Constant velocity joint

US11815138B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GKN Driveline International GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Stephan Maucher · Siegburg, DE
• Anna Gremmelmaier · Sankt Augustin, DE
• Wolfgang Hildebrandt · Lohmar, DE
• Thomas Weckerling · Bonn, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 5, 2018
• Grant date: Nov 14, 2023
• Expiry date: Jul 17, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S464/906
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A constant velocity joint comprises an outer joint part with outer ball tracks and an inner joint part with inner ball tracks. An outer ball track and an inner ball track respectively form a pair of tracks with one another; in each, a torque-transmitting ball is guided. The torque-transmitting balls are accommodated in a ball cage with circumferentially distributed cage windows. In any angular position of the constant velocity joint an opening angle is formed between an outer tangent to the outer ball track and an inner tangent to the inner ball track. At an articulation angle of zero degrees the opening angle is greater than zero degrees. A central articulation angle range is defined with articulation angles less than fifteen degrees. The opening angle increases by at least two degrees within the central articulation angle range, and is less than twelve degrees for all articulation angles within the central articulation angle range.