Sliding constant velocity ball joint and automobile

Abstract

The sliding constant velocity ball joint (1) comprises at least an outer joint part (2) having an axis of rotation (3) and a plurality of outer ball tracks (4) and a plurality of outer centerlines (5), an inner joint part (6) having a plurality of inner ball tracks (7) and a plurality of inner centerlines (8), a plurality of torque transmitting balls (9) which are assigned to one another and which form track pairs (10), the torque transmitting balls (9) being guided in the outer ball tracks (4) and the inner ball tracks (7), respectively, and a cage (11) having a plurality of cage windows (12), each of which accommodates one or more of the balls (9). The cage (11) has webs (14) between the cage windows (12) along the circumferential direction (13), which are guided on at least one of the outer joint part (2) and the inner joint part (6) via respective spherical contact surfaces (15).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sliding constant velocity ball joint, which (hereinafter also referred to as joint) can be mounted in particular on the lateral or longitudinal shaft systems of motor vehicles. In particular, the sliding constant velocity ball joint is used in floating joint shaft systems, in which a sliding constant velocity ball joint is arranged at each end of a torque transmission shaft. In particular, such joint shaft systems can be used in the region of the rear axle of rear-wheel drive motor vehicles.

[0002] In a sliding constant velocity ball joint, the inner joint part is axially displaceable relative to the outer joint part. In the case of a sliding joint, the total displacement distance (i.e. the maximum distance the inner joint part can be displaced relative to the outer joint part) is in particular at least 5 millimeters.

[0003] At least a portion of the outer ball tracks and at least a portion of the inner ball tracks may have a track inclination angle (inclination angle) (in any orientation) relative to the axis of rotation or may not have a track inclination angle, i.e. extend parallel to the axial or rotation axis. When the joint is in a straight position or arrangement (i.e. when the inner joint part is not bent relative to the outer joint part), the inner joint part can be displaced along a common axis of rotation relative to the outer joint part, thereby maintaining said axes of rotation coaxially arranged with respect to one another.

[0004] In particular, the ball track bases (i.e. in the case of each outer ball track, the area of ​​each ball track which is at the greatest distance from the axis of rotation and in the case of each inner ball track, the area of ​​each ball track which is at the smallest distance from the axis of rotation of the inner joint part) or the centre lines of each ball track along the displacement distance (path of the centre points of the balls as they move along the ball tracks) are each radially spaced at a (approximately) constant distance from the axis of rotation. However, designs of sliding constant velocity ball joints are also known in which the ball track bases or centre lines are not at a constant distance from the axis of rotation, where the distance from the axis of rotation is in particular the same for (only) opposing ball tracks, but is not constant over the displacement distance or along the ball tracks.

[0005] When the inner joint part is bent, it is pivoted into a bent position (deviation from) a straight position (the rotation axis of the outer joint part and the rotation axis of the inner joint part are arranged coaxially with each other). The rotation axis of the outer joint part and the rotation axis of the inner joint part then form a bend angle (deviation from zero degrees).

[0006] The sliding constant velocity ball joint considered in this case comprises at least an outer joint part with a rotation axis and with a number of outer ball tracks and a number of outer centerlines, an inner joint part with a number of inner ball tracks and a number of inner centerlines, a number of torque-transmitting balls guided in the outer and inner ball tracks, which are assigned to each other and form track pairs, and a cage with a number of cage windows, each of which accommodates one or more of the balls. The cage has webs between the cage windows along the circumferential direction, which are guided in a known manner on at least one of the outer and inner joint parts, respectively, via spherical contact surfaces. Each centerline extends along the ball track from a first end region through an intermediate region to a second end region. In a sliding constant velocity ball joint in a straight arrangement, the centerlines of at least some of the track pairs extend inclined in the circumferential direction. Thus, each centerline has a slope with respect to an axial direction parallel to the rotation axis. Each centerline of one track pair is inclined in opposite directions.

[0007] When the inner joint part is displaced relative to the outer joint part, the balls move (e.g. roll, slide, slide, etc.) in the ball tracks, guided by the tracks. Ideally, the cage moves only half the length of the displacement distance of the inner joint part relative to the outer joint part. No relative rotation occurs between the inner joint part, the outer joint part, and the cage in the circumferential direction. Therefore, in order for the ball tracks to tilt in the axial direction, it is necessary for the cage to have a cage window that is wide enough so that the balls can be displaced in the circumferential direction when the joint parts are displaced relative to each other in the axial direction. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In such a sliding constant velocity ball joint with inclined ball tracks, there is a problem that the ball tracks with tangentially oriented inclination angles cross each other depending on the displacement distance. In such a region (i.e. when the inner joint part is displaced significantly along the rotation axis relative to the outer joint part), the balls come into contact with each other and there is no force transmission surface between the ball tracks arranged adjacent to each other, so that the sliding constant velocity ball joint cannot be operated. If the balls are made as large as possible while keeping the package size of the sliding constant velocity ball joint (the maximum diameter of the sliding constant velocity ball joint) small in order to be able to transmit high torques, the width of the cage window of the sliding constant velocity ball joint will affect the width of the webs present between the cage windows. However, the smaller the cross-sectional area of ​​this web, the more likely the cage is to be damaged.

[0009] The object of the present invention is therefore to at least partially solve the aforementioned problems and in particular to propose a sliding constant velocity ball joint which allows a cage that is as stable as possible. The web of the cage should be as wide as possible, but at the same time the package size should not be large. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A sliding constant velocity ball joint having the features according to claim 1 contributes to solving these problems. Advantageous developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims. The features recited in the claims can be combined in any technically feasible manner and may be supplemented by the illustrative technical content and details of the figures of this specification, which disclose further embodiments of the invention.

[0011] A sliding type constant velocity ball joint is proposed. This sliding type constant velocity ball joint is an outer joint portion having an axis of rotation and having a plurality of outer ball tracks and a plurality of outer centerlines; an inner joint portion having a plurality of inner ball tracks and a plurality of inner centerlines; A plurality of torque transmitting balls, a plurality of torque transmission balls, each of which is guided in a respective one of the outer and inner ball tracks, the torque transmission balls being assigned to one another and forming a track pair; a cage having a plurality of cage windows, each of the plurality of cage windows housing one or more of the balls; At least The cage has webs between the cage windows along a circumferential direction, The web is guided on at least one of the outer and inner joint parts via respective spherical contact surfaces.

[0012] Each centerline extends along the ball tracks from a first end region, through an intermediate region, to a second end region. The centerlines of at least some of the track pairs extend circumferentially at an incline, i.e., have a slope relative to an axial direction that is parallel to the axis of rotation. Each centerline of a track pair is inclined in opposite directions.

[0013] Furthermore, it has at least one of the following characteristics a) and b). a) The amount of slope of each centerline of at least one track pair (particularly half of the track pairs, and preferably all of the track pairs) is gradually decreased at least in the end regions and is decreased from the middle region. b) two balls are arranged within one cage window, and the assigned track pairs are arranged at a pitch relative to each other along the circumferential direction, the pitch being smaller than the pitch between one of the assigned track pairs and a track pair adjacent to it in the circumferential direction;

[0014] Features a) and b) may be either one or in combination.

[0015] The centre line of each ball track (the path of the centre point of the ball during its movement along the ball track) extends along the axis of rotation or axial direction of each of the joint parts from a first end region (where the ball track starts) to a second end region (where the ball track ends). In known sliding constant velocity ball joints, the centre line has a constant slope over all regions, i.e. a constant track inclination or tilt angle.

[0016] In particular, each of the end regions is the same length (in axial projection). In particular, all of the regions (end regions and intermediate region) are the same length. In particular, the intermediate region is about twice as long as the end regions, and these end regions are each the same length. In particular, each region constitutes at least 20% of the total length of the centerline (each in axial projection).

[0017] A first embodiment of the sliding constant velocity ball joint includes at least one track pair having a centerline slope that gradually decreases in amount at least in the end regions and decreases from the middle region, and more preferably the slope decreases from the middle region and decreases similarly in both end regions.

[0018] The spherical paths or centerlines distributed along the circumferential direction can also be represented in an unfolded state, i.e. as a two-dimensional planar image rather than a spatial image. Centerlines with a constant gradient are represented by straight lines. Centerlines with a gradually decreasing gradient proposed in this specification are represented in particular by S-curves or sinusoidal curves.

[0019] In particular, the shape of the centre lines in the unfolded state can be freely defined, each with a partially connected shape with tangential transitions, in particular at least one centre line has an at least partially curved path, the curvature of which can be constant or variable.

[0020] The gradient of the centre line gradually decreases from the middle region, resulting in a larger circumferential distance between the ball tracks in the end regions, or a smaller circumferential displacement of the balls as the joint parts move in opposite axial directions, which results in a wider web between the ball tracks and a corresponding wider web of the cage between the cage windows.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the diameter of each or all of the balls can be increased, which, if the cage is strong enough, can increase the torque capacity or fatigue strength of the sliding constant velocity ball joint.

[0022] A second embodiment of the sliding type constant velocity ball joint includes two balls arranged within one cage window, and the assigned track pairs are arranged at a pitch relative to each other along the circumferential direction, the pitch being smaller than the pitch between one of the assigned track pairs and a track pair adjacent to the assigned track pair in the circumferential direction.

[0023] In particular, the cage window extends along the circumferential direction over the two track pairs and accommodates two balls. In such a cage window, there is no web between the two balls. A corresponding contact surface with the outer and / or inner joint part is therefore not necessary. This circumstance allows the ball tracks of these two track pairs to be arranged as close together as possible in the circumferential direction (small pitch, i.e. small angular distance), so that the track pairs (which guide the balls arranged in the other cage window) can be arranged as far apart as possible from each other (large pitch, i.e. large angular distance). Between these ball tracks arranged as far apart as possible from each other, a corresponding wide web can be provided in the cage in the circumferential direction. This allows in particular to increase the corresponding contact surface on the outer and / or inner joint part.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the diameter of each or all of the balls can be increased, which, if the cage is strong enough, can increase the torque capacity or fatigue strength of the sliding constant velocity ball joint.

[0025] The various embodiments described herein can be implemented independently or in combination with one another in a sliding constant velocity ball joint.

[0026] In particular, the gradient is constant at least in the intermediate region.

[0027] In particular, the balls of at least two track pairs are arranged within the same cage window (sliding constant velocity ball joint according to the second embodiment), and the at least two track pairs each have a unique, constant gradient centerline.

[0028] In particular, in at least two track pairs, the balls are arranged in the same cage window (sliding constant velocity ball joint according to the second embodiment), and in at least two track pairs, the amount of slope of the respective center lines gradually decreases at least in the end regions and decreases from the middle region (sliding constant velocity ball joint according to the first embodiment).

[0029] In particular, the sliding constant velocity ball joint has 6+2n balls (n=0, 1, 2,...), i.e., 6, 8, 10, 12, etc. The track pairs alternate along the circumferential direction between centerlines with their own constant slope and centerlines with a gradually decreasing slope at least in the end regions and decreasing from the middle region.

[0030] In particular, the gradient corresponds to the inclination angle of the centerline relative to the axial direction, the inclination angle being at least 16 degrees.

[0031] In particular, the tilt angle is between 2 degrees and 16 degrees.

[0032] In particular, when the sliding constant velocity ball joint is in a straight alignment, the centerlines of at least some of the track pairs extend a substantially constant distance from the axis of rotation (i.e., there is no tilt angle or the tilt angle of the ball tracks is zero degrees).

[0033] In particular, the inner and outer ball tracks are inclined in the radial direction at a (constant) tilt angle with respect to the axial direction. In particular, the ball tracks of a track pair are inclined in the same direction. Due to the tilt angle, the center lines of the pair of tracks are located closer to the axis of rotation in one end region and farther from the axis of rotation in the other end region.

[0034] In particular, the tilt angle is between 2 degrees and 16 degrees.

[0035] In particular, adjacent ones of the outer ball tracks are inclined in different directions in the circumferential direction, and adjacent ones of the inner ball tracks are inclined in different directions.

[0036] In particular, the slope corresponds to the tilt angle of the centerline relative to the axial direction. In particular, at least some of the track pairs (having a tilt angle greater than zero degrees) have outer and inner ball tracks whose respective tilt angles of their centerlines are zero degrees.

[0037] In particular, sliding constant velocity ball joints have balls with different diameters, and in particular opposing track pairs have balls with the same diameter.

[0038] In particular, the inner joint part is axially displaceable by at least 5 millimeters relative to the outer joint part.

[0039] Furthermore, a motor vehicle is proposed which comprises at least one sliding type constant velocity ball joint as proposed herein, in particular a sliding type constant velocity ball joint intended for application in passenger cars.

[0040] Furthermore, the vehicle includes a drive unit and each wheel, and includes at least one sliding constant velocity ball joint, such as a sliding constant velocity ball joint designed to transmit torque from the drive unit to each wheel.

[0041] The description of the sliding constant velocity ball joint is particularly applicable to automobiles and vice versa.

[0042] In particular, in the claims and in the restatements of these claims, the indefinite articles ("ein", "eine", "einer", "eines") are intended to be understood as such, rather than as numerals, and therefore the correspondingly introduced terms or elements are intended to be understood as occurring at least once, but in particular as possibly occurring several times.

[0043] For the avoidance of doubt, ordinal numbers used herein ("first," "second," etc.) are primarily intended to distinguish between several similar objects, values, or steps; i.e., these ordinal numbers do not necessarily define any dependency or ordering of these objects, values, or steps relative to one another. If a dependency or ordering is necessary, this will either be set forth herein or will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon inspection of the actually described configuration. Where an element may occur more than once ("at least one"), a description of one of those elements may, but does not necessarily, apply equally to all or some of those elements.

[0044] The present invention and technical background will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the detailed embodiments do not intend to limit the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, it is possible to extract partial features of the technical contents described in the drawings and combine them with other components and the knowledge of this specification. It should be noted that the drawings and the ratios shown in the drawings are merely schematic. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0045] [Figure 1] 1 shows a plan view of a car. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the sliding type constant velocity ball joint as viewed from the axial direction. [Diagram 3] 3 is a vertical sectional view of the sliding type constant velocity ball joint in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] The ball track of the joint is deployed. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a comparison diagram of different ball tracks in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] The ball tracks of the known joint are shown in the deployed position. [Figure 7] This shows the ball track of the joint of the first modified example in an expanded state. [Figure 8] This shows the ball track of the joint of the second variant in an expanded state. [Figure 9] This shows the ball track of the joint of the third modified example in an expanded state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0046] Figure 1 is a schematic top view of a motor vehicle 27. The motor vehicle 27 comprises a drive unit 28 (engine) and a gearbox 30. Torque is transmitted from the drive unit 28 via the gearbox 30 to several linkages 31, 32. In the area of ​​the front axle (here in the upper part of the figure) two side shaft mechanisms 31 are shown. One side shaft mechanism 31 (right in Figure 1) is linked to the gearbox 30 via a differential 33.

[0047] Torque is transmitted from the gearbox 30 to each shaft 34 via a differential 33 or via a sliding constant velocity ball joint 1 of the other lateral shaft mechanism 31 (left in Figure 1) having an outer joint part 2, a ball 9 and an inner joint part 6, and from there to another sliding constant velocity ball joint 1 or a constant velocity (fixed) joint connected to the wheels 29.

[0048] Further alternatively or additionally, torque can be transmitted from the gearbox 30 via a sliding constant velocity ball joint 1 to a longitudinal shaft mechanism 32. The torque is transmitted via the longitudinal shaft mechanism 32 to a (rear axle) differential 33. The torque is transmitted via the (rear axle) differential 33 to the respective side shaft mechanisms 31. Each side shaft mechanism 31 is provided with two constant velocity ball joints 1, which are connected to each other by respective shafts 34.

[0049] Fig. 2 is a front view of the sliding type constant velocity ball joint 1 as viewed from the axial direction 19. Fig. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the sliding type constant velocity ball joint 1 (taken along line III-III in Fig. 2). Figs. 2 and 3 will be explained together below.

[0050] The sliding constant velocity ball joint 1 comprises an outer joint part 2 having an axis of rotation 3 and an outer ball track 4 and an outer centerline 5, an inner joint part 6 having an inner ball track 7 and an inner centerline 8, a plurality of torque transmitting balls 9 forming track pairs 10 and guided in the assigned outer ball track 4 and inner ball track 7, and a cage 11 having a plurality of cage windows 12 for accommodating one or more of these balls 9, the cage 11 having webs 14 between the cage windows 12 along the circumferential direction 13, the webs 14 being guided on the outer joint part 2 respectively via spherical contact surfaces 15.

[0051] The inner joint part 6 is arranged in the outer joint part 2. Torque is transmitted between the inner joint part 6 and the outer joint part 2 via balls 9 to the outer joint part 2. The six balls 9 run in separate track pairs 10 formed by the inner ball track 7 and the outer ball track 4. The cage 11 comprises six cage windows 12 in which a ball 9 is arranged. Webs 14 extend between the cage windows 12 and are used to support the cage 11 on a contact surface 15 of the outer joint part 2. In the bent state of the sliding constant velocity ball joint 1 (a straight arrangement is shown here), the cage 11 guides the balls 9 in the common angle bisecting plane. The inner joint part 6 has splines (not shown here) for a fixed rotatable connection to the shaft 34.

[0052] The outer joint part 2 has an open side, via which the inner joint part 6 can be pressed axially into the outer joint part 2, and a closed connection side. The inner joint part 6, the cage 11 and the balls 9 are arranged in the outer joint part 2 via the open side. The cage 11 is guided via a contact surface 15 which is at least partially parallel to the axial direction 19 and is displaced relative to the outer joint part 2 by moving with an axial displacement.

[0053] When the sliding constant velocity ball joint 1 is in a straight state, the centerlines 5, 8 of the track pair 10 extend a substantially constant distance 23 from the axis of rotation 3 (hence there is no tilt angle 25 or the tilt angle 25 of the ball tracks 4, 7 is zero degrees).

[0054] In particular, the outer ball track 4 and the inner ball track 7 are inclined at a (constant) tilt angle 25 in the radial direction 24 with respect to the axial direction 19 (only shown in FIG. 3 ). The ball tracks 4, 7 of a track pair 10 are inclined in the same direction. Due to the tilt angle 25, the centre lines 5, 8 of the track pair 10 are located at a smaller distance 23 from the axis of rotation 3 in the first end region 16 and at a larger distance 23 from the axis of rotation 3 in the second end region 18.

[0055] Fig. 4 shows the ball tracks 4, 7 of the sliding type constant velocity ball joint 1 in an expanded state. Fig. 5 is a comparison diagram of different ball tracks 4, 7 in Fig. 4. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 will be explained together below. Please refer to the explanation of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3.

[0056] Each ball track 4, 7 and each centerline 5, 8, which are distributed along the circumferential direction 13, can also be represented in an unfolded state, i.e., in a two-dimensional planar image rather than spatially. Centerlines 5, 8 with a constant gradient 20 are shown as straight lines (see the three track pairs 10 on the left side of FIG. 4). Centerlines 5, 8 with a gradually decreasing gradient 20 are shown as S-curves or sinusoidal curves (see the track pairs 10 on the right side of FIG. 4).

[0057] The centre line 5, 8 of each ball track 4, 7 (the path of the centre point of the ball 9 as it moves along the ball track 4, 7) extends along the axis of rotation 3, or axial direction 19, of each joint part 2, 6, from a first end region 16 (where the ball track 4, 7 begins), through an intermediate region 17, to a second end region 18 (where the ball track 4, 7 ends). In known sliding constant velocity ball joints 1, the centre lines 5, 8 have a constant slope 20, i.e. a constant track inclination or tilt angle 22 across all regions 16, 17, 18.

[0058] The centerlines 5, 8 of the track pairs 10 are inclined in the circumferential direction 13, i.e., have a slope 20 with respect to an axial direction 19 parallel to the axis of rotation 3. Thus, each centerline 5, 8 of the track pair 10 is inclined in opposite directions. In the track pair 10 on the right side of Figure 4, the amount of slope 20 of the centerlines 5, 8 gradually decreases in either end region 16, 18 and then decreases in the middle region 17.

[0059] In figure 4 the balls 9 are each arranged at the midpoint of the intermediate region 17. In figure 5 the joint parts 2, 6 are arranged displaced relative to one another along the axial direction 19 and the balls 9 are arranged in the end regions 16, 18 of the respective ball tracks 4, 7.

[0060] In Fig. 5, different track pairs 10 are shown opposite each other. Two track pairs 10 arranged adjacent to each other along the circumferential direction 13 are each shown in an unfolded state, i.e. in a two-dimensional plan view rather than a spatial image, with their ball tracks 4, 7 or centerlines 5, 8. In the upper part of Fig. 5, two track pairs 10 of a known sliding constant velocity ball joint 1 are shown. In the lower part of Fig. 5, two track pairs 10 of said sliding constant velocity ball joint 1 according to the first embodiment are shown.

[0061] The intermediate region 17 is approximately twice as long as the end regions 16, 18, which have the same length.

[0062] The first embodiment of the sliding constant velocity ball joint 1 includes a gradient 20 of the centerlines 5, 8 of the track pair 10 that gradually decreases in amount at either end region 16, 18 and then at the mid region 17. The gradient 20 in the mid region 17 is constant.

[0063] The gradient 20 of the centre lines 5,8 gradually decreases from the middle region 17, resulting in a larger distance in the circumferential direction 13 between the ball tracks 4,7 in the end regions 16,18, or in other words a smaller displacement of the balls 9 in the circumferential direction 13 when the joint parts 2,6 are displaced in the axial direction 19. This larger distance results in a wider web 14 between the ball tracks 4,7 and accordingly a wider web 14 of the cage 11 between the cage windows 12.

[0064] Figure 6 shows the ball tracks 4, 7 of the known joint 1 in a developed state. Please refer to the description of figures 2 to 5.

[0065] In the upper part of Fig. 6, the balls 9 are each arranged at the midpoint of the intermediate region 17. In the lower part of Fig. 6, the joint parts 2, 6 are arranged displaced relative to one another along the axial direction 19, and the balls 9 are arranged in the end regions 16, 18 of the respective ball tracks 4, 7.

[0066] The track pairs 10 are arranged at the same pitch 21 (same angular distance) along the circumferential direction 13. The centre lines 5, 8 of the track pairs 10 are inclined in the circumferential direction 13, i.e. each centre line 5, 8 has a constant gradient 20 with respect to an axial direction 19 parallel to the axis of rotation 3. Thus, each centre line 5, 8 of one track pair 10 is inclined in an opposite direction. The webs 14 are respectively disposed between the cage windows 12.

[0067] 7 shows a developed state of the ball tracks 4, 7 of the joint 1 according to the first modified example (second embodiment). Please refer to the explanations of FIGS.

[0068] In the upper part of Fig. 7, the balls 9 are each arranged at the midpoint of the intermediate region 17. In the lower part of Fig. 7, the joint parts 2, 6 are arranged offset (displaced) from one another along the axial direction 19, and the balls 9 are arranged in the end regions 16, 18 of the respective ball tracks 4, 7.

[0069] The track pairs 10 are arranged along the circumferential direction 13 at different pitches 21 (different angular distances). Each centerline 5, 8 of the track pairs 10 is inclined in the circumferential direction 13 and has a constant gradient 20 with respect to an axial direction 19 parallel to the rotation axis 3. Thus, the centerlines 5, 8 of one track pair 10 are inclined in opposite directions. In the second embodiment of the sliding constant velocity ball joint 1, two balls 9 are arranged in one cage window 12, and the assigned track pairs 10 are arranged with a pitch 21 relative to each other along the circumferential direction 13, which is smaller than the pitch between one of the assigned track pairs 10 and the track pair 10 adjacent to the assigned track pair 10 in the circumferential direction 13.

[0070] The webs 14 are respectively arranged between the cage windows 12. In comparison with the design of the joint 1 shown in Fig. 6, there are two balls 9 in each cage window 12. In comparison with the webs 14 in Fig. 6, the webs 14 here are wider.

[0071] The cage window 12 extends over two track pairs 10 along the circumferential direction 13 and accommodates two balls 9. There is no web 14 between the two balls 9 in the cage window 12. A corresponding contact surface 15 with the outer joint part 2 and / or the inner joint part 6 is therefore not necessary. Due to this circumstance, the ball tracks 4, 7 of the two track pairs 10 are arranged as close to each other as possible in the circumferential direction 13 (small pitch 21, i.e. small angular distance). This allows the track pairs 10 (which guide the balls 9 arranged in the other cage window 12) to be arranged as far apart as possible (large pitch 21, i.e. large angular distance). The web 14 of the cage 11 can therefore be provided wide in the circumferential direction 13 between the ball track pairs 10 which are arranged as far apart as possible. This allows the corresponding contact surface 15 with, in particular, the outer joint part 2 and / or the inner joint part 6 to be large.

[0072] 8 shows a developed state of the ball tracks 4, 7 of the joint 1 according to the second modified example. Please refer to the explanation of FIGS.

[0073] In the upper part of Fig. 8, the balls 9 are each arranged at the midpoint of the intermediate region 17. In the lower part of Fig. 8, the joint parts 2, 6 are arranged displaced relative to one another along the axial direction 19, and the balls 9 are arranged in the end regions 16, 18 of the respective ball tracks 4, 7.

[0074] The various embodiments described above are realized in combination in the sliding type constant velocity ball joint 1.

[0075] Two balls 9 are arranged in one cage window 12, and the assigned track pairs 10 are arranged with respect to each other along the circumferential direction 13 at a pitch 21 that is smaller than the pitch between one of the assigned track pairs 10 and the adjacent track pair 10 in the circumferential direction 13 (second embodiment). The center lines 5, 8 of the track pairs 10 extend obliquely in the circumferential direction 13 and have a gradient 20 with respect to an axial direction 19 that is parallel to the rotation axis 3. The gradient 20 of the center lines 5, 8 gradually decreases in the end regions 16, 18 and decreases from the middle region 17 (first embodiment). The center lines 5, 8 of one track pair 10 are inclined in opposite directions.

[0076] 9 shows the ball tracks 4, 7 of the joint 1 according to the third modified example in a developed state. Please refer to the description of FIG.

[0077] 8, the diameters 26 of all the balls 9 are larger here. As a result, if the cage 11 is strong enough, the torque capacity and durability of the sliding-type constant velocity ball joint 1 can be increased by increasing the diameters 26 of the balls 9. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1. Sliding constant velocity ball joint 2 Outer joint part 3 Rotation Axis 4 Outer ball track 5 Outer center line 6 Inner joint part 7 Inner Ball Track 8 Inside center line 9 Ball 10 Trucks vs. 11 Cage 12 Cage window 13 Circumferential direction 14. Web 15 Contact surface 16 First end region 17 Intermediate area 18 Second End Region 19 Axial 20 Gradient 21 Pitch 22 Tilt angle 23 distance 24 Radial 25 Tilt angle 26 distance 27 Automobiles 28 Drive unit 29 Wheels 30 Gearbox 31 Side shaft mechanism 32 Forward and backward shaft mechanism 33 Differential device 34 Shaft

Claims

1. A sliding constant velocity ball joint (1), an outer joint part (2) having an axis of rotation (3) and having a plurality of outer ball tracks (4) and a plurality of outer centerlines (5); an inner joint part (6) having a plurality of inner ball tracks (7) and a plurality of inner centerlines (8); A plurality of torque transmitting balls (9), a plurality of torque-transmitting balls (9) that are assigned to one another and form track pairs (10) with a plurality of outer ball tracks (4) and a plurality of inner ball tracks (7), the torque-transmitting balls (9) being guided in the plurality of outer ball tracks (4) and the plurality of inner ball tracks (7), respectively; a cage (11) having a plurality of cage windows (12), each of which accommodates one or more of the balls (9); At least The cage (11) has webs (14) between the cage windows (12) along a circumferential direction (13), the web (14) is guided on at least one of the outer joint part (2) and the inner joint part (6) via respective spherical contact surfaces (15); the centerlines (5, 8) extend along the ball tracks (4, 7), respectively, from a first end region (16), through an intermediate region (17), to a second end region (18); the centerlines (5, 8) of at least some of the track pairs (10) extend obliquely in the circumferential direction (13), i.e., have a slope (20) with respect to an axial direction (19) parallel to the rotation axis (3); The centerlines (5, 8) of one track pair (10) are inclined in opposite directions; a) the amount of the slope (20) of the centerline (5, 8) of at least one of the track pairs (10) gradually decreases at least in the end regions (16, 18) and decreases from the middle region (5, 8); and b) two balls (9) are arranged in one cage window (12), and the assigned track pairs (10) are arranged at a pitch (21) relative to each other along the circumferential direction (13); the pitch (21) is smaller than the pitch between one of the assigned track pairs (10) and a track pair (10) adjacent to the assigned track pair (10) in the circumferential direction (13); Two adjacent inner ball tracks (7) are inclined in the circumferential direction (13), and the inclination directions are different from each other; Two adjacent outer ball tracks (4) are inclined in the circumferential direction (13), and the inclination directions are different from each other. At least one of a) and b) above Sliding constant velocity ball joint (1).

2. 2. A sliding type constant velocity ball joint (1) according to claim 1, the gradient (20) is constant at least in the intermediate region (17); Sliding constant velocity ball joint (1).

3. 3. A sliding type constant velocity ball joint (1) according to claim 1 or 2, In at least two of the track pairs (10), the balls (9) are arranged in the same cage window (12), and each has a centerline (5, 8) with a unique constant slope (20). Sliding constant velocity ball joint (1).

4. 3. A sliding type constant velocity ball joint (1) according to claim 1 or 2, In at least two of the track pairs (10), the balls (9) are arranged in the same cage window (12) and have centerlines (5, 8) with a slope (20); The amount of the gradient (20) gradually decreases at least in the end regions (16, 18) and decreases from the middle region (17). Sliding constant velocity ball joint (1).

5. A sliding type constant velocity ball joint (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The sliding constant velocity ball joint (1) comprises at least 6+2n balls (9) (n=0, 1, 2, . . . ), The track pairs (10) alternate along the circumferential direction (13) between centerlines (5, 8) each having a unique constant gradient (20) and centerlines (5, 8) having a gradient (20) that gradually decreases from the intermediate region (17) to at least the end regions (16, 18). Sliding constant velocity ball joint (1).

6. A sliding type constant velocity ball joint (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, said gradient (20) corresponds to an inclination angle (22) of said centerline (5, 8) relative to said axial direction (19); The tilt angle (22) is a maximum of 16 degrees. Sliding constant velocity ball joint (1).

7. 7. A sliding type constant velocity ball joint (1) according to claim 6, The tilt angle (22) is between 2 and 16 degrees. Sliding constant velocity ball joint (1).

8. A sliding type constant velocity ball joint (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, When the sliding constant velocity ball joint (1) is in a straight position, the centerlines (5, 8) of at least some of the track pairs (10) extend at a substantially constant distance (23) from the rotation axis (3). Sliding constant velocity ball joint (1).

9. A sliding type constant velocity ball joint (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the outer ball track (4) and the inner ball track (7) are inclined in a radial direction (24) at respective tilt angles (25) relative to the axial direction (3); Sliding constant velocity ball joint (1).

10. 10. A sliding type constant velocity ball joint (1) according to claim 9, The tilt angle (25) is between 2 and 16 degrees. Sliding constant velocity ball joint (1).

11. A sliding type constant velocity ball joint (1) according to claim 9 or 10, In the circumferential direction (13), adjacent ones of the outer ball tracks (4) are inclined in different directions, and adjacent ones of the inner ball tracks (7) are inclined in different directions. Sliding constant velocity ball joint (1).

12. A sliding type constant velocity ball joint (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, said gradient (20) corresponds to an inclination angle (22) of said centerline (5, 8) relative to said axial direction (19); At least some of the track pairs (10) an outer ball track (4) and an inner ball track (7) whose respective centerlines (5, 8) have an inclination angle (22) of zero degrees; Sliding constant velocity ball joint (1).

13. A sliding type constant velocity ball joint (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, The sliding constant velocity ball joint (1) has balls (9) each having a different diameter (26). Sliding constant velocity ball joint (1).

14. A sliding type constant velocity ball joint (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the inner joint part (6) is displaceable relative to the outer joint part (2) by at least 5 mm in the axial direction (19); Sliding constant velocity ball joint (1).

15. A motor vehicle (27) comprising a drive unit (28) and each wheel (29), at least one sliding constant velocity ball joint (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, designed to transmit torque from the drive unit (28) to the wheels (29); Automobile (27).

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