Patent ID: 8342971
Filing Date: 2013-01-01
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
1. A fixed type constant velocity universal joint, comprising: an outer joint member having: an inner joint member having: a plurality of balls interposed between the track grooves of the outer joint member and the track grooves of the inner joint member, for transmitting torque; and a cage interposed between the inner spherical surface of the outer joint member and the outer spherical surface of the inner joint member, the cage having a plurality of pockets for retaining the balls, wherein a center of curvature of the track grooves of the outer joint member and a center of curvature of the track grooves of the inner joint member are axially offset in opposite directions from each other with respect to a joint center by equal distances, wherein a spherical surface angle of the outer spherical surface of the inner joint member is set to 12.5° or more, wherein the spherical surface angle is an angle between a first line that extends through the joint center and is perpendicular to a central axis of the inner joint member and a second line that extends through the joint center and a joint opening side end portion of the outer spherical surface of the inner joint member, wherein the first and second lines are on a plane that has the central axis of the inner joint member extending there along, wherein at least one of the outer spherical surface portions of the inner joint member has an outer portion with a notch formed therein, the outer portion being positioned at the joint opening side end portion with respect to the spherical surface angle, wherein the notch allows one of the outer spherical surface portions to be fitted into one of the pockets of the cage when the inner joint member is assembled with the cage, and wherein, when a spherical surface force acts from the outer spherical surface of the inner joint member onto an inner spherical surface of the cage, an area in which the joint opening side end portion of the outer spherical surface of the inner joint member is brought into contact with the inner spherical surface of the cage is the area bearing the spherical surface force.