Double offset constant velocity joint

A double offset constant velocity joint is provided. The constant velocity joint includes an outer element, an inner element, an annular element, and a plurality of torque transferring elements. The annular element has a first spherical outer surface, a second spherical outer surface, a spherical inner surface, and a plurality of perforations formed therethrough. The first spherical outer surface and the spherical inner surface have a center common with a spherical outer surface of the inner element. The second spherical outer surface has a center different from a joint pivot point and the first spherical outer surface. The second spherical outer surface has a diameter complementary to a diameter of the inner surface of the outer element. The annular element is disposed between the inner element and the outer element.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to constant velocity joints and more particularly to double offset constant velocity joints.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Constant velocity joints are well known mechanisms for transmitting power while affording angular movement between two members. A common application of the constant velocity joint is for transmitting power from the engine of a vehicle to a drive wheel of a vehicle. The constant velocity joint includes an outer race having tracks formed thereon, an inner race having tracks formed thereon, a plurality of torque transmitting elements disposed in both tracks, and a guiding element for the torque transmitting elements. Constant velocity joints may be configured to be fixed joints, which do not permit axial displacement, or plunging joints, which do permit axial displacement.

Fixed constant velocity joints typically employ arcuate tracks into which the torque transferring elements are disposed in. The arcuate tracks facilitate joint articulation and may be offset from a center of the joint to further increase joint articulation. However, such arcuate tracks, especially those formed on the outer race, are precision machined surfaces. As a result, the precision machined surfaces increase a cost and a complexity of the joint they are incorporated in. Further, the guiding element is of the fixed constant velocity joint is similarly precision formed, is conventionally designed for use with a particular inner race and outer race.

Plunging constant velocity joints, while permitting axial displacement, are also expensive and complex. Despite the presence of straight tracks in both the inner and the outer race, the plunging constant velocity joint still requires many precision machined surfaces. Particularly, the inner surfaces of the guiding element and portions of the inner race must be accurately formed.

As is known generally and particularly with respect to manufacturing, per part pricing decreases as a quantity of the parts increases. As such, the part that is interchangeable with respect to multiple assemblies decreases a cost of the assembly. With respect constant velocity joints, interchangeable parts are seldom, especially between the fixed constant velocity joint and the plunging constant velocity joint. Interchangeable parts between different types of constant velocity joints would decrease a cost of constant velocity joints, and thus a vehicle the constant velocity joints are incorporated in.

It would be advantageous to develop a double offset constant velocity joints that includes parts that are interchangeable between fixed constant velocity joints and plunging constant velocity joints to reduce a cost and a complexity of the double offset constant velocity joint.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Presently provided by the invention, a double offset constant velocity joint that includes parts that are interchangeable between fixed constant velocity joints and plunging constant velocity joints, has surprisingly been discovered.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a constant velocity joint comprising an outer element, an inner element, an annular element, and a plurality of torque transferring elements. The outer element defines an outer element axis, has plurality of outer tracks formed therein, and has an inner surface. The plurality of outer tracks is parallel to the outer element axis. The inner element defines an inner element axis, has a spherical outer surface, and has a plurality of inner tracks. The plurality of inner tracks is parallel to the inner element axis and the spherical outer surface has a center different from a joint pivot point. The annular element has a first spherical outer surface, a second spherical outer surface, a spherical inner surface, and a plurality of perforations formed through the annular element. The first spherical outer surface and the spherical inner surface have a center common with the spherical outer surface of the inner element. The second spherical outer surface has a center different from a joint pivot point and the first spherical outer surface. The second spherical outer surface has a diameter complementary to a diameter of the inner surface of the outer element. The annular element is disposed between the inner element and the outer element. The plurality of torque transferring elements is disposed in the perforations formed through the annular element. Each of the torque transferring elements contacts one of the outer tracks and one of the inner tracks. The plurality of torque transferring elements cooperate with the plurality of outer tracks and the plurality of inner tracks to position the annular element in a plane bisecting an angle formed by the outer element axis and the inner element axis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1illustrates a constant velocity joint10according to an embodiment of the invention. The constant velocity joint10preferably comprises a first member12including an outer element14, a second member16including an inner element18, an annular element20, and a plurality of torque transferring elements22. As shown, the constant velocity joint10is a double offset plunging constant velocity joint, meaning a joint pivot point is defined by a midpoint of two separate points of articulation and the constant velocity joint10accommodates axial translation.

The outer element14is a hollow cylindrical portion of the first member12formed from a rigid material such as a steel. The first member12including the outer element14is typically forged and then machined in a secondary operation. However, it is understood the outer element14may be formed using any other process from any other material. Alternately, the outer element14may be formed separate from the first member12and coupled thereto. The outer element14defines an outer element axis24and an inner diameter26. The outer element axis24is a series of points equidistant from the inner diameter26. The outer element axis24is coincident with an axis of the first member12.

A plurality of outer tracks28are formed in an inner surface30of the outer element14. Each of the outer tracks28has an arcuate profile having a diameter and a centerline parallel to the outer element axis24. Alternately, the outer element14may include the plurality of outer tracks28having alternating depths. The outer element14includes eight outer tracks28formed therein. However, it is understood that each of the outer tracks28may have a non-arcuate profile and any number of the outer tracks28may be formed in the outer element14. The plurality of outer tracks28is equally spaced about the outer element axis24.

The inner element18is a hollow member formed from a rigid material such as a steel. The second member16and the inner element18may be formed using any other process from any other material. The inner element18is typically formed separate from the second member16and is spliningly disposed on an end portion of the second member16. However, it is understood the inner element18may be unitarily formed with the second member16.

The inner element18includes an inner element outer surface32and an inner element inner surface34. The inner element outer surface32is a spherical surface of the outer element18having a center point different than the joint pivot point. The inner element inner surface34defines a cylindrical bore through the inner element18. A plurality of splines36is formed on the inner element inner surface34for drivingly engaging the inner element18with the second member16. An inner element axis38is a series of points equidistant from the inner element inner surface34.

A plurality of inner tracks40are formed in the inner element outer surface32. Each of the inner tracks40has an arcuate profile having a diameter and a centerline parallel to the inner element axis38. Alternately, the inner element18may include the plurality of inner tracks40having alternating depths. The diameter of the arcuate profile of each of the inner tracks40is complementary to the diameter of the arcuate profile of each of the outer tracks28corresponding thereto. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, a depth of each of the inner tracks40varies depending on a distance the inner element outer surface32is from the inner element axis38. The inner element18includes eight inner tracks40formed therein. However, it is understood that each of the inner tracks40may have a non-arcuate profile and any number of the inner tracks40may be formed in the inner element18. The plurality of inner tracks40is equally spaced about the inner element axis38.

The inner element18is secured to the second member using a snap ring42disposed in a groove44formed in an outer surface of the second member16. Alternately, any other type of fastener may be used to secure the inner element18to the second member.

The annular element20, which is most clearly shown inFIG. 2, is disposed between the outer element14and the inner element18. The annular element20is a hollow body machined from a rigid material such as steel. However, it is understood the annular element20may be formed using any other process from any other material. The annular element20includes a first spherical outer surface46, a second spherical outer surface48, and a spherical inner surface50.

The plurality of perforations52is formed through the annular element20. Each of the perforations is formed perpendicularly to an annular element axis54. The annular element20includes eight perforation52formed therethrough. However, it is understood that any number of perforations52may be formed in the annular element20. The plurality of perforations52is equally spaced about the annular element axis54. Further, each of the perforations52may have a cylindrical shape, a substantially rectangular shape, or any other shape and may be formed obliquely to the annular element axis54.

The first spherical outer surface46has a center point common with the inner element outer surface32, as most clearly seen inFIG. 1. A portion of the first spherical outer surface46defines a portion of each of the perforations52. As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, when the constant velocity joint10is in a fully articulated position, the first spherical outer surface46contacts the inner surface30of the outer element14.

The second spherical outer surface48has a center point different from the inner element outer surface32, as most clearly seen inFIG. 1. A portion of the second spherical outer surface48defines a portion of each of the perforations52. The second spherical outer surface48is disposed against and slidingly engages the inner surface30of the outer element14. A diameter of the second spherical outer surface48is complementary to the inner surface30of the outer element14. The second spherical outer surface48and the inner surface30are precision machined for use as mating surfaces of a constant velocity joint as is known in the art.

The spherical inner surface50has a center point common with the inner element outer surface32, as most clearly seen inFIG. 1. A portion of the spherical inner surface50defines a portion of each of the perforations52. The spherical inner surface50is disposed against and slidingly engages the inner element outer surface32. A radius of the spherical inner surface50is complementary to a radius of the inner element outer surface32. The spherical inner surface50and the inner element outer surface32are precision machined for use as mating surfaces of a constant velocity joint as is known in the art.

The plurality of torque transferring elements22comprises steel spheres disposed in each of the perforations52, the outer tracks28, and the inner tracks40. Each of the torque transferring elements22is a ball bearing as is known in the art. However, it is understood that the plurality of torque transferring elements22may be any other shape and formed from any other rigid material. A diameter of each of the torque transferring elements22is complementary to the diameter of the arcuate profiles of each of the outer tracks28and the inner tracks40. The torque transferring elements22, the outer tracks28, and the inner tracks40are precision machined for use as mating surfaces of a constant velocity joint as is known in the art. One torque transferring element22is disposed and in sliding engagement with each of the outer tracks28and each of the inner tracks40.

In use, the constant velocity joint10facilitates articulation between the first member12and the second member16. As shown inFIG. 4, a maximum articulation angle of the annular element20with respect to the outer element14about the center point of the second spherical outer surface48occurs when the first spherical outer surface46contacts the inner surface30of the outer element14. As further shown inFIG. 4, the inner element18and the second member16articulate with respect to the annular element20about the center point of the inner element outer surface32. Abutment of the first spherical outer surface46and the inner surface30prevents movement of each of the torque transferring elements22with respect to the inner element18, defining a maximum articulation angle of the inner element18with respect to the annular element20. A total articulation angle of the constant velocity joint10is defined by combining the maximum articulation angle of the annular element20with respect to the outer element14about the center point of the second spherical outer surface48and the maximum articulation angle of the inner element18with respect to the annular element20about the center point of the inner element outer surface32. The plurality of torque transferring elements22cooperate with the plurality of outer tracks28and the plurality of inner tracks40to position the annular element20in a plane bisecting an angle formed by the outer element axis24and the inner element axis38.

The constant velocity joint10also facilitates axial displacement between the first member12and the second member16. When a force is exerted along one of the outer element axis24and the inner element axis38, the torque transferring elements22are displaced along the outer tracks28to allow the first member12to be axially displaced with respect to the second member16. Further, it is understood that the first member12and the second member16may simultaneously be articulated and axially displaced.

FIG. 5-8shows an alternative embodiment of the constant velocity joint10. Similar structural features of the constant velocity joint10include the same reference numeral and a prime (′) symbol.

A constant velocity joint70preferably comprises a first member72including an outer element74, a second member16′ including an inner element18′, an annular element20′, a plurality of torque transferring elements22′, and a retaining element78. As shown, the constant velocity joint70is a double offset fixed constant velocity joint, meaning a joint pivot point is defined by a midpoint of two separate points of articulation.

The outer element74is a hollow cylindrical portion of the first member72formed from a rigid material such as a steel. As shown, the outer element74is formed separate from the first member72and coupled thereto. However, it is understood the outer element74may be formed using any other process from any other material. The outer element74has an inner surface76. The inner surface76defines a first spherical retention surface80, a second spherical retention surface81, a retaining element shoulder82, and a retention groove84.

A plurality of outer tracks28′ is formed in a cylindrical portion of the inner surface76of the outer element74. Each of the outer tracks28′ has an arcuate profile having a diameter and a centerline parallel to the outer element axis24′. Alternately, the outer element14′ may include the plurality of outer tracks28′ having alternating depths. The outer element14′ includes eight outer tracks28′ formed therein. However, it is understood that each of the outer tracks28′ may have a non-arcuate profile and any number of the outer tracks28′ may be formed in the outer element74. The plurality of outer tracks28′ is equally spaced about the outer element axis24′.

The first spherical retention surface80is a portion of an inner surface76of the outer element74. The first spherical retention surface80is defined by portions of the inner surface76between each of the outer tracks28′. The first spherical retention surface80has a center point common with a second spherical outer surface48′ of the annular element20′, as most clearly seen inFIGS. 5 and 6. The first spherical retention surface80is disposed against and slidingly engages the second spherical outer surface48′. A radius of the first spherical retention surface80is complementary to a radius of the second spherical outer surface48′. The first spherical retention surface80and the second spherical outer surface48′ are precision machined for use as mating surfaces of a constant velocity joint as is known in the art. The first spherical retention surface80is formed adjacent the retaining element shoulder82.

The second spherical retention surface81is a portion of an inner surface76of the outer element74. The second spherical retention surface81is defined by portions of the inner surface76between each of the outer tracks28′. The second spherical retention surface81has a center point common with a first spherical outer surface46′ of the annular element20′ when the constant velocity joint70is in an articulated position, as most clearly seen inFIGS. 7 and 8. A radius of the second spherical retention surface81is complementary to a radius of the first spherical outer surface46′ when the constant velocity joint70is in an articulated position. The second spherical retention surface81and the first spherical outer surface46′ are precision machined for use as mating surfaces of a constant velocity joint as is known in the art. The second spherical retention surface81is formed adjacent the first spherical retention surface80.

The retaining element shoulder82is a stepped portion of the inner surface76of the outer element74. The retaining element shoulder82has a diameter greater than a diameter of the inner surface76of the outer element74. The retaining element shoulder82receives the retaining element78.

The retaining element78is a ring shaped member disposed in the outer element74, against the retaining element shoulder82. The retaining element78as shown has a cross section having two pairs of opposing parallel sides and an oblique side, but it is understood that the retaining element78may have any other cross-sectional shape. The oblique side of the cross section defines a conical retention surface86. The conical retention surface86is disposed against and slidingly engages the second spherical outer surface48′ when the retaining element78is disposed against the retaining element shoulder82. The conical retention surface86and the second spherical outer surface48′ are precision machined for use as mating surfaces of a constant velocity joint as is known in the art. Alternately, a portion of the retaining element78may be threadingly engaged with the outer element74and the conical retention surface86may be a spherical retention surface.

The retention groove84is an annular recess formed in the inner surface76of the outer element74. The retention groove84has a rectangular cross section, but it is understood the retention groove84may be any other shape. A diameter of the retention groove84is greater than a diameter of the retaining element shoulder82and the inner diameter26′ of the inner surface76. The retention groove84receives a fastener88. The fastener88is a snap ring as is known in the art; however, it is understood other fasteners such as a threaded annulet, retaining pins, or other fasteners may also be used.

In use, the constant velocity joint70facilitates articulation between the first member72and the second member16′. As shown inFIGS. 7 and 8, a maximum articulation angle of the annular element20′ with respect to the first spherical retention surface80of the outer element74about the center point of the second spherical outer surface48′ occurs when the first spherical outer surface46′ contacts the inner surface76of the outer element74. As further shown inFIGS. 7 and 8, the inner element18′ and the second member16′ articulate with respect to the annular element20′ about the center point of the inner element outer surface32′. Abutment of the first spherical outer surface46′ and the inner surface76prevents movement of each of the torque transferring elements22′ with respect to the inner element18′, defining a maximum articulation angle of the inner element18′ with respect to the annular element20′. A total articulation angle of the constant velocity joint70is defined by combining the maximum articulation angle of the annular element20′ with respect to the first spherical retention surface80of the outer element74about the center point of the second spherical outer surface48′ and the maximum articulation angle of the inner element18′ with respect to the annular element20′ about the center point of the inner element outer surface32′.

FIG. 9-12shows an alternative embodiment of the constant velocity joint10. Similar structural features of the constant velocity joint10include the same reference numeral and a double prime (″) symbol.

The constant velocity joint100preferably comprises a first member12″ including an outer element14″, a second member16″ including an inner element18″, an annular element102, and a plurality of torque transferring elements22″. As shown, the constant velocity joint100is a double offset plunging constant velocity joint, meaning a joint pivot point is defined by a midpoint of two separate points of articulation and the constant velocity joint100accommodates axial translation.

The annular element102, which is most clearly shown inFIG. 10, is disposed between the outer element14″ and the inner element18″. The annular element102is a hollow body machined from a rigid material such as steel. However, it is understood the annular element102may be formed using any other process from any other material. The annular element102includes a conical outer surface104, an element spherical outer surface106, and a spherical inner surface50″. A plurality of perforations52″ is formed through the annular element102.

The conical outer surface104is a tapered portion of the annular element102most clearly seen inFIGS. 9 and 10. A portion of the conical outer surface104defines a portion of each of the perforations52″. As shown inFIGS. 11 and 12, when the constant velocity joint100is in a fully articulated position, the conical outer surface104is substantially parallel to but does not contact the inner surface30″ of the outer element14″.

The element spherical outer surface106has a center point different from the inner element outer surface32″, as most clearly seen inFIG. 9. A portion of the element spherical outer surface106defines a portion of each of the perforations52″. The element spherical outer surface106is disposed against and slidingly engages the inner surface30″ of the outer element14″. A diameter of the element spherical outer surface106is complementary to the inner surface30″ of the outer element14″. The element spherical outer surface106and the inner surface30″ are precision machined for use as mating surfaces of a constant velocity joint as is known in the art. As most clearly shown inFIGS. 10 and 12, the element spherical outer surface106is non-tangential to the conical outer surface104. A surface vertex108directed radially inwardly with respect to the annular element102is formed between the conical outer surface104and the element spherical outer surface106.

The spherical inner surface50″ has a center point common with the inner element outer surface32″, as most clearly seen inFIG. 9. A portion of the spherical inner surface50″ defines a portion of each of the perforations52″. The spherical inner surface50″ is disposed against and slidingly engages the inner element outer surface32″. A radius of the spherical inner surface50″ is complementary to a radius of the inner element outer surface32″. The spherical inner surface50″ and the inner element outer surface32″ are precision machined for use as mating surfaces of a constant velocity joint as is known in the art.

FIG. 13-16shows an alternative embodiment of the constant velocity joint10. Similar structural features of the constant velocity joint10include the same reference numeral and a triple prime (′″) symbol.

A constant velocity joint120preferably comprises a first member122including an outer element124, a second member16′″ including an inner element18′″, an annular element126, a plurality of torque transferring elements22′″, and a retaining element128. As shown, the constant velocity joint120is a double offset fixed constant velocity joint, meaning a joint pivot point is defined by a midpoint of two separate points of articulation.

The outer element124is a hollow cylindrical portion of the first member122formed from a rigid material such as a steel. As shown, the outer element124is formed separate from the first member122and coupled thereto. However, it is understood the outer element124may be formed using any other process from any other material. The outer element has an inner surface130. The inner surface130defines a first spherical retention surface132, a retaining element shoulder134, and a retention groove136.

A plurality of outer tracks28′″ is formed in a cylindrical portion of the inner surface130of the outer element124. Each of the outer tracks28′″ has an arcuate profile having a diameter and a centerline parallel to the outer element axis24′″. Alternately, the outer element124may include the plurality of outer tracks28′″ having alternating depths. The outer element124includes eight outer tracks28′″ formed therein. However, it is understood that each of the outer tracks28′″ may have a non-arcuate profile and any number of the outer tracks28′ may be formed in the outer element124. The plurality of outer tracks28′″ is equally spaced about the outer element axis24′″.

The first spherical retention surface132is a portion of an inner surface130of the outer element124. The first spherical retention surface132is defined by portions of the inner surface130between each of the outer tracks28′″. The first spherical retention surface132has a center point common with an element spherical outer surface138of the annular element126, as most clearly seen inFIGS. 14 and 16. The first spherical retention surface132is disposed against and slidingly engages the element spherical outer surface138. A radius of the first spherical retention surface132is complementary to a radius of the element spherical outer surface138. The first spherical retention surface132and the element spherical outer surface138are precision machined for use as mating surfaces of a constant velocity joint as is known in the art. The first spherical retention surface132is formed adjacent the retaining element shoulder134.

The retaining element shoulder134is a stepped portion of the inner surface130of the outer element124. The retaining element shoulder134is cylindrical in shape and has a diameter greater than a diameter of the inner surface130of the outer element124. The retaining element shoulder134receives the retaining element128.

The retaining element128is a ring shaped member disposed in the outer element124, against the retaining element shoulder134. The retaining element128as shown has a cross section having two pairs of opposing parallel sides and an oblique side, but it is understood that the retaining element128may have any other cross-sectional shape. The arcuate side of the cross section defines a conical retention surface140. The conical retention surface140is disposed against and slidingly engages the element spherical outer surface138when the retaining element128is disposed against the retaining element shoulder134. The conical retention surface140and the element spherical outer surface138are precision machined for use as mating surfaces of a constant velocity joint as is known in the art. Alternately, a portion of the retaining element128may be threadingly engaged with the outer element124and the conical retention surface140may be a spherical retention surface.

The retention groove136is an annular recess formed in the inner surface130of the outer element124. The retention groove136has a rectangular cross section, but it is understood the retention groove136may be any other shape. A diameter of the retention groove136is greater than a diameter of the retaining element shoulder134and an inner diameter26′″ of the inner surface130. The retention groove136receives a fastener142. The fastener142is a snap ring as is known in the art; however, it is understood other fasteners such as a threaded annulet, retaining pins, or other fasteners may also be used.

The annular element126, which is most clearly shown inFIG. 16, is disposed between the outer element124and the inner element18′″. The annular element126is a hollow body machined from a rigid material such as steel. However, it is understood the annular element126may be formed using any other process from any other material. The annular element126includes a conical outer surface144, the element spherical outer surface138, and a spherical inner surface50′″. A plurality of perforations52′″ is formed through the annular element126.

The conical outer surface144is a tapered portion of the annular element126most clearly seen inFIGS. 13 and 16. A portion of the conical outer surface144defines a portion of each of the perforations52′″. As shown inFIGS. 15 and 16, when the constant velocity joint120is in a fully articulated position, the conical outer surface144is substantially parallel to and contacts the inner surface130of the outer element124.

The element spherical outer surface138has a center point different from the inner element outer surface32′″, as most clearly seen inFIG. 13. A portion of the element spherical outer surface138defines a portion of each of the perforations52′″. The element spherical outer surface138is disposed against and slidingly engages the inner surface130of the outer element124. A diameter of the element spherical outer surface130is complementary to the inner surface130of the outer element124. The element spherical outer surface130and the inner surface130are precision machined for use as mating surfaces of a constant velocity joint as is known in the art. As most clearly shown inFIG. 16, the element spherical outer surface138is non-tangential to the conical outer surface144. A surface vertex146directed radially inwardly with respect to the annular element126is formed between the conical outer surface144and the element spherical outer surface138.

In use, the constant velocity joint120facilitates articulation between the first member122and the second member16′″. As shown inFIGS. 15 and 16, a maximum articulation angle of the annular element126with respect to the first spherical retention surface132of the outer element124about the center point of the element spherical outer surface138occurs when the conical outer surface144contacts the inner surface130of the outer element124. As further shown inFIG. 15, the inner element18′″ and the second member16′″ articulate with respect to the annular element126about the center point of the inner element outer surface32′″. Abutment of the conical outer surface144and the inner surface130prevents movement of each of the torque transferring elements22′″ with respect to the inner element18′″, defining a maximum articulation angle of the inner element18′″ with respect to the annular element126. A total articulation angle of the constant velocity joint120is defined by combining the maximum articulation angle of the annular element126with respect to the first spherical retention surface132of the outer element124about the center point of the element spherical outer surface138and the maximum articulation angle of the inner element18′″ with respect to the annular element126about the center point of the inner element outer surface32′″.

FIG. 17shows an alternative embodiment of the constant velocity joint70. Similar structural features of the constant velocity joint70include the same reference numeral.

A constant velocity joint150preferably comprises a first member152including an outer element154, a second member16′ including an inner element18′, an annular element20′, a plurality of torque transferring elements22′, and a retaining element156. As shown, the constant velocity joint150is a double offset fixed constant velocity joint, meaning a joint pivot point is defined by a midpoint of two separate points of articulation.

The outer element154is a hollow cylindrical portion of the first member152formed from a rigid material such as a steel. As shown, the outer element154is unitarily formed with the first member152. However, it is understood the outer element154may be formed separate from the first member152and coupled thereto. The outer element154has an inner surface158. The inner surface158defines a first spherical retention surface160, a second spherical retention surface161, and a retaining element shoulder162.

A plurality of outer tracks166is formed in a cylindrical portion of the inner surface158of the outer element154. Each of the outer tracks166has an arcuate profile having a diameter and a centerline parallel to an outer element axis168. Alternately, the outer element154may include the plurality of outer tracks166having alternating depths. The outer element154includes eight outer tracks166formed therein. However, it is understood that each of the outer tracks166may have a non-arcuate profile and any number of the outer tracks166may be formed in the outer element154. The plurality of outer tracks166is equally spaced about the outer element axis168.

The first spherical retention surface160is a portion of the inner surface158of the outer element154. The first spherical retention surface160is formed on an end of the outer element154opposite the first member152. The first spherical retention surface160is defined by portions of the inner surface158between each of the outer tracks166. The first spherical retention surface160has a center point common with the second spherical outer surface48′ of the annular element20′. The first spherical retention surface160is disposed against and slidingly engages the second spherical outer surface48′. A radius of the first spherical retention surface160is complementary to a radius of the second spherical outer surface48′. The first spherical retention surface160and the second spherical outer surface48′ are precision machined for use as mating surfaces of a constant velocity joint as is known in the art. The first spherical retention surface80is formed adjacent the retaining element shoulder82.

The second spherical retention surface161is a portion of an inner surface158of the outer element154. The second spherical retention surface161is defined by portions of the inner surface158between each of the outer tracks166. The second spherical retention surface161has a center point common with a first spherical outer surface46′ of the annular element20′ when the constant velocity joint150is in an articulated position. A radius of the second spherical retention surface161is complementary to a radius of the first spherical outer surface46′ when the constant velocity joint150is in an articulated position. The second spherical retention surface161and the first spherical outer surface46′ are precision machined for use as mating surfaces of a constant velocity joint as is known in the art. The second spherical retention surface161is formed adjacent the first spherical retention surface160.

The retaining element shoulder162is a stepped portion of the inner surface158of the outer element154. The retaining element shoulder162is formed on an end of the outer element154opposite the first member152. The retaining element shoulder162is cylindrical in shape and has a diameter greater than a diameter of the inner surface158of the outer element154. The retaining element shoulder162receives the retaining element156.

The retaining element156is a ring shaped member disposed in the outer element154, against the retaining element shoulder162. The retaining element156as shown has a cross section having two pairs of opposing parallel sides and an oblique side, but it is understood that the retaining element156may have any other cross-sectional shape. The oblique side of the cross section defines a conical retention surface170. The conical retention surface170is disposed against and slidingly engages the second spherical outer surface48′ when the retaining element156is disposed against the retaining element shoulder162. The conical retention surface170and the second spherical outer surface48′ are precision machined for use as mating surfaces of a constant velocity joint as is known in the art. The retaining element includes an extraction lip172. The extraction lip172is an annular protuberance extending radially inwardly from the retaining element156.

A plurality of outer element stakes174are unitarily formed with the outer element154to secure the retaining element156against the retaining element shoulder162. After the retaining element156is disposed against the retaining element shoulder162a press or other tool is used to elastically deform each of the outer element stakes174away from the inner surface158of the outer element154. Alternately, a press or tool may be used to deform the outer element154itself to form the outer element stakes174.

FIG. 18shows an alternative embodiment of the constant velocity joint70. Similar structural features of the constant velocity joint70include the same reference numeral.

A constant velocity joint180preferably comprises a first member182including an outer element184, a second member16′ including an inner element18′, an annular element20′, a plurality of torque transferring elements22′, and a threaded retaining element186. As shown, the constant velocity joint180is a double offset fixed constant velocity joint, meaning a joint pivot point is defined by a midpoint of two separate points of articulation.

The outer element184is a hollow cylindrical portion of the first member182formed from a rigid material such as a steel. As shown, the outer element184is formed separate and coupled to the first member182. The outer element184has an inner surface188. The inner surface188defines a first spherical retention surface190, a second spherical retention surface191, and a retaining element shoulder192.

The retaining element shoulder192is a stepped portion of the inner surface188having a thread formed thereon. The retaining element shoulder192is formed on an end of the outer element184adjacent the first member182. The retaining element shoulder192is cylindrical in shape and has a diameter greater than a diameter of the inner surface188of the outer element184. The retaining element shoulder192receives the threaded retaining element186.

The threaded retaining element186is a threaded cylindrical member disposed in the outer element184, threadingly engaged with the retaining element shoulder192. The threaded retaining element186as shown includes a tool engaging recess194and an element engaging recess196. The tool engaging recess194is formed opposite the element engaging recess196and is preferably hexagonal in shape. However, it is understood the tool engaging recess196may be any other shape. The element engaging recess196includes a conical retention surface198. The conical retention surface198is disposed against and slidingly engages the second spherical outer surface48′ when the threaded retaining element186is disposed against the retaining element shoulder192. A radius of the conical retention surface198is complementary to a radius of the second spherical outer surface48′. The conical retention surface198and the second spherical outer surface48′ are precision machined for use as mating surfaces of a constant velocity joint as is known in the art.