Constant velocity joint

Abstract

A constant velocity joint includes outer and inner races with mating part-spherical surfaces in which a single functional set of ball grooves are formed bearing a single torque-transmitting ball which is urged under an applied torque load toward one axial end of the joint. A retainer is carried by one of the two races or the shafts to which they are connected and acts on the ball to maintain the ball within the grooves during all angles of the joint.

1 . A constant velocity joint comprising: 
 an outer race coupled to a first shaft and having a socket with a closed axial end and an open axial end, said socket having a part-spherical inner surface that extends to said open axial end;    an inner race coupled to a second shaft and having a part-spherical outer surface directly engaging said part-spherical inner surface to provide relative angular movement of said races about a common joint center of said races; and    torque-transmitting structure acting between said races to prevent relative rotation of said races for effecting transmission of torque between said shafts, said torque-transmitting structure having a single functional ball groove formed in said inner surface of said outer race, a single complementing functional ball groove formed in said outer surface of said inner race opposite the ball groove of the outer race to define a single functional ball track that widens toward said socket open axial end, a single torque-transmitting ball disposed in said ball track and urged by said grooves under torque load toward said open axial end of said socket, and a retainer acting directly on said ball to maintain said ball within said ball track.