JPH10159865A - Elastic universal joint - Google Patents
Elastic universal jointInfo
- Publication number
- JPH10159865A JPH10159865A JP8313785A JP31378596A JPH10159865A JP H10159865 A JPH10159865 A JP H10159865A JP 8313785 A JP8313785 A JP 8313785A JP 31378596 A JP31378596 A JP 31378596A JP H10159865 A JPH10159865 A JP H10159865A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- shaft
- yoke
- buffer cylinder
- cylinder
- universal joint
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Classifications
-
- 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
- F16D3/00—Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive
- F16D3/50—Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive with the coupling parts connected by one or more intermediate members
- F16D3/76—Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive with the coupling parts connected by one or more intermediate members shaped as an elastic ring centered on the axis, surrounding a portion of one coupling part and surrounded by a sleeve of the other coupling part
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Steering Controls (AREA)
- Steering-Linkage Mechanisms And Four-Wheel Steering (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】この発明に係る弾性自在継手
は、自動車用操舵装置内に組み込み、ステアリングホイ
ールの動きをステアリングギヤに伝達自在にすると共
に、ステアリングギヤ側の振動がステアリングホイール
に伝わるのを防止する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION An elastic universal joint according to the present invention is incorporated in a steering apparatus for a motor vehicle so that the movement of a steering wheel can be transmitted to a steering gear and vibration of the steering gear is transmitted to the steering wheel. To prevent.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】自動車用操舵装置は、ステアリングホイ
ールにより回転駆動されるステアリングシャフトの動き
をステアリングギヤに伝達し、前輪に舵角を付与する様
に構成している。上記ステアリングシャフトとステアリ
ングギヤの入力軸とは同一直線上に配置できないのが普
通である。この為、これらステアリングシャフトと入力
軸との間に自在継手を設けて、上記ステアリングホイー
ルの動きを上記ステアリングギヤに伝達自在としてい
る。又、自動車の走行時に車輪からステアリングギヤに
伝わった振動がステアリングホイールに伝達される事
で、運転者に不快感を与える事を防止する為、上記自在
継手に振動吸収能力を持たせる事も、従来から行われて
いる。そして、自在継手に振動吸収能力を持たせるの
に、この自在継手にゴム等の弾性材を組み込み、この弾
性材により、振動の伝達を防止する、所謂弾性自在継手
が、一般的に使用されている。2. Description of the Related Art A steering apparatus for an automobile is configured to transmit a movement of a steering shaft which is rotationally driven by a steering wheel to a steering gear to impart a steering angle to front wheels. Usually, the steering shaft and the input shaft of the steering gear cannot be arranged on the same straight line. Therefore, a universal joint is provided between the steering shaft and the input shaft so that the movement of the steering wheel can be transmitted to the steering gear. In addition, the vibration transmitted from the wheels to the steering gear during traveling of the car is transmitted to the steering wheel, so that it is possible to prevent the driver from feeling uncomfortable. This has been done conventionally. In order to give the universal joint vibration absorbing capability, an elastic material such as rubber is incorporated into the universal joint, and a so-called elastic universal joint that prevents transmission of vibration by this elastic material is generally used. I have.
【０００３】この様な弾性自在継手として従来から、特
開昭５６−３９３２５号公報（＝フランス特許公開２４
６４４０４）、実開昭５４−８２２５７号公報、実開平
５−８３４６２号公報、同５−８９９６４号公報、フラ
ンス特許公開２６１４９８５等に記載されたものが知ら
れている。これら従来から知られた弾性自在継手は、基
本構造はほぼ同じであるから、このうちの実開平５−８
９９６４号公報に記載された構造に就いて、図９〜１１
により説明する。Conventionally, such an elastic universal joint has been disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 56-39325 (= French Patent Publication 24).
64404), Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 54-82257, Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 5-83462, Japanese Patent Application No. 5-89964, and French Patent Publication No. 2614985 are known. These conventionally known elastic universal joints have substantially the same basic structure.
Regarding the structure described in Japanese Patent No. 9964, FIGS.
This will be described below.
【０００４】この弾性自在継手１は、図９に示す様に、
シャフト２と、このシャフト２の先端部（図９〜１０の
左端部）に緩衝筒３を介して外嵌固定された第一ヨーク
４と、第二ヨーク５と、この第二ヨーク５と上記第一ヨ
ーク４とを連結する十字軸６とを備える。上記シャフト
２の先端で上記緩衝筒３の一端縁（図１０の左端縁）か
ら突出した部分には、図１０〜１１に示す様に、セレー
ション軸部７を形成している。そして、このセレーショ
ン軸部７に伝達駒８の中心孔９を、セレーション係合さ
せている。従ってこの伝達駒８は、上記シャフト２の先
端部に固設されて、このシャフト２と共に回転する。
又、この伝達駒８の外周縁で直径方向反対側の２個所位
置には、上記緩衝筒３の外周面よりも直径方向外方に突
出する突片１０、１０を一体形成している。As shown in FIG. 9, this elastic universal joint 1
The shaft 2, a first yoke 4, a second yoke 5, and a second yoke 5, which are externally fitted and fixed to a distal end portion (a left end portion in FIGS. 9 to 10) of the shaft 2 via a buffer tube 3. And a cross shaft 6 for connecting to the first yoke 4. As shown in FIGS. 10 to 11, a serration shaft portion 7 is formed at a portion of the tip end of the shaft 2 protruding from one end edge (the left end edge in FIG. 10) of the buffer cylinder 3. The center hole 9 of the transmission piece 8 is engaged with the serration shaft 7 by serration. Therefore, the transmission piece 8 is fixed to the tip of the shaft 2 and rotates together with the shaft 2.
Further, at two positions on the outer peripheral edge of the transmission piece 8 on the opposite side in the diameter direction, protruding pieces 10, 10 protruding outward in the diameter direction from the outer peripheral surface of the buffer cylinder 3 are integrally formed.
【０００５】上記弾性自在継手１の構成各部材のうち、
上記緩衝筒３は、ゴム、エラストマー等の弾性材１１を
含んで円筒状に形成している。即ち、この緩衝筒３は、
それぞれが金属製で円筒状に造られた内側スリーブ１２
と外側スリーブ１３とを、互いに同心に配置している。
そして、上記内側スリーブ１２の外周面と上記弾性材１
１の内周面とを焼き付け若しくは接着により結合し、上
記外側スリーブ１３の内周面と上記弾性材１１の外周面
とを同様に結合している。そして、上記内側スリーブ１
２を上記シャフト２の先端部に外嵌固定し、上記外側ス
リーブ１３を上記第一ヨーク４に設けた、次述する円筒
部１４に内嵌固定している。Among the constituent members of the elastic universal joint 1,
The buffer cylinder 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape including an elastic material 11 such as rubber or elastomer. That is, the buffer cylinder 3
Inner sleeves 12 each made of metal and cylindrical
And the outer sleeve 13 are arranged concentrically with each other.
The outer peripheral surface of the inner sleeve 12 and the elastic member 1
The inner peripheral surface of the elastic member 11 is connected to the inner peripheral surface of the outer sleeve 13 and the outer peripheral surface of the elastic member 11 in the same manner. And the inner sleeve 1
2 is fixedly fitted to the tip of the shaft 2, and the outer sleeve 13 is fixedly fitted to a cylindrical portion 14 provided on the first yoke 4, which will be described later.
【０００６】上記第一ヨーク４は、円筒部１４と、この
円筒部１４の軸方向（図９〜１０の左右方向）一端縁
（同図の左端縁）の直径方向反対位置から軸方向に延び
る１対の第一アーム１５、１５とを有する。そして、こ
れら各第一アーム１５、１５の先端部（図９〜１０の左
端部）に、それぞれ第一円孔１６、１６を、互いに同心
に形成している。又、上記円筒部１４の軸方向一端縁の
直径方向反対位置で、上記１対の第一アーム１５、１５
から外れた部分には、それぞれ切り欠き１７、１７を形
成している。これら各切り欠き１７、１７の幅寸法Ｗ
は、前記伝達駒８の突片１０、１０の幅寸法ｗよりも大
きい（Ｗ＞ｗ）。そして、上記第一ヨーク４の内側にシ
ャフト２を組み付けた状態で、上記各突片１０、１０
は、上記各切り欠き１７、１７の内側に、隙間をあけて
緩く係合している。The first yoke 4 extends in the axial direction from a cylindrical portion 14 and a position opposite to the diametrical end of one end (left end in FIG. 9) of the cylindrical portion 14 in the axial direction (left-right direction in FIGS. 9 to 10). It has a pair of first arms 15. Then, first circular holes 16, 16 are formed concentrically with each other at the tips (left ends in FIGS. 9 to 10) of the first arms 15, 15. Further, the pair of first arms 15, 15 is positioned at a position diametrically opposite to one axial end of the cylindrical portion 14.
Notches 17, 17 are formed in portions deviating from the respective portions. The width dimension W of each of these notches 17, 17
Is larger than the width dimension w of the projecting pieces 10 and 10 of the transmission piece 8 (W> w). Then, in a state where the shaft 2 is assembled inside the first yoke 4, each of the protruding pieces 10, 10
Are loosely engaged with the insides of the notches 17 with a gap.
【０００７】又、前記第二ヨーク５は、互いに離隔して
設けられた１対の第二アーム１８を有し、別のシャフト
１９の端部に結合固定される。上記各第二アーム１８の
先端部にはそれぞれ第二円孔２０を、互いに同心に形成
している。そして、前記十字軸６の４個所の先端部は、
それぞれ１対ずつ設けられた第一、第二両円孔１６、２
０の内側に、ラジアルニードル軸受等の軸受を介して、
回転自在に支持されている。The second yoke 5 has a pair of second arms 18 provided separately from each other, and is connected and fixed to an end of another shaft 19. A second circular hole 20 is formed at the tip of each of the second arms 18 concentrically with each other. And the four end portions of the cross shaft 6 are
First and second circular holes 16, 2 provided in pairs, respectively.
0, through a bearing such as a radial needle bearing,
It is rotatably supported.
【０００８】上述の様に構成される弾性自在継手１の作
用は、次の通りである。自動車が直進状態にある場合、
或は、ステアリングホイールからシャフト２に加えられ
る回転トルクが小さい場合には、シャフト２の先端部に
固定された伝達駒８の突片１０、１０が、第一ヨーク４
の円筒部１４に形成した切り欠き１７、１７の内側中立
位置若しくは中立位置から少しだけ偏った位置に存在す
る。これら各状態では、上記円筒部１４と伝達駒８とが
直接接触する事はない。又、上記小さな回転トルクは、
前記緩衝筒３を介して、上記シャフト２から第一ヨーク
４に伝達される。この場合には、車輪からステアリング
ギヤ、前記別のシャフト１９、第二ヨーク５、十字軸６
等を介して第一ヨーク４に伝達された振動が、上記緩衝
筒３を構成する弾性材１１により吸収され、上記シャフ
ト２までは伝わらない。[0008] The operation of the elastic universal joint 1 configured as described above is as follows. If the car is in a straight line,
Alternatively, when the rotational torque applied to the shaft 2 from the steering wheel is small, the projecting pieces 10, 10 of the transmission piece 8 fixed to the distal end of the shaft 2
The cutouts 17 formed in the cylindrical portion 14 are located at the neutral position inside or slightly deviated from the neutral position. In each of these states, there is no direct contact between the cylindrical portion 14 and the transmission piece 8. Also, the small rotation torque is
Power is transmitted from the shaft 2 to the first yoke 4 via the buffer cylinder 3. In this case, the steering gear, the another shaft 19, the second yoke 5, the cross shaft 6,
The vibration transmitted to the first yoke 4 via the above is absorbed by the elastic member 11 constituting the buffer cylinder 3 and is not transmitted to the shaft 2.
【０００９】これに対して、前輪に大きな舵角を付与す
る場合等の様に、ステアリングホイールからシャフト２
に加えられる回転トルクが大きい場合には、上記各突片
１０、１０が上記各切り欠き１７、１７の内側面と衝合
する。この結果、ステアリングホイールから上記シャフ
ト２に加えられた回転トルクのうちの多くの部分が、上
記伝達駒８を介して上記第一ヨーク４に伝達される。こ
の状態では、上記緩衝筒３を介して伝達される回転トル
クは限られたものとなる。従って、弾性自在継手１を介
して伝達する回転トルクが大きくなった場合でも、上記
緩衝筒３を構成する弾性材１１に無理な力が作用して、
この弾性材１１が破損する事はない。On the other hand, when a large steering angle is applied to the front wheels, the shaft 2
When the rotational torque applied to the notch is large, the projecting pieces 10, 10 abut against the inner surfaces of the notches 17, 17. As a result, most of the rotational torque applied to the shaft 2 from the steering wheel is transmitted to the first yoke 4 via the transmission piece 8. In this state, the rotational torque transmitted via the buffer cylinder 3 is limited. Therefore, even when the rotational torque transmitted via the elastic universal joint 1 increases, an excessive force acts on the elastic member 11 constituting the buffer cylinder 3,
This elastic member 11 is not damaged.
【００１０】尚、衝突事故の際に、弾性自在継手に大き
な交差角度を持たせて、運転者を保護する事を考慮した
構造が、特開平８−１７０６４７号公報に記載されてい
る。図１２〜１４は、この公報に記載された弾性自在継
手を示している。弾性自在継手１ａは図１２に示す様
に、シャフト２ａと、このシャフト２ａの先端部（図１
２〜１３の左端部）に緩衝筒３を介して外嵌固定された
第一ヨーク４と、第二ヨーク５と、この第二ヨーク５と
上記第一ヨーク４とを連結する十字軸６とを備える。上
記シャフト２ａの先端で上記緩衝筒３の一端縁（図１２
〜１３の左端縁）から突出した部分には、図１４に示す
様な形状を有する鍔状の伝達駒部２１を、冷間鍛造加工
等、適宜の加工方法により、上記シャフト２ａと一体に
形成している。又、この伝達駒部２１の外周縁で直径方
向反対側の２個所位置には、上記緩衝筒３の外周面より
も直径方向外方に突出する突片１０ａ、１０ａを一体形
成している。上記シャフト２ａの先端面中央部でもあ
る、上記伝達駒部２１の中央部には、凹部２７を形成し
ている。この凹部２７は、開口部の形状が円形となる、
球状凹面としている。従ってこの凹部２７は、中央部が
最も深く、周縁部に向かう程次第に浅くなる。Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 8-170647 discloses a structure in which an elastic universal joint is provided with a large intersection angle to protect a driver in the event of a collision. 12 to 14 show an elastic universal joint described in this publication. As shown in FIG. 12, the elastic universal joint 1a has a shaft 2a and a distal end portion of the shaft 2a (FIG. 1).
A first yoke 4, which is externally fitted and fixed to the left end of each of the second yoke 2 through the buffer cylinder 3, a second yoke 5, a cross shaft 6 for connecting the second yoke 5 and the first yoke 4, and Is provided. One end edge of the buffer cylinder 3 at the tip of the shaft 2a (FIG. 12)
14 is formed integrally with the shaft 2a by an appropriate processing method such as cold forging, in a portion protruding from the left end edge of the shaft 2a. doing. Further, at two positions on the outer peripheral edge of the transmission piece 21 on the opposite side in the diameter direction, protruding pieces 10a, 10a protruding outward in the diameter direction from the outer peripheral surface of the buffer cylinder 3 are integrally formed. A recess 27 is formed in the center of the transmission piece 21 which is also the center of the distal end surface of the shaft 2a. The recess 27 has a circular opening.
It has a spherical concave surface. Therefore, the concave portion 27 is deepest at the center portion and gradually becomes shallower toward the peripheral portion.
【００１１】又、上記緩衝筒３は、前述した従来構造の
第１例の場合と同様に、内側スリーブ１２の外周面と弾
性材１１の内周面とを焼き付け若しくは接着により結合
し、外側スリーブ１３の内周面と上記弾性材１１の外周
面とを同様に結合して、全体を円筒状に形成している。
そして、上記内側スリーブ１２を上記シャフト２ａの先
端部に外嵌固定し、上記外側スリーブ１３を上記第一ヨ
ーク４に設けた、後述する円筒部１４に内嵌固定してい
る。The buffer cylinder 3 is formed by bonding the outer peripheral surface of the inner sleeve 12 and the inner peripheral surface of the elastic member 11 by baking or bonding, as in the case of the first example of the conventional structure described above. The inner peripheral surface of the elastic member 11 and the outer peripheral surface of the elastic member 11 are similarly connected to form an entire cylindrical shape.
The inner sleeve 12 is externally fitted and fixed to the distal end of the shaft 2a, and the outer sleeve 13 is internally fitted and fixed to a cylindrical portion 14 provided on the first yoke 4 and described later.
【００１２】尚、上記シャフト２ａの先端部には、図１
２〜１４に示す様に、上記伝達駒部２１及びこの伝達駒
部２１の基端部（図１２〜１４の右端部）に形成された
段部２４を除く他の部分よりも外径寸法が大きな、大径
部２２を設けている。そして、この大径部２２の一部外
周面にローレット加工による細かな凹凸を形成してい
る。上記緩衝筒３を上記シャフト２ａの先端部に外嵌固
定する場合には、この緩衝筒３の内側スリーブ１２に上
記シャフト２ａを、このシャフト２ａの基端部側（図１
２の右側）から挿入し、上記内側スリーブ１２を上記大
径部２２に、十分な締め代を持って外嵌する。更に、上
記内側スリーブ１２の先端縁（図１２〜１３の右端縁）
を上記段部２４に突き当てた状態で、上記大径部２２の
基端縁部（図１２〜１４の右端縁部）を直径方向外方に
かしめ広げ、かしめ部２３、２３を形成している。そし
て、これら各かしめ部２３、２３と上記内側スリーブ１
２の基端縁（図１２〜１３の右端縁）とを係合させてい
る。この状態で上記内側スリーブ１２は、軸方向（図１
２〜１３の左右方向）両端縁部と、上記段部２４及びか
しめ部２３、２３との係合に基づき、軸方向に亙る移動
を阻止される。The tip of the shaft 2a is shown in FIG.
As shown in 2 to 14, the outer diameter of the transmission piece 21 and the outer diameter of the transmission piece 21 are smaller than those of the other parts except the step 24 formed at the base end (the right end of FIGS. 12 to 14). A large, large-diameter portion 22 is provided. Then, fine irregularities are formed on a part of the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 22 by knurling. When the shock-absorbing cylinder 3 is externally fitted and fixed to the distal end of the shaft 2a, the shaft 2a is attached to the inner sleeve 12 of the shock-absorbing cylinder 3 at the base end side of the shaft 2a (FIG. 1).
2 right side), and the inner sleeve 12 is externally fitted to the large-diameter portion 22 with a sufficient interference. Further, the leading edge of the inner sleeve 12 (right edge in FIGS. 12 and 13).
The base end (the right end in FIGS. 12 to 14) of the large-diameter portion 22 is swaged outward in the diameter direction in a state where the abutment is brought into contact with the step portion 24, and the swaged portions 23, 23 are formed. I have. Each of these caulked portions 23, 23 and the inner sleeve 1
2 and the base edge (the right edge in FIGS. 12 and 13). In this state, the inner sleeve 12 is moved in the axial direction (FIG. 1).
The movement in the axial direction is prevented based on the engagement between the end portions of both ends (2 to 13) and the step portion 24 and the caulking portions 23, 23.
【００１３】一方、前記第一ヨーク４は、それぞれが前
述の図９〜１１に示した第１例と同様の円筒部１４と、
第一アーム１５、１５と、第一円孔１６、１６と、切り
欠き１７、１７とを備える。そして、上記第一ヨーク４
の内側にシャフト２ａを組み付けた状態で、上記各突片
１０ａ、１０ａを、上記各切り欠き１７、１７の内側
に、隙間をあけて緩く係合させている。On the other hand, the first yoke 4 has a cylindrical portion 14 similar to that of the first example shown in FIGS.
First arms 15, 15, first circular holes 16, 16 and notches 17, 17 are provided. Then, the first yoke 4
In the state where the shaft 2a is attached to the inside of the notch, the protruding pieces 10a, 10a are loosely engaged with the cutouts 17, 17 with a gap therebetween.
【００１４】更に、前記第二ヨーク５は、例えば厚肉金
属板にプレス加工を施す事により造られて、互いに離隔
して設けられた１対の第二アーム１８、１８を有する。
この様な第二ヨーク５は、別のシャフト１９（図９参
照）の端部に、図示しないボルトの緊締に基づいて結合
固定される。上記各第二アーム１８、１８の先端部（図
１２の右下部）にはそれぞれ第二円孔２０、２０を、互
いに同心に形成している。そして、前記十字軸６の４個
所の先端部は、それぞれ１対ずつ設けられた第一、第二
両円孔１６、２０の内側に、軸受カップ２５、２５を含
んで構成されるラジアルニードル軸受２６、２６を介し
て、回転自在に支持している。Further, the second yoke 5 is made, for example, by pressing a thick metal plate, and has a pair of second arms 18 provided separately from each other.
Such a second yoke 5 is fixedly connected to an end of another shaft 19 (see FIG. 9) by tightening a bolt (not shown). Second circular holes 20, 20 are formed concentrically with each other at the distal end (the lower right part in FIG. 12) of each of the second arms 18, 18, respectively. The four distal ends of the cross shaft 6 are radial needle bearings including bearing cups 25 and 25 inside first and second circular holes 16 and 20 provided in pairs. It is rotatably supported via 26,26.
【００１５】上述の様に構成される弾性自在継手１ａの
通常時の作用は、前述の図９〜１０に示した従来構造の
第１例の場合と同様である。特に、図１２〜１４に示し
た、従来構造の第２例の弾性自在継手１ａの場合には、
前記シャフト２ａの先端面に形成した凹部２７の存在に
基づき、この先端面と前記第二ヨーク５との距離を短く
しても、この第二ヨーク５を構成する前記第二アーム１
８の先端縁とシャフト２ａの先端面とが干渉しなくな
る。即ち、上記第二ヨーク５が前記十字軸６を中心に揺
動すると、上記第二アーム１８の先端縁が、上記十字軸
６を中心とする円弧状の軌跡を描きつつ上記先端面に近
づく。上記先端縁と先端面とが最も近づいた状態では、
この先端面の中央部と上記先端縁とが対向する。図１２
〜１４に示した構造の場合には、先端面の中央部に上記
凹部２７が存在する為、これら先端面と先端縁とが干渉
しにくくなる。従って、干渉防止の為に第一ヨーク４を
大型化（第一アーム１５の長さを長く）しなくても、弾
性自在継手１ａを構成する第一、第二ヨーク４、５同士
の交差角度を大きくできる。言い換えれば、交差角度を
確保しても、上記凹部２７の深さ分だけ、上記第二ヨー
ク５とシャフト２ａとを近づける事が可能になって、上
記第一ヨーク４の小型化が可能になる。そして、この小
型化により、上記第一ヨーク４の全長が短くなり、絞り
加工によりこの第一ヨーク４を成形する際の成形性が向
上し、加工コストを低減できる。The normal operation of the elastic universal joint 1a constructed as described above is the same as that of the first example of the conventional structure shown in FIGS. In particular, in the case of the elastic universal joint 1a of the second example of the conventional structure shown in FIGS.
Due to the presence of the concave portion 27 formed on the distal end surface of the shaft 2a, even if the distance between the distal end surface and the second yoke 5 is shortened, the second arm 1 constituting the second yoke 5
8 and the front end surface of the shaft 2a do not interfere with each other. That is, when the second yoke 5 swings about the cross shaft 6, the front end edge of the second arm 18 approaches the front end surface while drawing an arc-shaped locus about the cross shaft 6. In the state where the tip edge and the tip face are closest,
The center of the tip surface and the tip edge face each other. FIG.
In the structures shown in Nos. 1 to 14, since the concave portion 27 exists in the center of the front end surface, the front end surface and the front end edge hardly interfere with each other. Therefore, even if the first yoke 4 is not enlarged (the length of the first arm 15 is lengthened) in order to prevent interference, the intersection angle between the first and second yokes 4 and 5 constituting the elastic universal joint 1a. Can be increased. In other words, even if the intersection angle is secured, the second yoke 5 and the shaft 2a can be brought closer to each other by the depth of the concave portion 27, and the first yoke 4 can be reduced in size. . Due to this downsizing, the overall length of the first yoke 4 is shortened, the formability of forming the first yoke 4 by drawing is improved, and the processing cost can be reduced.
【００１６】[0016]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】但し、これら従来の弾
性自在継手１、１ａの構造では、何れも次に述べる様な
問題を生じる。即ち、これら弾性自在継手１、１ａを長
期間に亙り使用する等により、緩衝筒３を構成するゴ
ム、エラストマー等の弾性材１１が、劣化により破損す
る可能性がある。又、この弾性材１１自体が破損しない
場合でも、この弾性材１１の外周面又は内周面と、緩衝
筒３を構成する外側スリーブ１３の内周面又は内側スリ
ーブ１２の外周面との接着部（焼き付けによる接合面を
含む。以下同じ。）が剥離する可能性もある。However, the structure of each of the conventional elastic universal joints 1 and 1a has the following problems. That is, when the elastic universal joints 1 and 1a are used for a long period of time, the elastic material 11 such as rubber, elastomer or the like constituting the buffer cylinder 3 may be damaged due to deterioration. Further, even when the elastic member 11 itself is not damaged, a bonding portion between the outer peripheral surface or the inner peripheral surface of the elastic member 11 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer sleeve 13 or the outer peripheral surface of the inner sleeve 12 constituting the shock absorbing cylinder 3 is formed. (Including the bonding surface by baking. The same applies hereinafter.)
【００１７】この様な弾性材１１の破損、或は接着部の
剥離が発生し、しかもシャフト２、２ａと他のシャフト
との結合部が緩んでいたりする等、悪条件が重なると、
第一ヨーク４に対してシャフト２、２ａが軸方向に変位
する。このシャフト２、２ａが第一ヨーク４から向け出
す方向に変位する事は、伝達駒８又は伝達駒部２１の突
片１０、１０ａと、第一ヨーク４の円筒部１４との係合
により防止される。これに対して、シャフト２、２ａが
第一ヨーク４内により多く差し込まれる方向へは、或る
程度変位できる。そして、シャフト２、２ａがこの様な
方向に変位すると、これらシャフト２、２ａの先端面と
第二ヨーク５又は十字軸６とが干渉して、弾性自在継手
１、１ａを構成する第一、第二ヨーク４、５同士の変位
が円滑に行われなくなる可能性がある。本発明の弾性自
在継手は、この様な事情に鑑みて発明したものである。If bad conditions such as the breakage of the elastic material 11 or the peeling of the bonded portion occur, and the joint between the shafts 2 and 2a and other shafts is loosened,
The shafts 2 and 2a are displaced in the axial direction with respect to the first yoke 4. The displacement of the shafts 2, 2 a in the direction to be directed from the first yoke 4 is prevented by the engagement between the projecting pieces 10, 10 a of the transmission piece 8 or the transmission piece 21 and the cylindrical portion 14 of the first yoke 4. Is done. On the other hand, the shafts 2 and 2a can be displaced to some extent in the direction in which the shafts 2 and 2a are more inserted into the first yoke 4. When the shafts 2 and 2a are displaced in such a direction, the tip surfaces of the shafts 2 and 2a and the second yoke 5 or the cross shaft 6 interfere with each other, and the first, There is a possibility that the displacement between the second yokes 4, 5 may not be performed smoothly. The elastic universal joint of the present invention has been made in view of such circumstances.
【００１８】[0018]
【課題を解決する為の手段】本発明の弾性自在継手は、
次の〜の要件を総て満たす。 シャフトと、このシャフトの先端部に緩衝筒を介し
て外嵌固定された第一ヨークと、第二ヨークと、この第
二ヨークと上記第一ヨークとを連結する十字軸とを備え
る。 上記シャフトの先端で上記緩衝筒の一端縁から突出
した部分には、この緩衝筒の外周面よりも直径方向外方
に突出する突片が固接されている。 上記緩衝筒は、弾性材を含んで筒状に形成されてい
る。 上記第一ヨークは、筒部と、この筒部の軸方向一端
縁の直径方向反対位置から軸方向に延びる１対の第一ア
ームと、これら各第一アームの先端部に互いに同心に形
成された１対の第一円孔と、上記筒部の軸方向一端縁
で、上記１対の第一アームから外れた部分に形成された
切り欠きとを備える。 上記第二ヨークは、互いに離隔して設けられた１対
の第二アームと、これら各第二アームの先端部に互いに
同心に形成された第二円孔とを備える。 上記十字軸の４個所の先端部は、それぞれ１対ずつ
設けられた上記第一、第二両円孔の内側に回転自在に支
持されている。 上記シャフトの先端に設けられた突片は、上記第一
ヨークの筒部に形成した切り欠きに、隙間をあけて緩く
係合している。 上記シャフトの中間部で、上記緩衝筒の他端縁より
突出した部分には、上記緩衝筒の外周面よりも直径方向
外方に突出するストッパーを、少なくとも上記緩衝筒か
ら離れる方向への移動を阻止した状態で、且つ、上記緩
衝筒を構成し、上記第一ヨークの筒部に内嵌固定される
部材との間に隙間を介在させた状態で装着している。An elastic universal joint according to the present invention comprises:
Satisfies all of the following requirements: A shaft, a first yoke externally fitted and fixed to a distal end portion of the shaft via a buffer tube, a second yoke, and a cross shaft connecting the second yoke and the first yoke are provided. A protruding piece projecting diametrically outward from the outer peripheral surface of the shock-absorbing cylinder is fixedly connected to a portion of the tip of the shaft projecting from one edge of the shock-absorbing cylinder. The buffer cylinder is formed in a tubular shape including an elastic material. The first yoke is formed concentrically with a cylindrical portion, a pair of first arms extending in the axial direction from a diametrically opposite position of one axial end edge of the cylindrical portion, and a distal end of each of the first arms. A pair of first circular holes, and a notch formed at a portion of the one end of the cylindrical portion in the axial direction that is separated from the pair of first arms. The second yoke includes a pair of second arms provided apart from each other, and a second circular hole formed concentrically at the tip of each of the second arms. Four tip portions of the cross shaft are rotatably supported inside the first and second circular holes provided in pairs. The protruding piece provided at the tip of the shaft is loosely engaged with a notch formed in the cylindrical portion of the first yoke with a gap. In the middle portion of the shaft, a portion protruding from the other end of the shock-absorbing cylinder has a stopper projecting diametrically outward from the outer peripheral surface of the shock-absorbing cylinder, at least moving in a direction away from the shock-absorbing cylinder. It is mounted in a blocked state and with the buffer cylinder being configured and with a gap interposed between the buffer cylinder and a member that is fitted and fixed to the cylindrical portion of the first yoke.
【００１９】[0019]
【作用】上述のように構成される弾性自在継手が、非直
線状に配置された１対の軸同士の間で回転トルクの伝達
を行う際の作用、及び振動の伝達を防止する際の作用自
体は、前述した従来の弾性自在継手と同様である。The elastic universal joint constructed as described above functions to transmit rotational torque between a pair of non-linearly arranged shafts and to prevent the transmission of vibration. In itself, it is the same as the above-mentioned conventional elastic universal joint.
【００２０】特に、本発明の弾性自在継手は、シャフト
の中間部で緩衝筒の他端縁より突出した部分に装着した
ストッパーが、上記シャフトが上記第一ヨーク内により
多く差し込まれる方向に変位する事を防止する。即ち、
弾性自在継手を長期間に亙り使用する等により、上記緩
衝筒を構成する弾性材が破損したり、この弾性材の周面
と相手部材の周面との接着部が剥離しても、上記ストッ
パーが、上記シャフトが上記緩衝筒の外周面に固定され
た第一ヨーク内に、より多く差し込まれる方向への変位
を阻止する。従って、上記シャフトが上記第一ヨークか
ら上記方向へ変位し、このシャフトの先端面と第二ヨー
ク又は十字軸とが干渉して、弾性自在継手を構成する第
一、第二ヨーク同士の変位が円滑に行われなくなる事を
防止する。In particular, in the elastic universal joint according to the present invention, the stopper mounted on the intermediate portion of the shaft and protruding from the other end of the buffer cylinder is displaced in a direction in which the shaft is more inserted into the first yoke. Prevent things. That is,
Even if the elastic member forming the shock-absorbing cylinder is damaged due to the use of the elastic universal joint for a long period of time, or the adhesive portion between the peripheral surface of the elastic material and the peripheral surface of the mating member is peeled off, However, it prevents the shaft from being displaced in a direction in which the shaft is more inserted into the first yoke fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the buffer cylinder. Therefore, the shaft is displaced in the direction from the first yoke, and the distal end surface of the shaft interferes with the second yoke or the cross shaft, so that the displacement between the first and second yokes constituting the elastic universal joint is reduced. Prevent from being performed smoothly.
【００２１】[0021]
【発明の実施の形態】図１は、本発明の実施の形態の第
１例を示している。本発明の弾性自在継手の特徴は、シ
ャフトの中間部にストッパーを装着した点にある。図示
の実施の形態の場合、その他の部分の構成及び作用に就
いては、前述の図１２〜１４に示した従来構造の第２例
と同様である為、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、本発明の特徴点に関連する部
分を中心に説明する。FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention. The feature of the elastic universal joint of the present invention resides in that a stopper is attached to an intermediate portion of the shaft. In the case of the illustrated embodiment, the configuration and operation of the other parts are the same as those of the second example of the conventional structure shown in FIGS. For simplicity, the following description focuses on parts related to the features of the present invention.
【００２２】弾性自在継手１ｂは、シャフト２ｂと、こ
のシャフト２ｂの先端部（同図の左端部）に緩衝筒３を
介して外嵌固定された第一ヨーク４とを備える。そし
て、上記シャフト２ｂの先端で上記緩衝筒３の一端縁
（同図の左端縁）から突出した部分には、鍔状の伝達駒
部２１を、上記シャフト２ｂと一体に形成している。
又、この伝達駒部２１の外周縁で直径方向反対側の２個
所位置には、上記緩衝筒３の外周面よりも直径方向外方
に突出する突片１０ａ、１０ａを、伝達駒部２１と一体
に形成している。The elastic universal joint 1b includes a shaft 2b and a first yoke 4 which is externally fitted and fixed to a front end portion (left end portion in the figure) of the shaft 2b via a buffer tube 3. A flange-shaped transmission piece 21 is formed integrally with the shaft 2b at a portion protruding from one end edge (the left end edge in the figure) of the buffer cylinder 3 at the tip of the shaft 2b.
Also, at two positions on the outer peripheral edge of the transmission piece 21 on the opposite side in the diameter direction, protruding pieces 10a, 10a projecting diametrically outward from the outer peripheral surface of the buffer cylinder 3 are provided with the transmission piece 21. It is formed integrally.
【００２３】上記緩衝筒３は、前述した従来構造の場合
と同様に、金属製の内側スリーブ１２の外周面とゴム、
エラストマー等の弾性材１１の内周面とを焼き付け若し
くは接着により結合し、金属製の外側スリーブ１３の内
周面と上記弾性材１１の外周面とを同様に結合して、全
体を円筒状に形成している。そして、上記内側スリーブ
１２を上記シャフト２ｂの先端部に外嵌固定し、上記外
側スリーブ１３を上記第一ヨーク４に設けた円筒部１４
に内嵌固定している。この第一ヨーク４は、筒部である
円筒部１４と、１対の第一アーム１５とを有する。そし
て、このうちの円筒部１４の一端縁に設けた切り欠き１
７、１７の内側に、上記伝達駒部２１の突片１０ａ、１
０ａを、隙間をあけて緩く係合させている。As in the case of the above-described conventional structure, the shock-absorbing cylinder 3 is provided with an outer peripheral surface of a metal inner sleeve 12 and rubber,
The inner peripheral surface of the elastic material 11 such as an elastomer is joined by baking or bonding, and the inner peripheral surface of the metal outer sleeve 13 and the outer peripheral surface of the elastic material 11 are similarly joined, so that the whole is cylindrical. Has formed. Then, the inner sleeve 12 is externally fitted and fixed to the distal end of the shaft 2 b, and the outer sleeve 13 is a cylindrical portion 14 provided on the first yoke 4.
Is fixed inside. The first yoke 4 has a cylindrical portion 14 that is a cylindrical portion, and a pair of first arms 15. The notch 1 provided at one edge of the cylindrical portion 14 is provided.
The projecting pieces 10a, 1
0a is loosely engaged with a gap.
【００２４】更に、本発明の弾性自在継手の場合、上記
シャフト２ｂの中間部外周面で、上記緩衝筒３の他端縁
（同図の右側縁）よりも少し突出した部分の外周面に凹
溝２８を、全周に亙り設けている。そして、この凹溝２
８に、上記緩衝筒３の外周面、即ち上記外側スリーブ１
３の外周面よりも直径方向外方に突出する、金属製で円
輪状の止め輪２９を固定している。ストッパーである、
この止め輪２９は、上記緩衝筒３の内側スリーブ１２に
上記シャフト２ｂを、このシャフト２ｂの基端側（同図
の右側）から挿入し、上記内側スリーブ１２を上記シャ
フト２ｂの大径部２２に、十分な締め代を持って外嵌
し、図示しないかしめ部、或はスポット溶接部等によっ
て、上記内側スリーブ１２の基端縁（同図の右端縁）と
シャフト２ｂとを固定し、更に、第一ヨーク１４を上記
外側スリーブ１３に外嵌固定した後に、上記凹溝２８に
係止固定する。尚、この止め輪２９の内径は、内周縁部
に形成した複数の切り込み、若しくは円周方向１個所
に、内周縁から外周縁にまで連続させて形成したスリッ
ト等により、弾性的に拡大自在としている。Further, in the case of the elastic universal joint according to the present invention, the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate portion of the shaft 2b is slightly recessed from the other end edge (right edge in the figure) of the buffer cylinder 3 in the outer peripheral surface. A groove 28 is provided over the entire circumference. And this groove 2
8, the outer peripheral surface of the buffer cylinder 3, that is, the outer sleeve 1
A metal ring-shaped retaining ring 29 projecting outward in the diameter direction from the outer peripheral surface of No. 3 is fixed. A stopper,
The retaining ring 29 inserts the shaft 2b into the inner sleeve 12 of the shock-absorbing cylinder 3 from the base end side (right side in the figure) of the shaft 2b, and connects the inner sleeve 12 to the large-diameter portion 22 of the shaft 2b. The inner sleeve 12 is fixed to the shaft 2b by a caulking portion or a spot welded portion (not shown). After the first yoke 14 is externally fitted and fixed to the outer sleeve 13, the first yoke 14 is locked and fixed to the concave groove 28. The inner diameter of the retaining ring 29 can be elastically enlarged by a plurality of cuts formed in the inner peripheral edge or a slit formed continuously at one location in the circumferential direction from the inner peripheral edge to the outer peripheral edge. I have.
【００２５】尚、これら凹溝２８及び止め輪２９の位置
を、上記緩衝筒３の他端縁より少し突出した部分に設け
たのは、上記止め輪２９が、上記緩衝筒３の外側スリー
ブ１３と当接し、ステアリングギヤから第二ヨーク５
（図１２）に伝わった振動が、弾性材１１を介さずに、
直接上記シャフト２ｂに伝達されるのを防止するためで
ある。The reason why the positions of the concave groove 28 and the retaining ring 29 are provided at a portion slightly protruding from the other end edge of the buffer cylinder 3 is that the retaining ring 29 is provided on the outer sleeve 13 of the buffer cylinder 3. Contact with the steering gear and the second yoke 5
The vibration transmitted to (FIG. 12) does not pass through the elastic material 11,
This is for preventing transmission to the shaft 2b directly.
【００２６】上述の様に構成される弾性自在継手１ｂの
場合には、第一ヨーク４を構成する緩衝筒３の他端縁よ
りも少し突出した部分に、ストッパーである止め輪２９
を設けた事により、上記シャフト２ｂが上記第一ヨーク
４内により多く差し込まれる方向に変位する事を防止で
きる。即ち、弾性自在継手１ｂの長期間に亙る使用等に
より、上記緩衝筒３を構成する弾性材１１が破損した
り、この緩衝筒３を構成する外側スリーブ１３の内周面
と弾性材１１の外周面との接着部、若しくはこの緩衝筒
３を構成する内側スリーブ１２の外周面と弾性材１１の
内周面との接着部が剥離したりしても、上記第一ヨーク
４に内嵌固定された外側スリーブ１３の後端縁（同図の
右側縁）と、上記止め輪２９の前側面（同図の左側面）
との係合により、上記シャフト２ｂが、上記緩衝筒３の
外側スリーブ１３に固定された第一ヨーク４内に、より
多く差し込まれる方向（同図の左方向）に変位するのを
阻止する。従って、弾性材１１が破損若しくは剥離し、
しかも、上記シャフト２ｂと別のシャフトとの結合部に
緩みが発生すると言った、悪条件が重なった場合でも、
上記第一ヨーク４から上記方向に変位する事はない。従
って、このシャフト２ｂの先端面と第二ヨーク５の第二
アーム１８の先端縁（図１２参照）とが干渉する事はな
く、弾性自在継手１ｂを構成する第一、第二ヨーク４、
５同士の変位が円滑に行われなくなる事はない。In the case of the elastic universal joint 1b constructed as described above, a portion of the buffer cylinder 3 constituting the first yoke 4 slightly projecting from the other end edge is provided with a retaining ring 29 as a stopper.
Is provided, the shaft 2b can be prevented from being displaced in the direction in which the shaft 2b is more inserted into the first yoke 4. That is, due to the use of the elastic universal joint 1b for a long period of time, the elastic material 11 constituting the buffer cylinder 3 is damaged, or the inner peripheral surface of the outer sleeve 13 and the outer periphery of the elastic material 11 constituting the buffer cylinder 3 are damaged. Even if the bonded portion with the surface or the bonded portion between the outer peripheral surface of the inner sleeve 12 and the inner peripheral surface of the elastic material 11 constituting the cushioning tube 3 is peeled off, the inner yoke 4 is fixed to the first yoke 4. The rear end edge of the outer sleeve 13 (the right edge in the figure) and the front side surface of the retaining ring 29 (the left side surface in the figure).
By this engagement, the shaft 2b is prevented from being displaced in a direction (leftward direction in the figure) in which the shaft 2b is more inserted into the first yoke 4 fixed to the outer sleeve 13 of the buffer cylinder 3. Therefore, the elastic material 11 is broken or peeled off,
In addition, even when bad conditions such as loosening occur at the joint between the shaft 2b and another shaft,
There is no displacement from the first yoke 4 in the above direction. Therefore, the distal end surface of the shaft 2b does not interfere with the distal end edge of the second arm 18 of the second yoke 5 (see FIG. 12), and the first and second yokes 4, which constitute the elastic universal joint 1b,
There is no case where the displacement between the five is not smoothly performed.
【００２７】尚、上述した緩衝筒３を構成する、第一ヨ
ーク４の円筒部１４に内嵌固定される部材である外側ス
リーブ１３の他端縁と、止め輪２９との間に介在させる
隙間３７の大きさは、少なくとも通常時（弾性材１１の
破損や剥離が発生していない時）に、止め輪２９と外側
スリーブ１３の他端縁とが当接しないようにするもので
あれば良い。そして、万が一、上記弾性材１１に破損若
しくは接着部の剥離が発生し、上記結合部の緩みによ
り、上記外側スリーブ１３の後端縁と止め輪２９の前側
面とが当接する事があっても、上記シャフト２ｂの先端
面と十字軸６とが干渉する事がない様に規制する。具体
的には、これら後端縁と前側面とが当接した状態でも、
上記シャフト２ｂの先端面と第二ヨーク５を構成する第
二アーム１８の先端縁とが干渉しない様に、上記隙間３
７を規制する。A gap interposed between the other end of the outer sleeve 13, which is a member that is fitted and fixed to the cylindrical portion 14 of the first yoke 4, which constitutes the above-described cushioning cylinder 3, and the retaining ring 29. The size of 37 may be any size as long as it does not abut the retaining ring 29 and the other end edge of the outer sleeve 13 at least in a normal state (when the elastic member 11 is not broken or peeled off). . Even if the elastic member 11 is damaged or the adhesive portion is separated, and the joint portion is loosened, the rear end edge of the outer sleeve 13 and the front side surface of the retaining ring 29 may come into contact with each other. The cross shaft 6 is restricted so as not to interfere with the tip surface of the shaft 2b. Specifically, even when the rear edge and the front side are in contact with each other,
The clearance 3 is set so that the distal end surface of the shaft 2b and the distal end edge of the second arm 18 forming the second yoke 5 do not interfere with each other.
Regulate 7.
【００２８】次に、図２〜４は、本発明の実施の形態の
第２例を示している。本例の弾性自在継手１ｃの場合
は、シャフト２ａが第一ヨーク４内により多く差し込ま
れる方向に変位するのを防止する為のストッパーとし
て、上述した第１例の止め輪２９（図１）の代わりに、
圧入固定ナット３０を使用している。そして、緩衝筒３
ａを構成する内側スリーブ１２の後端縁を、同じく緩衝
筒３ａを構成する外側スリーブ１３の後端縁よりも、上
記シャフト２ａの基端寄り（図２の右寄り）に少し突出
させている。Next, FIGS. 2 to 4 show a second example of the embodiment of the present invention. In the case of the elastic universal joint 1c of the present example, the stopper ring 29 (FIG. 1) of the first example described above is used as a stopper for preventing the shaft 2a from being displaced in the direction of being inserted more into the first yoke 4. instead of,
The press-fit fixing nut 30 is used. And the buffer cylinder 3
The rear end edge of the inner sleeve 12 that constitutes a is slightly protruded toward the base end of the shaft 2a (to the right in FIG. 2) than the rear end edge of the outer sleeve 13 that also constitutes the cushioning cylinder 3a.
【００２９】上記圧入固定ナット３０は、図３〜４に示
す様に、厚さ方向に十分な強度を持つ金属板より造る。
即ち、この圧入固定ナット３０は、円輪状の基部３１
と、それぞれが弾性変形自在な、複数個（図示の例では
４個）の圧入部３２、３２とから成る。これら圧入部３
２、３２は、円輪状の金属板の内周面に切り欠き３３、
３３を形成し、円周方向に隣り合う切り欠き３３、３３
同士の間を、表裏方向に関し同方向に少し折り曲げる事
により形成する。尚、上記各圧入部３２、３２の自由状
態で、これら各圧入部３２、３２の最大内接円の直径は
上記シャフト２ａの大径部２２の外径よりも少し小さく
している。又、上記各切り欠き３３、３３の最小外接円
の直径は、上記大径部２２の外径よりも十分に大きくし
ている。そして、上述した第１例と同様に、上記シャフ
ト２ａと、緩衝筒３ａと、第一ヨーク４とを結合した
後、上記圧入固定ナット３０を上記シャフト２ａの基端
側から圧入し、この圧入固定ナット３０の前側面の一部
を、上記緩衝筒３ａの内側スリーブ１２の後端縁に突き
当てる。本例の場合、上記緩衝筒３ａの内側スリーブ１
２の後端縁を、外側スリーブ１３の後端縁よりも上記シ
ャフト２ａの基端寄りに少し突出させている為、上記圧
入固定ナット３０の前側面が、上記緩衝筒３ａの外側ス
リーブ１３に当接する事はない。従って、上述した第１
例と同様に、ステアリングギヤからの振動が弾性材１１
を介さずに直接上記シャフト２ｂに伝達されるのを防止
できる。The press-fit fixing nut 30 is made of a metal plate having a sufficient strength in the thickness direction, as shown in FIGS.
That is, the press-fit fixed nut 30 is formed into a ring-shaped base 31.
And a plurality (four in the illustrated example) of press-fit portions 32, 32 each of which is elastically deformable. These press-fit sections 3
2 and 32 are cutouts 33 in the inner peripheral surface of the annular metal plate,
33, and notches 33, 33 adjacent in the circumferential direction
It is formed by slightly bending the space between each other in the same direction with respect to the front and back directions. In the free state of the press-fitting portions 32, 32, the diameter of the largest inscribed circle of each of the press-fitting portions 32, 32 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the large-diameter portion 22 of the shaft 2a. Further, the diameter of the minimum circumscribed circle of each of the notches 33, 33 is sufficiently larger than the outer diameter of the large diameter portion 22. Then, as in the first example described above, after the shaft 2a, the buffer cylinder 3a, and the first yoke 4 are connected, the press-fit fixing nut 30 is press-fitted from the base end side of the shaft 2a. A part of the front side surface of the fixing nut 30 is abutted on the rear end edge of the inner sleeve 12 of the buffer cylinder 3a. In the case of this example, the inner sleeve 1 of the buffer cylinder 3a
Since the rear end edge of the nut 2 is slightly protruded from the rear end edge of the outer sleeve 13 toward the base end of the shaft 2a, the front side surface of the press-fit fixing nut 30 is attached to the outer sleeve 13 of the buffer cylinder 3a. There is no contact. Therefore, the first
As in the example, the vibration from the steering gear is applied to the elastic member 11.
, And can be prevented from being directly transmitted to the shaft 2b.
【００３０】上述の様に構成される本例の弾性自在継手
１ｃの場合、上記圧入固定ナット３０の前側面の一部
を、上記緩衝筒３ａの内側スリーブ１２の後端縁に突き
当てる為、上記緩衝筒３ａの弾性材１１の破損、又は上
記外側スリーブ１３或は上記内側スリーブ１２と、上記
弾性材１１の周面との接着部の剥離によリ、上記シャフ
ト２ａが上記第一ヨーク４内により多く差し込まれる方
向へ変位するのを防止できる。本例の場合、シャフト２
ａの外周面に、第１例の構造の様な凹溝２８（図１）を
形成する必要がないので、このシャフト２ａの製造の容
易化と、強度の確保とを図れる。その他の構成及び作用
については、前述した第１例と同様である為、同等部分
には同一符号を付して、重複する説明を省略する。In the case of the elastic universal joint 1c of the present embodiment configured as described above, a part of the front side surface of the press-fit fixing nut 30 is abutted against the rear end edge of the inner sleeve 12 of the buffer cylinder 3a. The shaft 2a is connected to the first yoke 4 due to damage of the elastic member 11 of the cushioning cylinder 3a or separation of the bonding portion between the outer sleeve 13 or the inner sleeve 12 and the peripheral surface of the elastic member 11. It can be prevented from being displaced in the direction of being inserted more inside. In the case of this example, the shaft 2
Since it is not necessary to form the concave groove 28 (FIG. 1) on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 2a as in the structure of the first example, the manufacture of the shaft 2a can be facilitated and the strength can be ensured. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the above-described first example. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts, and the overlapping description will be omitted.
【００３１】次に、図５〜８は、本発明の実施の形態の
第３例を示している。本例の弾性自在継手１ｄの場合
も、上述した第２例の構造で使用する圧入固定ナット３
０（図２〜４）と類似する、圧入固定ナット３４を使用
する。特に、本例に使用する圧入固定ナット３４の場
合、内周縁部に、それぞれが弾性変形自在な、複数の圧
入部３５、３５の他、これら各圧入部３５、３５と軸方
向反対側に向け直角に折り曲げ形成した、複数の突き当
て部３６、３６を形成している。これら各突き当て部３
６、３６は、それぞれ円周方向に隣り合う圧入部３５、
３５同士の間部分で円周方向の少なくとも３個所以上部
分に、互いに等間隔に設ける。尚、これら各突き当て部
３６、３６の最大内接円の直径は、シャフト２ａの大径
部２２の直径よりも僅かに大きくしている。上記各圧入
部３５、３５の寸法は、上述した第２例と同様である。
従って、上記圧入固定ナット３４は、上述した第２例の
圧入固定ナット３０と同様に、上記シャフト２ａに圧入
できる。そして、圧入した状態では上記突き当て部３
６、３６を、緩衝筒３を構成する内側スリーブ１２の後
端縁に突き当てる。従って、本例では、上述した第２例
の様に、上記緩衝筒３の内側スリーブ１２の後端縁を、
外側スリーブ１３の後端縁よりも上記シャフト２ａの基
端寄りに突出させる必要がなくなる。この結果、上記緩
衝筒３をシャフト２ａの大径部２２に外嵌固定する際
に、組付け方向を考慮する必要がなくなり、組み付け性
が向上する。その他の構成及び作用については、上述し
た第２例と同様である為、同等部分には同一符号を付し
て、重複する説明を省略する。Next, FIGS. 5 to 8 show a third embodiment of the present invention. Also in the case of the elastic universal joint 1d of this embodiment, the press-fit fixed nut 3 used in the structure of the above-described second embodiment is used.
0 (FIGS. 2 to 4), a press-fit fixing nut 34 is used. In particular, in the case of the press-fitting fixed nut 34 used in the present example, in addition to the plurality of press-fit portions 35, 35, each of which is elastically deformable, the inner peripheral edge portion is directed toward the opposite side in the axial direction from the press-fit portions 35, 35. A plurality of butting portions 36, 36 formed by bending at right angles are formed. Each of these butting parts 3
6, 36 are press-fit portions 35 adjacent in the circumferential direction,
At least three or more portions in the circumferential direction between the 35 portions are provided at equal intervals. Note that the diameter of the largest inscribed circle of each of the abutting portions 36 is slightly larger than the diameter of the large diameter portion 22 of the shaft 2a. The dimensions of the press-fit portions 35, 35 are the same as in the second example described above.
Therefore, the press-fitting fixed nut 34 can be press-fitted into the shaft 2a similarly to the press-fitting fixed nut 30 of the second example described above. Then, in the state of being press-fitted, the abutting portion 3
6 and 36 abut against the rear end edge of the inner sleeve 12 that constitutes the buffer cylinder 3. Therefore, in this example, as in the above-described second example, the rear end edge of the inner sleeve 12 of the buffer cylinder 3 is
There is no need to project the rear end of the outer sleeve 13 closer to the base end of the shaft 2a. As a result, when the buffer cylinder 3 is externally fixed to the large-diameter portion 22 of the shaft 2a, it is not necessary to consider the mounting direction, and the mounting performance is improved. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the above-described second example. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts, and the duplicate description will be omitted.
【００３２】[0032]
【発明の効果】本発明の弾性自在継手は、以上の様に構
成され作用するので、万が一、緩衝筒を構成する弾性材
が破損したり、又は、この弾性材と上記緩衝筒を構成す
る相手部材との接着部が剥離し、しかもシャフトと他の
シャフトとの結合部が緩んでいた場合にも、上記緩衝筒
の内周面に固定されたシャフトが、上記緩衝筒の外周面
に固定された第一ヨーク内に、より多く差し込まれる方
向に変位するのを防止できる。従って、上記シャフトが
上記第一ヨークから上記方向へ変位し、このシャフトの
先端面と第二ヨークや十字軸とが干渉して、弾性自在継
手を構成する第一、第二ヨーク同士の変位が円滑に行わ
れなくなる事を防止できる。Since the elastic universal joint of the present invention is constructed and operated as described above, the elastic material constituting the shock-absorbing cylinder may be damaged or the elastic material constituting the shock-absorbing cylinder may be damaged. Even when the adhesive portion with the member is peeled off and the joint between the shaft and another shaft is loose, the shaft fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the buffer cylinder is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the buffer cylinder. It can be prevented from being displaced in a direction in which the first yoke is inserted more. Therefore, the shaft is displaced in the direction from the first yoke, and the distal end surface of the shaft interferes with the second yoke or the cross shaft, so that the displacement between the first and second yokes constituting the elastic universal joint is reduced. It can be prevented that the operation is not performed smoothly.
【図１】本発明の実施の形態の第１例を示す部分切断面
図FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway view showing a first example of an embodiment of the present invention.
【図２】同第２例を示す部分切断面図。FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway view showing the second example.
【図３】図２の構造を構成する圧入固定ナットを示す正
面図。FIG. 3 is a front view showing a press-fit fixing nut constituting the structure of FIG. 2;
【図４】図３のＡ−Ａ断面図。FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 3;
【図５】本発明の実施の形態の第３例を示す部分切断面
図。FIG. 5 is a partially cutaway view showing a third example of the embodiment of the present invention.
【図６】図５の構造を構成する圧入固定ナットを示す斜
視図。FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a press-fit fixing nut constituting the structure of FIG. 5;
【図７】同正面図。FIG. 7 is a front view of the same.
【図８】切断面以外の部分を一部省略して示す、図７の
Ｂ−Ｂ断面図。FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG.
【図９】従来構造の第１例を示す斜視図。FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a first example of a conventional structure.
【図１０】十字軸と第二ヨークとを省略して示す、図９
のＣ−Ｃ断面図。FIG. 10 shows the cross axis and the second yoke omitted,
CC sectional view of FIG.
【図１１】図１０の左方から見た図。FIG. 11 is a view seen from the left side of FIG. 10;
【図１２】従来構造の第２例を示す部分切断面図。FIG. 12 is a partially cutaway view showing a second example of the conventional structure.
【図１３】十字軸と第二ヨークとを省略して示す、図１
２の左部拡大図。FIG. 13 omits a cross shaft and a second yoke.
2 is an enlarged view of the left part.
【図１４】図１３からシャフトの先端部のみを取り出し
て示す図。FIG. 14 is a view showing only the tip of the shaft taken out from FIG. 13;
１、１ａ、１ｂ、１ｃ、１ｄ 弾性自在継手 ２、２ａ、２ｂ シャフト ３、３ａ 緩衝筒 ４ 第一ヨーク ５ 第二ヨーク ６ 十字軸 ７ セレーション軸部 ８ 伝達駒 ９ 中心孔 １０、１０ａ 突片 １１ 弾性材 １２ 内側スリーブ １３ 外側スリーブ １４ 円筒部 １５ 第一アーム １６ 第一円孔 １７ 切り欠き １８ 第二アーム １９ 別のシャフト ２０ 第二円孔 ２１ 伝達駒部 ２２ 大径部 ２３ かしめ部 ２４ 段部 ２５ 軸受カップ ２６ ラジアルニードル軸受 ２７ 凹部 ２８ 凹溝 ２９ 止め輪 ３０ 圧入固定ナット ３１ 基部 ３２ 圧入部 ３３ 切り欠き ３４ 圧入固定ナット ３５ 圧入部 ３６ 突き当て部 ３７ 隙間 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d Elastic universal joint 2, 2a, 2b Shaft 3, 3a Buffer cylinder 4 First yoke 5 Second yoke 6 Cross axis 7 Serration shaft part 8 Transmission piece 9 Center hole 10, 10a Projection piece 11 Elastic material 12 Inner sleeve 13 Outer sleeve 14 Cylindrical part 15 First arm 16 First circular hole 17 Notch 18 Second arm 19 Another shaft 20 Second circular hole 21 Transmission piece part 22 Large diameter part 23 Caulking part 24 Step part Reference Signs List 25 bearing cup 26 radial needle bearing 27 concave portion 28 concave groove 29 retaining ring 30 press-fitting fixed nut 31 base 32 press-fitting portion 33 notch 34 press-fitting fixed nut 35 press-fitting portion 36 butting portion 37 gap
Claims (1)
継手。 シャフトと、このシャフトの先端部に緩衝筒を介し
て外嵌固定された第一ヨークと、第二ヨークと、この第
二ヨークと上記第一ヨークとを連結する十字軸とを備え
る。 上記シャフトの先端で上記緩衝筒の一端縁から突出
した部分には、この緩衝筒の外周面よりも直径方向外方
に突出する突片が固設されている。 上記緩衝筒は、弾性材を含んで筒状に形成されてい
る。 上記第一ヨークは、筒部と、この筒部の軸方向一端
縁の直径方向反対位置から軸方向に延びる１対の第一ア
ームと、これら各第一アームの先端部に互いに同心に形
成された１対の第一円孔と、上記筒部の軸方向一端縁
で、上記１対の第一アームから外れた部分に形成された
切り欠きとを備える。 上記第二ヨークは、互いに離隔して設けられた１対
の第二アームと、これら各第二アームの先端部に互いに
同心に形成された第二円孔とを備える。 上記十字軸の４個所の先端部は、それぞれ１対ずつ
設けられた上記第一、第二両円孔の内側に回転自在に支
持されている。 上記シャフトの先端に設けられた突片は、上記第一
ヨークの筒部に形成した切り欠きに、隙間をあけて緩く
係合している。 上記シャフトの中間部で、上記緩衝筒の他端縁より
突出した部分には、上記緩衝筒の外周面よりも直径方向
外方に突出するストッパーを、少なくとも上記緩衝筒か
ら離れる方向への移動を阻止した状態で、且つ、上記緩
衝筒を構成し、上記第一ヨークの筒部に内嵌固定される
部材との間に隙間を介在させた状態で装着している。An elastic universal joint which satisfies all of the following requirements: A shaft, a first yoke externally fitted and fixed to a distal end portion of the shaft via a buffer tube, a second yoke, and a cross shaft connecting the second yoke and the first yoke are provided. A protruding piece projecting diametrically outward from the outer peripheral surface of the buffer cylinder is fixedly provided at a portion of the tip of the shaft that protrudes from one edge of the buffer cylinder. The buffer cylinder is formed in a tubular shape including an elastic material. The first yoke is formed concentrically with a cylindrical portion, a pair of first arms extending in the axial direction from a diametrically opposite position of one axial end edge of the cylindrical portion, and a distal end of each of the first arms. A pair of first circular holes, and a notch formed at a portion of the one end of the cylindrical portion in the axial direction that is separated from the pair of first arms. The second yoke includes a pair of second arms provided apart from each other, and a second circular hole formed concentrically at the tip of each of the second arms. Four tip portions of the cross shaft are rotatably supported inside the first and second circular holes provided in pairs. The protruding piece provided at the tip of the shaft is loosely engaged with a notch formed in the cylindrical portion of the first yoke with a gap. In the middle portion of the shaft, a portion protruding from the other end of the shock-absorbing cylinder has a stopper projecting diametrically outward from the outer peripheral surface of the shock-absorbing cylinder, at least moving in a direction away from the shock-absorbing cylinder. It is mounted in a blocked state and with the buffer cylinder being configured and with a gap interposed between the buffer cylinder and a member that is fitted and fixed to the cylindrical portion of the first yoke.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP31378596A JP3769846B2 (en) | 1996-11-25 | 1996-11-25 | Elastic universal joint |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP31378596A JP3769846B2 (en) | 1996-11-25 | 1996-11-25 | Elastic universal joint |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH10159865A true JPH10159865A (en) | 1998-06-16 |
| JP3769846B2 JP3769846B2 (en) | 2006-04-26 |
Family
ID=18045507
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP31378596A Expired - Lifetime JP3769846B2 (en) | 1996-11-25 | 1996-11-25 | Elastic universal joint |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP3769846B2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR101364140B1 (en) * | 2007-05-18 | 2014-02-17 | 한국델파이주식회사 | Intermediate steering shaft sssembly with cap variateing stiffness for a Vehicle |
-
1996
- 1996-11-25 JP JP31378596A patent/JP3769846B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR101364140B1 (en) * | 2007-05-18 | 2014-02-17 | 한국델파이주식회사 | Intermediate steering shaft sssembly with cap variateing stiffness for a Vehicle |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP3769846B2 (en) | 2006-04-26 |
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