Transmission joint

Abstract

The invention relates to a transmission joint adapted to transmit rotational motion between a driving shaft (20) and a driven shaft, with possible offset of one of the two driving (20) or driven (22) shafts, whether radial or angular; each shaft (20, 22) has at its end a fork in which a cross member (21, 23) is positioned, each cross member (21, 23) has a ring (24). The ring (24) of each cross member (21, 23) is sliding and integral with the other ring. The end of the driving shaft (20) and the end of the driven shaft are connected by the ring (24) of each cross member (21, 23), which is positioned side-by-side and perpendicular to each other. The transmission joint includes a bellows (25) containing a lubricating fluid. Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Transmission joint Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a transmission joint. It applies, in particular, to transmitting a rotational motion between a driving shaft and a driven shaft. Previous technique

[0002] Devices for transmitting motion between two mechanical shafts that are not perfectly aligned are essential in many industrial and mechanical applications. Among these devices, the universal joint and the Oldham joint are widely used to correct various types of misalignment.

[0003] The universal joint, also known as a cardan joint, is primarily used to correct angular misalignments between two shafts. This type of joint allows for smooth rotation, even when the shafts are not perfectly aligned, by transmitting torque through a series of articulated movements. Cardan joints are particularly effective for moderate angular misalignments, but they are not designed to compensate for radial misalignments (i.e., lateral displacements between the shaft axes).

[0004] The Oldham joint, on the other hand, is designed to correct radial misalignments between two shafts. This type of joint uses a three-part construction, with an intermediate piece that slides between two end pieces, thus allowing compensation for lateral offsets. The Oldham joint is very effective for radial misalignments, but is not suitable for correcting significant angular misalignments.

[0005] Although universal joints and Oldham joints are effective at correcting their specific types of misalignment, they have significant limitations. Neither of these devices is capable of compensating for both angular and radial misalignments. This limitation poses challenges in applications where both types of misalignment can occur simultaneously, often requiring more complex solutions or compromises in mechanical design.

[0006] This situation highlights the need for a new type of joint that could integrate the angular misalignment correction capabilities of the universal joint and the radial misalignment correction capabilities of the Oldham joint, thus providing a more complete and efficient solution for motion transmission systems. Presentation of the invention

[0007] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks with a completely innovative approach.

[0008] More specifically, the invention aims to provide a technique improving the transmission of motion.

[0009] These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved, according to a first aspect, by means of a transmission joint suitable for transmitting a rotational movement between a driving shaft and a driven shaft, with a possible misalignment of one of the two driving or driven shafts, whether radial or angular, each shaft has at its end a fork in which a cross is positioned, each cross has a ring, remarkable in that the ring of each cross is sliding and integral with the other ring, the end of the driving shaft and the end of the driven shaft are integral by the ring of each cross positioned juxtaposed and perpendicular to each other, and said transmission joint includes a bellows containing a lubricating liquid.

[0010] The transmission joint is designed to transmit rotational motion between a driving shaft and a driven shaft, even in the event of radial or angular misalignment. This allows for greater tolerance to misalignments, which is crucial for many mechanical applications where perfect alignment cannot always be maintained.

[0011] Each shaft has a fork with a cross member, and each cross member has a sliding ring. The sliding aspect and the interlocking of the rings allow for increased flexibility in movement, making the system more adaptable to different configurations and operating conditions.

[0012] Cross members with integral sliding rings reduce mechanical stress on shafts and connected components. This decreases the risk of failure due to excessive forces or vibrations, thus extending the service life of the components.

[0013] The transmission seal includes a bellows containing a lubricating fluid. This bellows protects the internal components from dust, dirt, and moisture, while ensuring continuous lubrication. Lubrication reduces friction and wear, thereby improving the efficiency and durability of the system.

[0014] Thanks to the integrated lubrication and the protection offered by the bellows, the need for regular maintenance is considerably reduced. This decreases the costs and effort associated with maintenance and repair.

[0015] The joint's ability to compensate for radial and angular misalignments, combined Effective lubrication improves the reliability and overall performance of the system. Movements are transmitted more smoothly and consistently, even under varying operating conditions.

[0016] The invention is advantageously implemented according to the embodiments and variants set out below, which are to be considered individually or according to any technically operative combination.

[0017] In one embodiment, the bellows is made of elastomeric material.

[0018] In one embodiment, each ring slides relative to the cross.

[0019] In one embodiment, the lubricating fluid contained in the bellows comprises a mineral oil, synthetic oil or a polyglycol-based oil.

[0020] In one embodiment, the bellows is fixed in a sealed manner to the ends of the driving and driven shafts by metal clamps or elastic rings.

[0021] In one embodiment, the material of each ring is chrome steel, stainless steel, grey cast iron or ductile cast iron.

[0022] In one embodiment, the joint allows a radial misalignment of up to 10 mm and an angular misalignment of up to 30°.

[0023] In one embodiment, the bellows is flexible and airtight.

[0024] In one embodiment, the driving shaft is integral with a drive plate of a vehicle.

[0025] The invention also relates to a vehicle having a transmission joint described above. Brief description of the figures

[0026] Other advantages, purposes and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, given for explanatory purposes only and not as a limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Fig. 1 represents a perspective view of a part of the transmission joint that is the subject of the present invention;

[0028] Fig. 2 represents a perspective view of another part of the transmission joint which is the subject of the present invention;

[0029] Fig. 3 represents a perspective view of the transmission joint which is the subject of the present invention;

[0030] Fig. 4 represents an exploded view of certain elements of the transmission joint which is the subject of the present invention;

[0031] Fig. 5 represents a perspective view of the angular compensation transmission joint which is the subject of the present invention;

[0032] Fig. 6 represents three top views of the radially compensating transmission joint which is the subject of the present invention. Description of the implementation methods

[0033] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of part of the transmission joint.

[0034] The figure shows a sliding pivot joint integrated into a mechanism with a part comprising two rings 24 fixed to each other and positioned perpendicularly. These rings 24 slide in cross-shaped supports and are capable of pivoting and sliding around two axes respectively connected to the driving shafts 20 and driven shafts 22.

[0035] The figure clearly illustrates: a driving shaft 20 and a driven shaft 22, each shaft 20, 22 having at its end a fork positioned perpendicularly. Each cross member 21, 23 has a ring 24. Each ring 24 is positioned perpendicularly to the other and forms a single piece.

[0036] The ring 24 is mounted on the cross 21 of the driving shaft 20. Another ring 24 perpendicular to the first is mounted on the cross 23 of the driven shaft 22.

[0037] The cross braces facilitating sliding movements.

[0038] The driving shaft 20 is the input element of the movement, driving the system. The driven shaft 22 is the output element of the movement, receiving the transmission.

[0039] When a torque is applied to the driving shaft 20, it transmits a rotational movement to the ring 24. This ring 24 can also slide along the axis of the cross.

[0040] The ring 24 located on the driven shaft 22 is integral with the ring 24 of the driving shaft 20.

[0041] Each ring 24 is made of chrome steel, stainless steel, grey cast iron or ductile cast iron.

[0042] Chromium steel is commonly used for bearings; this type of steel offers excellent hardness and good wear resistance. Stainless steel offers corrosion resistance and is suitable for applications where exposure to corrosive environments is a factor. Gray cast iron is used for its good machinability and sliding properties, and is often used for bearings and slides. Ductile iron combines good mechanical strength and sliding properties, making it suitable for applications requiring greater impact and wear resistance.

[0043] The two rings 24, rigidly fixed to each other, maintain a perpendicular orientation and ensure a synchronized transmission of pivoting and sliding movements between the two axes.

[0044] Naturally, the invention is described above by way of example. It is understood that a person skilled in the art is able to carry out different embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0045] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of another part of the transmission joint.

[0046] This is a flexible, sealed bellows 25 for containing lubricating oil. The bellows has a circular cylindrical shape and features ribs.

[0047] To ensure optimal performance and increased longevity of the pivot-sliding joint in the mechanisms described, the appropriate use of lubricating oils is essential. The following are the different types of lubricating oils suitable for this type of mechanism.

[0048] Mineral oils are derived from the refining of crude oil. They are commonly used for general lubrication because of their availability, their relatively low cost, and their chemical stability properties.

[0049] Synthetic oils are manufactured from artificial chemical compounds, offering improved properties compared to mineral oils.

[0050] Polyglycol-based oils are synthesized from polyglycols, offering exceptional chemical and thermal stability.

[0051] In the context of the described pivot-sliding joint, the lubricating oils play a crucial role in maintaining the proper functioning and durability of the mechanism.

[0052] The pivoting and sliding rings must be regularly lubricated to minimize friction and wear. The cross members, which facilitate the movement of the rings 24, also require lubrication to prevent excessive friction and premature wear.

[0053] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the transmission joint.

[0054] This figure incorporates elements described above.

[0055] The figure illustrates: a leading shaft 20 and a driven shaft 22, each shaft 20, 22 having at its end a fork positioned perpendicularly. Each cross member 21, 23 has a ring 24. Each ring 24 is positioned perpendicular to the other and forms a single piece. The bellows 25 surrounds the assembly. In this figure, it is cut away to show the interior.

[0056] Fig. 4 shows an exploded view of some elements of the transmission joint.

[0057] This figure incorporates elements described above.

[0058] The assembly of the different elements can be seen: a driving shaft 20 and a driven shaft 22, each shaft 20, 22 having at its end a fork positioned perpendicularly. Each cross member 21, 23 has a ring 24. Each ring 24 is positioned perpendicular to the other and forms a single piece.

[0059] Each cross member 21, 23 is held in position inside two opposite holes. This assembly constitutes the fork.

[0060] Figure [Fig. 5] shows a perspective view of the angularly compensating transmission joint.

[0061] This figure incorporates elements described above.

[0062] Angular compensation adjusts for angular misalignments between rotating components. It ensures the smooth transmission of rotary motion between shafts 20, 22 or parts that are not perfectly aligned, while reducing the stress and wear associated with these misalignments.

[0063] Angular compensation generally occurs in links where the axes of the shafts 20, 22 can move or become slightly misaligned.

[0064] The assembly of the different elements can be seen: a driving shaft 20 and a driven shaft 22, each shaft 20, 22 having at its end a fork positioned perpendicularly. Each cross member 21, 23 has a ring 24. Each ring 24 is positioned perpendicular to the other and forms a single piece.

[0065] The [Fig.6] shows three top views of the radially adjusting transmission joint.

[0066] This figure incorporates elements described above. It shows the tree leading 20 to the ring 24, and the led tree.

[0067] The three figures show a radial offset. The middle view shows the transmission without compensation, the top figure shows an offset by the arrow and the bottom figure shows a downward offset by the arrow.

[0068] Radial compensation is a technique used in mechanical systems to compensate for radial misalignments between rotating components. It maintains the performance and reliability of systems by allowing slight radial movement between parts while continuing to transmit motion or force efficiently.

[0069] It is emphasized that all features, as they are apparent to a person skilled in the art from the present description, drawings and attached features, even if in practice they have only been described in relation to other specific features, both individually and in any combinations, can be combined with other features or groups of features disclosed herein, provided that this has not been expressly excluded or that technical circumstances make such combinations impossible or meaningless. List of reference signs

[0070] [Tables 1] References Designations 20 Lead tree 21 Lead tree crossbar 22 Led tree 23 Led tree crossbar 24 Ring 25 Bellows

Claims

Demands

1. A transmission joint suitable for transmitting a rotational motion between a driving shaft (20) and a driven shaft with a possible misalignment of one of the two driving (20) or driven (22) shafts, whether radial or angular, each shaft (20, 22) having at its end a fork in which a cross (21, 23) is positioned, each cross (21, 23) having a ring (24), characterized in that the ring (24) of each cross (21, 23) is sliding and integral with the other ring, the end of the driving shaft (20) and the end of the driven shaft are integral by the ring (24) of each cross (21, 23) positioned juxtaposed and perpendicular to each other, and said transmission joint includes a bellows (25) containing a lubricating liquid.

2. Transmission joint according to claim 1, in which the bellows (25) is made of elastomeric material.

3. Transmission joint according to any one of claims 1 to 2, in which each ring (24) is sliding relative to the cross (21, 23).

4. Transmission joint according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lubricating fluid contained in the bellows (25) comprises a mineral oil, synthetic oil or a polyglycol-based oil.

5. Transmission joint according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the bellows (25) is fixed in a sealed manner to the ends of the driving (20) and driven (22) shafts by metal clamps or elastic rings.

6. Transmission joint according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the material of each ring (24) is chrome steel, stainless steel, grey cast iron or ductile iron.

7. Transmission joint according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the joint permits radial misalignment of up to 10 mm and angular misalignment of up to 30°.

8. Transmission joint according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the bellows (25) is flexible and sealed.

9. Transmission joint according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the driving shaft (20) is integral with a motor plate of a vehicle.

10. Vehicle characterized in that it comprises a transmission joint according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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