KR0132298B1 - Yoke for hookes type universal joint - Google Patents

Abstract

None.

Description

Universal joints and ferrous metal yokes used therein

1a is a partial side view of a yoke for a universal joint in which the arm of the yoke is made according to the prior art.

1B is a partial side view of a yoke for a universal joint in which the arm of the yoke is made in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1A.

3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1B.

4 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a drive assembly for an automobile having a plurality of yokes for universal joints according to the invention.

5 is a partial cross-sectional side view of one of the yokes of the universal joint yoke of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG.

7 is a perspective view of another yoke in the yoke for the universal joint of FIG.

8 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the universal joint yoke of FIG.

9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG.

10 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the yoke or other yoke for the universal joint shown in FIG.

11 is a sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG.

12 is an end view of the yoke for universal joints of FIGS. 10 and 11;

* Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings

20,20 ', 48: yoke 22,24', 56: hub part

24,24 ', 94,96: Bore 26,26', 50,52: Arm

30,46 Journal crose 26a, 86a Web part

26b, 26c, 86b, 86c: flange portion 40: drive assembly

64: tubular member

[Related Applications]

This application is the application of C.I.P of the pending US patent application No. 129,765.

[Background of invention]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a hook-type universal joint, and more particularly, to a ferrous metal yoke having reduced weight and improved flexibility suitable for universal joints.

As is known in the art, a hook type universal joint is made of a yoke having a pair of spaced apart members, which are generally referred to as arms or ears. A cross hole extends through each of the arms, and the holes of such arms are coaxial with each other. In addition, this type of universal joint includes a cross member (also called a journal cross), a magnetic shaft or a spider, which is pivotally mounted in the yoke arm's hole. There will be a pair of opposing coaxial arms. This type of universal joint also includes a third member (which may be a second yoke) having a pair of spaced apart arms extending through the coaxial cross hole, the second of the journal cross in the hole. A pair of opposing coaxial arms are pivotally mounted, the axis of which extends perpendicular to the axis of the first pair. The use of the universal joint is such that the torque from the drive member connects the torque from the drive member to one of the first and second yokes when the axis of rotation of the drive member and the axis of rotation of the driven member are in a non-coaxial relationship. And conveying to the other one of the first yoke and the second yoke.

Even if there is an axial misalignment between the axis of rotation of the drive member and the axis of rotation of the driven member, this can be achieved by using multiple hook-type universal joints between the driven member and the driven member with intermediate driven members between each paired universal joint. May be acceptable. The various types of universal joints of the above type allow the non-coaxial relationship between the axes, in particular, as the relationship between the axis of rotation of the transmission output shaft and the axis of rotation of the differential input shaft changes with the influence of the car suspension system during vehicle operation. It is widely used in front engine rear wheel drive cars and trucks in connection with a drive shaft assembly used to transfer torque from a vehicle transmission to a vehicle differential.

The yoke for hook-type universal joints of the known type, having the above characteristics, has the desired strength, V deflection and weight characteristics, and whether or not it is necessary to weld other elements of the drive assembly to the yoke. And yokes made of ferrous metals, such as cast iron or forged steel, and yokes made of light metals such as aluminum and aluminum alloys, as determined by the operational requirements of using and forging steel yokes. Of course, because the elastic modulus of the ferrous metal yoke is nearly 3.0 times the elastic modulus of the aluminum or aluminum alloy yoke (30,000,000 psi for 10,300,000 psi), and the elastic modulus of the cast iron yoke (23,000,000 psi) is also significantly higher than that of the aluminum or aluminum alloy yoke. Because of their larger size, the arms of forged steel yokes or cast iron yokes are considerably harder to receive less deflection and torsion under torque rods during normal operation of universal joints than arms of similar aluminum or aluminum alloy yokes. This fact has been a problem in universal joint design because of the torsion or deflection of the journal cross element resulting from the torque rod applied to the joint journal cross element during operation of the universal joint. Such torsion or deflection sometimes results in misalignment of the axis of the initially coaxially opposed arm in each pair of journal cross arms.

Previously in universal joints using cast iron or forged steel yokes, the yoke was increased in volume to allow the arm to be twisted and deflected to a minimum under torsional loads applied to the arm of the yoke during operation of the universal joint. The deflection and twist of the journal cross arms being joined were limited. However, this solution resulted in local unbalanced rods being applied to the annular bearings that normally rotate the yoke arm and the journal cross arm, and the needle bearing parts of the annular bearings, resulting in bearing failure earlier. Yoke has a rather bulky arm. In the necessity of minimizing the torsion of yokes and journal crosses under torsion rods, the yoke arms for conventional ferrous metal universal joints have become larger, thus increasing the weight of the yokes and universal joints incorporating these yokes and increasing material costs.

[Summary of invention]

According to the present invention there is provided a ferrous metal yoke for a hook type universal joint and a hook type universal joint incorporating the yoke, wherein each of the yoke arms is within the arm, i.e., the axis of rotation of the yoke incorporating the arm and the arm. It is designed to have a shear center (or sometimes called a bending center) in between. This design feature provides an arm with torsion rod deflection and torsional characteristics that is the same as the torsion rod deflection and torsional characteristics of the journal cross arm of the universal joint housed in the arm of the yoke. The yoke arm of the present invention may be equipped with a shear center characteristic by forming at least a portion of the arm, the portion of which has an outward C shape leading to the journal aperture and having a substantially flat web portion by the journal aperture. The web portion extends parallel to the axis of rotation of the yoke and the spaced apart approximately flat flange portions extend parallel to one another and outwardly perpendicular from the web portion. In this case, moving the shear center of the yoke arm inward increases the torsional moment of the torsion rod applied to the arm, thereby causing the arm to twist further under the torsion rod, thus pre-deflection and torsion of the journal cross arm accommodated in the yoke arm. Will be exactly the same as At the same time, the amount of material in the yoke arm is also reduced, thereby reducing the weight and cost of the yoke. In addition, the reduction of the yoke arm material increases the lateral displacement of the arm under torsion rods, which also makes the operation of the yoke arm under torsion rods more harmonious with the operation of the journal cross arms.

EP 074 625 discloses a yoke with an arm having a C-shaped cross section, which increases the lateral deflection of the arm under torsional loads compared to the cross section of a standard yoke arm. However, the C shape of the yoke arm of the patent is directed inward, so that the torsion of each arm under the shear rod causes the shear center portion to move outward of the arm so that it is in the opposite direction as necessary. The present invention is applicable to various types of yokes, such as tube yokes, slip yokes and end yokes, suitable for hook type universal joints used in drive shaft assemblies of front engine rear wheel drives and trucks.

Detailed Description of the Invention Through the Preferred Embodiments

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1A and 1B show opposite half portions of the hook type universal joint, respectively, half portion 20 'of FIG. 1A is of the prior art structure, and half portion 20 of FIG. It is a structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Yokes 20 and 20'are generally described as end yokes and are made of heavy rigid ferrous metals such as cast iron or forged steel. Each of the yokes 20, 20 ′ is provided with annular hub portions 22, 22 ′ with bores 24, 24 ′ extending therethrough. The central axis of the annular hub portion 22, 22 'is the axis of rotation of the yoke 20, 20' during the operation of the yoke-integrated universal joint, and the yoke 20, 20 'is a pair of separation arm (26, 26 '), only one arm of which is shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, wherein the separating separation arms are approximately parallel to each other and at the ends of the hub portions 22, 22' and the yoke 20 20 ') and extend substantially parallel to the axis of rotation.

The arm 26 'of the yoke 20' corresponds to the prior art, and the arm 26 of the yoke 20 corresponds to the present invention. Arm 26 has a bore 28 extending therethrough, and arm 26 'has a bore 28' extending therethrough. Bore 28, 28 'is coaxial with the opposite arm of yoke when yoke 20, 20' is in an unloaded state, extends vertically through the axis of rotation of yoke 20, 20 ', and generally cross It accommodates an annular bearing (not shown) which sequentially receives the ends of the arms of the opposite pair of shape journal crosses.

In the operating state of the arm 26 ', the force from the torsion rod applied to the yoke 20' is applied to the arm and exerted along the X'-X 'axis. The arm 26 'has a shear center along the Y'-Y' axis and the deflection of the arm 26 'exerted on the X'-X' axis (the length of the arm and the As a function of other design features such as connection design), it is a function of the torsion moment arm of the arm 26 'which is the distance Z' between the X'-X 'axis and the Y'-Y' axis. As shown in FIG. 2, the distance Z 'or torsional moment arm of the universal joint yoke arm of general construction is small, indicating that the arm is subjected to extremely small deflection or torsion under torsional loads. The retraction or torsion is considerably smaller than the pre-deflection of the journal cross arm journaled to the yoke arm, which imparts a generally unbalanced rod to the annular bearing disposed between the journal cross arm and the universal joint yoke arm.

The problem with the conventional structure of FIG. 2 is solved using an arm 26, which arm 26 is substantially flat web portion 26a and spaced apart flange portion 26c, as shown in FIG. It has a C-shaped cross section with 26b), and the flange portion extends parallel to each other in the vertical direction from the end of the web portion. Thus, the shear center of the arm 26 is inward of the arm 26 in the direction toward the axis of rotation of the yoke for universal joint in which the arm 26 is incorporated, and as shown in FIG. It is along the YY axis. Thus, the design of the arm 26 shifts the shear center of the arm relative to its position in the arm corresponding to the arm 26 ', along the XX axis in the embodiment of FIG. 3 thereon. It is designed to similarly raise the position of the force generated from the acting torsion rod. Thus, in relation to the structure of the conventional arm 26 'shown in FIG. 2, the arm 26 according to the invention shown in FIG. 3 has a large torsional moment arm z, which is generally large. Torsion under a much more torsional load. Thus, the arm 26 is twisted under a torsion rod in the same direction as the normal deflection of the journal cross arm, so that the bearing 26 in the bearing 26 (not shown) and in the journal receives the journal cross arm in a rotational manner. Localized loads are alleviated at the cross arms. Moreover, because of the reduced amount of material of the arm 26 compared to the arm 26 ', the arm 26 moves laterally up to more extensions than the arm 26' in a torsional load state, and this fact also It also serves to relieve local loads on the journal cross arms and the bearings in which they are accommodated.

The drive assembly 40 shown in FIG. 4 is provided to transfer torque from the input end 42 to the output end 44. The drive assembly 40 of FIG. 4 is used to transmit torque from the transmission of the front engine rear wheel drive vehicle, and the input end 42 is considered an end attached to the vehicle transmission. Thus, the output end 44 of the drive assembly 40 is to be attached to the vehicle differential.

The drive assembly 40 comprises a slip yoke type first yoke 48, wherein the separated arms of the yoke are pivotally received with a first pair of arms 50, 52 of the first journal cross 46. . The universal joint, in which the yoke 48 and the first journal cross 46 are combined, has an arm separated by another pair of arms of the journal cross 46 (only one of the arms 54 is shown in the drawing). It is normally incorporating other elements that may be other yokes (not shown). The yoke 48 includes an elongated annular hub portion 56, with the interior of the hub portion 56 an indoor spline 58 as is known in the art. In addition, the drive assembly 40 further includes a shafted member 60, which shaft is slid into the indoor spline 58 of the yoke 48. Member 60 has an extended end portion 62. The drive assembly 40 also includes a tubular member 64 and has a first end that is flexible over the extended end portion, and 66 is a weld site.

The opposite end of the tubular member 64 is stretchable over the end 68 of the hub 70 of the second yoke 72. The second yoke 72, in the form of a tube yoke, receives the first pair of opposing arms 74, 76 of the journal cross 78, and forged steel such that the opposite ends of the tubular member 64 are welded to the yoke. It must be manufactured. The second journal cross 78 also includes a second pair of opposing arms, only one arm 80 of which is shown in the figure. The second pair of opposing arms extends laterally of the first pair of arms 74, 76 of the journal cross 78, and the separated pair of arms are attached to the flange 84, which in turn It is attached to the differential of the automobile (not shown). In the yoke 72 configuration, the junction between the arms 86, 88 and the annular hub portion 56 must be sufficiently thick in the transverse direction so that there is no reflection due to the properties of the lamina, and the junction of each of the arms and the annular hub portion. Should have a relatively short radius. This design standard applies to any yoke according to the invention.

The yoke 48, shown in detail in FIGS. 5 and 6, extends from the same end of the elongated hub portion 56 toward the input end of the drive assembly 40 and the hub with ferrous metal such as forged steel or cast iron. And a pair of spaced apart separating arms 86, 88 integrally formed in a single piece with the portion 56. Arms 86 and 88 of yoke 48 are similar in shape and are shown in relation to arm 86 in FIG. 6, each of which is a C-shaped structure, positioned inwardly of the arm and consequently the first. The torsion rod acting on it while the universal joint is in operation provides the shear center generated in the larger moment arm. As described in relation to the arm 26 of FIG. 1B, this arrangement of the shear centers of the arms 86, 88 respectively corresponds closely to the pre-deflection of the journal cross with the arms accommodated in the journal. This results in free deflection of the arms 86,88. Thus, the arm 86 has a generally flat web portion 86a and a pair of spaced apart flange portions 86b, 86c, which extend vertically outwardly from the web portion 86a and are parallel to each other. In addition, each arm 86, 88 is provided with enlarged end portions 90, 92, through which end extends bores 94, 96 for receiving annular bearings (not shown). Inward, pivotal movement of the arm of the journal cross 78 is permitted. The bore 94,96 of the arms 86, 88 has an enlarged retention flaw 98 which holds a retaining ring (not shown) in the form of an external position for accurately positioning an annular bearing (not shown) in the bore. There is).

7-9 show the universal joint yoke 72 of FIG. Yoke 72 includes an annular hub portion 112 whose one end is blocked by the transversely extending web portion 110 and a pair of spaced apart arms 114, 116 extending from the blocked end of the hub portion 112. The arm is made of a single piece integrally with the hub portion 112 of ferrous metal, such as forged steel or cast iron. The arms 114 and 116 of the yoke 72 are similar in shape, and in particular, as shown in relation to the arms 114 of FIGS. 8 and 9, each arm is an outward facing C-shaped structure inward of the arm. A torsional rod, which acts on the arm during operation of the universal joint with yoke 72, results in a larger moment arm. As described in connection with the arm 26 of FIG. 1B, this arrangement of the shear centers of the arms 114, 116 of the yoke 72 ensures that the pre deflection of each yoke arm 114, 116 is in the journal of the yoke arm. Free Dee of Journal Cross with Arms Accepted

Corresponds to or almost matches the fold. Arm 114 has a web portion 114a and a pair of spaced apart flange portions 114a, 114c extending approximately vertically outward from the web portion 114a, which flange portions are approximately parallel to each other. . In addition, each arm 114, 116 is provided with end portions 118, 120 through which the bores 122, 124 extend, respectively. Each bore 122, 124 is adapted to receive an annular bearing (not shown), which allows pivoting movement of the opposite arm (not shown) of the journal cross, and each bore 122, 124 is adapted to that bore. There is an enlarged retaining groove 126 that holds an externally assigned retaining ring (not shown) to accurately position the annular bearing within.

10-12 show a universal joint yoke 130 according to the present invention, which is of the end yoke type. Yoke 130 includes an annular hub portion 132 and a pair of spaced apart arms 134, 136 extending from the end of the hub portion 132, which are hubs of iron metal such as forged steel or cast iron. It is formed integrally with the portion 132 in a single piece. Arms 134 and 136 of yoke 130 are similar in shape, and in particular, as shown in relation to arm 134 of FIG. 11, each of the arms is an outwardly facing C-shaped structure that defines a shear center located inside the arm. As a result, a torsion rod acting on the yoke arm is generated at the larger moment arm while the universal joint with yoke 130 is in operation. As described with respect to arm 20 of FIG. 1B, the pre-deflection of each arm 134, 136 in the arrangement of the shear centers of the arms 134, 136 pre-deflection of the journal cross in which the arm is journaled to the yoke arm. Will or will almost correspond. Thus, the arm 134 has a substantially flat web portion 134a and a pair of spaced apart flange portions 134b, 134c, which flange portions are substantially perpendicular outwardly from the web portion 134a and extend parallel to each other. do. Each arm 134, 136 is also provided with extended end portions 138, 140, each having a half cylindrical bore 142, 144, in which an annular bearing (not shown) is received, in which the journal cross arm (not shown). Pivot movement is allowed. Half cylindrical bores 142 and 144 are sealed with straps 146 and 148 respectively having half cylindrical central portions 146a and 148a after bearings are fitted therein, with the central portions being circular bearing recesses with respective half cylindrical bores 142 and 144 respectively. Form wealth. As shown in FIG. 12 in relation to the arm 136 of the yoke 130, the strap 146 is detachably secured to the arm 136 with threaded fasteners 150, 152, the fastener being arm 136. Screwed into the tab holes (154, 156). Although not shown, strap 148 is similarly attached to arm 136.

Claims (8)

Each of the first and second arms 26 has a planar web portion 26a between the holes 28 in the first and second arms 26 and the ends of the hub 22, each of which is C-shaped in cross section. Has a portion with; The holes 28 in the first and second arms 26 are coaxial; Each of the first and second arms 26 has a hole 28 that pivotally receives the arms of the journal cross 46; Universal joint iron comprising first and second arms 26 and hub 22 extending from the ends of the hub 22 on either side of the central axis and formed integrally with the hub 22 in a single piece. In the metal yoke 20; The first and second flanges 26b and 26c extend outwardly from the web portion 26a and extend parallel to each other; Each of the first and second arms 26 is along an axis YY located between the central axis of the yoke and the web portion 26a of the connecting portion of each of the first and second arms 26. An iron metal yoke for a universal joint, characterized by having a shear center laid. 2. The ferrous metal yoke for universal joints of claim 1, wherein the yoke is formed integrally in a single piece by casting. 3. The ferrous metal yoke for universal joints according to claim 2, wherein the yoke is made of iron. 2. The ferrous metal yoke for universal joints of claim 1, wherein the yoke is formed integrally into a single piece by forging steel. 2. The ferrous metal yoke for universal joints according to claim 1, wherein the hub (22) has an annular structure. 6. The ferrous metal yoke for universal joints according to claim 5, wherein the hub (22) has an interior spline portion (24). 2. The ferrous metal yoke for universal joints according to claim 1, wherein the hub (22) comprises an annular portion and a web (110) extending laterally across the annular portion at the end. A first pair of opposed coaxial arms 50, 52 lying along the first axis; A second pair of opposed coaxial arms 54 lying along a second axis extending perpendicularly through the first axis at the intersection; A journal cross (46) having a center of rotation axis extending through the intersection and perpendicular to each of the first and second axes; Journal crosses received therein pivotally with corresponding pre deflection characteristics under a torsional load applied around the central axis of hub 56 of yoke 48 and one of the central axes of journal cross 46. 10. A universal joint comprising an opposing arm (50, 52) of each one of each of (46) and respective first and second arms (86,88); The universal joint is opposed to a second pair of journal crosses 46 so that torque is transmitted from one yoke 48 to the rotating means through the journal cross 46 and to the other yoke 48 from the rotating means. And a rotational axis rotatable about a central axis that intersects the central axis of the yoke 48 that pivotally receives each of the coaxial axis arms 54.

Images