Abstract: A cross-track plunging constant velocity joint assembly includes an inner race having an outer diameter, an axial length, inner ball tracks, and a spline engageable with a first torque transfer member. An outer race has an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and outer ball tracks. The outer race is connectable to a second torque transfer member. A cage having multiple windows is disposed between the inner and outer races. A plurality of balls (N) having a ball diameter are held by the cage within the windows and engage pairs of the inner and outer ball tracks. The balls define a joint pitch circle diameter (PCD). The inner race has a plunge depth within the outer race. The ratio of 1.2?(outer race outer diameter/outer race inner diameter)?1.7 is satisfied.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a direct torque flow connector for torque transmission. The DTF connector includes a direct torque flow constant velocity universal joint having an outer race part and an inner race part, and a shaft coupled to the outer race part. The direct torque flow connector has at least one direct torque flow optimized ratio. Further, the inner race part of the direct torque flow connector may be selectively connected to a journal shaft of a drive unit. A direct torque flow connection with optimized ratios in attachment methods is also provided.

Abstract: A cross-track plunging constant velocity joint assembly includes an inner race having an outer diameter, an axial length, inner ball tracks, and a spline engageable with a first torque transfer member. An outer race has an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and outer ball tracks. The outer race is connectable to a second torque transfer member. A cage having multiple windows is disposed between the inner and outer races. A plurality of balls (N) having a ball diameter are held by the cage within the windows and engage pairs of the inner and outer ball tracks. The balls define a joint pitch circle diameter (PCD). The inner race has a plunge depth within the outer race. The ratio of 1.2?(outer race outer diameter/outer race inner diameter)?1.7 is satisfied.

Abstract: A multiple-tube propeller shaft assembly includes a first tube with a plurality of splines defining a splined portion, a second tube with a plurality of splines defining a splined portion, and a third tube with a plurality of splines defining a splined portion. In an embodiment, one end of the third tube is telescopically received within the first tube in a slip tube spline connection, while the other end is received within the second tube in a locked tube spline connection. In another embodiment, the first tube is telescopically received in one end of the third tube in a slip tube spline connection, while the second tube is received in the other end of the third tube in a locked tube spline connection. The propeller shaft assembly can be tuned to absorb crash energy between 0 and 50 kN.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a direct torque flow connector for torque transmission. The DTF connector includes a direct torque flow constant velocity universal joint having an outer race part and an inner race part, and a shaft coupled to the outer race part. The direct torque flow connector has at least one direct torque flow optimized ratio. Further, the inner race part of the direct torque flow connector may be selectively connected to a journal shaft of a drive unit. A direct torque flow connection with optimized ratios in attachment methods is also provided.

Abstract: To protect a joint from exposure to contaminants and loss of lubricant disposed within a joint a traditional joint includes a sealing system. Typically the sealing system includes a boot and a boot cover. To produce a more effective joint, the sealing system of the present invention further includes a shield to protect the boot and the boot cover from exposure to contaminants by providing a barrier therebetween. The joint of the present invention includes a shield having several embodiments including an elastomer sleeve, a rigid cylindrical tube and a thermoplastic second boot.

Abstract: A seal for a constant velocity joint, the seal comprising a main seal body having a central axis of rotation, the main seal body including an inner wall and an outer wall and opposing first and second sides, a raised rib extending out from the first side, the raised rib being axially deformable in such a manner as to create an axial force parallel to the axis of rotation for reducing the axial slip between a constant velocity joint a transmission output component, a flange seal portion extending out away from the outer wall, the flange seal portion having an inner contacting surface for contacting the constant velocity joint and defining a protective seal between the constant velocity joint and the transmission output component and a rigid coupling member connected to the main seal body having an inner wall portion for contacting the transmission output component whereby the rigid coupling member supports the main seal body and connects the seal to the transmission output component.

Abstract: A seal for use with a constant velocity joint and a transmission output component. The seal comprising a main seal body having a central axis of rotation, the main seal body including an inner wall and an outer wall and opposing first and second sides. The inner wall defining a connecting region having a generally cylindrical portion for connecting the seal to the transmission output component. A raised rib extending out from the first side of the seal, the raised rib being axially deformable in such a manner as to create an axial force parallel the axis of rotation for reducing the axial slip between the constant velocity joint and the transmission output component and a flange seal portion extending out away from the outer wall, the flange having an inner contacting surface adapts to contact the constant velocity joint and define a protective seal between the constant velocity joint and the transmission output component.