Dual channel vented boot
AssigneeGKN Driveline North America, Inc.
InventorsRichard Alfred Compau, Sam Junior D'Angelo, Michael James Miller, David G. Sasseen, Brian Valovick, Hans Wormsbaecher
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A constant velocity joint and a boot for a constant velocity joint are disclosed. The boot generally includes a first channel and a second channel. The first channel is in fluid communication with a joint chamber of the constant velocity joint. The first channel is also in communication with the second channel and generally allows airflow therethrough while resisting clogs from lubricant. Additionally, the second channel generally allows airflow therethrough to the atmosphere while resisting passage of foreign contaminants therethrough.
Claims16
A boot for a constant velocity joint having a joint chamber, the boot comprising:
- a first channel in communication with the joint chamber, said first channel being generally straight and allowing lubricant entering said first channel to flow back into the joint chamber;
- a second channel in communication with said first channel and the atmosphere, said second channel including:
- a circumferentially extending groove;
- a first longitudinal groove extending from an end of said circumferentially extending groove;
- and
- a second longitudinal groove extending from an opposite end of said circumferentially extending groove;
- and
- an intermediate chamber in fluid communication with said first channel and said second channel.
A constant velocity joint, comprising:
- an outer race defining in part a joint chamber;
- an inner race arranged within said outer race;
- a rolling element disposed between said inner race and outer race;
- a shaft engaging said inner race;
- a cover cooperating with said shaft to define a joint chamber;
- and
- a boot disposed about said shaft, said boot including:
- a first channel in communication with the joint chamber, said first channel being generally straight and allowing lubricant entering said first channel to flow back into the joint chamber;
- a second channel in communication with said first channel and the atmosphere, said second channel including:
- a circumferentially extending groove;
- a first longitudinal groove extending from an end of said circumferentially extending groove;
- and
- a second longitudinal groove extending from an opposite end of said circumferentially extending groove;
- and
- an intermediate chamber in fluid communication with said first channel and said second channel.
A boot for a constant velocity joint having a joint chamber, the boot comprising:
- a first channel in communication with the joint chamber, said first channel being generally permissive to airflow therethrough and generally resistive to clogging from a lubricant;
- a second channel in communication with said first channel and the atmosphere, said second channel being generally permissive to airflow therethrough, said second channel being generally restrictive to passage of an external contaminant therethrough, and said second channel including:
- a circumferentially extending groove;
- a first longitudinal groove extending from an end of said circumferentially extending groove;
- and
- a second longitudinal groove extending from an opposite end of said circumferentially extending groove;
- and
- an intermediate chamber in fluid communication with said first channel and said second channel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.