Multipod joint and vehicle

Abstract

To reduce the ACFG force and prevent contact between a roller body and a recess on a passive side.SOLUTION: Each of roller bodies (13) is accommodated in each of recesses (7) so as to be movable along a first longitudinal axis. Each of the recesses (7) has two raceways (17, 18) lying opposite to each other in a circumferential direction. Each of the raceways (17, 18) has a first segment and a second segment along a radial direction, which runs in a lateral direction to the first longitudinal axis. When torque in the circumferential direction is transmitted, the roller body (13) is supported relative to the circumferential direction via a plurality of contact areas on one of the two raceways (17, 18). Only via the contact areas in the first segment, an instant center of rotation is formed for the roller body (13). At least one contact area in the second segment only supports the roller body (13) against a rotation about the instant center of rotation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a multipod joint having an outer joint part and an inner joint part with a central body having at least two integrally formed trunnions, each of which has a roller body disposed thereon. The present invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with such a multipod joint. [Background technology]

[0002] If the multipod joint is a bipod joint with exactly two trunnions, the trunnions are in particular arranged 180° apart and therefore located opposite each other on the central body, or if the multipod joint is a tripod joint with exactly three trunnions, the trunnions are in particular arranged 120° apart on the central body. The following description applies to all such joint types, taking into account the different numbers of trunnions in particular.

[0003] This type of tripod joint typically includes, for example, an outer joint part having a first longitudinal axis and a cavity extending parallel to the first longitudinal axis and having open ends, with three recesses formed in the outer joint part and extending parallel to the first longitudinal axis. The tripod joint also includes an inner joint part having a second longitudinal axis and at least one central body on which three trunnions are formed, each having a trunnion axis extending radially from the second longitudinal axis. Each trunnion is provided with a roller element, which includes at least one outer ring, an inner ring rotatable relative to the outer ring around a common rotation axis, and a bearing disposed between the outer and inner rings. Each roller element is accommodated in a recess so as to be movable along the first longitudinal axis.

[0004] To assemble the multipod joint, the inner joint section, along with the trunnions and roller bodies disposed thereon, can be inserted through the open end into the cavity of the outer joint section.

[0005] The central body may itself be the shaft or may be connected to the shaft via splines or the like.

[0006] The inner joint portion can be displaced along a first longitudinal axis relative to the outer joint portion and can be deflected relative to the outer joint portion by a deflection angle, which is the minimum angle between the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis. When the joint is in an extended position, the deflection angle is 0 degrees. When the joint is in a bent position, the deflection angle is greater than 0 degrees.

[0007] Tripod joints have been manufactured and sold by the applicant for some time, for example under the name AAR tripod joint. These tripod joints are used in particular on vehicle side shafts and serve, for example, as a drive connection between a differential gear and a drive wheel. In this case, a so-called constant velocity ball fixed joint is usually used on the wheel side, and the AAR tripod joint mentioned here is used as a sliding joint next to the differential gear. AAR tripod joints are designed in particular for deflection angles of approximately 23 to 26 degrees (or less).

[0008] In the case of the AARi tripod joint, which is a subtype of the AAR tripod joint, the inner ring is cylindrical toward the trunnion and is fixed to the outer ring in the direction along the rotation axis by a retaining ring.

[0009] The trunnions are in contact with the bearings or the inner rings of the roller elements via so-called sliding surfaces (contact surfaces). Each sliding surface is designed in particular in the shape of a spherical truncation. These sliding surfaces are aligned circumferentially around the second longitudinal axis, so that torques acting around the longitudinal axes of the joint, i.e. torques acting circumferentially around the first longitudinal axis, are transmitted via the sliding surfaces of the trunnions to the roller elements and vice versa.

[0010] The roller elements roll on raceways provided for the roller elements, thereby displacing them within the recesses along the first longitudinal axis. Each recess thus has two raceways opposite each other, on which the roller elements can be supported in a circumferential direction extending around the first longitudinal axis. Between the raceways of the recesses, contact surfaces can be provided that can support the roller elements as required.

[0011] During vehicle operation, various conditions may occur, for example, on the side shafts. The side shafts extend generally parallel to the vehicle axles, through which the wheels can be driven by the drive units. In a push operation (push mode), the wheels are driven by the drive units. In a pull operation (pull mode), the vehicle is dragged or pulled by the mass of the moving vehicle. For tripod joints located on the side shafts, the contact between each trunnion and each roller element or between each roller element and each recess varies depending on the particular operation / mode.

[0012] For example, when the vehicle is moving forward, the direction of rotation of the side shaft remains constant. As it changes between a push and pull motion, the contact between the sliding surfaces of the trunnion and the roller body and the contact between the roller body and the recess changes (i.e., from one side to the other). For example, the contact changes when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis, the second longitudinal axis, or both. Even when the vehicle changes direction (from forward to reverse), the contact between the trunnion and the roller body or the contact between the roller body and the recess moves circumferentially to the opposite side of the trunnion or the recess.

[0013] As a rule, the side of the sliding surface or recess where the contact (transmitting torque) occurs is called the "active side", and the other side of the sliding surface or recess where there is no contact is called the "passive side".

[0014] When the vehicle is in push mode, i.e. when the vehicle is driven by the drive unit, the trunnion comes into contact with the roller body via one of the sliding surfaces, and the roller body in particular comes into contact with one side (working side) of the recess. When the vehicle is in push mode or sail mode (both also called freewheeling mode), i.e. when a driving torque is introduced from the wheels and the drive unit is still connected (push mode) or disconnected (sail mode), the trunnion comes into contact with the roller body via the other sliding surface, and the roller body comes into contact with the other side (working side) of the recess. In push mode or sail mode, the direction of the applied torque and the direction of rotation of the joint are opposite, but in pull mode they are the same.

[0015] Furthermore, the performance of a multipod joint is determined in particular by the so-called ACFG value (Axial Cyclic Force Generation, unwanted axial force generated by the joint). This value is given as the root mean square of the force and has units of Newton root mean square [Nrms]. The value varies as a function of the joint's deflection angle, so that the progression of the value as a function of the deflection angle can be specified or determined for each joint. The range in which the joint can be used is thus limited by the maximum deflection angle, at which the ACFG value does not exceed an amount that is considered acceptable.

[0016] Furthermore, in the case of multipod joints, it is necessary to control the movement of the roller elements during joint operation. For example, the roller elements may also come into contact with the recesses on the passive side, especially when the joint operates at deflection angles greater than 0 degrees. This contact can cause noise, on the one hand, and friction losses, on the other. This can further lead to wear on the roller elements or the recesses, or both, which can actually limit the service life of the joint.

[0017] It is known that, for example, the above-described contact surfaces can be provided in the recesses, i.e., along the circumferential direction, between the raceways of the recesses, in order to control the movement of the roller elements. This can be used to limit the tilt of the roller elements (around the so-called tilt or pitch axis, hereinafter also referred to as the first pivot axis). However, contact between the contact surfaces and the roller elements also generates noise and friction losses. The rolling axis extending transversely to the extension of the respective recess, i.e., the tilt of the roller elements around this so-called rolling axis, also needs to be checked, especially since contact between the roller elements and the raceways or recesses can occur on the passive side.

[0018] A tripod joint is known, for example, from the subsequently published patent application WO 02 / 04499. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0019] [Patent Document 1] German Patent Application Publication No. 10 2023 117 277 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0020] The present invention is therefore based on the task of at least partially resolving the problems described with reference to the prior art. In particular, it is intended to propose a multipod joint that reduces the ACFG forces and prevents contact between the roller elements and the recesses on the passive side. Furthermore, contact between the roller elements and the contact surfaces of the recesses is to be prevented as much as possible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0021] These problems are solved by a multipod joint according to the features of claim 1. The dependent claims provide further advantageous embodiments. It should be noted that the features individually recited in the dependent claims may be combined with one another in any technically advantageous manner to define further embodiments of the invention. In addition, the features recited in the respective claims are described and explained in more detail herein, thereby describing further preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0022] We propose a multi-pod joint. This multi-pod joint has the following features: It has an outer joint part and an inner joint part, the outer joint portion has a first longitudinal axis and a cavity extending parallel to the first longitudinal axis and having an open end; at least two (particularly exactly two or exactly three, but possibly more) recesses extending parallel to the first longitudinal axis and distributed along a circumferential direction around the first longitudinal axis, the inner joint portion has a second longitudinal axis; the inner joint part has at least one central body, and the central body has at least two (particularly exactly two or exactly three, but possibly more) trunnions formed thereon, the trunnion axes extending radially from the second longitudinal axis; A roller body is disposed on each trunnion, and the roller body is rotatable at least around the trunnion axis.

[0023] Each roller body (particularly the outer ring of the roller body) extends annularly around the rotation axis of the roller body.

[0024] Each roller element is accommodated in a respective recess so as to be movable along the first longitudinal axis. Each recess has two raceways located opposite each other in the circumferential direction. Each raceway has a first section (15) and a second section along a radial direction extending transversely to the first longitudinal axis. When a circumferential torque is transmitted (during the intended operation of the joint), the roller element (particularly the outer ring) is supported in the circumferential direction via multiple contact areas in one of the two raceways. In this case, only each contact area (on the roller element, on the outer ring, or on the raceway) in the first section (of the raceway) forms an instantaneous center of rotation of the roller element (via the first contact area, the second contact area, and possibly a further fourth contact area), while at least one (third) contact area in the second section only supports the roller element against rotation about the instantaneous center of rotation.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, this characteristic of the multipod joint can also be described as follows: Each roller element is accommodated in a recess so as to be movable along a first longitudinal axis. Each recess has two raceways located opposite each other in the circumferential direction. Each raceway has a first and a second region along a radial direction extending transversely to the first longitudinal axis. When a circumferentially directed torque is transmitted (during the intended operation of the joint), the roller element (particularly the outer ring) is supported in the circumferential direction via multiple contact areas (particularly the one forming the instantaneous center of rotation) in one of the two raceways. In this case, the roller element contacts the raceway via at least two contact areas (exactly two or exactly three contact areas: the first contact area, the second contact area, and possibly the fourth contact area) in the first region, and via at least one or exactly one (third) contact area in the second region (which only allows supporting the roller element against rotation around the instantaneous center of rotation).

[0026] The sections of the raceway are arranged adjacent to one another in a radial direction (or in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation or pivoting, if the joint is in an extended position). Optionally, further sections without any special function may be provided between the sections (for example, having the sole purpose of separating the first section from the second section).

[0027] Each roller body extends annularly around the rotation axis of the roller body. Each roller body has, in particular along the rotation axis, a first region and a second region. The regions are arranged adjacent to each other along the rotation axis. Optionally, further regions without any special function may be provided between the regions (e.g., solely for the purpose of separating the first region from the second region). Each of the first and second regions is particularly characterized by a special contour of the outer circumferential surface of the roller body.

[0028] In particular, the roller element has (only) an outer ring and an inner ring, which are rotatable relative to each other. In particular, these outer ring and inner ring can be in direct contact with each other. Alternatively, bearings (rolling elements, in this case needle-shaped rolling elements) are further arranged between the inner ring and the outer ring. These bearings (in particular of cylindrical configuration) are arranged in the installation space of the inner ring or the outer ring. A number of these bearings are arranged in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis. Each bearing is fixed against displacement along the rotation axis, in particular by a respective retaining ring, which is arranged in a corresponding groove on the outer ring.

[0029] Rotation of the inner ring relative to the outer ring allows the roller bodies to roll along the respective recesses or track surfaces in the outer joint part, thereby allowing the inner joint part to be displaced along the first longitudinal axis relative to the outer joint part.

[0030] As the inner joint portion deflects relative to the outer joint portion, the roller elements continue to be guided by their respective raceways and at least the trunnions pivot relative to the roller elements.

[0031] In particular, each roller body is guided by the recess so that it is impossible or highly restricted to rotate each roller body relative to the recess (in particular, not rotate about the first pivot axis or the second pivot axis or both).

[0032] Alternatively, when the inner joint portion is deflected, the respective roller elements also pivot relative to the respective recesses.

[0033] In particular, in addition to rotating relative to one another, the inner and outer rings can also be displaced relative to one another along a common axis of rotation. In this case, for example, displacement of the inner ring toward the second longitudinal axis can be limited by a retaining ring, or there can be no limit (see, e.g., Figures 1 to 7). In particular, displacement of the inner ring relative to the outer ring away from the second longitudinal axis is limited by a retaining ring.

[0034] In particular, the outer ring and the inner ring form (exactly one or only one) first stop, which limits the displacement of the inner ring relative to the outer ring along the axis of rotation, away from the second longitudinal axis. In particular, this first stop is formed by a protrusion on the outer ring or the inner ring, against which the inner ring or the outer ring abuts at its maximum displacement. The inner ring can therefore only be displaced along this direction, i.e., along the axis of rotation (in particular, away from the second longitudinal axis), up to the point where the stop surfaces come into contact. In another direction along the axis of rotation (i.e., towards the second longitudinal axis), the inner ring can be displaced infinitely, at least relative to the outer ring, in particular towards the second longitudinal axis, but not relative to the trunnion.

[0035] However, some joints, particularly bipod-type joints (which have only two trunnions), may not have a stop between the outer and inner rings, allowing the inner ring to move unrestrictedly along the axis of rotation relative to the outer ring.

[0036] The starting point or zero point of displacement is in particular the position of the inner ring when the joint is not deflected (i.e. the longitudinal axes of the outer joint part and the inner joint part are arranged coaxially), starting from PCR1, i.e. starting from the PCR of the inner joint part. From here, at least a large part of the movement of the inner joint part (corresponding to the ROM, i.e. the displacement path of the corresponding trunnion starting from PCR1 along the axis of rotation, in the direction away from the second longitudinal axis) is possible via a possible displacement path up to the first stop. If the inner ring comes into contact with the outer ring at the first stop before the maximum deflection angle is reached, further movements of the inner joint part, in particular up to the maximum deflection angle reached (only) during assembly of the joint, can be absorbed by the play of the corresponding roller elements in the corresponding recesses of the outer joint part.

[0037] At least when the rotation axis and the trunnion axis are coaxially arranged, the inner ring forms (exactly one or only one) second stop for the trunnion. The second stop limits the displacement of the inner ring along the trunnion axis, towards the second longitudinal axis. In intended operation, when the inner joint part is arranged with the outer joint part to form a tripod joint, the displacement of the inner ring relative to the trunnion along the pivot axis, away from the second longitudinal axis, is not limited, i.e., is limited only by the first stop. In particular, the outer ring is supported in each recess, whereby the first stop prevents further displacement of the inner joint part.

[0038] In particular, in freewheeling modes (push mode and sail mode), the displacement of the inner wheel can be limited by means of the first stopper.

[0039] In particular, in the pull mode, the displacement of the inner ring can be controlled using the second stopper.

[0040] In particular, the first stopper is arranged along the rotation axis on a first side of the support body facing towards the second longitudinal axis or on a second side of the support body facing away from the second longitudinal axis.

[0041] If the first stop is arranged along the rotation axis on a first side of the support body facing towards the second longitudinal axis, this first stop can in particular be formed by a protrusion on the inner ring, which protrusion extends radially away from the rotation axis and at least partially beyond (beyond) the outer ring.

[0042] If the first stop is arranged on a second side of the support body facing away from the second longitudinal axis along the axis of rotation, this first stop can in particular be formed by a protrusion on the outer ring, which protrusion extends inwardly along the radial direction towards the axis of rotation and at least partially beyond (beyond) the inner ring.

[0043] In particular, the first stop is formed by the outer ring itself or by a retaining ring arranged on the outer ring, which can be configured, for example, in the form of a so-called snap ring. The retaining ring can be arranged in a circumferential groove on the outer ring and can protrude from the groove so that it comes into contact with the inner ring when the inner ring is pushed far enough along the rotation axis and away from the second longitudinal axis.

[0044] A snap ring or the groove required for a snap ring requires additional space and may require the roller body to be larger. On the other hand, if a snap ring is provided instead of forming a protrusion on the outer ring, manufacturing the outer ring can be more cost-effective.

[0045] In particular, the installation space for each bearing on the outer ring is limited by a retaining ring arranged on the outer ring, and in particular, the installation space is limited by a corresponding retaining ring on both sides of each bearing, i.e., on a first side facing towards the second longitudinal axis and on a second side facing away from the second longitudinal axis.

[0046] In particular, the inner ring has a stepped shape in cross section (extending transversely to the second longitudinal axis), so that the contact surface of the inner ring that interacts with the bearing is offset outwardly along the axis of rotation (away from the second longitudinal axis) relative to an end face of the inner ring, which is in particular the innermost surface of the inner ring (inwardly along the axis of rotation, i.e. towards the longitudinal axis).

[0047] The stepped shape may have portions extending at right angles to each other or portions extending at angles to each other.

[0048] The retaining ring is particularly configured with a slot, which allows it to be elastically deformed for assembly into the groove of the outer ring.

[0049] In particular, the second stop can be formed by a retaining ring arranged in a groove on the outer ring.

[0050] The intended use of the multipod joint (also called a joint) specifically involves the inner and outer joint parts being positioned relative to one another for a specific application. For example, each roller element is positioned in a recess, and the joint operates only within a predetermined range of deflection angles, for example, between 0 and 30°, or between 0 and 26°. Furthermore, torques that the joint is deemed to tolerate are transmitted between the outer and inner joint parts, and each roller element slides only to a certain extent along the first longitudinal axis.

[0051] Improper (unintended) movement may include, for example, assembling a joint or assembling portions of a joint, such as placing a roller body on a trunnion.

[0052] In particular, each roller element is supported on (only) one of the two track surfaces (i.e. on the so-called working side) by a plurality of contact areas. Preferably, (at least) three contact areas are provided.

[0053] Each raceway has, in particular, a first section and a second section along a radial direction extending transversely to the first longitudinal axis. These sections are arranged adjacent to one another along the radial direction 37. Optionally, further sections without any special function can be provided between the sections (for example, having the sole purpose of separating the first section from the second section). Each of the first and second sections is characterized in particular by a special and different shape of the surface of the raceway. The surface of each raceway is configured to be constant, in particular along the first longitudinal axis (at least in the region where each roller element moves during intended operation).

[0054] In particular, the contact areas are all located in a cross section extending transversely to the first longitudinal axis.

[0055] In particular, the contact areas are spaced apart from one another along a radial direction extending perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.

[0056] In particular, the instantaneous center of rotation of the roller body is formed only through (i.e., only by) each contact area of ​​the first region.

[0057] The first section may have exactly two contact areas (first and second contact areas) or more than two contact areas. This further contact area (hereinafter referred to as the fourth contact area) is located radially between the first and second contact areas. In particular, the second contact area is located radially between the first and third contact areas (in the second section).

[0058] The instantaneous centre of rotation is a well-known abstract concept used in kinematics, for example in transmission technology, robotics and in the design of wheel guides for vehicles.

[0059] The instantaneous center of rotation is the point in space around which, at a specific instant (infinitely small time point), a rigid body in planar motion can be considered and treated as only rotating. The velocity at the instantaneous center of rotation is zero at that time, or becomes so if the rigid body extends to the instantaneous center of rotation. In particular, the instantaneous center of rotation is formed by the intersection of the surface normal of the first contact area with the surface normal of the second contact area. In particular, the surface normal of any fourth contact area also extends through the instantaneous center of rotation.

[0060] The roller element (or the outer ring of the roller element) is in contact with the raceway surface of the first region via a contact area (in the first region) on the active side. An instantaneous center of rotation requires that each contact area forms a pivot joint with a joint axis (instantaneous center of rotation), around which the roller element or outer ring can pivot.

[0061] In particular, the instantaneous center of rotation is always formed only by the contact areas of the first region. The first and second regions of each raceway are specifically defined (based on the shape and contour of that raceway) and are therefore fixed and unchangeable. In particular, this means that the instantaneous center of rotation is always formed only by the contact areas of the first region, while the contact areas of the second region always support rotation about the instantaneous center of rotation 22.

[0062] In this way, the location of each contact area is always defined or determined by the particular configuration of the raceway surfaces.

[0063] However, the second section has at least one (exactly one) contact area, and in this contact area the roller body is supported so that it cannot rotate (pivot) around the instantaneous center of rotation (when torque is transmitted and the raceway surface is in contact with the active side).

[0064] The contact areas are arranged along the trunnion axis or radially, such that the contact areas arranged in the second region always support the roller element or the outer ring against rotation about the instantaneous center of rotation on the active side, at least during the intended operation of the tripod joint.

[0065] In particular, each contact area of ​​the first section serves to position or stabilize the roller element or outer ring along the radial direction (relative to the recess or raceway, i.e., relative to the outer joint part), in particular stabilization meaning that the roller element always automatically returns to this position (in particular due to the applied torque and the contact area between the roller element and the raceway).

[0066] In particular, each contact area of ​​the first section (further) controls, in particular reduces or prevents, pivoting (so-called tilt or pitch) of the roller element (or outer ring) about a first pivot axis (tilt or pitch axis) that extends transversely to the axis of rotation and transversely to the respective raceway surfaces, thereby avoiding contact between the roller element or outer ring and the contact surfaces (in the recesses, along the circumferential direction, between the raceway surfaces).

[0067] In particular, the pivoting (so-called rolling movement) of the roller element (or outer ring) about a second pivot axis (rolling axis) extending transversely to the rotation axis and parallel to the raceway surface is controlled, i.e., in particular reduced or prevented, via at least one contact area in the second region, thereby making it possible to avoid contact between the roller element or outer ring and the driven raceway surface.

[0068] In particular, the special configuration of each raceway and each roller element can prevent contact between the roller elements and the outer joint part (on other normal contact surfaces or on the passive side) in other (unintended) contact areas, so that the ACFG value can also be used to reduce or prevent unwanted noise.

[0069] In particular, when the joint operates as intended and the roller body does not pivot within the recess (i.e. when the joint is in an extended position), the pivoting about the first pivot axis can be limited to an amount of at most 10°, in particular not more than 5°, preferably not more than 3°, particularly preferably not more than 1°, and most preferably not more than 0 (zero)°.

[0070] In particular, in the intended operation of the joint and starting from a position in which the roller body does not pivot within the recess (i.e. the joint is in an extended position), pivoting about the second pivot axis is limited to an amount of at most 5°, in particular at most 3°, preferably limited to a maximum of 2°, particularly preferably limited to a maximum of 1° or is completely suppressed (0° pivoting).

[0071] In particular, the roller body is (during the intended operation of the joint) supported by exactly three contact areas of the raceway surface, the instantaneous center of rotation being formed only by the first and second contact areas located in the first area, and the third contact area located in the second area only supports the roller body against rotation about the instantaneous center of rotation.

[0072] In particular, in the intended operation of the multipod joint, each roller body will at any one time contact its corresponding recess on a respective one of the track surfaces only through a majority of the contact area, preferably only through the first, second and third contact areas (and optionally also through the fourth contact area).

[0073] In particular, in the extended configuration of the multipod joint, i.e., when the longitudinal axes are coaxially aligned with one another (in which case the deflection angle is 0°), the raceways and roller elements are configured so that the contact areas are located at corresponding distances from the trunnion axis, where the distances differ from one another by at most 10%, in particular by at most 5%, preferably by at most 2%, and even by at most 1% of the minimum distance (and in particular are all the same size). In particular, if a fourth contact area (fourth) distance exists, this distance has a larger deviation. In particular, the fourth contact area (fourth) distance is greater than the distances of the other contact areas.

[0074] If the distances are as equal as possible, sliding friction in the contact area between the roller element and the raceway surface (when the roller element rolls along the raceway surface) can be minimized.

[0075] In particular, in the extended configuration of the multipod joint, i.e., when the longitudinal axes are coaxially aligned with one another, and in a cross section extending transversely to the longitudinal axes, the raceways and roller elements are configured such that, in each contact area, a surface normal to the surface of the roller element has a contact angle between the surface normal and a tangential direction. The tangential direction extends transversely to the trunnion axis and the longitudinal axis. The contact angle of the (first and second) contact areas forming the instantaneous center of rotation is at most 5°, in particular at most 8°, and preferably at most 10°. Preferably, the contact angle of the (first and second) contact areas forming the instantaneous center of rotation is at most 45°, preferably at most 30°, and particularly preferably at most 20°.

[0076] In particular, if there is a fourth contact angle of the fourth contact area, this contact angle is smaller than the contact angles of the first contact area and the second contact area, and in particular, the fourth contact angle is 0°.

[0077] In particular, the contact angles of each of the (first and second) contact areas forming the instantaneous centre of rotation are equal in absolute value or differ in absolute value, in particular they differ from each other by 1 to 10°, preferably 1 to 5°.

[0078] In particular, the first contact angle is larger than the second contact angle, and the second contact angle is located radially between the first and third contact angles. In particular, the first contact angle is oriented differently from the second contact angle and from the third contact angle (if the third contact angle is not equal to zero). In particular, the sum of the second and third contact angles differs from the value of the first contact angle by at most 10°, preferably by at most 5°, particularly preferably by at most 2°, or in particular corresponds to the value of the first contact angle.

[0079] In particular, the contact angle of the (third) contact area, which only supports the roller body against rotation about the instantaneous center of rotation, is smaller than the contact angles of the (first and second) contact areas which form the instantaneous center of rotation, and in particular the contact angle of this (third) contact area is at most 10°, preferably at most 5°, particularly preferably at most 2°, or even 0°.

[0080] In particular, the contact angle of the (third) contact area, which only supports the rotation of the roller body about the instantaneous center of rotation, is less than 1°.

[0081] In particular, in the first section, which has the (first and second) contact areas in contact with each contact area or which form the instantaneous center of rotation of the roller element, the raceway has a gothic shape (i.e., configured as a pointed arch made of two circular arcs) in a cross section extending transversely to the first longitudinal axis. If a fourth contact area is provided, it is located radially between the first and second contact areas. The raceway may, for example, have a shape such that the pointed arches differ from each other.

[0082] The shape of the raceway and the first profile are configured so that there is a specific relationship between the distance of each of the (first and second) contact areas in the first region and the difference between the (first, second, fourth) distances, which is determined by the distance (or its unsigned absolute value in millimeters) parallel to the axis of rotation (of the extended joint) between the first and second contact areas, and the difference (or its unsigned absolute value in millimeters) between the smaller of the first distance (first contact area) and the second distance (second contact area) and the fourth distance (fourth contact area).

[0083] Regarding distance, the following applies: Distance = First Contact Area - Second Contact Area For the difference, if the first distance is the smaller distance: Difference = 4th distance - 1st distance Or, if the second distance is the smaller distance: Difference = 4th distance - 2nd distance As for the ratio: ratio = distance / difference The ratio is in particular greater than 1.5, preferably between 4 and 1.5, particularly preferably between 2.5 and 1.5.

[0084] The arcs may have the same or different radii, and the (first and second) contact areas between the roller body and the raceway surface are located on the arcs or on the sides of the pointed arches. Depending on the (first and second) contact angles, the shape of the pointed arches and the shape of the arcs, the (first and second) contact areas are located at equal or different distances from the trunnion axis.

[0085] In particular, in the second section, which is in contact with the (third) contact area that only supports the roller body for rotation about the instantaneous center of rotation, the raceway surface has a shape in cross section extending transversely to the first longitudinal axis that is straight, concave (i.e., curved away from the roller body) or convex (i.e., curved towards the roller body). If the second section is configured straight, the shapes in cross section may in particular extend parallel to one another or be inclined to one another and thus open or closed towards the second longitudinal axis. If arranged parallel, the shapes in cross section may also be inclined with respect to the rotation axis or trunnion axis (in the extended position of the joint).

[0086] In particular, in a cross section including the rotation axis, the roller body has a first contour of the outer peripheral surface in a first region, which includes each of the contact areas (first, second, and if there is a fourth) and a second contour of the outer peripheral surface in a second region, which includes at least one (third) contact area.

[0087] The first contour may be defined by one or more radii or may have a curved shape. For example, the first contour may have a first curvature (defined by at least one radius) at a first contact area and a similar or different second curvature (defined by at least one radius) at a second contact area. In particular, between the curves at each contact area, the first contour may also have additional lines (including straight lines).

[0088] In particular, the first contour is defined by a first radius (i.e., spherical) and the second contour is defined by a second radius (i.e., spherical or elliptical), and in particular, the radii are different or the same size.

[0089] In particular, the second radius is larger than the first radius, in particular at least 1.1 times or at least 1.2 times larger (ie second radius=multiple times first radius).

[0090] Alternatively, the radii are the same size.

[0091] When the radii are the same size, the two raceway surfaces of the recesses that the roller elements contact can be configured to be different from each other, thereby resulting in different arrangements of the first and second regions on each raceway surface.

[0092] In particular, the PCR1 of the inner joint part and the PCR2 of the outer joint part are arranged along the radial direction between the instantaneous center of rotation and the at least one third contact area, each PCR being the pitch radius of the corresponding joint part.

[0093] The definition of pitch circle radius (also called PCR) is generally known, especially for multipod joints.

[0094] The pitch radius (PCR1) of the trunnion or inner joint part is the so-called effective radius. It is defined for the extended joint, i.e. for the case when the longitudinal axes are coaxial with each other. The effective radius determines the lever arm of the resultant force when torque is transmitted. Therefore, the pitch radius of the trunnion or inner joint part is the radius emanating from the second longitudinal axis of the inner joint part, on which the centers of the sliding surfaces of the spherical trapezoid of the trunnion are located, for example, when the joint is extended.

[0095] The pitch radius of the outer joint part (PCR2) and the pitch radius of the recess are also referred to here as the so-called effective radius. This is determined for the extended joint, i.e. for the case where the longitudinal axes are arranged coaxially with respect to one another. The effective radius determines the lever arm of the resultant force when a torque is transmitted.

[0096] Further claimed herein is a vehicle equipped with at least one multipod joint according to the present invention.

[0097] The indefinite articles ("a", "one"), particularly in the claims and in the restatements of these claims, are intended to be understood as such, rather than as numerals, and therefore the correspondingly introduced term or element is intended to be understood as occurring at least once, but in particular as possibly occurring several times.

[0098] For the avoidance of doubt, ordinal numbers ("first," "second," etc.) used herein are primarily (and only) intended to distinguish between several similar objects, sizes, or steps; i.e., these ordinal numbers do not necessarily define any dependency or ordering of these objects, sizes, or steps relative to one another. Where a dependency or ordering is necessary, this will be specified herein or will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon inspection of the actually described structures. Where a dependency or ordering is necessary, this will be specified herein or will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon inspection of the actually described structures.

[0099] In the following, the invention and the technical environment will be explained in more detail with reference to the attached figures. It should be noted that the examples described are not intended to limit the invention. In particular, the features described with respect to a particular type of joint (bipod joint or tripod joint) are also applicable to other types of joint (i.e., for example, the other of the bipod joint and tripod joint, respectively). It should be noted in particular that the figures and in particular the depicted proportions are merely schematic. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0100] [Figure 1] FIG. 10 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a first design modification of the tripod joint. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a first design modification of the tripod joint. [Figure 3] A second design variation of the tripod joint, shown in cross section in the extended position. [Figure 4] 4 shows the tripod joint according to FIG. 3 in a downwardly deflected position. [Figure 5] 5 shows the tripod joint according to FIGS. 3 and 4 in an upwardly deflected position. [Figure 6] 6 shows the tripod joint according to FIGS. 3 to 5 in a position deflected to the left. [Figure 7] 7 shows the tripod joint according to FIGS. 3 to 6 in a position deflected to the right. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of a cross section of a third design modification of the tripod joint. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of a cross section of a fourth design modification of the tripod joint. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of a cross section of a fifth design modification example of the tripod joint. [Figure 11] FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a first design modification example of the tripod joint shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of a cross section of a sixth design modification example of the tripod joint. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of a cross section of a seventh design modification of the tripod joint. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of the cross section of an eighth design modification of the tripod joint. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of the cross section of the ninth design modification example of the tripod-type joint. [Figure 16] This is a detailed view of the cross section of the tenth design variation example of the tripod joint. [Figure 17] This is a detailed view of the cross section of an eleventh design variation example of the tripod-type joint. [Figure 18] This is a detailed view of the cross section of the twelfth design variation example of the tripod joint. [Figure 19] This is a detailed view of the cross section of the 13th design variation example of the tripod joint. [Figure 20] This is a detailed view of the cross section of the 14th design variation example of the tripod-type joint. [Figure 21] This is a detailed view of the cross section of the 15th design variation example of the tripod-type joint. [Figure 22] FIG. 16 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the sixteenth embodiment of the tripod joint. [Figure 23] FIG. 19 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the seventeenth embodiment of the tripod joint. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a bipod joint. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a tripod joint according to a second embodiment in an extended state. [Figure 26] 26 shows the tripod joint according to FIG. 25 in a bent state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0101] FIG. 1 shows a detailed cross-section of a first design variation of the tripod joint 1. FIG. 2 shows a detailed cross-section of the first design variation of the tripod joint 1. FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of a second design variation of the tripod joint in an extended state. FIG. 4 shows the tripod joint 1 according to FIG. 3 in a downwardly deflected position. FIG. 5 shows the tripod joint 1 according to FIGS. 3 and 4 in an upwardly deflected position. FIG. 6 shows the tripod joint 1 according to FIGS. 3 to 5 in a leftward deflected position. FIG. 7 shows the tripod joint 1 according to FIGS. 3 to 6 in a rightward deflected position. FIGS. 1 to 7 are collectively described below.

[0102] The tripod joint 1 comprises an outer joint part 2 having a first longitudinal axis 3 and a cavity 4 extending parallel to the first longitudinal axis 3 and having an open end 5, wherein three recesses 7 extending parallel to the first longitudinal axis 3 are formed in a distributed manner within the outer joint part 2 along a circumferential direction 6 around the first longitudinal axis 3. The tripod joint 1 further comprises an inner joint part 8 having a second longitudinal axis 9. The inner joint part 8 has a central body 10 formed with three trunnions 11 having trunnion axes 12 extending radially from the second longitudinal axis 9, on which roller bodies 13 are arranged, and the roller bodies 13 are rotatable at least about the trunnion axes 12.

[0103] Each roller body 13 extends circularly around a rotation axis 14 of the roller body 13 .

[0104] Each roller element 13 is accommodated in a recess 7 so as to be movable along the first longitudinal axis 3. Each recess 7 has two raceway surfaces 17, 18 located opposite each other in the circumferential direction 6. Each raceway surface 17, 18 has a first section 15 and a second section 16 along a radial direction 37, which extends transversely to the first longitudinal axis 3. When torque is transmitted in the circumferential direction 6, the roller element 13 is supported together with the outer ring 39 in the circumferential direction 6 via a plurality of contact areas 19, 20, 21 arranged on one of the two raceway surfaces 17, 18. In this case, only the contact area 19, 20 of the first section 15 (on one of the raceway surfaces 17, 18) forms the instantaneous center of rotation 22 of the roller element 13, and at least one contact area 21 of the second section 16 only supports the roller element 13 against rotation about the instantaneous center of rotation 22.

[0105] Each roller body 13 extends annularly around its rotation axis 14. Each roller body 13 has a first region 44 and a second region 45 along the rotation axis 14. The regions 44, 45 are arranged adjacent to each other along the rotation axis 14. Between the regions 44, 45, there is provided a further region that has no special function (for example, the sole purpose is to separate the first region 44 from the second region 45 or to form a transition between the regions 44 and 45). The first region 44 and the second region 45 are characterized by special contours 31, 32, respectively, of the outer circumferential surface of the roller body 13.

[0106] The roller element 13 has an outer ring 39 and an inner ring 40, which are rotatable relative to each other. To achieve this, bearings (rolling elements, in this case needle-shaped rolling elements) are arranged between the inner ring 40 and the outer ring 39. These bearings 41 are arranged in an installation space of the outer ring 39, which is limited in the direction of the rotation axis 14 by retaining rings 46. A plurality of these bearings 41 are arranged in the circumferential direction 6 around the rotation axis 14. Each bearing 41 is fixed against displacement along the rotation axis 14 by a respective retaining ring 46, which is arranged in a corresponding groove on the outer ring 39.

[0107] Rotation of the inner ring 40 relative to the outer ring 39 allows the roller bodies 13 to roll along the recesses 7 or track surfaces 17, 18 in the outer joint part 2, thereby allowing the inner joint part 8 to be displaced along the first longitudinal axis 3 relative to the outer joint part 2.

[0108] When the inner joint part 8 deflects relative to the outer joint part 2, the roller bodies 13 continue to be guided by the respective raceways 17, 18 and at least the trunnions 11 pivot or pivot relative to the roller bodies 13.

[0109] In this case, each roller body 13 is guided by the recess 7 in such a way that it is impossible or almost impossible to pivot or swivel each roller body 13 relative to the recess 7 .

[0110] In addition to rotating relative to one another, the inner ring 40 and the outer ring 39 can also be displaced relative to one another along the common axis of rotation 14. In this case, the displacement of the inner ring 40 toward the second longitudinal axis 9 can be limited, for example, by a retaining ring 46 (see FIG. 8, etc.), or there can be no limit (see FIGS. 1-7, etc.). The displacement of the inner ring 40 relative to the outer ring 39 away from the second longitudinal axis 9 is limited by the retaining ring 46.

[0111] The outer ring 39 and the inner ring 40, via the retaining ring 46, form (exactly one or only one) first stop 47, which limits the displacement of the inner ring 40 relative to the outer ring 39 along the axis of rotation 14, away from the second longitudinal axis 9. This first stop 47 is formed by a protrusion (retaining ring 46) on the outer ring 39, against which the inner ring 40 abuts when it is pushed as far as possible from the second longitudinal axis 9. The inner ring 40 can therefore only be displaced along this direction, i.e., along the axis of rotation 14 (away from the second longitudinal axis 9), up to the point where the stop surfaces come into contact. During intended operation, in the other direction along the axis of rotation 14 (i.e., towards the second longitudinal axis 9), the inner ring 40 can be displaced without limit, at least relative to the outer ring 39, but not relative to the trunnion 11.

[0112] The starting point or zero point of displacement is the position of the inner ring 40 when the joint 1 is not deflected (i.e. the longitudinal axes 3, 9 of the outer joint part 2 and the inner joint part 8 are coaxially arranged (see FIG. 3 )), starting from PCR1 35, i.e. starting from the PCR of the inner joint part 8. From here, at least the maximum part of the movement of the inner joint part 8 (corresponding to the ROM, i.e. the displacement path of the corresponding trunnion 11 starting from PCR1 35 along the rotation axis 14 in the direction away from the second longitudinal axis 9) is allowed by the possible displacement path towards the first stop 47. If the inner ring 40 comes into contact with the outer ring 39 at the first stop 47 before the maximum deflection angle 52 is reached, further movement of the inner joint part 8, in particular up to the maximum deflection angle 52, which is (only) reached during assembly of the joint 1, can be absorbed by the play of the corresponding roller body 13 in the corresponding recess 7 of the outer joint part 2.

[0113] When at least the rotation axis 14 and the trunnion axis 12 are arranged coaxially, the inner ring 40 forms (exactly one or only one) second stop 48 relative to the trunnion 11. The second stop 48 limits the displacement of the inner ring 40 along the trunnion axis 12 towards the second longitudinal axis 9. In intended operation, when the inner joint part 8 is arranged with the outer joint part 2 to form the tripod joint 1, the displacement of the inner ring 40 relative to the trunnion 11 along the trunnion axis 12 away from the second longitudinal axis 9 is not limited, i.e., is limited only by the first stop 47. In this case, the outer ring 39 is supported on the respective recesses 7 or raceways 17, 18, whereby the first stop 47 prevents further displacement of the inner joint part 8.

[0114] In the free-wheeling modes (push mode and sail mode), the displacement of the inner wheel 40 can be limited by means of a first stopper 47 .

[0115] In the pull mode, the displacement of the inner ring 40 can be controlled using the second stopper 48 .

[0116] The first stop 47 is arranged on a second side of the bearing 41 facing away from the second longitudinal axis 9 along the rotation axis 14 .

[0117] The first stop 47 is formed by a retaining ring 46 arranged on the outer ring 39. The retaining ring 46 is configured in the form of a so-called snap ring. The retaining ring 46 is arranged in a circumferential groove on the outer ring 39 and protrudes from the groove so that the retaining ring 46 comes into contact with the inner ring 40 when the inner ring is pushed far enough along the rotation axis 14 and away from the second longitudinal axis 9.

[0118] The installation space for each bearing 41 on the outer ring 39 is limited by a retaining ring 46 arranged on the outer ring 39. The installation space is limited on both sides of the bearing 41 by a corresponding retaining ring 46, i.e. on a first side facing towards the second longitudinal axis 9 and on a second side facing away from the second longitudinal axis 9.

[0119] Each roller body 13 is supported on one of the two raceway surfaces 17, 18 (i.e. on the so-called working side) by a number of contact areas 19, 20, 21. There are three contact areas 19, 20, 21.

[0120] Each of the raceways 17, 18 has a first section 15 and a second section 16 along a radial direction 37 extending transversely to the first longitudinal axis 3. The sections 15, 16 are arranged adjacent to each other along the radial direction 37. Between the sections 15, 16, there is provided a further section that has no special function (for example, the sole purpose is to separate the first section 15 from the second section 16 or to form a transition between the sections 15 and 16). The first section 15 and the second section 16 are characterized by a special shape of the surface of the raceway surfaces 17, 18, respectively. The surface of each of the raceway surfaces 17, 18 is configured to be constant along the first longitudinal axis 3 (at least in the region where each roller body 13 moves during intended operation).

[0121] The contact areas 19, 20, 21 are all located in a cross section extending transversely to the first longitudinal axis 3. The contact areas 19, 20, 21 are spaced apart from one another along a radial direction 37 extending transversely to the first longitudinal axis 3. An instantaneous center of rotation 22 of the roller body 13 is formed solely through (i.e., solely by) the contact areas 19, 20 of the first section 15. The instantaneous center of rotation 22 is formed by the intersection of a surface normal 26 of the first contact area 19 and a surface normal 26 of the second contact area 20.

[0122] In the case of planar motion of a rigid body (here the roller element 13 or the outer ring 39), the instantaneous center of rotation 22 is the point in space around which the body can be considered and treated as only rotating at that point in time (infinitesimal) (because it is being forced by a torque against the contours of the raceway surfaces 17, 18). The velocity at the instantaneous center of rotation is zero at that point in time.

[0123] The roller element 13 (or the outer ring 39 of the roller element 13) is in contact on the active side with the first raceway surface 17 of the first section 15 via contact areas 19, 20 (in the first region 44). The instantaneous centre of rotation 22 requires that the contact areas 19, 20 form a pivot joint with a joint axis (instantaneous centre of rotation 22), around which the roller element 13 or outer ring 39 can or does pivot.

[0124] However, the second section 16 has exactly one third contact area 21, and the roller body 13 is supported in this third contact area 21 so that it cannot rotate (swing) around the instantaneous center of rotation 22.

[0125] The instantaneous center of rotation 22 is, at any particular time, formed only by the contact areas 19, 20 of the first section 15. The first section 15 and the second section 16 of each raceway surface 17, 18 are fixed, i.e., unchangeable. This means that the instantaneous center of rotation 22 is always formed only by the contact areas 19, 20 of the first section 15, while rotation about the instantaneous center of rotation 22 is always prevented by the third contact area 21 of the second section 16.

[0126] This means that the position of the contact areas 19, 20, 21 is always defined or determined by the particular configuration of the raceway surfaces 17, 18.

[0127] The contact areas 19, 20, 21 are arranged along the trunnion axis 12 or along the radial direction 37. This arrangement is such that the third contact area 21, arranged in the second section 16, always supports the roller element 13 or the outer ring 39 against rotation about the instantaneous center of rotation 22 on the active side, at least during the intended operation of the tripod joint 1.

[0128] Thus, the position of the roller element 13 or outer ring 39 along the radial direction 37 (relative to the recess 7 or raceway surfaces 17, 18, i.e. relative to the outer joint part 2) is determined or stabilized via the contact areas 19, 20 of the first section 15. Stabilized means that the roller element 13 always automatically returns to this position (due to the form / shape of the first section 15 and the prevailing torques transmitted between the respective areas 44, 45 and the outer joint part 2 and the inner joint part 8).

[0129] Furthermore, the contact areas 19, 20 of the first section 15 control, and in particular reduce or prevent, pivoting or swiveling of the roller element 13 (or outer ring 39) about the first pivot axis 42. The first pivot axis 42 extends transversely to the rotation axis 14 and transversely to the raceways 17, 18. This means that contact between the roller element 13 or outer ring 39 and the contact surfaces of the outer joint part 2 (in the recess 7, between the raceways 17, 18 and along the circumferential direction 6) can be avoided.

[0130] The third contact area 21 of the second section 16 is used to control, i.e. in particular reduce or prevent, the roller element 13 (or outer ring 39) from pivoting or rotating about a second pivot axis 43 (see Figures 25 and 26), which extends transversely to the rotation axis 14 and parallel to the raceways 17, 18. This avoids contact between the roller element 13 or outer ring 39 and the driven raceways 17, 18.

[0131] The special configuration of the raceways 17, 18 and the roller bodies 13 or the outer ring 39 makes it possible to prevent contact between the roller bodies 13 and the outer joint part 2 in other (unintended) contact areas (on other normal contact surfaces or on the passive side), which means that the ACFG value can also be used to reduce or prevent unwanted noise.

[0132] The roller element 13 is supported (i.e., only on the working side) via exactly three contact areas 19, 20, 21 of the respective contacting raceways 17, 18 (during the intended operation of the joint 1). An instantaneous centre of rotation 22 is formed only by the first contact area 19 and the second contact area 20, which are located in the first area 15. The third contact area 21, which is located in the second area 16, only supports the roller element 13 against rotation about the instantaneous centre of rotation 22.

[0133] During the intended operation of the tripod joint 1, each roller element 13 is in contact with the corresponding recess 7 at any one time only through the majority of the contact areas 19, 20, 21, i.e., only through the first contact area 19, the second contact area 20, and the third contact area 21 on one corresponding track surface 17, 18.

[0134] The raceways 17, 18 and the roller elements 13 are configured such that in the extended configuration of the tripod joint 1 (see Figures 2, 3 and 26), i.e. when the longitudinal axes 3, 9 are coaxially aligned (deflection angle 52 is 0°), the contact areas 19, 20 and 21 are located at respective distances (first distance 23, second distance 24 and third distance 25) from the trunnion axis 12. The distances 23, 24 and 25 differ from one another by at most 1% of the maximum distances 23, 24 and 25.

[0135] If the distances 23, 24, 25 are of equal magnitude, the sliding friction between the roller element 13 and the raceway surfaces 17, 18 can be minimized in the contact areas 19, 20, 21 (when the roller element 13 rolls on the raceway surfaces 17, 18).

[0136] The raceways 17, 18 and roller elements 13 are configured such that, in the extended configuration of the tripod joint 1, i.e., when the longitudinal axes 3, 9 are coaxially aligned with one another, and in a cross section extending transversely to the longitudinal axes 3, 9, at each of the contact areas 19, 20, 21, a surface normal 26 to the surface of the roller element 13 has a contact angle (first contact angle 27, second contact angle 28, third contact angle 29) between the surface normal 26 and a tangent direction 30. The tangent direction 30 extends transversely to the trunnion axis 12 and the longitudinal axes 3, 9. The contact angles 27, 28 of the contact areas 19, 20, which form the instantaneous center of rotation 22, are each approximately 10°.

[0137] The contact angles 27, 28 of the contact areas forming the instantaneous center of rotation 22 have the same absolute value (see FIGS. 1 and 2) or different absolute values ​​(see FIGS. 19 and 20).

[0138] The third contact area (21) only supports the roller element 13 against rotation about the instantaneous center of rotation 22, and the third contact angle 29 of the third contact area 21 is smaller than the contact angles 27, 28 of the contact areas 19, 20. The third contact angle 29 of the third contact area 21 is 0° (see FIGS. 1 to 7). However, it may also be about 5° (see FIGS. 19, 21, and 22).

[0139] In the first section 15, which has the contact areas 19, 20 in contact with or forming the instantaneous center of rotation 22 of the roller body 13, the raceway surfaces 17, 18 have a gothic shape in cross section extending transversely to the first longitudinal axis 3 (i.e. configured as a pointed arch made up of two circular arcs, see for example Figures 3 to 7), in which case each circular arc may have a large radius or may be infinite, so as to obtain a conical shape (see for example Figures 1 and 2).

[0140] Each arc may have the same radius or a different radius. The contact areas 19, 20 between the roller body 13 and the raceway surfaces 17, 18 are in contact with the sides or arcs of the pointed arch. Depending on the contact angles 27, 28 or the shape of the pointed arch or arc, the contact areas 19, 20 may be positioned at equal distances 23, 24 from the trunnion axis 12 or at different distances 23, 24 from the trunnion axis 12.

[0141] In the second sections 16, which are in contact with the third contact area 21 that only supports the roller body 13 for rotation about the instantaneous center of rotation 22, the raceways 17, 18 have a shape in cross section extending transversely to the first longitudinal axis 3 that is straight (Figures 3 to 7), concave (i.e., curved away from the roller body 13, see Figures 1 and 2), or convex (i.e., curved towards the roller body 13, see Figure 13). If the second sections 16 are straight, the shapes in cross section may extend parallel to each other (see Figures 3 to 7 and Figure 22) or may be inclined relative to each other and open (see Figure 19) or closed (see Figure 21) towards the second longitudinal axis 9.

[0142] In a cross section including the rotation axis 14, the roller body 13 has a first contour 31 of the outer circumferential surface in a first region 44, which includes the contact areas 19, 20, and a second contour 32 of the outer circumferential surface in a second region 45, which includes at least one third contact area 21. The first contour 31 is formed by a first radius 33 (i.e., spherical), and the second contour 32 is formed by a second radius 34 (i.e., spherical (e.g., Figures 1 to 7) or elliptical (e.g., Figures 3 to 7 and 20)). In particular, the radii 33, 34 are different from each other or have the same size.

[0143] If the radii 33, 34 are different, the second radius 34 is larger than the first radius 33 (see Figures 3, 7 and 20).

[0144] Alternatively, the radii 33, 34 are the same size (FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0145] If the radii 33, 34 are the same size, the two track surfaces 17, 18 of the recess 7 that the roller body 13 contacts can be configured to be different from each other, thereby resulting in different arrangements of the first and second areas 15, 16 on the track surfaces 17, 18 (see, for example, Figure 17).

[0146] The PCR1 35 of the inner joint part 8 and the PCR2 36 of the outer joint part 2 are arranged along a radial direction 37 between the instantaneous centre of rotation 22 and the at least one third contact area 21 .

[0147] Fig. 8 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the third design modification of the tripod joint 1. See the explanations for Figs. 1 to 7.

[0148] In this example, the trunnion 11 is spherical and the inner ring 40 is cylindrical. The inner ring 40 is arranged on the outer ring 39 so as to be fixed in place in any direction along the rotation axis 14 by a retaining ring 46 arranged on the outer ring 39.

[0149] In a cross section including the rotation axis 14, the roller body 13 has a first contour 31 of the outer circumferential surface in a first region 44, which includes the contact areas 19, 20, and a second contour 32 of the outer circumferential surface in a second region 45, which includes at least one third contact area 21. The first contour 31 is defined by a first radius 33 (i.e., spherical), and the second contour 32 is defined by a second radius 34 (i.e., spherical), the radii 33, 34 being of equal size.

[0150] In the first section 15, which has a contact area 19, 20 that is in contact with or forms the instantaneous center of rotation 22 of the roller body 13, the raceway surfaces 17, 18 have a gothic cross section extending transversely to the first longitudinal axis 3. The circular arcs have identical radii 33, 34. The contact areas 19, 20 between the roller body 13 and the raceway surfaces 17, 18 are in contact with the sides or circular arcs of a pointed arch.

[0151] In the second region 16, which is in contact with the third contact area 21 that only supports the roller body 13 for rotation about the instantaneous center of rotation 22, the raceway surfaces 17, 18 have a linear shape in cross section extending transversely to the first longitudinal axis 3, and the shapes in the cross section are parallel to each other.

[0152] Figure 9 shows a detailed cross-section of a fourth design variant of the tripod joint 1. See the explanation for Figure 8.

[0153] In contrast to the third design variant, the inner ring 40 has a spherical sliding surface that is concave towards the trunnion 11. The inner ring 40 can slide freely along the rotation axis 14 relative to the outer ring 39.

[0154] Figure 10 shows a detailed cross-section of a fifth design variant of the tripod joint 1. See the explanation for Figure 8.

[0155] In contrast to the third design variant, the inner ring 40 has a convex sliding surface towards the trunnion 11, whereby the trunnion is cylindrical.

[0156] Displacement of the inner ring 40 relative to the outer ring 39 towards and away from the second longitudinal axis 9 is limited by respective retaining rings 46. A first stop 47 formed by the retaining rings 46 is arranged on a second side of the bearing 41, facing away from the second longitudinal axis 9, along the rotation axis 14.

[0157] Fig. 11 shows a detailed view of a first design modification of the tripod joint 1 according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Please refer to the explanations regarding Figs. 1 to 7.

[0158] Figure 12 shows a detailed cross-section of a sixth design variant of the tripod joint 1. See the explanation for Figure 11.

[0159] In contrast to the first design variation, in a cross section including the rotation axis 14, the roller body 13 has a second contour 32 of the outer circumferential surface in the second region 45, which includes at least one third contact area 21, and this second contour 32 is elliptical in shape.

[0160] Figure 13 shows a detailed cross-section of the seventh design variant of the tripod joint 1. See the explanation for Figure 12.

[0161] In contrast to the sixth design variation, in the second region 16 contacting the third contact area 21 which only supports the roller body 13 against rotation about the instantaneous center of rotation 22, the raceway surfaces 17, 18 have a convex (i.e. curved towards the roller body 13) shape in cross section extending transversely to the first longitudinal axis 3.

[0162] Fig. 14 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the eighth design modification of the tripod joint 1. See the explanations for Figs. 1 to 7.

[0163] In contrast to the first design variant, in the second section 16 in contact with the third contact area 21 which only supports the roller body 13 for rotation about the instantaneous centre of rotation 22, the raceways 17, 18 have a linear shape in cross section extending transversely to the first longitudinal axis 3. The cross sections are inclined relative to one another and therefore open towards the second longitudinal axis 9.

[0164] In contrast to the first design variant, the inner ring 40 has a stepped shape in a cross section extending transversely to the second longitudinal axis 9, so that the contact surface of the inner ring 40 interacting with the bearing 41 is offset outward along the rotation axis 14 (i.e., away from the second longitudinal axis 9) relative to the end face of the inner ring 40. The end face of the inner ring 40 is the innermost surface of the inner ring 40 (the surface most inward along the rotation axis 14, i.e., facing towards the second longitudinal axis 9). The stepped shape has portions extending at right angles to each other. Furthermore, the inner ring 40 is arranged in contact with the outer ring 39 so as to be fixed in both directions along the rotation axis 14 by a retaining ring 46 arranged on the outer ring 39.

[0165] The stepped shape allows the inner ring 40 to be pushed further along the rotation axis 14 towards the second longitudinal axis 9 .

[0166] 15 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the ninth design modification of the tripod joint 1. See the explanations for FIGS.

[0167] In contrast to the second embodiment, the track surfaces 17, 18 of the recess 7 with which the roller body 13 contacts are configured differently from each other, whereby the arrangement of the first section 15 and the second section 16 on the track surfaces 17, 18 is different or interchanged.

[0168] Figure 16 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the tenth design variant of the tripod joint 1. See the explanation for Figure 14.

[0169] In contrast to the eighth design variation, in the second region 16 contacting the third contact area 21 which only supports the roller body 13 against rotation about the instantaneous center of rotation 22, the raceway surfaces 17, 18 have a linear shape in cross section extending transversely to the first longitudinal axis 3, and these shapes are parallel to each other.

[0170] Figure 17 shows a detailed cross-section of an eleventh design variant of the tripod joint 1. See the explanation for Figure 16.

[0171] In contrast to the tenth design variation, in the second region 16 contacting the third contact area 21 that only supports the roller body 13 against rotation about the instantaneous center of rotation 22, the track surfaces 17, 18 have a concave shape (i.e., a shape curved away from the roller body 13) in a cross section extending transversely to the first longitudinal axis 3.

[0172] In contrast to the tenth embodiment, in a cross section including the rotation axis 14, the roller body 13 has a second contour 32 of the outer circumferential surface in the second region 45, which includes at least one third contact area 21, and the second contour 32 is elliptical in shape.

[0173] Figure 18 shows a detailed cross-section of the twelfth design variant of the tripod joint 1. See the explanation for Figure 17.

[0174] In contrast to the eleventh embodiment, in the second region 16 in contact with the third contact area 21 which only supports the roller body 13 against rotation about the instantaneous center of rotation 22, the raceways 17, 18 have a linear shape in cross section extending transversely to the first longitudinal axis 3, and the shapes of the raceways 17, 18 extend parallel to each other.

[0175] Figure 19 shows a detailed cross-section of the thirteenth design variant of the tripod joint 1. See the explanation for Figure 16.

[0176] In contrast to the tenth embodiment, in the second zone 16 in contact with the third contact area 21 which only supports the roller body 13 for rotation about the instantaneous centre of rotation 22, the raceway surfaces 17, 18 have a rectilinear shape in cross section extending transversely to the first longitudinal axis 3. The shapes in cross section are inclined relative to each other and thus open towards the second longitudinal axis 9.

[0177] Furthermore, the contact angles 27, 28 of the contact areas forming the instantaneous center of rotation 22 have different absolute values.

[0178] The third contact angle 29 of the third contact area 21, which only supports the roller body 13 against rotation about the instantaneous center of rotation 22, is smaller than the contact angles 27, 28 of the contact areas 19, 20 that form the instantaneous center of rotation 22. The third contact angle 29 of this third contact area 21 is approximately 5°.

[0179] Figure 20 shows a detailed cross-section of the fourteenth design variant of the tripod joint 1. See the explanation for Figure 12.

[0180] In contrast to the sixth design modification, the contact angles 27, 28 of the contact areas 19, 20 forming the instantaneous center of rotation 22 have different absolute values.

[0181] Like the sixth design variant, but unlike, for example, the thirteenth design variant, the third contact angle 29 of the third contact area 21 is 0°.

[0182] Figure 21 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the fifteenth design variant of the tripod joint 1. See the explanation for Figure 19.

[0183] In contrast to the thirteenth design variant, the shape of the second sections 16 of the track surfaces 17, 18 extends linearly in cross section and is inclined relative to each other, thereby closing towards the second longitudinal axis 9.

[0184] Figure 22 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the sixteenth design variant of the tripod joint 1. See the explanations for Figures 19 and 21.

[0185] In contrast to the thirteenth and fifteenth embodiments, the shape of the second sections 16 of the raceways 17, 18 in cross section is straight and parallel to one another and is inclined relative to the axis of rotation 14 or trunnion axis 12 when the tripod joint is extended.

[0186] Figure 23 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of a seventeenth embodiment of the tripod joint 1. See the explanations for Figures 1 to 7.

[0187] In the first section 15 contacting or having the contact area 19, 20, 49, the raceway surfaces 17, 18 have a gothic shape (i.e. configured as a pointed arch made of two circular arcs) in a cross section extending transversely to the first longitudinal axis 3. Between the circular arcs, the raceway surfaces 17, 18 have a rectilinear shape that differs from the gothic shape.

[0188] The first section 15 is provided with two or more contact areas 19, 20. A further fourth contact area 49 is disposed along the radial direction 37 between the first contact area 19 and the second contact area 20. The surface normal 26 of the fourth contact area 49 extends through the instantaneous center of rotation 22.

[0189] In the intended operation of the multipod joint 1, each roller body 13 will, at any one time, contact its corresponding recess 7 only through the majority of the contact areas 19, 20, 21, 50 on each respective track surface 17, 18, i.e., only through the first, second, third, and fourth contact areas 19, 20, 21, 50.

[0190] In the extended configuration of the tripod joint 1, i.e., when the longitudinal axes 3, 9 are coaxially aligned with one another (in which case the deflection angle 52 is 0°), the raceways 17, 18 and the roller elements 13 are configured such that the contact areas 19, 20, 21 are located at corresponding distances 23, 24, 25, respectively, from the trunnion axis 12. The distances 23, 24, 25 deviate from one another by at most 1% of the smallest (first, second, third) distances. The fourth distance 50 of the fourth contact area 49 has a larger deviation from the other distances 23, 24, 25. The fourth distance 50 of the fourth contact area 49 is greater than the distances 23, 24, 25 of the other contact areas 19, 20, 21.

[0191] The fourth contact angle 51 of the fourth contact area 49 is smaller than the contact angles 27, 28 of the first contact area 19 and the second contact area 20. The fourth contact angle 51 is equal to 0°.

[0192] In the second section 16, which contacts the third contact area 21 that only supports the roller body 13 against rotation about the instantaneous center of rotation 22, the track surfaces 17, 18 have a shape that is linear and parallel to each other in cross section extending transversely to the first longitudinal axis 3.

[0193] In a cross section including the rotation axis 14, the roller body 13 has a first outer peripheral contour 31 in a first region 44, which includes contact areas 19, 20, 49, and a second outer peripheral contour 32 in a second region 45, which includes a third contact area 21. The first contour 31 is defined by a first radius 33 (i.e., spherical), and the second contour 32 is defined by a second radius 34 (i.e., elliptical). The radii 33, 34 are configured to be different from each other, and the second radius 34 is larger than the first radius 33.

[0194] The shape of the raceway surface 17 and the first profile 31 are configured so that there is a specific relationship between the difference 54 of the distances 23, 24, 50 and the distance 53. The ratio is formed by the distance 53 (or its unsigned absolute value) parallel to the axis of rotation 14 between the first contact area 19 and the second contact area 20 and the difference 54 (or its unsigned absolute value) between the smaller of the first distance 23, the second distance 24 and the fourth distance 50: i.e., ratio = distance 53 / difference 54. The ratio is greater than 1.5.

[0195] Figure 24 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of a multipod joint 1 configured as a bipod joint 1. See the explanations for Figures 1 to 23. The trunnion 11 has a spherical sliding surface and is disposed on an inner ring 40 having a spherical contact surface. The inner ring 40 can slide freely relative to the outer ring 39 along the rotation axis 14.

[0196] Unlike all other design variations, the roller element 13 only comprises an outer ring 39 and an inner ring 40. The bearing 41 present in the other design variations is not present, so that the inner ring 40 is directly and rotatably mounted on the outer ring 39. However, this configuration without the bearing 41 can also be implemented in other multipod joints 1 (e.g. tripod joints).

[0197] Figure 25 shows a side cross-sectional view of a tripod joint 1 according to a second embodiment in a vehicle 38 (as shown). Figure 26 shows the tripod joint 1 according to Figure 25 in a bent state.

[0198] The tripod joint 1 comprises an outer joint part 2 having a first longitudinal axis 3 and a cavity 4 extending parallel to the first longitudinal axis 3 and having an open end 5. Three recesses 7 extending parallel to the first longitudinal axis 3 are formed in the outer joint part 2 in a distributed manner along a circumferential direction 6 extending around the first longitudinal axis 3. The tripod joint 1 further comprises an inner joint part 8 having a second longitudinal axis 9. The inner joint part 8 has a central body 10 on which three trunnions 11 are formed, the trunnions 11 having trunnion axes 12 extending radially from the second longitudinal axis 9. A roller element 13 rotatable around at least the trunnion axis 12 is arranged on each trunnion 11.

[0199] Each roller element 13 extends in an annular shape around an axis of rotation 14 of the roller element 13 .

[0200] Each roller element 13 is accommodated in a recess 7 so as to be movable along the first longitudinal axis 3. Each recess 7 has two raceway surfaces 17, 18 located opposite each other in the circumferential direction 6.

[0201] The roller element 13 comprises an outer ring 39 and an inner ring 40 that are rotatable relative to each other. To this end, bearings 41 (rolling elements, in this case needle-shaped rolling elements) are arranged between the inner ring 40 and the outer ring 39. These bearings 41 are arranged in an installation space of the outer ring 39, which is limited in the direction of the rotation axis 14 by retaining rings 46. A plurality of these bearings 41 are arranged in the circumferential direction 6 around the rotation axis 14. The bearings 41 are fixed against displacement along the rotation axis 14 by retaining rings 46 that are arranged in corresponding grooves on the outer ring 39.

[0202] The inner joint part 8 is displaceable relative to the outer joint part 2 along the first longitudinal axis 3 and is deflectable relative to the outer joint part 2 by a deflection angle 52 (see Figure 26). The deflection angle 52 is the minimum angle between the first longitudinal axis 3 and the second longitudinal axis 9. When the joint 1 is in an extended state, the deflection angle 52 is 0° (see Figure 25). When the joint 1 is in a bent state, the deflection angle 52 is greater than 0° (see Figure 26). [Explanation of symbols]

[0203] 1 Tripod joint 2 Outer joint part 3 First longitudinal axis 4 cavities 5 ends 6 Circumferential direction 7. Recess 8 Inner joint part 9 Second Longitudinal Axis 10 Centrosome 11 Trunnion 12 Trunnion axis 13 Roller body 14 Rotation axis 15 1st area 16 Second area 17 First orbital plane 18 Second orbital plane 19 First Contact Area 20 Second Contact Area 21 Third Contact Area 22 Instantaneous rotation center 23 First Distance 24 Second Distance 25 The Third Distance 26 surface normals 27 First Contact Angle 28 Second Contact Angle 29 Third Contact Angle 30 Tangential direction 31 First Contour 32 Second Contour 33 First Radius 34 Second Radius 35 Pitch circle radius PCR1 (inner joint part) 36 Pitch circle radius PCR2 (outer joint part) 37 Radial 38 vehicles 39 Outer ring 40 Inner Circle 41 Supporting body 42 First rotation axis (tilt / pitch axis) 43 Second pivot axis (rolling axis) 44 First Area 45 Second Area 46 Retaining ring 47 First Stopper 48 Second Stopper 49 Fourth Contact Area 50 Fourth Distance 51 Fourth Contact Angle 52 Deflection angle 53 distance 54 difference

Claims

1. A multipod joint (1), It comprises an outer joint part (2) and an inner joint part (8), The outer joint part (2) has a first longitudinal axis (3) and a cavity (4) extending parallel to the first longitudinal axis (3) and having an open end (5); At least two recesses (7) extending parallel to said first longitudinal axis (3) are distributed along a circumferential direction (6) around said first longitudinal axis (3), The inner joint part (8) has a second longitudinal axis (9), The inner joint part (8) has at least one central body (10) formed with at least two trunnions (11) having trunnion axes (12) extending radially from the second longitudinal axis (9); A roller body (13) is disposed on each of the trunnions (11), and the roller body (13) is rotatable at least around the trunnion axis (12); Each of the roller bodies (13) extends circularly around a rotation axis (14) of the roller body (13); Each of the roller bodies (13) is accommodated in a respective one of the recesses (7) so as to be movable along the first longitudinal axis (3); Each of the recesses (7) has two raceway surfaces (17, 18) located opposite each other in the circumferential direction (6), Each of the raceway surfaces (17, 18) has a first section (15) and a second section (16) along a radial direction (37) extending transversely to the first longitudinal axis (3); When a torque in the circumferential direction (6) is transmitted, the roller body (13) is supported in the circumferential direction (6) via a plurality of contact areas (19, 20, 21, 49) on one of the two raceway surfaces (17, 18), an instantaneous center of rotation (22) of the roller body (13) is formed only via the contact areas (19, 20, 49) of the first section (15), and at least one contact area (21) of the second section (16) only supports the roller body (13) against rotation around the instantaneous center of rotation (22). Multipod type joint (1).

2. A multipod joint (1) according to claim 1, the roller body (13) is supported by the track surfaces (17, 18) via exactly three contact areas (19, 20, 21); The instantaneous center of rotation (22) is formed only by the first contact area (19) and the second contact area (20) arranged in the first section (15), a third contact area (21) located in the second section (16) only supports the roller body (13) against rotation about the instantaneous center of rotation (22); Multipod type joint (1).

3. A multipod joint (1) according to claim 1 or 2, In the intended operation of the multipod joint (1), each of the roller bodies (13) is in contact with the corresponding recess (7) only through a majority of the contact area (19, 20, 21) on the corresponding one of the track surfaces (17, 18) at any one time; Multipod type joint (1).

4. A multipod joint (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the raceways (17, 18) and the roller bodies (13) are configured such that, in the extended configuration of the multipod joint (1), i.e., when the longitudinal axes (3, 9) are coaxially aligned with one another, the contact areas (19, 20, 21, 49) are located at respective distances (23, 24, 25, 50) from the trunnion axis (12); the distances (23, 24, 25, 50) differ from one another by at most 10% of the smallest distance (23, 24, 25, 50); Multipod type joint (1).

5. A multipod joint (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the raceways (17, 18) and the roller elements (13) are configured such that, in an extended configuration of the multipod joint (1), i.e., when the longitudinal axes (3, 9) are coaxially aligned with one another, and in a cross section extending transversely to the longitudinal axes (3, 9), in each of the contact areas (19, 20, 21, 50), a surface normal (26) to the surface of the roller element (13) has a contact angle (27, 28, 29, 51) between the surface normal (26) and a tangent direction (30); the contact angles (27, 28) of the contact areas (19, 20) forming the instantaneous center of rotation (22) are at least 5° each; Multipod type joint (1).

6. A multipod joint (1) according to claim 5, the contact angles (27, 28) of the contact areas (19, 20) forming the instantaneous center of rotation (22) are equal in absolute value or different in absolute value, Multipod type joint (1).

7. A multipod joint (1) according to any one of claims 5 and 6, the contact area (21) only supports the roller body (13) against rotation about the instantaneous center of rotation (22); the contact angle (29) of the contact area (21) is smaller than the contact angles (27, 28) of the contact areas (19, 20); Multipod type joint (1).

8. A multipod joint (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, the contact area (21) only supports the roller body (13) against rotation about the instantaneous center of rotation (22); the contact angle (29) of the contact area (21) has an absolute value of less than 10°; Multipod type joint (1).

9. A multipod joint (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the first section (15) of the track surface (17, 18) in contact with the contact area (19, 20) forming the instantaneous center of rotation (22) of the roller body (13) has a gothic shape in a cross section extending transversely to the first longitudinal axis (3); Multipod type joint (1).

10. A multipod joint (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the contact area (21) only supports the rotation of the roller body (13) around the instantaneous center of rotation (22); the second region (16) of the recess (7) contacting the contact area (21) has a linear, concave or convex shape in a cross section extending transversely to the first longitudinal axis (3); Multipod type joint (1).

11. A multipod joint (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, In a cross section including the rotation axis (14), the roller body (13) is a first contour (31) of the outer circumferential surface in a first region (44) including said contact regions (19, 20, 49); a second contour (32) of the outer periphery having at least one contact area (21) in a second region (45); said first contour (31) being formed by at least one first radius (33); said second contour (32) being defined by at least one second radius (34); The radii (33, 34) are different or of the same size. Multipod type joint (1).

12. A multipod joint (1) according to claim 11, The second radius (34) is greater than the first radius (33); Multipod type joint (1).

13. A multipod joint (1) according to claim 11, the radii (33, 34) are the same size, and the track surfaces (17, 18) of the recess (7) that the roller body (13) contacts are configured to be different from each other; As a result, the arrangement of the first section (15) and the second section (16) on the track surface (17, 18) is different. Multipod type joint (1).

14. A multipod joint (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, PCR1 (35) of the inner joint part (8) and PCR2 (36) of the outer joint part (2) are arranged along the radial direction (37) between the instantaneous center of rotation (22) and the third contact area (21); The PCR (35, 36) is the pitch circle radius. Multipod type joint (1).

15. A vehicle (38) comprising at least one multipod joint (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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