JP2002115727A - Power transmission shaft for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To certainly prevent a deformation causing a deterioration of an annular plate part even in the case where an excess axial load is inputted between shaft elements. SOLUTION: Respective yokes 22, 23 are mounted to an end of an output shaft 20 and an end of a shaft body 21 and branched arms 22a, 23a of the respective yokes 22, 23 are bonded to the annular plate 24 so as to become alternate in a circumferential direction. A recessed part 32 is provided at a center part of the yoke 23 and a rod part 34 projectingly provided at a tip end of the output shaft 20 is penetrated through the annular plate 24 and is inserted into the recessed part 32. Respective annular grooves 35, 37 are formed on an inner periphery surface of the recessed part 32 and an outer periphery surface of the rod part 34 and respective locating snap rings 38, 36 are attached to the respective annular grooves 35, 37. An axial displacement in an approaching direction of the output shaft 20 and the shaft body 21 is restricted by a tip end of the rod part 34 and a bottom wall 32a of the recessed part 32 and an axial displacement in a leaving direction of the output shaft 20 and the shaft body 21 is restricted by the locating snap rings 36, 38.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a vehicle power transmission device such as a propeller shaft of a vehicle, and more particularly to a vehicle in which a plurality of shaft elements are connected via a shaft coupling having an axial vibration absorbing function. Power transmission shaft.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Since axial vibrations are relatively frequently input to a propeller shaft portion of a vehicle, a shaft provided with a function of absorbing the vibrations at a portion connected to an output shaft on the transmission side. Joints are used. As this type of shaft coupling,
A device using a rubber elastic body is conventionally known (for example, see Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 63-178632).

As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, a plurality of bushes 2 are provided at equal intervals in a circumferential direction on a substantially annular main body 1 made of a rubber elastic body. The components are connected to each other by a highly rigid reinforcing wire 8. At each end of the first shaft element 3 and the second shaft element 4,
The yokes 5, 6 having a plurality of branch arms (joining portions) 5a, 6a are mounted respectively, and the branch arms 5a, 6a of the two yokes 5, 6 are alternately circumferentially mounted on the bush 2 of the shaft coupling by bolts 12. Are combined. The tip of the first shaft element 3 protrudes through the main body 1 of the shaft coupling, and is centered on the second shaft element 4 via the rubber bush 7.

In the case of this shaft coupling, since the adjacent bushes 2 are connected by the reinforcing wire 8, the two shaft elements 3,
The relative displacement in the axial direction between the four wires 4 is elastically allowed, and the power in the rotational direction can be transmitted rigidly by the tension of the reinforcing wire 8.

[0005] However, the conventional shaft coupling has problems that the number of parts is large and that the entire apparatus is easily increased in size. Recently, a shaft coupling using a metal plate or the like has been developed as an alternative. (See, for example, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 60-189620).

In this shaft coupling, as shown in FIG. 27, bolt insertion holes 10 are provided at equal intervals in a circumferential direction in a metal annular plate 9, and these insertion holes 10 are provided with one shaft. The coupling part on the element side and the coupling part on the other shaft element side (although not shown, the branch arms 5a and 6a shown in FIGS. 25 and 26).
Equivalent to ) Are alternately connected in the circumferential direction. In the figure, reference numeral 11 denotes a washer used at the time of bolt fastening.

Therefore, if the area between the adjacent insertion holes 10 on the annular plate 9 is called a connecting arm 9a, each connecting arm 9a is elastic in the bending direction in response to an axial vibration input. Deformation can absorb the vibration, and torque can be transmitted rigidly without deformation in response to input in the rotation direction. In addition, in the case of this shaft coupling, since both shaft elements are centered via the annular plate 9 having high rigidity, there is no need to provide a special centering mechanism.

[0008]

However, in the power transmission shaft using the shaft coupling, the shaft coupling has a structure that allows the axial displacement flexibly by elastic deformation of the annular plate. When an excessively large axial load is input for a reason, there is a possibility that the annular plate portion of the shaft coupling is deformed to cause its deterioration.

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a vehicle for a vehicle capable of reliably preventing deformation that causes deterioration of the annular plate portion even if an excessive axial load is input between the shaft elements. It is intended to provide a power transmission shaft.

[0010]

As a means for solving the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to the first aspect is characterized in that a yoke having a plurality of joints in a peripheral region is provided at each end of a shaft element where the yokes abut against each other. Part, and between these two yokes,
An annular plate having a large rigidity in the rotational direction is disposed, and in a vehicle power transmission shaft coupled to the annular plate such that coupling portions of the two yokes are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction, the axially front and rear of the axial components of the two axial elements are arranged. Displacement regulating means for regulating relative displacement is provided.

Therefore, in the case of the present invention, when an excessive load in the axial direction is input between the shaft elements, the displacement of the shaft elements is restricted by the function of the displacement restricting means, and the unnecessary deformation of the annular plate is prevented. Is done.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a central portion of one yoke is provided with a concave portion on the side of the shaft element to which the yoke is connected, while a concave portion is provided at the tip of the shaft element connected to the other yoke. Further, a rod portion penetrating the annular plate and loosely inserted into the concave portion is protruded, and a displacement regulating means is provided between the concave portion and the rod portion.

In the case of the present invention, the displacement restricting means is disposed in the recess, so that the displacement restricting means does not occupy the space around the yoke.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the displacement of the shaft elements approaching each other in the axial direction is restricted by the abutting surface of the rod portion and the bottom wall of the concave portion, and a cushioning material is attached to the bottom surface in the concave portion. .

In the present invention, when the shaft elements are displaced in the approaching direction due to the input of an excessive load, the tip of the rod portion comes into contact with the bottom wall of the recess through the cushioning material. Therefore, the impact at this time is absorbed by the cushioning material.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, an annular groove is formed on one of the outer peripheral surface of the rod portion and the inner peripheral surface of the concave portion, and the annular groove is provided with a retaining ring having elasticity in a radial direction. At the same time, a projection is provided on the other of the outer peripheral surface of the rod portion and the inner peripheral surface of the concave portion to restrict displacement of the shaft elements in the axial direction by coming into contact with the retaining ring.

In the case of the present invention, when the distal end of the rod portion is inserted into the concave portion and the two are assembled, the retaining ring attached to one of the outer peripheral surface of the rod portion and the inner peripheral surface of the concave portion is attached to a jig or the like. The rod is inserted into the recess while being elastically deformed. In this way, when the projection passes through the retaining ring and the assembly of the rod portion and the concave portion is completed, the retaining ring is elastically restored, and the projection and the retaining ring can be brought into contact with each other when the shaft elements are mutually displaced.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, an annular groove is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rod portion, a retaining ring having a radial elastic force is attached to the annular groove, and the peripheral wall of the concave portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface. The protrusion is raised on the inner peripheral surface of the concave portion by caulking.

In the case of the present invention, the displacement restricting means can be easily formed without processing from the inner peripheral surface side of the concave portion.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, one of the yokes is provided with a stopper portion in the vicinity of the joint of the annular plate and the other yoke when the two shaft elements are excessively displaced. This constitutes a displacement restricting means.

In the case of the present invention, the axial displacement between the axial elements can be restricted only by changing the shape of the one yoke.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a washer used for a joint between one yoke and an annular plate is provided with a stopper which comes into contact with the other yoke when the two shaft elements are excessively displaced. The other yoke constitutes a displacement restricting means.

In the case of the present invention, excessive displacement between the shaft elements can be restricted only by changing the shape of the washer.

The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that the washer is provided with a first stopper portion which comes into contact with the front surface of a flange piece extending on the other yoke when the two axial elements are excessively displaced in the approaching direction. A second stopper is provided for contacting the back surface of the flange piece when the shaft element is excessively displaced in the separating direction.

In the case of the present invention, the first and second stoppers provided on the washer can regulate the displacement of the shaft elements in the approaching direction and in the separating direction from each other.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the stopper of the washer is formed in an annular shape.

In the case of the present invention, it is not necessary to consider the direction around the axis when attaching the washer to the joint between the annular plate and the yoke.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, one yoke is provided with a cylindrical wall penetrating the center of the annular plate, and is attached between the other yoke and the annular plate over a plurality of joint portions of the two. A stopper plate facing the front side of the cylindrical wall is provided, and the cylindrical wall and the stopper plate constitute a displacement restricting means.

In the case of the present invention, when the shaft elements are displaced in the approaching direction by a predetermined amount or more, excessive displacement between the shaft elements is restricted by contact between the cylindrical wall of one yoke and the stopper plate.

[0030]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, a first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described.

FIG. 1 shows a cross section of a power transmission shaft according to the present invention applied to a propeller shaft portion of a vehicle, 20 is an output shaft on the transmission side, and 21 is a shaft main body of the propeller shaft. . In this embodiment, the output shaft 20 and the shaft main body 21 constitute one shaft element and the other shaft element in the present invention.

A forged yoke 2 is provided at the end on the output shaft 20 side.
The yoke 23 formed by pressing a metal plate is fixed to the end of the shaft body 21 by welding.
Each of these yokes 22, 23 has branch arms 22a, 23a branched at equal intervals in a trifurcated manner, and the tip of each of the branch arms 22a, 23a is a connecting portion. A plurality of superposed metal annular plates 24 are arranged between the yokes 22, 23, and the two yokes 22, 23 are connected via these annular plates 24. In this embodiment, the yokes 22, 2
3 and the annular plates 24 constitute main parts of the shaft coupling.

Each annular plate 24 has six insertion holes 25.
Are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and the branch arms 22a and 23a on the output shaft 20 side and the shaft body 21 side are bolted to the insertion holes 25 of the annular plates 24 so that they are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction. 26 and a nut 27 (fastening means). At the time of each fastening, washers 2 are respectively attached to the outer surfaces of the annular plates 24, 24 at both ends.
8a and 28b are overlapped and arranged.
a, 28b directly sandwich the annular plates 24, 24 on both sides.

The yoke 23 on the side to be welded to the shaft body 21 has a basic shape in which three places on the circumference of the disk are cut at substantially equal intervals into a substantially triangular shape. The branch arm 23a,
An insertion hole 29 into which the shaft of the bolt 26 is inserted is formed at the tip of each branch arm 23a. Then, adjacent branch arms 2a are provided on both side edges of each branch arm 23a.
The reinforcing rib 30 is formed to be bent so as to be continuous with 3a.

At the center of the yoke 23, there is formed a bottomed cylindrical wall 31 which is depressed toward the inside of the shaft body 21, and the inside of the bottomed cylindrical wall 31 is formed by the concave portion 3 of the present invention.
2. The periphery of the opening of the recess 32 partially bulges in the direction of the other yoke 22 with respect to the base surface of the yoke 23, and the bulging portion serves as a reinforcing rib 33 of the opening. The inner peripheral surface of the concave portion 32 is formed to gradually expand in a tapered shape from the bottom side toward the opening side.

The outer shape of the yoke 23, the insertion hole 29, the bottomed cylindrical wall 31, the reinforcing ribs 30, 33, and the like described above are simultaneously formed by press molding.

On the other hand, a rod portion 34 protruding forward from the yoke 22 to which the output shaft 20 is attached is integrally formed at the tip of the output shaft 20. The rod portion 34 penetrates the inner space of the annular plate 24, and the tip portion thereof is
3 is inserted into the recess 32. The rod portion 34 is inserted into the inner peripheral surface of the concave portion 32 with a gap, and the insertion margin is set to be larger than the maximum displacement of the output shaft 20 and the shaft main body 21 in the axial direction.

An annular groove 35 is formed in the yoke 23 at a position close to the opening in the recess 32, and a metal retaining ring 36 such as a C-ring is fitted in the annular groove 35. . Further, of the outer peripheral surface of the rod portion 34 inserted into the concave portion 32, the bottom wall 32 of the concave portion 32 in the inserted state.
Similarly, an annular groove 37 is formed in a portion located between a and the retaining ring 36, and a metal retaining ring 38 such as a C-ring is fitted in the annular groove 37. The retaining rings 36, 38 have radial elasticity, and at least one of the retaining rings 38 (36) is in a state in which the assembling is completed, from the bottom surface of the annular groove 37 (35) as long as the engagement is not released. It is set up slightly. In the case of this embodiment, the retaining ring 38 on the rod portion 34 side is
It is set to rise from the bottom of the.

When the rod portion 34 is inserted into the concave portion 32, retaining rings 38, 36 are mounted in advance in the annular grooves 37, 35 of the rod portion 34 and the concave portion 32, and the retaining ring 38 on the rod portion 34 side is provided. While reducing the diameter of the ring with a jig or the like,
Through the inside of the other retaining ring 36. This allows
The retaining ring 38 that has passed through the other retaining ring 36 expands in diameter due to its own elasticity, and the retaining ring 38 is prevented from falling off from the other retaining ring 36.

In this power transmission device, when the rod portion 34 is inserted into the concave portion 32 and the output shaft 20 and the shaft main body 21 are connected via the annular plate 24, the distal end portion of the rod portion 34 And the bottom wall 32 of the recess 32
A set distance is ensured with respect to a. And
In the case of this embodiment, the tip portion of the rod portion 34 and the concave portion 32
By contacting the bottom wall 32a, the axial displacement of the output shaft 20 and the shaft body 21 in the approaching direction is regulated, and by the contact of the retaining rings 36, 38, the axial displacement in the separating direction is regulated. Therefore, in this embodiment, the distal end portion of the rod portion 34 and the bottom wall 32a of the concave portion 32,
The retaining rings 36 and 38 constitute the displacement restricting means 39 of the present invention.

Since the power transmission shaft is constructed as described above, the driving torque of the output shaft 20 is transmitted to the annular plates 24 via the yoke 22,
.. Are transmitted to the shaft main body 21 via the yoke 23. At this time, the axial vibration between the output shaft 20 and the shaft main body 21 is absorbed by the axial elastic deformation of the annular plates 24.

In the case of this power transmission shaft, the rod portion 34 on the output shaft 20 side is inserted into the recess 32 of the yoke 23 with an insertion allowance larger than the maximum axial displacement between the output shaft 20 and the shaft body 21. Even if the yokes 22 and 23 are disengaged from each other due to the breakage of the bolt 26, the shaft body 21 will not fall off because the inner peripheral surface of the concave portion 32 is supported by the rod portion 34. It is surely blocked.

When an excessive axial load in the approach direction is input to the output shaft 20 and the shaft body 21 for some reason, the rod portion 34 and the bottom wall 32 a
When the excessive axial load in the separating direction is input, the displacement is regulated by the contact between the retaining rings 36 and 38, so that the annular plate 24. No excessive deformation in the direction occurs. Therefore, there is no fear that the elastic plates 24 are deteriorated by the excessive load at this time.

The power transmission shaft is connected to the output shaft 20 as described above.
The axial excessive displacement of the shaft body 21 and the shaft body 21 can be restricted by the displacement restricting means 39. In this embodiment, in particular, the displacement restricting means 39 includes the yokes 22, 2.
3 and the rod 34 inserted into the recess 32, the space around the yoke 23 and the annular plate 24 does not occupy any space. Therefore, when such a structure is employed, the joint portion of the power transmission shaft can be made compact.

In the above description, the output shaft 20 and the shaft body 2
When the excessive load in the approaching direction is input to 1, the displacement restricting means 39 in which the distal end of the rod portion 24 directly contacts the bottom wall 32 a of the concave portion 32 has been described, but as shown in FIG. If a cushioning material 40 such as a rubber elastic body is attached to the bottom wall 32a of the concave portion 32, the shock at the time of contact can be absorbed by the cushioning material 40, and generation of a tapping sound can also be prevented.

As shown in FIG. 4, when an annular groove 37 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rod portion 34 and a retaining ring 38 such as a c-ring is attached to the groove 37 so as to float up from the groove bottom surface. It is only necessary to provide a projection 41 on the inner peripheral surface side of the concave portion 32, which can contact the retaining ring 38. The convex portion 41 caulks the outer peripheral surface of the concave portion 32 (the bottomed cylindrical wall 31). Thus, if the inner peripheral surface side is raised, it is not necessary to perform complicated groove processing on the inner peripheral surface side of the concave portion 32, and the production efficiency can be further increased.

As shown in FIG. 5, when an annular groove 35 is formed in the inner peripheral surface of the concave portion 32 and a retaining ring 36 such as a c-ring is attached to the groove 35 so as to float from the groove bottom, The protrusion 41 may be integrally formed on the outer peripheral surface side of the rod portion 34.

Next, with respect to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a modification shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 in which an improvement is made to make the annular plates 24... . It should be noted that in all the modified examples and embodiments described below, the same portions as those in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

This power transmission shaft has the same basic structure as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 except that the annular plates 24.
The shape of the head 126a of the bolt 126 for connecting the head to the branch arms 22a and 23a of the yokes 22 and 23 is greatly different. That is, in the case of the one shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bolt 26 is a standard hexagonal bolt having a hexagonal cross section, but the head 126a of the bolt 126 used in this modification is It has a rectangular shape.

The change in the shape of the head 126a of the bolt 126 is for changing the ease with which the bolt 126 falls down from the bearing surface of the head 126a in the circumferential direction and the radial direction of the annular plate 24. And the head 126a
As shown in FIG. 3, the long side L is arranged along the tangential direction of the annular plate 24 and the short side S is arranged along the radial direction. As a result, the seat surface of the head 126a of the bolt 126, which contacts the branch arms 22a, 23a of the yokes 22, 23, is large in the circumferential direction and small in the radial direction, and the support reaction force received from the branch arms 22a, 23a is circular. It is large in the circumferential direction and small in the radial direction.

When a normal bolt having a hexagonal cross section is used for the head, the supporting reaction force of the bearing surface of the head received from the branch arms 22a and 23a is substantially the same both in the circumferential direction and in the radial direction. The same applies to the ease of falling deformation. For this reason, by making the bearing surface of the bolt head small and making the bolt easily fall, the annular plate 24 is more easily bent and deformed in the axial direction, and accordingly, the bolt is also easily fallen and deformed in the circumferential direction. As a result, reliable torque transmission between the yokes 22 and 23 cannot be performed.

In view of such a problem, in this modification, the head 126a of the bolt 126 is formed in a rectangular cross section, and the longer side L of the cross section is directed tangentially, so that the circumferential direction of the seat surface is reduced. The contact width of the bearing surface is made sufficiently large to make it difficult for the bolt 126 to fall down in the circumferential direction, and the short side S of the cross section is oriented in the radial direction, so that the contact width of the seat surface in the radial direction is reduced and the bolt 126 is It is easy to fall in the radial direction.

Therefore, in the case of this modification, the yoke 2
Without sacrificing reliable torque transmission between 2, 23,
The axial deformation of the annular plate 24 can be flexibly permitted by the easy radial deformation of the bolt 126, and the vibration absorbing performance against the axial vibration can be further enhanced.

FIG. 8 shows a further modification. The power transmission shaft of this modification has a head 226a of the bolt 226 formed in a rectangular cross section, and is higher than the center axis. A half portion is formed in a rectangular shape, and a lower half portion is formed in a substantially semicircular shape. In the case of this example, the rectangular portion in the upper half of the head 226a is arranged on the radially outer side of the annular plate 24, and is set so that only the radially inward deformation of the bolt 226 is facilitated.

Therefore, in this modification, the bolt 2
26 is deformed only when the annular plate 24 is bent in the axial direction, and in other cases, the deformation is less likely to occur.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a structure in which the head 326a of the bolt 326 has
26 is a modified example in which the base portion of the 26 shaft portion 326b is formed in an irregular shape.

That is, in this modification, the cross section of the head 326a of the bolt 326 has a normal hexagonal shape, but the cross section at the root of the shaft 326b of the bolt 326 is formed in an elliptical shape. The short diameter R _S side is set so as to face the radial direction of the annular plate 24. The insertion holes 325 of the yokes 22 and 23 are also formed in a similar elliptical shape so as to correspond to this cross section. When the bolts 326 are assembled, the insertion holes 325 are inserted into the shaft portions 326 of the bolts 326.
b, the shaft portion 326b of the bolt 326 is inserted.
Is arranged so that the short diameter R _S side thereof is accurately directed in the radial direction.

Also in the case of this modified example, the bolt 326 is less likely to fall in the circumferential direction and is more likely to fall in the radial direction due to the cross-sectional shape of the shaft portion 326b of the bolt 326. However, in the case of this example, since the shaft 326b of the bolt 326 is inserted into the insertion hole 325 of the yokes 22 and 23 from the front end side, the short diameter portion of the insertion hole 325 is in contact with the front end of the shaft 326b of the bolt 326. Almost the same diameter (slightly larger diameter)
Is set to That is, the insertion hole 325 and the bolt 32
The root of No. 6 is set so that the longer diameter _RL side of the ellipse is larger than the diameter of the tip of the bolt 326.

Therefore, in this modified example, as in the other modified examples, it is possible to improve the vibration absorbing performance against the bending vibration in the axial direction without sacrificing the reliable torque transmission between the yokes 22 and 23.

As a means for facilitating the bolt to fall down and deform only in the radial direction, the cross-sectional shape of the washer that directly contacts the annular plate may be reduced by reducing the radial surface pressure of the annular plate. It may be formed as follows.

Next, the fifth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS.
An embodiment (corresponding to claim 6) will be described.

The basic structure of the power transmission shaft of this embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, but the power transmission shaft is adjacent to the yoke 423 on the shaft body 21 side. A flange piece 61 is provided at an outer portion of the reinforcing rib 30 connecting the side edges of the branch arm 23a, offset to the shaft body 21 side, and a substantially U-shaped cutout portion opened in the flange piece 61 radially outward. 62 is provided.

The notch 62 opens in the peripheral region of the head of the bolt 26 connecting the yoke 22 and the annular plate 24 on the output shaft 20 side, and as shown in FIG. Is displaced in the approaching direction by more than the set amount, the peripheral area of the head of the bolt 26 of the annular plate 24 comes into contact with both side edges 62a of the notch 62 (the hatched portion in FIG. 12). I have. Therefore, the side edges 62a on both sides of the notch 62 constitute a stopper, and the side edge 62a and the annular plate 24 constitute the displacement restricting means 439 in this embodiment.

The power transmission shaft of this embodiment is provided with a yoke 22
When the annular plate 24 abuts against the side edge 62a of the notch 62 provided in the shaft, excessive displacement between the output shaft 20 and the shaft body 21 can be restricted. There is an advantage that the displacement restricting means 439 can be installed very easily only by changing.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show a sixth embodiment (corresponding to claim 7) of the present invention. The power transmission shaft of this embodiment has a root portion of a bolt 26 for connecting the yoke 22. And a flange piece 61 of the yoke 23 constitute a displacement restricting means 539.

Only the surface of the washer 528a on the shaft body 21 side protrudes radially outward in a flange shape, and the protruding portion 45 is a flange piece 61 of the yoke 23.
Are opposed to each other in the axial direction. In the case of this embodiment, the overhang 45 of the washer 528a constitutes a stopper.

This power transmission shaft can restrict excessive displacement between the output shaft 20 and the shaft main body 21 by abutment between the overhanging portion 45 of the washer 528a and the flange piece 61 of the yoke 23, but the shape of the washer 528a is changed. The displacement restricting means 539 can be installed extremely easily only by changing. Therefore, a rise in manufacturing cost can be kept very small. Further, since the overhang portion 45 of the washer 528a is formed to be thinner than other portions and to have a space between the washer 528a and the annular plate 24, the overhang portion 45 comes into contact with the flange piece 61 of the yoke 23. Of the annular plate 24 can be reduced.
Can minimize the area of the portion that hinders deformation.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show modified examples of this embodiment. In FIG. 15, an elliptical washer 558a is arranged so as to be vertically elongated in the radial direction of the annular plate 24. FIG. 16 shows an annular plate 2
4. An elliptical washer 56 so as to be vertically long in the tangential direction of 4.
8a. In the case of FIG. 15,
Since the overhang area can be reduced, it is possible to contribute to weight reduction of the apparatus. In the case of FIG. 16, the flange piece 61 of the yoke 23 contacts the flange piece 61 at two points separated in the circumferential direction. There is an advantage that stable displacement regulation becomes possible.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show a seventh embodiment (corresponding to claim 8) of the present invention. The power transmission shaft of this embodiment comprises a yoke 22 and an annular plate 24.
A flange-like overhang 45 is provided on a washer 628a used in the joint of (5) similarly to the sixth embodiment (shown in FIGS. 13 and 14), and the overhang 4
5 is a bent piece 4 having a substantially L-shaped cross section on the surface of the shaft body 21 side.
6 is extended. The bent piece 46 has a base 46a that rises in the axial direction from the overhang portion 45 and is formed in an arc wall shape.
And extends in the radial direction so as to be substantially parallel to the outer periphery, and is separated from the overhanging portion 45 in the axial direction by the length of the base 46a.

Then, the overhanging portion 4 of the washer 628a
The tip 5 and the tip 46 b of the bent piece 46 are respectively arranged before and after the flange piece 61 of the yoke 23, and overlap with the flange piece 61 in the radial direction.
In the case of this embodiment, the overhang portion 4 of the washer 628a
5 constitutes a first stopper portion, and a tip end portion 46b of a bent piece 46 constitutes a second stopper portion. Excessive displacement such that the output shaft 20 and the shaft main body 21 come close to each other in the axial direction. When the overhanging portion 45 is
1 and the tip end 46b of the bent piece 46 is
To come into contact with. Also in this embodiment,
The displacement restricting mechanism 639 includes a washer 628 a and a flange 61 of the yoke 23.

The power transmission shaft of this embodiment can obtain the same operation and effects as those of the above-described sixth embodiment, and can also provide the tip end 46a of the bent piece 46 of the washer 628a.
Because the displacement of the output shaft 20 and the shaft main body 21 in the axial direction can be restricted by this, the washer 628
There is an advantage that almost complete displacement regulation can be realized only by adding a.

FIG. 19 shows a modification of the seventh embodiment. This modification is different from the seventh embodiment in that the bent piece 47 forming the second stopper portion is formed by a separate component. 18 and 19 are different from those shown in FIG. In this case, the function is almost the same as that described above, but there is an advantage that the manufacture of the washer 658a becomes easier as compared with the above-mentioned one.

FIG. 20 shows an eighth embodiment (corresponding to claim 9) of the present invention. The power transmission device of this embodiment has a washer 7 like the seventh embodiment.
28a and the flange piece 61 of the yoke 23, the output shaft 2
Although it limits excessive displacement on both sides of the shaft body 21 in the axial direction and the separation from the shaft body 21 in the axial direction, the difference is that the entire washer 728a is formed in an annular shape around the axis. That is, the washer 728a is formed in a thick cylindrical shape as a whole, and has the first flange 48 near both ends in the axial direction.
And a second flange 49 are annularly protruded, and these flanges 48 and 49 constitute a first stopper portion and a second stopper portion that abut against the flange piece 61 of the yoke 23.

Therefore, this power transmission device can obtain the same operation and effect as in the seventh embodiment, and is easy to manufacture because the entire washer 728a is annular, and furthermore, the assembling is performed in a simple manner. There is an advantage that it is not necessary to consider the direction of the turning direction, and the assembling work is also facilitated.

FIG. 21 shows a modification of this embodiment. In this modification, the washer is composed of two members, that is, a first washer 758a having a first flange 48.
And a second washer 768a having a second flange 49.

Finally, a ninth embodiment (corresponding to claim 10) of the present invention shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 will be described.

The basic configuration of the power transmission shaft of this embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, but a stopper plate 50 is interposed between the yoke 22 on the output shaft 20 side and the annular plate 24. The difference is that they are worn. In the case of this embodiment, a cylindrical wall 51 having an open end is provided at the center of the yoke 23 on the shaft body 21 side, and a concave cap 52 is fitted and fixed to the end of the cylindrical wall 51. The function of this portion is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, and the cylindrical wall 51 is inserted into the center insertion hole 25 of the annular plate 24.

As shown in FIG. 23, the stopper plate 50 has an insertion hole 54 into which the rod portion 34 at the tip of the output shaft 20 is inserted at the center of the central base surface 53. Three arm portions 55 extend toward the outside in the radial direction. These arm portions 55 are formed corresponding to the branch arms 22a of the yoke 22,
It is interposed at the joint between each branch arm 22a and the annular plate 24, and is fixed together with these by bolts 26 and nuts 27. And the stopper plate 5
The base surface 53 of 0 faces the insertion hole 25 of the annular plate 24, and faces the end surface of the cylindrical wall 51 of the yoke 23 through the insertion hole 25. In the case of this embodiment, the displacement restricting means 839 is constituted by the cylindrical wall 51 of the yoke 23 and the stopper plate 50.

The power transmission shaft of this embodiment has an output shaft 20
When the shaft body 21 and the shaft body 21 are excessively displaced toward the side close to the axial direction, the tip of the cylindrical wall 51 of the yoke 23 on the shaft body 21 abuts against the base surface 53 of the stopper plate 50, whereby the output shaft 20 and the shaft body 21 Is regulated. At this time, since the three arm portions 55 extending in the radial direction of the stopper plate 50 are fixed to the branch arm 22 a of the yoke 22, the load input to the stopper plate 50 from the cylindrical wall 51 is reliably applied to the yoke 22. Supported.

In this embodiment, since the cylindrical wall 51 penetrating the center of the annular plate 24 abuts against the stopper plate 50 to restrict the excessive displacement, the contact at the time of the displacement regulation is made in the circumferential direction. And evenly,
There is an advantage that the posture of the output shaft 20 and the shaft main body 21 is not easily collapsed. Therefore, an unnatural load does not act on the annular plate 24 during the displacement regulation, which is advantageous in terms of durability of the annular plate 24.

FIG. 24 shows a modification of this embodiment. In this modification, a cover plate 56 made of resin or the like is covered on a portion of the base surface 53 of the stopper plate 50 where the cylindrical wall 51 contacts. The contact sound is reduced by wearing.

[0083]

As described above, the invention according to claim 1 is
Even when an excessive load in the axial direction is input between the shaft elements, the displacement restricting means restricts the mutual displacement of the shaft elements, so that the annular plate can be prevented from being deformed more than necessary. It is possible to reliably prevent the annular plate portion from deteriorating due to the input of a large load.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the displacement restricting means is disposed in the recess and does not occupy the space around the yoke, the joint portion of the power transmission shaft can be made more compact.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the shock generated when the tip of the rod portion and the bottom wall of the concave portion come into contact with each other can be absorbed by the cushioning material. Can be reliably prevented.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the rod can be easily inserted into the recess by inserting the rod into the recess while the retaining ring is elastically deformed by a jig or the like. And the production efficiency can be improved.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the displacement restricting means can be easily formed without performing complicated processing such as groove processing on the inner peripheral surface of the concave portion, thereby further reducing the manufacturing cost. be able to.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the excessive displacement of the two shaft elements can be restricted only by changing the shape of the one yoke, so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the excessive displacement of the two shaft elements can be restricted only by changing the shape of the washer, so that the manufacturing cost can be similarly reduced.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the first washer is provided.
Because the stopper portion and the second stopper portion can regulate the displacement in the approaching direction and the displacement in the separating direction of the shaft elements, the manufacturing cost does not increase significantly.
Reliable displacement regulation of both shaft elements can be realized.

In the ninth aspect of the present invention, since the stopper portion of the washer is formed in an annular shape, the washer can be easily formed, and it is not necessary to consider a direction when the washer is attached, and the assembling workability is improved. .

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the displacement of the shaft elements is regulated by the cylindrical wall contacting the stopper plate. Can be stabilized.
Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the problem that a large load acts on the annular plate due to the collapse of the posture of the biaxial element.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 2 showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the same embodiment as viewed from an arrow A in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a second embodiment of the present invention and corresponding to a portion C in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a third embodiment of the present invention and corresponding to a portion C in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention and corresponding to a portion C in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 1 and showing a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view corresponding to FIG. 2 and showing the modification.

FIG. 8 is a front view corresponding to FIG. 2, showing another modification.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating still another modification and corresponding to a portion D in FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line EE of FIG. 9 showing the modification;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the fifth embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the direction of the arrow G in FIG. 12;

FIG. 12 is a front view similar to FIG. 2 showing the same embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 1, showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is an exemplary front view similar to FIG. 2 showing the same embodiment;

FIG. 15 is an exemplary front view showing a modification of the embodiment;

FIG. 16 is an exemplary front view showing still another modification of the embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 1, showing a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a front view similar to FIG. 2 showing the same embodiment;

FIG. 19 is an exemplary sectional view showing a modification of the embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a partial sectional view similar to FIG. 1, showing an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 20, showing a modified example of the embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 1, showing a ninth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a front view of a stopper plate showing the same embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 1, showing a modification of the embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a sectional view showing a conventional technique.

FIG. 26 is a view as seen from the direction of the arrow F, showing the same technique.

FIG. 27 is a plan view of an annular plate showing another conventional technique.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 20 output shaft (shaft element) 21 shaft main body (shaft element) 22, 23, 423 yoke 22a, 23a branch arm (coupling part) 24 annular plate 32 concave part 34 rod part 35, 37 annular groove 36, 38 ... retaining rings 39, 439, 539, 639, 839 ... displacement regulating means 40 ... cushioning materials 41, 42 ... projections 45 ... overhanging portions (stoppers, first stoppers) 46b ... tip portions (seconds) 48 ... First flange piece (first stopper) 49 ... Second flange piece (second stopper) 50 ... Stopper plate 62a ... Side edge (stopper) 528a, 558a, 568a, 628a, 658a,
728a ... Washer

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Hideki Sunada 1370 Onna, Atsugi-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Inside Unisia Gex Co., Ltd. 72) Inventor Takayuki Yokota 1370 Onna, Atsugi-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Inside Unisia Gex Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hidekazu Aoki 1370 Onna, Atsugi-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Unicity Jex Co., Ltd.

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A yoke having a plurality of joints in a peripheral area,
An annular plate that is coupled to each end of the shaft element butted against each other and that has high rigidity in the rotational direction is disposed between the two yokes, and the coupling portions of the two yokes are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction. A vehicular power transmission shaft coupled to an annular plate, wherein the vehicular power transmission shaft is provided with displacement restricting means for restricting relative displacement of the two shaft elements in the axial front and rear direction. 2. A center portion of one of the yokes is provided with a recessed portion on the side of the shaft element to which the yoke is connected, while a tip of the shaft element connected to the other yoke is penetrated by an annular plate. The power transmission shaft for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a rod portion that is loosely inserted into the concave portion protrudes from the concave portion, and a displacement restricting means is provided between the concave portion and the rod portion. 3. The displacement of the axial elements approaching each other in the axial direction is restricted by an abutting surface of the rod portion and a bottom wall of the concave portion, and a cushioning material is attached to a bottom surface in the concave portion. A power transmission shaft for a vehicle according to claim 1. 4. An annular groove is formed on one of an outer peripheral surface of the rod portion and an inner peripheral surface of the concave portion, and a snap ring having a radial elasticity is attached to the annular groove, and the rod portion is provided. 3. A projection provided on the other of the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the concave portion for restricting displacement of the shaft elements in contact with the retaining ring in the axial direction. A power transmission shaft for a vehicle according to claim 1. 5. An annular groove is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rod portion, a retaining ring having a radial elastic force is attached to the annular groove, and the peripheral wall of the concave portion is swaged from the outer peripheral surface. The power transmission shaft for a vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the projection is raised on an inner peripheral surface of the recess. 6. A stopper portion is provided on one yoke so that the vicinity of the joint of the annular plate and the other yoke abuts when the two shaft elements are excessively displaced, and the stopper and the annular plate constitute the displacement restricting means. The vehicle power transmission shaft according to claim 1, wherein 7. A washer used for a connecting portion between one yoke and an annular plate is provided with a stopper portion which comes into contact with the other yoke when the two shaft elements are excessively displaced, and the stopper portion and the other yoke restrict displacement. 2. The vehicle power transmission shaft according to claim 1, wherein the power transmission shaft comprises means. 8. A first stopper portion which contacts the front surface of a flange piece extending from the other yoke when the washer is excessively displaced in the approaching direction, and a washer in a direction in which the two shaft elements are separated from each other. The power transmission shaft for a vehicle according to claim 7, further comprising a second stopper portion that abuts on the back surface of the flange piece when the displacement is excessive. 9. The power transmission shaft for a vehicle according to claim 7, wherein a stopper portion of the washer is formed in an annular shape. 10. A cylindrical wall penetrating a central portion of an annular plate on one yoke, and is attached between the other yoke and the annular plate so as to extend over a plurality of joint portions of the two, and a front side of the cylindrical wall is provided. 2. A power transmission shaft for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a stopper plate is provided to face said cylinder, and said cylindrical wall and said stopper plate constitute a displacement restricting means.