constant velocity joint
By using sliding plates and elastic components to hold the balls in a constant velocity coupling, the cross angle of the rotating shaft is adjusted, thus solving the problem of limited cross angle of the rotating shaft and realizing constant velocity transmission at a larger angle.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing constant velocity couplings are prone to ball bearing failure or shaft contact when the cross angle of the rotating axes is large, which limits the cross angle and restricts their application range.
The outer and inner rings form rolling grooves respectively, and the balls are held in place by sliding plates and elastic components. The sliding plates are bound in the circumferential direction, and the cross angle is adjusted by the receiving plate and the pressing plate to prevent the balls from falling out and contacting the rotating shaft.
The range of the cross angle of the rotating shaft has been increased, which avoids the ball falling out and the rotating shaft contacting each other, and achieves constant speed transmission at a larger cross angle.
Smart Images
Figure CN224453442U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to constant velocity couplings, and particularly to sliding constant velocity couplings. Background Technology
[0002] This type of constant velocity coupling is configured such that balls are sandwiched between an inner and an outer ring, and these balls move along the groove direction inside rolling grooves formed on the outer periphery of the inner ring and the inner periphery of the outer ring, respectively, thereby maintaining a constant rotational speed of the inner and outer rings during one revolution. An example of this is described in Patent Document 1.
[0003] In the coupling structure of the constant velocity coupling described in Patent Document 1, constant velocity couplings are respectively provided on rotating members at both ends of the axial direction, and the shafts of these constant velocity couplings are configured to be telescopically compatible. This so-called intermediate shaft has a cylindrical outer square member and an inner square member housed within it, forming a constant velocity coupling with the outer square member as the outer ring and the inner square member as the inner ring. Specifically, multiple rolling grooves are formed on the inner surface of the outer square member in the axial direction, and correspondingly, multiple rolling grooves are formed on the outer surface of the inner square member in the axial direction. Furthermore, balls held by a spacer ring are movably housed in these rolling grooves. Therefore, the balls held by the spacer ring and the inner square member can move along the axial direction inside the outer square member, thus the intermediate shaft as a whole is telescopically compatible.
[0004] Prior art literature
[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-156300 Utility Model Content
[0006] The problem to be solved by the utility model
[0007] The advantage of constant velocity couplings is that they maintain a constant rotational speed during one revolution, even when the axes of a pair of rotating shafts that are to transmit torque intersect at a specified angle. That is, with the central axes of the outer and inner rings intersecting at a specified angle, the balls move within the rolling grooves of the outer and inner rings. Therefore, at half the angle of intersection of the rotating shafts, torque is transmitted via the balls and rolling grooves, thus ensuring so-called constant velocity.
[0008] For sliding constant velocity couplings or couplings with intermediate shafts as described in Patent Document 1, the outer ring or equivalent outer component (hereinafter referred to as the outer ring) is cylindrical. The inner ring or equivalent inner component (hereinafter referred to as the inner ring) housed within it is inclined relative to the outer ring, resulting in a state where the rotating shafts connected to both the outer and inner rings intersect at a predetermined angle. The rotating shaft connected to the inner ring is inserted into the outer ring; therefore, if this rotating shaft is inclined relative to the outer ring along with the inner ring, the middle portion of the rotating shaft will contact the open end of the cylindrical outer ring. This requires the rotating shafts to intersect each other within a range that does not produce such contact; however, if the rotating shaft connected to the inner ring is inserted deeper relative to the outer ring, the angle of intersection that does not contact the open end of the outer ring becomes smaller. That is, in the past, such a limitation on the angle of intersection was a major reason for the limitation of the application of constant velocity couplings, and there is room for improvement in this regard.
[0009] Furthermore, when the rotating shafts that transmit torque partially cross each other in a constant velocity coupling, the inner ring is inclined inside the outer ring. Therefore, the balls, which are arranged and held circumferentially on their outer periphery, move towards the open end of the outer ring on one side of the circumference and towards the depth side of the outer ring on the other side. The larger the crossing angle of the rotating shafts, the greater the amount of movement. Therefore, if the amount of movement towards the open end of the outer ring increases due to the large crossing angle, there is a possibility that the balls may fall out of the rolling grooves of the outer ring. Therefore, the crossing angle of the rotating shafts is limited to the range within which the balls do not fall out of the rolling grooves of the outer ring. While this limitation can be mitigated by increasing the axial length of the outer ring, as mentioned above, the rotating shafts are more likely to come into contact with the open end of the outer ring, resulting in a limitation on the crossing angle due to such contact.
[0010] This utility model was developed in view of the above-mentioned technical issues, and its purpose is to provide a constant velocity coupling that can increase the cross angle.
[0011] Solution for solving the problem
[0012] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a constant velocity coupling, comprising an outer ring connected to a predetermined first rotating member and an inner ring inserted inside the outer ring and connected to a predetermined second rotating member. Multiple rolling grooves are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring and the outer circumferential surface of the inner ring, respectively. Multiple balls are held at regular intervals by isolation rings. These balls are arranged in the rolling grooves and connect the outer ring and the inner ring in a manner capable of transmitting torque. The outer ring is characterized by being composed of a cylindrical outer shell and an overall annular inner shell. The inner housing is located inside the outer housing and can move along the axial direction of the outer housing and is restrained in the circumferential direction. The inner housing has a plurality of sliding plates, which are divided in the circumferential direction corresponding to the ball bearings and have the rolling grooves formed on their inner surfaces. The constant velocity coupling also includes: a pressing plate, which is disposed inside the outer housing and is pressed against the ends of the plurality of sliding plates by an elastic member; and a receiving plate, which is provided on the second rotating member in a radially outward state and abuts against the plurality of sliding plates.
[0013] Effects of the utility model
[0014] According to the constant velocity coupling of this invention, the receiving plate provided on the second rotating member is inclined relative to the outer ring at the open end side of the outer ring according to the intersection angle of the first and second rotating members. The inner shell, pressed against the receiving plate by the elastic force of the elastic member, is composed of sliding plates that are separated from each other in the circumferential direction. Therefore, in the portion where the receiving plate moves away from the open end of the outer shell due to the inclination of the receiving plate, the sliding plates extend from the outer shell. In the portion on the opposite side in the circumferential direction, the receiving plate approaches the open end of the outer shell, and thus, the sliding plates in this portion retract towards the outer shell. The amount of extension or retraction of these sliding plates increases according to the intersection angle of the rotating members (the inclination angle of the inner ring relative to the outer ring). Therefore, even with an increased intersection angle, it is possible to prevent the balls from falling off the outer ring (sliding plates) and to prevent the second rotating member from contacting (or interfering with) the outer ring (sliding plates). As a result, the constraints on the intersection angle are reduced, and thus, a constant velocity coupling with a large intersection angle can be obtained. Attached Figure Description
[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view used to illustrate embodiments of the present invention.
[0016] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the constant velocity coupling viewed from the axial direction.
[0017] Figure 3 It is a situation where there is an intersection angle. Figure 1 The same longitudinal section view. Detailed Implementation
[0018] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the embodiments described below are merely examples of how the present invention can be implemented and do not limit the scope of the invention.
[0019] The present invention is a sliding constant velocity coupling that transmits torque via balls, an example of which is schematically shown in [example to be inserted here]. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 . Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view taken by cutting through a plane passing through the center of ball 1, which is located at opposite positions in the radial direction. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view taken from the axial direction. The constant velocity coupling 2 connects the first rotating member 3 and the second rotating member 4, which transmit torque to each other.
[0020] The outer ring 5, connected to the first rotating member 3, is cylindrical with one end open in the axial direction. The inner ring 6, connected to the second rotating member 4, is disposed inside the outer ring 5. The inner ring 6 has a configuration roughly the same as that of the inner ring of a conventional constant velocity coupling, and its shape is approximately spherical with both ends cut off in the axial direction. On its outer circumferential surface, rolling grooves 7 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, in the same number as the balls 1, from one end to the other. Furthermore, the number of balls 1 is generally "6" or "8". The second rotating member 4 passes through the central axis of the inner ring 6, and the second rotating member 4 is connected to the inner ring 6 to achieve integration.
[0021] The outer ring 5 includes: an outer housing 8 connected to the first rotating member 3; and an inner housing 9 slidably inserted into the outer housing 8 along the axial direction. The outer housing 8 is a cylindrical member with one end open in the axial direction. In contrast, the inner housing 9 is composed of a plurality of sliding pieces 10 integrally formed into a cylindrical (or annular) shape. Each sliding piece 10 is a member that is long in the axial direction and has rolling grooves 11 formed on its inner surface to cause the balls 1 to roll; therefore, the number of sliding pieces 10 is the same as the number of balls 1.
[0022] Each sliding piece 10 is arranged circumferentially on the outer housing 8, with adjacent sliding pieces 10 in contact with each other, forming an overall cylindrical shape. Furthermore, each sliding piece 10 can move relative to the outer housing 8 in its axial direction and is constrained (or integrated) by the outer housing 8 in the circumferential direction (rotation direction). Therefore, a groove-shaped portion along the axial direction for inserting each sliding piece 10 can also be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer housing 8. Additionally, in Figure 1In the cross-sectional view shown, when viewed from the inner circumferential side, the shape of the inner surface of the sliding piece 10, or the shape of the rolling groove 11 formed therein, is an arc protruding outward in the radial direction. This is to maintain the contact state with the ball 1 or the receiving state of the ball 1 when there is an intersection angle.
[0023] The rolling groove 7 in the inner ring 6 and the rolling groove 11 in the sliding piece 10 face each other in the radial direction of the outer ring 5 or the inner ring 6. The ball 1, while embedded in these rolling grooves 7 and 11, is held in a manner capable of transmitting torque by these rolling grooves 7 and 11. The ball 1 can be held within the rolling grooves 7 and 11 in its axial direction (… Figure 1 The inner ring 6 can move in the left-right direction, but cannot move in the circumferential direction orthogonal to it. Therefore, the torque is transmitted between the inner ring 6 and the outer ring 5 via the ball 1. Furthermore, each ball 1 is held in a rotatable manner and maintained at a certain interval by an isolation ring 12, which is an annular member with a through hole corresponding to the ball 1.
[0024] Inside the outer housing 8, at the end sides of each sliding piece 10 ( Figure 1 A pressing plate 13 is provided on the right end side of the outer casing 8. The pressing plate 13 is a circular plate-shaped member with an outer diameter similar to the inner diameter of the outer casing 8, and is pressed against the ends of each sliding piece 10. On the side opposite to the sliding piece 10 across the pressing plate 13, a spring 14, which is an elastic member, is provided to press the pressing plate 13 toward the sliding piece 10 side (the opening end side of the outer casing 8). As will be described later, the pressing plate 13 is tilted according to the cross angle of each rotating member 3, 4, so multiple springs 14 can be provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction in a manner that allows the pressing plate 13 to tilt. Alternatively, they can be provided in a manner that presses the center of the pressing plate 13. Furthermore, in order to reliably maintain the contact state between the end of the sliding piece 10 and the pressing plate 13 even when the pressing plate 13 is tilted, it is preferable to provide a flange-shaped portion extending inward in the radial direction at the end of the sliding piece 10.
[0025] The end side of the sliding piece 10 pressed by the spring 14 is provided ( Figure 1 The receiving plate 15 is positioned to limit the movement of the first rotating member 3 (on the left side). The receiving plate 15 is a circular plate-shaped member mounted on the second rotating member 4, forming a flange-like portion that protrudes outward from the second rotating member 4 in its radial direction. Therefore, if there is an intersection angle between the first rotating member 3 and the second rotating member 4, the receiving plate 15 will displace radially from its position on the central axis of the first rotating member 3 or the outer ring 5, and will tilt relative to the central axis of the first rotating member 3 or the outer ring 5. The receiving plate 15 is configured to a radius that abuts against a predetermined sliding piece 10 even in such an tilted state.
[0026] In a constant velocity coupling, the cross angle refers to the angle of offset between the central axis of one of the two rotating components that transmit torque to each other and the central axis of the other rotating component. Figure 3 The diagram shows the state of the aforementioned constant velocity coupling 2 with a specified cross angle θ. Figure 3 In this state, the second rotating member 4 is tilted to the lower left relative to the first rotating member 3, and the center of rotation in this tilted state is the center of the inner ring 6. Therefore, the flange-shaped receiving plate 15 provided on the second rotating member 4 also rotates around the center of the inner ring 6, and thus, at the open end side of the outer ring 5, towards Figure 3 The lower side is displaced and tilted relative to the central axis O of the outer ring 5. As a result, the receiving plate 15 is located relative to the central axis O of the outer ring 5. Figure 3 The lower part of the middle part moves towards the opening end of the outer ring 5, while the central axis O of the outer ring 5 is located in contrast. Figure 3 The upper part moves toward the opening end away from the outer ring 5.
[0027] The aforementioned sliding piece 10, which forms part of the outer ring 5, can move in the axial direction of the outer housing 8 due to being pressed by the spring 14. Therefore, it is located relative to the central axis O of the outer ring 5. Figure 3 The upper sliding piece 10 is pressed by the spring 14 and moves in the direction extending from the outer housing 8. Therefore, even if it is located relative to the central axis O of the outer ring 5... Figure 3 The upper ball 1 moves toward the opening end of the outer housing 8, which can also prevent it from falling off from the rolling groove 11 (rolling groove 11 of the sliding piece 10) on the outer ring 5 side.
[0028] In contrast, the central axis O of the outer ring 5 is located at Figure 3 The lower sliding plate 10 is pressed by the receiving plate 15, compressing the spring 14 and causing it to retract toward the opening end of the outer housing 8. That is, the actual opening edge in the outer ring 5 retracts, so that even if the cross angle θ is increased, the second rotating member 4 does not interfere with the sliding plate 10 (or the inner housing 9 or the outer ring 5). In other words, the restriction on increasing the cross angle θ is alleviated, and therefore, the aforementioned constant velocity coupling 2 can become a constant velocity coupling with a permissible large cross angle.
[0029] Furthermore, for example, if the first rotating member 3 is rotated, the outer ring 5 integral with it and the ball 1 engaged with its rolling groove 11 will rotate. Since the ball 1 engages with the rolling groove 7 of the inner ring 6, as a result, torque is transmitted from the outer ring 5 to the inner ring 6 and the second rotating member 4 integral with it via the ball 1.
[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures
[0031] 1 ball bearing
[0032] 2. Constant velocity coupling
[0033] 3, 4 Rotating components
[0034] 5 Outer ring
[0035] 6 Inner Circle
[0036] 7, 11 Scroll grooves
[0037] 8. Outer casing
[0038] 9. Internal casing
[0039] 10 Sliding Plates
[0040] 12 Isolation Zones
[0041] 13 Press Plate
[0042] 14 Springs
[0043] 15. Support plate
[0044] θ Cross angle
[0045] O Central axis
Claims
1. A constant velocity coupling having an outer ring connected to a predetermined first rotating member and an inner ring inserted inside the outer ring and connected to a predetermined second rotating member, wherein a plurality of rolling grooves are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring and the outer circumferential surface of the inner ring, and a plurality of balls are held at certain intervals by isolation rings, the plurality of balls being arranged in the rolling grooves and connecting the outer ring and the inner ring in a manner capable of transmitting torque, characterized in that... The aforementioned outer ring consists of a cylindrical outer shell and an overall annular inner shell. The inner shell is movable within the outer shell along its axial direction and is restrained in the circumferential direction. The aforementioned inner housing includes multiple sliding plates, which are circumferentially divided in relation to the aforementioned balls and have the aforementioned rolling grooves formed on their inner surfaces. The above-mentioned constant velocity coupling also has the following features: A pressing plate, disposed inside the outer housing and pressed against the ends of the plurality of sliding plates by an elastic member; and A receiving plate is provided on the second rotating member in a radially outward manner and abuts against the plurality of sliding pieces.