Constant velocity joint

Abstract

A constant velocity joint includes outer and inner races with mating part-spherical surfaces in which a single functional set of ball grooves are formed bearing a single torque-transmitting ball which is urged under an applied torque load toward one axial end of the joint. A retainer is carried by one of the two races or the shafts to which they are connected and acts on the ball to maintain the ball within the grooves during all angles of the joint.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] This invention relates to constant velocity joints of the type used to transmit torque at a constant velocity between two shafts through an angle. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] A typical constant velocity joint used to transmit torque between two shafts through an angle includes an outer race fixed to one of the shafts and having an inner part-spherical surface, an inner race disposed in the outer race and having an outer part-spherical surface spaced from the inner surface of the outer joint member, a plurality of axially extending, circumferentially spaced ball grooves that face one another and have centers of curvature which are axially offset on opposite sides of a center point of the joint defined by a common center of the inner and outer joint surfaces, and a plurality of torque-transmitting balls corresponding in number to the number of grooves sets and disposed one each in the opposing groove sets to enable angulation of the shafts while precludin...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] One advantage of the present invention is that a constant velocity joint is provided which eliminates the need for all but a single functional ball groove set, thus reducing machining costs and the time it takes to machine the races.

[0007] The present invention has the further advantage of providing a single functional torque-transmitting ball which is received in the single functional groove set which enables angulation of the races while eliminating relative rotation of the joints to effect the transfer of torque through the joint, thus further reducing the cost and complexity of the joint.

[0008] The invention has the further advantage of eliminating the usual ball cage that is typically carried between the inner and outer race and formed with a number of windows for capturing a plurality of balls. The elimination of the ball cage further simplifies the construction and reduces the cost of manufacturing constant velocity joints.

[0009] A constant velocity joint constructed according to the present invention is particularly useful in applications where the joint is subjected to low torque load and low angulation. In such applications, there is no need to provide numerous ball grooves sets and balls and a ball cage to hold them in place according to the present invention, which achieves the functionality of traditional constant velocity joints but by means of a much simpler construction.

Problems solved by technology

However, because of the many parts and surfaces to machine, such joints can be costly to manufacture.

Images