Torque Transmitted Via Radially Spaced Balls Patents (Class 464/906)
  • Patent number: 11712925
    Abstract: A half-shaft assembly includes a first constant velocity (CV) joint, a second CV joint and an axial movement joint connected between the first CV joint and the second CV joint. The axial movement joint includes a first shaft coupled to the first CV joint and a second shaft coupled to the second CV joint, wherein mechanical input received on the first shaft is communicated to the second shaft, and wherein the second shaft slides axially within the first shaft. The axial movement joint further includes an axial boot cover coupled on a first end to the first shaft and on a second end to the second shaft that accommodates axial movement of the first shaft relative to the second shaft. The first constant velocity (CV) joint is coupled to provide torsional input received at an input to the first shaft, the first CV joint having a first CV boot cover. The second CV joint coupled to provide torsional output received from the second shaft to an output, the second CV joint having a second CV boot cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: TEXTRON INC.
    Inventor: Hunter Scott Davis
  • Patent number: 11542988
    Abstract: A joint assembly and method of utilizing the same. The joint assembly includes a first joint member drivingly connected to a second joint member by using one or more third joint members. At least a portion of a cage member is interposed between the first and second joint members. When the first joint member is plunged in a first direction, at least a portion of one or more first engagement portions of the first joint member are in direct contact with at least a portion of one or more first engagement portions of the cage member. When the first joint member is plunged in a second direction, opposite the first direction, at least a portion of one or more second engagement portions of the first joint member are in direct contact with at least a portion of one or more second engagement portions of the cage member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventor: Seung Tark Oh
  • Patent number: 11525484
    Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint includes outer and inner joint members that transmit torque while allowing angular displacement via balls, a power transmission shaft connected to the inner joint member in a torque transmittable manner, and a detachable mechanism between the inner joint member and the power transmission shaft to detach the power transmission shaft from the inner joint member. The detachable mechanism includes a cylindrical member externally fit onto the power transmission shaft, spheres movable in a radial direction in the cylindrical member, and an annular member movable in an axial direction on an outer periphery of the cylindrical member. Locking claws are provided at an end of an inner joint member side of the annular member, and a locking groove is provided at an end of an annular member side of the inner joint member. The locking claws are fitted into the locking groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masashi Funahashi
  • Patent number: 11371564
    Abstract: A double-offset plunging type constant velocity universal joint includes inner and outer joint members each having six linear track grooves extending along an axial direction. The inner joint member has a coupling hole at a center portion thereof for coupling a shaft. Six torque transmission balls retained by a cage are incorporated between the linear track grooves of the inner and outer joint members. A ratio TCAGE/DBALL of a minimum thickness (TCAGE) of the cage to a diameter of the torque transmission ball (DBALL) is from 0.225 to 0.245, wherein a ratio DBALL/DS of a diameter (DBALL) of the torque transmission ball to a spline large diameter (DS) of the coupling hole of the inner joint member is from 0.79 to 0.85, and wherein a ball contact ratio (?) of the torque transmission ball is from 1.08 to 1.12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tatsuro Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 11261919
    Abstract: A joint assembly for connecting a first rotating part and a second rotating part. The joint assembly includes a constant velocity joint that has an inner race for being connected to the first rotating part and an outer race that is pivotable relative to the outer race. A mating flange couples the outer race to the second rotating part. The outer race and the mating flange each have a radially inner surface. A piloting cover is positioned axially between the outer race and the mating flange and radially supports the radially inner surface of the outer race at a first pilot point, and radially supports the radially inner surface of the mating flange at a second pilot point for centering the outer race relative to the mating flange. The first and second pilot points are located radially inwardly of a bolt circle diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: NEAPCO INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Hopson, Riki Patel
  • Patent number: 11242897
    Abstract: A coupling assembly having a first member drivingly connected to a second member via one or more third members. A first shaft is drivingly connected to the first member and a second shaft is drivingly connected to the second member. The second member includes a flange portion having one or more seating portions on a first end portion of the flange. Additionally, the flange has one or more flange portion attachment apertures extending from the seating portions to a second end portion of the flange. An increased diameter portion of the second shaft has one or more increased diameter portion apertures extending from a first end portion to a second end portion. The flange portion apertures and the increased diameter portion apertures have a center-line with an angle from an axial center-line of the assembly. Additionally, the seating portions have an angle relative to a radial center-line of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher B. Corpus, Bao T. Luong
  • Patent number: 11242896
    Abstract: A constant velocity ball joint uses a star shaped sleeve with a splined connection to its shaft. The sleeve is longitudinally retained on its shaft using a retaining ring in an outwardly facing groove of the shaft. The star shaped sleeve has a 30° assembly assist chamfer angle on one side, as well as a 45° transition chamfer angle and a 65° ramp chamfer angle facing the opposite direction. These angles control the diameter of the retaining ring as it is compressed inward into the groove during assembly and disassembly. The star shaped sleeve can be used in a dynamic length CV joint, with the splines of a configuration that allows longitudinal sliding of the sleeve on the shaft, so the shell of the dynamic length CV joint still can be of the spherical race type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Zhejiang CFMOTO Power Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Fuying Cheng, Zhenxiang Kuang, Jiajun Li
  • Patent number: 11187273
    Abstract: A propeller shaft including a first shaft, a first constant velocity joint drivingly connected with the first shaft, a second shaft, a second constant velocity joint drivingly connected with the second shaft, a connecting shaft drivingly connecting the first constant velocity joint and the second constant velocity joint and a grease cover disposed about an axial end of the second constant velocity joint. The second constant velocity joint is provided with a spring mechanism including a spring, wherein a spring seat of the spring mechanism is positioned on one axial end of the spring and mates with the second shaft, and wherein another axial end of the spring mates with an additional spring seat that is formed in the grease cover of the second constant velocity joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventor: Seung Tark Oh
  • Patent number: 11149797
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint assembly includes an outer race having a first bore defined by an inner surface of the outer race. A ball cage has an outer surface and a second bore defined by an inner surface of the ball cage. The ball cage is axially received in the first bore of the outer race. At least one of the inner surface of the outer race or the inner surface the ball cage includes a first portion having a cylindrical contour and a second portion having a spherical contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: NEAPCO INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Hopson, Richard Seidel
  • Patent number: 11105378
    Abstract: A wheel drive unit for a vehicle includes a connecting member separably coupled to a constant velocity joint, a hub housing accommodating the constant velocity joint, and a hub cap to seal the hub housing. In particular, a fixing groove is formed around a first end of the constant velocity joint, and the connecting member is fitted in the fixing groove in a ring shape. When the hub cap is separated from the hub housing, the connecting member can be easily disassembled from the constant velocity joint such that inner components of the wheel drive unit can be easily replaced and repaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: HYUNDAI WIA Corporation
    Inventor: Soo Kyoung Lee
  • Patent number: 11105379
    Abstract: A joint arrangement includes comprising a joint, a nut and an adapter unit. The joint has an inner hub, an outer hub, balls and a cage with recesses for the balls. The inner hub has a recess with an inner toothing for receiving a first shaft. A cavity of the joint arrangement located around the balls is closed on two end sides by a respective sealing device. The adapter unit includes a first adapter portion and a second adapter portion which cooperate to transmit torque across the joint arrangement to or from a second shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Neumayer Tekfor Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Fuchs, Martin Lehmann, Daniel Schoener
  • Patent number: 10968958
    Abstract: A ball cage for universal use both in a cross-groove type plunging constant velocity joint and in a cross-groove type fixed constant velocity joint has an external contour with sections of different curvature. Axial edge sections of the external contour are designed as spherical sections located on the circumference of an imaginary sphere, whereas a center section of the external contour located axially between the edge sections runs radially inside the diameter of the imaginary sphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Oliver Clemm
  • Patent number: 10875357
    Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity universal joint includes an outer joint member having a cup shape, an inner joint member, which is received in the outer joint member, and transmits torque between the inner and outer joint members through intermediation of balls while allowing angular displacement, and a hollow shaft, which is coupled to the inner joint member so as to allow torque transmission. A threaded hole is formed in a bottom portion of the outer joint member along an axial direction. A recessed hole is formed to be open in a shaft end portion of the hollow shaft opposed to the threaded hole. An embedded stopper that enters the threaded hole is press-fitted into the recessed hole. The embedded stopper is retractable into the hollow shaft in a press-fitting direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomoshige Kobayashi, Yuichi Asano
  • Patent number: 10527105
    Abstract: A longitudinal shaft arrangement for a motor vehicle has at least a first shaft and a second shaft, wherein the first shaft has a journal with a first end and a second end, and a constant velocity ball plunging joint for connecting the first shaft to the second shaft, wherein a joint inner part of the constant velocity ball plunging joint is mounted at the second end and a joint outer part is arranged on the second shaft, wherein the joint outer part has a first stop for a cage of the constant velocity ball plunging joint in an end zone of a plunging region, with the result that the cage is brought into contact with the first stop when the first shaft and the second shaft are pushed into one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Dietmar Lück, Herbert Cermak
  • Patent number: 10352368
    Abstract: The first constant-velocity joint has an inner ring member, an outer ring member housing the inner ring member, and balls, which are installed in raceway grooves formed at prescribed intervals in a circumferential direction in the outer ring member and which extend along an axial direction, for transmitting rotational torque between the inner ring member and the outer ring member. Furthermore, the constant-velocity joint is formed so that one of the inner ring member and the outer ring member connects to an attaching member installed to a vehicle side with a spline, and so that the other of them connects to a power transmission shaft. In outside wall of the outer ring member, an engagement groove is formed so as to engage with an engagement member applied to connection or release thereof in a range avoiding positions corresponding to the raceway grooves in an axial direction or a circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Sugiyama, Yasutomo Mabe, Toshiyuki Masuda, Hiromichi Komai
  • Patent number: 10352367
    Abstract: A torque transfer device for a vehicle may include a housing and a variable angle constant velocity joint integrated with the housing. The joint may be connected between a drive mechanism and an output shaft for transmitting torque from the drive mechanism to the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael James Miller, Eric J. LaMothe, Sam Junior D'Angelo, Robert Leslie Cassell
  • Patent number: 10343203
    Abstract: A method may be used to produce a connecting element for transmitting rotational movements, wherein the connecting element has a joint outer part or flange and a connecting pin. The object of providing a method for producing a connecting element with a joint outer part or flange and a connecting pin, with which method weight-optimized connecting elements can be produced in a simple manner, is achieved in that a round-plate-like or tubular blank is deformed by flow forming or flow turning to form the connecting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG
    Inventor: Michael Gövert
  • Patent number: 10208805
    Abstract: Six track grooves formed in a spherical inner peripheral surface of an outer joint member are each formed into an arc shape having a curvature center at a joint center. The track grooves are inclined in a circumferential direction of the outer joint member with respect to a joint axial line, and are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction with their inclination directions opposite to each other. Six track grooves formed in a spherical outer peripheral surface of an inner joint member are formed so as to be mirror-image symmetrical with the track grooves paired therewith of the outer joint member with respect to a joint center plane at an operating angle of 0°. An inclination angle of each of the track grooves of the outer joint member with respect to the joint axial line is set to 8° or more and 16° or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Hirukawa, Teruaki Fujio
  • Patent number: 10184526
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint boot assembly with a boot can having a first end portion connected to an outer race and a second end portion cantilevered from the outer race. The second end portion has a planar portion extending from the first end portion at an angle. A radially outward extending end extends from the planar portion. A boot has a first end and a second end. The first end has an inner surface that is directly connected to an inner surface of the planar portion of the boot can. A sleeve has one end portion connected to an inner surface of an inner race and a second end portion extending axially away from the inner race. The boot has a lower portion engaged with the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventor: Seung Tark Oh
  • Patent number: 10184524
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint assembly (20) includes an outer race (22) having a plurality of outer tracks (42) formed in an inner surface thereof and an inner race having a plurality of inner tracks (54) formed in an outer surface thereof. A cage (26) is disposed between the inner race and the outer race. A plurality of torque transferring elements (28) are disposed in the cage. Each torque transferring element contacts one of the outer tracks of the plurality of outer tracks and one of the inner tracks of the plurality of inner tracks. A drive sleeve (30) is separated from the plurality of torque transferring elements by the inner race. Also, the drive sleeve is in driving engagement with the inner race. A stopper portion (74) is attached to the drive sleeve. The stopper portion comprising a portion that reduces in thickness toward an outer end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Seung Tark Oh, Dilson da Silveira Tavares
  • Patent number: 10000119
    Abstract: A constant velocity driveline assembly comprises a tail housing assembly with a housing, at least two bearings inside the housing, and a first drive hub supported by the at least two bearings. The first drive hub may be substantially fixed longitudinally and configured to connect to an engine or transmission of the automobile. The assembly comprises a second drive hub configured to connect to a rear differential of the automobile. Each drive hubs may include a barrel portion and a mounting flange connected to an end of the barrel portion. The assembly includes a first constant velocity driveshaft joint configured to attach to the mounting flange of the first drive hub. The assembly includes a drive shaft having a first splined axial end coupled to the internal spline of the first constant velocity driveshaft joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventor: Bret Goethe
  • Patent number: 9797457
    Abstract: A fixed ball type joint for a vehicle, which reduces the friction between a cage and an outer race and friction between the cage and an inner race by changing shapes of an inner spherical diameter of the outer race and an outer spherical diameter of the inner race. The fixed ball type joint for a vehicle includes an inner race, an outer race installed at the outside of the inner race, a plurality of balls for transmitting rotational power of the inner race to the outer race, and a cage for supporting the balls. A first inner spherical radius of the outer race is set to be smaller than a second inner spherical radius of the outer race. A first outer spherical radius of the inner race is set to be larger than a second outer spherical radius of the inner race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: HYUNDAI WIA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Pil Ki Kim
  • Patent number: 9593722
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint includes a body, a cup, an annular array of bolts, and an annular gasket. The body has a first planar surface. The cup has a second planar surface positioned adjacent the first planar surface. The annular array of bolts interconnects the cup and body. The annular gasket is interposed between the planar surfaces of the cup and the body. The gasket has a plurality of notches defined on an outer perimeter of the gasket sized to receive the array of bolts. The notches are spaced adjacent to a corresponding bolt and define an open space between the planar surfaces around a bolt periphery. The open space enables thread-locking fluid to escape without causing displacement of the gasket or separation of the planar surfaces. A method of transmitting torque through a CV joint is also contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Peter Nicholas, Scott Wilson, David Michael Pariseau, Edward Lanivich
  • Patent number: 9291207
    Abstract: A constant velocity universal includes an outer joint member having an inner peripheral surface including track grooves that are formed at a plurality of positions on the inner peripheral surface and extend in an axial direction, and an inner joint member having an outer peripheral surface including track grooves that are formed at a plurality of positions on the outer peripheral surface and in pairs with the track grooves of the outer joint member, the track grooves extending in the axial direction. Balls are interposed between the track grooves of the outer and inner joint members. A track chamfer is provided at each boundary portion between each of the track grooves and the inner peripheral surface of the outer joint member, and a track chamfer is provided at each boundary portion between each of the track grooves and the outer peripheral surface of the inner joint member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenji Yamada
  • Patent number: 9233576
    Abstract: A wheel hub rotary joint assembly includes a wheel hub with a wheel flange and a sleeve section for receiving a wheel bearing; and a constant-velocity rotary joint with an outer joint part having a first spur gearing section with first teeth at its end facing the wheel hub. The sleeve section has a second spur gearing section with second teeth at its end facing the rotary joint. The two spur gearing sections engage one another for torque transmission. At least one of the two spur gearing sections is designed such that, viewed in the radial direction, the first and second teeth initially only come into contact with one another on a small subsurface of the tooth surfaces facing one another during axial tensioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Johann Dudkowiak, Eduard Ginglas
  • Patent number: 9028332
    Abstract: A cap acting as a grease retention feature and venting system allows crash optimization of a propeller shaft with a plunging constant velocity joint. The cap is located between a constant velocity joint and a tube of the propeller shaft system. The cap includes: a rim sealed against the inner diameter of the constant velocity joint, an interior vent chamber, a vent hole facing the interior components of the constant velocity joint and leading to the vent chamber, and an annular radial groove along the entire circumference connected to the vent chamber. The outer race has a hole perpendicular to the joint axis to complete venting to the atmosphere. In the event of a vehicle crash, the constant velocity internal joint components contact the device, causing the device to dislodge from its fixed position, contact the friction weld curls and fracture at a determined load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: NTN Bearing Corporation of America
    Inventors: Bradley Ketchel, Chris Katke, Kristyn Dougherty, Krystil Edwards
  • Patent number: 9005040
    Abstract: A joint in the form of a counter track joint is disclosed that comprises a joint outer part with first outer ball tracks and second outer ball tracks; a joint inner part with first inner ball tracks and second inner ball tracks; wherein first aperture angles are respectively formed between tangents to contact points of a ball with the first outer ball track and with the first inner ball track, and second aperture angles are respectively formed between tangents to contact points between a ball with the second outer ball track and with the second inner ball track. The first aperture angles of the first track pairs open towards a first side of the joint, and the second aperture angles of the second track pairs open towards a second side of the joint. Outer axial play is provided between the joint outer part and the ball cage. Inner axial play is provided between the ball cage and the joint inner part. Axial play permits relative axial displacement of the joint inner part with respect to the joint outer part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Hildebrandt, Orkan Eryilmaz
  • Patent number: 9005042
    Abstract: A combined CV joint boot and inner seal includes a boot portion having a first end and a second end and having a shaft sealing portion at the first end for sealing with a first shaft of the CV joint. A front can sealing portion is positioned at the second end of the boot portion. An inner seal portion extends generally inwardly towards the CV joint longitudinal axis to block lubricant from migrating into the interior of the boot portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Salflex Polymers Limited
    Inventors: Duc Dao, Jamie White, Max Gibbs, Michael R. Harrison, Mike Hopson
  • Patent number: 8998729
    Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity universal joint has pairs of track grooves, each pair forming a wedge angle (?). The wedge angle (?) includes a wedge angle (?0) formed, when an operating angle is 0°, with respect to each of torque transmitting balls arranged in a joint center plane, and opening to the same side in an axial direction for all pairs of track grooves. Further, the pairs of track grooves are mirror-image symmetrical with each other when the operating angle is 0°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventor: Hirokazu Ooba
  • Patent number: 8992335
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint including an outer race having inner and outer surfaces, the inner surface including a plurality of outer bail tracks. The constant velocity joint also includes an inner race having a plurality of inner ball tracks which correspond to the outer ball tracks, a ball cage disposed between the outer race and the inner race, a plurality of balls arranged within the ball cage and contacting the outer ball tracks and the inner ball tracks. A damping assembly is connected to the outer race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Cassell
  • Patent number: 8979659
    Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity universal joint includes eight or twelve torque transmitting balls arranged in ball tracks formed of pairs of track grooves of an outer joint member and track grooves of an inner joint member, respectively. A center of curvature of each of the track grooves of the outer joint member and a center of curvature of each of the track grooves of the inner joint member have an axial offset of zero. When eight torque transmitting balls are employed, the track grooves of the outer joint member and the inner joint member each include inclined tracks arranged at a 90° pitch along a circumferential direction and inclined in opposite directions with respect to an axial line and other tracks which are formed between the inclined tracks and parallel to the axial line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventor: Teruaki Fujio
  • Patent number: 8925929
    Abstract: A sealing element for sealing a joint chamber of a constant velocity joint is disclosed. The sealing element comprises an inner collar for providing a sealing connection relative to an inner joint part of the constant velocity joint, an outer collar for providing a sealing connection relative to an outer joint part of the constant velocity joint, and a membrane portion which extends between the inner collar and the outer collar. The membrane portion between the inner collar and the outer collar is fold-free and substantially conical in shape. A joint assembly having a constant velocity joint and a sealing element is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Cermak, Michael Zierz
  • Patent number: 8915788
    Abstract: A universal joint carried by an elongate body having an axis. The universal joint has an inner race that pivots omni-directionally within an outer race and a series of first and second opposed cavities formed in the inner race and the outer race. There are a plurality of torque transfer elements, each torque transfer element having a first portion that engages a first cavity and a second portion that engages a corresponding second cavity. The first cavity is a socket that permits rotation of the first portion within the first cavity as the inner race pivots omni-directionally within the outer race and the second cavity is a track oriented in the direction of the axis of the elongate body. The second portion moves along the track as the inner race pivots omni-directionally within the outer race of the second portion along the track. The second portion has at least one drive surface that engages an inner surface of the track at more than one point along the direction of the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Cathedral Energy Services Ltd.
    Inventors: Dean Norman Foote, Jason Williams
  • Patent number: 8899090
    Abstract: A cage having a plurality of cutouts for receiving rolling bodies of a joint includes a quenched and tempered steel, and the entire cage has a substantially uniform ductility over its cross section without surface hardening. The cage may be produced by forming a closed base body, cutting out a plurality of cutouts, fully hardening the cage by heating and subsequently quenching the cage, and tempering the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf Cremerius, Rainer Adolfs
  • Patent number: 8894497
    Abstract: Provided is a sliding ball type constant velocity joint for a vehicle, and more particularly, to a sliding ball type constant velocity joint for a vehicle, which can absorb idle vibration generated from the vehicle during idling by creating a clearance between an outer spherical surface of an inner race and an inner spherical surface of a cage. The sliding ball type constant velocity joint includes a shaft which receives rotational power from an engine and rotates, an outer race which is installed at an end of the shaft and having grooves formed therein, an inner race installed in the outer race, a plurality of balls for transmitting the rotational power of the outer race to the inner race, and a cage for supporting the balls, wherein a center of a radius of an outer spherical surface of the inner race is formed at a different location from a center of a radius of an inner spherical surface of the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Wia Corporation
    Inventor: Pil Ki Kim
  • Patent number: 8864591
    Abstract: A propeller shaft is proposed which comprises an inner cylindrical member that has a center through bore into which a shaft is inserted; an outer cylindrical member disposed around the inner cylindrical member; a torque transmitting unit operatively disposed between the inner and outer cylindrical members; a sleeve member coaxially connected to the center through bore of the inner cylindrical member; a boot unit arranged to hermetically close one open side of an interior of the outer cylindrical member; and a positioning mechanism that effects a relative axial positioning between the shaft and the inner cylindrical member when a splined cylindrical outer wall of the shaft is inserted through the sleeve member into a given position of a splined cylindrical inner wall of the center through bore of the inner cylindrical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems Kyushu, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Sugiyama, Takahiro Kuroha, Hiromichi Komai, Yasutomo Mabe, Yasushi Akita
  • Patent number: 8864590
    Abstract: A propeller shaft is proposed which comprises an outer cylindrical member formed with a sleeve portion that has a splined cylindrical inner wall with which a splined cylindrical outer wall of a shaft is engaged; an inner cylindrical member installed in the outer cylindrical member; a torque transmitting unit through which a torque is transmitted from the outer cylindrical member to the inner cylindrical member; and a connecting mechanism that, upon engagement of the splined cylindrical outer wall with the splined cylindrical inner wall, effects an axial and relative positioning between the shaft and the outer cylindrical member while establishing a detachable connection therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems Kyushu, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Sugiyama, Takahiro Kuroha, Yasutomo Mabe
  • Patent number: 8852005
    Abstract: An angled offset ball type constant velocity joint for a vehicle, which can enhance the strength of the joint by compensating for a contact surface pressure between an outer race groove and a ball while maintaining an outer diameter of the outer race by making rotation centers of the outer race and the inner race positioned to be symmetrical with respect to each other by an offset angle. The angled offset ball type constant velocity joint includes an inner race connected to an end of a shaft, an outer race installed outside the inner race, a plurality of balls for transmitting a torque of the inner race to the outer race, and a cage having windows for supporting the respective balls, wherein a rotation center of an outer race ball track is symmetrical with a rotation center of an inner race ball track by an offset angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Wia Corporation
    Inventor: Pil Ki Kim
  • Patent number: 8834279
    Abstract: A shaft assembly includes a first shaft. The first shaft has a first annular crest and a second annular crest. The first annular crest and the second annular crest are separated by an inclined surface. The second annular crest includes an axially extending surface attached to an end of the inclined surface. A boot is secured to the shaft. The boot includes a channel and a diaphragm portion disposed adjacent an end of the channel. The channel includes an inlet portion, a partially helical portion, and an outlet portion formed in an inner surface of the boot. The diaphragm portion is provided over the inclined surface and includes a lip which contacts the second annular crest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventor: Seung Tark Oh
  • Patent number: 8821301
    Abstract: Provided is a sliding ball type constant velocity joint for a vehicle, and more particularly, to a sliding ball type constant velocity joint for a vehicle, which can absorb idle vibration generated from the vehicle during idling by creating a clearance between an outer spherical surface of an inner race and an inner spherical surface of a cage. The sliding ball type constant velocity joint includes a shaft which receives rotational power from an engine and rotates, an outer race which is installed at an end of the shaft and having grooves formed therein, an inner race installed in the outer race, a plurality of balls for transmitting the rotational power of the outer race to the inner race, and a cage for supporting the balls, wherein a center of a radius of an outer spherical surface of the inner race is formed at a different location from a center of a radius of an inner spherical surface of the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Wia Corporation
    Inventor: Pil Ki Kim
  • Patent number: 8814712
    Abstract: Provided is a sliding ball type constant velocity joint for a vehicle, and more particularly, to a sliding ball type constant velocity joint for a vehicle, which can absorb idle vibration generated from the vehicle during idling by creating a clearance between an outer spherical surface of an inner race and an inner spherical surface of a cage. The sliding ball type constant velocity joint includes a shaft which receives rotational power from an engine and rotates, an outer race which is installed at an end of the shaft and having grooves formed therein, an inner race installed in the outer race, a plurality of balls for transmitting the rotational power of the outer race to the inner race, and a cage for supporting the balls, wherein a center of a radius of an outer spherical surface of the inner race is formed at a different location from a center of a radius of an inner spherical surface of the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Wia Corporation
    Inventor: Pil Ki Kim
  • Patent number: 8814711
    Abstract: Provided is a ball type constant velocity joint for a vehicle. The ball type constant velocity joint includes an inner race installed at an end of a shaft, an outer race installed outside the inner race, a plurality of hails for transmitting rotational power of the inner race to the outer race, and a cage having windows for supporting the balls, wherein a ball track of the outer race is divided into two sections consisting of an outer race radial track and an outer race linear track contiguous to the outer race radial track, and when a joint angle is not created, a rotation center of the outer race radial track and a rotation center of the inner race linear track are positioned at the same point on a vertical center axis and have the same vertical offset amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Wia Corporation
    Inventor: Pil Ki Kim
  • Patent number: 8808098
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint including an outer race including a plurality of outer race ball grooves on an internal surface thereof; an inner race arranged inside the outer race and including a plurality of inner race ball grooves on a peripheral surface thereof; a plurality of balls respectively received in the outer and inner race ball grooves for transmitting a torque between the outer race and the inner race; and a cage arranged between the outer and inner races and including a plurality of window portions that respectively receive balls in a circumferential direction thereof. On at least one of a plurality of groove wall protrusions that are configured by sidewall surfaces of the inner race ball grooves adjoining cutouts are respectively formed on axially opposite sides of an inner race on a peripheral side of the inner race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Yuri Handa, Satoshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8808097
    Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity universal joint prevents heat generation when a high load is applied or during high-speed rotation to improve durability, and suppresses a contact resistance between a cage and inner and outer races to improve constant velocity performance. Curvature centers of track grooves of outer and inner joint members have an offset of 0 in an axial direction. Track grooves of the outer and inner joint members, which are tilted in opposite directions from each other with respect to an axis line, are alternately formed in a circumferential direction. An outer surface of the inner joint member is a spherical surface to be brought into sliding contact with an inner spherical surface of the cage. An inner surface of the outer joint member is a cylindrical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Teruaki Fujio, Tatsuro Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 8784220
    Abstract: A powertrain assembly for use in a motor vehicle powertrain system having an output shaft forming a cylindrical outer surface, a splined end, and a radial shoulder, and a CVJ assembly having an inner race, and outer race. Ball elements are provided between the inner and outer races. A seal assembly is provided having a boot with an outer lip affixed to the CVJ outer race and an inner lip forming first and second radial faces and an inside cylindrical surface. Axial insertion of the output shaft splined end into the CVJ inner race splined bore causes the boot assembly inner lip to be expanded and frictionally engage with the output shaft cylindrical outer surface and wherein the boot inner lip first and second radial faces are clamped between the inner race radial surface and the shaft radial shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: NTN Bearing Coporation of America
    Inventor: Christopher Katke
  • Patent number: 8771086
    Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity universal joint comprises a ball and a lubricating grease sealed therein. A surface roughness of the ball is set to Ra 0.15 ?m or less and a surface roughness of a counterpart surface on which the ball rolls is set to be higher than the surface roughness of the ball. An additive composition of the lubricating grease comprises a base oil, a diurea compound, molybdenum dithiocarbamate, zinc dialkyldithiophosphate, melamine cyanurate, molybdenum disulfide, and calcium salt of alkylaromatic sulfonic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Yoshida, Keisuke Sone, Mika Kohara
  • Patent number: 8771092
    Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity universal joint is configured such that an axial offset amount of a curvature center of each track groove of an outer joint member and an axial offset amount of a curvature center of each track groove of an inner joint member are zero. Track grooves of the outer joint member are formed alternately in a circumferential direction to be inclined in mutually opposite directions with respect to an axis, and track grooves of the inner joint member are formed alternately in the circumferential direction to be inclined in mutually opposite directions with respect to the axis. An outer surface of the inner joint member is formed into a spherical surface which is held in slide-contact with an inner spherical surface of a cage. An inner surface of the outer joint member is formed into a cylindrical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventor: Teruaki Fujio
  • Patent number: 8747237
    Abstract: A sliding ball type constant velocity joint including an outer race having a track groove pair formed by a pair of track grooves on its inner surface, an inner race installed in the outer race having a track groove pair formed by a pair of track grooves on its outer surface to correspond to the track groove pair of the outer race, a plurality of balls installed in the track groove pairs formed in the outer race and the pair of track grooves formed in the inner race, for transmitting the rotational power of the outer race to the inner race, and a cage having windows for accommodating and supporting each two of the balls. The joint can minimize vehicle vibration by forming the track groove pairs on the outer and inner races to reduce a contact area between the inner race and the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Wia Corporation
    Inventor: Pil Ki Kim
  • Patent number: 8740711
    Abstract: An outer race assembly for a constant velocity joint may include an outer race defining a plurality of tracks and a piston selectively moveable along the tracks of the outer race. The outer race assembly may further include a seal disposed about the piston and abutting the outer race about substantially an entire perimeter of the piston. The seal thereby generally seals an interface between the piston and the outer race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Cassell, David G. Sasseen
  • Patent number: 8734045
    Abstract: An inner race and boot sleeve combination is provided. The inner race has an inner surface with a groove formed therein. The boot sleeve has a groove in an outer surface. A ring is located in both grooves to axially secure the inner race and boot sleeve together. Devices to prevent relatively rotation between the inner race and the boot sleeve are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Donald W. Dine, Dee E. Bear