Patent ID: 7211002
Filing Date: 2007-05-01
Classification: F16D,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A constant velocity joint, comprising: an outer race having a bore with an inner surface, the inner surface having a plurality of generally spherically shaped outer ball tracks; a cage arranged within the bore of the outer race; an inner race having an outer surface, the outer surface having a plurality of generally spherically shaped inner ball tracks, a first group of the inner and outer ball tracks opening in one axial direction, and a second group of the inner and outer ball tracks opening in an opposite axial direction; a plurality of balls each arranged within a window of the cage and a corresponding inner and outer ball track; a shaft connected to the inner race; and a boot having a portion positioned within said cage; wherein the cage windows, outer race, inner race, and balls interrelate to center and support the cage; wherein the cage remains in a non-supported state with respect to the inner surface of the outer race and the outer surface of the inner race through a range of articulation between a no angle and a high angle position of the shaft.