JP3933368B2

JP3933368B2 - Connecting structure of shaft and shaft coupling and steering device using the same

Info

Publication number: JP3933368B2
Application number: JP2000089969A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 晃久梅谷; 修宮崎
Original assignee: JTEKT Corp
Current assignee: JTEKT Corp
Priority date: 2000-03-28
Filing date: 2000-03-28
Publication date: 2007-06-20
Anticipated expiration: 2020-03-28
Also published as: JP2001280361A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は軸と軸継手との結合構造及びこれを用いて舵輪の操舵を舵取機構に伝達する舵取装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
車両の舵取りは、車室の内部に配された舵輪の回転操作を、舵取用の車輪（一般的には前輪）の操向のために車室の外部に配された舵取機構に伝えて行われる。
【０００３】
車両における舵取装置は、上端が舵輪に繋がる舵軸と、該舵軸の下端に結合された軸継手をその上端に有する伝動軸と、該伝動軸の下端に軸継手を介して結合され、車体の左右方向に延設されたラック軸の中途部に噛合するピニオンを有するピニオン軸とを備えている。
【０００４】
図８は舵取装置に用いた軸と軸継手との結合構造の一部を切欠いた正面図、図９は結合した状態の断面図、図１０は図９のＸ−Ｘ線の断面図である。
軸継手１００に結合される舵軸の下端部には、円形周面の一部に一対の平行な平取面１０１，１０１及びこれら平取面１０１，１０１にその両端が臨む抜止溝１０２を有する非円形の嵌合部１０３が設けてあり、また、軸継手１００の上端部には、前記嵌合部１０３が相対回転不能に嵌合され、周面の一部が開放された非円形の嵌合孔１０４及び該嵌合孔１０４に臨む抜止孔１０５が設けられている。これら抜止孔１０５と抜止溝１０２とは嵌合部１０３と嵌合孔１０４との嵌合が始まる嵌合始端から嵌合方向の位置へ離隔した位置に設けてあり、嵌合部１０３及び嵌合孔１０４は相対回転が生じない程度の寸法に加工されている。尚、前記抜止孔１０５の一端部にはねじが設けられている。
【０００５】
軸と軸継手との結合は、軸を取り囲む軸ハウジングを介して車室の内部に配された前記軸の嵌合部１０３に伝動軸が有する軸継手１００の嵌合孔１０４を嵌合し、前記抜止孔１０５及び抜止溝１０２に抜止軸１０６を挿入し、該抜止軸１０６を締め込むことにより軸長方向の相対移動及び相対回転を不能に結合される。
【０００６】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
図１１は軸と軸継手との嵌合量が不足する状態を示す図である。
ところが、以上の如く構成された結合構造にあっては、嵌合部１０３及び嵌合孔１０４の寸法公差によっては図１１の如く前記嵌合部１０３の嵌合始端１０３ａが前記抜止孔１０５に到らない間に嵌合部１０３が嵌合孔１０４に嵌合する嵌合量が不足する状態においても恰も完全に嵌め込まれたような嵌め合い抵抗が生ずるとともに、この状態において抜止軸１０６を抜止孔１０５に挿入し、該抜止軸１０６を締め込むことができ、また、結合構造を用いた舵取装置にあっては、前記軸継手１００周りの空間が狭く、軸と軸継手との結合部分を直視することができない状態で軸と軸継手との結合作業が行われるため、上述した嵌合量が不足する状態で車体に組み込まれる可能性があった。このように嵌合量が不足する状態で車体に組み込まれた場合、車両走行時の振動等によって抜止軸１０６が弛緩したとき軸継手が嵌合部１０３から抜け出るという不具合がある。
【０００７】
本発明は斯かる事情に鑑みてなされたものであり、軸の嵌合部及び嵌合孔の少なくとも一方が、嵌合部が嵌合孔に嵌合されるときの嵌合始端から嵌合域の嵌合方向中間位置にかけて平取りされた第１の平取面を有する構造とすることにより、嵌合量が不足する状態では抜止軸によって嵌合部を嵌合孔内で固定することができない結合構造及び舵取装置を提供することを目的とする。また、円形周面の一部に第２の平取面を有する既存の軸、軸継手の第２の平取面上に、該第２の平取面よりも平取り深さが大である第１の平取面を設けることにより、既存の軸、軸継手に第１の平取面を追加加工するだけで嵌合量が不足する状態での結合を良好に防止することができる結合構造及び舵取装置を提供することを目的とする。
【０００８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
第１発明に係る結合構造は、周面が非円形である嵌合部に抜止溝を有する軸と、前記嵌合部が相対回転不能に嵌合され、周面の一部が開放された非円形の嵌合孔及び該嵌合孔に臨む抜止孔を有する軸継手とを前記抜止孔及び抜止溝に挿入する抜止軸によって結合する結合構造において、前記嵌合部及び嵌合孔の少なくとも一方は、嵌合部が嵌合孔に嵌合されるときの嵌合始端から嵌合域の嵌合方向中間位置にかけて平取りされた第１の平取面を有し、前記軸と軸継手とを結合する場合、前記嵌合部の嵌合始端が抜止孔に到るまでは第１の平取面が形成された部分のみが嵌合孔内にあり、前記嵌合部及び前記嵌合孔は円形周面の一部を平取りした第２の平取面によって非円形としてあり、第１の平取面は第２の平取面の先端側に該第２の平取面よりも平取り深さを大として設けてあり、第１の平取面と前記嵌合孔または前記嵌合部との間には、第１及び第２の平取面の平取り深さの寸法差に相当する隙間が生じ、この隙間によって第１の平取面の部分が前記嵌合孔または前記嵌合部に対して適宜の角度で相対回転が可能となり、第２の平取面と前記嵌合孔または前記嵌合部との間には相対回転を許容する隙間が生じないようにしてあることを特徴とする。
【０００９】
第２発明に係る舵取り装置は、軸が舵輪に繋がる舵軸である上述した発明の結合構造と、該結合構造の軸継手に繋がり、前記舵軸の回転力を舵取機構に伝達する伝達手段とを備えていることを特徴とする。
【００１０】
第１発明及び第２発明にあっては、抜止軸が結合したときの嵌合量に対してその嵌合量が不足する状態では第１の平取面部分が嵌合孔又は嵌合部に嵌合され、該嵌合孔と第１の平取面との間の隙間、又は嵌合部と第１の平取面との間の隙間が比較的大きくなるため、嵌合量が不足する状態で抜止軸が抜止孔に挿入され、締め込み操作されたとしても嵌合部を嵌合孔内で固定することができない。従って、組み付け時に嵌合不足であることを知ることができ、嵌合量が不足する状態での結合を良好に防止できる。しかも、第２の平取面を有する既存の軸の第２の平取面部分に該第２の平取面よりも平取り深さが大である第１の平取面を設けるだけの簡単な加工によって嵌合不足状態での結合を良好に防止することができる。
【００１３】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下本発明をその実施の形態を示す図面に基づいて詳述する。図１は本発明に係る舵取装置のレイアウト構成を示す模式図である。
【００１４】
舵取装置は、上端が舵取りのための舵輪１に繋がる舵軸２と、該舵軸２の下端に結合された軸継手３をその上端に有する伝動軸４と、該伝動軸４の下端に軸継手５を介して結合され、車体の左右方向に延設されたラック軸の中途部に噛合するピニオンを有するピニオン軸６とを備えている。
【００１５】
図２は舵軸と軸継手との結合構造を示す断面図である。
舵軸２の下端部には周面が非円形であり、抜止溝７０を有する嵌合部７が設けてあり、また、軸継手３は前記伝動軸４の上端に結合されたコ字形の第１のヨーク３１と、該ヨーク３１に十字軸３２を介して継合されたコ字形の第２のヨーク３３及び前記嵌合部７が結合され、周面が非円形の嵌合孔３４を有する継体３５とを備え、この継体３５に設けられた後記する抜止孔３８及び前記抜止溝７０に挿入する抜止軸８によって前記嵌合部７と継体３５とが結合されている。
【００１６】
図３は嵌合部を示すもので、(a) は正面図、(b) は側面図、図４は図２のIV−IV 線の断面図、図５は図２の V −V 線の断面図である。
嵌合部７は、円形周面の一部に設けられた一対の平行な第２の平取面７１，７１によって非円形としてあり、嵌合孔３４に嵌合されるときの嵌合始端７ａから嵌合方向へ適宜の寸法で離隔した位置にその両端が第２の平取面７１，７１に臨む半円形の前記抜止溝７０が設けてあり、さらに、前記平取面７１，７１の先端側であり、嵌合始端７ａから前記抜止溝７０にかけて第２の平取面７１，７１よりも平取り深さが大である一対の平行な第１の平取面９，９が設けてあり、これら第１の平取面９，９部分を前記嵌合孔３４に対して適宜の角度で相対回転が可能となるようにしてある。
【００１７】
第１の平取面９，９と前記嵌合孔３４との間には、第１及び第２の平取面９，７１の平取り深さの寸法差に相当する隙間が生じ、この隙間によって第１の平取面９，９部分が前記嵌合孔３４に対して適宜の角度で相対回転が可能となるが、第２の平取面７１，７１と前記嵌合孔３４との間には相対回転を許容する隙間は生じないようにしてある。
【００１８】
嵌合孔３４は円形周面の一部に前記第２の平取面７１，７１に対応する一対の平行な第２の平取面３６，３６が設けられた非円形であり、該嵌合孔３４の第２の平取面３６，３６の間の一部はスリット３７によって開放されている。また、嵌合孔３４には嵌合部７への嵌合が始まる嵌合始端３４ａから嵌合方向へ適宜の寸法で離隔した位置であり、前記スリット３７部分には第２の平取面３６，３６に臨む抜止孔３８が設けてあり、該抜止孔３８にボルトを用いてなる前記抜止軸８が挿入され、該抜止軸８を締め込むことにより第２の平取面３６，３６を前記第２の平取面７１，７１に押付けることができるようにしてある。尚、抜止孔３８の一端部には前記抜止軸８が螺合されるねじが設けられている。
【００１９】
図１において１０は前記舵軸２を取り囲み、車室の内部に取付けられるハウジング、１１は前記ピニオン軸６を取り囲み、車室の外部に配されるハウジングである。
【００２０】
図６、図７は舵軸と軸継手との嵌合量が不足する状態を示す図である。
以上の如く舵軸２の嵌合部７は、第１及び第２の平取面９、７１と抜止溝７０とを有するため、舵軸２と軸継手３とを結合する場合、図６の如く嵌合部７がその嵌合始端７ａから抜止溝７０に到るまでの部分が嵌合された状態では抜止孔３８が貫通しており、該抜止孔３８に抜止軸８を挿入し、該抜止軸８を締め込むことは可能であるが、嵌合部７の第２の平取面７１，７１が嵌合孔３４の外側にあり、該第２の平取面７１，７１よりも平取り深さが大である第１の平取面９，９が嵌合孔３４内にあるため、抜止軸８を締め込み操作したとしても嵌合部７は適宜の角度で相対回転が可能である。従って、図６のような嵌合量が不足する状態での舵軸２と軸継手３との結合を防止できる。
【００２１】
また、図７の如く嵌合部７がその嵌合始端７ａから抜止溝７０部分にかけて嵌合された状態では抜止孔３８の一部が嵌合部７によって塞がれているため、該抜止孔３８に挿入する抜止軸８が嵌合部７に当接し、抜止軸８を適正に挿入することができない。従って、図７のような嵌合量が不足する状態での舵軸２と軸継手３との結合を防止できる。
【００２２】
また、図２の如く嵌合部７が嵌合孔３４に完全に嵌合された状態では抜止溝７０が抜止孔３８に符合し、該抜止孔３８及び抜止溝７０に抜止軸８を適正に挿入することができ、該抜止軸８を締め込むことができる。従って、嵌合部７が嵌合孔３４に完全に嵌合された状態で舵軸２と軸継手３とを結合することができる。
【００２３】
尚、以上説明した実施の形態では、円形周面に一対の第２の平取面３６，３６を有する嵌合孔３４に、円形周面に第１及び第２の平取面９，９、７１，７１が夫々一対設けられた嵌合部７を嵌合するようにしたが、その他、円形周面に一つの第２の平取面３６を有する嵌合孔３４に、円形周面に第１及び第２の平取面９，７１が夫々一つ設けられた嵌合部７を嵌合するように構成してもよい。
【００２４】
また、以上説明した実施の形態では、嵌合始端７ａから抜止溝７０にかけて第１の平取面９，９を設けてあるが、この第１の平取面９，９は嵌合部７が嵌合孔３４に嵌合されるときの嵌合始端７ａから嵌合域の嵌合方向中間位置にかけて設ければよい。しかし、実施の形態のように嵌合始端７ａから抜止溝７３にかけて第１の平取面９，９を設けることにより、相対回転阻止用の接触面積を十分に確保して嵌合量の不足を防止することができる。
【００２５】
また、以上説明した実施の形態では、嵌合部７に第１の平取面９，９を設けたが、その他、この平取面９，９は嵌合孔３４に設けてもよい。この場合、嵌合部７が嵌合孔３４に嵌合されるときの嵌合始端３４ａから抜止孔３８にかけて設け、これら第１の平取面９，９部分で前記嵌合部７を嵌合孔３４に対して適宜の角度で相対回転が可能となるようにする。尚、平取面９，９を嵌合孔３４に設ける場合、平取面３６，３６上に該平取面３６，３６よりも平取り深さが大となるように設けるが、その他、この第１の平取面９，９は嵌合始端３４ａから嵌合域の嵌合方向中間位置にかけて設けてもよい。また、第１の平取面９，９は嵌合部７及び嵌合孔３４の両方に設けてもよい。
【００２６】
また、実施の形態の嵌合部７は断面半円形の抜止溝７０を有するが、この抜止溝７０は嵌合始端７ａの近傍位置から嵌合方向へ長くしてある広幅の溝としてもよい。この場合、嵌合部７の嵌合始端７ａ側を延長して該嵌合始端７ａと抜止溝７０との間に適宜の長さの延長部を設け、該延長部に前記第１の平取面９を設ける。
【００２７】
【発明の効果】
以上詳述した如く第１発明及び第２発明によれば、嵌合量が不足する状態では第１の平取面部分が嵌合孔又は嵌合部に嵌合され、該嵌合孔と第１の平取面との間の隙間、又は嵌合部と第１の平取面との間の隙間が比較的大きくなり、嵌合量が不足する状態で抜止軸が抜止孔に挿入されたとしても嵌合部を嵌合孔内で固定することができないため、嵌合量が不足する状態での結合を良好に防止できる。しかも、第２の平取面を有する既存の軸の第２の平取面部分に該第２の平取面よりも平取り深さが大である第１の平取面を設けるだけの簡単な加工によって嵌合量が不足する状態での結合を良好に防止できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に係る舵取装置のレイアウト構成を示す模式図である。
【図２】本発明に係る舵取装置の舵軸と軸継手との結合構造を示す断面図である。
【図３】本発明に係る結合構造の嵌合部を示すもので、(a) は正面図、(b) は側面図である。
【図４】図２のIV−IV線の断面図である。
【図５】図２のＶ−Ｖの断面図である。
【図６】本発明に係る結合構造の舵軸と軸継手との嵌合量が不足する状態を示す図である。
【図７】本発明に係る結合構造の舵軸と軸継手との嵌合量が不足する状態を示す図である。
【図８】従来の舵取装置に用いた軸と軸継手との結合構造の一部を切欠いた正面図である。
【図９】従来の結合構造の軸と軸継手とを結合した状態の断面図である。
【図１０】図９のＸ−Ｘ線の断面図である。
【図１１】従来の軸と軸継手との嵌合量が不足する状態を示す図である。
【符号の説明】
２舵軸（軸）
３軸継手
７嵌合部
９第１の平取面
３４嵌合孔
３６第２の平取面
７２第２の平取面[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a coupling structure of a shaft and a shaft coupling and a steering device that transmits steering of a steered wheel to a steering mechanism using the coupling structure.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Steering of a vehicle conveys the rotation operation of the steering wheel arranged inside the passenger compartment to a steering mechanism arranged outside the passenger compartment for steering the steering wheel (generally the front wheel). Done.
[0003]
A steering device in a vehicle is coupled to a rudder shaft having an upper end connected to a steered wheel, a transmission shaft having a shaft coupling coupled to the lower end of the rudder shaft at the upper end, and a lower end of the transmission shaft via a shaft coupling, And a pinion shaft having a pinion that meshes with a middle portion of the rack shaft that extends in the left-right direction of the vehicle body.
[0004]
8 is a front view in which a part of the coupling structure of the shaft and the shaft coupling used in the steering device is cut away, FIG. 9 is a sectional view in a coupled state, and FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. is there.
At the lower end of the rudder shaft coupled to the shaft coupling 100, a noncircular shape having a pair of parallel flat surfaces 101, 101 on a part of the circular peripheral surface and a retaining groove 102 facing both ends of the flat surfaces 101, 101 is provided. A non-circular fitting hole in which the fitting portion 103 is fitted to the upper end portion of the shaft coupling 100 so as not to be relatively rotatable and a part of the peripheral surface is opened. 104 and a retaining hole 105 facing the fitting hole 104 are provided. The retaining hole 105 and the retaining groove 102 are provided at positions separated from the fitting start end where the fitting portion 103 and the fitting hole 104 begin to be fitted to the position in the fitting direction. The hole 104 is machined to such a size that relative rotation does not occur. A screw is provided at one end of the retaining hole 105.
[0005]
The coupling between the shaft and the shaft coupling is performed by fitting a fitting hole 104 of the shaft coupling 100 included in the transmission shaft into the fitting portion 103 of the shaft disposed inside the vehicle compartment via a shaft housing that surrounds the shaft. By inserting the retaining shaft 106 into the retaining hole 105 and the retaining groove 102 and tightening the retaining shaft 106, relative movement and relative rotation in the axial direction are impossible.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
FIG. 11 is a view showing a state where the fitting amount between the shaft and the shaft coupling is insufficient.
However, in the coupling structure configured as described above, depending on the dimensional tolerances of the fitting portion 103 and the fitting hole 104, the fitting start end 103a of the fitting portion 103 reaches the retaining hole 105 as shown in FIG. Even when the fitting amount of the fitting portion 103 fitted into the fitting hole 104 is insufficient, the fitting resistance as if the hook is completely fitted is generated, and in this state, the retaining shaft 106 is inserted into the retaining hole. 105, and the retaining shaft 106 can be tightened. In the steering device using the coupling structure, the space around the shaft coupling 100 is narrow, and the coupling portion between the shaft and the shaft coupling is Since the coupling operation of the shaft and the shaft coupling is performed in a state where direct viewing cannot be performed, there is a possibility that the shaft is incorporated into the vehicle body in a state where the above-described fitting amount is insufficient. Thus, when it is incorporated in the vehicle body in a state where the amount of fitting is insufficient, there is a problem that the shaft coupling comes out of the fitting portion 103 when the retaining shaft 106 is loosened due to vibration or the like during vehicle travel.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and at least one of the fitting portion and the fitting hole of the shaft is fitted from the fitting start end when the fitting portion is fitted into the fitting hole. By having a structure having a first chamfered surface that is flattened to an intermediate position in the fitting direction, the coupling portion cannot be fixed in the fitting hole by the retaining shaft when the fitting amount is insufficient. An object is to provide a structure and a steering device. Further, the first shaft having a chamfering depth larger than that of the second chamfered surface on the second chamfered surface of the existing shaft and shaft coupling having the second chamfered surface on a part of the circular circumferential surface. By providing a chamfering surface, a coupling structure and a steering device capable of satisfactorily preventing the coupling in a state where the fitting amount is insufficient by simply adding the first chamfering surface to the existing shaft and shaft coupling. The purpose is to provide.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the coupling structure according to the first aspect of the present invention, a shaft having a retaining groove in a fitting portion whose peripheral surface is non-circular, and the fitting portion are fitted in a relatively non-rotatable manner and a part of the peripheral surface is opened. In a coupling structure in which a circular fitting hole and a shaft coupling having a retaining hole facing the fitting hole are coupled by a retaining shaft that is inserted into the retaining hole and the retaining groove, at least one of the fitting portion and the fitting hole is The first chamfered surface is flattened from the fitting start end when the fitting portion is fitted into the fitting hole to the middle position in the fitting direction of the fitting area, and the shaft and the shaft coupling are coupled to each other. to case, the only portion fitting start end which is down to the retaining hole is formed first Biratori surface of the fitting portion is Ri near the fitting hole, the engaging portion and the fitting hole is circular The second chamfered surface is non-circular by a second chamfered surface obtained by chamfering a part of the peripheral surface, and the first chamfered surface is formed on the tip side of the second chamfered surface The chamfering depth of the first and second chamfered surfaces is different between the first chamfered surface and the fitting hole or the fitting portion. A gap corresponding to is generated, and the gap between the first flattening surface and the fitting portion can be relatively rotated at an appropriate angle with respect to the fitting hole or the fitting portion. Alternatively, a gap that allows relative rotation is not generated between the fitting portion and the fitting portion .
[0009]
A steering apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the transmission structure that transmits the rotational force of the rudder shaft to the steering mechanism by coupling to the coupling structure of the above-described invention in which the shaft is a rudder shaft connected to the steered wheel. It is characterized by having.
[0010]
In the first invention and the second invention, the first chamfered surface portion is fitted into the fitting hole or the fitting portion when the fitting amount is insufficient with respect to the fitting amount when the retaining shaft is coupled. Since the gap between the fitting hole and the first chamfered surface or the gap between the fitting portion and the first chamfered surface is relatively large, it is prevented from being removed in a state where the fitting amount is insufficient. Even if the shaft is inserted into the retaining hole and tightened, the fitting portion cannot be fixed in the fitting hole. Therefore, it is possible to know that the fitting is insufficient at the time of assembly, and it is possible to satisfactorily prevent the coupling in a state where the fitting amount is insufficient. In addition, the second flattening surface portion of the existing shaft having the second flattening surface is fitted by a simple process by simply providing the first flattening surface having a deepening depth larger than that of the second flattening surface. Bonding in an insufficient state can be well prevented.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments thereof. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a layout configuration of a steering apparatus according to the present invention.
[0014]
The steering device includes a rudder shaft 2 whose upper end is connected to a steered wheel 1 for steering, a transmission shaft 4 having a shaft coupling 3 coupled to the lower end of the rudder shaft 2 at its upper end, and a lower end of the transmission shaft 4. And a pinion shaft 6 having a pinion which is coupled via a shaft coupling 5 and meshes with a middle portion of the rack shaft extending in the left-right direction of the vehicle body.
[0015]
FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a coupling structure between the rudder shaft and the shaft coupling.
The lower end portion of the rudder shaft 2 is provided with a fitting portion 7 having a non-circular peripheral surface and having a retaining groove 70, and the shaft joint 3 is a U-shaped first portion coupled to the upper end of the transmission shaft 4. 1 yoke 31, a U-shaped second yoke 33 joined to the yoke 31 via a cross shaft 32, and the fitting portion 7 are coupled, and a circumferential surface has a non-circular fitting hole 34. The fitting portion 7 and the joint body 35 are coupled to each other by a retaining hole 38 to be described later provided in the joint body 35 and a retaining shaft 8 inserted into the retaining groove 70.
[0016]
Figure 3 shows a fitting portion, (a) represents a front view, (b) is a side view, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of line IV-IV of FIG. 2, FIG. 5 is a V -V line of FIG. 2 It is sectional drawing.
The fitting portion 7 is non-circular by a pair of parallel second flat surfaces 71 and 71 provided in a part of the circular circumferential surface, and from the fitting start end 7 a when fitted into the fitting hole 34. The semicircular retaining groove 70 having both ends facing the second flattening surfaces 71, 71 is provided at a position separated by an appropriate dimension in the fitting direction, and is further on the tip side of the flattening surfaces 71 , 71. A pair of parallel first chamfering surfaces 9, 9 having a chamfering depth greater than the second chamfering surfaces 71, 71 from the fitting start end 7a to the retaining groove 70 are provided. The flat surfaces 9 and 9 can be rotated relative to the fitting hole 34 at an appropriate angle.
[0017]
A gap corresponding to a dimensional difference in the chamfering depth between the first and second chamfering surfaces 9 and 71 is generated between the first chamfering surfaces 9 and 9 and the fitting hole 34, and the gap causes Although one chamfered surface 9 and 9 portion can be relatively rotated at an appropriate angle with respect to the fitting hole 34, the relative rotation between the second chamfered surface 71 and 71 and the fitting hole 34 is possible. The gap that allows the above is not generated.
[0018]
The fitting hole 34 is a non-circular shape in which a pair of parallel second chamfering surfaces 36, 36 corresponding to the second chamfering surfaces 71, 71 are provided in a part of the circular peripheral surface. A part between the second flattening surfaces 36 and 36 is opened by a slit 37. Further, the fitting hole 34 is a position separated from the fitting start end 34a where fitting to the fitting portion 7 starts by an appropriate dimension in the fitting direction, and the slit 37 portion includes the second flattening surface 36, A retaining hole 38 facing 36 is provided, and the retaining shaft 8 made of a bolt is inserted into the retaining hole 38. By tightening the retaining shaft 8, the second flattened surfaces 36, 36 are connected to the second flat surface 36, 36. Can be pressed against the flat surfaces 71, 71. Note that one end of the retaining hole 38 is provided with a screw into which the retaining shaft 8 is screwed.
[0019]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a housing that surrounds the rudder shaft 2 and is attached to the inside of the passenger compartment, and 11 denotes a housing that surrounds the pinion shaft 6 and is arranged outside the passenger compartment.
[0020]
6 and 7 are views showing a state where the fitting amount between the rudder shaft and the shaft coupling is insufficient.
As described above, the fitting portion 7 of the rudder shaft 2 has the first and second flattened surfaces 9 and 71 and the retaining groove 70. Therefore, when the rudder shaft 2 and the shaft coupling 3 are coupled, as shown in FIG. In the state in which the portion from the fitting start end 7a to the retaining groove 70 is fitted, the retaining hole 38 penetrates, and the retaining shaft 8 is inserted into the retaining hole 38 to prevent the retaining The shaft 8 can be tightened, but the second flattening surfaces 71 and 71 of the fitting portion 7 are outside the fitting hole 34, and the flattening depth is larger than the second flattening surfaces 71 and 71. Since the first flattened surfaces 9 and 9 having a large length are in the fitting hole 34, even if the retaining shaft 8 is tightened, the fitting portion 7 can be relatively rotated at an appropriate angle. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the rudder shaft 2 and the shaft joint 3 from being coupled in a state where the fitting amount is insufficient as shown in FIG.
[0021]
In addition, in the state where the fitting portion 7 is fitted from the fitting start end 7a to the retaining groove 70 as shown in FIG. 7, a part of the retaining hole 38 is blocked by the fitting portion 7. The retaining shaft 8 to be inserted into 38 is in contact with the fitting portion 7, and the retaining shaft 8 cannot be properly inserted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the rudder shaft 2 and the shaft joint 3 from being coupled in a state where the fitting amount is insufficient as shown in FIG.
[0022]
In addition, when the fitting portion 7 is completely fitted in the fitting hole 34 as shown in FIG. 2, the retaining groove 70 matches the retaining hole 38, and the retaining shaft 8 is properly fitted in the retaining hole 38 and the retaining groove 70. The retaining shaft 8 can be tightened. Accordingly, the rudder shaft 2 and the shaft joint 3 can be coupled in a state where the fitting portion 7 is completely fitted in the fitting hole 34.
[0023]
In the embodiment described above, the fitting hole 34 having a pair of second flattening surfaces 36, 36 on the circular peripheral surface, and the first and second flattening surfaces 9, 9, 71, In addition, the fitting portions 7 provided with a pair 71 are fitted, but in addition to the fitting hole 34 having one second chamfering surface 36 on the circular circumferential surface, the first and the first on the circular circumferential surface. You may comprise so that the fitting part 7 in which the two flat surfaces 9 and 71 were each provided may be fitted.
[0024]
In the embodiment described above, the first flattened surfaces 9 and 9 are provided from the fitting start end 7a to the retaining groove 70. The first flattened surfaces 9 and 9 are fitted by the fitting portion 7. What is necessary is just to provide from the fitting start end 7a when fitted to the hole 34 to the fitting direction intermediate position of the fitting area. However, by providing the first flattened surfaces 9 and 9 from the fitting start end 7a to the retaining groove 73 as in the embodiment, a sufficient contact area for preventing relative rotation is secured to prevent a shortage of the fitting amount. can do.
[0025]
In the embodiment described above, the first flattened surfaces 9 and 9 are provided in the fitting portion 7, but the flattened surfaces 9 and 9 may be provided in the fitting hole 34. In this case, the fitting portion 7 is provided from the fitting start end 34a when fitted into the fitting hole 34 to the retaining hole 38, and the fitting portion 7 is fitted into the fitting hole at the first flattening surfaces 9 and 9 portions. The relative rotation with respect to 34 is possible at an appropriate angle. When the chamfering surfaces 9 and 9 are provided in the fitting hole 34, the chamfering depth is larger on the chamfering surfaces 36 and 36 than the chamfering surfaces 36 and 36. The flat surfaces 9, 9 may be provided from the fitting start end 34a to the middle position in the fitting direction of the fitting area. Further, the first flattened surfaces 9 and 9 may be provided in both the fitting portion 7 and the fitting hole 34.
[0026]
Moreover, although the fitting part 7 of embodiment has the retaining groove 70 with a semicircular cross section, this retaining groove 70 is good also as a wide groove | channel extended in the fitting direction from the position near the fitting start end 7a. In this case, the fitting start end 7a side of the fitting portion 7 is extended to provide an extension portion of an appropriate length between the fitting start end 7a and the retaining groove 70, and the first flat surface is provided on the extension portion. 9 is provided.
[0027]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the first and second aspects of the invention, when the fitting amount is insufficient, the first chamfered surface portion is fitted into the fitting hole or the fitting portion . Even if the retaining shaft is inserted into the retaining hole in a state where the clearance between the flat surface and the clearance between the fitting portion and the first flat surface becomes relatively large and the amount of fitting is insufficient. Since the joining portion cannot be fixed in the fitting hole, it is possible to satisfactorily prevent the joining in a state where the fitting amount is insufficient. In addition, the second flattening surface portion of the existing shaft having the second flattening surface is fitted by a simple process by simply providing the first flattening surface having a deepening depth larger than that of the second flattening surface. Bonding in a state where the total amount is insufficient can be well prevented.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a layout configuration of a steering apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a coupling structure between a rudder shaft and a shaft coupling of the steering apparatus according to the present invention.
FIGS. 3A and 3B show a fitting portion of a coupling structure according to the present invention, where FIG. 3A is a front view and FIG. 3B is a side view.
4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG.
5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a view showing a state where the fitting amount between the rudder shaft and the shaft coupling of the coupling structure according to the present invention is insufficient.
FIG. 7 is a view showing a state where the fitting amount between the rudder shaft and the shaft coupling of the coupling structure according to the present invention is insufficient.
FIG. 8 is a front view in which a part of a coupling structure between a shaft and a shaft coupling used in a conventional steering apparatus is cut away.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a shaft and a shaft coupling of a conventional coupling structure are coupled.
10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX of FIG.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state in which a fitting amount between a conventional shaft and a shaft coupling is insufficient.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 Rudder shaft (axis)
3 Shaft coupling 7 Fitting portion 9 First flattening surface 34 Fitting hole 36 Second flattening surface 72 Second flattening surface

Claims

A shaft having a retaining groove in a fitting portion whose peripheral surface is non-circular, a non-circular fitting hole in which the fitting portion is fitted in a relatively non-rotatable manner and a part of the peripheral surface is opened, and the fitting In a coupling structure in which a shaft coupling having a retaining hole facing the hole is coupled by a retaining shaft that is inserted into the retaining hole and the retaining groove, at least one of the fitting portion and the fitting hole has the fitting portion as a fitting hole. A first chamfered surface that is flattened from a fitting start end when fitted to an intermediate position in the fitting direction of the fitting area, and when the shaft and the shaft coupling are coupled, only if starting end down to the retaining hole portion where the first Biratori surface is formed Ri near the fitting hole, the engaging portion and the fitting hole were taken flat part of circular circumferential surface The second chamfering surface is non-circular, and the first chamfering surface has a chamfering depth larger than that of the second chamfering surface on the tip side of the second chamfering surface. A gap corresponding to a difference in dimension of the chamfering depth between the first and second chamfered surfaces is generated between the first chamfered surface and the fitting hole or the fitting portion. The portion of the first flat surface can be relatively rotated at an appropriate angle with respect to the fitting hole or the fitting portion, and between the second flat surface and the fitting hole or the fitting portion. Is a coupling structure of a shaft and a shaft coupling, characterized in that a gap allowing relative rotation does not occur .

The connecting structure according to claim 1 , wherein the shaft is a rudder shaft connected to the steered wheel, and a transmission means connected to the shaft joint of the joint structure and transmitting the rotational force of the rudder shaft to the steering mechanism. A steering device characterized by