GB2137310A - Universal joints - Google Patents

Universal joints Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2137310A
GB2137310A GB08405965A GB8405965A GB2137310A GB 2137310 A GB2137310 A GB 2137310A GB 08405965 A GB08405965 A GB 08405965A GB 8405965 A GB8405965 A GB 8405965A GB 2137310 A GB2137310 A GB 2137310A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
members
universal joint
joint
flexible
joint according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB08405965A
Other versions
GB8405965D0 (en
Inventor
Jochen Balken
Wolfgang Beigang
Thomas John
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
GKN Driveline International GmbH
Original Assignee
Uni Cardan AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Uni Cardan AG filed Critical Uni Cardan AG
Publication of GB8405965D0 publication Critical patent/GB8405965D0/en
Publication of GB2137310A publication Critical patent/GB2137310A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16DCOUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D3/00Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive
    • F16D3/16Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts
    • F16D3/20Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts one coupling part entering a sleeve of the other coupling part and connected thereto by sliding or rolling members
    • F16D3/202Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts one coupling part entering a sleeve of the other coupling part and connected thereto by sliding or rolling members one coupling part having radially projecting pins, e.g. tripod joints
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16DCOUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D3/00Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive
    • F16D3/16Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts
    • F16D3/20Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts one coupling part entering a sleeve of the other coupling part and connected thereto by sliding or rolling members
    • F16D3/22Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts one coupling part entering a sleeve of the other coupling part and connected thereto by sliding or rolling members the rolling members being balls, rollers, or the like, guided in grooves or sockets in both coupling parts
    • F16D3/221Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts one coupling part entering a sleeve of the other coupling part and connected thereto by sliding or rolling members the rolling members being balls, rollers, or the like, guided in grooves or sockets in both coupling parts the rolling members being located in sockets in one of the coupling parts
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16DCOUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D3/00Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive
    • F16D3/80Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive in which a fluid is used
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16FSPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
    • F16F13/00Units comprising springs of the non-fluid type as well as vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or fluid springs
    • F16F13/04Units comprising springs of the non-fluid type as well as vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or fluid springs comprising both a plastics spring and a damper, e.g. a friction damper
    • F16F13/06Units comprising springs of the non-fluid type as well as vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or fluid springs comprising both a plastics spring and a damper, e.g. a friction damper the damper being a fluid damper, e.g. the plastics spring not forming a part of the wall of the fluid chamber of the damper
    • F16F13/08Units comprising springs of the non-fluid type as well as vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or fluid springs comprising both a plastics spring and a damper, e.g. a friction damper the damper being a fluid damper, e.g. the plastics spring not forming a part of the wall of the fluid chamber of the damper the plastics spring forming at least a part of the wall of the fluid chamber of the damper
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16FSPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
    • F16F15/00Suppression of vibrations in systems; Means or arrangements for avoiding or reducing out-of-balance forces, e.g. due to motion
    • F16F15/10Suppression of vibrations in rotating systems by making use of members moving with the system

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Joints Allowing Movement (AREA)

Abstract

A constant velocity ratio universal joint, comprising an outer joint member 1, an inner joint member 2 of spherical form guided within the outer joint member, one of the joint members, particularly the inner member, having guide channels 3 extending in meridians on its surface, and coupling member 4a 4b each engaging one of the guide channels 3 and a respective circumferentially extending recess 5 in the other joint member. A space is provided on each side of the coupling member 4a 4b in each recess, and each space contains a hollow rubber member 7 containing a fluid, with the fluid spaces 7d of the flexible rubber members 7 on the corresponding sides of the connecting members connected to one another. The joint provides torsional damping when in use. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Universal joint This invention relates to a constant velocity ratio universal joint, comprising a hollow outer joint member and an inner joint member of spherical form received and guided within the hollow space of the outer joint member, one of said members having a plurality of guide channels extending in meridians in its surface engaging the other joint member and there being a plurality of coupling members, each engaging one of said guide channels in the one joint member and received in a circumferentially extending recess in the other joint member.
It is the object of the present invention to provide such a constant velocity ratio universal joint, which provides good vibration damping characteristics and a high level of freedom for articulation, at least when static. Further advantages may be derived from the following description.
The present invention provides a universal joint of the type above set forth, wherein a space is provided on each side of the coupling member in each recess, said spaces each receiving a flexible member affording a space containing a fluid and the fluid containing spaces of the flexible members on the corresponding sides of the connecting members being connected to one another.
Such a joint displays adequate constant velocity characteristics, and can permit articulation up to about 45 . The damping provided by the fluid in the flexible members is effective for torsional vibration and torque impacts.
The flexible members are preferably of an elastic material, such as a suitable rubber, which also assists damping. Because of the displacement of the fluid when the joint is articulated, the force resisting such articulation is relatively low, and the heat generated in use in less than would be the case if damping were provided purely by resilient elements.
The flexible members on the corresponding one sides of the connecting members, together with members defining passages connecting the fluid spaces together, may be formed as a single part. For a universal joint, the requirement is for two such parts, one of which interconnects the spaces on the corresponding one sides of the connecting members and the other of which interconnects the spaces on the corresponding other sides of the connecting members.
Preferably, each of said parts is provided with an uneven number of flexible members, for a joint with such an uneven number of coupling members. This ensures the constant velocity ratio characteristics of the joint.
The flexible members may be interconnected by separate fluid lines, disposed inside or externally of the joint outer member. The fluid lines, which may comprise fabric reinforced rubber hoses, may be disposed between a part of the joint member and a removable cover thereof, so that they are pressure-resistant and protected from damage.
All the flexible members may be connected so as to form a ring. The members containing the fluid may be connected by integral supporting members extending therebetween.
The resulting annular component facilitates maintenance and assembly of the joint.
The flexible members may be secured, e.g.
by a vulcanising process in the case of rubber members, to a flexible metal element, e.g. of spring steel or wire mesh. Such metal element may be provided on the side the assembly of the flexible members, such that the coupling members engage the metal element rather than the flexible members directly. The metal element ensures an even transmission of pressure on to the flexible members.
The coupling members may be of spherical or cylindrical shape, so they are able to undergo a rolling movement as the joint articulates.
The invention may now be described by way of example with reference to the following accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a cross section through an embodiment of the universal joint according to the invention.
Figure 2 is a section on the line II of Fig. 1.
Figure 3 is an end view of part of the joint of Fig. 1.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a component of the joint.
Figure 5 is a cross section through a further embodiment of the joint according to the invention.
Figure 6 is a section on the line VI of Fig.
5.
Referring firstly to Figs. 1 and 2, the universal joint illustrated comprises an outer joint member 1 of hollow form, with an internal surface id. An inner joint member 2, which is of spherical form, is received within the outer joint member and engages the inner surface id thereof (which surface is correspondingly part-spherical) for articulation up to angles of approximately 45". The outer joint member is provided with three spaced circumferentially extending recesses 5, separated from one another by radial walls 1 c. The inner joint member is provided with three circumferentially spaced guide channels 3, extending as meridians on the surface of the inner joint member.It would be possible for there to be more than three of each of the meridian channels and recesses, but to ensure constant velocity ratio characteristics for the joint, there should be an uneven number thereof.
A plurality of coupling members 4 is provided, one for each associated meridian channel and recess. Each coupling member 4 comprises an outer part 4a received in the recess 5 in the outer joint member, and an inner part 4b guided in channel 3. The circumferential dimensions of recesses 5 are such that spaces 5a, Sb remain on opposite sides of each coupling member in its recess.
A flexible member, e.g. of rubber, is disposed between each side of each coupling member 4 and the end of its recess 5. Flexible members 7 are hollow, with inner spaces 7a to 7f containing a fluid, particularly a liquid. The fluid spaces of the three flexible members 7 on the corresponding sides of the coupling members are connected together, i.e. spaces 7a, 7c and 7f are interconnected by a hose line 6. The flexible members on the corresponding opposite sides of the coupling members have their hollow spaces 7b, 7d and 7f connected by a further hose line 6.
The arrangement of the hose line 6 connecting the flexible rubber elements on corresponding sides of the coupling members is clearly shown in Fig. 3. The hose lines 6 may form one piece units with the flexible elements, as shown in perspective view in Fig.
4. As shown in Fig. 2, the outer joint member 1 may have a removeable cover 1a (having shaft element 10) which may have recesses 1 b in which the hose lines 6 are accommodated to protect them from external damage and to resist pressures arising therein in use.
The provision of hollow rubber members 7 with the fluid therein has a damping effect in the torsional sense between the joint members 1, 2. The damping characteristics are dependant on the design of the rubber members 7, as well as on the throttling of fluid in the interconnecting hose lines. By designing the systems of rubber members and interconnecting hose lines in different ways, it is possible to achieve different damping characteristics in opposite directions of rotation of the joint.
When the joint is articulated about the line A-A in Fig. 1, such that an angle 6 (Fig. 2) is defined between the axis of shaft 9 and the perpendicular to the axis of shaft 10, the coupling members 4 approach one another by an angle p, because of the convergence of the meridian channels 3 in the inner joint member. This is equivalent to a movement of the inner joint member around the axis of rotation of the joint. The mathematical relationship is
As a result of the coupiing members 4 approaching one another, the flexible members 7 between them are compressed, so that the fluid flows from the hollow spaces 7a and 7b through lines 6 into the hollow spaces 7c, 7d which have expanded.When the joint is in use in the articulated condition, all the coupling members 4 move in their channels 3 at a rate dependent on the speed of the joint, and all the flexible members are alterntely subjected to compression and dilation and fluid is constantly pumped to and fro in the two fluid systems. One result of such fluid displacement is that the force required to articulate the joint is considerably reduced as compared with the situation which would obtain if solid rubber members were used. Heat- ing up of the rubber members in use is also reduced.
Referring now to Figs. 5 and 6 of the drawings. these show an embodiment of the invention in which the chief difference from the embodiment of Figs. 1-4 is in the design of the flexible fluid containing members. As shown in Fig. 5, the six hollow flexible rubber members 7 are connected by way of parts 79, thereby forming an annular member in which six hollow spaces 7a to 7f are provided. This annular rubber member 7 is vulcanised onto an annular flexible spring steel band 8 which lies inside the rubber member. Spherical (alternatively cylindrical) coupling members 4 are utilised, each having an outer part 4a engaging the spring steel band 8, and an inner part 4b guided in its meridian channel 3.The steel band 8, which is of curved crosssection to correspond to the curvature of the spherical coupling members 4, ensures an even distribution of pressure on the rubber surface, and keeps the inside of the rubber ring in the correct shape under torque loading. During movement of coupling members 4 in the circumferential direction, they are able to carry out a rolling movement on the spring steel band 8.
In this embodiment, lines 6 interconnecting the hollow spaces of the rubber ring are taken out of the outer joint member 1 and connected externally thereof. The lines 6 connecting the hollow spaces 7a, 7c, 7f are pressur- ised in one direction of rotation, and the other lines connecting hollow spaces 7b, 7d, 7e a.
pressurised in the opposite direction of rotation.
Instead of the meridian channels 3 being provided in the outer surface of the inner joint member and the circumferential recesses in the outer joint member, the recesses could be provided on the inner joint member and the meridian groves in the outer joint member.
The inner joint member would then canoe 'the flexible members and fluid lines interconnc ing them, in the same relationship as described above.

Claims (11)

1. A constant velocity ratio universal joint, comprising a P-roilCrJotherjoirrrmsinber an inner joint mer!1b6l of sp,i-ericai 'GïIrl /e= ceived and guided in the outer joint inemb < .
one of said members having a plurality si' guide channels extending in meridians in it5 surface enyag;llg liie ai7er joint rember, and there being a plurality of coupling members each engaging one of said guide channels in the one joint member and received in a respective circumferentially extending recess in the other joint member, wherein a space is provided on each side of the coupling member in each recess, said spaces each receiving a flexible member affording a space containing a fluid, and the fluid containing spaces of the flexible members on corresponding sides of the coupling members being connected to one another.
2. A universal joint according to claim 1 wherein said flexible members comprise hollow rubber members.
3. A universal joint according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said flexible members on respective one sides of said connecting members, together with rnembers defining passages connecting the fluid spaces thereof, are formed as a single part.
4. A universal joint according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said fluid spaces are connected by reinforced hose lines.
5. A universal joint according to claim 4 wherein said hose lines are disposed between a part of the joint member and a removable cover thereof, to resist pressure.
6. A universal joint according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said flexible members are connected to form a ring.
7. A universal joint according to claim 6 wherein said flexible members are connected by integral supporting members extending therebetween.
8. A universal joint according to claim 6 or claim 7 wherein said flexible members are secured to a flexible metal element with which said coupling members engage.
9. A universal joint according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said coupling members are spherical or cylindrical.
10. A universal joint according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the inner joint member has said guide channels and the outer joint member said recesses.
11. A universal joint substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4, or Figs. 5 and 6, of the accompanying drawings.
GB08405965A 1983-03-26 1984-03-07 Universal joints Withdrawn GB2137310A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE3311115A DE3311115C1 (en) 1983-03-26 1983-03-26 Elastic constant velocity joint

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB8405965D0 GB8405965D0 (en) 1984-04-11
GB2137310A true GB2137310A (en) 1984-10-03

Family

ID=6194784

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB08405965A Withdrawn GB2137310A (en) 1983-03-26 1984-03-07 Universal joints

Country Status (4)

Country Link
JP (1) JPS59180122A (en)
DE (1) DE3311115C1 (en)
FR (1) FR2543237A1 (en)
GB (1) GB2137310A (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0372167A2 (en) * 1988-12-07 1990-06-13 Boge GmbH Elastic rubber mounting
WO1993015334A1 (en) * 1992-01-28 1993-08-05 Applied Power Inc. Elasto-hydraulic vibration isolator
WO2010049163A1 (en) * 2008-10-31 2010-05-06 Shaft-Form-Engineering Gmbh Ball joint and method for the production thereof
US11187047B1 (en) * 2017-06-26 2021-11-30 Hrl Laboratories, Llc Multi-degree of freedom vibration isolator

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0563529U (en) * 1992-02-07 1993-08-24 公子 伊藤 Odorless diaper
DE10064332C1 (en) * 2000-12-21 2002-03-14 Freudenberg Carl Kg Damping device for rotary elastic coupling has working chamber compressed via pressure block for pressing friction coating against counter-surface for damping torsional oscillation
EP3372858A1 (en) 2017-03-07 2018-09-12 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Coupling elements with vibration damping
EP3477144B1 (en) * 2017-10-25 2020-05-06 Airbus Operations GmbH Rotary joint

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB235081A (en) * 1924-11-07 1925-06-11 Walter Barnett Improvements in universal joints
US1815639A (en) * 1928-08-16 1931-07-21 Connersville Blower Company Flexible coupling
DE816330C (en) * 1950-04-30 1951-10-08 Rheinkaelte A Freundlich Movable shaft coupling
GB801998A (en) * 1956-06-13 1958-09-24 Gelenkwellenbau Gmbh A jointed transmission shaft, more particularly a propeller shaft for motor vehicles
GB1037433A (en) * 1963-02-05 1966-07-27 Yarrow & Company Ltd Improvements in and relating to rotary couplings
FR1346685A (en) * 1963-02-05 1963-12-20 Yarrow & Co Ltd Improvements to rotary couplings
GB1093361A (en) * 1963-05-31 1967-11-29 Mirrlees Nat Ltd Improvements in or relating to rotary torque-transmitting couplings
DE3209612C2 (en) * 1982-03-17 1985-09-05 Uni-Cardan Ag, 5200 Siegburg Swivel coupling

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0372167A2 (en) * 1988-12-07 1990-06-13 Boge GmbH Elastic rubber mounting
EP0372167A3 (en) * 1988-12-07 1990-10-10 Boge A.G. Elastic rubber mounting
WO1993015334A1 (en) * 1992-01-28 1993-08-05 Applied Power Inc. Elasto-hydraulic vibration isolator
US5312093A (en) * 1992-01-28 1994-05-17 Applied Power Inc. Vibration isolator with two pairs of fluid chambers with diagonal fluid communication
WO2010049163A1 (en) * 2008-10-31 2010-05-06 Shaft-Form-Engineering Gmbh Ball joint and method for the production thereof
US11187047B1 (en) * 2017-06-26 2021-11-30 Hrl Laboratories, Llc Multi-degree of freedom vibration isolator

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPS59180122A (en) 1984-10-13
GB8405965D0 (en) 1984-04-11
DE3311115C1 (en) 1984-10-04
FR2543237A1 (en) 1984-09-28

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Legal Events

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WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)