DE19963653B4 - Ball synchronous fixed joint with multipart joint outer part - Google Patents

Abstract

Ball-locked fixed joint (11) comprising
- An outer joint part (12) having a first axis A1, which - bell-shaped - a joint bottom (14) located in a first axial direction and a hinge opening (26) located in a second axial direction with respect to this first axis A1
- An inner joint part (23) having a second axis A2, which is within the outer joint part (12) and with respect to this second axis A2 in the first axial direction on the outer joint part (12) and is connected to a shaft pointing in the second axial direction .
In each case in planes through the first axis and second axis with curved center lines extending first ball tracks (15) in the outer joint part (12) and second ball tracks in the inner joint part (23),
Balls (16) running in pairs of associated first ball tracks (15) and second ball tracks (25), which pairs extend towards the hinge opening (26),
- A cage (17), the circumferentially distributed cage window (18) for ...

Description

The The invention relates to a ball tracking fixed joint comprising an outer joint part with a first axis, the - bell-shaped - a Joint bottom located in a first axial direction and a joint opening in having a second axial direction with respect to this first axis, an inner joint part with a second axis, which is within the outer joint part lies and with respect to this second axis in the first axial direction oriented at the outer joint part supported and connected to a shaft pointing in the second axial direction is, in planes through the first axis and the second axis respectively with curved Center lines extending first ball tracks in the outer joint part and second ball tracks in the inner joint part, balls in pairs of mutually associated first ball tracks and second ball tracks run, which pairs expand to the joint opening, a cage, the circumferentially distributed cage windows for receiving balls and these each in the bisector Plane between the first axis and the second axis stops. fixed joints of this kind are in the broader sense as Rzeppa-fixed joints (RF-joints) known. They close in the context of the present invention specifically circular path or angular-contact joints (AC joints) and undercut free or undercutfree joints (UF joints). These joints each meet the general legality of ball-and-cage joints, after which the curved centerlines the first ball tracks and the second ball tracks symmetrical to each other run, where as Symmetriebene the level of the ball centers or the bisector plane between the first axis and the second axis appears. Joints of this kind have the Peculiarity that yourself under torque resulting axial forces between outer joint part and inner joint part build, the inner joint part inside of the outer joint part. These personnel have to from the ball cage be caught, which is burdened by very high.

From the DE 42 28 482 A1 It is already known to perform UF joints so that the inner joint part is supported directly or indirectly on the joint bottom of the outer joint part.

From the DE 42 30 639 C1 It is already known to perform UF joints with a trained as a separate component joint floor on which the inner joint part is directly or indirectly supported.

From the DE 31 14 290 C2 is a ball constant velocity joint known, the outer joint part comprises an integrally molded bottom and whose geometry requires a mounting of the joint of the opening in the outer joint part forth over bending over the inner joint part to outer joint part.

In all cases the joint assembly is complete from the opening side of the outer joint part through the cage, Balls and inner joint part are introduced.

From the DE 37 39 867 C2 is known a ball constant velocity joint whose pairs of tracks expand towards the joint bottom. As a result, a limited flexion angle is conditional. The inner joint part is supported in one direction on the joint bottom and in the other direction over the ball cage on the outer joint part. This increases the friction.

• – der Kugelkäfig ist im Gelenkaußenteil axial zur ersten Achse formschlüssig fixiert,
• – das Gelenkinnenteil ist zur Montage in der zweiten axialen Richtung in den Kugelkäfig einschiebbar und unmittelbar gegenüber dem Kugelkäfig axial zur zweiten Achse zumindest über einen Teilbereich frei verschieblich geformt,
• – das Gelenkinnenteil stützt sich nach erfolgter Montage am Gelenkaußenteil in der zweiten axialen Richtung mittelbar über die Kugeln und den Käfig ab,
• – das Gelenkaußenteil umfaßt einen die Kugelbahnen formenden Ringkörper und einen davon separat hergestellten Gelenkboden,
• – das Gelenkinnenteil ist durch eine Öffnung im Ringkörper für den Gelenkboden in das Gelenkaußenteil einsetzbar,
• – der Gelenkboden ist bei zunächst zur Montage gegebener axialer Verstellbarkeit im Ringkörper nach erfolgter Montage gegen Verschiebung in der ersten axialen Richtung festgesetzt.

The present invention has for its object to produce ball-type constant velocity joints of the type mentioned cost and equipped with improved properties. The solution for this is in ball joint joints of the type mentioned above with the features

• The ball cage is fixed positively in the outer joint part axially to the first axis,
• - The inner joint part is inserted for mounting in the second axial direction in the ball cage and directly against the ball cage axially to the second axis at least over a partial area freely displaceable,
• The inner joint part rests indirectly after the assembly on the outer joint part in the second axial direction indirectly over the balls and the cage,
• The outer joint part comprises a ring body forming the ball raceways and a joint base produced separately therefrom,
• The inner joint part can be inserted into the outer joint part through an opening in the annular body for the joint bottom,
• - The joint bottom is set at initial assembly for given axial adjustability in the ring body after installation against displacement in the first axial direction.

• – der Kugelkäfig wird von der Öffnungsseite des Gelenkaußenteils in den Ringkörper eingesetzt,
• – die Kugeln werden vom Inneren des Kugelkäfigs aus in die Käfigfenster eingeführt,
• – das Gelenkinnenteil wird durch die für den Gelenkboden vorgesehene Öffnung im Ringkörper in den Ringkörper eingeführt,
• – der Gelenkboden wird in den Ringkörper eingesetzt, wobei er mit dem Gelenkinnenteil und dieses über die Kugeln und den Kugelkäfig mit dem Gelenkaußenteil in Anlage gebracht wird, der Gelenkboden wird im Ringkörper festgelegt.

With this constructive solution, a method for mounting a joint with the held features is connected to the following assembly steps

• The ball cage is inserted from the opening side of the outer joint part into the annular body,
• The balls are inserted into the cage windows from the inside of the ball cage,
• - The inner joint part is inserted through the provided for the joint bottom opening in the annular body in the annular body,
• - The joint bottom is inserted into the annular body, wherein it is brought into contact with the inner joint part and this on the balls and the ball cage with the outer joint part, the joint bottom is fixed in the annular body.

• – nach dem Erreichen der genannten Anlage der Gelenkboden zunächst um einen definierten Betrag axial zurückgezogen und dann im Ringkörper festgesetzt,

um ein definiertes Spiel im Gelenk zu erzeugen.After a variant of this procedure becomes

• - After reaching the said plant, the joint bottom is first pulled back axially by a defined amount and then fixed in the ring body,

to create a defined game in the joint.

Characteristic Here is that the Outer race from two separate components, namely the the first ball tracks form ring bodies and the joint floor is joined, each one for can be represented with a lower degree of deformation, as a one-piece bell-shaped outer joint part. As a result of this construction, an assembly can be carried out in which the inner joint part in coaxial alignment with the outer joint part through the for the joint bottom provided opening in the ring body introduced becomes. This results in an axial support between the inner joint part and joint bottom inward, with a relative axial support between Inner joint, balls, ball cage and Ge outer steering part outward accompanied. Within this support can also be a defined Game be provided. The ball cage is greatly relieved, in particular, it is kept free from tensile forces.

To a cheap one execution can while the assembly first a radial adjustability of the joint bottom relative to the Be provided inner joint part, wherein the joint floor on centering the inner joint part and then fixing the Joint floor opposite the ring body takes place, in particular by welding the two parts.

In deviating embodiment, the joint bottom in the annular body of the Outer race be centered. Therefor can For example, at the joint bottom and the ring body intermeshing splines be provided, which are placed in one another, with an axial Fixation is done for example by a flanging on the ring body. It is also possible, hardened Shaft toothing on one of the two parts in the previously unprocessed counterpart press in and then make the axial securing.

Further Embodiments go to the fact that the inner joint part a Includes end cap, the one contact surface forms and is supported directly on a support surface of the joint floor or that the Joint bottom a support disc comprises which forms a support surface, at which the inner joint part is supported with a contact surface. Provided End cap or support disc are radially displaceable, is a way to center the supporting surfaces to each other given.

Of the ball cage can have a continuous inner cylindrical inner surface, since this inner surface no axial support function takes over. This facilitates the production. Alternatively, the cage can be a partly have inner cylindrical inner surface, that of the middle starting in the direction of the joint opening in the sense of a wall reinforcement of the cage inside retracted.

Between Inner joint part and joint bottom or the corresponding intermediate or insert bodies can be provided for clearance compensation, a spring element. The same Function can by a higher elasticity said end cap or said support disk are effected.

By the given type of mounting can seamlessly integrally with the inner joint part the subsequent Wave executed be due to the axial mounting Beugebewegungen by the wave could be obstructed, while the assembly omitted. The number of parts can be reduced thereby. The inner joint part can be formed by upsetting the shaft.

In similar Way, the joint floor in one piece be carried out with a molded shaft journal. This pin can be designed as a solid or as a hollow pin.

The joint according to the invention is characterized by the following advantages.

The Joint has an axially determined obstruction, with the games and tolerances in the assembly can be compensated, i. they are eliminated at the ready assembled joint. This can optionally a hard machining of the ball track completely eliminated and at the same time to classify joint components for reduction the games are dispensed with.

The cage window can in the circumferential direction can very short be, as an excess length to Mounting the balls, as they are necessary when bending over the joint is not required. The strength of the cage will thus increased.

A Adaptation to different installation conditions of the joint can by replacement by joint floor with molded shaft journal at Retention of the rest Joint components in unchanged Form done. This reduces the variety of parts within of a complete program.

Due to the separate production of annular body and joint bottom with molded shaft journal new manufacturing processes in the production of the outer joint part on the ring body can be Such as sheet metal forming a welded ring body, sheet metal forming a seamless tubular body, machining from a ring-shaped blank and other.

By the separate production of ring body and joint bottom with molded Shaft cones can for this Components different materials adapted to the respective stress and Heat treatment method be provided, e.g. Use of a case-hardened ring body in Connection with an inductively hardened shaft journal or one of remunerated ones Material existing shaft journal.

The Length of the ball cage viewed from the middle towards the joint floor can be considerable be reduced because the inner joint part axially free of support across from the ball cage is.

A mechanical hard machining of the cage inner surface can be omitted since the Inner joint opposite the ball cage is designed axially displaceable and said cage inner surface thus load-free is.

Possibly can work on a cure said half of the ball cage lying to the joint bottom completely be omitted or it may be the ball cage in his Cage cross section area considerably weaker be designed as a cheaper Cage strain, in particular a loss of tensile stress in the cage bars is present.

Of the Wrap angle of the ball cage through the outer joint part may be on the side of the joint opening be reduced, i. the outer joint part can be shortened, because the cage load like previously stated significantly cheaper fails and a reduced support through the ball cage the leadership area accepted can be. this makes possible an enlargement of the Gelenkbeugewinkels or an increase in the shaft diameter.

The Friction between inner joint part and joint floor in the area of mutual axial support can be reduced by using good lubricants e.g. by low-friction coating of the inner joint part or by equipping with a friction-reducing disc.

A heat treatment The joint floor on the inside can be omitted if a hard wear-resistant disc is used in the joint bottom. Due to the direct axial support of the The inner joint part of the joint bottom can reduce the efficiency be reduced.

preferred embodiments The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

1 shows a joint according to the invention in a first embodiment;

2 shows a joint according to the invention in a second embodiment;

3 shows a joint according to the invention in a third embodiment;

4 shows a joint according to the invention in a fourth embodiment;

• a) am Gelenkinnenteil
• b) am Kugelkäfig
• c) am Gelenkaußenteil;

5 shows the representation of the force introduction to a joint according to the invention

• a) on the inner joint part
• b) on the ball cage
• c) on the outer joint part;

The 1 to 4 They will be described together, as far as they agree constructively.

In the 1 to 4 is in each case a constant velocity fixed joint according to the invention 11 with axially undercut-free webs, so a UF joint (undercut free) shown. This joint comprises an outer joint part 12 , which consists of a web-forming ring body 13 and a joint floor 14 is composed. At the joint bottom 14 is in one piece a shaft journal 15 formed. The axis of the outer joint part is designated A1. Within the outer joint part 12 sits an inner joint part 23 one piece with a shaft 24 connected is. The axis of the inner joint part is designated A2. When the joint is deflected, the axes A1, A2 form a bending angle in the joint center M. In the outer joint part 12 are first ball tracks 22 executed, in the inner joint part 23 second ball tracks 25 , In the pairs of 22 . 25 Ball tracks is each one of the balls 16 led by a ball cage 17 in circumferentially distributed cage windows 18 are included. The open space between the outer joint part 12 and the wave 24 bridges a bellows 19 , which with Spannbän countries 20 . 21 is determined on the parts mentioned. The ring body 13 of the outer joint part 12 has an inside spherical guide surface 31 that of the first ball tracks 22 is interrupted and in the ball cage 17 with an outer spherical outer surface 32 is guided. This is a relative axial support between the outer joint part 12 and the Kugelkä 17 given. The ball cage 17 has a purely cylindrical inner surface 33 within which is the substantially spherical outer surface 34 of the inner joint part 23 axially displaced axially. The outer joint part 13 has in the area of the joint floor 14 an internally spherical bearing surface formed directly in this or in an intermediate element 35 , With this acts a spherical contact surface 36 at the inner joint part 23 together, which is executed directly on this or on an associated with this additional element.

In 1 is both the support surface 35 directly in the joint bottom 14 formed as well as the contact surface 36 directly on the inner joint part 23 educated. ring body 13 and joint floor 14 are over a weld 37 connected with each other. Before making the weld 37 is the joint floor 14 axially relative to the ring body 13 slidably and also radially against this displaceable, so that a possibility for centering the support surface 35 opposite the inner joint part 23 before making the weld 37 given is.

In 2 is different from 1 the connection between ring body 13 and joint floor 14 by interlocking splines 38 and one on the ring body 13 trained the joint floor 14 cross border 39 produced. The remaining features are in accordance with 1 ,

In 3 is different from 1 at the inner joint part 23 an end cap 42 made of a lubricious material, on which the spherical contact surface 36 is executed immediately. The end cap can also consist of a higher elastic material, so that it also acts as a spring element for play and wear compensation. The other details are in perfect agreement with those in 1 match.

In 4 is different from 1 in the joint floor 14 a support plate made of good sliding material 40 used in the supporting surface 35 is directly formed. The support disk is in one turn 41 in the joint floor 14 radially displaceable, so that a second possibility for centering the support surface 35 opposite the inner joint part 23 given is. The support disk can also consist of a higher elastic material, so that it also acts as a spring element for play and wear compensation. The other details are in perfect agreement with those in 1 match.

Based on 5 should first the mounting order of the joint 11 be explained again. The execution of the joint after 5 completely corresponds to that of the joint 1 , so that the same name of the parts is selected. Before starting the assembly are the ring body 13 and the joint floor 14 separated from each other. The assembly goes from the ring body 13 out. In these is the ball cage 17 introduced; This can be done in coaxial position of the parts to each other, wherein the areas of the guide surface 31 between the first ball tracks 22 in the cut-outs of the cage window 18 engage and the ball cage 17 is twisted after insertion by half a track distance. After that, the balls will be 16 , in particular from the larger opening side of the annular body 13 from inside the ball cage 17 out in the cage window 18 and the ensprechenden first ball tracks 22 introduced. Hereinafter, from the smaller opening side of the ring body 13 from the inner joint part 23 with the integral molded shaft 24 Coaxial in the preassembled unit of ring body 13 , Balls 16 and ball cage 17 used, so that the balls 16 in the inner ball tracks 25 intervention. The inner joint part 23 This is in the direction of the joint opening 26 moved until the ball tracks 25 with the balls 16 and the balls 16 with the outer surfaces inside the cage window 18 are in contact. Here, the ball cage is supported 17 in the inner spherical guide surface 31 axially. Subsequently, the joint bottom 14 with molded shaft journals 15 in the ring body 13 introduced and with the inner joint part 23 brought into play. After this and in this position or after a slight withdrawal of the joint floor 14 an intended axial joint play becomes the joint bottom 14 with the ring body 13 welded in the manner shown.

In representation a) the forces acting on the inner joint part from the outside are indicated by arrows, the power flow in the inner joint part 23 is shown with a dashed line. It follows that the inner joint part 23 to the joint floor 14 toward the joint bottom in the first axial direction 14 supports and in the opposite second axial direction to the joint opening 26 towards the balls 16 supported.

In illustration b) are on the ball cage 17 externally acting forces are represented by arrows, namely that of the balls 16 on the outer boundary of the cage window 18 applied forces and those of the inner guide surface 31 in the ring body 13 on the outside surface 32 applied forces with opposite axial component.

In illustration c) are on the outer joint part 12 exerted forces represented by arrows, namely the inner joint part 23 on the joint floor 14 coming from the ball cage 17 on the inner guide surface 31 and the balls 16 on the first ball tracks 22 exerted forces. The internal Kraftflüß between these forces in the outer joint part 12 is shown by a dashed line.

11

Constant velocity fixed ball joint

12

Outer race

13

ring body

14

joint base

15

shaft journal

16

Bullet

17

ball cage

18

cage window

19

bellow

20

strap

21

strap

22

first ball track

23

Inner race

24

wave

25

second ball track

26

joint opening

31

Guide surface (inside ball)

32

Outer surface (outside spherical)

33

Inner surface (cylindrical)

34

Outer surface (spherical)

35

Support surface (inside ball)

36

Contact surface (outside spherical)

37

Weld

38

shaft splines

39

flanging

40

 support disc

41

 recess

42

 endcap

Claims (18)

Ball synchronous fixed joint ( 11 ), comprising - an outer joint part ( 12 ) with a first axis A1, the - bell-shaped - a joint bottom ( 14 ) in a first axial direction and a joint opening ( 26 ) located in a second axial direction with respect to said first axis A1, - an inner joint part ( 23 ) with a second axis A2, which within the outer joint part ( 12 ) and with respect to this second axis A2 in the first axial direction at the outer joint part ( 12 ) is supported and connected to a shaft pointing in the second axial direction, - in each case in planes through the first axis and second axis with curved center lines extending first ball tracks ( 15 ) in the outer joint part ( 12 ) and second ball tracks in the inner joint part ( 23 ), - balls ( 16 ) in pairs of associated first ball tracks ( 15 ) and second ball tracks ( 25 ), which pairs are at the joint opening ( 26 ), - a cage ( 17 ), the circumferentially distributed cage window ( 18 ) for receiving balls ( 16 ) and holds them each in the bisector plane between the first axis A1 and the second axis A2, with the features - the ball cage ( 17 ) is in the outer joint part ( 12 ) axially fixed to the first axis A1 positive fit, - the inner joint part ( 23 ) is for mounting in the second axial direction in the ball cage ( 17 ) and directly opposite the ball cage ( 17 ) axially along the second axis at least over a partial area designed to be freely displaceable, - the inner joint part ( 23 ) rests on the outer joint part after assembly ( 12 ) in the second axial direction indirectly via the balls ( 16 ) and the cage ( 17 ), - the outer joint part ( 12 ) comprises a ring body forming the ball tracks ( 13 ) and a separately produced joint floor ( 14 ), - the inner joint part ( 23 ) is through an opening in the annular body ( 13 ) for the joint floor ( 14 ) in the outer joint part ( 12 ), - the joint bottom ( 14 ) is at first given for mounting given axial adjustability after installation relative to the annular body ( 13 ) fixed in this axially. Joint according to claim 1, characterized in that the joint bottom ( 14 ) with initially given radial adjustability with respect to the annular body ( 13 ) on the inner joint part ( 23 ) centered in the ring body ( 13 ). Joint according to claim 1, characterized in that the joint bottom ( 14 ) in the ring body by means of interlocking splines ( 38 ) is radially fixed. Joint according to claim 3, characterized in that the joint bottom ( 14 ) by means of a flanging ( 39 ) on the ring body ( 13 ) is axially fixed relative to this. Joint according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the joint bottom ( 14 ) in the ring body ( 13 ) is welded. Joint according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the inner joint part ( 23 ) with a ball surface formed directly on it ( 36 ) on an internally spherical ring or dome surface ( 35 ) of the joint floor ( 14 ) is supported. Joint according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the inner joint part of an attached stop element ( 42 ) comprising a spherical surface ( 36 ) formed on an internally spherical ring or dome surface ( 35 ) of the joint floor ( 14 ) is supported. Joint according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the joint bottom ( 14 ) an insert body ( 40 ) having an internally spherical ring or dome surface ( 35 ), in which the inner joint part ( 23 ) with a spherical surface ( 36 ) is supported. Joint according to claim 8, characterized in that the insert body ( 40 ) radially in the joint bottom ( 14 ) is displaceable. Joint according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that between joint bottom ( 14 ) and inner joint part ( 23 ) axial spring means are effective. Joint according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the ball cage ( 17 ) a continuous inner cylindrical inner surface ( 33 ) Has. Joint according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the ball cage ( 17 ) a partially inner cylindrical inner surface ( 33 ), which is retracted inwardly in the second axial direction in the sense of a wall thickening of the ball cage. Joint according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that a pin ( 15 ) integral with the joint bottom ( 14 ) connected is. Joint according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a shaft ( 24 ) in one piece with the inner joint part ( 23 ) connected is. Joint according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that at least one of the surfaces in the region of the mutual axial execution of the inner joint part ( 23 ) and joint bottom ( 14 ) is provided with a low-friction coating. Joint according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that between the surfaces in the region of the mutual axial support of the inner joint part ( 23 ) and joint bottom ( 14 ) a friction-reducing disc is used. Method for assembling a joint according to one of claims 1 to 16 with the following assembly steps, the ball cage ( 17 ) is opened from the opening side ( 26 ) of the outer joint part ( 12 ) in the ring body ( 13 ), - the balls ( 16 ) from the inside of the ball cage ( 17 ) out into the cage windows ( 18 ), - the inner joint part ( 23 ) by the for the joint floor ( 14 ) provided opening in the annular body ( 13 ) in the ring body ( 13 ), - the joint bottom ( 14 ) is in the ring body ( 13 ), with the balls ( 16 ) and in the annular body ( 13 ). Method for assembling a joint according to one of claims 1 to 16 with the following assembly steps, the ball cage ( 17 ) is opened from the opening side ( 26 ) of the outer joint part ( 12 ) in the ring body ( 13 ), - the balls ( 16 ) from the inside of the ball cage ( 17 ) out into the cage windows ( 18 ), - the inner joint part ( 23 ) by the for the joint floor ( 14 ) provided opening in the annular body ( 13 ) in the ring body ( 13 ), - the joint bottom ( 14 ) is in the ring body ( 13 ), with the balls ( 16 ) in order to retract a defined axial play and in the annular body ( 13 ).