JP2008082400A - Constant velocity universal joint - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a compact constant velocity universal joint useful for reducing manufacturing cost, by restraining the quantity of lubricating component being used to a necessary minimum, while preventing the deterioration in boots by the lubricating component. <P>SOLUTION: A porous solid lubricant as a regulating member 10 is arranged inside the boots 7. The porous solid lubricant as the regulating member 10 is arranged between a base surface 11 of an outer ring 1 and a shaft member anti-inserting fitting side end surface of an inner ring 3, that is, between the base surface 11 of the outer ring 1 and an outer ring base surface side end part of a shaft 6. A space for sealing the lubricating component requited for lubricating the inside of the outer ring 1, is formed as a space surrounded by the outer ring 1 and the regulating member 10 by narrowing more than a conventional space by this regulating member 10, and a sealing quantity of the lubricating component is regulated. The porous solid lubricant as the regulating member 10 is a solid material made porous by foaming a resin component, with the lubricating component including lubricating oil and the resin component as an essential component, and is formed by storing the lubricating component inside resin. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a constant velocity universal joint that is used in a drive shaft of an automobile and various industrial machines to transmit rotational torque.

  In recent years, technological improvements for higher performance, compactness, and weight reduction of automobiles and industrial machines have progressed, and constant velocity universal joints used for drive transmission of automobile parts and industrial machines have also been reduced in size, weight, and performance. There is an increasing demand for (long life).

  That is, the constant velocity universal joint is applied in a direction in which a high load is applied by reducing the size and weight in the same manner as the entire machine, and it may be difficult to achieve a long life with lubrication with conventional grease. Therefore, there is a demand for a constant velocity universal joint that has a long life and excellent maintainability even under severe conditions such as high temperature and high load.

  Here, in general, lubricants are used in sliding parts and rotating parts of machines such as automobiles and industrial machines, and grease or liquids that have been provided with shape retention by increasing the lubricating oil. There are known solid lubricants that can hold the lubricant and prevent its scattering and dripping.

  For example, an ultra-high molecular weight polyolefin or urethane resin and its curing agent are mixed with a lubricating component such as lubricating oil or grease, and a liquid lubricating component is retained between the resin molecules to give it a physical property that gradually exudes. Solid lubricants are known (see Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3).

  Also known is a polyurethane elastomer having self-lubricating properties by reacting a polyol, which is a polyurethane raw material, with a diisocyanate in a lubricating component in the presence of a lubricant (see Patent Document 4).

  Such a solid lubricant, for example, gradually precipitates a lubricating component when sealed and solidified in a bearing. When this solid lubricant is used, maintenance for replenishing the lubricating component is unnecessary, and there is a lot of moisture. It is often useful for extending the life of bearings even in environments where they are used or in environments where strong inertial forces are applied.

  However, if such a solid lubricant is used in a part where expansion and contraction, such as a drive part of a constant velocity universal joint, is repeatedly applied at a high frequency, a very large force is required to cause deformation following the expansion and contraction. Or a very large stress is applied to the solid lubricant, and the mechanical strength is also required for the portion holding the solid lubricant.

  However, since the strength and filling rate of the solid lubricant are usually compensatory, it is difficult to keep the lubricant at a high filling rate, which may hinder the extension of the service life.

  Therefore, there is a demand for a solid lubricant that can be applied to a constant velocity universal joint in which expansion and contraction and bending occur repeatedly at a high frequency.

By the way, as the solid lubricant, there is an oil-impregnated solid lubricant in which a soft resin foamed to form continuous air holes is impregnated with a lubricating component, and the lubricating component is held in the pores. It is known that the entire inside of the outer joint member of the constant velocity universal joint or the entire inside of the boot attached to the outer joint member of the constant velocity universal joint is used (see Patent Document 5).
JP-A-6-41569 JP-A-6-172770 JP 2000-319681 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-286601 JP-A-9-42297

  However, the above-described oil-impregnated solid lubricant according to the prior art can follow deformation due to expansion and contraction of the constant velocity universal joint if it has flexible deformability according to external force, but has a small lubricating component retention force, When used under high-speed rotation conditions, etc., there is a possibility that the lubricating components will be rapidly deposited, resulting in exhaustion. Furthermore, filling the constant velocity universal joint with a lubricant may increase the weight and may reduce the movable range (operating angle and sliding amount) of the constant velocity universal joint.

  In addition, when oil-containing solid lubricant is used in a part that operates for a long time or when used in an open space, a lubricating component is deposited, and this lubricating component is repeatedly released and absorbed from the pores and cannot endure in the space. Flow.

  When such excessively precipitated lubricating component comes into contact with the boot attached to the outer joint member of the constant velocity universal joint, the lubricating component may deteriorate the boot material.

  Furthermore, in the manufacturing process of the solid lubricant, many processes are required to reliably impregnate a lubricating component such as lubricating oil or grease, and it becomes difficult to manufacture a constant velocity universal joint at low cost.

  Therefore, the present invention solves the above-described problems, prevents deterioration of the boot due to the lubricating component, and keeps the amount of the lubricating component used to the minimum necessary, thereby making the constant velocity universal joint compact and useful for reducing manufacturing costs. The purpose is to provide.

  The constant velocity universal joint of the present invention for solving the above-described problems includes an outer joint member having a track groove formed on an inner peripheral surface, an inner joint member disposed inside the outer joint member, and the inner joint member. A cylindrical member having a shaft member inserted and fitted, a rolling element interposed between the outer joint member and the inner joint member, a small diameter portion at one end, and a large diameter portion at the other end, The small diameter portion includes a boot fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member, and the large diameter portion includes a boot fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the opening of the outer joint member. A lubricating component is enclosed in the outer joint member. Further, a restriction member for restricting the amount of the lubricating component enclosed is provided inside the boot (claim 1).

  In this constant velocity universal joint, by providing a regulating member inside the boot attached to the constant velocity universal joint, the space inside the boot is closed, and the space in which the lubricating component is enclosed is made inside the outer joint member. Regulate the amount. Therefore, the use of the lubricating component can be kept to the minimum necessary. Also, with this structure, the regulating member provided inside the boot functions to block the lubricating component from the inside of the outer joint member, and prevents the lubricating component from flowing out into the boot.

  As a lubricating component sealed inside the outer joint member, fluid lubricating oil can be used. This is because even if the lubrication component is fluid, the regulating member provided inside the boot functions to block the lubrication component from the inside of the outer joint member and prevents the lubrication component from flowing into the boot. It is to do.

  The regulating member used in the present invention includes an elastic body such as rubber (Claim 2), a resin component made of a porous solid (Claim 3), or a lubricating component and a resin component containing lubricating oil as essential components. In addition, a porous solid lubricant (Claim 4), which is a solid material in which the resin component is foamed and made porous, and has the lubricating component occluded inside the resin, can be used. The term “occlusion” as used herein is the same as the meaning of occlusion in the scientific term, and means that a liquid lubricating component is contained in a solid resin without becoming a compound.

  In the above, it is particularly preferable to use a porous solid lubricant as the regulating member.

  This is because since the porous solid lubricant contains a lubricating component, the lubricating component sealed inside the outer joint member is less likely to permeate into the porous solid lubricant that is the regulating member, and the lubricating component is contained inside the outer joint member. This is because the action is high. Another reason is that the lubricating component contained in the porous solid lubricant oozes out to the inside of the outer joint member by a necessary amount to supplement the lubrication inside the outer joint member.

  The present invention can be applied to various constant velocity universal joints. For example, the outer peripheral surface of the outer joint member and the outer peripheral surface of the inner joint member are spherical, and there are three between the inner peripheral surface of the outer joint member and the track groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner joint member. The present invention can be applied to a ball fixture joint (BJ) which is one of fixed type constant velocity universal joints in which any number of balls (rolling elements) of 5, 6, 6, 7 or 8 is interposed.

  In the case of the above constant velocity universal joint, the restriction member may be provided not only inside the boot, but also between the base surface of the outer joint member and the shaft member opposite insertion side end surface of the inner joint member. 6).

  In this case, the space inside the outer joint member that encloses the lubricating component is restricted by the restriction member and narrows. Therefore, the amount of the lubricating component enclosed in the outer joint member can be regulated and reduced as compared with the case where the regulating member is provided only inside the boot. As a result, the amount of the lubricating component used can be further reduced, and the manufacturing cost and the constant velocity universal joint can be reduced. Further, with this structure, the regulating member provided inside the outer joint member does not adversely affect the movable range (operating angle) of the constant velocity universal joint.

  In addition to the constant velocity universal joint described above, the present invention provides a cylindrical inner peripheral surface of the outer joint member with a plurality of linear track grooves extending in the axial direction, and a spherical outer peripheral surface of the inner joint member. Are formed with a plurality of linear track grooves that are paired with the track grooves of the outer joint member, and three, four, and five are formed between the track grooves of the outer joint member and the track grooves of the inner joint member. The present invention can be applied to a double offset type constant velocity universal joint (DOJ) which is one of sliding type constant velocity universal joints with any number of balls (rolling elements) of 6, 7, or 8.

  In the present invention, a plurality of linear track grooves are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer joint member, and a plurality of linear track grooves paired with the track grooves of the outer joint member are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner joint member. The track groove of the outer joint member and the track groove of the inner joint member are inclined at a predetermined angle in opposite directions with respect to the axis, and the track groove of these outer joint member and the inner joint member Cross groove type constant velocity which is one of the sliding type constant velocity universal joints with any number of balls (rolling elements) of 4, 6, 8, or 10 at the intersection with the track groove. Applicable to universal joints (LJ).

  Alternatively, in the present invention, the outer joint member is formed with three linear track grooves extending in the axial direction on the inner peripheral surface thereof, and the inner joint member has a tripod having three leg shafts projecting in the radial direction. A sliding-type constant-velocity member that is a roller that is rotatably supported by the leg shaft and that is a roller that is rotatably inserted into the track groove of the outer joint member and guided along the track groove. It can be applied to a tripod type constant velocity universal joint (TJ) which is one of the universal joints.

  In the constant velocity universal joint according to the present invention, a lubricating component is enclosed in the outer joint member, and a regulating member is provided in the boot to regulate the amount of the lubricating component enclosed. Therefore, it is not necessary to enclose a lubricating component inside the boot. As a result, it is possible to reduce the weight of the constant velocity universal joint and reduce the manufacturing cost while keeping the amount of the lubricating component used to the minimum necessary.

  Further, the regulating member provided inside the boot also has a function of preventing the lubricating component sealed inside the outer joint member from flowing into the boot. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the boot from being deteriorated by the lubricating component and to extend the life of the boot.

  Furthermore, when boot materials and lubrication components are selected depending on the environment in which the constant velocity universal joint is used, there are cases in which the combination of the lubrication components significantly degrades the boot. Even in such a case, the regulating member works effectively, prevents deterioration of the boot due to the lubricating component, and can fully exhibit each performance.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a ball fixture type constant velocity universal joint (BJ) which is one of fixed type constant velocity universal joints as a first embodiment of the present invention.

  The constant velocity universal joint includes an outer ring 1 that is an outer joint member, an inner ring 3 that is an inner joint member, a ball 4, and a cage 5. The outer ring 1 has a plurality of track grooves 1a formed on a spherical inner peripheral surface. The inner ring 3 has a plurality of track grooves 3 a that are paired with the track grooves 1 a of the outer ring 1 on the spherical outer peripheral surface, and is interposed between the track grooves 1 a of the outer ring 1 and the track grooves 3 a of the inner ring 3. Three, four, five, six, seven or eight balls 4 are interposed, and these balls 4 are pockets 5a of the cage 5 disposed between the outer ring 1 and the inner ring 3. Held in.

  A bellows-like boot 7 made of a heat-resistant, oil-resistant, and wear-resistant rubber material is attached to the shaft 6 that is a shaft member inserted into the inner ring 3 from the opening end of the outer ring 1. The mounting portion is fastened and fixed by boot bands 8 and 9. The boot 7 completely seals the inside of the outer ring 1.

  In the present embodiment, a porous solid lubricant as the regulating member 10 is provided inside the boot 7. Further, as a regulating member 10, between the base surface 11 of the outer ring 1 and the end surface on the side opposite to the shaft member of the inner ring 3, that is, between the base surface 11 of the outer ring 1 and the outer ring base surface side end of the shaft 6. A porous solid lubricant is provided. The porous solid lubricant as the regulating member 10 is a solid material in which a lubricating component including a lubricating oil and a resin component are essential components, the resin component is foamed to be porous, and the lubricating component is a resin. Occluded inside.

  As the resin component constituting the porous solid lubricant, either or both of an elastomer and a plastomer can be adopted as an alloy or a copolymer component among plastic or rubber.

  In the case of rubber, various rubbers such as natural rubber, isoprene rubber, butadiene rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, butyl rubber, nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, silicone rubber, urethane elastomer, fluorine rubber, and chlorosulfone rubber can be employed.

  In the case of plastic, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyacetal, polyamide 4,6 (PA4,6), polyamide 6,6 (PA6,6), polyamide 6T (PA6T), polyamide 9T (PA9T) General-purpose plastics and engineering plastics.

  Moreover, it is not restricted to said plastic, Polyurethane foams, such as a flexible urethane foam, a rigid urethane foam, a semi-rigid urethane foam, a polyurethane elastomer, etc. can be used. Various adhesives such as urethane adhesives, cyanoacrylate adhesives, epoxy resin adhesives, polyvinyl acetate adhesives, polyimide adhesives, and the like can also be used after being foamed and cured.

  Various additives such as pigments, antioxidants, metal deactivators, antistatic agents, flame retardants, antifungal agents and fillers can be added to the resin component as necessary.

  The porous solid lubricant as the regulating member 10 used in the present invention has a lubricating component and a resin component as essential components, and requires a lubricating component by the action of external force such as expansion, contraction, centrifugal force, and expansion of bubbles accompanying a temperature rise. It can be supplied to the site.

  The air bubbles generated when being made porous by foaming are preferably continuous pores, and the lubricating component can be directly supplied from the surface of the resin component to the necessary portions via the continuous pores by the action of external force. In the case of the independent holes, the entire amount of the lubricating component in the resin component may be temporarily taken into the bubbles and may not be sufficiently supplied to the necessary part when necessary.

  In order to occlude the lubricating component inside the resin, it is desirable to employ a reactive impregnation method in which a foaming reaction and a curing reaction are simultaneously performed in the presence of the lubricating component. In this way, it is possible to highly fill the inside of the resin with the lubricating component, and thereafter the post-impregnation step of impregnating and replenishing the lubricating component can be omitted.

  On the other hand, if the foamed solid is molded in advance and only the impregnation method after impregnation with the lubricating component is employed, a sufficient amount of the lubricating component does not penetrate into the resin, so that the lubricating component retention force is not sufficient. If the lubricant is deposited in a short time and used for a long time, the lubrication component may be insufficiently supplied. For this reason, the post-impregnation step is preferably employed as an auxiliary means for the reactive impregnation method.

  This reactive impregnation method is preferably carried out by using a surfactant such as a commercially available silicone-based foam stabilizer and dispersing each raw material molecule uniformly. Further, it is possible to control the surface tension according to the type and amount of the foam stabilizer, and to control the type of bubbles (continuous type / independent type) and the size of the bubbles. Examples of the surfactant include an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, a silicone surfactant, and a fluorine surfactant.

  The ratio of the lubricating oil (100% by weight) of the lubricating oil is preferably 1% by weight to 95% by weight, and more preferably 5% to 80% by weight. When the ratio of the lubricating oil is less than 1% by weight, it is difficult to sufficiently supply the lubricating oil to a necessary portion. In addition, when the amount is more than 95% by weight, the specific function of the solid lubricant may not be achieved.

  As the lubricating component used in the present invention, any type can be used as long as it does not dissolve the solids forming the foam. For example, lubricating oil, grease, wax, etc. can be used alone or in combination. May be.

  As the lubricating oil used in this invention, paraffinic and naphthenic mineral oils, ester synthetic oils, ether synthetic oils, hydrocarbon synthetic oils, GTL base oils, fluorine oils, silicone oils and the like are generally used. Lubricating oils or mixed oils thereof.

  Examples of the thickener for grease used in the present invention include soaps such as lithium soap, lithium complex soap, calcium soap, calcium complex soap, aluminum soap and aluminum complex soap, and urea compounds such as diurea compounds and polyurea compounds. However, it is not particularly limited.

  Examples of the urea thickener include, but are not limited to, diurea compounds and polyurea compounds.

  The diurea compound is obtained, for example, by reaction of diisocyanate and monoamine. Diisocyanates include phenylene diisocyanate, diphenyl diisocyanate, phenyl diisocyanate, diphenylmethane diisocyanate, octadecane diisocyanate, decane diisocyanate, hexane diisocyanate, and monoamines include octylamine, dodecylamine, hexadecylamine, octadecylamine, oleylamine, aniline, p-Toluidine, cyclohexylamine and the like can be mentioned.

  The polyurea compound can be obtained, for example, by reacting diisocyanate with a monoamine or diamine. Examples of the diisocyanate and monoamine include those similar to those used for the production of the diurea compound. Examples of the diamine include ethylenediamine, propanediamine, butanediamine, hexanediamine, octanediamine, phenylenediamine, tolylenediamine, and xylenediamine. Is mentioned. As the base oil of the grease, the same lubricant oil as described above can be used.

  The wax used in the present invention may be any hydrocarbon synthetic wax, polyethylene wax, fatty acid ester wax, fatty acid amide wax, ketone / amines, hydrogenated oil, and the like. As the oil component used for these waxes, the same oil components as those described above can be used.

  Lubricating components as described above include solid lubricants such as molybdenum disulfide and graphite, friction modifiers such as organic molybdenum, oily agents such as amines, fatty acids, and fats, and antioxidants such as amines and phenols. Agents, rust inhibitors such as petroleum sulfonate, dinonyl naphthalene sulfonate, sorbitan ester, extreme pressure agents such as sulfur and sulfur-phosphorus, antiwear agents such as organic zinc and phosphorus, benzotriazole, sodium nitrite, etc. Various additives such as viscosity index improvers such as metal deactivators, polymethacrylates and polystyrenes may be included.

  As a means for foaming the resin component, a well-known foaming means may be employed. For example, a physical method for heating and vaporizing an organic solvent having a relatively low boiling point such as water, acetone, hexane, etc. A mechanical foaming method that blows active gas from the outside, such as azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) or azodicarbonimide (ADCA), which uses a decomposable foaming agent that decomposes by temperature or light and generates nitrogen gas, etc. And the like. Moreover, when it has a highly reactive isocyanate group as a raw material, you may use the chemical foaming by the carbon dioxide produced by the chemical reaction with it and a water molecule.

  In order to use foaming accompanied by such a reaction, it is desirable to use a catalyst as necessary. For example, a tertiary amine catalyst or an organometallic catalyst is used.

  Examples of the tertiary amine catalyst include monoamines, diamines, triamines, cyclic amines, alcohol amines, ether amines, imidazole derivatives, and acid block amine catalysts.

  In addition, as organometallic catalysts, stanaoctate, dibutyltin diacetate, dibutyltin dilaurate, dibutyltin marker peptide, dibutyltin thiocarboxylate, dibutyltin maleate, dioctyltin dimarkaptide, dioctyltin thiocarboxylate, lead octenoate, etc. Is mentioned. Moreover, you may mix and use these multiple types for the purpose of adjusting the balance of reaction.

  The expansion ratio of the resin component is desirably 1.1 times or more and less than 200 times. When the expansion ratio is 1.1 times or less, the bubble volume is small, and there is a problem that the deformation cannot be allowed when an external force is applied, or the solid matter is too hard to be deformed. In addition, when it is 200 times or more, it is difficult to obtain a strength that can withstand external force, which may cause breakage or destruction during use.

  The porous solid lubricant as the regulating member 10 may be cast into a mold and molded, or after solidifying at normal pressure, it can be post-processed into a desired shape by cutting or grinding. In the present embodiment, one end of the shaft 6 is inserted into the inner ring 3, a boot 7 is attached to the multiple ends, and between the inside of the boot 7 and the base surface 11 of the outer ring 1 and the outer ring base surface side end of the shaft 6. In addition, the porous solid lubricant as the regulating member 10 is foam-filled and cured. Then, the boot 7 is attached to the outer ring 1 via the shaft 6.

  Now, in this embodiment, the above-mentioned regulating member 10 makes the space enclosed with the regulating member 10 and the outer ring 1 narrower than the conventional space for enclosing the lubricating component for lubricating the inside of the outer ring 1, and the lubricating component Regulates the amount of enclosed. As a result, since the lubricating component to be used can be kept to the minimum necessary, the manufacturing cost can be reduced and the constant velocity universal joint can be reduced in weight. In this embodiment, since the regulating member 10 is applied to the fixed type constant velocity universal joint, the regulating member 10 provided inside the outer ring 1, that is, the base surface 11 of the outer ring 1 and the outer ring base surface side of the shaft 6. The regulating member 10 provided between the end portions does not adversely affect the movable range (operating angle) of the constant velocity universal joint.

  Further, the restricting member 10 functions to block the lubricating component enclosed in the outer ring 1, that is, the space surrounded by the restricting member 10 and the outer ring 1, from flowing into the boot 7. For this reason, deterioration due to the lubricating component of the boot 7 can be prevented, and the life of the boot 7 can be extended.

  In the present embodiment, the regulating member is between the base surface 11 of the outer ring 1 and the shaft member opposite insertion side end surface of the inner ring 3, that is, between the base surface 11 of the outer ring 1 and the outer ring base surface side end of the shaft 6. 10 is provided, but is not necessarily provided. However, even if a restriction member is provided between the base of the outer ring and the end of the shaft on the outer ring base of the fixed type constant velocity universal joint, the motion performance (operation angle) of the constant velocity universal joint is not affected. The amount of the lubricating component used can be reduced as compared with the case where the regulating member is provided only inside the boot, and the constant velocity universal joint can be further reduced in weight. Accordingly, when the present invention is applied to a fixed type constant velocity universal joint, as in the first embodiment, the interior of the boot and between the base surface of the outer ring and the end of the shaft on the base side of the outer ring base are also provided. It is preferable to provide a regulating member.

  The reason why the porous solid lubricant is used as the regulating member 10 is as follows.

  Since the porous solid lubricant contains a lubricating component, the lubricating component sealed in the space surrounded by the outer ring 1 and the regulating member 10 does not easily soak into the porous solid lubricant as the regulating member 10. For this reason, the function of preventing the lubricating component from flowing out of the outer ring 1 is enhanced. Further, the lubricating component contained in the porous solid lubricant oozes out by a necessary amount in the space surrounded by the outer ring 1 and the regulating member 10 to supplement the lubrication inside the outer ring 1.

  Lubricating oil that is easy to flow can be used for the lubricating component enclosed in the space surrounded by the outer ring 1 and the regulating member 10 and the lubricating component contained in the porous solid lubricant as the regulating member 10.

  The reason for this is that even when a fluid lubricating component flows to the boot 7 side, the regulating member 10 blocks the lubricating component from flowing into the boot 7 and there is no possibility of degrading the boot 7. It is.

  In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a ball fixture type constant velocity universal joint in which the track groove 1a of the outer ring 1 and the track groove 3a of the inner ring 3 are curved. The present invention can also be applied to an undercut-free ball fixture type constant velocity universal joint in which 1a and the track groove 3a on the side opposite to the outer ring of the inner ring 3 are straight.

  The application shown in FIG. 1, which is the first embodiment of the regulating member according to the present invention, can be applied to various other constant velocity universal joints. As a second embodiment of the present invention in FIG. 2, a double offset type constant velocity universal joint (DOJ), which is one of sliding type constant velocity universal joints, is shown in FIG. 3 as a third embodiment of the present invention. A cross groove type constant velocity universal joint (LJ), which is one of sliding type constant velocity universal joints, is shown in FIG. 4 as a fourth embodiment of the present invention. A constant velocity universal joint (TJ) is shown.

  FIG. 2 shows an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a double offset type constant velocity universal joint (DOJ), which is one of sliding type constant velocity universal joints, as a second embodiment of the present invention.

  The constant velocity universal joint includes an outer ring 15 that is an outer joint member, an inner ring 17 that is an inner joint member, a ball 18, and a cage 19. A plurality of linear track grooves 15 a extending in the axial direction are formed on the cylindrical inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 15, and a plurality of linear tracks paired with the track grooves 15 a of the outer ring 15 are formed on the spherical outer peripheral surface of the inner ring 17. A groove 17a is formed. Between the track groove 15a of the outer ring 15 and the track groove 17a of the inner ring 17, there are three, four, five, six, seven or eight balls 18 interposed. The ball 18 is held in a pocket 19 a of the cage 19. In the constant velocity universal joint, when a rotational torque is generated and the outer shaft 20 rotates, the shaft 21 that is a shaft member that is inserted and fitted into the inner ring 17 is rotated via the ball 18.

  In addition, the constant velocity universal joint is attached with a bellows-like boot 23 made of an elastomer such as rubber or resin having heat resistance, oil resistance, and wear resistance from the opening end of the outer ring 15 to the shaft 21. This mounting portion is fastened and fixed by boot bands 24 and 25.

  In the present embodiment, a porous solid lubricant is provided as the regulating member 22 in the boot 23.

  This restricting member 22 narrows the space for enclosing the lubrication component for lubricating the inside of the outer ring 15 to a space inside the outer ring 15 to regulate the amount of the lubrication component enclosed. As a result, since the lubricating component to be used can be kept to the minimum necessary, it is possible to reduce the weight of the constant velocity universal joint and reduce the manufacturing cost. In the present embodiment, since the regulating member 22 is not provided inside the outer ring 15, the movable range (operating angle, sliding amount) of the constant velocity universal joint is not adversely affected.

  Further, the regulating member 22 functions to block the lubricating component sealed in the outer ring 15 from flowing into the boot 23. For this reason, deterioration due to the lubricating component of the boot 23 can be prevented, and the life of the boot 23 can be extended.

  The reason why the porous solid lubricant is used as the regulating member 22 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. In addition, as the lubricating component contained in the porous solid lubricant and the lubricating component enclosed in the outer ring 15, a lubricating oil that easily flows can be used. The reason for this is also the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 3 shows an embodiment in which a regulating member according to the present invention is applied to a cross groove type constant velocity universal joint (LJ) which is one of sliding type constant velocity universal joints as a third embodiment of the present invention.

  The constant velocity universal joint includes an outer ring 31 that is an outer joint member, an inner ring 32 that is an inner joint member, a ball 33, and a cage 34. A stub shaft 36, which is a shaft member, is spline-fitted into the center hole 35 of the inner ring 32, and torque transmission between the inner ring 32 and the stub shaft 36 is possible by this spline fitting. The stub shaft 36 is prevented from coming off by a snap ring 37.

  A plurality of linear track grooves 31 a are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 31, and a plurality of linear track grooves 32 a are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring 32, and the track grooves 31 a and the inner ring 32 of the outer ring 31 are formed. The track groove 32a is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the axis. Four, six, eight, or ten balls 33 are interposed at the intersections of the track grooves 31a of the outer ring 31 and the track grooves 32a of the inner ring 32. The balls 33 are connected to the outer ring 31 and the inner ring. 32 is held in a pocket 34a of the cage 34 positioned between the two.

  In addition, the grease filled in the joint from the opening end of the outer ring 31 to the stub shaft 36 is prevented from leaking, and foreign materials are prevented from entering, and rubber, resin, etc. having heat resistance, oil resistance, and wear resistance are used. A bellows-like boot 38 made of an elastomer is attached, and this attachment portion is fastened and fixed by boot bands 39, 40.

  In the present embodiment, a porous solid lubricant as the regulating member 41 is provided inside the boot 38.

  This restricting member 41 narrows the space for enclosing the lubricating component for lubricating the inside of the outer ring 31 to the inside of the outer ring 31 to restrict the amount of the lubricating component enclosed. For this reason, it is not necessary to enclose a lubricating component in the boot 38. About this effect, since it is the same as that of 2nd Embodiment, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Further, the restricting member 41 prevents the lubrication component enclosed in the outer ring 31 from flowing out into the boot 38 and degrading the boot 38. For this reason, deterioration due to the lubricating component of the boot 38 can be prevented, and the life of the boot 38 can be extended.

  The reason why the porous solid lubricant is used as the regulating member 41 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. In addition, fluid lubricating oil can be used for the lubricating component contained in the porous solid lubricant as the regulating member 41 and the lubricating component enclosed in the outer ring 31. Since this is the same as the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In FIG. 4A, as a fourth embodiment of the present invention, an embodiment in which the regulating member according to the present invention is applied to a tripod constant velocity universal joint (TJ) which is one of sliding type constant velocity universal joints. Indicates.

  The constant velocity universal joint includes an outer ring 50 that is an outer joint member, a tripod member 53 that is an inner joint member, a roller 54, and a leg shaft 55. Three linear track grooves 52 extending in the axial direction are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 50. The tripod member 53 has three leg shafts 55 protruding in the radial direction. A roller 54 is rotatably supported on the leg shaft 55, and the roller 54 is rotatably inserted into the track groove 52 of the outer ring 50 and guided along the track groove 52. A shaft 56 as a shaft member is inserted into the center hole of the tripod member 53 by spline fitting, and a boot 57 is attached from the shaft 56 to the opening end of the outer ring 50. Fastened at 58 and 59.

  In the present embodiment, a porous solid lubricant as the regulating member 60 is provided inside the boot 57.

  This restricting member 60 narrows the space for enclosing the lubrication component for lubricating the inside of the outer ring 50 to be a space inside the outer ring 31 and restricts the amount of lubrication component enclosed. Therefore, it is not necessary to enclose a lubricating component in the boot 57. About this effect, since it is the same as that of 2nd Embodiment, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Further, the restricting member 60 prevents the lubrication component enclosed in the outer ring 50 from flowing out into the boot 57 and degrading the boot 57. For this reason, deterioration due to the lubricating component of the boot 57 can be prevented, and the life of the boot 57 can be extended.

  The reason why the porous solid lubricant is used as the regulating member 60 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. Moreover, fluid lubricating oil can be used for the lubricating component contained in the porous solid lubricant as the regulating member 60 and the lubricating component enclosed in the outer ring 50. The reason for this is also the same as in the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  In the embodiments described so far, the porous solid lubricant is used as the regulating member. Instead, an elastic body such as rubber or a resin component made of a solidified porous material is used. Can do. However, it is most preferred to use a porous solid lubricant containing a lubricating component. Since this reason is described in the description of the first embodiment, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In addition, since the resin component consisting of the above-described porous solid is the same as the foamed and porous solid constituting the porous solid lubricant, detailed description of the component, the manufacturing method, etc. Is omitted.

  Moreover, it is not necessary to form a completely sealed space by the regulating member. For example, in the boot, there is a slight gap between the regulating member and a shaft member such as a shaft inserted into the inner joint member. May be.

  Furthermore, lubricating oil, grease, wax, etc. can be mixed and used for the lubricating component contained in the porous solid lubricant as the regulating member according to the present invention and the lubricating component sealed inside the outer joint member.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, these embodiment is an illustration to the last, and includes all the matters within the meaning and range as described in a claim.

  The raw materials used in the examples and comparative examples are listed below, and the composition and measurement results of the solid lubricant are shown in Table 1.

(A) Urethane prepolymer (Daicel Chemical Industries, Plaxel EP-1130)
(B) Amine-based curing agent (Ihara Chemical Co., Ltd .: Iharacamine MT)
(C) Water (ion exchange water)
(D) Silicone type foam stabilizer (manufactured by Toray Dow Co., Ltd .: SRX298)
(E) Urea grease (Shin Nippon Oil Co., Ltd .: Pyronock Universal N6C)
(F) Isocyanate (manufactured by Nippon Polyurethane Co., Ltd .: Coronate T80)
(G) Polyether polyol (Asahi Glass Co., Ltd .: Preminol SX4004)
(H) Amine-based catalyst (Tosoh Corporation: TOYOCAT DB2)
(I) Lubricating oil (manufactured by Nippon Oil Corporation: Turbine 100)

[Example 1]
As shown in FIG. 1, an inner ring 3, a cage 5, and a ball 4 are assembled to an outer ring 1 of a constant velocity universal joint (NTN Corporation: EBJ82). Further, one end of the shaft 6 was inserted into the inner ring 3 and a boot 7 was attached to the other end, and the outer ring 1 and the boot 7 were not attached. Separately, silicone foam stabilizers and urea grease were added to the urethane prepolymer in the amount (composition) shown in Table 1, and the mixture was well stirred at 120 ° C. An amine-based curing agent is added and stirred, and then water as a foaming agent is added to the inside of the boot 7 and between the base bottom surface 11 of the outer ring 1 and the end surface of the inner ring 3 opposite to the shaft member, that is, the outer ring. The solid lubricant is filled and foamed between the base surface 11 of 1 and the outer ring base bottom side end of the shaft 6, and this is left to stand for 1 hour in a thermostat set at 120 ° C. to cure the shaft 6 Thus, a boot 7 was attached to the outer ring 1 to obtain a constant velocity universal joint holding a porous solid lubricant as the regulating member 10.

[Example 2]
In the component amount (composition) shown in Table 1, polyether foam polyol with silicone foam stabilizer, mineral oil,
An amine catalyst and water as a blowing agent were added, and the mixture was heated at 90 ° C. and stirred well. Isocyanate is added and stirred well, and the inside of the boot 7 and between the base bottom surface 11 of the outer ring 1 and the end surface of the inner ring 3 opposite to the shaft member, that is, the base bottom surface 11 of the outer ring 1 and the outer ring base of the shaft 6 are added. The solid lubricant is filled and foamed between the surface side end and left in a constant temperature bath set at 90 ° C. for 15 minutes, and the boot 7 is attached to the outer ring 1 via the shaft 6 to make the regulating member 10 porous. A constant velocity universal joint holding a solid lubricant was obtained.

[Comparative Example 1]
A constant velocity universal joint holding a solid lubricant was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the non-foamed lubricant was used in the amount (composition) shown in Table 1.

[Comparative Example 2]
Of the components (compositions) shown in Table 1, a foam was synthesized in the same manner as in Example 2 except for the mineral oil. The oil was impregnated later to obtain a constant velocity universal joint holding a post-impregnation type foaming lubricant. With respect to the foams obtained in Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the value obtained by dividing the volume after foaming by the volume before foaming was determined as the foaming ratio and shown in Table 1.

  About the constant velocity universal joint of the obtained Example and a comparative example, a durability test was performed on the conditions of torque 245Nm, angle 6deg, and rotation speed 1000r / min, and the degree of damage or destruction of solid lubricant after rotating for 10 hours Was evaluated by visual observation and observation using an optical microscope. The results are as follows: ◯: No damage or breakage and continuous use was possible, △: Solid lubricant was not destroyed but the oil separation was excessive, x: Solid lubricant It was evaluated that it was damaged or destroyed and could not be used continuously.

  As is apparent from the results shown in Table 1, the lubricant in Example 1 having the same composition and filled with the foamed solid lubricant was more broken than the Comparative Example 1 filled with the non-foamable solid lubricant. It has durability that can be used continuously for a long time without damage.

  Further, Comparative Example 2 using a solid lubricant in which mineral oil was retained only in the post-impregnation step even in the foamed resin of the same composition was used in Example 2 using a solid lubricant in which mineral oil was occluded in the resin simultaneously with foaming. It can be seen that the amount of oil separated under the same centrifugal force was larger than that, and excess oil that did not contribute to lubrication was supplied. On the other hand, in the constant velocity universal joint of Example 2, the lubrication component is sufficiently occluded inside the resin in the reaction type solid lubricant, and the oil separation speed is appropriate even if centrifugal force acts, and the long time It turns out that it has the durability which can be used.

  Further, from these examples and comparative examples, the lubricating component is occluded in the resin by the reactive impregnation simultaneously with foaming, and the lubricating oil is simply introduced into the bubbles by simply impregnating the foamed resin molded body with the lubricating oil. It can be seen that the oil retention by occlusion is higher than when it is retained.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a ball fixture type constant velocity universal joint which is one of fixed type constant velocity universal joints. The present invention is applied to a double offset type constant velocity universal joint which is one of sliding type constant velocity universal joints, and is a cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment. The present invention is applied to a cross groove type constant velocity universal joint type which is one of sliding type constant velocity universal joints, and is a sectional view showing a third embodiment. The present invention is applied to a tripod type constant velocity universal joint type which is one of sliding type constant velocity universal joints, and is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1, 15, 31, 50 Outer ring (outer joint member)
3, 17, 32 Inner ring (inner joint member)
4, 18, 33 balls (rolling elements)
5, 19, 34 Cage 5a, 19a, 34a Pocket 7, 23, 38, 57 Boots (bellows)
11 Base surface 54 Roller (rolling element)
1a, 3a, 15a, 17a, 31a, 32a, 52 Track groove 55 Leg shaft 53 Tripod member (inner joint member)
10, 22, 41, 60 Regulating member (porous solid lubricant)

Claims (11)

  An outer joint member having a track groove formed on the inner peripheral surface, an inner joint member disposed inside the outer joint member, a shaft member inserted into the inner joint member, the outer joint member, and the inner joint A rolling element interposed between the member and a cylindrical shape having a small-diameter portion at one end and a large-diameter portion at the other end, the small-diameter portion being fastened and fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member, and the large-diameter And a boot that is fastened and fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the opening of the outer joint member, and a regulating member that encloses a lubricating component inside the outer joint member and regulates an amount of the lubricating component enclosed in the boot. A constant velocity universal joint characterized by being provided.   The constant velocity universal joint according to claim 1, wherein the regulating member is an elastic body.   2. The constant velocity universal joint according to claim 1, wherein the regulating member is a resin component made of a porous solid material.   The regulation member is made of a solid component in which a lubricating component including a lubricating oil and a resin component are essential components, the resin component is foamed and made porous, and the lubricating component is occluded inside the resin. The constant velocity universal joint according to claim 1, wherein the constant velocity universal joint is a solid lubricant.   The outer joint member is formed with a plurality of track grooves on the spherical inner peripheral surface, and the inner joint member is formed with a plurality of track grooves paired with the track grooves of the outer joint member on the spherical outer peripheral surface. The rolling element is a ball interposed between the track groove of the outer joint member and the track groove of the inner joint member, and a cage for holding the ball is interposed between the outer joint member and the inner joint member. The constant velocity universal joint according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the constant velocity universal joint is provided.   The constant velocity universal joint according to claim 5, wherein the restriction member is provided between a base surface of the outer joint member and an end surface of the inner joint member opposite to the shaft member.   The outer joint member is formed with a plurality of linear track grooves extending in the axial direction on a cylindrical inner peripheral surface, and the inner joint member is paired with a track groove of the outer joint member on a spherical outer peripheral surface. A plurality of linear track grooves are formed, and the rolling elements are balls interposed between the track grooves of the outer joint member and the track grooves of the inner joint member, and between the outer joint member and the inner joint member. The constant velocity universal joint according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a cage for holding the ball is interposed.   The outer joint member has a plurality of linear track grooves formed on the inner peripheral surface, and the inner joint member has a plurality of linear track grooves paired with the track grooves of the outer joint member on the outer peripheral surface. In addition, the track groove of the outer joint member and the track groove of the inner joint member are inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the axis, and the rolling element is formed of the track groove of the outer joint member and the inner groove. 5. A ball interposed at an intersection of a joint member with a track groove, and a cage for holding the ball interposed between the outer joint member and the inner joint member. The constant velocity universal joint according to one item.   The outer joint member is formed with three linear track grooves extending in the axial direction on the inner peripheral surface thereof, and the inner joint member is a tripod member having three leg shafts protruding in the radial direction, The roller body is a roller that is rotatably supported by the leg shaft and that is rotatably inserted into a track groove of the outer joint member and guided along the track groove. The constant velocity universal joint as described in any one of 1-4.   8. The ball according to claim 5, wherein the number of balls is any number selected from among three, four, five, six, seven, or eight. 9. Constant velocity universal joint.   The constant velocity universal joint according to claim 8, wherein the number of the balls is any number selected from 4, 6, 8, or 10.