Constant velocity joint

摘要

A constant velocity joint provides an increase in maximum joint angle without a corresponding increase in joint package size. The joint has a modified radial groove profile which significantly decreases ball movement radially inward of the ball center radius so that the ball cage may be increased in diameter without a corresponding increase in ball center radius. The radial groove profile provides a required predetermined funnel angle for ball control at the ball centered point of contact but minimal change in distance from the joint center over most of the axially inner side of the grooves in the outer joint member. One embodiment provides a circular arc centered on the joint center axially inward of the ball center point of contact, a circular arc centered on a point offset from the joint center on the axially outer side of the ball centered point of contact and a straight line on the axially inner side of the ball centered point of contact joining and tangent to both arcs. Another embodiment provides an elliptical profile based on a major axis centered on the joint center and angled with respect to the joint axis to provide a predetermined funnel angle when the joint angle is zero. The joint structure is applicable to both undercut and undercut-free designs and provides an increase in maximum joint angle in either.