Torque Transmission Device Useful as a Fixed Constant Velocity Ball Joint Constructed as an Opposed Track Joint and Method for Producing Such a Joint

Abstract

A torque transmitting device, such as a fixed constant velocity ball joint as a counter track joint and a method for producing such a joint, in which the curvatures of the bases of the joint tracks deviate in their axial course from the curvatures of the ball contact lines. The method is characterized in that the joint component is brought to an increased hardness by a hardening process prior to the formation of the longitudinal profile of the component, and a diffusion layer is partially or completely removed in the region of the longitudinally profiled structure.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of international patent application no. PCT / DE2007 / 001194, filed Jul. 5, 2007 designating the United States of America and published in German on Jan. 10, 2008 as WO 2008 / 003306, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Priority is claimed based on Federal Republic of Germany patent application nos. DE 10 2006 031 002, filed Jul. 5, 2006; DE 10 2006 037 847, filed Aug. 12, 2006 and DE 10 2007 030 898, filed Jul. 3, 2007.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to torque transmission devices, such as fixed, constant velocity ball joints as opposed track joints having[0003]a joint external part having external tracks,[0004]a joint internal part having internal tracks,[0005]torque-transmitting balls, which are accommodated in track pairs made of external tracks and internal tracks,[0006]a ball cage having cage windows, in which balls are retained and guided upon defl...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0018]The present invention is based on the object of avoiding these disadvantages and allowing cost-effective and high-quality production of internal and / or external joint parts and thus of fixed, constant velocity joints, in that investment costs for complex and costly machines are avoided, tool wear is reduced, and short machining times are ensured with an optimization of the quality, in particular also in regard to achieving higher torque transmission values. Furthermore, the indexing precision is to be improved and waste-free production, in particular of the ball raceways, is to be made possible, so that machining times, in particular machine run and handling times, are reduced. Moreover, higher carrying capacities are to be achieved and waste is to be avoided.

[0019]In addition, the invention was based on the further object of providing torque transmission devices, which have high strengths and thus allow the transmission of high torques at high precisions, i.e., optimum fitting and optimum smooth running, as well as cost-effective and efficient production, and by which the service life of assemblies, machines, and devices equipped with components of this type is increased.

Problems solved by technology

The chip-removing production according to U.S. Pat. No. 6,872,143 is primarily complex, and requires costly machines and long machining times. It also causes significant waste and quality losses in regard to the strength, because the material flow lines in a joint internal or external part produced as a preform by forging, are cut through by the machining.

The precision of the parts is also limited by the guiding precision of the machine.

The unavoidable indexing irregularity in the preform also can no longer be remedied in the following machining steps.

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