Abstract: A tripode joint having an outer joint part (11) having three uniformly circumferentially distributed recesses (15) which forms pairs of circumferentially opposed tracks (16) for receiving a roller assembly (13). Each roller assembly (13) is carried on an arm (19) of a tripode star (12). Each arm head has a spherical surface portion. Each roller assembly (13) includes an annular roller carrier (23, 123), bearing needles (24) rotating on the roller carrier (23, 123), and rollers (25) which are rotatably supported on the bearing needles (24). The roller carriers (23, 123) include stop collars which delimit the needle contact face, and which are held with an axial displacement clearance in the direction of the roller axes between axial securing members (26, 27) in such a way that they are secured against being lost relative to the rollers (25).

Abstract: Tripod joints have a joint outer part and a joint inner part which are in driving connection to each other with cylindrical rolling bodies being connected in between and axial displacement and pivotability being ensured. In this case, the rolling bodies extend in rectilinear, guiding running paths of the joint outer part. The rolling bodies are mounted in a manner such that they may be displaced longitudinally via the cages but to a restricted extend radially with respect to the pressure element. The radial extent of the running paths or mating surfaces is greater than the longitudinal extent of the rolling bodies. This enables the rolling bodies to move on a path in the shape of a circular arc. The arrangement provides an improved, mechanical transmission function of the tripod joint and reduced wear as a result. The tripod joint is suitable for the displaceable and pivotable driving connection of two shaft ends, e.g., in conjunction with drive trains or side shafts of motor vehicles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tripod joint assembly, suited for the driveline of motor vehicles. It includes an outer joint part, rollers and an inner joint part which is connected to a shaft in a rotationally fast way, with an annular gap being formed between the shaft and the outer joint part, as well as a convoluted boot for sealing the annular gap. The outer joint part comprises a wall whose outer contour, in cross-section, deviates from the circular shape and which comprises a radially outwardly directed, circumferentially extending bead. The convoluted boot comprises an adapter ring and a convoluted portion connected to the adapter ring, with the adapter ring, on its radial inside, comprising an annular circumferential recess and, in its cross-section, being suitable for being fitted on to the outer joint part. When the adapter ring is fitted on to the outer joint part, the bead of the outer joint part engages the circumferential recess of the adapter ring in order to provide axial security.

Abstract: A tripod type constant velocity universal joint of a single roller type is provided, which can be used in a vehicle operating at high angles without causing an increase in costs by lowering the level of vibration even at a high operating angle. A tripod type constant velocity universal joint is composed of an outer joint member with three track grooves, extending in its axial direction, on the inner circumferential surface of the outer joint member, a tripod member with three radially projecting leg shafts around the circumference of the tripod member, and rotatable rollers mounted on each leg shaft through a plurality of needle rollers and positioned in the track grooves of the outer joint member, the outer circumferential surfaces of the rollers being guided by roller guide surfaces provided on both sides of the track grooves. In this construction, grooves extending along the track grooves are provided on the roller guide surfaces where the rollers contact.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ring member of a ring-type universal joint utilized for transferring rotary motion from a first shaft to a second shaft. The ring member includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings for receiving outwardly extending torque transfer elements associated with the first and second shafts. One or more of these openings are separable to facilitate connection of the first and second shafts. In this regard, the separable bores are formed partially within the ring member and partially within a retaining member interconnectable to the ring member. This allows for disposing a torque transfer element within a portion of the bore formed on the ring member and then interconnecting the retainer over that element. In one embodiment, the, retaining members for first and second opposing pairs of bores interconnect to opposite sides of the ring member allowing individual interconnection of the shafts to the ring.

Abstract: A centered double universal joint has a first outer joint yoke (1) with first centering means (4, 6), a first inner joint yoke (8), a first cross member (10) connecting the first outer joint yoke (1) via rolling bearings (11) to the first inner joint yoke (8), and a first lubricant channel (44) for lubricating the rolling bearing (11). Also, the joint has a second outer joint yoke (12) with second centering mechanism (15, 17), a second inner joint yoke (19), and a second cross member (21) connecting the second outer joint yoke via rolling bearings (22) to the second inner joint yoke (19). A guiding disc (25) has a first central centering projection (28) articulatably connected to the first centering means (4,6). The guiding disc has a second central centering projection (29) articulatably connected to the second centering means (15, 17). Guiding faces (32, 33) on the guiding disc (25) are radially adjustably guided in an annular recess (24) of a housing (9, 20).

Abstract: Disposed around a universal joint (12), which comprises a first and a second substantially rigid joint body (14, 28), is a rim (40) of loop-shaped flexible coupling elements (42), which are each looped around one first molded piece (50) and one second molded piece (52). The first molded pieces (50) are connected rigidly to a flange (22) on the first joint body (14) and disposed between second molded pieces (52). The second molded pieces (52) are connected firmly to a counter-flange (34), which forms part of a rotational body (62). The latter forms one end of a torque transmission chain, the other end of which is the second joint body (28). The first joint body (14) has a tubular piece (16), which encloses the second joint body (28) and has an outer lateral surface (18) of circular cross section, against which the flexible coupling elements (42) are supported in radial direction.

Abstract: A tripod type constant-velocity universal joint is provided in which a tripod member is prevented from coming out of an outer ring. A guide block is supported on each trunnion of the tripod member mounted in the outer ring. Rolling elements are mounted between raceway grooves formed in both side faces of the guide blocks and raceway grooves formed in both sides of track grooves of the outer ring so that rolling elements will make a pure rolling movement over the entire moving range of the guide block. A lever is mounted to a plate portion of each retainer for retaining the rolling elements. Pins are inserted in a pair of guide grooves formed in the lever. One of the pins is secured to the outer ring and the other pin is secured to the guide block. A stopper ring is mounted to the open end of the outer ring, so that the stopper ring will prevent the rolling elements from coming out of the raceway grooves, thereby preventing the tripod member from coming out of the outer ring.

Abstract: A cardan joint is provided with a centering disk that is moveable relative to the intermediate coupling member. The invention also provides a centering disk including a plurality of tabs to support movement of the centering disk relative to the intermediate coupling member. The invention also provides a spring positioned in the centering disk to outwardly bias the ends of the shaft to maintain the contact between the shaft and the centering disk. The invention also provides means for biasing the centering disk relative to the intermediate coupling member.

Abstract: An annular support ring 32 is fitted onto the outer periphery of each trunnion 22. This support ring 32 and the roller 34 are unitized via a plurality of needle rollers 36 to constitute a roller assembly capable of relative rotations therebetween. In longitudinal section, each trunnion 22 has an outer periphery of straight shape, parallel to the axis of the trunnion 22. In cross section, the trunnion 22 has a generally ellipse shape with the major axis orthogonal to the axis of the joint. The inner periphery of each support ring 32 is arcuate and convex in section. This combines with the general elliptic cross sections of the trunnions 22 and the provision of predetermined clearances between the trunnions 22 and the support rings 32, to allow the support rings 32 to move along the axial directions of the trunnions 22 as well as make tilting movements with respect to the trunnions 22.

Abstract: A steering shaft double joint for motor vehicles includes two shaft ends each connected nonrotatably in a respective first and second joint. The first and second joints are operatively arranged in a housing to movably mount the two shaft ends. A ball joint is arranged between the first and second joints, wherein the ball joint includes a ball arranged on one of the shaft ends and a receptacle arranged on the other shaft end. The ball is arranged in the receptacle, and is rotatable around the midpoint of the ball and slidably movable in a direction of a shaft axis of the other shaft end. A plastic sliding guide is disposed between the receptacle and the ball, and a spring surrounds radially the plastic sliding guide and is disposed radially between the plastic sliding guide and the receptacle.

Abstract: A telescopic tripot universal joint comprises an outer drive member having three longitudinal drive channels which include two opposing concave side surfaces having a parabolic profile, an inner drive member having three radial trunnions having a radially outward facing semi-spherical surface for tiltably mounting a drive ball assembly which has a bearing train disposed radially between an inner ball tiltably engaged to the trunnion and an outer ball having a tread face which directly opposes the concave side surfaces of the drive channels. The parabolic side surface has a radially outward portion having a smaller radius of curvature than a radial inward portion of the parabolic side surface. Moreover, the radius of the inward portion is equal to or greater than the maximum radius of the outer ball thereby assuring the tread face of the outer ball does not bind against the inward portion of the parabolic side surface on the unloaded side.

Abstract: A tripot joint (10) includes a tripot housing (12) having three guide channels (24) receiving three corresponding trunnions (20) of a tripot spider (16). A ball assembly (28) is mounted on each of the trunnions (20) and received in the guide channels (24). The ball assembly includes an inner ball (30), and outer ball (40), and a complement of roller elements (52). The inner balls (30) are slidable axially on the roller elements (52) relative to the outer balls (40). Each ball assembly (28) includes at least one yieldable retainer (58) mounted on the outer ball (40) and projecting into the axial sliding path of the inner ball (30) in at least partial overlapping relation to the inner ball (30). The yieldable retainers secure the inner and outer balls (30, 40) against axial separation prior to joining the ball assemblies (28) with the trunnions (20) and guide channels (24).

Abstract: A plunging, constant-velocity, tripode universal joint comprising a first rotary member (30) having three trunnions (31), a roller (34) having a cylindrical bore mounted on a spherical surface (32) on each trunnion so that the cylindrical bore engages the spherical surface and so that each roller can rotate, tilt and slide relative to its supporting trunnion, a second rotary member (40) having three grooves parallel to its rotary axis, each roller being engaged with one of the grooves, the engagement between each roller and track surfaces in its associated groove being at three points such that the orientation of the roller with respect to the second member is determined solely by said engagement and wherein when the joint is transmitting torque each roller (34) is only in contact with the track surface(s) (42, 43) through which the torque is being transmitted.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint of tripod type which is both highly strong and durable, and which can maintain a low axial force and low shudder when transmitting torque at a joint angle. The constant velocity joint of tripod type comprises a roller assembly including an outer roller, an inner roller and a needle bearing located therebetween. The outer roller is provided with needle bearing retaining rings and needle bearing stop rings, at each of its upper and lower ends, respectively. The inner roller moves relative to the outer roller in the axial direction. The outer face of the inner roller and the inner face of the outer roller have generally spherical shapes of dimensions similar to each other to freely engage, respectively. The outer face of the trunnion is provided with a partially cylindrical portion with inclined relative to a trunnion centerline.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint is disclosed which includes an outer joint member with three axial track grooves and a tripod member with three radially projecting trunnion journals, each of the trunnion journals carrying a roller assembly received in each of the track grooves, a projection being formed at an end of each trunnion for interference with the roller assembly.

Abstract: A swivel joint according to the present invention includes first and second base members. A spider includes first and second arcuate surfaces which form joints with the first and second base members, respectively. Furthermore, the spider includes first and second pins both opposed from each other and third and fourth pins opposed from each other. A first mechanism is coupled to the spider and the first base member and is adapted to effect a force between the first arcuate surface and the first base member. Also, a second mechanism is coupled to the spider and the second base member and is adapted to effect a force between the second arcuate surface and the second base member.

Abstract: A variety of cutout surfaces are formed on trunnions by cutting out parts of a spherical surface of each of the trunnions, to which no torque is applied. The cutout surfaces comprise a pair of opposite flat surface sections, bores, recesses or wide flat surfaces, and curved surface sections, for example.

Abstract: A constant velocity transmission joint having a male element (10) having a plurality of arms (14); a female element (20) defining a pair of facing tracks (22, 23) for each arm (14), which tracks are situated on opposite sides of the arm; and, mounted on each arm, a mechanical transmission member (30) that is movable in the longitudinal direction of the pair of tracks (22, 23), being held axially by the tracks, and establishing a connection with the arm that is swiveling and axially movable along the axis (Y—Y) of the arm. The transmission member includes a circularly symmetrical outer roller placed between the corresponding tracks to roll on one or other of them. For each arm, the outside profile in meridian half-section of the outer roller (32) comprises two arcs (32A, 32B) having curvature of the same sign and cooperating with two arcs (22A, 22B) of the substantially complementary profile of the associated tracks (22, 23) so as to form two spaced-apart contact zones (37A, 3TB).

Abstract: A wheel bearing device having a unitized hub ring, double-row bearing and constant velocity universal joint with one of double-row inner raceways formed on the joint outer ring. An end portion of the joint outer ring is fitted to an outside periphery of the hub ring through serrated portions. The hub ring is plastically deformed and expanded from an inside diameter side toward an outside diameter side by pushing a steel ball into a through hole of the hub ring preventing play in the serrated portions by the diameter expansion. A surface-hardened layer is formed at least on a base portion of the wheel mounting flange.

Abstract: A tripod type constant-velocity joint includes raceway grooves formed in side faces of each track groove formed in an inner periphery of an outer ring, and in side faces of each guide block supported by each of three trunnions of a tripod member. A plurality of rolling elements mounted between the raceway grooves are retained by retainers. The retainers have a structure such that a plurality of pockets are formed in plate members, and a plurality of claws extending in opposite directions are provided on a periphery of each pocket, so that the retainers can be formed by performing pressing operations.

Abstract: It is intended that the induced thrust and slide resistance of a constant velocity joint should be further reduced. To this end, there is provided a constant velocity joint comprising an outer joint member having three track grooves each having circumferentially opposed roller guide surfaces, a tripod member having three radially projecting leg shafts, a roller inserted in each track groove, and a ring fitted on each leg shaft to rotatably support the roller, the roller being movable along the roller guide surfaces axially of the outer joint member. The roller includes a set of annular roller segments, with a plurality of balls interposed between outer raceway surfaces formed on the inner periphery of the annular roller segments and a single inner raceway surface formed on the outer periphery of the ring.

Abstract: The tripod member has three trunnions which are projected radially. Each of the trunnions carries a roller, and this roller is accommodated in one of the track grooves in the outer joint member. The outer peripheries of the rollers and the roller guideways make angular contact with each other. Support rings are fitted onto the outer peripheries of the trunnions. These support rings and the rollers are assembled (unitized) via a plurality of needle rollers to constitute roller assemblies capable of relative rotations. In longitudinal sections, the outer peripheries of the trunnions have straight shapes parallel to the axes of the trunnions. In cross sections, the outer peripheries are elliptic in shape, with their respective major axes perpendicular to the axis of the joint. The inner peripheries of the support rings have arcuate convex sections.

Abstract: A suspended drive axle and agricultural tractor having same including a central housing having inboard final drives and left and right axle housing suspended therefrom by upper and lower control arms with axle shafts extending outwardly therefrom to which wheel and tire assemblies are mounted. A constant velocity universal joint is provided between the inboard final drives and the axle shafts. The universal joint having a pair of journal members and a coupling yoke that radially surround the drive and driven yokes of the joint whereby the axial length of the universal joint is minimized to enable the wheels to be located on the axle shafts at 60 inch tread spacing. This allows the drive axle to be used on a row crop tractor without altering the structure of the vehicle from a conventional row crop tractor whereby the characteristics of a row crop tractor are maintained.

Abstract: A centered double universal joint has a first outer joint yoke (1) carrying a first cylindrical bearing journal (4). A unit including a first bearing ball (6) and a first bearing race (25) are secured on the journal (4). Via a cylindrical outer face (33), first bearing race (25), the unit is positioned in a bearing bore (24) of a guiding projection (23) of a guiding disc (22). Accordingly, a surface to surface contact is achieved between the cylindrical outer face (33) and the bearing bore (24) as well as between the hollow spherical bore (32) of the bearing race (26) and the spherical outer face (17) of the bearing ball (16). The other outer joint yoke is provided with a similar bearing ball and a bearing race arrangement.

Abstract: An anti-shudder constant velocity universal joint of the tripod type is provided having an outer joint member including three circumferentially distributed, axially extending longitudinal tracks formed therein, and an inner joint member having three circumferentially distributed radial journals arranged to engage the longitudinal tracks when the joint is assembled. The end of each journal is mated with and supports rotation of a roller bearing assembly, while rotating and pivoting within the roller bearing assembly upon articulation of the joint. This reduces the frictional forces on the roller bearings created by maintaining the roller bearings in a relatively proper/parallel orientation within the tracks by allowing the journal ends to freely rotate and pivot therein. A spherical-to-spherical contact surface is provided between the journal ends and an inner ring of the respective roller bearing assemblies to lower Hertzian stresses by distributing forces over a larger region of contact.

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.

Abstract: An improved constant velocity joint grease cover and flange assembly and method of making the same. The constant joint has a mating surface with a first anti-slip portion. The flange has a mating surface with a second anti-slip portion, the grease cover has a first mating surface with a third anti-slip portion adapted to receive and mate with the first anti-slip portion of the constant velocity joint, and a second mating surface with a fourth anti-slip portion adapted to receive and mate with the second anti-slip portion of the flange. The respective anti-slip portions functions to reduce shearing forces on connecting bolts of the assembly caused by applied torque.

Abstract: A universal joint (300) includes a centering device (110) for supporting the universal joint and forcing the two joint halves to operate at the same angle thereby causing the joint to operate at constant velocity at all angles. Each shaft (115, 116) of the joint (300) is connected to the centering device (110). Movement of one of the shafts (115, 116) at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the coupling device (317) is transmitted to the other shaft (116, 115) by the centering device (110) and the centering device (110) causes the other shaft (116, 115) to likewise move at the same angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the coupling device (317). The centering device (110) includes a cam bearing (cam 101) longitudinally aligned with a cam bearing (cam 102), which arrangement of cam bearings allows a full range of movement of the shafts (115, 116).

Abstract: A metal sheet is cut to provide an elongated blank having five regions defined along the length of the elongated blank, the defined regions being a central region, two end regions, and an intermediate region between the central region and each of the two end regions. The elongated blank is bent such that the two end regions overlap and provide a mounting for a shaft and such that a pivot member to be mounted on the central region of the elongated blank will be in alignment, axially, with respect to the shaft. Bores may be formed in the intermediate regions for mounting of a cross-piece to pivotably connect the yoke to a coupling member.

Abstract: A centered double universal joint has a first outer joint yoke 1 with first outer yoke arms 2 connected to one another by a first bridge 3. A first cenering mechanism 4, 6 is on the first bridge 3. A first inner joint yoke 8 couples with the first inner yoke arms. A first cross member 10 connects the first outer yoke arms 2 to the first inner yoke arms. The first cross member 10 has a first lubricant supply 44, 47. A second outer joint yoke 12 with second outer yoke arms 13 are connected to one another by a second bridge 14. Second centering mechanism 15, 17 is on the second bridge 14. A second inner joint yoke 19 couples with the second inner yoke arms. A second cross member 21 connects the second outer yoke arms 13 to the second inner yoke arms. The second cross member 21 has a second lubricant supply 44′, 47′. A guiding disc 25, defining a longitudinal axis 31, has a first central centering projection 28 articulatably connected to the first centering means 4, 6.

Abstract: An annular support ring 32 is fitted onto the outer periphery of each trunnion 22. This support ring 32 and the roller 34 are unitized via a plurality of needle rollers 36 to constitute a roller assembly capable of relative rotations therebetween. In longitudinal section, each trunnion 22 has an outer periphery of straight shape, parallel to the axis of the trunnion 22. In cross section, the trunnion 22 has a generally ellipse shape with the major axis orthogonal to the axis of the joint. The inner periphery of each support ring 32 is arcuate and convex in section. This combines with the general elliptic cross sections of the trunnions 22 and the provision of predetermined clearances between the trunnions 22 and the support rings 32, to allow the support rings 32 to move along the axial directions of the trunnions 22 as well as make tilting movements with respect to the trunnions 22.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a constant velocity joint of tripod type which is both highly strong and durable, and which can minimize rolling resistance when transmitting torque at a joint angle. A tripod type constant velocity joint comprises a housing secured to a first rotating shaft and a tripod having trunnion axes spaced apart equally in a circumferential direction and securing equally to the second rotating shaft. The cross section normal to the trunnion axis is shaped to an ellipse and the direction of its short diameter is arranged parallel to the second rotational shaft.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint comprises trunnions each of which expands toward a guide groove and each of which is provided with a spherical surface along a circumferential direction, inner rollers each of which has a recess having a spherical surface formed on an inner circumferential surface to make surface-to-surface contact corresponding to the spherical surface, and outer rollers each of which is externally fitted to the inner roller via needle bearings and each of which is provided relatively displaceably with respect to the inner roller along an axial direction (direction of the arrow B) of the trunnion.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint comprises trunnions each of which expands toward a guide groove and each of which is provided with a spherical surface along a circumferential direction, inner rollers each of which has a recess having a spherical surface formed on an inner circumferential surface to make surface-to-surface contact corresponding to the spherical surface, and outer rollers each of which is externally fitted to the inner roller via needle bearings and each of which is provided relatively displaceably with respect to the inner roller along an axial direction (direction of the arrow B) of the trunnion.

Abstract: A tripot joint includes a tripot housing having a plurality of longitudinally extending ball channels for receiving a corresponding plurality of trunnions projecting from a shaft. Each trunnion is fitted with a ball module formed as a separate sub-assembly from the trunnions. Each ball module includes a roller ball having a bore in which a plurality of needle bearings is disposed. A bearing cage is received with a snap-fit connection within the bore to retain the needle bearing within the roller ball independently of the trunnions.

Abstract: A groove is cut into an end surface of a shaft component to deform the shaft component into irregularities provided on a tubular component, thereby coupling the shaft component with the tubular component to form an outer ring for a constant velocity joint. This type of joint provides an outer ring having a strong coupling force and high coupling precision. The irregularities are preferably in the form of a spline cut in a portion of an inner perimeter surface of the tubular component, at a location where coupling of the tubular component with the shaft component is desired. The spline optionally includes a notch which provided additional coupling strength, especially in the shaft direction. The tubular component is shaped by pressing the inner surface of the tubular component into a mandrel having an outer surface shape of the desired inner surface shape of the tubular component. Hydraulic pressure is used to supply the force to press the material onto the mandrel to form the tubular component.

Abstract: A retainer system for use in a tripot type universal joint is provided. The universal joint includes a spider having a plurality of rollers thereon. The rollers travel in drive channels within a housing of the joint. The retainer system comprises a retaining ring, having generally planar small diameter segments and generally planar and axially offset large diameter segments. The small diameter and large diameter segments are connected by blocking segments. The retainer system also comprises an annular groove having a retaining ring movement portion. The retaining ring movement portion allows for movement of the small diameter segments and blocking segments between an uncompressed state and a compressed state. In the compressed state, the spider can be inserted into the housing, because the blocking segments move out of the drive channels.

Abstract: A retainer assembly is provided for attaching a splined shaft with a splined hub. The retainer assembly is particularly useful in a constant velocity joint to attach the halfshaft with an inner hub (either an inner race or spider assembly). The retainer comprises specifically designed grooves at the outboard end of the splined shaft and splined bore of the hub. The grooves are located outside of the splined area. A retaining ring is also provided. The retaining ring has a specific geometry that includes a pair of opposing legs that are integrally connected to provide a v-shaped cross section and are flexible with respect to one another. The first of the legs of the retaining ring engages the groove on the shaft and the second of the legs engages the groove on the hub to prevent relative axial movement between the shaft and the hub when in the retained position. A method of assembling the retainer is also provided.

Abstract: A cross member unit (9) has a cross member (10) with four arms (11). Two each are centered on axes (y, z) extending perpendicular relative to one another. The two arms (11) of one axis (y, z) are received in one yoke arm (19) of a joint yoke. Each arm (11) is associated with a bearing bush (13) rotatably supported by rolling contact members (14). A centering element (23), with a pressure element (29) and a spring element (28), are positioned in each arm. The spring element (28) is supported against the arm (11) and loads the bearing bush (13) via the pressure element (29). The bearing bushes (13) associated with one axis (y, z) are received in the two yoke arms (19) of a joint yoke. If the yoke arms (19) are deformed due to rotational-speed-related centrifugal forces, the pressure elements (29) remain in contact with the bearing bushes (13). In this way, the cross member unit (9) is held in a centered way relative to the joint yoke.

Abstract: A spider for use in a compact universal joint, includes a spider body having a hollow cylindrical portion and two opposed tenons projecting radially outward from the hollow cylindrical portion along a common axis. The hollow cylindrical portion is adapted for installation of bearings therein for pivotal support of the cross body on a pin mounted in a first yoke of the universal joint, and the tenons are adapted for mounting within bearings in a second yoke thereof.

Abstract: The invention concerns a mechanical transmission member comprising an inner ring (9), an outer ring (11) and pivot linkage means (12) for coupling the inner and outer rings. The pivot linkage means compromise means for axially retaining the outer ring relative to the inner ring, wherein are comprised at least an axially abutment collar (30, 31) co-operating with an annular radially internal groove (16, 17) of the outer ring and with an axially external surface (23, 24) of the inner ring, and at least an elastic snap ring (32, 33) co-operating with an axially external retaining surface (18, 19) of a groove and with the abutment collar support surface (42, 43). The invention is applicable to tripod constant velocity joints for motor vehicle transmission systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a universal joint having a first joint yoke (1) and a second joint yoke (8) as well as a cross member (23) for connecting said yokes. In the region of its two second yoke arms (11), the second joint yoke (8) is separated along a line extending through the second bearing bores, so that per yoke arm (11), there are obtained two yoke arm portions (15) continuing to be connected to the base portion (9), and a separate bridge portion (16). Separation takes place in the form of fracture separation, for which purpose regions in the second bearing bores are heat-treated by laser along a line; thereafter, a force applied to and concentrating on said regions leads to fracture faces which correspond to brittle fracture faces, so that after the separating operation, joining can easily take place without the bearing bores subsequently having to be re-machined. In this way, assembly is simplified.

Abstract: A perpendicular distance (PCR1) between a centerline (L1) including the center (O3) of the outer circumference surface (4b) of an outer roller (4), orthogonal to axis Z of a trunnion (2a) and a joint center O is shifted by &Dgr;h (=PCR1−PCR2) from a perpendicular distance (PCR2) between a centerline (L2) including the center (O1) of the outer circumference surface (3b) of an inner roller (3), orthogonal to axis Z of a trunnion (2a) and a joint center O. Under the most favorable conditions, PCR2 is shifted by an optimal amount of &Dgr;H from PCR1 toward the proximal end of the trunnion, and the position of contact (S) between the inner circumference surface (4a) of the outer roller 4 and the outer circumference surface (3b) of the inner roller (3) is located on the centerline (L1) (on PCR1) of the outer circumference surface (4b) of the outer roller (4).

Abstract: An improved universal joint device for socket wrenches. The improved device is constructed with exposed friction bearing surface portions on the handle and socket portions of the device for receiving the ends of a coil spring which maintains the universal joint in alignment during both tension and compression. The friction bearing surface portions are preferably knurled teeth positioned on the periphery of the handle and socket sections. The device is otherwise free of grooves or apertures for mounting the spring to the handle and socket portions.

Abstract: In a tripod type constant velocity universal joint having a roller (28) carried by each of three trunnions (25) of an inner joint member (24) and accommodated in one of three guide grooves (22) of an outer joint member (21) so that the roller (28) rolls along track surfaces (23) of the corresponding guide groove on its convex outer periphery, cooperating surface portions (31a and 31b) and/or (32a and 32b) being provided, which come in contact with each other when the roller (28) is about to tilt in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the outer joint member.

Abstract: A half round end yoke includes a pair of opposed arms, each terminating in an end surface having a recess and a pair of threaded bores. A cross includes a central body portion having four trunnions extending outwardly therefrom. A bearing cup is rotatably mounted on the end of each of the trunnions. The cross is initially positioned adjacent to the half round end yoke such that a pair of the bearing cups is received in the recesses formed in the arms. Then, a retainer strap is positioned adjacent to the cross and the half round end yoke. The retainer strap includes an elongated central body portion having a pair of transversely extending retainer portions. Each of the retainer portions includes a curved region having a pair of end regions extending outwardly therefrom. Each of the curved regions has an inner surface formed therein. The inner surfaces of the curved regions of the retainer strap receive portions of the bearing cups therein.

Abstract: A constant velocity plunging joint is disclosed that includes an outer joint part having a cylindrical hollow chamber with an aperture at a first end, which cylindrical hollow chamber, at its other end, is closed by a base and in which there are formed uniformly circumferentially distributed, longitudinally extending tracks; an inner joint part which is positioned centrally in the cylindrical hollow chamber of the outer joint part so as to be angularly movable and longitudinally displaceable; and torque transmitting elements which, in the direction of rotation, are form-fittingly connected to the inner joint part and which, in the direction of rotation, engage the tracks of the outer joint part from-fittingly and so as to roll therein in the longitudinal direction; wherein, at the open end of the outer joint part, the end face is provided with caulkings which form raised portions reducing the free inner cross-section of the -cylindrical hollow chamber; wherein an assembly consisting of the inner joint part an

Abstract: A universal, joint (300) includes a centering device (110) for supporting the universal joint and forcing the two joint halves to operate at the same angle thereby causing the joint to operate at constant velocity at all angles. Each shaft (115, 116) of the joint (300) is connected to the centering device (110). Movement of one of the shafts (115, 116) at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the coupling device (317) is transmitted to the other shaft (116, 115) by the centering device (110) and the centering device (110) causes the other shaft (116, 115) to likewise move at the same angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the coupling device (317). The centering device (110) includes a cam bearing (cam 101) longitudinally aligned with a cam bearing (cam 102), which arrangement of cam bearings allows a full range of movement of the shafts (115, 116).

Abstract: Utilizing the quick disconnect driveshaft transmission yoke of the present invention, just a ½ turn of 4 lock nuts on a pair of split lock collars frees a splined slider from its fixed engagement with an external (male) splined output transmission shaft and allows the splined slider to slide rearward within yoke. The splined slider slides rearward within the yoke until the splined slider slides free of the external (male) splined output transmission shaft. The yoke, which has also been freed from the locking engagement of the split lock collars, then drops free and clear of the external (male) splined output transmission shaft. The transmission can then be slid back and the transmission bell housing removed to service the clutch, all without unbolting the driveshaft from either the differential or the yoke. The freeing of a transmission from a driveshaft transmission yoke utilizing the quick disconnect driveshaft transmission yoke of the present invention takes mere seconds.