JP2007327593A - Universal joint, vehicular steering device, and universal joint manufacturing method - Google Patents

Universal joint, vehicular steering device, and universal joint manufacturing method Download PDF

Info

Publication number
JP2007327593A
JP2007327593A JP2006160066A JP2006160066A JP2007327593A JP 2007327593 A JP2007327593 A JP 2007327593A JP 2006160066 A JP2006160066 A JP 2006160066A JP 2006160066 A JP2006160066 A JP 2006160066A JP 2007327593 A JP2007327593 A JP 2007327593A
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
shaft
bearing cup
universal joint
opening
yokes
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
JP2006160066A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
Koichiro Mizuno
浩一郎 水野
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.)
JTEKT Corp
Original Assignee
JTEKT Corp
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 JTEKT Corp filed Critical JTEKT Corp
Priority to JP2006160066A priority Critical patent/JP2007327593A/en
Publication of JP2007327593A publication Critical patent/JP2007327593A/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
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C21/00—Combinations of sliding-contact bearings with ball or roller bearings, for exclusively rotary movement
    • F16C21/005—Combinations of sliding-contact bearings with ball or roller bearings, for exclusively rotary movement the external zone of a bearing with rolling members, e.g. needles, being cup-shaped, with or without a separate thrust-bearing disc or ring, e.g. for universal joints
    • 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
    • F16D3/40—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 with intermediate member provided with two pairs of outwardly-directed trunnions on intersecting axes
    • F16D3/41—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 with intermediate member provided with two pairs of outwardly-directed trunnions on intersecting axes with ball or roller bearings

Landscapes

  • Steering Controls (AREA)

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a universal joint manufacturing method for preventing damage to rolling elements and a shaft portion due to axial strong contact of the rolling elements with the shaft portion while eliminating the need for pushingly installing a bearing cup with a plurality of needle rollers arrayed on the inner periphery between the shaft portion and a bearing hole after inserting the shaft portion of a cross shaft into the bearing holes of yokes. <P>SOLUTION: The pair of opposed yokes 21, 22 extending from the end of a steering shaft 31 are each U-shape having an embracing portion 11 externally fitted to part of the outer peripheral face of the bearing cup 5 and an opening portion 12 opening the embracing portion 11 toward the axial outside. The plurality of needle rollers 6 arrayed along the inner peripheral face of the bearing cup 5 are externally fitted to the shaft portion 3 of the cross shaft 1, and then the bearing cup 5 is thrust in the axial direction to be fitted into the embracing portions 11 through the opening portions 12 of the yokes 21, 22. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

この発明は、自在継手、この自在継手を備えた車両用操舵装置、及び自在継手の製造方法に関する。   The present invention relates to a universal joint, a vehicle steering device including the universal joint, and a method for manufacturing the universal joint.

例えば自動車の操舵装置において、コラム軸とステアリング軸とを繋ぐために、胴体部の側周面から四方へ突出した四つの軸部を有する十字軸と、前記軸部の外周面を転走する複数の転動体と、これら複数の転動体に外嵌した有底円筒状の軸受カップとを有した十字軸継手が用いられている。コラム軸とステアリング軸とのそれぞれの端部には一対の対向するヨークが設けられており、各ヨークに形成した軸受孔に、内周に複数の転動体を配列した軸受カップを介して、十字軸の軸部がその軸線回りに回動自在に支持されている。
このような十字軸継手を備えた継手構造において伝達トルクが大きくなると、転動体に滑りが生じトルク伝達不良によるガタツキが発生したり、脈動が発生したりする。
そこでこれを解決するために、例えば特許文献１、特許文献２に示しているように、従来では転動体と十字軸の軸部との間を締り嵌め状態とした構造が提案されている。 For example, in an automobile steering device, a cross shaft having four shaft portions protruding in four directions from the side peripheral surface of the body portion and a plurality of rolling on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion in order to connect the column shaft and the steering shaft. A cross joint having a rolling element and a bottomed cylindrical bearing cup externally fitted to the plurality of rolling elements is used. A pair of opposing yokes are provided at the respective end portions of the column shaft and the steering shaft, and a cross is formed through a bearing cup in which a plurality of rolling elements are arranged on the inner periphery in a bearing hole formed in each yoke. A shaft portion of the shaft is supported so as to be rotatable around the axis.
When the transmission torque is increased in such a joint structure having a cross shaft joint, the rolling element slips, causing rattling due to poor torque transmission or pulsation.
In order to solve this problem, as shown in, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, conventionally, a structure has been proposed in which an interference fit is provided between the rolling element and the shaft portion of the cross shaft.

国際公開第ＷＯ２００３−０６４８７７号International Publication No. WO2003-064877 特開平１１−１４８５１８号公報JP-A-11-148518

特許文献１、特許文献２の十字軸継手を備えた継手構造の組み立ては、図１１に示しているように、ヨーク４１の軸受孔４２に十字軸４３の軸部４４を挿入した状態で、この軸部４４の軸方向の外側から、内周に複数の転動体４５を配列した軸受カップ４６を軸部４４に接近させ、軸受カップ４６を軸受孔４２に圧入しながら当該軸受カップ４６内の転動体４５を軸部４４の先端部から外嵌させることで行う。この際、軸受カップ５は軸受孔４２への圧入により縮径し、その内側にある転動体４５と軸部４４とが圧接した状態、つまり、前記締り嵌め状態としている。   The assembly of the joint structure including the cross shaft joints of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 is performed in a state where the shaft portion 44 of the cross shaft 43 is inserted into the bearing hole 42 of the yoke 41 as shown in FIG. A bearing cup 46 in which a plurality of rolling elements 45 are arranged on the inner circumference is brought close to the shaft portion 44 from the outside in the axial direction of the shaft portion 44, and the bearing cup 46 is press-fitted into the bearing hole 42, and the rolling in the bearing cup 46 is performed. This is done by fitting the moving body 45 from the tip of the shaft 44. At this time, the bearing cup 5 is reduced in diameter by press-fitting into the bearing hole 42, and the rolling element 45 and the shaft portion 44 located inside thereof are in a press-contacted state, that is, the interference fitting state.

このように、ヨーク４１の軸受孔４２に十字軸４３の軸部４４を先に挿入した状態としてから、この軸部４４と軸受孔４２との間の環状の空間に、内周に複数の転動体４５を配列した軸受カップ４６を押し込んで組み立てる作業は、前記環状の空間が狭く、また、軸部４４と軸受孔４２とを同心に配置する必要があるため困難であり、軸受カップ４６内にある転動体４５と、軸部４４の先端の角部４７とが接触しやすい。さらに、軸受カップ４６内の転動体４５を軸部４４に外嵌させる際に、軸受カップ４６は軸受孔４２への圧入によって縮径するため、その軸受カップ４６内にある転動体４５と、軸部４４の先端の角部４７とがさらに強く接触しやすく、転動面となる軸部４４の外周面や転動体４５に傷（圧痕）が付いたり変形したりするおそれがある。このように、軸部４４の転動面や、転動体４５に傷が生じると、継手構造の性能、耐久性を低下させてしまうおそれがある。   Thus, after the shaft portion 44 of the cross shaft 43 is inserted into the bearing hole 42 of the yoke 41 in advance, a plurality of rollers are formed on the inner periphery in the annular space between the shaft portion 44 and the bearing hole 42. The operation of pushing and assembling the bearing cup 46 in which the moving bodies 45 are arranged is difficult because the annular space is narrow and the shaft portion 44 and the bearing hole 42 need to be arranged concentrically. A certain rolling element 45 and the corner 47 at the tip of the shaft portion 44 are likely to come into contact with each other. Furthermore, when the rolling element 45 in the bearing cup 46 is externally fitted to the shaft portion 44, the bearing cup 46 is reduced in diameter by press-fitting into the bearing hole 42, so that the rolling element 45 in the bearing cup 46 and the shaft The corner portion 47 at the tip of the portion 44 is more likely to come into strong contact, and the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 44 serving as a rolling surface and the rolling element 45 may be damaged (indented) or deformed. As described above, when the rolling surface of the shaft portion 44 or the rolling element 45 is damaged, the performance and durability of the joint structure may be deteriorated.

そこでこの発明は、前記問題点に鑑みてなされたものであり、組み立てが容易で、転動体と軸部とがその軸方向から強く接触して軸部や転動体を損傷させてしまうことを防止できる自在継手及び車両用操舵装置、並びに自在継手の製造方法を提供することを目的とする。   Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and is easy to assemble and prevents the rolling element and the shaft part from coming into strong contact with each other in the axial direction and damaging the shaft part and the rolling element. An object of the present invention is to provide a universal joint, a vehicle steering device, and a method for manufacturing the universal joint.

前記目的を達成するためのこの発明の自在継手は、軸方向に延びる一対の対向したヨークを端部にそれぞれ有する第一軸と第二軸と、これら第一軸と第二軸とを前記ヨークにおいて連結する十字軸継手とを備え、前記十字軸継手は、胴体部の側周面から四方へ突出した四つの軸部を有する十字軸と、前記軸部の外周面を転走する複数の転動体と、これら転動体に外嵌している有底円筒状の軸受カップとを有し、前記ヨークのそれぞれは、前記軸受カップの外周面の一部に外嵌している抱持部と、この抱持部を前記軸方向の外側に向かって開口させ当該抱持部へ前記軸受カップを嵌入させるための開口部とを有するものである。   In order to achieve the above object, a universal joint of the present invention comprises a first shaft and a second shaft each having a pair of opposed yokes extending in the axial direction at the ends, and the first shaft and the second shaft. The cross shaft joint includes a cross shaft having four shaft portions protruding in four directions from the side peripheral surface of the body portion, and a plurality of rolling members that roll on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion. A moving body and a bottomed cylindrical bearing cup that is externally fitted to these rolling elements, each of the yokes being a holding part that is externally fitted to a part of the outer peripheral surface of the bearing cup; The holding portion is opened toward the outside in the axial direction, and has an opening portion for fitting the bearing cup into the holding portion.

この自在継手によれば、軸受カップの内周面に沿って配列した複数の転動体を、十字軸の軸部に外嵌させてから、この軸受カップの中心線に直交する方向と第一軸（第二軸）の軸方向とを同じにして当該軸受カップをヨークの開口部を通じて抱持部に嵌入することで、軸受カップをヨークに簡単に取り付けることができる。したがって、従来のようにヨークの軸受孔に十字軸の軸部を先に挿入してから、この軸部と軸受孔との間に、内周に複数の転動体を配列した軸受カップを押し込んで組み立てる必要がなく、転動体と軸部とがその軸方向から強く接触して軸部や転動体を損傷させてしまうことを防止できる。   According to this universal joint, a plurality of rolling elements arranged along the inner peripheral surface of the bearing cup are externally fitted to the shaft portion of the cross shaft, and then the direction perpendicular to the center line of the bearing cup and the first axis The bearing cup can be easily attached to the yoke by fitting the bearing cup into the holding portion through the opening of the yoke with the same (second shaft) axial direction. Therefore, the shaft portion of the cross shaft is first inserted into the bearing hole of the yoke as in the prior art, and then a bearing cup having a plurality of rolling elements arranged on the inner periphery is pushed between the shaft portion and the bearing hole. There is no need to assemble, and it is possible to prevent the rolling element and the shaft part from coming into strong contact with each other in the axial direction and damaging the shaft part and the rolling element.

また、前記自在継手において、前記開口部の開口寸法の拡大を規制する規制部材をさらに備えているのが好ましい。
これによれば、規制部材がヨークの開口部の開口寸法の拡大を規制することで、抱持部の拡大を防ぐことができる。これにより、抱持部における軸受カップの締め付け力が弱まることを防止でき、十字軸継手に作用するラジアル荷重をヨークに効果的に伝達できる。 Moreover, it is preferable that the universal joint further includes a restricting member that restricts the enlargement of the opening size of the opening.
According to this, since the restricting member restricts the enlargement of the opening size of the opening of the yoke, the holding portion can be prevented from being enlarged. Thereby, it can prevent that the fastening force of the bearing cup in a holding part weakens, and can transmit the radial load which acts on a cross joint to a yoke effectively.

また、この発明の車両用操舵装置は、ステアリング軸と、コラム軸と、前記ステアリング軸と前記コラム軸とを繋ぐための継手とを備え、前記継手が前記自在継手である。
これによれば、十字軸の軸部及びこの軸部の外周面を転走する転動体の損傷を防ぐことができることから、車両用操舵装置の品質、耐久性を向上させることができ、また、組み立てが容易となる。 The vehicle steering apparatus of the present invention includes a steering shaft, a column shaft, and a joint for connecting the steering shaft and the column shaft, and the joint is the universal joint.
According to this, since it is possible to prevent damage to the shaft portion of the cross shaft and the rolling elements that roll on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion, it is possible to improve the quality and durability of the vehicle steering device, Easy to assemble.

そして、この発明の自在継手の製造方法は、四つの軸部を有する十字軸、前記軸部の外周面を転走する複数の転動体、及び、これら転動体に外嵌する有底円筒状の軸受カップを有する十字軸継手を用いて、軸方向に延びる一対の対向したヨークを端部にそれぞれ有する第一軸と第二軸とを、当該ヨークにおいて連結する自在継手の製造方法において、前記一対のヨークとして、前記軸受カップの外周面の一部に外嵌する抱持部と、この抱持部を前記軸方向の外側に向かって開口させた開口部とを有するものを用い、前記軸受カップの内周面に沿って配列した前記複数の転動体を、前記十字軸の前記軸部に外嵌させた後、この軸受カップを前記軸方向に押圧して当該軸受カップを前記ヨークの前記開口部を通して前記抱持部に嵌入することにより行う。
これにより、転動体と軸部とがその軸方向から強く接触して軸部や転動体を損傷させてしまうことを防止でき、また、組み立てが容易となる。 And the manufacturing method of the universal joint of this invention is a cross shaft having four shaft portions, a plurality of rolling elements that roll on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion, and a bottomed cylindrical shape that is externally fitted to these rolling members. In the method of manufacturing a universal joint in which a first shaft and a second shaft each having a pair of opposing yokes extending in the axial direction at their ends are connected to each other using a cross joint having a bearing cup, the pair As the yoke, a bearing cup having a holding portion that fits outside a part of the outer peripheral surface of the bearing cup and an opening portion that opens the holding portion toward the outside in the axial direction is used. After the plurality of rolling elements arranged along the inner peripheral surface of the cross shaft are fitted on the shaft portion of the cross shaft, the bearing cup is pressed in the axial direction so that the bearing cup is opened in the opening of the yoke. By inserting into the holding part through the part Do.
Thereby, it can prevent that a rolling element and a shaft part contact strongly from the axial direction, and a shaft part and a rolling element will be damaged, and an assembly becomes easy.

また、この製造方法において、前記軸受カップの内周面に沿って配列した前記複数の転動体を、前記十字軸の前記軸部に隙間をもって外嵌させ、この軸受カップを前記ヨークの前記抱持部に嵌入した状態で当該軸受カップを縮径させ、前記転動体におけるラジアル隙間を負乃至ゼロとするのが好ましい。
このような方法によれば、転動体を軸部に対して隙間がある状態で外嵌させることから、転動体が軸部の端面の外周縁部などに強く接触することを抑制でき、軸部及び転動体の損傷をより一層効果的に防ぐことができる。そして、軸受カップを抱持部に嵌入することで当該軸受カップを縮径させ、この軸受カップ内にある転動体におけるラジアル隙間を負又はゼロの状態にできる。このようにして得られた自在継手は、伝達トルクが大きくなっても、転動体における滑りを抑えることができ、ガタツキや脈動の発生を抑制できる。 Further, in this manufacturing method, the plurality of rolling elements arranged along the inner peripheral surface of the bearing cup are externally fitted to the shaft portion of the cross shaft with a gap, and the bearing cup is held by the holding of the yoke. It is preferable that the diameter of the bearing cup is reduced in a state of being fitted into the portion so that the radial gap in the rolling element is negative or zero.
According to such a method, since the rolling element is externally fitted in a state where there is a gap with respect to the shaft portion, it is possible to suppress the rolling element from coming into strong contact with the outer peripheral edge portion or the like of the end surface of the shaft portion. In addition, damage to the rolling elements can be more effectively prevented. Then, by inserting the bearing cup into the holding portion, the diameter of the bearing cup is reduced, and the radial gap in the rolling element in the bearing cup can be set to a negative or zero state. The universal joint obtained in this way can suppress slippage in the rolling elements even when the transmission torque increases, and can suppress the occurrence of rattling and pulsation.

この発明によれば、先に軸受カップ内の複数の転動体を十字軸の軸部に外嵌させ、その後、この軸受カップをヨークに取り付けることができることから、転動体と軸部とがその軸方向から強く接触して転動体や軸部を損傷させてしまうことを防止でき、十字軸継手における品質、耐久性を向上させることができるとともに、自在継手の組み立てが容易となる。   According to the present invention, the plurality of rolling elements in the bearing cup can be first fitted onto the shaft portion of the cross shaft, and then the bearing cup can be attached to the yoke. It is possible to prevent the rolling elements and the shaft portion from being damaged due to strong contact from the direction, improving the quality and durability of the cross shaft joint, and facilitating the assembly of the universal joint.

以下、この発明の実施の形態について図面を参照しながら説明する。
図１はこの発明の十字軸継手を備えた自在継手の実施の一形態を示す側面図であり、図２は図１のＩＩ−ＩＩ断面における断面図である。なお、図１の破線内は自在継手の組み立てを説明する図である。この自在継手Ｊは、例えば自動車の操舵装置において、ステアリング軸３１とコラム軸３２とを繋ぐために用いることができる。図１の形態では、両軸３１，３２の間に中間軸３３が介在し、この中間軸３３とステアリング軸３１とを端部において連結、及び、中間軸３３とコラム軸３２とを端部において連結するために、それぞれ十字軸継手１０が設けられている。 Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a side view showing an embodiment of a universal joint having a cross joint according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II of FIG. In addition, the inside of the broken line of FIG. 1 is a figure explaining assembly of a universal joint. The universal joint J can be used for connecting the steering shaft 31 and the column shaft 32 in, for example, a steering apparatus for an automobile. In the form of FIG. 1, an intermediate shaft 33 is interposed between both shafts 31, 32, the intermediate shaft 33 and the steering shaft 31 are connected at the end, and the intermediate shaft 33 and the column shaft 32 are connected at the end. A cross joint 10 is provided for each connection.

ステアリング軸３１の端部には、その軸方向に延びる一対の対向したヨーク２１，２２が設けられており、中間軸３３の端部には、その軸方向に延びる一対の対向したヨーク２３，２４が設けられている。そして、これらヨーク２１，２２，２３，２４において中間軸３３とステアリング軸３１とを十字軸継手１０を用いて連結している
十字軸継手１０は、胴体部２の側周面から四方へ突出した四つの軸部３を有する十字軸１と、前記軸部３の外周面３ａを転走する複数の転動体としてのニードルローラ６と、これら複数のニードルローラ６に外嵌している有底円筒状の軸受カップ５とを有している。 A pair of opposed yokes 21, 22 extending in the axial direction are provided at the end of the steering shaft 31, and a pair of opposed yokes 23, 24 extending in the axial direction are provided at the end of the intermediate shaft 33. Is provided. And in these yokes 21, 22, 23, and 24, the intermediate shaft 33 and the steering shaft 31 are connected using the cross shaft joint 10. The cross shaft joint 10 protrudes from the side peripheral surface of the body portion 2 in all directions. A cross shaft 1 having four shaft portions 3, a plurality of needle rollers 6 as rolling elements that roll on the outer peripheral surface 3 a of the shaft portion 3, and a bottomed cylinder that is externally fitted to the plurality of needle rollers 6. Shaped bearing cup 5.

十字軸１は鋼製であり、胴体部２と四つの軸部３とは鍛造により一体成形されている。軸受カップ５は、円筒部８ａと、この円筒部８ａの端部と連続している段付き形状の円板部８ｂとを有して、有底円筒状である。そして、円筒部８ａの内周面が軌道面となる。ニードルローラ６及び軸受カップ５は鋼製である。   The cross shaft 1 is made of steel, and the body portion 2 and the four shaft portions 3 are integrally formed by forging. The bearing cup 5 has a cylindrical portion 8a and a stepped disk portion 8b continuous with the end of the cylindrical portion 8a, and has a bottomed cylindrical shape. And the internal peripheral surface of the cylindrical part 8a becomes a track surface. The needle roller 6 and the bearing cup 5 are made of steel.

そして、前記ヨーク２１，２２，２３，２４のそれぞれにおいて、内周に複数のニードルローラ６を配列した有底円筒状の軸受カップ５を介して、十字軸１の各軸部３がその軸線回りに回動自在に支持されている。なお、中間軸３３とコラム軸３２との間における構造も同様であり、説明を省略する。   In each of the yokes 21, 22, 23, 24, each shaft portion 3 of the cross shaft 1 is rotated around its axis via a bottomed cylindrical bearing cup 5 in which a plurality of needle rollers 6 are arranged on the inner periphery. It is rotatably supported by. The structure between the intermediate shaft 33 and the column shaft 32 is the same, and a description thereof will be omitted.

図３は、ステアリング軸３１の端部における一対のヨーク２１，２２と、これらに取り付けられた十字軸継手１０とを説明する斜視図である。また、図４と図５は、これら一対のヨーク２１，２２と、十字軸継手１０との取り付け方法を説明する図である。
一対のヨーク２１，２２は、ステアリング軸３１の端部から軸方向の外側へ向かって突出し、所定間隔を有して対向するように形成されている。そして、ヨーク２１，２２のそれぞれの縦断面形状をＵ字形としている。具体的に説明すると、ヨーク２１，２２のそれぞれは、基端側に、軸受カップ５を抱持（支持）する内面１１ａを有した抱持部１１を備えており、さらに、その先端側に、前記抱持部１１の内面１１ａを軸方向外側（図３では上側）に向かって開口させている開口部１２を有し、Ｕ字形としている。なお、中間軸３２側の一対のヨーク２３，２４についても同じ形状である。 FIG. 3 is a perspective view for explaining the pair of yokes 21 and 22 at the end of the steering shaft 31 and the cross shaft joint 10 attached thereto. 4 and 5 are diagrams for explaining a method of attaching the pair of yokes 21 and 22 and the cross joint 10.
The pair of yokes 21 and 22 are formed so as to protrude from the end portion of the steering shaft 31 toward the outside in the axial direction and to face each other with a predetermined interval. The vertical cross-sectional shapes of the yokes 21 and 22 are U-shaped. More specifically, each of the yokes 21 and 22 includes a holding portion 11 having an inner surface 11a for holding (supporting) the bearing cup 5 on the proximal end side, and further, on the distal end side thereof, The holding portion 11 has an opening 12 that opens the inner surface 11a toward the outer side in the axial direction (upper side in FIG. 3), and is U-shaped. The pair of yokes 23 and 24 on the intermediate shaft 32 side has the same shape.

抱持部１１は、十字軸継手１０の軸受カップ５の外周面の一部に外嵌することで当該軸受カップ５を抱持する部分であり、開口部１２は、軸受カップ５を抱持部１１へ嵌入させるためにヨーク２１，２２のそれぞれの先端側を開口させた部分である。図４と図５に示しているように、抱持部１１の内面１１ａは、軸受カップ５の外周面に密着して嵌合する円弧形状を有している。この内面１１ａは、軸受カップ５の外周面の全周のうちの、開口部１２側を除いて、５０％よりも大きくかつ７５％以下の範囲で密着し、この範囲で抱持部１１は軸受カップ５の外周面に外嵌する。また、抱持部１１における内面１１ａは、一対のヨーク２１，２２において、同一の円弧面上に形成されている。   The holding portion 11 is a portion that holds the bearing cup 5 by being externally fitted to a part of the outer peripheral surface of the bearing cup 5 of the cross joint 10, and the opening portion 12 holds the bearing cup 5. 11 is a portion in which the front ends of the yokes 21 and 22 are opened in order to be fitted into the arm 11. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the inner surface 11 a of the holding portion 11 has an arc shape that fits closely to the outer peripheral surface of the bearing cup 5. The inner surface 11a is in close contact within a range greater than 50% and less than or equal to 75% except for the opening 12 side of the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the bearing cup 5. In this range, the holding portion 11 is a bearing. It fits on the outer peripheral surface of the cup 5. Further, the inner surface 11 a of the holding portion 11 is formed on the same arc surface in the pair of yokes 21 and 22.

ヨーク２１，２２のそれぞれの先端側の開口部１２は、一対の対向する開口面１２ａを有している。そして、抱持部１１の内面１１ａの周方向両端部のそれぞれが、開口部１２の開口面１２ａのそれぞれと連続している。
このように、ヨーク２１，２２のそれぞれにおいて、前記内面１１ａを形成している部分を抱持部１１とし、この抱持部１１の左右両側に離れて存在し一対の前記開口面１２ａをそれぞれ形成している部分を第一先端部１６及び第二先端部１７とし、これら第一先端部１６と第二先端部１７との間を開口部１２としている。 The opening 12 on the tip side of each of the yokes 21 and 22 has a pair of opposed opening surfaces 12a. And each of the circumferential direction both ends of the inner surface 11a of the holding part 11 is continuing with each of the opening surface 12a of the opening part 12, respectively.
As described above, in each of the yokes 21 and 22, the portion forming the inner surface 11 a is the holding portion 11, and the pair of opening surfaces 12 a are formed separately on the left and right sides of the holding portion 11. The part which is made into the 1st front-end | tip part 16 and the 2nd front-end | tip part 17 is used as the opening part 12 between these 1st front-end | tip parts 16 and the 2nd front-end | tip parts 17. FIG.

図４の組み立て前の状態において、開口部１２における一対の対向する開口面１２ａ，１２ａ間の開口寸法Ｌ１は、抱持部１１の内面１１ａの直径Ｄ１よりも小さい（Ｌ１＜Ｄ１）。また、この内面１１ａの直径Ｄ１と、軸受カップ５の直径ｄ１とは、略同一、乃至、内面１１ａの直径Ｄ１を軸受カップ５の直径ｄ１よりも僅かに小さくしている（Ｄ１＜ｄ１）。なお、内面１１ａの直径Ｄ１を軸受カップ５の直径ｄ１よりも僅かに小さくしている場合（Ｄ１＜ｄ１の場合）、軸受カップ５が抱持部１１に取り付けられた状態で、軸受カップ５と抱持部１１との間を締り嵌めの状態とできる。   4, the opening dimension L1 between the pair of opposed opening surfaces 12a and 12a in the opening 12 is smaller than the diameter D1 of the inner surface 11a of the holding portion 11 (L1 <D1). Further, the diameter D1 of the inner surface 11a and the diameter d1 of the bearing cup 5 are substantially the same, or the diameter D1 of the inner surface 11a is slightly smaller than the diameter d1 of the bearing cup 5 (D1 <d1). When the diameter D1 of the inner surface 11a is slightly smaller than the diameter d1 of the bearing cup 5 (when D1 <d1), the bearing cup 5 is attached to the holding portion 11 and the bearing cup 5 It is possible to make an interference fit between the holding portion 11.

また、この自在継手は、組み立て後の状態において、ヨーク２１，２２のそれぞれにおける開口部１２の開口寸法Ｌ２（図５参照）の拡大を規制する規制部材７を備えている。
図３〜図５に示している規制部材７は、ヨーク２１，２２のそれぞれの第一先端部１６及び第二先端部１７に形成した貫通孔１３ａ，１３ｂを挿通するピン部材２６である。ピン部材２６は一本の金属部材を折り返して形成したものであり、ピン部材２６の折り返し部分である一端部２６ｂは、寸法が拡大している（膨出している）ことで第二先端部１７の外側面１７ａに引っ掛かり、ピン部材２６は抜け止めされる。折り返し部分と反対の他端部２６ａについては、当該ピン部材２６の挿通後に寸法を拡大させる（巻回する）ことで、その拡大部が第一先端部１６の外側面１６ａに引っ掛かりピン部材２６は抜け止めされる。そして、第一先端部１６及び第二先端部１７を挿通したピン部材２６の両端部２６ａ，２６ｂが、当該第一先端部１６の外側面１６ａ及び第二先端部１７の外側面１７ａに引っ掛かることで、開口部１２の開口寸法Ｌ２の拡大を規制している。 In addition, this universal joint includes a regulating member 7 that regulates the enlargement of the opening dimension L2 (see FIG. 5) of the opening 12 in each of the yokes 21 and 22 in a state after assembly.
The restriction member 7 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 is a pin member 26 that is inserted through the through holes 13a and 13b formed in the first tip portion 16 and the second tip portion 17 of the yokes 21 and 22, respectively. The pin member 26 is formed by folding a single metal member, and the end 26b, which is a folded portion of the pin member 26, is enlarged (bulged) so that the second tip portion 17 is expanded. The pin member 26 is prevented from coming off by being caught on the outer side surface 17a. The other end portion 26a opposite to the folded portion is enlarged (wound) after insertion of the pin member 26 so that the enlarged portion is caught on the outer surface 16a of the first tip portion 16 and the pin member 26 is It is prevented from coming off. Then, both end portions 26 a and 26 b of the pin member 26 inserted through the first tip portion 16 and the second tip portion 17 are caught by the outer surface 16 a of the first tip portion 16 and the outer surface 17 a of the second tip portion 17. Therefore, expansion of the opening dimension L2 of the opening 12 is restricted.

以上の実施の形態による自在継手の製造方法について説明する。
まず図６に示しているように、軸受カップ５の内周面に沿って複数のニードルローラ６を配列し、これを十字軸１の軸部３に外嵌させる。この際、軸受カップ５内の複数のニードルローラ６を、十字軸１の軸部３に隙間ｇをもって外嵌させる。
次に、図１と図４に示しているように、この軸受カップ５を、ステアリング軸３１の軸方向に押圧して、当該軸受カップ５を、ヨーク２１，２２のそれぞれの開口部１２を通して抱持部１１に嵌入する。すなわち、この軸受カップ５の径方向（中心線Ｃ１に直交する方向：矢印Ａ方向）とステアリング軸３１の軸方向（矢印Ｂ方向）とを同じ方向に向けて、当該軸受カップ５を、ヨーク２１，２２のそれぞれの開口部１２を通して抱持部１１に嵌入する。この際、開口部１２における開口寸法Ｌ１は軸受カップ５の直径ｄ１よりも小さくされているため、第一先端部１６と第二先端部１７とが相互離れる方向へ弾性変形させることによって、軸受カップ５を開口部１２から抱持部１１へ押し入れる。 The manufacturing method of the universal joint by the above embodiment is demonstrated.
First, as shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of needle rollers 6 are arranged along the inner peripheral surface of the bearing cup 5, and these are fitted onto the shaft portion 3 of the cross shaft 1. At this time, the plurality of needle rollers 6 in the bearing cup 5 are fitted on the shaft portion 3 of the cross shaft 1 with a gap g.
Next, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the bearing cup 5 is pressed in the axial direction of the steering shaft 31, and the bearing cup 5 is held through the openings 12 of the yokes 21 and 22. Fit into the holding part 11. That is, the bearing cup 5 is placed in the yoke 21 with the radial direction of the bearing cup 5 (direction perpendicular to the center line C1: arrow A direction) and the axial direction of the steering shaft 31 (arrow B direction) facing the same direction. , 22 are inserted into the holding part 11 through the respective opening parts 12. At this time, since the opening dimension L1 in the opening 12 is smaller than the diameter d1 of the bearing cup 5, the first tip 16 and the second tip 17 are elastically deformed in the direction away from each other, whereby the bearing cup is obtained. 5 is pushed into the holding portion 11 from the opening portion 12.

これにより、軸受カップ５の外周面のうち開口部１２側を除いた部分を抱持部１１が抱持した状態となる。そして、前記ピン部材２６をヨーク２１，２２の先端側に取り付ける。つまり、ピン部材２６を貫通孔１３ｂ，１３ａに挿通させ、その一端部２６ｂを第二先端部１７の外側面１７ａに当接させ、他端部２６ａを巻回により拡大させる。これにより、第一先端部１６及び第二先端部１７を貫通したピン部材２６の両端部２６ａ，２６ｂが、当該第一先端部１６の外側面１６ａ及び第二先端部１７の外側面１７ａに引っ掛かることで、開口部１２の開口寸法の拡大を規制する。   Thereby, the holding part 11 will be in the state which hold | maintained the part except the opening part 12 side among the outer peripheral surfaces of the bearing cup 5. FIG. Then, the pin member 26 is attached to the tip side of the yokes 21 and 22. That is, the pin member 26 is inserted through the through holes 13b and 13a, one end portion 26b thereof is brought into contact with the outer surface 17a of the second tip portion 17, and the other end portion 26a is expanded by winding. As a result, both end portions 26 a and 26 b of the pin member 26 penetrating the first tip portion 16 and the second tip portion 17 are caught by the outer surface 16 a of the first tip portion 16 and the outer surface 17 a of the second tip portion 17. In this way, expansion of the opening size of the opening 12 is restricted.

さらに、ピン部材２６の他端部２６ａ側の巻回量を増やすことで、開口部１２を所定の開口寸法Ｌ２まで狭くすることにより、ヨーク２１，２２の抱持部１１に嵌入した軸受カップ５をその内面１１ａによって径方向から締め付け、当該軸受カップ５を縮径させる。これにより、図６において、十字軸１の軸部３にニードルローラ６を外嵌させる際に、両者の間に隙間ｇを持たせていたが、軸受カップ５を縮径させることで、その内周側にあるニードルローラ６におけるラジアル隙間を負とし、当該ラジアル隙間を所望の値とできる。つまり、ニードルローラ６と十字軸１の軸部３の外周面との間、及びニードルローラ６と軸受カップ５の内周面との間を締り嵌めの状態とできる。   Furthermore, by increasing the amount of winding of the pin member 26 on the other end 26a side, the opening 12 is narrowed to a predetermined opening dimension L2, so that the bearing cup 5 fitted into the holding portion 11 of the yokes 21 and 22 is obtained. Is tightened from the radial direction by the inner surface 11a to reduce the diameter of the bearing cup 5. Thus, in FIG. 6, when the needle roller 6 is externally fitted to the shaft portion 3 of the cross shaft 1, the gap g is provided between the two, but by reducing the diameter of the bearing cup 5, The radial gap in the needle roller 6 on the circumferential side can be made negative, and the radial gap can be set to a desired value. That is, a tight fit can be established between the needle roller 6 and the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 3 of the cross shaft 1 and between the needle roller 6 and the inner peripheral surface of the bearing cup 5.

そして、ニードルローラ６におけるラジアル隙間を所望の値とした状態で、ピン部材２６の他端部２６ａ側の巻回部を溶接（スポット溶接）等によって固定することで、開口部１２の開口寸法Ｌ２が維持され、開口寸法Ｌ２の拡大が規制される。これにより、十字軸継手１０にラジアル荷重が作用しても、抱持部１１における軸受カップ５の締め付け力が弱まることを防止でき、当該ラジアル荷重をヨーク２１，２２に効果的に伝達できる。   Then, with the radial gap in the needle roller 6 set to a desired value, the winding portion on the other end portion 26a side of the pin member 26 is fixed by welding (spot welding) or the like, so that the opening dimension L2 of the opening 12 is obtained. Is maintained, and enlargement of the opening dimension L2 is restricted. Thereby, even if a radial load is applied to the cross joint 10, it is possible to prevent the tightening force of the bearing cup 5 in the holding portion 11 from being weakened, and the radial load can be effectively transmitted to the yokes 21 and 22.

さらに、図２に示しているように、ヨーク２１，２２のそれぞれにおいて、軸受カップ５を抱持部１１へ嵌入した状態としてから、抱持部１１の一部において内面１１ａから径方向内方へ突出させるようにかしめ加工を行い（塑性変形させ）、そのかしめ部１９ａを軸受カップ５の軸方向外側の端面の外周縁部に接触させる。これにより、軸受カップ５が抱持部１１の内面１１ａから軸方向外側へ抜け出ることを防止できる。
または、前記かしめ加工を行う他に、ヨーク２１，２２のそれぞれにおいて、抱持部１１の内面１１ａから径方向内方へ突出させた突出部１９ｂを予め形成しておき、その後、前記のとおり、この抱持部１１に軸受カップ５を開口部１２から嵌入してもよい。この場合、軸受カップ５をヨーク２１，２２に取り付けてからかしめ加工を行う必要がなく、組み立てが容易となり、また、かしめ加工の際に、大きな荷重が軸受カップ５に作用して当該軸受カップ５が破損してしまうことを防止できる。 Further, as shown in FIG. 2, in each of the yokes 21 and 22, the bearing cup 5 is inserted into the holding portion 11, and then a part of the holding portion 11 is radially inward from the inner surface 11 a. Caulking is performed so as to project (plastic deformation), and the caulking portion 19 a is brought into contact with the outer peripheral edge portion of the end surface on the axially outer side of the bearing cup 5. Thereby, it can prevent that the bearing cup 5 slips out from the inner surface 11a of the holding part 11 to an axial direction outer side.
Alternatively, in addition to performing the caulking process, in each of the yokes 21 and 22, a protruding portion 19b that protrudes radially inward from the inner surface 11a of the holding portion 11 is formed in advance, and as described above, The bearing cup 5 may be inserted into the holding portion 11 from the opening portion 12. In this case, it is not necessary to perform caulking after attaching the bearing cup 5 to the yokes 21 and 22, and assembling becomes easy. Further, during caulking, a large load acts on the bearing cup 5 to cause the bearing cup 5 to be assembled. Can be prevented from being damaged.

また、抱持部１１はその内面１１ａにおいて、軸受カップ５の外周面の全周のうち開口部１２側を除いた範囲であって、５０％よりも大きい範囲で当該軸受カップ５に外嵌していることから、軸受カップ５が開口部１２から外へ抜け出ることを防ぎ、さらに、ピン部材２６（規制部材７）が開口部１２の口開きを抑制していることから、軸受カップ５が開口部１２から外へ抜け出ることを、より一層効果的に防ぐことができる。
以上のように、十字軸継手１０をステアリング軸３１のヨーク２１，２２に取り付けることができる。なお、この十字軸継手１０と中間軸３２のヨーク２３，２４との取り付け方法は前記と同様であり、その説明を省略する。 Further, the holding portion 11 is an outer surface of the outer peripheral surface of the bearing cup 5 on the inner surface 11a except for the opening portion 12 side, and is externally fitted to the bearing cup 5 in a range larger than 50%. Therefore, the bearing cup 5 is prevented from slipping out of the opening 12, and the pin member 26 (regulating member 7) suppresses the opening of the opening 12, so that the bearing cup 5 is opened. It is possible to more effectively prevent the part 12 from slipping out.
As described above, the cross joint 10 can be attached to the yokes 21 and 22 of the steering shaft 31. The method of attaching the cross joint 10 and the yokes 23 and 24 of the intermediate shaft 32 is the same as described above, and the description thereof is omitted.

図７と図８は、この発明の自在継手の他の実施の形態を示す図である。この実施の形態は前記実施の形態と比べて規制部材７の形態が異なり、その他については同じである。すなわち、図７と図８の規制部材７を、ヨーク２１，２２のそれぞれの第一先端部１６と第二先端部１７との先端部間を連結している金属製の連結部材２７としている。
具体的に説明すると、図８において、第一先端部１６の先端と第二先端部１７の先端とに、軸方向外側へ開口した孔部１４ａ，１４ｂを形成している。そして、連結部材２７は、第一先端部１６の孔部１４ａに圧入して固定する第一片２７ａと、第二先端部１７の孔部１４ｂに圧入して固定する第二片２７ｂと、これら第一片２７ａと第二片２７ｂとを連結した連結片２７ｃとを有している。 7 and 8 are views showing another embodiment of the universal joint of the present invention. This embodiment is different from the previous embodiment in the form of the restricting member 7, and the rest is the same. That is, the restricting member 7 of FIGS. 7 and 8 is a metal connecting member 27 that connects the tip portions of the first tip portion 16 and the second tip portion 17 of each of the yokes 21 and 22.
More specifically, in FIG. 8, holes 14 a and 14 b opened outward in the axial direction are formed at the tip of the first tip portion 16 and the tip of the second tip portion 17. The connecting member 27 includes a first piece 27a that is press-fitted and fixed into the hole portion 14a of the first tip portion 16, a second piece 27b that is press-fitted and fixed to the hole portion 14b of the second tip portion 17, and these It has the connection piece 27c which connected the 1st piece 27a and the 2nd piece 27b.

この実施の形態における自在継手の製造方法についても、前記実施形態と同様であり、軸受カップ５の内周面に沿って配列した複数のニードルローラ６を、十字軸１の軸部３に外嵌させてから（図６参照）、この軸受カップ５をステアリング軸３１の軸方向に押圧して当該軸受カップ５をヨーク２１，２２の開口部１２を通して抱持部１１に嵌入する。そして、ヨーク２１，２２のそれぞれにおいて、前記連結部材２７を第一先端部１６と第二先端部１７とに跨って取り付ける。   The manufacturing method of the universal joint in this embodiment is also the same as that of the above embodiment, and a plurality of needle rollers 6 arranged along the inner peripheral surface of the bearing cup 5 are externally fitted to the shaft portion 3 of the cross shaft 1. Then (see FIG. 6), the bearing cup 5 is pressed in the axial direction of the steering shaft 31, and the bearing cup 5 is inserted into the holding portion 11 through the openings 12 of the yokes 21 and 22. In each of the yokes 21 and 22, the connecting member 27 is attached across the first tip portion 16 and the second tip portion 17.

連結部材２７における第一片２７ａと第二片２７ｂとの間隔は、ヨーク２１，２２のそれぞれにこの連結部材２７を取り付けることで、開口部１２の開口寸法を、取り付ける前の状態よりも小さくでき、これにより、抱持部１１の内面１１ａによって軸受カップ５を締め付けて当該軸受カップ５を縮径させ、ニードルローラ６におけるラジアル隙間を所望の値とできるように設定されているのが好ましい。これにより、連結部材２７をヨーク２１，２２に取り付けることで、ニードルローラ６におけるラジアル隙間を所望の値として付与することができ、製造が容易となる。   The distance between the first piece 27a and the second piece 27b in the connecting member 27 can be made smaller than the state before the opening 12 by attaching the connecting member 27 to each of the yokes 21 and 22. Thus, it is preferable that the bearing cup 5 is tightened by the inner surface 11a of the holding portion 11 to reduce the diameter of the bearing cup 5 so that the radial gap in the needle roller 6 can be set to a desired value. Thereby, by attaching the connecting member 27 to the yokes 21 and 22, the radial gap in the needle roller 6 can be given as a desired value, and the manufacture becomes easy.

図９と図１０は、この発明の自在継手の別の実施の形態を示す図である。この実施の形態は図７と図８の実施の形態と比べて規制部材７の形態が異なり、その他については同じである。すなわち、図９と図１０の規制部材７を、ヨーク２１，２２のそれぞれの第一先端部１６と第二先端部１７とを連結しているブロック形状の蓋部材２８としている。
具体的に説明すると、この蓋部材２８は、第一先端部１６に外嵌する第一孔部２８ａと、第二先端部１７に外嵌する第二孔部２８ｂとを有している。なお、第一孔部２８ａ、第二孔部２８ｂに対して、第一先端部１６、第二先端部１７を圧入して固定する。 9 and 10 are views showing another embodiment of the universal joint of the present invention. This embodiment is different from the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8 in the form of the restricting member 7, and the rest is the same. That is, the regulating member 7 of FIGS. 9 and 10 is a block-shaped lid member 28 that connects the first tip portion 16 and the second tip portion 17 of each of the yokes 21 and 22.
More specifically, the lid member 28 has a first hole 28 a that fits around the first tip 16 and a second hole 28 b that fits around the second tip 17. The first tip 16 and the second tip 17 are press-fitted and fixed to the first hole 28a and the second hole 28b.

この実施の形態における自在継手の製造方法についても、前記実施形態と同様であり、軸受カップ５の内周面に沿って配列した複数のニードルローラ６を、十字軸１の軸部３に外嵌させてから（図６参照）、この軸受カップ５をステアリング軸３１の軸方向に押圧して当該軸受カップ５をヨーク２１，２２の開口部１２を通して抱持部１１に嵌入する。そして、ヨーク２１，２２のそれぞれにおいて、前記蓋部材２８を第一先端部１６と第二先端部１７とに跨って取り付ける。   The manufacturing method of the universal joint in this embodiment is also the same as that of the above embodiment, and a plurality of needle rollers 6 arranged along the inner peripheral surface of the bearing cup 5 are externally fitted to the shaft portion 3 of the cross shaft 1. Then (see FIG. 6), the bearing cup 5 is pressed in the axial direction of the steering shaft 31, and the bearing cup 5 is inserted into the holding portion 11 through the openings 12 of the yokes 21 and 22. In each of the yokes 21 and 22, the lid member 28 is attached across the first tip portion 16 and the second tip portion 17.

蓋部材２８の第一孔部２８ａと第二孔部２８ｂとの間隔は、ヨーク２１，２２のそれぞれにこの蓋部材２８を取り付けることで、開口部１２の開口寸法を、取り付ける前の状態よりも小さくでき、これにより、抱持部１１の内面１１ａによって軸受カップ５を締め付けて当該軸受カップ５を縮径させ、ニードルローラ６におけるラジアル隙間を所望の値とできるように設定されているのが好ましい。これにより、蓋部材２８をヨーク２１，２２に取り付けることで、ニードルローラ６におけるラジアル隙間を所望の値として付与することができ、製造が容易となる。   The distance between the first hole portion 28a and the second hole portion 28b of the lid member 28 is such that the lid member 28 is attached to each of the yokes 21 and 22 so that the opening dimension of the opening portion 12 is larger than the state before the attachment. Preferably, the bearing cup 5 is tightened by the inner surface 11a of the holding portion 11 to reduce the diameter of the bearing cup 5, and the radial gap in the needle roller 6 is preferably set to a desired value. . Thereby, by attaching the lid member 28 to the yokes 21 and 22, the radial gap in the needle roller 6 can be given as a desired value, and the manufacture becomes easy.

さらに図９と図１０の実施の形態では、蓋部材２８を金属製とし、蓋部材２８における第一と第二孔部２８ａ，２８ｂ間の部分の横断面積を大きくすると、具体的には、抱持部１１における最薄部３０（図１０参照）における横断面積以上とすることで、当該蓋部材２８の剛性をヨーク２１，２２と同程度乃至それ以上に高めることができる。これにより、十字軸継手１０に大きなラジアル荷重が作用して、ヨーク２１，２２における開口部１２の開口寸法が広がる変形が生じようとしても、この蓋部材２８によって前記変形を抑制することができ、ニードルローラ６における締り嵌めの状態を維持することができる。   Furthermore, in the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10, when the lid member 28 is made of metal and the cross-sectional area of the portion between the first and second holes 28a and 28b in the lid member 28 is increased, specifically, By setting it to be equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of the thinnest portion 30 (see FIG. 10) in the holding portion 11, the rigidity of the lid member 28 can be increased to the same level as or more than that of the yokes 21 and 22. Thereby, even if a large radial load acts on the cross joint 10 to cause a deformation in which the opening size of the opening 12 in the yokes 21 and 22 is expanded, the lid member 28 can suppress the deformation. The state of the interference fit in the needle roller 6 can be maintained.

以上の前記各実施の形態によれば、自在継手の組み立てにおいて、まず、図６に示したように、軸受カップ５の内周面に沿って配列した複数のニードルローラ６を、十字軸１の軸部３に対して隙間ｇがある状態で外嵌させ、その後、図１に示したように、この軸受カップ５を、ステアリング軸３１の軸方向に押圧してヨーク２１，２２の開口部１２を通して抱持部１１に嵌入することで、軸受カップ５をヨーク２１，２２に取り付けることができる。このように、先に軸受カップ５内に複数配列したニードルローラ６を十字軸１の軸部３に外嵌させてから、この軸受カップ５をヨーク２１，２２に取り付けることができるため、図１１で示した従来のように、ヨーク４１の軸受孔４２に十字軸４３の軸部４４を先に挿入した状態としてから、この軸部４４と軸受孔４２との間の狭い環状の空間に、内周に複数のニードルローラ４５を配列した軸受カップ４６を押し込んで組み立てる必要がなく、さらに、軸受孔４２に圧入することで縮径する軸受カップ４６内にある複数のニードルローラ４５を、軸部４４にむりやり外嵌させる必要がなく、この発明によれば、ニードルローラ６と軸部３とがその軸方向から強く接触してニードルローラ６や軸部３を損傷させてしまうことを防止できる。   According to each of the above embodiments, in assembling the universal joint, first, as shown in FIG. 6, the plurality of needle rollers 6 arranged along the inner peripheral surface of the bearing cup 5 are arranged on the cross shaft 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the bearing cup 5 is pressed in the axial direction of the steering shaft 31 to open the openings 12 of the yokes 21 and 22. The bearing cup 5 can be attached to the yokes 21 and 22 by being inserted into the holding portion 11 through the bearings 11. In this manner, since the plurality of needle rollers 6 previously arranged in the bearing cup 5 can be externally fitted to the shaft portion 3 of the cross shaft 1, the bearing cup 5 can be attached to the yokes 21 and 22, as shown in FIG. The shaft portion 44 of the cross shaft 43 is first inserted into the bearing hole 42 of the yoke 41 as in the conventional case shown in FIG. 1, and the inner space is formed in the narrow annular space between the shaft portion 44 and the bearing hole 42. There is no need to assemble the bearing cup 46 in which a plurality of needle rollers 45 are arranged on the circumference, and the plurality of needle rollers 45 in the bearing cup 46 whose diameter is reduced by being press-fitted into the bearing holes 42 are provided on the shaft portion 44. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the needle roller 6 and the shaft portion 3 from coming into strong contact with each other in the axial direction and damaging the needle roller 6 and the shaft portion 3.

さらに、この発明によれば、十字軸１の軸部３に、軸受カップ５内のニードルローラ６を外嵌させる際、これらの間に隙間ｇ（図６参照）を設けていることから、軸部３にニードルローラ６を外嵌する作業は容易となる。また、ヨークの先端側の開口部１２を拡大させるように弾性変形させて、十字軸継手１０の軸受カップ５を抱持部１１へ嵌入することで、当該十字軸継手１０をヨークの所定位置に取り付けることができる。このように、この発明によれば、十字軸継手１０の組み立てが簡単となり、また、大きなプレスなどの大型設備は不要であり、製造コストの低減が図れる。   Further, according to the present invention, when the needle roller 6 in the bearing cup 5 is externally fitted to the shaft portion 3 of the cross shaft 1, the gap g (see FIG. 6) is provided between them. The operation of fitting the needle roller 6 to the portion 3 is facilitated. Further, the opening 12 on the tip side of the yoke is elastically deformed so as to be enlarged, and the bearing cup 5 of the cross joint 10 is fitted into the holding part 11 so that the cross joint 10 is brought into a predetermined position of the yoke. Can be attached. As described above, according to the present invention, the assembly of the cross joint 10 is simplified, and a large facility such as a large press is not required, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

そして、軸受カップ５を抱持部１１に嵌入した状態で、前記規制部材７をヨークに取り付けることで当該軸受カップ５を縮径させ、この軸受カップ５内にあるニードルローラ６におけるラジアル隙間を負の状態にできる。したがって、図１に示しているように、このような自在継手を用いて、ステアリング軸３１と中間軸２３とを連結し、この中間軸２３とコラム軸３２とを連結した車両用操舵装置によれば、ニードルローラ６におけるラジアル隙間を負の状態にできることから、ニードルローラ６と十字軸１の軸部３との間、ニードルローラ６と軸受カップ５との間において滑りが生じることを抑制でき、トルク伝達不良によるガタツキや脈動の発生を防止でき、良好な操舵感を得ることができる。そして、組み立ての際に、軸部３やニードルローラ６を損傷させてしまうことを防止できることから、車両用操舵装置の品質、耐久性を向上させることができる。   Then, with the bearing cup 5 fitted in the holding portion 11, the diameter of the bearing cup 5 is reduced by attaching the regulating member 7 to the yoke, and the radial gap in the needle roller 6 in the bearing cup 5 is negative. Can be in the state of. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, according to such a universal joint, the steering shaft 31 and the intermediate shaft 23 are connected, and the intermediate shaft 23 and the column shaft 32 are connected. For example, since the radial gap in the needle roller 6 can be in a negative state, it is possible to suppress slippage between the needle roller 6 and the shaft portion 3 of the cross shaft 1 and between the needle roller 6 and the bearing cup 5. Generation of rattling and pulsation due to poor torque transmission can be prevented, and a good steering feeling can be obtained. And since it can prevent that the axial part 3 and the needle roller 6 are damaged in the case of an assembly, the quality and durability of the steering apparatus for vehicles can be improved.

また、本発明は、図示する形態に限らずこの発明の範囲内において他の形態のものであっても良い。前記実施の形態では、ニードルローラ６におけるラジアル隙間を負とする場合について説明したが、このラジアル隙間をゼロとする構成であってもよい。また、前記規制部材７を、図５で示したピン部材２６の代わりにボルトナット（図示せず）とすることができる。さらに、軸受カップ５がヨークから抜け出ることを防止するために、図２の実施の形態では、ヨークにかしめ部１９ａや突出部１９ｂを形成する場合について説明したが、これ以外として、規制部材７（連結部材２７または蓋部材２８）に、軸受カップ５側へ延びる（図７と図９の二点鎖線で示している）抜け止め部２９を形成してもよい。この抜け止め部２９は、軸受カップ５がその軸方向の外側へ抜け出ようとすると、当該軸受カップ５と接触することができ、当該軸受カップ５がヨークから抜け出ることを防止できる。   Further, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated form, and may be other forms within the scope of the present invention. In the above embodiment, the case where the radial gap in the needle roller 6 is negative has been described. However, the radial gap may be zero. Further, the restricting member 7 can be a bolt nut (not shown) instead of the pin member 26 shown in FIG. Furthermore, in order to prevent the bearing cup 5 from slipping out of the yoke, the embodiment of FIG. 2 has been described with respect to the case where the caulking portion 19a and the protruding portion 19b are formed on the yoke. The connecting member 27 or the lid member 28) may be provided with a retaining portion 29 (indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIGS. 7 and 9) extending toward the bearing cup 5 side. The retaining portion 29 can come into contact with the bearing cup 5 and prevent the bearing cup 5 from slipping out of the yoke when the bearing cup 5 is about to slip out in the axial direction.

この発明の十字軸継手を備えた自在継手の実施の一形態を示す側面図である。It is a side view which shows one Embodiment of the universal joint provided with the cross shaft coupling of this invention. 図１のＩＩ−ＩＩ断面における断面図であるIt is sectional drawing in the II-II cross section of FIG. ヨークと十字軸継手とを示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows a yoke and a cross shaft coupling. ヨークと十字軸継手との取り付け方法を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining the attachment method of a yoke and a cross shaft coupling. ヨークと十字軸継手との取り付け方法を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining the attachment method of a yoke and a cross shaft coupling. 十字軸継手の組み立て方法を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining the assembly method of a cross shaft coupling. この発明の自在継手の他の実施の形態を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows other embodiment of the universal joint of this invention. 図７の自在継手の要部を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the principal part of the universal joint of FIG. この発明の自在継手の別の実施の形態を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows another embodiment of the universal joint of this invention. 図９の自在継手の要部を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the principal part of the universal joint of FIG. 従来の自在継手の組み立てを説明する説明図である。It is explanatory drawing explaining the assembly of the conventional universal joint.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１ 十字軸
２ 胴体部
３ 軸部
３ａ 外周面
５ 軸受カップ
６ ニードルローラ（転動体）
７ 規制部材
１０ 十字軸継手
１１ 抱持部
１２ 開口部
２１，２２，２３，２４ ヨーク
３１ ステアリング軸（第二軸）
３２ コラム軸（第二軸）
３３ 中間軸（第一軸） DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cross shaft 2 Body part 3 Shaft part 3a Outer peripheral surface 5 Bearing cup 6 Needle roller (rolling element)
7 Restriction member 10 Cross shaft joint 11 Holding portion 12 Opening portion 21, 22, 23, 24 Yoke 31 Steering shaft (second shaft)
32 Column axis (second axis)
33 Intermediate shaft (first shaft)

Claims (5)

軸方向に延びる一対の対向したヨークを端部にそれぞれ有する第一軸と第二軸と、これら第一軸と第二軸とを前記ヨークにおいて連結する十字軸継手と、を備え、
前記十字軸継手は、胴体部の側周面から四方へ突出した四つの軸部を有する十字軸と、前記軸部の外周面を転走する複数の転動体と、これら転動体に外嵌している有底円筒状の軸受カップと、を有し、
前記ヨークのそれぞれは、前記軸受カップの外周面の一部に外嵌している抱持部と、この抱持部を前記軸方向の外側に向かって開口させ当該抱持部へ前記軸受カップを嵌入させるための開口部と、を有することを特徴とする自在継手。 A first shaft and a second shaft each having a pair of opposing yokes extending in the axial direction at the ends, and a cross joint coupling the first shaft and the second shaft at the yoke,
The cross shaft joint includes a cross shaft having four shaft portions protruding in four directions from the side peripheral surface of the body portion, a plurality of rolling elements that roll on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion, and an outer fit to the rolling members. A bottomed cylindrical bearing cup, and
Each of the yokes has a holding part fitted on a part of the outer peripheral surface of the bearing cup, and the holding part is opened toward the outside in the axial direction so that the bearing cup is inserted into the holding part. And a universal joint having an opening for insertion. 前記開口部の開口寸法の拡大を規制する規制部材をさらに備えている請求項１に記載の自在継手。   The universal joint according to claim 1, further comprising a restricting member that restricts an enlargement of an opening size of the opening. ステアリング軸と、コラム軸と、前記ステアリング軸と前記コラム軸とを繋ぐための継手とを備え、前記継手が請求項１又は２に記載の自在継手であることを特徴とする車両用操舵装置。   A vehicle steering apparatus comprising: a steering shaft; a column shaft; and a joint for connecting the steering shaft and the column shaft, wherein the joint is the universal joint according to claim 1. 四つの軸部を有する十字軸、前記軸部の外周面を転走する複数の転動体、及び、これら転動体に外嵌する有底円筒状の軸受カップを有する十字軸継手を用いて、軸方向に延びる一対の対向したヨークを端部にそれぞれ有する第一軸と第二軸とを、当該ヨークにおいて連結する自在継手の製造方法において、
前記一対のヨークとして、前記軸受カップの外周面の一部に外嵌する抱持部と、この抱持部を前記軸方向の外側に向かって開口させた開口部とを有するものを用い、
前記軸受カップの内周面に沿って配列した前記複数の転動体を、前記十字軸の前記軸部に外嵌させた後、
この軸受カップを前記軸方向に押圧して当該軸受カップを前記ヨークの前記開口部を通して前記抱持部に嵌入することを特徴とする自在継手の製造方法。 Using a cross shaft having four shaft portions, a plurality of rolling elements that roll on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion, and a cross shaft joint having a bottomed cylindrical bearing cup that is externally fitted to the rolling members, In a method for manufacturing a universal joint, in which a first shaft and a second shaft, each having a pair of opposing yokes extending in the direction, are connected at the yoke,
As the pair of yokes, those having a holding part that fits outside a part of the outer peripheral surface of the bearing cup and an opening part that opens the holding part toward the outside in the axial direction are used.
After the plurality of rolling elements arranged along the inner peripheral surface of the bearing cup are externally fitted to the shaft portion of the cross shaft,
A method for manufacturing a universal joint, comprising: pressing the bearing cup in the axial direction and inserting the bearing cup into the holding portion through the opening of the yoke. 前記軸受カップの内周面に沿って配列した前記複数の転動体を、前記十字軸の前記軸部に隙間をもって外嵌させ、
この軸受カップを前記ヨークの前記抱持部に嵌入した状態で当該軸受カップを縮径させ、前記転動体におけるラジアル隙間を負乃至ゼロとする請求項４に記載の自在継手の製造方法。 The plurality of rolling elements arranged along the inner peripheral surface of the bearing cup are externally fitted with a gap to the shaft portion of the cross shaft,
The method for manufacturing a universal joint according to claim 4, wherein the diameter of the bearing cup is reduced in a state in which the bearing cup is fitted in the holding portion of the yoke, and the radial gap in the rolling element is set to be negative or zero.
JP2006160066A 2006-06-08 2006-06-08 Universal joint, vehicular steering device, and universal joint manufacturing method Pending JP2007327593A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2006160066A JP2007327593A (en) 2006-06-08 2006-06-08 Universal joint, vehicular steering device, and universal joint manufacturing method

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2006160066A JP2007327593A (en) 2006-06-08 2006-06-08 Universal joint, vehicular steering device, and universal joint manufacturing method

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
JP2007327593A true JP2007327593A (en) 2007-12-20

Family

ID=38928187

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
JP2006160066A Pending JP2007327593A (en) 2006-06-08 2006-06-08 Universal joint, vehicular steering device, and universal joint manufacturing method

Country Status (1)

Country Link
JP (1) JP2007327593A (en)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2015174457A1 (en) * 2014-05-14 2015-11-19 日本精工株式会社 Assembly method for cross shaft type universal joint
JP2015218753A (en) * 2014-05-14 2015-12-07 日本精工株式会社 Assembling method of joint cross universal joint
JP2015224682A (en) * 2014-05-27 2015-12-14 日本精工株式会社 Assembling method of joint cross universal joint
JP2015224683A (en) * 2014-05-27 2015-12-14 日本精工株式会社 Assembling method of joint cross universal joint
WO2016006803A1 (en) * 2014-07-09 2016-01-14 (주)성진포머 Method for manufacturing pipe joint for vehicle steering system
CN111085840A (en) * 2018-10-24 2020-05-01 株式会社捷太格特 Method of manufacturing universal joint and manufacturing apparatus for universal joint

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2015174457A1 (en) * 2014-05-14 2015-11-19 日本精工株式会社 Assembly method for cross shaft type universal joint
JP2015218753A (en) * 2014-05-14 2015-12-07 日本精工株式会社 Assembling method of joint cross universal joint
US10533611B2 (en) 2014-05-14 2020-01-14 Nsk Ltd. Assembly method for cross shaft universal joint
JP2015224682A (en) * 2014-05-27 2015-12-14 日本精工株式会社 Assembling method of joint cross universal joint
JP2015224683A (en) * 2014-05-27 2015-12-14 日本精工株式会社 Assembling method of joint cross universal joint
WO2016006803A1 (en) * 2014-07-09 2016-01-14 (주)성진포머 Method for manufacturing pipe joint for vehicle steering system
CN111085840A (en) * 2018-10-24 2020-05-01 株式会社捷太格特 Method of manufacturing universal joint and manufacturing apparatus for universal joint
CN111085840B (en) * 2018-10-24 2023-10-13 株式会社捷太格特 Method for manufacturing universal joint and apparatus for manufacturing universal joint

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5836821A (en) Elastic coupling for steering apparatus
JP2007327593A (en) Universal joint, vehicular steering device, and universal joint manufacturing method
WO2015008569A1 (en) Bearing device for wheels
JP2004340311A (en) Bearing unit for wheel
WO2002102608A1 (en) Bearing device for drive wheel and method of manufacturing the bearing device
JP2018128041A (en) Assembly of shaft and yoke
JP2008296826A (en) Wheel bearing device
JP4613875B2 (en) Cross shaft joint and vehicle steering apparatus including the same
JP2005233402A (en) Roller bearing device
JP2007321943A (en) Cross shaft coupling, universal coupling and steering system for vehicle
JP6631642B2 (en) Assembly method of cross shaft universal joint and cross shaft universal joint
JP4090714B2 (en) Wheel bearing device and manufacturing method thereof
US20070283564A1 (en) Manufacture method for cross joint
JP4280650B2 (en) Cross joint
JP2007303575A (en) Cross shaft joint and vehicular steering device using the same
JP2007327590A (en) Cross shaft coupling and steering system for vehicle using cross shaft
JP2007309340A (en) Cross shaft coupling and vehicular steering device using the same
JP2007321924A (en) Cross joint and steering device for vehicle with same
JPH0138669Y2 (en)
JP2008039115A (en) Cardan joint, bearing device for vehicle provided therewith, and assembling method of cardan joint
JP4986512B2 (en) Wheel bearing device
JP2007309338A (en) Cross shaft coupling and vehicular steering device
JPH1035304A (en) Impact absorbing structure of propeller shaft
JP2007309473A (en) Cardan universal joint, vehicle steering device having it, and assembling method for the cross joint
JPH10205547A (en) Yoke for universal joint