Constant velocity joint assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a constant velocity joint assembly. The constant velocity joint assembly includes a first constant velocity joint including a first outer race and a first shaft, the first outer race having a through-hole formed therein, a second constant velocity joint including a second outer race having a through-hole formed therein and a second shaft, the second outer race having a through-hole formed therein, the first shaft having a through-hole formed therein, and the second shaft having a through-hole formed therein. The connector includes a plate-shaped portion disposed between the first outer race and the second outer race, a first connection portion configured to allow an end portion of the first shaft to engage therewith through a through hole in the first outer race, and a second connection portion configured to allow an end portion of the second shaft to engage therewith through a through hole in the second outer race. The second connection portion is configured to allow an end portion of the second shaft to engage therewith through a through-hole in the second outer race; and a first retainer disposed within the through hole in the second outer race to prevent displacement of the connector toward the second constant velocity joint.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a constant velocity universal joint assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Constant velocity joints are used to transmit rotational power between a drive shaft and a driven shaft angled relative to the drive shaft without changing the angular velocity. To achieve higher hinge angles, a structure combining two constant velocity joints has been proposed. For example, such a structure is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,017,755. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One aspect of this disclosure is to provide a constant velocity joint assembly that includes two constant velocity joints and a connector and facilitates the installation of the connector.

[0004] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a constant velocity universal joint assembly that can improve the overall strength of the outer race.

[0005] The constant velocity joint assembly according to this disclosure includes: a first constant velocity joint, the first constant velocity joint including a first outer race and a first shaft, the first outer race having a through hole formed therein; a second constant velocity joint, the second constant velocity joint including a second outer race and a second shaft, the second outer race having a through hole formed therein; a connector including a plate-like portion, a first connecting portion, and a second connecting portion, the plate-like portion being disposed between the first outer race and the second outer race, the first connecting portion being configured to allow an end portion of the first shaft to engage with it through the through hole in the first outer race, the second connecting portion being configured to allow an end portion of the second shaft to engage with it through the through hole in the second outer race; and a first retainer disposed within the through hole in the second outer race to prevent the connector from shifting toward the second constant velocity joint.

[0006] The outer diameter of the plate-shaped portion may be less than or equal to the diameter of the through hole in the second outer race.

[0007] The first retainer can be formed as a ring.

[0008] The inner diameter of the first retainer may be smaller than the outer diameter of the plate-shaped portion.

[0009] The outer diameter of the first retainer may be less than or equal to the diameter of the through hole in the second outer race.

[0010] The outer diameter of the plate-shaped portion can be larger than the diameter of the through hole in the first outer race.

[0011] The constant velocity universal joint assembly may further include a first retaining ring, which is fastened to the inner circumferential surface of the through hole in the second outer race to secure the first retainer.

[0012] The constant velocity universal joint assembly may further include a second retainer disposed within a through hole in the first outer race to prevent displacement of the connector.

[0013] The constant velocity universal joint assembly may further include a second retaining ring, which is fastened to the inner circumferential surface of the through hole in the first outer race to secure the second retainer.

[0014] The first outer race and the second outer race can be integrally formed with each other.

[0015] The first constant velocity universal joint may further include a first inner race and a first ball, the first inner race being connected to the first shaft and disposed within the first outer race, and the first ball being disposed between the first inner race and the first outer race. The second constant velocity universal joint may further include a second inner race and a second ball, the second inner race being connected to the second shaft and disposed within the second outer race, and the second ball being disposed between the second inner race and the second outer race. The end portion of the first shaft may have a spherical portion that directly contacts the first connecting portion during hinged movement, and the end portion of the second shaft may have a spherical portion that directly contacts the second connecting portion during hinged movement. The constant velocity universal joint assembly may satisfy at least one of the following parameter relationships.

[0016] 1.005≤A / B≤1.020 1.005≤C / D≤1.020 Here, A represents the inner diameter of the first connecting portion, B represents the diameter of the spherical portion of the end portion of the first shaft, C represents the inner diameter of the second connecting portion, and D represents the diameter of the spherical portion of the end portion of the second shaft.

[0017] The constant velocity universal joint assembly can also satisfy at least one of the following parameter relationships.

[0018] 0.2 ≤ E / F ≤ 0.3 0.2 ≤ E / G ≤ 0.3 Here, E represents the distance between the center of the spherical portion of the end portion of the first shaft and the center of the spherical portion of the end portion of the second shaft, F represents the pitch circle diameter (PCD) of the first constant velocity universal joint, and G represents the pitch circle diameter (PCD) of the second constant velocity universal joint.

[0019] The constant velocity universal joint assembly can also satisfy at least one of the following parameter relationships.

[0020] 1.0 ≤ H / F ≤ 1.1 1.0 ≤ H / G ≤ 1.1 Here, F represents the pitch circle diameter (PCD) of the first constant velocity universal joint, G represents the pitch circle diameter (PCD) of the second constant velocity universal joint, and H represents the distance between the hinge center of the first constant velocity universal joint and the hinge center of the second constant velocity universal joint. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and the technical concepts of this disclosure are further illustrated in the detailed description for reference to the following exemplary embodiments. This disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the content shown in these drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a constant velocity universal joint assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 This is a view showing the parameters defined in a constant velocity universal joint assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of part III; and Figure 4 It corresponds to Figure 3 An enlarged view showing a constant velocity universal joint assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The constant velocity universal joint assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a constant velocity universal joint assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of part III in the image.

[0024] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 The constant velocity joint assembly 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a first constant velocity joint 110, a second constant velocity joint 120, a connector 130, a retainer 140, and a retaining ring 150. For reference, reference numerals 140 and 150 corresponding to the retainer and retaining ring are used only when referring to the specific details of the joint. Figure 3 It is shown in the image, but for clarity, it is not shown in the image. Figure 1 As shown in the image.

[0025] The first constant velocity universal joint 110 may include a first shaft 111, a first inner race 112, a first outer race 113, a first ball 114, a first cage 115, and a first cover 116.

[0026] The first axle 111 can be connected, for example, to the hub side of a vehicle. The end portion 111a of the first axle 111 can be inserted into and engaged with the first connecting portion 132 of the connector 130. The end portion 111a of the first axle 111 can be at least partially shaped into a spherical form to facilitate articulation when inserted into and engaged with the first connecting portion 132 of the connector 130. For example, at least a portion of the end portion 111a of the first axle 111 that is in direct contact with the first connecting portion 132 of the connector 130 during articulation can be formed into a spherical shape. For example, portions of the end portion 111a of the first axle 111 that are not intended to directly contact the first connecting portion 132 of the connector 130 during articulation can be formed into a spherical shape, similar to the aforementioned portion, or can be eliminated to reduce volume and weight. In the figures, the tip of the end portion 111a of the first axle 111 is shown as flat.

[0027] A first inner race 112 can be connected to a first shaft 111. The first inner race 112 may include a groove formed in its outer peripheral surface to allow a first ball 114 to be disposed therein. The groove in the first inner race 112 may extend in the axial direction of the first inner race 112. Depending on the type of constant velocity universal joint, the groove 112 in the first inner race 112 may extend in a straight shape (sliding type), or it may extend in a curved shape or a combination of straight and curved shapes (fixed type). In the figures, the first constant velocity universal joint 110 is shown as implemented as fixed type, and the groove in the first inner race 112 is shown as extending in a curved shape. In other embodiments, the first constant velocity universal joint 110 may be implemented as sliding type. In some embodiments, the groove in the first inner race 112 may be provided as a plurality of grooves, and the plurality of grooves may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the first inner race 112.

[0028] The first outer race 113 may include an internal space 113a defined therein to receive the first inner race 112, the first ball 114, and the first retainer 115. The first outer race 113 may include a groove formed in its inner circumferential surface to allow the first ball 114 to be disposed therein. The groove in the first outer race 113 may extend in the axial direction of the first outer race 113. Similar to the groove in the first inner race 112, the groove in the first outer race 113 may extend in a straight line, or in a curved line, or in a combination of straight and curved lines, depending on the type of constant velocity universal joint. Because the first constant velocity universal joint 110 is implemented as a fixed type and the groove in the first inner race 112 extends in a curved line, the groove in the first outer race 113 is shown in the figures as extending in a curved line corresponding to the groove in the first inner race 112. In some embodiments, the groove in the first outer race 113 may be provided as a plurality of grooves, and the plurality of grooves may be arranged circumferentially along the first outer race 113.

[0029] The first outer race 113 may include a receiving recess 113b formed in its surface facing the second outer race 123 of the second constant velocity universal joint 120 (the right surface of the first outer race 113, based on the figures), to allow the plate-like portion 131 of the connector 130 to be disposed therein. The receiving recess 113b may be recessed into the surface of the first outer race 113 to be stepped relative to the surface of the first outer race 113. The receiving recess 113b may be formed to have a depth corresponding to half the thickness of the plate-like portion 131 of the connector 130. The receiving recess 113b may have a larger area than the plate-like portion 131 of the connector 130. This allows the plate-like portion 131 of the connector 130 to move within the area of ​​the receiving recess 113b.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first outer race 113 may have a through hole 113c through which the internal space 113a and the receiving recess 113b communicate with each other. The end portion 111a of the first shaft 111 and the first connecting portion 132 of the connector 130 can be connected and engaged with each other through the through hole 113c. The diameter D1 of the through hole 113c in the first outer race 113 may be smaller than the outer diameter D2 of the plate-like portion 131 of the connector 130 (see...). Figure 3 ).

[0031] The first sphere 114 can be disposed between the groove in the first inner race 112 and the groove in the first outer race 113.

[0032] The first cage 115 can be used to restrain the first sphere 114.

[0033] The first cover 116 can extend between the first shaft 111 and the first outer race 113. The first cover 116 can not only prevent foreign substances from entering the internal space of the first outer race 113 from the outside, but also prevent lubricant (grease) from leaking from the internal space of the first outer race 113 to the outside.

[0034] The second constant velocity universal joint 120 can be set opposite to the first constant velocity universal joint 110.

[0035] The second constant velocity universal joint 120 may include a second shaft 121, a second inner race 122, a second outer race 123, a second ball 124, a second cage 125, and a second cover 126.

[0036] The second shaft 121 can be connected to, for example, the engine side, motor side, or transmission side of a vehicle. The end portion 121a of the second shaft 121 can be inserted into and engaged with the second connecting portion 133 of the connector 130. The end portion 121a of the second shaft 121 can be at least partially shaped into a spherical form to facilitate articulation when inserted into and engaged with the second connecting portion 133 of the connector 130. For example, at least a portion of the end portion 121a of the second shaft 121 that is in direct contact with the second connecting portion 133 of the connector 130 during articulation can be formed into a spherical shape. For example, portions of the end portion 121a of the second shaft 121 that are not intended to directly contact the second connecting portion 133 of the connector 130 during articulation can be formed into a spherical shape, similar to the aforementioned portion, or can be eliminated to reduce volume and weight. In the figures, the tip of the end portion 121a of the second shaft 121 is shown as flat.

[0037] The second inner race 122 can be connected to the second shaft 121. The second inner race 122 may include a groove formed in its outer peripheral surface to allow the second ball 124 to be disposed therein. The groove in the second inner race 122 may extend in the axial direction of the second inner race 122. Depending on the type of constant velocity universal joint, the groove 122 in the second inner race 122 may extend in a straight shape, or in a curved shape, or in a combination of straight and curved shapes. In the figures, the second constant velocity universal joint 120 is shown as implemented as a fixed type, and the groove in the second inner race 122 is shown as extending in a curved shape. In other embodiments, the second constant velocity universal joint 120 may be implemented as a sliding type. In some embodiments, the groove in the second inner race 122 may be provided as a plurality of grooves, and the plurality of grooves may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the second inner race 122.

[0038] The second outer race 123 may include an internal space 123a defined therein to receive the second inner race 122, the second ball 124, and the second retainer 125. The second outer race 123 may include a groove formed in its inner circumferential surface to allow the second ball 124 to be disposed therein. The groove in the second outer race 123 may extend in the axial direction of the second outer race 123. Similar to the groove in the second inner race 122, the groove in the second outer race 123 may extend in a straight line shape, or in a curved shape, or a combination of straight and curved shapes, depending on the type of constant velocity universal joint. Because the second constant velocity universal joint 120 is implemented as a fixed type and the groove in the second inner race 122 extends in a curved shape, the groove in the second outer race 123 is shown in the figures as extending in a curved shape corresponding to the groove in the second inner race 122. In some embodiments, the groove in the second outer race 123 may be provided as a plurality of grooves, and the plurality of grooves may be arranged circumferentially along the second outer race 123.

[0039] The second outer race 123 may include a receiving recess 123b formed in its surface facing the first outer race 113 (the left surface of the second outer race 123 based on the figures) to allow the plate-like portion 131 of the connector 130 to be disposed therein. The receiving recess 123b may be recessed into the surface of the second outer race 123 to be stepped relative to the surface of the second outer race 123. The receiving recess 123b may be formed to have a depth corresponding to half the thickness of the plate-like portion 131 of the connector 130. The receiving recess 123b may have a larger area than the plate-like portion 131 of the connector 130. This allows the plate-like portion 131 of the connector 130 to move within the area of ​​the receiving recess 123b.

[0040] In some embodiments, the second outer race 123 may have a through hole 123c through which the internal space 123a and the receiving recess 123b communicate with each other. The end portion 121a of the second shaft 121 and the second connecting portion 133 of the connector 130 can be connected and engaged with each other through the through hole 123c. The diameter D3 of the through hole 123c in the second outer race 123 may be greater than or equal to the outer diameter D2 of the plate-like portion 131 of the connector 130.

[0041] The first outer race 113 and the second outer race 123 can be integrally formed with each other, or they can be manufactured separately and connected to each other, for example, by welding or bolting. For example, if the first outer race 113 and the second outer race 123 are connected to each other by welding, one surface of the first outer race 113 and one surface of the second outer race 123 can be set to contact each other, and then welding can be performed along the boundary between them. In other embodiments, if the first outer race 113 and the second outer race 123 are connected to each other by bolting, the first outer race 113 can be formed with a protrusion that projects radially outward from one of its surfaces, the second outer race 123 can be formed with a protrusion that projects radially outward from one of its surfaces, and bolts can be tightened to the protrusions of the first outer race 113 and the second outer race 123 to secure them to each other.

[0042] The second sphere 124 can be disposed between the groove in the second inner race 122 and the groove in the second outer race 123.

[0043] The second cage 125 can be used to restrain the second sphere 124.

[0044] The second cover 126 can extend between the second shaft 121 and the second outer race 123. The second cover 126 can not only prevent foreign substances from entering the internal space of the second outer race 123 from the outside, but also prevent lubricant (grease) from leaking from the internal space of the second outer race 123 to the outside.

[0045] The connector 130 can be used to interconnect the first shaft 111 of the first constant velocity universal joint 110 and the second shaft 121 of the second constant velocity universal joint 120.

[0046] For example, connector 130 may include plate-shaped portion 131, first connecting portion 132, and second connecting portion 133.

[0047] The plate-shaped portion 131 can be formed in a plate shape, such as a disc shape, and can be slidably mounted in the space defined by the receiving recess 113b in the first outer race 113 and the receiving recess 123b in the second outer race 123. As described above, the outer diameter D2 of the plate-shaped portion 131 can be larger than the diameter D1 of the through hole 113c in the first outer race 113, and can be smaller than or equal to the diameter D3 of the through hole 123c in the second outer race 123. This allows the connector 130 to be inserted from one side of the second outer race 123 through the through hole 123c in the second outer race 123 until the edge of the plate-shaped portion 131 contacts the receiving recess 113b in the first outer race 113.

[0048] The first connecting portion 132 can extend from the surface of the plate-like portion 131 facing the first constant velocity universal joint 110 (the left surface of the plate-like portion 131 based on the figures) in a hollow cylindrical shape. The end portion 111a of the first shaft 111 can be inserted into and engage with the first connecting portion 132, so that the first shaft 111 can be connected to the connector 130.

[0049] The second connecting portion 133 can extend from the surface of the plate-like portion 131 facing the second constant velocity universal joint 120 (the right surface of the plate-like portion 131 based on the drawings) in a hollow cylindrical shape. The end portion 121a of the second shaft 121 can be inserted into and engage with the second connecting portion 133, so that the second shaft 121 can be connected to the connector 130.

[0050] The first connecting portion 132 and the second connecting portion 133 may be formed symmetrically with respect to the plate-like portion 131. For example, the first connecting portion 132 and the second connecting portion 133 may be arranged coaxially. In some embodiments, the first connecting portion 132 and the second connecting portion 133 may be formed to have the same dimensions (e.g., inner diameter, outer diameter, and length).

[0051] The first connecting portion 132 and / or the second connecting portion 133 may be integrally formed with the plate-like portion 131.

[0052] The interiors of the first connecting portion 132 and the second connecting portion 133 can communicate with each other. For example, the plate-shaped portion 131 can be formed to have a hollow center.

[0053] During the articulation movement, if the distance between the articulation center of the first constant velocity universal joint 110 and the center of the plate-shaped portion 131 of the connector 130 is equal to the distance between the articulation center of the second constant velocity universal joint 120 and the center of the plate-shaped portion 131 of the connector 130, then the articulation angle of the first constant velocity universal joint 110 and the articulation angle of the second constant velocity universal joint 120 can be equal.

[0054] If the distance between the hinge center of the first constant velocity universal joint 110 and the center of the plate-shaped portion 131 of the connector 130 is greater than the distance between the hinge center of the second constant velocity universal joint 120 and the center of the plate-shaped portion 131 of the connector 130, then the hinge angle of the first constant velocity universal joint 110 can become smaller than the hinge angle of the second constant velocity universal joint 120.

[0055] If the distance between the hinge center of the second constant velocity universal joint 120 and the center of the plate-shaped portion 131 of the connector 130 is greater than the distance between the hinge center of the first constant velocity universal joint 110 and the center of the plate-shaped portion 131 of the connector 130, then the hinge angle of the second constant velocity universal joint 120 can become smaller than the hinge angle of the first constant velocity universal joint 110.

[0056] This disclosure may cover all of the above situations.

[0057] In this disclosure, it is possible to... Figure 2 The following parameters are defined as shown.

[0058] A: The inner diameter of the first connecting portion 132 of the connector 130 B: Diameter of the spherical portion of the end portion 111a of the first shaft 111 C: Inner diameter of the second connecting portion 133 of connector 130 D: Diameter of the spherical portion of the end portion 121a of the second shaft 121 E: The distance between the center of the spherical portion of the end portion 111a of the first shaft 111 and the center of the spherical portion of the end portion 121a of the second shaft 121. F: Pitch circle diameter (PCD) of the first constant velocity universal joint 110 G: Pitch circle diameter (PCD) of the second constant velocity universal joint 120. H: The distance between the hinge center of the first constant velocity universal joint 110 and the hinge center of the second constant velocity universal joint 120. The above parameters can have the following relationship.

[0059] 1.005≤A / B≤1.020 1.005≤C / D≤1.020 0.2 ≤ E / F ≤ 0.3 0.2 ≤ E / G ≤ 0.3 1.0 ≤ H / F ≤ 1.1 1.0 ≤ H / G ≤ 1.1 As mentioned above, an A / B ratio equal to or greater than 1.005 may be advantageous. If A / B is less than 1.005, the internal pressure in the first connecting portion 132 of the connector 130 may increase, which could adversely affect operability (hinge angle variation). An A / B ratio equal to or less than 1.020 may also be advantageous. If A / B exceeds 1.020, the contact surface pressure may increase, leading to excessive damage due to wear.

[0060] Similarly, a C / D ratio equal to or greater than 1.005 may be advantageous. If C / D is less than 1.005, the internal pressure in the second connecting portion 133 of the connector 130 may increase, which could adversely affect operability (hinge angle variation). A C / D ratio equal to or less than 1.020 may also be advantageous. If C / D exceeds 1.020, the contact surface pressure may increase, leading to excessive damage due to wear.

[0061] An E / F and / or E / G of 0.2 or greater may be advantageous. If E / F and / or E / G are less than 0.2, the radial dimension of the corresponding outer race 113 or 123 may become relatively excessive, and the capacity of the corresponding constant velocity universal joint 110 or 120 may be excessively increased (i.e., excessively large), which may adversely affect the weight, packaging, and cost of the product, and may reduce the strength of the neck of the end portion 111a or 121a of the corresponding shaft 111 or 121. An E / F and / or E / G of 0.3 or less may also be advantageous. If E / F and / or E / G exceed 0.3, the axial length of the corresponding outer race 113 or 123 may become relatively excessive, and the capacity of the corresponding constant velocity universal joint 110 or 120 may be excessively reduced (i.e., excessively small), which may adversely affect the strength and durability of the components, and may reduce the strength of the connector 130.

[0062] It may be advantageous for H / F and / or H / G to be equal to or greater than 1.0. If H / F and / or H / G are less than 1.0, the radial dimension of the corresponding outer race 113 or 123 may become relatively large, and the capacity of the corresponding constant velocity universal joint 110 or 120 may be excessively increased (i.e., excessively large), which may adversely affect the weight, packaging, and cost of the product, and may reduce the strength of the neck of the end portion 111a or 121a of the corresponding shaft 111 or 121. It may also be advantageous for H / F and / or H / G to be equal to or less than 1.1. If H / F and / or H / G exceed 1.1, the axial length of the corresponding outer race 113 or 123 may become relatively large, and the capacity of the corresponding constant velocity universal joint 110 or 120 may be excessively reduced (i.e., excessively small), which may adversely affect the strength and durability of the components, and may reduce the strength of the connector 130.

[0063] By designing parameters such as E / F, E / G, H / F, and H / G as described above, the outer diameter, weight, and cost of the product can be minimized while ensuring a sufficient level of component strength and durability.

[0064] Refer again Figure 1 and Figure 3 The retainer 140 can be disposed in the through hole 123c in the second outer race 123.

[0065] The retainer 140 can be formed as an annular ring. The outer diameter D4 of the retainer 140 can be less than or equal to the diameter D3 of the through hole 123c in the second outer race 123. It may be advantageous for the outer diameter D4 of the retainer 140 to be equal to the diameter D3 of the through hole 123c in the second outer race 123 to prevent the retainer 140 from moving within the through hole 123c in the second outer race 123. This configuration is shown in the accompanying drawings. The inner diameter D5 of the retainer 140 can be less than the outer diameter D2 of the plate-like portion 131 of the connector 130. This allows the retainer 140 to be inserted from one side of the second outer race 123 through the through hole 123c in the second outer race 123. With the retainer 140 inserted and installed in this manner, the edge of the plate-like portion 131 of the connector 130 can be held in place by the retainer 140, thereby preventing the connector 130 from shifting toward the second outer race 123.

[0066] The retainer 140 can be fastened to the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 123c in the second outer ring 123. For this purpose, a fastening groove (not shown) for fastening the retainer 150 can be formed in the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 123c in the second outer ring 123.

[0067] Based on the above structure, the process of assembling the constant velocity universal joint assembly 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described.

[0068] First, the components of the first constant velocity universal joint 110 can be assembled. Then, the connector 130 can be inserted from one side of the second outer race 123 through the through hole 123c in the second outer race 123, such that the end portion 111a of the first shaft 111 of the first constant velocity universal joint 110 engages with the first connecting portion 132 of the connector 130. Because the outer diameter D2 of the plate-like portion 131 of the connector 130 is larger than the diameter D1 of the through hole 113c in the first outer race 113, there is no risk of the connector 130 shifting toward the first outer race 113.

[0069] Subsequently, the retainer 140 can be inserted from one side of the second outer race 123 through the through hole 123c in the second outer race 123, and then secured with the retaining ring 150. Because the inner diameter D5 of the retainer 140 is smaller than the outer diameter D2 of the plate-like portion 131 of the connector 130, displacement of the connector 130 toward the first outer race 113 can be prevented.

[0070] Finally, the components of the second constant velocity joint 120 can be assembled, and the end portion 121a of the second shaft 121 of the second constant velocity joint 120 can be engaged with the second connecting portion 133 of the connector 130, thereby completing the assembly.

[0071] Because the connector 130 is installed by passing through the through hole 123c in the second outer race 123 from one side, the first outer race 113 and the second outer race 123 can be integrally formed with each other. Therefore, compared with the prior art where the first and second outer races must be manufactured as separate components for installing the connector, unnecessary fastening processes and fastening components can be reduced, and the overall strength of the first outer race 113 and the second outer race 123 can be improved.

[0072] Figure 4 It corresponds to Figure 3 An enlarged view showing a constant velocity universal joint assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] In the constant velocity joint assembly 100 according to the above embodiments of the present disclosure, the retainer 140 is installed only in the through hole 123c in the second outer race 123. In contrast, the constant velocity joint assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure differs in that the retainer 160 is also installed in the through hole 113c' in the first outer race.

[0074] In another embodiment of the constant velocity joint assembly according to this disclosure, other parts are substantially the same as those parts of the constant velocity joint assembly 100 according to the above embodiment of this disclosure. Even if there are some differences, these differences are merely modifications that can be easily made by those skilled in the art based on the configurations described above and below. Therefore, redundant descriptions of identical parts will be omitted, and the same reference numerals will be used in the detailed specifications and drawings of this disclosure.

[0075] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the constant velocity joint assembly may include a first constant velocity joint 110, a second constant velocity joint 120, a connector 130, a first retainer 140, a first retainer 150, a second retainer 160, and a second retainer 170.

[0076] The diameter of the through hole 113c' in the first outer race 113 of the first constant velocity universal joint 110 can be greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the plate-like portion 131 of the connector 130. This allows the connector 130 to be inserted from one side of the first outer race 113 through the through hole 113c' in the first outer race 113, or from one side of the second outer race 123 through the through hole 123c.

[0077] The first retainer 140 and the first retainer 150 of the constant velocity joint assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure are the same as the retainer 140 and retainer 150 of the constant velocity joint assembly 100 according to the above embodiments of the present disclosure, except that the term "first" is added to distinguish them from the retainer 160 and retainer 170 disposed on the first constant velocity joint 110. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used.

[0078] The second retainer 160 can be formed as an annular ring. The outer diameter of the second retainer 160 can be less than or equal to the diameter of the through hole 113c' in the first outer race 113. It may be advantageous for the outer diameter of the second retainer 160 to be equal to the diameter of the through hole 113c' in the first outer race 113 in order to prevent the second retainer 160 from moving within the through hole 113c' in the first outer race 113. This configuration is shown in the accompanying drawings. The inner diameter of the second retainer 160 can be less than the outer diameter of the plate-like portion 131 of the connector 130. This allows the second retainer 160 to be inserted from one side of the first outer race 113 through the through hole 113c' in the first outer race 113. With the second retainer 160 inserted and installed in this manner, the edge of the plate-like portion 131 of the connector 130 can be held in place by the second retainer 160, thereby preventing the connector 130 from shifting toward the first outer race 113.

[0079] The second retaining ring 170 can be fastened to the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 113c' in the first outer retaining ring 113 to secure the second retainer 160. For this purpose, a fastening groove (not shown) for fastening the second retaining ring 170 can be formed in the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 113c' in the first outer retaining ring 113.

[0080] The above-described constant velocity joint assembly is merely one of various embodiments of the constant velocity joint assembly according to this disclosure.

[0081] As is apparent from the above description, the constant velocity joint assembly according to this disclosure can be assembled by inserting a connector from one side of one of the constant velocity joints and using a retainer to prevent displacement of the connector. In this way, the connector can be easily installed.

[0082] Furthermore, this assembly can be achieved even when the first outer race and the second outer race are integrally formed together. Because the first outer race and the second outer race are integrally formed together, the fastening process or fastening components required for their assembly can be reduced, and the overall strength of the first outer race and the second outer race can be improved.

[0083] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A constant velocity universal joint assembly, comprising: A first constant velocity universal joint, the first constant velocity universal joint including a first outer race and a first shaft, the first outer race having a through hole formed therein; The second constant velocity joint includes a second outer race and a second shaft, the second outer race having a through hole formed therein; A connector, comprising a plate-shaped portion, a first connecting portion, and a second connecting portion, the plate-shaped portion being disposed between a first outer race and a second outer race, the first connecting portion being configured to allow an end portion of the first shaft to engage with it through a through hole in the first outer race, and the second connecting portion being configured to allow an end portion of the second shaft to engage with it through a through hole in the second outer race. as well as A first retainer is disposed within the through hole in the second outer race to prevent the connector from shifting toward the second constant velocity universal joint.

2. The constant velocity universal joint assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the plate-shaped portion is less than or equal to the diameter of the through hole in the second outer race.

3. The constant velocity universal joint assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first retainer is formed as a ring.

4. The constant velocity universal joint assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the first retainer is smaller than the outer diameter of the plate-shaped portion.

5. The constant velocity universal joint assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the first retainer is equal to the diameter of the through hole in the second outer race.

6. The constant velocity universal joint assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the plate-shaped portion is larger than the diameter of the through hole in the first outer race.

7. The constant velocity universal joint assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The constant velocity universal joint assembly further includes a first retaining ring, which is fastened to the inner circumferential surface of the through hole in the second outer race to secure the first retainer.

8. The constant velocity universal joint assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The constant velocity universal joint assembly also includes a second retainer disposed within a through hole in the first outer race to prevent displacement of the connector.

9. The constant velocity universal joint assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The constant velocity universal joint assembly further includes a second retaining ring, which is fastened to the inner circumferential surface of the through hole in the first outer race to secure the second retainer.

10. The constant velocity universal joint assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first outer race and the second outer race are integrally formed together.

11. The constant velocity universal joint assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first constant velocity universal joint further includes a first inner race and a first ball. The first inner race is connected to the first shaft and disposed within the first outer race, and the first ball is disposed between the first inner race and the first outer race. The second constant velocity universal joint further includes a second inner race and a second ball. The second inner race is connected to the second shaft and disposed within the second outer race, and the second ball is disposed between the second inner race and the second outer race. The end portion of the first shaft has a portion that directly contacts the first connecting portion during hinged movement, and the portion directly in contact with the first connecting portion is spherical. The end portion of the second shaft has a portion that directly contacts the second connecting portion during hinged movement, and the portion directly contacting the second connecting portion is spherical. The constant velocity universal joint assembly satisfies at least one of the following parameter relationships: 1.005≤A / B≤1.020 1.005≤C / D≤1.020 Where A represents the inner diameter of the first connecting portion, B represents the diameter of the spherical portion of the end of the first shaft, C represents the inner diameter of the second connecting portion, and D represents the diameter of the spherical portion of the end portion of the second shaft.

12. The constant velocity universal joint assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that, The constant velocity universal joint assembly also satisfies at least one of the following parameter relationships: 0.2 ≤ E / F ≤ 0.3 0.2 ≤ E / G ≤ 0.3 Wherein, E represents the distance between the center of the spherical portion of the end portion of the first shaft and the center of the spherical portion of the end portion of the second shaft, F represents the pitch circle diameter (PCD) of the first constant velocity universal joint, and G represents the pitch circle diameter (PCD) of the second constant velocity universal joint.

13. The constant velocity universal joint assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that, The constant velocity universal joint assembly also satisfies at least one of the following parameter relationships: 1.0 ≤ H / F ≤ 1.1 1.0 ≤ H / G ≤ 1.1 Wherein, F represents the pitch circle diameter (PCD) of the first constant velocity universal joint, G represents the pitch circle diameter (PCD) of the second constant velocity universal joint, and H represents the distance between the hinge center of the first constant velocity universal joint and the hinge center of the second constant velocity universal joint.

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