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: In an adjustable-length shaft (1) for transmitting torques comprising a circular inner shaft component (2) that is mounted coaxially through a linear ball bearing for sliding telescopically in axial direction in a hollow outer shaft component (3), the inner shaft component (29 is mounted by two spaced-apart pre-stressed linear ball bearings (4) that are arranged on opposite end sections (6) of the inner shaft component (2) and are received in a reception bore (19) of the outer shaft component (3), a transmission of torque being achieved by a positive engagement of the inner and the outer shaft components (2, 3).

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), said 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: The invention relates to a plunging assembly for a driveshaft, especially for being used in the driveline of a motor vehicle. The plunging assembly comprises a tubular outer joint part (3) with a longitudinal axis and circumferentially distributed outer running grooves (5) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis; an inner part (1) with inner running grooves (10) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, as well as a plunging unit (2) with a cage (16) and balls (15) provided for torque transmitting purposes. Furthermore, there are provided means for delimiting the path which can be covered by the inner part (1) relative to the outer part (3) during the moving-in and moving-out motion. The means being arranged between the inner part (1) and the plunging unit (2) as well as between the plunging unit (2) and the outer part (3). The length of the inner running grooves (10) differs from that of the outer running grooves (5).

Abstract: A propeller shaft assembly (10) comprising a constant velocity universal joint (12) including a hollow shaft (20) and a connecting shaft (18) is provided. The hollow shaft (20) includes an outer joint part (23) having an outer race surface (31) that includes an outer forward portion (32) and an outer rearward portion (34). The connecting shaft (18) includes an inner joint part (25) having an inner race surface (33) that includes an inner forward portion (35) and an inner rearward portion (36). The connecting shaft (18) further includes a recessed surface portion (38). A ball cage (26) that has a plurality of torque transmitting balls (28) is included. During a collision, the torque transmitting balls (28) translate off said inner race surface (33) and drop into the recessed surface portion (38) allowing the connecting shaft (18) to collapse into the hollow shaft (20).

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 (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 constant velocity stroking joint includes an inner race mounted to a shaft and accommodated for angular pivotal movement within an intermediate race. To provide angulation to the joint assembly. The intermediate race is disposed within an outer race and a plurality of recirculating ball spline tracks is formed therebetween and accommodated a plurality of spline balls. The endless tracks support the spline balls for free rolling, recirculating movement during axial stroking of the intermediate race within the outer race through its full range of axial stroke.

Abstract: A ball spline joint interconnecting an inner shaft and an outer shaft in mutually loose-fitted relation as allowing the shafts to integrally rotate and relatively move from each other in an axial direction. Raceway grooves are respectively formed in the inner shaft and the outer shaft in face-to-face relation and are extended in the axial direction. A plurality of balls are interposed between the corresponding raceway grooves of the inner shaft and the outer shaft, forming an array along the axial direction. A resilient member biases an array-end ball in an angled direction relative to the axial direction.

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 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: 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 roller bearing for longitudinal motion includes a sleeve part through which passes a guide rod, a plurality of preferably uniformly distributed race plates each disposed in a respective receptacle formed in either the sleeve part or the guide rod, and a plurality of roller bodies disposed between the race plates and the guide rod. To compensate in a simple way for production variations, a spring mechanism is operatively associated with at least one of the race plates.

Abstract: A Rzeppa-type ball spline constant velocity joint includes an outer race, an inner race, and an intermediate race disposed between the inner and outer races and supporting the inner race for angular pivotal movement. The intermediate race and outer race are formed with aligned axial ball channels. A plurality of rows of spline balls are supported by a ball spline cage between the intermediate race and the outer race and extend beyond the ends of the intermediate race to provide free rolling support of the intermediate race along the full limits of the axial stroke of the intermediate race within the outer race.

Abstract: A steering shaft assembly for a vehicle uses a ball spline as a slip member. In general, the slip member includes an outer race member, an inner race member, and a pair of end return members. The outer race member includes one or more grooves or recesses, each groove forming an outer race. The inner race member includes a corresponding number of grooves and inner bores to form an outer race track and inner race tracks, respectively. Each outer race and corresponding outer race track form an outer ball recirculating track for transmitting torque through the recirculating ball bearings. Each inner race track forms an inner ball recirculating track for providing a circumferential path for the ball bearings. In one embodiment, the inner race member and end return members are generally cylindrical in cross sectional shape that is disposed within the outer race member. The outer race member, inner race member and end return member can be any desired cross sectional shape.

Abstract: A torque-transmitting linear rolling bearing (16) comprises ball circuits (24) which are formed in a cage (18) between an inner profiled element (17) and an outer profiled element (19), and rolling elements (22) travelling through a first guide track (24a) are elastically biased by a spring sheet (23).

Abstract: A ball spline joint interconnecting an inner shaft and an outer shaft in mutually loose-fitted relation as allowing the shafts to integrally rotate and relatively move from each other in an axial direction. Raceway grooves are respectively formed in the inner shaft and the outer shaft in face-to-face relation and are extended in the axial direction. A plurality of balls are interposed between the corresponding raceway grooves of the inner shaft and the outer shaft, forming an array along the axial direction. A resilient member biases an array-end ball in an angled direction relative to the axial direction.

Abstract: A system for coupling an inner shaft and an outer shaft which slide one within the other in the direction of a common axis, the system comprising balls disposed between the inner shaft and the outer shaft in axial grooves on the inner shaft and in axial grooves on the outer shaft. Thrust is applied to each row of balls by an axial coil spring which bears in the groove and which applies thrust to two races of the balls which come into contact with the groove.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly having a first constant velocity fixed joint 1 which comprises an inner part 5 with an attaching bore 8. The inner part 5 is connected to a plunging journal 15 associated with a plunging unit of a connecting shaft 3. To achieve adaptability to different installation conditions, the plunging journal 15, in its outer face, is provided with first grooves 16 which extend over the entire length of same and thus also serve to establish a rotationally fast connection with the inner part 5. The length 19 of the plunging journal 15, which projects beyond the inner part 5 is greater than the rolling adjustment path 15 which results from the adjustment of the plunging sleeve portion 11 relative to the plunging journal 15 when the rolling contact members 21 roll in the first grooves 16 and in the second grooves 14 between the stops 23, 24.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle steering shaft with two shaft sections which are telescopically guided in one another and have corresponding profile cross-sections, between which at least one row of balls is fitted in. The row of balls are each arranged in the axial direction and are used as a driver element operating in the rotating direction. According to the invention, one axial stop respectively is assigned to the first and the last ball of the ball row. The stops are positioned on opposite shaft sections and at least one of these stops being plastically deformable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plunging assembly for a driveshaft, especially for being used in the driveline of a motor vehicle. The plunging assembly comprises a tubular outer joint part (3) with a longitudinal axis and circumferentially distributed outer running grooves (5) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis; an inner part (1) with inner running grooves (10) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, as well as a plunging unit (2) with a cage (16) and balls (15) provided for torque transmitting purposes. Furthermore, there are provided means for delimiting the path which can be covered by the inner part (1) relative to the outer part (3) during the moving-in and moving-out motion. The means being arranged between the inner part (1) and the plunging unit (2) as well as between the plunging unit (2) and the outer part (3). The length of the inner running grooves (10) differs from that of the outer running grooves (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to a CV-jointed shaft with a first and a second constant velocity fixed joint 1, 1′ and an intermediate shaft 14. The intermediate shaft 14 comprises a plunging sleeve 22 in which there is received a plunging journal 15 by means of balls. The plunging journal 15 and the intermediate shaft 14 are each provided with a plug-in portion 16, 25 which are identical in shape and are received in receiving bores 7 of the inner parts 5 of the two constant velocity fixed joints 1, 1′. By using this design it is possible to provide a CV-jointed shaft wherein, to a considerable extent, the constant velocity fixed joints 1, 1′ can be assembled of identical components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive assembly comprising a constant velocity fixed joint 1 with an outer part 4 provided with a flange 7, and a damping element 3 in the form of a ring. The damping element 3 is arranged between the flange 7 and, respectively, the flange-like portion of a cover 19 closing the outer part 4 and the attaching part 20. The damping element 3 includes an aluminum material whose modulus of elasticity greatly deviates from that of the outer part 4, so that any structure-borne sound vibrations originating from the drive end, for example from a drive unit of a motor vehicle, cannot be transmitted from the attaching part 20 into the driveline which includes the constant velocity fixed joint 1. In this way, vehicle comfort is improved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a propeller shaft assembly for connecting the front gearbox output to the drive input of a rear axle drive of a passenger car. Said propeller shaft assembly comprises at least two propeller shaft portions 9, 10. Both are supported by an intermediate bearing 11 arranged in the connecting region. At the gearbox output end, there is provided a first joint 12. In the connecting region between the two propeller shaft portions 9, 10, there is provided a third joint 14. All joints 12, 13, 14 are provided in the form of constant velocity fixed joints. Additionally, towards the ends, there is provided a plunging element 16, 30 which is provided in the form of a rolling contact member guide which rollingly permit displacements along the longitudinal axis 32 and which additionally effect the transmission of torque. This assembly prevents any vibrational excitement either at the gearbox output end or at the axle drive end from reaching the propeller shaft assembly.

Abstract: A steering shaft assembly for a vehicle includes a slip joint. The slip joint includes a pair of members, each member includes first and second collar and one or more rods extending therebetween. The one or rods of one member are slidably supported by linear bearings mounted in one of the collars of the other member for providing relative axial movement of the members between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a telescopic shaft as used, for example, in a connecting shaft between two joints of a driveshaft. The telescopic shaft comprises an outer part (6) and an inner part (12) and a cage (15) arranged therebetween. In the inner face of the outer part (6), there are arranged outer running grooves (10) which extend parallel to the longitudinal axis (5). In the inner part (12) entering the outer part (6) there are provided circumferentially distributed inner running grooves (14). The number of outer running grooves (10) is two or three times the number of inner running groves, so that the outer part (6) comprises more advantageous cross-sectional conditions for hardening operations. Hardness distortions are reduced so that the required functional play values for the opposed outer running grooves (10) and inner running grooves (14) can be accommodated and observed by means of balls (17) guided by a cage (15).

Abstract: A shaft assembly (10) includes an outer shaft (12) having a plurality of grooves (64-72) which extend between opposite end portions of the outer shaft. An inner shaft (14) has a plurality of projections (82-90) which extend between opposite end portions of the inner shaft. A plurality of bearing assemblies (22-30) cooperate with the grooves (64-72) in the outer shaft (12) and the projections (82-90) on the inner shaft (14) to support the inner and outer shafts for axial movement relative to each other. The bearing assemblies (22-30) includes rotatable bearing members (42) which are disposed between longitudinally extending side surfaces of the grooves (64-72) in the outer (12) shaft and a longitudinally extending side surfaces of projections (82-90) on the inner shaft (14). The bearing members (42) are rotatably mounted in slots (108) disposed in retainer strips (100).

Abstract: The joint is of the type in which each arm (3) of the tripod (1) has a spherical bearing surface (4) that cooperates with a cylindrical bore (8) in a one-piece intermediate shoe (7). A series of rolling members (12) is disposed between each side of the shoe and a rolling track (6) of the female member (5) of the joint. The bearing distance (D) between the center (A) of the spherical bearing surface (4) of each arm (3) and the main axis (X—X) of the male member (1) is significantly different from the rolling distance (d) between the main axis (X—X) and the mean plane (P′) of the rolling members (12) associated with the same arm.

Abstract: A fuel injection pump having a pump-and-distributor member driven by a drive shaft via an Oldham coupling. The Oldham coupling has a cross disk with four arms protruding at right angles from one another. In each of the arms, one roller is supported rotatably as a roller body about a radial axis. On the drive disk and the eccentric disk, one pair of claws is mounted, offset from one another by 90.degree.. With these claws, the drive shaft and the eccentric disk, when the Oldham coupling is mounted, engage the interstices between the arms and the cross disk. The engagement is such that the claws each rest axially movably but practically without play on the rollers of the cross disk. In operation, the friction and noise of the Oldham coupling are reduced.

Abstract: The linear-motion rolling guide unit with a flange cover can easily provide the slider with a flange portion for mounting the slider to a mount and can reduce the production cost. The linear-motion rolling guide unit with a flange cover includes an outer cylinder forming the slider, which is sleeved over the elongate track rail having longitudinally extending raceway grooves formed in the outer surface thereof so that the outer cylinder can slide on the track rail and receive rotary torque from it. To securely fix the outer cylinder to the mount, the linear-motion rolling guide unit has a flange cover that comprises a cover body covering the outer cylinder, a flange portion formed at one end of the cover body and having mounting holes, and a locking portion formed at the other end of the cover body and extending inwardly to engage the end face of the outer cylinder. The flange cover can be formed easily by deep drawing of a sheet steel.

Abstract: The ball spline for use in a troidal-type continuously variable transmission comprises a plurality of spline grooves and a plurality of balls which are arranged in series within spline gaps each constituted by a set of mutually opposing spline grooves, in which, while allowing the movement of the input disc in the direction of an input shaft by means of contact between the spline gaps and balls, the input shaft and input disc can be drivingly connected to each other. In the ball spline, the number of spline gaps is set different from integral multiples of the number of power rollers which are held by and between the input and output discs in contact with the two discs in order to transmit a rotation torque between the input and output discs.

Abstract: The drive shaft assembly has a variable length. Each end of the drive shaft assembly has a flange for attaching to whatever is intend thereon such as a gear box drive or fan mount, and a female threaded attachment on the opposite side of the flange. A slide is secured in this attachment. The slide has a bore therein with longitudinal ball bearing races partially along the length of the wall. Each end of the shaft has opposing ball bearing races as compared to those in the slide and has further thereon an o-ring retainer. A sufficient number of ball bearings are placed in each race to allow for movement of the shaft in the slide. The o-ring is placed on the shaft after the bearings are inserted. After this the slide is secured to the flange.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprising an outer tubular member (30) having an axis (32). An inner member (90) extends into the outer tubular member (30, 90) and is coaxial with the outer tubular member. The members (30) have surfaces (52a, 102a, 102b) which define a plurality of races (112) spaced circumferentially around one of the members (90). At least one rotatable element (140) is in each of the races (112). The rotatable elements (140) engage the outer tubular member (30) and the inner member (90) and guide relative axial movement of the outer tubular member and the inner member and transmit torque between the outer tubular member and the inner member. One of the members (30) applies radially directed force to the rotatable elements (140) urging the rotatable elements radially into contact with the other member (90) to provide for a no-lash torque transmission between the members.

Abstract: A fishing reel having a frame, a line carrying spool, and first structure for mounting the line carrying spool to the frame for reciprocating movement in a first predetermined path. The first structure includes a shaft that moves reciprocatively in a second predetermined path as an incident of which the line carrying spool moves in the first predetermined path. Second suture is provided on the frame for directing line onto the line carrying spool, with there being third structure cooperating between the first and second structures for causing reciprocating movement of the shaft in the second predetermined path as an incident of the second structure being operated. The first structure includes a rolling element cooperating between the shaft and the frame for guiding movement of the shaft in the second predetermined path.

Abstract: a sliding universal joint has a male element (1), especially a tripod, intended to be fixed to a first shaft and including arms (6) on each of which a roller (3) with a spherical external surface is mounted so that it can rotate and slide. A female element (2) intended to be fixed to a second shaft and defines on each side of each spherical roller two runway paths (7,8). A first of these runway paths (7) interacts directly with the spherical roller and axially positionins it. Between each spherical roller (3) and the associated second runway path (8) there is interposed an anti-vibration assembly (4) which, on the inside, includes a spherical surface which substantially matches the external surface of the spherical roller and interacts with this surface. This assembly (4) moves along the second runway path (8).

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.

Abstract: A sliding universal joint comprises a male element (1) intended to be fixed to a first shaft and including arms (6). Each arm bears a ball-type journal (7) which is integral therewith. A female element (20 intended to be fixed to a second shaft defines two guide paths which are situated on either side of each journal. Intermediate member (3, 4) are interposed between each journal and the associated guide paths. These intermediate members comprise a first member (3) which interacts with a first path (8) of the guide paths and has properties, with respect to the transmission and/or generation of vibration, which are different from those exhibited by the interaction between the second member (4) and the second guide path.

Abstract: A slidable transmission joint has guides which ensure the cooperation of each arm (6) of a tripod element with associated tracks (7, 8). The guides have different overall sizes in the two circumferential directions. A spherical surface (3A) associated with each arm has an axis (Y--Y) which is parallel to a radius (13) of the male element (1) and perpendicular to the straight line joining the center of the spherical surface (3A) to the center of the layer guide and is offset from this radius in a direction away from the larger guide.

Abstract: The Universal Joint includes a tripod that is to be fixed to the first shaft and a female element that is to be fixed to a second shaft. The tripod has a plurality of arms to engage with the plurality of the tracks of the female element. Two of the tracks are disposed on respective sides of each of the arms of the tripod. Intermediate members are interposed between each one of the arms and the two of the plurality of tracks corresponding thereto. For each one of the arms, the two tracks corresponding thereto include a first track formed of a first slot and a second track. Each one of the arms has a second slot that forms an angle with the first slot of the first track and a first spherical surface. The intermediate members include a first intermediate member that is a ball interacting with the first slot and the second slot, and a second intermediate member interacting with the second track and having a second spherical surface that interacts with the first spherical surface.

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.

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).

Abstract: A constant velocity joint (2) with a connecting shaft (4). The inner part (12) of the constant velocity joint (2) includes a through-bore (28) with a first portion in the form of inner teeth (29) and a second bore portion in the form of a circular-cylindrical bore portion (32). A coupling sleeve is inserted into the inner part (12). The coupling sleeve (33) includes outer teeth (34) which engage the inner teeth (29). These are followed by a circular-cylindrical portion (35) centered in the bore portion (32). The coupling sleeve (33), on its inner face, has first longitudinal grooves (37) arranged opposite second longitudinal grooves (39) of the connecting shaft (4). Rolling-contact members (40) are received between the first and second longitudinal grooves and are held so as to be guided in a cage. Members (40) serve to transmit torque between the coupling sleeve (33) and the connecting shaft (4) and enable a linear adjustment between the coupling sleeve (33) and the connecting shaft (4).

Abstract: A transmission joint of the sliding type has a joint body (12) and a tripode (14) having three arms (16) each of which is capable of sliding between two parallel and plane surface portions (36) by means of an articulation element (18) which is carried by the arm (16) of the tripode (14) and which comprises two parallel and opposite plane faces (20) each of which interacts with one of the plane surface portions (36) with interposition of a row of bearing needles (32), wherein the joint body (12) comprises three bearing races each comprising two tracks (38) each of which consists of a component comprising a plane surface portion (36) and a convex cylindrical surface portion (40) which interacts with a complementary concave cylindrical bearing surface (42) formed in the joint body (12) with respect to which it is capable of pivoting, and in that each arm (16) of the tripode comprises a journal on which the intermediate articulation element (18) is mounted to revolve about an axis (Y-Y) parallel to its opposite p

Abstract: Articulated transmission joint (10) of the slidable type comprising a transmission joint body (12) and a tripod element (14) having three radial arms (16) each of which arms is slidable between two planar surface portions (36) through the medium of two articulation elements (18) which are pivotally mounted on a spherical trunnion (21) of the tripod element (14), each articulation element (18) defining a planar surface (20) which is cooperative with one of the planar surface portions (36). The joint body (12) comprises three bearing ways each comprising two tracks (38) each of which tracks is constituted by a member defining a planar surface portion (36) and a convex cylindrical surface portion (40) which is cooperative with a complementary concave cylindrical bearing surface (42) formed in the joint body (12).

Abstract: A triplan constant velocity joint has an outer member, an inner member, shoes, rolling elements between the shoes and the outer member, and a positioning spring to position the rolling elements in relation to the inner member. The spring has a body with first and second arms for retaining the rolling elements with respect to the inner member. The spring also includes a retaining mechanism which both secures the spring to the inner member and provides a restoring force to position the rolling elements in relation to the inner member.

Abstract: A telescopic triplan universal joint having an inner joint member and an outer joint member. The outer joint member has three longitudinal chambers equally spaced about an axis of rotation. Each chamber has a pair of face-to-face longitudinal guideways. The inner joint member has three trunnions which radially extend into the three longitudinal chambers. Each longitudinal guideway is rollingly engaged by a planar roller bearing which is movable therealong. A movable race is disposed between each planar roller bearing and the trunnion extending into its associated chamber. The movable race has a flat surface engaging the planar roller bearing, a concave trunnion seat mating with the spherical surface of the trunnion, and a pair of transverse stop abutments which limit the longitudinal displacement of the planar roller bearing along the guideways relative to the movable race.

Abstract: A positioning spring for a triplan universal joint has a body with a first and second end. Arms to retain bearings extend from each end of the body. A resilient finger, between the arms on the body, secures the spring to a trunnion and positions the bearing with respect to the trunnion.

Abstract: A tripod constant velocity universal joint having an annular outer member, an inner member and three multiple component rollers. The interior surface of the outer member has three longitudinal lobes forming opposing pairs of parallel longitudinal guideways which are engaged by the multiple component rollers. The inner member is centrally positioned within the outer member and has three trunnions extending radially into the three longitudinal lobes. A multiple component roller is pivotally attached to each of the trunnions. Each multiple component roller has oppositely disposed pairs of elongated rollers, each of which engages an adjacent guideway that corresponds to its trunnion. The axis of rotation of the elongated rollers is substantially perpendicular to its adjacent guideway. Each elongated roller is mounted such that it can be axially displaced along its axis of rotation.

Abstract: A plunging constant velocity ratio universal joint comprising an outer joint member (1) with three circumferentially spaced pairs of tracks (19, 20) in its interior, an inner joint member (3) with outwardly extending pairs of limbs (17, 18) with opposed part-cylindrical surfaces (17a, 18a), and three intermediate members each with a part-spherical portion (2) received between the surfaces (17a, 18a) of the limbs, and projections (10, 11) extending in opposite directions therefrom. Each projection has a pair of oppositely disposed tracks (13, 14, 15, 16) facing the tracks in the outer joint member, at least two rolling members (5, 6, 7, 8) engaging in the facing tracks of the projections and outer joint member, and respective cage (4) for constraining the rolling members of each intermediate member relative to one another.

Abstract: A longitudinally collapsible shaft assembly particularly for application as a steering shaft in energy absorbing steering columns. The shaft assembly includes a first shaft element having a tube end, a second shaft element having a bar end in the tube end, and a coupling which connects the bar and tube ends for unitary rotation without restraining the shaft elements longitudinally relative to each other. The coupling includes diametrically opposite longitudinal slots in the tube end and two longitudinally spaced pairs of diametrically opposite rollers on the bar end which roll along the side edges of the slots to minimize friction during longitudinal collapse. for transferring torque between the tube and bar ends in one direction, one pair of diametrically opposite rollers engages one pair of diagonally opposite side edges of the longitudinal slots.