Tripod universal joint
By designing two contact points between the three -legged and universal knights and the inner ring, and optimizing its shape, the problem of uneven force transmission and high edge load is solved, and the longer service life is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380045615.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-02-02
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-21
AI Technical Summary
The existing three-leg universal joints are prone to uneven force transmission and high edge load during use, resulting in a shortened service life.
Design a three -footed and universal section, which transmits through two contact points between the neck and the inner ring to ensure the uniform distribution of the force in the radial direction. load.
The uniform distribution of force between the neck and the inner ring is realized, reducing the edge load, and extending the service life of the three -legged and universal section.
Smart Images
Figure CN119343540A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The invention relates to a tripod universal joint having an outer joint part and an inner joint part with a central body having three molded-on journals on which rolling bodies are arranged in each case. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle having such a tripod universal joint. Background Art
[0002] This type of tripod joint often includes an outer joint component, which has a first longitudinal axis and a cavity extending parallel to the first longitudinal axis and with open ends, wherein three gaps extending parallel to the first longitudinal axis are constructed in the outer joint component. In addition, the tripod joint includes an inner joint component with a second longitudinal axis, which includes at least one central body, on which three journals are molded, and the journals have journal axes extending radially from the second longitudinal axis. Rolling bodies are arranged on the journals, respectively, and the rolling bodies have at least one outer ring and an inner ring that can rotate relative to the outer ring around a common rotation axis, and a supporting body arranged between the outer ring and the inner ring. Each rolling body is respectively received in the gap in a manner that it can move along the first longitudinal axis.
[0003] The joint inner part can be inserted into the cavity of the joint outer part via the open end for mounting the tripod joint with the journal and the rolling bodies arranged thereon.
[0004] The central body can itself form the shaft or be connected to the shaft, for example via a wedge-shaped toothing.
[0005] The intra-articular component can be moved relative to the extra-articular component along the first longitudinal axis and can be flexed relative to the extra-articular component at a certain flexion angle. The flexion angle is the smallest angle between the first and second longitudinal axes.
[0006] Tripod joints have long been manufactured and sold by the applicant, for example under the name AAR tripod joints. They are used in particular in axles of motor vehicles, which serve for the drive connection between the differential and the drive wheels. Here, so-called synchronous ball joints are usually used as sliding joints on the wheel side, and the AAR tripod joints cited here are used on the differential. The AAR tripod joint is designed in particular for flexion angles of the order of 23 to 26 degrees (or less).
[0007] In the case of the AARi tripod joint, a subtype of the AAR tripod joint 1 , the inner ring is cylindrically formed toward the journal and is fixed to the outer ring relative to the direction along the axis of rotation by means of a locking ring.
[0008] The journal contacts the bearing body or the inner ring of the rolling element via so-called sliding surfaces (contact surfaces), which are in particular spherical segments. These sliding surfaces are oriented in a circumferential direction around the second longitudinal axis so that torques acting around the longitudinal axis of the joint are transmitted via the sliding surfaces of the journal to the rolling element and from the rolling element to the gap (or vice versa).
[0009] In the traction operation of the motor vehicle, that is, when the motor vehicle is driven by the drive unit, the journal contacts the rolling body with one of the sliding surfaces, and the rolling body contacts in particular one side of the gap. In the propulsion operation or coasting operation of the motor vehicle (both are called freewheeling), that is, when the drive torque is introduced starting from the wheel and the drive unit is still connected (propulsion operation) or decoupled (coasting operation), the journal contacts the rolling body with the other of the sliding surfaces, and the rolling body contacts in particular the other side of the gap. In the propulsion operation or coasting operation, the direction of the introduced torque and the direction of rotation of the joint are opposite to each other, while in the traction operation, they are in the same direction.
[0010] A tripod joint is known from US Pat. No. 7,654,908 B2, in which the inner ring has an edge on the end side facing the central body of the inner part of the joint. This edge serves to allow the rolling elements to be mounted on the journal. Due to the shortened contact surface on the inner ring, unacceptably high edge loads may occur on the inner ring during proper operation of the tripod joint, which can lead to a shortened service life.
[0011] JP 2002286046 A discloses a tripod joint which has a local elevation on the inner ring, which determines the position of the inner ring relative to the journal.
[0012] When the tripod joint is operated correctly, the torque acting in the circumferential direction in both joints is transmitted via the contact points between the journal and the inner ring.
[0013] Especially when the tripod joint is operated at a certain flexion angle, this contact point can move along the axis of rotation and along the contour of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring or along the contour of the outer circumferential surface of the journal.
[0014] If this contact point is located further outward in the radial direction, a uniform force transmission is generally possible, since it is also arranged at a distance from an end of the surface of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring which is provided for contact with the journal.
[0015] However, if this contact point is located further inward in the radial direction, it can be arranged at one end of the surface of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring that is provided for contact with the journal. This is especially because the contour is shortened here by the edges. This can result in uneven force transmission and increased edge loads. Summary of the invention
[0016] The object of the present invention is now to at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art. In particular, a tripod joint is proposed in which the edge load on the inner ring is reduced during proper operation. As a result, the tripod joint should be able to be made more load-bearing and have a longer service life expectation.
[0017] These objects are achieved with a tripod universal joint according to the features of claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims. It should be noted that in the dependent claims, the individual features listed can be combined with one another in any technically meaningful manner and define further embodiments of the invention. In addition, the features described in the claims are clearly described and explained in detail in the description, in which further preferred embodiments of the invention are described.
[0018] The object is achieved in this case by a tripod joint having:
[0019] an extra-articular component having a first longitudinal axis and a cavity extending parallel to the first longitudinal axis and having open ends, wherein three recesses extending parallel to the first longitudinal axis are formed in the extra-articular component, and
[0020] An internal component of a joint having a second longitudinal axis, comprising at least one central body on which three journals are molded, the journals having journal axes extending outward from the second longitudinal axis in a radial direction, wherein rolling bodies are respectively arranged on the journals, the rolling bodies having at least one outer ring and an inner ring rotatable relative to the outer ring around a common rotation axis, and a supporting body arranged between the outer ring and the inner ring.
[0021] Each rolling element is accommodated in the recess and is movably received along the first longitudinal axis. At least in the case of a coaxial arrangement of the longitudinal axes and during proper operation of the tripod joint, when transmitting a torque acting in the circumferential direction, forces can be constantly transmitted between the journal and the inner ring via (exactly) two contact points. The contact points are arranged spaced apart from one another in the radial direction in a cross section of the tripod joint extending transversely to the longitudinal axis.
[0022] The rolling bodies include, in particular, an outer ring and an inner ring, which can be rotated relative to each other. For this purpose, support bodies (rolling bodies, such as needle-shaped rolling bodies) are arranged between the inner ring and the outer ring in a known manner. These support bodies are arranged in the installation space of the inner ring and the outer ring. A plurality of such support bodies are arranged in a circumferential direction around the axis of rotation.
[0023] The rotation of the inner ring relative to the outer ring allows the rolling bodies to roll along the recesses or raceways in the external joint component, so that the internal joint component can be moved relative to the external joint component along the first longitudinal axis.
[0024] When the inner part of the joint is bent, the rolling bodies continue to be guided via the raceways, wherein at least the bearing journal can be pivoted relative to the rolling bodies.
[0025] In particular, the rolling body is guided through the recess in such a way that a deflection of the rolling body relative to the recess is not possible.
[0026] As an alternative, the rolling bodies can also be deflected relative to the recesses when the joint inner component is bent.
[0027] In addition to the relative rotation, the inner ring and the outer ring also perform a displacement relative to one another along a common axis of rotation.
[0028] During proper operation of the tripod joint, one of the inner ring and the outer ring can be moved integrally with the bearing body relative to the other of the inner ring and the outer ring along the axis of rotation.
[0029] The proper operation of a tripod joint (also called a joint) includes that the joint inner part and the joint outer part are arranged relative to each other as specified for the specific application. For example, all rolling bodies are arranged in the recesses and the joint is operated only within a specific range of flexion angles, for example between zero and 30 degrees or between zero and 26 degrees. In addition, the torque that is considered to be permissible for the joint is transmitted between the joint outer part and the joint inner part, and the movement of the rolling bodies along the first longitudinal axis occurs only within a specific range.
[0030] Improper operation includes, for example, the installation of the joint or the installation of the joint parts, such as the arrangement of rolling bodies on bearing journals.
[0031] It is proposed that, at least in the case of a coaxial arrangement of the longitudinal axis and during proper operation of the tripod joint, when transmitting a torque acting in the circumferential direction, forces can be transmitted between the journal and the inner ring (or between each journal and each inner ring) continuously via two contact points. These contact points are arranged spaced apart from one another in the radial direction in a cross section of the tripod joint extending transversely to the longitudinal axis.
[0032] Thus, the first contact point is arranged further outwards in a cross section along the radial direction than a second contact point which is arranged closer to the central body or closer to the second longitudinal axis.
[0033] When transmitting forces via (exactly) two contact points, the forces can be transmitted between the journal and the inner ring in a more evenly distributed manner, wherein in particular a tilting of the inner ring relative to the axis of rotation or relative to the bearing and / or the outer ring is prevented. This also prevents high edge loads from being allowed, thereby increasing the service life of the joint.
[0034] The distance between two contact points is in particular at least 2%, preferably at least 5% or even at least 10% of the smallest diameter of the inner ring. In particular, the distance is at most 30%, preferably at most 20%, particularly preferably at most 15% of the smallest diameter of the inner ring.
[0035] The outer circumferential surface of the journal is preferably designed to be only convexly curved, at least in cross section, at least in the region of the two contact points (and thus also between the two contact points). In particular, there are also regions that are designed to be flat.
[0036] The inner circumferential surface of the inner ring is preferably designed to be only concavely curved, at least in cross section, at least in the region of the two contact points (and thus also between the two contact points). In particular, there are also regions that are designed to be flat.
[0037] In particular, even in the case of a non-coaxial arrangement to the longitudinal axis and during proper operation of the tripod joint, when transmitting torques acting in the circumferential direction, forces can be continuously transmitted between the journal and the inner ring (or between each journal and each inner ring) via two contact points.
[0038] In particular, the contact point moves along the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring or along the outer circumferential surface of the journal during the bending change and depending on the rotation angle of the tripod joint. Therefore, the contact point is not arranged at a fixed point in the cross section, but moves in the radial direction (in the observed cross section) depending on the bending angle and the rotation angle.
[0039] The rotation angle is in particular the position of the corresponding journal in the circumferential direction when the tripod joint is rotated by 360 degrees. When the tripod joint is rotated at an angle of flexion greater than zero degrees, the journal moves with the rolling body along the first longitudinal axis in the recess.
[0040] In particular, during the proper operation of the tripod joint, the transmission of forces between the journal and the inner ring does not take place via just one contact point at any time.
[0041] In particular, at least in the case of a coaxial arrangement of the longitudinal axis, the two contact points are arranged in the radial direction at the same respective distance from PCR1 of the intra-joint component.
[0042] PCR1 is, in particular, the pitch circle radius of the joint interior component, ie, the reference circle radius, which is referred to here as the first reference circle radius (PCR1).
[0043] The pitch circle radius of the journal or the inner part of the joint is the so-called effective radius. This radius is defined when the joint is elongated, that is, the longitudinal axes are arranged coaxially with each other. The effective radius defines the lever arm of the resultant force when transmitting torque. The pitch circle radius of the journal or the inner part of the joint is therefore the radius starting from the second longitudinal axis of the inner part of the joint, on which, for example, the midpoint of the spherical sliding surface of the journal is arranged when the joint is elongated.
[0044] The definition of the pitch circle radius (also called the pitch circle radius—PCR) is known in principle, in particular also for tripod joints.
[0045] In particular, at least in the case of a coaxial arrangement of the longitudinal axes, the two contact points are arranged in the radial direction at different distances from one another to the PCR1 of the intra-joint component.
[0046] In particular, the first contact point arranged further outward is arranged at a greater distance from PCR1 than the second contact point.
[0047] In particular, the contour of the outer circumferential surface of the journal in cross section is spherical (in particular convexly spherical) at least between the contact points (or in the region of the contact points).
[0048] In particular, the contour of the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring in cross section is formed gothically, elliptically or by at least one straight line (preferably by a plurality of straight lines) at least between the contact points (or in the region of the contact points).
[0049] In particular, the contour of the surface which is recessed in cross section and which can be contacted by the outer ring during proper operation of the tripod joint is spherical.
[0050] In particular, the contour of the surface of the outer ring which contacts the surface of the recess in cross section can be spherical, annular, barrel-shaped, straight, saddle-shaped, double annular or in another shape.
[0051] In particular, the contour of the surface which is recessed in cross section and which can be contacted by the outer ring during proper operation of the tripod joint is designed to be suitable for guiding the outer ring described above.
[0052] For example, if the outer ring of the rolling body has, for example, a spherical outer contour on its outer circumferential surface, the outer ring can rotate or deflect around the center axis of the recess of the joint external component in the circumferential direction of the central body. In this case, the recess in the joint external component is correspondingly shaped so that the rolling body is not fixed in the circumferential direction of the joint external component, but can be deflected on both sides relative to the raceway center axis of the recess in a range of, in particular, 0 to 5 degrees, in particular 0 to 3 degrees, depending on the orbital movement caused. This deflection is expressed in terms of orbital movement or in terms of orbital angle. The raceway center axis is here the axis of each recess in the joint external component, along which the rolling body can move in the joint external component due to axial forces.
[0053] Here, the angular compensation of the orbital motion can also be carried out at least partially between the journal and the inner ring. For this purpose, the outer circumferential surface of the journal must be made convexly curved.
[0054] The convex shape of the outer circumferential surface of the journal comprises, in particular, that the outer circumferential surface is at least partially formed in the form of a spherical segment, a barrel segment, a ring segment or a cylinder segment.
[0055] In particular, at least in the case of a coaxial arrangement of the longitudinal axes, PCR1 of the intra-articular component and PCR2 of the extra-articular component are of equal size.
[0056] As an alternative, PCR1 of the intra-articular component can be greater or smaller than PCR2 of the extra-articular component, at least in the case of a coaxial arrangement of the longitudinal axes.
[0057] In order to achieve particularly advantageous guidance properties, an offset can be provided between a first pitch circle radius (PCR1) of the outer circumferential surface of the journal (ie the inner joint part) and a second pitch circle radius (PCR2) of the recess (ie the outer joint part).
[0058] The pitch circle radius of the joint outer part or recess is also the so-called effective radius, which is defined when the joint is extended, ie the longitudinal axes are arranged coaxially with respect to one another. The effective radius defines the lever arm of the resultant force when transmitting torque.
[0059] The offset of the pitch circle radii is therefore the difference between these pitch circle radii (PCR1-PCR2).
[0060] In particular, one of the inner ring and the outer ring can be moved together with the bearing body relative to the other of the inner ring and the outer ring along the axis of rotation.
[0061] In particular, the installation space for the support body on the outer ring or the inner ring is defined by at least one locking ring arranged on the corresponding ring. In particular, the installation space is defined on both sides of the support body by a locking ring.
[0062] Furthermore, a motor vehicle having at least one tripod joint according to the invention is also claimed.
[0063] The use of the indefinite article ("a"), especially in the claims and the description describing the claims, should be understood as such and not as a numeral. Thus, the concepts or components corresponding thereto should be understood as such that they exist at least singly and, in particular, can also exist in multiples.
[0064] It should be noted that the ordinal numbers used here ("first", "second", etc.) serve primarily to distinguish between a plurality of identical objects, variables or processes, i.e., in particular, a correlation and / or sequence of these objects, variables or processes with respect to one another is not necessarily predetermined. If a correlation and / or sequence is required, this is explicitly stated here or becomes obvious to a person skilled in the art when studying the specifically described design. If a component can occur multiple times ("at least one"), a statement about one of these components can also apply to all or some of a plurality of such components, but this is not mandatory. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0065] The invention and the technical environment are explained in detail below with the aid of the drawings. It should be noted that the invention should not be limited to the cited embodiments. In particular, it should be noted that the drawings and in particular the dimensional ratios shown are only schematic. Among them:
[0066] Figure 1 A known flexed tripod universal joint is shown partially in section in a view along a first longitudinal axis;
[0067] Figure 2 In the elongated arrangement and in a view along the longitudinal axis, the Figure 1 Details of the tripod universal joint;
[0068] Figure 3 The view along the longitudinal axis shows the Figure 2 Another illustration of the details of;
[0069] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 Details of the situation in the first flexed position of the tripod universal joint;
[0070] Figure 5 Shows Figure 3 Details of the situation in the second flexed position of the tripod universal joint;
[0071] Figure 6 A detail of a tripod universal joint is shown in section in a view along the longitudinal axis;
[0072] Figure 7 A first embodiment variant of the tripod universal joint is shown according to Figure 6 Details;
[0073] Figure 8 A second embodiment variant of the tripod universal joint is shown according to Figure 6 Details;
[0074] Fig. 9 A third embodiment variant of the tripod universal joint is shown according to Figure 6 Details;
[0075] Fig.10 A fourth embodiment variant of the tripod universal joint is shown according to Figure 6 Details;
[0076] Fig.11 A fifth embodiment of the tripod universal joint is shown according to Figure 6 Details;
[0077] Fig.12 A sixth embodiment of the tripod universal joint is shown according to Figure 6 details of
[0078] Fig.13 A seventh embodiment of the tripod universal joint is shown according to Figure 6 details. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0079] Figure 1 A known bent tripod joint 1 is shown partially in section in a view along a first longitudinal axis 3 . Figure 2 In the elongated arrangement and in a view along the longitudinal axis 3, 8, the cross-section is shown. Figure 1 Detail of the tripod gimbal 1. Figure 3 The view along the longitudinal axis 3, 8 shows the Figure 2 Another illustration of the details of . Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 Detail of the situation in the first flexed position of the tripod joint 1 . Figure 5 Shows Figure 3 The details of the second flexed position of the tripod universal joint 1 are shown below. Figures 1 to 5 Give a description.
[0080] The tripod joint 1 comprises an outer joint part 2 having a first longitudinal axis 3 and a cavity 4 extending parallel to the first longitudinal axis 3 and having an open end 5, wherein three recesses 6 extending parallel to the first longitudinal axis 3 are formed in the outer joint part 2. Furthermore, the tripod joint 1 comprises an inner joint part 7 having a second longitudinal axis 8. The inner joint part 7 comprises a central body 9, on which three journals 10 are molded, which have journal axes 12 extending outward from the second longitudinal axis 8 in a radial direction 11. A rolling body 13 is arranged on each journal 10, which has at least one outer ring 14 and an inner ring 16 that can rotate relative to the outer ring about a common rotation axis 15, and a support body 17 (rolling body, here a needle-shaped rolling body) arranged between the outer ring 14 and the inner ring 16. These support bodies 17 are arranged in an installation space 29 of the outer ring 14. The installation space 29 can also be opened by a locking ring 30 (see Figure 7 ) is formed, wherein the support body 17 is then fixed by these locking rings 30 and the outer ring 16 otherwise has a cylindrical surface, for example. A plurality of such support bodies 17 are arranged in a circumferential direction around the axis of rotation 15.
[0081] Each rolling body 13 is accommodated in each case in the recess 6 and is thereby movably received along the first longitudinal axis 3. At least in the case of a coaxial arrangement of the longitudinal axes 3, 8 and when a torque acting in the circumferential direction 18 is transmitted, during proper operation of the tripod joint, the forces (see Figure 3 , 4 5 ) can be continuously transmitted between the journal 10 and the inner ring 16 via exactly one contact point 19 .
[0082] The rotation of the inner ring 16 relative to the outer ring 14 allows the rolling bodies 13 to roll along the recesses 6 or raceways in the external joint part 2 , so that the internal joint part 7 can be moved along the first longitudinal axis 3 relative to the external joint part 2 .
[0083] When the joint inner part 7 is bent, the rolling bodies 13 are further guided through the recesses 6 , wherein at least the bearing journal 10 is deflected relative to the rolling bodies 13 .
[0084] In the event of a bending of the joint inner component 7 , the rolling elements 13 can also be deflected to a small extent relative to the recess 6 .
[0085] In addition to the relative rotation, the inner ring 16 and the outer ring 14 also perform a displacement relative to one another along a common axis of rotation 15 .
[0086] The proper operation of the tripod joint 1 includes that the joint inner part 7 and the joint outer part 2 are arranged relative to each other as prescribed for the specific application. For example, all rolling bodies 13 are arranged in the recesses 6 and the joint 1 is only in a specific range of the flexion angle 32 (within Figure 1 ), for example between 0 and 30 degrees or between 0 and 26 degrees. In addition, the torque considered permissible for the joint 1 is transmitted between the joint outer part 2 and the joint inner part 7 and the movement of the rolling body 13 along the first longitudinal axis 3 occurs only within a certain range.
[0087] Improper operation includes, for example, the installation of the joint 1 or the installation of joint parts, such as the arrangement of rolling elements 13 on the journal 10 .
[0088] The joint inner part 7 has a wedge-shaped toothing 33 on the central body 9 for connection to a shaft 34. The tripod joint 1 can be used in a motor vehicle 31 (only shown here) in order to connect a shaft 34 between a differential and a drive wheel, for example, in particular for axles of the motor vehicle 31, for example for a drive connection (i.e., a connection of a wheel to a drive unit).
[0089] exist Figures 2 to 5 It can be seen in the figure that the inner ring 16 has an edge 35 on the end side facing the central body 9 of the joint inner part 7. This edge 35 is used to allow the rolling elements 13 to be mounted on the journal 10. Due to the contact surface on the inner ring 16, which is shortened by the edge 35, inadmissibly high edge loads may occur on the inner ring 16 during the proper operation of the tripod joint 1, which may lead to a shortening of the service life.
[0090] Especially when the tripod joint 1 is operated at the flexion angle 32 , this contact point 19 can be displaced along the axis of rotation 15 and along the contour of the inner circumferential surface 26 of the inner ring 16 or along the contour of the outer circumferential surface 25 of the journal 10 .
[0091] If this contact point 19 is located further outward in the radial direction 11, a uniform force transmission is generally possible, since the contact point 19 is also arranged at a distance from the end of the surface of the inner circumferential surface 26 of the inner ring 16 which is provided for contact with the journal 10 (see Figure 4 ).
[0092] If, however, this contact point 19 is located further inward in the radial direction 11, the contact point 19 can be arranged at the end of the surface of the inner circumferential surface 26 of the inner ring 16 which is provided for contact with the journal 10. The reason for this is that the contour is shortened here by the corners 35. This can result in an uneven force transmission and the edge loads can increase.
[0093] If the only contact point 19 between the outer circumferential surface 25 of the journal 10 and the inner circumferential surface 26 of the inner ring 16 is moved inwards in the radial direction 11 towards the central body 9 (see Figure 5 ), the inner ring 16 could be tilted relative to the outer ring 14, for example, so that the problem of inadmissible high edge loads becomes more aggravated.
[0094] The rotation angle 36 is the position of the corresponding journal 10 in the circumferential direction 18 when the tripod joint 1 is rotated 360 degrees. When the tripod joint 1 is rotated at an angle of deflection 32 greater than zero degrees, the journal 10 moves with the rolling elements 13 along the first longitudinal axis 3 in the recess 6. Here, the journal 10 arranged at the top is arranged, for example, at a rotation angle 36 of zero degrees, the next journal 10 in the clockwise direction (arranged at the bottom right) is arranged at a rotation angle 36 of 120 degrees, and the journal 10 arranged at the bottom left is arranged at a rotation angle 36 of 240 degrees.
[0095] Figure 6 A detail of the tripod joint 1 is shown in section in a view along the longitudinal axis 3 , 8 . Figure 7 A first embodiment variant of the tripod universal joint 1 is shown according to Figure 6 Let's take a look at the details. Figure 6 and 7 For description, refer to Figures 1 to 5 explanation.
[0096] At least in the case of a coaxial arrangement of the longitudinal axes 3, 8 and during the proper operation of the tripod joint 1, when transmitting a torque acting in the circumferential direction 18, the force ( Figure 6 ) can be transmitted continuously between the journal 10 and the inner ring 16 via exactly two contact points 19, 20. The contact points 19, 20 are arranged spaced apart from one another along the radial direction 11 in a cross section 21 of the tripod joint 1 extending transversely to the longitudinal axes 3, 8.
[0097] The rolling element 13 comprises an outer ring 14 and an inner ring 16 which can be rotated relative to each other. For this purpose, in a known manner, support bodies 17 (rolling bodies, for example needle-shaped rolling bodies) are arranged between the inner ring 16 and the outer ring 14. These support bodies 17 are arranged in the installation space 29 of the outer ring 14. A plurality of such support bodies 17 are arranged in the circumferential direction around the axis of rotation 15.
[0098] During proper operation of the tripod joint 1 , the inner ring 16 is displaceable relative to the outer ring 14 and the bearing body 17 along the axis of rotation 15 .
[0099] The first contact point 19 is arranged further outwards in a cross section 21 along the radial direction 11 than the second contact point 20 which is arranged closer to the central body 9 or closer to the second longitudinal axis 8 .
[0100] When transmitting forces via exactly two contact points 19, 20, the forces can be transmitted more evenly distributed between the journal 10 and the inner ring 16, wherein in particular a tilting of the inner ring 16 relative to the axis of rotation 14 or relative to the bearing body 17 and the outer ring 14 is prevented. In this way, too, high edge loads are prevented, so that the service life of the joint 1 can be increased.
[0101] The distance between the two contact points 19 , 20 is approximately 10% of the smallest diameter of the inner ring 16 .
[0102] The outer circumferential surface 25 of the journal 10 is designed to be curved only convexly, at least in the cross section 21 , at least in the region of the two contact points 19 , 20 , ie also between the two contact points 19 , 20 .
[0103] The inner circumferential surface 26 of the inner ring 16 is designed to be only concavely curved, at least in the cross section 21 , at least in the region of the two contact points 19 , 20 , ie also between the two contact points 19 , 20 .
[0104] Even in the case of non-coaxial arrangement of longitudinal axes 3 , 8 and during proper operation of tripod joint 1 , when transmitting a torque acting in circumferential direction 18 , forces can be continuously transmitted between journal 10 and inner ring 16 (or between each journal 10 and each inner ring 16 ) via two contact points 19 , 20 .
[0105] The contact points 19, 20 move along the inner circumferential surface 26 of the inner ring 16 or along the outer circumferential surface 25 of the journal 10 when the flexion angle changes and depending on the rotation angle of the tripod joint 1. Thus, the contact points 19, 20 are not arranged at fixed points in the cross section 21, but move along the radial direction 11 (in the observed cross section 21) depending on the flexion angle 32 and the rotation angle.
[0106] exist Figures 7 to 9 In the embodiment, at least in the case of a coaxial arrangement of the longitudinal axes 3 , 8 , the two contact points 19 , 20 are arranged in the radial direction 11 at respectively identical distances 22 , 23 from the PCR 124 of the joint inner component 7 .
[0107] exist Figure 7 In the cross section 21 , the contour of the outer circumferential surface 25 of the journal 10 is convexly spherical at least between the contact points 19 , 20 (or in the region of the contact points 19 , 20 ).
[0108] In the cross section 21 , the contour of the inner circumferential surface 26 of the inner ring 16 is of Gothic design at least between the contact points 19 , 20 (or in the region of the contact points 19 , 20 ).
[0109] In the cross section 21 , the surface 27 of the recess 6 which can be contacted by the outer ring 14 during proper operation of the tripod joint 1 is contoured in a Gothic manner.
[0110] In the cross section 21 , the contour of the surface of the outer ring 14 which comes into contact with the surface of the recess 6 is spherical.
[0111] At least in the case of a coaxial arrangement of the longitudinal axes 3 , 8 , the PCR 124 of the intra-articular component 7 and the PCR 228 of the extra-articular component 2 are of equal size.
[0112] In addition, Figure 7 A locking ring 30 is outlined in the figure, by which the installation space 29 for the support body 17 is defined.
[0113] Figure 8 A second embodiment variant of the tripod universal joint 1 is shown according to Figure 6 For details, refer to Figures 1 to 7 implementation method.
[0114] In contrast to the first embodiment variant, the contour of the inner circumferential surface 26 of the inner ring 16 in the cross section 21 is elliptical at least between the contact points 19, 20 (or in the area of the contact points 19, 20), wherein the main axis of this ellipse is tangential to the PCR 124 and parallel to the axis of rotation 15, at least when the longitudinal axes 3, 8 are coaxially arranged.
[0115] Fig. 9 A third embodiment variant of the tripod universal joint 1 is shown according to Figure 6 For details, refer to Figure 8 explanation.
[0116] In contrast to the second embodiment variant, the contour of the inner circumferential surface 26 of the inner ring 16 in the cross section 21 is formed by two straight lines at least between the contact points 19 , 20 (or in the region of the contact points 19 , 20 ).
[0117] Fig.10 A fourth embodiment variant of the tripod universal joint 1 is shown according to Figure 6 For details, refer to Figures 6 to 9 explanation.
[0118] In contrast to the first, second and third embodiment variants, at least in the case of a coaxial arrangement of the longitudinal axes 3, 8, the two contact points 19, 20 are arranged in the radial direction 11 at different distances 22, 23 from the PCR 124 of the joint inner component 7. In this case, the second distance 23 of the second contact point 20 from the PCR 124 is smaller than the first distance 22 of the first contact point 19 from the PCR 124. This also applies to the Fig.11 A fifth embodiment of the invention and according to Fig.12 A sixth implementation variant of .
[0119] In accordance with Fig.10 In a fourth embodiment variant, the contour of the outer circumferential surface 25 of the journal 10 in the cross section 21 is convexly spherical at least between the contact points 19 , 20 (or in the region of the contact points 19 , 20 ).
[0120] In the cross section 21 , the contour of the inner circumferential surface 26 of the inner ring 16 is of Gothic design at least between the contact points 19 , 20 (or in the region of the contact points 19 , 20 ).
[0121] Fig.11 A fifth embodiment variant of the tripod universal joint 1 is shown according to Figure 6 For details, refer to Fig.10 explanation.
[0122] In contrast to the fourth embodiment variant, the contour of the inner circumferential surface 26 of the inner ring 16 in the cross section 21 is elliptical at least between the contact points 19, 20 (or in the region of the contact points 19, 20), wherein the main axis of this ellipse is inclined toward the PCR 124 and toward the axis of rotation 15 at least when the longitudinal axes 3, 8 are coaxially arranged.
[0123] Fig.12 A sixth embodiment variant of the tripod universal joint 1 is shown according to Figure 6 For details, refer to Fig.11 explanation.
[0124] In contrast to the fifth embodiment variant, the contour of the inner circumferential surface 26 of the inner ring 16 in the cross section 21 is formed by three straight lines at least between the contact points 19 , 20 (or in the region of the contact points 19 , 20 ).
[0125] Fig.13 A seventh embodiment variant of the tripod universal joint 1 is shown according to Figure 6 For details, refer to Figure 7 explanation.
[0126] In accordance with Fig.13In a seventh embodiment variant, the contour of the outer circumferential surface 25 of the journal 10 in the cross section 21 is convexly spherical at least between the contact points 19 , 20 (or in the region of the contact points 19 , 20 ).
[0127] In the cross section 21 , the inner circumferential surface 26 of the inner ring 16 is of Gothic design at least between the contact points 19 , 20 (or in the region of the contact points 19 , 20 ).
[0128] In order to achieve particularly advantageous guiding properties, an offset can be provided between a first pitch circle radius (PCR124) of the outer circumferential surface 25 of the journal 10 (ie the inner joint component 7) and a second pitch circle radius (PCR228) of the recess 6 (ie the outer joint component 2).
[0129] In contrast to the previously mentioned embodiment variants, at least in the case of a coaxial arrangement of the longitudinal axes 3 , 8 , the PCR 124 of the intra-articular component 7 and the PCR 228 of the extra-articular component 2 are not the same size, the PCR 124 of the intra-articular component 7 being smaller than the PCR 228 of the extra-articular component 2 .
[0130] List of reference numerals:
[0131] 1 Tripod universal joint
[0132] 2 External parts of joints
[0133] 3 First longitudinal axis
[0134] 4 Cavity
[0135] 5 ends
[0136] 6. Gap
[0137] 7 Joint internal components
[0138] 8 Second longitudinal axis
[0139] 9 central body
[0140] 10 Journal
[0141] 11 Radial direction
[0142] 12 Journal axis
[0143] 13 Rolling elements
[0144] 14 Outer ring
[0145] 15 Axis of rotation
[0146] 16 Inner circle
[0147] 17 Support
[0148] 18 Circumferential direction
[0149] 19 First point of contact
[0150] 20 Second contact point
[0151] 21 Cross section
[0152] 22 First spacing
[0153] 23 Second spacing
[0154] 24PCR1 (pitch circle radius / division circle radius)
[0155] 25 Peripheral surface
[0156] 26 Inner circumferential surface
[0157] 27 Surface
[0158] 28PCR2
[0159] 29 Installation space
[0160] 30 Anti-loosening ring
[0161] 31 Motor Vehicles
[0162] 32 Bend Angle
[0163] 33 wedge-shaped teeth
[0164] 34 Axis
[0165] 35 Edges
[0166] 36 Rotation Angle
Claims
1. A tripod universal joint (1), comprising: an outer joint component (2), the outer joint component having a first longitudinal axis (3) and a cavity (4) with an open end (5) extending parallel to the first longitudinal axis (3), wherein three gaps (6) extending parallel to the first longitudinal axis (3) are constructed in the outer joint component (2); and an inner joint component (7) having a second longitudinal axis (8), the inner joint component comprising at least one central body (9), on which three journals (10) are molded, the journals having journal axes (12) extending outward from the second longitudinal axis (8) in a radial direction (11), wherein rolling bodies (13) are respectively arranged on the journals (10), the rolling bodies having at least one outer ring (14) and a plurality of outer rings (15) extending in a radial direction (11) from the second longitudinal axis (8). An inner ring (16) which can rotate about a common axis of rotation (15) and a support body (17) arranged between an outer ring (14) and the inner ring (16); wherein each rolling body (13) is received in a recess (6) in a manner movable along a first longitudinal axis (3); wherein at least in the case of a coaxial arrangement of the longitudinal axes (3, 8) and in the proper operation of the tripod joint (1), when transmitting a torque acting in a circumferential direction (18), forces can be continuously transmitted between the journal (10) and the inner ring (16) via two contact points (19, 20), wherein the contact points (19, 20) are arranged spaced apart from each other in a radial direction (11) in a cross section (21) of the tripod joint (1) extending transversely to the longitudinal axes (3, 8).
2. A tripod universal joint (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least when the longitudinal axes (3, 8) are arranged coaxially, the two contact points (19, 20) are arranged along the radial direction (11) at the same spacing (22, 23) from the PCR1 (24) of the joint inner component (7).
3. A tripod universal joint (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least when the longitudinal axes (3, 8) are arranged coaxially, the two contact points (19, 20) are arranged along the radial direction (11) at different distances (22, 23) from each other with respect to the PCR1 (24) of the joint inner component (7).
4. The tripod joint (1) according to claim 1, wherein the contour of the outer circumferential surface (25) of the journal (10) in cross section (21) is spherical at least between the contact points (19, 20).
5. A tripod joint (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the contour of the inner circumferential surface (26) of the inner ring (16) in the cross section (21) is formed in a gothic, elliptical or by at least one straight line at least between the contact points (19, 20).
6. A tripod joint (1) according to claim 1, wherein the surface (27) of the recess (6) in the cross section (21) which can be contacted by the outer ring (14) during the intended operation of the tripod joint (1) is spherical.
7. A tripod joint (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the PCR1 (24) of the joint inner part (7) is greater or smaller than the PCR2 (28) of the joint outer part (2), at least when the longitudinal axes (3, 8) are arranged coaxially.
8. A tripod joint (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the inner ring (16) and the outer ring (14) together with the bearing body (17) is movable relative to the other of the inner ring (16) and the outer ring (14) along the axis of rotation (15).
9. A tripod joint (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the installation space (29) for the support body (17) on the outer ring (14) or on the inner ring (16) is defined by a locking ring (30) arranged on the corresponding ring (14, 16).
10. A motor vehicle (31) having at least one tripod joint (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Uniform movement universal coupling
JP2002286046A
Tripod type constant velocity universal joint
US7654908B2