JPH10955A - Driving shaft, especially automotive wheel driving side shaft - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To ensure an accurate function in the component of a driving shaft even in the case where any large load is suddenly imposed. SOLUTION: This shaft is so constituted that it is provided with two constant velocity universal joints connected with each other by a connecting shaft 10, thereby driving the wheels of an automobile. In this case, the connecting shaft 10 consists of a plunging part 25 and a shank 33, and this plunging part 25 is equipped with a plunging journal 24 and a tubular sliding part 29 surrounding this plunging journal 24, respectively. This sliding part 29 is welded to the shank 33. Since this shank 33 is softly formed to a rotation from a solid or hollow material, which the plunging part 25 and component parts related to it are formed to be rigidity to the rotation, even in the case where any large torque load is suddenly imposed, a roiling contacting member 27 of the plunging part 25 is freely rollable in tow travel grooves 26 and 30 conformed to the plunging journal 24 and the tubular sliding part 29 to compensate a movement of in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, the shank 33 consisting of the solid material is flexible to the rotation, so that it acts as a rotary spring rod.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a drive shaft for driving wheels of an automobile having two constant velocity joints connected to each other by a connection shaft, and more particularly to a side shaft.

More specifically, the connecting shaft comprises a plunging portion and a shaft portion, which is disposed coaxially around the plunging journal and connected to the shaft portion. A tubular sliding portion formed between the plunging journal and the tubular sliding portion in parallel with a longitudinal axis of the connecting shaft by engaging with a track of the plunging journal and the tubular sliding portion. A drive contact shaft, particularly a motor vehicle, wherein the plunging journal and the shaft are formed integrally with or connectable to one component of the constant velocity joint. To a side shaft for driving a wheel.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art Such a drive shaft is described, for example, in DE-A-4419373.
The connecting shaft here has uniform high rigidity.

[0004] In designing a side shaft for an automobile, it is calculated that the connecting shaft, that is, the shaft connecting two constant velocity joints, also conforms to the rotational rigidity of the joint, that is, the rotational rigidity is made as high as possible. You. However, in such a design with increased rotational rigidity, when a vehicle is suddenly started as in a so-called jump start, the load peak is transmitted as it is without being attenuated. Load is exerted, which adversely affects its function.

With respect to the drive shaft, for example, when a change in the length of the drive shaft caused by the compression and elastic rebound of the wheels is offset by a plunging joint type constant velocity joint, a strain is generated due to distortion. May affect the process of adapting the joint to changes in

The situation would be improved if an embodiment based on the state-of-the-art technology of species forming (DE 4419373) was chosen. However, even with such an improved structure, the load on the constant velocity joint is large.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a drive shaft in which the correct functioning of the components of the drive shaft is guaranteed even under heavy loads.

[0008]

According to the present invention, it is an object of the present invention to provide a plunging part, in which the rotational stiffness of the plunging journal and the sliding part is such that the maximum achievable load can be achieved when driving the wheels of an automobile. Is set so that the rolling contact member can freely roll within the track of the plunging journal and the sliding portion when the length of the two constant velocity joints fluctuates due to the occurrence of This is achieved because the part has a lower rotational stiffness than the components of the plunging part.

An advantage of the above configuration is that when a load is suddenly applied, a shaft portion having low rotational rigidity is twisted. The shaft is used as a rotary bar spring. The acceleration of the vehicle is correspondingly reduced, which is also an advantage. The rotational stiffness is calculated on the basis of the requirements of the vehicle manufacturer so that on the one hand the comfort as much as possible and on the other hand the other elements constituting the power transmission path are not subjected to unacceptably high loads.

It is a further advantage that the drive shaft, in which the plunging bearing rotates and oscillates, can be kept stationary to minimize stress. The rigidity of the components of the plunging part is set so that the function of the plunging part is not affected.
Furthermore, even when the shaft portion is twisted, the change in length resulting from the twist is offset by the plunging portion,
There is also the advantage that the joint is not affected. No load is applied to adjacent joints.

According to a preferred embodiment, the components relating to the plunging part are assembled together by applying a preload.

Therefore, the rotational rigidity of the shaft portion is calculated so as to have a predetermined rotational rigidity according to the vehicle.

A particularly advantageous embodiment is achieved, as proposed, in that the shaft, except for the two connecting ends, is cylindrical and made of solid material. However, it is also proposed to form the shaft part integrally with the sliding part, configure the sliding part as a tube part with a corrugated cross section, and configure the shaft part as a cylindrical tube part.

When a solid material is selected for the shaft portion, it is desirable to increase the diameter of the connecting region of the shaft portion to the sliding portion of the plunging portion in a dish shape. The sliding part of the plunging part is fixed to the connection area, but may be fixed by welding, for example.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention and its application to a four-wheel drive vehicle will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings schematically shown.

FIG. 1 shows an engine 3 in which a manual gearbox for driving a front axle differential 4 is connected to the rear, and two engines driven via side shafts 7 from two output ends of the differential 4. 1 shows a four-wheel drive vehicle provided with a power transmission device having a front wheel 1. Since the driving operation of the rear wheel 2 is obtained from the front axle differential 4, the rear axle differential 5 is driven by the distributor drive unit and the propulsion shaft, and the side shaft 6 is moved rearward from the rear axle differential 6. It extends to the ring 2.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a first embodiment of a side shaft 6 for driving one of two rear wheels 2, for example.

The drive shaft 6 according to FIG. 2 is used as a side shaft and has two constant velocity joints, namely a first constant velocity joint 3 arranged toward the rear wheel and a constant velocity joint for the axle differential. And a second constant-velocity joint which is disposed. The two constant velocity joints 8 and 9 are connected to each other via a connection shaft 10. The first constant velocity joint 8 includes an outer joint portion 11 and an outer running groove 12 distributed around a longitudinal axis in the cavity.

A connecting journal 13 is provided for connecting the outer joint portion 11 to one of the rear wheel hubs. In the cavity of the outer joint part 11, an inner joint part 14 is supported via an adjusting element 21 so as to be rotatable in all directions. The inner joint part 14 has an outer joint part 11 on its outer surface.
Inner running groove 15 disposed opposite the outer running groove 12
It has. Opposite outer running groove 12 and inner running groove 1
Each pair of 5 accommodates a sphere 17 for torque transmission. The spheres 17 are all guided in the window of the cage 16.
The inner joint part 14 supports a connecting journal 18 facing the second constant velocity joint 9.

The connecting journal 18 has at its end a connecting means 1 which is attached to a corresponding connecting means of the connecting shaft 10.
9 is provided. Further, a space between the connecting journal 18 and the outer joint portion 11 is sealed by a boot 20. In principle, the second constant velocity joint 9 is the same as the first constant velocity joint 8 except for the connecting means.

The inner joint portion 23 of the second constant velocity joint 9 supports a plunging journal 24 related to the plunging portion 25. A running groove 26 for a rolling contact member 27 is formed on the outer surface of the plunging journal 24, and the running groove 26 is circumferentially distributed around the longitudinal axis 22 and parallel to the axis. .

The rolling contact member 27 is preferably formed as a sphere, and a plurality of spheres are arranged in a row in each running groove 26. The rolling contact member 27 is held in a retainer 28 and is engaged with the running groove 30 of the sliding portion 29. The sliding part 29 is formed as a tubular part.

The running groove 30 is arranged opposite the running groove 26 and extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 22. A boot having a sealing function is attached between the outer surface of the sliding portion 29 and the outer surface of the outer joint portion of the constant velocity joint 9.
A cap 31 is inserted into the bore of the sliding portion 29 so as to extend in the direction of the shaft portion 33 of the connecting shaft 10. The cap 31 regulates the adjustment path of the rolling contact member 27 in the running grooves 26, 30.

The connecting portion of the sliding portion 29 is opposed to the shaft portion 33, and the connecting end portion of the connecting portion is a shaft portion 3 having a dish-shaped cross section.
3 is welded to the mounting area. The shaft part 33 is connected at the other end thereof to the connecting means 32 of the connecting journal 18 associated with the inner joint part 14 of the constant velocity joint 8.
It has. The shaft portion 33 is formed from a solid material and has a cylindrical shape.

The rotational stiffness of the plunging part 25, to be more precise its components, ie the sliding part 29 and the plunging journal 24, is such that the full torque is transmitted and also the so-called jump start, i.e. the vibrating start. , So that the plunging function is ensured, that is, the running grooves 26, 30
The rolling contact member 27 in the inside accurately rolls, and the constant velocity joints 8, 9
In order to accommodate the variation of the length between the centers without interference,
Is calculated.

The rotational rigidity of the shaft portion 33 is reduced accordingly so that the shaft portion 33 is twisted within an elastic range even when a constant torque load is applied. In the above-described configuration, when the length changes due to torsion, a force is not applied to the constant velocity joints 8 and 9 connected to the connection shaft 10 so that distortion does not occur.

FIG. 3 shows a modified embodiment relating to the shaft portion 33 'and the sliding portion 29' connected thereto. In contrast to the embodiment according to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the sliding part 29 ′ is formed as a deep drawing part and the cross section is wavy. As a result of the increase in the rotational rigidity due to the formation of the waveform, ie, the jaggedness, in the tubular portion of the sliding portion 29 ′, substantially no deformation occurs even under a torque load, or even very little deformation occurs, and the rolling contact member is Rolling can be performed accurately within the valley of the sliding portion 29 '.

It can also be seen that the sliding part 29 'has a collar extending inwardly towards the connecting area 35 of the shaft part 33'. The central opening is closed by a plug. The connecting area 35 is formed by a shaft 3 made of a solid material.
It is formed by enlarging the diameter of 3 'in a dish shape. The sliding part 29 ′ is connected to the connection area 35 via the welding part 36. At the end opposite to the sliding portion 29 ', a shaft 3
A coupling means 32 is formed which consists of end teeth provided on a collar formed on 3 '.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the drive shaft 6 'in which the slide 29 "and the shaft 33' connected to the connecting shaft 10 'are integrally formed from a tube extending in the direction of the slide. In this part, even when a large torque load is suddenly applied,
The rotational stiffness is calculated so that the function of the plunging portion 25 ', that is, the function of easily changing the length between the two constant velocity joints 8' and 9 'is not adversely affected.

The inner joint portion of the constant velocity joint 8 'and the sliding portion 2
The connection between the tubular shaft 33 "whose diameter has been reduced to that of the shaft 9" extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 22 and the shaft 3 ".
This is achieved by a short journal 18 ', whose outer surface has teeth fitted into the 3 "lumen, thereby achieving a tight connection. Axial locking may be provided by a locking ring. The rotational stiffness of the tubular shaft 33 "is also calculated based on the criteria described in connection with the embodiment according to FIG.

Hereinafter, aspects of preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described. 1. The connecting shaft (10, 10 ') comprises a plunging part (25, 25') and a shaft part (33, 33 ', 33 "), and the plunging part comprises a plunging journal (24) and the aforementioned A tubular sliding portion (29, 29 ') disposed coaxially around the plunging journal (24) and connected to the shaft portion; and a track (26) associated with the plunging journal and the tubular sliding portion. , 30) and a rolling contact member (27) disposed between the plunging journal and the tubular slide in parallel to the longitudinal axis (22) of the connecting shaft;

The plunging journal (24) and the shaft (33, 33 ', 33 ") are connected to a constant velocity joint (8,
8 ', 9, 9') and two constant velocity joints (8, 8 ', 9,...) Connected to each other by the connecting shaft and formed integrally with or connectable to one of the components.
9 ') for driving the vehicle wheels (1) with a drive shaft (6), in particular a side shaft,

The rotational rigidity of the components relating to the plunging portions (25, 25 '), ie, the plunging journal (24) and the sliding portions (29, 29'), is such that the wheel (1) of the automobile is provided.
In the event of a maximum achievable load during the operation of the motor and a length variation between the two constant velocity joints (8, 8 ', 9, 9'), the rolling contact member (27) will 24) and the rolling portions (26, 30) can be freely rolled in the orbits (26, 30), and the shaft portions (33, 33 ',
33 ") having a lower rotational rigidity than the components of said plunging part (25, 25 ').

2. The plunging part (25, 25 ')
The drive shaft according to item 1, wherein the components according to (1) and (2) are assembled together by applying a preload.

3. Except for the two connecting ends, the shaft (33,
33 '). The drive shaft according to any of the preceding items, wherein 33') is cylindrical and made of a solid material.

4. The shaft part (33 ″) is a sliding part (2
9 "), and is formed integrally with the sliding portion (2).
9 ") is configured as a tubular portion having a corrugated cross section, and the shaft portion (33") is configured as a cylindrical tubular portion. .

5. Shafts (33, 3) provided opposite the sliding portions (29, 29 ') of the plunging portion (25).
Item 3. The drive shaft according to item 3, wherein the diameter of the connection region (35) in 3 ') is increased in a dish shape.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a driving concept of a four-wheel drive vehicle.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a first embodiment of a drive shaft according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a modified embodiment of a connecting shaft in which a sliding portion as a deep drawing portion is connected to a shaft portion formed of a solid material.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a modified embodiment of a drive shaft in which a sliding portion and a shaft portion are integrated as a tube.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 front wheel 2 rear wheel 3 engine 4 front axle differential 5 rear axle differential 6 side shaft 6 'side shaft 7 side shaft 8 first constant velocity joint 8' first constant velocity joint 9 second constant velocity Joint 9 'Second constant velocity joint 10 Connecting shaft 10' Connecting shaft 11 Outer joint part 12 Outer running groove 13 Connecting journal 14 Inner joint part 15 Inner running groove 16 Cage 17 Spherical body 18 Connecting journal 19 Connecting means 20 Boot 21 Adjustment Element 22 Longitudinal axis 23 Inner joint part of second CV joint 24 Plunging journal 25 Plunging part 25 'Plunging part 26 Running groove in plunging journal 27 Rolling contact member / sphere 28 Retainer 29 Sliding part 29 ′ Sliding part 30 Running groove in shaft part 31 Cap 32 Connecting means 33 Shaft part 33 ′ Shaft part 33 ″ Shaft part 34 Boot 35 Connection area 36 Weld

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Vernal Jakob, Germany Bryant Ring, Germany 29 (72) Inventor Manfred Niederhofner, Germany Hanau, Kreuzweg 22

Claims (1)

[Claims] A connecting shaft (10, 10 ') comprises a plunging part (25, 25') and a shaft part (33, 33 ', 33 ").
The plunging unit comprises: a plunging journal (24); and the plunging journal (24).
Engagement with a tubular slide (29, 29 ') coaxially disposed around and connected to the shaft, and a track (26, 30) associated with the plunging journal and the tubular slide. And a rolling contact member (27) disposed between the plunging journal and the tubular sliding portion in parallel to the longitudinal axis (22) of the connecting shaft, and the plunging journal (24) Shaft (33, 3
3 ', 33 ") and constant velocity joints (8, 8', 9, 9 ')
And two constant velocity joints (8, 8 ', 9, 9') connected to each other by the connecting shaft, which are formed integrally with or connectable to one of the components of the vehicle. In the drive shaft (6) for driving the wheel (1), particularly the side shaft, the components relating to the plunging part (25, 25 '), namely the plunging journal (24) and the sliding part (29,2).
The rotational stiffness of 9 ′) is such that the maximum achievable load occurs when driving the wheels (1) of the motor vehicle and the two constant velocity joints (8, 8 ′,
The rolling contact member (27) can roll freely within the plunging journal (24) and the track (26, 30) of the sliding part in the event of a length variation between 9, 9 '). A drive shaft, in particular a motor vehicle, characterized in that the shaft (33, 33 ', 33 ") has a lower rotational rigidity than the components of the plunging part (25, 25'). Side shaft for driving wheels.