Outer ring of a constant velocity universal joint and manufacturing method for the same

Abstract

A groove is cut into an end surface of a shaft component to deform the shaft component into irregularities provided on a tubular component, thereby coupling the shaft component with the tubular component to form an outer ring for a constant velocity joint. This type of joint provides an outer ring having a strong coupling force and high coupling precision. The irregularities are preferably in the form of a spline cut in a portion of an inner perimeter surface of the tubular component, at a location where coupling of the tubular component with the shaft component is desired. The spline optionally includes a notch which provided additional coupling strength, especially in the shaft direction. The tubular component is shaped by pressing the inner surface of the tubular component into a mandrel having an outer surface shape of the desired inner surface shape of the tubular component. Hydraulic pressure is used to supply the force to press the material onto the mandrel to form the tubular component. This shaping method results in a molded material with high precision without requiring bond treatment.