Joint assembly with centering flange

Abstract

The present invention provides a joint assembly for operatively coupling rotating parts. The joint assembly comprises first and second joint members. A plurality of torque-transmitting balls are secured in a cage disposed between the joint members. The second joint member is disposed about an axis and includes a centering flange having a first length for mounting to the second rotating part. The centering flange has a contact section configured for being in a substantially interference fit with the second rotating part. The contact section has a second length substantially smaller than the first length of the centering flange such that the substantially interference fit provides proper alignment between the centering flange and the second rotating part while minimizing forces necessary to mount the centering flange to the second rotating part.

1 . A joint assembly for coupling first and second rotating parts, comprising; 
 a first joint member for mounting to the first rotating part,    a second joint member including a centering flange having a first length disposed about an axis for mounting to the second rotating part, and    at least one torque-transmitting element disposed between said first and second joint members for operatively coupling said first and second joint members,    said centering flange having a contact section configured for being in a substantially interference fit with the second rotating part when mounting said centering flange to the second rotating part wherein said contact section has a second length substantially smaller than said first length of said centering flange such that the substantially interference fit between said centering flange and the second rotating part provides alignment between said centering flange and the second rotating part while minimizing forces necessary to mount said centering flange to the second rotating part.    
   
   
       2 . A joint assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said second length is less than 70 percent of said first length.  
   
   
       3 . A joint assembly as set forth in  claim 2  wherein said second length is less than 50 percent of said first length.  
   
   
       4 . A joint assembly as set forth in  claim 3  wherein said second length is less than 30 percent of said first length.  
   
   
       5 . A joint assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said centering flange has at least one non-contact section configured for not being in a substantially interference fit with the second rotating part wherein said at least one non-contact section radially extends from said axis at a first maximum radius and said contact section radially extends from said axis at a second maximum radius greater than said first maximum radius.  
   
   
       6 . A joint assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said centering flange includes an outer surface.  
   
   
       7 . A joint assembly as set forth in  claim 6  wherein said outer surface is further defined as a curved surface.  
   
   
       8 . A joint assembly as set forth in  claim 6  wherein said outer surface is further defined as a plurality of joined frustoconical surfaces.  
   
   
       9 . A joint assembly as set forth in  claim 6  wherein said outer surface is further defined as a semi-elliptical surface.  
   
   
       10 . A joint assembly as set forth in  claim 6  wherein said outer surface is further defined as a parabolic surface.  
   
   
       11 . A joint assembly as set forth in  claim 6  wherein said outer surface is further defined as a plurality of frustoconical surfaces joined by a cylindrical surface in relation to said axis of said second joint member.  
   
   
       12 . A joint assembly as set forth in  claim 6  wherein said outer surface includes a protrusion extending radially outwardly relative to said axis of said second joint member.  
   
   
       13 . A joint assembly as set forth in  claim 6  wherein said outer surface is further defined as a plurality of frustoconical surfaces joined by a curved surface.  
   
   
       14 . A joint assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said second joint member is further defined as an outer race.  
   
   
       15 . A joint assembly as set forth in  claim 14  wherein said centering flange is integrally formed with said outer race.  
   
   
       16 . A joint assembly as set forth in  claim 14  wherein said first joint member is further defined as an inner race.  
   
   
       17 . A joint assembly as set forth in  claim 16  wherein said inner race includes an opening having splines for fitting onto the first rotating part.  
   
   
       18 . A joint assembly as set forth in  claim 17  wherein said at least one torque-transmitting element is further defined as a plurality of torque-transmitting balls.  
   
   
       19 . A joint assembly as set forth in  claim 18  including a cage securing said plurality of torque-transmitting balls between said inner race and said outer race.