JPH0722134U - Bearing cup for universal joint - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] To prevent the lubricating oil in the recesses 23, 23 from being washed away by centrifugal force, and to maintain good lubricating performance. [Structure] A plurality of convex portions 22, 22 are formed in a central portion of an inner surface 17 of a bottom portion 13 of a bearing cup 11a, and adjacent convex portions 2 are formed.
The recesses 23 and 23 are defined between the two and 22. The end surface of the cross shaft contacts the tops of the convex portions 22, 22. Recess 2
3, 23 become shallower in the diametrically outer portion. As a result, even when centrifugal force is applied, the lubricating oil present in the recesses 23, 23 is less likely to be lost to the outside in the diametrical direction.

Description

[Detailed description of the device]

[0001]

[Industrial applications]

 The bearing cup for a universal joint according to the present invention is used, for example, in a shell type needle bearing of a universal joint that is incorporated in a propeller shaft of an automobile and can freely transmit a rotational force by a non-linear propeller shaft. .

[0002]

[Prior art]

 A propeller shaft for transmitting the rotation of the engine, which is provided in the front portion of the vehicle, to the rear wheels, which are the driving wheels, is configured as shown in FIG. 7, for example. This propeller shaft 1 is configured such that a sleeve yoke 2 which is coupled to an output portion of a transmission and rotates, a first shaft 3 and a second shaft 4 are freely coupled to each other by universal joints 5 and 5. It is configured. The first shaft 3 therein is buffer-supported under the floor of the vehicle via a rubber bush 6. With such a propeller shaft 1, rotational force is transmitted between the output shaft of the transmission and the input shaft of the differential gear that do not exist on the same straight line.

Conventionally, the universal joint 5 incorporated in such a propeller shaft has a bifurcated first and second yokes 7, 8 and both yokes 7, 8 as shown in FIG. And a cross shaft 9 for movably connecting the. Circular holes 10 and 10 are formed at both ends of each of the yokes 7 and 8 so as to be aligned with each other. A bearing cup 11 (only one is shown in FIG. 8) is provided inside each of the circular holes 10 and 10. Are fixed in place.

As shown in FIG. 9, the bearing cup 11 made of a hard material such as a case-hardened steel plate is entirely made into an integral bottomed cylindrical shape, and the cylindrical portion 12 and the cylindrical portion 12 are And a bottom portion 13 that closes one end. On the inner surface of the bottom portion 13, for example, an annular protrusion 14 is formed concentrically with the cylindrical portion 12.

FIG. 9 shows between the inner peripheral surfaces of a total of four bearing cups 11 fitted and fixed in the circular holes 10 and 10 and the outer peripheral surfaces of the end portions of the cross shaft 9 at four positions. Similarly, a plurality of needles 15 and 15 are provided. Then, based on the rolling of the needles 15, 15, the cross shaft 9 and the first and second yokes 7, 8 (FIG. 8) can freely swing. Further, the end surface 16 of the cross shaft 9 and the inner surface 17 of the bottom portion 13 of the bearing cup 11 that are opposed to each other are slidably contacted only in a narrow area of the tip of the ridge 14 so that the space between the end surface 16 and the inner surface 17 is large. It prevents a large friction force from acting on.

Since the universal joint 5 is configured as described above, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the first yoke 7 is fixed to the end portion of the sleeve yoke 2, and the second yoke 8 is attached to the first shaft 3. If it is fixed to the end portion, the rotational force can be transmitted between the sleeve yoke 2 and the first shaft 3 which are not on the same straight line.

In order to reduce the power loss at the universal joint 5, the frictional force acting between the end surface 16 of the cross shaft 9 and the inner surface 17 of the bottom 13 of each bearing cup 11 should be reduced. , It is necessary to hold a sufficient amount of lubricating oil between both sides. As a structure for holding the lubricating oil in this way, the structure described in JP-A-54-89148 or JP-A-55-51121 is conventionally known.

Among them, the structure disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 54-89148 has, as shown in FIG. 10, projections 18 and 18 each having a rectangular cross section and a bank shape on the end face 16 in the radial direction. Is formed. In the case of this structure, the lubricating oil (grease) held in the concave portions 19 present between the adjacent convex portions 18 serves to lubricate the both surfaces 16 and 17.

Further, in the structure described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 55-51121, as shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of convex portions 20, 20 each having a spherical shape are provided on the inner surface 17 of the bottom portion 13 of the bearing cup 11. Individually, they are arranged in the circumferential direction. Also in the case of this structure, lubrication between the both surfaces 16 and 17 is achieved by the lubricating oil held in the recesses 21 and 21 existing between the adjacent projections 20 and 20.

[0010]

[Problems to be solved by the device]

 However, in the case of the above-described conventional structure, a sufficient oil film cannot always be formed between the end surface 16 of the cross shaft 9 and the inner surface 17 of the bottom portion 13 of each bearing cup 11 depending on the usage state. That is, when the joint angle of the universal joint 5 (the angle formed by the rotating shafts connected through the universal joint 5) is large and the rotation speed of the propeller shaft 1 etc. incorporating the universal joint 5 is high, The relative oscillating motion between the end surface 16 and the inner surface 17 is performed at high speed.

As a result, the lubricating oil held in the recesses 19 and 19 (in the case of the structure of FIG. 10) or the recesses 21 and 21 (in the case of the structure of FIG. 11) is centrifugally acted on by the centrifugal force. It tends to be washed away from 21 in the diametrically outward direction. In the case of the conventional structure shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the depth of each of the recesses 19 and 21 does not change over the entire length (from the inner end to the outer end in the diametrical direction) and is constant. is there. Moreover, the width dimension of each of the recesses 19 and 21 (particularly in the case of the structure shown in FIG. 10) becomes wider toward the diametrically outward direction.

Therefore, the lubricating oil held in each of the recesses 19 and 21 is likely to be washed away in the diametrical direction by the centrifugal force associated with the relative swing. As a result, lubricating oil tends to run short between the tops of the protrusions 18, 20 and the surfaces with which the tops abut, and wear and, if significant, seizure are likely to occur. The bearing cup for a universal joint of the present invention was devised in view of such circumstances.

[0013]

[Means for solving the problem]

 The bearing cup for a universal joint of the present invention, like the conventional bearing cup for a universal joint described above, is made of a metal plate into an integral bottomed cylindrical shape, and the cylindrical portion and one end of this cylindrical portion are formed. A bottom part to be closed and a plurality of convex parts arranged intermittently on the inner surface of the bottom part in the circumferential direction, and a plurality of concave parts existing between the convex parts adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, Each has a grease reservoir.

In particular, the bearing cup for a universal joint according to the present invention is characterized in that the depth of each recess is gradually reduced from the inner side in the diametrical direction to the outer side in the diametrical direction.

[0015]

[Action]

 In the case of the universal joint bearing cup of the present invention configured as described above, the cross-sectional area of the recess can be made smaller toward the diametrically outer side. Therefore, even if a force outward in the diametrical direction acts on the lubricating oil existing in the recess due to the centrifugal force, the lubricating oil is less likely to be washed away from the recess. As a result, a sufficient amount of lubricating oil can be retained in the concave portions, and the lubricating oil between the tops of the respective convex portions and the surfaces with which the tops abut can be secured to prevent wear and seizure.

[0016]

【Example】

 1 to 3 show a first embodiment of the present invention. The bearing cup 11a of the present invention is, like the conventional product described above, made by drawing a metal plate into an integral bottomed cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. And a bottom portion 13 that closes one end of 12. At the center of the inner surface 17 of the bottom portion 13, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of bank-shaped convex portions 22 and 22 (12 in the illustrated example) are provided from the inner side to the outer side in the diametrical direction. Are formed in the radial direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the top of each of the convex portions 22 and 22 is a semi-circular shape.

A plurality of concave portions 23, 23 are present between the convex portions 22, 22 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. These recesses 23, 23 function as grease reservoirs, respectively, and serve to store lubricating oil to be sent to the contact portions between the tops of the protrusions 22, 22 and the end surface 16 of the cross shaft 9. . In the illustrated embodiment, a circular convex portion 24 is formed at the center of the end surface 16 of the cross shaft 9, and the tops of the convex portions 22 and 22 are brought into contact with the convex portion 24. A plurality of small concave portions are formed in the convex portion 24 as needed, and the small concave portions function as oil reservoirs for storing the lubricating oil.

In particular, in the universal joint bearing cup of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3, the bottom surfaces 25, 25 of the recesses 23, 23 provided between the adjacent projections 22, 22 are provided. Is inclined by an angle θ in a direction in which it becomes lower toward the inside in the diametrical direction. Therefore, the depth of each of the recesses 23, 23 gradually decreases from the diametrically inner side toward the diametrically outer side. The opening area of the diametrical outer end of each of the recesses 23, 23 is made sufficiently small so as to provide resistance against passage of lubricating oil, which is a viscous fluid, through the outer end opening.

In the case of the universal joint bearing cup of the present invention configured as described above, the cross-sectional area of each of the recesses 23, 23 becomes smaller toward the outside in the diametrical direction, and the diameter of each of the recesses 23, 23 is smaller. The opening area at the outer end in the direction becomes sufficiently small. Therefore, even if a force outward in the diametrical direction acts on the lubricating oil existing in the recesses 23, 23 due to the centrifugal force, the lubricating oil is less likely to flow out from the recesses 23, 23. As a result, a sufficient amount of lubricating oil can be retained in each of the recesses 23, 23, and the tops of the projections 22, 22 and the surface of the projection 24 with which the tops abut. It is possible to secure the lubricating oil between the parts and prevent wear and seizure at this contact part.

Next, FIGS. 4 to 6 show a second embodiment of the present invention. In the case of this embodiment, an annular convex portion 26 is formed at the center of the inner surface 17 of the bottom portion 13 of the bearing cup 11b. The surface of the convex portion 26 is a conical concave inclined surface 27 in which the amount of protrusion from the inner surface 17 increases toward the diametrically outer side. A plurality of spherical convex portions 20a, 20a are arranged on the inclined surface 27 in the circumferential direction. The portion between the adjacent convex portions 20a, 20a forms a concave portion that functions as a lubricating oil reservoir.

When the assembly of the universal joint is completed, when the tops of the respective convex portions 20a, 20a and the convex portion 24 formed on the end surface 16 of the cross shaft 9 are brought into contact with each other, the outer peripheral edge of the convex portion 26 is , Is close to the convex portion 24 of the end surface 16 of the cross shaft 9.

Therefore, in the case of the present embodiment as well, the lubricating oil existing in the concave portion between the adjacent convex portions 20a, 20a is prevented from flowing away in the diametrical direction, and the convex portion 20a, It is possible to effectively prevent the contact portions of the 24 pieces from being worn or seized.

[0023]

[Effect of device]

 Since the bearing cup for a universal joint according to the present invention is constructed and operates as described above, it is possible to secure sufficient lubricity even under severe operating conditions and to improve durability and reliability of the universal joint.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a first embodiment of a bearing cup of the present invention in combination with an end of a cross shaft and a needle.

2 is an enlarged view of the center portion of the inner surface of the bearing cup as viewed from above in FIG.

3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a second embodiment of the bearing cup of the present invention in a state of being combined with the end portion of the cross shaft and the needle.

5 is an enlarged view of the shape of the central portion of the inner surface of the bearing cup as seen from above in FIG.

6 is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a half sectional view showing a propeller shaft incorporating a universal joint.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a universal joint.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the end of the cross shaft is inserted into the bearing cup.

FIG. 10 is a view showing a conventionally known end face shape of a cross shaft.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the shape of the center portion of the inner surface of a conventionally known bearing cup.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Propeller shaft 2 Sleeve yoke 3 First shaft 4 Second shaft 5 Universal joint 6 Rubber bush 7 First yoke 8 Second yoke 9 Cross shaft 10 Circular holes 11, 11a, 11b Bearing cup 12 Cylindrical part 13 Bottom part 14 Projection Article 15 Needle 16 End surface 17 Inner surface 18 Convex portion 19 Concave portion 20, 20a Convex portion 21 Concave portion 22 Convex portion 23 Concave portion 24 Convex portion 25 Bottom surface 26 Convex portion 27 Sloping surface

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (72) Creator Yasuhiro Nomura 1-22-4 Goten, Hiratsuka-shi, Kanagawa Wakaba Heights 2-101

Claims (1)

[Scope of utility model registration request] 1. A cylindrical portion and a bottom portion which is made of a metal plate so as to form an integral cylinder with a bottom, and which closes one end of the cylindrical portion.
The inner surface of the bottom portion is provided with a plurality of convex portions arranged intermittently in the circumferential direction, and the plurality of concave portions existing between the convex portions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction are respectively used as grease reservoirs. In the universal joint bearing cup, the depth of each recess is
A bearing cup for a universal joint characterized by gradually decreasing from the inside in the diameter direction to the outside in the diameter direction.