Vent for a constant velocity joint
AssigneeGKN Automotive AG
InventorShen-Ling Allen Wang
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A constant velocity joint vent for use in a constant velocity joint of automotive vehicles. The constant velocity joint vent includes a flapper valve generally having a circular shape. The constant velocity joint vent also includes a first and second assembly post extending from an inside surface of the flapper valve. A circumferential compression limiter is also located on an inside surface of the flapper valve. The flapper valve also includes a sealing bead located at the outer periphery thereof. The flapper valve is connected via the first and second assembly post to a cover that includes an orifice for venting of high pressure gas to the outer atmosphere while also repelling contaminants from entering the constant velocity joint.
Claims22
A vent for a constant velocity joint, said vent including:
- a flapper valve;
- at least one post extending from said flapper valve;
- a bead extending from one side of said flapper valve;
- and
- a locator projection extending from said flapper valve.
A constant velocity joint for use in a vehicle drive train comprising:
- an outer race;
- an inner race arranged within said outer race;
- a rolling element disposed between said inner race and said outer race;
- a shaft engaging said inner race;
- a boot in contact with said shaft;
- a cover secured within said outer race;
- and
- a vent mechanism connected to said cover, said vent mechanism having a post extending therefrom, said vent mechanism having a sealing bead around a periphery thereof, said vent mechanism having a locator projection extending therefrom near a center point of said vent mechanism.
A constant velocity joint for use in a vehicle, the constant velocity joint having an internal chamber that can be under pressure with respect to the atmosphere, said constant velocity joint including:
- an outer race;
- an inner race arranged within said outer race;
- a rolling element disposed between said outer race and said inner race;
- a shaft engaging said inner race;
- a boot engaging said shaft;
- a cover arranged within said outer race, said cover having a plurality of orifices there through, said cover in part forms a barrier between the internal chamber and the atmosphere;
- and
- a vent flapper valve having a first and second post extending from one side thereof, said vent flapper valve secured to said cover by said first and second post in two of said plurality of orifices in said cover, said vent flapper valve having a sealing bead around the outer edge of said vent flapper valve, said sealing bead prevents the entry of contaminants into the internal chamber of the constant velocity joint, said vent flapper valve having a compression limiter extending from said vent flapper valve, said first and second post are arranged on said compression limiter, said vent flapper valve having a locator projection extending therefrom near a center point of said vent flapper valve, said locator projection is arranged within one of said plurality of orifices in said cover when said vent flapper valve is in a sealing position, said locator projection lifts out of said orifice when a pressurized gas exits the internal chamber through said vent flapper valve, said first and second post define the bending moment that allows said vent flapper valve to lift off of said cover and allow said gas to escape to the atmosphere.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.