Abstract: A universal joint yoke (1) is formed by press-forming a sheet metal (60) whose thickness is 8 mm or more. The yoke (1) comprises tabs (2, 3) formed of a pair of mutually parallel flat plates. First end portions (2a, 3a) of the tabs (2, 3) are coupled to each other by a coupling portion (4). A cylindrical portion (5) to which a shaft (30) is joined extends from the coupling portion (4). From second end portions (2b, 3b) to intermediate portions (2c, 3c) of the tabs (2, 3), relief recesses (9, 10) are formed on the inside surfaces (7, 8) of the tabs (2a, 3a), respectively. By the relief recesses (9, 10), a columnar relief space (11) is defined between the tabs (2, 3). The cylindrical portion (5) includes a slit (14) extending in an axial direction of the cylindrical portion (5).

Abstract: A shaft-and-yoke coupling structure includes a presser plate which covers outer surface of a U-shaped shaft insertion portion of a yoke and which has claws bent toward an inner surface of each end portion of the shaft insertion portion. The claws press the shaft inserted into the shaft insertion portion, and this pressing by the claws prevents the shaft from being axially decentered. Also, the shaft is temporarily secured to the yoke with the claws, a work for bolting the shaft is facilitated. Thus, the shaft-and-yoke coupling structure is superior in workability and capable of correct assembling shaft and yoke.