Universal joint and operation device including the same

Abstract

To provide a universal joint capable of reducing the number of components.SOLUTION: The universal joint includes a first yoke including a pair of first arms disposed at an interval from each other, a second yoke including a pair of second arms disposed at an interval from each other, and a block interposed between the pair of first arms and between the pair of second arms, and the block is in sliding contact with each of the pair of first arms so as to be rotatable about a first axis and is in sliding contact with each of the pair of second arms so as to be rotatable about a second axis intersecting the first axis on an outer peripheral surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a universal joint that can freely change the angle between two yokes, and an operating device that includes the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Universal joints are used in practice to freely change the angle between two yokes. One example of a universal joint is known from Patent Document 1. The universal joint in Patent Document 1 includes a pair of yokes, a spider, and four bearings. Each yoke includes a pair of arms, and a cross-shaped spider is disposed between the pair of arms. Each of the pair of arms is formed with a bearing hole, and the shaft of the spider is rotatably inserted into the bearing hole via a bearing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-276183 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As described above, the universal joint of Patent Document 1 is composed of a pair of yokes, a spider, and four bearings. There is a demand for universal joints with fewer parts to reduce costs.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a universal joint that can reduce the number of parts, and an operating device that includes the universal joint. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The universal joint of the present disclosure comprises a first yoke including a pair of first arms spaced apart from each other, a second yoke including a pair of second arms spaced apart from each other, and blocks interposed between the pair of first arms and the pair of second arms, the blocks having sliding contact on their outer surfaces with each of the pair of first arms so as to be rotatable about a first axis, and having sliding contact with each of the pair of second arms so as to be rotatable about a second axis intersecting the first axis.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the block has an outer peripheral surface that allows each of a pair of first arms to slide against it so as to be rotatable about a first axis, and also allows each of a pair of second arms to slide against it so as to be rotatable about a second axis. Therefore, the first yoke can rotate about the first axis relative to the block, and the second yoke can rotate about the second axis relative to the block. This allows a universal joint to be constructed using two yokes and one block. This reduces the number of parts in the universal joint.

[0008] The operating device of the present disclosure is an operating device that outputs a signal according to the amount of operation, and includes the universal joint described above, a gripping portion provided on the first yoke, a base provided on the second yoke, and a signal output portion that outputs a signal according to the amount of operation of the gripping portion.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to configure an operating device including the universal joint as described above, thereby reducing the number of parts of the operating device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, the number of parts can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an operating device including a universal joint according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the universal joint of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the universal joint of FIG. 2 taken along a first cutting plane perpendicular to a first axis. [Figure 4] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the universal joint of FIG. 2 taken along a second cutting plane perpendicular to the second axis. [Figure 5] 3 is a perspective view showing first and second yokes included in the universal joint of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 6] 3 is a perspective view showing a block included in the universal joint of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 7] 3 is a perspective view of the universal joint of FIG. 2 cut along a first cutting plane, illustrating a state in which a second yoke is being removed from a block. [Figure 8] 3 is a perspective view of the universal joint of FIG. 2 cut along a second cutting plane, illustrating a state in which a second yoke is being removed from a block. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a universal joint according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a perspective view showing first and second yokes included in the universal joint of FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a perspective view showing a block included in the universal joint of FIG. 9. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Universal joints 10, 10A and operating devices 1, 1A including the same according to first and second embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the concepts of directions used in the following description are used for convenience of explanation and do not limit the orientation of the configuration of the present disclosure to those directions. Furthermore, the universal joints 10, 10A and operating devices 1, 1A described below are merely one embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments, and additions, deletions, and modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0013] [First embodiment] <Operation device> An operating device 1 as shown in FIG. 1 is provided in the driver's seat of a construction machine such as a shovel. The operating device 1 controls the direction and flow rate of hydraulic oil flowing to, for example, actuators (not shown) (e.g., a boom cylinder and a bucket cylinder) via a control valve (not shown). The operating device 1 is operated by an operator such as a driver, and outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of operation. The operating device 1 is, for example, a hydraulically operated valve, and includes a housing 2, a plurality of push rods 3, a plurality of spools (not shown), an operating tool 4, an operating seat 5, and a cover member 6. Note that the operating device 1 is not limited to a hydraulically operated valve, and may also be an electric operating device, which will be described in detail later.

[0014] The housing 2, which is an example of a base, is fixed to, for example, a console (not shown) of the driver's seat. Multiple push rods 3 are provided in the housing 2 so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, four push rods 3 are provided in the housing 2. The four push rods 3 are arranged at intervals (for example, at 90-degree intervals) around a main axis L0 extending in the vertical direction. Multiple spools, which are an example of a signal output unit, are provided in the housing 2 corresponding to each push rod 3. In this embodiment, four spools are provided in the housing 2. Each spool is provided in the housing 2 in one-to-one correspondence with a corresponding push rod 3. Each spool, together with the housing 2, constitutes a pressure control valve. That is, each spool is pressed against the corresponding push rod 3 by a biasing member such as a spring, and as the corresponding push rod 3 displaces downward, the pressing load increases. As the pressing load increases, the spool outputs a signal (in this embodiment, a secondary pressure) corresponding to the increase in the pressing load.

[0015] The operating tool 4 is provided in the housing 2 so as to be tiltable in all directions relative to the main axis L0 in a plan view seen from above in the direction in which the main axis L0 extends, in this embodiment. Explaining in more detail, the operating tool 4 includes a universal joint 10 and a grip portion 11. The structure of the universal joint 10 will be described in detail later, but it connects the housing 2 and the grip portion 11 and is configured so that the grip portion 11 can be tilted in all directions relative to the main axis L0 in a plan view. The grip portion 11 can be held by an operator. In an unoperated state, the grip portion 11 extends upward, for example, along the main axis L0, and can be tilted in all directions relative to the main axis L0 when operated.

[0016] The operating seat 5 is provided on the operating tool 4. The operating seat 5 is, for example, an annular plate member and is provided on the operating tool 4 so as to protrude radially outward. The operating portion 5a of the operating seat 5 protruding from the operating tool 4 abuts against the push rods 3. The push rods 3 are pressed against the operating portion 5a by the biasing force of the spring or the like described above. This allows the operating seat 5 to be supported by the four push rods 3. The support of the operating seat 5 allows the grip portion 11 of the operating tool 4 to remain upright and extending upward when not in operation. The operating seat 5 is provided on the operating tool 4 so as to tilt integrally with the grip portion 11. When the grip portion 11 tilts, it pushes down the push rod 3 located in the tilting direction. For example, when the grip portion 11 is tilted leftward, rightward, upward, or downward in a plan view, it pushes down one of the push rods 3 located in the tilting direction. Furthermore, when the grip portion 11 is tilted diagonally in a plan view, the two push rods 3 located in the tilting direction are pushed down. This causes the spool in the operating device 1 to output a signal (secondary pressure in this embodiment) according to the amount of operation of the grip portion 11. Furthermore, the cover member 6 is provided so as to bridge the housing 2 and the operating tool 4 so as to cover the push rods 3, universal joint 10, and operating seat portion 5 and accommodate them.

[0017] <Universal joint> The universal joint 10 will be described in more detail below. The universal joint 10 shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 is a connecting member that can freely change the angle between two yokes 21, 22. In this embodiment, the universal joint 10 connects the housing 2 and the grip portion 11, and can freely change the angle between the housing 2 and the grip portion 11. Therefore, as described above, the grip portion 11 can tilt in all directions with respect to the main axis L0 in a plan view. The universal joint 10 configured in this manner includes two yokes 21, 22 and a block 23. In this embodiment, the two yokes 21, 22 have the same configuration. However, the two yokes 21, 22 do not necessarily have to have the same configuration.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 5 , the first yoke 21, which is one of the yokes 21, is a bifurcated member including a pair of first arms 25. More specifically, the first yoke 21 includes a connecting portion 24 and the pair of first arms 25 described above. The connecting portion 24 can be attached to another member (the housing 2 in this embodiment). More specifically, the connecting portion 24 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the central axis L10, for example. The connecting portion 24 also has a male thread 24a extending from its base end portion to its base end portion. The connecting portion 24 is attached to the housing 2 by threading the male thread 24a into the housing 2. The connecting portion 24 also has a pair of first arms 25 integrally formed at its tip portion.

[0019] The pair of first arms 25 are spaced apart from each other. In this embodiment, the pair of first arms 25 are integrally provided at the tip end of the connecting portion 24, offset by 180 degrees so as to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction about the central axis L10. As a result, the pair of first arms 25 are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, sandwiching the central axis L10 therebetween. The pair of first arms 25 extend upward from the connecting portion 24 and each include a first sliding surface portion 25a facing each other. The first sliding surface portion 25a is a partially cylindrical recess with the first axis L11 as its central axis, and is formed on opposing surfaces 25b of each of the pair of first arms 25, which are surfaces facing each other. More specifically, the opposing surfaces 25b are arranged parallel to each other and facing each other in the left-right direction, and are flat surfaces extending in the up-down direction. The first sliding surface portion 25a is formed in the opposing surface 25b as a groove extending in the up-down direction. The first axis L11 is an axis extending in a direction intersecting the left-right direction, which is the direction in which the pair of first arms 25 are spaced apart from each other (in this embodiment, the direction in which the opposing surfaces 25b face each other), and in this embodiment, is an axis extending in the front-to-rear direction, which is perpendicular to the left-to-right direction.

[0020] The second yoke 22, which is the other yoke 22, has a shape similar to that of the first yoke 21, for example. That is, the second yoke 22 is also a bifurcated member including a pair of second arms 27. More specifically, the second yoke 22 also includes a connecting portion 26 and the pair of second arms 27 described above. The connecting portion 26 can be attached to another member (in this embodiment, the grip portion 11). The connecting portion 26 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape extending along the central axis L20. The connecting portion 26 has a male thread 26a extending from its base end portion to its base end portion. The connecting portion 26 is attached to the grip portion 11 by threading the male thread 26a into the grip portion 11. The connecting portion 26 has a pair of second arms 27 integrally formed at its tip portion.

[0021] The pair of second arms 27 are spaced apart from each other, similar to the pair of first arms 25. In this embodiment, the pair of second arms 27 are integrally provided at the tip end of the connecting portion 26, offset by 180 degrees circumferentially so as to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction about the central axis L20. As a result, the pair of second arms 27 are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction with the central axis L20 sandwiched therebetween. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 , the pair of second arms 27 extend downward from the connecting portion 26 and include second sliding surface portions 27a facing each other. The second sliding surface portions 27a are partially cylindrical recesses with the second axis L21 as their central axes, and are formed on opposing surfaces 27b of each of the pair of second arms 27 that face each other. More specifically, the opposing surfaces 27b are arranged parallel to each other in the front-rear direction and are flat surfaces extending up and down. The second sliding surface portion 27a is formed in the opposing surface 27b as a groove extending in the up-down direction. The second axis L21 is an axis extending in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction, which is the direction in which the pair of second arms 27 are spaced apart from each other (in this embodiment, the direction in which the opposing surfaces 27b face each other), and is an axis extending in the left-right direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction in this embodiment.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the block 23 is interposed between the pair of first arms 25 and the pair of second arms 27. The pair of first arms 25 slide on the outer circumferential surface of the block 23 so as to be rotatable about the first axis L11, and the pair of second arms 27 slide on the outer circumferential surface of the block 23 so as to be rotatable about the second axis L21. More specifically, the block 23 includes a pair of first sliding surface portions 28 and a pair of second sliding surface portions 29 on the outer circumferential surface. Each of the pair of first sliding surface portions 28 corresponds to the first sliding surface portion 25 a of each of the pair of first arms 25. Each of the first sliding surface portions 28 engages with the corresponding first sliding surface portion 25 a, and slides and rotates the first sliding surface portion 25 a about the first axis L11. Further, each of the pair of second sliding surface portions 29 corresponds to a second sliding surface portion 27a of each of the pair of second arms 27. Each second sliding surface portion 29 engages with the corresponding second sliding surface portion 27a, and slides and rotates the first sliding surface portion 25a around the second axis L21.

[0023] More specifically, the block 23 is formed in a cross shape protruding in the front-rear and left-right directions as shown in FIG. 6. The block 23 includes first sliding surface portions 28 at the ends of the portions protruding in the left-right direction, which is an example of a first direction, and second sliding surface portions 29 at the ends of the portions protruding in the front-rear direction, which is an example of a second direction. Each of the first sliding surface portions 28 is a partially cylindrical convex portion with the first axis L11 as its central axis, and is slidably fitted into the corresponding first sliding surface portion 25a (see FIG. 3). Therefore, the block 23 rotates about the first axis L11 between the pair of first arms 25 by sliding each of the first sliding surface portions 28 on the corresponding first sliding surface portion 25a. Each of the second sliding surface portions 29 is a partially cylindrical convex portion having the second axis L21 as its central axis, and is slidably fitted into the corresponding second sliding surface portion 27a (see also FIG. 4). Therefore, the block 23 rotates about the second axis L21 between the pair of second arms 27 by sliding each of the second sliding surface portions 29 on the corresponding second sliding surface portion 27a.

[0024] In the universal joint 10 configured in this manner, the block 23 rotates relative to the first yoke 21 about the first axis L11, and rotates relative to the second yoke 22 about the second axis L21 (see, for example, FIGS. 2 to 4). This allows the second yoke 22 to tilt 360 degrees in all directions about the central axis L10 of the first yoke 21. In the operating device 1, the universal joint 10 is attached to the housing 2 so that the central axis L10 of the first yoke 21 coincides with the main axis L0. Therefore, in the operating device 1, the grip portion 11 is configured to be tiltable 360 ​​degrees in all directions about the main axis L0.

[0025] The block 23 is configured as follows in the height direction. That is, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the height H of the block 23 is shorter than the distance S1 between the pair of first arms 25 and the distance S2 between the pair of second arms 27. The height direction, which is an example of the third direction, is a direction intersecting the first and second directions, and in this embodiment, a direction perpendicular to them. More specifically, the height-wise end faces of the block 23 are formed, for example, parallel and flat to each other, and the height H, which is the distance between the end faces, is shorter than the distances S1 and S2. Therefore, when the second yoke 22 is rotated around the second axis L21 until the center axis L20 of the second yoke 22 coincides with the second axis L21, the second sliding surface portion 29 of the second yoke 22 disengages from the second slidable surface portion 27a. This allows the second yoke 22 to be removed from the block 23. Similarly, the first yoke 21 can be removed from the block 23 by rotating it until the central axis L10 coincides with the second axis L21. Furthermore, by performing the above-described operations in reverse, the two yokes 21 and 22 can be assembled to the block 23, i.e., the universal joint 10 can be assembled.

[0026] In the universal joint 10 of this embodiment, the block 23 has an outer peripheral surface on which each of the pair of first arms 25 slides and contacts so as to be rotatable about the first axis L11, and on which each of the pair of second arms 27 slides and contacts so as to be rotatable about the second axis L21. Therefore, the first yoke 21 can rotate about the first axis L11 relative to the block 23, and the second yoke 22 can rotate about the second axis L21 relative to the block 23. This allows the universal joint 10 to be configured using two yokes 21, 22 and one block 23. Therefore, the number of parts of the universal joint 10 can be reduced.

[0027] Furthermore, in the universal joint 10 of this embodiment, each of the pair of first sliding surface portions 28 slidably engages with the first sliding surface portion 25a so as to be slidably rotatable about the first axis L11, and each of the pair of second sliding surface portions 29 slidably engages with the second sliding surface portion 27a so as to be slidably rotatable about the second axis L21. Therefore, while allowing the block 23 to rotate relative to the yokes 21 and 22 about the respective axes L11 and L21, it is possible to prevent the yokes 21 and 22 from rotating about the central axes L10 and L20, which are examples of the third and fourth axes. This prevents the grip portion 11 from rotating about the central axis L20 in the operating device 1 of this embodiment. Therefore, the orientation of the grip portion 11 about the central axis L20 can be fixed in the operating device 1.

[0028] Furthermore, in the universal joint 10 of this embodiment, the first sliding surface portion 25a and the first sliding surface portion 28, which engage with each other, are formed by a partially cylindrical recessed portion and a partially cylindrical protruding portion, respectively, with the first axis L11 as the central axis, and the second sliding surface portion 27a and the second sliding surface portion 29, which engage with each other, are formed by a partially cylindrical recessed portion and a partially cylindrical protruding portion, respectively, with the second axis L21 as the central axis. Therefore, the universal joint 10 can be easily configured.

[0029] Furthermore, in the universal joint 10 of this embodiment, the first sliding surface portion 28 is fitted into the first sliding surface portion 25a, and the second sliding surface portion 29 is fitted into the second sliding surface portion 27a. Therefore, by fitting each sliding surface portion 28, 29 into the corresponding sliding surface portion 25a, 27a, it is possible to configure a universal joint 10 in which rotation of each of the yokes 21, 22 about the central axes L10, L20 is restricted. Therefore, the universal joint 10 described above can be easily configured. Furthermore, in the operating device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the grip portion 11 from rotating about the central axis L20. As a result, in the operating device 1, the orientation of the grip portion 11 about the central axis L20 can be fixed.

[0030] Furthermore, in the universal joint 10 of this embodiment, the block 23 is cross-shaped and includes the first and second sliding surface portions 28, 29 on the portions that protrude in the left and right and front and rear directions, respectively. This allows for a reduction in the weight of the block 23. This also allows for a reduction in the weight of the universal joint 10.

[0031] Furthermore, in the universal joint 10 of this embodiment, the height H of the block 23 is smaller than the distance S1 between the pair of first arms 25 and the distance S2 between the pair of second arms 27. Therefore, when the blocks 23 are rotated about the first axis L11, the blocks 23 can be separated from the pair of first arms 25 with which they slide. This makes it possible to easily remove the blocks 23 from the first yoke 21. Similarly, when the blocks 23 are rotated about the second axis L21, the blocks 23 can be easily removed from the second yoke 22. Furthermore, since the blocks 23 can be easily attached to the arms 25, 27 by reversing the above-described procedure, the universal joint 10 can be easily disassembled and assembled.

[0032] Furthermore, the operating device 1 of this embodiment can be configured to include the universal joint 10 described above. This allows the number of parts of the operating device 1 to be reduced.

[0033] [Second embodiment] 9 is similar in configuration to the universal joint 10 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the configuration of the universal joint 10A of the second embodiment will be mainly described with respect to the differences from the universal joint 10 of the first embodiment, and the same components will be assigned the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0034] The universal joint 10A of the second embodiment shown in Fig. 1 is provided in, for example, an operating device 1A, similar to the universal joint 10A of the first embodiment. The universal joint 10A also connects the operating tool 4 and the housing 2, and allows the grip portion 11 to be tilted 360 degrees around the main axis L0. As shown in Fig. 9, the universal joint 10A includes two yokes 21A and 22A and a block 23A.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 10 , the first yoke 21A, which is one of the yokes 21A, is a bifurcated member including a pair of first arms 25A and further includes a connecting portion 24. Similarly to the first arms 25, the pair of first arms 25A are integrally provided at the tip end of the connecting portion 24, spaced apart by 180 degrees in the circumferential direction. The pair of first arms 25A also extend upward from the connecting portion 24 and include first sliding surface portions 25Aa facing each other. The first sliding surface portions 25Aa are partially cylindrical recesses with the first axis L11 as their central axis. In this embodiment, the first sliding surface portions 25Aa are formed on each of the pair of first arms 25A by recessing the vertically intermediate portion of the opposing surfaces 25Ab of the pair of first arms 25A into a partially cylindrical shape with the first axis L11 as their central axis.

[0036] Furthermore, the pair of first arms 25A includes a first engaging protrusion 25Ac in addition to the first sliding surface portion 25Aa. The first engaging protrusion 25Ac is formed on the first sliding surface portion 25Aa and engages with a first engaging groove 28a, which will be described in detail later, to restrict rotation of the block 23A about the central axis L10 relative to the pair of first arms 25A. More specifically, the first engaging protrusion 25Ac is formed in a middle portion of the first sliding surface portion 25Aa in the front-rear direction so as to extend in the circumferential direction about the first axis L11, and protrudes from the first sliding surface portion 25Aa toward the opposing first sliding surface portion 25Aa. In this embodiment, the opposing surfaces 25Ab of the pair of first arms 25A are formed flat on both the upper and lower sides of the first sliding surface portion 25Aa, and the first engaging protrusions 25Ac protrude so as to be flush with the upper and lower sides of the first sliding surface portion 25Aa.

[0037] The second yoke 22A, which is the other yoke 22A, has a shape similar to that of the first yoke 21A, for example. That is, the second yoke 22A is also a bifurcated member including a pair of second arms 27A and further includes a connecting portion 26. Similarly to the pair of first arms 25, the pair of second arms 27A are also integrally provided at the tip end of the connecting portion 26, spaced apart from each other and offset by 180 degrees in the circumferential direction. The pair of second arms 27A also extend downward from the connecting portion 24 and include second sliding surface portions 27Aa facing each other. The second sliding surface portions 27a are configured similarly to the first sliding surface portion 25Aa and are partially cylindrical recesses with the second axis L21 as their central axis. In this embodiment, the second sliding surface portion 27a is formed on each of the pair of second arms 27A by recessing the vertical middle portion of the opposing surface 27Ab of the pair of second arms 27A into a partially cylindrical shape with the first axis L11 as the central axis.

[0038] Furthermore, the pair of second arms 27A include second engagement protrusions 27Ac in addition to second sliding surface portions 27Aa. The second engagement protrusions 27Ac are formed on the second sliding surface portions 27Aa and engage with second engagement grooves 29a, which will be described in detail later, to restrict rotation of the block 23A about the central axis L20 relative to the pair of second arms 27A. More specifically, the second engagement protrusions 27Ac are formed in the left-right intermediate portion of the second sliding surface portions 27Aa so as to extend in the circumferential direction about the second axis L21, and protrude from the second sliding surface portions 27Aa toward the opposing second sliding surface portion 27Aa. In this embodiment, on the opposing surfaces 27Ab of a pair of second arms 27A, both upper and lower portions of the second sliding surface portion 27Aa are formed flat, and the second engaging protrusions 27Ac protrude so as to be flush with both upper and lower portions of the second sliding surface portion 27Aa.

[0039] Like the block 23 of the first embodiment, the block 23A is formed in a cross shape protruding in the front-rear and left-right directions as shown in Fig. 11. The block 23A includes first sliding surface portions 28A at the ends of the portions protruding in the left-right directions, and second sliding surface portions 29A at the ends of the portions protruding in the front-rear direction. The block 23A also includes a first engagement groove 28a and a second engagement groove 29a.

[0040] The first engagement groove 28a is formed in the first sliding surface portion 28A and engages with the first engagement protrusions 25Ac to restrict rotation of the block 23A relative to the pair of first arms 25A about the central axis L10. Explaining in more detail, the first engagement groove 28a is formed in a front-rear direction intermediate portion of the first sliding surface portion 28A so as to extend in the circumferential direction about the first axis L11 and is recessed inward. The first engagement groove 28a is formed to correspond to the first engagement protrusions 25Ac, and in this embodiment, is formed to have the same shape as the first engagement protrusions 25Ac so that the first engagement protrusions 25Ac fit into it so as to be rotatable about the first axis L11.

[0041] The second engagement groove 29a is formed in the second sliding surface portion 29A and engages with the second engagement protrusions 27Ac to restrict rotation of the block 23A relative to the pair of second arms 27A around the central axis L20. Explaining in more detail, the second engagement groove 29a is formed in a front-rear direction intermediate portion of the second sliding surface portion 29A so as to extend in a circumferential direction about the second axis L21 and is recessed inward. The second engagement groove 29a is formed to correspond to the second engagement protrusions 27Ac, ​​and in this embodiment, is formed to have the same shape as the second engagement protrusions 27Ac so that the second engagement protrusions 27Ac fit into it so as to be rotatable about the second axis L21.

[0042] The block 23A configured in this manner is interposed between the pair of first arms 25A so as to be rotatable about the first axis L11, with the first engagement protrusions 25Ac fitted in the first engagement grooves 28a. The block 23A is also interposed between the pair of second arms 27A so as to be rotatable about the second axis L21, with the second engagement protrusions 27Ac fitted in the second engagement grooves 29a. This allows the block 23A to rotate about the first axis L11 without rotating about the central axis L10 relative to the first yoke 21A, and to rotate about the second axis L21 without rotating about the central axis L20 relative to the second yoke 22A. This allows the second yoke 22A to be tilted in all directions 360 degrees relative to the first yoke 21A.

[0043] 9, the height H of the block 23A is shorter than the distance S3 between the pair of first arms 25A and the distance S4 between the pair of second arms 27A, as in the block 23 of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the universal joint 10A, as in the universal joint 10 of the first embodiment, the block 23A can be removed from the yokes 21A and 22A by rotating the yokes 21A and 22A until the central axes L10 and L20 coincide with the axes L11 and L21. Furthermore, by performing the above-described operations in reverse, the two yokes 21 and 22 can be attached to the block 23, i.e., the universal joint 10A can be assembled.

[0044] In the universal joint 10A of this embodiment, the first sliding surface portion 28A includes a first engagement groove 28a extending in the circumferential direction about the first axis L11 and with which the first engagement protrusion 25Ac slidably engages around the first axis L11, and the second sliding surface portion 29A includes a second engagement groove 29a extending in the circumferential direction about the second axis L21 and with which the second engagement protrusion 27Ac slidably engages around the second axis L21. Therefore, by engaging the engagement protrusions 25Ac, 27Ac with the corresponding engagement grooves 28a, 29a, a universal joint 10A can be configured in which rotation of the yokes 21, 22 about the central axes L10, L20 is restricted. Therefore, the universal joint 10A described above can be easily configured.

[0045] In addition, the universal joint 10A of the second embodiment and the operating device 1A including the same have the same effects as the universal joint 10 of the first embodiment and the operating device 1 including the same.

[0046] [Other embodiments] In the universal joints 10 and 10A of the present embodiment, the blocks 23 and 23A are formed in a cross shape, but the front, rear, left, and right sides may be formed in a partially cylindrical shape. The shape of the blocks 23 and 23A may be any shape that allows the blocks 23 and 23A to rotate about the respective axes L11 and L21 relative to the respective yokes 21, 21A, 22, and 22A. The sliding surface portions 25a, 25Aa, 27a, and 27Aa are not necessarily limited to a partially cylindrical shape and may be partially spherical. The shape of the sliding surface portions 25a, 25Aa, 27a, and 27Aa may be any shape that allows the blocks 23 and 23A to rotate about the respective axes L11 and L21 relative to the respective yokes 21, 21A, 22, and 22A. Furthermore, although the universal joints 10, 10A of this embodiment are employed in the operating devices 1, 1A, they may also be used to connect machines whose axes intersect with each other to transmit power, and the devices to which they are employed are not limited to the operating devices 1, 1A.

[0047] The operating devices 1, 1A of the present embodiment are operating devices for construction machinery, but are not limited thereto and may be operating devices for machinery other than construction machinery, and the application is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the operating devices 1, 1A of the present embodiment are hydraulically operated valves, but as mentioned above, they may also be electric operating devices. An electric operating device, for example, includes a sensor unit instead of a spool. The sensor unit, which is an example of a signal output unit, outputs a signal corresponding to the stroke amount (i.e., the amount of depression) of each push rod 3. Therefore, in the electric operating device, each push rod 3 is depressed according to the amount of operation (tilting direction and amount) of the gripping portion 11, and outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of depression.

[0048] In the operating devices 1, 1A of the present embodiment, the housing 2 and the universal joints 10, 10A are configured as separate bodies, but they may also be configured as an integrated unit. That is, the first yoke 21 may be configured as an integrated unit with the housing 2. The same applies to the grip portion 11.

[0049] Exemplary Embodiments A universal joint in a first aspect includes a first yoke including a pair of first arms spaced apart from each other, a second yoke including a pair of second arms spaced apart from each other, and blocks interposed between the pair of first arms and the pair of second arms, respectively, wherein the blocks have an outer peripheral surface that allows each of the pair of first arms to slide against each other so as to be rotatable about a first axis, and allows each of the pair of second arms to slide against each other so as to be rotatable about a second axis intersecting the first axis.

[0050] According to the above aspect, the block has an outer peripheral surface on which the pair of first arms slide and contact so as to be rotatable about the first axis, and on which the pair of second arms slide and contact so as to be rotatable about the second axis. Therefore, the first yoke can rotate about the first axis relative to the block, and the second yoke can rotate about the second axis relative to the block. This allows the universal joint to be configured using two yokes and one block. This reduces the number of parts in the universal joint.

[0051] A universal joint in a second aspect is the universal joint of the first aspect, wherein each of the pair of first arms includes a first sliding surface portion facing each other, each of the pair of second arms includes a second sliding surface portion facing each other, the block includes a pair of first sliding surface portions and a pair of second sliding surface portions on its outer surface, each of the pair of first sliding surface portions engages with the first sliding surface portion so as to be slidably rotatable about a first axis, and each of the pair of second sliding surface portions engages with the second sliding surface portion so as to be slidably rotatable about a second axis.

[0052] According to the above aspect, each of the pair of first sliding surface portions engages with the first slidable surface portion so as to be slidably rotatable about the first axis, and each of the pair of second sliding surface portions engages with the second slidable surface portion so as to be slidably rotatable about the second axis. Therefore, while allowing the block to rotate about the first axis and the second axis with respect to each yoke, it is possible to prevent each yoke from rotating about the third and fourth axes perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis, respectively.

[0053] In a third aspect, the universal joint is the universal joint of the second aspect, wherein the first sliding surface portion and the first sliding surface portion that engage with each other are formed by a partially cylindrical concave portion and a partially cylindrical convex portion, each having a first axis as a central axis, and the second sliding surface portion and the second sliding surface portion that engage with each other are formed by a partially cylindrical concave portion and a partially cylindrical convex portion, each having a second axis as a central axis.

[0054] According to the above aspect, the first sliding surface portion and the first sliding surface portion that engage with each other are formed by a partially cylindrical recessed portion and a partially cylindrical protruding portion, respectively, with the first axis as the central axis, and the second sliding surface portion and the second sliding surface portion that engage with each other are formed by a partially cylindrical recessed portion and a partially cylindrical protruding portion, respectively, with the second axis as the central axis, so that the universal joint can be easily constructed.

[0055] In a fourth aspect, the universal joint is the universal joint of the third aspect, wherein the first and second sliding surface portions are formed in a groove shape, the first sliding surface portion fits into the first sliding surface portion, and the second sliding surface portion fits into the second sliding surface portion.

[0056] According to the above aspect, the first sliding surface portion is fitted into the first sliding surface portion, and the second sliding surface portion is fitted into the second sliding surface portion. Therefore, by fitting each sliding surface portion into the corresponding sliding surface portion, a universal joint can be configured in which rotation of each yoke about the third and fourth axes is restricted. Therefore, the universal joint described above can be easily configured.

[0057] A universal joint in a fifth aspect is the universal joint of the third aspect, wherein each of the pair of first arms includes a first engagement protrusion, each of the pair of second arms includes a second engagement protrusion, the first sliding surface portion includes a first engagement groove that extends in a circumferential direction centered on a first axis and that engages with the first engagement protrusion so as to be slidable about the first axis, and the second sliding surface portion includes a second engagement groove that extends in a circumferential direction centered on a second axis and that engages with the second engagement protrusion so as to be slidable about the second axis.

[0058] According to the above aspect, the first sliding surface portion includes a first engagement groove extending in a circumferential direction centered on the first axis and with which the first engagement protrusion engages so as to be slidable about the first axis, and the second sliding surface portion includes a second engagement groove extending in a circumferential direction centered on the second axis and with which the second engagement protrusion engages so as to be slidable about the second axis. Therefore, by engaging each engagement protrusion with the corresponding engagement groove, a universal joint can be configured in which rotation of each yoke about the third axis and the fourth axis is restricted. Therefore, the universal joint as described above can be easily configured.

[0059] A universal joint in a sixth aspect is the universal joint of any one of the second to fifth aspects, wherein the blocks are cross-shaped protruding in a first direction in which a first axis extends and in a second direction in which a second axis extends, and each of the blocks includes the first sliding surface portion at the portion protruding in the first direction and the second sliding surface portion at the portion protruding in the second direction.

[0060] According to the above aspect, the block is cross-shaped and includes first and second sliding surface portions at portions protruding in the first and second directions, respectively. This allows the weight of the block to be reduced, thereby allowing the weight of the universal joint to be reduced.

[0061] A universal joint in a seventh aspect is a universal joint of any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the height of the block in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions is smaller than the distance between the pair of first arms and the distance between the pair of second arms.

[0062] According to the above situation, the height of the block in the third direction is smaller than the intervals between the pair of first arms and the pair of second arms. Therefore, when the block is rotated around the first axis respectively, the block can be separated from the pair of first arms in sliding contact. As a result, the block can be easily removed from the first yoke. Similarly, by rotating the block around the second axis respectively, the block can be easily removed from the second yoke. Also, since the block can be easily attached to each arm by the procedure reverse to the above-described procedure, the disassembly and assembly of the universal joint are easy.

[0063] The operating device in the eighth situation is an operating device that outputs a signal according to the operating amount, and includes a universal joint in any one of the first to seventh situations, a gripping portion provided on the first yoke, a base provided on the second yoke, and a signal output portion that outputs a signal according to the operating amount of the gripping portion.

[0064] According to the above situation, an operating device including the universal joint as described above can be configured. Thereby, the number of parts of the operating device can be reduced.

Explanation of Signs

[0065] 1, 1A Operating device 2 Housing (base) 10, 10A Universal joint 11 Gripping portion 21, 21A First yoke 22, 22A Second yoke 23, 23A Block 25, 25A First arm 25a, 25Aa First sliding surface portion 25Ac First engaging convex portion 27, 27A Second arm 27a, 27Aa Second sliding surface portion 27Ac Second engaging convex portion 28, 28A First sliding surface 28a First engaging groove 29,29A 2nd sliding surface part 29a 2nd engagement groove L11 1st axis L21 2nd axis H Height S1 Distance between the first pair of arms S2: Distance between the second pair of arms

Claims

1. a first yoke including a pair of first arms spaced apart from each other; a second yoke including a pair of second arms spaced apart from each other; a block interposed between the pair of first arms and the pair of second arms, The block is a universal joint in which each of the pair of first arms slides against the outer peripheral surface of the block so that the first arms can rotate about a first axis, and each of the pair of second arms slides against the outer peripheral surface of the block so that the second arms can rotate about a second axis that intersects the first axis.

2. Each of the pair of first arms includes a first sliding surface portion facing each other, Each of the pair of second arms includes a second sliding surface portion facing each other, the block includes a pair of first sliding surface portions and a pair of second sliding surface portions on an outer circumferential surface thereof, each of the pair of first sliding surface portions engages with the first sliding surface portion so as to be slidably rotatable about a first axis; 2. The universal joint according to claim 1, wherein each of said pair of second sliding surface portions is engaged with said second sliding surface portion so as to be slidably rotatable about a second axis.

3. the first sliding surface portion and the first sliding surface portion that engage with each other are respectively formed by a partially cylindrical concave portion and a partially cylindrical convex portion that have a first axis as a center axis, 3. The universal joint according to claim 2, wherein the second sliding surface portion and the second sliding surface portion that engage with each other are respectively formed by a partially cylindrical concave portion and a partially cylindrical convex portion that have a center axis on the second axis line.

4. The first and second sliding surface portions are formed in a groove shape, the first sliding surface portion is fitted into the first sliding surface portion, The universal joint according to claim 3 , wherein the second sliding surface portion is fitted into the second sliding surface portion.

5. Each of the pair of first arms includes a first engaging protrusion, Each of the pair of second arms includes a second engaging protrusion, the first sliding surface portion includes a first engagement groove that extends in a circumferential direction about a first axis line and that engages with the first engagement protrusion so as to be slidable around the first axis line; 4. The universal joint according to claim 3, wherein the second sliding surface portion includes a second engagement groove that extends in a circumferential direction centered on the second axis and that engages with the second engagement protrusion so as to be slidable around the second axis.

6. 3. The universal joint according to claim 2, wherein the blocks are cross-shaped and protrude in a first direction in which the first axis extends and in a second direction in which the second axis extends, and the blocks each include the first sliding surface portion in a portion protruding in the first direction and the second sliding surface portion in a portion protruding in the second direction.

7. 2. The universal joint according to claim 1, wherein the height of the block in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is smaller than the distance between the pair of first arms and the distance between the pair of second arms.

8. An operating device that outputs a signal according to an operating amount, A universal joint according to claim 1; a gripping portion provided on the first yoke; a base provided on the second yoke; An operating device comprising a signal output unit that outputs a signal according to an amount of operation of the grip unit.

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