UNIVERSAL JOINT

摘要

A resistance-applying mechanism is provided in a universal joint, the mechanism causing a resistance load to an oscillating motion of a spider arm to be highest when an oscillation angle (beta) is 0º and causing the resistance load to be gradually reduced as the oscillation angle deviates from the angle above. The mechanism suppresses the variation in torque transmitted between an input and an output shaft. Further, using the universal joint in an automobile steering device improves steering feeling. The resistance-applying mechanism is constituted of a cam surface (76) formed on an end surface of a spider arm (311) and an engagement projection (75) formed at a position eccentric from the axis of a cup bottom of a bearing cup and in contact with the cam surface. The resistance-applying mechanism can also be formed by an inner surface of a yoke hole (71) and a top end portion of the spider arm (311), both having a substantially elliptical shape.