bridged between the first and second engagement portions to achieve positioning coupling between the hub and the drive member in the axial direction. . In addition, the outer seal member includes the first,
The outer end of the spline engaging portion between the second spline portions and the outside are shut off. Further, the inner seal member blocks the inner end of the spline engagement portion from the outside.

[0020]

In the case of the wheel drive axle unit of the present invention constructed as described above, torque transmission between the drive member and the hub is performed based on the engagement between the first and second spline portions. . Therefore, in order to surely transmit the torque between the drive member and the hub, it is not necessary to perform a process such as a full-surface overlay welding, which causes thermal distortion, etc., and each part of the rolling bearing unit including the inner raceway is not required. Durability can be ensured.

Particularly, in the case of the present invention, the separation of the drive shaft member from the hub can be prevented by the engagement between the first and second engagement portions and the engagement member. This engaging member can be made of a material having sufficient strength, such as metal, if necessary, so that even in severe use conditions, the separation can be reliably prevented and the reliability of the wheel drive axle unit can be ensured. I can do it. Also, in the structure of the present invention, unlike the connection by the nut or the connection by the welding, the sliding motion in the axial direction occurs in the spline engagement portion, but the spline connection portion is externally moved by the inner and outer seal members. Since the shield is cut off from the space, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the spline engagement portion and prevent wear of the spline engagement portion. As a result, the wheel drive axle unit including the spline engagement portion includes the spline engagement portion. The durability can be improved.

[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIGS.
5 shows a first example of an embodiment of the present invention corresponding to FIG. The outer ring 1 that does not rotate while being supported by the suspension device has a mounting portion 2 for supporting the suspension device on the outer peripheral surface, and double-row outer ring raceways 3 on the inner peripheral surface. A hub 6 a is arranged concentrically with the outer ring 1 on the inner diameter side of the outer ring 1. In addition, the outer raceway 3,
The inner ring raceways 8, 8 are provided directly or via a separate inner ring 50 at the portions facing 3. This inner ring 50
Is externally fitted to a step 33 formed at the inner end of the main body of the hub 6a (the end near the center in the width direction of the vehicle when assembled to the vehicle, the right end in FIG. 1). A portion protruding from the inner end surface of the inner ring 50 at the inner end of the main body portion is fixed to the main body portion by a caulking portion 27 formed by caulking and spreading outward in the diameter direction.

A plurality of rolling elements 1 is provided between each of the outer raceways 3, 3 and each of the inner raceways 8, 8, respectively.
The hub 6a is rotatably supported inside the outer race 1 by providing the rollers 2 and 12 so as to be able to roll. Seal rings 19 and 19 are provided between the inner peripheral surfaces of both ends of the outer race 1, the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate portion of the main body of the hub 6 a, and the outer peripheral surface of the inner end of the inner race 50, respectively. The portion where the rolling elements 12, 12 are installed is isolated from the external space. A cap 34, which is an outer seal member described in the claims, is fitted and fixed to the outer end opening of the hub 6a, and the outer end opening is closed. Foreign matter such as rainwater is prevented from entering the part. A mounting flange for supporting and fixing a wheel to the hub 6a is provided on an outer peripheral surface of an outer end of the hub 6a (an end which is shifted outward in the width direction of the vehicle when assembled to the vehicle and is a left end in FIG. 1). 7 is provided integrally with the hub 6a.

A spline hole 28 is provided in the center of the hub 6a. Therefore, in the case of this example, the first fitting peripheral surface is the inner peripheral surface of the hub 6a, and the first spline portion is the female spline portion forming the spline hole 28. Further, an axle unit is configured by combining such a hub 6a and a drive shaft member 29 which is a drive member described in the claims. A spline shaft 30 that engages with the spline hole 28 is provided at an outer end of the drive shaft member 29.
Is provided. Therefore, in the case of the present example, the second fitting peripheral surface is the outer peripheral surface of the drive shaft member 29, and the second spline portion is the male spline portion constituting the spline shaft 30. Further, an inner end of the drive shaft member 29 is a housing portion 11 which becomes an outer ring of the constant velocity joint.

In particular, in the wheel drive axle unit of the present invention, the entire outer peripheral surface of the spline shaft 30 near the outer end corresponds to the second engaging portion described in the claims. , An inner locking groove 14 is formed. In the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate portion near the outer end of the spline hole 28, the inner locking groove 1 is formed.
An outer locking groove 13 corresponding to the first engaging portion described in the claims is formed over the entire circumference at a position corresponding to 4. A notched annular retaining ring 35 as shown in FIG. 2 corresponding to the engagement member described in the claims is inserted into both the inner and outer locking grooves 14 and 13. It is worn in a state of being bridged over.

The diameter of the retaining ring 35 is elastically expandable and contractible by forming a wire made of an elastic metal such as spring steel or stainless steel spring into a substantially C-shaped open circle. The outer diameter D ₃₅ of the retaining ring 35 in the free state is equal to or larger than the diameter R ₂₈ of the largest inscribed circle of the spline hole 28 (the tip circle of the spline hole 28). Also, the inner locking groove 1
Groove bottom diameter R ₁₃ of the fourth groove bottom diameter R ₁₄ and the outer engagement groove 13, the stop ring 35 is the inner, outer Ryokakaritomemizo 1
It is regulated so that it can be extended to 4 and 13. That is, the diameter R ₁₄ of the groove bottom of the inner engagement groove 14, by subtracting from the maximum inscribed circle diameter R ₂₈ of the spline hole 28, the 2 times the diameter d ₃₅ of the wire constituting the stop ring 35 Value (R ₁₄ ≦ R
Is a ₂₈ -2d _35). Such a restriction is necessary so that the spline shaft 30 can be freely inserted into the spline hole 28 together with the retaining ring 35 with the retaining ring 35 pushed down to the bottom of the inner locking groove 14. is there.
Further, the groove bottom diameter R ₁₃ of the outer engagement groove 13, the diameter D ₃₀ of the largest circumscribed circle of the spline shaft 30 (the addendum circle of the splined shaft 30), the diameter of the wire constituting the stop ring 35 It is less than the value obtained by adding twice the value of d ₃₅ (R ₁₃ <D ₃₀ + 2d ₃₅ ). Such a restriction is necessary for engaging the inner peripheral edge of the retaining ring 35 with the inner locking groove 14 in a state where the diameter of the retaining ring 35 is elastically widened. Therefore, preferably, in a state where the outer peripheral edge of the retaining ring 35 and the groove bottom of the outer locking groove 13 are in contact with each other, the retaining ring 35 has a diameter of an engagement portion between the spline hole 28 and the spline shaft 30. The outer locking groove 13 is located at the central position in the direction.
Regulating the groove bottom of the diameter R _13.

In order to regulate the dimensions of the inner and outer locking grooves 14, 13 and the retaining ring 35 as described above, the retaining ring 3 is used.
If the spline shaft 30 is inserted into the spline hole 28 with the 5 attached to the inner locking groove 14, the hub 6 a and the drive shaft member 29 can be connected inseparably.
That is, when connecting the hub 6a and the drive shaft member 29, the spline shaft 30 is connected to the spline hole 28 while the retaining ring 35 is mounted in the inner locking groove 14.
1 from the inside to the outside and from right to left in FIG. By this insertion work, the retaining ring 35 is guided by the inner peripheral surface of the caulking portion 27 and the conical concave guide surface 36 provided adjacent to the inner end of the spline hole 28, and has an outer diameter elastically. And is pushed into the spline hole 28. Then, the inner locking groove 14 and the outer locking groove 1
With the three aligned, the diameter of the retaining ring 35 expands elastically until the outer peripheral edge of the retaining ring 35 contacts the bottom surface of the outer locking groove 13. In a state where the diameter of the retaining ring 35 is elastically expanded in this manner, the retaining ring 35 is in a state of being bridged between the inner and outer locking grooves 14 and 13, and the spline is formed. The shaft 30 is prevented from falling out of the spline hole 28, and the hub 6a and the drive shaft member 29 are inseparably coupled. still,
The inclination angle of the guide surface 36 with respect to the axial direction of the hub 6a is preferably 30 degrees or less so that the retaining ring 35 can smoothly pass through the guide surface 36. Also, preferably, a urea grease having a thickening agent of a urea compound, a base oil of a synthetic oil, and excellent heat resistance is applied to an engagement portion between the spline shaft 30 and the spline hole 28. , With a lubricant,
The engaging portion between the spline shaft 30 and the spline hole 28 is lubricated.

[0028] Incidentally, the inner, the width W of the outer Ryokakaritomemizo 14, 13, it is necessary to diameter d ₃₅ or more wires constituting the stop ring 35, but of these the width W and the diameter d ₃₅ The difference is
Make it as small as possible. The reason for this is to prevent rattling of the joint between the inner and outer locking grooves 14, 13 and the retaining ring 35. The hub 6a and the drive shaft member 29
In order to improve the coupling strength with the retaining ring, the coupling portion between the inner and outer locking grooves 14, 13 and the retaining ring 35 as described above may be provided at two positions in the axial direction. However, in this case, the inside located on the tip side in the insertion direction (the left end side in FIG. 1),
The widths of the outer and outer locking grooves 14 and 13 and the diameter of the wire constituting the retaining ring 35 are adjusted to the widths and the retaining rings of the inner and outer locking grooves located at the rear end side (the right end side in FIG. 1) in the insertion direction. Make it larger than the diameter of the constituent wire. The reason for this is that the retaining ring that forms the engaging portion on the distal end and the outer locking groove that forms the engaging portion on the proximal end engage, and the spline shaft 30 can no longer be inserted into the spline hole 28. This is to prevent things.

In the case of this embodiment, the drive shaft member 29
An inner sealing member having an X-shaped cross-section, which is an inner seal member described in the following, between an inner peripheral surface of the hub 6a and a portion between the spline shaft 30 and the housing portion 11 on an outer peripheral surface of the intermediate portion. A seal ring 37 is provided. The seal ring 37, which is made of an elastic material such as an elastomer such as rubber, seals the spline engagement portion between the spline shaft 30 and the spline hole 28 together with the cap 34 almost completely. This prevents foreign matter such as rainwater containing dust from entering the engagement portion, and prevents the spline engagement portion from rusting or promoting the wear of the engagement portion. A gap 38 is interposed between the caulked portion 27 formed at the inner end of the hub 6a and the outer end surface of the housing 11 of the drive shaft member 29. Therefore, during operation of the wheel drive axle unit of the present example, even if relative movement in the circumferential direction occurs based on elastic deformation at the time of torque load, the caulking portion 27 and the outer end surface of the housing portion 11 are in contact with each other. There is no rubbing, and no abnormal noise due to rubbing occurs. Further, a locking groove 39 for locking the outer end of a dustproof boot (not shown) is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner end of the housing portion 11.

In the case of the wheel drive axle unit of the present invention constructed and assembled as described above, the drive shaft member 29 is provided.
The torque transmission between the spline shaft 3 and the hub 6a
This is performed based on the engagement between the zero and the spline hole 28. Therefore, in order to surely transmit the torque between the drive shaft member 29 and the hub 6a, it is not necessary to perform a process that causes thermal distortion or the like, such as a full-surface overlay welding, and a main body portion of the hub 6a. The durability of each part of the rolling bearing unit including the inner raceway 8 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate portion can be secured. The separation between the drive shaft member 29 and the hub 6a can be prevented by the engagement between the inner and outer locking grooves 14, 13 and the retaining ring 35. Since the retaining ring 35 formed in a partially annular shape is made of a metal material having sufficient strength such as spring steel or stainless spring steel, the separation can be reliably prevented and the reliability of the wheel drive axle unit is ensured. Can be achieved. Further, a seal ring 37 is provided between the drive shaft member 29 and the hub 6a,
Along with the cap 34, the spline engagement portion between the spline shaft 30 and the spline hole 28 is shielded from the external space, and grease as a lubricant is applied to the spline engagement portion. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of remarkable wear due to fretting or the like at the joint.

Next, FIG. 3 to FIG.
9 shows a second example of the embodiment of the present invention corresponding to FIGS. In the case of this example, the inner locking groove 14 and the outer locking groove 13
Between the retaining ring 35a and the retaining ring 35a
In order to impart springiness to the plate, a plate made of spring steel (including tool steel such as SK5) is stamped and formed by pressing. Further, such a retaining ring 35a is formed in a substantially C-shaped (annular annular shape) as a whole with a rectangular cross section, and is entirely hardened and hardened. Furthermore, in the case of this example, this retaining ring 35a
A pair of cushioning members 52, 52 made of an elastic material such as rubber or synthetic resin is attached to both sides in the axial direction over the entire circumference. Thereby, the inner and outer locking grooves 14,
When the hub 6a and the drive shaft member 29 are displaced relative to each other in the axial direction based on the play existing at the joint portion between the both inner side surfaces in the axial direction of the thirteen and the retaining ring 35a, both the inner and outer engagements are made. Axial inner surfaces of retaining grooves 14, 13 and retaining ring 35a
To prevent direct contact with both sides in the axial direction, thereby reducing the impact applied to both sides. As a result, the durability of the inner and outer locking grooves 14, 13 and the retaining ring 35a can be ensured, and the generation of unpleasant metal noise due to the direct collision of these parts can be prevented. Further, by attaching the interference members 52, 52, an effect of preventing the retaining ring 35a from fretting wear can be obtained.

It is to be noted that, of both axial side surfaces of the retaining ring 35a, at least a surface on the outer side in an assembled state (FIG.
The outer diameter of the cushioning member 52 attached to
The outer diameter of the retaining ring 35a is made slightly smaller. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, when inserting the tip of the spline shaft 30 into the inside of the spline hole 28,
The outer peripheral edge of the cushioning member 52 attached to the outer side surface of the spline hole 5a is so small that it does not contact the guide surface 36 provided on the inner end edge of the spline hole 28. The reason is that this guide surface 3
6 and the frictional force acting on the contact portion between the buffer member 52 is
This is because the frictional force acting on the contact portion between the guide surface 36 and the retaining ring 35a is larger. In other words, by preventing such a large frictional force from acting, the spline shaft 3
This is for facilitating the insertion of the leading end of the inside of the spline hole 28. If the outer diameters of the two buffer members 52, 52 are regulated as described above, the inner locking groove 1
Since there is no need to pay attention to the mounting direction of the retaining ring 35a with respect to 4, the assembling work can be facilitated.

In the case of this embodiment, when the spline shaft 30 is inserted into the spline hole 28, the outer diameter side portion of the retaining ring 35 a mounted on the inner locking groove 14 is engaged with the outer locking groove 13. (The retaining ring 35a is on the inside,
The spline shafts 30 are extended so as to protrude slightly from the outer edges of the spline holes 28 when the outer ends of the spline shafts 30 are extended between the outer locking grooves 14 and 13).
And the spline hole 28 in the axial direction. Therefore, the retaining ring 35a is provided with both the inner and outer locking grooves 1.
It is easy to judge whether or not it was carried over to 4, 13
The occurrence of assembly errors can be prevented.

In the case of this embodiment, a concave hole 53 is formed at the center of the tip end surface of the spline shaft 30, and an engaging groove 54 is formed all around the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate portion of the concave hole 53. ing. When the spline shaft 30 is inserted into the spline hole 28, the tip of the pulling tool is engaged with the engagement groove 54, so that the spline shaft 30
Can be pulled from the outer end opening side of the spline hole 28. Although not shown, a male spline formed on an outer peripheral surface of the spline shaft 30 is formed to reduce a play in a circumferential direction of a spline engagement portion between the spline shaft 30 and the spline hole 28. It is formed in a slightly twisted (inclined) state with respect to the axial direction. Therefore, when the spline shaft 30 is inserted into the spline hole 28, a large friction between the outer peripheral surface of the spline shaft 30 and the inner peripheral surface of the spline hole 28 becomes a resistance against the axial displacement. Force acts. However, in the case of this example, since the spline shaft 30 can be pulled by a pulling tool having a tip portion engaged with the engagement groove 54,
The insertion work of the spline shaft 30 can be easily performed.
In the case of this example, the engagement groove 54 for engaging the tip of the pulling tool is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the concave hole 53 formed on the tip of the spline shaft 30. Unlike the fourth example of the conventional structure shown in FIG. 39 described above, the weight and axial dimension of the drive shaft member 29 do not increase. Although the strength of the tip of the spline shaft 30 is slightly reduced with the formation of the concave hole 53, a large torque is not applied to the tip, so that there is no practical problem.

In the case of the present embodiment, at least at a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction of the spline hole 28,
As shown in FIG. 5, a portion from the outer edge of the spline hole 28 to the outer end of the spline hole 28 straddling the outer locking groove 13 is formed as shown in FIG.
The deep grooves 55, 55 deeper than the female spline grooves formed on the inner peripheral surface of the spline hole 28 are respectively formed in the axial direction (FIG. 3).
5 in the left-right direction (the front-back direction in FIG. 5). When the spline shaft 30 is extracted from the spline hole 28, the retaining ring 35a is reduced in diameter by a plurality of pins inserted into the deep grooves 55 from the outer end of the spline hole 28. Let's make this retaining ring 35
a and the outer locking groove 13 can be disengaged. In the illustrated example, the groove width of each of the deep grooves 55, 55 is reduced, and these deep grooves 55, 55 affect the engagement state of the spline engagement portion between the spline hole 28 and the spline shaft 30. I do not have. However, it is also possible to make the groove width of each of the deep grooves 55, 55 wide enough to straddle two or three spline grooves. Thus, each of the deep grooves 5
If the groove width of each of the deep grooves 55 and 55 is increased,
Can also be formed by forging. In such a case, the number of teeth to be spline-engaged is reduced in the portions where these deep grooves 55 and 55 are formed.
Need only be formed on a part of the spline engaging portion in the axial direction. Therefore, the number of teeth engaged with the spline does not decrease over the entire length of the spline engagement portion, and the decrease in torque that can be transmitted by the spline engagement portion is slight, and does not pose a practical problem.

Further, in the case of this example, the spline shaft 30
Further, a cap 34a for closing the outer end opening of the space where the spline hole 28 exists is fixed to a portion of the hub 6a which is close to the tip end surface of the spline shaft 30 at the axially intermediate portion of the main body. In the case of this example, this cap 34a
The whole is made of synthetic resin, and is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape having a cylindrical portion 56 and a disk portion 57 closing an outer end opening of the cylindrical portion 56. This cap 34a is attached to the hub 6
When the hub 6a is mounted on the intermediate portion, the engaging projection 58 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner end portion of the cylindrical portion 56 over the entire circumference is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate portion of the hub 6a over the entire circumference. While being engaged with the engagement groove 59, the cylindrical portion 56 is internally fitted and fixed to the intermediate portion of the hub 6a. At the same time, an outward flange-shaped flange portion 60 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer end of the cylindrical portion 56 abuts against a step surface 61 formed on the inner peripheral surface near the outer end of the hub 6a. Further, an O-ring 63 is mounted in a concave groove 62 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 56 over the entire periphery, so that the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 56 and the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate portion of the hub 6a are connected. The space between them is sealed.

As described above, in this embodiment, the cap 34
By fixing a to the middle portion of the hub 6a at a portion close to and facing the tip end surface of the spline shaft 30, the spline shaft 30 and the spline hole 28 exist at a portion between the cap 34a and the seal ring 37. The volume of the space can be reduced. In this space, these spline shafts 3
Grease is sealed to prevent rusting and abrasion of the spline hole 28 and the spline hole 28 and to prevent generation of abnormal noise caused by the rusting and abrasion. By reducing the amount of grease, the amount of grease to be sealed can be reduced and cost can be reduced. The cap 34a mounted as described above is provided with the step surface 61 and the flange 6
By hooking the distal end of the special tool inserted between the inner surface of the hub 6a and the inner surface of the hub 6a,
So that it can be easily removed from the middle part. Because of this,
By forming a chamfered portion 64 at the outer peripheral edge portion of the inner surface of the flange portion 60, the tip of the special tool can be moved to the step surface 61.
And between the inner surface of the flange portion 60. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the above-described first example. In order to ensure that the tip of the special tool can be inserted into the inner surface of the flange 60, the flange 60 is a two-stage flange having a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion. The inner surface of the small-diameter portion may be abutted against the step surface, and a gap may be interposed between the inner surface of the large-diameter portion and the step surface 61.

Next, FIG. 6 also shows claims 1, 2, 3,
5 shows a third example of the embodiment of the present invention corresponding to FIG. In the case of this example, a thread groove 65 which is an engagement groove is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the concave hole 53 provided at the center of the front end surface of the spline shaft 30. When the spline shaft 30 is inserted into the spline hole 28, a male thread formed at the tip of the pulling member is screwed into the thread groove 65. Further, in the case of the present example, the hub 6a is provided with S53C to S55.
It is made of a carbon steel material such as carbon steel for machine structures such as C (JIS G4051). Then, a portion shown by a diagonal lattice in FIG. 6 on a part of the peripheral surface of the hub 6a, that is,
On the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate portion of the hub 6a, the continuous portion from the portion near the inner surface base end of the mounting flange 7 to the inner half of the step portion 33 to which the inner ring 50 is fitted, and the inner peripheral surface of the hub 6a A quenching hardened layer formed by induction hardening or the like is formed in a portion where the spline hole 28 is formed, thereby improving the durability of the portion. In particular, in the case of this example, since a hardened hardened layer is formed in the spline hole 28 portion,
Due to the play existing in the engaging portion between the outer outer locking grooves 14 and 13 and the retaining ring 35, there is a slight backlash in the axial direction at the engaging portion between the spline shaft 30 and the spline hole 28. Even in the case where fretting occurs, fretting wear due to minute vibration in the axial direction of the spline hole 28 is prevented, and the durability of the spline engaging portion including the spline hole 28 can be sufficiently ensured. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first example and the second example described above.

Next, FIG. 7 corresponds to claims 1 to 5,
14 shows a fourth example of an embodiment of the present invention. In the case of this example, the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring 1 is simply cylindrical, and the outer ring 1 is attached to the knuckle 40 (FIGS.
8 and 39). Further, in order to provide double rows of inner races 8, 8 on the outer peripheral surface of the hub 6a, a pair of inner races 50, in which the inner races 8, 8 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the main body of the hub 6a, respectively.
50 is externally fitted and fixed by the caulking portion 27.

The end surface of the caulking portion 27 is in contact with or close to the outer end surface of the housing portion 11 constituting the drive shaft member 29. And this housing part 1
O-ring 4 held in a holding groove 41 formed in the outer end face
2 is elastically brought into contact with the end face of the caulking portion 27 to seal between the caulking portion 27 and the housing portion 11. In the case of this example, the end face of the caulking part 27 is brought into contact with or close to the outer end face of the housing part 11 of the drive shaft member 29, so that the spline shaft 30 is shown in FIG. Prevents displacement to the left from the state. Accordingly, in the case of this example,
The outer engaging portion provided on the inner peripheral surface of the hub 6a is a step 43 formed on the outer edge of the spline hole 28. At the time of assembling the wheel drive axle unit, a retaining ring 35 engaged with the inner engaging groove 14 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the spline shaft 30 is engaged with the step 43, and the spline shaft 30 is engaged with the spline hole. Prevent from getting out of 28. In the case of this example, a structure is adopted in which a preload is applied to the O-ring 42 in a state where the drive shaft member 29 is assembled to the hub 6a. Therefore, rattling of the spline shaft 30 and the spline hole 28 in the axial direction can be prevented, and fretting wear due to minute vibration in the axial direction can be prevented.

Further, in the case of this embodiment, similarly to the case of the above-described second embodiment, the cap 34 is fitted to the intermediate portion of the main body of the hub 6a in a state of being closely opposed to the end face of the spline shaft 30. This intermediate part is fixed and closed. However,
The cap 34 of this example is made of a metal plate, like the caps 34 of the first and third examples described above. Also in the case of this example having such a configuration, the cap 34 and the O
By reducing the volume of the space where the spline shaft 30 and the spline hole 28 are present between the ring 42 and the spline shaft 28 and the spline hole 28, the amount of grease sealed in this space can be reduced, so that the cost can be reduced. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the above-described first to third examples.

Next, FIG. 8 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention, which also corresponds to claims 1 to 5. In the case of the present example, a metal core 69 having the encoder 44 at an intermediate portion of the drive shaft member 29, that is, an outer end of the housing 11.
Is externally fitted and fixed, so that the rotational speed of the drive shaft member 29 can be detected. The metal core 69 is formed by bending a corrosion-resistant magnetic metal plate such as a stainless steel plate such as SUS430 into an L-shaped cross section having a cylindrical portion 45 and a circular ring portion 46, and is formed in an annular shape as a whole. are doing. Such a cored bar 69 is formed by connecting the cylindrical portion 45 to the housing portion 1.
1 is fixed to the drive shaft member 29 by being externally fitted to the outer end portion by interference fit. The cylindrical portion 45 has a large number of slit-shaped through holes 47, each of which is long in the axial direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 8) and is equally spaced in the circumferential direction. Accordingly, the magnetic characteristics of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 45 change alternately at regular intervals in the circumferential direction. That is, in the case of this example, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 45 is the encoder portion 44. In the assembled state to the vehicle, the encoder section 44, which is the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical section 45, has a detection section of a sensor 48 supported on a fixed portion such as a suspension device closely opposed to the encoder section 44, and rotates in synchronization with wheels. The rotation speed of the drive shaft member 29 can be detected.

The annular portion 46 is in contact with the outer end surface of the housing 11. And this ring part 4
An annular elastic plate (elastic material) 49 attached to the outer surface of the housing 6 by bonding, baking, or the like is provided on the outer end surface of the housing portion 11 and the inner end portion of the hub 6a together with the annular portion 46. It is sandwiched between the end face of the portion 27 in an elastically compressed state. For this reason, in the case of the present example, the above-described annular portion 46 and elastic plate 49 prevent the spline shaft 30 from being displaced to the left with respect to the spline hole 28 from the state shown in FIG. Further, the elastic plate 49 seals between an outer end surface of the housing portion 11 and an end surface of the caulking portion 27. Therefore, in the case of this example, the above-described first to first examples
Not only are the seal rings 37 of the three examples or the O-ring 42 as in the fourth example described above unnecessary, but also these seal rings 3
Since the 7 and the O-ring 42 are mounted, it is not necessary to perform predetermined processing on each part. Note that the elastic plate 49 does not cover the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 45 so that the encoder portion 44 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 45 and the detection portion of the sensor 48 can be sufficiently brought close to each other. I have.

The inner diameter of the elastic plate 49 is made smaller than the inner diameter of the annular portion 46 of the metal core 69, and the elastic plate 49 projects radially inward (downward in FIG. 8) from the annular portion 46. Inner surface of the elastic plate 49 near the inner diameter (right side in FIG. 8)
Are positioned on the same plane as the inner side surface of the cored bar 69, and the elastic plate 49
It can be made to directly contact the outer end face of the. According to such a structure, the elastic plate 49 directly projects between the inner end of the hub 6a and the outer end surface of the housing 11 at a portion protruding inward in the diameter direction from the annular portion 46. It is clamped in a compressed state. For this reason, the cylindrical part 4 of the cored bar 69
Intrusion of foreign matter such as rainwater from the mating surface of the housing 5 and the housing portion 11 into the spline engagement portion is prevented by the housing portion 1.
The contact between the outer end surface of the first elastic plate 1 and the elastic plate 49 can more reliably prevent the occurrence.

The amount of elasticity (the amount of elastic compression) of the elastic plate 49 in the axial direction is designed so that good sealing performance can be obtained in consideration of the dimensional tolerance of each part required for manufacturing. For example, in the case of a wheel drive axle unit for a passenger car, the minimum deflection is about 0.2 to 0.6 mm and the maximum deflection is about 1.3 to 1.7 mm. During operation, a thrust load based on the sliding resistance in the axial direction of the tripod joint used on the inboard side (the center side in the width direction of the vehicle) is applied to the elastic plate 49. Therefore, the amount of bending of the elastic plate 49 at that time must also be considered. In order to obtain sufficient durability that can withstand long-term use, the compression strain of the elastic plate 49 is suppressed to 30% or less (preferably 20% or less) even when the maximum amount of bending is assumed. Should be designed to be In order to design in this way, in the case of a wheel drive axle unit for a passenger car, the thickness of the elastic plate 49 provided between the inner end of the hub 6a and the cored bar 69 is about 4 to 6 mm. is necessary. Therefore, if there is no problem in space, it is preferable to design a design with a sufficient margin such that the thickness is about 6 to 9 mm.

When the contact state between the surface of the elastic plate 49 and the mating surface becomes a sliding contact under a large contact surface pressure,
The surface of the elastic plate 49 fatigues early. Therefore, even if the torque applied to the constant velocity joint is in the opposite direction (even when the driving state changes from the non-driving state to the coasting state with engine braking), the elastic plate 49 and the hub 6a
It is preferable to design the elastic plate 49 so that it can be absorbed by the shear strain of the rubber constituting the elastic plate 49 without causing sliding in the circumferential direction at the contact portion with the inner end. With such a thickness (4 to 6 mm, 6 to 9 mm if space permits), such a design is possible.

Further, the amount of distortion of the elastic plate 49 constantly changes during operation of the wheel drive axle unit. In order to obtain the durability of the elastic plate 49 used for a long time regardless of the extremely severe use conditions, the material of the elastic plate 49 is slightly more expensive than nitrile rubber. Preferably, a thermoplastic polyether elastomer material is used. Other configurations and operations are
This is similar to the first to fourth examples described above.

Next, FIG. 9 shows a sixth example of the embodiment of the present invention, which also corresponds to claims 1 to 5. In the case of the fifth example described above, the spline shaft 3
8 has a function of preventing the spline hole 28 from being displaced to the left from the state shown in FIG. 8 and a function of more securely sealing the gap between the annular portion 46 and the caulked portion 27. I have it. Of these two functions, it is necessary to increase the rigidity of the elastic plate 49 in order to enhance the function of preventing displacement. On the other hand, in order to enhance the function of sealing, the elastic plate 49 needs to be enhanced. The stiffness needs to be reduced to some extent. In the case of this example, taking such circumstances into consideration,
The outer peripheral edge of the elastic plate 49a is relatively thin and has low rigidity,
A flexible seal lip 51 is provided. The leading edge of the seal lip 51 is brought into contact with the end surface of the caulked portion 27 over the entire circumference to seal the space between the annular portion 46 and the caulked portion 27. On the other hand, the elastic plate 49a
8 has a high rigidity so as to effectively prevent the spline shaft 30 shown in FIG. 8 from being displaced to the left with respect to the spline hole 28 from the state shown in FIG.

Next, FIG. 10 to FIG.
7 shows a seventh example of the embodiment of the present invention corresponding to FIG. In the case of this example, the core metal 69a fitted and fixed to the outer end portion of the housing portion 11 is made of spring steel (including tool steel such as SK5).
Press and bend processing on the steel plate material,
It is made by quenching and hardening the whole. In the case of this example, the inclined portion 66 that is inclined outward in the axial direction toward the inner diameter side is provided on the inner diameter side portion of the annular portion 46 that forms the core metal 69a.
Is formed, a portion on the inner diameter side of the annular portion 46 is projected outward in the axial direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of notches 67, 67 are formed at an inner peripheral edge of a portion on the inner diameter side of the annular portion 46 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, so that each of the notches 67, 67 is formed. A plurality of tongue pieces 90, 90 are formed in a portion between
6 is provided with sufficient elasticity in the portion on the inner diameter side with respect to the annular portion 46. Then, the annular portion 46 formed in this way
The tip of the inner diameter side portion, that is, the tongue pieces 90, 9
By elastically abutting the leading end of the zero on the end face of the caulking part 27, the spline shaft 30 is prevented from being displaced to the left with respect to the spline hole 28 from the state shown in FIG. . This prevents rattling of the spline shaft 30 and the spline hole 28 in the axial direction. In this state, each of the tongue pieces 90, 90 has an axial sliding resistance (several tens kgf) of a tripod type constant velocity joint (not shown) incorporated in a transmission (not shown) (right side in FIG. 10). Preload is added. Thus, even when a load is applied to the constant velocity joint in the thrust direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 10) during operation, the engagement portion between the spline shaft 30 and the spline hole 28 slides in the axial direction. This prevents the engagement portion from being worn.

When an excessive load is applied to the tongue pieces 90 during assembly, for example, these tongue pieces 9
Even when the first and second tongues 9 and 90 are bent between the hub 6a and the drive shaft member 29 and become flat, the tongues 9
The tongue pieces 90, 90 are designed so that the stress generated inside 0, 90 does not exceed the allowable stress, so that the tongue pieces 90, 90 are not damaged. That is, the stress generated inside each of the tongue pieces 90, 90 increases as the displacement amount until each of the tongue pieces 90, 90 flexes flatly increases. The dimensions of the respective parts are determined so that the displacement amount at the time of being performed is suppressed to a value of 2 to 3 mm or less.

Further, the inner end of a seal lip 68 formed entirely of a cylindrical shape by an elastic material such as rubber or the like is bonded and fixed to the outer surface of the annular portion 46 by bonding or baking. I have. At the same time, the outer edge, which is the leading edge of the seal lip 68, is brought into elastic contact with the inner end surface of the inner race 50 over the entire circumference, so that the outer end surface of the housing portion 11 and the end surface of the caulking portion 27 are brought into contact. Between the seals. In the case of this example, when the rolling bearing unit for a wheel is operated, the spline shaft 30 is in a state shown in FIG. 10 with respect to the spline hole 28 against the elasticity of the inner diameter side portion of the annular portion 46. Even if the seal lip 6 is displaced to the left,
In order that the contact position and contact pressure of the outer edge of the seal lip 8 do not change, the tip of the seal lip 68 is bent, and the tip of the seal lip 68 has appropriate elasticity. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the fourth to fifth examples shown in FIGS.

Next, FIG. 12 shows an eighth embodiment of the present invention, which also corresponds to claims 1 to 5. In the case of this example, a through hole 47 (FIG. 10)
Has not formed. Further, in the case of this example, the core metal 69b
Notches 67, 67 (FIGS. 10 to 11) are not formed on the inner peripheral edge of the portion on the inner diameter side with respect to the annular portion 46, and the portion on the inner diameter side with respect to the annular portion 46 is a diaphragm-shaped disc spring portion. 91 is set. In the case of this example, a cover 70 formed in a cylindrical shape by a part of the elastic material constituting the seal lip 68 is provided on an outer diameter side portion of the seal lip 68 connected to the outer surface of the ring portion 46. Provided. The leading edge of the cover 70 extends over the entire circumference to the outer diameter side of the small diameter step 71 formed at the inner end of the inner ring 50, thereby covering the seal portion formed by the seal lip 68. . For this reason, in the case of this example, it is possible to prevent foreign matters such as rainwater from directly splashing on the seal lip 68, and
To enhance the sealing function.

In the case of this embodiment, a part of the elastic material constituting the seal lip 68 is attached to the outer surface of the disc spring portion 91 formed on the inner diameter side of the circular ring portion 46. The outer surface of the disc spring portion 91 is prevented from directly contacting the end surface of the caulking portion 27. The reason for this is to prevent fretting wear from occurring at the contact portion between the outer surface of the disc spring portion 91 and the end surface of the caulking portion 27.
In this case, in the case of this example, the cylindrical portion 45 constituting the cored bar 69b is used.
An outward flange-shaped flange portion 72 is formed on the inner end edge of the flange. Then, when press-fitting the cored bar 69b into the outer end portion of the housing portion 11, the front end portion of the press-fitting jig abuts on the outer surface of the flange portion 72 without crushing the seal lip 68. I have. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the above-described seventh example.

Next, FIG. 13 shows a ninth embodiment of the present invention, which also corresponds to claims 1 to 5. In the case of this example, the metal core 6 supported on the outer end of the housing 11
By forming a step 73 at the inner peripheral edge portion of the annular portion 46 that constitutes 9c, the seal lip 68 and the base end of the covering portion 70 are formed on a part of the outer surface on the inner diameter side of the annular portion 46. The portion that joins the edges is closer to the inner end face of the inner ring 50. The seal lip 68 is provided by an amount corresponding to a portion of the outer surface of the annular portion 46 approaching the inner end surface of the inner ring 50 in this manner.
In addition, the amount of the elastic material constituting the cover 70 is reduced, so that the cost of the seal lip 68 and the cover 70 is reduced. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the above-described eighth example.

Next, FIG. 14 shows a tenth embodiment of the present invention, which also corresponds to claims 1 to 5.
In the case of this example, a core bar 69d supporting the seal lip 68a
Is externally fixed to a small-diameter stepped portion 71 formed at the inner end of the inner ring 50. At the same time, this core metal 69d
Is elastically abutted against the outer end surface of the housing portion 11 via a part of the elastic material forming the seal lip 68a. Further, the distal end edge of the seal lip 68a is in contact with the conical inclined surface portion near the outer end of the outer peripheral surface of the housing portion 11 over the entire circumference. In the case of this example, the diameter of the distal end edge of the seal lip 68a in the free state is determined by the housing portion 11
Is slightly larger than the diameter dimension of the outer end face.
The reason for this is to prevent the tip edge of the seal lip 68a from hitting the outer end surface of the housing portion 11 when the spline shaft 30 is inserted into the spline hole 28, thereby preventing the seal lip 68a from being turned up. .

The small-diameter stepped portion 71 formed at the inner end of the inner ring 50, which is a portion for fixing the cylindrical portion 45 of the cored bar 69d to the outside, is attached to the inner end surface of the inner ring 50 by the hub 6a.
When crimping the inner end of the, it may be slightly deformed. For this reason, in the case of this example, even if the small diameter step 71 is deformed and the diameter or the like of the small diameter step 71 is changed, the fitting strength of the cylindrical portion 45 to the small diameter step 71 is changed. An elastic material 74 such as rubber is adhered to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 45 over the entire circumference in order to achieve the appropriateness and to ensure the sealing performance at the fitting portion. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the ninth example described above.

Next, FIG. 15 shows an eleventh embodiment of the present invention, which also corresponds to claims 1 to 5.
In the case of this example, the base edge of the seal lip 68b is
d, the tip of the seal lip 68b is attached to the inner peripheral edge of the disc spring portion 91.
9, an elastic portion is elastically brought into contact with a curved portion existing at a continuous portion between the outer peripheral surface of the spline shaft 30 and the outer end surface of the housing portion 11. Also, the base end of the cover 70a is connected to the inner surface of the inclined portion 66 provided on the inner diameter side of the annular portion 46, and the distal end of the cover 70a is connected to the outer diameter of the outer end of the housing 11. By extending to the side part, the seal part by the seal lip 68b is covered over the entire circumference. Further, in the case of the present example, the thickness of the elastic material which is present between the seal lip 68b and the cover portion 70a and whose inner surface is brought into contact with the outer end surface of the housing portion 11 is increased. The portion having the increased size is an elastic plate portion 75. In the case of this example, by providing such an elastic plate portion 75, the function of preventing the spline shaft 30 from being displaced to the left with respect to the spline hole 28 from the state shown in FIG. I have. Other configurations and operations are
This is similar to the case of the tenth example described above.

FIG. 16 shows a twelfth embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claims 1, 2, 3, and 5. In the case of this example, an encoder 76 which constitutes a rotation speed detecting device together with the sensor 48 is supported and fixed on the inner surface of the seal ring 19a which closes the axial inner end opening of the space in which the plurality of rolling elements 12 and 12 are installed. ing. That is, in the case of the present example, a combination seal ring is employed as the seal ring 19a, and the encoder 76 is provided with a slinger 77 which is externally fixed to the inner end of the inner ring 50 and constitutes the combination seal ring. It is attached and fixed to the inner surface. The encoder 76 is formed as a whole in a ring shape by a permanent magnet such as a rubber magnet mixed with ferrite powder, and is magnetized in the axial direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 16). The magnetization directions are changed alternately at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Therefore, S poles and N poles are alternately arranged at equal intervals on the inner surface of the encoder 76. Also in the case of this example, the drive shaft member that rotates in synchronization with the wheels, with the detection unit of the sensor 48 supported by a fixed part such as a suspension device being brought close to and facing the inner surface of the encoder 76 in the assembled state to the vehicle. The rotation speed of the motor 29 can be detected.

In the case of this embodiment, the seal lip 6 to be connected to the core bar 69e fitted and fixed to the outer end of the housing portion 11 is used.
8c has a substantially U-shaped cross section and is formed in an annular shape as a whole.
A pair of substantially annular portions 78a, 78b that are substantially parallel to each other, a continuous portion 79 for connecting the inner peripheral edges of the respective annular portions 78a, 78b to each other, and an outer one of the annular portions 78a, 78b A ridge 80 bent axially outward from the outer peripheral edge of the portion 78a. Such a seal lip 68c
Is the outer ring portion of the inner circular portion 78b,
9e, the outer peripheral surface of the annular portion 46 and the inner peripheral portion of the annular portion 46 are bonded and fixed to the inner peripheral portion of the annular portion 46 by bonding, baking, or the like. The end face is elastically contacted over the entire circumference.
Further, in this state, a part of the inner side surface of the inner annular portion 78b is brought into elastic contact with the outer end surface of the housing portion 11 over the entire circumference, so that the core bar 69e and the housing portion 11 Is sealed at the fitting fixed portion with the outer end. The axial direction of the seal lip 68c in the free state (FIG. 1)
6 (the left-right direction) is sufficiently larger than the axial distance between the outer end surface of the housing portion 11 and the end surface of the caulking portion 27.

In the case of this embodiment having such a configuration, since the seal lip 68c is formed to have a substantially U-shaped cross section, the tip edge of the ridge portion 80 formed on the outer peripheral edge of the outer annular portion 78a is formed as follows. It can be largely displaced in the axial direction. For this reason, based on the play existing at the joint between the inner and outer locking grooves 14 and 13 and the retaining ring 35, the axial distance between the outer end surface of the housing portion 11 and the end surface of the caulking portion 27 is increased. Even if it changes relatively large (for example, about 1 mm),
The crimping portion 2 is caused to follow the leading edge of the ridge portion 80.
The contact pressure of the leading edge of the ridge portion 80 against the end surface of the ridge 7 can be sufficiently ensured. In addition, since the seal lip 68c is formed to have a substantially U-shaped cross section, resistance to deformation of the intermediate portion of the seal lip 68c is reduced by the distance between the leading edge of the ridge 80 and the end face of the caulking portion 27. It can be made smaller than the frictional resistance acting on the contact portion, and this contact portion can be prevented from sliding during operation. Therefore, the sealing performance of the seal lip 68c can be stabilized.

In the case of this example, when the cylindrical portion 45 of the cored bar 69e is press-fitted into the outer end of the housing 11, the outer surface of the annular portion 46 of the cored bar 69e should be used. The jig is pressed against the outer diameter side portion of the seal lip 68c to which the circular ring portion 78b is not attached. In other words, in order to secure the pressing portion of the jig on the outer diameter side portion of the outer surface of the annular portion 46, the outer diameter of the annular portion 46 is
Inner annular portion 78b constituting the seal lip 68c
Is sufficiently larger than the outer diameter of the helmet. Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first and third examples.

Next, FIG. 17 shows a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claims 1, 2, 3, and 5. In the case of this example, the leading edge of the ridge portion 80 constituting the seal lip 68c is in contact with the inner end surface of the inner ring 50 over the entire circumference. As described above, in the case of the present example, the tip of the flange 80 is brought into contact with the inner end surface of the inner race 50 having higher positional accuracy and shape accuracy after the assembly than the end surface of the caulking portion 27, so that the seal lip The sealing performance according to 68c is made more stable. Further, in the case of this example, a flange 72 for pressing the press-fitting jig is formed on the inner end edge of the cylindrical portion 45 constituting the metal core 69f externally fitted and fixed to the outer end of the housing portion 11. For this reason, in the case of this example, the above-mentioned core metal 69
A wide pressing portion of the press-fitting jig as in the twelfth example described above is not secured on the outer diameter side portion of the circular ring portion 46 constituting f. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the twelfth example described above.

Next, FIG.
14 shows a fourteenth example of the embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to FIGS. In the case of this example, the core metal 69g supporting the seal lip 68d is formed in a crank-shaped cross section, and the cylindrical portion 45 provided on the outermost diameter side is attached to the small-diameter step portion 71 formed on the inner end of the inner ring 50. It is fitted and fixed. The reason why the cylindrical portion 45 is externally fitted and fixed to the small diameter step portion 71 is that the cylindrical portion 4
This is to avoid interference of the sensor 5 with the tip of the sensor 48. On the other hand, the seal lip 68 supported by
d is the outer diameter side portion of the outer ring portion 78a,
9g and an inner ring portion 78b
The tip edge of the ridge portion 80 provided on the outer peripheral edge of the housing portion 11 is in contact with the outer end surface of the housing portion 11 over the entire circumference. In the case of this example, the seal lip 6 is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 45.
Part of the elastic material constituting 8d is attached. Thereby, even when the small diameter step 71 is deformed when forming the caulking portion 27, the fitting strength of the cylindrical portion 45 to the small diameter step 71 can be made appropriate and the cylindrical portion 45 can be formed. The sealability of the fitting portion can be ensured. Other configurations and operations are the same as in the twelfth example described above.

Next, FIGS. 19 and 20 show the second embodiment.
The fifteenth example of the embodiment of the present invention corresponding to 2, 3, and 5 is shown. In the case of this example, the seal lip 68e, which is a seal member, which is supported by a core bar 69e externally fitted and fixed to the outer end of the housing portion 11, is formed in a substantially elliptical cross-section, and is generally cylindrical. Such a seal lip 68e has an inner end which is a base end and a cylindrical portion 4 which constitutes the core 69e.
5 which are attached to the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring 5 and the outer peripheral edge of the annular portion 46 and are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the distal end portion over the entire circumference.
Is engaged with a locking groove 82 formed on the small diameter step portion 71 of the inner ring 50 over the entire circumference. The height dimension of the engaging projection 81 is larger than the depth dimension of the locking concave groove 82, and the diameter of the inner peripheral edge of the engaging projection 81 in the free state is determined by The diameter is smaller than the diameter of the bottom surface of the groove 82. Therefore, in the state where the engaging protrusion 81 is engaged with the locking groove 82 as described above, the inner peripheral edge of the engaging protrusion 81 is elastically mounted on the bottom surface of the locking groove 82 over the entire circumference. Abut. In other words, the tip of the seal lip 68e is externally fitted to the bottom surface of the locking concave groove 82. In this state, the space between the hub 6a and the drive shaft member 29 is sealed.

When the engaging projection 81 is engaged with the locking groove 82, the core 69 e is connected to the housing 1.
19 is inserted into the spline hole 28 from right to left in FIG.
The locking projection 81 formed at the distal end of the seal lip 68e by this insertion work is guided by the conical convex chamfered portion 83 provided on the inner edge of the small-diameter stepped portion 71, and the inner diameter is elastically adjusted. After being expanded and riding on the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter stepped portion 71, the inner diameter is reduced again and enters the locking concave groove 82. Further, in the case of this example having such a configuration, the outer circumference of the housing portion 11 and the small-diameter step portion 71 is determined based on the play existing in the engagement portion between the inner and outer locking grooves 14 and 13 and the retaining ring 35. Even when the locking concave groove 82 formed on the surface is relatively displaced in the axial direction, the bent portion 84 formed at the intermediate portion of the seal lip 68e bends to form the distal end of the seal lip 68e. The engaging projection 81 can follow the locking groove 82. Therefore, sliding does not occur at the contact portion between the inner peripheral edge of the engaging projection 81 and the bottom surface of the locking groove 82, and it is possible to prevent the sealing performance from being deteriorated due to wear or the like.

In the case of this embodiment, the inner diameter of the annular portion 46 constituting the cored bar 69e is larger than the inner diameter of the engaging projection 81 provided at the tip of the seal lip 68e in the free state. Is also small enough. Thereby, the core 6
When press-fitting and fixing 9e to the outer end of the housing 11, the tip of the seal lip 68e is
Is prevented from being obstructed by the press-fitting jig which abuts against the outer surface of the circular ring portion 46. Other configurations and operations are the same as in the twelfth example described above.

Next, FIG. 21 also shows claims 1, 2,
16 shows a sixteenth example of an embodiment of the present invention corresponding to 3 and 5. In the case of this example, the inner ring 50 is held down on the inner end of the hub 6a by a retaining ring 85 locked on the inner end of the hub 6a. That is, a locking groove 86 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner end portion of the hub 6a over the entire circumference, and the retaining ring 85 is locked in the locking groove 86. The retaining ring 85 is constituted by a pair of retaining ring elements each having a semicircular arc shape. Such a retaining ring 85 is used to apply an appropriate preload to each of the rolling elements 12, 12.
Is pressed axially outward with respect to the hub 6a, and the inner peripheral edge thereof is engaged with the locking groove 86. In order to keep the appropriate preload applied to the rolling elements 12 and 12 even in a state where the force pressing the inner ring 50 outward in the axial direction is released, the retaining ring 85 has an appropriate thickness. Select one with dimensions. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the above-described fifteenth example.

Next, FIG.
17 shows a seventeenth example of the embodiment of the present invention corresponding to Nos. 3 and 5. In the case of this example, a core metal 69h supporting the seal lip 68f is supported and fixed to the inner end of the hub 6a.
Then, a part of the core metal 69h is connected to the inner ring 50 by the hub 6a.
Are disposed around a retaining ring 85 for holding down the inner end of the retaining ring 85. Thus, in the case of the present example, a pair of retaining ring elements constituting the retaining ring 85 are displaced radially outward, so that a locking groove 86 formed near the inner end of the outer peripheral surface of the hub 6a.
Prevents accidental falling off from That is, the core metal 69h is formed in a ring shape with a crank-shaped cross section, and a small-diameter cylindrical portion 87 for externally fitting and fixing to the inner end of the hub 6a, and an outer end of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 87 The annular portion 88 is bent radially outward from the edge, and the large-diameter cylindrical portion 89 is bent axially outward from the outer peripheral edge of the circular portion 88. The outer surface of the circular ring portion 88 is brought into contact with or near the inner surface of the retaining ring 85, and the inner peripheral surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 89 is brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the retaining ring 85. Contact or close proximity.

The seal lip 68f has an outer end, which is a base end, connected to the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 89 and the circular ring portion 8.
8 and an inner peripheral edge of an engaging projection 81 provided on an inner peripheral surface of an inner end portion which is a front end portion is formed over an entire outer peripheral surface of an outer end portion of the housing portion 11. Locking groove 8
It is in contact with the bottom surface of 2a. In the case of this example, the seal lip 6 is also provided on the outer edge of the housing portion 11.
8f is engaged with the engaging groove 82.
A chamfered portion 83a is formed, which serves as a guide surface when locking in the inside of a. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the above-described sixteenth embodiment.
Same as the example.

Next, FIG. 23 shows an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claims 1 to 5. In the case of this example, the hub 6e is connected to the hub body 102 and the pair of inner rings 5.
0 and 50 and a nut 103. That is, with the pair of inner rings 50, 50 fitted to the hub main body 102, the nut 103 is screwed into a male screw portion formed at the inner end of the hub main body 102, and further tightened. 6e. A washer 104 is interposed between the nut 103 and the inner ring 50. The outer ring 1 has a support hole 105 formed in the knuckle 40.
Between the collar 106 formed on the inner peripheral surface of one end opening of the support hole 105 and the retaining ring 107 locked on the inner peripheral surface of the other end of the support hole 105. It is pinched from. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the above-described fourth example shown in FIG. The outer inner ring 50 of the pair of inner rings 50, 50 is
02 may be integrated.

Next, FIGS. 24 to 25 show a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claims 1 to 5.
Also in the case of this example, the inner engaging groove 14 corresponding to the inner engaging portion described in the claims is formed on the entire outer periphery of the intermediate portion near the outer end of the spline shaft 30. Also, hub 6a
A step 108 corresponding to the outer engaging portion described in the claims is provided around the outer end opening of the spline hole 28 formed at the center of the It is formed over. An annular retaining ring 109 corresponding to the engaging member described in the claims, a part of which is shown in FIG. 25, is provided between the inner locking groove 14 and the stepped portion 108.
Are mounted so as to bridge between the inner locking groove 14 and the step 108.

The retaining ring 109 is formed in an annular shape as a whole by using an elastic metal plate such as SK5 or other spring metal, stainless steel spring steel, or the like. It can be contracted freely. That is, the retaining ring 109 is provided with an annular portion 110 on the outer peripheral portion over the entire circumference, and a number of elastic tongues 111, 111 are provided on the inner peripheral edge of the annular portion 110 in the diametrically inward direction. And it is formed so as to protrude in the axial direction. The diameter of the inscribed circle of the leading edge (inner peripheral edge) of the large number of elastic tongues 111 constituting such a retaining ring 109 is such that the spline shaft 30 is in a free state of the retaining ring 109. Is smaller than the diameter of the circumscribed circle. Such a retaining ring 109 allows the distal ends (inner peripheral ends) of the large number of elastic tongues 111, 111 to be elastically deformed diametrically outward of the retaining ring 109 while retaining the outer end of the spline shaft 30. Externally. Then, in a state where the large number of elastic tongues 111, 111 are aligned with the inner locking grooves 14, the distal ends of the elastic tongues 111, 111 are elastically restored inward in the diametrical direction. The tip of the elastic tongues 111, 111 and the inner locking groove 14
And are engaged. In this state, the annular portion 110 is
It abuts on the step 108.

Of course, each of the elastic tongues 111, 111
Through the spline grooves formed on the outer peripheral surface of the spline shaft 30, the groove bottom diameter of the inner locking groove 14 (the groove bottom diameter of the inner locking groove
The width of the tip of each of the elastic tongues 111 and 111 (the width is made larger than the width of the spline groove) and the like are regulated. In order to facilitate the operation of engaging the elastic tongues 111 and 111 with the inner locking groove 14, the annular portion 110 may be formed in a partially annular shape. At the tip of the spline shaft 30, the inner locking groove 1 is engaged with the retaining ring 109.
No spline groove is formed in the part closer to the tip than 4
It is also possible to make the cylindrical surface smaller in diameter than the diameter of the groove bottom of the spline groove. In this case, of course, the diameter of the bottom of the inner locking groove 14 is smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical surface. In the case of this example, the retaining ring 109 is attached after the spline shaft 30 is inserted into the spline hole 28. As in the first example shown in FIG. 1 described above, the spline shaft 30 cannot be inserted into the spline hole 28 with the retaining ring 35 mounted on the spline shaft 30 in advance.

Further, between the outer end surface of the housing portion 11 provided at the inner end portion of the drive shaft member 29 provided with the spline shaft 30 and the inner end surface of the hub 6a, a metal core 69i and an elastic plate 49 are provided. Is disposed. The core metal 69i constituting the sealing member 112 is made of SPCC
A metal plate such as a carbon steel plate as described above is formed in an annular shape with an L-shaped cross section, and a cylindrical portion 45 formed on the outer peripheral edge portion is fitted to the outer end portion of the housing portion 11 by interference fitting. Thus, the housing 11 is fixed to the outer end.
The elastic plate 49 is formed by forming an elastomer such as rubber or vinyl into an annular shape. The elastic plate 49 is attached to the outer surface of the annular portion 46 constituting the metal core 69i by baking, bonding, or the like over the entire circumference. are doing.

The elastic plate 49 of such a sealing member 112
The retaining ring 109 is connected to the inner locking groove 14 and the step portion 10.
8 and elastically clamped between the outer end surface of the housing portion 11 and the caulking portion 27 present on the inner end surface of the hub 6a. As described above, the elastic force for clamping the elastic plate 49 based on the elasticity of the retaining ring 109 is set slightly larger than the thrust load applied to the spline shaft 30 during operation, for example, about 100 kgf. As described above, the wheel drive axle unit of the present embodiment includes the retaining ring 1
The elastic plate 49 is elastically moved between the outer end surface of the housing portion 11 and the caulking portion 27 by wrapping the elastic plate 49 between the inner locking groove 14 and the step portion 108 while being compressed in the axial direction. And the positioning of the hub 6a and the drive shaft member 29 in the axial direction is achieved.

In the case of the wheel drive axle unit of the present embodiment having the above-described structure, the retaining ring 109 has elasticity in the axial direction, and the retaining ring 109 is formed in a stepped relation with the inner locking groove 14. The elastic plate 49 is elastically sandwiched between the caulking portion 27 existing on the other end surface of the hub 6 a and the outer end surface of the housing portion 11 in a state where the elastic plate 49 is bridged between the housing 108 and the housing 108. Therefore, irrespective of the vibration generated during operation, there is no generation of abnormal noise due to collision between members in each part. or,
During operation of the automobile, a thrust load generated at a tripod type constant velocity joint (not shown) provided on the differential gear side is applied to the drive shaft member 29 via a drive shaft (not shown). Since the direction of the thrust load changes in the operation state of the tripod type constant velocity joint, at a certain moment, a force is applied in a direction of pulling out the drive shaft member 29 from the hub 6a. Also in this case, the elastic plate 4
9 is set to, for example, about 100 kgf, which is larger than the thrust load applied to the spline shaft 30 due to the operation of the tripod constant velocity joint during operation, so that the drive shaft member 29 and the hub 6a is not displaced in the axial direction. Therefore, the caulking portion 27 and the elastic plate 49 are not separated from each other, and the sealing property between the drive shaft member 29 and the hub 6a by the elastic plate 49 is affected by the thrust load applied during the operation. Can be secured.

Next, FIGS.
20 shows a twentieth example of the embodiment of the present invention corresponding to FIG. In the case of the present example, a retaining ring 109a that bridges between the inner locking groove 14 on the outer peripheral surface of the spline shaft 30 constituting the drive shaft member 29 and the step portion 108 on the inner peripheral surface of the hub 6a is not provided. An annular corrugated spring is used. The retaining ring 109a, which is formed of the same elastic metal plate as the retaining ring 109 used in the above-described nineteenth example, is hung between the inner locking groove 14 and the step 108 while elastically expanding the inner diameter. Have passed. Other configurations and operations are the same as those described in
Since it is the same as the example, the same reference numerals are given to the equivalent parts,
A duplicate description will be omitted.

Next, FIG. 28 shows a twenty-first example of the embodiment of the present invention, which also corresponds to claims 1 to 5.
In the case of this example, a cylindrical portion 113 is formed at the tip of the spline shaft 30 that forms the drive shaft member 29. The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 113 is smaller than the diameter of the inscribed circle at the bottom of the spline groove formed on the spline shaft 30. At the axially intermediate portion of such a cylindrical portion 113, over the entire circumference,
An inner locking groove 1 corresponding to the second engaging portion described in the claims.
4 are formed. Around the outer end opening of the spline hole 28, at a position matching the inner locking groove 14,
A step portion 108 corresponding to the first engagement portion described in the claims,
It is formed all around. And these inner locking grooves 1
4 and the stepped portion 108, the missing annular retaining ring 15 d and the annular spacer 114 are inserted into the inner locking groove 14 and the stepped portion 1.
It is attached in a state where it crosses over with 08.

The retaining ring 15d is made of an elastic metal plate such as spring steel such as SK5, stainless steel spring steel, or the like, and is formed in a partially annular shape so that its diameter can be elastically expanded and contracted. The inner diameter of the retaining ring 15d in the free state is:
The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 113 is smaller than the outer diameter. The inner diameter of the spacer 114 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 113, and the outer diameter of the spacer 114 is sufficiently larger than the inner diameter of the spline hole 30.

Further, between the outer end face of the housing part 11 and the inner end face of the hub 6a, the core bar 69i and the elastic plate 49 are connected similarly to the case of the nineteenth example shown in FIGS. Is disposed. The elastic plate 49 constituting such a sealing member 112 is provided with the retaining ring 15d.
In a state where the spacer 114 is bridged between the inner locking groove 14 and the stepped portion 108, elastically, between the outer end surface of the housing portion 11 and the caulking portion 27 present on the inner end surface of the hub 6 a. It is clamped in a compressed (preloaded) state. As described above, the wheel drive axle unit of the present embodiment includes the retaining ring 15 d and the spacer 114 together with the inner locking groove 14.
The elastic plate 49 is elastically sandwiched between the outer end surface of the housing portion 11 and the caulking portion 27 by being bridged in a state compressed in the axial direction between the The positioning of the hub 6a and the drive shaft member 29 in the axial direction is achieved.

In the case of the wheel drive axle unit of the present embodiment, which is constructed as described above, the retaining ring 15d and the step 108
Since the spacer 114 is provided between the stop ring and the step portion 108, it is possible to prevent the retaining ring 15d from contacting the step portion 108 with a small area. As a result, during operation, the drive shaft member 29 and the hub 6
a, regardless of the thrust load applied between
It is possible to prevent fretting wear from occurring in 5d and the step 108. That is, since the retaining ring 15d is required to expand elastically when engaged with the inner locking groove 14, it is not made so wide that the outer diameter of the retaining ring 15d is limited. In addition, the diameter of the peripheral edge of the opening of the spline hole 28 is somewhat larger based on the chamfered portion existing in the opening. Therefore, when only the retaining ring 15d is provided between the inner locking groove 14 and the step 108, the step 108
The contact area between the contact ring and the retaining ring 15d is reduced, the surface pressure of the contact portion is increased, and fretting wear is easily generated in the contact portion. On the other hand, in the case of the wheel drive axle unit of the present example, the spacer 114 is provided, and the contact area between both surfaces of the spacer 114 and the step portion 108 and the retaining ring 15d is ensured. It is possible to reduce the surface pressure of the contact portion and prevent the occurrence of fretting wear at the contact portion. The elastic plate 49
The elastic force (preload) applied to the spline shaft 30 during operation is the same as that in the nineteenth example shown in FIGS. 24 to 25 or the twentieth example shown in FIGS. It is preferable to set it slightly larger than the load, for example, about 100 kgf. Other configurations and operations are
This is almost the same as the case of the nineteenth to twentieth examples.

Next, FIG. 29 shows a twenty-second example of the embodiment of the present invention, which also corresponds to claims 1 to 5.
In the case of this example, an elastic ring 1 made of an elastomer such as rubber or vinyl is provided between the spacer 114 and the step 108.
15 are sandwiched between the spacer 114 and the step 108 in an elastically compressed state. In the illustrated example, the elastic ring 115 is baked or adhered to the inner surface of the spacer 114 so that it can be handled integrally with the spacer 114. In the case of the present embodiment, foreign matter such as rainwater that enters the center hole of the hub 6a from the outer end opening of the center hole is removed by the elastic ring 115 between the spacer 114 and the step 108. In order to seal the gap, the cap 34 (FIG. 28) fitted to the hub 6a in the above-described twenty-first example is omitted. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the above-described twenty-first example, and therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts, and the overlapping description will be omitted.

Next, FIG. 30 shows a twenty-third example of the embodiment of the present invention, which also corresponds to claims 1 to 5.
In the case of the present example, the outer diameter of the caulked portion 27 formed at the inner end of the hub 6a is related to the outer diameter of the inner ring 50 which is externally fitted and fixed to the inner end of the main body constituting the hub 6a. , Are smaller than those in the above-described twenty-first and twenty-second examples. Therefore, in the case of the present example, the inner-end-face outer-diameter half of the inner race 50 constituting the hub 6a is connected to the caulking portion 2.
7 is exposed around the outer peripheral edge. In the case of this example, a seal member 112 is provided between the outer diameter side half of the inner end surface of the inner ring 50 and the outer end surface of the housing portion 11. In the case of this example having such a structure, since the end face of the seal member 112 abuts against the end face of the flat inner ring 50, uniform distortion occurs in the seal member 112. As a result, the thrust load that can be supported by the seal member 112 can be increased. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the above-described twenty-second example, and therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts, and redundant description will be omitted. Note that the structure in which the seal member 112 is provided between the outer diameter side half portion of the inner end surface of the inner race 50 constituting the hub 6a and the outer end surface of the housing portion 11 is implemented by the structure of the above-described twenty-first example shown in FIG. You can do it.

Next, FIG. 31 to FIG.
24 shows a twenty-fourth example of the embodiment of the present invention corresponding to FIG. In the case of this example, the opening at the outer end of the space where the spline engagement portion between the spline shaft 30 and the spline hole 28 exists is closed by a cap 34b formed by combining the first element 116 and the second element 117. I have. The first element 116 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom by drawing a metal plate or the like.
And a bottom plate portion 119 for closing the outer end opening of the cylindrical portion 118.
And An outward flange-shaped flange portion 120 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate portion of the cylindrical portion 118 by buckling and deforming the metal plate so as to be folded 180 degrees. On the other hand, the second element 117 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom by a synthetic resin, and the shape of the outer peripheral surface matches the shape of the inner peripheral surface near the outer end of the hub 6a or is substantially free to adjust.
21 and a bottom plate portion 122 that is a closing plate portion provided so as to close the inner end opening of the tubular portion 121. The cylindrical portion 121 includes a large-diameter cylindrical portion 123, a small-diameter cylindrical portion 124, and a continuous portion 125 that connects an inner edge of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 123 and an outer edge of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 124. Prepare. The bottom plate 122 is provided so as to close the inner end opening of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 124 among them.

Then, the first and second elements 12 as described above are used.
By combining 6, 127 with each other,
The cap 34b is included. That is, when combining the first and second elements 116 and 117 with each other, as shown in detail in FIG. The engaging concave groove 126 formed over the entire circumference on the outer peripheral surface near the outer end of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 123 constituting 117 is engaged. With this,
A locking projection 127 formed over the entire outer periphery of the outer end portion of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 123 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate portion of the cylindrical portion 118 with the formation of the flange portion 120. V
The groove 128 is engaged. In this state, the inner half of the cylindrical portion 118 and the locking groove 126 are combined.
, The engagement convex portion 127 and the V-shaped groove 1
The shape and size of each part are regulated so that the engagement part with the seal 28 is sufficiently sealed.

In order to seal the opening at the outer end of the hub 6a,
When the cap 34b as described above is attached to the outer end opening of the hub 6a, the second element 117 is attached to the hub 6a.
a, and inserts the inner half of the cylindrical portion 118 of the first element 116 into the hub 6.
a at the outer end of the positioning cylindrical portion 129 provided at the outer end of
The inner fit is fixed by interference fit. At the same time, the collar 1
20 abuts against the outer end surface of the positioning cylindrical portion 129. The positioning cylindrical portion 129 is for positioning the driving wheel with respect to the outer end of the hub 6a when the driving wheel (not shown) is mounted on the mounting flange 7. 7, the positioning cylindrical portion 129 is inserted into a circular hole formed at the center of (the wheel of) the driving wheel.

With the cap 34b attached to the outer end opening of the hub 6a in this manner, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 121 constituting the second element 117 has an inner peripheral portion closer to the outer end of the hub 6a. The surface is almost in contact with or close to the entire surface. That is, the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 123 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the positioning cylindrical portion 129, and the small-diameter cylindrical portion 1 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion 130 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the hub 6a.
The outer surface of the continuous portion 125 substantially corresponds to the inclined portion 131 and the step portion 132 which are located between the inner peripheral surface of the positioning cylindrical portion 129 and the inner peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 130. In contact or close proximity. At the same time, the bottom plate portion 122 constituting the second element 117 closes the outer end opening of the space where the spline engagement portion between the spline shaft 30 and the spline hole 28 exists. Closely opposed to the tip surface.

As described above, in the case of this example, the cap 34
By providing the bottom plate portion 122, which is a closing plate portion constituting b, axially inward of the cylindrical portion 118, which is a fitting and fixing portion, the bottom plate portion 122 is brought into close proximity to the tip end surface of the spline shaft 30. I have. For this reason, the volume of the space in which the spline engagement portion between the spline shaft 30 and the spline hole 28 exists can be reduced, and the amount of grease sealed in this space can be reduced. In the case of this example, the grease sealed in this space is a portion on the axially outer end side of the bottom plate portion 122, that is, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 121 constituting the second element 117 and the hub 6a. There is a possibility of entering the portion between the outer peripheral portion and the inner peripheral surface. However, the connecting portion between the first and second elements 126 and 127 and the fitting portion between the cylindrical portion 118 and the positioning cylindrical portion 129, which are present at the axially outer end portion between the two peripheral surfaces, It has sufficient sealing properties. Therefore, even when grease enters the portion between the two peripheral surfaces, the grease does not leak to the outside through the engaging portion and the fitting portion. Further, in the case of this example, the cylindrical portion 118 as the fitting / fixing portion is internally fitted and fixed to the outer end of the positioning cylindrical portion 129 which is the outer end opening of the hub 6a. Therefore, the work of internally fitting and fixing the cylindrical portion 118 to the hub 6a can be easily performed. The structure of the seal member including the core bar 69b incorporated in this example is the same as that of the eighth example shown in FIG.

Next, FIG. 33 shows a twenty-fifth embodiment of the present invention, which also corresponds to claims 1 to 5.
In the case of this example, the first element 116 constituting the cap 34c
a is manufactured by die-casting an aluminum alloy. Further, by this die-casting, a molding 133 for improving the design is performed on the outer surface of the bottom plate portion 119 constituting the first element 116a. On the other hand, the synthetic resin second element 117a constituting the cap 34c is blow-molded to form the first element 116a.
And are integrally connected. Therefore, this second element 117
The outer edge of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 123 that constitutes a is bonded to the inner edge of the cylindrical portion 118 that constitutes the first element 116a over the entire circumference. In addition, at the tip of this cylindrical portion 118,
By forming the through holes or the concave holes, the coupling strength between the first and second elements 116a and 117a can be improved. Further, in order to perform the blow molding as described above, a central portion of the bottom plate portion 119 constituting the first element 116a is provided with:
A blowing port 134 for blowing air into a portion between the first element 116a and the second element 117a is formed. The blowing port 134 is closed after the completion of the cap 34c. In the case of this example, the second element 11
The shape of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 121 constituting the
A small-diameter cylindrical portion 124 (see FIG. 31) is not formed in the cylindrical portion 121 in order to conform to the shape of the inner peripheral surface near the outer end of a. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the above-described twenty-fourth example.

Next, FIG. 34 shows a twenty-sixth embodiment of the present invention, which also corresponds to claims 1 to 5.
In the case of this example, the spline shaft 3 constituting the drive shaft member 29
A circular recess 135 is formed at the center of the front end surface of the zero. Then, on the inner peripheral surface of the concave hole 135 over the entire circumference,
Outer locking groove 1 corresponding to the second engaging portion described in claims.
36 are formed. Further, a part of the coupling shaft member 137 fixed to the hub 6a is inserted into the concave hole 135. The coupling shaft member 137 includes a cylindrical portion 138 that can be inserted into the concave hole 135 without rattling, and a cylindrical portion 138.
139 formed at the outer end of the outer flange.
Consisting of Claims: On the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 138, a position where the pressing flange portion 139 is aligned with the outer locking groove 136 in a state where the pressing flange portion 139 is in contact with the step portion 108 formed on the peripheral edge of the opening of the spline hole 28. The inner locking groove 140 corresponding to the first engaging portion described in (1) is formed over the entire circumference.
The inner locking groove 140 and the outer locking groove 136
Between them, a retaining ring 35 made of an elastic material, which corresponds to the engaging member described in the claims, is mounted so as to bridge over the inner locking groove 140 and the outer locking groove 136.

In this manner, with the coupling shaft member 137 coupled to the tip of the spline shaft 30 via the retaining ring 35, a part of the hub 6a is connected to the holding flange 1
An O-ring 42, which is a sealing member made of an elastic material, is sandwiched between the housing 39 and the housing portion 11 provided at the base end of the drive shaft member 29 while being elastically compressed. The outer end opening of the hub 6 a is sealed by a cap 34. With this configuration, the hub 6a, the coupling shaft member 137 and the drive shaft member 29 are positioned in the axial direction, and the spline hole 28 and the spline shaft 30 are positioned.
And the spline engagement portion is sealed. The configuration and operation of the other parts are the same as in the case of the fourth example shown in FIG. 7 described above, and therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts, and duplicate description will be omitted.

[0092]

Since the present invention is constructed and operates as described above, the present invention realizes a small and lightweight rolling bearing unit for wheels having excellent durability and reliability.
It can contribute to the improvement of ride comfort, power performance and fuel efficiency of automobiles. Further, it is possible to prevent the components from fretting and abrasion during operation, thereby improving the comfort of the vehicle incorporating the wheel drive axle unit and further improving the durability of the wheel drive axle unit itself.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a half sectional view showing a first example of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view of the retaining ring as viewed from the side in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a half sectional view showing a second example of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view showing an inserted state of a retaining ring.

FIG. 5 is a partial end view of a part of the spline hole as viewed from the left side in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a half sectional view showing a third example of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a half sectional view showing the fourth example.

FIG. 8 is a half sectional view showing the fifth example.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of an encoder and an elastic plate showing the sixth example.

FIG. 10 is a half sectional view showing the seventh example.

FIG. 11 is a view of a part of the metal core and the seal lip as viewed from the left side of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a half sectional view showing an eighth example of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a half sectional view showing the ninth example.

FIG. 14 is a half sectional view showing the tenth example.

FIG. 15 is a half sectional view showing the eleventh example.

FIG. 16 is a half sectional view showing the twelfth example.

FIG. 17 is a half sectional view showing the thirteenth example.

FIG. 18 is a half sectional view showing the fourteenth example.

FIG. 19 is a half sectional view showing the fifteenth example.

20 is an enlarged view of a portion A in FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a half sectional view showing a sixteenth example of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a half sectional view showing the seventeenth example.

FIG. 23 is a half sectional view showing the eighteenth example.

FIG. 24 is a half sectional view showing the nineteenth example.

FIG. 25 is a partially enlarged perspective view of a retaining ring.

FIG. 26 is a half sectional view showing a twentieth example of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a partially enlarged perspective view of a retaining ring.

FIG. 28 is a half sectional view showing a twenty-first example of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a half sectional view showing the twenty-second example.

FIG. 30 is a half sectional view showing the 23rd example.

FIG. 31 is a half sectional view showing the 24th example.

FIG. 32 is an enlarged view of a portion B in FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a half sectional view showing a twenty-fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a half sectional view showing the 26th example.

FIG. 35 is a partial sectional view showing a first example of a conventional structure.

FIG. 36 is a half sectional view showing the second example.

FIG. 37 is a sectional view showing the third example.

FIG. 38 is a sectional view showing the fourth example.

FIG. 39 is a sectional view showing the fifth example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1a, 1b, 1c Outer ring 2 Mounting part 3 Outer ring track 4 First element 5 Second element 6, 6a-6e Hub 7 Mounting flange 8 Inner ring track 9 Cylindrical part 10 Constant velocity joint 11 Housing part 12 Rolling element 13 Outer connection Stop groove 14 Inner locking groove 15, 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d Retaining ring 16 Step 17 Weld 18 Cover 19, 19a Seal ring 20 Separator 21 Inner ring 22 Cage 23 Ball 24 Inner engagement groove 25 Outer engagement Groove 26 Pocket 27 Caulked portion 28 Spline hole 29 Drive shaft member 30 Spline shaft 31 Engaging member 32 Encoder 33 Stepped portion 34, 34a, 34b, 34c Cap 35, 35a Retaining ring 36 Guide surface 37 Seal ring 38 Gap 39 Lock groove 40 Knuckle 41 Holding groove 42 O-ring 43 Step part 44 Encoder part 45 yen Part 46 circular ring part 47 through hole 48 sensor 49, 49a elastic plate (elastic material) 50 inner ring 51 seal lip 52 buffer member 53 concave hole 54 engagement groove 55 deep groove 56 cylindrical part 57 disk part 58 engagement protrusion 59 engagement Mating groove 60 Flange 61 Stepped surface 62 Depressed groove 63 O-ring 64 Chamfered portion 65 Screw groove 66 Inclined portion 67 Notch 68, 68a to 68f Seal lip 69, 69a to 69i Core bar 70 Covering portion 71 Small diameter step 72 Flange 73 Stepped part 74 Elastic material 75 Elastic plate part 76 Encoder 77 Slinger 78a, 78b Ring part 79 Continuous part 80 Ridge part 81 Engagement projection part 82, 82a Locking concave groove 83, 83a Chamfer part 84 Bend part 85 Retaining ring 86 Locking concave groove 87 Small diameter cylindrical part 88 Circle part 89 Large diameter cylindrical part 90 Tongue piece 91 Disc spring part 92 Axle 93 Axle tube 94 Engagement groove 95 Locking part 96 Elastic ring 97 Retaining ring 98 Sleeve 99 Uneven part 100 Seal ring 101 Rotation speed detection sensor 102 Hub body 103 Nut 104 Washer 105 Support hole 106 Flange part 107 Retaining ring 108 Step part 109, 109a Retaining ring 110 Ring part 111 Elastic tongue 112 Seal member 113 Cylindrical part 114 Spacer 115 Elastic ring 116, 116a First element 117, 117a Second element 118 Cylindrical part 119 Bottom plate part 120 Flange part 121 Cylindrical part 122 Bottom plate part 123 Large diameter cylindrical part 124 Small-diameter cylindrical portion 125 Continuous portion 126 Locking concave groove 127 Locking convex portion 128 V-shaped groove 129 Positioning cylindrical portion 130 Small-diameter portion 131 Inclined portion 132 Stepped portion 133 Modeling 134 Blow port 135 Depressed hole 136 Outside locking groove 137 Coupling shaft member 138 Column 13 9 Holding collar 140 Internal locking groove

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (31) Priority claim number Japanese Patent Application No. 10-252641 (32) Priority date September 7, 1998 (September 7, 1998) (33) Priority claim country Japan (JP) (31) Priority claim number Japanese Patent Application No. 10-253983 (32) Priority date September 8, 1998 (9.8.9.8) (33) Priority claim country Japan (JP) (72) Inventor Takeo Okuma 1-5-50 Kugenuma Shinmei, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa Nippon Seiko Co., Ltd.

Claims (5)

[Claims] An axle unit and a constant velocity joint are combined, wherein the axle unit has an outer raceway on an inner peripheral surface,
An outer ring that does not rotate even during use, a mounting flange for supporting the wheel at a portion near the outer end of the outer peripheral surface, an inner ring raceway at the inner end portion directly or via the inner ring, A hub provided with one spline portion, and a plurality of rolling elements provided between the inner raceway and the outer raceway, wherein the constant velocity joint is provided at an outer end. The second fitting spline portion is engaged with the first spline portion on the two fitting peripheral surfaces, and the housing portion serving as an outer ring for a constant velocity joint is provided at the inner end portion, and the driving member is provided including a driving member. In a wheel drive axle unit, a first engagement portion provided on the hub or a member fixed to the hub, a second engagement portion provided on the drive member, Freely, the first and second engaging portions An engagement member that is extended between the hub and the driving member to perform positioning coupling between the hub and the driving member in the axial direction; and an outer end portion and an outer portion of the spline engagement portion between the first and second spline portions. An axle unit for driving a wheel, comprising: an outer seal member for shutting off; and an inner seal member for shutting off the inner end of the spline engaging portion and the outside. 2. The axle unit for driving a wheel according to claim 1, wherein the engaging member is a metal-made annular ring-shaped retaining ring. 3. A lubricant is interposed in the spline engagement portion.
The wheel drive axle unit according to claim 1. 4. The axle unit for driving a wheel according to claim 1, wherein the inner seal member is made of an elastic material to impart elasticity in the axial direction to the engaging member. 5. The cap according to claim 1, wherein the outer seal member is a cap fitted and fixed to an outer end opening of the center hole of the hub.
An axle unit for driving a wheel according to any one of the above.