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US 8,157,657 B2Granted
Selectively expandable and contractible barrier
AssigneeGKN Driveline North America, Inc.
InventorsEric LaMothe, Robert Leslie Cassell
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A barrier membrane assembly for sealing a constant velocity joint assembly includes at least one selectively expandable and contractible barrier membrane body. The barrier membrane body has no openings therethrough and may selectively expand and contract in response to operational pressures acting against the barrier membrane body.
Claims15
A constant velocity joint assembly having a longitudinal axis, comprising:
- an outer race including a first axial end and a second axial end, the second axial end disposed axially relative to the longitudinal axis of the constant velocity joint between the first axial end and a flexible boot;
- an inner race supported within the outer race;
- a shaft engaging the inner race;
- a rolling element disposed between the inner race and the outer race;
- an end cap mounted to the first axial end of the outer race, the end cap including an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface disposed between the shaft and the outer surface, and a first axial end arranged adjacent the first axial end of the outer race and an opposite second axial end;
- a selectively expandable and contractible barrier membrane operatively mounted to the inner surface of the end cap, the barrier membrane is a flexible seal having no openings therethrough and being responsive to changes in pressure of a fluid during operation of the constant velocity joint assembly, wherein the entire barrier membrane is disposed axially relative to the longitudinal axis of the constant velocity joint between the first and second axial ends of the end cap;
- wherein an outer peripheral edge of the barrier membrane is attached to the inner surface of the end cap;
- and
- wherein the outer peripheral edge of the barrier membrane is displaced axially away from the outer race.
6 more elements
A constant velocity joint assembly having a longitudinal axis, comprising:
- an outer race including a first axial end and a second axial end;
- an inner race supported within the outer race;
- a shaft engaging the inner race a rolling element disposed between the inner race and the outer race;
- a rolling element disposed between the inner race and the outer race;
- a flexible boot arranged adjacent the second axial end of the outer race, the second axial end of the outer race disposed relative to the longitudinal axis of the constant velocity joint between the flexible boot and the first axial end of the outer race;
- a boot support member connecting the flexible boot to the second axial end of the outer race;
- and
- a selectively expandable and contractible barrier membrane including a first end connected to the boot support member and a second end engaging the shaft, the barrier membrane is a flexible sealing body having no openings therethrough and being responsive to changes in pressure of a fluid during operation of the constant velocity joint assembly;
- and
- wherein the barrier membrane engages the boot support member at a first attachment point and the flexible boot engages the boot support member at a second attachment point, the first attachment point being disposed axially relative to the longitudinal axis of the constant velocity joint between the second attachment point and the second axial face of the outer race.
7 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.