Patents Assigned to Gelenkwellenbau GmbH
  • Patent number: 6835139
    Abstract: A universal joint has a balancing arrangement that includes yoke arms having respectively, a support bore, centered on a common bore axis, and the support bore having a groove. A journal cross assembly comprises four journals, which axes intersect each other perpendicularly, and bearing bushings, having, respectively, a bottom, having an outer face, and in which bearing bushings, a journal is, respectively, supported. Respectively, one bearing bushing is received in a support bore and is secured by means of a retaining ring, engaging in the groove and supported on the outer face of the bottom of the corresponding bearing bushing. The retaining ring has a support portion on which radially inwards and projecting towards the bore axis, a holding portion is attached, axially offset to the support portion and distanced to the bottom, forming a gap. A balancing weight, formed as a ring discontinued at a point, can be retained in the gap between the bottom and the at least one holding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Spicer Gelenkwellenbau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hans-Jürgen Schultze
  • Patent number: 6805636
    Abstract: A joint yoke for a universal joint, as well as to a universal joint having the same. In such a universal joint, the two joke arms in the joint yoke are separated into a base portion having integrally arm portions and bridge elements. For attaching the bridge elements, headed screws are used, for which in the end faces of the arm portions threaded bores are arranged. The threaded bore which, when projected onto the bore axis 10 of the neighboring support bore, has the largest distance from the longitudinal axis 5 has a diameter remarkably increased compared to the other threaded bores 19, 20. Compared to embodiments in which several headed screws and corresponding threaded bores are provided, which have the same diameter, an above proportional increase of the torque transmission can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Spicer Gelenkwellenbau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wilfried Gille, Walter Bischoff
  • Patent number: 6736731
    Abstract: A cross member unit for universal joints has a cross member (6) with four trunnions (17). Each two trunnions define a common longitudinal axis (7). Each trunnion (17) has an end face (18), a first sealing face (21) and a pre-sealing face (24). The pre-sealing face (24) is remote from the end face 18 and has a diameter increasing relative to the first sealing face (18). A bearing bush (9) is on each trunnion (17). Each bearing bush (9) has an open end 29 and has rolling contact members 27 rotatably supporting the trunnion (17) around the longitudinal axis (7) of the trunnion (17). An annular seal (30) is provided in each bearing bush 9. The annular seal (30) is held in the bearing bush 9 by a press fit. The annular seal (30) includes an annular carrier (31) which projects from the open end (29) of the bearing bush (9). The annular seal includes at least one first sealing lip (35) which is in contact with the first sealing face (18) of the trunnion (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Spicer Gelenkwellenbau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans-Jürgen Schultze, Erhard Müller, Andreas Neises
  • Patent number: 6672768
    Abstract: An intermediate bearing for a driveline of a commercial vehicle has a housing (7) with a stirrup-shaped cross-section. The housing (7) has a fixing face (12) formed of two straight portions (8, 9) and a first arched portion (10). A bearing member (15) is arranged between the portions (8, 9, 10). The bearing member (15) is rubber and is connected to the fixing face (12) by vulcanization. A locking element (23) bridges the space between the two straight portions (8, 9). The locking member (23) is attached to the bearing member (15). The bearing member (15) encloses a supporting ring (16) which serves to receive a rolling contact bearing. The locking element (23) is adjustable for the purpose of setting a pre-tension of the bearing member (15) towards the longitudinal axis (18) of the bore (17) of the supporting ring (16). The locking element (23) can be connected to the housing (7) after the required pre-tension has been set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Spicer Gelenkwellenbau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Oliver Börsch, Harald Dierich, Ralf Sedlmeier
  • Patent number: 6541427
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lubricant for service-free cardan shafts comprising a base selected from the group consisting of a naphthenic solvent and a paraffinic solvent; a thickener selected from the group consisting of lithium salt, lithium soap, and amides of aromatic dicarboxylic acids; at least one flux oil; and an additive selected from the group consisting of molybdenum dithiocarbamate, zinc dithiocarbamate, bismuth dithiocarbamate, molybdenum dithiophosphate, zinc dithiophosphate, and bismuth dithiophosphate, in combination with thiadiazole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignees: FUCHS Europe Schmierstoffe GmbH & Co. KG, Spicer Gelenkwellenbau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Wilfried Hermann Dresel
  • Patent number: 6386982
    Abstract: A cross member unit (9) has a cross member (10) with four arms (11). Two each are centered on axes (y, z) extending perpendicular relative to one another. The two arms (11) of one axis (y, z) are received in one yoke arm (19) of a joint yoke. Each arm (11) is associated with a bearing bush (13) rotatably supported by rolling contact members (14). A centering element (23), with a pressure element (29) and a spring element (28), are positioned in each arm. The spring element (28) is supported against the arm (11) and loads the bearing bush (13) via the pressure element (29). The bearing bushes (13) associated with one axis (y, z) are received in the two yoke arms (19) of a joint yoke. If the yoke arms (19) are deformed due to rotational-speed-related centrifugal forces, the pressure elements (29) remain in contact with the bearing bushes (13). In this way, the cross member unit (9) is held in a centered way relative to the joint yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Spicer Gelenkwellenbau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Wilfried Gille
  • Patent number: 6350201
    Abstract: The invention relates to a universal joint having a first joint yoke (1) and a second joint yoke (8) as well as a cross member (23) for connecting said yokes. In the region of its two second yoke arms (11), the second joint yoke (8) is separated along a line extending through the second bearing bores, so that per yoke arm (11), there are obtained two yoke arm portions (15) continuing to be connected to the base portion (9), and a separate bridge portion (16). Separation takes place in the form of fracture separation, for which purpose regions in the second bearing bores are heat-treated by laser along a line; thereafter, a force applied to and concentrating on said regions leads to fracture faces which correspond to brittle fracture faces, so that after the separating operation, joining can easily take place without the bearing bores subsequently having to be re-machined. In this way, assembly is simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignees: plettac Umformtechnik GmbH & Co. KG, Spicer Gelenkwellenbau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ralf Sedlmeier, Thomas Herlan
  • Patent number: 6224489
    Abstract: A cross member for a universal joint has a base member (1) and four arms (2). The arms (2) extend away from a base member (1). To increase the torque bearing capacity of the cross member, the outer face of the arm (2) (if viewed in a longitudinal section) extends curve-like in a transition region (18) to the base member with a continually increasing diameter and with a decreasing radius of curvature (R). If viewed in a sectional plane extending through the axes (4, 5), a distance (X) exists between a first tangent (14), on the outer face of the transition region, and a second tangent parallel to the first tangent (14). The first tangent (14) extends at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the axis (4). The second tangent (15), if viewed from the center (6), is positioned behind the first tangent (14). The second tangent (15) contacts the outer face of the base member (1) at a point (16) which is located on a line of symmetry (17) of the cross member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Spicer Gelenkwellenbau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wilfried Gille, Walter Bischoff
  • Patent number: 6093107
    Abstract: A drive aft has two universal joints. The universal joint (1) is connected to a sliding sleeve (9). The other universal joint carries a sliding journal (8). The sliding journal (8) and the sliding sleeve (9) engage one another in a rotationally fast way via teeth (11, 22). The teeth (11, 22) are longitudinally displaceable relative to one another in the direction of a longitudinal axis (10). In order to prevent the driveshaft, in the fitted condition, from falling apart after having suffered a fracture, an anti-disengagement member is provided. The member includes an annular stop (13) arranged at the end of the sliding journal (8). The stop (13) may be fitted through an aperture (15) in the joint yoke (4) of the first universal joint (1). The stop (13) stops against a suitable face of the inner longitudinal teeth (22) when the sliding sleeve (9) and the sliding journal (8) are moved apart by a change in length distance (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: GKN Gelenkwellenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Ugo Merlo, Dieter Heier, Ditmar Klischat, Jorg Papendorf, Gerd Sehlbach
  • Patent number: 5868625
    Abstract: A bipode joint for small articulation angles and high torque transmission has a first joint part (1) and a second joint part (23). Two rollers (7, 8) are rotatably supported on arms (3) of the first joint part (1). The rollers (7, 8) engage apertures (27) which extend from a cavity (24) to the outer face of the second joint part (23). To assemble the first joint part (1) with arms (3), recesses (32) are provided which enable the first joint part (1) to be threaded in. Thus, it is possible to associate the running faces which cooperate with the rollers (7, 8) with the apertures in the second joint part, thus, overall achieving a stable embodiment for high torque transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: GKN Gelenkwellenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Heier, Wilfried Gille
  • Patent number: 5820468
    Abstract: A bipode joint has a first joint part (1) with a first longitudinal axis (2) and a second joint part (23) with a second longitudinal axis (27). The first joint part (1) has an arm (3) whose diameter is stepped and includes a roller (7') whose face also includes a stepped diameter. The faces are an outer face (9) with a smaller diameter and, on the radial inside, a transmitting face (11) with a larger diameter. A spherical zone is arranged between the two faces. Two running faces (30) are on the second joint part (23) to guide the outer face (9). In the radially inward direction, the running face (30) is followed by a supporting face (32). The supporting face (32) is a partial cylindrical face to support the roller (7') with its spherical zone (10). Further inwardly, towards the second longitudinal axis (27), a supplementary running face (34) follows the support face (32). The supplementary running face serves as a supporting face for the transmitting face (11) of the roller (7').
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: GKN Gelenkwellenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Florea Duditza
  • Patent number: 4992076
    Abstract: A Hookes universal joint has each limb (5, 6) of its yokes provided at its free end with a removable portion (15, 115) which, when it is removed, leaves an opening to facilitate fitting of the respective journal (11, 111) of the joint cross member into the bore (9, 109) in the yoke arm. The removable portion and main part of the yoke arm have inter-engaging dovetail formations either of frusto-conical form (18, 19) or straight configuration (118, 119). When a bearing bush (13, 113) is fitted in the bore, the removable portion of the yoke arm is held in a position or orientation such that its dovetail formations cannot become disengaged. The necessity of providing the yoke arm with bores for fixing bolts, which would weaken it, is thus avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: Gelenkwellenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Wilfried Gille, Dieter Heier, Gerd Sehlbach
  • Patent number: 4934979
    Abstract: A bearing assembly for a Hookes universal joint including a bearing bush (11) with an external surface (16) for reception in a bore (12) in joint yoke (6), and a support ring (18) screw-threadedly engaged on the external surface of the bush at its ends nearest the axis of rotation of the joint yoke, for adjustment of the position of the bush in the yoke. For locking the support ring (18) in its adjusted position a locking member (23) is provided, with surfaces (24, 25) of different radii of curvature and/or offset centers of curvature so that the locking membrer can become jammed between facing cylindrical surfaces (20, 21) of the bearing bush and support ring. A spring (28, 29) is provided to bias the locking member to its jammed position, and a releasing pin (31) to release it to enable adjustment of the support ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: Gelenkwellenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Wilfried Gille, Dieter Heier
  • Patent number: 4925430
    Abstract: A cross member (8) for a Hookes universal joint, comprising a body portion (20) and arms (19) extending outwardly therefrom, is made of a fibre reinforced plastics material including fibres (29) which extend between adjacent pairs of arms of the cross member. Each arm has an internal lubricant passage (11) which is of increasing cross sectional area in a portion (16) towards the free end of the arm, the lubricant passages being formed by use of a lost core during production of the cross member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: Gelenkwellenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Dieter Heier
  • Patent number: 4923320
    Abstract: A disengagable coupling comprising a first part (1) affording a bore (3) and a second part (2) comprising a sleeve (5) and a drive flange (6). The sleeve (5) fits in the bore (3) and contains an insert (8) with collars (9,10) between which is defined a chamber (4) for the reception of oil under pressure to expand the sleeve into frictional engagement with the wall of the bore (3) for torque transmission. There may be a pressure release valve response to relative movement between the first and second coupling parts to release the coupling in case of overload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Gelenkwellenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Ditmar Klischat
  • Patent number: 4880405
    Abstract: A Cardan type universal joint is provided with cross-sectional recesses at specific points either in a joint cross or at the joint yokes in order to improve the load distribution. Because of the arrangement of the recesses, it is possible to achieve an improved and approximately symmetrical load distribution toward the direction of circumferential force to be applied to the joint. This permits an increase in the useful life or alternately an optimization of the construction size of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Assignee: Gelenkwellenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Eberhard Ende
  • Patent number: 4834691
    Abstract: In a universal joint a device is provided for sealing an annular gap between a laterally closed bearing bush of the joint and a pin on a spider located within the bush. A plurality of cylindrically shaped bearing members are located within the annular gap in the bearing bush with an annular stop plate positioned at the ends of the bearing members facing the open end of the bush. A combination support member and sealing member is located in the annular gap with parts of the support member extending through the sealing member for supporting the stop plate. The sealing member is spaced from the stop plate. The support member divides the sealing member into a first part located between the support member and the pin, and a second part located between the support member and the inside wall of the bearing bush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Gelenkwellenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Jurgen Schultze, Gerd Faulbecker, Wilfried Gille
  • Patent number: 4795401
    Abstract: A trunnion cross for connecting two yokes. The trunnion cross includes two pairs of trunnions, wherein each pair is located diametrically opposite each other and extends along an axis, wherein the two axes of the trunnion pairs extend perpendicularly to each other. Each trunnion is received in a roller bearing mounted in an eye of the yoke. The trunnion cross defines two throughbores extending perpendicularly to each other. Cylindrical throttle inserts are inserted in the throughbores for pressure redcution. A thread is formed on the outer circumference of each throttle insert defining a throttle passage. The throttle inserts ensure a uniform reduction of the lubricant pressure within the trunnion cross toward all four trunnion bearing. The danger of a clogging of a lubricant duct by dirt particles is reduced. Any plugs formed by hardening lubricant which cause clogging of a lubricant duct can be ejected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: Gelenkwellenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Eberhard Ende
  • Patent number: 4588311
    Abstract: A bearing for oscillating angular movement including inner and outer bearing parts with rollers therebetween, and with one or more swivel members between at least some of the adjacent rollers. Each swivel member comprises a central part of smaller diameter than a roller, and inwardly and outwardly extending portions having supporting faces which engage the inner and outer bearing parts. Because each swivel member occupies a smaller space circumferentially of the bearing than does an individual roller, the total number of members available to transmit loads between the inner and outer bearing parts is increased, thereby improving the capacity of the bearing. The bearings are particularly useful for Hookes universal joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1986
    Assignee: Gelenkwellenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Heier, Wilfried Gille
  • Patent number: 4333319
    Abstract: A universal joint assembly which includes a first and a second yoke operatively interconnected by a trunnion cross arranged therebetween is formed with a generally centrally located bore extending through the trunnion cross between the first and the second yoke with a bolt extending within the bore interconnecting the first and second yoke through the trunnion cross. One end of the bolt is attached to a radially movable member in the first yoke and lock means are provided for locking the radially movable element in any selected position in order to fix the position of a connecting member joined to the second yoke so that interconnection of torque transmitting elements may be facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1982
    Assignee: Gelenkwellenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Walter Bischoff