JP2011163482A - Connecting structure between shaft member and receiving member - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a connecting structure between a shaft member and receiving member, which can sufficiently keep the interfit length between the shaft member and the receiving member without increasing an axial length and weight. <P>SOLUTION: In the connecting structure between a pinion shaft 1 and yoke 4, in which the end section of the pinion shaft (the shaft member) 1 is interfit into a hole formed in the yoke (the receiving member) 4 of a universal joint to keep the pinion shaft 1 fixed in fastening to the yoke 4 by fastening an inserting bolt 8 to a hole for bolt (a bolt inserting hole 9 and screw hole 10) formed in the yoke 4, a first outer diameter section 1A and second outer diameter section 1B bigger in diameter than the former are formed in front and rear sections of concave section 1a in an inserting direction of the pinion shaft 1 at the end section of the pinion shaft 1, and first inner diameter section 4A and second inner diameter section 4B, which are deferent in diameter, into which the first outer diameter section 1A and the second outer diameter section 1B of the pinion shaft 1 are interfit mutually, are formed in the hole of the yoke 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a connection structure that connects both ends by inserting and fixing an end portion of a shaft member in a hole formed in a receiving member.

  For example, a steering device for steering a vehicle steers wheels by transmitting rotation of a steering wheel operated by a driver to a gear in a steering gear box via a steering shaft. Here, since the steering handle is disposed in the vehicle interior and the steering gear box is disposed in the engine compartment, the steering shaft and the pinion shaft of the steering gear box are disposed near the dash panel that partitions the compartment and the engine compartment. It is necessary to connect and transmit steering force.

  By the way, the connection between the steering shaft and the pinion shaft is performed at a universal joint (cardan joint) provided at the end of the steering shaft. Specifically, in the connection between the two, the tip of the pinion shaft on which the serration was formed (the serration shaft) penetrates the dash panel and protrudes into the vehicle interior, and the serration of the universal joint yoke is formed on the serration shaft. Since the steering shaft and the pinion shaft are engaged by serration, the rotational force (steering force) is reliably transmitted from the steering shaft to the pinion shaft.

  In the connecting structure, a slit is formed in the yoke of the universal joint along the axial direction from the opening edge of the serration hole, and bolt holes are provided on both sides of the slit in a direction perpendicular to the slit. Has been. A recess is formed on the outer periphery of the tip of the pinion shaft. Then, by inserting this tip into a serration hole formed in the yoke of the universal joint and tightening the bolt through the bolt hole formed in the yoke, the width of the slit of the yoke becomes narrow and the pinion shaft The serration shaft is tightened by the serration hole of the yoke, and the pinion shaft and the yoke are securely connected. Further, the bolt is disposed in the recess of the pinion shaft, thereby preventing the yoke from coming off from the pinion shaft.

  However, when the connection location between the pinion shaft and the universal joint yoke is a vehicle compartment, the location is a narrow space that is a foot of the passenger in the vehicle interior. Since the place is a place where the steering gear box and suspension parts are located nearby, there is a problem that sufficient work space is not secured, the connection workability is remarkably deteriorated, and it is difficult to check the connection. .

  By the way, in a state before the bolt passed through the bolt hole of the yoke is tightened, the yoke and the pinion shaft that are fitted by serration are relatively movable in the axial direction, so that both are easy to come off. If there is an axial misalignment between the pinion shaft and the yoke (an incomplete insertion state), the bolt does not fit into the recess of the pinion shaft and the bolt enters the bolt hole in the yoke. Therefore, the bolt cannot be tightened, and the assembly operator can easily find the insufficient insertion of the pinion shaft and the yoke, and correction is possible.

  However, in the state where only the tip of the serration shaft of the pinion shaft is inserted into the serration hole of the yoke, the bolt can be passed through the bolt hole of the yoke without causing interference between the serration shaft and the bolt. Can be tightened. For this reason, the assembly operator may not recognize the insufficient insertion of the pinion shaft. In this case, the length of the serration for transmitting the rotational force (steering force) is insufficient, and the bolt and the recess of the serration shaft are not engaged. there were.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, Patent Document 1 discloses that a serration hole and a serration are not formed in the case where insufficient insertion occurs even if tightening with a bolt is possible without forming serrations near the opening of the serration hole. A configuration has been proposed in which the shaft does not mesh.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, a protrusion having no serration is provided at the tip of a serration shaft (pinion shaft). A configuration has been proposed in which the serration hole and the serration shaft do not mesh with each other due to interference with the protrusion.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 60-040384 JP 61-052421 A

  However, in the configurations proposed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, there is a portion where serrations are not formed, so that the meshing length of serrations is shortened by that length, or unnecessary waste other than during assembly. Since meat is required, problems such as weight increase occur. In order to secure the meshing length necessary for serration, it is necessary to increase the axial length of the component, which causes a problem of increasing the size and weight of the component.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a purpose of the present invention is a shaft member that can sufficiently secure a fitting length between the shaft member and the receiving member without causing an increase in axial length or weight. And providing a connecting structure of the receiving member. It is another object of the present invention to provide a connecting structure of a shaft member and a receiving member that allows an assembly operator to easily recognize insufficient insertion and prevent assembly due to insufficient insertion.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the end portion of the shaft member is inserted and fitted into the hole formed in the receiving member, and the bolt inserted into the bolt hole formed in the receiving member is tightened. The shaft member is fastened and fixed to the receiving member, and the bolt is engaged with a recess formed on the outer periphery of the end of the shaft member to prevent the receiving member from coming off from the shaft member; In the connecting structure of the receiving member,
An end portion of the shaft member, and in the insertion direction of the shaft member, a first outer diameter portion and a second outer diameter portion having a larger diameter are formed before and after the recess,
In the hole of the receiving member, a first inner diameter portion and a second inner diameter portion having different diameters into which the first outer diameter portion and the second outer diameter portion of the shaft member are respectively fitted are formed.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the first outer diameter portion and the second outer diameter portion of the shaft member and the first inner diameter portion and the second inner diameter portion of the receiving member are axially serrated. And the number of teeth of each serration are all the same.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 2, wherein the larger diameter of the serration formed in the first outer diameter portion of the shaft member is smaller than the smaller diameter of Seleshun formed in the second inner diameter portion of the receiving member. Is also set to be small.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the shaft member is a pinion shaft that protrudes from a steering box of a vehicle into a vehicle interior, and the receiving member is a steering shaft. It is the yoke of the joint bound to the end part.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the insertion of the shaft member into the receiving member is incomplete, and the small first outer diameter portion of the shaft member is inserted only up to the second large inner diameter portion of the receiving member. If the bolt is not inserted, the first outer diameter portion and the second inner diameter portion are not fitted to each other even if the bolt can be passed through the bolt hole of the receiving member, and the shaft member can freely rotate with respect to the receiving member. Therefore, it can be easily found that the insertion of the shaft member into the receiving member is incomplete. If the first outer diameter portion and the second outer diameter portion of the shaft member are fitted to the first inner diameter portion and the second inner diameter portion of the receiving member, respectively, but these fittings are incomplete. Since the bolt cannot be passed through the bolt hole of the receiving member, it can be easily found that the insertion of the shaft member into the receiving member is incomplete.

  When the shaft member is completely inserted into the receiving member, the shaft member cannot rotate relative to the receiving member, and the bolt can be passed through the bolt hole of the receiving member. And the receiving member are securely connected to each other to transmit the rotational force, and the receiving member is reliably prevented from coming off from the shaft member. In this case, the first outer diameter portion and the second outer diameter portion of the shaft member and the first inner diameter portion and the second inner diameter portion of the receiving member respectively contribute to the fitting (fitting capable of transmitting power). Since there is no useless portion, the fitting length between the shaft member and the receiving member can be sufficiently secured without increasing the axial length or weight.

  According to the invention of claim 2, axial serrations are respectively formed in the first outer diameter portion and the second outer diameter portion of the shaft member and the first inner diameter portion and the second inner diameter portion of the receiving member, and each serration is formed. Therefore, the shaft member and the receiving member can be easily connected by serration fitting from any rotational angle position.

  According to the invention of claim 3, since the large diameter of the serration formed in the first outer diameter portion of the shaft member is set smaller than the small diameter of Seleshun formed in the second inner diameter portion of the member, In a state where the insertion into the receiving member is incomplete and the first outer diameter portion with the small diameter of the shaft member is inserted only up to the second inner diameter portion with the large diameter of the receiving member, the first outer diameter portion and the second outer diameter portion The shaft member and the receiving member are reliably prevented from being connected to each other without being fitted to the inner diameter portion and incompletely inserted.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the connection between the steering shaft and the pinion shaft is an operation that can ensure only a narrow work space, and the connection point between the two is a place where it is difficult to confirm the vehicle after completion of the vehicle. However, according to the connection structure according to the present invention, it is easily found that the connection between the steering shaft and the pinion shaft is incomplete, so that a reliable connection operation is possible.

It is a side view of the connection part of the steering shaft and pinion shaft of a vehicle. It is a perspective view of the pinion shaft of the vehicle which shows the connection structure concerning this invention, and the yoke of a universal joint. (A) is a side view of the pinion shaft of the vehicle and the yoke of the universal joint showing a complete connection state of the connection structure according to the present invention, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of (a). (A) is a side view of the pinion shaft of a vehicle and the yoke of a universal joint which shows the incomplete connection state of the connection structure based on this invention, (b) is the BB sectional drawing of (a). (A) is a side view of the pinion shaft of the vehicle and the yoke of the universal joint showing the incompletely connected state of the connecting structure according to the present invention, and (b) is a sectional view taken along the line CC of (a).

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

  FIG. 1 is a side view of a connection portion between a steering shaft and a pinion shaft of a vehicle, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pinion shaft and a universal joint yoke showing a connection structure according to the present invention, and FIG. 3B is a side view of the pinion shaft and the yoke showing the complete connection state of the connection structure, FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 3A, and FIG. 4A is an incomplete connection of the connection structure. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 4A, and FIG. 5A is a pinion shaft showing an incompletely connected state of the connection structure. The side view of a yoke and FIG.5 (b) are CC sectional view taken on the line of Fig.5 (a).

  In this embodiment, the present invention is connected to a pinion shaft 1 that is a shaft member in the steering apparatus for a vehicle shown in FIG. 1 and a yoke 4 that is a receiving member of a universal joint 3 that is bound to an end of the steering shaft 2. It is applied to the structure.

  The steering shaft 2 is rotatable about its axis, and is disposed obliquely in a vehicle interior (not shown) so as to descend toward the front of the vehicle (left side in FIG. 1). The pinion shaft 1 is connected via a joint 3. A steering handle (not shown) is attached to the upper end of the steering shaft 2. The universal joint 3 is a universal joint formed by connecting two yokes 4 and 5 with a cross-shaped shaft 6.

  The pinion shaft 1 protrudes obliquely upward from the steering gear box 7, and the upper end portion protruding into the vehicle compartment is connected to one yoke 4 of the universal joint 3 by the connection structure according to the present invention. That is, the pinion shaft 1 is connected to the yoke 4 by tightening a bolt 8 that is inserted into and screwed into the yoke 4 at one end of the universal joint 3.

  Here, the detail of the connection structure which concerns on this invention is demonstrated below based on FIG.

  At the tip of the pinion shaft 1, there is a recess 1 a that is a groove formed in an arcuate curved shape along the outer periphery of the axial section of the bolt 8 so that the shaft of the bolt 8 can be received. The first outer diameter portion 1A and the first outer diameter portion 1A are formed on the front and rear (tip side and rear side) of the recess 1a in the insertion direction of the pinion shaft 1 into the yoke 4 (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2). A second outer diameter portion 1B having a larger diameter is formed. That is, the first outer diameter portion 1 </ b> A, the concave portion 1 a, and the second outer diameter portion 1 </ b> B are formed in this order from the distal end portion of the pinion shaft 1 toward the rear in the axial direction. The first outer diameter portion 1A and the second outer diameter portion 1B are provided with serrations along the axial direction at the same number of teeth and the same circumferential position, and the first outer diameter portion 1A and the second outer diameter portion 1B. The outer diameter portion 1B is formed on the serration shaft. In this case, since the concave portion 1a is formed between the first outer diameter portion 1A and the second outer diameter portion 1B in the axial direction of the pinion shaft 1, the first outer diameter portion 1A and the second outer diameter portion 1B are Serration processing is facilitated.

  As described above, the outer diameter of the second outer diameter portion 1B of the pinion shaft 1 is larger than the outer diameter of the first outer diameter portion 1A, but the diameter (minimum diameter) of the deepest portion of the recess 1a is the first outer diameter. It is set smaller than the outer diameter of the portion 1A. Specifically, the diameter (minimum diameter) of the deepest portion of the recess 1a is set smaller than the minimum diameter (small diameter) of the serration of the first outer diameter portion 1A, and the minimum diameter (small diameter) of the serration of the second outer diameter portion 1B. Is set larger than the maximum diameter (large diameter) of the serration of the first large diameter portion 1A.

  On the other hand, a hole (serration hole) into which the tip of the pinion shaft 1 is inserted is formed in the yoke 4, and the first outer diameter portion 1A and the second outer diameter portion 1B of the pinion shaft 1 are serrated in this hole, respectively. The first inner diameter portion 4A and the second inner diameter portion 4B having different diameters to be fitted are formed along the insertion direction. That is, a second inner diameter portion 2B having a large inner diameter is formed on the opening side of the serration hole, and a first inner diameter portion 4A having a small inner diameter is formed in the back thereof. The first inner diameter portion 4A and the second inner diameter portion 4B have the same number of teeth (the same number of teeth as the serrations formed on the first outer diameter portion 1A and the second outer diameter portion 1B of the pinion shaft 1). Serrations along the axial direction are arranged at the same circumferential position, and the first inner diameter portion 4A and the second inner diameter portion 4B are respectively formed in the serration holes. The minimum diameter (small diameter) of the serration of the second inner diameter portion 4B is set larger than the maximum diameter (large diameter) of the serration of the first inner diameter portion 4A.

  Further, a slit 4a along the axial direction is formed from the opening edge of the serration hole to a predetermined length at a portion of the yoke 4 where the serration holes (the first inner diameter portion 4A and the second inner diameter portion 4B) are formed. The flanges 4b and 4c are formed on both sides of the slit 4a. The flanges 4b and 4c have bolt holes (bolt insertion holes 9 formed in one flange 4b and screw holes 10 formed in the other flange 4c) in a direction perpendicular to the axis (relative to the insertion direction of the pinion shaft 1). In the vertical direction). Here, the bolt hole (bolt insertion hole 9 and screw hole 10) is formed at the position of the concave portion 1a in the state where the pinion shaft 1 is inserted at the design position in the axial direction and at the position of the first inner diameter portion 4A. ing. Accordingly, the bolt 8 can be disposed close to the axis of the serration hole (the first inner diameter portion 4A and the second inner diameter portion 4B) of the yoke 4, and the yoke 4 can be reduced in size and weight.

  Thus, when connecting the pinion shaft 1 and the yoke 4, an operator gets into the vehicle, and attaches to the tip of the pinion shaft 1 protruding into the vehicle interior from a hole in a dash panel (not shown) and to the lower end of the steering shaft 2. The yoke 4 of the attached universal joint 3 is attached. Alternatively, the yoke 4 protruding into the engine room (not shown) from the hole in the dash panel is attached to the tip of the pinion shaft 1.

  Here, the connection point between the pinion shaft 1 and the yoke 4 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When the pinion shaft 1 and the yoke 4 are connected, the tip of the pinion shaft 1 is inserted into the serration hole of the yoke 4 (actually, the yoke 4 is inserted into the tip of the pinion shaft 1 that has been positioned and fixed to the vehicle first. As shown in FIG. 3, the first outer diameter portion 1A and the second outer diameter portion 1B of the pinion shaft 1 are properly fitted to the first inner diameter portion 4A and the second inner diameter portion 4B of the yoke 4, respectively. When combined (serration fitting), the concave portion 1a formed in the pinion shaft 1 is positioned at the first inner diameter portion 4A of the yoke 4 and matches the bolt hole (bolt insertion hole 9 and screw hole 10). Therefore, in this state, the bolt 8 can be passed through the bolt insertion hole 9 of the yoke 4 and screwed into the screw hole 10, so that the width of the slit 4 a of the yoke 4 is narrowed by tightening the bolt 8 and the pinion shaft 1 The 1 outer diameter portion 1A and the second outer diameter portion 1B are fastened by the first inner diameter portion 4A and the second inner diameter portion 4B of the yoke 4, so that the pinion shaft 1 and the yoke 4 are securely connected, and steering by operating the steering handle The rotation of the shaft 2 is transmitted to the pinion shaft 1 via the universal joint 3, and the wheel is reliably steered in a desired direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, when the pinion shaft 1 and the yoke 4 are properly connected, the bolt 8 is engaged with the concave portion 1a of the pinion shaft 1, so that the yoke 4 is reliably prevented from coming off from the pinion shaft 1. Can be removed.

  Thus, when the pinion shaft 1 and the yoke 4 are properly connected as shown in FIG. 3, the first outer diameter portion 1 </ b> A and the second outer diameter portion 1 </ b> B of the pinion shaft 1 and the first inner diameter of the yoke 4. 4A and the second inner diameter portion 4B each have a full length portion that contributes to the fitting and there is no useless portion. Therefore, the fitting length between the pinion shaft 1 and the yoke 4 without increasing the axial length or weight. Can be secured sufficiently.

  In the present embodiment, the first outer diameter portion 1A and the second outer diameter portion 1B of the pinion shaft 1 and the first inner diameter portion 4A and the second inner diameter portion 4B of the yoke 4 have the same number of teeth and the same around the shaft. Since the serration of the position is formed, the shape anisotropy is eliminated, and the pinion shaft 1 and the yoke 4 can be easily connected from any rotational angle position by serration fitting, and manufacturing and manufacturing management are facilitated. .

  However, the insertion of the pinion shaft 1 into the yoke 4 is incomplete, and the first outer diameter portion 1A having the small diameter of the pinion shaft 1 extends only to the second inner diameter portion 4B having the larger diameter as shown in FIG. In a state where the bolt 8 is not inserted, the first outer diameter portion 1A of the pinion shaft 1 and the second of the yoke 4 can be obtained even though the bolt 8 can be passed through the bolt holes (the bolt insertion hole 9 and the screw hole 10). The steering shaft 2 does not fit into the inner diameter portion 4B (the serration does not mesh), and the pinion shaft 1 rotates freely without rotating the pinion shaft 1, so that the insertion of the pinion shaft 1 into the yoke 4 is incomplete. It is easily discovered. In this case, as described above, the minimum diameter (small diameter) of the serration of the second inner diameter portion 4B of the yoke 4 is set larger than the maximum diameter (large diameter) of the serration of the first outer diameter portion 1A of the pinion shaft 1. Therefore, the first outer diameter portion 1A of the pinion shaft 1 and the fourth second inner diameter portion 4B of the yoke are not fitted (serrated fitting).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, even if the first outer diameter portion 1A and the second outer diameter portion 1B of the pinion shaft 1 are respectively fitted to the first inner diameter portion 4A and the second inner diameter portion 4B of the yoke 4, If the recess 1a of the pinion shaft 1 is not positioned at the normal position of the first inner diameter portion 4A of the yoke 4 due to the incomplete fitting, the rotational force from the steering shaft 2 to the pinion shaft 1 ( (Steering force) can be transmitted, but the bolt 8 cannot be passed through the bolt holes (bolt insertion hole 9 and screw hole 10) of the yoke 4, so that the pinion shaft 1 is not completely inserted into the yoke 4. You can easily find out.

  By the way, the connection between the steering shaft 2 and the pinion shaft 1 in the vehicle is an operation that can ensure only a narrow work space, and the connection portion between the two is a place where it is difficult to confirm after the vehicle is completed. According to the connection structure according to the embodiment, since the connection between the steering shaft 2 (yoke 4) and the pinion shaft 1 is easily found as described above, a reliable connection operation is possible. Become.

  In the above embodiments, the present invention has been described with respect to a structure in which the present invention is applied to a connection structure between a pinion shaft of a vehicle steering device and a yoke of a universal joint. However, the present invention is, for example, a suspension arm in a suspension of a vehicle. Of course, the present invention can be similarly applied to a connection structure between any other shaft member and the receiving member, such as a connection structure between the knuckles and the knuckle.

1 Pinion shaft (shaft member)
1A First outer diameter portion of pinion shaft 1B Second outer diameter portion of pinion shaft 2 Steering shaft 3 Universal joint 4 Universal joint yoke (receiving member)
4A First inner diameter portion of yoke 4B Second inner diameter portion of yoke 4a Yoke slit 4b, 4c Yoke flange 5 Universal joint yoke 6 Universal joint shaft 7 Steering gear box 8 Bolt 9 Bolt insertion hole (bolt hole)
10 Screw hole (Bolt hole)

Claims (4)

Inserting and fitting the end of the shaft member into the hole formed in the receiving member, and tightening and fixing the shaft member to the receiving member by tightening the bolt inserted into the bolt hole formed in the receiving member, In the connecting structure of the shaft member and the receiving member, the bolt is engaged with a recess formed on the outer periphery of the end of the shaft member to prevent the receiving member from coming off from the shaft member.
An end portion of the shaft member, and in the insertion direction of the shaft member, a first outer diameter portion and a second outer diameter portion having a larger diameter are formed before and after the recess,
A shaft member characterized in that a first inner diameter portion and a second inner diameter portion having different diameters into which the first outer diameter portion and the second outer diameter portion of the shaft member are respectively fitted are formed in the holes of the receiving member. And receiving member connection structure.   The first outer diameter portion and the second outer diameter portion of the shaft member and the first inner diameter portion and the second inner diameter portion of the receiving member are each formed with axial serrations, and all the serrations have the same number of teeth. The connecting structure of the shaft member and the receiving member according to claim 1.   3. The shaft member according to claim 2, wherein a large diameter of the serration formed in the first outer diameter portion of the shaft member is set smaller than a small diameter of Seleshun formed in the second inner diameter portion of the receiving member. And receiving member connection structure. The shaft member is a pinion shaft that protrudes from a steering box of a vehicle into a vehicle compartment, and the receiving member is a joint yoke that is bound to an end portion of the steering shaft. The connection structure of the shaft member and receiving member in any one of.

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