constant velocity joint

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a constant velocity joint for transmitting rotary driving force. The constant velocity joint, characterized by a large maximum engagement angle and improved durability and efficiency, is achieved by manufacturing it such that in a ball raceway pair having an orifice angle facing the open side in a non-angular state, this orifice angle remains facing the open side and does not change direction as the engagement angle changes, and in a ball raceway pair having an orifice angle facing the engagement side in a non-angular state, this orifice angle changes direction towards the engagement side as the engagement angle changes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a constant velocity joint for transmitting rotary driving force. Background Technology

[0002] A constant velocity joint, used as a power transmission component, is an element that forms part of a drive system that transmits driving forces generated from a vehicle's power source (e.g., an internal combustion engine or an electric motor). It is well known that constant velocity joints are configured to transmit rotational driving forces while allowing angular and axial displacements during vehicle operation.

[0003] A so-called fixed constant velocity joint includes an outer joint member, an inner joint member, a plurality of balls disposed in the outer ball track of the outer joint member and the inner ball track of the inner joint member, and a ball cage accommodating the plurality of balls. The balls are rotatably supported on the contact surfaces of the outer and inner ball tracks, respectively, thereby transmitting torque between the outer and inner joint members. Among these fixed constant velocity joints, there exists a type in which some pairs of the outer and inner ball tracks have an aperture angle from the joint center plane toward the opening side, and the remaining pairs have an aperture angle from the joint center plane toward the joint side; this is called a reverse track joint. This reverse track joint has advantages in various aspects, but there is room for improvement in areas such as maximum hinge angle, efficiency, and durability.

[0004] The matters described in the technical field section constituting the background art of this invention are intended to enhance the understanding of the background art of this invention, and may include matters that are not prior art known in the field to which this art pertains.

[0005] - Prior art literature: US Patent Registration Publication No. US7,396,285 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [Technical Issues]

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a reverse track type constant velocity joint, which not only achieves a large maximum hinge angle, but also improves durability and efficiency.

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned technical problem, and those skilled in the art will understand from the following description other technical problems not mentioned.

[0009] [Technical Solution]

[0010] An embodiment of the constant velocity joint according to the present invention includes: an outer joint member defining a longitudinal axis and including a first outer ball track and a second outer ball track; an inner joint member including a first inner ball track mating with the first outer ball track and a second inner ball track mating with the second outer ball track; a plurality of balls respectively disposed at the alignment of the first outer ball track and the first inner ball track, and at the alignment of the second outer ball track and the second inner ball track; and a ball retainer disposed between the outer joint member and the inner joint member and accommodating the plurality of balls. The outer joint member includes an opening side and a joint side opposite to each other along the longitudinal axis. The pair of the first outer ball track and the first inner ball track forms an aperture angle toward the opening side in a non-hinged state, and the pair of the second outer ball track and the second inner ball track forms an aperture angle toward the joint side in a non-hinged state. In the alignment of the first outer ball track and the first inner ball track, which are opposite to each other, the aperture angle of the alignment of the first outer ball track and the first inner ball track, which moves the balls toward the opening side according to the progress of the hinge of the inner joint member, is configured such that, starting from the state of being toward the opening side in the non-hinged state, it gradually increases while maintaining the state of being toward the opening side as the hinge angle increases. Furthermore, the aperture angle of the alignment of the first outer ball track and the first inner ball track, which moves the balls toward the joint side according to the progress of the hinge of the inner joint member, is configured such that, starting from the state of being toward the opening side in the non-hinged state, it gradually decreases while maintaining the state of being toward the opening side as the hinge angle increases. In the alignment of the second outer ball track and the second inner ball track, which are opposite to each other, the aperture angle of the alignment of the second outer ball track and the second inner ball track, which moves the balls toward the opening side according to the progress of the hinge of the inner joint member, is configured such that, starting from the state of being toward the joint side in the non-hinged state, it gradually decreases while maintaining the state of being toward the joint side as the hinge angle increases, and then switches to being toward the opening side.

[0011] As the hinge angle increases, the aperture angle of the second outer ball track and the second inner ball track, which move towards the opening side according to the progress of the hinge of the inner joint member, can first be switched to face the opening side. Then, according to the progress of the hinge of the inner joint member, the aperture angle of the second outer ball track and the second inner ball track, which move towards the joint side according to the progress of the hinge, can be switched to face the opening side.

[0012] The aperture angle of the alignment of the first outer ball track and the first inner ball track can remain facing the opening side throughout the entire hinge range.

[0013] The centerline of the first outer ball track may include a first joint side arc passing through the joint center plane and a first open side arc extending from the first joint side arc. The centerline of the second outer ball track may include an intermediate arc passing through the joint center plane, and a second joint side arc and a second open side arc extending from both sides of the intermediate arc, respectively.

[0014] The first joint side arc may have a radially outward convex curvature, the first opening side arc may have a radially inward convex curvature, the second joint side arc and the intermediate arc may each have a radially outward convex curvature, and the second opening side arc may have a radially inward convex curvature.

[0015] The center of curvature of the first joint side arc can be spaced apart from the joint center plane to form a first axial offset, and the center of curvature of the middle arc can be spaced apart from the joint center plane to form a second axial offset. At this time, the first axial offset and the second axial offset can be located in opposite directions relative to the joint center plane.

[0016] The first axial offset can be from the joint center plane toward the opening side, and the second axial offset can be from the joint center plane toward the joint side.

[0017] The curvature center of the first joint side arc and the curvature center of the middle arc can be located on the longitudinal axis.

[0018] [Invention Effects]

[0019] According to the present invention, by adjusting the change in the aperture angle of the constant velocity joint with a reverse track structure, a constant velocity joint with a large maximum hinge angle and improved durability and efficiency can be achieved.

[0020] Furthermore, various effects that can be obtained or predicted through the embodiments of the present invention are disclosed directly or implicitly in the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the invention and to provide embodiments of the invention together with the detailed description. However, the technical features of the invention are not limited to the specific drawings, and the features disclosed in each drawing can be combined with each other to form new embodiments. Embodiments of this specification can be better understood by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same or functionally similar elements.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a front view of an equal velocity joint according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the constant velocity joint according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line AA.

[0025] Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of line BB.

[0026] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 3 A view of the centerline of the outer ball track of the external connector component.

[0027] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 3 A view of the centerline of the inner ball track of the inner connector component.

[0028] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 4 A view of the centerline of the outer ball track of the external connector component.

[0029] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 4 A view of the centerline of the inner ball track of the inner connector component.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a view showing the change in the aperture angle of the aligned first outer ball track and first inner ball track of a constant velocity joint according to an embodiment of the present invention, having an aperture angle facing the opening side, as the hinge progresses.

[0031] Figure 10 This is a view showing the change in the aperture angle of the second outer ball track and the second inner ball track, which have aperture angles facing the joint side, according to an embodiment of the constant velocity joint according to the invention, as the hinge progresses.

[0032] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings mentioned above are not necessarily shown to scale and present simplified representations of various features illustrating the basic principles of the invention. For example, specific design features of the invention (including specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes) will be determined in part by the specific intended application and environment of use. Detailed Implementation

[0033] In the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. However, this disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0034] The terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items. The term “connected” indicates a physical relationship between two components, wherein the components are directly connected to each other or indirectly connected through one or more intermediate components.

[0035] When describing the components of the present invention, when a component is described as “connected,” “joined,” or “attached” to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected, joined, or attached to the other component, but other components may be “connected,” “joined,” or “attached” between the respective components.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a front view of an equal velocity joint according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the constant velocity joint according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken from line AA. Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line BB. (Reference) Figures 1 to 4 The constant velocity joint 10 includes an outer joint member 11, an inner joint member 12, a plurality of balls 13, and a ball cage 14. Although not explicitly shown in the figures, the outer joint member 11 and the inner joint member 12 can be connected to different power transmission elements. The outer joint member 11 and the inner joint member 12 rotate at a constant speed by the action of the balls 13, thereby enabling the transmission of rotational power, i.e., torque, between the power transmission elements connected to the outer joint member 11 and the inner joint member 12, respectively.

[0037] The generally U-shaped outer connector member 11 includes a closed connector side 15, an open side 16, and an internal space 17. The outer connector member 11 forms a longitudinal axis X, and the connector side 15 and the open side 16 are positioned opposite each other along the longitudinal axis X. An inner connector member 12 is inserted into the internal space 17 of the outer connector 11 through the open side 16. The inner connector member 12 includes a through-hole 19 formed along the longitudinal direction, into which a power transmission element is inserted and can be fastened to the inner connector member 12 for rotation, for example, by a splined connection of a shaft.

[0038] The inner peripheral surface 21 of the internal space 17 forming the outer connector member 11 has a generally spherical shape, and correspondingly, the outer peripheral surface 22 of the inner connector member 12 can also have a generally spherical shape. Furthermore, the ball retainer 14 can correspondingly have a generally spherical outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface. The outer peripheral surface of the ball retainer 14 faces the inner peripheral surface 21 of the outer connector member 11, and the inner peripheral surface of the ball retainer 14 faces the outer peripheral surface 22 of the inner connector member 12. The ball retainer 14 includes a plurality of windows 23 that respectively accommodate a plurality of balls 13. It is known that a hinge between the inner connector member 12 and the outer connector member 11 can be performed. Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The diagram shows the outer connector 11 and the inner connector 12 in an aligned state (i.e., a non-hinged state), and in the hinged state, a relative angular displacement occurs between the inner connector 12 and the outer connector 11. When the outer connector 11 and the inner connector 12 are hinged, the ball cage 14 simultaneously undergoes angular displacement, and at this time, the balls 13 also undergo positional displacement.

[0039] The outer connector member 11 includes a plurality of first and second outer ball tracks 31 and 32 formed on the inner peripheral surface 21. Correspondingly, the inner connector member 12 includes a plurality of first and second inner ball tracks 33 and 34 located on the outer peripheral surface 22. The first outer ball track 31 and the first inner ball track 33 form a pair, and the second outer ball track 32 and the second inner ball track 34 form a pair. Four first outer ball tracks 31 and four second outer ball tracks 32 can be provided, and the first outer ball tracks 31 and the second outer ball tracks 32 can be arranged alternately at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. Eight balls 13 can be provided, and the balls 13 can be respectively disposed in the pairs of outer ball tracks 31 and 32 and inner ball tracks 33 and 34. Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the first outer ball track 31 and the first inner ball track 33 are arranged opposite each other, and the second outer ball track 32 and the second inner ball track 34 are arranged opposite each other.

[0040] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The pair of the first outer ball track 31 and the first inner ball track 33, in the non-hinged state, forms a first aperture angle α towards the opening side 16, and the pair of the second outer ball track 32 and the second inner ball track 34, in the non-hinged state, forms a second aperture angle β towards the joint side 15. Here, the concept of aperture angle is well known in the technical field to which this invention pertains, and can represent the angle formed between the center trajectory of a ball moving on the outer ball track and the center trajectory of a ball moving on the inner ball track. Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, in the non-hinged state of the constant velocity joint, the joint center plane P is defined by the center of multiple balls 13.

[0041] refer to Figures 5 to 8 The first outer ball track 31 and the second outer ball track 32 each have center lines 35 and 36, respectively, and the first inner ball track 33 and the second inner ball track 34 each have center lines 37 and 38, respectively. Here, the center line can be understood as representing the center trajectory of the ball moving on the ball track. Figure 5 The image shows the first outer ball track 31 of the outer connector component 11 and its center line 35. Figure 6 The image shows the first inner ball track 33 of the inner joint member 12 and its centerline 37. Figure 7 The image shows the second outer ball track 32 of the outer connector component 11 and its centerline 36. Figure 8 The image shows the second inner ball track 34 of the inner joint member 12 and its center line 38.

[0042] refer to Figure 5 The centerline 35 of the first outer ball bearing track 31 includes two arcs 41 and 42 connected by a turning point T1. The joint center plane P passes through the joint side arc 41. The joint side arc 41, located near the joint side 15, and the opening side arc 42, located near the opening side 16, have curvatures that are opposite to each other relative to the radial direction. The joint side arc 41 has a curvature that bulges radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis X, and the opening side arc 42 has a curvature that bulges radially inward. Specifically, the joint side arc 41 has a curvature center C1 located on the longitudinal axis X, and the opening side arc 42 has a curvature center C2 located outside the outer joint member 11. At this time, the curvature radius R1 of the joint side arc 41 is formed to be smaller than the curvature radius R2 of the opening side arc 42.

[0043] The inflection point T1 is configured to form the inflection point between the two arcs 41 and 42. Here, as... Figure 5 As shown, the joint side arc 41 is located radially inside the tangent L1 at the turning point T1, and the opening side arc 42 is located radially outside the tangent L1 at the turning point T1.

[0044] The curvature center C1 of the connector side arc 41 is formed to be spaced apart from the connector center plane P toward the opening side 16, with an axial offset O1. That is, the curvature center plane P1, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and includes the curvature center C1, is axially offset by O1 toward the opening side 16 and the connector center plane P. In addition, the turning point T1 is spaced apart from the curvature center plane P1 toward the opening side 16. In the non-hinged state, the ratio (=O1 / D1) of the axial offset O1 of the curvature center C1 to the diameter of the circle formed by the centers of the plurality of balls 13 (the so-called BCD (ball circle diameter) (D1)) can fall within the range of 0.050 to 0.054.

[0045] The centerline 37 of the first inner ball track 33, which is paired with the first outer ball track 31, is formed to be substantially symmetrical with respect to the centerline 35 of the first outer ball track 31 relative to the joint center plane P. (Reference) Figure 6 The centerline 37 of the first inner ball bearing track 33 includes two arcs 43 and 44 connected by the inflection point T2. The opening-side arc 43, located near the opening side 16, and the joint-side arc 44, located near the joint side 15, have curvatures opposite to each other relative to the radial direction. The opening-side arc 43 has a curvature that bulges radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis X, and the joint-side arc 44 has a curvature that bulges radially inward. Specifically, the opening-side arc 43 has a curvature center C3 located on the longitudinal axis X, and the joint-side arc 44 has a curvature center C4 located on the outer side of the inner joint member 12. In this case, the radius of curvature R3 of the opening-side arc 43 is smaller than the radius of curvature R4 of the joint-side arc 44.

[0046] Inflection point T2 is configured to form the inflection point between two arcs 43 and 44. Here, as... Figure 6 As shown, the opening side arc 43 is located radially inside the tangent L2 at the turning point T2, and the joint side arc 44 is located radially outside the tangent L2 at the turning point T2.

[0047] The curvature center C3 of the open side arc 43 is formed to be spaced apart from the joint center plane P toward the joint side 15, with an axial offset O2. That is, the curvature center plane P2, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and includes the curvature center C3, is spaced apart from the joint center plane P toward the joint side 15 along the axial direction by an axial offset O2. In addition, the turning point T2 is spaced apart from the curvature center plane P2 toward the joint side 15. In the non-hinged state, the ratio (=O2 / D2) of the axial offset O2 of the curvature center C3 to the BCD(D2) of the plurality of balls 13 can fall within the range of 0.050 to 0.054.

[0048] refer to Figure 7The centerline 36 of the second outer ball bearing track 32 includes three arcs 51, 52, and 53 connected sequentially by inflection points T3 and T4. The joint-side arc 51 and the opening-side arc 53 are positioned close to the joint side 15 and the opening side 16, respectively, and the intermediate arc 52 is connected to the joint-side arc 51 and the opening-side arc 53 by inflection points T3 and T4, respectively. At this time, the joint center plane P passes through the intermediate arc 52.

[0049] The connector side arc 51 and the intermediate arc 52 have curvatures that bulge radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis X, while the opening side arc 53 has a curvature that bulges radially inward. Specifically, the connector side arc 51 has a curvature center C5 and a curvature radius R5 that are radially spaced outward toward the side closest to the longitudinal axis X, and the intermediate arc 52 has a curvature center C6 and a curvature radius R6 located on the longitudinal axis X. Therefore, the curvature radius R5 of the connector side arc 51 is smaller than the curvature radius R6 of the intermediate arc 52. Here, the curvature center C6 of the intermediate arc 52 is configured to be spaced apart from the connector center plane P toward the connector side 15, with an axial offset O3. In addition, the turning point T3 connecting the connector side arc 51 and the intermediate arc 52 is spaced apart from the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and passing through the curvature center C6 of the intermediate arc 52 (i.e., the curvature center plane P3) toward the connector side 15.

[0050] The open-side arc 53 is connected to the intermediate arc 52 by a turning point T4 spaced apart from the joint center plane P towards the open side 16. The open-side arc 53 has a curvature center C7 located on the outside of the outer joint member 11 and has a curvature radius R7. At this time, the curvature radius R7 of the open-side arc 53 is formed to be smaller than the curvature radius R5 of the joint side arc 51, so that the curvature radius R6 of the intermediate arc 52 is the largest and the curvature radius R7 of the open-side arc 53 is the smallest. Therefore, in the middle part of the second outer ball track 32, the radial position change of the ball 13's movement trajectory becomes relatively gentle, thereby achieving reduced friction and stable operation, while in the part near the open side 16, a relatively large radial outward change occurs, thereby achieving a high hinge angle.

[0051] The inflection point T4 connecting the intermediate arc 52 and the open side arc 53 is configured to form the inflection point between the intermediate arc 52 and the open side arc 53. Here, as... Figure 7 As shown, the intermediate arc 52 is located radially inside the tangent L3 of the center line 36 at the turning point T4, and the open side arc 53 is located radially outside the tangent L3.

[0052] The curvature center C6 of the intermediate arc 52 is formed to be spaced apart from the joint center plane P toward the joint side 15, with an axial offset O3. That is, the curvature center plane P3, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and includes the curvature center C6, is axially offset by O3 along the axial direction toward the joint side 15 and spaced apart from the joint center plane P. In addition, the turning point T4 is spaced apart from the joint center plane P toward the opening side 16. In the non-hinged state, the ratio of the axial offset O3 of the curvature center C6 to the BCD (D3) of the plurality of balls 13 (=O3 / D3) can fall within the range of 0.050 to 0.054.

[0053] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 7 The radius of curvature R2 of the open side arc 42 of the first outer ball track 31 is greater than the radius of curvature R7 of the open side arc 53 of the second outer ball track 32. This means that the radial variation at the open side end of the second outer ball track 32, which has an aperture angle toward the joint side 15, becomes relatively large, thereby enabling a larger hinge angle.

[0054] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 7 The centerline 41 of the first outer ball track 31 and the centerline 52 of the second outer ball track 32 have offsets O1 and O3, respectively, from the joint center plane P, which are opposite in direction and of the same magnitude. Therefore, during the operation of the constant velocity joint, the longitudinal force acting on the balls 13 is canceled out, thereby reducing friction.

[0055] The centerline 38 of the second inner ball track 34, which mates with the second outer ball track 32, is formed to be substantially symmetrical with respect to the centerline 36 of the second outer ball track 32 relative to the joint center plane P. (Reference) Figure 8 The centerline 38 of the second inner ball track 34 includes three arcs 55, 56 and 57 connected sequentially by turning points T5 and T6. The opening side arc 55 and the joint side arc 57 are positioned close to the opening side 16 and the joint side 15, respectively, and the intermediate arc 56 is connected to the opening side arc 55 and the joint side arc 57 by turning points T5 and T6, respectively.

[0056] The opening side arc 55 and the intermediate arc 56 have curvatures that bulge radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis X, while the joint side arc 57 has a curvature that bulges radially inward. Specifically, the opening side arc 55 has a curvature center C8 and a curvature radius R8 that are radially spaced outward toward the side closest to the longitudinal axis X, and the intermediate arc 56 has a curvature center C9 and a curvature radius R9 located on the longitudinal axis X. Therefore, the curvature radius R8 of the opening side arc 55 is smaller than the curvature radius R9 of the intermediate arc 56. Here, the curvature center C9 of the intermediate arc 56 is configured to be spaced apart from the joint center plane P toward the opening side 16, with an axial offset O4. In addition, the turning point T6 connecting the opening side arc 55 and the intermediate arc 56 is spaced apart from the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and passing through the curvature center C9 of the intermediate arc 56 (i.e., the curvature center plane P4) toward the opening side 16.

[0057] The joint side arc 57 is connected to the intermediate arc 56 by a turning point T6 spaced apart from the joint center plane P and facing the joint side 15. The joint side arc 57 has a curvature center C located on the outside of the inner joint member 12. 10 And has a radius of curvature R 10 At this point, the radius of curvature R of the joint side arc 57 is... 10 The curvature radius R8 is smaller than that of the opening side arc 55, thus the curvature radius R9 of the intermediate arc 56 is the largest and the curvature radius R of the joint side arc 57 is the largest. 10 Minimum.

[0058] The inflection point T6 connecting the intermediate arc 56 and the joint side arc 57 is configured to form the inflection point between the intermediate arc 56 and the joint side arc 57. Here, as... Figure 8 As shown, the intermediate arc 56 is located radially inside the tangent L4 of the center line 38 at the turning point T6, and the joint side arc 57 is located radially outside the tangent L4.

[0059] The curvature center C9 of the intermediate arc 56 is formed to be spaced apart from the joint center plane P toward the opening side 16, with an axial offset O4. That is, the curvature center plane P4, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and includes the curvature center C9, is axially offset by O4 along the axial direction toward the opening side 16 and spaced apart from the joint center plane P. In addition, the turning point T6 is spaced apart from the joint center plane P toward the joint side 15. In the non-hinged state, the ratio of the axial offset O4 of the curvature center C9 to the BCD (D4) of the plurality of balls 13 (=O4 / D4) can fall within the range of 0.050 to 0.054.

[0060] Figure 9 This is a view showing the change in the aperture angle of the aligned first outer ball track and first inner ball track of a constant velocity joint according to an embodiment of the present invention, having an aperture angle facing the opening side, as the hinge progresses. Figure 10This is a view showing the change in the aperture angle of the second outer ball track and the second inner ball track, which have aperture angles facing the joint side, according to an embodiment of the constant velocity joint according to the invention, as the hinge progresses.

[0061] refer to Figure 9 (a) is a view showing the variation of the aperture angle of the aligned first outer ball track 31 and first inner ball track 33, having an aperture angle α toward the opening side 16, in a non-hinged state. For example, Figure 9 (a) shows the aperture angles of the first outer ball track 31 and the first inner ball track 33 in a non-hinged state (i.e., with the longitudinal axis X of the outer joint member 11 and the longitudinal axis of the inner joint member 12 aligned). Figure 9 (b) and (c) show the aligning aperture angles of the first outer ball track 31 and the first inner ball track 33 when the inner joint member 12 is hinged to the outer joint member 11 at 25 degrees and 50 degrees, respectively.

[0062] like Figure 9 As shown in (a), (b) and (c), according to the progress of the articulation, one of the two balls 13 positioned in the middle of the pair of the first outer ball track 31 and the first inner ball track 33 that are opposite each other ( Figure 9 The ball shown in the upper middle part moves toward the opening side 16 of the outer connector member 11, and the other (in Figure 9 The ball shown in the lower middle part moves toward the joint side 15 of the outer joint member 11.

[0063] At this time, the aperture angle of the first outer ball track 31 and the first inner ball track 33, where the ball 13 moves toward the opening side 16 of the outer connector component 11, gradually increases. That is to say, in Figure 9 In (a), (b), and (c), the alignment of the first outer ball track 31 and the first inner ball track 33, where the ball 13 moving towards the opening side 16 is located, gradually increases the aperture angle (α) as the hinge angle increases. 11 <α 12 <α 13 On the other hand, the aperture angle of the first outer ball track 31 and the first inner ball track 33, where the ball 13 moves toward the joint side 15 of the outer joint member 11, gradually decreases. That is, in Figure 9 In (a), (b), and (c), the alignment of the first outer ball track 31 and the first inner ball track 33, where the ball 13 moving towards the joint side 15 is located, gradually decreases the aperture angle (α) as the hinge angle increases. 21 >α 22 >α 23 ).

[0064] refer to Figure 9The aperture angle of the alignment of the first outer ball track 31 and the first inner ball track 33, which are opposite each other, faces the opening side 16 in the non-hinged state. As the hinge progresses, the aperture angle changes in size throughout the entire hinge range while maintaining the orientation towards the opening side, both during the alignment of the track where the ball 13 moves toward the opening side 16 and the alignment of the track where the ball 13 moves toward the joint side 15.

[0065] refer to Figure 10 (a) is a view showing the variation of the aperture angle of the aligned second outer ball track 32 and second inner ball track 34 with an aperture angle β toward the joint side 15 in the non-hinged state. For example, Figure 10 (a) shows the aperture angles of the second outer ball track 32 and the second inner ball track 34 in the non-hinged state (i.e., with the longitudinal axis X of the outer joint member 11 and the longitudinal axis of the inner joint member 12 aligned). Figure 10 (b) to (f) show the aligning aperture angles of the second outer ball track 32 and the second inner ball track 34 in the states where the inner joint member 12 is hinged to the outer joint member 11 at 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees and 50 degrees respectively.

[0066] like Figure 10 As shown in (a) to (f), according to the progress of the hinge, one of the two balls 13 positioned in the pair of the opposing second outer ball track 32 and the second inner ball track 34 ( Figure 10 The ball shown in the upper middle part moves toward the opening side 16 of the outer connector member 11, and the other (in Figure 10 The ball shown in the lower middle part moves toward the joint side 15 of the outer joint member 11.

[0067] At this time, the aperture angle of the second outer ball track 32 and the second inner ball track 34, where the ball 13 moving toward the opening side 16 of the outer connector member 11 is located, is toward the connector side 15 in the non-hinged state. As the hinge angle increases, the aperture angle decreases and then switches to be toward the opening side 16 (occurring in...). Figure 10 (b) and (c) between and in the state of maintaining the orientation toward the opening side 16 ( Figure 10 The process of gradually increasing simultaneously with states (c), (d), (e), and (f) in the equation. That is, in... Figure 10 In (a) to (f), the alignment of the second outer ball track 32 and the second inner ball track 34 where the ball 13 moves toward the opening side 16 is located, the direction of the aperture angle switches toward the opening side 15, and then gradually increases as the hinge angle increases (β). 11 Towards the connector side, β 11 >β 12 ,β 13 Towards the opening side, β13 <β 14 <β 15 <β 16 ).

[0068] On the other hand, the aperture angle of the second outer ball track 32 and the second inner ball track 34 where the ball 13 moving toward the joint side 15 of the outer joint member 11 is located is toward the joint side 15 in the non-hinged state, and gradually increases as the hinge angle increases, then switches to being toward the opening side 16. That is, in the alignment of the second outer ball track 32 and the second inner ball track 34 where the ball 13 moving toward the joint side 15 is located, in Figure 10 In (a) to (e), as the hinge angle increases, the aperture angle gradually decreases (β). 21 <β 22 <β 23 <β 24 <β 25 ), and the aperture angle is Figure 10 Switch to the open side 16 between (e) and (f). Figure 10 In the state shown in (f), the aperture angle β 26 Facing the opening side 16.

[0069] refer to Figure 10 In the non-hinged state, the aperture angles of the aligned second outer ball track 32 and second inner ball track 34 face the joint side 15. As the hinge angle increases, the aperture angles switch to face the opening side 16 during both the alignment of the track where the ball 13 moves towards the opening side 16 and the alignment of the track where the ball 13 moves towards the joint side 15, depending on the progress of the hinge. Specifically, as the hinge angle increases, the aperture angle of the track alignment where the ball 13 moves towards the opening side 16 first switches to face the opening side 16, and then the aperture angle of the track alignment where the ball 13 moves towards the joint side 15 switches to face the opening side 16.

[0070] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and includes all variations and modifications that are readily apparent to those skilled in the art and are considered equivalent to the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A constant velocity coupling, comprising: An external connector component, the external connector component defining a longitudinal axis and including a first external ball track and a second external ball track; An inner connector component, the inner connector component comprising a first inner ball track mating with the first outer ball track and a second inner ball track mating with the second outer ball track; Multiple balls are respectively arranged in the center of the first outer ball track and the first inner ball track, and in the center of the second outer ball track and the second inner ball track; as well as A ball retainer, disposed between the outer connector member and the inner connector member, and accommodating the plurality of balls. The external connector component includes an opening side and a connector side that are opposite to each other along the longitudinal axis. The first outer ball track and the first inner ball track form an aperture angle facing the opening side in the non-hinged state. The second outer ball track and the second inner ball track form an aperture angle facing the joint side in the non-hinged state. In this configuration, among the multiple pairs of the first outer ball track and the first inner ball track that are opposite each other, the aperture angle of the pair of the first outer ball track and the first inner ball track, in which the balls move toward the opening side according to the progress of the hinge of the inner joint member, is configured such that, starting from the state of being toward the opening side in the non-hinged state, it gradually increases while maintaining the state of being toward the opening side as the hinge angle increases. Furthermore, the aperture angle of the pair of the first outer ball track and the first inner ball track, in which the balls move toward the joint side according to the progress of the hinge of the inner joint member, is configured such that, starting from the state of being toward the opening side in the non-hinged state, it gradually decreases while maintaining the state of being toward the opening side as the hinge angle increases. In the plurality of pairs of the second outer ball track and the second inner ball track that are opposite each other, the aperture angle of the pair of the second outer ball track and the second inner ball track that moves toward the opening side as the hinge of the inner joint member progresses is configured such that, starting from the state toward the joint side in the non-hinged state, it gradually decreases while maintaining the state toward the joint side as the hinge angle increases, and then switches to the state toward the opening side.

2. The constant velocity joint according to claim 1, wherein, As the hinge angle increases, according to the progress of the hinge of the inner joint member, the aperture angle of the alignment of the second outer ball track and the second inner ball track, which move the ball toward the opening side, first switches to the opening side, and then, according to the progress of the hinge of the inner joint member, the aperture angle of the alignment of the second outer ball track and the second inner ball track, which move the ball toward the joint side, switches to the opening side.

3. The constant velocity joint according to claim 2, wherein the aperture angle of the alignment of the first outer ball track and the first inner ball track remains toward the opening side throughout the hinge range.

4. The constant velocity joint according to claim 1, wherein the centerline of the first outer ball track includes a first joint side arc through which the joint center plane passes and a first opening side arc extending from the first joint side arc, and The centerline of the second outer ball track includes an intermediate arc through which the center plane of the joint passes, and a second joint side arc and a second opening side arc extending from both sides of the intermediate arc, respectively.

5. The constant velocity joint according to claim 4, wherein the first joint side arc has a radially outward convex curvature, and the first opening side arc has a radially inward convex curvature, and The second joint side arc and the middle arc each have a radially outward convex curvature, and the second opening side arc has a radially inward convex curvature.

6. The constant velocity joint according to claim 5, wherein the center of curvature of the first joint side arc is spaced apart from the joint center plane to form a first axial offset. The center of curvature of the intermediate arc is spaced apart from the center plane of the joint to form a second axial offset, and The first axial offset and the second axial offset are located in opposite directions relative to the center plane of the joint.

7. The constant velocity joint according to claim 6, wherein the first axial offset extends from the center plane of the joint toward the opening side, and The second axial offset is from the center plane of the joint toward the side of the joint.

8. The constant velocity joint according to claim 7, wherein the curvature center of the first joint side arc and the curvature center of the intermediate arc are located on the longitudinal axis.

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