JP2007170560A - Joint assembly and axle module provided with it - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an axle module capable of improving work efficiency of assembly to a vehicle and simplifying assembly and transportation. <P>SOLUTION: In this axle module provided with the joint assembly 32 composed of a bearing for a wheel provided with an outward member 10 having a vehicle body mounting flange 10b attached to a knuckle at the outer periphery integrally, a fixed type constant velocity universal joint 1 connected with a hub wheel 6 so as to transmit torque, a drive shaft 4 whose one end is connected with the constant velocity universal joint 1, and a slide type constant velocity universal joint 2 connected with the other end of the drive shaft 4, elastomer is processed by injection molding, a cylindrical unit cover 5 constituted by forming an inner peripheral face into a shape copying an outer profile shape of a pair of constant velocity universal joints 1, 2 and boots 17, 31 by dividing in the radial direction is mounted, and the outside diameter Da of a fitting face 10c of the outward member 10 is formed to be larger than the outside diameter Db of unit covers 5a, 5b. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a joint assembly including a pair of constant velocity universal joints and a drive shaft connected to these constant velocity universal joints, and outboard side constant velocity universal joints and wheel bearings of the pair of constant velocity universal joints. And a wheel bearing assembly (hereinafter referred to as an axle module).

  A power transmission device that transmits engine power of a vehicle such as an automobile to a wheel transmits power from the engine to the wheel, and also causes radial or axial displacement from the wheel that occurs when the vehicle bounces or turns when traveling on a rough road. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, one end of the drive shaft 100 interposed between the engine side and the drive wheel side is connected to a sliding type constant velocity universal joint 101. The other end is connected to a wheel 105 via a drive wheel bearing device 104 including a fixed type constant velocity universal joint 103.

  Such a drive wheel bearing device 104 includes a wheel bearing 106 referred to as a third generation, and a fixed type constant velocity universal joint 103 detachably connected to the wheel bearing 106. In recent years, the drive wheel bearing device 104 tends to shift to a so-called fourth generation structure in which the wheel bearing 106 and the fixed type constant velocity universal joint 103 are unitized for further light weight and compactness. .

  A drive wheel bearing device having such a fourth generation structure, a constant velocity universal joint constituting the drive wheel bearing device, and a drive shaft connected to a pair of constant velocity universal joints including the constant velocity universal joint, There is known an axle module in which a unit cover for improving the assembly workability to a vehicle and protecting a boot of a constant velocity universal joint during assembly and transportation is mounted. As shown in FIG. 8, in this axle module, a vehicle body mounting flange 50b to be attached to the knuckle N on the outer periphery and a fitting surface 50c to be fitted into the knuckle N are integrally formed, and a double row is formed on the inner periphery. The outer member 50 is formed with outer rolling surfaces 50a, 50a, and the outer member 50 is inserted through the double-row balls 51, 51 to attach a wheel (not shown) to one end. And a hub wheel 53 in which one inner rolling surface 53a facing the double row outer rolling surfaces 50a, 50a is formed on the outer periphery, and the hub wheel 53 is fitted into the outer periphery. A drive wheel bearing comprising an inner member 55 comprising an outer joint member 54 formed with the other inner raceway surface 54a facing the double row outer raceway surfaces 50a, 50a, and the drive wheel bearing. Fittings connected to And the outer diameter Da of the fitting surface 50c is formed larger than the maximum outer diameter Db of the constant velocity universal joint 56, and is formed in a cylindrical shape so as to cover the outer periphery of the joint assembly JA. Elastomer unit covers 57 having reduced diameter portions 57a and 57b are attached to both ends. Here, the joint assembly JA includes a pair of constant velocity universal joints 56 and 58 including a constant velocity universal joint 56 and a drive shaft 59 connected to the constant velocity universal joints 56 and 58.

Thus, by covering the outer periphery of the joint assembly JA with the unit cover 57, the joint assembly JA is protected, and handling such as transportation is further facilitated. Further, since the diameter-reduced portions 57a and 57b are formed at the end of the unit cover 57, the unit cover 57 can be elastically attached to the outer joint member 54 of the constant velocity universal joint 56 with one touch, and the unit cover 57 can be removed. Can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to provide an axle module that improves the assembly workability to the vehicle and stabilizes the quality of the device.
JP 2005-256938 A

  However, in such an axle module, the constant velocity universal joints 56 and 58 are inclined by their own weight, and therefore, in such a unit cover 57, the constant velocity universal joints 56 and 58 are inclined and are difficult to be incorporated into the knuckle N. . In addition, the posture of the constant velocity universal joints 56 and 58 is not stable during packing or transportation, which makes it difficult to handle.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a joint assembly that protects a pair of constant velocity universal joints and their boots and prevents the constant velocity universal joint from being inclined by its own weight. It is aimed.

  Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide an axle module that improves assembly workability to a vehicle and simplifies assembly and transportation.

  In order to achieve the object, the invention described in claim 1 of the present invention is a joint assembly including a pair of constant velocity universal joints and a drive shaft connected to the constant velocity universal joints. One of the constant velocity universal joints includes an outer joint member in which a plurality of axially extending track grooves having curved portions are formed on the inner periphery, and a track groove facing the track grooves on the outer periphery. A joint inner ring formed, a torque transmission ball accommodated in each of the ball tracks formed by the two track grooves, a cage for holding the torque transmission ball in a rollable manner, and one end connected to the joint inner ring. A fixed type constant velocity universal joint including a drive shaft and a boot mounted on the drive shaft and an outer peripheral portion on the opening side of the outer joint member; Of the pair of constant velocity universal joints, the other constant velocity universal joint is formed by injection molding of an elastomer in a joint assembly including a sliding type constant velocity universal joint connected to the other end of the drive shaft. In addition, the inner peripheral surface is formed in a shape that follows the outer shape of the pair of constant velocity universal joints and the boot, and a cylindrical unit cover is mounted so as to cover the outer peripheral surface of the constant velocity universal joint and the boot. Yes.

  Thus, in a joint assembly including a pair of constant velocity universal joints and a drive shaft connected to these constant velocity universal joints, an elastomer is formed by injection molding and an inner peripheral surface is a pair of constant velocity universal joints. It is formed in a shape that follows the outer shape of the joint and boot, and a cylindrical unit cover is attached to cover the outer peripheral surface of these constant velocity universal joint and boot, so that the joint assembly is protected and the constant velocity It is possible to prevent the universal joint from being inclined by its own weight.

  Preferably, as in the invention described in claim 2, if the unit cover is formed by being divided in the radial direction, the assembly of the unit cover can be simplified.

  More preferably, as in the invention according to claim 3, if the outer peripheral surface of the unit cover is formed in a streamlined shape with a recessed central portion in the axial direction, the assembly property of the axle module to the knuckle is further improved. In addition, the weight and size can be reduced, and the workability is further improved.

  In the invention according to claim 4 of the present invention, a vehicle body mounting flange and a fitting surface which are attached to a knuckle constituting a suspension device are formed on the outer periphery, and a double row outer rolling surface is formed on the inner periphery. A hub wheel having an outer member formed integrally with a wheel mounting flange for mounting a wheel at one end, and one inner rolling surface facing the outer rolling surface of the double row formed on the outer periphery; And an inner member formed of an inner ring or an outer joint member of the constant velocity universal joint, which is fitted to the hub wheel and has an inner ring surface formed on the outer periphery and facing the outer surface of the double row. A wheel bearing having a plurality of rolling elements housed between the inner member and the outer member so as to be able to roll, and a fixed type constant velocity freely connected to the hub wheel so as to transmit torque. A joint, a drive shaft with one end connected to the constant velocity universal joint, An axle module having a joint assembly including a sliding type constant velocity universal joint connected to the other end of a drive shaft, wherein an elastomer is formed by injection molding, and an inner peripheral surface is the pair of constant velocity universal joints A cylindrical unit cover is mounted so as to cover the outer peripheral surface of the constant velocity universal joint and the boot, and the outer diameter of the fitting surface of the outer member. Is formed larger in diameter than the outer diameter of the unit cover.

  Thus, in an axle module having a wheel bearing for rotatably supporting a wheel and a joint assembly connected to the wheel bearing, an elastomer is formed by injection molding, and an inner peripheral surface thereof is a pair of the pair. The constant velocity universal joint and the boot are formed to follow the outer shape, and a cylindrical unit cover is mounted to cover the outer peripheral surface of the constant velocity universal joint and the boot, and the fitting surface of the outer member The outer diameter of the unit cover is larger than the outer diameter of the unit cover, making handling easier during assembly and transportation, improving assembly workability to the vehicle, and simplifying assembly and transportation. The illustrated axle module can be provided.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the inner member comprises an outer joint member integrally including the hub wheel and a hollow shaft portion fitted into the hub wheel, and the inner diameter of the hub wheel is Since the hardened concavo-convex part is formed, and the shaft part is expanded in diameter and digged into the concavo-convex part, the hub wheel and the outer joint member are integrally plastically bonded. Because it is not necessary to control the preload by tightening firmly with a nut, etc., it is possible to reduce the weight and size, improve the strength and durability of the hub wheel, and maintain the preload for a long time Can do. Furthermore, the ease of incorporation into the vehicle can be further simplified.

  A joint assembly according to the present invention is a joint assembly including a pair of constant velocity universal joints and a drive shaft connected to the constant velocity universal joints, and one constant velocity universal joint of the pair of constant velocity universal joints. The universal joint has an outer joint member formed with a plurality of axially extending track grooves having curved portions on the inner periphery, a joint inner ring formed on the outer periphery with track grooves facing the track grooves, and both the track grooves. A torque transmission ball respectively accommodated in a ball track formed by the above, a cage for holding the torque transmission ball in a freely rolling manner, a drive shaft having one end connected to the joint inner ring, and the drive shaft and the outer joint. A fixed type constant velocity universal joint provided with a boot mounted on the outer peripheral portion of the opening side of the member; In the joint assembly in which the other constant velocity universal joint is formed of a sliding type constant velocity universal joint connected to the other end of the drive shaft, an elastomer is formed by injection molding, and an inner peripheral surface is the pair. These constant velocity universal joints and boots are shaped to follow the outer shape of the boot, and a cylindrical unit cover is attached to cover the outer peripheral surfaces of these constant velocity universal joints and boots, thus protecting the joint assembly At the same time, the constant velocity universal joint can be prevented from being inclined by its own weight.

  Further, the axle module according to the present invention is an outer member in which a vehicle body mounting flange and a fitting surface that are attached to a knuckle constituting a suspension device are formed on the outer periphery, and a double row outer rolling surface is formed on the inner periphery. And a hub wheel integrally having a wheel mounting flange for mounting a wheel at one end, and one inner rolling surface facing the outer rolling surface of the double row on the outer periphery, and the hub wheel An inner member formed of an inner ring or an outer joint member of the constant velocity universal joint that is fitted and has the other inner rolling surface facing the outer rolling surface of the double row on the outer periphery, and the inner member A wheel bearing having a plurality of rolling elements housed between the outer member and the outer member, a fixed constant velocity universal joint connected to the hub wheel so as to transmit torque, and A drive shaft with one end connected to a constant velocity universal joint; In an axle module having a joint assembly composed of a sliding type constant velocity universal joint connected to the other end of the drive shaft, an elastomer is formed by injection molding and an inner peripheral surface is the pair of constant velocity universal A cylindrical unit cover is formed so as to cover the outer peripheral surface of the constant velocity universal joint and the boot, and the outer surface of the fitting surface of the outer member is formed. Since the diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the unit cover, handling during assembly and transportation becomes easier, improving the assembly workability to the vehicle and simplifying assembly and transportation. Axle modules can be provided.

  A vehicle body mounting flange that is attached to a knuckle that constitutes a suspension device and a fitting surface are formed on the outer periphery, an outer member having a double row outer rolling surface formed on the inner periphery, and a wheel for attaching a wheel to one end. A hub wheel integrally having a wheel mounting flange and formed with one inner rolling surface facing the outer rolling surface of the double row on the outer periphery, and fitted to the hub wheel, and the double row on the outer periphery. An inner member formed of an inner ring formed with the other inner rolling surface facing the outer rolling surface or an outer joint member of the constant velocity universal joint, and the inner member and the outer member. A wheel bearing provided with a plurality of rolling elements accommodated freely, a fixed type constant velocity universal joint connected to the hub wheel so as to transmit torque, and one end connected to the constant velocity universal joint Drive shaft and sliding connected to the other end of this drive shaft In an axle module having a joint assembly composed of a constant velocity universal joint, an elastomer is formed by injection molding, and an inner peripheral surface has a shape following the outer shape of the pair of constant velocity universal joints and boots, and A cylindrical unit cover is formed so as to cover the outer peripheral surfaces of the pair of constant velocity universal joints and the boot, and the outer diameter of the fitting surface of the outer member is the unit. The cover is formed larger in diameter than the outer diameter.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an embodiment of an axle module according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a method of assembling the unit cover of FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another unit cover, FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing an assembly method of the axle module and the knuckle of FIG. 1, and FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing another assembly method. In the following description, the side closer to the outer side of the vehicle when assembled to the vehicle is referred to as the outboard side (left side in the drawing), and the side closer to the center is referred to as the inboard side (right side in the drawing).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the axle module includes a pair of constant velocity universal joints 1 and 2, and a constant velocity universal joint 1 and a wheel (not shown) on the outboard side of the pair of constant velocity universal joints 1 and 2. ) In a unitary manner, a drive bearing 4 connected to a pair of constant velocity universal joints 1 and 2, and a pair of constant velocity universal joints 1 2 and a unit cover 5 that protects the drive shaft 4.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the double row rolling bearing 3 constituting the wheel bearing device includes an inner member 8 including a hub wheel 6 and an outer joint member 7 of the constant velocity universal joint 1, and the inner member. 8 is composed of an outer member 10 extrapolated via double-row rolling elements (balls) 9 and 9, and has a configuration called a so-called fourth generation. The hub wheel 6 is formed of medium carbon steel containing carbon of 0.40 to 0.80 wt% such as S53C, and integrally includes a wheel mounting flange 11 for mounting the wheel to the end portion on the outboard side, One (outboard side) inner rolling surface 6a and a cylindrical small-diameter step portion 6b extending in the axial direction from the inner rolling surface 6a are formed, and the inner circumference has a surface hardness of 54 to 60 by heat treatment. The uneven | corrugated | grooved part 12 which hardened in the range of 64HRC is formed. As the heat treatment, local heating is preferable, and quenching by high-frequency induction heating that can set the hardened layer depth relatively easily is preferable. Hub bolts 13 are implanted in the circumferentially equidistant positions of the wheel mounting flange 11.

  The concave and convex portion 12 is formed in the shape of an iris knurl, and is a cross groove formed by a plurality of annular grooves formed independently by turning or the like and a plurality of axial grooves formed by broaching or the like substantially orthogonal to each other. Alternatively, it consists of a cross groove composed of spiral grooves inclined with respect to each other. Further, in order to ensure good biting property, the tip of the concavo-convex portion 12 has a spire shape such as a triangular shape.

  The outer member 10 is formed of medium carbon steel containing 0.40 to 0.80 wt% of carbon such as S53C, and a vehicle body mounting flange 10b for mounting on a knuckle (not shown) constituting a suspension device is integrally formed on the outer periphery. In the inner periphery, double row outer rolling surfaces 10a and 10a are formed. And the predetermined | prescribed hardened layer is formed in the range whose surface hardness is 58-64HRC by the induction hardening of these double row outer side rolling surfaces 10a and 10a.

  The constant velocity universal joint 1 includes an outer joint member 7, a joint inner ring 14, a cage 15, and a torque transmission ball 16. This outer joint member 7 is made of medium carbon steel containing 0.40 to 0.80 wt% of carbon such as S53C, and has a cup-shaped mouth portion 18 having a resin boot 17 attached to the outer periphery on the opening side, A shoulder portion 19 that forms the bottom of the mouse portion 18 and has the other (inboard side) inner rolling surface 7a formed on the outer periphery, and a hollow shaft portion 20 that extends in the axial direction from the shoulder portion 19 are integrated. Have. On the outer periphery of the shaft portion 20, there are an inrow portion 20a fitted into the small diameter step portion 6b of the hub wheel 6 through a predetermined radial clearance, and a fitting portion 20b extending in the axial direction from the inrow portion 20a. It is integrally formed. The end cap 21 attached to the inner periphery of the boot 17 and the shoulder 19 prevents leakage of grease sealed in the mouse portion 18 and prevents rainwater, dust, etc. from entering the joint from the outside. .

  In addition, eight curved track grooves 18 a extending in the axial direction are formed on the inner periphery of the mouse portion 18, and eight track grooves 14 a facing the track grooves 18 a are formed on the outer periphery of the joint inner ring 14. Has been. A torque transmission ball 16 is accommodated between the track grooves 18a and 14a. In the outer joint member 7, a predetermined hardened layer is formed in the track groove 18 a, the shoulder portion 19, and the shaft portion 20 with a surface hardness in the range of 58 to 64 HRC. The fitting portion 20b of the shaft portion 20 is left unquenched raw.

  Between the double row inner raceway surfaces 6a and 7a of the inner member 8 and the double row outer raceway surfaces 10a and 10a of the outer member 10, double row rolling elements 9 and 9 are accommodated, respectively. 22 and 22 are held so as to roll freely. Seals 23 and 24 are attached to the opening portion of the annular space formed between the outer member 10 and the hub wheel 6 and the outer joint member 7, and leakage of the lubricating grease sealed inside the bearing and from the outside Rain water and dust are prevented from entering the bearing.

  Here, the shaft portion 20 of the outer joint member 7 is fitted into the hub wheel 6 until the shoulder portion 19 abuts against the small-diameter step portion 6b of the hub wheel 6 and is brought into a butted state. A diameter expansion jig (not shown) is pushed in to expand the diameter of the fitting portion 20b, the fitting portion 20b is bitten into the uneven portion 12 of the hub wheel 6 and caulked, and the hub wheel 6 and the outer joint member 7 are connected. It is plastically joined together. As a result, it is not necessary to control the preload by tightening firmly with a nut or the like as in the prior art, so that the weight and size can be reduced, the strength and durability of the hub wheel 6 can be improved, and the length can be increased. The amount of preload can be maintained for a period. Furthermore, it has the feature that it can be easily incorporated into a vehicle.

  On the outer periphery of the hub wheel 6, the surface hardness of the seal land, the inner rolling surface 6a, and the small-diameter step portion 6b with which the seal lip of the seal 23 on the outboard side slides is predetermined within a range of 58 to 64 HRC by induction hardening. The hardened layer is formed. Thereby, not only the wear resistance of the seal land portion is improved, but also the strength and durability of the hub wheel 6 itself against a moment load or the like is improved. Further, the fitting portion 20b to be expanded is an unquenched portion having a forged material surface hardness of 24 HRC or less, and the hardness difference from the surface hardness 54 to 64 HRC of the uneven portion 12 of the hub wheel 6 is 30 HRC or more. It is preferable to set to. Thereby, the fitting part 20b can bite into the uneven part 12 easily and deeply, and both can be firmly plastically bonded without collapsing the tip of the uneven part 12.

  Further, when the outer diameter of the fitting surface 10c of the outer member 10 fitted to the inner diameter of the knuckle is Da, and the maximum outer diameter of the joint assembly 32 described later, here, the outer diameter of the unit cover 5 is Db. , Da ≧ Db is set. As a result, the double row rolling bearing 3 and the constant velocity universal joint 1 can be assembled in advance and then assembled to the knuckle, further improving the workability of the assembly to the vehicle and the workability of inspection and repair. Will also improve.

  Although the compact type constant velocity universal joint 1 having eight balls is illustrated here, the outer diameter Db of the unit cover 5 attached to the constant velocity universal joint 1 is not limited to this. The constant velocity universal joint may be a general constant velocity universal joint composed of six balls as long as it is set to be equal to or smaller than the outer diameter Da of the fitting surface 10c. Furthermore, the constant velocity universal joint may be a fixed type, and the track groove is not limited to a curved shape, and may be a constant velocity universal joint such as a track groove having a straight portion, a so-called undercut free type.

  As shown in FIG. 1, one end of the drive shaft 4 is fitted into a joint inner ring 14 of the constant velocity universal joint 1 on the outboard side via a serration 14b, and the other end is connected to a differential (not shown). The sliding type constant velocity universal joint 2 is fitted into the tripod member 26 via a serration 26b.

  This inboard side constant velocity universal joint 2 which is a sliding type includes an outer joint member 25, a tripod member 26 having three leg shafts 26a provided on the outer periphery of the joint member 26, and these leg shafts 26a. And a roller 28 rotatably inserted through a needle roller bearing 27. The outer joint member 25 is formed of a medium carbon steel containing carbon of 0.40 to 0.80 wt% such as S53C, and a cylindrical outer tube portion 29 having an outer periphery formed in a flower shape, and a bottom portion of the outer tube portion 29 And a shaft portion 30 extending in the axial direction. A serration 30 a that is internally fitted in a differential is formed at the end of the shaft portion 30.

  Further, three linear track grooves 29a extending in the axial direction are formed on the inner periphery of the outer cylindrical portion 29, and the roller 28 rolls on the track grooves 29a. In the outer joint member 25, a predetermined hardened layer is formed in the track groove 29 a and the shaft portion 30 with a surface hardness of 58 to 64 HRC by induction hardening. A boot 31 made of synthetic rubber or the like is attached to the outer periphery of the outer cylinder portion 29 on the opening side, and leakage of grease sealed in the outer cylinder portion 29 and rainwater, dust, etc. enter the joint from the outside. Is preventing. Here, the tripod type is illustrated for the constant velocity universal joint 2 on the inboard side. However, the invention is not limited to this, and a sliding type constant velocity universal joint may be used. It may be a double offset type constant velocity universal joint (DOJ) using

  In the present embodiment, the outer joint members 7 and 25 of the pair of constant velocity universal joints 1 and 2 are provided with outer peripheral portions of the constant velocity universal joints 1 and 2 and the drive shaft 4 (hereinafter referred to as a joint assembly 32). A covering cylindrical unit cover 5 is attached. The unit cover 5 is formed by injection molding an elastomer such as PA (polyamide) 66, and is divided into two parts including an upper cover 5a and a lower cover 5b as shown in FIG. The outer peripheral surface is formed in a straight cylindrical surface, and the inner peripheral surface is formed in a shape following the outer shape of the outer joint members 7 and 25 and the boots 17 and 31. As a result, the joint assembly 32 can be protected, and the constant velocity universal joints 1 and 2 can be prevented from being tilted by their own weight, which makes handling easier during assembly and transportation. Therefore, it is possible to provide an axle module that improves the assembly workability to the vehicle and simplifies assembly and transportation.

  In this example, the unit cover 5 is divided into two parts in the upper and lower directions. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any structure that divides in the radial direction and can be mounted from the outside of the joint assembly 32 is possible. Alternatively, a hinge may be provided on one of the divided surfaces in a two-divided structure, and the divided surface may be freely opened with the hinge as a fulcrum. Examples of the unit cover 5 include POM (polyacetal), PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), etc., in addition to the above-described PA66. Any material can be used as long as it is low cost and has good moldability, and may be an elastic member such as synthetic rubber having a predetermined rigidity.

  Furthermore, the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the unit cover 5 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be, for example, as shown in FIG. The unit cover 33 has an inner peripheral surface formed in a shape that follows the outer shape of the outer joint members 7 and 25 and the boots 17 and 31, as in the unit cover 5 described above. It is formed in a streamlined shape with concave parts. By adopting such a shape, not only the assembly property of the axle module to the knuckle can be improved, but also the weight and size can be reduced, and the workability is further improved.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing a method of attaching the knuckle N to the axle module including the wheel bearing device including the joint assembly 32. However, since the unit cover 5 described above is attached to the joint assembly 32, it is freely adjustable. The angle is stabilized without the joints 1 and 2 being inclined by their own weight. Accordingly, the knuckle N is sequentially and smoothly inserted from the outer peripheral portion of the constant velocity universal joint 2 on the inboard side to the vehicle body mounting flange 10b of the outer member 10 along the outer peripheral surface of the unit cover 5 as shown by the arrows. be able to. Furthermore, contamination and damage to the axle module can be prevented, and the corner module and vehicle assembly can be installed as they are.

  Next, a method of assembling the axle module in a state where the knuckle N is fixed to the suspension device will be described with reference to FIG. In this case, the unit cover 5 uses only the lower cover 5b. That is, the lower cover 5b is attached to the joint assembly 32, and the lower cover 5b is brought into contact with the inner diameter portion of the knuckle N in a state where the constant velocity universal joints 1 and 2 are prevented from being inclined due to their own weight, and the knuckle N is slid. The axle module is inserted into the knuckle N as shown by the arrow. Thereby, the weight of the axle module itself can be reduced, the radial space between the knuckle N and the axle module is increased, and the assembly workability is further improved.

  In the present embodiment, the wheel bearing device has exemplified the fourth generation structure in which the hub wheel 6, the double row rolling bearing 3 and the constant velocity universal joint 1 are configured as a unit, but the unit cover 5 according to the present invention is as follows. Since it is intended to improve the protection and handling of the joint assembly 32, the wheel bearing is, for example, for a wheel of a third generation structure in which a constant velocity universal joint is detachably connected via a serration or the like. It may be a bearing.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and is merely an example, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Of course, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the description of the scope of claims, and further, the equivalent meanings described in the scope of claims and all modifications within the scope of the scope of the present invention are included. Including.

  The unit cover according to the present invention is attached to a constant velocity universal joint constituting a power transmission device such as an automobile and a drive shaft connected thereto, and improves the protection and handling of the constant velocity universal joint. Regardless of the structure and specifications of the constant velocity universal joint and the wheel bearing connected to the constant velocity universal joint, the invention can be applied to any power transmission device unit.

It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows one Embodiment of the axle module with which the unit cover which concerns on this invention was mounted | worn. It is a principal part enlarged view of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the assembly method of the unit cover of FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows another unit cover. It is explanatory drawing which shows the assembly method of the axle module of FIG. 1, and a knuckle. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other assembly method same as the above. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows an example of the power transmission device incorporating the bearing apparatus for drive wheels. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the axle module with which the conventional unit cover was mounted | worn.

Explanation of symbols

1, 2, ... Constant velocity universal joint 3 ... Double row rolling bearing 4 ... Drive shaft 5, 33 ... Unit cover 5a ... Upper cover 5b・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Lower cover 6 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Hub wheel 6a, 7a ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・Inner rolling surface 6b ... Small diameter step 7, 25 ... Outer joint member 8 ...・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Inner member 9 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Rolling element 10 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Outer member 10a ············ Outside rolling surface 10b 10c ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Fitting surface 11 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Wheel mounting flange 12 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・·········································································································· .... Track grooves 14b, 26b ... Serration 15 ... Cage 16 ... ... Torque transmission balls 17, 31 ... Boot 18 ... Mouse 19 ...・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Shoulder 20, 30 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Shaft 20a ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ In-row 20b ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・..... Fitting part 21 ... ... End cap 22 ... Cage 23, 24 ... Seal 26 ... ········································································································ Needle roller bearings 28・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Roller 29 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Outer cylinder 32 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Fitting assembly 50 ... Outer member 50a ... Outer rolling surface 50b ... ... Car body mounting flange 50c ... Fitting surface 51 ... Ball 52 ... .... Wheel mounting flange 53 ...・ Hub wheels 53a, 54a ... inner rolling surface 54 ... outer joint member 55 ... ... inner members 56, 58 ... constant velocity universal joint 57 ... unit covers 57a, 57b ...・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Reduced diameter parts 59, 100 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Drive shaft 101 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Sliding type constant velocity universal joint 102・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Differential 103 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Fixed constant velocity universal joint 104 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・・ Bearing device for driving wheel 105 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Wheel 106 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Wheel bearing Da ・ ・ ・..... Diameter Db ············ Maximum outer diameter of joint assembly JA ··········· Fitting assembly N ··· ········knuckle

Claims (5)

A joint assembly comprising a pair of constant velocity universal joints and a drive shaft connected to these constant velocity universal joints,
One of the pair of constant velocity universal joints, an outer joint member in which a plurality of track grooves extending in the axial direction having a curved portion on the inner periphery is formed;
A joint inner ring in which a track groove facing the track groove is formed on the outer periphery;
Torque transmitting balls respectively accommodated in ball tracks formed by the both track grooves;
A cage that holds the torque transmission ball in a freely rolling manner;
A drive shaft having one end connected to the joint inner ring;
It is composed of a fixed type constant velocity universal joint provided with this drive shaft and a boot mounted on the opening side outer peripheral portion of the outer joint member,
In the joint assembly, in which the other constant velocity universal joint of the pair of constant velocity universal joints is configured by a sliding type constant velocity universal joint connected to the other end of the drive shaft.
An elastomer is formed by injection molding, and an inner peripheral surface is formed in a shape following the outer shape of the pair of constant velocity universal joints and boots, and a cylinder is formed so as to cover the outer peripheral surfaces of these constant velocity universal joints and boots. A joint assembly characterized by a unit cover attached.   The joint assembly according to claim 1, wherein the unit cover is formed by being divided in a radial direction.   The joint assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an outer peripheral surface of the unit cover is formed in a streamlined shape with a recessed central portion in the axial direction. A vehicle body mounting flange that is attached to a knuckle that constitutes a suspension device on the outer periphery and a fitting surface are formed, and an outer member that is formed with a double row outer rolling surface on the inner periphery,
A hub wheel integrally having a wheel mounting flange for mounting a wheel at one end, and having one inner rolling surface facing the outer rolling surface of the double row on the outer periphery, and fitted to this hub wheel An inner member formed of an inner ring or an outer joint member of the constant velocity universal joint formed on the outer periphery with the other inner rolling surface facing the outer rolling surface of the double row,
A wheel bearing comprising a plurality of rolling elements housed between the inner member and the outer member so as to roll freely;
The axle module comprising the joint assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the axle assembly is coupled to the hub wheel so as to transmit torque.
An axle module, wherein an outer diameter of a fitting surface of the outer member is formed larger than an outer diameter of the unit cover.   The inner member is composed of an outer joint member that integrally has the hub wheel and a hollow shaft portion fitted inside the hub wheel, and an uneven portion that is hardened on the inner diameter of the hub wheel is formed. The axle module according to claim 4, wherein the hub ring and the outer joint member are integrally plastically bonded by expanding the diameter of the shaft portion and biting into the uneven portion.

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