JP3658855B2 - Joint between shaft and universal joint yoke - Google Patents

Joint between shaft and universal joint yoke Download PDF

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Publication number
JP3658855B2
JP3658855B2 JP10786596A JP10786596A JP3658855B2 JP 3658855 B2 JP3658855 B2 JP 3658855B2 JP 10786596 A JP10786596 A JP 10786596A JP 10786596 A JP10786596 A JP 10786596A JP 3658855 B2 JP3658855 B2 JP 3658855B2
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Japan
Prior art keywords
shaft
yoke
hole
screw hole
universal joint
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JP10786596A
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JPH09291910A (en
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博 関根
昭次 岡
義幸 関井
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NSK Ltd
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NSK Ltd
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D3/00—Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive
    • F16D3/16—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts
    • F16D3/26—Hooke's joints or other joints with an equivalent intermediate member to which each coupling part is pivotally or slidably connected
    • F16D3/38—Hooke's joints or other joints with an equivalent intermediate member to which each coupling part is pivotally or slidably connected with a single intermediate member with trunnions or bearings arranged on two axes perpendicular to one another
    • F16D3/40—Hooke's joints or other joints with an equivalent intermediate member to which each coupling part is pivotally or slidably connected with a single intermediate member with trunnions or bearings arranged on two axes perpendicular to one another with intermediate member provided with two pairs of outwardly-directed trunnions on intersecting axes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D1/00—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements
    • F16D1/06—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements for attachment of a member on a shaft or on a shaft-end
    • F16D1/08—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements for attachment of a member on a shaft or on a shaft-end with clamping hub; with hub and longitudinal key
    • F16D1/0852—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements for attachment of a member on a shaft or on a shaft-end with clamping hub; with hub and longitudinal key with radial clamping between the mating surfaces of the hub and shaft
    • F16D1/0864—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements for attachment of a member on a shaft or on a shaft-end with clamping hub; with hub and longitudinal key with radial clamping between the mating surfaces of the hub and shaft due to tangential loading of the hub, e.g. a split hub
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D3/00—Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive
    • F16D3/16—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts
    • F16D3/26—Hooke's joints or other joints with an equivalent intermediate member to which each coupling part is pivotally or slidably connected
    • F16D3/38—Hooke's joints or other joints with an equivalent intermediate member to which each coupling part is pivotally or slidably connected with a single intermediate member with trunnions or bearings arranged on two axes perpendicular to one another
    • F16D3/382—Hooke's joints or other joints with an equivalent intermediate member to which each coupling part is pivotally or slidably connected with a single intermediate member with trunnions or bearings arranged on two axes perpendicular to one another constructional details of other than the intermediate member
    • F16D3/387—Fork construction; Mounting of fork on shaft; Adapting shaft for mounting of fork
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D1/00—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements
    • F16D1/10—Quick-acting couplings in which the parts are connected by simply bringing them together axially
    • F16D1/108—Quick-acting couplings in which the parts are connected by simply bringing them together axially having retaining means rotating with the coupling and acting by interengaging parts, i.e. positive coupling
    • F16D1/116—Quick-acting couplings in which the parts are connected by simply bringing them together axially having retaining means rotating with the coupling and acting by interengaging parts, i.e. positive coupling the interengaging parts including a continuous or interrupted circumferential groove in the surface of one of the coupling parts

Description

【０００１】
【産業上の利用分野】
この発明に係るシャフトと自在継手のヨークとの結合部は、例えばステアリング装置に於いて、このステアリング装置を構成する各種シャフトの端部と自在継手のヨークとを結合する為に利用する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
自動車の前輪に舵角を付与する為のステアリング装置では、ステアリングホイールの操作に伴って回転するステアリングシャフトの動きを、図５に示す様な十字軸式の自在継手１を介して、ステアリングギヤの入力軸に伝達する。この自在継手１は、１対のヨーク２、３同士を十字軸４を介して結合したものである。この十字軸４に設けられた４個所の端部は、それぞれ上記各ヨーク２、３の先端部に、軸受カップ５、５内に設けられたニードル軸受を介して揺動自在に支持している。従って、上記両ヨーク２、３の中心が同一直線上に位置しなくても、両ヨーク２、３同士の間で回転力の伝達を行なえる。
【０００３】
この様な自在継手１を使用してステアリング装置を組み付ける場合、例えば一方（図５の右方）のヨーク２をステアリングシャフト等の一方のシャフト６の端部に、溶接或はねじ止め等により予め結合固定し、他方（図５の左方）のヨーク３を他方のシャフト７の端部に結合する。この様な組み付け作業を行なうのに通常は、上記一方のシャフト６を車体に支持した後、このシャフト６と他方のシャフト７とを自在継手１により結合する。
【０００４】
従って、ステアリング装置を構成する自在継手１のヨーク２、３のうち、少なくとも上記他方のヨーク３は、シャフト６を軸方向に動かす事なく接続作業を行なえる、所謂横入れ式のものが好ましい。例えば図５に示した自在継手１の場合、一方のヨーク２は一方のシャフト６の端部に溶接固定しているが、他方のヨーク３は、図６に示す様に、断面がＵ字形の基端部８を有する、横入れ式のものとしている。
【０００５】
この横入れ式のヨーク３の基端部８は、１対の抑え板部９ａ、９ｂを含んで構成される。互いに離隔して配置されたこれら抑え板部９ａ、９ｂは、それぞれの内側面を、互いに平行な抑え面１０、１０としている。そして、一方（図６の左方）の抑え板部９ａの開口側端部にナット１１を内嵌固定する事によりねじ孔１２を設けている。又、他方の抑え板部９ｂの開口側端部に、このねじ孔１２と同心でこのねじ孔１２よりも大径の通孔１３を、それぞれ形成している。尚、ねじ孔１２は、上記抑え板部９ａに直接形成する場合もある。又、ナット１１をヨーク３に嵌合固定しない構造のものもある。
【０００６】
一方、上述の様に構成されるヨーク３に、その先端部を結合されるシャフト７は、少なくとも先端部の断面形状を、図７に示す様な小判形としている。即ち、このシャフト７の先端部外周面に、互いに平行な１対の外側平面１４、１４を形成し、接続時にはこの外側平面１４、１４と上記抑え面１０、１０とを密接させる事により、上記ヨーク３に対するシャフト７の回転防止を図る。尚、上記シャフト７の先端部の形状は、断面円形の素材の外周面の直径方向反対側２個所位置に上記両外側平面１４、１４を形成する事により得られる。従って、これら両外側平面１４、１４の幅方向両端縁同士は、断面円弧状の凸曲面１８、１８により連続している。
【０００７】
上述の様な形状を有するシャフト７の端部を前述の様なヨーク３の基端部８に接続固定する場合には、先ず、図５に実線で示す様に、上記シャフト７の端部を上記基端部８の開口側に配置する。そして、この状態から、例えば上記ヨーク３を十字軸４を中心に回動させる事により、このヨーク３を図５の実線状態から鎖線状態にまで、同図で時計方向に揺動させて、上記シャフト７の端部をヨーク３の基端部８内に挿入する。尚、ヨーク３を動かさずにシャフト７の端部を動かす事で、シャフト７の端部をヨーク３の基端部８内に挿入する場合もある。何れにしても、シャフト７の端部を基端部８内に挿入する以前には、上記通孔１３に抑えボルト（図示省略）を挿入しない。
【０００８】
上述の様にしてシャフト７の端部をヨーク３の基端部８内に挿入し、上記各抑え面１０、１０と外側平面１４、１４（図６〜７）とを対向させたならば、上記通孔１３に挿通した抑えボルトの先端部に形成した雄ねじ部を上記ねじ孔１２に螺合し、更に緊締する。この緊締に基づき、上記１対の抑え面１０、１０同士の間隔が狭まり、これら各抑え面１０、１０と上記各外側平面１４、１４とが強く当接して、上記シャフト７の先端部が上記基端部８に結合固定される。尚、上記シャフト７の端部片縁部には切り欠き１５を形成して、このシャフト７と上記抑えボルトの杆部との干渉を防止すると共に、万一この抑えボルトが緩んだ場合にも、上記ヨーク３がシャフト７の軸方向に抜けるのを防止している。
【０００９】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
上述の様に構成される従来構造の場合には、シャフト７とヨーク３とが軸方向にずれる事を防止する為の力は、シャフト７側の外側平面１４、１４とヨーク３側の抑え面１０、１０との間に作用する摩擦力のみで得ている。切り欠き１５と抑えボルトとの係合は、シャフト７がヨーク３の基端部から抜け出る事を防止するが、これらシャフト７とヨーク３とが軸方向に亙って細かく変位する事は防止できない。ステアリング装置部分で発生するがたつきをなくし、ステアリングホイールを操作する運転者に違和感を与えない様にする為には、上記シャフト７とヨーク３とが軸方向に亙って細かく変位する事を有効に防止する必要がある。本発明は、この様な事情に鑑みて発明したものである。
【００１０】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明のシャフトと自在継手のヨークとの結合部は、前述した従来のシャフトと自在継手のヨークとの結合部と同様に、使用時に回転するシャフトと、このシャフトの先端部外周面に形成された１対の外側平面と、これら両外側平面の幅方向両端縁同士を連続させる断面円弧状の凸曲面と、断面略Ｕ字形で側方が開口した基端部を有し、自在継手を構成するヨークと、互いに離隔して配置され、それぞれの内側面を上記各外側平面と対向する抑え面として、上記基端部を構成する１対の抑え板部と、これら両抑え板部に形成された、互いに同心の通孔若しくはねじ孔と、このうちの通孔を挿通した状態で、その先端部に形成した雄ねじ部を上記ねじ孔若しくはナットに螺合させる抑えボルトとを備えている。
【００１１】
特に、本発明のシャフトと自在継手のヨークとの結合部に於いては、上記両外側平面の両端縁部のうち、上記ねじ孔及び通孔に近い側の端縁部分をこれら両外側平面から凹入させている。そして、この様に凹入させて、上記１対ずつの外側平面と抑え面とが当接する面の中心を、上記シャフトの中心よりも上記通孔若しくはねじ孔と反対側にずらせる事により、上記当接する面の両端縁のうち上記通孔若しくはねじ孔側の端縁とこれら通孔若しくはねじ孔との距離を大きくしている。
【００１２】
【作用】
上述の様に構成される本発明のシャフトと自在継手のヨークとの結合部によれば、シャフトとヨークとの軸方向に亙る保持力を大きくして、これらシャフトとヨークとが軸方向に亙って細かく変位する事を防止できる。
【００１３】
即ち、本発明のシャフトと自在継手のヨークとの結合部の場合には、１対ずつの外側平面と抑え面とが当接する面の両端縁のうち上記ねじ孔及び通孔側の端縁とこれらねじ孔及び通孔との距離を大きくした事に伴ない、抑えボルトの緊締に伴って上記端縁と抑え面との当接部の面圧が高くなる。この結果、この当接部に大きな摩擦力が作用して、上記シャフトとヨークとの軸方向に亙る保持力が大きくなる。
【００１４】
【発明の実施の形態】
図１〜３は、請求項１、２、４に対応する、本発明の実施の形態の第１例を示している。尚、本発明の特徴は、ヨーク３とシャフト７との間に軸方向に亙る大きな力が加わった場合にも、これら両部材３、７同士が軸方向にずれる事を防止する為の構造にある。その他の部分の構造及び作用は、前述した従来構造と同様であるから、同等部分に関する図示及び説明は、省略若しくは簡略にし、以下、本発明の特徴部分を中心に説明する。
【００１５】
シャフト７に形成された互いに平行な１対の外側平面１４、１４の両端縁部のうち、ヨーク３の抑え板部９ａ、９ｂに形成したねじ孔１２及び通孔１３に近い側の端縁（図１〜２の上端縁）部分には段部１６、１６を、上記各外側平面１４、１４から凹入する状態で形成している。従って、上記各抑え板部９ａ、９ｂの抑え面１０、１０のうち、上記１対の段部１６、１６と対向する部分は、上記通孔１３を挿通し、上記ねじ孔１２に螺合した抑えボルトの緊締に拘らず、相手面である外側平面１４、１４に当接する事はない。この結果、上記１対ずつの外側平面１４、１４と抑え面１０、１０とが互いに当接する当接面の両端縁のうち、上記ねじ孔１２及び通孔１３側の端縁とこれらねじ孔１２及び通孔１３の中心線との距離Ｌが、上記段部１６、１６の幅寸法Ｗ16（図１参照）分だけ大きくなる。尚、これら両段部１６、１６を形成した側（図１〜２の上側）の凸曲面１８は、これら両段部１６、１６よりも突出している。但し、上記ねじ孔１２と上記通孔１３との間部分では、切り欠き１５が存在する事に伴って、上記凸曲面１８が途切れている。
【００１６】
上述の様に構成される本例のシャフトと自在継手のヨークとの結合部の場合には、上記１対ずつの外側平面１４、１４と抑え面１０、１０とが当接する当接面の両端縁のうち、上記ねじ孔１２及び通孔１３側の端縁とこれらねじ孔１２及び通孔１３との距離を大きくした事に伴ない、抑えボルトの緊締に伴って上記端縁と抑え面１０、１０との当接部の面圧が高くなる。この結果、この当接部に大きな摩擦力が作用して、上記シャフト７とヨーク３との軸方向に亙る保持力が大きくなる。
【００１７】
尚、上述の様に、上記当接面の端縁とこれらねじ孔１２及び通孔１３の中心線との距離Ｌを大きくする為の段部１６、１６の幅寸法Ｗ16は、ヨーク３及びシャフト７の大きさにより設計的に定める。例えば、一般的にステアリング装置用の自在継手に組み込む構造の場合には、上記距離Ｌを５．５〜８．５mm程度、より好ましくは６．５〜７．５mm程度とする様に、上記幅寸法Ｗ16を規制する。ちなみに、従来構造の場合には、上記距離Ｌは４．５mmである。尚、上記距離Ｌの適正値を求めた条件は、次の通りである。
ヨーク３の材質 ： 熱間圧延軟鋼板
抑え板部９ａ、９ｂ部分の板厚 ： ５．７〜６．０mm
抑え面１０、１０及び外側平面１４、１４同士の間隔Ｄ10 ： １３mm
外側平面１４、１４を形成する以前のシャフト７の素材の半径Ｒ7
： ８．７５mm
抑えボルトのねじ部の直径 ： ８mm
抑えボルトの締め付けトルク ： ２．４kgf・m
【００１８】
上述の条件で複数の試料を作成し、ヨーク３を固定した状態でシャフト７に軸方向の力を加え、上記ヨーク３によりシャフト７を軸方向に保持する力（軸保持力）を測定した。この結果を、図３に示す。この図３に示した黒点は、各試料毎に、上記距離Ｌと軸保持力との関係を示している。この図３から明らかな通り、上記距離Ｌを７mm程度にすべく、上記幅寸法Ｗ16を規制（２．５mm程度に）すれば、上記ヨーク３によりシャフト７を軸方向に保持する力が最も大きくなる。又、上記距離Ｌを５．５〜８．５mm程度、より好ましくは６．５〜７．５mm程度とする様に、上記幅寸法Ｗ16を規制すれば、従来構造に比べて軸保持力の向上を図れる。
【００１９】
次に、図４は、請求項１、３、４に対応する、本発明の実施の形態の第２例を示している。本例の場合には、シャフト７に形成した１対の外側平面１４、１４の片端縁部に傾斜面１７、１７を形成する事により、上記１対ずつの外側平面１４、１４とヨーク３の抑え面１０、１０とが互いに当接する当接面の両端縁のうち、ねじ孔１２及び通孔１３（図１参照）側の端縁とこれらねじ孔１２及び通孔１３との距離を大きくしている。その他の構成及び作用は、上述した第１例の場合と同様である。
【００２０】
【発明の効果】
本発明のシャフトと自在継手のヨークとの結合部は、以上に述べた通り構成され作用するので、シャフトとヨークとが軸方向に亙って細かく変位する事を有効に防止して、ステアリング装置部分で発生するがたつきをなくし、ステアリングホイールを操作する運転者に違和感を与える事を防止できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】 本発明の実施の形態の第１例を示す部分断面図。
【図２】 第１例に使用するシャフトの端部斜視図。
【図３】 第１例の構造の効果を確認する為に行なった実験の結果を示すグラフ。
【図４】 本発明の実施の形態の第２例を示す、シャフトの端部斜視図。
【図５】 本発明の対象となる構造で、シャフトの端部とヨークの基端部とを結合する状態を示す側面図。
【図６】 図５のＡ−Ａ断面図。
【図７】 同Ｂ−Ｂ断面図。
【符号の説明】
１ 自在継手
２、３ ヨーク
４ 十字軸
５ 軸受カップ
６、７ シャフト
８ 基端部
９ａ、９ｂ 抑え板部
１０ 抑え面
１１ ナット
１２ ねじ孔
１３ 通孔
１４ 外側平面
１５ 切り欠き
１６ 段部
１７ 傾斜面
１８ 凸曲面 [0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The connecting portion between the shaft and the universal joint yoke according to the present invention is used, for example, in a steering device to connect the end portions of various shafts constituting the steering device and the universal joint yoke.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a steering device for giving a steering angle to a front wheel of an automobile, the movement of a steering shaft that rotates in accordance with the operation of a steering wheel is transmitted through a cross-shaft universal joint 1 as shown in FIG. Transmit to the input shaft. The universal joint 1 is formed by connecting a pair of yokes 2 and 3 via a cross shaft 4. The four end portions provided on the cross shaft 4 are swingably supported on the tip portions of the yokes 2 and 3 via needle bearings provided in the bearing cups 5 and 5, respectively. . Therefore, even if the centers of the yokes 2 and 3 are not located on the same straight line, the rotational force can be transmitted between the yokes 2 and 3.
[0003]
When the steering device is assembled using such a universal joint 1, for example, one yoke 2 (right side in FIG. 5) is attached to the end of one shaft 6 such as a steering shaft by welding or screwing in advance. The other yoke 3 (left side in FIG. 5) is joined and fixed to the end of the other shaft 7. In order to perform such an assembling operation, usually, the one shaft 6 is supported on the vehicle body, and then the shaft 6 and the other shaft 7 are coupled by the universal joint 1.
[0004]
Therefore, among the yokes 2 and 3 of the universal joint 1 constituting the steering device, at least the other yoke 3 is preferably a so-called lateral insertion type in which connection work can be performed without moving the shaft 6 in the axial direction. For example, in the case of the universal joint 1 shown in FIG. 5, one yoke 2 is fixed by welding to the end of one shaft 6, while the other yoke 3 has a U-shaped cross section as shown in FIG. It is a horizontal type having a base end portion 8.
[0005]
The base end portion 8 of the horizontal insertion type yoke 3 includes a pair of holding plate portions 9a and 9b. These holding plate portions 9a and 9b that are arranged apart from each other have the inner side surfaces as holding surfaces 10 and 10 that are parallel to each other. Then, a screw hole 12 is provided by internally fitting and fixing a nut 11 to the opening side end of one (left side in FIG. 6) holding plate portion 9a. In addition, a through hole 13 concentric with the screw hole 12 and having a diameter larger than that of the screw hole 12 is formed at the opening side end of the other holding plate 9b. The screw hole 12 may be directly formed in the holding plate portion 9a. There is also a structure in which the nut 11 is not fitted and fixed to the yoke 3.
[0006]
On the other hand, the shaft 7 whose tip is coupled to the yoke 3 configured as described above has at least a cross-sectional shape of the tip as shown in FIG. That is, a pair of outer flat surfaces 14 and 14 parallel to each other are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion of the shaft 7, and the outer flat surfaces 14 and 14 and the holding surfaces 10 and 10 are brought into close contact with each other at the time of connection. The rotation of the shaft 7 with respect to the yoke 3 is prevented. In addition, the shape of the front-end | tip part of the said shaft 7 is obtained by forming the said both outer side planes 14 and 14 in two positions on the diameter direction opposite side of the outer peripheral surface of a circular cross-section raw material. Accordingly, both end edges in the width direction of both the outer flat surfaces 14 and 14 are continuous by the convex curved surfaces 18 and 18 having a circular arc cross section.
[0007]
When the end portion of the shaft 7 having the shape as described above is connected and fixed to the base end portion 8 of the yoke 3 as described above, first, as shown by the solid line in FIG. It arrange | positions at the opening side of the said base end part 8. FIG. From this state, for example, by turning the yoke 3 about the cross shaft 4, the yoke 3 is swung clockwise from the solid line state to the chain line state in FIG. The end of the shaft 7 is inserted into the base end 8 of the yoke 3. Note that the end of the shaft 7 may be inserted into the base end 8 of the yoke 3 by moving the end of the shaft 7 without moving the yoke 3. In any case, before the end portion of the shaft 7 is inserted into the base end portion 8, no holding bolt (not shown) is inserted into the through hole 13.
[0008]
If the end portion of the shaft 7 is inserted into the base end portion 8 of the yoke 3 as described above and the respective restraining surfaces 10 and 10 are opposed to the outer flat surfaces 14 and 14 (FIGS. 6 to 7), The male screw portion formed at the tip of the holding bolt inserted through the through hole 13 is screwed into the screw hole 12 and further tightened. Based on this tightening, the distance between the pair of restraining surfaces 10 and 10 is narrowed, the restraining surfaces 10 and 10 and the outer flat surfaces 14 and 14 are in strong contact, and the tip of the shaft 7 is The base end 8 is coupled and fixed. In addition, a notch 15 is formed at one end of the shaft 7 to prevent interference between the shaft 7 and the flange of the holding bolt, and even if the holding bolt is loosened. The yoke 3 is prevented from coming off in the axial direction of the shaft 7.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the case of the conventional structure configured as described above, the force for preventing the shaft 7 and the yoke 3 from being displaced in the axial direction is such that the outer flat surfaces 14 and 14 on the shaft 7 side and the restraining surface on the yoke 3 side. It is obtained only by the frictional force acting between 10 and 10. The engagement between the notch 15 and the holding bolt prevents the shaft 7 from coming out of the base end portion of the yoke 3, but it cannot prevent the shaft 7 and the yoke 3 from being finely displaced in the axial direction. . In order to eliminate the rattling that occurs in the steering device and to prevent the driver operating the steering wheel from feeling uncomfortable, the shaft 7 and the yoke 3 must be finely displaced in the axial direction. It is necessary to prevent it effectively. The present invention has been invented in view of such circumstances.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The joint between the shaft of the present invention and the yoke of the universal joint is formed on the outer surface of the shaft rotating at the time of use and the front end of the shaft, like the joint between the conventional shaft and the yoke of the universal joint. A universal joint having a pair of outer planes, a convex curved surface having an arcuate cross section that connects both end edges in the width direction of the both outer planes, and a base end portion that is substantially U-shaped in cross section and is open at the side. And a pair of holding plate portions that constitute the base end portion, and are formed on both of the holding plate portions. In addition, there are provided concentric through holes or screw holes, and a holding bolt for screwing a male screw part formed at the tip of the through hole or screw hole into the screw hole or nut.
[0011]
In particular, in the joint portion between the shaft of the present invention and the yoke of the universal joint, of the both end edges of the both outer planes, the end edge portion on the side close to the screw hole and the through hole is from these both outer planes. It is recessed. And by recessing in this way, by shifting the center of the surface where the pair of outer flat surfaces and the restraining surface contact each other to the opposite side of the through hole or screw hole from the center of the shaft, The distance between the edge on the side of the through hole or screw hole and the through hole or screw hole of both end edges of the abutting surface is increased.
[0012]
[Action]
According to the coupling portion between the shaft of the present invention and the yoke of the universal joint configured as described above, the holding force in the axial direction between the shaft and the yoke is increased so that the shaft and the yoke are in the axial direction. It is possible to prevent fine displacement.
[0013]
That is, in the case of the coupling portion between the shaft of the present invention and the yoke of the universal joint, the screw hole and the through hole side edge of the both end edges of the surface where the pair of outer flat surfaces and the restraining surface contact each other As the distance between the screw hole and the through hole is increased, the surface pressure of the contact portion between the end edge and the restraining surface increases as the restraining bolt is tightened. As a result, a large frictional force acts on the contact portion, and the holding force over the shaft and yoke in the axial direction increases.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
1 to 3 show a first example of an embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claims 1, 2, and 4. FIG. The feature of the present invention is a structure for preventing the two members 3 and 7 from being shifted in the axial direction even when a large force is applied between the yoke 3 and the shaft 7 in the axial direction. is there. Since the structure and operation of the other parts are the same as those of the conventional structure described above, the illustration and description of the equivalent parts are omitted or simplified, and the following description will focus on the characteristic parts of the present invention.
[0015]
Of both end edges of the pair of parallel outer planes 14, 14 formed on the shaft 7, edges on the side close to the screw holes 12 and the through holes 13 formed in the holding plate portions 9 a, 9 b of the yoke 3 ( 1 and 2, stepped portions 16 and 16 are formed so as to be recessed from the respective outer flat surfaces 14 and 14. Therefore, of the holding surfaces 10 and 10 of the holding plates 9a and 9b, the portions facing the pair of stepped portions 16 and 16 are inserted through the through holes 13 and screwed into the screw holes 12. Regardless of the tightening of the holding bolt, it does not come into contact with the outer flat surfaces 14 and 14 which are mating surfaces. As a result, of the both end edges of the contact surfaces where the pair of outer flat surfaces 14 and 14 and the restraining surfaces 10 and 10 are in contact with each other, the ends on the screw hole 12 and through hole 13 side and these screw holes 12 The distance L from the center line of the through hole 13 is increased by the width dimension W 16 (see FIG. 1) of the step portions 16 and 16. In addition, the convex curved surface 18 on the side where the both step portions 16 and 16 are formed (the upper side in FIGS. 1 and 2) protrudes from both the step portions 16 and 16. However, in the portion between the screw hole 12 and the through hole 13, the convex curved surface 18 is interrupted due to the presence of the notch 15.
[0016]
In the case of the coupling portion between the shaft of this example configured as described above and the yoke of the universal joint, both ends of the contact surface where the pair of outer flat surfaces 14 and 14 and the holding surfaces 10 and 10 contact each other. As the distance between the edge on the screw hole 12 and through-hole 13 side and the screw hole 12 and through-hole 13 is increased, the edge and the restraining surface 10 are tightened with the tightening of the retaining bolt. The surface pressure of the contact portion with 10 is increased. As a result, a large frictional force acts on the contact portion, and the holding force over the shaft 7 and the yoke 3 in the axial direction increases.
[0017]
Incidentally, as described above, the width W 16 of the stepped portion 16, 16 for increasing the distance L between the edge and the center line of the screw hole 12 and the through hole 13 of the abutment surface, the yoke 3 and Design is determined by the size of the shaft 7. For example, in the case of a structure generally incorporated in a universal joint for a steering device, the width L is set so that the distance L is about 5.5 to 8.5 mm, more preferably about 6.5 to 7.5 mm. to regulate the size W 16. Incidentally, in the case of the conventional structure, the distance L is 4.5 mm. In addition, the conditions which calculated | required the appropriate value of the said distance L are as follows.
The material of the yoke 3: Hot rolled mild steel plate Thickness of the holding plate portions 9a and 9b: 5.7 to 6.0 mm
Spacing surfaces 10 and 10 and outer flat surfaces 14 and 14 have an interval D 10 of 13 mm.
The radius R 7 of the material of the shaft 7 before forming the outer plane 14, 14
: 8.75mm
Screw bolt diameter: 8mm
Tightening torque of holding bolt: 2.4kgf · m
[0018]
A plurality of samples were prepared under the above-described conditions, an axial force was applied to the shaft 7 with the yoke 3 fixed, and a force (axial holding force) for holding the shaft 7 in the axial direction by the yoke 3 was measured. The result is shown in FIG. The black dots shown in FIG. 3 indicate the relationship between the distance L and the shaft holding force for each sample. As apparent from FIG. 3, if the width dimension W 16 is restricted (about 2.5 mm) so that the distance L is about 7 mm, the force that holds the shaft 7 in the axial direction by the yoke 3 is the greatest. growing. Also, about 5.5~8.5mm the distance L, as more preferably to about 6.5 to 7.5 mm, when regulating the width W 16, the shaft holding force as compared with the conventional structure Improvements can be made.
[0019]
Next, FIG. 4 shows a second example of an embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claims 1, 3 and 4. In the case of this example, the inclined surfaces 17, 17 are formed on one edge of the pair of outer planes 14, 14 formed on the shaft 7, so that the pair of outer planes 14, 14 and the yoke 3 Of the both end edges of the contact surfaces with which the holding surfaces 10 and 10 are in contact with each other, the distance between the end of the screw hole 12 and the through hole 13 (see FIG. 1) side and the screw hole 12 and the through hole 13 is increased. ing. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first example described above.
[0020]
【The invention's effect】
Since the coupling portion between the shaft and the universal joint yoke according to the present invention is configured and operates as described above, it is possible to effectively prevent the shaft and the yoke from being finely displaced in the axial direction, and the steering device. The rattling that occurs in the part is eliminated, and it is possible to prevent the driver who operates the steering wheel from feeling uncomfortable.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a first example of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an end perspective view of a shaft used in the first example.
FIG. 3 is a graph showing the results of an experiment conducted to confirm the effect of the structure of the first example.
FIG. 4 is an end perspective view of a shaft, showing a second example of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a side view showing a state in which an end portion of a shaft and a base end portion of a yoke are coupled with each other in a structure that is an object of the present invention.
6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Universal joint 2, 3 Yoke 4 Cross shaft 5 Bearing cup 6, 7 Shaft 8 Base end part 9a, 9b Holding plate part 10 Holding surface 11 Nut 12 Screw hole 13 Through-hole 14 Outer plane 15 Notch 16 Step part 17 Inclined surface
18 Convex surface

Claims (4)

使用時に回転するシャフトと、このシャフトの先端部外周面に形成された１対の外側平面と、これら両外側平面の幅方向両端縁同士を連続させる断面円弧状の凸曲面と、断面略Ｕ字形で側方が開口した基端部を有し、自在継手を構成するヨークと、互いに離隔して配置され、それぞれの内側面を上記各外側平面と対向する抑え面として、上記基端部を構成する１対の抑え板部と、これら両抑え板部に形成された、互いに同心の通孔若しくはねじ孔と、このうちの通孔を挿通した状態で、その先端部に形成した雄ねじ部を上記ねじ孔若しくはナットに螺合させる抑えボルトとを備えたシャフトと自在継手のヨークとの結合部に於いて、上記両外側平面の両端縁部のうち、上記ねじ孔及び通孔に近い側の端縁部分をこれら両外側平面から凹入させて、上記１対ずつの外側平面と抑え面とが当接する面の中心を、上記シャフトの中心よりも上記通孔若しくはねじ孔と反対側にずらせる事により、上記当接する面の両端縁のうち上記通孔若しくはねじ孔側の端縁とこれら通孔若しくはねじ孔との距離を大きくした事を特徴とするシャフトと自在継手のヨークとの結合部。A shaft that rotates when in use, a pair of outer flat surfaces formed on the outer peripheral surface of the tip portion of the shaft, a convex curved surface having a circular arc cross section in which both end edges in the width direction of the outer flat surfaces are continuous, and a substantially U-shaped cross section And the base end portion having a base end portion that is open at the side, and arranged at a distance from each other, and a yoke that constitutes a universal joint, and the inner side surfaces of the yoke are opposed to the respective outer flat surfaces. A pair of holding plate portions, a concentric through hole or screw hole formed in both of the holding plate portions, and a male screw portion formed at the tip portion of the through hole through which the through hole is inserted. In a joint portion between a shaft having a screw hole or a holding bolt screwed into a nut and a yoke of a universal joint, an end on the side close to the screw hole and the through hole of both end edges of the both outer planes The edge is recessed from both outer planes. The center of the surface where the pair of outer flat surfaces and the restraining surface abut each other is shifted to the opposite side of the through hole or the screw hole from the center of the shaft, so that A connecting portion between a shaft and a universal joint yoke, characterized in that the distance between the end edge on the through hole or screw hole side and the through hole or screw hole is increased. １対の外側平面の両端縁部のうち、ねじ孔及び通孔に近い側の端縁部分に段部を、これら各外側平面から凹入する状態で形成している、請求項１に記載したシャフトと自在継手のヨークとの結合部。  2. The step according to claim 1, wherein a stepped portion is formed in an end edge portion on a side close to the screw hole and the through-hole in both end edges of the pair of outer planes so as to be recessed from each outer plane. The joint between the shaft and the universal joint yoke. １対の外側平面の両端縁部のうち、ねじ孔及び通孔に近い側の端縁部分に傾斜面を、これら両外側平面から凹入する方向に形成している、請求項１に記載したシャフトと自在継手のヨークとの結合部。  The inclined surface is formed in the direction where it indents from these both outer planes in the edge part near the screw hole and the through-hole among the both end edges of the pair of outer planes. The joint between the shaft and the universal joint yoke. ヨークが熱間圧延軟鋼板製である、請求項１〜３の何れかに記載したシャフトと自在継手のヨークとの結合部。  The joint portion between the shaft and the universal joint yoke according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the yoke is made of a hot rolled mild steel plate.
JP10786596A 1996-04-26 1996-04-26 Joint between shaft and universal joint yoke Expired - Fee Related JP3658855B2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

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Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP10786596A JP3658855B2 (en) 1996-04-26 1996-04-26 Joint between shaft and universal joint yoke

Related Child Applications (1)

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JP3658855B2 true JP3658855B2 (en) 2005-06-08

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Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2006029343A (en) * 2004-06-17 2006-02-02 Nsk Ltd Universal joint
JP2006097884A (en) 2004-08-30 2006-04-13 Nsk Ltd Joint of shaft and yoke of universal joint
JP4483485B2 (en) 2004-09-01 2010-06-16 日本精工株式会社 Joint between shaft and universal joint yoke
JP4687981B2 (en) * 2006-03-30 2011-05-25 株式会社ジェイテクト Joint structure of universal joint yoke and shaft
JP5233278B2 (en) * 2007-04-27 2013-07-10 日本精工株式会社 Steering device
JP5104033B2 (en) * 2007-05-23 2012-12-19 日本精工株式会社 Coupling device between steering device shaft and universal joint yoke
JP5029425B2 (en) * 2008-02-28 2012-09-19 日本精工株式会社 Fastening structure of universal joint yoke and shaft
JP2011111096A (en) * 2009-11-30 2011-06-09 Nsk Ltd Bolt fastening mechanism of steering yoke

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