Stroke and articulation constant velocity joint assembly

Abstract

A constant velocity joint assembly includes an inner ring having a first race and an outer ring having a second race supporting the first race for pivotal movement about a pivot axis relative to the second race. A third race is provided by the outer ring and a fourth race is provided by an interface member. A ball spline is disposed between the third race and the fourth race for axial stroke movement of the third race relative to the fourth race, wherein the ball spline is axially offset from the pivot axis. Separate boots seal and isolate the pivotal movement and the stroke movement from one another.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 399,100, filed August 18, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] As an example, and not a limitation, a constant velocity (CV) stroke joint is used in the front-wheel drive system of a motor vehicle. Power is transmitted from the transmission to the drive wheels via a shaft assembly (also called a half-shaft assembly). The shaft assembly includes CV joints at its inner and outer ends. The inner CV joint engages with the transmission, and the outer CV joint engages with the drive wheel. During operation, the drive wheels move up and down; therefore, both angular and axial movement of the shaft assembly must be provided.

[0004] Figure 4 A known Rzeppa type constant velocity joint, typically shown as 11, is illustrated. The known Rzeppa portion of joint 11 includes a half-shaft 13 on which an inner race 15 is mounted. The inner race 15 is housed within an inner housing (also referred to as an intermediate race 17). The inner race 15 and the intermediate race 17 are formed with a series of axially and radially aligned curved ball grooves, in which balls 19 are received and axially restrained by ball cages 21 to provide angular pivoting movement of the inner race 15 relative to the intermediate race 17.

[0005] The intermediate race 17 is housed within the outer housing (also called the outer race 23). The intermediate race 17 and the outer race 23 each form aligned, axially extending ball channels 25 and 27, in which rows of ball splines 29 are received to support the intermediate race 17 in relative axial stroke motion with respect to the outer race 23. The ball splines 29 extend radially outward from and are radially aligned with the inner race 15, the intermediate race 17, and the balls 19. Therefore, the ball surround diameter (BCDa) of the ball splines 29 is larger than the BCDb of the balls 19 in the Rzeppa portion. The intermediate race 17 is fitted with a pair of retaining rings 18 at its axial ends, which extend through ball grooves to restrict movement of the splined balls 19 beyond the retaining rings 18. In operation, the intermediate race 17 is provided with a certain amount of free-rolling axial stroke through which the splined balls 19 roll freely within the ball channels of the intermediate race 17. The additional axial travel of the intermediate race 17 between the end stops of the outer race 23 is allowed to exceed the range of free rolling motion, but once the spline ball 19 faces one or the other retaining ring 18 carried on the end of the intermediate race 17, the spline ball needs to slide or slide along the ball channel without rolling motion.

[0006] The Rzeppa type constant velocity joint also includes a single sheath cover, called sheath 31, to prevent the ingress of contaminants and the outflow of grease. Sheath 31 simultaneously provides both the joint angle of the Rzeppa section and the stroke movement of the outer race 23 relative to the intermediate race 17.

[0007] Although the aforementioned Rzeppa-type constant velocity joint provides angular and stroke motion, it is generally limited to an angularity of approximately 25 degrees. This is primarily due to the relationship between the corresponding balls surrounding the diameters BCDa and BCDb, and the combined angularity and stroke (axial extension and contraction) of the individual bushing 31. Furthermore, the joint is complex due to the number of components and requires a relatively large amount of grease (lubricant) which is guided to the radially aligned Rzeppa and stroke portions provided by the splined balls 19.

[0008] One object of the present invention is to improve the structure and performance of constant velocity stroke joints. Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a constant velocity joint assembly includes: an inner ring having a first seat ring; and an outer ring having a second seat ring supporting the first seat ring for pivoting movement about a pivot axis relative to the second seat ring. A third seat ring is provided by the outer ring, and a fourth seat ring is provided by an interface member. A ball spline is disposed between the third and fourth seat rings for axial stroke movement of the third seat ring relative to the fourth seat ring, wherein the ball spline is axially offset from the pivot axis.

[0010] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a constant velocity joint assembly includes: an inner ring having a first seat ring; and an outer ring having a second seat ring supporting the first seat ring for pivoting movement relative to the second seat ring about a pivot axis. A third seat ring is provided by the outer ring. An interface member provides a fourth seat ring, and ball splines are disposed between the third and fourth seat rings for axial stroke movement of the third seat ring relative to the fourth seat ring. A shaft is fixed to and extends from the first seat ring. A flexible first sleeve is operatively coupled to the shaft and the outer ring. The flexible first sleeve forms a seal between the shaft and the outer ring and allows the shaft and the first seat ring to pivot about a pivot axis relative to the second seat ring. A flexible second sleeve is operatively coupled to the outer ring and the interface member. The flexible second sleeve forms a seal between the outer ring and the interface member and allows the outer ring to move relative to the interface member in an axial stroke relationship.

[0011] These and other advantages and features will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The subject matter considered to be the invention is specifically pointed out and clearly claimed in the claims at the end of the specification. The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0013] Figure 1A This is a cross-sectional view, taken approximately along the central axis, of a constant velocity stroke joint constructed according to one aspect of this disclosure, shown in an axially compressed state.

[0014] Figure 1B The constant velocity stroke and articulated joint assembly shown in an axially extended state are similar to... Figure 1A The view;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view, generally taken along the central axis, of a constant velocity stroke and articulated joint assembly constructed according to another aspect of this disclosure, shown in an axially compressed state.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view, generally taken along the central axis, of a constant velocity stroke and articulated joint assembly constructed according to another aspect of this disclosure, shown in an axially compressed state; and

[0017] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view, approximately taken along the central axis, of a constant velocity stroke and articulated joint assembly constructed according to the prior art, shown in an axially compressed state. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which specific embodiments will be referenced, and not limited thereto. It should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of non-limiting examples of the invention embodied in various and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show detail of particular components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to employ the invention in various ways.

[0019] Reference Figure 1A and Figure 1BThe diagram shows a stroke and articulated constant velocity joint assembly 30 constructed according to one aspect of this disclosure, in both axially compressed and axially extended states, hereinafter referred to as a constant velocity joint assembly, constant velocity joint, or CVJ. The CVJ 30 includes: an inner ring 32 having an inner seat ring (also referred to as a first seat ring 33); and an outer ring 34 having an outer seat ring (also referred to as a second seat ring 35), operably supporting the first seat ring 33 to provide a pivoting portion (also referred to as an angled portion) for pivoting movement (articulation) of the first seat ring 33 relative to the second seat ring 35 about a pivot axis 36. A third seat ring 37 is disposed on the inner surface 41 of the outer ring 34, and a fourth seat ring 39 is disposed on the outer surface 43 of the interface member 38. At least one or more ball splines 40 are disposed between a third race 37 and a fourth race 39 to provide a stroke portion for axial stroke movement of the third race 37 and its outer ring 34 relative to the fourth race 39 and its interface member 38 along the common central axis 48 of the outer ring 34 and the interface member 38. The angled portion and the stroke portion are separated from each other. The ball spline 40, as well as the third race 37 and the fourth race 39 supporting the ball spline 40, are axially offset from the pivot axis 36 of the inner ring 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the entire ball spline 40 is axially offset from the pivot axis 36 throughout the stroke (also referred to as axial displacement), therefore, the ball spline 40 does not radially cover the pivot axis 36, thereby facilitating the ability to minimize the size (outer diameter) and weight of the CVJ 30. In the illustrated embodiment, as... Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the ball spline 40 is axially shifted to the left from the pivot axis 36, such that the axis extending through the pivot axis 36 and perpendicular to the common central axis 48 does not intersect the ball spline 40. Therefore, the ball spline 40 is not radially aligned with the pivot axis 36.

[0020] Multiple rolling elements, such as spherical balls 42, are disposed between the first bearing ring 33 and the second bearing ring 35 to facilitate articulated (pivoting) movement between the first bearing ring 33 and the second bearing ring 35. The balls 42 have a first ball center diameter (BCD1). The ball spline 40 has a second ball center diameter (BCD2), wherein the first ball center diameter BCD1 is equal to or greater than the second ball center diameter BCD2, thereby contributing to the ability to minimize the size (outer diameter) and weight of the CVJ 30.

[0021] As an example and not a limitation, shaft 44 (such as a half-shaft) is fixed to inner ring 32 and extends axially from inner ring 32 and first seat ring 33 along shaft center axis 46. When inner ring 32 is aligned with outer ring 34, shaft center axis 46 is coaxial with outer ring center axis 48, and when inner ring 32 pivots relative to outer ring 34 about pivot axis 36, shaft center axis 46 is misaligned with outer ring center axis 48 in an inclined relationship.

[0022] The outer ring 34 extends between opposing open ends 34a, 34b. By way of example and not limitation, the flexible first sheath 50 (also referred to as the first dust sheath) has a first end 49 operably coupled to the shaft 44 and a second end 51 operably coupled to (e.g., fixed to) the outer ring 34 (e.g., coupled to the outer surface of the outer ring 34 adjacent to one of the opposing open ends 34a). By way of example and not limitation, the opposing first end 49 and second end 51 of the first sheath 50 can be secured to the respective shaft 44 and outer ring 34 via any suitable securing mechanism 45a (e.g., via hose clamps or any other type of clamping band). The flexible first sheath 50 forms an annular seal between the shaft 44 and the outer ring 34, wherein the flexible first sheath 50 has a first flexible region FR1, shown as a corrugated region, thereby allowing the shaft 44 and the first seat ring 33 to pivot about the pivot axis 36 relative to the second seat ring 35. Therefore, the second end 51 of the first sheath 50 is fixed to the open end 34a of the outer ring 34, wherein the first flexible region FR1 extends axially away from the outer ring 34 to the first end 49 of the first sheath 50 fixed to the shaft 44. In this way, the first flexible region FR1 of the flexible first sheath 50 is dedicated solely to allowing the shaft 44 and the first seat ring 33 to pivot about the pivot axis 36 relative to the second seat ring 35.

[0023] The flexible second sheath 52 (also referred to as the second dustproof sheath) has a first end 53 operably coupled to (e.g., fixed to) another end 34b of the opposite ends of the outer ring 34 and a second end 55 operably coupled to the interface member 38. By way of example and not limitation, the opposite first end 53 and second end 55 of the flexible second sheath 52 can be fixed to the respective outer ring 34 and interface member 38 via any suitable securing mechanism 45b (e.g., via hose clamps or any other type of clamping band). The flexible second sheath 52 forms an annular seal between the outer ring 34 and the interface member 38 and has a second flexible region FR2, shown as a bellows region, thereby allowing the outer ring 34 to move relative to the interface member 38 along the outer ring central axis 48 in an axial stroke relationship. Thus, the first end 53 of the second sheath 52 is fixed to the open end 34b of the outer ring 34, wherein the second flexible region FR2 extends axially away from the outer ring 34 to the second end 55 of the second sheath 52 fixed to the interface member 38. Thus, the second flexible region FR2 of the flexible second sheath 52 is dedicated solely to allowing the outer ring 34 to move relative to the interface member 38 in an axial stroke relationship.

[0024] exist Figure 1A and Figure 1BIn a non-limiting embodiment, the first flexible sheath 50 and the second flexible sheath 52 are formed from separate material pieces and are axially spaced apart and do not contact each other. Thus, the flexural movement of the first sheath 50 is isolated from the flexural movement of the second sheath 52. Therefore, the first sheath 50 and the second sheath 52 flex freely and independently of each other, thereby having no effect on their ability to flex in the desired direction and function as needed.

[0025] exist Figure 1A and Figure 1B In a non-limiting embodiment, and by way of example rather than limitation, the interface member 38 is a generally cylindrical member having an inner female hole sized to be securely attached to a male shaft (not shown). To facilitate attachment of the interface member 38 to the male shaft, the inner surface 54 of the interface member 38 may be provided with axially extending splines for interlocking with male splines on the male shaft, thereby preventing relative rotation between the interface member 38 and the male shaft.

[0026] exist Figure 2 The figure shows a stroke and articulated constant velocity joint assembly (CVJ) 130 constructed according to another aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the same reference numerals are used to identify similar features by an offset factor of 100.

[0027] CVJ 130 is similar to CVJ 30 and includes: an inner ring 132 having an inner race (also referred to as a first race 133); and an outer ring 134 having an outer race (also referred to as a second race 135), operably supporting the first race 133 for articulated movement (also referred to as pivoting movement) of the first race 133 relative to the second race 135 about a fixed pivot axis 136. A third race 137 is disposed on the outer surface 141 of the outer ring 134, and a fourth race 139 is disposed on the inner surface 143 of the interface member 138. At least one or more ball splines 140 are disposed between the third race 137 and the fourth race 139 for axial stroke movement of the third race 137 and its outer ring 134 relative to the fourth race 139 and its interface member 138 along a common central axis 148 of the outer ring 134 and the interface member 138. The ball spline 140 and the third and fourth races 137 and 139 supporting the ball spline 140 are axially offset (displaced) from the pivot axis 136 of the inner ring 132, as discussed above with respect to the ball spline 40 and the pivot axis 36.

[0028] Multiple rolling elements, such as spherical balls 142, are disposed between the first raceway 133 and the second raceway 135 to facilitate articulated (pivoting) movement between the first raceway 133 and the second raceway 135. The balls 142 have a first ball center diameter (BCD1a). The ball spline 140 has a second ball center diameter (BCD2a), wherein the first ball center diameter BCD1a is smaller than the second ball center diameter BCD2a.

[0029] By way of example and not limitation, shaft 144 (such as a half-shaft) is fixed to inner ring 132 and extends axially from inner ring 132 and first seat ring 133 along shaft center axis 146. By way of example and not limitation, when inner ring 132 is aligned with outer ring 134, shaft center axis 146 is coaxial with outer ring center axis 148, and when inner ring 132 pivots relative to outer ring 134 about pivot axis 136, shaft center axis 146 is not aligned with outer ring center axis 148.

[0030] The outer ring 134 extends between opposing open ends 134a, 134b. By way of example and not limitation, the flexible first sheath 150 has a first end 149 operably coupled to the shaft 144 and a second end 151 operably coupled to (e.g., fixed to) the outer ring 134 (e.g., coupled to the outer surface of the outer ring 34 adjacent to one of the opposing open ends 134a). The opposing first end 149 and second end 151 of the flexible first sheath 150 can be secured to the respective shaft 144 and outer ring 134 via any suitable fastening mechanism 145a (as discussed above with respect to the flexible first sheath 50). The first sheath 150 has a first flexible region FR1a, shown as a corrugated region, which allows the shaft 144 and the first seat ring 133 to pivot relative to the second seat ring 135 about a pivot axis 136. The flexible second sheath 152 has: a first end 153 operably coupled (e.g., fixed to) the outer surface of an outer ring 134 adjacent to the second end 151 of the first sheath 150; and a second end 155 operably coupled to the outer surface of an interface member 138. The opposing first end 153 and second end 155 of the second sheath 152 can be secured to the respective outer ring 134 and interface member 138 via any suitable securing mechanism 145b (such as those discussed above for the second sheath 152). The second sheath 152 forms an annular seal between the outer ring 134 and the interface member 138 and has a second flexible region FR2a, shown as a corrugated region, which allows the outer ring 134 to move relative to the interface member 138 along the outer ring central axis 148 in an axial stroke relationship. In a non-limiting embodiment, the first sheath 150 and the second sheath 152 are formed of separate material pieces and are axially spaced apart from each other and do not contact each other.

[0031] The interface member 138 has a generally cylindrical portion that provides a fourth seat ring 139 and a connector flange 56 that extends radially outward from the generally cylindrical portion for securing attachment to the male shaft (not shown).

[0032] exist Figure 3 The figure shows a stroke and articulated constant velocity stroke joint assembly (CVJ) 230 constructed according to another aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the same reference numerals with offset factor 200 are used to identify similar features.

[0033] CVJ 230 is similar to CVJ 130; however, the flexible first sheath 250 and flexible second sheath 252 are not formed from separate material pieces, but rather from a single (identical) material piece. Although the first sheath 250 and the second sheath 252 are formed from a single (monolithic) material piece, the first sheath 250 has a first flexible region FR1b, shown as a corrugated region, for accommodating pivoting movement between the inner ring 232 and the outer ring 234, while the second sheath 252 has a second flexible region FR2b, shown as a corrugated region, for accommodating axial movement of the outer ring 234 relative to the interface member 238 during its stroke. To facilitate the isolation and separation of the flexural movements of the first sheath 250 and the second sheath 252 from each other, the second end 251 of the first sheath 250 and the first end 253 of the second sheath 252 are secured to the outer surface via any suitable single fixing mechanism 245 (such as those discussed above for the first sheaths 50, 150 and the second sheaths 52, 152). Thus, the fixing mechanism 245 separates the first flexible region FR1b and the second flexible region FR2b from each other, thereby isolating the corresponding flexural movements of the first flexible region FR1b of the first sheath 250 and the second flexible region FR2b of the second sheath 252 from each other, thereby preventing the movement of one of the sheaths 250, 252 from affecting the performance and movement of the other. Therefore, the flexure of the first flexible region FR1b of the first sheath 250 has no effect on the flexure of the second flexible region FR2b of the second sheath 252, and vice versa. In other respects, CVJ 230 is the same as that discussed above for CVJ 130.

[0034] According to another aspect of this disclosure, inner and outer rings can be provided to form one of the following: an Rzeppa type joint (by way of example and not limitation, such as having 6 or 8 balls), a bottom-cut type joint, a high-efficiency type joint (by way of example and not limitation, such as having 6 or 8 balls and / or having opposing ball tracks), and a high-angle joint. Furthermore, the ball spline can be configured to have recirculating tracks, helical ball tracks, S-shaped tracks, and non-recirculating tracks. Additionally, by way of example and not limitation, the axial stroke portion can be contained within an outer race partially formed by interface members 38, 138, 238, and can be provided with 3, 6, or 8 slots.

[0035] Throughout this specification, the terms “attach,” “attachment,” “connection,” “coupled,” “coupling,” “mount,” or “mounting” shall be interpreted as meaning that a structural component or element is connected directly or indirectly to or in contact with another element, or is integrally formed with another structural element, either directly or indirectly through at least one intermediate structural element.

[0036] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Instead, the invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, or equivalent arrangements not previously described but commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, while various embodiments of the invention have been described, it should be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the foregoing description.

Claims

1. A constant velocity joint assembly, comprising: The inner ring has a first seat ring; The outer ring has a second seat ring that operatively supports the first seat ring so that the first seat ring pivots about a pivot axis relative to the second seat ring. The third ring is provided by the outer ring; The interface component has a fourth seat ring; as well as A ball spline, disposed between the third and fourth races, is used for the axial stroke movement of the third race relative to the fourth race. The ball spline is axially offset from the pivot axis; The constant velocity connector assembly further includes: A shaft is fixed to and extends from the first bearing ring; A flexible first sleeve, operatively coupled to the shaft and the outer ring, forms a seal between the shaft and the outer ring and allows the shaft and the first race to pivot about the pivot axis relative to the second race; and A flexible second sheath is operatively coupled to the outer ring and the interface member, the flexible second sheath forming a seal between the outer ring and the interface member, and allowing the outer ring to move relative to the interface member in an axial stroke relationship; The flexible first sheath and the flexible second sheath are integrally formed from a single material component.

2. The constant velocity joint assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The outer ring extends between opposing open ends, the flexible first sheath is fixed to the outer ring adjacent to one of the opposing open ends, and the flexible second sheath is fixed to the outer ring adjacent to the other of the opposing open ends.

3. The constant velocity joint assembly according to claim 1 further includes a plurality of balls disposed between the first bearing ring and the second bearing ring, the plurality of balls having a first ball center diameter, wherein, The ball spline has a second ball center diameter, and the first ball center diameter is equal to or greater than the second ball center diameter.

4. The constant velocity joint assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The third seat ring is disposed on the inner surface of the outer ring, and the fourth seat ring is disposed on the outer surface of the interface member.

5. The constant velocity joint assembly according to claim 1 further includes a plurality of balls disposed between the first bearing ring and the second bearing ring, the plurality of balls having a first ball center diameter, wherein, The ball spline has a second ball center diameter, and the first ball center diameter is smaller than the second ball center diameter.

6. The constant velocity joint assembly according to claim 5, wherein, The third seat ring is disposed on the outer surface of the outer ring, and the fourth seat ring is disposed on the inner surface of the interface member.

7. The constant velocity joint assembly according to claim 6, wherein, The interface member has a generally cylindrical portion that provides the fourth seat ring and a connector flange that extends radially outward from the generally cylindrical portion.

8. The constant velocity joint assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The third ring is axially spaced from the second ring along the central axis of the outer ring.

9. A constant velocity joint assembly, comprising: The inner ring has a first seat ring; The outer ring has a second seat ring that operatively supports the first seat ring so that the first seat ring pivots about a pivot axis relative to the second seat ring. The third ring is provided by the outer ring; The interface component has a fourth seat ring; A ball spline is provided between the third and fourth races for the axial stroke movement of the third race relative to the fourth race. A shaft is fixed to and extends from the first bearing ring; A flexible first sleeve is operatively coupled to the shaft and the outer ring, the flexible first sleeve forming a seal between the shaft and the outer ring, and allowing the shaft and the first seat ring to pivot about the pivot axis relative to the second seat ring; as well as A flexible second sheath is operatively coupled to the outer ring and the interface member, the flexible second sheath forming a seal between the outer ring and the interface member, and allowing the outer ring to move relative to the interface member in an axial stroke relationship; The flexible first sheath and the flexible second sheath are integrally formed from a single material component.

10. The constant velocity joint assembly according to claim 9, wherein, The outer ring extends between opposing open ends, the flexible first sheath is fixed to the outer ring adjacent to one of the opposing open ends, and the flexible second sheath is fixed to the outer ring adjacent to the other of the opposing open ends.

11. The constant velocity joint assembly according to claim 9, wherein, The flexible first sheath and the flexible second sheath have adjacent opposite ends, which are fixed to the outer ring by a fixing mechanism. The fixing mechanism isolates the movement of the flexible first sheath and the flexible second sheath from each other, so that the movement of the flexible first sheath does not affect the movement of the flexible second sheath, and the movement of the flexible second sheath does not affect the movement of the flexible first sheath.

12. The constant velocity joint assembly according to claim 9, wherein, The first flexible sheath is dedicated solely to allowing the shaft and the first race to pivot about the pivot axis relative to the second race, and the second flexible sheath is dedicated solely to allowing the outer ring to move relative to the interface member in an axial stroke relationship.

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