Rotary shafts – gudgeons – housings – and flexible couplings for ro – Housing – Flexible housing
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-09
2001-07-24
Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3629)
Rotary shafts, gudgeons, housings, and flexible couplings for ro
Housing
Flexible housing
C464S173000, C464S175000, C277S635000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06264568
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to a boot arrangement for a constant velocity joint and shaft assembly.
BACKGROUND ART
A constant velocity joint and shaft assembly may be provided with a joint having inner and outer races, wherein the inner race is slidable along a splined end of a shaft. A prior boot for use with such an assembly includes a first end fixed to the shaft such as with a clamp, and a second end fixed to the outer race. The boot also includes a plurality of folds that compress together as the inner race is moved in one direction, and expand as the inner race is moved in an opposite direction. This axial deformation of the boot causes undesirable stress on the boot. With such a configuration, the boot is also vulnerable to centrifugal ballooning at high speeds. Furthermore, the boot may also contact the splined end of the shaft when the joint is articulated, thereby subjecting the boot to wear.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
The present invention addresses the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a boot arrangement including a sleeve that is moveable along a shaft, and a boot that is connected to the sleeve and moveable therewith. As a result, axial deformation of the boot can be significantly reduced or eliminated. Furthermore, the sleeve effectively inhibits contact between the boot and the shaft.
Under the invention, a boot arrangement is provided for use with a constant velocity joint and shaft assembly including a shaft, a first joint part slidably engageable with the shaft, and a second joint part cooperable with the first joint part to transmit torque therebetween. The boot arrangement includes a sleeve adapted to slidably engage the shaft and having first and second ends. The second end of the sleeve is adapted to be connected to the first joint part. The arrangement further includes a boot having a first end adapted to be connected to the sleeve proximate the first end of the sleeve, and a second end adapted to be operatively connected to the second joint part.
The sleeve may comprise any suitable material that is sufficiently stiff so that the sleeve will move axially with the inner race when the sleeve is connected to the inner race. For example, the sleeve may comprise nylon reinforced plastic or glass reinforced plastic. The sleeve may also include at least one slot that is configured to allow the sleeve to expand radially. Furthermore, the sleeve may include a plurality of circumferentially distributed apertures disposed between the first and second ends of the sleeve.
While the sleeve and boot may be connected together in any suitable manner, in one embodiment of the boot arrangement the sleeve is provided with a circumferential lip, and the boot includes an annular groove engageable with the lip. Alternatively, the sleeve and the boot may be formed as a single piece.
The boot arrangement of claim may further include a seal connected to the sleeve and adapted to slidably engage the shaft. Alternatively, the boot may be provided with a radially extending annular portion adapted to slidably engage the shaft.
Further under the invention, a constant velocity joint and shaft assembly includes a shaft and a first joint part connected to the shaft such that the first joint part is inoveable along a portion of the shaft. A second joint part is cooperable with the first joint part to transmit torque therebetween. The assembly further includes a sleeve slidably engageable with the shaft, and a boot connected to the sleeve. The sleeve has first and second ends, and the second end is connected to the first joint part such that the sleeve is moveable with the first joint part. The boot has a first end connected to the sleeve proximate the first end of the sleeve, and a second end associated with the second joint part. When the first joint part moves along the shaft, the sleeve moves with the first joint part, thereby causing the boot to move with respect to the shaft.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2308073 (1943-01-01), Hagerty
patent: 3204427 (1965-09-01), Dunn
patent: 3858412 (1975-01-01), Fisher et al.
Bittick Crittenden
Frazer Richard D.
Browne Lynne H.
Dunwoody Aaron
GKN Automotive Inc.
Nylander Mick A.
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