Constant velocity joint with improved profile

Details Constant velocity joint with improved profile Constant velocity joint with improved profile

2000-05-25

2001-08-28

Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3629)

Rotary shafts, gudgeons, housings, and flexible couplings for ro

Coupling accommodates drive between members having...

Coupling transmits torque via radially spaced ball

C464S015000, C464S906000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06280337

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to constant velocity ball joints that are used to transfer torque between a drive element and a driven element.
BACKGROUND ART
Prior constant velocity ball joints include outer and inner races, and a ball cage disposed between the races. The ball cage typically has a spherical outer cage surface that engages spherical inner surface portions of the outer race, and a spherical inner cage surface that engages spherical outer surface portions of the inner race. With such a configuration, contact between adjacent surfaces is maximized. As a result, frictional losses are significant. Furthermore, it is difficult to lubricate these surfaces.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
The invention addresses the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a constant velocity ball joint having an improved profile that reduces contact between adjacent surfaces. As a result, the joint has improved efficiency and reduced heat generation compared with prior constant velocity ball joints.
Under the invention, a constant velocity ball joint includes an outer race having a plurality of first tracks separated by first lands. Each first land has a first land surface. The joint further includes an inner race having a plurality of second tracks separated by second lands. A cage is disposed between the races. The cage has an outer cage surface facing the outer race, an inner cage surface facing the inner race, and a plurality of circumferentially distributed windows. A plurality of torque-transmitting balls are disposed in the windows, and are engageable with the tracks. At least one of the group consisting of the first land surfaces and the inner cage surface includes ramped portions that are engageable with a respective one of the group consisting of the outer cage surface and the inner race.
The at least one of the group consisting of the first land surfaces and the inner cage surface may further include recessed portions proximate the ramped portions. The recessed portions provide improved lubrication of the joint. Furthermore, the recessed portions cooperate with the ramped portions to provide room for expansion of the cage, which may occur as the joint heats up during operation.
Preferably, the first land surfaces and the inner cage surface each include ramped portions. Furthermore, the ramped portions of the inner cage surface preferably cooperate to define a continuous frusto-conical surface portion.
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: 3982840 (1976-09-01), Grosseau
patent: 4156353 (1979-05-01), Welschof
patent: 4275571 (1981-06-01), Welschof
patent: 5451185 (1995-09-01), Krude et al.
patent: 5509855 (1996-04-01), Wormbsacher et al.
patent: 5616081 (1997-04-01), Krüde et al.
patent: 5947826 (1999-09-01), Seguin
patent: 6132316 (2000-10-01), Statham
patent: 2318853 (2000-04-01), None
patent: 2318852 (2000-05-01), None

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