CONNECTING STRUCTURE AND UNIVERSAL JOINT

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a connecting structure and a universal joint, which achieve miniaturization and easily perform attaching/detaching operation within a limited range. SOLUTION: This connecting structure connects the universal joint to a counterpart shaft. The connecting structure includes: a center shaft member 71 for fitting the counterpart shaft 70 therein; and a flange member 72 for fitting the center shaft member 71 therein and detachably connected in an overlapped manner to the flange surface 50 of the universal joint. The inner diameter surface of the center shaft member 71 is formed with a key groove 75 for fitting a key 73 provided at the counterpart shaft 70. The outer diameter surface of the center shaft member 71 is formed with a male spline 76, and the inner diameter surface of the flange member 72 is formed with a female spline 80 for fitting the male spline 76 therein. A tapered guide portion 40 with height dimension and width dimension reduced from a fitting terminal end-side toward a fitting starting end-side is provided to the fitting starting end-portion of each projection 77 having a rectangular cross-sectional surface of the male spline 76. COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT