GB2269438A - Constant velocity joint - Google Patents
Constant velocity joint Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2269438A GB2269438A GB9216891A GB9216891A GB2269438A GB 2269438 A GB2269438 A GB 2269438A GB 9216891 A GB9216891 A GB 9216891A GB 9216891 A GB9216891 A GB 9216891A GB 2269438 A GB2269438 A GB 2269438A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- window
- constant velocity
- cage
- velocity joint
- ball
- 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.)
- Granted
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
- F16D3/00—Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive
- F16D3/16—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts
- F16D3/20—Universal 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
- F16D3/22—Universal 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
- F16D3/223—Universal 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 guided in grooves in both coupling parts
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
- F16D3/00—Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive
- F16D3/16—Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts
- F16D3/20—Universal 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
- F16D3/22—Universal 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
- F16D3/223—Universal 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 guided in grooves in both coupling parts
- F16D2003/22303—Details of ball cages
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Rolling Contact Bearings (AREA)
- Automatic Assembly (AREA)
Abstract
A constant velocity joint comprises an inner race, an outer race, a cage (16) positioned between the inner race and the outer race, the cage having a plurality of windows (26) formed therein, each window having curved longitudinal edges (28, 30) having a common centre of curvature (A), and a ball (20) positioned in each window and in contact with the inner and outer races. Each window is shaped and sized relative to its respective ball positioned therein to allow the ball to rotate within its respective window, to move in a radial direction relative to the centre of the cage, and to move between the ends (32, 34) of the window. <IMAGE>
Description
CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT
This invention relates to a constant velocity joint, otherwise known as a rzeppa joint.
Known such joints include an inner race or ball member and an outer race or cup member with a cage positioned therebetween. The cage includes a number of windows within each of which is positioned a ball. The inner and outer races have corresponding semi-circular grooves therein within which the balls can rotate and move in a longitudinal direction.
Each window in the cage is substantially rectangular in shape and is sized relative to the ball to allow the ball to rotate within the window, slide longitudinally between the ends of the window, and move radially relative to the centre of the cage.
During actuation of the joint, the balls can make a point contact with the edge of its respective window.
Such an arrangement has a potential problem in that the forces exerted on the cage (due to high contact pressures at the point of contact) during actuation of the joint can result in fracture of the cage.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a constant velocity joint in which the contact pressure between each ball and the edge of its respective window is reduced to substantially reduce the risk of fracture of the cage.
To this end, a constant velocity joint in accordance with the present invention comprises an inner race; an outer race; a cage positioned between the inner race and the outer race, the cage having a number of windows formed therein, the windows having a longitudinal dimension greater than a height dimension, each window being defined by a pair of opposed longitudinal edges with connecting ends, the longitudinal edges being curved and having the same centre of curvature; and a ball positioned in each window and in contact with the inner and outer races, each window being shaped and sized relative to its respective ball positioned therein to allow the ball to rotate within its respective window, to move in a radial direction relative to the centre of the cage, and to slidably move between the ends of the window in the direction of the longitudinal dimension.
Preferably, the difference in the radius of curvature of the longitudinal edges of each window is substantially the same as the diameter of the ball positioned therein.
The ends of each window are preferably also curved, and in this case, preferably have a radius which is substantially the same as the radius of the ball positioned therein.
The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a cross-section of part of a constant velocity joint in accordance with the present invention;
Figures 2a to 2c are side views of the cage and balls of the constant velocity joint shown in
Figure 1 indicating the possible relative movement between the cage and the balls; and
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view on the line III-III of Figure 2a.
Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, a constant velocity joint 10 is shown which comprises an inner race or ball member 12, an outer race or cup member 14, a cage 16, one of a number of balls 20.
Each ball 20 is positioned between corresponding semi-circular grooves 22,24 in the inner and outer race 12,14 respectively. The grooves 22,24 extend longitudinally such that the balls 20 can roll along their respective grooves.
As can be seen more clearly in Figures 2a to 2c and 3, the cage 16 is substantially annular having a centre C, and comprises a number of windows 26 within each of which is positioned one of the balls 20. Each window 26 has a longitudinal dimension
L greater than a height dimension H. Each window 26 is defined by a pair of opposed longitudinal edges 28,30 with connecting ends 32,34. Each longitudinal edge 28,30 is curved to define the arc of a circle having a radius of curvature R1,R2 respectively, with each longitudinal edge having the same centre of curvature A. The difference in the radii of curvature (R2-R1) is substantially the same as (fractionally larger than) the diameter of the ball 20 positioned therebetween.With this arrangement, each ball 20, can move (slide) relative to its respective window 26 in the direction of the longitudinal dimension L, as can be seen in Figures 2a to 2c, between the ends 32,34 of the window 26. Further, each ball 20 can move in and out of its respective window 26 as indicated in Figures 2a to 2c in a radial direction with respect to the centre C of the cage 16. On assembly of the constant velocity joint 10, the longitudinal edges 30 having the larger radius of curvature R2 are positioned closer to the open end (not shown) of the constant velocity joint than the longitudinal edges 28 having the smaller radius of curvature R1.
The ends 32,34 of each window 26 are also curved to define the arc of a circle, with the radius of curvature being substantially the same as the radius of the ball 20 positioned therebetween.
This arrangement allows the balls 20 to move relative to the inner and outer races 12,14 and the cage 16 in a similar manner to known constant velocity joints. In known constant velocity joints, the centres of the balls always lie in a common plane. However, in the present invention, the centre of each ball 20 moves through an arc in its respective window 26 during actuation of the constant velocity joint. Consequently, the balls 20 do not lie in a common plane. Further, the curved longitudinal edges 28,30 (and ends 32,34) ensure that the ball 20, when in contact with one of the edges of its respective window 26, has an area of contact which extends over a small portion of the length of the edge.Forces exerted by the balls 20 on the edges 28,30 (and ends 32,34) of its respective window 26, during actuation of the constant velocity joint 10 in accordance with the present invention, are spread over the area of contact between the ball 20 and the edges 28,30 (and ends 32,34), rather than being restricted to a point contact as with known constant velocity joints. As the area of contact is increased in comparison to previously known designs, the contact pressure on the cage 16 is reduced to substantially reduce the risk of fracture of the cage. Further, lubrication grease in the constant velocity joint of the present invention is better able to support the reduced contact pressure and so reduces frictional effects compared to previously known designs. Still further, tests have shown an improvement in terms of heat generation compared to previously known designs.
The embodiment disclosed herein shows a constant velocity joint having four balls. This is for ease of illustration of the present invention.
It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that the present invention is equally applicable to the more conventional arrangement having six balls, or to a constant velocity joint having any other suitable number of balls.
Claims (5)
1. A constant velocity joint comprising an inner race; an outer race; a cage positioned between the inner race and the outer race, the cage having a number of windows formed therein, the windows having a longitudinal dimension greater than a height dimension, each window being defined by a pair of opposed longitudinal edges with connecting ends, the longitudinal edges being curved and having the same centre of curvature; and a ball positioned in each window and in contact with the inner and outer races, each window being shaped and sized relative to its respective ball positioned therein to allow the ball to rotate within its respective window, to move in a radial direction relative to the centre of the cage, and to slidably move between the ends of the window in the direction of the longitudinal dimension.
2. A constant velocity joint as claimed in
Claim 1, wherein the difference in the radius of curvature of the longitudinal edges of each window is substantially the same as the diameter of the ball positioned therein.
3. A constant velocity joint as claimed in
Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the ends of each window are also curved.
4. A constant velocity joint as claimed in
Claim 3, wherein the ends of each window have a radius which is substantially the same as the radius of the ball positioned therein.
5. A constant velocity joint substantially as hereinbefore defined with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9216891A GB2269438B (en) | 1992-08-08 | 1992-08-08 | Constant velocity joint |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9216891A GB2269438B (en) | 1992-08-08 | 1992-08-08 | Constant velocity joint |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB9216891D0 GB9216891D0 (en) | 1992-09-23 |
| GB2269438A true GB2269438A (en) | 1994-02-09 |
| GB2269438B GB2269438B (en) | 1995-07-19 |
Family
ID=10720070
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9216891A Expired - Fee Related GB2269438B (en) | 1992-08-08 | 1992-08-08 | Constant velocity joint |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2269438B (en) |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE4329769C1 (en) * | 1993-09-03 | 1995-01-05 | Gkn Automotive Ag | Cage for a homokinetic joint |
| WO2005033538A1 (en) * | 2003-10-01 | 2005-04-14 | Ntn Corporation | Fixed type constant velocity universal joint |
| WO2005045270A1 (en) | 2003-11-10 | 2005-05-19 | Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft | Constant velocity joint with inclined ball tracks |
| JP2005221033A (en) * | 2004-02-06 | 2005-08-18 | Ntn Corp | Fixed type constant velocity universal joint |
| DE102007048326A1 (en) | 2007-10-09 | 2009-04-16 | Volkswagen Ag | Universal joint has balls which have varying fit in circumferential direction of cage in relation to curved side walls of openings, which lie opposite each other in axial direction of cage |
Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1192468A (en) * | 1966-12-19 | 1970-05-20 | Dana Corp | Improvements in or relating to Constant Velocity Universal Joints |
-
1992
- 1992-08-08 GB GB9216891A patent/GB2269438B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1192468A (en) * | 1966-12-19 | 1970-05-20 | Dana Corp | Improvements in or relating to Constant Velocity Universal Joints |
Cited By (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE4329769C1 (en) * | 1993-09-03 | 1995-01-05 | Gkn Automotive Ag | Cage for a homokinetic joint |
| WO2005033538A1 (en) * | 2003-10-01 | 2005-04-14 | Ntn Corporation | Fixed type constant velocity universal joint |
| US7704149B2 (en) | 2003-10-01 | 2010-04-27 | Ntn Corporation | Fixed type constant velocity joint |
| WO2005045270A1 (en) | 2003-11-10 | 2005-05-19 | Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft | Constant velocity joint with inclined ball tracks |
| CN100419294C (en) * | 2003-11-10 | 2008-09-17 | 大众汽车有限公司 | Constant velocity joint with inclined ball tracks |
| JP2005221033A (en) * | 2004-02-06 | 2005-08-18 | Ntn Corp | Fixed type constant velocity universal joint |
| JP4712304B2 (en) * | 2004-02-06 | 2011-06-29 | Ｎｔｎ株式会社 | Fixed constant velocity universal joint |
| DE102007048326A1 (en) | 2007-10-09 | 2009-04-16 | Volkswagen Ag | Universal joint has balls which have varying fit in circumferential direction of cage in relation to curved side walls of openings, which lie opposite each other in axial direction of cage |
| DE102007048326B4 (en) * | 2007-10-09 | 2016-03-24 | Volkswagen Ag | Constant velocity joint |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2269438B (en) | 1995-07-19 |
| GB9216891D0 (en) | 1992-09-23 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20080808 |