JP2009197920A - Tripod-type constant velocity universal joint - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a tripod-type constant velocity universal joint capable of obtaining sufficient durability and a vibration and noise performance as is similar to a case when a needle-like roller is used, and reducing part costs by reducing the number of the needle-like roller as less as possible. <P>SOLUTION: This constant velocity universal joint is provided with a needle-like roller restraining projecting part 54 for interposing a plurality of needle-like rollers 46 at one part in an annular gap formed between an outer periphery of a leg shaft 42 of a tripod member 44 and an inner periphery of a roller 48, and not for mechanically interposing the needle-like roller 46 between an outer periphery in a range of a predetermined angle θ1 which is one part of a range on the outer periphery of the leg shaft 42, in which a torque transmission load is not applied, and the inner periphery of the roller 48. Therefore, sufficient durability and a vibration and noise performance can be obtained as is similar to the case when the needle-like roller 46 is used, and part costs can be reduced by reducing the number of the needle-like rollers 46 as less as possible. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an improvement in a tripod type constant velocity universal joint that connects two rotating members whose crossing angles of rotational axes change relatively at a constant speed.

For example, a tripod type constant velocity universal joint used for transmitting power from a vehicle transmission or a differential gear device to a drive wheel is known. Such a tripod type constant velocity universal joint includes, for example, a bottomed cylindrical outer ring having a plurality of track grooves parallel to the rotation axis on the inner peripheral surface, and a radial direction in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis. A tripod member having a plurality of leg shafts protruding into the track groove, and a plurality of rollers rotatably inserted into the track grooves and supported by the leg shafts via a plurality of needle rollers. The rotation is transmitted at a constant speed between the outer ring and the tripod member regardless of the oblique angle (joint angle) of their rotation axes. For example, what was described as a prior art in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 of patent document 1 is it.
JP 2005-133890 A

  By the way, the conventional tripod type constant velocity universal joint has a drawback that the cost of parts increases due to the existence of a plurality of needle-shaped rollers. On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, in order to omit the needle roller, the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft of the tripod member is made non-circular, and the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the roller to which the leg shaft is directly fitted It has been proposed that the contact position is moved to a position separated by a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction of the track groove from a perpendicular line extending from the center of the leg shaft to the track groove of the outer ring. According to this, since the roller easily rolls, the vibration and noise performance required for the constant velocity universal joint can be maintained even if the needle roller is omitted.

  However, in the tripod type constant velocity universal joint described in Patent Document 1, the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft of the tripod member and the inner peripheral surface of the roller to which the leg shaft is directly fitted are in direct contact with each other and slide. Therefore, compared to the case where needle rollers are used, sufficient durability cannot always be obtained, and sufficient vibration and noise performance may not be obtained to improve the running quality of the vehicle. It was.

  The present invention has been made against the background of the above circumstances, and its object is to obtain sufficient durability, vibration and noise performance as in the case of a conventional tripod type universal joint using a needle roller. It is another object of the present invention to provide a tripod type constant velocity universal joint that can reduce the cost of parts by reducing needle rollers as much as possible.

  As a result of various examinations on the background of the above circumstances, the present inventor has found that at least a part of the outer periphery of the leg shaft or a member fitted to the leg shaft within an angular range where a torque transmission load is not applied. An angle range in which a torque transmission load is applied to an outer peripheral surface of a leg shaft or a member fitted to the leg shaft so that the needle roller is not mechanically interposed between the surface and the inner peripheral surface of the roller If a needle roller is interposed between the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft or a member fitted to the leg shaft and the inner peripheral surface of the roller as in the conventional case, sufficient durability similar to the case of using the needle roller is sufficient. We found that the performance, vibration and noise performance can be obtained. The present invention has been made based on this finding.

  That is, the gist of the invention according to claim 1 is that a bottomed cylindrical outer ring having a plurality of track grooves parallel to the rotation axis on the inner peripheral surface and a plane orthogonal to the rotation axis. A tripod member having a plurality of leg shafts projecting in the radial direction, a plurality of rollers which are rotatably inserted into the track grooves and are rotatably supported by the leg shafts via a plurality of needle-shaped rollers. A tripod type constant velocity universal joint that transmits rotation between the outer ring and the tripod member at a constant speed regardless of the oblique angle of the rotation axis of the outer ring and the tripod member. It is interposed in a part of an annular gap formed between the outer peripheral surface of the shaft or a member fitted to the leg shaft and the inner peripheral surface of the roller, and is fitted to the leg shaft or the leg shaft Torque transmission load is not applied to the outer peripheral surface of the member The needle roller regulating means which does not mechanically interposing the needle roller between the inner peripheral surface of said at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the circumference roller lies in the provision.

  Further, the gist of the invention according to claim 2 is that, in the invention according to claim 1, the needle roller restricting means includes a rotation shaft of the tripod member across the center of the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral surface. It exists in the predetermined angle range centering on the part located in the direction parallel to a heart.

  The gist of the invention according to claim 3 is that, in the invention according to claim 1 or 2, the needle roller restricting means is provided on the outer surface of the leg shaft or a member fitted to the leg shaft. Among them, there is a needle roller restricting protrusion protruding from at least a part of the outer peripheral surface in an angle range where a torque transmission load is not applied.

  The gist of the invention according to claim 4 is that, in the invention according to claim 1 or 2, the needle roller regulating means is provided on the outer surface of the leg shaft or a member fitted to the leg shaft. Among them, the rolling element retainer member includes a restricting plate positioned along at least a part of the outer peripheral surface in an angular range where a torque transmission load is not applied.

  Further, the gist of the invention according to claim 5 is that, in the invention according to claim 1 or 2, the needle roller regulating means is an angular range in which a torque transmission load is not applied to the inner peripheral surface of the roller. It is that it is a needle-like roller regulation protrusion projected from at least a part of the inner peripheral surface.

  According to the tripod type constant velocity universal joint according to the first aspect of the present invention, the plurality of needle rollers are connected to the leg shaft or the outer peripheral surface of the member fitted to the leg shaft and the inner peripheral surface of the roller. At least a portion of the outer periphery of the leg shaft or a member fitted to the leg shaft in a range where a torque transmission load is not applied, while being interposed in a part of an annular gap formed therebetween Since needle-shaped roller restricting means that does not mechanically interpose the needle-shaped roller between the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the roller is provided, sufficient durability and vibration are obtained as in the case of using the needle-shaped roller. The noise performance can be obtained, and the cost of parts can be reduced by reducing the number of needle rollers as much as possible.

  According to the tripod constant velocity universal joint of the invention according to claim 2, the needle roller restricting means is parallel to the rotation axis of the tripod member across the center of the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral surface. Since it is provided in a predetermined angle range centered on the portion located in the direction, sufficient durability, vibration and noise performance can be obtained as in the case of using a needle roller, and the needle roller The part cost can be reduced by reducing the number of parts as much as possible.

  According to the tripod type constant velocity universal joint according to a third aspect of the present invention, the needle roller restricting means applies a torque transmission load to the leg shaft or an outer peripheral surface of the member fitted to the leg shaft. Since it is a needle-like roller-regulating protrusion protruding from at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the angle range that cannot be obtained, the needle-like protrusion protruding from the leg shaft or the outer peripheral surface of the member fitted to the leg shaft Due to the roller restricting protrusion, the outer circumference of the leg shaft or the member fitted to the leg shaft is between the outer circumference of at least a part of the range where no torque transmission load is applied and the inner circumference of the roller. Since the needle-shaped rollers are not mechanically interposed, the number of needle-shaped rollers can be reduced as much as possible to reduce the cost of the parts, and the durability and vibration are sufficient as in the case of using the needle-shaped rollers. Noise performance can be obtained.

  According to the tripod type constant velocity universal joint according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the needle roller restricting means applies a torque transmission load to the leg shaft or an outer peripheral surface of the member fitted to the leg shaft. Since it is a rolling element retainer member provided with a restricting plate located along at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the angle range that cannot be obtained, the rolling element retainer member of the leg shaft or a member fitted to the leg shaft Since the needle roller is not mechanically interposed between at least a part of the outer peripheral surface in the range where no torque transmission load is applied and the inner peripheral surface of the roller, the needle roller is possible. As a result, the cost of parts can be reduced, and sufficient durability, vibration and noise performance can be obtained as in the case of using a needle roller.

  The needle roller restricting means is a needle roller restricting protrusion projecting from at least a part of the inner peripheral surface of the angle range in which no torque transmission load is applied on the inner peripheral surface of the roller. At least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft or the member fitted to the leg shaft in a range where a torque transmission load is not applied due to the needle-shaped roller restricting protrusion protruding on the inner peripheral surface of the roller Since the needle-shaped rollers are not mechanically interposed between the roller and the inner peripheral surface of the roller, the number of needle-shaped rollers can be reduced as much as possible, and the cost of the parts can be reduced. As in the case of using it, sufficient durability, vibration and noise performance can be obtained.

  Here, the present invention is used in a power transmission mechanism of an automobile or various industrial machines, and is suitably used as a connecting part such as a drive shaft or a propeller shaft used in an FF vehicle, an FR vehicle, a 4WD vehicle, or the like. Used. The present invention can be applied to any tripod type constant velocity universal joint that transmits rotational torque between two axes of a driving side and a driven side having a predetermined oblique angle, that is, an operating angle in the power transmission path. is there.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the drawings are appropriately simplified or modified, and the dimensional ratios, shapes, and the like of the respective parts are not necessarily drawn accurately.

  FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a drive shaft 12 to which a tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint (tripod type constant velocity universal joint) 10 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied, that is, a rotation axis of an intermediate drive shaft 14. It is sectional drawing cut | disconnected by the plane orthogonal to the center C1. The drive shaft 12 is suitably used for an FF (front engine / front drive) vehicle.

  In FIG. 1, the drive shaft 12 includes an intermediate drive shaft 14, a driven side connecting member 16, and a driving side connecting member 18. One end of the intermediate drive shaft 14 and the driven side connecting member 16 are connected by a well-known so-called Barfield type fixed constant velocity universal joint 20, and the other end of the intermediate drive shaft 14 and the driving side connecting member 18 are connected to each other. Are connected by the tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint 10 of this embodiment.

  The driven-side connecting member 16 includes a hollow hemispherical outer ring 22 having one end opening that constitutes the Barfield type fixed constant velocity universal joint 20, and an outer peripheral surface on the opposite side to the opening of the outer ring 22, that is, the driven side. And a driven side connecting shaft 23 protruding in the direction of the rotational axis C2 of the driven side connecting member 16. The outer ring 22 has a plurality of (six in this embodiment) arc-shaped ball grooves 25 formed at equal intervals around the rotation axis C2 on the spherical inner peripheral surface. One end of the driven side connecting shaft 23 is connected to the driving wheel via a hub wheel (not shown). FIG. 1 shows a case where the rotation axis C1 of the intermediate drive shaft 14 and the rotation axis C2 of the driven side connecting member 16 are on the same straight line.

  The bar field type fixed type constant velocity universal joint 20 is fixed to one end of the outer ring 22 and the intermediate drive shaft 14 so as not to rotate relative to each other, and is equidistant around the rotation axis C1 that forms a pair with the ball groove 25 of the outer ring 22. The inner ring 24 having a plurality of (six in this embodiment) arc-shaped ball grooves 26 formed on the outer peripheral surface, and a plurality (in this embodiment) provided between the ball grooves 25 and the ball grooves 26, respectively. 6) and a retainer 30 interposed between the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 22 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring 24 while holding the ball 28. It is a joint. A bellows-like driven boot 32 is attached from the outer peripheral surface near the opening of the outer ring 22 to the intermediate drive shaft 14, and a lubricant such as grease is enclosed therein.

  The driving-side connecting member 18 is formed from a bottomed cylindrical outer ring 34 having one end opening that constitutes the tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint 10, and a side opposite to the opening of the outer ring 34, that is, from the bottom on the driving side. And a drive side connecting shaft 36 protruding in the direction of the rotation axis C3 of the drive side connecting member 18. The outer ring 22 is provided with a plurality of (three in this embodiment) track grooves 38 formed at equal intervals around the rotation axis C3 in a cylindrical shape on the inner peripheral surface in parallel with the rotation axis C3. In addition, a plurality of (three in this embodiment) recesses 41 formed at equal intervals around the rotation axis C3 are provided on the outer peripheral surface for weight reduction. Each track groove 38 is provided with a pair of roller guide surfaces 39 facing each other in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis C3 and having an arcuate cross section in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis C3. It has been. One end of the drive side connecting shaft 36 is connected to the differential gear device via a side gear as an output member of the differential gear device (not shown). FIG. 1 shows the case where the rotation axis C1 of the intermediate drive shaft 14 and the rotation axis C3 of the drive side connecting member 18 are on the same straight line, that is, the case where the oblique angle is 0 °. The outer ring 34 corresponds to the outer ring in the present invention.

  FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint 10 in the drive shaft 12 of FIG. 1 and is an enlarged view taken along the line II in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a tripod type slide of FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG. 1, showing a cross section of the dynamic constant velocity universal joint 10.

  2 and 3, the tripod-type sliding constant velocity universal joint 10 includes a plurality of the outer ring 34 and a plurality of protrusions protruding in the radial direction from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical boss portion 43 in a plane orthogonal to the rotation axis C1. (In this embodiment, there are three) cylindrical leg shafts 42, and the shaft hole provided in the boss portion 43 is spline-fitted to the other end of the intermediate drive shaft 14 and is prevented from coming off by the snap ring 40. Thus, the tripod member 44 fixed so as not to rotate relative to the rotation axis C1 and the roller guide surface 39 are inserted into the track groove 38 so as to be freely rotatable, and a plurality of cylindrical needle rollers 46 are provided. And a plurality of (three in this embodiment) rollers 48 that are rotatably supported by the leg shaft 42 via a sliding constant velocity universal joint. The outer peripheral surface of the roller 48 is formed in an arc shape in a longitudinal section, and is in line contact with the roller guide surface 39. Further, the plurality of needle rollers 46 are prevented from being detached by a retaining ring 51 provided in a snap groove 50 formed in the leg shaft 42 in a state of being sandwiched between the boss portion 43 and the washer 49.

  In the track groove 38, the roller 48 can roll as described above, that is, can move relative to the outer ring 34 in a direction parallel to the rotation axis C3, and the rotation axis of the tripod member 44 with respect to the outer ring 34. It can be swung so that the oblique angle between the center C1 and the rotational axis C3 of the outer ring 34 can be changed within a predetermined angle range. The roller 48 can be relatively displaced with respect to the needle roller 46 and the leg shaft 42 in a direction parallel to the axis C4. The sliding type means that the roller 48 rolls in the track groove 38 so that the tripod member 44, that is, the intermediate drive shaft 14 is parallel to the outer ring 34, that is, the driving side connecting member 18 in the direction parallel to the rotation axis C3. The relative displacement is possible. That is, in the tripod type sliding type constant velocity universal joint 10, the roller 48 that rolls along the roller guide surface 39 of the outer ring 34 contacts the bottom of the outer ring 34. The driven side shaft, that is, the intermediate drive shaft 14 can be displaced in the axial direction to the limit position, and the intermediate drive shaft 14 can be angularly displaced until it contacts the opening of the outer ring 34.

  4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 2, showing a cross section cut along a plane orthogonal to the axis C4 of the leg shaft 42 of the tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint 10 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of needle-shaped rollers 46 are interposed in a part of an annular gap formed between the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft 42 and the inner peripheral surface of the roller 48. Yes. Further, the outer circumferential surface of the outer circumferential surface of the leg shaft 42 in a range where a torque transmission load is not applied, except for a part of the annular gap where the plurality of needle-shaped rollers 46 are interposed. Between the inner peripheral surface of the roller 48, a needle roller restricting means for preventing the needle roller 46 from being mechanically interposed is provided.

  In this embodiment, the needle-shaped roller restricting means has a predetermined angle θ1 [rad] range that is a part of an angle range in which the torque transmission load around the axis C4 is not applied to the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft 42. This is a needle-like roller restricting protrusion 54 protruding from the outer peripheral surface to the outer peripheral side. That is, as the needle roller restricting means, the center of the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft 42, that is, the center of the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft 42, that is, the axis C4 of the leg shaft 42 is sandwiched and parallel to the rotational axis C1 of the tripod member 44. Needle roller restricting protrusions 54 having an outer peripheral surface portion (part) a and an outer peripheral surface portion (part) b are provided in a range of a predetermined angle θ1 centered on the line L.

  A bellows-like drive-side boot 56 (see FIG. 1) is attached from the outer peripheral surface near the opening of the outer ring 34 to the intermediate drive shaft 14, and a lubricant such as grease is enclosed therein.

  The drive shaft 12 configured as described above generates power that is generated by an engine (not shown) and input to the drive shaft 12 via a transmission, a differential gear device, and the like when driving the vehicle. introduce. In the tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint 10 located in the middle of the power transmission path, each roller 48 appropriately rolls in the track groove 38 according to the oblique angle of the intermediate drive shaft 14 and the drive side connecting member 18. While rotating with respect to the outer ring 34, the power input to the outer ring 34, that is, the torque around the rotation axis C <b> 3, the roller 48 and the needle engaged with the roller guide surface 39 of the track groove 38 of the outer ring 34. It transmits to the tripod member 44 (leg axis 42) through the shape roller 46 in order.

  During the torque transmission, a torque transmission load is applied to and around a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the roller 48 and the leg shaft 42 that is perpendicular to the rotational axis C1 and located in the longitudinal section passing through the axis C4. It is done. Here, in the present embodiment, the predetermined angle θ1 is set so that the torque transmission load is not directly applied to the angle range where the needle roller restricting protrusions 54 that are needle roller restricting means are formed. . That is, the predetermined angle θ1 is set to a part of the angular range excluding the angular range for transmitting the load around the axis of the leg shaft 42. This is true regardless of the relative angular displacement (oblique angle) between the tripod member 44 and the outer ring 34 and the relative displacement of the roller 48 with respect to the outer ring 34.

  The tripod-type sliding constant velocity universal joint 10 of the present embodiment has the same rotation axis between the outer ring 34 and the tripod member 44, that is, regardless of the oblique angle between the rotation axis C3 and the rotation axis C1. It transmits rotation at high speed. Similarly, the barfield type fixed constant velocity universal joint 20 located in the middle of the power transmission path rotates between the intermediate drive shaft 14 and the driven side connecting member 16 with their rotation axis, that is, the rotation axis C1. The rotation is transmitted at a constant speed regardless of the oblique angle with the axis C2.

  As described above, according to the tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint 10 of the present embodiment, a plurality of needle rollers 46 are connected to the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft 42 of the tripod member 44 and the inner peripheral surface of the roller 48. An outer peripheral surface in a range of a predetermined angle θ1 [rad] that is a part of a range where a torque transmission load is not applied to the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft 42 while being interposed in a part of an annular gap formed therebetween. Since the needle roller restricting means (the needle roller restricting protrusion 54) that does not mechanically interpose the needle roller 46 is provided between the roller 48 and the inner peripheral surface of the roller 48, the same as in the case of using the needle roller 46. In addition, sufficient durability, vibration and noise performance can be obtained, and the cost of parts can be reduced by reducing the number of needle rollers 46 as much as possible.

  In addition, according to the tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint 10 of the present embodiment, the needle roller restricting protrusion 54 is formed on the tripod member 44 with the center of the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral surface, that is, the axis C4 interposed therebetween. Since it is provided in a range of a predetermined angle θ1 centered on the part a and the part b located in the direction parallel to the rotation axis C1, sufficient durability, vibration and noise are obtained as in the case of using the needle roller 46. Performance can be obtained, and the cost of parts can be reduced by reducing the number of needle rollers 46 as much as possible.

  Further, according to the tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint 10 of the present embodiment, as the needle roller restricting means, a predetermined portion of the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft 42 that is a part of an angle range where a torque transmission load is not applied. Since the needle roller restricting protrusion 54 is provided so as to protrude from the outer peripheral surface in the angle θ1 [rad] range, the leg shaft 42 is provided by the needle roller restricting protrusion 54 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft 42. A needle-shaped roller 46 is mechanically interposed between the outer peripheral surface of the predetermined angle θ1 [rad] range, which is a part of the outer peripheral surface of the roller, and the inner peripheral surface of the roller 48. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the cost of parts by reducing the number of needle-shaped rollers 46 as much as possible, and to obtain sufficient durability, vibration and noise performance as in the case where the needle-shaped rollers 46 are used.

  Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description of the embodiments, portions having the same configurations as those of the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 4 in the first embodiment, showing a cross section cut along a plane orthogonal to the axis C4 of the leg shaft 60 in the tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint 58 of the present embodiment. is there.

  In FIG. 5, the leg shaft 60 of the present embodiment is not provided with the needle roller restricting protrusion 54 with respect to the leg shaft 42 of the first embodiment, and the other configuration is the same as the leg shaft 42. is there. Similar to the first embodiment, the plurality of needle rollers 46 are interposed in a part of an annular gap formed between the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft 60 and the inner peripheral surface of the roller 62. Yes.

  As the needle roller restricting means in the present embodiment, a predetermined angle θ2 [rad] which is a part of an angle range in which the torque transmission load around the axis C4 is not applied to the inner peripheral surface of the roller 62 is included. A needle roller restricting protrusion 64 is provided so as to protrude from the peripheral surface. The needle roller restricting protrusion 64 is positioned in a direction parallel to the rotation axis C1 of the tripod member 44 across the center of the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft 60, that is, the axis C4 of the leg shaft 60. The outer peripheral surface portion a and the outer peripheral surface portion b are provided within a range of a predetermined angle θ2.

  The roller 62 of this embodiment is only provided with a needle roller restricting protrusion 64 with respect to the roller 48 of the first embodiment, and the other configuration is the same as the roller 48.

  The tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint 58 of the present embodiment configured as described above has the rollers 62 appropriately set according to the oblique angle of the intermediate drive shaft 14 and the drive side connecting member 18 when driving the vehicle. While rotating in the track groove 38 and swinging with respect to the outer ring 34 (see FIG. 1), the power input to the outer ring 34, that is, the torque around the rotational axis C3 is applied to the roller guide of the track groove 38 of the outer ring 34. The roller 62 and the needle roller 46 engaged with the surface 39 are sequentially transmitted to the tripod member 44 (leg shaft 42).

  During the torque transmission, a torque transmission load is applied to and around a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the roller 62 and the leg shaft 60 that is perpendicular to the rotational axis C1 and located in the longitudinal section passing through the axis C4. It is done. Here, in this embodiment, the predetermined angle θ2 is set so that the torque transmission load is not directly applied to the angle range where the needle-like roller restricting protrusions 64 that are needle-like roller restricting means are formed. . That is, the predetermined angle θ2 is set to a part of the angular range excluding the angular range in which the load is transmitted around the axis of the leg shaft 60. This is true regardless of the relative angular displacement (oblique angle) between the tripod member 44 and the outer ring 34 and the relative displacement of the roller 48 with respect to the outer ring 34.

  That is, when the tripod member 44 is displaced in the direction of the rotation axis C <b> 1, the roller 62 rolls on the roller guide surface 39, so that the needle roller restricting protrusion 64 is made with respect to the leg shaft 60 of the tripod member 44. In the tripod-type sliding constant velocity universal joint 58 of the present embodiment, the tripod member 44 is moved to the drive side most in the axial displacement range. Drive-side limit position) or when moved to the most driven side (driven-side limit position), a range of a predetermined angle θ2 within which the needle roller restricting protrusion 64 relatively rotated around the axis C4 is located. The predetermined angle θ2 is set on the outer peripheral surface of the roller 62 so that the torque transmission load is not directly applied.

  The tripod-type sliding constant velocity universal joint 58 of the present embodiment is the same between the outer ring 34 and the tripod member 44 regardless of the oblique angle between their rotation axes, that is, the rotation axis C3 and the rotation axis C1. It transmits rotation at high speed.

  As described above, according to the tripod-type sliding constant velocity universal joint 58 of the present embodiment, a part of the angle range where the torque transmission load is not applied to the inner peripheral surface of the roller 62 as the needle roller restricting means. The needle-shaped roller restricting protrusions 64 are provided so as to protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the predetermined angle θ2 [rad] range. The needle roller 46 is mechanically interposed between the outer peripheral surface of the predetermined angle θ2 range, which is a part of the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft 60 where no torque transmission load is applied, and the inner peripheral surface of the roller 62. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the cost of parts by reducing the number of needle-shaped rollers 46 as much as possible, and to obtain sufficient durability, vibration and noise performance as in the case of using the needle-shaped rollers 46. .

  FIG. 6 corresponds to FIG. 4 in the first embodiment, showing a cross section cut along a plane orthogonal to the axis C4 of the leg shaft 60 in the tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint 66 of another embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

  In FIG. 6, the plurality of needle rollers 46 in this embodiment are formed in an annular gap formed between the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft 60 and the inner peripheral surface of the roller 48, as in the first embodiment. It is interposed in a part of.

  The needle roller restricting means in the present embodiment has two pieces located along the outer peripheral surface of a predetermined angle θ3 [rad] range which is a part of the angular range where the torque transmission load is not applied on the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft 60. This is a rolling element retainer member 70 provided with a regulating plate 68. The rolling element retainer member 70 is retained by a retaining ring 51 provided in the snap groove 50 while being sandwiched between the boss portion 43 (see FIG. 2) and the washer 49.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing the rolling element retainer member 70, and FIG. 8 is a diagram showing that the rolling element retainer member 70 is fitted into the tripod member 72 of the tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint 66 of this embodiment. It is a typical perspective view which shows the state performed. 7 and 8, the rolling element retainer member 70 includes two ring-shaped connecting portions 74 that connect both ends of the two restricting plates 68, and one of the connecting portions 74, that is, the root of the leg shaft 60. And a rotation restricting protrusion 76 that protrudes in a direction parallel to the axis C4 from the opposite side to the restricting plate 68 of the connecting portion 74 located on the side.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the tripod member 72 interferes with the rotation restricting protrusion 76 of the rolling element retainer member 70 at two locations facing the rotation axis C <b> 1 in the root portion of the leg shaft 60. A notch 78 that allows the rolling element retainer member 70 to rotate about the axis C4 is provided. In the tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint 66 of the present embodiment, the roller 48 rolls on the roller guide surface 39 as the tripod member 72 is displaced in the axial direction, and the rolling element retainer member 70 moves relative to the leg shaft 60. In the relative rotation around the axis C4, the position of the tripod member 72 moved in the axial direction (driving side limit position) and the position moved to the most driven side (driven side limit position) in the axial displacement range Alternatively, the notch 78 and the rotation restricting projection 76 are set to interfere with each other in the vicinity thereof.

  The regulation plate 68 of the rolling element retainer 70 is a tripod member sandwiching the center of the outer peripheral surface of the outer periphery of the leg shaft 60 at the center position in the axial displacement range of the tripod member 72, that is, the axis C4 of the leg shaft 60. The outer peripheral surface portion a and the outer peripheral surface portion b positioned in a direction parallel to the rotational axis C1 of 72 are provided in a range of a predetermined angle θ3.

  The tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint 66 of the present embodiment configured as described above has each roller 48 appropriately set according to the oblique angle of the intermediate drive shaft 14 and the drive side connecting member 18 when driving the vehicle. While rolling in the track groove 38 and swinging with respect to the outer ring 34 (see FIG. 3), the power input to the outer ring 34, that is, the torque around the rotation axis C3 is applied to the roller guide of the track groove 38 of the outer ring 34. The roller 48 and the needle roller 46 engaged with the surface 39 are sequentially transmitted to the tripod member 72 (leg shaft 60).

  During the torque transmission, a torque transmission load is applied to the vicinity of the portion of the outer peripheral surface of the roller 48 and the leg shaft 60 that is perpendicular to the rotational axis C1 and located in the longitudinal section passing through the axis C4. It is done. Here, in this embodiment, the predetermined angle θ3 is set so that the torque transmission load is not directly applied to the angle range where the rolling element retainer member 70 serving as the needle roller restricting means is located. That is, the predetermined angle θ3 is set to a part of the angular range excluding the angular range for transmitting the load around the axis of the leg shaft 60. This is true regardless of the relative angular displacement (oblique angle) between the tripod member 72 and the outer ring 34 and the relative displacement of the roller 62 with respect to the outer ring 34.

  That is, when the tripod member 72 is displaced in the direction of the rotation axis C <b> 1, the roller 48 rolls on the roller guide surface 39 so that the rolling element retainer member 70 is centered with respect to the leg shaft 60 of the tripod member 72. In the tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint 66 according to the present embodiment, the tripod member 72 moves to the drive side most in the axial displacement range (drive side). The outer circumference of the roller 48 in the range of a predetermined angle θ3 where the rolling element retainer member 70 rotated relative to the axis C4 is located, regardless of whether it is moved to the most driven side (driven limit position). The predetermined angle θ3 is set on the surface so that the torque transmission load is not directly applied.

  The tripod-type sliding constant velocity universal joint 66 of the present embodiment is the same between the outer ring 34 and the tripod member 72 regardless of the oblique angle between their rotation axes, that is, the rotation axis C3 and the rotation axis C1. It transmits rotation at high speed.

  As described above, according to the tripod-type sliding constant velocity universal joint 66 of the present embodiment, a part of the angular range where the torque transmission load is not applied on the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft 60 as the needle roller restricting means. Since the rolling element retainer member 70 is provided with the restricting plate 68 positioned along the outer peripheral surface in the range of the predetermined angle θ3, the torque transmission is performed on the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft 60 by the rolling member retainer member 70. Since the needle roller 46 is not mechanically interposed between the outer peripheral surface of the range of the predetermined angle θ3, which is a part of the range where no load is applied, and the inner peripheral surface of the roller 48, the needle roller 46 is made possible. As a result, the cost of parts can be reduced, and sufficient durability, vibration and noise performance can be obtained as in the case of using the needle roller 46.

  FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2 in the first embodiment, showing a part of a cross-sectional view of a tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint 80 according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane orthogonal to the axis C4 of the leg shaft 82 of the tripod-type sliding constant velocity universal joint 80 of FIG. 9, and corresponds to FIG. It is sectional drawing.

  9 and 10, the inner roller 86 is a cylindrical member, and has an after-mentioned needle-like roller restricting protrusion 92 that protrudes in the direction parallel to the rotation axis C <b> 1 on the outer peripheral surface.

  The leg shaft 82 is not provided with the ring groove 50 for fixing the retaining ring 51 to the leg shaft 60 of the second embodiment, and the inner roller 86 is fitted to the outer peripheral surface. In other respects, the other configuration is the same as that of the leg shaft 60.

  The roller 88 is rotatably supported by the inner roller 86 via the needle roller 46 with respect to the roller 48 of the above-described embodiment, and the axial center with respect to the leg shaft 82 via the inner roller 86. The other configuration is the same as that of the roller 48 except that the relative movement is possible in the direction parallel to C4.

  The plurality of needle-shaped rollers 46 are prevented from coming off by a pair of snap rings 90 provided on the inner peripheral surface of the roller 88, and are members fitted to the leg shafts 82 as shown in FIG. The inner roller 86 is interposed in a part of an annular gap formed between the cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the inner roller 86 and the cylindrical inner peripheral surface of the roller 88, and the other configuration is the first. This is the same as the needle roller 46 of the embodiment.

  As the needle roller restricting means in the present embodiment, the outer circumference of a predetermined angle θ1 [rad] range which is a part of the angular range where the torque transmission load around the axis C4 is not applied on the outer circumferential surface of the inner roller 86. A needle roller restricting protrusion 92 is provided so as to protrude from the surface.

  The tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint 80 of the present embodiment configured as described above has the rollers 88 appropriately set according to the oblique angle of the intermediate drive shaft 14 and the drive side connecting member 18 when driving the vehicle. While rotating in the track groove 38 and swinging with respect to the outer ring 34 (see FIG. 1), the power input to the outer ring 34, that is, the torque around the rotational axis C3 is applied to the roller guide of the track groove 38 of the outer ring 34. The roller 88 engaged with the surface 39, the needle roller 46, and the inner roller 86 are sequentially transmitted to the tripod member 44 (leg shaft 82).

  At the time of the torque transmission, the portion where the torque transmission load is located in the longitudinal section of the outer peripheral surface of the roller 88, the inner roller 86 and the leg shaft 82, which is perpendicular to the rotation axis C1 and passes through the axis C4, and its vicinity. Added against. Here, in the present embodiment, the predetermined angle θ1 is set so that the torque transmission load is not directly applied to the angle range where the needle-like roller restricting protrusion 92 that is the needle-like roller restricting means is formed. . That is, the predetermined angle θ <b> 1 is set to a part of the angular range excluding the angular range for transmitting the load around the axis of the leg shaft 82. This is true regardless of the relative angular displacement (oblique angle) between the tripod member 44 and the outer ring 34 and the relative displacement of the roller 88 with respect to the outer ring 34.

  The tripod-type sliding constant velocity universal joint 80 of the present embodiment has a rotational axis center between the outer ring 34 and the tripod member 44, that is, regardless of the oblique angle between the rotation axis C3 and the rotation axis C1. It transmits rotation at high speed.

  As described above, according to the tripod-type sliding constant velocity universal joint 80 of this embodiment, the torque on the outer peripheral surface of the inner roller 86 that is a member fitted to the leg shaft 82 is used as the needle roller restricting means. Since it has a needle-like roller restricting protrusion 92 projecting from the outer peripheral surface of a predetermined angle θ1 [rad] range, which is a part of the angle range where the transmission load is not applied, the outer peripheral surface of the inner roller 86 The inner surface of the roller 88 and the outer peripheral surface in a predetermined angle θ1 [rad] range, which is a part of the outer peripheral surface of the inner roller 86 to which no torque transmission load is applied, are formed by the needle-like roller restricting protrusions 92 protruding from the inner surface. Since the needle-shaped roller 46 is not mechanically interposed between the peripheral surface and the peripheral surface, the number of the needle-shaped roller 46 can be reduced as much as possible to reduce the part cost. As well as sufficient durability and vibration, noise It is possible to obtain the performance.

  FIG. 11 corresponds to FIG. 10 of the fourth embodiment, showing a cross section cut along a plane perpendicular to the axis C4 of the leg shaft 82 of the tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint 94 of another embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

  In FIG. 11, the inner roller 96 of the present embodiment is not provided with the needle roller restricting protrusion 92 with respect to the inner roller 86 of the fourth embodiment, and the other configurations are the same.

  Similar to the fourth embodiment, the plurality of needle-shaped rollers 46 are interposed in a part of an annular gap formed between the outer peripheral surface of the inner roller 96 and the inner peripheral surface of the roller 98. Yes.

  As the needle roller restricting means in the present embodiment, within a predetermined angle θ2 [rad] range which is a part of an angle range in which the torque transmission load around the axis C4 is not applied to the inner peripheral surface of the roller 98. A needle roller restricting protrusion 100 is provided so as to protrude from the peripheral surface.

  The roller 98 of this embodiment is merely provided with the needle roller restricting protrusion 100 with respect to the roller 88 of the fourth embodiment, and the other configuration is the same as the roller 88.

  The tripod-type sliding constant velocity universal joint 94 of the present embodiment configured as described above has each roller 98 appropriately set according to the oblique angle of the intermediate drive shaft 14 and the drive side connecting member 18 when driving the vehicle. While rotating in the track groove 38 and swinging with respect to the outer ring 34 (see FIG. 1), the power input to the outer ring 34, that is, the torque around the rotational axis C3 is applied to the roller guide of the track groove 38 of the outer ring 34. The roller 98 engaged with the surface 39, the needle roller 46, and the inner roller 96 are sequentially transmitted to the tripod member 44 (leg shaft 82).

  At the time of the torque transmission, a portion where the torque transmission load is located in the longitudinal section of the outer peripheral surface of the roller 98, the inner roller 96, and the leg shaft 82, which is perpendicular to the rotation axis C1 and passes through the axis C4, and its vicinity. Added against. Here, in the present embodiment, the predetermined angle θ2 is set so that the torque transmission load is not directly applied to the angle range where the needle-like roller restricting protrusion 92 that is the needle-like roller restricting means is formed. . That is, the predetermined angle θ2 is set to a part of the angular range excluding the angular range for transmitting the load around the axis of the leg shaft 82. This is true regardless of the relative angular displacement (oblique angle) between the tripod member 44 and the outer ring 34 and the relative displacement of the roller 88 with respect to the outer ring 34.

  That is, when the tripod member 44 is displaced in the direction of the rotation axis C <b> 1, the roller 98 rolls on the roller guide surface 39, so that the needle roller restricting protrusion 64 is made with respect to the leg shaft 82 of the tripod member 44. In the tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint 94 of the present embodiment, the tripod member 44 moves to the drive side most in the axial displacement range (although it rotates relative to the axis C4) ( Drive-side limit position) or when moved to the most driven side (driven-side limit position), a range of a predetermined angle θ2 within which the needle-shaped roller restricting protrusion 100 relatively rotated around the axis C4 is located. The predetermined angle θ2 is set on the outer peripheral surface of the roller 98 so that the torque transmission load is not directly applied.

  The tripod-type sliding constant velocity universal joint 94 of the present embodiment has a rotational axis center between the outer ring 34 and the tripod member 44, that is, regardless of the oblique angle between the rotation axis C3 and the rotation axis C1. It transmits rotation at high speed.

  As described above, according to the tripod-type sliding constant velocity universal joint 94 of the present embodiment, a part of the angle range where the torque transmission load is not applied to the inner peripheral surface of the roller 98 as the needle roller restricting means. Needle-shaped roller restricting protrusions 100 are provided so as to protrude from the inner peripheral surface in the range of a predetermined angle θ2 [rad], so that the needle roller restricting protrusions protruded from the inner peripheral surface of the roller 98. 100, the needle roller 46 is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the predetermined angle θ2 [rad] range, which is a part of the range where the torque transmission load is not applied, on the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft 82 and the inner peripheral surface of the roller 98. Since it is not mechanically interposed, the number of needle rollers 46 can be reduced as much as possible to reduce the cost of the parts, and sufficient durability, vibration and noise performance can be achieved as in the case of using the needle rollers 46. Can be obtained.

  FIG. 12 corresponds to FIG. 10 in the fourth embodiment, showing a cross section cut along a plane orthogonal to the axis C4 of the leg shaft 82 of the tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint 102 of another embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

  In FIG. 12, the plurality of needle-shaped rollers 46 in the present embodiment are similar to the fourth embodiment in that the outer peripheral surface of the inner roller 96 and the inner peripheral surface of the roller 48, which are members fitted to the leg shafts 82, Are interposed in a part of an annular gap formed between the two.

  As the needle roller restricting means in the present embodiment, two pieces located along the outer peripheral surface of a predetermined angle θ3 [rad] range, which is a part of the angular range where the torque transmission load is not applied, on the outer peripheral surface of the inner roller 96. The restriction plate (spacer) 104 is provided.

  The restricting plate 104 is provided with a rotation restricting protrusion 76 that protrudes from one end thereof, that is, the base side of the leg shaft 82, in a direction parallel to the axis C4. The restricting plate 104 is the tripod of this embodiment. The rotation around the axis C4 is allowed until it interferes with the notch 78 of the member 72.

  The needle roller restricting means, that is, the restricting plate 104 is located at the center position in the axial displacement range of the tripod member 44 (leg shaft 82), and is the center of the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft 82, that is, the axis of the leg shaft 82. It is provided in a range of a predetermined angle θ3 centered on the outer peripheral surface portion a and the outer peripheral surface portion b located in a direction parallel to the rotation axis C1 of the tripod member 44 with C4 interposed therebetween.

  The tripod-type sliding constant velocity universal joint 102 of the present embodiment configured as described above has each roller 88 appropriately set according to the oblique angle of the intermediate drive shaft 14 and the drive side connecting member 18 when driving the vehicle. While rolling in the track groove 38 and swinging with respect to the outer ring 34 (see FIG. 3), the power input to the outer ring 34, that is, the torque around the rotation axis C3 is applied to the roller guide of the track groove 38 of the outer ring 34. The roller 88 engaged with the surface 39, the needle roller 46, and the inner roller 96 are sequentially transmitted to the tripod member 72 (leg shaft 82).

  During the torque transmission, a torque transmission load is applied to the vicinity of the portion of the outer peripheral surface of the roller 48 and the leg shaft 60 that is perpendicular to the rotational axis C1 and located in the longitudinal section passing through the axis C4. It is done. Here, in this embodiment, the predetermined angle θ3 is set so that the torque transmission load is not directly applied to the angle range where the restricting plate 104 serving as the needle roller restricting means is located. That is, the predetermined angle θ3 is set to a part of the angular range excluding the angular range for transmitting the load around the axis of the leg shaft 60. This is true regardless of the relative angular displacement (oblique angle) between the tripod member 72 and the outer ring 34 and the relative displacement of the roller 62 with respect to the outer ring 34.

  That is, when the tripod member 72 is displaced in the direction of the rotation axis C 1, the roller 88 rolls on the roller guide surface 39, so that the restriction plate 104 is rotated about the axis C 4 with respect to the leg shaft 82 of the tripod member 72. However, in the tripod-type sliding constant velocity universal joint 102 of this embodiment, when the tripod member 72 is moved to the drive side most in the axial displacement range (drive-side limit position). ) Or the most moved side (driven side limit position), the outer peripheral surface of the roller 88 within a predetermined angle θ3 range where the restricting plate 104 rotated relatively around the axis C4 is located, The predetermined angle θ3 is set so that the torque transmission load is not directly applied.

  The tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint 102 according to the present embodiment has the rotation axis between the outer ring 34 and the tripod member 72, that is, regardless of the oblique angle between the rotation axis C3 and the rotation axis C1. It transmits rotation at high speed.

  As described above, according to the tripod-type sliding constant velocity universal joint 102 of the present embodiment, a part of the angular range where the torque transmission load is not applied on the outer peripheral surface of the inner roller 96 as the needle roller restricting means. Since the restriction plate 104 is provided along the outer peripheral surface of the predetermined angle θ3 range, a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the inner roller 96 where the torque transmission load is not applied by the restriction plate 104 is provided. Since the needle-shaped rollers 46 are not mechanically interposed between the outer peripheral surface of a predetermined angle θ3 range and the inner peripheral surface of the roller 88, the number of needle-shaped rollers 46 is reduced as much as possible to reduce the cost of parts. In addition, as in the case where the needle roller 46 is used, sufficient durability, vibration and noise performance can be obtained.

  FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to a part of FIG. 3 in the first embodiment, showing a part of the cross section of the tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint 106 of another embodiment of the present invention. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIV-XIV in FIG. 13 showing the leg shaft 60 and the roller 48 of the tripod member 72 in FIG. 13 cut along a plane perpendicular to the axis C4 of the leg shaft 60. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XV-XV in FIG. 13 showing the snap groove 50 of the leg shaft 60 in FIG. 13 cut along a plane perpendicular to the axis C4. FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view showing the needle roller regulating means of the present embodiment.

  13 to 16, as the needle roller restricting means in the present embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of a predetermined angle θ3 [rad] range, which is a part of the angular range where the torque transmission load is not applied, on the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft 60. Is provided with a rolling element retainer member 108 including two restricting plates 68 positioned along the line.

  The rolling element retainer member 108 is provided on the opposite side to the regulating plate 68 of the connecting portion 74 located radially outward with the rotation axis C1 as the center with respect to the rolling element retainer member 70 of the third embodiment. The vertical cross section has an inverted triangular vertical cross sectional shape in which the minimum distance from the axial center C4 in the vertical cross section is smaller than the distance from the axial center C4 of the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft 60, and the rotational axis C1 of the restricting plate 68 is the center. A pair of snap portions 112 provided in the circumferential direction centering on the axis C4 is provided via a recess 111 formed on one end surface in the radially outward direction. The snap portion 112 is formed, for example, by plastic working a pressed metal rolling element retainer member 70 in a direction parallel to the axis C4. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be integrally formed as a part of the resin rolling element retainer member 108. The rolling element retainer member 108 is prevented from being displaced in the axial center C4 direction with respect to the leg shaft 60 by fitting the pair of snap portions 112 into the snap grooves 50. In addition, one restriction plate 68 of the present embodiment is provided with a slit 114 that divides the one restriction plate 68 into two in a direction parallel to the axis C4. By dividing the one restricting plate 68 into two by the slit 114, the snap portion 112 is allowed to expand in the radial direction centered on the axis C4.

  In the snap groove 50, as shown in FIG. 15, the rolling element retainer member 108 is allowed to rotate about the axis C4 in a radial direction around the axis C4 until it interferes with one of the pair of snap portions 112. A protruding snap rotation restricting protrusion 116 is provided. In the tripod-type sliding constant velocity universal joint 106 of the present embodiment, the roller 48 and the rolling element retainer member 108 are moved around the axis C4 as the tripod member 72 is relatively displaced in a direction parallel to the rotation axis C3. In the case of rotation, the snap rotation restriction is performed at a position where the tripod member 72 is moved to the most driving side (driving side limit position) and a position where it is moved most to the driven side (driven side limit position) or in the vicinity thereof. The protrusion 116 and the pair of snap portions 112 are set to interfere with each other.

  In the tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint 106 of the present embodiment configured as described above, when the vehicle is driven, the roller 48 has the track groove 38 according to the oblique angle between the rotation axis C3 and the rotation axis C1. A track provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 34 with the power input to the outer ring 34, that is, the torque around the rotation axis C <b> 3, while appropriately rotating inside and swinging with respect to the outer ring 34 (see FIG. 3). The groove 38 is transmitted to the tripod member 72 (leg shaft 60) through the roller 48 and the needle roller 46 in this order.

  During the torque transmission, a torque transmission load is applied to a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the roller 48 and the leg shaft 60 that passes through the axis C4 and is located in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis C1 and the vicinity thereof. . Here, the torque transmission load is not directly applied to the outer peripheral surface of the roller 48 in the angle range where the rolling element retainer member 108 serving as the needle roller restricting means is located. This can be said regardless of the oblique angle between the rotation axis C3 and the rotation axis C1 and the movement position of the tripod member 72 (leg axis 60) in the direction parallel to the rotation axis C3.

  That is, in the tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint 106 of the present embodiment, when the tripod member 72 moves in a direction parallel to the rotation axis C3, the roller 48 and the rolling element retainer member 108 (regulating plate 68). Is rotated about the axis C4, but the axis is the same regardless of whether the tripod member 72 is moved to the most driven side or moved to the most driven side. The predetermined angle θ3 is set so that the torque transmission load is not directly applied to the outer peripheral surface of the roller 48 in a predetermined angle θ3 range where the restricting plate 68 of the rolling element retainer member 108 rotated around C4 is located. .

  The tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint 106 according to the present embodiment has the same rotation axis between the outer ring 34 and the tripod member 72, that is, regardless of the oblique angle between the rotation axis C3 and the rotation axis C1. Transmits rotation at high speed.

  As described above, according to the tripod-type sliding constant velocity universal joint 106 of the present embodiment, a part of the angular range where the torque transmission load is not applied on the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft 60 as the needle roller restricting means. Since the rolling element retainer member 108 is provided with the restricting plate 68 positioned along the outer peripheral surface in the range of the predetermined angle θ3, the torque of the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft 60 is generated by the rolling element retainer member 108. Since the needle roller 46 is not mechanically interposed between the outer peripheral surface of the predetermined angle θ3 range, which is a part of the range in which the transmission load is not applied, and the inner peripheral surface of the roller 48, the needle roller 46 can be used. As much as possible, the component cost can be reduced, and sufficient durability, vibration and noise performance can be obtained as in the case of using the needle roller 46.

  Further, according to the tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint 106 of the present embodiment, the rolling element retainer member 108 which is a needle roller restricting means has the snap portion 112 fitted in the snap groove 110 of the leg shaft 60. Since the needle roller 46 is provided and is prevented from being removed by the snap portion 112, parts such as a snap ring and a retaining ring are not necessary, and the cost of parts can be reduced.

  As mentioned above, although one Example of this invention was described in detail with reference to drawings, this invention is not limited to this Example, It can implement in another aspect.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the tripod-type sliding constant velocity universal joints 10, 58, 66, 80, 94, 102, 106 have the tripod members 44, 72 with respect to the outer ring 34, and the track groove 38 of the outer ring 34. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to this, and the fixed tripod type constant velocity incapable of relative displacement is described above. It can also be applied to a universal joint.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the needle roller restricting protrusions 54, 64, 92, 100 as the needle roller restricting means, or the rolling element retainer members 70, 108, 118 are the outer circumferences of the leg shafts 42, 60, 82. It is provided over the entire range of the predetermined angles θ1, θ2, and θ3, which is a part of an angle range in which the torque transmission load around the axis C4 is not applied, and the leg shafts 42, 60 are provided. 82, an outer peripheral surface portion a and an outer peripheral surface portion b positioned in a direction parallel to the rotation axis C1 of the tripod members 44 and 72 with the center of the outer peripheral surface, that is, the axis C4 of the leg shaft 42 interposed therebetween. Although it was provided in the range of the predetermined angles θ1, θ2, and θ3 as the center, it is not limited to this. For example, the needle roller restricting means may be provided over the entire range of the angle range where the torque transmission load is not applied, or may be provided at two locations in the predetermined angle θ1, θ2, and θ3 ranges. And the said outer peripheral surface part a and the outer peripheral surface part b may be provided without being located in the center. In short, between the outer peripheral surface of the inner roller which is a leg shaft or a member fitted to the leg shaft and at least a part of the outer peripheral surface in a range where a torque transmission load is not applied, and the inner peripheral surface of the roller, What is necessary is just to be provided so that the roller 46 may not be interposed. Note that as the predetermined angles θ1, θ2, and θ3 are larger, the component cost can be reduced.

  In the above-described embodiment, the needle roller restricting protrusions 54, 64, 92, 100 which are needle roller restricting means are the outer peripheral surfaces of the leg shaft 42 and the inner roller 86, or the inner peripheral surfaces of the rollers 62, 98. Are formed integrally with the leg shaft 42, the inner roller 86, or the rollers 62, 98. For example, the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft 42, the inner roller 86, or the roller 62 is provided. , 98 may be a key or a block fitted into a key groove or hole formed on the inner peripheral surface.

  In the above-described embodiment, the rolling element retainer member 108 in the tripod-type sliding constant velocity universal joint 106 is disclosed as an example, and can be realized by other mechanical configurations. For example, at least one snap portion 112 may be provided. In addition, any one or both of the concave portion 111 and the slit 114 may be omitted. Further, two slits 114 may be provided, that is, the rolling element retainer member may be composed of two members. Further, the rotation restricting protrusion 76 may not necessarily be provided as long as the snap rotation restricting protrusion 116 is provided on the leg shaft 60. Further, the snap rotation restricting protrusion 116 of the leg shaft 60 is not necessarily provided as long as the rotation restricting protrusion 76 is provided on the rolling element retainer member 108.

  For example, the rolling element retainer member 118 shown in FIG. 17 with a part thereof cut away is constituted by a first rolling element retainer member 120 and a second rolling element retainer member 122. The first rolling element retainer member 120 and the second rolling element retainer member 122 include arc-shaped coupling portions 124 and 126 that respectively couple both ends of the restriction plate 68. The connecting part 126 includes a semi-cylindrical first connecting part 130 around the axis C4 and a claw part 128 protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the first connecting part 130 toward the axis C4. Even if it is the rolling element retainer member 118 comprised in this way, the effect similar to 7th Example is acquired.

  In the above-described embodiment, the tripod type constant velocity universal joints 10, 58, 66, 80, 94, 102, and 106 are used as components constituting the drive shaft 12 for FF vehicles. For example, the present invention can be applied to other drive type vehicles such as FR (front engine / rear drive) vehicles and four-wheel drive vehicles.

  It should be noted that the above description is merely an embodiment, and other examples are not illustrated. However, the present invention is implemented in variously modified and improved modes based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from the gist of the present invention. Can do.

1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a drive shaft to which a tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint (tripod type constant velocity universal joint) according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied, that is, a cross section cut along a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of an intermediate drive shaft. FIG. It is an enlarged view which expands and shows the II arrow part of FIG. 1, which shows a tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint among the drive shafts of FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG. 1, showing a cross section of the tripod-type sliding constant velocity universal joint of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 2, showing a cross section cut along a plane orthogonal to the axis of the leg shaft of the tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint of FIG. It is sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 4 in 1st Example which shows the cross section cut | disconnected by the plane orthogonal to the axial center of the leg axis in the tripod type | mold sliding constant velocity universal joint of other Examples of this invention. It is sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 4 in 1st Example which shows the cross section cut | disconnected by the plane orthogonal to the axial center of the leg axis in the tripod type | mold sliding constant velocity universal joint of other Examples of this invention. It is a typical perspective view which shows the rolling element retainer member of FIG. It is a typical perspective view which shows the state by which the rolling-element retainer member of FIG. 6 was inserted by the tripod member of the tripod type | mold sliding type constant velocity universal joint. It is sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 2 in 1st Example which shows a part of cross-sectional view of the tripod type | mold sliding constant velocity universal joint of other Examples of this invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX of FIG. 9 corresponding to FIG. 4 in the first embodiment, showing a cross section cut by a plane orthogonal to the axis of the leg shaft of the tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint of FIG. . It is sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 10 of 4th Example which shows the cross section cut | disconnected by the plane orthogonal to the axis of the leg axis in the tripod type | mold sliding constant velocity universal joint of other Examples of this invention. It is sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 10 of 4th Example which shows the cross section cut | disconnected by the plane orthogonal to the axis of the leg axis in the tripod type | mold sliding constant velocity universal joint of other Examples of this invention. It is sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 3 in 1st Example which shows a part of cross section of the tripod type | mold sliding type constant velocity universal joint in other Examples of this invention. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIV-XIV in FIG. 13, showing the leg shaft and the roller of the tripod member in FIG. 13 cut along a plane orthogonal to the axis of the leg shaft. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XV-XV in FIG. 13, showing a snap groove of a leg shaft of the tripod member in FIG. 13 cut along a plane orthogonal to the axis. It is a typical perspective view which shows the acicular roller control means of the tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint of FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a needle roller restricting means in a tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint according to another embodiment of the present invention, partially cut away.

Explanation of symbols

10, 58, 66, 80, 94, 102, 106: tripod type sliding constant velocity universal joint (tripod type constant velocity universal joint)
34: outer ring 38: track grooves 42, 60, 82: leg shafts 44, 72: tripod member 46: acicular rollers 48, 62, 88, 98: rollers 54, 64, 92, 100: acicular roller regulating protrusions ( Needle roller regulating means)
68: Restricting plates 70, 108, 118: Rolling member retainer member (needle roller restricting means)
86, 96: Inner roller 104: Restriction plate (spacer)
C1, C2, C3: rotation axis C4: axis (center of outer peripheral surface)
a, b: Peripheral surface part (part)
θ1, θ2, θ3: predetermined angles

Claims (5)

A bottomed cylindrical outer ring having a plurality of track grooves parallel to the rotation axis on the inner peripheral surface, a tripod member having a plurality of leg shafts protruding radially in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis; A plurality of rollers rotatably inserted into the track grooves and rotatably supported by the leg shafts via a plurality of needle-shaped rollers, and between the outer ring and the tripod member In tripod type constant velocity universal joints that transmit rotation at a constant speed regardless of the oblique angle of the rotation axis,
Interposing the plurality of needle rollers in a part of an annular gap formed between the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft or a member fitted to the leg shaft and the inner peripheral surface of the roller;
The needle roller is machined between at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft or a member fitted to the leg shaft within a range where a torque transmission load is not applied and the inner peripheral surface of the roller. A tripod type constant velocity universal joint, characterized in that it is provided with a needle-shaped roller restricting means that is not interposed between them.   The needle roller restricting means is provided in a predetermined angle range centering on a portion of the outer peripheral surface located in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the tripod member with the center of the outer peripheral surface interposed therebetween. 1 tripod type constant velocity universal joint.   The needle roller restricting means is a needle roller that protrudes from an outer peripheral surface of at least a part of an angular range of the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft or a member fitted to the leg shaft to which a torque transmission load is not applied. 3. The tripod constant velocity universal joint according to claim 1, wherein the tripod type constant velocity universal joint is a restriction protrusion.   The needle-shaped roller restricting means includes a restricting plate positioned along at least a part of an outer peripheral surface in an angular range in which a torque transmission load is not applied, of the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft or a member fitted to the leg shaft. The tripod type constant velocity universal joint according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tripod type constant velocity universal joint is provided.   The needle-like roller restricting means is a needle-like roller restricting protrusion protruding from at least a part of the inner peripheral surface of an angular range where a torque transmission load is not applied among the inner peripheral surface of the roller. The tripod type constant velocity universal joint according to claim 1 or 2.

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