Patents by Inventor Herbert Cermak

Herbert Cermak has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11384797
    Abstract: A shaft connection, e.g., for a motor vehicle driveline, comprises a metal shaft tube material and a metal connecting element. The connecting element comprises a connecting portion with an outer toothing which is pressed with a press fit into a connecting portion of the shaft tube so that an interlocking connection effective in the circumferential direction is formed for torque transmission, wherein the connecting element comprises a maximum outer diameter in the region of the outer toothing; wherein the shaft tube comprises an axial connecting region which is formed radially inwardly into a section of the connecting portion that is reduced relative to the outer toothing so that an interlocking axial connection effective in the axial direction is formed between the shaft tube and the connecting element for transmitting axial forces. A drive shaft can have such a shaft connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Cermak
  • Publication number: 20200132124
    Abstract: A shaft connection, e.g., for a motor vehicle driveline, comprises a metal shaft tube material and a metal connecting element. The connecting element comprises a connecting portion with an outer toothing which is pressed with a press fit into a connecting portion of the shaft tube so that an interlocking connection effective in the circumferential direction is formed for torque transmission, wherein the connecting element comprises a maximum outer diameter in the region of the outer toothing; wherein the shaft tube comprises an axial connecting region which is formed radially inwardly into a section of the connecting portion that is reduced relative to the outer toothing so that an interlocking axial connection effective in the axial direction is formed between the shaft tube and the connecting element for transmitting axial forces. A drive shaft can have such a shaft connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventor: Herbert Cermak
  • Patent number: 10527105
    Abstract: A longitudinal shaft arrangement for a motor vehicle has at least a first shaft and a second shaft, wherein the first shaft has a journal with a first end and a second end, and a constant velocity ball plunging joint for connecting the first shaft to the second shaft, wherein a joint inner part of the constant velocity ball plunging joint is mounted at the second end and a joint outer part is arranged on the second shaft, wherein the joint outer part has a first stop for a cage of the constant velocity ball plunging joint in an end zone of a plunging region, with the result that the cage is brought into contact with the first stop when the first shaft and the second shaft are pushed into one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Dietmar Lück, Herbert Cermak
  • Publication number: 20170241483
    Abstract: A longitudinal shaft arrangement for a motor vehicle has at least a first shaft and a second shaft, wherein the first shaft has a journal with a first end and a second end, and a constant velocity ball plunging joint for connecting the first shaft to the second shaft, wherein a joint inner part of the constant velocity ball plunging joint is mounted at the second end and a joint outer part is arranged on the second shaft, wherein the joint outer part has a first stop for a cage of the constant velocity ball plunging joint in an end zone of a plunging region, with the result that the cage is brought into contact with the first stop when the first shaft and the second shaft are pushed into one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Dietmar Lück, Herbert Cermak
  • Patent number: 8925929
    Abstract: A sealing element for sealing a joint chamber of a constant velocity joint is disclosed. The sealing element comprises an inner collar for providing a sealing connection relative to an inner joint part of the constant velocity joint, an outer collar for providing a sealing connection relative to an outer joint part of the constant velocity joint, and a membrane portion which extends between the inner collar and the outer collar. The membrane portion between the inner collar and the outer collar is fold-free and substantially conical in shape. A joint assembly having a constant velocity joint and a sealing element is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Cermak, Michael Zierz
  • Publication number: 20130252743
    Abstract: A sealing element for sealing a joint chamber of a constant velocity joint is disclosed. The sealing element comprises an inner collar for providing a sealing connection relative to an inner joint part of the constant velocity joint, an outer collar for providing a sealing connection relative to an outer joint part of the constant velocity joint, and a membrane portion which extends between the inner collar and the outer collar. The membrane portion between the inner collar and the outer collar is fold-free and substantially conical in shape. A joint assembly having a constant velocity joint and a sealing element is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Cermak, Michael Zierz
  • Patent number: 8322941
    Abstract: A connecting assembly for transmitting torque comprising a shaft journal with an outer annular groove and a hollow shaft with an inner annular groove, wherein, for torque transmitting purposes, the hollow shaft is rotationally fixed to the shaft journal and comprises at least one recess towards the outer circumferential face of the hollow shaft in a partial circumferential region of the inner annular groove. The connecting assembly also includes a radially elastically widenable axial securing ring which is positioned in the outer annular groove of the shaft journal and in the inner annular groove of the hollow shaft, wherein the axial securing ring comprises at least one outwardly projecting projection which is arranged in the at least one recess of the hollow shaft, and securing means which cover the at least one recess and prevent the axial securing ring from being radially widened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Cermak
  • Patent number: 8235395
    Abstract: A joint seal of a constant velocity universal joint which has a sealing effect relative to a shaft journal includes an axial securing sleeve which is connected to the inner joint part and which ends in individual axial fingers which radially elastically engage an annular groove in the shaft journal, wherein the ventilation channels for the joint interior of the constant velocity universal joint are formed by axial slots between the individual axial fingers which freely end in the interior of the rolling boot and can be closed towards the outside of the rolling boot by a sealing lip which is formed on to the rolling boot, which, in the position of rest, annularly sealingly contacts the shaft journal and which, at an increased speed, lifts off the shaft journal to expose the ventilation channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Cermak
  • Patent number: 8083430
    Abstract: A connecting assembly is disclosed. The connecting assembly comprises a shaft journal, a constant velocity universal joint and a threaded sleeve. The shaft journal is axially secured. The constant velocity universal joint has an inner joint part engaged by the shaft journal in a rotationally fixed way so as to transmit torque. The threaded sleeve is at least indirectly connected to the inner joint part so as to be axially secured and freely rotatable relative to the inner joint part. The threaded sleeve comprises a thread which is threaded on to a counter thread on the shaft journal so as to axially fix the inner joint part to the shaft journal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Cermak
  • Publication number: 20110298272
    Abstract: A device comprising at least one wheel hub with a flange section and a sleeve section, and a constant-velocity rotary joint, at least one joint outer part, a joint inner part and torque-transmitting elements, wherein the wheel hub and the constant-velocity rotary joint are coupled to each other via a spur toothing, and the spur toothing is surrounded radially on the outside by a flexible seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventor: Herbert Cermak
  • Patent number: 8070613
    Abstract: A connecting assembly for use in the propeller shaft of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The connecting assembly comprises a shaft journal with an annular groove; a constant velocity universal joint with an inner joint part which is connected in a rotationally fixed way to the shaft journal for the purpose of transmitting torque; an axial securing ring for the inner joint part, which axial securing ring is positioned in the annular groove of the shaft journal; and a holding ring which is releasably connected to the inner joint part; wherein, in a mounted condition of the inner joint part, the axial securing ring is axially fixed on the shaft journal between a contact face of the inner joint part and the holding ring connected to the inner joint part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Cermak
  • Patent number: 8025454
    Abstract: A connecting assembly comprises a shaft journal with an outer journal groove; a constant velocity universal joint with an inner joint part which, for the purpose of transmitting torque, is connected to the shaft journal in a rotationally fixed way and which comprises a sleeve projection, wherein, in an outer circumferential face of the sleeve projection, there is provided an engagement recess; a securing sleeve for axially fixing the inner joint part relative to the shaft journal; wherein the securing sleeve comprises inner holding portions which engage the journal groove, as well as outer holding portions which engage the at least one engagement recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Cermak
  • Patent number: 8025578
    Abstract: A wheel hub/universal joint assembly having a wheel hub with a wheel flange for connecting a wheel and with a sleeve portion for receiving a wheel bearing. A constant velocity universal joint is provided with an outer joint part, an inner joint part and torque transmitting elements. The outer joint part has a first face toothing with first teeth and wherein the sleeve portion has a second face toothing with second teeth, wherein the two sets of face toothings engage one another for torque transmitting purposes. Clamping means is also provided for axially clamping the wheel hub to the outer joint part, the clamping means being axially supported on the wheel hub and on the outer joint part 22. At least one of the two face toothings is provided such that the first and second teeth, when clamping together the assembly, contact one another first on the radial outside and, as the clamping operation progresses, also on the radial inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Cermak
  • Patent number: 8012030
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting assembly which is used, more particularly for use in the driveline of a motor vehicle. The connecting assembly comprises a shaft journal 3 with an outer journal groove 34; a constant velocity universal joint 4 with an inner joint part 6 which, for the purpose of transmitting torque, is connected to the shaft journal 3 in a rotationally fixed way, wherein the inner joint part 6 comprises a sleeve-like portion 20 with an inner annular groove 35; a radially elastically widenable axial securing ring 30 which is provided for axially fixing the inner joint part 6 and which is positioned in the journal groove 34 of the shaft journal 3; and securing means 41 which are fixed to the sleeve-like portion 20 and prevent the axial securing ring 30 from being radially widened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Cermak, Michael Zierz
  • Patent number: 8002640
    Abstract: A wheel hub/universal joint assembly having an axis of rotation A constant velocity universal joint with an outer joint part, an inner joint part, and torque transmitting balls The outer joint part has a first face toothing which engages a second face toothing provided at a collar on a sleeve portion of the wheel. Clamping means axially clamps the wheel hub to the outer joint part 22. The clamping means is axially supported on the wheel hub and the outer joint part 22. The ratio of the axial length BL of the wheel bearing 13 and the mean diameter DV of the face toothing is smaller than 0.63, i.e. BL/DV<0.63.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Cermak, Michael Zierz, Christoph Sieber
  • Patent number: 7850530
    Abstract: An outer joint part of a constant velocity universal joint for a wheel hub-constant velocity fixed joint unit wherein a wheel hub (60, 90) with a through-aperture (59, 89) carrying inner shaft teeth (44, 74) is clamped relative to the outer joint part (46, 76) of a constant velocity universal joint (42, 72), to which outer joint part (46, 76) there is formed on a journal (53, 83) with outer shaft teeth (54, 84), wherein the inner shaft teeth (44, 74) of the through-aperture (59, 89) and the outer shaft teeth (54, 84) of the journal (53, 83) engage one another and wherein a double-row wheel bearing (43, 73) is slid on to the wheel hub (60, 90) which wheel bearing comprises an inner bearing race (64, 94) which directly supports an end face (52, 82) of the outer joint part (46, 76), wherein the ratio of the journal diameter at the journal base (DZ) and the journal length (LZ) is greater than 0.95.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Cermak
  • Patent number: 7824272
    Abstract: A wheel hub/constant velocity joint unit wherein a wheel hub (60, 90) with a through-aperture (59, 89) carrying inner shaft teeth (44, 74) is clamped to an outer joint part (46, 76) of a constant velocity fixed joint (42, 72), which outer joint part (46, 76) comprises a formed-on journal (53, 83) with outer shaft teeth (54, 84), wherein the inner shaft teeth (44, 74) of the through-aperture (59, 89) and the outer shaft teeth (54, 84) of the journal (53, 83) engage one another and wherein a double-row wheel bearing (43, 73) is slid on to the wheel hub (60, 90) which comprises an inner bearing race (64, 94) which directly supports an end face (52, 82) of the outer joint part (46, 76), wherein half the sum of the pitch circle diameter of the joint balls PCD and the bearing width BL is greater than the center-to-center distance AGL between the constant velocity universal joint (42, 72) and the wheel bearing (43, 73).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Cermak, Alfred Springer, Ernst Masur, Peter Niebling
  • Patent number: 7811176
    Abstract: A wheel hub/universal joint assembly (11) comprising a rotatably supported wheel hub (21) which is provided with a wheel flange (22) for bolting on a vehicle wheel and which comprises a central through-aperture (29) with inner shaft teeth (30), and a universal joint (41) with an outer joint part (42) to which there is attached a driving journal (43) with outer shaft teeth (53), wherein the driving journal (43) is inserted into the through-aperture (29) and wherein the wheel hub (21) and the outer joint part (42) are connected to one another in a rotationally fast way by inter-engaging inner and outer shaft teeth (30, 53), and wherein, between the wheel hub (21) end facing the joint and an end face (50) of the outer joint part (42), which end face (50) faces the wheel, there is provided an axial free space (81), wherein between the wheel hub (21) and the driving journal (43), there includes a clamping element which load the wheel hub (21) towards the outer joint part (42) and wherein, for supporting the wheel
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Cermak
  • Publication number: 20100239364
    Abstract: A connecting assembly is disclosed. The connecting assembly comprises a shaft journal, a constant velocity universal joint and a threaded sleeve. The shaft journal is axially secured. The constant velocity universal joint has an inner joint part engaged by the shaft journal in a rotationally fixed way so as to transmit torque. The threaded sleeve is at least indirectly connected to the inner joint part so as to be axially secured and freely rotatable relative to the inner joint part. The threaded sleeve comprises a thread which is threaded on to a counter thread on the shaft journal so as to axially fix the inner joint part to the shaft journal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: Herbert Cermak
  • Patent number: 7712994
    Abstract: A connecting assembly between a shaft journal which is axially secured, and a constant velocity universal joint whose inner joint part is engaged by the shaft journal in a rotationally fast way, wherein there is provided a threaded sleeve which is held so as to be axially secured and freely rotatable relative to the inner joint part and which comprises a thread which can be threaded on to a counter thread on the shaft journal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Cermak