Protective cover for a hinged drive joint and drive assembly comprising such a protective cover

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of protective cover for hinged transmission joint and the transmission assembly comprising such protective cover, which hinged transmission joint includes the shell with open end and opposite end, the opposite end is used to be fixed to first shaft, the protective cover is formed by sleeve, the sleeve sequentially includes first annular end, deformable part and second annular end along axial direction, the second annular end is used to be installed on the open end of the shell of joint and is delimited by outer peripheral wall, the outer peripheral wall is connected to deformable part by connecting wall, to form axial shoulder in sleeve. Protective cover has two parallel circumferential circular walls starting from the inner surface of connecting wall, so as to form first slot between outer peripheral wall and one of intermediate circumferential circular wall, and second slot is formed between intermediate circumferential circular wall and second circumferential circular wall. First slot and second slot are separated by radial separation element respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a protective cover for an articulated transmission joint, and also to a transmission assembly including such a protective cover, particularly a transmission assembly for a motor vehicle transmission device. Background Technology

[0002] This utility model particularly relates to a protective cover for a hinged transmission joint, the hinged transmission joint comprising: a housing having an open end and an opposite end for fixing to a first shaft; a second shaft; and a rolling device mounted on one end of the second shaft, the rolling device comprising a rolling member housed in a cage, and the said one end of the second shaft being housed together with the rolling device in the housing, the protective cover being formed of a sleeve comprising, in axial direction, a first annular end, a deformable portion and a second annular end, the second annular end for mounting on the open end of the housing of the transmission joint being defined by an outer peripheral wall connected to the deformable portion by a connecting wall, thereby forming at least one axial shoulder within the sleeve.

[0003] Such protective covers are well known to those skilled in the art. Currently, these protective covers present two problems. First, there is a risk of rolling members detaching during manipulation of the transmission assembly formed by the protective cover and the transmission joint, particularly during the assembly or removal of such assembly. Second, the current design does not allow for easy alteration of the axial travel of the cage and associated rolling members without reintroducing the risk of rolling member detachment. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a protective cover for a transmission device, and thus a transmission assembly designed to easily accommodate different axial travels of the cage and associated rolling members without increasing the risk of the rolling members falling off.

[0005] Therefore, this utility model relates to a protective cover for a hinged transmission joint, the hinged transmission joint comprising: a housing having an open end and an opposite end, the opposite end being for fixing to a first shaft; a second shaft; and a rolling device mounted on one end of the second shaft, the rolling device including a rolling member housed in a cage, and the said one end of the second shaft being housed together with the rolling device in the housing, the protective cover being formed of a sleeve, the sleeve comprising, in axial direction, a first annular end, a deformable portion and a second annular end, the second annular end for mounting on the open end of the housing of the transmission joint being defined by an outer peripheral wall, the outer peripheral wall being connected to a connecting wall. The deformable portion, thereby forming at least one shoulder within the sleeve, is characterized in that the protective cover has two parallel circumferential circular walls that originate from the inner surface of the connecting wall corresponding to the surface of its opening facing the second annular end of the protective cover, thereby forming a first groove between the outer circumferential wall and a circumferential circular wall referred to as the intermediate circumferential wall, and forming a second groove between the intermediate circumferential wall and the second circumferential circular wall, and the first groove is separated by a radially separating element extending between the outer circumferential wall and the intermediate circumferential wall, and the second groove is separated by a radially separating element extending between the intermediate circumferential wall and the second circumferential circular wall.

[0006] Manufacturing two parallel slots allows for easy adjustment of the height of the second circumferential circular wall (which adjusts the stroke of the rolling member) at the height of the second slot during manufacturing, without compromising assembly reliability due to the presence of separating elements used for reinforcement at each slot.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second circumferential circular wall extends in a manner that protrudes relative to the intermediate circumferential wall. This protruding wall allows for restriction of the travel distance of the rolling member.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second circumferential circular wall extends in a manner that is recessed relative to the intermediate circumferential wall.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second circumferential circular wall extends flush with the middle circumferential wall. It can be understood from the various design schemes described above that, in the case of a protective cover manufactured by injection molding, changing the mold at the height of the second circumferential circular wall is sufficient to easily change the axial travel of the rolling member.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the protective cover is preferably an injection-molded part made of thermoplastic material.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the free edge of the dividing element of the second groove is in the form of an arc, which has a recess toward the opening at the second end of the protective cover. This configuration allows for matching the contour of the rolling members. This is especially true when these rolling members are balls.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting wall has a step in the region closest to the longitudinal axis of the protective cover. The presence of this step allows for the formation of a support portion for restricting the movement of the cage, which ensures the support portion formed by the second circumferential circular wall.

[0013] This utility model also relates to a transmission assembly, particularly a transmission assembly for a motor vehicle transmission device, the transmission assembly including a hinged transmission joint and a protective cover, the transmission joint including: a housing defined at least by peripheral sidewalls and having an open end and an opposite end for fixing to a first shaft; a second shaft; and a rolling device mounted on one end of the second shaft, the rolling device including a rolling member housed in a cage, and the said one end of the second shaft being housed together with the rolling device in the housing, characterized in that the protective cover through which the second shaft passes is the protective cover described above, the second end of the protective cover being mounted on the open end of the housing such that the side boundary wall of the housing extends at least partially opposite to a first groove of the protective cover, and at least a free edge of a second circumferential circular wall forms a support surface of the rolling member at at least one location within the housing, the free edge corresponding to an edge opposite to the edge of the second circumferential circular wall that connects to the connecting wall.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rolling member is a ball bearing, the diameter of which is smaller than the width of the second groove measured along the radius of the protective cover, and smaller than the maximum distance between two adjacent separating elements in the second groove.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting wall of the outer peripheral wall of the second end of the protective cover to the deformable part of the protective cover has a step in the region closest to the central longitudinal axis of the protective cover, the step being configured to form a support stop for the retainer. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The present invention will be clearly understood by referring to the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the transmission assembly according to the present invention is shown;

[0018] Figure 2 A bottom view of the protective cover according to the present invention is shown;

[0019] Figure 3 The movement of the rolling member is shown in two partial sectional views with a protective cover having a flush-arranged second circumferential circular wall.

[0020] Figure 4The movement of the rolling member is shown in two partial sectional views with a protective shield having a recessed second circumferential circular wall.

[0021] Figure 5 The movement of the rolling member is shown in two partial sectional views with a protective shield having a prominent second circumferential circular wall.

[0022] Figure 6 The movement of the rolling member is shown in two partial sectional views in the case of a protective cover with a flush-arranged second circumferential circular wall and a stepped connecting wall with a stop forming a retainer. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the present invention. In the drawings, the dimensions and relative dimensions of the elements of the transmission assembly may be exaggerated for clarity. Throughout the drawings, similar reference numerals denote similar elements. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0024] To simplify the explanation, the following embodiments will be described in conjunction with the terminology and structure of transmission components for motor vehicles.

[0025] Throughout this specification, reference to an embodiment means that a particular function, structure, or feature described with respect to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Therefore, the phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0027] Furthermore, specific functions, structures, or features can be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner.

[0028] Figure 1 A preferred transmission assembly 20 for a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in schematic form. The transmission assembly 20 includes an articulated transmission joint 21 and a protective cover 1.

[0029] The transmission joint 21 includes a bowl-shaped housing 22 connected to a first shaft 25, referred to as the input shaft, such that the housing 22 rotates together with the input shaft. The housing 22, defined by peripheral sidewalls 221, has an open end 23 and an opposite end 24 for attachment to the first shaft 25, the open end 23 defining an opening having a central axis. The first shaft 25 has an axis parallel to (preferably coincident with) the central axis of the housing 22.

[0030] The transmission joint 21 also includes a second shaft 26, referred to as the output shaft, which is connected, for example, to one of the drive wheels of the vehicle. The second shaft 26 is rigid and is equipped with a rolling device at one end. This rolling device includes a rolling member 27. The end of the second shaft 26 equipped with the rolling member 27 is housed together with the rolling member 27 in a housing 22, such that the rolling member 27 allows for hinge between the housing 22 and the second shaft 26 and also allows the second shaft 26 to rotate via the first shaft 25.

[0031] The rolling mechanism includes an annular element, referred to as a nut, which is fixed to an end of the second shaft that engages within the housing. The nut supports a plurality of rolling members 27, each engaging in a groove (not shown) formed on the outer surface of the nut.

[0032] In the embodiment shown in the figure, the rolling member 27 is a ball. The rolling member 27 may also engage at its outer portion (i.e., at the portion of the rolling member oriented toward the housing) in a radial groove (not shown) formed on the inner surface of the housing. The rolling member 27 is also housed in a cage 28, which allows the rolling members 27 to be spaced apart from each other. The cage 28 is in the form of an annular body extending around and spaced apart from the nut.

[0033] The annular body has openings distributed in the circumferential direction, and the rolling member 27 extends through these openings so that the rolling member 27 can contact the nut and the interior of the housing 22.

[0034] Therefore, when the housing 22 is driven to rotate by the first shaft 25, the rotational motion is transmitted to the second shaft 26 via the rolling member 27.

[0035] The fact that the rolling member 27 is arranged in a known manner allows for angular movement between the axis of the second shaft 26 and the longitudinal axis of the first shaft 25, thereby accommodating the corresponding movement of the wheel.

[0036] To protect the joint mechanism from moisture, dust, and other contaminants, and to retain grease inside to ensure lubrication of the moving balls, a protective cover 1 is provided. This protective cover 1 is advantageously manufactured from a thermoplastic material by injection molding (and optionally by blow molding).

[0037] The protective cover 1 is in the form of an elongated hollow body or sleeve, through which the second shaft 26 can pass. The sleeve includes a first annular end 2, a deformable portion 3, and a second annular end 4, wherein the deformable portion 3 is a pleated portion. In the example shown, the pleated deformable portion 3 is formed by accordion-type pleats.

[0038] The second annular end 4 of the protective cover can be positioned on the opening end 23 of the housing 22 in an overlapping manner, and the opposing first end 2 can be fixed to the second shaft 26. Advantageously, the protective cover is made of a composite material.

[0039] In the example shown in the figure, the second annular end 4 of the protective cover 1 has a larger diameter than the opposite first end 2.

[0040] The protective cover includes several individual coils, which preferably extend integrally between the two ends of the protective cover and form a deformable pleated portion 3 of the protective cover.

[0041] Advantageously, the second annular end 4 of the protective cover is fixed to the corresponding opening end of the housing by means of a retaining collar in an overlapping engagement manner.

[0042] In addition to the angular movement allowed by the joint, a small, limited axial movement of the second shaft 26 relative to the housing is also provided.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the second annular end 4 of the protective cover 1, defined by the outer peripheral wall 5, is connected to the deformable portion 3 of the protective cover 1 via the connecting wall 6, thereby forming at least one shoulder 7 within the sleeve. When the second shaft 26 moves along the direction from the opening end 23 of the housing away from the housing and in a direction inclined relative to the axis of the housing opening, the inner radial shoulder 7 forms a stop relative to at least some of the rolling members 27 of the rolling device.

[0044] The tilting direction is the direction that forms an angle between 0 and 50° with the central axis of the housing or with the longitudinal axis of the first shaft 25.

[0045] The protective cover 1 has two parallel circular walls that originate from the inner surface 61 of the connecting wall 6 corresponding to the surface of its opening facing the second annular end of the protective cover 1, thereby forming a first groove 9 between the outer peripheral wall 5 and a circumferential wall referred to as the intermediate circumferential wall 8, and forming a second groove 11 between the intermediate circumferential wall 8 and the second circumferential circular wall 10.

[0046] The first groove 9 is divided by a first radial dividing element 12 extending between the outer peripheral wall 5 and the intermediate circumferential wall 8. The second groove 11 is divided by a second radial dividing element 13 extending between the intermediate circumferential wall 8 and the second circumferential circular wall 10. The second circumferential circular wall 10 is closest to the central axis of the protective cover.

[0047] These radial separating elements are Figure 2 As can be seen, these partition elements reinforce the connecting wall 6. Ideally, the circumferential circular wall and partition elements are integral with the rest of the protective shield (especially with the connecting wall 6 and the outer peripheral wall 5).

[0048] In a specific embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 6 As shown, the connecting wall 6 has a step 14 in the region closest to the longitudinal axis of the protective cover 1. Therefore, the free edge of the separating element and the free edge of the circumferential circular wall (i.e., the edges of the separating element and the wall opposite to the edge connected to the connecting wall) can form an inner circumferential barrier facing the opening end 23 of the housing 22 and its opening, which prevents the rolling member 27 from disengaging from the opening from the retainer 28 when the second axis 26 moves in a direction inclined relative to the first axis 25 of the housing 22.

[0049] The inner circumferential barrier can take various shapes, depending on the relative dimensions of the second circumferential circular wall 10 and the intermediate circumferential wall 8.

[0050] exist Figure 3 In the example, the second circumferential circular wall 10 extends flush with the intermediate circumferential wall 8. Therefore, the free edge of each circumferential circular wall forms a stop.

[0051] exist Figure 4 In the example, the second circumferential wall 10 extends in a manner that is recessed relative to the intermediate circumferential wall 8.

[0052] exist Figure 5 In the example, the second circumferential circular wall 10 extends in a manner that protrudes relative to the intermediate circumferential wall 8, and the free edge 100 of the second circumferential circular wall 10 forms a stop.

[0053] These different design options allow for variations in the permissible axial travel of the cage / rolling components without significantly altering the molds used to manufacture the protective cover.

[0054] The free edge of the second radial dividing element 13 of the second groove 11 can be in the form of an arc, with the concave part of the arc facing the opening of the second annular end 4 of the protective cover 1, so as to better match the contour of the ball.

[0055] exist Figure 6 In one embodiment, the connecting wall 6 has a step 14 in the region closest to the longitudinal axis of the protective cover 1, the step 14 forming a stop for the retainer.

[0056] The rolling member 27 is a ball bearing with a diameter smaller than the width of the second groove 11 measured along the radius of the protective cover 1, and smaller than the maximum distance between two adjacent second radial separator elements 13 in the second groove 11, in order to avoid any jamming of the rolling member.

Claims

1. A protective cover (1) for a hinged transmission joint (21), the hinged transmission joint (21) comprising: The housing (22) has an open end (23) and an opposite end (24) for fixing to the first shaft (25); A second shaft (26); and a rolling device mounted on one end of the second shaft (26), the rolling device comprising a rolling member (27) housed in a cage (28), and the one end of the second shaft (26) together with the rolling device housed in the housing (22), the protective cover (1) being formed of a sleeve, the sleeve comprising, in sequence along the axial direction, a first annular end (2), a deformable portion (3), and a second annular end (4), the second annular end (4) for mounting on the open end (23) of the housing (22) of the transmission joint (21) being defined by an outer peripheral wall (5), the outer peripheral wall being connected to the deformable portion (3) by a connecting wall (6), thereby forming at least one shoulder (7) within the sleeve, characterized in that the protective cover (1) has There are two parallel circumferential circular walls that begin on the inner surface (61) of the connecting wall (6) corresponding to the surface of the opening of the second annular end (4) of the protective cover (1), thereby forming a first groove (9) between the outer circumferential wall (5) and a circumferential circular wall called the intermediate circumferential wall (8), and forming a second groove (11) between the intermediate circumferential wall (8) and the second circumferential circular wall (10). The first groove (9) is separated by a first radial dividing element (12) extending between the outer circumferential wall (5) and the intermediate circumferential wall (8), and the second groove (11) is separated by a second radial dividing element (13) extending between the intermediate circumferential wall (8) and the second circumferential circular wall (10).

2. The protective cover (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second circumferential circular wall (10) extends in a manner that protrudes relative to the intermediate circumferential wall (8).

3. The protective cover (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second circumferential circular wall (10) extends in a manner that is recessed relative to the intermediate circumferential wall.

4. The protective cover (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second circumferential circular wall (10) extends flush with the intermediate circumferential wall (8).

5. The protective cover (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protective cover (1) is made of thermoplastic material.

6. The protective cover (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The free edge of the second radial dividing element (13) of the second groove (11) is in the form of an arc, the arc having a recess toward the opening of the second annular end (4) of the protective cover (1).

7. The protective cover (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting wall (6) has a step (14) in the region closest to the longitudinal axis of the protective cover (1).

8. A transmission assembly (20) for a motor vehicle transmission system, the transmission assembly (20) comprising a hinged transmission joint (21) and a protective cover (1), the transmission joint (21) comprising: The housing (22) is defined at least by a peripheral sidewall (221) and has an open end (23) and an opposite end (24) for fixing to the first shaft (25). A second shaft (26); and a rolling device mounted on one end of the second shaft (26), the rolling device comprising a rolling member (27) housed in a cage (28), and the said one end of the second shaft (26) together with the rolling device housed in the housing (22), characterized in that the protective cover (1) through which the second shaft (26) passes is According to claim 1, the second annular end (4) of the protective cover (1) is mounted on the open end (23) of the housing (22) such that the side boundary wall of the housing (22) extends at least partially opposite to the first groove (9) of the protective cover (1), and at least the free edge (100) of the second circumferential circular wall (10) forms a support surface of the rolling member (27) at at least one location within the housing (22), the free edge corresponding to an edge opposite to the edge of the second circumferential circular wall connected to the connecting wall (6).

9. The transmission assembly (20) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The rolling member (27) is a ball bearing, the diameter of which is smaller than the width of the second groove (11) measured along the radius of the protective cover (1) and smaller than the maximum distance between two adjacent second radial separator elements (13) in the second groove (11).

10. The transmission assembly (20) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The connecting wall (6) connecting the outer peripheral wall (5) of the second annular end (4) of the protective cover (1) to the deformable part (3) of the protective cover (1) has a step (14) in the region closest to the central longitudinal axis of the protective cover (1), the step (14) being configured to form a support stop for the retainer (28).

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