JP2007192340A - Expandable shaft - Google Patents

Expandable shaft Download PDF

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Publication number
JP2007192340A
JP2007192340A JP2006012007A JP2006012007A JP2007192340A JP 2007192340 A JP2007192340 A JP 2007192340A JP 2006012007 A JP2006012007 A JP 2006012007A JP 2006012007 A JP2006012007 A JP 2006012007A JP 2007192340 A JP2007192340 A JP 2007192340A
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Japan
Prior art keywords
shaft
inner shaft
locking
holding
axial
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JP2006012007A
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Japanese (ja)
Inventor
Shigetaka Kaname
茂孝 金目
Tomoji Sumiya
智司 角谷
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JTEKT Corp
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JTEKT Corp
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Priority to JP2006012007A priority Critical patent/JP2007192340A/en
Publication of JP2007192340A publication Critical patent/JP2007192340A/en
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    • 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
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C33/00—Parts of bearings; Special methods for making bearings or parts thereof
    • F16C33/30—Parts of ball or roller bearings
    • F16C33/38—Ball cages
    • F16C33/40—Ball cages for multiple rows of balls
    • 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
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C29/00—Bearings for parts moving only linearly
    • F16C29/12—Arrangements for adjusting play
    • F16C29/123—Arrangements for adjusting play using elastic means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D3/00—Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive
    • F16D3/02—Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive adapted to specific functions
    • F16D3/06—Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive adapted to specific functions specially adapted to allow axial displacement
    • F16D3/065—Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive adapted to specific functions specially adapted to allow axial displacement by means of rolling elements
    • 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
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C2326/00—Articles relating to transporting
    • F16C2326/20—Land vehicles
    • F16C2326/24—Steering systems, e.g. steering rods or columns
    • 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
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C29/00—Bearings for parts moving only linearly
    • F16C29/04—Ball or roller bearings
    • 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
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C3/00—Shafts; Axles; Cranks; Eccentrics
    • F16C3/02—Shafts; Axles
    • F16C3/03—Shafts; Axles telescopic
    • F16C3/035—Shafts; Axles telescopic with built-in bearings

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Steering Controls (AREA)
  • Bearings For Parts Moving Linearly (AREA)

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an expandable shaft capable of preventing falling-off of a rolling body with a simple structure. <P>SOLUTION: A ball 14 is interposed between grooves 15 and 16 in the axial direction of an outer shaft 13 and an inner shaft 12. A holder 17 holding the ball 14 has a plurality of long size holding parts 30 respectively holding the ball 14 of respective pairs of grooves 15 and 16 in the axial direction. A connecting part 31 of mutually connecting mutual one end parts 30a of the holding parts 30, abuts on an end surface 121 of the inner shaft 12. A locking claw 33 formed in the other end part 30b of the respective holding parts 30, is locked on a step part 43 as a locking part arranged in a tail end position of the axial groove 15 of the inner shaft 12. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、内軸および外軸を転動体を介して軸方向に相対移動可能に且つトルク伝達可能に連結してなる伸縮自在シャフトに関する。   The present invention relates to a telescopic shaft formed by connecting an inner shaft and an outer shaft via a rolling element so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction and capable of transmitting torque.

上記の伸縮自在シャフトは、例えば自動車のステアリングシャフトとして用いられる。 また、伸縮自在シャフトは、例えば自動車のステアリングシャフトとラックアンドピニオン機構等の舵取り機構とを接続する中間軸（インターミディエイトシャフト）として用いられる。この場合、伸縮機能は、車両走行時のステアリングギヤとコラムの相対変位を吸収するための中間軸の長さ調整に用いられ、あるいは、組付時の中間軸の長さ調整に用いられる。   The above-mentioned telescopic shaft is used as, for example, an automobile steering shaft. The telescopic shaft is used as an intermediate shaft that connects, for example, a steering shaft of an automobile and a steering mechanism such as a rack and pinion mechanism. In this case, the telescopic function is used for adjusting the length of the intermediate shaft for absorbing the relative displacement between the steering gear and the column when the vehicle is traveling, or for adjusting the length of the intermediate shaft during assembly.

この種の伸縮自在シャフトにおいて、内軸および筒状の外軸の対応する軸方向溝間に複数の転動自在なボールを介在させて、両軸を嵌合させる伸縮自在シャフトが提案されている（例えば特許文献１）。
伸縮自在シャフトが伸長するときには、軸方向溝内でのボールの転動を伴って、内軸と外軸が軸方向に相対移動する。通例、ボールは保持器によって保持されている。この保持器は、内軸および外軸の何れにも固定されておらず、ボールと同行移動するようになっている。このため、転動により保持器とともに移動したボールが、軸方向溝から脱落するおそれがある。
特開２００４−１０６５９９号公報 In this type of telescopic shaft, a telescopic shaft has been proposed in which a plurality of rollable balls are interposed between corresponding axial grooves of the inner shaft and the cylindrical outer shaft, and both shafts are fitted. (For example, patent document 1).
When the telescopic shaft extends, the inner shaft and the outer shaft relatively move in the axial direction with the rolling of the ball in the axial groove. Typically, the ball is held by a cage. This cage is not fixed to either the inner shaft or the outer shaft, and moves together with the ball. For this reason, the ball moved together with the cage by rolling may fall out of the axial groove.
JP 2004-106599 A

上記のようなボールの脱落を防止するために、内軸の端部の凸部にストッパプレートをかしめて固定したり（特許文献１参照）、凸部に保持されたストッパプレートをスナップリング等で位置決めして抜け止めすることが必要となる。したがって、構造が複雑となり、また、製造コストが高くなるという問題がある。
本発明は上記課題に鑑みてなされたものであり、簡便な構造で転動体の脱落を防止することができる伸縮自在シャフトを提供することを目的とする。 In order to prevent the balls from falling off, a stopper plate is caulked and fixed to the convex portion at the end of the inner shaft (see Patent Document 1), or the stopper plate held by the convex portion is secured with a snap ring or the like. It is necessary to position and prevent it from coming off. Therefore, there is a problem that the structure becomes complicated and the manufacturing cost increases.
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a telescopic shaft that can prevent the rolling elements from falling off with a simple structure.

上記課題を解決するため、本発明は、互いに嵌め合わされた内軸および筒状の外軸と、内軸の外周面および外軸の内周面に形成され、互いに対向する複数対の軸方向溝と、互いに対向する軸方向溝間に、軸方向溝の延びる方向に列をなして配置された転動体と、転動体を保持する保持器とを備え、保持器は、各対の軸方向溝の転動体をそれぞれ保持する長尺の複数の保持部と、これらの保持部の一端部間を互いに接続した接続部と、各保持部の他端部に形成された係止爪とを含み、上記接続部が内軸の端面に当接し、上記係止爪が、内軸の軸方向溝の終端位置に設けられた係止部に係止していることを特徴とするものである。   In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a plurality of pairs of axial grooves formed on an inner shaft and a cylindrical outer shaft that are fitted to each other, an outer peripheral surface of the inner shaft, and an inner peripheral surface of the outer shaft, and facing each other. And rolling elements arranged in a row in a direction in which the axial grooves extend between the axial grooves facing each other, and cages that hold the rolling elements, and the cages are each pair of axial grooves. A plurality of long holding portions that respectively hold the rolling elements, a connection portion that connects one end portions of these holding portions to each other, and a locking claw formed at the other end portion of each holding portion, The connecting portion is in contact with an end surface of the inner shaft, and the locking claw is locked to a locking portion provided at a terminal position of the axial groove of the inner shaft.

本発明では、各対の軸方向溝の転動体を一括して保持する保持器が、内軸に対して軸方向移動しないように規制されているので、軸方向溝からの転動体の脱落を確実に防止することができる。しかも、保持器の移動規制に、保持器の各保持部の一端部間を接続する接続部と、各保持部の他端の係止爪とを利用するので、構造が簡単で製造コストを安くすることができる。   In the present invention, since the cage that collectively holds the rolling elements of each pair of axial grooves is regulated so as not to move in the axial direction with respect to the inner shaft, the rolling elements are prevented from falling off the axial grooves. It can be surely prevented. Moreover, since the connection of the one end of each retainer of the retainer and the engaging claw at the other end of each retainer are used for restricting the movement of the retainer, the structure is simple and the manufacturing cost is low. can do.

上記内軸は、上記軸方向溝が形成された相対的に径の大きい大径部と、大径部に隣接し相対的に径の小さい小径部と、大径部および小径部の間に形成された段部とを含み、上記保持器の係止爪を係止する上記係止部は、上記段部に設けられている場合がある。この場合、もともと内軸に設けられている段部を、係止爪を係止するための係止部として利用できるので、別途に係止部材を設ける場合と比較して、構造が簡単で安価である。   The inner shaft is formed between a large-diameter portion having a relatively large diameter formed with the axial groove, a small-diameter portion having a relatively small diameter adjacent to the large-diameter portion, and the large-diameter portion and the small-diameter portion. The locking portion that includes the stepped portion and locks the locking claw of the cage may be provided on the stepped portion. In this case, since the step portion originally provided on the inner shaft can be used as a locking portion for locking the locking claw, the structure is simple and inexpensive compared to the case where a separate locking member is provided. It is.

また、内軸の軸方向溝に配置されて、転動体を外軸の軸方向溝に弾性的に付勢する長尺の弾性部材を用いる場合、その弾性部材の一対の端部を保持器の接続部および係止爪にそれぞれ当接させることにより、弾性部材の、内軸に対する軸方向移動が、保持器によって規制されるようにしてもよい。   Further, when using a long elastic member that is disposed in the axial groove of the inner shaft and elastically biases the rolling element to the axial groove of the outer shaft, the pair of ends of the elastic member are connected to the cage. You may make it the axial direction movement with respect to an inner axis | shaft of an elastic member be controlled by a holder | retainer by making it contact | abut to a connection part and a latching claw, respectively.

本発明の好ましい実施の形態の添付図面を参照しつつ説明する。
図１は本発明の一実施の形態の伸縮自在シャフトが中間軸に適用された車両用操舵装置の概略構成図である。車両用操舵装置１は、ステアリングホイール等の操舵部材２に連結しているステアリングシャフト３と、ステアリングシャフト３に自在継手４を介して連結される伸縮自在シャフトとしての中間軸５と、中間軸５に自在継手６を介して連結されるピニオン軸７と、ピニオン軸７の端部近傍に設けられたピニオン歯７ａに噛み合うラック歯８ａを有して自動車の幅方向に延びる転舵軸としてのラックバー８とを有している。ピニオン軸７およびラックバー８によりラックアンドピニオン機構によって操舵機構５０が提供されている。 A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle steering apparatus in which a telescopic shaft according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to an intermediate shaft. The vehicle steering apparatus 1 includes a steering shaft 3 connected to a steering member 2 such as a steering wheel, an intermediate shaft 5 as a telescopic shaft connected to the steering shaft 3 via a universal joint 4, and an intermediate shaft 5 A rack as a steered shaft extending in the width direction of the automobile, having a pinion shaft 7 connected to the vehicle through a universal joint 6 and rack teeth 8a meshing with pinion teeth 7a provided in the vicinity of the end of the pinion shaft 7 Bar 8. A steering mechanism 50 is provided by a rack and pinion mechanism by the pinion shaft 7 and the rack bar 8.

本実施の形態では、伸縮自在シャフトを中間軸５に適用した場合に則して説明するが、本発明の伸縮自在シャフトをステアリングシャフト３に適用し、ステアリングシャフト３にテレスコピック調整機能や衝撃吸収機能を果たさせるようにしてもよい。
ラックバー８は車体に固定されるハウジング９内に図示しない複数の軸受を介して直線往復動自在に支持されている。ラックバー８の両端部はハウジング９の両側へ突出し、各端部にはそれぞれタイロッド１０Ａが結合されている。各タイロッド１０Ａは対応するナックルアーム１０Ｂを介して対応する操向輪１１に連結されている。 In the present embodiment, the description will be made in the case where the telescopic shaft is applied to the intermediate shaft 5, but the telescopic shaft of the present invention is applied to the steering shaft 3, and the telescopic adjustment function and the impact absorbing function are applied to the steering shaft 3. May be fulfilled.
The rack bar 8 is supported in a housing 9 fixed to the vehicle body so as to be capable of linear reciprocation through a plurality of bearings (not shown). Both ends of the rack bar 8 protrude to both sides of the housing 9, and tie rods 10A are coupled to the respective ends. Each tie rod 10A is connected to a corresponding steering wheel 11 via a corresponding knuckle arm 10B.

中間軸５は、アッパーシャフトとしての内軸１２と、ロワーシャフトとしての筒状の外軸１３とを軸方向Ｘ１に沿って摺動自在に且つトルク伝達要素としてのボール１４（転動体）を介してトルク伝達可能に嵌め合わせてなる。
次いで、中間軸５の断面図である図２、図２のIII −III 線の沿う断面図である図３、および中間軸５の概略分解斜視図である図４を参照して、中間軸５について詳細に説明する。 The intermediate shaft 5 is slidable along an axial direction X1 between an inner shaft 12 as an upper shaft and a cylindrical outer shaft 13 as a lower shaft via a ball 14 (rolling element) as a torque transmission element. And is fitted so that torque can be transmitted.
Next, referring to FIG. 2, which is a cross-sectional view of the intermediate shaft 5, FIG. 3, which is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4, which is a schematic exploded perspective view of the intermediate shaft 5. Will be described in detail.

図２および図３に示すように、内軸１２の外周面１２ａおよび外軸１３の内周面１３ａには、軸方向Ｘ１に沿って延びる少なくとも一対の軸方向溝１５，１６が形成されている。本実施の形態では、図３に示すように、３対の軸方向溝１５，１６が形成されている場合に則して説明する。軸方向溝１５は内軸１２の周方向に等間隔に配置されているとともに、同様に軸方向溝１６は外軸１３の周方向に等間隔で配置されている。   2 and 3, at least a pair of axial grooves 15 and 16 extending along the axial direction X1 are formed on the outer peripheral surface 12a of the inner shaft 12 and the inner peripheral surface 13a of the outer shaft 13. . In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a description will be given based on the case where three pairs of axial grooves 15 and 16 are formed. The axial grooves 15 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the inner shaft 12. Similarly, the axial grooves 16 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the outer shaft 13.

互いに対をなす軸方向溝１５および軸方向溝１６は、両軸１２，１３の径方向に対向しており、互いに対をなす軸方向溝１５および軸方向溝１６の間には、上記トルク伝達要素としてのボール１４がそれぞれ介在している。ボール１４は、図２に示すように、両軸１２，１３の軸方向に並ぶ列をなしており、列をなすボール１４は、内軸１２に保持された例えば合成樹脂製の保持器１７によって、回転自在に且つ等間隔に保持されている。   The axial groove 15 and the axial groove 16 that are paired with each other are opposed to each other in the radial direction of the shafts 12 and 13, and the torque transmission is performed between the axial groove 15 and the axial groove 16 that are paired with each other. Balls 14 as elements are interposed. As shown in FIG. 2, the balls 14 form a row aligned in the axial direction of both shafts 12 and 13, and the balls 14 forming the rows are held by a retainer 17 made of, for example, a synthetic resin held on the inner shaft 12. , And are held at regular intervals so as to be freely rotatable.

内軸１２は、図４に示すように、上記軸方向溝１５が形成された相対的に径が大きい大径部４１と、大径部４１に隣接する相対的に径の小さい小径部４２とを備えており、また、内軸１２は、大径部４１と小径部４２との間に形成された、後述する係止部を構成する段部４３（図２、図５参照）を備えている。
図３を参照して、内軸の軸方向溝１５には、ボール１４の軌道を形成するための長尺の薄板からなる弾性部材１８が保持されている。一方、外軸１３の軸方向溝１６には、ボール１４の軌道が直接形成されている。上記の弾性部材１８は、ボール１４を内軸１２の径方向外方に向けて、すなわち外軸１３の軸方向溝１６側に向けて付勢しており、これにより、ボール１４は内軸１２と外軸１３との間に弾性的に挟持されている。 As shown in FIG. 4, the inner shaft 12 includes a large-diameter portion 41 having a relatively large diameter in which the axial groove 15 is formed, and a small-diameter portion 42 having a relatively small diameter adjacent to the large-diameter portion 41. Further, the inner shaft 12 includes a step portion 43 (see FIGS. 2 and 5) that is formed between the large diameter portion 41 and the small diameter portion 42 and constitutes a locking portion described later. Yes.
Referring to FIG. 3, an elastic member 18 made of a long thin plate for forming a track of the ball 14 is held in the axial groove 15 of the inner shaft. On the other hand, the track of the ball 14 is directly formed in the axial groove 16 of the outer shaft 13. The elastic member 18 urges the ball 14 outward in the radial direction of the inner shaft 12, that is, toward the axial groove 16 side of the outer shaft 13, whereby the ball 14 is urged toward the inner shaft 12. And the outer shaft 13 are elastically sandwiched.

図４に示すように、上記の弾性部材１８は、内軸１２の軸方向Ｘ１に沿って長く延びボール１４の軌道を形成する樋形状の長尺の本体１９と、本体１９の長手方向に沿って延び、軸方向溝１５の開口の一対の縁部１５ａ，１５ｂにそれぞれ係合する一対の鍔部２０ａ，２０ｂとを有し、全体として断面逆Ω字形形状をなしている。
また、図３に示すように、内軸１２の外周面１２ａには、内軸１２の周方向に隣り合う軸方向溝１５，１５間においてスプライン歯２５が形成され、外軸１３の内周面１３ａには、外軸１３の周方向に隣り合う軸方向溝１６，１６間においてスプライン歯２６が形成されている。両スプライン歯２５，２６によって、伝達トルクが大きいときに内軸１２と外軸１３とを剛的に連結可能な剛性連結要素が提供されている。 As shown in FIG. 4, the elastic member 18 includes an elongate main body 19 that extends along the axial direction X <b> 1 of the inner shaft 12 and forms a track of the ball 14, and a longitudinal direction of the main body 19. And has a pair of flanges 20a and 20b respectively engaged with a pair of edges 15a and 15b of the opening of the axial groove 15, and has a cross-sectional inverted Ω-shape as a whole.
Further, as shown in FIG. 3, spline teeth 25 are formed on the outer peripheral surface 12 a of the inner shaft 12 between the axial grooves 15, 15 adjacent in the circumferential direction of the inner shaft 12, and the inner peripheral surface of the outer shaft 13. In 13a, spline teeth 26 are formed between the axial grooves 16, 16 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the outer shaft 13. The spline teeth 25 and 26 provide a rigid coupling element that can rigidly couple the inner shaft 12 and the outer shaft 13 when the transmission torque is large.

本中間軸５では、内軸１２および外軸１３間に伝達トルクが負荷されていないときや、所定値以下の伝達トルクが負荷されているときには、弾性部材１８によって付勢されたボール１４を介して内軸１２および外軸１３が互いに周方向に弾性的に連結される。このとき、剛性連結要素としての両スプライン歯２５，２６は内軸１２および外軸１３を周方向に連結しておらず、内軸１２および外軸１３の軸方向の相対移動の抵抗が少なくなるようにしてある。また、ボール１４および弾性部材１８を含む弾性連結要素のみを介して両軸１２，１３間にトルクが伝達される。   In the intermediate shaft 5, when the transmission torque is not loaded between the inner shaft 12 and the outer shaft 13, or when a transmission torque of a predetermined value or less is loaded, the intermediate shaft 5 passes through the ball 14 urged by the elastic member 18. The inner shaft 12 and the outer shaft 13 are elastically connected to each other in the circumferential direction. At this time, both the spline teeth 25 and 26 as the rigid connecting elements do not connect the inner shaft 12 and the outer shaft 13 in the circumferential direction, and resistance to relative movement in the axial direction of the inner shaft 12 and the outer shaft 13 is reduced. It is like that. Further, torque is transmitted between the shafts 12 and 13 only through the elastic coupling element including the ball 14 and the elastic member 18.

一方、内軸１２および外軸１３間の伝達トルクが所定値を超えると、弾性部材１８の撓みを伴って内軸１２および外軸１３が微小量相対回転することにより内軸１２のスプライン歯２５と外軸１３のスプライン歯２６が互いに噛み合い、内軸１２と外軸１３とが周方向に関して剛的に連結される。このとき、ボール１４および弾性部材１８を含む弾性連結要素も両軸１２，１３間にトルクを伝達している。   On the other hand, when the transmission torque between the inner shaft 12 and the outer shaft 13 exceeds a predetermined value, the inner shaft 12 and the outer shaft 13 are rotated relative to each other by a minute amount with the bending of the elastic member 18, thereby causing the spline teeth 25 of the inner shaft 12. And the spline teeth 26 of the outer shaft 13 mesh with each other, and the inner shaft 12 and the outer shaft 13 are rigidly connected in the circumferential direction. At this time, the elastic coupling element including the ball 14 and the elastic member 18 also transmits torque between the shafts 12 and 13.

再び、図２および図４を参照して、保持器１７は、軸方向に延びる複数の長尺の保持部３０と、これらの保持部３０の一端部３０ａ間を互いに接続した接続部３１と、各保持部３０の他端部３０ｂに形成された係止爪３３とを備えている。
各保持部３０は、対応する対をなす軸方向溝１５，１６にそれぞれ配置されており、各保持部３０には、対応する対をなす軸方向溝１５，１６のボール１４をそれぞれ転動自在に保持するための保持孔３２が、保持部３０の長手方向に間隔を設けて配置されている。 Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4 again, the cage 17 includes a plurality of elongated holding portions 30 extending in the axial direction, and a connection portion 31 that connects the end portions 30a of the holding portions 30 to each other. The holding claw 33 is formed on the other end 30 b of each holding part 30.
Each holding portion 30 is disposed in a corresponding pair of axial grooves 15 and 16, respectively, and each holding portion 30 is capable of rolling the balls 14 of the corresponding pair of axial grooves 15 and 16, respectively. The holding holes 32 for holding are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the holding portion 30.

接続部３１としては、例えば円板、環状板等を示すことができるが、複数の保持部３０の端部３０ａを互いに接続できれば、その形状はどのようなものでもよい。図２に示すように、接続部３１は、内軸１２の端面１２１に対向し端面１２１に当接している。
このように、接続部３１が内軸１２の端面１２１に当接した状態で、各係止爪３３が、内軸１２の軸方向溝１５の終端位置に設けられた段部４３に係止している。これにより、内軸１２に対する保持器１７の軸方向移動が規制されている。すなわち、内軸１２と保持器１７とは軸方向に相対移動しない。上記の段部４３が、保持器１７の係止爪３３を係止するための係止部を構成している。 For example, a circular plate or an annular plate can be used as the connection portion 31, but any shape may be used as long as the end portions 30 a of the plurality of holding portions 30 can be connected to each other. As shown in FIG. 2, the connecting portion 31 faces the end surface 121 of the inner shaft 12 and abuts on the end surface 121.
Thus, in a state where the connection portion 31 is in contact with the end surface 121 of the inner shaft 12, each locking claw 33 is locked to the step portion 43 provided at the terminal position of the axial groove 15 of the inner shaft 12. ing. Thereby, the axial movement of the cage 17 with respect to the inner shaft 12 is restricted. That is, the inner shaft 12 and the cage 17 do not move relative to each other in the axial direction. Said step part 43 comprises the latching | locking part for latching the latching claw 33 of the holder | retainer 17. FIG.

また、弾性部材１８の一対の端部１８１，１８２は、それぞれ、保持器１７の接続部３１および係止爪３３に当接している。これにより、弾性部材１８は、内軸１２に対する軸方向移動が、保持器１７を介して規制されている。
以上説明した本実施の形態によれば、各対の軸方向溝１５，１６のボール１４を一括して保持する保持器１７が、内軸１２に対して軸方向移動しないように規制されているので、軸方向溝１５，１６からのボール１４の脱落を確実に防止することができる。しかも、保持器１７の移動規制に、保持器１７の各保持部３０の一端部３０ａ間を接続する接続部３１と、各保持部３０の他端部３０ｂの係止爪３３とを利用するので、構造が簡単で製造コストを安くすることができる。 The pair of end portions 181 and 182 of the elastic member 18 are in contact with the connection portion 31 and the locking claw 33 of the retainer 17, respectively. As a result, the elastic member 18 is restricted from moving in the axial direction with respect to the inner shaft 12 via the cage 17.
According to the present embodiment described above, the cage 17 that collectively holds the balls 14 of each pair of axial grooves 15 and 16 is restricted so as not to move in the axial direction with respect to the inner shaft 12. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the ball 14 from dropping from the axial grooves 15 and 16. In addition, since the movement of the cage 17 is restricted, the connection portion 31 that connects the one end portions 30a of the respective holding portions 30 of the cage 17 and the locking claw 33 of the other end portion 30b of each holding portion 30 are used. The structure is simple and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

また、接続部３１を、内軸１２の端面１２１に当接させるとともに、係止爪３３を、内軸１２の大径部４１および小径部４２間の段部４３に係止するようにしており、もともと内軸１２に設けられている段部４３を、係止爪３３を係止するための係止部として利用できるので、別途に係止部材を設ける場合と比較して、構造が簡単で安価である。
さらに、ボール１４を外軸１３の軸方向溝１６に弾性的に付勢するための長尺の弾性部材１８を、保持器１７の接続部３１および係止爪３３に当接させることにより、内軸１２および弾性部材１８の軸方向相対移動が、保持器１７を介して規制される。したがって、弾性部材１８を個別に内軸１２に係止する構造を省略することができ、弾性部材１８および内軸１２に構造を簡素化することができる。 Further, the connecting portion 31 is brought into contact with the end surface 121 of the inner shaft 12, and the locking claw 33 is locked to the stepped portion 43 between the large diameter portion 41 and the small diameter portion 42 of the inner shaft 12. Since the step portion 43 originally provided on the inner shaft 12 can be used as a locking portion for locking the locking claw 33, the structure is simple compared to the case where a locking member is separately provided. Inexpensive.
Further, by bringing a long elastic member 18 for elastically urging the ball 14 into the axial groove 16 of the outer shaft 13 against the connecting portion 31 and the locking claw 33 of the cage 17, The relative movement of the shaft 12 and the elastic member 18 in the axial direction is restricted via the cage 17. Therefore, the structure for individually locking the elastic member 18 to the inner shaft 12 can be omitted, and the structure of the elastic member 18 and the inner shaft 12 can be simplified.

なお、上記の実施の形態において、弾性部材１８を廃止し、外軸１３自体の弾性によって内軸１２と外軸１３との間にボール１４を弾性的に挟持する構造としてもよい。また、内軸１２として中空軸を採用してもよい。   In the above embodiment, the elastic member 18 may be eliminated, and the ball 14 may be elastically sandwiched between the inner shaft 12 and the outer shaft 13 by the elasticity of the outer shaft 13 itself. A hollow shaft may be adopted as the inner shaft 12.

本発明の一実施の形態の伸縮自在シャフトが中間軸に適用されたステアリング装置の模式図である。1 is a schematic view of a steering device in which a telescopic shaft according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to an intermediate shaft. 伸縮自在シャフトとしての中間軸の断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the intermediate shaft as a telescopic shaft. 図２のIII −III 線に沿う断面図である。It is sectional drawing which follows the III-III line of FIG. 内軸、弾性部材、保持器の分解斜視図である。It is a disassembled perspective view of an inner shaft, an elastic member, and a holder. 図２のＶ矢視図である。FIG. 3 is a view taken in the direction of arrow V in FIG.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１… ステアリング装置、２…操舵部材、３…ステアリングシャフト、５…中間軸（伸縮自在シャフト）、１２…内軸、１２ａ…外周面、１３…外軸、１３ａ…内周面、１４…ボール（転動体）、１５，１６…軸方向溝、１７…保持器、１８…弾性部材、３０…保持部、３０ａ…一端部、３０ｂ…他端部、３１…接続部、３３…係止爪、４１…大径部、４２…小径部、４３…段部（係止部）   DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Steering device, 2 ... Steering member, 3 ... Steering shaft, 5 ... Intermediate shaft (expandable shaft), 12 ... Inner shaft, 12a ... Outer peripheral surface, 13 ... Outer shaft, 13a ... Inner peripheral surface, 14 ... Ball ( Rolling elements), 15, 16 ... axial grooves, 17 ... cage, 18 ... elastic member, 30 ... holding part, 30a ... one end part, 30b ... other end part, 31 ... connection part, 33 ... locking claw, 41 ... large diameter part, 42 ... small diameter part, 43 ... step part (locking part)

Claims (2)

互いに嵌め合わされた内軸および筒状の外軸と、
内軸の外周面および外軸の内周面に形成され、互いに対向する複数対の軸方向溝と、
互いに対向する軸方向溝間に、軸方向溝の延びる方向に列をなして配置された転動体と、
転動体を保持する保持器とを備え、
保持器は、各対の軸方向溝の転動体をそれぞれ保持する長尺の複数の保持部と、これらの保持部の一端部間を互いに接続した接続部と、各保持部の他端部に形成された係止爪とを含み、
上記接続部が内軸の端面に当接し、
上記係止爪が、内軸の軸方向溝の終端位置に設けられた係止部に係止していることを特徴とする伸縮自在シャフト。 An inner shaft and a cylindrical outer shaft fitted together,
A plurality of pairs of axial grooves formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner shaft and the inner peripheral surface of the outer shaft and facing each other;
Between the axial grooves facing each other, rolling elements arranged in a row in the extending direction of the axial grooves;
A cage for holding the rolling elements,
The cage includes a plurality of long holding portions that respectively hold the rolling elements of each pair of axial grooves, a connection portion that connects one end portions of these holding portions to each other, and the other end portion of each holding portion. Including a formed locking claw,
The connecting portion abuts against the end surface of the inner shaft,
The telescopic shaft, wherein the locking claw is locked to a locking portion provided at a terminal position of the axial groove of the inner shaft. 請求項１において、上記内軸は、上記軸方向溝が形成された相対的に径の大きい大径部と、大径部に隣接し相対的に径の小さい小径部と、大径部および小径部の間に形成された段部とを含み、
上記保持器の係止爪を係止する上記係止部は、上記段部に設けられていることを特徴とする伸縮自在シャフト。 2. The inner shaft according to claim 1, wherein the inner shaft includes a large-diameter portion having a relatively large diameter in which the axial groove is formed, a small-diameter portion having a relatively small diameter adjacent to the large-diameter portion, and a large-diameter portion and a small-diameter. And a step formed between the parts,
The telescopic shaft, wherein the locking portion for locking the locking claw of the cage is provided in the stepped portion.
JP2006012007A 2006-01-20 2006-01-20 Expandable shaft Pending JP2007192340A (en)

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EP1930610A1 (en) * 2005-09-30 2008-06-11 JTEKT Corporation Telescopable shaft and steering device for vehicle
WO2009051395A1 (en) * 2007-10-15 2009-04-23 Deok Chang Machinery Co., Ltd. Telescopic shaft for vehicle
KR100917046B1 (en) * 2007-10-15 2009-09-10 덕창기계주식회사 Telescopic Shaft for Vehicle
KR100924529B1 (en) 2009-07-31 2009-11-02 덕창기계주식회사 Telescopic Shaft for Vehicle
WO2017018401A1 (en) * 2015-07-27 2017-02-02 日本精工株式会社 Telescopic rotation transmission shaft and method for producing same
WO2023016763A1 (en) * 2021-08-10 2023-02-16 Renault S.A.S. Rotary shaft coupling for enabling an axial movement by means of rolling elements

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WO2003031250A1 (en) * 2001-10-01 2003-04-17 Nsk Ltd. Vehicle steering telescopic shaft

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WO2003031250A1 (en) * 2001-10-01 2003-04-17 Nsk Ltd. Vehicle steering telescopic shaft

Cited By (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8157659B2 (en) 2005-09-30 2012-04-17 Jtekt Corporation Telescopic shaft and vehicle steering apparatus
EP1930610A4 (en) * 2005-09-30 2009-10-28 Jtekt Corp Telescopable shaft and steering device for vehicle
EP1930610A1 (en) * 2005-09-30 2008-06-11 JTEKT Corporation Telescopable shaft and steering device for vehicle
EP2197728A4 (en) * 2007-10-15 2012-12-05 Deok Chang Machinery Co Ltd Telescopic shaft for vehicle
KR100917046B1 (en) * 2007-10-15 2009-09-10 덕창기계주식회사 Telescopic Shaft for Vehicle
CN101827741B (en) * 2007-10-15 2012-05-30 德昌机械株式会社 Telescopic shaft for vehicle
EP2197728A1 (en) * 2007-10-15 2010-06-23 Deok Chang Machinery Co., Ltd. Telescopic shaft for vehicle
WO2009051395A1 (en) * 2007-10-15 2009-04-23 Deok Chang Machinery Co., Ltd. Telescopic shaft for vehicle
US8298093B2 (en) 2007-10-15 2012-10-30 Deok Chang Machinery Co., Ltd. Telescopic shaft for vehicle
KR100924529B1 (en) 2009-07-31 2009-11-02 덕창기계주식회사 Telescopic Shaft for Vehicle
WO2017018401A1 (en) * 2015-07-27 2017-02-02 日本精工株式会社 Telescopic rotation transmission shaft and method for producing same
JPWO2017018401A1 (en) * 2015-07-27 2018-04-26 日本精工株式会社 Telescopic rotation transmission shaft and manufacturing method thereof
US10717459B2 (en) 2015-07-27 2020-07-21 Nsk Ltd. Telescopic rotation transmission shaft and method for producing same
WO2023016763A1 (en) * 2021-08-10 2023-02-16 Renault S.A.S. Rotary shaft coupling for enabling an axial movement by means of rolling elements
FR3126146A1 (en) * 2021-08-10 2023-02-17 Renault S.A.S Rotary shaft coupling device

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