JPS6031956Y2 - Steering shaft coupling - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed explanation of the idea] The present invention relates to a shaft coupling for steering.

A conventional steering shaft joint is constructed as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

That is, 1 is a first shaft connected to either the steering wheel 3 or the steering linkage 8 (in this example, the steering wheel 3) via a yoke 2a etc. that constitutes the universal joint 2. On the outer periphery of one end side of the shaft 1 of 1, the first
At least one protrusion 4 is provided to protrude in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft 1.

Reference numeral 5 denotes a cylindrical second shaft that is press-fitted onto the outer periphery of one end of the first shaft 1 via a rubber elastic member 6. A slot 7 is formed which engages in the direction with the desired angle of play, the other end of which is connected via a steering shaft 20 to a steering linkage 8 or to a steering wheel 3 (in this example, steering linkage 8). ing.

In the steering shaft joint configured as described above, the rotational force from the steering wheel 3 is transmitted to the first shaft 1 via the universal joint 2, and the rubber elastic member 6 is further transmitted from the first shaft 1 to the first shaft 1. The steering linkage 8 connected to the other end of the second shaft 5 is moved.

On the other hand, when the vehicle is running, kick packs, vibrations, etc. that enter from the road surface are transmitted from the second shaft 5 connected to the steering linkage 8 to the elastic member 6.
It is absorbed by the rubber elastic member 6 within the range of the play angle given to the slot 7, and a comfortable driving feeling can be ensured.

However, since the end of the second shaft 5 on the slot 7 side is open, there are drawbacks listed below.

(1) Since muddy water, earth and sand are likely to enter between the elastic member 6 and the first shaft 1 or the second shaft 5 through the slot 7, rust etc. may occur between them.
The vibration damping function of the elastic member 6 will no longer be sufficiently effective.

Therefore, it becomes impossible to ensure a comfortable driving feeling for a long period of time.

(2) Dust, dirt, etc. may adhere to the predetermined gap formed between the slot 7 and the protrusion 4, reducing or blocking the rotational gap between the slot 7 and the protrusion 4; Therefore, there are disadvantages such as abnormal noises etc. being generated and the required play between the first shaft 1 and the second shaft 5 not being able to be secured.

In view of the above-mentioned drawbacks of the conventional art, the present invention provides a mechanism for passing through a slot formed in an opening at one end of the second shaft 5.
This prevents muddy water, dirt, etc. from entering between the elastic member and the first shaft or the second shaft, thereby preventing the generation of abnormal noise and deterioration of the vibration damping function of the elastic member, and improving durability. The objective is to obtain an excellent and economical steering shaft coupling.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

In the description of these embodiments, the same parts as those of the conventional example are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanation will be omitted.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the steering shaft joint has a yoke 2 constituting a universal joint 2 at one end.
A first shaft 1 to which a is welded, and at least one protrusion 4 protruding from the outer periphery of one end of the first shaft 1.
and a second shaft 5 having a slot 7 that is press-fit into the outer periphery of the other end of the first shaft 1 via a rubber elastic member 6 and that engages the protrusion 4 with a desired play angle.
It is equipped with

The dust cover 10 covering the slot 7 and the protrusion 4 is
It is provided between the first shaft 1 and the second shaft 5.

This dust cover 10 includes a metal dust seal retainer 12 inserted and fixed to the outer periphery of one end of the first shaft 1, and one end attached to the dust seal retainer 12.
The dust seal member 9 has the other end in contact with the outer periphery of the second shaft 5.

Next, an example of the procedure for assembling the steering shaft joint according to the present invention having the above configuration will be described.

First, the dust seal retainer 12 is attached to one end of the first shaft 1, and one end of the dust seal retainer 12 is fitted to a predetermined position on the outer periphery of the one end of the first shaft 1. A yoke 2a is welded to one end of the yoke 2a.

In this case, since the dust seal retainer 12 is made of a metal material, the dust seal retainer 12 will not deteriorate or be damaged by the effects of spatter or welding heat generated during welding.

Next, after fixing one end of the dust seal member 9 to the other end of the dust seal retainer 12, a second shaft having an elastic member 6 disposed inside thereof is inserted between the dust seal member 9 and the first shaft 1. Interpose 5.

Note that after fitting the second shaft 5 to the outer periphery of the first shaft 1 with the dust seal member 9 fitted to the outer periphery of one end of the second shaft 5, one end of the dust seal member 9 is fitted to the outer periphery of the first shaft 1. It may be fixed to the other end of 12.

In this way, in this embodiment, the first shaft 1
This is because a dust cover 10 is provided that covers a protrusion 4 protruding from the outer periphery of one end and a slot 7 provided in the second shaft 5 that engages with the protrusion 4 at a desired angle of play. The dust cover 10 prevents muddy water and the like from entering and adhering to the inside of the slot 7, thereby preventing functional deterioration of the joint caused by the muddy water and the like entering.

Further, this dust cover 10 is attached to a dust seal retainer 12 fixed to the outer periphery of one end side of the first shaft 1 to which the yoke 2a constituting the universal joint 2 is welded to one end, and one end is attached to the dust seal retainer 12, Since the dust seal member 9 has the other end in contact with the outer periphery of the second shaft 5, after the dust seal retainer 12 is inserted and fixed into the first shaft 1, a yoke is attached to one end of the first shaft 1. 2a, and then the dust seal member 9 can be attached to the other end side of the dust seal retainer 12.

Therefore, the dust seal member 9 is not affected by welding heat or spatter generated when welding the yoke 2a to the first shaft 1, and therefore, there is no deterioration or damage caused by welding heat or spatter. The dust cover 10 can cover a predetermined area.

Next, FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway sectional view showing another embodiment of the present invention.

The main difference between this embodiment and the embodiment shown in FIG. In particular, it extends to the outer periphery of the second shaft 5.

Note that 9A is a dust seal member whose one end is attached to the dust seal retainer 12A and whose other end is in contact with the outer periphery of the second shaft 5.

Even with this configuration, the same functions and effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiments can be obtained.

As explained above, according to the present invention, the first shaft is engaged with the protrusion protruding from the outer periphery of one end side at a desired angle of play.

By providing a dust cover that covers the slot provided in the second shaft, it is possible to prevent muddy water from entering and adhering to the inside of the slot, thereby preventing functional deterioration of the joint due to the intrusion of muddy water, etc. It can be prevented.

Further, this dust cover is attached to a dust seal retainer fixed to the outer periphery of one end of the first shaft to which a yoke constituting a universal joint is welded to one end, and one end is attached to the dust seal retainer and the other end is attached to the second shaft.
After the dust seal retainer is inserted and fixed to the first shaft, a yoke is welded to one end of the first shaft, and then the other end of the dust seal retainer is welded to one end of the first shaft. A dust seal member can be attached to the side.

Therefore, the dust seal member is not affected by welding heat or spatter generated when welding the yoke to the first shaft, and therefore the dust cover is free from deterioration or damage caused by welding heat or soot. ,
It can be applied to a predetermined area.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing how the steering shaft coupling is used, Fig. 2 is a partially cutaway cross-sectional view showing an example of a conventional steering shaft coupling, and Fig. 3 is an implementation of the steering shaft coupling of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway sectional view showing another embodiment of the present invention. 1...First shaft, 2...Universal joint, 2a...Yoke, 3...
...Steering wheel, 4...Protrusion, 5
...Second shaft, 6...Rubber elastic member, 7...Slot, 8...Steering linkage, 9, 9A... Dust seal member, 10, 10A...Dust cover 12゜12A...Dust cover retainer.

Claims (1)

[Scope of utility model registration request] a first shaft to which a yoke constituting a universal joint is welded to one end; at least one protrusion protruding from the outer periphery of one end of the first shaft; and an outer periphery of the other end of the first shaft. a second shaft having a slot that is press-fitted into the shaft through a rubber elastic member and that engages the protrusion with a desired angle of play; a dust cover that covers the slot and the protrusion; This dust cover is made up of a metal dust seal retainer inserted and fixed to the outer periphery of one end of the first shaft, and a dust seal member whose one end is attached to the dust seal retainer and whose other end is in contact with the outer periphery of the second shaft. A steering shaft joint characterized by the following configuration.