Coupling and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

To provide a coupling capable of reducing vibration and noise by making axes of two rotors coincident and capable of suppressing durability reduction caused by load reduction of a bearing or the coupling by avoiding strong connection of the coupling, and a manufacturing method of the coupling.SOLUTION: A coupling comprises: a first rotor including a first end face and being rotatable around a first rotation axis; a second rotor including a second end face opposed with the first end face; a first rotation transmission part of the first rotor; a second rotation transmission part which is provided in the second rotor and disposed side by side with the first rotation part in a circumferential direction; and a first joint member which is positioned between both the rotation transmission parts, includes a first side face directed toward the first rotation transmission part, a second side face directed toward the second rotation transmission part and a first protrusion protruding from the first side face to the first rotation transmission part and is capable of forming a clearance between the first protrusion and the first rotation transmission part by compression plastic deformation of the first protrusion in the circumferential direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention relate to couplings and methods of manufacturing couplings. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, couplings that connect two rotating bodies have been known. For example, a so-called spider is placed between the teeth of two shafts. The spider is made of an elastic material such as rubber and can transmit rotation between the two shafts (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 60-081319 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in conventional configurations, two rotating bodies may be coupled when their rotation axes do not coincide. In this case, the misalignment of the axes of the two rotating bodies may cause vibration and noise. On the other hand, even if the rotation axes are perfectly aligned, if the two rotating bodies are coupled so tightly that relative movement is impossible, parts such as bearings that come into contact with the rotating bodies may be subjected to load. The vibration of the rotating bodies and the load on the parts may reduce the durability of the coupling.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and provides a coupling and a method for manufacturing a coupling that can reduce vibration and noise by aligning the axes of two rotating bodies, and that can suppress a decrease in durability by reducing the load on the bearings and coupling by avoiding strong bonding of the coupling. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As an example, a coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first rotating body having a first member rotatable about a first rotation axis and a first end face provided at an end of the first member in an axial direction along the first rotation axis; a second rotating body having a second member rotatable about a second rotation axis and spaced apart from the first member in the axial direction; and a second end face provided at an end of the second member in a direction along the second rotation axis and facing the first end face; a first rotation transmitting portion provided on the first rotating body and positioned between the first end face and the second end face in the axial direction; a second rotation-transmitting part located on the first joint member and aligned with the first rotation-transmitting part in a circumferential direction about the first rotation axis; and a first joint member having at least a portion located between the first rotation-transmitting part and the second rotation-transmitting part in the circumferential direction, a first side surface facing the first rotation-transmitting part in the circumferential direction, a second side surface facing the second rotation-transmitting part in the circumferential direction, and a first protrusion protruding from the first side surface toward the first rotation-transmitting part, wherein the first joint member is capable of transmitting rotation about the first rotation axis between the first rotation-transmitting part and the second rotation-transmitting part, and a gap is formed between the first protrusion and the first rotation-transmitting part by compressive plastic deformation of the first protrusion in the circumferential direction; a second joint member attached to the first joint member, positioned between the first rotation-transmitting part and the second rotation-transmitting part in the circumferential direction, and elastically deformed so as to be compressed in the circumferential direction between the first rotation-transmitting part and the second rotation-transmitting part;Therefore, as an example, the coupling can arrange the first rotation-transmitting part, the second rotation-transmitting part, and the first joint member at desired positions. This allows the coupling to suppress vibration and noise caused by misalignment between the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft. Furthermore, when the first protrusion undergoes plastic deformation (compressive plastic deformation) so as to be compressed in the circumferential direction, a gap serving as play can be formed between the first protrusion and the first rotation-transmitting part. This allows the coupling to suppress, for example, parts in contact with the first rotating body and the second rotating body (such as bearings supporting the respective rotating bodies) from receiving loads due to the strong connection between the first rotating body and the second rotating body. As described above, the coupling suppresses vibration and noise between the first rotating body and the second rotating body and suppresses loads from acting on parts in contact with the first rotating body and the second rotating body. Therefore, the coupling can suppress a decrease in durability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a pump device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an exploded coupling of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view showing a part of the coupling of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the coupling of the first embodiment taken along line F4-F4 in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view showing the joint before the drive shaft and the driven shaft are joined together according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the first protrusion and the second protrusion in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a coupling according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a coupling according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a coupling according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a coupling according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] (First embodiment) The first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. In this specification, components according to the embodiment and descriptions of the components may be described using multiple expressions. The components and their descriptions are merely examples and are not limited by the expressions in this specification. The components may also be identified by names different from those in this specification. Furthermore, the components may also be described using expressions different from those in this specification.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a pump device 10 according to a first embodiment. The pump device 10 is mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile. The pump device 10 can pump hydraulic oil in an oil passage of the vehicle. However, the pump device 10 is not limited to this example and may pump other fluids such as coolant, or may be mounted on other devices.

[0010] The pump device 10 includes a pump 11, a motor 12, and a coupling 13. Note that the coupling 13 is not limited to this example, and may be provided in other devices having two rotating bodies capable of transmitting rotation.

[0011] Pump 11 has a housing 21 and a rotor 22. Housing 21 houses rotor 22. Housing 21 is provided with a flow path 25 connected to an oil passage of a vehicle. Rotor 22 is disposed in flow path 25. As rotor 22 rotates, pump 11 sends hydraulic oil through flow path 25. Note that pump 11 is not limited to this example.

[0012] The motor 12 has a housing 31, a stator 32, and a rotor 33. The housing 31 is attached to the pump 11 by, for example, a plurality of screws 35. The stator 32 and the rotor 33 are housed inside the housing 31. The stator 32 is fixed to the housing 31. The rotor 33 rotates relative to the housing 31 and the stator 32 when a current is passed through the stator 32.

[0013] The coupling 13 includes a drive shaft 41, a driven shaft 42, a joint 43, a plurality of first bearings 44, and a plurality of second bearings 45. The drive shaft 41 is an example of a first rotating body. The driven shaft 42 is an example of a second rotating body.

[0014] The drive shaft 41 and the driven shaft 42 are made of a metal such as stainless steel. The drive shaft 41 and the driven shaft 42 may be made of other materials. Furthermore, the material of the drive shaft 41 and the material of the driven shaft 42 may be the same or different from each other.

[0015] The drive shaft 41 is an output shaft of the motor 12. The drive shaft 41 is provided in the motor 12 and fixed to the rotor 33. When a current is applied to the stator 32, the drive shaft 41 rotates together with the rotor 33 around the first central axis Ax1. The first central axis Ax1 is an example of a first rotation axis.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an exploded coupling 13 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the drive shaft 41 has a shaft 51 and two pawls 52. The shaft 51 is an example of a first member. Note that the first member is not limited to a shaft-shaped member. The pawls 52 are an example of a first rotation transmitting portion. Note that the number of pawls 52 is not limited to this example.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 1, the shaft 51 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending along a first central axis Ax1. The first central axis Ax1 is an imaginary line passing through the center of the shaft 51. The shaft 51 is rotatable around the first central axis Ax1. The center of rotation of the drive shaft 41 may be different from the center of the shaft 51.

[0018] In this embodiment, for convenience, the axial direction, radial direction, and circumferential direction are defined. The axial direction is the direction along the first central axis Ax1. The radial direction is the direction perpendicular to the first central axis Ax1. The circumferential direction is the direction around the first central axis Ax1.

[0019] The axial directions include a first axial direction Da1 and a second axial direction Da2 shown in FIG. 1. The first axial direction Da1 is a direction along the first central axis Ax1. The second axial direction Da2 is a direction opposite to the first axial direction Da1. In this embodiment, the rotor 22 of the pump 11 is spaced apart from the rotor 33 of the motor 12 in the first axial direction Da1.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the shaft 51 has an end face 51a. The end face 51a is an example of a first end face. The end face 51a is provided at the end of the shaft 51 in the first axial direction Da1. The end face 51a is formed to be approximately flat and faces the first axial direction Da1. However, the shape of the end face 51a is not limited to this example.

[0021] Fig. 3 is a side view showing a portion of the coupling 13 of the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the pawl 52 is formed integrally with the shaft 51 and protrudes from the end face 51a in the first axial direction Da1. That is, the pawl 52 is provided on the shaft 51. Note that the pawl 52 may be a component separate from the shaft 51. The two pawls 52 are formed in approximately the same shape and are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The two pawls 52 are arranged approximately evenly spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

[0022] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the coupling 13 of the first embodiment taken along line F4-F4 in Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 4, each of the two claws 52 has two side surfaces 52a and 52b. The side surface 52a is formed substantially flat and faces a first circumferential direction Dr1 that is included in the circumferential direction. The side surface 52b is formed substantially flat and faces a second circumferential direction Dr2 that is included in the circumferential direction. The second circumferential direction Dr2 is the opposite direction to the first circumferential direction Dr1. The side surface 52b is located on the opposite side of the side surface 52a in the circumferential direction.

[0023] For example, the side surface 52a is formed substantially parallel to an imaginary plane that passes through the first central axis Ax1 and extends radially. The side surface 52b is formed substantially parallel to an imaginary plane that is rotated 90° around the first central axis Ax1 from the above plane. Note that the side surfaces 52a and 52b are not limited to this example.

[0024] 3, each of the two claws 52 further has an end surface 52c. The end surface 52c is provided at an end of the claw 52 in the first axial direction Da1. The end surface 52c is formed to be substantially flat and faces the first axial direction Da1.

[0025] The driven shaft 42 is an input shaft of the pump 11. The driven shaft 42 is provided in the pump 11 and fixed to the rotor 22. The driven shaft 42 rotates around the second central axis Ax2 together with the rotor 22. The second central axis Ax2 is an example of a second rotation axis.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the driven shaft 42 has a shaft 61 and two pawls 62. The shaft 61 is an example of a second member. Note that the second member is not limited to a shaft-shaped member. The pawls 62 are an example of a second rotation transmitting portion. Note that the number of pawls 62 is not limited to this example.

[0027] 1, the shaft 61 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending along a second central axis Ax2. The second central axis Ax2 is an imaginary line passing through the center of the shaft 61. The shaft 61 is rotatable around the second central axis Ax2. The center of rotation of the driven shaft 42 may be different from the center of the shaft 61.

[0028] In this embodiment, the first central axis Ax1 and the second central axis Ax2 coincide with each other. That is, the shaft 51 of the drive shaft 41 and the shaft 61 of the driven shaft 42 are arranged concentrically (coaxially). Therefore, the axial direction is also a direction along the second central axis Ax2. Furthermore, the radial direction is also a direction perpendicular to the second central axis Ax2, and the circumferential direction is also a direction around the second central axis Ax2.

[0029] 3, the shaft 61 of the driven shaft 42 is spaced apart in the first axial direction Da1 from the shaft 51 of the drive shaft 41. In addition, the shaft 61 of the driven shaft 42 is spaced apart in the first axial direction Da1 from the end surface 52c of the claw 52.

[0030] The shaft 61 has an end face 61a. The end face 61a is an example of a second end face. The end face 61a is provided at an end of the shaft 61 in the second axial direction Da2. In other words, the end face 61a is provided at one end of the shaft 61 in the direction along the second central axis Ax2. The end face 61a is formed to be approximately flat and faces the second axial direction Da2. Note that the shape of the end face 61a is not limited to this example. The end face 51a of the shaft 51 and the end face 61a of the shaft 61 face each other. The end face 61a of the shaft 61 also faces the end face 52c of the claw 52.

[0031] The two pawls 62 are formed integrally with the shaft 61 and protrude from the end face 61a in the second axial direction Da2. That is, the pawls 62 are provided on the shaft 61. Note that the pawls 62 may be separate parts from the shaft 61.

[0032] The two claws 62 are formed in approximately the same shape and are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The two claws 62 are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The claws 62 are also formed in approximately the same shape as the claws 52 of the drive shaft 41. Note that the shapes of the claws 52 and the claws 62 may be different from each other.

[0033] 4, each of the two claws 62 has two side surfaces 62a, 62b. The side surface 62a is formed substantially flat and faces the first circumferential direction Dr1. The side surface 62b is formed substantially flat and faces the second circumferential direction Dr2. The side surface 62b is located on the opposite side of the side surface 62a in the circumferential direction.

[0034] For example, the side surface 62a is formed substantially parallel to an imaginary plane that passes through the second central axis Ax2 and extends radially. The side surface 62b is formed substantially parallel to an imaginary plane that is rotated 90° around the second central axis Ax2 from the above plane. Note that the side surfaces 62a and 62b are not limited to this example.

[0035] 3, each of the two claws 62 further has an end face 62c. The end face 62c is provided at an end of the claw 62 in the second axial direction Da2. The end face 62c is formed to be substantially flat and faces the second axial direction Da2. The end face 62c faces the end face 51a of the shaft 51.

[0036] In the axial direction, the claws 52 and 62 are located between the end surface 51a of the shaft 51 and the end surface 61a of the shaft 61. As shown in Fig. 4, the claws 52 and 62 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction with intervals therebetween.

[0037] The side surface 52a of the claw 52 and the side surface 62b of the claw 62 face each other in the circumferential direction. Also, the side surface 52b of the claw 52 and the side surface 62a of the claw 62 face each other in the circumferential direction.

[0038] 2, the joint 43 has a first joint member 71 and a second joint member 72. The joint 43 may have two second joint members 72.

[0039] The first joint member 71 is made of, for example, synthetic resin or metal. Therefore, the Young's modulus of the first joint member 71 is lower than that of the drive shaft 41 and is also lower than that of the driven shaft 42. Furthermore, the rigidity of the first joint member 71 is lower than that of the drive shaft 41 and is also lower than that of the driven shaft 42.

[0040] In this embodiment, the material of the first joint member 71 is polyether ether ketone resin (PEEK) or polyphenylene sulfide resin (PPS) containing fibers such as carbon fibers or glass fibers. However, the material of the first joint member 71 is not limited to this example.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 4, the first joint member 71 has a central portion 80, two first arm portions 81, two second arm portions 82, a plurality of first protrusions 83, a plurality of second protrusions 84, a plurality of third protrusions 85, and a plurality of fourth protrusions 86. The number of first arm portions 81 and second arm portions 82 is not limited to this example. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 2, the first joint member 71 further has an attachment portion 87.

[0042] 4, the central portion 80 is disposed on the first central axis Ax1 and the second central axis Ax2. For example, the central portion 80 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction. However, the shape of the central portion 80 is not limited to this example.

[0043] The first arm portion 81 extends radially from the central portion 80. The two first arm portions 81 are arranged approximately evenly spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The first arm portion 81 is located between the side surface 52a of the claw 52 and the side surface 62b of the claw 62 in the circumferential direction. The first arm portion 81 has two side surfaces 81a and 81b. The side surface 81a is an example of a first side surface. The side surface 81b is an example of a second side surface.

[0044] The side surface 81a is formed to be approximately flat and faces the side surface 52a of the claw 52 in the circumferential direction. In the first embodiment, the side surface 81a is spaced apart from the side surface 52a of the claw 52. The side surface 81b is formed to be approximately flat and faces the side surface 62b of the claw 62 in the circumferential direction. In the first embodiment, the side surface 81b is spaced apart from the side surface 62b of the claw 62. The side surface 81b is located on the opposite side to the side surface 81a in the circumferential direction.

[0045] For example, the side surfaces 81a and 81b are formed substantially parallel to an imaginary plane that passes through the first central axis Ax1 and extends radially. The side surface 81a is disposed substantially parallel to the side surface 52a of the claw 52. The side surface 81b is disposed substantially parallel to the side surface 62a of the claw 62. Note that the side surface 81a is not limited to this example.

[0046] The second arm portion 82 extends radially from the central portion 80. The two second arm portions 82 are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The first arm portions 81 and the second arm portions 82 are arranged alternately and at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The second arm portion 82 is located between the side surface 52b of the claw 52 and the side surface 62a of the claw 62 in the circumferential direction. The second arm portion 82 has two side surfaces 82a, 82b.

[0047] The side surface 82a is formed to be substantially flat and faces the side surface 62a of the claw 62 in the circumferential direction. In the first embodiment, the side surface 82a is spaced apart from the side surface 62a of the claw 62. The side surface 82b is formed to be substantially flat and faces the side surface 52b of the claw 52 in the circumferential direction. In the first embodiment, the side surface 82b is spaced apart from the side surface 52b of the claw 52. The side surface 82b is located on the opposite side to the side surface 82a in the circumferential direction.

[0048] For example, the side surfaces 82a and 82b are formed substantially parallel to an imaginary plane that passes through the first central axis Ax1 and extends in the radial direction. The side surface 82a is disposed substantially parallel to the side surface 62a of the claw 62. The side surface 82b is disposed substantially parallel to the side surface 52b of the claw 52. Note that the side surface 82a is not limited to this example.

[0049] The first protrusion 83 protrudes from a side surface 81a of the first arm portion 81 toward a side surface 52a of the claw 52. The second protrusion 84 protrudes from a side surface 81b of the first arm portion 81 toward a side surface 62b of the claw 62.

[0050] The third protrusion 85 protrudes from the side surface 82a of the second arm portion 82 toward the side surface 62a of the claw 62. The fourth protrusion 86 protrudes from the side surface 82b of the second arm portion 82 toward the side surface 52b of the claw 52.

[0051] The first protrusion 83 extends in the axial direction. In other words, the length of the first protrusion 83 in the axial direction is longer than the length of the first protrusion 83 in a direction (width direction) along the side surface 81a and perpendicular to the axial direction. Also, the length of the first protrusion 83 in the axial direction is longer than the length of the first protrusion 83 in a direction (height direction) perpendicular to the side surface 81a.

[0052] The first protrusion 83, the second protrusion 84, the third protrusion 85, and the fourth protrusion 86 have substantially the same shapes. Furthermore, the first protrusion 83, the second protrusion 84, the third protrusion 85, and the fourth protrusion 86 are disposed at substantially the same positions in the radial direction. However, the shapes and positions of the first protrusion 83, the second protrusion 84, the third protrusion 85, and the fourth protrusion 86 are not limited to this example.

[0053] 2 protrudes from the central portion 80 in the second axial direction Da2. The mounting portion 87 is formed in the shape of a column having, for example, a substantially octagonal or other non-circular cross section. Note that the shape of the mounting portion 87 is not limited to this example.

[0054] The second joint member 72 is made of, for example, synthetic rubber. Therefore, the Young's modulus of the second joint member 72 is lower than that of the first joint member 71. Furthermore, the rigidity of the second joint member 72 is lower than that of the drive shaft 41 and lower than that of the driven shaft 42. Note that the material of the second joint member 72 is not limited to this example.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 4, the second joint member 72 has a central portion 90 and four arm portions 91. Moreover, as shown in Fig. 2, the second joint member 72 further has four protrusions 93. The number of arm portions 91 is equal to the sum of the number of first arm portions 81 and the number of second arm portions 82. Note that the number of arm portions 91 and protrusions 93 is not limited to this example.

[0056] The central portion 90 is disposed on the first central axis Ax1 and the second central axis Ax2. For example, the central portion 90 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction. However, the shape of the central portion 90 is not limited to this example.

[0057] An attachment hole 97 is provided in the central portion 90. The attachment hole 97 penetrates the central portion 90 in a substantially axial direction. The attachment portion 87 of the first joint member 71 is fitted into the attachment hole 97. In this way, the second joint member 72 is attached to the first joint member 71.

[0058] The mounting portion 87 is fitted into the mounting hole 97 so as to widen the mounting hole 97. The mounting portion 87 abuts against the edge of the mounting hole 97, thereby restricting the relative rotation of the first joint member 71 and the second joint member 72 around the first central axis Ax1.

[0059] 3, at least a portion of the second joint member 72 is located between the end surface 51a of the shaft 51 and the first joint member 71. The second joint member 72 may also be located between the end surface 61a of the shaft 61 and the first joint member 71.

[0060] 4, the four arm portions 91 extend radially from the central portion 90. The four arm portions 91 are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Each arm portion 91 is located between the claw 52 and the claw 62 in the circumferential direction.

[0061] Two of the four arms 91 are adjacent to the two first arms 81 in the axial direction. The other two of the four arms 91 are adjacent to the two second arms 82 in the axial direction. In the circumferential direction, the width of the arms 91 is wider than the width of the first arms 81 and wider than the width of the second arms 82.

[0062] When the second joint member 72 is detached from the pump device 10, the width of the arm portion 91 in the circumferential direction is longer than the distance in the circumferential direction between the claws 52 and 62. Therefore, the arm portion 91 is elastically deformed so as to be compressed in the circumferential direction between the claws 52 and 62. The reaction force of the elastic deformation causes the arm portion 91 to push the claws 52 and 62 in the circumferential direction.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 2, the protrusion 93 protrudes from the arm portion 91 in the second axial direction Da2. In other words, the protrusion 93 protrudes from the arm portion 91 toward the end face 51a of the shaft 51. As shown in Fig. 1, the protrusion 93 is slightly spaced from the end face 51a. Note that the protrusion 93 may be in contact with the end face 51a.

[0064] The first joint member 71 and the second joint member 72 are capable of transmitting rotation about the first central axis Ax1 between the claw 52 and the claw 62. When the motor 12 rotates the rotor 33, the drive shaft 41 rotates together with the rotor 33. The claw 52 of the drive shaft 41 presses against the claw 62 of the driven shaft 42 via the first joint member 71 and the second joint member 72. This causes the driven shaft 42 and the rotor 22 to rotate. Note that the first joint member 71 and the second joint member 72 are each capable of transmitting rotation about the first central axis Ax1 between the claw 52 and the claw 62 independently.

[0065] 1, the first bearing 44 is provided, for example, inside the motor 12. The first bearing 44 is supported by the housing 31 of the motor 12. The first bearing 44 supports the drive shaft 41 rotatably about the first central axis Ax1.

[0066] The second bearing 45 is provided, for example, inside the pump 11. The second bearing 45 is supported by the housing 21 of the pump 11. The second bearing 45 supports the driven shaft 42 rotatably about the second central axis Ax2.

[0067] 4 shows the first protrusion 83, the second protrusion 84, the third protrusion 85, and the fourth protrusion 86 by two-dot chain lines before the drive shaft 41 and the driven shaft 42 are coupled together. Before the coupling, the cross section of each of the first protrusion 83, the second protrusion 84, the third protrusion 85, and the fourth protrusion 86 is formed to be approximately semicircular. Therefore, before the coupling, the cross section of each of the first protrusion 83, the second protrusion 84, the third protrusion 85, and the fourth protrusion 86 has an apex. Note that the cross sections of the first protrusion 83, the second protrusion 84, the third protrusion 85, and the fourth protrusion 86 are not limited to this example.

[0068] Fig. 5 is a side view showing the joint 43 before the drive shaft 41 and the driven shaft 42 of the first embodiment are connected. As shown in Fig. 5, the first protrusion 83 before connection has a ridge line E. The ridge line E is an imaginary line connecting the vertices of the first protrusion 83 at each position in the axial direction.

[0069] The ridge line E has a vertex P of the ridge line E. The vertex P is the portion of the first protrusion 83 that is furthest from the side surface 81a before the drive shaft 41 and the driven shaft 42 are coupled together.

[0070] The ridge line E has a portion that extends linearly between the end of the ridge line E in the first axial direction Da1 and the vertex P, and a portion that extends linearly between the end of the ridge line E in the second axial direction Da2 and the vertex P. In other words, the first protrusion 83 protrudes from the side surface 81 a of the first arm portion 81 so as to taper toward the vertex P.

[0071] The vertex P may be located at the center of the first protrusion 83 in the axial direction, or may be located at a position different from the center of the first protrusion 83 in the axial direction. The shape of the first protrusion 83 is not limited to this example. Also, the second protrusion 84, the third protrusion 85, and the fourth protrusion 86 have a ridge line E and a vertex P, just like the first protrusion 83.

[0072] Below, some examples of methods for manufacturing the pump device 10 will be described. The methods for manufacturing the pump device 10 are one example of methods for manufacturing a coupling. Note that the method for manufacturing the coupling 13 is not limited to the following method, and other methods may also be used.

[0073] First, the drive shaft 41 and the driven shaft 42 are connected by the joint 43. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the claw 52 of the drive shaft 41 is inserted between the side surface 81a of the first arm portion 81 and the side surface 82b of the second arm portion 82. Furthermore, the claw 62 of the driven shaft 42 is inserted between the side surface 81b of the first arm portion 81 and the side surface 82a of the second arm portion 82. The insertion of the claw 52 and the insertion of the claw 62 may be performed simultaneously or separately.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 4 , when the claws 52 and 62 are inserted, the first protrusion 83 and the fourth protrusion 86 contact the claw 52, ​​and the second protrusion 84 and the third protrusion 85 contact the claw 62. In the circumferential direction, the distance between the apex of the first protrusion 83 and the apex of the second protrusion 84 is longer than the distance between the claws 52 and 62. In addition, in the circumferential direction, the distance between the apex of the third protrusion 85 and the apex of the fourth protrusion 86 is longer than the distance between the claws 52 and 62. Therefore, the first protrusion 83, the second protrusion 84, the third protrusion 85, and the fourth protrusion 86 are compressed in the circumferential direction by the claws 52 and 62. That is, the first joint member 71 is press-fitted between the claws 52 and 62 in the circumferential direction.

[0075] The stress that the claws 52, 62 generate in the first protrusion 83, the second protrusion 84, the third protrusion 85, and the fourth protrusion 86 when the claws 52, 62 are inserted is smaller than the yield point (elastic critical point) of the first protrusion 83, the second protrusion 84, the third protrusion 85, and the fourth protrusion 86. Therefore, when the joint 43 is press-fitted between the claws 52 and 62 in the circumferential direction, the first protrusion 83, the second protrusion 84, the third protrusion 85, and the fourth protrusion 86 elastically deform so as to be compressed in the circumferential direction.

[0076] The first protrusion 83, the second protrusion 84, the third protrusion 85, and the fourth protrusion 86 press the corresponding claws 52, 62 due to the reaction force of elastic deformation. This adjusts the relative positions of the drive shaft 41 and the driven shaft 42 in the radial and circumferential directions. In this embodiment, the first protrusion 83, the second protrusion 84, the third protrusion 85, and the fourth protrusion 86 position the drive shaft 41 and the driven shaft 42 so that the first central axis Ax1 and the second central axis Ax2 coincide with each other.

[0077] The amount of elastic deformation of the central portion 80, the first arm portion 81, and the second arm portion 82 is smaller than the amount of elastic deformation of the first protrusion 83, the second protrusion 84, the third protrusion 85, and the fourth protrusion 86. Furthermore, the rigidity of the material of the first joint member 71 is higher than the rigidity of general synthetic rubber. Therefore, the first joint member 71 can prevent the first central axis Ax1 and the second central axis Ax2 from remaining misaligned.

[0078] Because the ridge line E extends linearly in the axial direction between the end of the ridge line E and the vertex P, the first protrusion 83 is gradually compressed as the claws 52, 62 are inserted. Therefore, the first protrusion 83, the second protrusion 84, the third protrusion 85, and the fourth protrusion 86 can smoothly adjust the positions of the drive shaft 41 and the driven shaft 42.

[0079] When the claws 52, 62 are inserted, the claws 52, 62 are also inserted between the corresponding two arm portions 91 of the second joint member 72 and come into contact with the two arm portions 91. The width of the arm portion 91 in the circumferential direction is longer than the distance between the claws 52 and 62. Therefore, the arm portion 91 is compressed in the circumferential direction by the claws 52, 62. In other words, the second joint member 72 is press-fitted between the claws 52 and 62 in the circumferential direction.

[0080] The stress that the claws 52, 62 generate in the arm portion 91 when the claws 52, 62 are inserted is smaller than the yield point of the arm portion 91. Therefore, when the arm portion 91 is press-fitted between the claws 52, 62 in the circumferential direction, the arm portion 91 is elastically deformed so as to be compressed in the circumferential direction.

[0081] The arm portion 91 pushes the claws 52, 62 due to the reaction force of the elastic deformation. This adjusts the relative positions of the drive shaft 41 and the driven shaft 42 in the radial and circumferential directions. In this embodiment, the arm portion 91 positions the drive shaft 41 and the driven shaft 42 so that the first central axis Ax1 and the second central axis Ax2 coincide with each other.

[0082] The force with which the arm portion 91 presses the claws 52, 62 is smaller than the force with which the first protrusion 83, the second protrusion 84, the third protrusion 85, and the fourth protrusion 86 press the claws 52, 62. In this embodiment, the arm portion 91 presses the claws 52, 62 auxiliary.

[0083] As described above, the joint 43 connects the drive shaft 41 and the driven shaft 42 so that the first central axis Ax1 and the second central axis Ax2 coincide with each other. Next, the motor 12 is attached to the pump 11 with the screws 35.

[0084] Next, the motor 12 rotates the drive shaft 41 with a torque exceeding the rated output of the pump device 10. The rated output of the pump device 10 is the rated output of the motor 12 when the pump device 10 is used as a product. For example, a current exceeding the rated current is passed through the stator 32.

[0085] The motor 12 rotates the drive shaft 41 in a first circumferential direction Dr1. As the drive shaft 41 rotates, the pawl 52 pushes the first protrusion 83, and the second protrusion 84 pushes the pawl 62. As a result, the joint 43 transmits rotation between the pawl 52 and the pawl 62, causing the driven shaft 42 to rotate. At this time, the stress acting on the first protrusion 83 and the stress acting on the second protrusion 84 are each greater than the yield points of the first protrusion 83 and the second protrusion 84.

[0086] Because stress exceeding the yield point occurs in the first protrusion 83 and the second protrusion 84, the first protrusion 83 and the second protrusion 84 undergo plastic deformation (compressive plastic deformation) so as to be compressed in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the first protrusion 83, the second protrusion 84, the third protrusion 85, and the fourth protrusion 86 may also deform due to continuous load and wear.

[0087] 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the first protrusion 83 and the second protrusion 84 in the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the compressively plastically deformed first protrusion 83 and second protrusion 84 have flat top surfaces 83a and 84a, respectively.

[0088] The compressive plastic deformation of the first protrusion 83 and the second protrusion 84 shortens the circumferential distance between the apex (top surface 83a) of the first protrusion 83 and the apex (top surface 84a) of the second protrusion 84. This allows the first joint member 71 to move slightly relative to the drive shaft 41 and the driven shaft 42.

[0089] For example, the drive shaft 41 and the driven shaft 42 can rotate slightly relative to each other so that the pawls 52, 62 move away from the first protrusion 83 and the second protrusion 84. This allows a gap G1 to be formed between the first protrusion 83 and the pawl 52, and a gap G2 to be formed between the second protrusion 84 and the pawl 62. In Figure 6, the first joint member 71 that forms the gap G1 is shown by a solid line, and the first joint member 71 that forms the gap G2 is shown by a two-dot chain line.

[0090] As described above, the first protrusion 83 is plastically deformed so as to be compressed in the circumferential direction so as to form a gap G1 between the first protrusion 83 and the claw 52. Furthermore, the second protrusion 84 is plastically deformed so as to be compressed in the circumferential direction so as to form a gap G2 between the second protrusion 84 and the claw 62. The third protrusion 85 and the fourth protrusion 86 may also be compressively plastically deformed so as to form a gap. In this manner, the pump device 10 is manufactured.

[0091] Whether the first protrusion 83, the second protrusion 84, the third protrusion 85, and the fourth protrusion 86 are undergoing compressive plastic deformation can be determined, for example, by a CT scan. The first joint member 71 contains fibers such as carbon fibers or glass fibers. Therefore, the CT scan can measure the distribution of fibers in the first joint member 71.

[0092] For example, if the fiber density of the first protrusion 83, the second protrusion 84, the third protrusion 85, and the fourth protrusion 86 is greater than the fiber density of other parts of the first joint member 71, it can be determined that the first protrusion 83, the second protrusion 84, the third protrusion 85, and the fourth protrusion 86 are compressively plastically deformed. Note that the compressive plastic deformation of the first protrusion 83, the second protrusion 84, the third protrusion 85, and the fourth protrusion 86 may also be determined by other methods. For example, if the material of the first joint member 71 is metal, the compressive plastic deformation of the first protrusion 83, the second protrusion 84, the third protrusion 85, and the fourth protrusion 86 can be determined based on the arrangement of crystals.

[0093] The gaps G1 and G2 are formed after the motor 12 is attached to the pump 11. Therefore, even after the gaps G1 and G2 are formed, the drive shaft 41 and the driven shaft 42 are maintained at positions where the first central axis Ax1 and the second central axis Ax2 substantially coincide with each other.

[0094] Because the first central axis Ax1 and the second central axis Ax2 substantially coincide with each other, the coupling 13 can suppress radial loads from acting on the drive shaft 41 and the driven shaft 42. As a result, the coupling 13 can suppress vibrations and noise from occurring in the rotating drive shaft 41 and driven shaft 42, improving durability.

[0095] Even if the first center axis Ax1 and the second center axis Ax2 are aligned, the center axes of the first bearing 44 and the second bearing 45 may deviate from the first center axis Ax1 and the second center axis Ax2. However, the coupling 13 can form gaps G1 and G2, so dimensional play exists. Therefore, the coupling 13 can reduce the load acting on the first bearing 44 and the second bearing 45 due to the misalignment between the first center axis Ax1 and the second center axis Ax2 and the center axes of the first bearing 44 and the second bearing 45.

[0096] The formation of gaps G1 and G2 may cause the first protrusion 83 to collide with the side surface 52a of the claw 52 and the second protrusion 84 to collide with the side surface 62b of the claw 62 when the drive shaft 41 rotates. However, the gaps G1 and G2 are minute gaps formed by compressive plastic deformation. Therefore, the sound generated by the collision of the first protrusion 83 and the second protrusion 84 with the claws 52 and 62 is kept very small.

[0097] When the motor 12 rotates the drive shaft 41 with torque of the rated output, the stress acting on the first protrusion 83 and the stress acting on the second protrusion 84 are each smaller than the yield points of the first protrusion 83 and the second protrusion 84. In other words, the torque acting on the drive shaft 41 to drive the pump 11 is smaller than the torque acting on the drive shaft 41 to compressively plastically deform the first protrusion 83 and the second protrusion 84. Therefore, when the pump device 10 operates at rated speed, the first protrusion 83 and the second protrusion 84 are unlikely to undergo further compressive plastic deformation. Note that the first protrusion 83 and the second protrusion 84 may be deformed due to repeated loads and wear.

[0098] The second joint member 72 can prevent the joint 43 from tilting. For example, a force about the third central axis Ax3 in FIG. 3 may act on the joint 43. The third central axis Ax3 is the central axis of rotation (tilt) of the joint 43 and intersects with the first central axis Ax1. In this embodiment, the third central axis Ax3 is perpendicular to the first central axis Ax1.

[0099] The arm 91 presses against the claws 52, 62 due to the reaction force of the elastic deformation. As a result, a frictional force is generated between the arm 91 and the claws 52, 62. The arm 91 prevents the joint 43 from rotating (tilting) around the third central axis Ax3 relative to the drive shaft 41 and the driven shaft 42 due to the frictional force.

[0100] Furthermore, when the joint 43 rotates around the third central axis Ax3 relative to the drive shaft 41 and the driven shaft 42, the protrusion 93 comes into contact with the end face 51a of the shaft 51. As a result, the protrusion 93 restricts the joint 43 from rotating (tilting) around the third central axis Ax3 relative to the drive shaft 41 and the driven shaft 42.

[0101] As described above, the arm 91 presses against the claws 52, 62 due to the reaction force of elastic deformation. Therefore, the arm 91 can suppress vibration of the drive shaft 41 and the driven shaft 42 due to the reaction force of elastic deformation. Furthermore, the arm 91 can further reduce the noise generated by the collision between the first protrusion 83 and the claw 52 and the noise generated by the collision between the second protrusion 84 and the claw 62 due to the reaction force of elastic deformation.

[0102] During manufacturing of the coupling 13 according to the first embodiment described above, the first joint member 71 is press-fitted between the pawls 52 and 62 in the circumferential direction, and the first protrusion 83 is elastically deformed so as to be compressed in the circumferential direction. As a result, the first protrusion 83 can position the pawls 52, 62 and the first joint member 71 at desired positions due to the reaction force of the elastic deformation. For example, the first protrusion 83 can position the pawls 52, 62 so that the first central axis Ax1 and the second central axis Ax2 coincide with each other. As a result, the coupling 13 can suppress vibration and noise caused by misalignment between the first central axis Ax1 and the second central axis Ax2. Furthermore, the first protrusion 83 is plastically deformed so as to be compressed in the circumferential direction, so as to form a gap G1 between the first protrusion 83 and the pawl 52. As a result, the coupling 13 can, for example, prevent the first bearing 44 and the second bearing 45 that support the drive shaft 41 and the driven shaft 42 from receiving a load due to the strong connection between the drive shaft 41 and the driven shaft 42. As described above, the coupling 13 not only prevents vibration between the drive shaft 41 and the driven shaft 42, but also prevents a load from acting on parts that come into contact with the drive shaft 41 and the driven shaft 42. Therefore, the coupling 13 can prevent a decrease in durability and extend its lifespan.

[0103] Furthermore, the coupling 13 can couple the drive shaft 41 and the driven shaft 42 more accurately than a spigot connection, without using a spigot connection. As a result, the coupling 13 does not require a structure for a spigot connection, and an increase in costs can be suppressed.

[0104] Furthermore, the gap G1 is very small because it is formed by compressive plastic deformation of the first protrusion 83. Therefore, the coupling 13 can reduce noise generated by the collision between the first protrusion 83 and the claw 52.

[0105] The second joint member 72 is attached to the first joint member 71 and is located between the claws 52 and 62 in the circumferential direction. The second joint member 72 is elastically deformed so as to be compressed in the circumferential direction between the claws 52 and 62. The second joint member 72 presses the claws 52 and 62 by a reaction force of the elastic deformation. When the first joint member 71 tries to tilt from a predetermined position, the second joint member 72 generates a frictional force between the second joint member 72 and the claw 52 and between the second joint member 72 and the claw 62. The second joint member 72 prevents the first joint member 71 from tilting by this frictional force.

[0106] Furthermore, the second joint member 72 can position the claws 52, 62 so that the first central axis Ax1 and the second central axis Ax2 coincide with each other due to the reaction force of elastic deformation. Furthermore, the second joint member 72 can reduce noise caused by collision between the first protrusion 83 and the claw 52 due to the reaction force of elastic deformation.

[0107] The second joint member 72 is located between the end surface 51a of the shaft 51 and the first joint member 71. The second joint member 72 comes into contact with the end surface 51a when the first joint member 71 rotates (tilts) around a third central axis Ax3 that intersects with the first central axis Ax1 relative to the drive shaft 41. In this way, the second joint member 72 prevents the first joint member 71 from tilting.

[0108] The first joint member 71 has a second protrusion 84 that protrudes from the side surface 81b toward the claw 62 and is compressively plastically deformed in the circumferential direction. For example, when the first joint member 71 is fitted between the claw 52 and the claw 62, the second protrusion 84 elastically deforms together with the first protrusion 83. The second protrusion 84 also compressively plastically deforms together with the first protrusion 83. This allows the coupling 13 to distribute the load during elastic deformation and plastic deformation to the first protrusion 83 and the second protrusion 84.

[0109] (Second embodiment) The second embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 7. In the following description of the embodiments, components having the same functions as components already described are given the same reference numerals as the components already described, and further description may be omitted. Furthermore, components given the same reference numerals do not necessarily have all the same functions and properties, and may have different functions and properties according to each embodiment.

[0110] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a coupling 13 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7, a joint 43 according to the second embodiment has a first joint member 271 instead of the first joint member 71. The first joint member 271 is the same as the first joint member 71 according to the first embodiment, except for the points described below.

[0111] The first joint member 271 is provided with two first grooves 288 and two second grooves 289. The first groove 288 is an example of a groove. The first groove 288 opens into an end face 81c of the first arm portion 81 in the radial direction and extends between both ends of the first arm portion 81 in the axial direction. The second groove 289 opens into an end face 82c of the second arm portion 82 in the radial direction and extends between both ends of the second arm portion 82 in the axial direction.

[0112] The first groove 288 is located between the two side surfaces 81a, 81b of the first arm portion 81. The bottom of the first groove 288 on the radially inner side is located radially more inward than the end of the first protrusion 83 on the radially outer side. In addition, the bottom of the first groove 288 on the radially inner side is located radially more inward than the end of the second protrusion 84 on the radially outer side.

[0113] The second groove 289 is located between the two side surfaces 82a, 82b of the second arm portion 82. The bottom of the second groove 289 on the radially inner side is located radially more inward than the end of the third protrusion 85 on the radially outer side. In addition, the bottom of the second groove 289 on the radially inner side is located radially more inward than the end of the fourth protrusion 86 on the radially outer side.

[0114] In the coupling 13 of the second embodiment described above, the first joint member 271 is provided with the first groove 288 located between the side surfaces 81a and 81b. This reduces the rigidity of the first joint member 271, making the portion of the first joint member 271 including the first protrusion 83 more likely to deform. Therefore, the coupling 13 can prevent damage to the claws 52, 62 and the first protrusion 83 due to the reaction force generated during deformation.

[0115] The first groove 288 and the second groove 289 reduce the rigidity of the first joint member 71. However, the first protrusion 83 and the second protrusion 84 are subjected to compressive plastic deformation, as in the first embodiment.

[0116] (Third embodiment) The third embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a coupling 13 according to the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, a joint 43 of the third embodiment has a first joint member 371 instead of the first joint member 71. The first joint member 371 is the same as the first joint member 71 of the first embodiment, except for the points described below.

[0117] The first joint member 371 has two first arms 381 and two second arms 382 instead of the first arm 81, the second arm 82, the second protrusion 84, and the fourth protrusion 86. The first arms 381 and the second arms 382 are the same as the first arms 81 and the second arms 82 of the first embodiment, except for the points described below.

[0118] The first joint member 371 does not have the second protrusion 84 or the fourth protrusion 86. A side surface 81b of the first arm portion 381 abuts against the claw 62. In addition, a side surface 82b of the second arm portion 382 abuts against the claw 52.

[0119] In the coupling 13 of the third embodiment described above, the first joint member 371 has the first protrusion 83 and the third protrusion 85, and omits the second protrusion 84 and the fourth protrusion 86. This allows the coupling 13 to have a reduced number of protrusions, and makes it easier to control the shapes of the protrusions during manufacturing.

[0120] (Fourth embodiment) The fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a coupling 13 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, a joint 43 of the fourth embodiment has a first joint member 471 instead of the first joint member 71. The first joint member 471 is the same as the first joint member 71 of the first embodiment, except for the points described below.

[0121] The first joint member 471 has a second arm 482 instead of the second arm 82, the third protrusion 85, and the fourth protrusion 86. The second arm 482 is the same as the second arm 82 of the first embodiment, except for the points described below.

[0122] The first joint member 471 does not have the third protrusion 85 or the fourth protrusion 86. A side surface 82a of the second arm portion 482 abuts against the claw 62. In addition, a side surface 82b of the second arm portion 482 abuts against the claw 52.

[0123] In the coupling 13 of the fourth embodiment described above, the first joint member 471 has the first protrusion 83 and the second protrusion 84, and omits the third protrusion 85 and the fourth protrusion 86. This allows the coupling 13 to have a reduced number of protrusions, and makes it easier to control the shapes of the protrusions during manufacturing.

[0124] The first joint member 471 has a first protrusion 83 and a second protrusion 84. The side surface 52a of the pawl 52 facing the first circumferential direction Dr1 in which the drive shaft 41 rotates abuts against the first protrusion 83. Furthermore, the side surface 62b of the pawl 62 abuts against the second protrusion 84 of the first joint member 471 that is pressed by the pawl 52 of the drive shaft 41. In other words, the first protrusion 83 and the second protrusion 84 are located in the rotation transmission path between the pawl 52 and the pawl 62. This allows the first protrusion 83 and the second protrusion 84 to easily undergo compressive plastic deformation.

[0125] (Fifth embodiment) The fifth embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view that schematically shows a coupling 13 according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 10, a joint 43 of the fifth embodiment has a first joint member 571 instead of the first joint member 71. The first joint member 571 is the same as the first joint member 71 of the first embodiment, except for the points that will be described below.

[0126] The first joint member 571 has a first arm 581 instead of the first arm 81, the first protrusion 83, and the second protrusion 84. The first arm 581 is the same as the first arm 81 of the first embodiment, except for the points described below.

[0127] The first joint member 571 does not have the first protrusion 83 or the second protrusion 84. A side surface 81a of the first arm portion 581 abuts against the claw 52. A side surface 81b of the first arm portion 581 abuts against the claw 62.

[0128] In the coupling 13 of the fifth embodiment described above, the first joint member 571 has the third protrusion 85 and the fourth protrusion 86, and does not have the first protrusion 83 and the second protrusion 84. This allows the coupling 13 to have a reduced number of protrusions, making it easier to control the shapes of the protrusions during manufacturing. In the fifth embodiment, the third protrusion 85 is an example of a second protrusion, and the fourth protrusion 86 is an example of a first protrusion.

[0129] The first joint member 571 has a third protrusion 85 and a fourth protrusion 86. The side surface 52a of the pawl 52 facing the first circumferential direction Dr1 in which the drive shaft 41 rotates abuts against the first arm portion 581. In addition, the side surface 62b of the pawl 62 abuts against the first arm portion 581 pressed by the pawl 52 of the drive shaft 41. In other words, the third protrusion 85 and the fourth protrusion 86 are positioned outside the rotation transmission path between the pawl 52 and the pawl 62. This allows the coupling 13 to suppress unintended compressive plastic deformation of the third protrusion 85 and the fourth protrusion 86.

[0130] The coupling according to at least one embodiment described above may, for example, include a first rotating body having a first member rotatable about a first rotation axis and a first end face provided at an end of the first member in an axial direction along the first rotation axis; a second rotating body having a second member rotatable about a second rotation axis and spaced apart from the first member in the axial direction; and a second end face provided at an end of the second member in a direction along the second rotation axis and facing the first end face; a first rotation transmitting portion provided on the first rotating body and positioned between the first end face and the second end face in the axial direction; and a second rotation transmitting part that is aligned with the first rotation transmitting part in a circumferential direction about the first rotation axis; and a first joint member, at least a portion of which is located between the first rotation transmitting part and the second rotation transmitting part in the circumferential direction, the first joint member having a first side surface facing the first rotation transmitting part in the circumferential direction, a second side surface facing the second rotation transmitting part in the circumferential direction, and a first protrusion protruding from the first side surface toward the first rotation transmitting part, wherein the first joint member is capable of transmitting rotation about the first rotation axis between the first rotation transmitting part and the second rotation transmitting part, and wherein a gap can be formed between the first protrusion and the first rotation transmitting part by compressive plastic deformation of the first protrusion in the circumferential direction. For example, before the first protrusion undergoes compressive plastic deformation in the circumferential direction (or when the amount of compressive plastic deformation in the circumferential direction is smaller than a predetermined amount), no gap is formed between the first protrusion and the first rotation-transmitting part, but when the first protrusion undergoes compressive plastic deformation in the circumferential direction (or when the amount of compressive plastic deformation in the circumferential direction increases to or exceeds a predetermined amount), a gap is formed between the first protrusion and the first rotation-transmitting part. In this case, for example, before the first protrusion undergoes compressive plastic deformation in the circumferential direction by or above the predetermined amount, the first joint member is fitted between the first rotation-transmitting part and the second rotation-transmitting part. At this time, the first protrusion elastically deforms so as to be compressed in the circumferential direction, and the reaction force of this elastic deformation can position the first rotation-transmitting part, the second rotation-transmitting part, and the first joint member at desired positions.For example, the first protrusion can position the first rotation-transmitting part and the second rotation-transmitting part so that the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis coincide with each other. This allows the coupling to suppress vibration and noise caused by misalignment between the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis. Furthermore, for example, when the first protrusion undergoes compressive plastic deformation in the circumferential direction due to pressure contact with the first rotation-transmitting part (or when the amount of compressive plastic deformation in the circumferential direction increases to a predetermined amount or more), a gap that provides play can be formed between the first protrusion and the first rotation-transmitting part. This allows the coupling to suppress, for example, bearings supporting the first and second rotating bodies from receiving loads due to the strong connection between the first and second rotating bodies. As described above, the coupling suppresses vibration between the first and second rotating bodies and suppresses loads from acting on parts in contact with the first and second rotating bodies. This prevents a decrease in durability and improves the lifespan of the coupling.

[0131] As one example, the coupling further includes a second joint member attached to the first joint member, positioned between the first rotation-transmitting part and the second rotation-transmitting part in the circumferential direction, and elastically deformed so as to be compressed in the circumferential direction between the first rotation-transmitting part and the second rotation-transmitting part. Therefore, as one example, the second joint member presses the first rotation-transmitting part and the second rotation-transmitting part by a reaction force of the elastic deformation. When the first joint member attempts to tilt from a predetermined position, the second joint member generates a frictional force between the second joint member and the first rotation-transmitting part and between the second joint member and the second rotation-transmitting part. The second joint member can prevent the first joint member from tilting by the frictional force.

[0132] In the above coupling, as one example, the second joint member is located between the first end surface and the first joint member and abuts against the first end surface when the first joint member rotates relative to the first rotor about a third rotation axis that intersects with the first rotation axis. Thus, as one example, the second joint member can prevent the first joint member from tilting.

[0133] In the above coupling, as one example, the first joint member has a second protrusion that protrudes from the second side surface toward the second rotation-transmitting part and is compressively plastically deformed in the circumferential direction. Therefore, as one example, when the first joint member is fitted between the first rotation-transmitting part and the second rotation-transmitting part, the second protrusion elastically deforms together with the first protrusion. Furthermore, the second protrusion compressively plastically deforms together with the first protrusion. This allows the coupling to distribute loads during elastic deformation and plastic deformation between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

[0134] In the above coupling, for example, the first joint member has a groove located between the first side surface and the second side surface. Therefore, for example, the rigidity of the first joint member is reduced, and a portion of the first joint member including the first protrusion is more likely to deform. Therefore, the coupling can prevent damage to the first rotation-transmitting part, the second rotation-transmitting part, and the first protrusion due to a reaction force generated during deformation.

[0135] As an example, the manufacturing method of the coupling according to at least one embodiment described above may include: a first rotating body having a first member rotatable about a first rotation axis and a first end face provided at an end of the first member in an axial direction along the first rotation axis; a second rotating body having a second member rotatable about a second rotation axis and spaced apart from the first member in the axial direction and a second end face provided at an end of the second member in a direction along the second rotation axis and facing the first end face; a first rotation transmitting part provided on the first rotating body and positioned between the first end face and the second end face in the axial direction; and a second rotation transmitting part provided on the second rotating body and positioned between the first end face and the second end face in the axial direction and aligned with the first rotation transmitting part in a circumferential direction about the first rotation axis. a first joint member, at least a portion of which is located between the first rotation-transmitting part and the second rotation-transmitting part in the circumferential direction, the first joint member having a first side surface facing the first rotation-transmitting part in the circumferential direction, a second side surface facing the second rotation-transmitting part in the circumferential direction, and a first protrusion protruding from the first side surface toward the first rotation-transmitting part, the first joint member being capable of transmitting rotation about the first rotation axis between the first rotation-transmitting part and the second rotation-transmitting part, the method comprising: press-fitting the first joint member between the first rotation-transmitting part and the second rotation-transmitting part in the circumferential direction to elastically deform the first protrusion so as to compress it in the circumferential direction; and plastically deforming the first protrusion so as to compress it in the circumferential direction so as to form a gap between the first protrusion and the first rotation-transmitting part. Thus, for example, the first protrusion can position the first rotation-transmitting part, the second rotation-transmitting part, and the first joint member at desired positions due to a reaction force of the elastic deformation. For example, the first protrusion can position the first rotation-transmitting part and the second rotation-transmitting part so that the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis coincide with each other, thereby enabling the coupling to suppress vibration and noise caused by misalignment between the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis.Furthermore, because a gap can be formed between the first protrusion and the first rotation transmission part, the coupling can, for example, prevent bearings supporting the first and second rotating bodies from being subjected to loads due to the strong connection between the first and second rotating bodies. The above-described method for manufacturing a coupling suppresses vibration between the first and second rotating bodies and also prevents loads from being applied to parts that contact the first and second rotating bodies. Therefore, the coupling can prevent a decrease in durability and extend its lifespan.

[0136] In the above description, suppression is defined as, for example, preventing an event, action, or influence from occurring, or reducing the degree of an event, action, or influence. Also, in the above description, restriction is defined as, for example, preventing movement or rotation, or allowing movement or rotation within a predetermined range and preventing movement or rotation beyond the predetermined range.

[0137] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments and modifications are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above-described embodiments and modifications can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, combinations, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the configurations and shapes of each embodiment and each modification can be partially interchanged. [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 13...coupling, 41...drive shaft (first rotating body), 42...driven shaft (second rotating body), 51...shaft (first member), 51a...end face (first end face), 52...claw (first rotation transmission part), 61...shaft (second member), 61a...end face (second end face), 62...claw (second rotation transmission part), 71...first joint member, 72...second joint member, 83...first protrusion, 84...second protrusion, Ax1...first central axis (first rotating axis), Ax2...second central axis (second rotating axis), Ax3...third central axis (third rotating axis), G1...gap.

Claims

1. a first rotating body having a first member rotatable around a first rotation axis and a first end surface provided at an end of the first member in an axial direction along the first rotation axis; a second rotating body including a second member rotatable about a second rotation axis and spaced apart from the first member in the axial direction, and a second end face provided at an end of the second member in a direction along the second rotation axis and facing the first end face; a first rotation transmitting portion provided on the first rotor and positioned between the first end face and the second end face in the axial direction; a second rotation-transmitting portion provided on the second rotor, positioned between the first end face and the second end face in the axial direction, and aligned with the first rotation-transmitting portion in the circumferential direction around the first rotation axis; a first joint member, at least a portion of which is located between the first rotation-transmitting part and the second rotation-transmitting part in the circumferential direction, having a first side surface facing the first rotation-transmitting part in the circumferential direction, a second side surface facing the second rotation-transmitting part in the circumferential direction, and a first protrusion protruding from the first side surface toward the first rotation-transmitting part, wherein the first joint member is capable of transmitting rotation about the first rotation axis between the first rotation-transmitting part and the second rotation-transmitting part, and wherein a gap is formed between the first protrusion and the first rotation-transmitting part by compressive plastic deformation of the first protrusion in the circumferential direction; a second joint member attached to the first joint member, positioned between the first rotation-transmitting part and the second rotation-transmitting part in the circumferential direction, and elastically deformed so as to be compressed in the circumferential direction between the first rotation-transmitting part and the second rotation-transmitting part; A coupling comprising:

2. 2. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the second joint member is located between the first end surface and the first joint member, and abuts against the first end surface when the first joint member rotates relative to the first rotating body about a third rotation axis that intersects with the first rotation axis.

3. the first joint member has a second protrusion that protrudes from the second side surface toward the second rotation transmitting part and is compressively plastically deformed in the circumferential direction; 3. The coupling of claim 1 or claim 2.

4. A first rotating body having a first member rotatable around a first rotation axis and a first end face provided at an end of the first member in an axial direction along the first rotation axis; a second rotating body including a second member rotatable about a second rotation axis and spaced apart from the first member in the axial direction, and a second end face provided at an end of the second member in a direction along the second rotation axis and facing the first end face; a first rotation transmitting portion provided on the first rotor and positioned between the first end face and the second end face in the axial direction; a second rotation-transmitting portion provided on the second rotor, positioned between the first end face and the second end face in the axial direction, and aligned with the first rotation-transmitting portion in the circumferential direction around the first rotation axis; a first joint member, at least a portion of which is located between the first rotation-transmitting part and the second rotation-transmitting part in the circumferential direction, having a first side surface facing the first rotation-transmitting part in the circumferential direction, a second side surface facing the second rotation-transmitting part in the circumferential direction, and a first protrusion protruding from the first side surface toward the first rotation-transmitting part, wherein the first joint member is capable of transmitting rotation about the first rotation axis between the first rotation-transmitting part and the second rotation-transmitting part, and wherein a gap is formed between the first protrusion and the first rotation-transmitting part by compressive plastic deformation of the first protrusion in the circumferential direction; Equipped with the first joint member has a second protrusion that protrudes from the second side surface toward the second rotation transmitting part and is compressively plastically deformed in the circumferential direction; Coupling.

5. 5. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the first joint member is provided with a groove located between the first side surface and the second side surface.

6. a first rotating body having a first member rotatable around a first rotation axis and a first end surface provided at an end of the first member in an axial direction along the first rotation axis; a second rotating body including a second member rotatable about a second rotation axis and spaced apart from the first member in the axial direction, and a second end face provided at an end of the second member in a direction along the second rotation axis and facing the first end face; a first rotation transmitting portion provided on the first rotor and positioned between the first end face and the second end face in the axial direction; a second rotation-transmitting portion provided on the second rotor, positioned between the first end face and the second end face in the axial direction, and aligned with the first rotation-transmitting portion in the circumferential direction around the first rotation axis; a first joint member, at least a portion of which is located between the first rotation-transmitting part and the second rotation-transmitting part in the circumferential direction, having a first side surface facing the first rotation-transmitting part in the circumferential direction, a second side surface facing the second rotation-transmitting part in the circumferential direction, and a first protrusion protruding from the first side surface toward the first rotation-transmitting part, and capable of transmitting rotation about the first rotation axis between the first rotation-transmitting part and the second rotation-transmitting part; A method for manufacturing a coupling comprising: the first joint member is press-fitted between the first rotation-transmitting part and the second rotation-transmitting part in the circumferential direction, thereby elastically deforming the first protrusion so as to compress it in the circumferential direction; plastically deforming the first protrusion so as to compress it in the circumferential direction so as to form a gap between the first protrusion and the first rotation transmitting portion; A method for manufacturing a coupling comprising:

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