US20020032064A1 - Constant velocity joint having eight torque transmitting balls - Google Patents
Constant velocity joint having eight torque transmitting balls Download PDFInfo
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- US20020032064A1 US20020032064A1 US09/500,532 US50053200A US2002032064A1 US 20020032064 A1 US20020032064 A1 US 20020032064A1 US 50053200 A US50053200 A US 50053200A US 2002032064 A1 US2002032064 A1 US 2002032064A1
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- constant velocity
- torque transmitting
- pockets
- cage
- transmitting balls
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- 230000004323 axial length Effects 0.000 description 4
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- 230000036961 partial effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 101100008044 Caenorhabditis elegans cut-1 gene Proteins 0.000 description 2
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000036962 time dependent Effects 0.000 description 2
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- 238000002474 experimental method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000020169 heat generation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000013585 weight reducing agent Substances 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- 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
- F16D3/224—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 the groove centre-lines in each coupling part lying on a sphere
- F16D3/2245—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 the groove centre-lines in each coupling part lying on a sphere where the groove centres are offset from the joint centre
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
- B60B35/00—Axle units; Parts thereof ; Arrangements for lubrication of axles
- B60B35/12—Torque-transmitting axles
- B60B35/18—Arrangement of bearings
-
- 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
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2200/00—Indexing codes relating to suspension types
- B60G2200/10—Independent suspensions
- B60G2200/14—Independent suspensions with lateral arms
- B60G2200/144—Independent suspensions with lateral arms with two lateral arms forming a parallelogram
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2200/00—Indexing codes relating to suspension types
- B60G2200/40—Indexing codes relating to the wheels in the suspensions
- B60G2200/422—Driving wheels or live axles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2204/00—Indexing codes related to suspensions per se or to auxiliary parts
- B60G2204/40—Auxiliary suspension parts; Adjustment of suspensions
- B60G2204/416—Ball or spherical joints
-
- 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
-
- 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
- F16D2300/00—Special features for couplings or clutches
- F16D2300/10—Surface characteristics; Details related to material surfaces
-
- 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
- F16D2300/00—Special features for couplings or clutches
- F16D2300/12—Mounting or assembling
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S464/00—Rotary shafts, gudgeons, housings, and flexible couplings for rotary shafts
- Y10S464/904—Homokinetic coupling
- Y10S464/906—Torque transmitted via radially spaced balls
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a constant velocity joint having 8 torque transmitting balls.
- Constant velocity joints are classified roughly into the fixed type allowing only angular displacement between two axes and the plunging type allowing angular displacement and axial displacement between two axes.
- One of the features of the fixed type constant velocity joint, as compared with the plunging type, is that it is capable of taking a high operating angle.
- the fixed type constant velocity joint used in the drive shaft of an automobile is required to have a maximum operating angle of, e.g., 45° or more; however, such high operating angle can be provided only by the fixed type.
- the fixed type constant velocity joint as compared with the plunging type, inevitably has Its internal construction somewhat complicated.
- FIGS. 23A and 23B show a Zepper type constant velocity joint typical of the fixed type constant velocity joint.
- This constant velocity joint comprises an outer joint member 11 having a spherical inner surface 11 a axially formed with 6 curved guide grooves 11 b , an inner joint member 12 having a spherical outer surface 12 a axially formed with 6 curved guide grooves 12 b and an inner surface formed with serrations (or splines) 12 c for connection to a shaft, 6 torque transmitting balls 13 disposed in ball tracks defined between the guide grooves 11 b and 12 b of the outer and inner joint members 11 and 12 , respectively, and a cage 14 for retaining the torque transmitting balls 13 .
- the centers A and B of the guide grooves 11 b and 12 b of the outer and inner joint members 11 and 12 , respectively, are offset with respect to the spherical centers of the inner and outer surfaces 11 a and 12 a , respectively, by an equal distance in opposite directions (the guide groove center A is offset toward the open side of the joint, and the guide groove center B toward the innermost side of the joint).
- the ball track defined between the guide groove 11 b and the guide groove 12 b corresponding thereto is wedge-wise enlarged toward the open side of the joint.
- the spherical centers of the inner and outer surfaces 11 a and 12 a of the outer and inner joint members 11 and 12 are located in the joint center plane O including the centers of the torque transmitting balls 13 .
- An object of the present invention is to make this type of constant velocity joint more compact and secure the strength, load capacity and durability which are at least equal to those in a comparative article (such as a 6-ball constant velocity joint as shown in FIG. 23).
- the invention provides a constant velocity ball joint comprising an outer joint member having a plurality of axially extending curved guide grooves formed in the spherical inner surface thereof, an inner joint member having a plurality of axially extending curved guide grooves formed in the spherical outer surface thereof, a plurality of ball tracks defined between the guide grooves of the outer joint member and the guide grooves of the inner joint member corresponding thereto, said ball tracks being enlarged in one sense of the axial direction, a torque transmitting ball disposed in each of the plurality of ball tracks, a cage having a plurality of pockets for storing the torque transmitting balls, said constant velocity joint being characterized in that the number of said ball tracks and the number of said torque transmitting balls disposed are eight.
- r 1 be in the range 3.3 ⁇ r 1 ⁇ 5.0, preferably 3.5 ⁇ r 1 ⁇ 5.0.
- the reason for selection of 2.5 ⁇ r 2 ⁇ 3.5 is as follows:
- the pitch circle diameter (PCD SERR ) cannot be widely changed because of the relation to the strength of the mating shaft. Therefore, the value of r 2 depends of the outer diameter (D OUTER ) of the outer joint member. If r 2 ⁇ 2.5 (occurring mainly when the outer diameter D OUTER is small), the wall thickness of the each part (outer and inner joint members, etc.,) would be too thin, causing anxiety in respect of strength. On the other hand, if r 2 >3.5 (occurring mainly when the outer diameter D OUTER is large), a problem would sometimes arise from a dimensional aspect and the object of making the joint compact could not be attained.
- the range 2.5 ⁇ r 2 ⁇ 3.5 provides a greater degree of strength of the outer joint member, of durability of the joint than in the comparative article (6-ball constant velocity joint), and provides contentment in practical use. Particularly, setting 2.5 ⁇ r 2 ⁇ 3.2 provides the merit of enabling the outer diameter to be reduced as compared with the comparative article (6-ball constant velocity joint of the same nominal size: usually, r 2 ⁇ 3.2).
- r 2 should be in the range 2.5 ⁇ r 2 ⁇ 3.5, preferably 2.5 ⁇ r 2 ⁇ 3.2.
- the optimum range for the offset (F) is 0.069 ⁇ R 1 ⁇ 0.121.
- the upper limit (0.121) of the R 1 is considerably smaller than the ordinary value of R 1 (which is generally 0.14) in the comparative article (6-ball constant velocity joint). It may be said that in respect of the improvement of allowable torque and the cage strength, the present article is given consideration the more for the less R 1 as compared with the comparative article.
- the spherical centers of the outer and inner surfaces of the cage may be offset with respect to the joint center plane including the centers of the torque transmitting balls, axially by the same distance (f) in opposite directions.
- the reason for selection of 0 ⁇ R 2 ⁇ 0.052 is as follows: Generally, the provision of the offset (f) increases the area of the inner surface of the cage, and the resulting decrease of heat generation improves the durability, and allows the increase of the wall thickness of the inlet of the cage incorporating the inner joint member, thus providing the merit of increasing the strength.
- FIG. 1A is a longitudinal section showing a constant velocity joint according to a first embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 1B is a cross section thereof;
- FIG. 2A is a front view of an outer ring
- FIG. 2B is a partial longitudinal section
- FIG. 2C is an enlarged front view of a guide groove
- FIG. 2D is an enlarged longitudinal section of the end of the outer ring
- FIG. 3A is a front view of an inner ring
- FIG. 3B is a longitudinal view of the inner ring
- FIG. 4A is a cross section of a cage, and FIG. 4B is a longitudinal section of the cage;
- FIG. 5 is a view showing how to incorporate the inner ring into the cage
- FIG. 6A and 6B are views showing how to incorporate the inner ring into the cage
- FIG. 7A is a longitudinal section showing another form of a cage
- FIG. 7B is a view showing how to incorporate the inner ring into such cage
- FIGS. 8A and 8B are views showing how to incorporate balls into the pockets of the cage
- FIGS. 9A and 9B are views showing the movement of the balls in the pockets when the operating angle is ⁇ , FIG. 9A corresponding to an arrangement in which the cage is not provided with an offset, FIG. 9B corresponding to an arrangement in which the cage is provided with an offset;
- FIG. 10 is a partial enlarged cross section showing the vicinity of a pocket in the cage
- FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11 C are graphs showing the relation between rpm and temperature rise
- FIG. 12 is a graph showing the time-dependent change of temperature rise
- FIG. 13 is a graph showing the relation between the operating angle and torque loss factor
- FIG. 14 is a graph showing the relation between the operating time and the depth of wear of the pockets of the cage
- FIG. 15A is a longitudinal section showing a constant velocity joint according to a second embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 15B is a cross section thereof;
- FIG. 16 is a view showing how to incorporate the inner ring into the cage
- FIGS. 17A and 17B are views showing how to incorporate the inner ring into the cage
- FIG. 18A is a longitudinal section showing another form of a cage
- FIG. 18B is a view showing how to incorporate the Inner ring into such cage
- FIGS. 19A and 19B are partial enlarged cross section showing the vicinity of a pocket in the cage
- FIG. 20A is a longitudinal section showing a constant velocity joint according to a third embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 20B is a cross section thereof;
- FIG. 21 is a view showing an example (drive shaft) of the power transmission device of an automobile
- FIG. 22 is a view showing a variation of the positional relation of the center of the guide grooves of the outer joint member, the center of the guide grooves of the inner joint member, the spherical center of the inner surface of the outer joint member (the spherical center of the outer surface of the cage), and the spherical center of the outer surface of the inner joint member (the spherical center of the inner surface of the cage); and
- FIG. 23A shows an example of a fixed type constant velocity joint having 6 torque transmitting balls
- FIG. 23B is a cross section thereof.
- a constant velocity joint in this embodiment comprises an outer joint member 1 having 8 curved guide grooves 1 b axially formed in the spherical inner surface 1 a thereof, an inner joint member 2 having 8 curved guide grooves 2 b axially formed in the spherical outer surface 2 a thereof and serrations (or splines) 2 c formed on the inner surface for connection to a shaft portion 5 , 8 torque transmitting balls 3 disposed in ball tracks defined between the guide grooves 1 b and 2 b of the outer and inner joint members 1 and 2 , and a cage 4 for retaining the torque transmitting balls 3 .
- the centers O 1 and O 2 of the guide grooves 1 b and 2 b of the outer and inner joint members 1 and 2 are offset with respect to the spherical centers of the inner and outer surfaces 1 a and 2 a axially by an equal distance F in opposite directions (the center O 1 is offset toward the open side of the joint, and the center O 2 toward the innermost side of the joint).
- the ball track defined between the guide groove 1 b and the guide groove 2 b corresponding thereto is wedge-wise enlarged toward the open side of the joint.
- the spherical center of the outer surface 4 a of the cage 4 and the spherical center of the inner surface 1 a of the outer joint member 1 which serves as a guide surface for the outer surface 4 a of the cage 4 are located in the joint center plane O including the centers of the torque transmitting balls 3 . Further, the spherical center of the inner surface 4 b of the cage 4 and the spherical center of the outer surface 2 a of the inner joint member 2 which serves as a guide surface for the inner surface 4 b of the cage 4 are located in the joint center plane O.
- the amount (F) of offset of the outer joint member 1 is equal to the axial distance between the center O 1 of the guide grooves 1 b and the joint center plane O
- the amount (F) of offset of the inner joint member 2 is equal to the axial distance between the center O 2 of the guide grooves 2 b and the joint center plane O; thus, the two are equal.
- the center O 1 of the guide grooves 1 b of the outer joint member 1 and the center O 2 of the guide grooves 2 b of the inner joint member 2 are axially shifted with respect to the joint center plane O through the same distance (F) in opposite directions (the center O 1 of the guide grooves 1 b are shifted toward the open side of the joint and the center O 2 toward the innermost side of the joint).
- the length of a line segment connecting the center O 1 of the guide grooves 1 b of the outer joint member 1 and the centers O 3 of the torque transmitting balls 3 , and the length of a line segment connecting the center O 2 of the guide grooves 2 b of the inner joint member 2 and the centers O 3 of the torque transmitting balls 3 are each equal to PCR; thus, the two are equal.
- the main dimensions of the joint are set at the following values.
- the arrangement ⁇ circle over (1) ⁇ may be singly used.
- the constant velocity joint in this embodiment has 8 torque transmitting balls 3 and the ratio of the total load on the joint to the load supported by one torque transmitting ball is small (as compared with the 6-ball constant velocity joint), thus making it possible to reduce the diameter D BALL of the torque transmitting balls 3 as compared with the comparative article of the same nominal size (6-ball constant velocity joint) and to make the respective thicknesses of the outer and inner joint members 1 and 2 substantially equal to those of the comparative article (6-ball constant velocity joint).
- FIGS. 2A through 2D show the outer joint member.
- a region in the open side of the inner surface 1 a of the outer joint member 1 is formed with a cylindrical cut 1 a 1 for incorporating the cage 4 into the inner surface 1 a .
- the pockets 4 c of the cage 4 (which is an assembly having the inner joint member 2 incorporated into the inner surface 4 b of the cage 4 ) are brought into the cylindrical cut 1 a 1 .
- the cage 4 is inserted until the spherical center of the outer surface 4 a coincides with the spherical center of the inner surface 1 a of the outer joint member 1 . From this state, the cage 4 is turned through 90 degrees until the axis of the cage 4 coincides with the axis of the outer joint member 1 . Thereby, the cage 4 (together with the inner joint member 2 ) is completely incorporated into the inner surface 1 a of the inner outer joint member 1 .
- a region associated with the guide grooves 1 b of the outer joint member 1 Is formed with a chamfer 1 b 1 .
- the chamfer 1 b 1 has a function which, when the guide grooves 1 b are heat-treated (in the region W in FIG. 2D), prevents the hardening-through (i.e., prevents the open end surface of the outer joint member 1 from being hardened) and at the same time the chamfer can be utilized as a guide when the torque transmitting balls 3 are incorporated into the pockets 4 c.
- FIGS. 3A and 3B show the inner joint member 2 .
- the diameter of the outer surface 2 a of the inner joint member 2 is A, and the maximum distance across the outer surface 2 a in a longitudinal section parallel with the plane S including the bottoms of two diametrically opposite guide grooves 2 b is C.
- FIGS. 4A and 4B show the cage 4 .
- the cage 4 is provided with 8 circumferentially equispaced window-like pockets 4 c which hold 8 torque transmitting balls 3 .
- 8 pockets 4 c Of the 8 pockets 4 c , four are long pockets 4 c 1 having a large circumferential length and the remaining four are short pockets 4 c 2 having a small circumferential length, said long and short pockets 4 c 1 and 4 c 2 alternating with each other.
- the angular spacing of the four short pockets 4 c 2 is 90 degrees.
- the arrangement may be such that of the 8 pockets 4 c , six may be long pockets 4 c 1 and the remaining two may be short pockets 4 c 2 .
- the spacing between the two short pockets 4 c 2 is 180 degrees.
- the circumferential length of the short pockets 4 c 2 is set such that when this constant velocity joint transmits torque at the greatest angle (the greatest operating angle which is functionally allowable as a joint, that is the “maximum operating angle” or the basis is founded on the greatest operating angle which is operatively allowable within the range of the “maximum operating angle”), the torque transmitting balls 3 do not interfere with the circumferential wall surface of the short pockets 4 c 2 .
- the circumferential length of the long pockets 4 c 1 is set such that during the incorporation of the torque transmitting balls 3 which is effected by relatively tilting the outer and inner joint members 1 and 2 to cause one short pocket 4 c 2 to face outward through the opening in the outer joint member 1 , previously incorporated torque transmitting balls 3 do not interfere with the circumferential wall surfaces of the long pockets 4 c 1 .
- the diameter (B) of the inlet 4 d of the cage 4 for incorporation of the inner joint member 2 is set with respect to the outer diameter (A) of the inner joint member 2 shown in FIG. 3A and to the maximum spacing (C) such that the relation C ⁇ B ⁇ A is established.
- step 4 e Defined in the innermost region of the inlet 4 d (i.e., in the boundary between the inner surface 4 b and the inlet 4 d ) is a step 4 e .
- a configuration having no such step 4 e it is also possible to employ a configuration having no such step 4 e.
- the setting of the diameter (B) of the inlet 4 d within the range C ⁇ B ⁇ A stems from the necessity of securing the durability and strength of the cage and of making allowances for incorporating the inner joint member 2 into the inner surface 4 b of the cage 4 .
- the inner joint member 2 is Inserted in the inner surface 4 b of the cage 4 while abutting the guide grooves 2 b of the inner joint member 2 against the inlet 4 d of the cage 4 .
- the maximum spacing (C) across the outer surface 2 a of the inner joint member 2 is caught by the step 4 e , allowing no further insertion of the inner joint member 2 .
- the spherical center O′ of the outer surface 2 a of the inner joint member 2 and the spherical center O′′ of the inner surface 4 b of the cage 4 are somewhat shifted from each other.
- the inner join member 2 is turned through 90 degrees by utilizing the lateral portion T of the step 4 e of the cage 4 shown in FIG. 6B, until the axis of the inner joint member 2 and the axis of the cage 4 coincide with each other. Thereby, the inner joint member 2 is completely incorporated into the inner surface 4 b of the cage 4 .
- the parts can be assembled in the same manner as the above.
- incorporation can be continued until the spherical center O′ of the outer surface 2 a of the inner joint member 2 and the spherical center O′′ of the inner surface 4 b of the cage 4 coincide with each other.
- the inner joint member 2 is turned through 90 degrees with respect to the cage 4 until their axes coincide, the advantage being that the operation involved is easy.
- the circumferential length of one of the pockets of the cage or two diametrically opposite pockets is made greater than the axial length of the inner joint member. And the incorporation is effected such that with the axes of the inner joint member and cage positioned to intersect at right angles with each other, while inserting an outer surface portion of the inner joint member (a portion between circumferentially adjoining guide grooves) into said pockets of increased circumferential length, the operator inserts the inner joint member into the inner surface of the cage, and turning the inner joint member through 90 degrees with respect to the cage.
- the necessity of making the circumferential length of at least one pocket of the cage greater than the axial length of the inner joint member leads to the reduction of the area of the inner and outer surfaces of the cage and the reduction of the circumferential thickness of the post portion between pockets. This is not preferable for the durability and strength of the cage.
- the construction and method of incorporation of the cage in the embodiment described above since there is no need to provide a pocket which has a greater circumferential length than the axial length of the inner joint member, the necessary areas of the inner and outer surfaces of the cage and the circumferential thickness of the post between pockets can be secured to increase the durability and strength of the cage.
- the number of pockets 4 c of the cage 4 larger than that in the comparative article (6-ball constant velocity joint); therefore, the securing of the durability and strength of the cage is important.
- the amount of movement, particularly the amount of circumferential movement, of the torque transmitting balls is the greatest when the joint takes the ball incorporation angle ⁇ ; thus, it is necessary to take into account the amount of circumferential movement of the torque transmitting balls when setting the circumferential length of the pockets of the cage.
- FIG. 8B the torque transmitting balls 3 are shown at 31 , 32 , . . . , 38 in the various phases in the direction of rotation.
- the torque transmitting balls 31 , 33 , 35 , 37 are stored in the short pockets 4 c 2 and the balls 32 , 34 , 36 , 38 are stored in the long pockets 4 c 1 .
- the respective displaced positions of the torque transmitting balls 3 in the pockets 4 c in different phases when the joint takes the incorporation angle a are as shown in FIG. 9A.
- FIG. 9A the respective displaced positions of the torque transmitting balls 3 in the pockets 4 c in different phases when the joint takes the incorporation angle a are as shown in FIG. 9A.
- FIG. 9A the respective displaced positions of the torque transmitting balls 3 in the pockets 4 c in different phases when the joint takes the incorporation angle a are as shown in FIG. 9A.
- FIG. 9A the respective displaced positions of the torque transmitting balls 3 in the pockets 4 c in different phases when the joint
- FIG. 9A shows how the torque transmitting balls move in the arrangement in which the spherical centers of the outer surface 4 a and inner surface 4 b are not offset (the arrangement in which the spherical centers are located in the joint center plane O), as in the case of the cage 4
- FIG. 9B show how the torque transmitting balls move in the arrangement in which the inner and outer surfaces of the cage are axially offset an equal amount with respect to the joint center plane O.
- the torque transmitting balls are incorporated, first, in the four long pockets 4 c 1 and then in the short pockets 4 c 2 .
- the amount of circumferential movement of the torque transmitting ball is large in the phases of 32 , 34 , 36 , 38 and small in the phases of 33 , 35 , 37 (FIGS. 9A and 9B).
- the circumferential length of the long pockets 4 c 1 (positioned in the phases of 32 , 34 , 36 , 38 in FIG.
- the torque transmitting ball 33 when the torque transmitting ball 33 , for example, is to be incorporated, the long pockets 4 c 1 are positioned in the phases of 32 , 34 , 36 , 38 , and in the phases of 31 , 35 , 37 , the amount of circumferential movement of the torque transmitting balls 3 is small. Therefore, the torque transmitting ball 33 can be incorporated into the short pocket 4 c 2 . In this manner, torque transmitting balls 3 can be incorporated into all short pockets 4 c 2 .
- the circumferential length of the pockets of the cage is set on the basis of the maximum amount of circumferential movement of the torque transmitting ball in the pocket during the ball incorporation (as described above, the circumferential length of at least one pocket is made greater than the axial length of the inner joint member), and this leads to the reduction of the area of the inner and outer surfaces of the cage and the reduction of the circumferential thickness of the post between pockets and being not preferable from the viewpoint of the durability and strength of the cage.
- the circumferential length of the long pockets 4 c 1 of the cage 4 is set on the aforesaid basis, and circumferential length of the short pockets 4 c 2 is set on the basis of the maximum amount of circumferential movement of the torque transmitting ball 3 in the pocket during the transmission of torque with the constant velocity joint taking the maximum angle (this angle is smaller than the “ball incorporation angle ⁇ ”).
- This angle is smaller than the “ball incorporation angle ⁇ ”.
- the two circumferential wall surfaces 4 c 11 of the pockets 4 c may be made in the form of parallel flat surfaces (FIG. 10A), or concavely curved surfaces corresponding to the surface curvature of the torque transmitting balls.
- the constant velocity joint of this embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is completed.
- the serrations (or splines) 2 c of the inner joint member 2 have the shaft 5 connected thereto.
- the shaft 5 is made of boron steel to reduce the size of the shaft 5 (the diameter of the portion which interferes with the open end of the outer joint member is reduced, the diameter of the serrated portion being the same as that of the comparative article).
- the intention for reduction of the diameter of the shaft 5 is to make allowances for the increasing operating angle. In a trial model, a maximum operating angle of greater than 45° required for a drive shaft joint for automobiles.
- FIGS. 11A through 11C show the results of comparative tests of the embodiment article and the comparative article (6-ball constant velocity joint) for the relation between rpm and temperature rise (° C.).
- X dotted line with white circles ⁇
- Y solid line with black circles ⁇
- the temperature rise (° C.) was measured 30 minutes after the start of operation.
- ⁇ is the operating angle of the joint and T is the input rotation torque.
- FIG. 12 shows the results of tests of the embodiment article and the comparative article (6-ball constant velocity joint) (both being of the same nominal size) for the time-dependent change of temperature rise.
- X dotted line with white circles ⁇
- Y solid line with black circles ⁇
- ⁇ is the operating angle of the joint
- T is the input rotation torque.
- FIG. 13 show the results of comparative tests of the embodiment article and the comparative article (6-ball constant velocity joint) (both being of the same nominal size) for the relation between the operating angle ⁇ (in degrees) and torque loss factor (%).
- X dotted line with white circles ⁇
- Y solid line with black circles ⁇
- the torque loss factor for the embodiment article (X) is smaller than that of the comparative article (Y), the difference therebetween increasing with increasing operating angle ⁇ .
- the reduction of torque loss factor contributes to fuel saving and energy saving and also to reduction of temperature rise and hence to improved durability as well.
- Table 3 shows the results of observation, regarding the embodiment article and the comparative article (6-ball constant velocity joint) (both being of the same nominal size), of how the outer joint member, inner joint member, cage and torque transmitting balls were damaged 300 hours after operation.
- the cage the depth of wear in the pockets was measured, and the results are shown in FIG. 14.
- the tests were conducted using two test articles respectively for the embodiment article and for the comparative article (embodiment articles being indicated by Nos. 1 and 2 and the comparative articles by the Nos. 3 and 4), and the depth of wear shown in FIG. 14 is the mean value for the two test articles.
- the constant velocity joint of this embodiment is compact in shape and yet its load capacity and durability are at least as high as in the comparative article (6-ball constant velocity joint).
- FIGS. 15A and 15B show a constant velocity joint according to another embodiment of the invention.
- the centers O 1 and O 2 of the guide grooves 1 b and 2 b of the outer and inner joint members 1 and 2 are offset with respect to the spherical centers O 4 and O 5 of the inner and outer surfaces 1 a and 2 a , respectively, axially by an equal distance F in opposite directions.
- the spherical center of the outer surface 4 a ′ of the cage 4 ′ (which is the same as the spherical center O 4 of the inner surface 1 a of the outer joint member 1 ) and the spherical center of the inner surface 4 b ′ of the cage 4 ′ (which is the same as the spherical center O 5 of the outer surface 2 a of the inner joint member 2 ) are offset axially by an equal distance (f) In opposite directions from the center O of the joint.
- the offset (F) In the outer joint member 1 is the axial distance between the center O 1 of the guide grooves 1 b and the spherical center O 4 of the inner surface 1 a and offset (F) in the inner joint member 2 is the axial distance between the center O 2 of the guide grooves 2 b and the spherical center O 5 of the outer surface 2 a , and the two are equal.
- the length of the line segment connecting the center O 1 of the guide groove 1 b of the outer joint member 1 and the center of the torque transmitting ball 3 , and the length of the line segment connecting the center O 2 of the guide groove 2 b of the inner joint member 2 and the center O 3 of the torque transmitting ball 3 are each equal to PCR; thus, the two are equal.
- the arrangements ⁇ circle over (1) ⁇ , ⁇ circle over (2) ⁇ , ⁇ circle over (3) ⁇ in the above embodiment they are the same (however, regarding the arrangement ⁇ circle over (3) ⁇ , R 1 is set at 0.1003), and a description thereof is omitted.
- the direction of the offset (f) in the cage 4 ′ may be reversed. That is, the point O 4 in FIG. 15A may be the same as the spherical center of the inner surface 4 b ′ and the point O 5 may be the same as the spherical center of the outer surface 4 a′.
- the diameter (B) of the inlet 4 d ′ for incorporating the inner joint member 2 is set with respect to the outer diameter (A) of the inner joint member and the maximum spacing (C) such that C ⁇ B ⁇ A (FIG. 17A).
- a step 4 e ′ is defined in the Innermost region of the inlet 4 d ′.
- the inner joint member 2 is inserted in the inner surface 4 b ′ of the cage 41 while abutting one guide groove 2 b of the inner joint member 2 against the inlet 4 d ′ of the cage 4 ′.
- the maximum spacing (C) across the outer surface 2 a of the inner joint member 2 is caught by the step 4 e ′, allowing no further insertion of the inner joint member 2 .
- the spherical center O′ of the outer surface 2 a of the inner joint member 2 and the spherical center O′′ of the inner surface 4 b ′ of the cage 4 ′ are somewhat shifted from each other.
- the inner join member 2 is turned through 90 degrees by utilizing the lateral portion T of the step 4 e ′ of the cage 4 ′ showing in FIG. 6B, until the axis of the inner Joint member 2 and the axis of the cage 4 ′ coincide with each other. Thereby, the inner joint member 2 is completely incorporated into the inner surface 4 b ′ of the cage 4 ′.
- the parts can be assembled in the same manner as the above.
- the cage 4 ′ in this embodiment has 8 pockets for storing 8 torque transmitting balls, said 8 pockets consisting of two types of pockets, long and short, having their circumferential lengths determined on the same basis as in the preceding embodiment.
- the respective numbers of short and long pockets, their disposition and their wall shape are the same as in the preceding embodiment.
- incorporation of the torque transmitting balls 3 into the pockets is effected in the manner shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B as in the preceding embodiment. With the arrangement of this embodiment, however, since the spherical centers O 4 and O 5 of the outer and inner surfaces 4 a ′ and 4 b ′ of the cage 4 ′ are offset to the positions shown in FIG.
- FIGS. 19A and 19B show an arrangement in which the two wall surfaces 4 c 11 ′ are flat surfaces
- FIG. 19B shows an arrangement in which the two wall surfaces are curved surfaces corresponding to the curvature of the surface of the torque transmitting balls 3 .
- this arrangement is advantageous from the viewpoint of securing the strength and durability of the cage in that the area of the inner surface 4 b ′ of the cage 4 ′ (the area of the post associated with the inner surface side) increases.
- a predetermined regions U 1 and U 2 of the guide grooves 1 b and 2 b of the outer and Inner joint members 1 and 2 are straight.
- the region of the guide groove 1 b other than the region U 1 is curved with the center at point O 1 and the region of the guide groove 2 b other than the region U 2 is curved with the center at point O 2 .
- the rest of the arrangement is the same as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, and a description thereof is omitted.
- the constant velocity joints described in the above embodiments can be widely used as a power transmission component in automobiles and various industrial machines and instruments and particularly they are useful for use in the power transmitting device of automobiles, for example, as a joint for connecting the drive shaft or propeller shaft of an automobile.
- the fixed type joint and the plunging type joint are used in pair.
- the power transmission device of an automobile has to be designed to accommodate angular and axial displacements caused by the change of relative positional relation between the engine and the ground-engaging wheels.
- a drive shaft 20 interposed between the engine and the wheel is connected at one end to a differential 22 through a plunging type constant velocity joint 21 and at the other end to the wheel 24 through a fixed type constant velocity joint 23 .
- the constant velocity joint described in the above embodiments is used as the fixed type constant velocity joint 23 for connecting the drive shaft 20 , this use enables the joint to be reduced in size while securing the strength, load capacity and durability which are at least as high as in the comparative article (6-ball fixed type constant velocity joint); thus, the use is is very advantageous from the viewpoint of vehicle weight reduction and hence low fuel cost.
- the positional relation among the centers of the guide grooves of the outer and inner joint members, the spherical center of the inner surface of the outer joint member (the spherical center of the outer surface of the cage), and the spherical center of the outer surface of the inner joint member (the spherical center of the inner surface of the cage) has 8 variations (a)-(h), and the present invention can be applied to any of these variations.
- the arrangement shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B corresponds to FIG. 22( b )
- the arrangements shown in FIGS. 15A, 15B and in FIGS. 20A, 20B both correspond to FIG. 22( a ).
- FIGS. 22 ( a ), ( d ), ( e ), ( f ) and ( g ) that the movements of the torque transmitting balls are at their greatest on the outer surface side of the cage.
- preferable arrangements are ( ⁇ circle over (1) ⁇ ) (claim 2 ), ( ⁇ circle over (1) ⁇ + ⁇ circle over (2) ⁇ ) (claim 3 ), ( ⁇ circle over (3) ⁇ ) (claim 4 ), ( ⁇ circle over (1) ⁇ + ⁇ circle over (3) ⁇ ) (claim 4 ), ( ⁇ circle over (1) ⁇ + ⁇ circle over (2) ⁇ + ⁇ circle over (3) ⁇ ) (claim 4 ), ( ⁇ circle over (4) ⁇ ) (claim 6 ), ( ⁇ circle over (1) ⁇ + ⁇ circle over (4) ⁇ ) (claim 6 ), ( ⁇ circle over (1) ⁇ + ⁇ circle over (2) ⁇ + ⁇ circle over (4) ⁇ ) (claim 6 ), ( ⁇ circle over (3) ⁇ + ⁇ circle over (4) ⁇ ) (claim 7 ), ( ⁇ circle over (1) ⁇ + ⁇ circle over (3) ⁇ + ⁇ circle over (4) ⁇ ) (claim 7 ), and ( ⁇ circle over (1) ⁇ + ⁇ circle over (2) ⁇ + ⁇ circle over (3) ⁇ + ⁇ circle over (4) ⁇ ) (claim 7 ).
- the present invention is applicable not only to a constant velocity joint arranged such that the inner joint member and the shaft are interconnected by a tooth profile (serrations or splines) but also to a constant velocity joint arranged such that the inner joint member and the shaft are integrated.
- a constant velocity joint arranged such that the inner joint member and the shaft are integrated.
- the shaft is integrally joined (by welding, such as laser beam welding, pressing or the like) to the end surface of the inner joint member.
Abstract
A constant velocity joint comprises an outer joint member 1 having 8 curved guide grooves 1 b axially formed in the spherical inner surface 1a thereof, an inner joint member 2 having 8 curved guide grooves 2b axially formed in the spherical outer surface 2 a thereof and serrations (or splines) 2c formed on the inner surface for connection to a shaft portion 5, 8 torque transmitting balls 3 disposed in ball tracks defined between the guide grooves 1 a and 2b of the outer and inner joint members 1 and 2, and a cage 4 for retaining the torque transmitting balls 3.
Description
- The present invention relates to a constant velocity joint having 8 torque transmitting balls.
- Constant velocity joints are classified roughly into the fixed type allowing only angular displacement between two axes and the plunging type allowing angular displacement and axial displacement between two axes. One of the features of the fixed type constant velocity joint, as compared with the plunging type, is that it is capable of taking a high operating angle. For example, the fixed type constant velocity joint used in the drive shaft of an automobile is required to have a maximum operating angle of, e.g., 45° or more; however, such high operating angle can be provided only by the fixed type. On the other hand, the fixed type constant velocity joint, as compared with the plunging type, inevitably has Its internal construction somewhat complicated.
- FIGS. 23A and 23B show a Zepper type constant velocity joint typical of the fixed type constant velocity joint. This constant velocity joint comprises an
outer joint member 11 having a sphericalinner surface 11 a axially formed with 6curved guide grooves 11 b, aninner joint member 12 having a sphericalouter surface 12 a axially formed with 6curved guide grooves 12 b and an inner surface formed with serrations (or splines) 12 c for connection to a shaft, 6torque transmitting balls 13 disposed in ball tracks defined between theguide grooves inner joint members cage 14 for retaining thetorque transmitting balls 13. - The centers A and B of the guide grooves11 b and 12 b of the outer and
inner joint members outer surfaces guide groove 11 b and theguide groove 12 b corresponding thereto is wedge-wise enlarged toward the open side of the joint. The spherical centers of the inner andouter surfaces inner joint members torque transmitting balls 13. - When the outer and inner
joint members torque transmitting balls 13 guided by thecage 14 are maintained in the bisector plane (θ/2) bisecting the angle θ irrespective of the value of the operating angle θ, and hence uniform velocity is secured. - An object of the present invention is to make this type of constant velocity joint more compact and secure the strength, load capacity and durability which are at least equal to those in a comparative article (such as a 6-ball constant velocity joint as shown in FIG. 23).
- To achieve the above object, the invention provides a constant velocity ball joint comprising an outer joint member having a plurality of axially extending curved guide grooves formed in the spherical inner surface thereof, an inner joint member having a plurality of axially extending curved guide grooves formed in the spherical outer surface thereof, a plurality of ball tracks defined between the guide grooves of the outer joint member and the guide grooves of the inner joint member corresponding thereto, said ball tracks being enlarged in one sense of the axial direction, a torque transmitting ball disposed in each of the plurality of ball tracks, a cage having a plurality of pockets for storing the torque transmitting balls, said constant velocity joint being characterized in that the number of said ball tracks and the number of said torque transmitting balls disposed are eight.
- The ratio r1 (=PCDBALL/DBALL) of the pitch circle diameter (PCDBALL) of the torque transmitting balls to the diameter (DBALL) of said torque transmitting balls may be within the range 3.3≦r1≦5.0. The pitch circle diameter (PCDBALL) of the torque transmitting balls is twice the length of a line segment connecting the centers of the guide grooves of the outer or inner joint member and the centers of the torque transmitting balls (the length of a line segment connecting the centers of the guide grooves of the outer joint member and the centers of the torque transmitting balls and the length of a line segment connecting the centers of the guide grooves of the inner joint member and the centers of the torque transmitting balls are equal), whereby the nature of constant velocity of the joint is secured, said length being hereinafter referred to as (PCR)); thus, PCDBALL=2×PCR.
- The reason for selection of 3.3≦r1≦5.0 is that the strength of the outer joint member, the joint load capacity and durability should be made at least as high as in a comparative article (6-ball constant velocity joint). That is, in constant velocity joint, it is very hard to drastically change the diameter (PCDBALL) of said torque transmitting balls in the limited space. Thus, the value of r1 depends mainly on the diameter DBALL of said torque transmitting balls.
- If r1<3.3 (mainly when the diameter DBALL is large), the thickness of the other parts (the outer joint member, inner joint member, etc.) would be too small, causing anxiety about the strength. On the contrary, if r1>5.0 (mainly when the diameter DBALL is small), the load capacity would be too small, causing anxiety about the durability. Also caused is the anxiety that the surface pressure on the surface of contact between the torque transmitting balls and the guide grooves would increase (because the contact oval area decreases with decreasing diameter DBALL), forming a main cause of the chipping of the edges of the guide grooves.
- The range 3.3≦r1≦5.0 provides greater degrees of strength of the outer joint member, of load capacity and durability of the Joint than in the comparative article (6-ball constant velocity joint. This is proved to some extent by tests.
- As shown in Table 1 (which shows the estimation of the results of comparative tests), when r1=3.2, sufficient strength for the outer and inner joint members and cage was not obtained, an undesirable result. When r1=3.3, or 3.4, a rather good result was obtained in respect of strength. Particularly, when r1≧3.5, sufficient strength for the outer and inner joint members and cage was obtained, a desirable result. In addition, for the range r1>3.9, though no test has been conducted, it is expected that as good a result as the above will be obtained. If r1>5.0, however, it is considered that problems will arise in respect of durability and the outer and inner joints, as described above; thus, it is desirable that r1≦5.0.
- From the above, it is desirable that r1 be in the range 3.3≦r1≦5.0, preferably 3.5≦r1≦5.0.
- Further, In addition to the above arrangement, it is desirable that the ratio r2 (=DOUTER/PCDSERR) of the outer diameter (DOUTER) of the outer joint member to the pitch circle diameter (PCDSERR) of the tooth profile formed in the inner surface of said
inner joint member 2 be within the range 2.5≦r2≦3.5. - The reason for selection of 2.5≦r2≦3.5 is as follows: The pitch circle diameter (PCDSERR) cannot be widely changed because of the relation to the strength of the mating shaft. Therefore, the value of r2 depends of the outer diameter (DOUTER) of the outer joint member. If r2<2.5 (occurring mainly when the outer diameter DOUTER is small), the wall thickness of the each part (outer and inner joint members, etc.,) would be too thin, causing anxiety in respect of strength. On the other hand, if r2>3.5 (occurring mainly when the outer diameter DOUTER is large), a problem would sometimes arise from a dimensional aspect and the object of making the joint compact could not be attained. The range 2.5≦r2≦3.5 provides a greater degree of strength of the outer joint member, of durability of the joint than in the comparative article (6-ball constant velocity joint), and provides contentment in practical use. Particularly, setting 2.5≦r2<3.2 provides the merit of enabling the outer diameter to be reduced as compared with the comparative article (6-ball constant velocity joint of the same nominal size: usually, r2≧3.2).
- Thus, r2 should be in the range 2.5≦r2≦3.5, preferably 2.5≦r2<3.2.
- The ball tracks which are enlarged in wedge form in one sense of the axial direction are obtained by offsetting the the centers of the guide grooves of the inner and outer joint members, respectively, with respect to the spherical centers of the outer and inner surfaces thereof axially by an equal distance (F) in opposite directions. It is desirable that the ratio R1 (=F/PCR) of the offset (F) to PCR described above be set within the range 0.069≦R1≦0.121.
- The reason for selection of 0.069≦R1≦0.121 is as follows: When considered with PCR fixed, generally, during application of an operating angle, the greater the offset (F), the lower the track load (which is the load applied to the area of contact between the guide grooves and the torque transmitting balls; therefore, in respect of load, it may be said that larger offset (F) is more advantageous.
- If, however, the offset (F) is too large:
- (i) torque is reduced in the high operating angle zone, incurring the decrease of allowable load torque;
- (ii) in the pockets of the cage, the amount of radial movement of the torque transmitting balls increases, so that to prevent the torque transmitting balls from falling off, it is necessary to increase the wall thickness (radial dimension) of the cage; and
- (iii) in the pockets of the cage, the amount of circumferential movement of the torque transmitting balls increases, so that to secure the proper movement of the torque transmitting balls from falling off, it is necessary to increase the circumferential dimension of the cage. Therefore, the posts of the cage become thinner, raising a problem in respect of strength.
- On the other hand, if the offset (F) is too small:
- (iv) during application of an operating angle, the peak values of the track load (P1) on the load side, and the track load on the non-load side (P2: during 1 revolution, a phase appears in which the non-load side track is loaded) increase, (P1 and P2 indicate peak values at a predetermined phase angle), incurring decreased durability; and
- (v) the maximum operating angle decreases.
- Thus, too large and too small amounts of offset (F) are both undesirable, and there should be an optimum range in which said problems of (i), (ii), (iii) are balanced with said problems of (iv), (v). However, the optimum range of offset (F) varies with the size of the joint and hence must be determined in relation to the basic size of the joint. This accounts for the use of ratio R1 (=F/PCR). If R1>0.121, said problems of (i), (ii), (iii) come up and so does said problems of (iv) and (v) if R1<0.069. From the viewpoint of securing the allowable load torque, securing the cage strength, reducing the track load, securing the durability, and securing the maximum operating angle, the optimum range for the offset (F) is 0.069≦R1≦0.121. The upper limit (0.121) of the R1 is considerably smaller than the ordinary value of R1 (which is generally 0.14) in the comparative article (6-ball constant velocity joint). It may be said that in respect of the improvement of allowable torque and the cage strength, the present article is given consideration the more for the less R1 as compared with the comparative article. The success of setting the R1 within said range is due to the facts that the present article is provided with 8 torque transmitting balls, which is more advantageous in respect of track load than the comparative article (this is verified by theoretical analysis) and that the temperature rise is relatively low, as compared with the comparative article (this is verified by experiments, see FIGS. 11 and 12). In the comparative article (6-ball constant velocity joint, if R1 is set within said range, the track load would become too high, leading to the decrease of durability.
- In addition to the above arrangement, the spherical centers of the outer and inner surfaces of the cage may be offset with respect to the joint center plane including the centers of the torque transmitting balls, axially by the same distance (f) in opposite directions. In this case, it is recommendable that the ratio R2 (=f/PCR) of the offset (f) to PCR be within the
range 0<R2≦0.052. - The reason for selection of 0<R2≦0.052 is as follows: Generally, the provision of the offset (f) increases the area of the inner surface of the cage, and the resulting decrease of heat generation improves the durability, and allows the increase of the wall thickness of the inlet of the cage incorporating the inner joint member, thus providing the merit of increasing the strength.
- However, if the offset (f) is too large,
- (i) the amount of circumferential movement of the torque transmitting balls In the pockets of the cage increases, so that in order to secure the proper movement of the torque transmitting balls, the necessity arise of increasing the circumferential dimension of the cage. Therefore, the posts of the cage become thinner, causing a problem in respect of strength; and
- (ii) the wall thickness of the portion of the cage opposite to the inlet becomes thinner, causing a problem in respect of strength.
- From the above, it is seen that too large offset (f) is not desirable and that there is an optimum range in which the significance of providing offset (f) can be balanced with the problems of (i) and (ii). However, since the optimum range of offset (f) varies with the size of the joint, it should be found in relation to the basic size which Indicates the joint size. This accounts for the sue of the ratio R2 (=f/PCR). If R1>0.052, said problems of (i) and (ii) come up. From the viewpoint of the securing of the cage strength and durability, the optimum range of offset (f) is 0<R2≦0.052.
- FIG. 1A is a longitudinal section showing a constant velocity joint according to a first embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 1B is a cross section thereof;
- FIG. 2A is a front view of an outer ring, FIG. 2B is a partial longitudinal section, FIG. 2C is an enlarged front view of a guide groove, and FIG. 2D is an enlarged longitudinal section of the end of the outer ring;
- FIG. 3A is a front view of an inner ring, and FIG. 3B is a longitudinal view of the inner ring;
- FIG. 4A is a cross section of a cage, and FIG. 4B is a longitudinal section of the cage;
- FIG. 5 is a view showing how to incorporate the inner ring into the cage;
- FIG. 6A and 6B are views showing how to incorporate the inner ring into the cage;
- FIG. 7A is a longitudinal section showing another form of a cage, and FIG. 7B is a view showing how to incorporate the inner ring into such cage;
- FIGS. 8A and 8B are views showing how to incorporate balls into the pockets of the cage;
- FIGS. 9A and 9B are views showing the movement of the balls in the pockets when the operating angle is α, FIG. 9A corresponding to an arrangement in which the cage is not provided with an offset, FIG. 9B corresponding to an arrangement in which the cage is provided with an offset;
- FIG. 10 is a partial enlarged cross section showing the vicinity of a pocket in the cage;
- FIGS. 11A, 11B and11C are graphs showing the relation between rpm and temperature rise;
- FIG. 12 is a graph showing the time-dependent change of temperature rise;
- FIG. 13 is a graph showing the relation between the operating angle and torque loss factor;
- FIG. 14 is a graph showing the relation between the operating time and the depth of wear of the pockets of the cage;
- FIG. 15A is a longitudinal section showing a constant velocity joint according to a second embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 15B is a cross section thereof;
- FIG. 16 is a view showing how to incorporate the inner ring into the cage;
- FIGS. 17A and 17B are views showing how to incorporate the inner ring into the cage;
- FIG. 18A is a longitudinal section showing another form of a cage, and FIG. 18B is a view showing how to incorporate the Inner ring into such cage;
- FIGS. 19A and 19B are partial enlarged cross section showing the vicinity of a pocket in the cage;
- FIG. 20A is a longitudinal section showing a constant velocity joint according to a third embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 20B is a cross section thereof;
- FIG. 21 is a view showing an example (drive shaft) of the power transmission device of an automobile;
- FIG. 22 is a view showing a variation of the positional relation of the center of the guide grooves of the outer joint member, the center of the guide grooves of the inner joint member, the spherical center of the inner surface of the outer joint member (the spherical center of the outer surface of the cage), and the spherical center of the outer surface of the inner joint member (the spherical center of the inner surface of the cage); and
- FIG. 23A shows an example of a fixed type constant velocity joint having 6 torque transmitting balls, and FIG. 23B is a cross section thereof.
- Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.
- As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a constant velocity joint in this embodiment comprises an outer
joint member 1 having 8curved guide grooves 1 b axially formed in the sphericalinner surface 1 a thereof, an innerjoint member 2 having 8curved guide grooves 2 b axially formed in the sphericalouter surface 2 a thereof and serrations (or splines) 2 c formed on the inner surface for connection to ashaft portion 5, 8torque transmitting balls 3 disposed in ball tracks defined between theguide grooves joint members cage 4 for retaining thetorque transmitting balls 3. - In this embodiment, the centers O1 and O2 of the
guide grooves joint members outer surfaces guide groove 1 b and theguide groove 2 b corresponding thereto is wedge-wise enlarged toward the open side of the joint. - The spherical center of the
outer surface 4 a of thecage 4 and the spherical center of theinner surface 1 a of the outerjoint member 1 which serves as a guide surface for theouter surface 4 a of thecage 4 are located in the joint center plane O including the centers of thetorque transmitting balls 3. Further, the spherical center of theinner surface 4 b of thecage 4 and the spherical center of theouter surface 2 a of the innerjoint member 2 which serves as a guide surface for theinner surface 4 b of thecage 4 are located in the joint center plane O. Therefore, in this arrangement, the amount (F) of offset of the outerjoint member 1 is equal to the axial distance between the center O1 of theguide grooves 1 b and the joint center plane O, while the amount (F) of offset of the innerjoint member 2 is equal to the axial distance between the center O2 of theguide grooves 2 b and the joint center plane O; thus, the two are equal. The center O1 of theguide grooves 1 b of the outerjoint member 1 and the center O2 of theguide grooves 2 b of the innerjoint member 2 are axially shifted with respect to the joint center plane O through the same distance (F) in opposite directions (the center O1 of theguide grooves 1 b are shifted toward the open side of the joint and the center O2 toward the innermost side of the joint). The length of a line segment connecting the center O1 of theguide grooves 1 b of the outerjoint member 1 and the centers O3 of thetorque transmitting balls 3, and the length of a line segment connecting the center O2 of theguide grooves 2 b of the innerjoint member 2 and the centers O3 of thetorque transmitting balls 3 are each equal to PCR; thus, the two are equal. - When the outer and inner
joint members torque transmitting balls 3 guided by thecage 4 are maintained in a bisector plane (θ/2) bisecting the angle θ at any operating angle θ, so that the uniformity of velocity for the joint is secured. - In this embodiment, in addition to the above arrangement, the main dimensions of the joint are set at the following values.
- {circle over (1)} The ratio r1 (=PCDBALL/DBALL) of the pitch circle diameter PCDBALL (PCDBALL=2×PCR) of the
torque transmitting balls 3 to their diameter DBALL is within therange joint member 1 to the pitch circle diameter PCDSERR of the serrations (or splines) 2 c of the innerjoint member 2 is set within the range 2.5≦r2≦3.5, for example, 2.5≦r2<3.2. In addition, the arrangement {circle over (1)} may be singly used. - Joints of arrangements {circle over (1)} and {circle over (2)} were compared with comparative articles (6-ball constant velocity joints such as one shown in FIG. 23) of the same nominal size as that of said joints, and the results are shown in Table 2.
- The constant velocity joint in this embodiment has 8
torque transmitting balls 3 and the ratio of the total load on the joint to the load supported by one torque transmitting ball is small (as compared with the 6-ball constant velocity joint), thus making it possible to reduce the diameter DBALL of thetorque transmitting balls 3 as compared with the comparative article of the same nominal size (6-ball constant velocity joint) and to make the respective thicknesses of the outer and innerjoint members - Further, as compared with the comparative article of the same nominal size (6-ball constant velocity joint), the present joint can be made compact and at the same time the ratio r2=DOUTER/PCDSERR) can be reduced (2.5≦r2<3.2) and the strength, load capacity and durability which are at least equal to those of the comparative article (6-ball constant velocity joint).
- It is recommendable to set the amount of offset of the
guide grooves - FIGS. 2A through 2D show the outer joint member. A region in the open side of the
inner surface 1 a of the outerjoint member 1 is formed with acylindrical cut 1 a 1 for incorporating thecage 4 into theinner surface 1 a. In incorporation of thecage 4, with the axes positioned to intersect at right angles with each other, as shown in FIG. 2A, thepockets 4 c of the cage 4 (which is an assembly having the innerjoint member 2 incorporated into theinner surface 4 b of the cage 4) are brought into thecylindrical cut 1 a 1. In this manner, thecage 4 is inserted until the spherical center of theouter surface 4 a coincides with the spherical center of theinner surface 1 a of the outerjoint member 1. From this state, thecage 4 is turned through 90 degrees until the axis of thecage 4 coincides with the axis of the outerjoint member 1. Thereby, the cage 4 (together with the inner joint member 2) is completely incorporated into theinner surface 1 a of the inner outerjoint member 1. - Further, as shown enlarged in FIGS. 2C and 2D, a region associated with the
guide grooves 1 b of the outerjoint member 1 Is formed with achamfer 1b 1. Thechamfer 1b 1 has a function which, when theguide grooves 1 b are heat-treated (in the region W in FIG. 2D), prevents the hardening-through (i.e., prevents the open end surface of the outerjoint member 1 from being hardened) and at the same time the chamfer can be utilized as a guide when thetorque transmitting balls 3 are incorporated into thepockets 4 c. - FIGS. 3A and 3B show the inner
joint member 2. The diameter of theouter surface 2 a of the innerjoint member 2 is A, and the maximum distance across theouter surface 2 a in a longitudinal section parallel with the plane S including the bottoms of two diametricallyopposite guide grooves 2 b is C. - FIGS. 4A and 4B show the
cage 4. Thecage 4 is provided with 8 circumferentially equispaced window-like pockets 4 c which hold 8torque transmitting balls 3. Of the 8pockets 4 c, four arelong pockets 4c 1 having a large circumferential length and the remaining four areshort pockets 4c 2 having a small circumferential length, said long andshort pockets 4 c 1 and 4 c 2 alternating with each other. In this arrangement, the angular spacing of the fourshort pockets 4c 2 is 90 degrees. In addition, the arrangement may be such that of the 8pockets 4 c, six may belong pockets 4 c 1 and the remaining two may beshort pockets 4c 2. In this case, the spacing between the twoshort pockets 4c 2 is 180 degrees. The circumferential length of theshort pockets 4c 2 is set such that when this constant velocity joint transmits torque at the greatest angle (the greatest operating angle which is functionally allowable as a joint, that is the “maximum operating angle” or the basis is founded on the greatest operating angle which is operatively allowable within the range of the “maximum operating angle”), thetorque transmitting balls 3 do not interfere with the circumferential wall surface of theshort pockets 4c 2. Further, the circumferential length of thelong pockets 4c 1 is set such that during the incorporation of thetorque transmitting balls 3 which is effected by relatively tilting the outer and innerjoint members short pocket 4c 2 to face outward through the opening in the outerjoint member 1, previously incorporatedtorque transmitting balls 3 do not interfere with the circumferential wall surfaces of thelong pockets 4c 1. Further, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6A and 6B, the diameter (B) of theinlet 4 d of thecage 4 for incorporation of the innerjoint member 2 is set with respect to the outer diameter (A) of the innerjoint member 2 shown in FIG. 3A and to the maximum spacing (C) such that the relation C≦B<A is established. Defined in the innermost region of theinlet 4 d (i.e., in the boundary between theinner surface 4 b and theinlet 4 d) is astep 4 e. However, it is also possible to employ a configuration having nosuch step 4 e. - The setting of the diameter (B) of the
inlet 4 d within the range C≦B<A stems from the necessity of securing the durability and strength of the cage and of making allowances for incorporating the innerjoint member 2 into theinner surface 4 b of thecage 4. In incorporation of the innerjoint member 2, as shown in FIG. 5, with the axes positioned to intersect at right angles with each other, the innerjoint member 2 is Inserted in theinner surface 4 b of thecage 4 while abutting theguide grooves 2 b of the innerjoint member 2 against theinlet 4 d of thecage 4. When the innerjoint member 2 is inserted to some extent in this manner, as shown in FIG. 6A, the maximum spacing (C) across theouter surface 2 a of the innerjoint member 2 is caught by thestep 4 e, allowing no further insertion of the innerjoint member 2. At this time, the spherical center O′ of theouter surface 2 a of the innerjoint member 2 and the spherical center O″ of theinner surface 4 b of thecage 4 are somewhat shifted from each other. Thereafter, theinner join member 2 is turned through 90 degrees by utilizing the lateral portion T of thestep 4 e of thecage 4 shown in FIG. 6B, until the axis of the innerjoint member 2 and the axis of thecage 4 coincide with each other. Thereby, the innerjoint member 2 is completely incorporated into theinner surface 4 b of thecage 4. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, also in the case of acage 4 having nostep 4 e, the parts can be assembled in the same manner as the above. In this case, with the axis of the innerjoint member 2 positioned to intersect at right angles with the axis of thecage 4, incorporation can be continued until the spherical center O′ of theouter surface 2 a of the innerjoint member 2 and the spherical center O″ of theinner surface 4 b of thecage 4 coincide with each other. Thereafter, the innerjoint member 2 is turned through 90 degrees with respect to thecage 4 until their axes coincide, the advantage being that the operation involved is easy. - Generally, in this type of constant velocity joint, in order to incorporate the inner joint member into the inner surface of the cage, the circumferential length of one of the pockets of the cage or two diametrically opposite pockets is made greater than the axial length of the inner joint member. And the incorporation is effected such that with the axes of the inner joint member and cage positioned to intersect at right angles with each other, while inserting an outer surface portion of the inner joint member (a portion between circumferentially adjoining guide grooves) into said pockets of increased circumferential length, the operator inserts the inner joint member into the inner surface of the cage, and turning the inner joint member through 90 degrees with respect to the cage. However, according to the construction and method of incorporation of such cage, the necessity of making the circumferential length of at least one pocket of the cage greater than the axial length of the inner joint member leads to the reduction of the area of the inner and outer surfaces of the cage and the reduction of the circumferential thickness of the post portion between pockets. This is not preferable for the durability and strength of the cage. According to the construction and method of incorporation of the cage in the embodiment described above, since there is no need to provide a pocket which has a greater circumferential length than the axial length of the inner joint member, the necessary areas of the inner and outer surfaces of the cage and the circumferential thickness of the post between pockets can be secured to increase the durability and strength of the cage. Particularly, in the arrangement having 8
torque transmitting balls 3 as in the constant velocity joint of the present invention, the number ofpockets 4 c of thecage 4 larger than that in the comparative article (6-ball constant velocity joint); therefore, the securing of the durability and strength of the cage is important. - The provision of two types of
pockets 4 c of thecage 4, i.e.,long pockets 4 c 1 andshort pockets 4c 2 is intended to secure the durability and strength of the cage and to make allowances for incorporation of thetorque transmitting balls 3 into thepockets 4 c of thecage 4. In this type of constant velocity joints, incorporation of thetorque transmitting balls 3 is effected by incorporating the assembly ofcage 4 and innerjoint member 2 into theinner surface 1 a of the outer joint member 1 (FIG. 2A) and then, as shown in FIG. 8A, angularly displacing the inner joint member 2 (and the cage 4) with respect to the outerjoint member 1. - Now, in this type of constant velocity joints, when the outer and inner joint members transmit torque between each other while taking an operating angle θ, the torque transmitting balls move circumferentially and radially within the pockets of the cage as the phase In the direction of rotation changes. And the amount of movement of the torque transmitting balls increases in proportion to the operating angle θ, the latter being greatest when the torque transmitting balls are incorporated (the operating angle θ at this time is referred to as the “ball Incorporation angle α”, the “ball incorporation angle α” is greater than the “maximum operating angle” which is the greatest operating angle which can be taken by the joint while performing the function as the joint). Therefore, the amount of movement, particularly the amount of circumferential movement, of the torque transmitting balls is the greatest when the joint takes the ball incorporation angle α; thus, it is necessary to take into account the amount of circumferential movement of the torque transmitting balls when setting the circumferential length of the pockets of the cage.
- In FIG. 8B, the
torque transmitting balls 3 are shown at 31, 32, . . . , 38 in the various phases in the direction of rotation. Thetorque transmitting balls short pockets 4 c 2 and theballs long pockets 4c 1. The respective displaced positions of thetorque transmitting balls 3 in thepockets 4 c in different phases when the joint takes the incorporation angle a are as shown in FIG. 9A. In addition, FIG. 9A shows how the torque transmitting balls move in the arrangement in which the spherical centers of theouter surface 4 a andinner surface 4 b are not offset (the arrangement in which the spherical centers are located in the joint center plane O), as in the case of thecage 4 In this embodiment, and FIG. 9B show how the torque transmitting balls move in the arrangement in which the inner and outer surfaces of the cage are axially offset an equal amount with respect to the joint center plane O. - The torque transmitting balls are incorporated, first, in the four
long pockets 4 c 1 and then in theshort pockets 4c 2. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, when thetorque transmitting ball 31 is to be incorporated into theshort pocket 4c 2, the amount of circumferential movement of the torque transmitting ball is large in the phases of 32, 34, 36, 38 and small in the phases of 33, 35, 37 (FIGS. 9A and 9B). As described above, the circumferential length of thelong pockets 4 c 1 (positioned in the phases of 32, 34, 36, 38 in FIG. 8B) is set such that when atorque transmitting ball 3 is incorporated into oneshort pocket 4 c 2 (positioned in the phase of 31 in FIG. 8b), the previously Incorporated torque transmitting ball does not Interfere with the circumferential wall surfaces of thelong pockets 4c 1. Further, in the phase positioned in theshort pockets 4 c 2 (33, 35, 37 in FIG. 8B), the amount of circumferential movement of thetorque transmitting balls 3 is small. Therefore, thetorque transmitting ball 31 can be incorporated into theshort pocket 4c 2. Likewise, when thetorque transmitting ball 33, for example, is to be incorporated, thelong pockets 4c 1 are positioned in the phases of 32, 34, 36, 38, and in the phases of 31, 35, 37, the amount of circumferential movement of thetorque transmitting balls 3 is small. Therefore, thetorque transmitting ball 33 can be incorporated into theshort pocket 4c 2. In this manner,torque transmitting balls 3 can be incorporated into allshort pockets 4c 2. (Since torque transmitting balls have previously been incorporated into thelong pockets 4c 1, it follows that thetorque transmitting balls 3 can be incorporated into allpockets 4 c.) In addition, when theballs 3 are being incorporated into thepockets 4 c, thechamfer 1b 1 of the outerjoint member 1 serves to guide the balls 3 (see FIG. 8A). - Generally, in this type of constant velocity joints, the circumferential length of the pockets of the cage is set on the basis of the maximum amount of circumferential movement of the torque transmitting ball in the pocket during the ball incorporation (as described above, the circumferential length of at least one pocket is made greater than the axial length of the inner joint member), and this leads to the reduction of the area of the inner and outer surfaces of the cage and the reduction of the circumferential thickness of the post between pockets and being not preferable from the viewpoint of the durability and strength of the cage. In this respect, in the constant velocity joint of this embodiment, the circumferential length of the
long pockets 4c 1 of thecage 4 is set on the aforesaid basis, and circumferential length of theshort pockets 4c 2 is set on the basis of the maximum amount of circumferential movement of thetorque transmitting ball 3 in the pocket during the transmission of torque with the constant velocity joint taking the maximum angle (this angle is smaller than the “ball incorporation angle α”). Such arrangement makes it possible to secure the areas of the inner and outer surface of the cage, the circumferential thickness of the post between pockets, and the durability and strength of the cage. - Further, in the arrangement in which the spherical centers of the outer and
inner surfaces cage 4 of this embodiment, since the movements of thetorque transmitting balls 3 in the pockets, as shown in FIG. 9A, are the same for the inner and outer surfaces of the cage, the two circumferential wall surfaces 4c 11 of thepockets 4 c may be made in the form of parallel flat surfaces (FIG. 10A), or concavely curved surfaces corresponding to the surface curvature of the torque transmitting balls. - When the outer
joint member 1, innerjoint member 2,cage 4, and torque transmitting balls have been assembled in the manner described above, the constant velocity joint of this embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is completed. The serrations (or splines) 2 c of the innerjoint member 2 have theshaft 5 connected thereto. In addition, in this embodiment, theshaft 5 is made of boron steel to reduce the size of the shaft 5 (the diameter of the portion which interferes with the open end of the outer joint member is reduced, the diameter of the serrated portion being the same as that of the comparative article). The intention for reduction of the diameter of theshaft 5 is to make allowances for the increasing operating angle. In a trial model, a maximum operating angle of greater than 45° required for a drive shaft joint for automobiles. - FIGS. 11A through 11C show the results of comparative tests of the embodiment article and the comparative article (6-ball constant velocity joint) for the relation between rpm and temperature rise (° C.). In the figures, X (dotted line with white circles ◯) refers to the embodiment article and Y (solid line with black circles ◯) refers to the comparative article, and the temperature rise (° C.) was measured 30 minutes after the start of operation. And θ is the operating angle of the joint and T is the input rotation torque.
- As is clear from the test results shown in the figures, the temperature rise in the embodiment article (X) is lower than that in the comparative article (Y), the difference therebetween increasing with increasing rpm. Reduction of temperature leads to improved durability. Further, it is thought that such reduction of temperature rise can be attained irrespective of the operating angle (θ) and input rotation torque (T).
- FIG. 12 shows the results of tests of the embodiment article and the comparative article (6-ball constant velocity joint) (both being of the same nominal size) for the time-dependent change of temperature rise. In the figure, X (dotted line with white circles ◯) refers to the embodiment article and Y (solid line with black circles ◯) refers to the comparative article, and θ is the operating angle of the joint and T is the input rotation torque.
- As is clear from the test results shown in the figure, the temperature rise in the embodiment article (X) is relatively lower than that in the comparative article (Y), the difference therebetween not changing so much even if the operating time prolongs.
- FIG. 13 show the results of comparative tests of the embodiment article and the comparative article (6-ball constant velocity joint) (both being of the same nominal size) for the relation between the operating angle θ (in degrees) and torque loss factor (%). In the figures, X (dotted line with white circles ◯) refers to the embodiment article and Y (solid line with black circles ) refers to the comparative article, and the torque loss factor was measured at the input rotation torque=196 N·m, for θ=10 degrees, and at T=98 N·m for θ=30 degrees.
- As is clear from the figure, the torque loss factor for the embodiment article (X) is smaller than that of the comparative article (Y), the difference therebetween increasing with increasing operating angle θ. The reduction of torque loss factor contributes to fuel saving and energy saving and also to reduction of temperature rise and hence to improved durability as well.
- Table 3 shows the results of observation, regarding the embodiment article and the comparative article (6-ball constant velocity joint) (both being of the same nominal size), of how the outer joint member, inner joint member, cage and torque transmitting balls were damaged 300 hours after operation. As for the cage, the depth of wear in the pockets was measured, and the results are shown in FIG. 14. The test conditions were that operating angle θ=6 degrees, input rotation torque T=1078 N·m, rpm=200, and total number of revolutions=3.60×106. In addition, the tests were conducted using two test articles respectively for the embodiment article and for the comparative article (embodiment articles being indicated by Nos. 1 and 2 and the comparative articles by the Nos. 3 and 4), and the depth of wear shown in FIG. 14 is the mean value for the two test articles.
- As is clear from the results shown in Table 3, there was no damage found in any part of both the embodiment articles and the comparative articles. Further, as is clear from the results shown in FIG. 11, the depth of wear in the pockets of the cage in the embodiment article (X) was less than that in the comparative article (Y).
- As has been described so far, the constant velocity joint of this embodiment is compact in shape and yet its load capacity and durability are at least as high as in the comparative article (6-ball constant velocity joint).
- FIGS. 15A and 15B show a constant velocity joint according to another embodiment of the invention. The centers O1 and O2 of the
guide grooves joint members outer surfaces - Further, in this embodiment, the spherical center of the
outer surface 4 a′ of thecage 4′ (which is the same as the spherical center O4 of theinner surface 1 a of the outer joint member 1) and the spherical center of theinner surface 4 b′ of thecage 4′ (which is the same as the spherical center O5 of theouter surface 2 a of the inner joint member 2) are offset axially by an equal distance (f) In opposite directions from the center O of the joint. The offset (F) In the outerjoint member 1 is the axial distance between the center O1 of theguide grooves 1 b and the spherical center O4 of theinner surface 1 a and offset (F) in the innerjoint member 2 is the axial distance between the center O2 of theguide grooves 2 b and the spherical center O5 of theouter surface 2 a, and the two are equal. The length of the line segment connecting the center O1 of theguide groove 1 b of the outerjoint member 1 and the center of thetorque transmitting ball 3, and the length of the line segment connecting the center O2 of theguide groove 2 b of the innerjoint member 2 and the center O3 of thetorque transmitting ball 3 are each equal to PCR; thus, the two are equal. - It Is recommendable that the offset (f) in the
outer surface 4 a′ andinner surface 4 b′ of thecage 4′ be set as follows. - As described above, ({circle over (4)}) it is preferable from the viewpoint of securing the cage strength and durability that the offset (f) in the
outer surface 4 a′ andinner surface 4 b′ be set such that the ratio R2 (=f/PCR) is within therange 0<R2≦0.052. In this embodiment, however, R2 is set at 0.035. As for the arrangements {circle over (1)}, {circle over (2)}, {circle over (3)} in the above embodiment, they are the same (however, regarding the arrangement {circle over (3)}, R1 is set at 0.1003), and a description thereof is omitted. In addition, the direction of the offset (f) in thecage 4′ may be reversed. That is, the point O4 in FIG. 15A may be the same as the spherical center of theinner surface 4 b′ and the point O5 may be the same as the spherical center of theouter surface 4 a′. - In the
cage 4′ of this embodiment also, as in the case of thecage 4 in the embodiment described above, the diameter (B) of theinlet 4 d′ for incorporating the innerjoint member 2 is set with respect to the outer diameter (A) of the inner joint member and the maximum spacing (C) such that C≦B<A (FIG. 17A). Defined in the Innermost region of theinlet 4 d′ (i.e., in the boundary between theinner surface 4 b′ and theinlet 4 d′) is astep 4 e′. However, it is also possible to employ a configuration having nosuch step 4 e. In incorporation of the innerjoint member 2, as shown in FIG. 16, with the axes positioned to intersect at right angles with each other, the innerjoint member 2 is inserted in theinner surface 4 b′ of the cage 41 while abutting oneguide groove 2 b of the innerjoint member 2 against theinlet 4 d′ of thecage 4′. When the innerjoint member 2 is inserted to some extent in this manner, as shown in FIG. 17A, the maximum spacing (C) across theouter surface 2 a of the innerjoint member 2 is caught by thestep 4 e′, allowing no further insertion of the innerjoint member 2. At this time, the spherical center O′ of theouter surface 2 a of the innerjoint member 2 and the spherical center O″ of theinner surface 4 b′ of thecage 4′ are somewhat shifted from each other. Thereafter, theinner join member 2 is turned through 90 degrees by utilizing the lateral portion T of thestep 4 e′ of thecage 4′ showing in FIG. 6B, until the axis of theinner Joint member 2 and the axis of thecage 4′ coincide with each other. Thereby, the innerjoint member 2 is completely incorporated into theinner surface 4 b′ of thecage 4′. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, also in the case of acage 4′ having nostep 4 e′, the parts can be assembled in the same manner as the above. - Further, the
cage 4′ in this embodiment has 8 pockets for storing 8 torque transmitting balls, said 8 pockets consisting of two types of pockets, long and short, having their circumferential lengths determined on the same basis as in the preceding embodiment. The respective numbers of short and long pockets, their disposition and their wall shape are the same as in the preceding embodiment. Further, incorporation of thetorque transmitting balls 3 into the pockets is effected in the manner shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B as in the preceding embodiment. With the arrangement of this embodiment, however, since the spherical centers O4 and O5 of the outer andinner surfaces 4 a′ and 4 b′ of thecage 4′ are offset to the positions shown in FIG. 15A, the movements of thetorque transmitting balls 3 in the pockets during the ball incorporation are at their greatest on the outer surface side, as shown in FIG. 9B. In such case, it is recommendable that as shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the two circumferential wall surfaces 4 c 11′ of thepocket 4 c′ be in the form of inclined surfaces sloping enlarged toward the outer surface of thecage 4′. FIG. 19A shows an arrangement in which the twowall surfaces 4 c 11′ are flat surfaces, and FIG. 19B shows an arrangement in which the two wall surfaces are curved surfaces corresponding to the curvature of the surface of thetorque transmitting balls 3. As compared with the case where the two circumferential wall surfaces 4 c 11′ of the pocket are parallel surfaces (see FIG. 10), this arrangement is advantageous from the viewpoint of securing the strength and durability of the cage in that the area of theinner surface 4 b′ of thecage 4′ (the area of the post associated with the inner surface side) increases. - In an embodiment shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, a predetermined regions U1 and U2 of the
guide grooves joint members guide groove 1 b other than the region U1 is curved with the center at point O1 and the region of theguide groove 2 b other than the region U2 is curved with the center at point O2. The rest of the arrangement is the same as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, and a description thereof is omitted. - In this connection, it is to be noted that the constant velocity joints described in the above embodiments can be widely used as a power transmission component in automobiles and various industrial machines and instruments and particularly they are useful for use in the power transmitting device of automobiles, for example, as a joint for connecting the drive shaft or propeller shaft of an automobile.
- For connecting the drive shaft or propeller shaft of an automobile, usually, the fixed type joint and the plunging type joint are used in pair. For example, the power transmission device of an automobile has to be designed to accommodate angular and axial displacements caused by the change of relative positional relation between the engine and the ground-engaging wheels. Thus, as shown in FIG. 21, a
drive shaft 20 interposed between the engine and the wheel is connected at one end to a differential 22 through a plunging type constant velocity joint 21 and at the other end to thewheel 24 through a fixed type constant velocity joint 23. - If the constant velocity joint described in the above embodiments is used as the fixed type constant velocity joint23 for connecting the
drive shaft 20, this use enables the joint to be reduced in size while securing the strength, load capacity and durability which are at least as high as in the comparative article (6-ball fixed type constant velocity joint); thus, the use is is very advantageous from the viewpoint of vehicle weight reduction and hence low fuel cost. - In addition, in this type of constant velocity joint, the positional relation among the centers of the guide grooves of the outer and inner joint members, the spherical center of the inner surface of the outer joint member (the spherical center of the outer surface of the cage), and the spherical center of the outer surface of the inner joint member (the spherical center of the inner surface of the cage) has 8 variations (a)-(h), and the present invention can be applied to any of these variations. In this connection, it is to be noted that the arrangement shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B corresponds to FIG. 22(b), and the arrangements shown in FIGS. 15A, 15B and in FIGS. 20A, 20B both correspond to FIG. 22(a). Further, it is in the arrangements shown in FIGS. 22(a), (d), (e), (f) and (g) that the movements of the torque transmitting balls are at their greatest on the outer surface side of the cage.
- Further, the arrangements {circle over (1)}, {circle over (2)}, {circle over (3)}, {circle over (4)} described in the above embodiment can be used singly or in combination, as ({circle over (1)}), ({circle over (1)}+{circle over (2)}), ({circle over (3)}), ({circle over (4)}), ({circle over (1)}+{circle over (3)}), ({circle over (1)}+{circle over (4)}), ({circle over (1)}+{circle over (2)}+{circle over (3)}), ({circle over (1)}+{circle over (2)}+{circle over (4)}), ({circle over (3)}+{circle over (4)}), ({circle over (1)}+{circle over (3)}+{circle over (4)}), ({circle over (1)}+{circle over (2)}+{circle over (3)}+{circle over (4)}). Of these, preferable arrangements are ({circle over (1)}) (claim2), ({circle over (1)}+{circle over (2)}) (claim 3), ({circle over (3)}) (claim 4), ({circle over (1)}+{circle over (3)}) (claim 4), ({circle over (1)}+{circle over (2)}+{circle over (3)}) (claim 4), ({circle over (4)}) (claim 6), ({circle over (1)}+{circle over (4)}) (claim 6), ({circle over (1)}+{circle over (2)}+{circle over (4)}) (claim 6), ({circle over (3)}+{circle over (4)}) (claim 7), ({circle over (1)}+{circle over (3)}+{circle over (4)}) (claim 7), and ({circle over (1)}+{circle over (2)}+{circle over (3)}+{circle over (4)}) (claim 7).
- The present invention is applicable not only to a constant velocity joint arranged such that the inner joint member and the shaft are interconnected by a tooth profile (serrations or splines) but also to a constant velocity joint arranged such that the inner joint member and the shaft are integrated. For example, it is possible to employ an arrangement in which after the torque transmitting balls have been incorporated into the outer joint member, the shaft is integrally joined (by welding, such as laser beam welding, pressing or the like) to the end surface of the inner joint member.
Claims (19)
1. A constant velocity joint comprising:
an outer joint member having a plurality of axially extending curved guide grooves formed in the spherical inner surface thereof;
an inner joint member having a plurality of axially extending curved guide grooves formed in the spherical outer surface thereof;
a plurality of ball tracks defined between said guide grooves of said outer joint member and said guide grooves of said inner joint member corresponding thereto, said ball tracks being enlarged in wedge form in one sense of the axial direction;
a torque transmitting ball disposed in each of said plurality of ball tracks;
a cage having a plurality of pockets for storing said torque transmitting balls, wherein the number of said ball tracks and the number of said torque transmitting balls disposed are eight.
2. A constant velocity joint as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the ratio r1 (=PCDBALL/DBALL) of the pitch circle diameter (PCDBALL) of the torque transmitting balls to the diameter (DBALL) of said torque transmitting balls is within the range 3.3≦r1≦5.0.
3. A constant velocity joint as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the ratio r1 (=PCDBALL/DBALL) Of the pitch circle diameter (PCDBALL) of the torque transmitting balls to the diameter (DBALL) of said torque transmitting balls is within the range 3.3≦r1≦5.0, and the ratio r2 (=DOUTER/PCDSERR) of the outer diameter (DOUTER) of the outer joint member to the pitch circle diameter (PCDSERR) of the tooth profile formed in the inner surface of said inner joint member 2 is set within the range 2.5≦r2≦3.5.
4. A constant velocity joint as set forth in claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein the respective centers of said guide grooves of the outer and inner joint members are offset with respect to the respective spherical centers of said inner and outer surfaces axially by an equal distance (F) in opposite directions, and the ratio R1 (=F/PCR) of said offset (F) to the length (PCR) of a line segment connecting the center of said guide grooves of said outer or inner joint member and the centers of said torque transmitting balls is within the range 0.069≦R1≦0.121.
5. A constant velocity joint as set forth in claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein the respective centers of the guide grooves of the outer and inner joint members are offset with respect to the respective spherical centers of the inner and outer surfaces axially by an equal distance (F) in opposite directions, and the spherical centers of the outer and inner surfaces of said cage are offset with respect to the joint center plane including the centers of said torque transmitting balls, axially by an equal distance (f) in opposite directions.
6. A constant velocity joint as set forth in claim 5 , wherein the ratio R2 (=f/PCR) of said offset (f) to the length (PCR) of a line segment connecting the center of said guide grooves of said outer joint member or inner joint member and the centers of said torque transmitting balls is within the range 0<R2≦0.052.
7. A constant velocity joint as set forth in claim 5 , wherein the ratio R1 (=F/PCR) of said offset (F) to the length (PCR) of a line segment connecting the center of said guide grooves of said outer inner joint member and the centers of said torque transmitting balls is within the range 0.069≦R1≦0.121 and the ratio R2 (=f/PCR) of said offset (f) to said length (PCR) is within the range 0<R2≦0.052.
8. A constant velocity joint as set forth in claim 1 , 2, 3, 6 or 7, wherein it is used in a power transmission device for automobiles.
9. A constant velocity joint as set forth in claim 4 , wherein it is used in a power transmission device for automobiles.
10. A constant velocity joint as set forth in claim 5 , wherein it is used in a power transmission device for automobiles.
11. A constant velocity joint as set forth in claim 1 , 2, 3, 6 or 7, wherein the diameter (B) of an inlet formed in one axial end of said cage has the relation C≦B<A with respect to the outer diameter (A) of said inner joint member and the maximum spacing (C) across said outer surface in a longitudinal section parallel with a plane (S) including the bottoms of two diametrically opposite ones of said guide grooves.
12. A constant velocity joint as set forth in claim 4 , wherein the diameter (B) of an inlet formed in one axial end of said cage has the relation C≦B<A with respect to the outer diameter (A) of said Inner joint member and the maximum spacing (C) across said outer surface in a longitudinal section parallel with a plane (S) including the bottoms of two diametrically opposite ones of said guide grooves.
13. A constant velocity joint as set forth in claim 5 , wherein the diameter (B) of an inlet formed in one axial end of said cage has the relation C≦B<A with respect to the outer diameter (A) of said inner joint member and the maximum spacing (C) across said outer surface in a longitudinal section parallel with a plane (S) including the bottoms of two diametrically opposite ones of said guide grooves.
14. A constant velocity joint as set forth in claim 1 , 2, 3, 6 or 7, wherein said plurality of pockets of said cage comprise short and long pockets which differ in their circumferential length,
said pockets being spaced from each other at a distance of 90 or 180 degrees, the circumferential length of the short pockets being such that when this constant velocity joint transmits torque at the greatest angle, the torque transmitting balls do not interfere with the circumferential wall surface of the short pockets,
the circumferential length of the long pockets being such that during the incorporation of the torque transmitting balls which is effected by relatively tilting the outer and inner joint members to cause said short pocket to face outward through the opening in one axial end of said outer joint member, previously incorporated torque transmitting balls do not interfere with the circumferential wall surfaces of the long pockets.
15. A constant velocity joint as set forth in claim 4 , wherein said plurality of pockets of said cage comprise short and long pockets which differ in their circumferential length,
said pockets being spaced from each other at a distance of 90 or 180 degrees, the circumferential length of the short pockets being such that when this constant velocity joint transmits torque at the greatest angle, the torque transmitting balls do not interfere with the circumferential wall surface of the short pockets,
the circumferential length of the long pockets being such that during the incorporation of the torque transmitting balls which is effected by relatively tilting the outer and inner joint members to cause said short pocket to face outward through the opening in one axial end of said outer joint member, previously incorporated torque transmitting balls do not interfere with the circumferential wall surfaces of the long pockets.
16. A constant velocity joint as set forth in claim B, wherein said plurality of pockets of said cage comprise short and long pockets which differ in their circumferential length,
said pockets being spaced from each other at a distance of 90 or 180 degrees, the circumferential length of the short pockets being such that when this constant velocity joint transmits torque at the greatest angle, the torque transmitting balls do not interfere with the circumferential wall surface of the short pockets,
the circumferential length of the long pockets being such that during the incorporation of the torque transmitting balls which is effected by relatively tilting the outer and inner joint members to cause said short pocket to face outward through the opening in one axial end of said outer joint member, previously incorporated torque transmitting balls do not interfere with the circumferential wall surfaces of the long pockets.
17. A constant velocity joint as set forth in claim 14 , 15 or 16, wherein the circumferential wall surfaces of said pockets of said cage are inclined surfaces sloping enlarged toward the outer surface of said cage.
18. A constant velocity joint as set forth in claim 14 , 15 or 16, wherein said wall surfaces are flat surfaces.
19. A constant velocity joint as set forth in claim 14, 15 or 16, wherein said wall surfaces are curved surfaces.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/500,532 US6386983B1 (en) | 1995-12-26 | 2000-02-09 | Constant velocity joint having eight torque transmitting balls |
Applications Claiming Priority (16)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP33934595A JP3702019B2 (en) | 1995-12-26 | 1995-12-26 | Fixed constant velocity joint |
JP7-339345 | 1995-12-26 | ||
JP7343519A JPH09177810A (en) | 1995-12-28 | 1995-12-28 | Cage for constant velocity universal joint and assembling method thereof |
JP7-343519 | 1995-12-28 | ||
JP10731696A JPH09291945A (en) | 1996-04-26 | 1996-04-26 | Fixed type constant velocity joint |
JP8-107316 | 1996-04-26 | ||
JP13399996 | 1996-05-28 | ||
JP15759496A JP3859267B2 (en) | 1996-05-28 | 1996-05-28 | Fixed type constant velocity universal joint |
JP8-157594 | 1996-05-28 | ||
JP13399896A JP3859264B2 (en) | 1996-05-28 | 1996-05-28 | Fixed constant velocity universal joint for automobiles |
JP8-133998 | 1996-05-28 | ||
JP8-133999 | 1996-08-08 | ||
JP25948496A JP3460107B2 (en) | 1996-05-28 | 1996-09-30 | Constant velocity universal joint |
JP8-259484 | 1996-09-30 | ||
US08/860,719 US6120382A (en) | 1995-12-26 | 1996-12-19 | Constant velocity joint |
US09/500,532 US6386983B1 (en) | 1995-12-26 | 2000-02-09 | Constant velocity joint having eight torque transmitting balls |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/860,719 Division US6120382A (en) | 1995-12-26 | 1996-12-19 | Constant velocity joint |
PCT/JP1996/003702 Division WO1997024538A1 (en) | 1995-12-26 | 1996-12-19 | Constant velocity universal coupling |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20020032064A1 true US20020032064A1 (en) | 2002-03-14 |
US6386983B1 US6386983B1 (en) | 2002-05-14 |
Family
ID=27565736
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/860,719 Expired - Lifetime US6120382A (en) | 1995-12-26 | 1996-12-19 | Constant velocity joint |
US09/500,532 Expired - Lifetime US6386983B1 (en) | 1995-12-26 | 2000-02-09 | Constant velocity joint having eight torque transmitting balls |
US09/500,649 Expired - Lifetime US6267682B1 (en) | 1995-12-26 | 2000-02-09 | Constant velocity joint |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/860,719 Expired - Lifetime US6120382A (en) | 1995-12-26 | 1996-12-19 | Constant velocity joint |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/500,649 Expired - Lifetime US6267682B1 (en) | 1995-12-26 | 2000-02-09 | Constant velocity joint |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US6120382A (en) |
EP (3) | EP1209372B1 (en) |
CN (2) | CN1087817C (en) |
AU (1) | AU714553B2 (en) |
DE (3) | DE69623439T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1997024538A1 (en) |
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US20100173715A1 (en) * | 2007-09-26 | 2010-07-08 | Ntn Corporation | Fixed type constant velocity universal joint |
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US8403764B2 (en) | 2007-10-24 | 2013-03-26 | Ntn Corporation | Constant velocity universal joint |
US20100210368A1 (en) * | 2007-10-24 | 2010-08-19 | Masazumi Kobayashi | Constant velocity universal joint |
US8925204B2 (en) * | 2009-03-13 | 2015-01-06 | Steering Solutions Ip Holding Corporation | Constant velocity joint and method of making |
US20130097867A1 (en) * | 2009-03-13 | 2013-04-25 | Steering Solutions Ip Holding Corporation | Constant velocity joint and method of making |
US8568245B2 (en) | 2009-10-08 | 2013-10-29 | Ntn Corporation | Fixed type constant velocity universal joint |
US8808097B2 (en) | 2009-10-08 | 2014-08-19 | Ntn Corporation | Fixed type constant velocity universal joint |
US9243671B2 (en) | 2009-10-22 | 2016-01-26 | Ntn Corporation | Fixed type constant velocity universal joint |
US20130272640A1 (en) * | 2012-04-17 | 2013-10-17 | Aktiebolaget Skf | Retaining cage for the rolling elements of a rolling-contact bearing |
US8894290B2 (en) * | 2012-04-17 | 2014-11-25 | Aktiebolaget Skf | Retaining cage for the rolling elements of a rolling-contact bearing |
US10309464B2 (en) | 2014-03-17 | 2019-06-04 | Ntn Corporation | Fixed constant velocity universal joint |
US11353066B2 (en) | 2017-03-17 | 2022-06-07 | Ntn Corporation | Fixed type constant velocity universal joint for rear-wheel drive shaft |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE69636727T2 (en) | 2007-09-20 |
CN1260487C (en) | 2006-06-21 |
US6267682B1 (en) | 2001-07-31 |
CN1419061A (en) | 2003-05-21 |
DE69623439D1 (en) | 2002-10-10 |
WO1997024538A1 (en) | 1997-07-10 |
CN1176683A (en) | 1998-03-18 |
EP1209372A3 (en) | 2004-07-07 |
AU1171197A (en) | 1997-07-28 |
EP1209373A2 (en) | 2002-05-29 |
EP0802341B1 (en) | 2002-09-04 |
EP1209373B1 (en) | 2006-11-22 |
DE69636727D1 (en) | 2007-01-04 |
EP0802341B2 (en) | 2010-04-28 |
DE69623439T3 (en) | 2010-09-30 |
DE69623439T2 (en) | 2003-05-28 |
DE69636726D1 (en) | 2007-01-04 |
EP1209372B1 (en) | 2006-11-22 |
US6386983B1 (en) | 2002-05-14 |
EP1209373A3 (en) | 2004-07-14 |
EP0802341A4 (en) | 2000-05-10 |
CN1087817C (en) | 2002-07-17 |
EP0802341A1 (en) | 1997-10-22 |
DE69636726T2 (en) | 2008-02-21 |
US6120382A (en) | 2000-09-19 |
AU714553B2 (en) | 2000-01-06 |
EP1209372A2 (en) | 2002-05-29 |
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