JP2004360856A - Interconnecting structure of universal joint and shaft - Google Patents

Interconnecting structure of universal joint and shaft Download PDF

Info

Publication number
JP2004360856A
JP2004360856A JP2003162456A JP2003162456A JP2004360856A JP 2004360856 A JP2004360856 A JP 2004360856A JP 2003162456 A JP2003162456 A JP 2003162456A JP 2003162456 A JP2003162456 A JP 2003162456A JP 2004360856 A JP2004360856 A JP 2004360856A
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
shaft
yoke
fixing bolt
bottom plate
universal joint
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
JP2003162456A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
Hiroji Ueda
博二 植田
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Koyo Seiko Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Koyo Seiko Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Koyo Seiko Co Ltd filed Critical Koyo Seiko Co Ltd
Priority to JP2003162456A priority Critical patent/JP2004360856A/en
Publication of JP2004360856A publication Critical patent/JP2004360856A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D3/00—Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive
    • F16D3/16—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts
    • F16D3/26—Hooke's joints or other joints with an equivalent intermediate member to which each coupling part is pivotally or slidably connected
    • F16D3/38—Hooke's joints or other joints with an equivalent intermediate member to which each coupling part is pivotally or slidably connected with a single intermediate member with trunnions or bearings arranged on two axes perpendicular to one another
    • F16D3/382—Hooke's joints or other joints with an equivalent intermediate member to which each coupling part is pivotally or slidably connected with a single intermediate member with trunnions or bearings arranged on two axes perpendicular to one another constructional details of other than the intermediate member
    • F16D3/387—Fork construction; Mounting of fork on shaft; Adapting shaft for mounting of fork
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D1/00—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements
    • F16D1/06—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements for attachment of a member on a shaft or on a shaft-end
    • F16D1/08—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements for attachment of a member on a shaft or on a shaft-end with clamping hub; with hub and longitudinal key
    • F16D1/0852—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements for attachment of a member on a shaft or on a shaft-end with clamping hub; with hub and longitudinal key with radial clamping between the mating surfaces of the hub and shaft
    • F16D1/0864—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements for attachment of a member on a shaft or on a shaft-end with clamping hub; with hub and longitudinal key with radial clamping between the mating surfaces of the hub and shaft due to tangential loading of the hub, e.g. a split hub
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D1/00—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements
    • F16D1/06—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements for attachment of a member on a shaft or on a shaft-end
    • F16D1/08—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements for attachment of a member on a shaft or on a shaft-end with clamping hub; with hub and longitudinal key
    • F16D1/0894—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements for attachment of a member on a shaft or on a shaft-end with clamping hub; with hub and longitudinal key with other than axial keys, e.g. diametral pins, cotter pins and no other radial clamping
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D1/00—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements
    • F16D1/10—Quick-acting couplings in which the parts are connected by simply bringing them together axially
    • F16D1/104—Quick-acting couplings in which the parts are connected by simply bringing them together axially having retaining means rotating with the coupling and acting only by friction

Landscapes

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

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an interconnecting structure with a simple constitution which can couple a shaft end of a shaft to be coupled in a yoke having a substantially U shaped section of a universal joint without unevenness. <P>SOLUTION: The interconnecting structure of the universal joint and the shaft includes a tapered section 51 for reducing a diameter toward a tip on the way of the clamping bolt 5 for clamping two side plates 35, 35 of the yoke 30 having the substantially U shaped section at a position separate from a bottom plate 36. A retaining surface 13 inclined in a tapered state oppositely to a bolt hole 37 at an insertion side of the clamping bolt 5 is provided at a shaft end 10 engaged between the two side plates 35 and 35 of the yoke 30. The diameter reduced part 51 is brought into contact with the retaining surface 13 at the clamping bolt 5 clamping time, and the shaft end 10 is pushed to the bottom plate 36. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、軸心が交叉、又は偏心した２軸を回転伝達可能に連結すべく用いられる自在継手と軸との連結構造に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
自在継手（ユニバーサルジョイント）は、二股に分岐したフォーク状のピン受けアームを一側に備える一対のヨークを夫々のピン受けームが略直角をなして交叉するように向き合わせ、これらのピン受けアームの先端を十字形のクロスピンにより連結してなる公知の機械要素であり、軸心が交叉、又は偏心した２軸を回転伝達可能に連結すべく、多くの産業分野において用いられている。
【０００３】
このような自在継手は、例えば、車両の操舵装置において、操舵部材としてのステアリングホイールの操作に応じて回転する操舵軸と舵取機構の入力軸との連結に用いられているが、この操舵軸と入力軸とは、車室の内外に各別に取付けられており、軸長方向位置が固定されたこれらの操舵軸及び入力軸の軸端部に対して夫々のヨークを後付けすることが要求される。そこで、少なくとも一方のヨークが、相対向する２枚の側板の一側を底板により連絡してなる略Ｕ字形断面を有する自在継手が用いられている（例えば、特許文献１、２参照）。
【０００４】
図６は、この種のヨークと軸との連結構造の説明図である。図示の如くヨーク６０は、互いに対向する２枚の側板６１，６１の一側をアーチ形に湾曲する底板６２により連絡し、他側が開放された略Ｕ字形断面を有している。側板６１，６１には、底板６２から離れた位置に、厚さ方向に貫通するボルト孔６３，６３が形成されている。
【０００５】
このヨーク６０に連結される軸７は、側板６１，６１の間への嵌め込みが可能な２面幅を有する当て面７１，７１と、これらの一側を連絡するアーチ面７２と、同じく他側を連絡する平坦な押え面７３とを備えており、図６（ａ）中に矢符にて示す如く、ヨーク６０の側板６１，６１間に開口側から嵌め込まれ、図６（ｂ）に示す如く、底板６２の内面にアーチ面７２を当接させた状態とされ、一方の側板６１の外側からボルト孔６３，６３に固定ボルト８を通し、他方の側板６１の外側に突出する固定ボルト８のねじ部に締め付けナット８０を締め付けることにより連結されている。
【０００６】
この連結は、軸７の径方向外側からヨーク６０を嵌め込むことにより実現されるから、軸長方向位置が固定された軸７に対する後付けが可能である。ヨーク６０の側板６１，６１間に嵌め込まれた軸７は、固定ボルト８の締め付けにより接近する側板６１，６１の内面に当て面７１，７１を挾圧させて固定される。
【０００７】
【特許文献１】
特開平１０−９２８１号公報
【特許文献２】
特開平９−７９２７９号公報
【０００８】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところが以上の連結構造において、固定ボルト８の締め付けが側板６１，６１の開口側において行われるため、この締め付け部から離れて位置する底板６２の近傍では、図６（ｂ）に示す如く、側板６１，６１の内面と軸７の当て面７１，７１との間に、嵌め込みのために確保されたギャップδ１ が残る場合がある。
【０００９】
また以上の連結構造において、側板６１，６１の開口側への軸７の移動は、押え面７３に当接する固定ボルト８により拘束されるが、固定ボルト８と押え面７３との間には、固定ボルト８の挿通を容易とするために所定のギャップδ２ が確保されているため、図６（ｂ）に示す如く、固定ボルト８の締め付け後、該固定ボルト８と押え面７３との間に前記ギャップδ２ が残る場合がある。
【００１０】
このようにギャップδ１ 及びδ２ が生じた状態で連結がなされた場合、この状態で回転する軸７がヨーク６０の内部においてガタ付き、両者の衝突に伴うガタ音が発生し、更に、前述した如く車両の操舵装置に適用された場合、ステアリングホイールから舵取機構への伝動に前記ガタ付きの影響が生じ、例えば、ステアリングホイールの切り返し時に舵取機構の反応が遅れ、操舵感の悪化を招来するという不具合が発生する。
【００１１】
このようなガタ付きの問題を解消するため、特許文献１においては、側板６１，６１の対向間隔を開口側に向けて広くし、更に、側板６１，６１の厚さを底板６２と連絡部の近傍において薄くして、固定ボルト８の締め付けによる側板６１，６１での軸７の挾圧が底板６２の側から開口側に向けて進行するようになし、底板６２の近傍において側板６１，６１と当て面７１，７１との間に生じるギャップδ１ の解消を図った構成が採用されている。しかしながらこの構成においては、側板６１，６１の対向間隔及び薄肉部の肉厚の最適化が難しい上、固定ボルト８と押え面７２との間のギャップδ２ を解消することはできず、十分なガタ付きの防止効果は得られない。
【００１２】
また特許文献２においては、軸長方向の中途にカム部を備える固定ボルト８を用い、この固定ボルト８を側板６１，６１に挿通した後に軸回りに回転させて、前記カム部を軸７の押え面７３に押し付け、固定ボルト８と押え面７との間に生じるギャップδ２ の解消を図った構成が採用されている。しかしながらこの構成においては、カム部を備える特殊な固定ボルト８が必要であり、また、カム部の押し付け強さを適正化すべく、組み付け時になされる固定ボルト８の回転位置の設定に手間を要する上、側板６１，６１と当て面７１，７１との間に生じるギャップδ１ を解消することはできず、十分なガタ付きの防止効果は得られない。
【００１３】
本発明は斯かる事情に鑑みてなされたものであり、自在継手の略Ｕ字形断面を有するヨーク内に連結対象となる軸の軸端部をガタ付きなく連結することを可能とする簡易な構成の連結構造を提供することを目的とする。
【００１４】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明の第１発明に係る自在継手と軸との連結構造は、相対向する２枚の側板の一側を底板により連絡してなる略Ｕ字形断面のヨークを備える自在継手と連結対象となる軸とを連結すべく、該軸の軸端部を前記ヨークの側板間に他側の開口を経て嵌め込み、前記底板から離れた位置にて側板を貫通する固定ボルトの締め付けにより、前記側板間に挾圧固定する自在継手と軸との連結構造において、前記固定ボルトの中途部に先端に向けて縮径する縮径部を、前記軸の軸端部の外面に前記縮径部に当接可能に傾斜する押え面を夫々設け、前記固定ボルトの締め付けに応じて前記縮径部により前記押え面を、前記ヨークの底板に向けて押圧する構成としてあることを特徴とする。
【００１５】
本発明においては、ヨークの側板を貫通する固定ボルトの中途に設けた縮径部を軸端部の外面に設けた押え面に当接させ、この状態で固定ボルトを締め付け、縮径部により押え面を底板に向けて押圧し、ヨークの側板により両側から挾圧される軸端部を、この挾圧の方向と交叉する方向から、固定ボルトの縮径部とヨークの底板との間に挾圧せしめ、ヨーク内での軸端部のガタ付きを解消する。
【００１６】
本発明の第２発明に係る自在継手と軸との連結構造は、相対向する２枚の側板の一側を底板により連絡してなる略Ｕ字形断面のヨークを備える自在継手と連結対象となる軸とを連結すべく、該軸の軸端部を前記ヨークの側板間に他側の開口を経て嵌め込み、前記底板から離れた位置にて側板を貫通する固定ボルトの締め付けにより、前記側板間に挾圧固定する自在継手と軸との連結構造において、前記軸の軸端部の外面に前記ヨークの開口側に向けて凸となる押え面を設け、前記固定ボルトの中途部を前記押え面に当接させるようになし、前記固定ボルトの締め付けに応じて前記押え面を前記ヨークの底板に向けて押圧する構成としてあることを特徴とする。
【００１７】
本発明においては、ヨークの側板を貫通する固定ボルトの中途部を、ヨークの側板間にて開口側に向けて凸となる軸端部の押え面に当接させ、該押え面にヨークの底板に向かう押圧力を加え、ヨークの側板により両側から挾圧される軸端部を、この挾圧の方向と交叉する方向から固定ボルトの中途部とヨークの底板との間に挾圧せしめ、ヨーク内での軸端部のガタ付きを解消する。固定ボルトと押え面との当接は、該押え面の頂点近傍での実質的な点接触として生じ、固定ボルトの挿通に支障を来すことはない。
【００１８】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下本発明をその実施の形態を示す図面に基づいて詳述する。図１は、車両の操舵装置における自在継手の使用状態の説明図である。図中１は、操舵部材としてのステアリングホイールの操作に応じて回転する操舵軸であり、また２は、舵取機構への回転入力のための入力軸（例えば、ラックピニオン式舵取機構のピニオン軸）である。操舵軸１は、車室の内部に位置決めされたステアリングホイールから下方に向けて延設され、また入力軸２は、車室の外部に固定支持された舵取機構から上方に向けて延設されており、軸心を交叉及び偏心させて対向する操舵軸１及び入力軸２の軸端部１０，２０の連結に、図示の如く、両端に自在継手３，３を備える中間軸４が用いられている。
【００１９】
自在継手３，３は、二股に分岐したフォーク状のピン受けアーム３２，３３を一側に連設してなる各一対のヨーク３０，３１を備え、これらのヨーク３０，３１を夫々のピン受けアーム３２，３３が略直角をなして交叉するように向き合わせ、両アーム３２，３３の先端を十字形のクロスピン３４により連結して構成されている。
【００２０】
このような自在継手３，３は、円筒形をなす一側のヨーク３１，３１を中間軸４の両端部に夫々外嵌固定し、該中間軸４と一体化されている。操舵軸１と入力軸２との中間軸４による連結は、両端の自在継手３，３の他側のヨーク３０，３０を、図１中に矢符により示す如く、操舵軸１の軸端部１０及び入力軸２の軸端部２０の夫々に径方向の外側から嵌め込み、各別に保持させることにより実現されており、このような連結をガタ付きなく実現するために、前記ヨーク３０，３０及び軸端部１０，２０は、以下に示す特徴的な構成を有している。
【００２１】
図２は、自在継手３のヨーク３０と軸（図においては操舵軸１）との連結部分の斜視図である。図示の如くヨーク３０は、略平行をなして対向する２枚の側板３５，３５の一側をアーチ形に湾曲する底板３６により連絡し、他側が開放された略Ｕ字形の断面形状を有している。側板３５，３５には、底板３６から離れて互いに対向する位置に夫々を厚さ方向に貫通するボルト孔３７，３８が形成されている。
【００２２】
このようなヨーク３０に連結される操舵軸１の軸端部１０は、側板３５，３５間への嵌め込みが可能な２面幅を有して平坦化された当て面１１，１１を備え、これらの当て面１１，１１の一側を、ヨーク３０の底板３６に対応するアーチ形に湾曲するアーチ面１２に連絡し、同じく他側を、幅方向の略半部にテーパ状に傾斜させてなる押え面１３により連絡して、図示の如き断面形状を有している。
【００２３】
このような軸端部１０とヨーク３０との連結は、まずヨーク３０と軸端部１０とを、図２（ａ）に示す如く、ヨーク３０の側板３５，３５間の開口部が軸端部１０のアーチ面１２に対面するように位置決めし、次いで、ヨーク３０を軸端部１０に、前者の側板３５，３５の内面に後者の当て面１１，１１を沿わせるように嵌め込んだ後、側板３５，３５に設けられたボルト孔３７，３８に、一方の側板３５の外側から固定ボルト５を通し、他方の側板３５の外側に突出する固定ボルト５のねじ部に締め付けナット５０を螺合して締め付けることにより、図２（ｂ）に示す如く実現される。
【００２４】
このような連結に用いられる固定ボルト５は、軸長方向の略中央部に、軸端部１０の押え面１３と対応する傾斜を有して先端に向けてテーパ状に縮径された縮径部５１を備え、該縮径部５１の先端側に、外周にねじが形成されたねじ部５２が連設されている。ヨーク３０の一方の側板３５に設けられたボルト孔３７は、固定ボルト５の基部の挿通が可能な大径孔とし、また他方の側板３５に設けられたボルト孔３８は、小径のねじ部５２の挿通が可能な小径孔としてあり、固定ボルト５の挿通は、大径のボルト孔３７の側から行われる。
【００２５】
図３は、図２に示す連結構造の説明図であり、図３（ａ）は、固定ボルト５の締め付け前の状態を示し、図３（ｂ）は、固定ボルト５の締め付け後の状態を示している。
【００２６】
前述の如く、ヨーク３０の側板３５，３５間への軸端部１０の嵌め込みは、軸端部１０に設けられた当て面１１，１１を側板３５，３５に沿わせてなされており、この嵌め込みの後の当て面１１，１１は、図３（ａ）に示す如く、嵌め込みのために必要なわずかなギャップを隔ててヨーク３０の側板３５，３５の内面に対向する。またこのとき、当て面１１，１１の一側を連絡するアーチ面１２は、ヨーク３０の底板３６に当接せしめられ、他側を連絡する押え面１３は、中途のテーパ部を大径のボルト孔３７の側に対面させられた状態となる。
【００２７】
固定ボルト５の挿通は、この状態下において行われ、図３（ａ）に示す如く、固定ボルト５の縮径部５１は、ボルト孔３７に対面する押え面１３に当接し、また、固定ボルト５のねじ部５２の一部は、小径のボルト孔３８を経て同側の側板３５の外側に突出せしめられ、このねじ部５２に締め付けナット５０を螺合し、締め付けることにより、図３（ｂ）に示す固定状態が得られる。
【００２８】
このとき、ヨーク３０の側板３５，３５は、固定ボルト５の締め付けにより対向幅を減じ、軸端部１０の当て面１１，１１を両側から挾圧する作用をなす。また同時に固定ボルト５の縮径部５１は、これに当接する軸端部１０の押え面１３に押し付けられ、該押え面１３を、図中に白抜矢符にて示す向きに押圧する作用をなす。従って軸端部１０は、ヨーク３０の側板３５，３５により左右両側から挾圧されると共に、固定ボルト５の縮径部５１とヨーク３０の底板３６とにより上下両側から挾圧されることとなり、図３（ｂ）に示す如く、一側の当て面１１が同側の側板３５の内面に密着し、この側板３５に連続する底板３６の内面にアーチ面１２が密着した固定状態が得られる。
【００２９】
このように連結された軸端部１０は、上下、左右のいずれの方向にもガタ付くことなくヨーク３０と一体回転することができる。この連結は、固定ボルト５のねじ部５２への締め付けナット５０の単純な締め付けにより簡易に実施することができ、また、締め付け荷重を高精度に管理することなくガタ付きのない良好な連結がなされる。
【００３０】
固定ボルト５の縮径部５１の傾斜角度は、押え面１３に加わる押圧力の方向を底板３６に向かわせるために可及的に小さく設定するのが望ましいが、傾斜角度を小さくした場合、締め付けナット５０の締め付けにより固定ボルト５の軸長方向に加わる引張力の分力として生じる前記押圧力の大きさが小さくなる。これらのことから前記傾斜角度は、必要となる押圧力の大きさ及び方向を考慮した上で設定する必要がある。図３に示す如く、側板３５と底板３６との境界部近傍に向けて押圧力が作用するように傾斜角度を設定した場合、軸端部１０を底板３６に向けて適正な力にて押圧することができ、良好なガタ付き防止効果が得られる。
【００３１】
以上の作用をなす固定ボルト５の縮径部５１は、先端に向けて同軸的に縮径せしめられており、汎用の工作機械を用いた加工により高精度に形成することができる。また軸端部１０に設けられる押え面１３も、所定の角度を有する傾斜面として簡易に形成することができ、以上の実施の形態に示す連結構造は、特殊な加工を要することなく実現することが可能である。
【００３２】
図４は、自在継手３のヨーク３０と軸との連結部分の他の実施の形態を示す斜視図である。本図に示す連結部分の構成は、固定ボルト５の構成及び軸端部１０の構成を除いて図２と同じであり、対応する部分に同一の参照符号を付して詳細な説明を省略する。
【００３３】
軸端部１０は、ヨーク３０の側板３５，３５間への嵌め込みが可能な２面幅を有して平坦化された当て面１４，１４を備えており、これらの当て面１４，１４の一側を、ヨーク３０の底板３６に対応する湾曲形状を有するアーチ面１５により連絡し、また他側を、略中央に頂部を有する凸形の湾曲形状を有する押え面１６により連絡して、図示の如き小判形の断面形状を有している。
【００３４】
また固定ボルト５は、頭部に連続する大径の押え部５３と、該押え部５３の先端側に連設され、外周にねじを備えるれた小径のねじ部５４とを備えており、ヨーク３０の側板３５，３５に設けられた一方のボルト孔３７は、押え部５３の挿通が可能な大径孔とし、また他方のボルト孔３８は、ねじ部５４の挿通が可能な小径孔としてある。
【００３５】
以上の如き軸端部１０とヨーク３０との連結は、図４（ａ）中に矢符により示す如く、ヨーク３０を軸端部１０に、前者の側板３５，３５の内面に後者の当て面１３，１３を沿わせるようにアーチ面１５の側から嵌め込み、次いで、ヨーク３０側板３５，３５に設けられたボルト孔３７，３８に、大径のボルト孔３７の側から固定ボルト５を通し、小径のボルト孔３８を経て側板３５の外側に突出するねじ部５４に締め付けナット５０を螺合して締め付けることにより、図４（ｂ）に示す如く実現される。
【００３６】
図５は、図４に示す連結構造の説明図であり、図５（ａ）は、固定ボルト５の挿通途中の状態を示し、図５（ｂ）は、固定ボルト５の締め付け後の状態を示している。
【００３７】
ヨーク３０への軸端部１０の嵌め込みは、図５（ａ）に示す如く、軸端部１０の両側の当て面１４，１４をヨーク３０の側板３５，３５の内面に対向させ、また当て面１４，１４の一側を連絡するアーチ面１５をヨーク３０の底板３６に当接せしめてなされており、このとき当て面１４，１４の他側を連絡する押え面１６は、中央に突出する頂部の上面を一側の側板３５に形成された大径のボルト孔３７の下縁に略一致させた状態にある。
【００３８】
固定ボルト５の挿通は、この状態下において行われる。固定ボルト５先端のねじ部５４は、押え部５３に対応するボルト孔３７よりも小径であり、図５（ａ）に示す如く、押え面１６の頂点との間に所定のギャップを隔てて通過させることができ、他方のボルト孔３８に挿通される。一方、このようなねじ部５４に連続する大径の押え部５３は、押え面１６の頂点近傍に当接し、この後の固定ボルト５の押し込みにより押え面１６に押え力を加え、軸端部１０をヨーク３０の底面３６に向けて付勢する。なお、固定ボルト５の押え部５３は、押え面１６の頂点近傍に実質的に点接触した状態にあり、前記押え力を加えつつなされる固定ボルト５の押し込みは、小なる抵抗下にて容易に行わせることができる。
【００３９】
ヨーク３０への軸端部１０の連結は、ボルト孔３８を経て同側の側板３５の外側に突出する固定ボルト５のねじ部５４に締め付けナット５０を締め付けることにより、図５（ｂ）に示す如く実現される。このとき、ヨーク３０の側板３５，３５は、固定ボルト５の締め付けにより対向幅を減じ、当て面１４，１４の上部を両側から挾圧する。また同時に固定ボルト５は、ヨーク３０の側板３５，３５の対向幅の減少に応じて底板３６に向けて変位し、該固定ボルト５の押え部５３は、これに当接する軸端部１０の押え面１６に押し付けられ、該押え面１６を、図中に白抜矢符にて示す如くヨーク３０の底板３６に向けて押圧する。これにより軸端部１０は、ヨーク３０の側板３５，３５により左右両側から挾圧されると共に、固定ボルト５の押え部５３とヨーク３０の底板３６とにより上下両側から挾圧されてヨーク３０に連結され、上下、左右のいずれの方向にもガタ付くことなくヨーク３０と一体回転することができる。
【００４０】
この連結は、固定ボルト５及び締め付けナット５０の単純な締め付けにより簡易に実現することができる。固定ボルト５は、所定の外径を有する押え部５３の先端側に、該押え部５３よりもやや小径のねじ部５４を連設した一般的なボルトであればよく、また軸端部１０に設けられる押え面１６は、例えば、円形断面を有する軸を所定の２面幅にて平坦加工して当て面１４，１４を形成した後に残る部分として、簡易に、しかも高精度に形成することができ、以上の実施の形態に示す連結構造は、特殊な加工を要することなく実現することが可能である。
【００４１】
図１に示す操舵装置において、入力軸２の軸端部２０と同側の自在継手３のヨーク３０との連結も、図２及び図３、又は図４及び図５に示す連結構造にて実現されており、このような連結がなされた操舵装置においては、操舵軸１から中間軸４を介してなされる入力軸２への回転伝達が、ガタ音の発生、及びガタ付きに伴う応答遅れを生じることなく行われ、良好な操舵感が得られるようになる。
【００４２】
なお、以上の実施の形態においては、車両の操舵装置への適用例について述べたが、本発明に係る自在継手と軸との連結構造は、略Ｕ字形断面を有するヨークを備える自在継手と軸とをガタ付きなく連結することが要求される用途全般に適用可能であり、同様の効果が得られることは言うまでもない。
【００４３】
【発明の効果】
以上詳述した如く本発明に係る自在継手と軸との連結構造においては、自在継手の略Ｕ字形断面を有するヨーク内に嵌め込まれ固定ボルトの締め付けにより側板間に挾圧された軸の軸端部を、簡素な構成の固定ボルトによりヨークの底板との間に挾圧し、ガタ付きを有効に防止することができ、ガタ付きに伴う不具合の発生を抑えて良好な伝動を行わせることが可能となる等、本発明は優れた効果を奏する。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】車両の操舵装置における自在継手の使用状態の説明図である。
【図２】自在継手のヨークと軸との連結部分の斜視図である。
【図３】図２に示す連結構造の説明図である。
【図４】自在継手のヨークと軸との連結部分の他の実施の形態を示す斜視図である。
【図５】図４に示す連結構造の説明図である。
【図６】自在継手のヨークと軸との従来の連結構造の説明図である。
【符号の説明】
１ 操舵軸（軸）
２ 入力軸（軸）
３ 自在継手
５ 固定ボルト
１０ 軸端部
１３ 押え面
１６ 押え面
２０ 軸端部
５１ 縮径部
３０ ヨーク
３５ 側板
３６ 底板
３８ 凹溝[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a connection structure between a universal joint and a shaft used to connect two shafts whose shaft centers cross or are eccentric so as to be able to transmit rotation.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A universal joint (universal joint) faces a pair of yokes provided on one side with a fork-shaped pin receiving arm branched into two branches so that respective pin receiving arms cross at a substantially right angle. This is a known mechanical element in which the ends of arms are connected by a cross-shaped cross pin, and is used in many industrial fields to connect two axes whose axes are crossed or eccentric so that rotation can be transmitted.
[0003]
Such a universal joint is used, for example, in a steering device of a vehicle to connect a steering shaft that rotates in response to operation of a steering wheel as a steering member and an input shaft of a steering mechanism. The input shaft and the input shaft are separately mounted inside and outside the vehicle compartment, and it is required that the respective yokes be retrofitted to the shaft ends of the steering shaft and the input shaft whose axial length direction is fixed. You. Therefore, a universal joint having at least one yoke having a substantially U-shaped cross section in which one side of two opposing side plates is connected by a bottom plate is used (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2).
[0004]
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of this type of connection structure between a yoke and a shaft. As shown in the figure, the yoke 60 has a substantially U-shaped cross section in which one side of two side plates 61 facing each other is connected by an arched bottom plate 62 and the other side is open. Bolt holes 63, 63 penetrating in the thickness direction are formed in the side plates 61, 61 at positions away from the bottom plate 62.
[0005]
The shaft 7 connected to the yoke 60 has two contact surfaces 71, 71 that can be fitted between the side plates 61, 61, an arch surface 72 connecting one side thereof, and the other side. 6A, and is fitted from the opening side between the side plates 61 of the yoke 60 as shown by arrows in FIG. 6A, and shown in FIG. 6B. As described above, the arch surface 72 is brought into contact with the inner surface of the bottom plate 62, the fixing bolt 8 is passed through the bolt holes 63, 63 from outside the one side plate 61, and the fixing bolt 8 protrudes outside the other side plate 61. Are connected by tightening a tightening nut 80 to the threaded portion of.
[0006]
This connection is realized by fitting the yoke 60 from the outside in the radial direction of the shaft 7, so that it can be retrofitted to the shaft 7 whose axial position is fixed. The shaft 7 fitted between the side plates 61 of the yoke 60 is fixed to the inner surfaces of the side plates 61, 61 approaching by tightening the fixing bolts 8 by pressing the contact surfaces 71, 71.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-10-9281 [Patent Document 2]
JP-A-9-79279
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above connection structure, since the fastening of the fixing bolt 8 is performed on the opening side of the side plates 61, 61, near the bottom plate 62 located away from the fastening portion, as shown in FIG. , between the contact surface 71, 71 of the inner surface and the shaft 7 of 61, there is a case where a gap [delta] 1 reserved for fitting remains.
[0009]
In the above connection structure, the movement of the shaft 7 to the opening side of the side plates 61 is restricted by the fixing bolt 8 abutting on the pressing surface 73, but between the fixing bolt 8 and the pressing surface 73. since the predetermined gap [delta] 2 to the easy insertion of the fixing bolt 8 is secured, as shown in FIG. 6 (b), after the tightening of the fixing bolts 8, between the fixing bolts 8 and the pressing surface 73 in some cases the gap [delta] 2 remains.
[0010]
When the connection is made in a state where the gaps δ 1 and δ 2 are generated in this way, the rotating shaft 7 in this state rattles inside the yoke 60, and a rattling sound is generated due to the collision between the two. When applied to a steering device of a vehicle as described above, the backlash effect occurs in the transmission from the steering wheel to the steering mechanism. The problem of inviting it occurs.
[0011]
In order to solve such a rattling problem, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-163, the facing distance between the side plates 61, 61 is increased toward the opening side, and the thickness of the side plates 61, 61 is further reduced by connecting the bottom plate 62 and the connecting portion. The thickness is reduced in the vicinity, so that the clamping of the shaft 7 between the side plates 61, 61 by the tightening of the fixing bolts 8 proceeds from the side of the bottom plate 62 toward the opening side. configuration which aimed to eliminate the gap [delta] 1 occurring between the contact surface 71, 71 is employed. However, in this configuration, on difficult facing distance and optimization of the thickness of the thin portion of the side plates 61 and 61, it is impossible to eliminate the gap [delta] 2 between the fixing bolts 8 and the pressing surface 72, sufficient The effect of preventing backlash cannot be obtained.
[0012]
Also, in Patent Document 2, a fixing bolt 8 having a cam portion in the middle of the shaft length direction is used, and after the fixing bolt 8 is inserted through the side plates 61, 61 and then rotated around the axis, the cam portion of the shaft 7 is rotated. pressed against the pressing face 73, is employed configuration which aimed to eliminate the gap [delta] 2 produced between the fixing bolts 8 and the pressing surface 7. However, in this configuration, a special fixing bolt 8 having a cam portion is required, and it takes time to set the rotational position of the fixing bolt 8 at the time of assembly in order to optimize the pressing strength of the cam portion. , it is not possible to eliminate the gap [delta] 1 occurring between the contact surface 71, 71 and side plates 61 and 61, sufficient effect of preventing looseness can not be obtained.
[0013]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and has a simple configuration that enables a shaft end portion of a shaft to be connected to be connected without play in a yoke having a substantially U-shaped cross section of a universal joint. It is an object of the present invention to provide a connection structure.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The connection structure between the universal joint and the shaft according to the first invention of the present invention is to be connected to a universal joint including a yoke having a substantially U-shaped cross section formed by connecting one side of two opposing side plates by a bottom plate. In order to connect the shaft, the shaft end of the shaft is fitted between the side plates of the yoke via the opening on the other side, and a fixing bolt penetrating the side plate at a position away from the bottom plate is tightened between the side plates. In the connection structure between the universal joint and the shaft for clamping and fixing, a reduced diameter portion that reduces the diameter toward the tip can be brought into contact with the reduced diameter portion on the outer surface of the shaft end of the shaft in the middle of the fixing bolt. The pressing surface is inclined toward the bottom plate of the yoke by the reduced diameter portion in accordance with tightening of the fixing bolt.
[0015]
In the present invention, the reduced diameter portion provided in the middle of the fixing bolt penetrating the side plate of the yoke is brought into contact with the pressing surface provided on the outer surface of the shaft end portion, and the fixing bolt is tightened in this state, and the pressing is performed by the reduced diameter portion. Press the surface toward the bottom plate, and clamp the shaft end, which is clamped from both sides by the side plate of the yoke, between the reduced diameter portion of the fixing bolt and the bottom plate of the yoke in a direction crossing the direction of the clamping. Press to eliminate backlash of the shaft end in the yoke.
[0016]
The connection structure between the universal joint and the shaft according to the second invention of the present invention is to be connected to a universal joint including a yoke having a substantially U-shaped cross section formed by connecting one side of two opposing side plates by a bottom plate. In order to connect the shaft, the shaft end of the shaft is fitted between the side plates of the yoke via the opening on the other side, and a fixing bolt penetrating the side plate at a position away from the bottom plate is tightened between the side plates. In the coupling structure between the universal joint and the shaft for clamping and fixing, a pressing surface protruding toward the opening side of the yoke is provided on the outer surface of the shaft end of the shaft, and a middle part of the fixing bolt is provided on the pressing surface. The pressing surface is pressed toward the bottom plate of the yoke in accordance with tightening of the fixing bolt.
[0017]
In the present invention, the middle part of the fixing bolt penetrating the side plate of the yoke is brought into contact with the pressing surface of the shaft end portion which is convex toward the opening side between the side plates of the yoke, and the bottom plate of the yoke is attached to the pressing surface. The yoke is pressed against the shaft end, which is clamped from both sides by the side plate of the yoke, between the middle part of the fixing bolt and the bottom plate of the yoke in a direction crossing the direction of the compression. Eliminates backlash at the shaft end inside. The contact between the fixing bolt and the holding surface occurs as substantial point contact near the vertex of the holding surface, and does not hinder the insertion of the fixing bolt.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing the embodiments. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a use state of a universal joint in a vehicle steering system. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a steering shaft which rotates in response to operation of a steering wheel as a steering member, and 2 denotes an input shaft for inputting rotation to a steering mechanism (for example, a pinion of a rack and pinion type steering mechanism). Axis). The steering shaft 1 extends downward from a steering wheel positioned inside the vehicle compartment, and the input shaft 2 extends upward from a steering mechanism fixedly supported outside the vehicle compartment. As shown in the figure, an intermediate shaft 4 having universal joints 3 at both ends is used to connect the shaft ends 10 and 20 of the steering shaft 1 and the input shaft 2 which face each other with the shaft centers crossed and eccentric. ing.
[0019]
The universal joints 3, 3 are provided with a pair of yokes 30, 31, respectively, in which fork-shaped pin receiving arms 32, 33 branched into two branches are provided on one side, and these yokes 30, 31 are respectively connected to the respective pin receiving members. The arms 32, 33 face each other so as to intersect at a substantially right angle, and the ends of both arms 32, 33 are connected by a cross-shaped cross pin 34.
[0020]
In such universal joints 3, one cylindrical yokes 31, 31 are externally fitted and fixed to both ends of the intermediate shaft 4, respectively, and are integrated with the intermediate shaft 4. The connection of the steering shaft 1 and the input shaft 2 by the intermediate shaft 4 is performed by connecting the yokes 30, 30 on the other side of the universal joints 3, 3 at both ends, as shown by arrows in FIG. 10 and the shaft end 20 of the input shaft 2 are respectively fitted from the outside in the radial direction and are held separately. In order to realize such connection without play, the yokes 30, 30, and The shaft ends 10, 20 have the following characteristic configuration.
[0021]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a connecting portion between the yoke 30 of the universal joint 3 and a shaft (the steering shaft 1 in the figure). As shown in the drawing, the yoke 30 has a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional shape in which one side of two side plates 35, 35 which are substantially parallel to each other are connected by a bottom plate 36 which is curved in an arch shape, and the other side is open. ing. Bolt holes 37, 38 are formed in the side plates 35, 35 at positions facing away from the bottom plate 36 and penetrating in the thickness direction, respectively.
[0022]
The shaft end 10 of the steering shaft 1 connected to such a yoke 30 includes two flattened contact surfaces 11, 11 that can be fitted between the side plates 35, 35. One side of the contact surfaces 11, 11 is connected to the arch surface 12 which is curved in an arch shape corresponding to the bottom plate 36 of the yoke 30, and the other side is also tapered to a substantially half in the width direction. It has a cross-sectional shape as shown in the figure communicating with the holding surface 13.
[0023]
The connection between the shaft end 10 and the yoke 30 is performed by first connecting the yoke 30 and the shaft end 10 to each other by opening the side plate 35 between the side plates 35 as shown in FIG. After the yoke 30 has been positioned so as to face the arch surface 12 and the yoke 30 has been fitted to the shaft end 10 so that the abutment surfaces 11 and 11 of the former fit along the inner surfaces of the side plates 35 and 35, respectively. The fixing bolt 5 is passed through the bolt holes 37 and 38 provided in the side plates 35 and 35 from the outside of the one side plate 35, and the fastening nut 50 is screwed into the screw portion of the fixing bolt 5 protruding outside the other side plate 35. By tightening, it is realized as shown in FIG.
[0024]
The fixing bolt 5 used for such a connection has a tapered diameter at a substantially central portion in the axial direction, which has a slope corresponding to the pressing surface 13 of the shaft end 10 and is tapered toward the tip. A screw portion 52 having a thread formed on the outer periphery is continuously provided on the distal end side of the reduced diameter portion 51. A bolt hole 37 provided in one side plate 35 of the yoke 30 is a large-diameter hole through which the base of the fixing bolt 5 can be inserted, and a bolt hole 38 provided in the other side plate 35 has a small-diameter screw portion 52. The fixing bolt 5 is inserted from the side of the large-diameter bolt hole 37.
[0025]
FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of the coupling structure shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3A shows a state before the fixing bolt 5 is tightened, and FIG. 3B shows a state after the fixing bolt 5 is tightened. Is shown.
[0026]
As described above, the fitting of the shaft end portion 10 between the side plates 35, 35 of the yoke 30 is performed with the contact surfaces 11, 11 provided on the shaft end portion 10 along the side plates 35, 35. As shown in FIG. 3 (a), the rear contact surfaces 11, 11 face the inner surfaces of the side plates 35, 35 of the yoke 30 with a slight gap required for fitting. Further, at this time, the arch surface 12 connecting one side of the contact surfaces 11, 11 is brought into contact with the bottom plate 36 of the yoke 30, and the pressing surface 13 connecting the other side has a tapered part in the middle with a large-diameter bolt. It is in a state of facing the hole 37 side.
[0027]
Insertion of the fixing bolt 5 is performed in this state, and as shown in FIG. 3A, the reduced diameter portion 51 of the fixing bolt 5 comes into contact with the pressing surface 13 facing the bolt hole 37, and 5 is protruded to the outside of the side plate 35 on the same side through the small-diameter bolt hole 38, and a tightening nut 50 is screwed into the screw portion 52 and tightened. ) Is obtained.
[0028]
At this time, the side plates 35, 35 of the yoke 30 reduce the facing width by tightening the fixing bolts 5, and serve to clamp the contact surfaces 11, 11 of the shaft end 10 from both sides. At the same time, the reduced diameter portion 51 of the fixing bolt 5 is pressed against the pressing surface 13 of the shaft end portion 10 that comes into contact with the fixing bolt 5, and has an action of pressing the pressing surface 13 in a direction indicated by an outline arrow in the drawing. Eggplant Therefore, the shaft end 10 is pressed from both right and left sides by the side plates 35 and 35 of the yoke 30, and is pressed from both upper and lower sides by the reduced diameter portion 51 of the fixing bolt 5 and the bottom plate 36 of the yoke 30. As shown in FIG. 3B, a fixed state is obtained in which one contact surface 11 is in close contact with the inner surface of the side plate 35 on the same side, and the arch surface 12 is in close contact with the inner surface of the bottom plate 36 that is continuous with the side plate 35.
[0029]
The shaft end 10 connected in this manner can rotate integrally with the yoke 30 without rattling in any of the vertical and horizontal directions. This connection can be easily performed by simple tightening of the tightening nut 50 to the screw portion 52 of the fixing bolt 5, and good connection without backlash can be achieved without controlling the tightening load with high precision. You.
[0030]
The inclination angle of the reduced diameter portion 51 of the fixing bolt 5 is desirably set to be as small as possible in order to direct the direction of the pressing force applied to the holding surface 13 toward the bottom plate 36. The magnitude of the pressing force generated as a component of the tensile force applied in the axial direction of the fixing bolt 5 by tightening the nut 50 is reduced. For these reasons, the inclination angle needs to be set in consideration of the magnitude and direction of the required pressing force. As shown in FIG. 3, when the inclination angle is set so that the pressing force acts toward the vicinity of the boundary between the side plate 35 and the bottom plate 36, the shaft end 10 is pressed toward the bottom plate 36 with an appropriate force. And a good rattling prevention effect can be obtained.
[0031]
The reduced diameter portion 51 of the fixing bolt 5 having the above-described action is reduced in diameter coaxially toward the distal end, and can be formed with high precision by processing using a general-purpose machine tool. Further, the holding surface 13 provided on the shaft end 10 can also be easily formed as an inclined surface having a predetermined angle, and the connection structure described in the above embodiment can be realized without special processing. Is possible.
[0032]
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the connecting portion between the yoke 30 and the shaft of the universal joint 3. The configuration of the connecting portion shown in this drawing is the same as that of FIG. 2 except for the configuration of the fixing bolt 5 and the configuration of the shaft end portion 10. Corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted. .
[0033]
The shaft end 10 is provided with flattened contact surfaces 14, 14 having two surface widths capable of being fitted between the side plates 35, 35 of the yoke 30, and one of these contact surfaces 14, 14. The sides are connected by an arch surface 15 having a curved shape corresponding to the bottom plate 36 of the yoke 30, and the other side is connected by a presser surface 16 having a convex curved shape having a top portion at a substantially center. It has such an oval cross-sectional shape.
[0034]
The fixing bolt 5 includes a large-diameter holding portion 53 that is continuous with the head portion, and a small-diameter screw portion 54 that is continuously provided on the distal end side of the holding portion 53 and has a thread on the outer periphery. One of the bolt holes 37 provided in the side plates 35 of the 30 is a large-diameter hole through which the holding portion 53 can be inserted, and the other bolt hole 38 is a small-diameter hole through which the screw portion 54 can be inserted. .
[0035]
The connection between the shaft end portion 10 and the yoke 30 as described above is performed by connecting the yoke 30 to the shaft end portion 10 and the inner contact surfaces of the former side plates 35, 35 as shown by arrows in FIG. 13 and 13 are fitted from the side of the arch surface 15 so as to extend, and then the fixing bolt 5 is passed through the bolt holes 37 and 38 provided in the yoke 30 side plates 35 and 35 from the side of the large-diameter bolt hole 37. As shown in FIG. 4B, this is realized by screwing a tightening nut 50 into a screw portion 54 protruding to the outside of the side plate 35 through the small-diameter bolt hole 38.
[0036]
5A and 5B are explanatory views of the connection structure shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5A shows a state in which the fixing bolt 5 is being inserted, and FIG. 5B shows a state after the fixing bolt 5 is tightened. Is shown.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 5 (a), the fitting of the shaft end 10 into the yoke 30 is performed by bringing the contact surfaces 14, 14 on both sides of the shaft end 10 into opposition to the inner surfaces of the side plates 35, 35 of the yoke 30. The arch surface 15 which connects one side of the abutment 14 is brought into contact with the bottom plate 36 of the yoke 30. At this time, the pressing surface 16 which connects the other side of the abutment surfaces 14 and 14 has a top projecting to the center. Is substantially aligned with the lower edge of the large-diameter bolt hole 37 formed in the side plate 35 on one side.
[0038]
The insertion of the fixing bolt 5 is performed in this state. The screw portion 54 at the tip of the fixing bolt 5 has a smaller diameter than the bolt hole 37 corresponding to the holding portion 53, and passes through a predetermined gap from the top of the holding surface 16 as shown in FIG. And is inserted into the other bolt hole 38. On the other hand, the large-diameter pressing portion 53 continuous with the screw portion 54 comes into contact with the vicinity of the vertex of the pressing surface 16, and a pressing force is applied to the pressing surface 16 by the subsequent pushing of the fixing bolt 5, and the shaft end portion is pressed. 10 is urged toward the bottom surface 36 of the yoke 30. The pressing portion 53 of the fixing bolt 5 is substantially in point contact with the vicinity of the vertex of the pressing surface 16, and the pressing of the fixing bolt 5 while applying the pressing force can be easily performed with a small resistance. Can be performed.
[0039]
The connection of the shaft end 10 to the yoke 30 is shown in FIG. 5B by tightening a tightening nut 50 on a screw portion 54 of a fixing bolt 5 protruding outside the side plate 35 on the same side through a bolt hole 38. It is realized as follows. At this time, the opposing width of the side plates 35, 35 of the yoke 30 is reduced by tightening the fixing bolts 5, and the upper portions of the contact surfaces 14, 14 are pressed from both sides. At the same time, the fixing bolt 5 is displaced toward the bottom plate 36 in accordance with the decrease in the opposing width of the side plates 35, 35 of the yoke 30, and the pressing portion 53 of the fixing bolt 5 presses the shaft end 10 in contact with this. The pressing surface 16 is pressed against the bottom plate 36 of the yoke 30 as shown by an outline arrow in the drawing. As a result, the shaft end 10 is clamped from both left and right sides by the side plates 35 of the yoke 30, and is also clamped from both upper and lower sides by the holding portion 53 of the fixing bolt 5 and the bottom plate 36 of the yoke 30. It is connected and can rotate integrally with the yoke 30 without rattling in any of the vertical and horizontal directions.
[0040]
This connection can be easily realized by simple fastening of the fixing bolt 5 and the fastening nut 50. The fixing bolt 5 may be a general bolt in which a screw portion 54 having a diameter slightly smaller than the pressing portion 53 is continuously provided on the tip side of the pressing portion 53 having a predetermined outer diameter. The pressing surface 16 to be provided can be formed simply and with high precision as a portion remaining after forming the contact surfaces 14, 14 by flattening a shaft having a circular cross section with a predetermined two-surface width, for example. The connection structure described in the above embodiment can be realized without requiring special processing.
[0041]
In the steering device shown in FIG. 1, the connection between the shaft end 20 of the input shaft 2 and the yoke 30 of the universal joint 3 on the same side is also realized by the connection structure shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, or FIGS. In such a connected steering device, the rotation transmission from the steering shaft 1 to the input shaft 2 via the intermediate shaft 4 causes generation of rattling noise and response delay due to rattling. This operation is performed without any occurrence, and a good steering feeling can be obtained.
[0042]
In the above embodiment, an example of application to a steering device of a vehicle has been described. However, a connection structure between a universal joint and a shaft according to the present invention includes a universal joint including a yoke having a substantially U-shaped cross section and a shaft. It is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to all uses that require connection without play, and the same effect can be obtained.
[0043]
【The invention's effect】
As described in detail above, in the joint structure of the universal joint and the shaft according to the present invention, the shaft end of the shaft which is fitted into the yoke having a substantially U-shaped cross section of the universal joint and clamped between the side plates by tightening the fixing bolts. The part is clamped between the bottom plate of the yoke and the fixing bolt with a simple structure, effectively preventing rattling, and preventing the occurrence of problems associated with rattling, enabling good transmission. Thus, the present invention has excellent effects.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of a use state of a universal joint in a vehicle steering system.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a connecting portion between a yoke and a shaft of the universal joint.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the connection structure shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a connecting portion between a yoke and a shaft of a universal joint.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the connection structure shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of a conventional connection structure between a yoke and a shaft of a universal joint.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Steering axis (axis)
2 Input shaft (axis)
3 Universal joint 5 Fixing bolt 10 Shaft end 13 Holding surface 16 Holding surface 20 Shaft end 51 Reduced diameter portion 30 Yoke 35 Side plate 36 Bottom plate 38 Groove

Claims (2)

相対向する２枚の側板の一側を底板により連絡してなる略Ｕ字形断面のヨークを備える自在継手と連結対象となる軸とを連結すべく、該軸の軸端部を前記ヨークの側板間に他側の開口を経て嵌め込み、前記底板から離れた位置にて側板を貫通する固定ボルトの締め付けにより、前記側板間に挾圧固定する自在継手と軸との連結構造において、
前記固定ボルトの中途部に先端に向けて縮径する縮径部を、前記軸の軸端部の外面に前記縮径部に当接可能に傾斜する押え面を夫々設け、前記固定ボルトの締め付けに応じて前記縮径部により前記押え面を、前記ヨークの底板に向けて押圧する構成としてあることを特徴とする自在継手と軸との連結構造。In order to connect a universal joint having a yoke having a substantially U-shaped cross section formed by connecting one side of two opposing side plates with a bottom plate and a shaft to be connected, the shaft end of the shaft is connected to the side plate of the yoke. In the coupling structure between the universal joint and the shaft, which is fixed by pressing between the side plates by tightening fixing bolts penetrating the side plate at a position away from the bottom plate, with the other side being fitted through the opening on the other side.
In the middle of the fixing bolt, a reduced-diameter portion for reducing the diameter toward the tip is provided, and on the outer surface of the shaft end of the shaft, a pressing surface that is inclined so as to contact the reduced-diameter portion is provided, and the fixing bolt is tightened. A structure in which the pressing surface is pressed toward the bottom plate of the yoke by the reduced-diameter portion in accordance with (1). 相対向する２枚の側板の一側を底板により連絡してなる略Ｕ字形断面のヨークを備える自在継手と連結対象となる軸とを連結すべく、該軸の軸端部を前記ヨークの側板間に他側の開口を経て嵌め込み、前記底板から離れた位置にて側板を貫通する固定ボルトの締め付けにより、前記側板間に挾圧固定する自在継手と軸との連結構造において、
前記軸の軸端部の外面に前記ヨークの開口側に向けて凸となる押え面を設け、前記固定ボルトの中途部を前記押え面に当接させるようになし、前記固定ボルトの締め付けに応じて前記押え面を前記ヨークの底板に向けて押圧する構成としてあることを特徴とする自在継手と軸との連結構造。In order to connect a universal joint having a yoke having a substantially U-shaped cross section formed by connecting one side of two opposing side plates with a bottom plate and a shaft to be connected, the shaft end of the shaft is connected to the side plate of the yoke. In the coupling structure between the universal joint and the shaft, which is fixed by pressing between the side plates by tightening fixing bolts penetrating the side plate at a position away from the bottom plate, with the other side being fitted through the opening on the other side.
A pressing surface protruding toward the opening side of the yoke is provided on the outer surface of the shaft end of the shaft, and an intermediate portion of the fixing bolt is brought into contact with the pressing surface, according to the fastening of the fixing bolt. Wherein the pressing surface is pressed toward the bottom plate of the yoke.
JP2003162456A 2003-06-06 2003-06-06 Interconnecting structure of universal joint and shaft Pending JP2004360856A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2003162456A JP2004360856A (en) 2003-06-06 2003-06-06 Interconnecting structure of universal joint and shaft

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2003162456A JP2004360856A (en) 2003-06-06 2003-06-06 Interconnecting structure of universal joint and shaft

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
JP2004360856A true JP2004360856A (en) 2004-12-24

Family

ID=34054597

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
JP2003162456A Pending JP2004360856A (en) 2003-06-06 2003-06-06 Interconnecting structure of universal joint and shaft

Country Status (1)

Country Link
JP (1) JP2004360856A (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2009255195A (en) * 2008-04-14 2009-11-05 Murata Mach Ltd Parallel mechanism
CN102996659A (en) * 2011-09-13 2013-03-27 操纵技术Ip控股公司 Intermediate shaft connection assurance device
KR20180130275A (en) * 2017-05-29 2018-12-07 주식회사 한도 A yoke
US11630229B2 (en) 2021-03-05 2023-04-18 Patrick JOY Metal detectors, components of metal detectors, and methods of detecting metal

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2009255195A (en) * 2008-04-14 2009-11-05 Murata Mach Ltd Parallel mechanism
CN102996659A (en) * 2011-09-13 2013-03-27 操纵技术Ip控股公司 Intermediate shaft connection assurance device
KR20180130275A (en) * 2017-05-29 2018-12-07 주식회사 한도 A yoke
KR101990860B1 (en) 2017-05-29 2019-06-19 주식회사 한도 A yoke
US11630229B2 (en) 2021-03-05 2023-04-18 Patrick JOY Metal detectors, components of metal detectors, and methods of detecting metal

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP5156629B2 (en) Universal joint yoke
JPWO2003095286A1 (en) Steering device
WO2004108501A1 (en) Steering apparatus
JP4531692B2 (en) Universal joint yoke
JP2004360856A (en) Interconnecting structure of universal joint and shaft
JP2006029343A (en) Universal joint
JP3658855B2 (en) Joint between shaft and universal joint yoke
JP2006029343A5 (en)
US11912333B2 (en) Steering device
US20230143959A1 (en) Steering device
JP3797054B2 (en) Joint structure of yoke and shaft
GB2287923A (en) Steering lock apparatus
JP4178317B2 (en) Connection structure of universal joint and shaft
JP2007255533A (en) Connection structure of yoke and shaft of universal joint and power steering device
JP3791197B2 (en) Tilt-type steering device
JP2007232223A (en) Connecting portion of shaft and yoke of universal joint
WO2013042728A1 (en) Steering shaft connection structure
EP1632419B1 (en) Joint section between shaft and universal joint yoke
JP2014169732A (en) Yoke coupling structure of shaft and yoke of universal joint, and vehicle steering device
JP2018128139A (en) Yoke for universal joint
JP2011144821A (en) Universal joint
JP4134938B2 (en) Joint between shaft and universal joint yoke
JP2003240010A (en) Universal joint and steering device
JP2007292188A (en) Yoke and shaft joint-structure of universal joint
JP2019052700A (en) Torque transmission shaft

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
A621 Written request for application examination

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A621

Effective date: 20060524

A977 Report on retrieval

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A971007

Effective date: 20080121

A131 Notification of reasons for refusal

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A131

Effective date: 20080122

A521 Request for written amendment filed

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A523

Effective date: 20080324

A131 Notification of reasons for refusal

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A131

Effective date: 20080722

A521 Request for written amendment filed

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A523

Effective date: 20080919

A131 Notification of reasons for refusal

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A131

Effective date: 20090324

A02 Decision of refusal

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A02

Effective date: 20090804