Components including clamping devices and universal joint internal parts

Abstract

A universal joint internal component (1) of a multi-ball pin universal joint (2), wherein the universal joint internal component (1) has a rotation axis (3), a central body (6) extending along the rotation axis (3) between a first end side (4) and a second end side (5), and at least two pins (7), wherein the pins (7) are distributed in a circumferential direction (8) extending about the rotation axis (3) and extend from the central body (6) along the pin axis (9) and at least along a radial direction (10), wherein the radial direction (10) is perpendicular to the rotation axis (3) and extends perpendicular to the circumferential direction (8); wherein at least one recess (11) is arranged at the end side (4,5) of the central body (6), the recess extending from the end side (4,5) toward the outer peripheral surface (12) of the central body (6), wherein the recess (11) has a contact surface (13) configured as an effective contact surface (14) relative to the circumferential direction (8).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a universal joint internal component and an assembly including a clamping device and the universal joint internal component. The universal joint internal component is an internal part of a multi-ball pin universal joint, preferably a three-ball pin universal joint (Tripodegelenk). The clamping device is used to clamp the universal joint internal component in a machining apparatus for machining the pin surface. Background Technology

[0002] Multi-ball pin universal joints or three-ball pin universal joints are known in principle. Multi-ball pin universal joints or three-ball pin universal joints are a special structural form of constant velocity universal joints. Multi-ball pin universal joints or three-ball pin universal joints include an outer component with a rotation axis and an inner component with a rotation axis, wherein the inner component has at least two pins (two pins: double-ball pin universal joint, three pins: three-ball pin universal joint). The pins are evenly distributed along a circumferential direction extending about the respective rotation axis.

[0003] The outer component has a receiving portion for the inner component extending along the rotation axis of the outer component, and a number of raceways extending along the rotation axis and distributed in the circumferential direction, corresponding to the number of pins. The inner component has a central body extending along the rotation axis of the inner component, and a corresponding number of pins, each having a pin axis and distributed in the circumferential direction, extending at least in the radial direction from the central body. A roller is arranged on each pin, the roller contacting the pin with its inner circumferential surface and contacting the corresponding raceway with its outer circumferential surface.

[0004] The inner component is movable relative to the outer component along a first axis of rotation, wherein, during the movement, the rollers roll in the corresponding raceways.

[0005] The multi-ball pin universal joint described herein is the so-called GI universal joint. In a GI universal joint, the rollers are formed by an annular body (whose outer circumferential surface is constructed), which is directly supported on the pin via rolling elements (whose inner circumferential surface is constructed). The rollers can also be directly supported on the pin, in which case the annular body is constructed on both the outer and inner circumferential surfaces, meaning that no rolling elements are provided in this case.

[0006] In particular, the outer peripheral surface extends coaxially with the axis of the roller body, wherein the axis of the roller body and the corresponding axis of the pin can intersect each other at an angle of up to three degrees. In particular, the peripheral surface of the pin or the roller body of the pin that abuts thereon is substantially cylindrical, especially cylindrical.

[0007] The internal components of a universal joint can pivot relative to the external components at a bending angle. The bending angle is the angle between the axes of rotation. In a GI universal joint, the rollers pivot relative to the raceways or external components via pins or through the internal components.

[0008] These universal joint internal components are typically manufactured by forging. After forging, machining is usually performed. In particular, the circumferential surface of the pin's cylindrical shape is machined, for example, using turning or grinding tools.

[0009] For machining, the universal joint internal components are housed in a machining apparatus by two clamping devices. These clamping devices contact the end sides of the universal joint internal components and form a force-fitting connection relative to the circumferential direction. Here, the clamping devices are arranged coaxially with the rotation axis of the universal joint internal components. The machining apparatus has a rotation axis extending transversely to the clamping devices and therefore transversely to the rotation axis of the universal joint internal components. The universal joint internal components are arranged between the clamping devices such that the pin axis is arranged coaxially with the rotation axis. By rotating the universal joint internal components about the rotation axis, the circumferential surface of the corresponding pin can be machined. After rotating the clamping devices (about their axes) and therefore the universal joint internal components about their rotation axis (indexing), the corresponding other pin is machined.

[0010] Three-ball pin universal joints are known from WO 95 / 12767 A1 and WO 97 / 02438 A1, respectively, in which the pin axis is inclined relative to the radial direction. It is in such universal joints that the machining of the pin is difficult because the pin axis does not extend parallel to the end side of the universal joint internal components. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The objective of this invention is to at least partially solve the problems mentioned with reference to the prior art. In particular, it is proposed to provide an internal component of a multi-ball pin universal joint, which can be manufactured in a simple and reproducible manner.

[0012] Contributing to the solution of these tasks is the universal joint internal component having the features described in claim 1. Advantageous improvements are the subject of the dependent claims. Features listed individually in the claims can be combined with each other in a technically reasonable manner and can be supplemented by explanatory facts in the specification and / or details in the drawings, wherein other embodiments of the invention are shown.

[0013] A universal joint internal component for a multi-ball pin universal joint is proposed, wherein the universal joint internal component has a rotation axis, a central body extending along the rotation axis between a first end side and a second end side, and at least two pins, wherein the pins are distributed in a circumferential direction extending about the rotation axis and extend from the central body along the pin axis and at least in a radial direction. The radial direction is perpendicular to the rotation axis and extends perpendicular to the circumferential direction. At least one recess is arranged at (only) one end side of the central body, the recess extending from that end side toward the outer circumferential surface of the central body. The recess has a contact surface that forms an effective contact surface relative to the circumferential direction.

[0014] Universal joint internal components, especially those with two pins (double ball pin universal joint), three pins (triple ball pin universal joint), or more pins.

[0015] The universal joint internal components can be implemented in a known manner. However, unlike known universal joint internal components, at least one recess is arranged at at least one (or exactly one) end side of the central body. This recess is not constructed on the inner circumferential surface of the universal joint internal component (which is typically constructed as a hub and has splines on the inner circumferential surface), but only on the end side and the outer circumferential surface.

[0016] The recess forms a localized recess relative to the general shape of the central body, into which the clamping elements of the clamping device can engage. In the machining apparatus described in the introduction, the clamping device is arranged between one of the clamping devices and the end side of the universal joint internal component. The clamping device has a number of clamping elements corresponding to the recess. Each clamping element is connected to the recess in a shape-fitting manner relative to the circumferential direction. Therefore, stable clamping of the universal joint internal component can be achieved.

[0017] The shape-fitting connection functions (only) with respect to one of the circumferential directions (clockwise or counterclockwise), but it can also function with respect to both circumferential directions. The recess, in particular, can be shaped such that a shape-fitting connection can be constructed with respect to only one circumferential direction.

[0018] The recess, in particular, has a contact surface that is configured to serve as an abutment surface for holding the element in the circumferential direction, that is, the element contacts and rests against the contact surface.

[0019] Here, the contact surface is the recessed surface below, which is arranged in principle such that the clamping element can contact this surface when the clamping device is used in the machining apparatus due to the geometry of the clamping element and the recess. In contrast, the abutment surface is the surface, point contact, or line contact that is actually made by the clamping element when the clamping device is used in the machining apparatus.

[0020] In particular, at least one pin axis extends obliquely relative to the radial direction and in a plane formed by the rotation axis and the radial direction at an angle greater than zero degrees.

[0021] In particular, all the pin axes extend at the same angle relative to the radial direction.

[0022] The tilt angle is determined, in particular, between the pin axis and the radial direction extending perpendicular to the rotation axis of the universal joint internal components. Specifically, the tilt angle extends (only) in the plane encompassing the rotation axis and the radial direction of the universal joint internal components.

[0023] The magnitude of the tilt angle is particularly between 2 and 10 degrees, particularly between 3 and 9 degrees, and preferably between 4 and 8 degrees. In particular, small deviations of the pin axis from the aforementioned plane are possible, for example, a maximum of five degrees, preferably a maximum of two degrees, and particularly preferably a maximum of one degree.

[0024] It is precisely when the axes of (multiple) pins are tilted that it is difficult to machine the pin surfaces in a machining apparatus, for example, by turning or grinding. Currently, it is impossible to orient the internal components of the universal joint via known clamping devices and end faces because the pin axes do not extend parallel to the end faces. It is precisely for such universal joint internal components that the proposed at least one recess is particularly advantageous.

[0025] In particular, at least one recess is arranged only at the end side where the axis of the pin extending at an inclined angle extends away from that end side.

[0026] In particular, at least three recesses, preferably exactly three or exactly six recesses, are arranged (uniformly) along the circumferential direction at (only) one end side. In particular, multiple pairs of recesses may also be provided. For example, two (identical) recesses may be provided twice, or three or four identical recesses may be provided twice.

[0027] In particular, a plurality of recesses are arranged (uniformly) along the circumferential direction at (only) one end side, wherein each recess is arranged circumferentially between two adjacent pin axes. In particular, the recesses are arranged such that when the internal components of the universal joint are viewed in a view along the axis of rotation, each of the recesses is neither aligned with nor extends to or beyond the pin axis.

[0028] In particular, the recess is constructed such that it extends along the axis of rotation from this end side to such an extent that, in a side view of the universal joint internal component, i.e., in a view transverse to the axis of rotation of the universal joint internal component, the recess overlaps with the pin. In this view, the projections of the pin and the recess onto the axis of rotation are observed.

[0029] In particular, the contact surface is convex. In particular, the contact surface is convexly curved, especially spherically shaped.

[0030] In particular, the internal components of the universal joint are manufactured by forging. Specifically, a recess is also formed here. Furthermore, no further machining of the recess is required after forging. When the workpiece is removed from the forging equipment, damage may occur at the workpiece due to contact with other workpieces or components of the forging equipment. However, since the integral concave shape of the recess extends to the surface inside the workpiece, damage to that surface can be prevented or even eliminated.

[0031] Furthermore, an assembly is proposed that includes at least a clamping device and the described universal joint inner component. The clamping device is arranged at one end of the universal joint inner component, wherein the clamping device has at least one clamping element that interacts with the contact surface of the recess to form a form-fit connection effective with respect to at least one of the circumferential directions. The clamping device may be arranged between a first clamping device and one end of the universal joint inner component, such that when the universal joint inner component is clamped in the machining apparatus via a second clamping device abutting the other end of the universal joint inner component, the universal joint inner component can be oriented such that the pin axis of the pin is arranged coaxially with the rotation axis of the machining apparatus.

[0032] In particular, the clamping device is advantageous even if the pin axis extends parallel to the radial direction rather than at an angle. Thus, a form-fit connection can be achieved between the clamping device and the internal components of the universal joint.

[0033] Clamping devices are particularly advantageous when the pin axis extends at an inclined angle. It is precisely when the pin axes (multiple pins) are inclined that it is difficult to machine the pin surface in a machining apparatus, for example, by turning or grinding. Orienting the universal joint internal components via known clamping devices and end faces is impossible because the pin axis does not extend parallel to the end face. Using clamping devices, the universal joint internal components or their end faces can be arranged at an inclination relative to the machining apparatus such that the pin axis extends parallel to and coaxially with the rotation axis of the machining apparatus.

[0034] In particular, the clamping device and the recess form (at least) point or line contacts at the contact surface that function in a shape-fitting manner relative to the circumferential direction. Due to the point or line contacts, reproducible contact of the clamping element at the contact surface can be achieved.

[0035] When the clamping device is arranged within the universal joint, at least one clamping element is arranged radially outside the recess and engages within it. Specifically, the clamping device is configured such that machining of the pin surface is possible with a tool (e.g., a lathe tool or grinding wheel) fed perpendicular to the pin axis. In particular, pin accessibility for the tool should be achieved on one side of a plane that is transverse to the pin axis and extends through the transition between the central body and the pin. That is, the clamping device should not extend beyond this plane.

[0036] This arrangement of the clamping device is achieved, in particular, through recesses that allow the form-fitting connection to be moved radially from the outer peripheral surface of the central body into the interior of the central body.

[0037] In particular, the clamping device has a number of clamping elements corresponding to the number of recesses, wherein each clamping element is engaged in a recess.

[0038] In particular, a method is proposed for machining a universal joint internal component in a machining apparatus having the described components. The machining apparatus has at least two clamping devices by which the components can be clamped within the machining apparatus, and the universal joint internal component can be oriented such that the pin axis of the pin is arranged coaxially with the rotation axis of the machining apparatus. The method includes at least the following steps: a) Arrange the universal joint internal components and clamping devices between the clamping devices, so that the pin axis is arranged coaxially with the rotation axis of the machining device; b) Operate the machining device and rotate the internal components of the universal joint around the pin axis; c) Machining the pin using a cutting tool.

[0039] The (non-exhaustive) division of the above method steps a) to c) should primarily be used for differentiation, and does not enforce order and / or dependency. The frequency of the method steps may also vary, for example, during the setup and / or operation of the processing apparatus. It is also possible that the method steps overlap at least partially with each other in time. Particularly preferably, method step c) is performed during step b). In particular, steps a) to c) are performed in the order mentioned, wherein steps a) and b) continue to be performed during step c).

[0040] In particular, the universal joint internal component has a pin whose axis extends obliquely relative to the radial direction at an angle and is arranged in a plane formed by the rotation axis and the radial direction, wherein the magnitude of the angle of obliqueness is greater than zero degrees. The rotation axis is arranged obliquely relative to the radial direction at least during step c).

[0041] In particular, during step a), the clamping device is fed in a direction transverse to the axis of rotation. Here, the first clamping device contacts the holding device, and the holding device contacts the end side of the universal joint inner component. In particular, the second clamping device simultaneously feeds in the opposite direction and contacts the other end side of the universal joint inner component.

[0042] During step b), the internal components of the universal joint are rotated about the axis of a pin and about the axis of rotation.

[0043] During step c), at least one tool is fed and the pin is machined. In particular, the substantially cylindrical circumferential surface of the pin is machined.

[0044] In particular, at least one system for data processing is provided, which has devices appropriately designed, configured or programmed to perform the method or implement the method.

[0045] In particular, the processing apparatus includes a system for data processing, such as a controller, which has devices for implementing method steps and / or devices appropriately designed, configured, or programmed for implementing method steps or implementing the method.

[0046] For example, the device includes: a processor and a memory, in which commands to be executed by the processor are stored; and a data line or transmission device that enables the transmission of commands, measurements, data, etc., between the mentioned elements.

[0047] "Device" can in particular include one or more of the following components: control device, microcontroller, data storage, data connection device, display device (e.g., display), counter or timer, at least one additional sensor, power source, etc.

[0048] Furthermore, a computer program is proposed that includes commands, which, when implemented by a computer, cause the computer to perform the described method or the steps of the described method.

[0049] Furthermore, a computer-readable storage medium is proposed, which includes commands that, when implemented by a computer, cause the computer to perform the described method or the steps of the described method.

[0050] The description of this method is particularly applicable to components, gimbal internals, systems for data processing, and / or computer-implemented methods (i.e., computer programs and computer-readable storage media), and vice versa.

[0051] It should be noted, as a precaution, that the numerals used herein (“first,” “second,” …) are primarily (only) used to distinguish multiple objects, parameters, or processes of the same type; that is, in particular, they do not mandate any dependency or / or order between these objects, parameters, or processes. If dependency and / or order are required, they will be explicitly stated herein, or will be apparent to those skilled in the art when examining the specifically described design. If a component can appear multiple times (“at least one”), the description of one of the components may equally apply to all or some of the multiple such components, but this is not mandatory.

[0052] The use of indefinite articles (“an” and “a”) in particular in the claims and the description reflecting the claims should be understood as themselves rather than as numerals. Therefore, the corresponding terms or components introduced herein should be understood to exist at least once, but in particular, they may exist multiple times. Attached Figure Description

[0053] The invention and its technical environment will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments mentioned. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is possible to extract certain aspects of the facts explained in the drawings and combine them with other components and understandings in this specification. It should be particularly noted that the drawings and, in particular, the scale shown are merely illustrative. Wherein: Figure 1 A view along the axis of rotation of the outer component of the universal joint partially shows a known bent GI three-ball pin universal joint in cross section; Figure 2 The side view shows the cross-section according to Figure 1 GI three-ball pin universal joint; Figure 3 Another GI three-ball pin universal joint is shown in the cross section in a side view; Figure 4 The side view shows the state shortly after forging. Figure 3 The internal components of the universal joint; Figure 5 The side view shows the state after machining. Figure 4 Universal joint internal components; Figure 6 The side view shows the cross-section with the following characteristics: Figure 2 A processing device for the internal components of a universal joint; Figure 7 The side view shows the cross-section with the following characteristics: Figure 3 A processing device for the internal components of a universal joint; Figure 8 The processing apparatus with components is shown in cross-section in a side view; Figure 9 A first embodiment variant of the universal joint internal components is shown in a view along the axis of rotation toward the first end. Figure 10 A second implementation variant of the universal joint internal components is shown in a view along the axis of rotation; Figure 11 The side view shows the results according to Figure 10 Universal joint internal components; Figure 12 A view along the axis of rotation towards the second end is shown according to... Figure 10 and Figure 11 Universal joint internal components; Figure 13 The view from above shows the clamping device according to the indicated specifications. Figure 10 Universal joint internal components; Figure 14 A perspective view shows the clamping device according to a first embodiment variant. Figures 10 to 12 Universal joint internal components; Figure 15 A perspective view shows the clamping device according to the second embodiment variant. Figures 10 to 12 Universal joint internal components; Figure 16 A perspective view shows the clamping device according to a third embodiment variant. Figure 9 Universal joint internal components; Figure 17 A side view shows the clamping device according to the fourth embodiment variant. Figure 9 and Figure 16 Universal joint internal components; Figure 18 A side view shows the clamping device according to the fifth embodiment variant. Figure 9 Universal joint internal components; Figure 19 The side view shows the cross-section according to Figure 18 Clamping devices; Figure 20 A view along the axis of rotation is shown according to Figure 18 and Figure 19 Clamping devices; Figure 21 As shown in the view above, according to Figure 19 Clamping devices; Figure 22 The perspective view shows the results based on Figures 18 to 21 Clamping device. Detailed Implementation

[0054] Figure 1The known bent GI three-ball pin universal joint 2 is shown in section in a view along the first axis of rotation 3. Figure 2 The side view shows the cross-section according to Figure 1 The GI three-ball pin universal joint 2 (in the extended position, i.e., the bending angle between the rotation axis 3 of the inner universal joint component 1 and the outer universal joint component 25 is zero degrees). The following describes them together. Figure 1 and Figure 2 .

[0055] The three-ball pin universal joint 2 includes an outer universal joint component 25 having a rotation axis 3 and an inner universal joint component 1 having a rotation axis 3. The outer universal joint component 25 has a receiving portion 26 extending along the rotation axis 3 for the inner universal joint component 1, and three raceways 27 extending along the rotation axis 3 of the outer universal joint component 25 and distributed in the circumferential direction 8.

[0056] The universal joint internal component 1 has a rotation axis 3, a central body 6 extending along the rotation axis 3 between a first end side 4 and a second end side 5, and three pins 7. The pins 7 are distributed in a circumferential direction 8 extending about the rotation axis 3 and extend from the central body 6 along the pin axis 9 and only in a radial direction 10. A roller body 28 is arranged on each pin 7, which contacts the pin 7 with its inner circumferential surface and contacts the corresponding raceway 27 with its outer circumferential surface.

[0057] The three-ball pin universal joint 2 is a so-called GI universal joint, in which the roller body 28 is formed by an annular body 29 on the outer circumferential surface, which is directly supported on the pin 7 by the rolling elements 30 on the inner circumferential surface.

[0058] The outer peripheral surface extends coaxially with the axis of the roller body, wherein the axis of the roller body and the corresponding pin axis 9 (which is in Figure 1 and Figure 2 (In the coaxial arrangement) they can be staggered by a maximum of three degrees. The pin 7 or the roller body 28 of the pin is implemented in a cylindrical or (slightly) elliptical cylindrical shape against the circumferential surface 24 thereon.

[0059] In the GI universal joint 2, the roller body 28 pivots together with the raceway 27 or the universal joint outer part 25 via the pin 7 or via the universal joint inner part 1.

[0060] Figure 3 Another GI three-ball pin universal joint 2 is shown in the cross section in a side view. Figure 4 The side view shows the state shortly after forging. Figure 3 Universal joint 2, universal joint internal component 1. Figure 5 The side view shows the state after machining. Figure 4 Universal joint internal component 1. These are described below. Figures 3 to 5 See references about Figure 1 and Figure 2 The explanation.

[0061] According to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Unlike the three-ball-pin universal joint 2, the universal joint internal component 1 has a pin 7, the pin axis 9 of which extends obliquely at an angle 15 relative to the radial direction 10 in the plane formed by the rotation axis 3 and the radial direction 10. The angle 15 is approximately five degrees. All the pin axes 9 of the universal joint internal component 1 extend obliquely at the same angle 15 relative to the radial direction 10.

[0062] The tilt angle 15 is determined between the pin axis 9 and the radial direction 10 extending from the rotation axis 3 perpendicular to the universal joint inner component 1.

[0063] Figure 6 The side view shows the cross-section with the following characteristics: Figure 2 The processing device 21 for the universal joint 2 and the universal joint internal component 1. Figure 7 The side view shows the cross-section with the following characteristics: Figure 3 The processing device 21 for the universal joint 2 and the universal joint internal component 1. Figure 8 The processing apparatus 21 with component 16 is shown in cross-section in a side view. It is described below together. Figures 6 to 8 See references about Figures 1 to 5 The explanation.

[0064] Such universal joint internal components 1 are typically manufactured by forging. After forging, machining is usually performed. Here, the circumferential surface 24 of the cylindrical pin 7 is machined. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In this process, machining is performed using a tool 23 implemented as a turning tool or using multiple tools 23 implemented as turning tools.

[0065] For machining, the universal joint inner component 1 is housed in the machining apparatus 21 by two clamping devices 19, 20. These clamping devices contact the end sides 4, 5 of the universal joint inner component 1 and form a force-fitting connection relative to the circumferential direction 8. Here, the clamping devices 19, 20 are arranged coaxially with the rotation axis 3 of the universal joint inner component 1. The machining apparatus 21 has a rotation axis 22 extending transversely to the clamping devices 19, 20 and therefore transversely to the rotation axis 3 of the universal joint inner component 1.

[0066] A universal joint inner component 1, having a pin 7 extending only along the radial direction 10, is arranged between clamping devices 19 and 20 such that the pin axis 9 is arranged coaxially with the rotation axis 22. The circumferential surface 24 of the corresponding pin 7 can be machined by rotating the universal joint inner component 1 about the rotation axis 22. After rotating (indexing) the clamping devices 19 and 20 and therefore the universal joint inner component 1 about its rotation axis 3, the corresponding other pin 7 is machined.

[0067] In the universal joint inner component 1 with a pin 7 extending at an angle of 15 degrees (see Figure 7 and Figure 8 In this context, it is difficult to machine the circumferential surface 24 of the pin in the machining apparatus 21, for example, by turning or grinding. Currently, it is impossible to orient the inner component 1 of the universal joint via known clamping devices 19, 20 and end sides 4, 5, because the pin axis 9 does not extend parallel to the end sides 4, 5 (see...). Figure 7 ).

[0068] For this type of gimbal 2, component 16 is advantageous (see...). Figure 8 Component 16 includes a clamping device 17 and the described universal joint inner component 1. The clamping device 17 is arranged at a first end side 4 of the universal joint inner component 1, wherein the clamping device 17 has a plurality of clamping elements 18 that interact with the contact surface 13 of the recess 11 in the universal joint inner component 1 to form a plurality of form-fit connections effective relative to the circumferential direction 8. The clamping device 17 is arranged between a first clamping device 19 and the first end side 4 of the universal joint inner component 1, so that when the universal joint inner component is clamped in the processing device 21 via a second clamping device 20 abutting against a second end side 5 of the universal joint inner component 1, the universal joint inner component 1 can be oriented such that the pin axis 9 of the pin 7 is arranged coaxially with the rotation axis 22 of the processing device 21 (see See). Figure 8 ).

[0069] When the clamping device 17 is arranged at the inner part 1 of the universal joint, at least one clamping element 18 is arranged in the radial direction 10 outside the recess 11 and engages in the recess 11. The clamping device 17 is configured such that the tool 23 fed perpendicular to the pin axis 9 (in) Figure 8 It is possible to machine the circumferential surface 24 of the pin 7 using a grinding wheel. For the tool 23, the accessibility of the pin 7 should be achieved on one side of a plane that is transverse to the pin axis 9 and extends through the transition between the central body 6 and the pin 7.

[0070] After the clamping devices 19, 20 and therefore the universal joint inner part 1 are rotated (indexed) about the (indexing) axis 31 of the clamping devices 19, 20, another corresponding pin 7 is machined.

[0071] Figure 9 A first embodiment of the universal joint internal component 1 is shown in a view along the rotation axis 3 toward the first end side 4. Figure 10 A second embodiment of the universal joint internal component 1 is shown in a view along the rotation axis 3. Figure 11 The side view shows the results according to Figure 10 Universal joint internal components 1. Figure 12 A view along the rotation axis 3 toward the second end side 5 shows the arrangement according to... Figure 10 and Figure 11 Universal joint internal components 1. Figure 13 The clamping device 17 is shown in the view above. Figure 10 Universal joint internal components 1. Figure 14 A perspective view shows a clamping device 17 according to a first embodiment variant. Figures 10 to 12 Universal joint internal components 1. Figure 15 A perspective view shows the clamping device 17 according to the second embodiment variant. Figures 10 to 12 Universal joint internal components 1. Figure 16 A perspective view shows the clamping device 17 according to a third embodiment variant. Figure 9 Universal joint internal component 1. These are described below. Figures 9 to 17 See references about Figures 1 to 8 The explanation.

[0072] The universal joint internal component 1 has a rotation axis 3, a central body 6 extending along the rotation axis 3 between a first end side 4 and a second end side 5, and three pins 7. The pins 7 are distributed in a circumferential direction 8 extending about the rotation axis 3 and extend from the central body 6 along a pin axis 9 and at least along a radial direction 10. The radial direction 10 extends perpendicular to the rotation axis 3 and perpendicular to the circumferential direction 8. A recess 11 is provided only at the first end side 4 of the central body 6. Figure 9 Three of them, in Figure 10 (Six in total), these recesses extend from the first end side 4 toward the outer peripheral surface 12 of the central body 6. The recesses 11 have contact surfaces 13, which are configured to effectively abut against a surface 14 relative to the circumferential direction 8.

[0073] The recess 11 has a common shape relative to the central body 6 (see...) Figure 1 , Figure 4 , Figure 5A local recess is formed, into which the clamping element 18 of the clamping device 17 can engage. Therefore, the form-fit connection is not constructed on the outer peripheral surface 12 of the central body 6, but is instead located inside the central body 6. The clamping device 17 is arranged in the processing apparatus 21 between one of the clamping devices 19, 20 and the first end sides 4, 5 of the universal joint inner component 1. The clamping device 17 has a number of clamping elements 18 corresponding to the recess 11. Each clamping element 18 is respectively connected to the recess 11 in a form-fit connection relative to the circumferential direction 8. Therefore, stable clamping of the universal joint inner component 1 in the processing apparatus 21 can be achieved.

[0074] According to Figure 10 In the case of each recess 11, the shape-fitting connection works only relative to one direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) of the circumferential direction 8. According to Figure 9 In the recess 11, the shape-fitting connection functions with respect to the two circumferential directions 8.

[0075] The recess 11 has contact surfaces 13, which are configured to form a contact surface 14 for holding the element 18 in the circumferential direction 8. That is, the element 18 contacts (multiple) contact surfaces 13 and abuts against one contact surface 14. Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 , Figure 15 ) or multiple contact surfaces 14 ( Figure 9 , Figure 13 , Figure 16 ) place.

[0076] according to Figure 10 Multiple pairs of recesses 11 are provided. Here, three (identical) recesses 11 are provided twice. Every two different recesses 11 form a pair, thereby forming a shape-fitting connection with respect to the two circumferential directions 8 through the pair.

[0077] The recesses are arranged only at four locations on the first end side, and are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction (see [reference]). Figure 9 ) or evenly distributed in pairs (see Figure 10 Arrangement.

[0078] Each recess 11 is arranged along the circumferential direction 8 between two adjacent pin axes 7 arranged along the circumferential direction 8. The recesses 11 are arranged such that when the universal joint internal component 1 is viewed in a view along the rotation axis 3 (see, for example, [reference needed]). Figure 9 and Figure 10 Each of the recesses 11 is not aligned with or extends to or beyond the pin axis 9.

[0079] The recess 11 is implemented such that it extends along the rotation axis 3 from the first end side 4 to such an extent that, in a side view of the universal joint inner component 1, i.e., in a view transverse to the rotation axis 3 of the universal joint inner component 1 (see, for example, [reference]). Figure 11 and Figure 13 The recess 11 overlaps with the pin 7. What is observed here is the projection of the pin 7 and the recess 11 onto the rotation axis 3 (the projection is made in the direction perpendicular to the extension of the rotation axis 3).

[0080] The contact surface 13, which works in conjunction with the clamping element 18 to form a shape-fitting connection, is convexly shaped. The contact surface 13 is convexly curved, especially spherically shaped.

[0081] exist Figure 13 The diagram illustrates clamping elements 18 that abut against abutment surfaces 14 of a pair of recesses 11. Here, the abutment surface 14 is constructed only on one side of each recess 11, creating a form-fit connection. The surfaces arranged on the corresponding other side of each recess are contact surfaces 13, which are not used as abutment surfaces for the clamping elements 18. Figure 14 The clamping device 17 that functions in this way is shown in the figure. Figure 15 and Figure 16 Other implementation variations of the clamping device 17 are shown.

[0082] Figure 17 A side view shows the clamping device 17 according to the fourth embodiment variant. Figure 9 and Figure 16 Universal joint internal components 1. Figure 18 A side view shows the clamping device 17 according to the fifth embodiment variant. Figure 9 Universal joint internal component 1. These are described below. Figure 17 and Figure 18 See references about Figures 1 to 16 The explanation.

[0083] according to Figure 17 The clamping device 17 has six clamping elements 18, according to Figure 18 The clamping device 17 has three clamping elements 18.

[0084] exist Figure 17 In this configuration, the clamping device 17 contacts the central body 6 next to the recess 11. Therefore, reliable support for the universal joint internal component 1 cannot be achieved.

[0085] When the clamping device 17 is arranged at the inner part 1 of the universal joint, the clamping element 18 is arranged in the radial direction 10 outside the corresponding recess 11 and engages in the recess 11. Figure 18The clamping device 17 is configured such that it is possible to machine the circumferential surface 24 using a tool 23 (e.g., a lathe tool or grinding wheel) fed perpendicularly to the pin axis 9. Here, accessibility of the pin 7 to the tool 23 can be achieved on one side of a plane that is transverse to the pin axis 9 and extends through the transition between the central body 6 and the pin 7 (see...). Figure 17 and Figure 18 (The dotted line above the clamping device).

[0086] This arrangement of the clamping device 17 is achieved by recesses 11, which allow the form-fitting connection to be moved from the outer peripheral surface 12 of the central body 6 into the interior of the central body 6 along the radial direction 10.

[0087] Figure 19 The side view shows the cross-section according to Figure 18 Clamping device 17. Figure 20 A view along rotation axis 3 shows the relationship between the two axes. Figure 18 and Figure 19 Clamping device 17. Figure 21 As shown in the view above, according to Figure 19 Clamping device 17. Figure 22 The perspective view shows the results based on Figures 18 to 21 The clamping device 17. These are described below together. Figures 19 to 22 See references about Figures 1 to 18 The explanation.

[0088] Clamping device 17 is designed for use according to Figure 9 The universal joint internal component 1. The clamping device has three clamping elements 18, which should work in conjunction with three recesses 11. The clamping device 19 is arranged at the rear wall, which is implemented flat. The rear wall can also be implemented at an angle to compensate for the tilt angle 15 of the pin 7.

[0089] List of reference numerals 1 Universal joint internal components 2. Multi-ball pin universal joint 3. Rotation axis 4 First end side 5 Second end side 6. Central body 7 Pins 8. Circumferential direction 9. Pin axis 10 Radial direction 11 recess 12 Outer Peripheral Surface 13 Contact surfaces 14. Attach to the back surface 15. Tilt angle 16 components 17 Clamping Devices 18 Clamping elements 19 First clamping device 20 Second clamping device 21 Processing equipment 22. Rotation axis 23. Cutting tools 24 weeks 25 Universal Joint External Components 26. Reception area 27 Roller Track 28 Roller Body 29. Ring-shaped body 30 Rolling element 31 (gradient) axis.

Claims

1. A universal joint internal component (1) of a multi-ball pin universal joint (2), wherein, The universal joint internal component (1) has a rotation axis (3), a central body (6) extending along the rotation axis (3) between a first end side (4) and a second end side (5), and at least two pins (7), wherein the pins (7) are distributed in a circumferential direction (8) extending about the rotation axis (3) and extend from the central body (6) along the pin axis (9) and at least in a radial direction (10), wherein the radial direction (10) is perpendicular to the rotation axis (3) and extends perpendicular to the circumferential direction (8); wherein at least one recess (11) is arranged at the end side (4,5) of the central body (6), the recess extending from the end side (4,5) toward the outer peripheral surface (12) of the central body (6), wherein the recess (11) has a contact surface (13) that forms an effective contact surface (14) relative to the circumferential direction (8).

2. The universal joint internal component (1) according to claim 1, wherein, At least one pin axis (9) extends obliquely at an angle (15) relative to the radial direction (10) and in a plane formed by the rotation axis (3) and the radial direction (10), wherein the magnitude of the angle (15) is greater than zero degrees.

3. The universal joint internal component (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The at least one recess (11) is arranged only at the end side (4,5) where the pin axis (9) extends away from the end side at the tilt angle (15).

4. The universal joint internal component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least three recesses (11) are arranged at the end sides (4,5) and along the circumferential direction (8).

5. The universal joint internal component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, A plurality of recesses (11) are arranged at the end sides (4,5) and along the circumferential direction (8), wherein each recess (11) is arranged along the circumferential direction (8) between two pin axes (9) arranged adjacent to each other along the circumferential direction (8).

6. The universal joint internal component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The contact surface (13) is convexly shaped.

7. A component (16) comprising at least a clamping device (17) and a universal joint inner component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The clamping device (17) is arranged at the end side (4,5) of the universal joint inner component (1), wherein the clamping device (17) has at least one clamping element (18), which interacts with the contact surface (13) of the recess (11) and forms a form-fit connection effective relative to at least the circumferential direction (8); wherein the clamping device (17) may be arranged between the first clamping device (19) and the end side (4,5) of the universal joint inner component (1), such that when the universal joint inner component is clamped in the processing device (21) via the second clamping device (20) abutting the other end side (5,4) of the universal joint inner component (1), the universal joint inner component (1) may be oriented such that the pin axis (9) of the pin (7) is arranged coaxially with the rotation axis (22) of the processing device (21).

8. The component (16) according to claim 7, wherein, The clamping device (17) and the recess (11) are configured to engage in point or line contact with each other relative to the shape of the circumferential direction (8).

9. The component (16) according to any one of claims 7 and 8, wherein, The clamping device (17) has a number of clamping elements (18) corresponding to the number of recesses (11), wherein each clamping element (18) is engaged in a recess (11).

10. A method for machining a universal joint internal component (1) in a machining apparatus (21) having a component (16) according to any one of claims 7 to 9; wherein, The processing device (21) has at least two clamping devices (19, 20) by which the component (16) can be clamped in the processing device (21), and the universal joint inner component (1) can be oriented such that the pin axis (9) of the pin (7) is arranged coaxially with the rotation axis (22) of the processing device (21); wherein the method includes at least the following steps: a) Arrange the universal joint inner component (1) and the clamping device (17) between the clamping devices (19, 20) so that the pin axis (9) of a pin (7) is arranged coaxially with the rotation axis (22) of the processing device (21); b) Operate the processing device (21) and rotate the universal joint internal component (1) about the pin axis (9); c) The pin (7) is machined using a cutting tool (23).

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The universal joint internal component (1) has a pin (7) whose pin axis (9) extends obliquely at an angle (15) relative to the radial direction (10) and in a plane formed by the rotation axis (3) and the radial direction (10), wherein the value of the angle (15) is greater than zero degrees; wherein the rotation axis (22) is arranged at an angle (15) relative to the radial direction (10) at least during step c).

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