Constant velocity joints

Abstract

A constant velocity (CV) joint assembly comprising a CV joint and an input member is disclosed. The CV joint that has a cage and a gear between which rotational drive can be transmitted. The input member is connected to the cage of the CV joint for transmission of rotational drive about an axis from an external component to the CV joint. The rotational drive is transmitted between the cage and the input member through interacting drive faces that are disposed in a plane that is generally parallel to the axis. The cage and the input member are retained in interconnection by fastening means that are not responsible for transmission of rotational drive between the cage and the input member. By separating the task of transmission of torque and retention of the connection between the cage and the input member, the fastening means required to perform the latter task can be comparatively light. An increase in torque capacity of the CV joint assembly does not lead to a corresponding increase in the strength requirement of such fastening means. The orientation of the drive faces ensures that there is minimal axial force between the cage and the input member.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.