阅读说明：本技术 具有非对称相对轨道的高效率等速接头 (High efficiency constant velocity joint with asymmetric opposing tracks ) 是由 爱德华多·劳尔·蒙德拉贡-帕拉 D·J·塞勒 于 2019-06-17 设计创作，主要内容包括：等速接头组件包括外接头构件,该外接头构件限定第一纵向轴线,并包括封闭端、开口端、至少部分地在封闭端与开口端之间延伸的第一组外轨道、以及至少部分地在封闭端与开口端之间延伸的第二组外轨道。该组件还包括内接头构件,其限定与第一纵向轴线同轴的第二纵向轴线,并包括第一组内轨道和第二组内轨道,该内接头包括用以接纳驱动轴的附接特征部。第一组轨道中的球的中心所遵循的路径由外环轨道路径和内环轨道路径来约束,该外环轨道路径是分段连续函数。(The constant velocity joint assembly includes an outer joint member defining a first longitudinal axis and including a closed end, an open end, a first set of outer rails extending at least partially between the closed end and the open end, and a second set of outer rails extending at least partially between the closed end and the open end. The assembly also includes an inner joint member defining a second longitudinal axis coaxial with the first longitudinal axis and including a first set of inner rails and a second set of inner rails, the inner joint including an attachment feature to receive the drive shaft. The path followed by the centers of the balls in the first set of orbits is constrained by an outer ring orbital path that is a piecewise continuous function and an inner ring orbital path.)

1. A constant velocity joint assembly comprising:

an outer joint member defining a first longitudinal axis and including a closed end, an open end, a first set of outer rails extending at least partially between the closed end and the open end, and a second set of outer rails extending at least partially between the closed end and the open end; and

an inner joint member defining a second longitudinal axis coaxial with the first longitudinal axis and including a first set of inner rails and a second set of inner rails, the inner joint including an attachment feature to receive a drive shaft,

wherein the path followed by the centers of the balls in the first set of tracks is constrained by an outer loop track path which is a piecewise continuous function defined by a first straight segment with a positive slope, followed by a second concave arcuate segment, followed by a third straight segment with a negative slope, and an inner loop track path which is a piecewise continuous function defined by a first straight segment with a positive slope, followed by a second convex arcuate segment, followed by a third straight segment with a negative slope, wherein the tangents between the balls and the outer and inner loop tracks form a first funnel extending towards the open end of the outer loop,

wherein the path followed by the centers of the balls in the second set of tracks is constrained by an outer loop orbital path and an inner loop orbital path, the outer loop orbital path being a piecewise continuous function defined by a first concave arcuate segment followed by a second concave arcuate segment having a curvature less than and tangent to the first segment followed by a third straight segment having a negative slope, the inner loop orbital path being a piecewise continuous function defined by a first straight segment having a positive slope followed by a second convex arcuate segment followed by a third convex arcuate segment having a curvature greater than the second arcuate segment and tangent to the second segment, wherein the tangent between the balls and the outer and inner loop orbits forms a second funnel.

2. The constant velocity joint assembly of claim 1, wherein said first funnel forms a first angle and said second funnel forms a second angle.

3. The constant velocity joint assembly of claim 2, wherein said first angle and said second angle are different.

4. The constant velocity joint assembly of claim 2, wherein said first angle is greater than said second angle.

5. The constant velocity joint assembly of claim 1, wherein the first set of tracks is arranged at 12: 00. 3: 00. 6: 00 and 9: 00, and the second set of tracks is arranged in a 1: 30. 4: 30. 7: 30 and 10: 30, respectively.

6. The constant velocity joint assembly of claim 1, wherein the first set of tracks is arranged at 12: 00. 1: 30. 6: 00 and 7: 30, and the second set of tracks is arranged at 3: 00. 4: 30. 9: 00 and 10: 30, respectively.

7. The constant velocity joint assembly of claim 1, further comprising a cage disposed between an outer surface of said inner joint member and an inner surface of said outer joint.

8. The constant velocity joint assembly of claim 7, wherein said cage comprises a plurality of cage windows, wherein cage windows mated to said first set of rails differ in length from cage windows mated to said second set of rails.

9. The constant velocity joint assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of said outer track and said inner track are arranged in a paired sequence.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a constant velocity joint for use in a driveline.

Background

Constant Velocity Joints (CVJ) may be used in the driveline of a vehicle, which transfers rotational torque from one driveline component to another driveline component. The constant velocity joints facilitate angular displacement or movement of the various components interconnected by the constant velocity joints while also facilitating the transfer of torque.

Disclosure of Invention

A constant velocity joint assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes an outer joint member defining a first longitudinal axis and including a closed end, an open end, a first set of outer rails extending at least partially between the closed end and the open end, and a second set of outer rails extending at least partially between the closed end and the open end. The assembly also includes an inner joint member defining a second longitudinal axis coaxial with the first longitudinal axis and including a first set of inner rails and a second set of inner rails, the inner joint including an attachment feature for receiving a drive shaft. The path followed by the centers of the balls in the first set of tracks is constrained by an outer loop orbital path which is a piecewise continuous function defined by a first straight segment having a positive slope, followed by a second concave arcuate segment, followed by a third straight segment having a negative slope, and an inner loop orbital path which is a piecewise continuous function defined by a first straight segment having a positive slope, followed by a second convex arcuate segment, followed by a third straight segment having a negative slope, wherein the tangent between the ball and the outer and inner loop orbits forms a first funnel extending toward the open end of the outer loop. The path followed by the centers of the balls in the second set of tracks is constrained by an outer loop orbital path which is a piecewise continuous function defined by a first concave arcuate segment, followed by a second concave arcuate segment having a curvature less than and tangent to the first segment, followed by a third straight segment having a negative slope, and an inner loop orbital path which is a piecewise continuous function defined by a first straight segment having a positive slope, followed by a second convex arcuate segment, followed by a third convex arcuate segment having a curvature greater than the second arcuate segment and tangent to the second segment, wherein the balls and the tangents between the outer and inner loop tracks form a second funnel.

These and other advantages and features will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

The subject matter which is regarded as the disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

fig. 1A is a perspective view of an example of a portion of a constant velocity joint assembly;

fig. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the portion of the constant velocity joint assembly of fig. 1A;

fig. 1C is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the constant velocity joint assembly of fig. 1A showing a second set of rails;

FIG. 2 is a top view showing additional details of a head of an example of a constant velocity joint, showing a cross-section associated with a first set of rails and a cross-section associated with a second set of rails;

fig. 3 is a cross-sectional front view of a portion of an example of a constant velocity joint assembly shown in a first configuration;

fig. 4 is a cross-sectional front view of the portion of the constant velocity joint assembly of fig. 3 shown in a second configuration;

fig. 5 is a cross-sectional front view of a portion of an example of a constant velocity joint assembly shown in a third configuration;

fig. 6 is a cross-sectional front view of the portion of the constant velocity joint assembly of fig. 5 shown in a fourth configuration;

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of an example of an inner joint member of the constant velocity joint assembly;

FIG. 7B is a detail view of a portion of the path followed by the first set of tracks of the inner joint member of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a different cross-sectional view of the same inner joint member of the constant velocity joint assembly shown in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8B is a detail view of a portion of the path followed by the second set of tracks of the inner joint member of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of an example of an outer joint of the constant velocity joint assembly;

FIG. 9B is a detail view of a portion of the path followed by the first set of tracks of the outer joint member of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10A is a different cross-sectional view of the same outer joint member of the constant velocity joint assembly shown in FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10B is a detail view of a portion of the path followed by the second set of rails of the outer joint member of FIG. 10A;

fig. 11A is a cross-sectional side view showing a first set of rails of the constant velocity joint assembly;

FIG. 11B is a detail view of a portion of the path followed by the first set of rails of the outer joint member of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11C is a detail view of a portion of the path followed by the first set of tracks of the inner joint member of FIG. 11A;

figure 12A is a cross-sectional side view of the constant velocity joint assembly showing a second set of rails;

FIG. 12B is a detail view of a portion of the path followed by the second set of rails of the outer joint member of FIG. 12A; and

fig. 12C is a detailed view of an example of an outer rail of the second configuration of rails of fig. 12A.

Detailed Description

Referring now to the drawings, wherein the disclosure will be described with reference to specific embodiments, but not limiting of the disclosure, it is understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of the disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; certain features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.

Fig. 1A, 1B, 1C and 2 illustrate an example of a portion of a constant velocity joint assembly, generally referred to herein as a constant velocity joint assembly 100. The constant velocity joint assembly 100 may be operable to provide rotational power at various angles. The constant velocity joint assembly 100 includes a structure 102. The structure 102 may include a head portion 104 and a shaft portion 106. The shaft portion 106 may be operatively connected to the head portion 104 such that the head portion 104 and the shaft portion 106 move relative to each other relative to a central axis 107 defined by the head portion 104 or the shaft portion 106. Shaft portion 106 may include an attachment feature, such as hole 105, to receive a portion of a component of another assembly to transmit rotational power thereto and receive rotational power therefrom.

The head 104 may be sized to receive a set of orbital balls 108 to assist in transmitting rotational power. The head 104 may define a cavity to receive a portion of a component to assist in transmitting rotational power. The head 104 may include a first end 109, a second end 110, and an inner surface defining one or more tracks. The first end 109 may also be referred to as a closed end or bottom, while the second end 110 may also be referred to as an open end. Each track may be sized to receive one or more of the set of track balls 108. One or more tracks may be shaped and arranged with respect to one another to define a continuous shape and provide NVH and strength advantages without having to use tracks that are mirror images of one another, without having to use cages with spherical offsets, and without having to use the previously disclosed wire ratios or arc lengths.

For example, the inner surface of the head 104 may define a first set of tracks 112 and a second set of tracks 114. The first set of tracks 112 and the second set of tracks 114 may also be referred to herein as outer tracks. Each of the first set of tracks 112 may be oriented between two tracks of the second set of tracks 114 (as shown in fig. 1B) such that each track of the first set of tracks 112 is opposite another track of the first set of tracks 112 with respect to the central axis 107, and such that each track of the second set of tracks 114 is opposite another track of the second set of tracks 114 with respect to the central axis 107. In one embodiment, the plurality of tracks may be arranged to define a first configuration in which the position of each track alternates in a pattern defined as 1-2-1-2-1-2-1-2, etc., where a "1" represents one track of the first set of tracks 112 and a "2" represents one track of the second set of tracks 114. In another example, the plurality of tracks may be arranged to define a second configuration in which the position of each track is arranged in a pattern defined as 1-1-2-2-1-1-2-2, etc., where a "1" represents one track of the first set of tracks 112 and a "2" represents one track of the second set of tracks 114.

The constant velocity joint assembly 100 may also include a cage 120 and a structure 122. The cage 120 may include a plurality of apertures 124 and the structure 122 may include a plurality of bends 126. Each of the plurality of apertures 124 may be sized to receive a portion of one ball of the set of orbital balls 108. Each flexure 126 may be shaped to align with one of the first set of tracks 112 or one of the second set of tracks 114 to define a ball channel sized to receive one of the set of track balls 108 to assist in transmitting rotational power. Each bend 126 may be shaped to assist in defining either the first configuration of the track or the second configuration of the track as described above. Each of the plurality of holes 124 may define a shape, such as an oval shape, to receive a portion of one of the set of orbital balls 108.

The head 104, cage 120, and inner ring 122 may be arranged with one another to partially define a constant velocity joint having an asymmetric trajectory to facilitate controlling the over-ball clearance between the inner and outer joints at joint angles greater than 90 degrees to promote more uniform loading of the balls that transmit torque between the inner and outer joints.

Fig. 2 shows a top view of an example of a ball passage within a head of a continuous velocity joint, such as head 104 described above, in this example, each of the first set of tracks 112 is shown arranged with one of the plurality of bends 126 to define a first ball passage 230. Each of the second set of tracks 114 is shown arranged with one of the plurality of bends 126 to define a second ball passage 232.

For purposes of illustration, each of the first ball passages 230 may be represented by a "1" and each of the second ball passages 232 may be represented by a "2". In one embodiment, the plurality of tracks may be arranged with respect to the central axis 107 in a sequence such as 1-2-1-2-1-2-1-2, etc., with each of the first ball passages 230 being oriented opposite another of the first ball passages 230 with respect to the central axis 107. In another example, the sequence may be 1-1-2-2-1-1-2-2, etc. with respect to the central axis 107.

In the ordering defined by the first embodiment, the first set of tracks is arranged at 12: 00. 3: 00. 6: 00 and 9: 00, and the second set of tracks is arranged in a 1: 30. 4: 30. 7: 30 and 10: 30, respectively. In another embodiment, the first set of tracks is arranged at 12: 00. 1: 30. 6: 00 and 7: 30, and the second set of tracks is arranged at 3: 00. 4: 30. 9: 00 and 10: 30, respectively.

Referring to fig. 3-6, examples of a portion of a constant velocity joint are shown. The constant velocity joint comprises an inner ring or joint member, an outer ring or joint member, a set of balls, and a cage, the movement of which cage may be guided by at least one ball travelling along a track between the inner and outer joint members. The inner joint member may for example be connected to a drive shaft to assist in transmitting rotational power.

The nipple may be connected to a drive shaft extending along an axis. The inner joint member includes an inner joint member outer surface extending along the axis between the first end and the second end. The inner joint member outer surface defines a plurality of tracks including two sets of inner joint member tracks extending between a first inner joint end and a second inner joint end.

Referring to fig. 7A-8B, the inner ball groove path or inner ball track has an offset such that they cooperatively define an inner funnel with the outer ball track. The inner funnel of the inner ball groove path or inner ball track is arranged to preload, bias or push the cage towards the end wall of the bottom of the outer joint. The inner ball groove path or inner ball track has a first arc length.

The inner ball groove path or inner ball track of the nipple may be arranged in a plurality of adjacent pairs around the outer surface of the nipple. The first ball tracks or first ball groove paths of adjacent pairs may have a first arrangement with a first ball circle diameter (ball circle diameter). The first arrangement having the first ball circle diameter may be different from the second arrangement having the second ball circle diameter.

The outer joint may be connected to a driven shaft extending along an axis, which may be arranged coaxially with the axis when in the first position, as shown in fig. 3 and 5. The outer joint includes an outer joint inner surface extending between the first outer joint end and the second outer joint end. The outer joint inner surface terminates at an outer joint end wall or outer joint bottom such that the second outer joint end may be a closed end and the first outer joint end may be an open end.

The outer joint member inner surface defines a plurality of outer joint member tracks including two sets of outer joint member tracks arranged relative to the inner joint member tracks, the two sets of outer joint member tracks extending between a first outer joint end and a second outer joint end.

Referring to fig. 9A-10B, the outer ball groove path or outer ball track has an offset such that they define an outer funnel. The outer funnel of the outer ball groove path or outer ball track is arranged to preload, bias or push the cage towards the open end of the outer joint.

Preloading the cage through the inner funnel of the inner ball slot path or inner ball track and/or through the outer funnel of the outer ball slot path or outer ball track may inhibit floating of the cage.

The "funnel" is defined as an angle formed between tangents corresponding to a contact point between the ball and the inner ring track and a contact point between the ball and the outer ring track. To this end, in fig. 11A, the funnel extends towards the "open end" of the fitting, whereas in fig. 12A, the funnel 220 extends towards the "bottom" or "closed end" of the fitting. In some embodiments, one of the plurality of funnels defines an angle that is greater than an angle defined by another funnel.

The outer ball groove path or outer ball track has a second arc length that is different from the first arc length of the inner ball groove path or inner ball track. The inner ball groove path or the inner ball track of the inner joint may be asymmetrically arranged with respect to the outer ball groove path or the outer ball track of the outer joint, such that the respective ball groove paths or ball tracks of the inner joint and the outer joint may be non-mirror images of each other.

The outer ball groove path or outer ball track of the outer joint may be arranged in a plurality of adjacent pairs around the inner surface of the outer joint. Adjacent pairs of the first ball tracks or first ball groove paths may have a first arrangement with a first ball circle diameter. The adjacent pair of first ball tracks or first ball groove paths may be part of an outer ball groove path or a first set of ball grooves of an outer ball track, as shown in fig. 9A and 9B. The first set of ball grooves of the inner ball track or inner ball path may be aligned with the first set of ball grooves of the outer ball track or outer ball path. The radial alignment of the first set of balls of the inner joint with the first set of balls of the outer joint may provide a combination of the first set of balls of the inner joint and the first set of balls of the outer joint opening in a direction extending towards the open end of the outer joint.

The second ball tracks or second ball groove paths of adjacent pairs may have a second arrangement with a second ball circle diameter. The first arrangement having the first ball circle diameter may be different from the second arrangement having the second ball circle diameter.

The adjacent pair of second ball tracks or second ball groove paths may be part of an outer ball groove path or a second set of ball grooves of an outer ball track, as shown in fig. 10A and 10B. The second set of inner ball grooves of the inner ball track or path may be aligned with the second set of outer ball grooves of the outer ball track or path. The radial alignment of the second set of balls of the inner joint with the second set of balls of the outer joint may provide a combination of the second set of balls of the inner joint and the second set of balls of the outer joint opening in a direction extending towards the end wall or closed end of the outer joint.

Referring to fig. 3-6, a cage may be disposed between the outer joint inner surface and the inner joint outer surface. The cage may be arranged to receive a plurality of balls received within the outer and inner ball and socket paths arranged to transfer torque between the inner and outer joints.

The asymmetry between the outer and inner ball groove paths may allow for a high joint angle to control the over-ball gap between the inner and outer joints, as shown in fig. 4 and 6. The asymmetry between the outer and inner ball slot paths may cause cage biasing at low articulation angles (e.g., less than 12 °), and may allow over-ball static clearance at high articulation angles (e.g., greater than 40 °).

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the asymmetry between the outer and inner ball slot paths may urge the cage toward the open end of the outer joint. Urging or biasing the cage toward the open end of the outer joint may avoid or inhibit noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) issues. As shown in fig. 5 and 6, the asymmetry between the outer and inner ball slot paths may urge the cage toward the bottom or end wall of the outer joint.

The outer and then ball and groove paths may take a combination of arcuate and/or linear sections and may not use a change in curvature or inflection point from concave to convex or convex to concave.

Fig. 11A-11C illustrate portions of an example of a joint assembly (referred to generally herein as joint assembly 150). Fig. 11A is a partial cross-sectional side view of a plurality of additional components of the joint assembly 150 overlaid thereon. Fig. 11B relates to a first set of rails of joint assembly 150, and fig. 11C relates to a second set of rails of joint assembly 150.

The joint assembly 150 includes a head 154, a shaft 156 secured to the inner race, a cage 160, and a set of track balls 162. The first and second sets of tracks may be arranged with respect to each other such that each ball of the set of track balls 162 may exert a force on the cage 160 in a direction toward the open end 166 of the head 154. The shaft portion 156 may define a longitudinal axis 169. The shaft portion 156 may be secured to various components of another assembly such that the head portion 154 and the shaft portion 156 assist in transferring rotational power therebetween. The set of trackball 162 may be similar to the set of trackball 108 as described above.

In one embodiment, the head 154 may include an inner surface that defines the first set of tracks. Each track of the first set of tracks may define an outer annular track path 172. Fig. 11B shows further details of outer loop orbital path 172. For example, the outer race track path 172 may include a first segment 178, the first segment 178 being substantially straight and having a positive slope with respect to the longitudinal axis 169. The outer annular orbital path 172 may further include: a second section 180 defining an arc with a concave shape relative to the longitudinal axis 169; and a third segment 182 that is substantially straight and has a negative slope with respect to the longitudinal axis 169.

Each track of the second set of tracks may define an inner annular track path 183. Fig. 11C shows further detail of inner race track 183. For example, the inner ring orbital path 183 may include: a first segment 186 that is substantially straight and has a positive slope with respect to the longitudinal axis 169; a second section 188 defining an arc having a convex shape relative to the longitudinal axis 169; and a third segment 190 that is substantially straight and has a negative slope with respect to the longitudinal axis 169. The outer and inner annular track paths 172, 183 may be arranged with one another in alternating positions about the longitudinal axis 169, or in pairs of alternating positions about the longitudinal axis 169, as described further herein.

Fig. 12A-12C illustrate additional examples of portions of the joint assembly 150. Fig. 12B relates to an example of a third set of rails of joint assembly 150, and fig. 12C relates to an example of a fourth set of rails of joint assembly 150. The third and fourth sets of tracks may be arranged with respect to each other such that each ball of the set of track balls 162 may exert a force on the cage 160 in a direction toward the closed end 193 of the head 154.

The inner surface of the head 154 may define a third set of tracks and a fourth set of tracks. Each track of the third set of tracks may define an outer annular track path 194. Fig. 12B shows further details of the outer loop orbital path 194. For example, the outer loop orbital path 194 may include: a first section 196 defining an arc having a concave shape relative to the longitudinal axis 169; a second segment 198 defining an arc having a concave shape relative to the longitudinal axis 169; and a third segment 200 that is substantially straight and has a negative slope with respect to the longitudinal axis 169.

Each track of the fourth set of tracks may define an inner orbital path 210. Fig. 12C shows further detail of inner loop orbital path 210. For example, the inner loop orbital path 210 can include: a first segment 212 that is substantially straight and has a positive slope with respect to the longitudinal axis 169; a second section 214 defining an arc having a convex shape relative to the longitudinal axis 169; and a third section 216 defining an arc having a convex shape relative to the longitudinal axis 169. The outer and inner annular track paths 194, 210 may be arranged with one another in alternating positions about the longitudinal axis 169, or in pairs of alternating positions about the longitudinal axis 169, as described further herein.

While the disclosure has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the disclosure is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Additionally, while various embodiments of the disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the disclosure may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description.