Abstract: Universal joint having slip bush including a tube, a slip bush inserted into the tube, and a shaft inserted into and slidably engaged with the tube via the slip bush. The universal joint further includes: one or more rows of guide holes formed by perforating a circumferential wall of the slip bush, the rows being arranged in the longitudinal direction of the slip bush; one or more guide balls fitted in the guide holes, respectively; and one or more C-type parts longitudinally formed on the circumferential wall of the slip bush. When axial pressure is applied to the universal joint in a state in which rotational torque is applied to the universal joint, the guide balls fitted in the guide holes come into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the tube, thereby reducing sliding frictional force while producing rolling frictional force so that the universal joint can be smoothly collapsed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for coupling an inner shaft and an outer shaft sliding in the direction of a common axis thereof, with balls provided between the two shafts. The balls are arranged in axial grooves of the inner shaft and in axial grooves of the outer shaft. Each row of balls is maintained by a double elastic member that bears in the groove of the inner shaft and urges the balls along two rolling tracks so that they come into contact with the groove of the outer shaft, wherein each of the two rolling tracks is hinged through a pivot surface and a bearing surface of the corresponding shaft, and the difference between the radii defines two bearing areas defining a hinge axis parallel to the common axis.

Abstract: A longitudinal displacement unit includes a first shaft element including an outer face having a plurality of first grooves and a second shaft element having a through-bore that receives the first shaft element. The second shaft element has a plurality of second grooves opposite the first plurality of grooves. A sleeve-shaped cage is disposed between the first shaft element and the second shaft element for guiding rolling contact members that engage the first plurality of grooves and the second plurality of grooves. The cage is provided with through-apertures that are circumferentially distributed, extend parallel to the longitudinal axis, and include longitudinal ends. Pressure springs are disposed within the through-apertures and are loaded between the longitudinal ends thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method of using the apparatus to disengage a shifting collar from a fixed holding feature with reduced force regardless of whether the vehicle is positioned on an inclined or a declined slope.

Abstract: An expandable shaft includes an outer shaft and an inner shaft. Plural rolling elements are pinched elastically in a space between raceway grooves of the outer shaft and the inner shaft. An outer peripheral surface of the inner shaft includes flat portions parallel to each other. An inner peripheral surface of the outer shaft includes flat limiting portions parallel to each other. The respective limiting portions limit relative rotation of the outer shaft and the inner shaft by engaging with corresponding flat portions. A deformation promoting portion is placed in a specific region of the outer shaft between a plane including a center of curvature of the raceway groove of the outer shaft as well as a central axis line of the outer shaft and each limiting portion.

Abstract: A torque transmission device includes a first shaft is coaxially borne relative to a second shaft via at least one roller bearing. An adjusting device adjusts the amount of torque transmitted from the first shaft to the second shaft by changing the internal bearing friction experienced by the at least one roller bearing. In one embodiment, the adjusting device causes one ring of the at least one roller bearing to axially displace relative to a second ring of the at least one roller bearing, thereby changing the amount of bearing friction experienced by roller bodies disposed between the first and second rings and thus the amount of torque transmitted from the first shaft to the second shaft.

Abstract: A shaft assembly includes a first shaft member and a second shaft member telescopically engaged with the first shaft member. A roller carrier supporting a plurality of rollers is disposed between the first and second shaft members. The first shaft member defines a first slot extending along and angled relative to a longitudinal axis. The second shaft member defines a second slot extending along and angled relative to the first slot and the longitudinal axis. The roller carrier defines a carrier slot extending transverse to the longitudinal axis. A pin extends through the first slot, the second slot and the carrier slot and moves the roller carrier at a slower speed than the relative movement speed between the first shaft member and the second shaft member during telescoping movement. A wedge is disposed between the first shaft member and a portion of the rollers to de-lash the shaft assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a telescopic shaft for vehicles comprising an inner shaft (14) axially movable in an outer shaft (16), where the telescopic shaft (4) comprises at least two rows (35, 37) of balls (36, 38) with at least one ball (36, 38) a row (35, 37) between the inner shaft (14) and the outer shaft (16), where a row (35) of balls (36) is arranged on at least one ball race (40) arranged against the inner shaft (14), where the ball race (40) is wedge shaped on its against the inner shaft (14) facing surface and that the telescopic shaft (4) comprises a prestress mechanism (46) which pushes the ball race (40) along a wedge unit (48) axially in relation to and radially in the direction against the outer shaft (16) whereby the telescopic shaft (48) is prestressed and that the prestress mechanism (46) is arranged to release the prestress when the alteration in length of the telescopic shaft (4) exceeds a predetermined length.

Abstract: A rolling-sliding unit, particularly for a jointed shaft, including a profiled sleeve (4) having outer raceways on an interior surface thereof; a journal (5) which is displaceable in the profiled sleeve (4) and which has inner raceways on an exterior surface thereof, and balls (9) in the raceways between the profiled sleeve and the journal for transmitting torque. A cover is provided on the journal of the rolling-sliding unit and an elastic element is arranged between the profiled sleeve and the journal of the rolling-sliding unit. A jointed shaft comprising a rolling-sliding unit of the described type also is described.

Abstract: A longitudinal plunging unit comprises a profiled sleeve with longitudinally extending first ball grooves, and a profiled journal with longitudinally extending second ball grooves. The profiled journal engages said profiled sleeve with balls arranged in groups in pairs of first ball groove and second ball grooves. A ball cage positioned between the profiled sleeve and the profiled journal fixes the balls in their axial position relative to one another. The ball cage is displaceable relative to the profiled journal between spaced axial stops. On the profiled journal, there is arranged a stop sleeve, which can abut the profiled journal or a component connected thereto. The stop sleeve delimits the displacement path of the ball cage towards the second portion.

Abstract: A joint arrangement including a constant velocity ball joint (1) which is constructed as a counter track joint, with an inner hub (4) having first inner track grooves (16) and second inner track grooves (17), and an outer hub (7) in which first outer track grooves (20) and second outer track grooves (21) are arranged on an inner surface in an alternating matter distributed around the axis of the outer hub. The joint arrangement also includes a displacement unit (12), which transmits torque and permits axial displacements along a longitudinal axis (9), and which is constructed as a roller guide unit with inner tracks 28 and outer tracks (29) extending parallel to each other.

Abstract: A displacement unit comprising two shaft-shaped drive components which are displaceable in one another and each have a plurality of roller body raceways facing one another with roller bodies arranged between them. To both save weight and facilitate proper positioning of the components, a profile groove is provided between two adjacent roller body raceways of at least one drive component, the profile groove having a profile depth which is smaller than the profile depth of one of the adjacent roller body raceways.

Abstract: A linear screw actuator including, an outer housing which is fixed in use, an electric motor within the housing, the motor including a hollow rotatable output shaft, a rotatable but axially fixed nut driven by said output shaft, an elongate hollow axially translatable output member, said output member extending within said output shaft of said motor and cooperating with said rotatable nut, and, an elongate anchor member secured against rotation relative to said housing and extending within said output member, said anchor member cooperating with said output member to hold said output member against rotation whereby rotation of said nut relative to said output member causes axial translation of said non-rotatable output member relative to the housing.

Abstract: A telescopic shaft (5) has an inner shaft (12) and a tubular outer shaft (13) that are fitted to each other so as to be relatively movable in an axial direction (X1) and to be able to transmit torque between each other. A row of a plurality of rolling bodies (14) is interposed between corresponding axial grooves (15, 16) of the inner shaft (12) and the outer shaft (13). A retaining member (17) moving together with the rolling bodies (14) while retaining the rolling bodies (14) has a facing portion (33) facing an end surface (121) of the inner shaft (12). As the telescopic shaft (5) telescopes in and out, the facing portion (33) comes into contact with the end surface (121) of the inner shaft (12), and this limits the movement of the rolling bodies (14) in the axial direction (X1).

Abstract: A bicycle handlebar shock absorbing assembly includes a core connected with the front fork of a bicycle and a first flat surface is defined in an outside of the core. A bead sleeve is mounted to the core and includes a second flat surface in which a plurality of rollers are embedded. A resilient member has an end rested on a top of the bead sleeve. A driving tube has a recess defined in a first end thereof and a second end of the driving tube is connected with a handlebar. A third flat surface is defined in an inner periphery of the recess. The resilient member and the bead sleeve are received in the recess, the rollers are in contact with the first and third flat surfaces. The core pushes the bead sleeve upward to compress the spring when shocks are transferred from the roads.

Abstract: An extendable shaft (5), comprising an inner shaft (12) and a tubular outer shaft (13) fitted axially relatively movable so that a torque can be transmitted to each other. A plurality of balls (14) aligned are interposed between the corresponding raceway grooves (15, 16) of the inner shaft (12) and the outer shaft (13). Each of the raceway grooves (15, 16) has a predetermined cross section. As a result, the contact angle (A1) of the balls (14) to the raceway grooves (15, 16) is zero at no-load and can be gradually increased according to an increase in load torque.

Abstract: A propeller shaft assembly includes a substantially cylindrical hollow propeller shaft, a stub shaft and a constant velocity joint having inner race and an outer race drivingly interconnected by a plurality of balls. The stub shaft has a first end fixed to the propeller shaft and a second end drivingly coupled to the inner race. The second end includes a portion positioned adjacent to the inner race that defines an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter defined by the interface between the inner race and the plurality of balls.

Abstract: A sliding articulation includes an outer hub wherein is housed an inner hub. The outer hub and the inner hub include corresponding respective raceways wherein are housed balls which are guided by a cage arranged between the outer hub and the inner hub. The inner hub can slide freely relative to the outer hub in the axial direction, between a first stop and a second stop, over a distance, when the balls roll in the raceways and it can slide over a second distance when the balls slide in the raceways.

Abstract: Device for coupling an inner shaft and an outer shaft that slide in the direction of a common axis with balls disposed between the two shafts. The balls are disposed in axial grooves of the inner shaft and in axial grooves of the outer shaft. Each row of balls is held by a double spring member that bears on the groove and which pushes on two rolling tracks for the balls, which come into contact with the groove. The two rolling tracks are articulated at the junction of the groove and the inner shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle drive shaft is disclosed that includes a sliding type constant velocity joint, a shaft member, a boot, and an insolating member. The sliding type constant velocity joint includes an outer ring having an accommodation chamber, and an inner ring accommodated in the accommodation chamber. The isolating member forms a pressure relaxation chamber in the outer ring so as to isolate the pressure relaxation chamber and the accommodation chamber from each other. When the pressure in the accommodation chamber is raised, the isolating member is displaced toward the pressure relaxation chamber by a pressure difference between the accommodation chamber and the pressure relaxation chamber, thereby increasing the volume of the accommodation chamber. When the pressure in the accommodation chamber is lowered, the isolating member is displaced toward the accommodation chamber by the pressure difference, thereby decreasing the volume of the accommodation chamber.

Abstract: A jointed shaft with two shaft sections which are connected together in a rotationally fixed manner via a central shaft which is constructed as a constant velocity fixed joint. A constant velocity fixed joint is also arranged on the end of each of the shaft sections which is oriented away from the central joint. At least one roller displacement unit, which enables both shaft sections to be displaced in an axial manner in relation to each other, is also provided.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a rolling element 7 for rotating upon relative movement of both shafts 1 and 2 in the axial direction is disposed between three pairs of axial grooves 3 and 5 which are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the male shaft 1 and on the inner peripheral surface of the female shaft 2, respectively, a raceway surface element 9 which is in contact with the rolling element 7 and an elastic member 10 for pressurizing the rolling element 7 against the male shaft 1 and the female shaft 2 through the raceway surface element 9 are interposed between the axial groove 3 on the male shaft side 1 and the rolling element 7, and a sliding member 8 for slidably moving upon relative movement of the both shafts 1 and 2 in the axial direction is disposed between another three pairs of axial grooves 4 and 6 which are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the male shaft 1 and on the inner peripheral surface of the female shaft 2, respectively.

Abstract: A longitudinal displacement unit includes a first shaft element including an outer face having a plurality of first grooves and a second shaft element having a through-bore that receives the first shaft element. The second shaft element has a plurality of second grooves opposite the first plurality of grooves. A sleeve-shaped cage is disposed between the first shaft element and the second shaft element for guiding rolling contact members that engage the first plurality of grooves and the second plurality of grooves. The cage is provided with through-apertures that are circumferentially distributed, extend parallel to the longitudinal axis, and include longitudinal ends. Pressure springs are disposed within the through-apertures and are pretensioned between the longitudinal ends thereof.

Abstract: A telescopic shaft for vehicle steering has first and second torque transferring members. The first torque transferring member is interposed, with an elastic body in between, between axial grooves formed in an outer peripheral surface of a male shaft and an inner peripheral surface of a female shaft. The second torque transferring member is interposed between other axial grooves formed in the outer peripheral surface of the male shaft and in the inner peripheral surface of the female shaft. The elastic body has transferring-member-side contact portions contacting the first torque transferring member, shaft-side contact portions contacting groove surfaces of the axial groove of the male shaft or the female shaft, and a biasing portion for elastically urging the transferring-member-side contact portions and the shaft-side contact portions away from each other. Rigidity of the transferring-member-side contact portions is different from that of the shaft-side contact portions.

Abstract: In a telescopic shaft for vehicle steering which is installed in a steering shaft of a vehicle and in which a male shaft (1) and a female shaft (2) are fitted to each other to be incapable of mutual rotation and capable of sliding, at least one set of torque transmitting members (7, 8) are interposed between at least one set of grooves (3, 4, 5, 6) formed on the outer peripheral surface of the male shaft and on the inner peripheral surface of the female shaft to be extended in the axial direction to face each other and at least one projection (40) formed to be axially concentric with at least one of the grooves (3, 4) extending in the axial direction on the outer peripheral surface of the male shaft is fitted in at least one of the grooves (5, 6) extended in the axial direction of the female shaft through a gap in the radial direction.

Abstract: In a telescopic shaft for vehicle steering, assembled in a steering shaft of a vehicle and including a male shaft and a female shaft so fitted as to be mutually incapable of rotating but mutually slidable, at least one set of torque transmission members are disposed in at least one set of accommodating portions formed in an outer peripheral surface of the male shaft and in an inner peripheral surface of the female shaft, and at least the one set of torque transmission members are cylindrical members that gradually decrease in their diameters toward end portions in an axial direction.

Abstract: A driveshaft assembly having two CV joints and an intermediate shaft. One of the CV joints (11) includes an outer joint part (12) with first ball tracks (14), an inner joint part (17) with second ball tracks (18), and balls (19) held in a common plane by a cage (20). First and second angles of intersection of the ball tracks (14, 18) of a pair of tracks are identical in size and are positioned symmetrically relative to the joint axis. The ball cage (20) is axially fixed in the constant velocity joint. The intermediate shaft includes a longitudinal plunging unit (41) having a sleeve (42) with first ball grooves (43) which extend axially, a journal (44) with second ball grooves (45) which extend axially, balls (46) which are held in a cage (47) in groups in pairs of the first and second ball grooves (43, 45).

Abstract: A frangible grease cap for use in a collapsible constant velocity joint. The frangible grease cap includes a body generally having a circular shape. The frangible grease cap includes an orifice through a center section of the body. The grease cap also includes at least one reduced thickness groove on a surface of the body of the constant velocity joint grease cap. The grease cap has a circumferential flange extending from an end thereof. The grease cap includes reduced thickness grooves having predetermined shapes which will peel or rupture when a predetermined axial load is applied thereto. The grease cap is secured to an inner surface of an outer race through any known securing method which also influences when the grease cap will fracture during or completely release during a crash event when a predetermined axial load is applied thereon.

Abstract: A steering shaft for motor vehicles which comprises an inner and an outer shaft part. Each shaft part has a polygonal cross section. The shaft parts engage one another in telescoping fashion and are positively connected to one another by barrel-shaped rolls that are effective as rolling elements for the transmission of a torque. The running paths of the rolls are fashioned between vertices on the outer sides of the inner shaft part and the inner sides of the outer shaft part and are designed so that the running paths are fashioned as troughs of a concavity approximating to the convexity of the rolls.

Abstract: A linear guide for transmitting a torque between a tubular housing, which is defined by a longitudinal axis and rotatable about the longitudinal axis, and a shaft, which is received in the housing and movable in the direction of the axis in relation to the housing, includes a bearing assembly received in the housing for support of the shaft and attached to the housing by swaging a housing portion. The bearing assembly has two bearing members and a set of rolling bodies disposed between the bearing members. One bearing member is constructed as bushing which is retained in the housing and defines a center axis which is oriented out-of-alignment with a normal upon a longitudinal shaft axis, and the other bearing member has a cup-shaped configuration to define a convex surface for support by a surface area of the shaft.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint has an outer part, an inner part, a plurality of torque transmitting balls, and a cage having windows for retaining the balls in the ball tracks of the outer and inner parts. The balls are retained in a plane by the cage and guided by corresponding pairs of outer and inner ball tracks. The outer and inner ball tracks form angles of intersection with respect to an axis where the angles are identical in size but set in opposite directions to one another. The outer part and the inner part operate in a normal axial range, there being at least one energy absorption surfaces located in the outer extended axial range or the inner extended axial range. The energy absorption surface interferes with at least one of the torque transmitting balls when the joint is operated beyond said normal axial range.

Abstract: A slip joint includes a slip shaft having a plurality of axially extending grooves, and a slip yoke having a plurality of axially extending grooves. The slip yoke is in telescoping engagement with the slip shaft, and the grooves formed in the slip shaft are circumferentially aligned with the grooves formed in the slip yoke. A plurality of torque transmitting balls is disposed in the grooves. A helically shaped cage is positioned radially between the slip shaft and the slip yoke. The cage secures the balls to maintain the balls spaced apart from one another and within the grooves.

Abstract: A shaft assembly having an inner shaft extending lengthwise within an outer shaft, and a slip joint enabling relative axial movement between the shafts. The slip joint includes roller tracks on the outer shaft, and rollers on the inner shaft in rolling engagement with the roller tracks.

Abstract: In a linear guide for transmitting a torque between a tubular housing, rotatable about a longitudinal axis, and a shaft, received in the housing and movable in the direction of the axis in relation to the housing, a plurality of axial rolling bearings are received in the housing in surrounding relationship to the shaft. The axial rolling bearings are disposed in two radial planes in axial spaced-apart relationship, wherein the axial rolling bearings in each of the two radial planes have each two bearing members and a set of rolling bodies disposed between the bearing members. One bearing member is constructed as bushing retained in the housing and defining a center axis which is shifted parallel at an offset to a normal upon a longitudinal shaft axis, while the other bearing member has a cup-shaped configuration to define a convex surface for support by a surface area of the shaft.

Abstract: An axial plunging unit for torque transmission within a driveline which includes a profiled journal (11) with first circumferentially distributed longitudinally extending ball grooves (12), a profiled sleeve (13) with second circumferentially distributed longitudinally extending ball grooves (14), balls (15) which are arranged in pairs of first and second ball grooves (12,14) in identical groups, and a supporting and attaching sleeve (21) which is slid on to the profiled sleeve (13) so as to ensure the transmission of torque.

Abstract: A longitudinal plunging unit (11) for torque transmitting purposes in a shaft assembly, comprising an outer profiled sleeve (21) having circumferentially distributed, inner, longitudinally extending first ball grooves (22) to be connected to a first attachment part, a profiled journal (31) positioned inside the outer profiled sleeve (21) and having circumferentially distributed, outer, longitudinally extending second ball grooves (32) to be connected to a second attachment part, groups of balls (41) arranged in pairs of first and second ball grooves (22, 32), and a sleeve-shaped ball cage (42) which is positioned in the annular space between the profiled sleeve (21) and the profiled journal (31) and which fixes the groups of balls (41) in their respective positions relative to one another. The profiled journal (31) is a hollow journal comprising a material with a substantially uniform wall thickness with a maximum deviation of ±15%.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing mechanism for a power-transmission device includes a cylindrical driven-side shaft coupled to the driving-side shaft through a constant-velocity joint to be axially relatively slidable with respect to the driving-side shaft, a center bearing for rotatably supporting the driving-side shaft to the vehicle body, and a labyrinth mechanism for sealing the inside of the center bearing. An end of the driven-side shaft on the side of the driving-side shaft is disposed axially opposite to the labyrinth mechanism. When the two shafts are slid in the direction to approach each other by an axial load input thereto, the end of the driven-side shaft collides axially with the labyrinth mechanism.

Abstract: A shaft coupling for a drive shaft (3), with a driving and a driven coupling component in which the driving or the driven coupling component is configured to form a cylindrical hollow coupling outer member (8) and the other coupling component configured to form a cylindrical coupling inner member (9), the two members being disposed so as to be coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the shaft coupling, and in which axially parallel grooves (27, 28) that are provided with right- and left-sided side walls (19, 20, 21, 22) are formed on the inner circumference of the coupling outer member (8) and on the outer circumference of the coupling inner member (9) for receiving rolling members (11) that drivingly and axially slidably interconnect the coupling outer member (8) and the coupling inner member (9), whereby the right- and left-sided side walls (19, 20, 21, 22) of the coupling inner member (8) and of the coupling outer member (9) are disposed side by side and mesh together thereby in such a manner that, together

Abstract: A longitudinal displacement unit for a shaft assembly includes a profiled sleeve (11) with first ball grooves (12), a profiled journal (21), second ball grooves (22), balls (31) which are arranged in groups in pairs of first and second ball grooves (11, 22), and a ball cage (41) which is positioned between the profiled sleeve (11) and the profiled journal (21) and fixes the balls (31) in their axial position relative to one another. The ball cage (41) contains elastic rolling members which are positioned between the profiled sleeve (11) and the profiled journal (21), so as to be radially pre-tensioned and which, during the transmission of torque, remain largely free from circumferential forces.

Abstract: A rolling ball spline type of slip joint includes a first tubular member having a plurality of inwardly extending regions formed therein. The first tubular member has a wall thickness that is essentially uniform throughout the circumference thereof. The slip joint also includes a second tubular member having a plurality of outwardly extending regions formed therein. The inwardly extending regions of the first tubular member are radially aligned with the outwardly extending region of the second tubular member to define a plurality of longitudinally extending raceways. The second tubular member has a wall thickness that is essentially uniform throughout the circumference thereof. A plurality of balls is disposed in each of the raceways for transmitting rotational force between the first and second tubular members, while accommodating a limited amount of relative axial movement therebetween.

Abstract: A rotary driving insertion connection, particularly for transmitting torque in a drivetrain of a motor vehicle between components or units of the drivetrain which are connected or are to be brought into a connection for transmitting torque, comprises a primary-side coupling area at a first component and a secondary-side coupling area at a second component. One of the coupling areas has a cutout which is defined by an inner circumference or at least an inner circumferential portion, and the other coupling area has at least one projecting portion having an outer circumference or at least an outer circumferential portion which is inserted or can be inserted into the cutout axially with reference to an axis of rotation in order to provide a positive rotary driving engagement between the inner circumference and the outer circumference. A plurality of coupling elements producing the positive rotary driving engagement is provided between the inner circumference and the outer circumference.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rolling boot (26) and to a rolling boot assembly including such a rolling boot and two attaching parts. The rolling boot (26) comprises a first axially flexible portion (38) having a first radially outer collar (27), a second axially flexible portion (39) having a second radially outer collar (28), and an approximately cylindrical connecting portion (40) which adjoins the two portions (38, 39) on the radial inside. The rolling boot assembly is provided with a first attaching part (24) comprising a fixing portion (34) which opens towards the second portion and which, from the outside, continuously approaches the first portion (38) of the rolling boot (26) in the direction of the first collar (27), as well with a second attaching part (25) comprising a fixing portion (37) which opens towards the first portion (38) and which approaches the second portion (39) in the direction of the second collar (28).

Abstract: A slip joint includes a slip shaft having a plurality of axially extending grooves, and a slip yoke having a plurality of axially extending grooves. The slip yoke is in telescoping engagement with the slip shaft, and the grooves formed in the slip shaft are circumferentially aligned with the grooves formed in the slip yoke. A plurality of torque transmitting balls is disposed in the grooves. A helically shaped cage is positioned radially between the slip shaft and the slip yoke. The cage secures the balls to maintain the balls spaced apart from one another and within the grooves.

Abstract: A longitudinal displacement unit for a shaft assembly includes a profiled sleeve (11) with first ball grooves (12), a profiled journal (21), second ball grooves (22), balls (31) which are arranged in groups in pairs of first and second ball grooves (11, 22), and a ball cage (41) which is positioned between the profiled sleeve (11) and the profiled journal (21) and fixes the balls (31) in their axial position relative to one another. The ball cage (41) contains elastic rolling members which are positioned between the profiled sleeve (11) and the profiled journal (21), so as to be radially pre-tensioned and which, during the transmission of torque, remain largely free from circumferential forces.

Abstract: A longitudinal plunging unit (11) for torque transmitting purposes in a shaft assembly, comprising an outer profiled sleeve (21) having circumferentially distributed, inner, longitudinally extending first ball grooves (22) to be connected to a first attachment part, a profiled journal (31) positioned inside the outer profiled sleeve (21) and having circumferentially distributed, outer, longitudinally extending second ball grooves (32) to be connected to a second attachment part, groups of balls (41) arranged in pairs of first and second ball grooves (22, 32), and a sleeve-shaped ball cage (42) which is positioned in the annular space between the profiled sleeve (21) and the profiled journal (31) and which fixes the groups of balls (41) in their respective positions relative to one another.

Abstract: A longitudinal plunging unit for a shaft assembly used for torque transmitting purposes. The unit includes a profiled sleeve (11) with circumferentially distributed, longitudinally extending first ball grooves (12), a profiled journal (21) with circumferentially distributed, longitudinally extending second ball grooves (22), balls (31, 32, 33) which are arranged in groups of balls in pairs of first and second ball grooves (11, 21), and a ball cage (41) which is positioned between the profiled sleeve (11) and the profiled journal (21) and axially fixes the balls in their positions relative to one another, wherein in the region of the ball grooves (12, 22), the profiled sleeve (11) and the profiled journal (21) include the same torsional stiffness, such that, during the introduction of torque, they are subject to the same angles of torsion.

Abstract: An improved female splined member includes a female tubular member having an inner surface provided with a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves that are sized and spaced in accordance with a desired number and position of splines to be formed. A plurality of elongate rods is disposed in respective longitudinally extending grooves formed in the inner surface of the female tubular member. A quantity of positioning material is provided within spaces provided between the elongate rods and the longitudinally extending grooves. The positioning material is hardened to support the elongate rods in the longitudinally extending grooves to define a plurality of inwardly extending splines in the female splined member. An improved method for manufacturing a female splined member includes the initial step of providing a female tubular member having an inner surface provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced, longitudinally extending grooves.

Abstract: An axial plunging unit for transmitting torque within a driveline, includes a profiled sleeve (11) with circumferentially distributed longitudinally extending first ball grooves (12), a profiled journal (13) with circumferentially distributed longitudinally extending second ball grooves (14), and balls (15) which are arranged in pairs of first and second ball grooves (12, 14) in groups (k) of balls, wherein the number of first ball grooves (11) corresponds to m times the number k of the groups of balls and wherein the longitudinal axes of the first, second, etc. to the mth of the first ball grooves 12, as counted circumferentially, are positioned on different pitch circle diameters.

Abstract: A shaft assembly having an inner shaft extending lengthwise within an outer shaft, and a slip joint enabling relative axial movement between the shafts. The slip joint includes roller tracks on the outer shaft, and rollers on the inner shaft in rolling engagement with the roller tracks.

Abstract: A tripod joints includes a joint outer part and a joint inner part. The joint inner part has a tripod star with ball pins, which transmits a drive torque from the joint inner part to the joint outer part via a pressure element and via rolling bodies which are arranged between the joint outer part and a running surface of the pressure element. The running surface of the pressure element is curved in the rolling direction of the rolling bodies. The force may be distributed more uniformly between the rolling bodies when large drive torques are intended to be transmitted. The tripod joint may be suitable for the displaceable and pivotable driving connection of two shaft ends, e.g., in conjunction with drive trains or half shafts of motor vehicles.