Patent ID: 8235829
Filing Date: 2012-08-07
Classification: F16D,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A constant velocity joint, comprising: a first rotatable shaft having a first longitudinal axis, the first shaft comprising an axle portion having on one end thereof an enlarged pocket portion, the pocket portion having a plurality of circumferentially and radially spaced ball pockets formed therein and a distal end; a corresponding plurality of spherical balls disposed in the ball pockets; and a second rotatable shaft having a second longitudinal axis and comprising a joint housing disposed on an end thereof, the joint housing having a central bore with a corresponding plurality of axially extending, circumferentially and radially spaced ball grooves disposed therein about the second longitudinal axis and a base, the joint housing disposed over the pocket portion with the corresponding plurality of balls disposed in the ball grooves, thereby forming a joint that is configured to provide a range of angular movement and a range of axial movement of the first shaft relative to the second shaft, the distal end of the pocket portion having a convex surface comprising an elliptical surface, parabolic surface, or convex surface of complex curvature comprising a curved path formed from a combination of an arc or a line revolved about the first longitudinal axis, or a combination of the foregoing surfaces, which is configured to provide a predetermined a range of angular movement when the joint is fully stroked inwardly and the distal end is in touching contact with the base.