Patents Assigned to Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
  • Patent number: 6119329
    Abstract: A non-rotating and axially secured connection between an inner joint part of a constant velocity joint and a driveshaft has an inner joint part at its outer circumference with tracks for receiving torque-transmitting balls or tripod arms for sliding on rollers, as well as-a central bore with inner teeth. The driveshaft is inserted into the bore and is provided with corresponding outer teeth. At the end of the inner joint part facing the shaft end, the bore, with its inner teeth, changes into a through-hole with a smaller diameter. At the end of the driveshaft in front of the outer teeth, a cylindrical portion is provided carrying an axial securing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignees: GKN Automotive AG, Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
    Inventors: Eugen Stall, Dieter Sattler
  • Patent number: 5984039
    Abstract: A coupling assembly has at least one friction coupling unit which comprises a driveable housing and a hub to be driven, and having differential-speed-dependent actuating means operating by a pressure agent and comprising a pump unit. The pump unit comprises housing parts and hub parts, which housing parts are rotatable relative to said hub parts with the one part of the pump unit being connected in a rotationally fixed way to the housing of the friction coupling unit and the other parts of the pump unit being connected in a rotationally fixed way to the hub of the friction coupling unit. The hub of the at least one friction coupling unit is receiving an outer joint part of a constant velocity universal joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
    Inventor: Nikolaus Mayr
  • Patent number: 5954587
    Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint has an outer part (1) with outer tracks (3), and an inner part (6) with inner tracks (10) which, together, each receive one of a plurality of balls (13). The ball is guided by a cage (14). The cage is guided on a guiding face (9) of the inner part (6) by a spherical guiding face (16). The outer part (1) is closed towards one side by a first attaching part (5). The other side is closed by a sealing boot (20) which is secured to the outer part (1) on the one hand and to a second attaching element (12) on the other hand. The second attaching element (12) is connected to the inner part (6) so as to be rotationally fixed. The inner part (6) is held and centered relative to the outer part (1) by the balls (13) and the cage (14) on the one hand and by a control element (18) arranged between the outer part (1) and the inner part (6) on the other hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Jacob, Werner Jacob
  • Patent number: 5944612
    Abstract: A longitudinally plungeable constant velocity universal ball joint has an outer joint part (1) with inner first straight ball tracks (2), an inner joint part (7) with outer second straight ball tracks (8). Each set of associated first and second ball tracks (2, 8) accommodates one ball (10) of a plurality of torque transmitting balls (10) and with the center lines of at least part of the associated first and second ball tracks (2, 8) intersecting one another while crossing the axes (M.sub.i, M.sub.a) of the outer joint part (1) and inner joint part (7) respectively at opposed angles of equal size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Schwarzler
  • Patent number: 5803814
    Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint of the tripod type having an outer joint part with three axis-parallel recesses each forming circumferentially opposed pairs of running grooves. An inner joint part with three circumferentially distributed radial arms with spherical heads each engage one of the recesses. The joint also has guiding pieces for rolling contact members. The guiding pieces each comprise a radially extending cylindrical inner aperture radially movably and articulatably slidingly engaged by one of the spherical heads and longitudinally directed guiding grooves holding rolling contact members rolling in the running grooves. The guiding grooves are each provided with end stops at both ends and with a free rolling path available to the rolling contact members in the guiding grooves between the end stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Heinrich Welschof
  • Patent number: 5797801
    Abstract: A constant velocity fixed joint has having a hollow outer part (1), an inner part (7) and a cage (15). The parts are centered relative to one another in the radial direction by balls (19) held in the cage (15). A guiding element (22) is adjustably supported in the radial direction against a supporting element (28). The supporting element (22) is fixed relative to the outer part (1). Arrangement and design of the guiding element (22) are such that its contact face (24) forms a plane which contains the articulation center (27). As a result, the setting of the inner part (7) relative to the outer part (1) is advantageously affected in the radial direction. In this way, a low-friction joint is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Jacob
  • Patent number: 5795233
    Abstract: A universal joint for small articulation angles, especially, an intermediate joint in a propeller shaft of motor vehicles, has an outer joint part (11) with longitudinally extending first ball tracks (14) which, between stop faces, include an axial length with an unchanged cross-section; an inner joint part (31, 51) with longitudinally extending second ball tracks (36, 56) whose axial length is greater than that of the first ball tracks (14); and torque transmitting balls (15) guided in the radially opposed first and second ball tracks (14, 36, 56). The outer joint part (11), at least in the axial region of the ball tracks (14) is produced as a formed plate metal part with an approximately constant wall thickness. The ball tracks (14), in the outer joint part (11), are formed by circumferentially distributed formations (13) axially closed at both ends by stops (16, 17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Eschbach, Peter Schwarzler, Hans-Heinrich Welschof
  • Patent number: 5765837
    Abstract: A convoluted boot (11) seals an annular gap between two parts which are non-rotatably connected to one another and articulatable relative to each other. The invention is especially useful at a constant velocity universal joint. The boot has a plurality of fold units (20) which each consist of two annular flanks (21, 22) connected to one another by an outer annular fold (23). Two fold units (20) are connected to one another by an inner annular fold (24). The boot has a first collar (14) to be fixed to one of the parts, and a second collar (15) to be fixed to the second one of the parts. The collar adjoin the longitudinally outer fold units (20). Annular ribs (27) are formed on the annular flanks (21, 22) at a distance from the outer annular folds (23) and the inner annular folds (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Schwarzler
  • Patent number: 5704840
    Abstract: A universal joint for small articulation angles has parallel, longitudinally extending tracks in the inner joint part and in the outer joint part and axially freely movable torque transmitting balls held in an uncontrolled way in the tracks. The tracks in the two joint parts include a constant cross-section adapted substantially, without a clearance, to the balls. The rolling movement of the balls is limited by axial stops in one of the joint members. The inner joint part includes outer spherical surface parts which are interrupted by the tracks. The spherical surface parts act as sliding faces. The outer joint part includes inner surface parts which are interrupted by the tracks and which act as guiding faces. When the joint is articulated, the surface parts which act as guiding faces, supportingly act on the surface parts acting as sliding faces around at least one fulcrum positioned on the longitudinal axis of the outer joint part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Eschbach, Peter Schwarzler, Hans-Heinrich Welschof
  • Patent number: 5685777
    Abstract: A fixed constant velocity universal ball joint has an outer joint part with an inner aperture including substantially longitudinally extending outer ball tracks. An inner joint part forms a hub member positioned in the inner aperture of the outer joint part. The inner joint part includes substantially longitudinally extending inner ball tracks. Torque transmitting balls are guided in outer and inner ball tracks associated with one another in pairs. The ball tracks are curved in the longitudinal direction. An annular ball cage is positioned between the outer joint part and inner joint part. The cage includes circumferentially distributed cage windows which hold the balls in a common plane and guide the balls onto an angle bisecting plane when the joint is articulated. The ball tracks are asymmetric in section. The outer track pairs of two adjoining outer ball tracks are formed in the outer joint part. The outer ball tracks extend parallel relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Schwarzler
  • Patent number: 5676599
    Abstract: An outer joint part for a tripod joint has a track portion with three circumferentially distributed, longitudinally extending, axis-parallel inner recesses with approximately parallel walls. A flange is secured to the track portion to connect shaft or gearbox parts. The portion of the outer joint part is produced by cold-forming with an approximately constant wall thickness. The flange includes a central inner recess whose inner contour mates with the outer contour of the track portion. The flange is slid on and connected to the track portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Ricks, Peter Bilz, Dieter Sattler, Werner Jacob
  • Patent number: 5665001
    Abstract: A coupling (14) axially and non-rotatingly connects two shafts (8, 12). Both shafts, at their ends facing one another, includes shoulders (18, 19) provided with teeth (24). A first tensioning sleeve (29) which, in its bore (28), has a set of teeth (26) matching the teeth (24), is slid onto the two sets of teeth (24) of the shoulders (18, 19), to achieve a non-rotating connection between the two shafts (8, 12). A second tensioning sleeve (30) is threaded onto the outer thread (29) of the first tensioning sleeve (25). The two tensioning sleeves (25, 30) have radially inwardly directed collars (27, 31), which axially contact a contact face (22, 23) of the two shoulders (18, 19). When threaded together, the sleeves cause the two shafts (8, 12) to be axially tensioned so that their end faces (20, 21) are axially tensioned relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Jacob, Manfred Niederhufner, Olaf Orlamunder
  • Patent number: 5660494
    Abstract: A connection for transmitting torque between an internally toothed hub and an externally toothed shaft insertable into the hub has internal hub teeth and shaft teeth which are provided with different tooth flank profiles. The tooth flanks of the shaft teeth rest against the tooth flanks of the internal teeth on the pitch circle diameter D.sub.T. Thus, off the pitch circle diameter a clearance exists between the tooth flanks and the circumferential direction. The shaft teeth at its end directed towards the shaft shank, include a run-out region with a tooth height h.sub.Z decreasing as a function of the axial direction. The run/out region of the shaft teeth is substantially positioned within the internal hub teeth with respect to both their axial extensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Schwarzler, Friedhelm John
  • Patent number: 5658199
    Abstract: A tripod joint has an outer joint part with three circumferentially distributed, axis parallel recesses and an inner joint part. The inner joint part has a star-shaped cross-section with three circumferentially distributed arms which engage the recesses of the outer joint part. The roller assemblies are supported on the arms. Each roller assembly includes a roller carrier and a roller rotatably supported by a needle bearing on the roller carrier. The rollers are pivotably arranged relative to the respective arms so as to be axially and angularly movable relative to the arm axis. The rollers have running faces, which are loaded under torque transmission, and end or annular faces, which adjoin the running faces on the radial outside and inside with reference to the joint axis. The annular faces, in cross-section through the outer joint part, are complementary to the outer joint part, axially relative to the roller axis and supportingly, come to rest in and against the outer joint part recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Ricks, Norbert Hofmann
  • Patent number: 5651738
    Abstract: A clamping mechanism (12) connects a tubular shaft (4) to a journal (11). In its bore, the tubular shaft (4) has a profile which is engaged by the journal (11) by a corresponding counter-profile on its outer face along a length of overlap. The profile and counter-profile are tensioned relative to one another by the clamping mechanism (12). The clamping effect is achieved by taking advantage of the possibility of deforming the cross-section of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Jacob, Manfred Niederhufner, Matthias Wiemer
  • Patent number: 5647801
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint has an outer part (1) with outer running grooves provided in its inner face (2) and extending in meridian planes with reference to the longitudinal axis (4) of the outer part. An inner part (6) is arranged in the inner chamber (5) of the outer part (1). Inner running grooves (13) are arranged in the inner part outer face (10). The inner running grooves (13) are arranged opposite the outer running grooves forming pairs which jointly accommodate balls (31) for torque transmitting purposes. The balls (31) are guided by a cage (24). The inner part (6) includes inner running grooves (13) which are all shortened and are only long enough to provide a maximum travel (18) covered by the balls (31) in the inner running grooves (13) from one extreme position to the other, plus an additional safety length (19) which is provided for strength reasons. A groove portion (14, 15) follows at least one end of the inner running grooves (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Jacob
  • Patent number: 5611733
    Abstract: A driveshaft (1) for driving the wheels of a motor vehicle has two constant velocity joints (2, 3) and a connecting shaft (4). The two constant velocity joints (2, 3) are provided in the form of constant velocity fixed joints. The plunging assembly required to change the longitudinal distance (L) includes a plunging journal (21), formed onto the second joint part (20) of the second constant velocity joint (3), and a plunging portion (26) of the connecting shaft (4). The shaft (4) surrounds the plunging journal (21) and is provided in the form of a tubular shaft. The cross-section of the plunging portion (26) has the shape of a corrugated shaft. Each outer corrugation peak, in the bore of the plunging portion (26), includes a second running groove (29) positioned opposite a running groove (22) in the plunging journal (21). Balls (23) are rollingly arranged between the two running grooves (29, 22) and held by a cage (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Jacob, Manfred Niederhufner, Jurgen E. Heyne
  • Patent number: 5607358
    Abstract: A non-rotating and axially secured connection between an inner joint part of a constant velocity joint and a driveshaft has an inner joint part at its outer circumference with tracks for receiving torque-transmitting balls or tripod arms for sliding on rollers, as well as a central bore with inner teeth. The driveshaft is inserted into the bore and is provided with corresponding outer teeth. At the end of the inner joint part facing the shaft end, the bore, with its inner teeth, changes into a through-hole with a smaller diameter. At the end of the driveshaft in front of the outer teeth, a cylindrical portion is provided carrying an axial securing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignees: GKN Automotive AG, Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
    Inventors: Eugen Stall, Dieter Sattler
  • Patent number: 5582546
    Abstract: A propeller shaft for motor vehicles, having an intermediate joint provided in the form of an axially movable universal ball joint and consisting of at least an outer joint part with longitudinally extending first ball tracks, an inner joint part with longitudinally extending second ball tracks and torque transmitting balls guided in radially opposed first and second ball tracks, with the outer joint part being firmly connected to a tubular shaft and with the inner joint part being connected to a shaft journal, and with the inner diameter of the outer joint part or of the adjoining tubular shaft in the region adjoining the free space assumed by the inner joint part in operation during plunging movements in the direction of the tubular shaft being smaller than the outer diameter of the inner joint part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Heinrich Welschof
  • Patent number: RE36163
    Abstract: A tripod joint has an outer joint part with three circumferentially distributed, axis-parallel recesses forming circumferentially distributed opposed tracks. An inner joint part has a star-shaped cross-section and three circumferentially distributed arms engaging the recesses in the outer joint part. The arms support roller assemblies. When torque is transmitted with the joint in an extended position, the resultant K.sub.1 of the forces acting from the inner joint part directly on a roller forms a shorter perpendicular distance from the joint axis than the resultant K.sub.2 of the counter forces acting from the outer joint part on the roller, so that, when torque is introduced into the joint, at any angle of articulation of the operating range, the roller is subject to a tilting moment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignees: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH, GKN Automotive AG
    Inventors: Michael Ricks, Norbert Hofmann, Friedhelm John, Werner Krude, Dieter Jost, Peter Harz, Jorg Bensinger