JP2007162871A - Telescopic shaft - Google Patents

Abstract

A telescopic shaft capable of absorbing a minute displacement on either side in the rotational direction of the shaft.
The lower steering shaft portion (extensible shaft) 20 includes a male shaft 21, a female shaft 23 fitted outside the male shaft 21, and an axial direction between the male shaft 21 and the female shaft 23. Two torque transmission means 25A and 25B interposed at a distance, and the male shaft 21 and the female shaft 23 can transmit torque via the two torque transmission means 25A and 25B. And are configured to be movably fitted in the axial direction. Furthermore, between the two torque transmission means 25A and 25B, the biasing spring 30 that urges the two torque transmission means 25A and 25B toward one side and the other side in the circumferential direction, respectively. Have
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a telescopic shaft formed by fitting a male shaft and a female shaft so that torque can be transmitted and moved in the axial direction, and in particular, the telescopic shaft can be suitably used as a telescopic shaft for a vehicle steering. Regarding the axis.

As this type of telescopic shaft, for example, a technique described in Patent Document 1 is known.
In the technique described in Patent Document 1, two torque transmission means are provided between the male shaft and the female shaft. One torque transmission means is non-rotatably fitted to the male shaft, and the other torque transmission means is loosely fitted to the male shaft so as to be rotatable. A winding spring is interposed between the two torque transmission means. Both ends of the winding spring are locked to each torque transmitting means, and are further applied with a preload toward one side in the rotational direction of the shaft. Thereby, this expansion-contraction axis | shaft can take the backlash in the rotation direction between a male axis | shaft and a female axis | shaft toward one side in the rotation direction of an axis | shaft (For example, the 11th term | claim in patent document 1, FIG. 5).
US Pat. No. 6,425,605

By the way, when this type of telescopic shaft is used as, for example, an automobile steering mechanism, that is, an telescopic shaft for steering a vehicle, it absorbs minute displacement in the direction of shaft rotation that occurs when the automobile travels. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the vibration generated on the steering wheel due to the displacement.
However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, for example, one torque transmission means is non-rotatably fitted to the male shaft, and the other torque transmission means that is loosely fitted is set in the rotational direction of the shaft. By applying a preload toward one side of the shaft, the backlash in the rotational direction between the male shaft and the female shaft is removed, so minute displacement in the shaft rotational direction can be detected on one side in the shaft rotational direction. However, it is insufficient to absorb the minute displacement on the opposite side, and there is still room for improvement.
Therefore, the present invention has been made paying attention to such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a telescopic shaft capable of absorbing minute displacement on either side in the rotational direction of the shaft.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a male shaft, a female shaft that fits outside the male shaft, and a space between the male shaft and the female shaft that is spaced apart in the axial direction. Two torque transmission means, and the male shaft and the female shaft are telescopic shafts that are fitted to each other so that torque can be transmitted through the two torque transmission means and are movable in the axial direction. In addition, between the two torque transmission means, there is provided biasing means for biasing the two torque transmission means toward one side and the other side in the circumferential direction. .

According to the present invention, the urging means urges the two torque transmitting means toward one side and the other side in the circumferential direction, so that either side in the rotational direction of the shaft can be used. Fine displacement can be absorbed.
Therefore, if the telescopic shaft according to the present invention is used as, for example, an telescopic shaft for steering a vehicle, it absorbs minute displacement in the axial rotation direction that occurs when the automobile travels, and the displacement causes it to be on the steering wheel. It is suitable as a telescopic shaft having the performance of reducing generated vibration.

  Here, the torque transmission means includes an annular portion that is externally fitted so that torque can be transmitted to the male shaft and is movable in the axial direction, and a projecting shaft that projects radially outward from the annular portion, And a rolling wheel that is externally fitted to the projecting shaft and is rotatable around the shaft. The female shaft extends axially on an inner peripheral surface of the rolling shaft, and is rotated by the torque transmitting means. A configuration in which the wheel has a rolling groove that fits in a freely rolling manner is suitable for fitting the male shaft and the female shaft to each other so that torque can be transmitted and the shaft can move in the axial direction.

Moreover, as said urging | biasing means, a winding spring or a torsion bar etc. can be used suitably, for example.
Further, both the annular portion and the rolling wheel of the two torque transmission means are provided with a displacement allowable range in which displacement in the circumferential direction is allowed with respect to the male shaft and the female shaft. Is preferred. With such a configuration, the play in the rotational direction between the male shaft and the female shaft is limited by the allowable displacement range while a fine displacement is absorbed on either side in the rotational direction of the shaft. can do.

The male shaft has a protruding ridge extending in the axial direction on an outer peripheral surface thereof, and the annular portion has a groove on the inner peripheral surface thereof engaged with the protruding ridge with the displacement allowable range. If so, it is suitable for fitting the male shaft and the female shaft to each other via the torque transmission means so that torque can be transmitted and movable in the axial direction.
Alternatively, the male shaft has a groove portion extending in the axial direction on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and the annular portion has a protruding ridge portion engaged with the groove portion with the displacement allowable range on the inner peripheral surface thereof. If so, it is suitable for fitting the male shaft and the female shaft to each other via the torque transmission means so that torque can be transmitted and movable in the axial direction.

Further, if the rolling wheel is configured to include a ball bearing, it is suitable for fitting the male shaft and the female shaft to each other more smoothly, capable of transmitting torque and movably in the axial direction. is there.
Alternatively, if the rolling wheel is configured to include a roller bearing, it is suitable for fitting the male shaft and the female shaft more smoothly, capable of transmitting torque and movably in the axial direction. It is.

  As described above, according to the telescopic shaft according to the present invention, minute displacement can be absorbed on either side in the rotational direction of the shaft.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the telescopic shaft according to the present invention is applied to a telescopic shaft for vehicle steering will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, the overall configuration of the vehicle steering shaft will be described.
FIG. 1 is a side view of a steering mechanism portion of an automobile to which a telescopic shaft according to the present invention is applied.
As shown in the figure, the steering mechanism is configured by attaching an upper bracket 1 and a lower bracket 2 to a member 100 on the vehicle body side. The upper steering shaft portion 7 is supported by the upper bracket 1 and the lower bracket 2. The upper steering shaft portion 7 includes a steering column 3 and a swinging shaft 4 that is rotatably held by the steering column 3.

  A steering wheel 5 is attached to the upper end of the steering shaft 4. A lower steering shaft portion 20 is connected to the lower end of the steering shaft 4 via a universal joint 6. A pinion shaft 9 is connected to the lower steering shaft portion 20 via a steering shaft joint 8, and a steering rack shaft 12 is connected to the pinion shaft 9 to support the steering rack shaft 12. A steering rack support member 13 is fixed to another frame 110 of the vehicle body via an elastic body 11. Here, the telescopic shaft according to the present invention is applied to the lower steering shaft portion 20.

Hereinafter, the lower steering shaft portion 20 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
As shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 2, the lower steering shaft portion 20 includes a male shaft 21 and a female shaft 23 that fits outside the male shaft 21, and further, the male shaft 21 and the female shaft 23. In between, there are interposing pieces 25A and 25B which are two torque transmitting means interposed at a distance in the axial direction. The male shaft 21 and the female shaft 23 are fitted so as to be able to transmit torque and move in the axial direction via the two interposing pieces 25A and 25B.

The male shaft 21 has a circular shaft main body 21a as shown in a cross-sectional view in FIG. 4, and the spline meshing teeth 22 equally distributed at 120 degree intervals in the circumferential direction of the shaft main body 21a It extends along the axial direction as a ridge.
The interposing pieces 25A and 25B are externally fitted so that torque can be transmitted to the male shaft 21 and can be moved in the axial direction.

  Specifically, each of the interposition pieces 25A and 25B has the same configuration, and as shown in FIG. 2B, an annular portion 26 that is spline-fitted to the male shaft 21, and the annular portion 26. A projecting shaft 28 that extends radially outward and a rolling wheel 29 that is externally fitted to the projecting shaft 28 are configured. As shown in FIG. 2A, the interposing piece 25A is on one side in the axial direction (upper side in the figure), and the interposing piece 25B is on the other side in the axial direction (in the figure (Lower side) are arranged almost adjacent to each other. The two interposition pieces 25A and 25B are moved in the axial direction with respect to the male shaft 21 by the retaining rings 40 respectively mounted on the upper side of the interposition piece 25A and the lower side of the interposition piece 25B in the figure. Is restrained.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the annular portion 26 has a through hole 26 a that is concentric with the shaft main body 21 a of the male shaft 21 and has an inner diameter larger than that at the center of the annular portion 26. In the through hole 26a, three spline engagement grooves 27 are formed as groove portions at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The three spline engagement grooves 27 are provided so as to face the spline engagement teeth 22, and are capable of transmitting torque to the male shaft 21 and moving in the axial direction by being spline-fitted with each other. It has become. Here, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the spline meshing teeth 22 and the spline meshing grooves 27 to be spline-fitted have a width in the circumferential direction that is greater than that of the spline meshing teeth 22. 27 is wider and is fitted with displacement allowable ranges (angles) ΔT3 and ΔT4 that are loose in the circumferential direction of each other.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the outer peripheral surface 26 c of the annular portion 26 is formed in a circular shape concentrically with the through hole 26 a, and the flat portion 26 b is formed on the outer peripheral surface 26 c. The flat portion 26b is formed at three positions at the same distance from the three spline engagement grooves 27 in the circumferential direction at 60 degree intervals, with the circumferential position being shifted by 60 degrees. Three projecting shafts 28 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction with each flat surface portion 26b side as a base end portion. Each protruding shaft 28 has a short cylindrical shape and is formed integrally with the annular portion 26 so as to protrude outward in the radial direction. It should be noted that the axis of each protruding shaft 28 extends radially so as to intersect the axis of the through hole 26a. Further, the annular portion 26 is formed with an engagement hole 26d penetrating in the axial direction for engaging a biasing spring 30 described later.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, a rolling wheel 29 is fitted around each protruding shaft 28 so as to be rotatable around the shaft. As shown in FIG. 3 (c), the rolling wheel 29 is an annular member that is externally fitted to the protruding shaft 28 so as to be rotatable about its axis, and its outer peripheral surface 29f has a central portion in the axial direction. Has a generally barrel shape with an arc slightly higher than both ends.
In the example shown in the figure, the end face of each protruding shaft 28 and the outer end face of the rolling wheel 29 are flush with each other, and the rolling wheel 29 is not restricted in the axial direction with respect to the protruding shaft 28. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, each projecting shaft 28 is made longer than the rolling wheel 29, an annular groove is provided at the end thereof, and a C ring is attached to the annular groove, thereby projecting. A configuration may be adopted in which the rolling wheel 29 is rotatably fitted to the shaft 28 and the movement in the axial direction is restricted.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the female shaft 23 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and its inner peripheral surface 23a is concentric with the outer peripheral surface 26c of the annular portion 26 and is a through hole having a slightly larger inner diameter. Is formed. Further, on the inner peripheral surface 23a, three rolling grooves 24 into which the respective rolling wheels 29 are fitted so as to freely roll are axially arranged at positions facing the respective rolling wheels 29 of the respective interposing pieces 25A, 25B. It is formed along the direction. Here, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the rolling wheels 29 and the rolling grooves 24 that are fitted to each other have a displacement allowable range that is loose in the circumferential direction, as described above. Similar to ΔT3 and ΔT4, the two interposition pieces 25A and 25B include the displacement allowance ranges ΔT3 and ΔT4. (Angle) ΔT1 and ΔT2 are interposed. Here, the allowable displacement ranges (angles) are set so that the allowable displacement ranges ΔT3 and ΔT4 and the allowable displacement ranges ΔT1 and ΔT2 satisfy the following (Equation 1).
(ΔT3 + ΔT4)> (ΔT1 + ΔT2) (Formula 1)

Further, an urging spring 30 is mounted between the two interposition pieces 25A and 25B as shown in FIG.
This biasing spring 30 is a biasing means that biases the interposing pieces 25A and 25B toward one side and the other side in the circumferential direction. In other words, the lower steering shaft portion 20 is provided with a preload mechanism by the cooperation of the two interposing pieces 25A and 25B and the biasing spring 30, and the biasing spring 30 is used in the circumferential direction thereof. Necessary preloads are equally applied to the one side and the other side, and the reaction force is configured to prevent backlash due to minute gaps in the allowable displacement ranges ΔT1 and ΔT2.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the biasing spring 30 is formed from a piano wire having a spring property, and is formed into a substantially bow shape. The substantially arcuate central portion 31 is bent along the outer peripheral surface 26c of the annular portion 26 of each interposition piece 25A, 25B, and furthermore, both sides of the central portion 31 are extended to arm portions 32 extending along the flat portion 26b. It has become. Then, the end portions of both arms 32 are provided with a locking portion 33A in which one (right side in the figure) is bent toward the intervention piece 25A side and the other (left side in the figure) is interposed. The locking portion 33B is bent toward the piece 25B side.

  In addition, the substantially arcuate shape shown in the figure shows a mounted state in which a necessary preload is already applied, and in a single state where no external force is applied, it expands compared to the shape shown in the figure. Yes. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, an engagement hole 26d is formed in the annular portion 26 at a position facing the locking portions 33A and 33B, and the mounting state shown in FIG. At this time, they can be engaged with each other.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the biasing spring 30 configured as described above is interposed between the two interposing pieces 25A and 25B, and the two interposing pieces 25A and 25B are inserted into the interposing pieces 25A and 25B. By urging each side toward the one side (clockwise in the figure) and the other side (counterclockwise in the figure) in the circumferential direction, it is possible to apply the preload load evenly. The play (free play) in the allowable displacement ranges ΔT1 and ΔT2 is not bidirectional. In addition, the magnitude of the preload is such that a minimum necessary preload is applied so as not to impair the steering feeling of the steering.

Next, functions and effects of the lower steering shaft portion 20 will be described.
By the way, generally, the lower steering shaft portion is required to absorb the axial displacement generated when the automobile travels and to transmit the displacement and vibration on the steering wheel.
In particular, the performance is such that, as shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle body has a sub-frame structure, and the member 100 for fixing the upper part of the steering mechanism and the frame 110 to which the steering rack support member 13 is fixed are separated. The steering rack support member 13 is required when the structure is fastened and fixed to the frame 110 via an elastic body 11 such as rubber.

In addition, when the steering shaft joint 8 is fastened to the pinion shaft 9 as another case, an expansion / contraction function is required for the operator to contract the lower steering shaft portion 20 once and then fit and fasten it to the pinion shaft 9. There is a case.
In all the above-mentioned cases, the lower steering shaft portion reduces the rattling noise at the fitting portion, reduces the rattling feeling on the steering wheel, and reduces the sliding resistance during axial sliding. Is required.

  Here, the above-described lower steering shaft portion 20 (extensible shaft) includes two interposing pieces 25A and 25B interposed between the male shaft 21 and the female shaft 23 at a distance in the axial direction thereof. Further, an urging spring 30 is provided between the two interposition pieces 25A and 25B. The urging spring 30 is arranged so that the two interposition pieces 25A and 25B are mutually connected. Since it can be urged toward one side and the other side in the direction, fine displacement can be absorbed on either side in the rotational direction of the shaft. Therefore, according to the lower steering shaft portion 20, the minute displacement in the shaft rotation direction that occurs when the automobile travels is absorbed on either side in the shaft rotation direction, and the displacement on the steering wheel 5 The vibrations generated in can be reduced on either side.

  According to the lower steering shaft portion 20, the two interposition pieces 25A and 25B are both allowed to be displaced in the circumferential direction with respect to the male shaft 21 and the female shaft 23. ΔT1, ΔT2 So that the play in the rotational direction between the male shaft 21 and the female shaft 23 can be displaced while maintaining a configuration that absorbs fine displacement on either side of the shaft in the rotational direction. It can be limited within an acceptable range.

The telescopic shaft according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment or modification, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, each of the interposition pieces 25A and 25B, which are torque transmission means, has been described as an example of a configuration in which an annular rolling wheel 29 is externally fitted to the protruding shaft 28. The configuration is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 as a modified example, it is possible to employ a bearing structure in which rolling elements are further interposed.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 5A, a rolling wheel 29 includes an inner ring 29a, an outer ring 29b that fits outside the inner ring 29a, and a large number of rolling wheels 29 that are interposed between the inner ring 29a and the outer ring 29b. And a ball bearing provided with a ball 29c which is a rolling element. With such a configuration, the male shaft 21 and the female shaft 23 can be fitted to each other more smoothly and movably in the axial direction so that torque can be transmitted.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the rolling wheel 29 is placed between an outer ring 29e that fits outside the protruding shaft 28, and a recess formed on the outer peripheral surface of the protruding shaft 28 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 29e. A roller bearing provided with a large number of rolling elements 29d, which are interposed so as to be freely rollable, may be provided. Even with such a configuration, the male shaft 21 and the female shaft 23 can be fitted to each other more smoothly and movably in the axial direction so that torque can be transmitted.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the telescopic shaft according to the present invention is used as the telescopic shaft for steering a vehicle has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the male shaft and the female shaft can transmit torque to each other. In addition, any telescopic shaft that is movably fitted in the axial direction can be applied to telescopic shafts for various purposes. However, as described above, the telescopic shaft for steering the vehicle absorbs minute displacement in the axial rotation direction that occurs when the automobile travels, and reduces vibration generated on the steering wheel due to the displacement. Since performance is required, it is suitable as an object to which the telescopic shaft according to the present invention is applied.

  In the above embodiment, the telescopic shaft according to the present invention is applied to the lower steering shaft portion 20 as a telescopic shaft for steering a vehicle. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The upper steering shaft portion 7 formed by fitting the male shaft and the female shaft at the upper portion of the shaft is also applicable. That is, the upper steering shaft portion 7 is required to have a function of moving the position of the steering wheel 5 in the axial direction and adjusting the position in order to obtain an optimum position for the driver to drive the automobile. The function to expand and contract in the axial direction is necessary, and the expansion and contraction shaft according to the present invention can be suitably used.

  In the above embodiment, the two interposition pieces 25A and 25B, which are torque transmission means, are each configured to have an annular portion, a projecting shaft, and a rolling wheel, and the rolling shaft of the female shaft rolls. Although an example having a rolling groove that fits freely inside has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the torque transmission means can transmit torque between the male shaft and the female shaft via the two torque transmission means. Various configurations can be adopted as long as they are configured to be movably fitted in the axial direction.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, each of the interposition pieces 25A and 25B, which are torque transmission means, has been described as an example of a configuration in which an annular rolling wheel 29 is externally fitted to the protruding shaft 28. The configuration is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 as a modified example, it is possible to employ a bearing structure in which rolling elements are further interposed.
Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the two interposition pieces 25A and 25B which are torque transmission means demonstrated in the example which has the same structure, it is not limited to this, A mutually different structure may be sufficient. As an example of a different configuration, for example, the three types of rolling wheels 29 exemplified above can be combined as appropriate. However, it is preferable to use two torque transmission means having the same configuration in consideration of, for example, the manufacturing cost and the assembling property.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the spline meshing groove | channel 27 (groove part of the annular part) of the cyclic | annular part 26 demonstrated with the spline fitting with respect to the spline meshing tooth 22 (male ridge part of the male shaft 21). However, the configuration in which the torque can be transmitted and the shaft is movably fitted in the axial direction is not limited to this. In other words, the male shaft 21 may be provided with a spline engagement groove (groove portion), and a spline engagement groove 27 (protrusion) that is spline fitted thereto may be provided in the annular portion 26.

  In the above embodiment, the urging spring 30 has been described as an example of the urging means. However, the urging means is not limited to this, and the two torque transmission means are connected to one side in the circumferential direction. For example, a coil spring or a torsion bar can be suitably used as long as it can be biased toward the other side. Moreover, it is not limited to the spring which consists of a wire, For example, you may use elastic bodies, such as rubber | gum and a synthetic resin. However, when the urging means is configured with a simple configuration, the urging spring 30 as exemplified above can be suitably employed as the urging means.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the interposing pieces 25A and 25B, which are two torque transmission means, are urged toward the one side and the other side in the circumferential direction by the urging spring 30 as the urging means. Although the above-described configuration (see FIG. 3 (a)) is described as an example in which one set is provided, the present invention is not limited to this, and two torque transmission means and the two torque transmission means are mutually connected. A plurality of sets, that is, two sets or more in the axial direction, may be configured to include a biasing unit that biases each side toward the one side and the other side in the circumferential direction.

  In the above embodiment, the two interposing pieces 25A and 25B are urged toward the one side and the other side in the circumferential direction by the urging springs 30 as the urging means, respectively, as the torque transmitting means. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the torque transmission means includes three or more interposing pieces arranged in the axial direction, and further includes three or more torque transmission means. A configuration may be provided in which urging means for urging the adjacent torque transmission means toward one side and the other side in the circumferential direction is provided between the adjacent torque transmission means. In this case, the adjacent torque transmission means are configured such that the urging means urges the directions in which the urging means urges toward one side and the other side in the circumferential direction in different directions. Is good.

It is a side view of the steering mechanism part of the automobile to which the telescopic shaft according to the present invention is applied. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure explaining one Embodiment of the expansion-contraction shaft which concerns on this invention, The same figure (a) has expanded the principal part of the lower steering shaft part in FIG. 1, and the female shaft is a cross section containing the axis line. Show. FIG. 2B is a diagram showing a cross section in FIG. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure explaining one Embodiment of the expansion-contraction shaft which concerns on this invention, The same figure (a) expands the principal part of the lower steering shaft part in FIG. 1, and shows it by the figure which abbreviate | omitted the female shaft. Yes. Moreover, the figure (b) is a figure which shows the cross section in the figure (a), and the figure (c) is a figure which shows the AA cross section in the figure (b). It is a cross-sectional view of a male axis. It is a figure explaining the annular part and protrusion shaft of a torque transmission means. It is a figure explaining an urging | biasing means, the figure (a) is the figure seen from the axial direction, and the figure (b) is the figure seen from the planar direction in the figure (a). It is a figure explaining the modification of the rolling wheel of a torque transmission means, The figure is shown with the figure corresponding to FIG.3 (c).

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Upper bracket 2 Lower bracket 3 Steering column 4 Swelling shaft 5 Steering wheel 6 Universal joint 7 Upper steering shaft part 8 Steering shaft joint 9 Pinion shaft 11 Elastic body 12 Steering rack shaft 13 Steering rack support member 20 Lower steering shaft part 21 Male Shaft 22 Spline meshing teeth (male shaft protrusion)
23 Female shaft 24 (Female shaft) rolling groove 25A, 25B Interposition piece (torque transmission means)
26 Annular part 27 Spline engagement groove (groove part of annular part)
28 Projection shaft 29 Rolling wheel 30 Spring for biasing (biasing means)
31 Base portion 32 Arm portion 33A, 33B Locking portion 40 Retaining ring ΔT1, ΔT2, ΔT3, ΔT4 Allowable displacement range

Claims (8)

A male shaft, a female shaft that fits outside the male shaft, and two torque transmission means interposed between the male shaft and the female shaft at a distance in the axial direction, the male shaft And the female shaft is a telescopic shaft that is configured to be able to transmit torque via the two torque transmission means and is movably fitted in the axial direction,
Stretching means for biasing the two torque transmission means toward the one side and the other side in the circumferential direction between the two torque transmission means. axis. The torque transmission means includes an annular portion that is externally fitted so as to be able to transmit torque to the male shaft and is movable in the axial direction, a protruding shaft that protrudes radially outward from the annular portion, and the protruding shaft And a rolling wheel that is externally fitted and rotatable around its axis,
2. The telescopic shaft according to claim 1, wherein the female shaft has a rolling groove that extends in an axial direction on an inner peripheral surface of the female shaft and in which a rolling wheel of the torque transmitting means is fitted in a freely rolling manner.   Both the annular portion and the rolling wheel of the two torque transmission means are provided with a displacement allowable range in which displacement in the circumferential direction is allowed with respect to the male shaft and the female shaft. The telescopic shaft according to claim 2.   The male shaft has a protruding ridge portion extending in the axial direction on an outer peripheral surface thereof, and the annular portion has a groove portion engaged with the protruding ridge portion with the allowable displacement range on an inner peripheral surface thereof. The telescopic shaft according to claim 3.   The male shaft has a groove portion extending in the axial direction on an outer peripheral surface thereof, and the annular portion has a ridge portion engaged with the groove portion with the displacement allowable range on an inner peripheral surface thereof. The telescopic shaft according to claim 3.   The telescopic shaft according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the rolling wheel includes a ball bearing.   The telescopic shaft according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the rolling wheel includes a roller bearing. Telescopic shaft used for vehicle steering,
A telescopic shaft, wherein the telescopic shaft according to claim 1 is used as the telescopic shaft.

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