JP5270193B2

JP5270193B2 - Axle case

Info

Publication number: JP5270193B2
Application number: JP2008050109A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 美憲長井
Original assignee: Press Kogyo Co Ltd
Current assignee: Press Kogyo Co Ltd
Priority date: 2008-02-29
Filing date: 2008-02-29
Publication date: 2013-08-21
Anticipated expiration: 2028-02-29
Also published as: JP2009202848A

Description

本発明は、車両の車軸（アクスル）を覆うアクスルケースに関し、トラックに好適なアクスルケース関する。 The present invention relates to an axle case that covers an axle (axle) of a vehicle, and relates to an axle case suitable for a truck.

トラックなどの車両に搭載されたエンジンの駆動力をタイヤに伝達するための部品の一つとして、種々のギアなどが組み付けられた車軸（アクスル）が広く知られている。また、トラックなどでは、他の車軸に従動して回転する車軸を備えたタイプも知られている。車軸は通常、アクスルケースで覆われており、このアクスルケースには、種々のギアなどが組み付けられた車軸を覆うドライブアクスルケースと、他の車軸に従動して回転する車軸を覆うデッドアクスルケースの２種類がある。 As one of parts for transmitting the driving force of an engine mounted on a vehicle such as a truck to a tire, an axle having various gears is widely known. In addition, a type of truck having an axle that rotates following another axle is also known. The axle is usually covered with an axle case. This axle case includes a drive axle case that covers an axle with various gears and a dead axle case that covers an axle that rotates following another axle. There are two types.

上記したいずれのタイプのアクスルケースであっても、その長手方向両端部には軸受やハブが取り付けられるので、その横断面は環状（リング状）のもの（円筒状）である。また、アクスルケースの長手方向中央部は強度を高めるために、横断面が正方形の筒状となっている。このようなアクスルケースは、長手方向両端部（一対の円筒状）と長手方向中央部とに３分割されたものが結合されて構成されている（例えば、特許文献１参照。）。この長手方向中央部は上下に２分割されたものを溶接で接合して一体のものとしている。
特開２００３−２０６９６１号公報 In any of the types of axle cases described above, bearings and hubs are attached to both ends in the longitudinal direction, so that the cross-section is annular (ring-shaped) (cylindrical). Further, the longitudinal center portion of the axle case has a cylindrical shape with a square cross section in order to increase the strength. Such an axle case is configured by combining a longitudinally divided end part (a pair of cylindrical shapes) and a longitudinally central part into three parts (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). The central part in the longitudinal direction is integrally formed by welding two parts vertically divided by welding.
JP 2003-206961 A

アクスルケースの長手方向中央部の長さは一般的に、アクスルケース全体の大部分をしめる。上記したデッドアクスルケースの場合、２分割された長手方向中央部を互いに溶接して接合する際には、長い直線状の溶接を施す必要がある。このような長い直線状部分を溶接する作業はその品質の維持が難しく、溶接後にはスパッタ除去作業が必要となり、溶接部分が長いほど作業に時間を要することとなる。また、ドライブアクスルケースの場合は長手方向中央部に差動ギア用空洞が形成されているのでデッドアクスルケースほどではないが、同様に比較的長い直線状の溶接を施す必要があり、同様の問題が生じる。 In general, the length of the longitudinal center portion of the axle case generally indicates the majority of the entire axle case. In the case of the above-described dead axle case, it is necessary to perform long linear welding when the longitudinally divided two central portions are welded together. It is difficult to maintain the quality of the work for welding such a long linear part, and after the welding, a spatter removal work is required. The longer the welded part, the longer the work takes. In the case of a drive axle case, since a differential gear cavity is formed in the central portion in the longitudinal direction, it is not as good as a dead axle case, but it is necessary to apply a relatively long linear weld as well. Occurs.

また、上記した従来のアクスルケースでは、その長さに変更が生じた場合、全体の長さの約８割程度を占める長手方向中央部の長さを変更する必要があり、変更部分が長くなるという問題もある。 Further, in the above-described conventional axle case, when the length is changed, it is necessary to change the length of the central portion in the longitudinal direction that occupies about 80% of the total length, and the changed portion becomes longer. There is also a problem.

本発明は、上記事情に鑑み、溶接を容易にして組立作業の効率化を図ると共に設計変更に容易に対応できるアクスルケースを提供することを目的とする。 In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an axle case that facilitates welding to improve the efficiency of assembly work and can easily cope with a design change.

上記目的を達成するための本発明のアクスルケースは、車両の車軸を覆うアクスルケースにおいて、
（１）長手方向両端部に配置された一対の円筒部材と、
（２）この一対の円筒部材に溶接で接続された円筒部分、及びこの円筒部分から連続的に変形して矩形の横断面をもつ矩形筒部分とからなる、前記一対の円筒部材よりも長手方向中央部側に配置された一対の連続部材と、
（３）矩形の横断面をもって前記矩形筒部分に溶接で接続された、前記一対の連続部材よりも長手方向中央部側に配置された中央矩形部材とを備え、
（４）前記一対の連続部材は、前記円筒部分の肉厚が前記矩形部分の肉厚よりも厚いものであり、この肉厚が連続的に減少しながら前記円筒部分から前記矩形部分に徐変されており、
（５）前記一対の連続部材は、前記矩形部分の角部の肉厚が、辺部の肉厚よりも厚いものである、ことを特徴とするものである。 An axle case of the present invention for achieving the above object is an axle case that covers an axle of a vehicle.
(1) a pair of cylindrical members disposed at both ends in the longitudinal direction;
(2) Longer direction than the pair of cylindrical members, comprising a cylindrical portion connected by welding to the pair of cylindrical members, and a rectangular cylindrical portion having a rectangular cross section continuously deformed from the cylindrical portions. A pair of continuous members disposed on the center side;
(3) a central rectangular member that is connected to the rectangular cylinder portion by welding with a rectangular cross section, and that is disposed closer to the longitudinal center than the pair of continuous members ;
(4) In the pair of continuous members, the thickness of the cylindrical portion is thicker than the thickness of the rectangular portion, and gradually changes from the cylindrical portion to the rectangular portion while the thickness is continuously reduced. Has been
(5) The pair of continuous members is characterized in that a thickness of a corner portion of the rectangular portion is thicker than a thickness of a side portion .

ここで、
（６）前記一対の連続部材の円筒部分と前記円筒部材との接合部分の周方向に沿った溶接長がアクスルケース全長よりも短いものであってもよい。 here,
(6) The welding length along the circumferential direction of the joint portion between the cylindrical portion of the pair of continuous members and the cylindrical member may be shorter than the total length of the axle case .

また、
（７）前記一対の連続部材の矩形筒部分と前記中央矩形部材との接合部分の周方向に沿った溶接長がアクスルケースの全長よりも短いものであってもよい。 Also,
(7) The welding length along the circumferential direction of the joint portion between the rectangular cylindrical portion of the pair of continuous members and the central rectangular member may be shorter than the total length of the axle case .

さらに、
（８）前記一対の連続部材は、鋳造品、鍛造品、及びプレス成形品のいすれか一つであってもよい。 further,
(8) The pair of continuous members may be any one of a cast product, a forged product, and a press-formed product.

さらにまた、
（９）前記一対の連続部材は、円筒素材を冷間プレス成形して作製したプレス成形品であってもよい。 Furthermore,
(9) The pair of continuous members may be a press-molded product produced by cold press-molding a cylindrical material.

さらにまた、
（１０）前記中央矩形部材は、差動ギアが組み込まれる差動ギア用空洞がその長手方向中央部に形成されたドライブアクスル用であってもよい。 Furthermore,
(10) The central rectangular member may be for a drive axle in which a differential gear cavity into which a differential gear is incorporated is formed at a central portion in the longitudinal direction.

さらにまた、
（１１）前記中央矩形部材は、横断面が矩形状の一本の筒状部材からなるデッドアクスル用であってもよい。 Furthermore,
(11) The central rectangular member may be a dead axle made of a single cylindrical member having a rectangular cross section.

ここでいう矩形とは、直角の角だけでなく、後述するようにやや湾曲している角も含む概念である。 The rectangle here is a concept including not only a right-angled corner but also a slightly curved corner as described later.

本発明のアクスルケースは、一対の円筒部材、一対の連続部材、及び中央矩形部材からなる５つの部材で構成されており（５分割されており）、一対の連続部材の円筒部分と一対の円筒部材とは環状の端面同士を溶接で接合されると共に、一対の連続部材の矩形筒部分と中央矩形部材とは矩形の端面同士を溶接で接合される。従って、直線状の長い溶接部分が少ないので、溶接作業を容易にして組立作業の効率化を図ることができる。また、一対の連続部材の長さを調整することによりアクスルケースの長さ調整が容易なので、設計変更に容易に対応できる。また、一対の連続部材は、円筒部分の肉厚が矩形部分の肉厚よりも厚く、この肉厚が連続的に減少しながら円筒部分から矩形部分に徐変されており、且つ、矩形部分の角部の肉厚が、辺部の肉厚よりも厚くなっているので、応力集中が発生し難く、強度の適正化、軽量化を達成できる。 The axle case of the present invention is composed of five members including a pair of cylindrical members, a pair of continuous members, and a central rectangular member (divided into five parts), and a cylindrical portion of the pair of continuous members and a pair of cylinders The members are joined together by welding the annular end faces, and the rectangular cylindrical portions of the pair of continuous members and the central rectangular member are joined together by welding the rectangular end faces. Therefore, since there are few linear long welding parts, welding work can be facilitated and assembly work can be made more efficient. Moreover, since the length adjustment of an axle case is easy by adjusting the length of a pair of continuous member, it can respond easily to a design change. Further, the pair of continuous members is such that the thickness of the cylindrical portion is larger than the thickness of the rectangular portion, and the thickness of the cylindrical portion is gradually changed from the cylindrical portion to the rectangular portion while continuously decreasing. Since the thickness of the corner is thicker than the thickness of the side, stress concentration hardly occurs, and optimization of strength and weight reduction can be achieved.

本発明は、トラックに好適なアクスルケースに実現された。 The present invention has been realized in an axle case suitable for a truck.

図１は、本発明のアクスルケースの一例を示す斜視図である。図２（ａ）は図１のＢ―Ｂ断面図であり、（ｂ）は図１のＣ―Ｃ断面図である。図３（ａ）は、一つの連続部材を示す斜視図であり、（ｂ）は（ａ）に示す連続部材をその長手方向に沿って切断した断面図である。 FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an axle case of the present invention. 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. Fig.3 (a) is a perspective view which shows one continuous member, (b) is sectional drawing which cut | disconnected the continuous member shown to (a) along the longitudinal direction.

実施例１のアクスルケースは、その長手方向中央部に差動ギア用空洞が形成されたドライブアクスルケース１０である。ドライブアクスルケース１０は５つの部材からなるものであり、５分割されている。５つの部材は、長手方向（矢印Ａ方向）両端部に形成された一対の円筒部材（チューブ）２０，２０と、この一対の円筒部材２０，２０に溶接で接続された一対の連続部材３０，３０と、この一対の連続部材３０，３０に挟まれた位置に形成された中央矩形部材（バンジョウー部）４０とからなる。なお、一対の連続部材３０，３０にはブレーキ取付用フランジ１２が嵌め込まれて接合されている。 The axle case of the first embodiment is a drive axle case 10 in which a differential gear cavity is formed at the center in the longitudinal direction. The drive axle case 10 includes five members and is divided into five parts. The five members are a pair of cylindrical members (tubes) 20 and 20 formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction (arrow A direction), and a pair of continuous members 30 connected to the pair of cylindrical members 20 and 20 by welding, 30 and a central rectangular member (banjo part) 40 formed at a position between the pair of continuous members 30 and 30. The brake mounting flange 12 is fitted and joined to the pair of continuous members 30 and 30.

一つの連続部材３０は、一つの円筒部材２０に溶接で接続された円筒部分３２、及び円筒部分３２から連続的に変形して矩形（ここでは、ほぼ正方形）の横断面をもつ矩形筒部分３４とからなる。連続部材３０は円筒部材２０よりも長手方向中央部側に形成されて（配置されて）いる。一つの円筒部材２０と一つの連続部材３０とを溶接で接合する場合、両者の同一サイズの環状の端面同士をフリクション溶接やアーク溶接で接合する。連続部材３０の環状の端面は、図３に示す端面３２ａである。また、この溶接長さ（図１のＬ１で示す円の円周に相当する）は通常、ドライブアクスルケース１０の全長よりも短いので、溶接作業は容易になり、溶接後のスパッタ除去作業も容易となる。 One continuous member 30 is a cylindrical portion 32 connected to one cylindrical member 20 by welding, and a rectangular cylindrical portion 34 having a rectangular (here, approximately square) cross section that is continuously deformed from the cylindrical portion 32. It consists of. The continuous member 30 is formed (arranged) on the center side in the longitudinal direction from the cylindrical member 20. When one cylindrical member 20 and one continuous member 30 are joined by welding, the annular end faces of the same size are joined by friction welding or arc welding. An annular end surface of the continuous member 30 is an end surface 32a shown in FIG. In addition, since the weld length (corresponding to the circumference of the circle indicated by L1 in FIG. 1) is usually shorter than the entire length of the drive axle case 10, the welding operation is facilitated and the spatter removal operation after welding is also easy. It becomes.

中央矩形部材４０の両端部分の横断面は矩形（ここでは、ほぼ正方形）であり、矩形筒部分３４に溶接で接続されている。中央矩形部材４０と連続部材３０の矩形筒部分３４とを溶接で接合する場合、両者の同一サイズの矩形状の端面同士をアーク溶接で接合する。連続部材３０の矩形状の端面は、図３に示す端面３４ａである。また、この溶接長さ（図１のＬ２で示す矩形の周長に相当する）は通常、ドライブアクスルケース１０の全長よりも短いので、溶接作業は容易になり、溶接後のスパッタ除去作業も容易となる。なお、中央矩形部材４０の長手方向中央部には、差動ギアが組み込まれる差動ギア用空洞４２が形成されている。 The cross sections of both end portions of the central rectangular member 40 are rectangular (here, approximately square), and are connected to the rectangular tube portion 34 by welding. When the central rectangular member 40 and the rectangular cylindrical portion 34 of the continuous member 30 are joined by welding, the rectangular end faces of the same size are joined by arc welding. The rectangular end surface of the continuous member 30 is an end surface 34a shown in FIG. In addition, this welding length (corresponding to the circumference of the rectangle indicated by L2 in FIG. 1) is usually shorter than the entire length of the drive axle case 10, so that the welding operation is easy and the spatter removal operation after welding is also easy. It becomes. A differential gear cavity 42 into which the differential gear is incorporated is formed at the center of the central rectangular member 40 in the longitudinal direction.

また、ドライブアクスルケース１０の設計変更などに起因して、円筒部材２０と中央矩形部材４０の形状に変更は無いが全長を長く（又は短く）する場合、連続部材３０だけを長く（又は短く）すればよいので、このような設計変更等に容易に対応できる。 Further, due to the design change of the drive axle case 10 and the like, there is no change in the shapes of the cylindrical member 20 and the central rectangular member 40, but when the entire length is lengthened (or shortened), only the continuous member 30 is lengthened (or shortened). Therefore, it is possible to easily cope with such a design change.

連続部材３０は上記のように円筒部分３２と矩形筒部分３４とからなり、円筒部分３２の横断面は、図２（ａ）に示すように環状（リング状）であり、矩形筒部分３４の横断面は図２（ｂ）に示すようにほぼ正方形である。この連続部材３０は、鋳造品、鍛造品、及びプレス成形品のいずれでもよい。連続部材３０をプレス成形する場合、円筒素材（円筒状の素材（鋼））を冷間でプレス成形するときは加工硬化によって強度が向上する。従って、従来よりも薄くしても所望の強度を保て、ドライブアクスルケース１０の軽量化を図ることができる。また、連続部材３０の強度が従来と同程度で良いときは、強度の弱い（薄い）円筒素材を使用しても加工硬化によって従来と同程度の強度を得ることができ、且つ、軽量化を図ることができる。さらに、円筒素材から連続部材３０をプレス成形する場合、円筒部分３２から矩形筒部分３４に向かう変化部において素材の周長を連続的に徐変させると同時に肉厚も連続的に徐々に変化するようにプレス成形する。このようにプレス成形することにより、図２に示すように円筒部分３２の肉厚ｔ１が矩形部分３４の辺部の肉厚ｔ２よりも厚くなり、円筒部分３２の強度が向上する。また、プレス成形の際に辺部の肉が角部に偏るので、矩形部分３４の角部の肉厚ｔ３は辺部の肉厚ｔ２よりも厚くなる。また、円筒部分３２から矩形筒部分３４に向かってそれらの肉厚が連続的に徐々に変化するので、この変化する部分には応力集中が発生しにくい。 As described above, the continuous member 30 includes the cylindrical portion 32 and the rectangular tube portion 34. The cross section of the cylindrical portion 32 is annular (ring-shaped) as shown in FIG. The cross section is substantially square as shown in FIG. The continuous member 30 may be any of a cast product, a forged product, and a press-formed product. When the continuous member 30 is press-molded, the strength is improved by work hardening when the cylindrical material (cylindrical material (steel)) is cold-formed. Therefore, even if it is thinner than before, the desired strength can be maintained and the drive axle case 10 can be reduced in weight. In addition, when the strength of the continuous member 30 may be the same level as the conventional one, even if a weak (thin) cylindrical material is used, the same level of strength can be obtained by work hardening, and the weight can be reduced. Can be planned. Further, when the continuous member 30 is press-molded from the cylindrical material, the circumferential length of the material is continuously gradually changed at the changing portion from the cylindrical portion 32 toward the rectangular tube portion 34, and at the same time, the wall thickness is also gradually changed. Press-mold as follows. By press-molding in this manner, the thickness t1 of the cylindrical portion 32 becomes thicker than the thickness t2 of the side portion of the rectangular portion 34 as shown in FIG. 2, and the strength of the cylindrical portion 32 is improved. Further, since the thickness of the side portion is biased to the corner portion during press molding, the thickness t3 of the corner portion of the rectangular portion 34 becomes thicker than the thickness t2 of the side portion. Further, since the wall thickness of the cylindrical portion 32 gradually changes continuously from the cylindrical portion 32 toward the rectangular cylindrical portion 34, stress concentration is unlikely to occur in the changed portion.

上記した円筒部分３２は矩形筒部分３４よりも外形寸法が小さいので、両者を同じ板厚にした場合は円筒部分３２が矩形筒部分３４よりも弱くなり、強度が適正化されないおそれがある。そこで、両者の強度を適正化するために、円筒部分３２の板厚を矩形筒部分３４よりも厚くする。矩形筒部分３４の外形寸法は円筒部分３２のそれよりも大きいので板厚を薄くすることもできるが、従来の分割・溶接の場合、繋ぎ部位で板厚が急変する。しかし、本願発明のように両者一体で徐変させることにより「強度の適正化、軽量化」が達成できる。 Since the above-described cylindrical portion 32 has a smaller outer dimension than the rectangular tube portion 34, when both are made to have the same thickness, the cylindrical portion 32 becomes weaker than the rectangular tube portion 34, and the strength may not be optimized. Therefore, in order to optimize the strength of both, the plate thickness of the cylindrical portion 32 is made thicker than that of the rectangular tube portion 34. Since the outer dimension of the rectangular tube portion 34 is larger than that of the cylindrical portion 32, the plate thickness can be reduced. However, in the case of the conventional division / welding, the plate thickness changes abruptly at the connecting portion. However, “optimization of strength and weight reduction” can be achieved by gradually changing the two integrally as in the present invention.

以上説明したように、ドライブアクスルケース１０は５分割された部品で構成されるので、これらを組み立てて接合する際は、直線状に溶接する部分が短くなり、溶接作業を容易にして組立作業の効率化を図ることができる。また、上述したように円筒部材２０と中央矩形部材４０の形状に変更は無いが全長を長く（又は短く）する場合、連続部材３０だけを長く（又は短く）すればよいので、このような設計変更等に容易に対応できる。 As described above, the drive axle case 10 is composed of five divided parts. Therefore, when these are assembled and joined, the portion to be welded in a straight line is shortened, facilitating the welding work. Efficiency can be improved. In addition, as described above, there is no change in the shape of the cylindrical member 20 and the central rectangular member 40, but when the entire length is increased (or shortened), only the continuous member 30 need be elongated (or shortened). Can easily cope with changes.

図４を参照して、本発明のアクスルケースの他の例を説明する。図４は、本発明のアクスルケースの一例を示す斜視図である。図４では、図１から図３までに示す構成要素と同じ構成要素には同じ符号が付されている。 With reference to FIG. 4, another example of the axle case of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the axle case of the present invention. In FIG. 4, the same components as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

実施例２のアクスルケースは、中央矩形部材の横断面が矩形状（ここでは、ほぼ正方形状）の一本の筒状部材からなるデッドアクスルケース１００である。デッドアクスルケース１００は５つの部材からなるものであり、５分割されている。５つの部材は、長手方向（矢印Ａ方向）両端部に形成された一対の円筒部材（チューブ）２０，２０と、この一対の円筒部材２０，２０に溶接で接続された一対の連続部材３０，３０と、この一対の連続部材３０，３０に挟まれた位置に形成された中央矩形部材１４０とからなる。なお、一対の連続部材３０，３０にはブレーキ取付用フランジ１２が嵌め込まれて接合されている。 The axle case of the second embodiment is a dead axle case 100 made of a single cylindrical member whose cross section of the central rectangular member is rectangular (here, substantially square). The dead axle case 100 includes five members and is divided into five parts. The five members are a pair of cylindrical members (tubes) 20 and 20 formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction (arrow A direction), and a pair of continuous members 30 connected to the pair of cylindrical members 20 and 20 by welding, 30 and a central rectangular member 140 formed at a position between the pair of continuous members 30 and 30. The brake mounting flange 12 is fitted and joined to the pair of continuous members 30 and 30.

一つの連続部材３０は、一つの円筒部材２０に溶接で接続された円筒部分３２、及び円筒部分３２から連続的に変形して矩形（ここでは、ほぼ正方形）の横断面をもつ矩形筒部分３４とからなる。連続部材３０は円筒部材２０よりも長手方向中央部側に形成されて（配置されて）いる。一つの円筒部材２０と一つの連続部材３０とを溶接で接合する場合、両者の同一サイズの環状の端面同士をフリクション溶接やアーク溶接で接合する。連続部材３０の環状の端面は、図３に示す端面３２ａである。また、この溶接長さ（図４のＬ１で示す円の円周に相当する）は通常、デッドアクスルケース１００の全長よりも非常に短いので、溶接作業は容易になり、溶接後のスパッタ除去作業も容易となる。 One continuous member 30 is a cylindrical portion 32 connected to one cylindrical member 20 by welding, and a rectangular cylindrical portion 34 having a rectangular (here, approximately square) cross section that is continuously deformed from the cylindrical portion 32. It consists of. The continuous member 30 is formed (arranged) on the center side in the longitudinal direction from the cylindrical member 20. When one cylindrical member 20 and one continuous member 30 are joined by welding, the annular end faces of the same size are joined by friction welding or arc welding. An annular end surface of the continuous member 30 is an end surface 32a shown in FIG. In addition, since this weld length (corresponding to the circumference of the circle indicated by L1 in FIG. 4) is usually much shorter than the entire length of the dead axle case 100, the welding operation becomes easy and the spatter removal operation after welding. Will also be easier.

中央矩形部材１４０の横断面は矩形（ここでは、ほぼ正方形）であり、矩形筒部分３４に溶接で接続されている。中央矩形部材１４０と連続部材３０の矩形筒部分３４とを溶接で接合する場合、両者の同一サイズの矩形状の端面同士をアーク溶接で接合する。連続部材３０の矩形状の端面は、図３に示す端面３４ａである。この溶接長さ（図４のＬ２で示す矩形の周長に相当する）も上記と同様に通常、デッドアクスルケース１００の全長よりも非常に短いので、溶接作業は容易になり、溶接後のスパッタ除去作業も容易となる。 The central rectangular member 140 has a rectangular cross section (here, substantially square), and is connected to the rectangular tube portion 34 by welding. When the central rectangular member 140 and the rectangular cylindrical portion 34 of the continuous member 30 are joined by welding, the rectangular end faces of the same size are joined by arc welding. The rectangular end surface of the continuous member 30 is an end surface 34a shown in FIG. Since the weld length (corresponding to the circumference of the rectangle indicated by L2 in FIG. 4) is also usually much shorter than the entire length of the dead axle case 100, the welding operation is facilitated and spatter after welding is achieved. Removal work is also facilitated.

また、デッドアクスルケース１００の設計変更などに起因して、円筒部材２０と中央矩形部材１４０の形状に変更は無いが全長を長く（又は短く）する場合、連続部材３０だけを長く（又は短く）すればよいので、このような設計変更等に容易に対応できる。 Further, due to the design change of the dead axle case 100 and the like, there is no change in the shapes of the cylindrical member 20 and the central rectangular member 140, but when the entire length is lengthened (or shortened), only the continuous member 30 is lengthened (or shortened). Therefore, it is possible to easily cope with such a design change.

連続部材３０は上記のように円筒部分３２と矩形筒部分３４とからなり、円筒部分３２の横断面は、図２（ａ）に示すように環状（リング状）であり、矩形筒部分３４の横断面は図２（ｂ）に示すようにほぼ正方形である。この連続部材３０は、鋳造品、鍛造品、及びプレス成形品のいずれでもよい。連続部材３０をプレス成形する場合、円筒素材（円筒状の素材）を冷間でプレス成形するときは加工硬化によって強度が向上する。従って、従来よりも薄くしても所望の強度を保て、ドライブアクスルケース１０の軽量化を図ることができる。また、連続部材３０の強度が従来と同程度で良いときは、強度の弱い（薄い）円筒素材を使用しても加工硬化によって従来と同程度の強度を得ることができ、且つ、軽量化を図ることができる。さらに、円筒素材から連続部材３０をプレス成形する場合、円筒部分３２から矩形筒部分３４に向かう変化部において素材の周長を連続的に徐変させると同時に肉厚も連続的に徐々に変化するようにプレス成形する。このようにプレス成形することにより、図２に示すように円筒部分３２の肉厚ｔ１が矩形部分３４の辺部の肉厚ｔ２よりも厚くなり、円筒部分３２の強度が向上する。また、プレス成形の際に辺部の肉が角部に偏るので、矩形部分３４の角部の肉厚ｔ３は辺部の肉厚ｔ２よりも厚くなる。また、円筒部分３２から矩形筒部分３４に向かってそれらの肉厚が連続的に徐々に変化するので、この変化する部分には応力集中が発生しにくい。 As described above, the continuous member 30 includes the cylindrical portion 32 and the rectangular tube portion 34. The cross section of the cylindrical portion 32 is annular (ring-shaped) as shown in FIG. The cross section is substantially square as shown in FIG. The continuous member 30 may be any of a cast product, a forged product, and a press-formed product. When the continuous member 30 is press-molded, when the cylindrical material (cylindrical material) is cold-molded, the strength is improved by work hardening. Therefore, even if it is thinner than before, the desired strength can be maintained and the drive axle case 10 can be reduced in weight. In addition, when the strength of the continuous member 30 may be the same level as the conventional one, even if a weak (thin) cylindrical material is used, the same level of strength can be obtained by work hardening, and the weight can be reduced. Can be planned. Further, when the continuous member 30 is press-molded from the cylindrical material, the circumferential length of the material is continuously gradually changed at the changing portion from the cylindrical portion 32 toward the rectangular tube portion 34, and at the same time, the wall thickness is also gradually changed. Press-mold as follows. By press-molding in this manner, the thickness t1 of the cylindrical portion 32 becomes thicker than the thickness t2 of the side portion of the rectangular portion 34 as shown in FIG. 2, and the strength of the cylindrical portion 32 is improved. Further, since the thickness of the side portion is biased to the corner portion during press molding, the thickness t3 of the corner portion of the rectangular portion 34 becomes thicker than the thickness t2 of the side portion. Further, since the wall thickness of the cylindrical portion 32 gradually changes continuously from the cylindrical portion 32 toward the rectangular cylindrical portion 34, stress concentration is unlikely to occur in the changed portion.

以上説明したように、デッドアクスルケース１００は５分割された部品で構成されるので、これらを組み立てて接合する際は、直線状に溶接する部分が短くなり、溶接作業を容易にして組立作業の効率化を図ることができる。また、上述したように円筒部材２０と中央矩形部材４０の形状に変更は無いが全長を長く（又は短く）する場合、連続部材３０だけを長く（又は短く）すればよいので、このような設計変更等に容易に対応できる。 As described above, since the dead axle case 100 is composed of five divided parts, when these are assembled and joined, the portion to be welded in a straight line is shortened, facilitating the welding work and the assembly work. Efficiency can be improved. In addition, as described above, there is no change in the shape of the cylindrical member 20 and the central rectangular member 40, but when the entire length is increased (or shortened), only the continuous member 30 need be elongated (or shortened). Can easily cope with changes.

本発明のアクスルケースの一例を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows an example of the axle case of this invention. （ａ）は図１のＢ―Ｂ断面図であり、（ｂ）は図１のＣ―Ｃ断面図である。(A) is a BB cross-sectional view of FIG. 1, and (b) is a CC cross-sectional view of FIG. （ａ）は、一つの連続部材を示す斜視図であり、（ｂ）は（ａ）に示す連続部材をその長手方向に沿って切断した断面図である。(A) is a perspective view which shows one continuous member, (b) is sectional drawing which cut | disconnected the continuous member shown to (a) along the longitudinal direction. 本発明のアクスルケースの一例を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows an example of the axle case of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

１０ドライブアクスルケース
２０，２０一対の円筒部材（チューブ）
３０，３０一対の連続部材
３２円筒部分
３４矩形筒部分
４０中央矩形部材（バンジョウー部）
１００デッドアクスルケース
１４０中央矩形部材 10 Drive axle case 20, 20 A pair of cylindrical members (tubes)
30, 30 A pair of continuous members 32 Cylindrical portion 34 Rectangular cylindrical portion 40 Central rectangular member (banjo portion)
100 Dead axle case 140 Central rectangular member

Claims

In the axle case that covers the axle of the vehicle,
A pair of cylindrical members disposed at both ends in the longitudinal direction;
A center part in the longitudinal direction from the pair of cylindrical members, comprising a cylindrical part connected to the pair of cylindrical members by welding, and a rectangular cylindrical part having a rectangular cross section continuously deformed from the cylindrical part. A pair of continuous members arranged in;
With a rectangular cross section is connected by welding to the rectangular tube portion, and a central rectangular member disposed in the longitudinal direction central portion side of the pair of continuous members,
The pair of continuous members is such that the thickness of the cylindrical portion is larger than the thickness of the rectangular portion, and the thickness is gradually changed from the cylindrical portion to the rectangular portion while the thickness is continuously reduced. ,
The pair of continuous members is an axle case characterized in that a corner portion of the rectangular portion is thicker than a side portion .

2. The axle case according to claim 1, wherein a weld length along a circumferential direction of a joint portion between the cylindrical portion of the pair of continuous members and the cylindrical member is shorter than an overall length of the axle case.

3. The axle case according to claim 1 , wherein a weld length along a circumferential direction of a joint portion between the rectangular cylindrical portion of the pair of continuous members and the central rectangular member is shorter than an entire length of the axle case.

The axle case according to claim 1, wherein the pair of continuous members is any one of a cast product, a forged product, and a press-formed product.

The axle case according to claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the pair of continuous members is a press-molded product produced by cold press-molding a cylindrical material.

6. The drive shaft according to claim 1, wherein the central rectangular member is for a drive axle in which a differential gear cavity into which a differential gear is incorporated is formed at a central portion in a longitudinal direction thereof. Axle case as described in

The axle case according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the central rectangular member is for a dead axle made of a single cylindrical member having a rectangular cross section.