Clearance-free constant velocity universal joint

Abstract

A constant velocity universal joint is disclosed that comprises an outer joint part, an inner joint part, torque transmitting balls, an annular ball cage, and a supporting mechanism. The outer joint part includes circumferentially distributed outer ball tracks. The inner joint part includes circumferentially distributed inner ball tracks. The torque transmitting balls are guided in pairs of tracks, wherein each track includes an outer ball track and an inner ball track. When the joint is in the aligned condition, the pairs of tracks, at least in a central joint plane, widen in coinciding axial directions. The annular ball cage is defined by a cage axis. The cage is positioned between the outer joint part and the inner joint part and comprises circumferentially distributed windows in which the torque transmitting balls are held with a clearance. The ball cage comprises an axial clearance relative to the outer joint part. The supporting resiliently supports the ball cage relative to the outer joint part and acts on the ball cage in the direction opposed to the direction in which the pairs of tracks widen. The supporting mechanism comprises a carrier element connected to the ball cage and a separate supporting member, wherein the supporting member is resiliently supported on the carrier element and rests against the outer joint part.